Agricultural composition and method for using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to agricultural compositions comprising a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor, one or more sugar alcohols, and optionally one or more auxin herbicides. The present invention further relates to methods for controlling weeds, comprising simultaneously or sequentially applying a PPO inhibitor and one or more sugar alcohols, and optionally one or more auxin herbicides, to the weeds or to an area in need of weed control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural composition comprising a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor, one or more sugar alcohols, and optionally one or more auxinic herbicides. The present invention further relates to a method for controlling weeds, which comprises applying a PPO inhibitor and one or more sugar alcohols, and optionally one or more auxinic herbicides, simultaneously or sequentially to an area requiring weed or weed control.

Background Art

[0002] Unwanted plants such as weeds can reduce the amount of resources available for crops and can have an adverse effect on crop yield and quality. For example, according to reports, weed infestation has caused an 80% reduction in soybean yield. Bruce, J.A., and J.J. Kells, Control of Canada fleabane (Conyza canadensis) in no-till soybeans (Glycine max) using preplant and preemergence herbicides, Weed Technol, 1990, 4, 642 - 647. Unwanted plants in the crop plant environment include broadleaf weeds, grasses and sedges. To save time, money and resources, grass herbicides are often mixed with broadleaf weed herbicides to control various weeds. Further, to counter herbicide resistance, multiple herbicides having different modes of action can be applied together.

[0003] As described above, one way to control multiple weeds is to apply multiple herbicides sequentially or simultaneously. However, when applying multiple herbicides, care must be taken to ensure that each of the herbicides is stable and effective in their compositions when combined either in formulation, tank mix, or after application.

[0004] Protochlorophyllide oxidase (PPO) inhibitors are herbicides that mainly control broadleaf weeds. When PPO inhibitors come into contact with weeds, they generate highly toxic molecules and destroy plant tissues. PPO inhibitors are also effective against some gramineous plants.

[0005] Auxin herbicides mainly control broadleaf weeds. Auxin herbicides are plant growth regulators that mimic auxin and cause uncontrolled growth and death. These herbicides have been successfully used for over 60 years to control broadleaf weeds in cereals. Auxin herbicides are not effective against gramineous plants.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, in order to save time, money and resources, there is a need in the art for a composition comprising a PPO inhibitor that is effective when combined with an auxin herbicide. This composition must be stable and effective upon application.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to an agricultural composition comprising a protochlorophyllide oxidase (PPO) inhibitor, one or more sugar alcohols, and optionally one or more auxin herbicides.

[0008] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling weeds, which comprises simultaneously or sequentially applying a PPO inhibitor and one or more sugar alcohols, and optionally one or more auxin herbicides, to a region in need of weed or weed control.

[0009] This patent file includes at least one drawing executed in color. A copy of this patent including the color drawing will be provided by the Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the required fee.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Detailed Description of the Invention The applicant unexpectedly discovered that the addition of one or more sugar alcohols to an agricultural composition containing a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor (a "PPO inhibitor") provides a stable composition and effective application when combined with an auxin herbicide.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an agricultural composition comprising a PPO inhibitor and one or more sugar alcohols.

[0013] As used herein, the term "protochlorophyllide oxidase inhibitor" or "PPO inhibitor" means any compound that can inhibit the oxidation of protochlorophyllide through interaction with the protochlorophyllide oxidase enzyme, but is not limited thereto, and includes compounds that have not yet been discovered or synthesized. Current PPO inhibitors include diphenyl ethers such as acifluorfen-sodium, biphenox, chloronitrofen, chlomethoxynil, ethoxyfen-ethyl, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, homesisafen, lactofen and oxyfluorfen; N-phenylphthalimides such as cinidon-ethyl, flumiclorac and flumioxazin; oxadiazoles such as oxadiargyl and oxadiazone; oxazolidinediones such as pentoxazone; phenylpyrazoles such as fluazolate and pyraflufen-ethyl; pyrimidinediones such as benzfendizone, butaphenacyl and safufenacyl; thiadiazoles such as fluthiacet-methyl and thidiazimin; triazolinones such as azafenidin, carfentrazone-ethyl and sulfentrazone; and others such as flufenpyr-ethyl, propiconazole and pyraclonil, but are not limited thereto.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the PPO inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate, flumioxazin, lactofen, homesisafen, safufenacyl, sulfentrazone and triflumidoxazin. In a more preferred embodiment, the PPO inhibitor is ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the PPO inhibitor may be present in the composition of the present invention at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 99.9% w / v, more preferably about 1% to about 99% w / v.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the one or more sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of D-mannitol, D-sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, L-arabitol, xylitol, 1D-chiro-inositol, inositol, myo-inositol, galactinol, L-kebratitol, D-pinitol, D-ononitol, D-myo-inositol-1,3-diphosphate, and galactinol. In a more preferred embodiment, the one or more sugar alcohols is D-sorbitol.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the one or more sugar alcohols may be present in the composition of the present invention at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 99.9% w / v, more preferably about 1% to about 99% w / v.

[0018] In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention further comprises one or more auxin herbicides.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more auxins are selected from the group consisting of dicamba, 2,4-D, dichlorprop, (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid (MCPA), 4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butanoic acid (MCPB), mecoprop, picloram, quinclorac, triclopyr, fluroxypyr, picloram, aminopyralid, clopyralid, and aminocyclopyrachlor, and their agriculturally acceptable salts and esters. In a more preferred embodiment, the one or more auxins is a salt of dicamba. In an even more preferred embodiment, the salt of dicamba is selected from the group consisting of dicamba-bipropamine, dicamba-diglycolamine, and dicamba-tetrabutylamine.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, one or more auxins may be present in the composition of the present invention at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 99.9% w / v, more preferably about 1% to about 99% w / v.

[0021] The composition of the present invention may further contain one or more excipients selected from the group consisting of solvents, anti-caking agents, stabilizers, defoamers, slip agents, humectants, dispersants, wetting agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, antifreeze agents and preservatives. Other components that enhance the biological activity of these components may optionally be included.

[0022] The composition of the present invention can be applied by any convenient means. Those skilled in the art are familiar with application modes including foliar spraying such as spraying, chemigation (a method of applying the mixture through an irrigation system), granular application, or impregnating the mixture into fertilizers.

[0023] The composition of the present invention can be prepared as a concentrated formulation, a ready-to-use formulation, or a tank mix.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present invention further relates to a method for controlling weeds, which includes simultaneously or sequentially applying a PPO inhibitor and one or more sugar alcohols, and optionally one or more auxin herbicides, to an area in need of weed or weed control.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the PPO inhibitor can be applied in an amount of about 1 to about 1,000 grams per hectare (g / HA), more preferably about 1 to about 100 g / HA, even more preferably about 10 to about 50 g / HA, even more preferably about 10 to about 30 g / HA, and most preferably about 20 g / HA.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, one or more sugar alcohols can be applied in an amount of about 100 to about 100,000 g / HA, more preferably about 1,000 to about 30,000 g / HA, even more preferably about 1,700 to about 27,200 g / HA, even more preferably about 1,700, about 3,400, about 6,800, about 13,600 and about 27,200 g / HA, and most preferably about 6,800 g / HA.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, one or more auxin herbicides can be applied in an amount of about 1 to about 1,000 g / HA, more preferably about 10 to about 100 g / HA.

[0028] In another embodiment, the weeds controlled by the composition of the present invention are at least one of Amaranthus tuberculatus, Conyza Canadensis, Ipomoea hederacea, Ipomoea lacunose, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida, Digitaria sanguinalis, Amaranthus palmeri, Brachiaria platyhylla, Echinochloa crus-galli, Cyperus esculentus, Eclipta prostrate, Chenopodium species, Abutilon theophrasti, Setaria species, Setaria faberi and annual weeds. As used herein, annual weeds include corn, sorghum, wheat, rye, barley, and oats.

[0029] In another embodiment, the area requiring weed control can include areas where it is desired to reduce the number of weeds or eliminate the weeds. For example, the composition of the present invention can be applied to areas used for cultivating crop plants such as outdoor orchards or vineyards. The mixtures of the present invention can also be applied to non-agricultural areas requiring weed control such as lawns, golf courses, or parks.

[0030] All numerical values related to amounts, weight percentages, etc. used herein are defined as "about" or "approximately", which is plus or minus 10% of each specific value. For example, the phrase "at least 5.0% by weight" should be understood as "at least 4.5% to 5.5% by weight". Accordingly, amounts within 10% of the values recited in the claims are included in the claims.

[0031] Throughout this application, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include references to the plural.

[0032] These representative embodiments are in no way limiting and are described only to illustrate some aspects of the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

Examples

[0034] Agridex® is a crop oil concentrate, a registered trademark of Bayer CropScience, and is available from Bayer CropScience.

[0035] Induce® is an alkylaryl polyoxyl ether and free fatty acid, a registered trademark of Helena Chemical Company, and is available from Helena Chemical Company.

[0036] Example 1 - Mannitol and sorbitol improve the efficacy of S-3100 in Echinochloa crus-galli With or without mannitol or sorbitol, four tests were conducted on the effectiveness of ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate (S-3100). Specifically, four plots of dogfennel were grown to a height of 6 inches. These plots were placed in a spray chamber for treatment. All compositions contained 1% v / v Agridex® and 0.25% v / v Induce®. The treatments and results are described in Table 1 below.

[0037] Table 1

Table 1

[0038] As seen in Table 1 above, at 2 days after treatment (DAT), the control of dogfennel by S-3100 and sorbitol (32.9%) increased by 5% compared to S-3100 alone (27.2%). At DAT 7, both S-3100 and mannitol (82.9%) and S-3100 and sorbitol (84.3%) demonstrated more than a 10% increase in the control of dogfennel compared to S-3100 alone (72.1%).

[0039] Improved residual effects were also observed in DAT13 and DAT20. In DAT13, S-3100 and mannitol (74.3%) showed an approximately 25% increase in the control of Echinochloa crus-galli compared to S-3100 alone (49.3%). S3100 and sorbitol (62.9%) showed an approximately 13% increase in the control of Echinochloa crus-galli compared to S-3100 alone. Furthermore, in DAT20, S-3100 and mannitol maintained their improved effectiveness, showing 60% control of Echinochloa crus-galli compared to only 40% control by S-3100 alone. S-3100 and sorbitol also showed an increase in the control of Echinochloa crus-galli (55%) in DAT20 compared to S-3100 alone. An increase in activity was observed as an increase in the rate of withering of Echinochloa crus-galli, more complete withering, and a decrease in regrowth.

[0040] Example 2 - Mannitol and sorbitol improve the efficacy of S-3100 in maize Four tests were conducted on the effectiveness of S-3100 with or without mannitol or sorbitol. Specifically, four plots of corn were grown to a height of 12 inches. These plots were placed in a spray chamber for treatment. All compositions contained 1% v / v Agridex® and 0.25% v / v Induce®. The treatments and results are described in Table 2 below.

[0041] Table 2

Table 2

[0042] As can be seen in Table 2 above, in DAT9, the control of corn by S-3100 and sorbitol (65.2%) increased by approximately 10% compared to S-3100 alone (55.8%). In DAT13, both S-3100 and mannitol (63.2%) and S-3100 and sorbitol (82.3%) demonstrated an approximately 30% increase in the control of corn compared to S-3100 treatment alone (52.5%).

[0043] Improved control was also observed in DAT22. At DAT20, S-3100 and mannitol (55%) showed a 30% increase in corn control compared to S-3100 alone (25%). S3100 and sorbitol (62.3%) showed an almost 37% increase in corn control compared to S-3100 alone. An increase in activity was observed as an increase in the rate of corn plant wilting, more complete death, and a decrease in regrowth.

[0044] Example 3 - Mannitol and sorbitol improve the efficacy of S-3100 in Setaria viridis Twelve tests were conducted on the effectiveness of S-3100 with and without mannitol or sorbitol at various application rates. Specifically, 12 plots of bermudagrass were grown to a height of 10 inches. These plots were placed in a spray chamber for treatment. All compositions contained 1% v / v Agridex® and 0.25% v / v Induce®. The treatments and results are described in Table 3 below.

[0045] Table 3

Table 3

[0046] Mannitol (R 2 = 0.8102) and sorbitol (R 2 = 0.7788) both showed a high relationship between dose and control % at DAT7, and this continued for mannitol (R 2 = 0.7905) and sorbitol (R 2 = 0.8325) at DAT14. As seen in Table 3 above, at DAT14 for each of 7 and mannitol and sorbitol at 1700, 3400, 6800, 13600, and 27200 g / HA, bermudagrass control increased compared to S-3100 alone.

[0047] Example 4 - Mannitol and sorbitol improve the efficacy of S-3100 in volunteer maize Twelve tests were conducted on the effectiveness of S-3100 at various application rates, with or without mannitol or sorbitol. Specifically, 12 plots of field corn were grown to a height of 14 inches. These plots were placed in a spray chamber for treatment. All compositions contained 1% v / v Agridex® and 0.25% v / v Induce®. The treatments and results are described in Table 4 below.

[0048] Table 4

Table 4

[0049] Sorbitol (R 2 = 0.8513) showed a high relationship between dosage and control % at DAT7, which was not observed with mannitol (R 2 = 0.22). As seen in Table 4 above, both sorbitol and mannitol at 1700, 3400, 6800, 13600, and 27200 g / HA increased the control of field corn compared to S-3100 alone.

[0050] Furthermore, as seen in Table 4 above, the addition of mannitol to S-3100 did not increase lodging, so mannitol had no effect on lodging. However, the addition of sorbitol resulted in 100% lodging.

[0051] Example 5 - Mannitol and sorbitol improve the efficacy of S-3100 in Setaria viridis Twelve tests were conducted on the effectiveness of S-3100 at various application rates, with or without mannitol or sorbitol. Specifically, 12 plots of foxtail millet were grown to a height of 10 inches. These plots were placed in a spray chamber for treatment. All compositions contained 1% v / v Agridex® and 0.25% v / v Induce®. The treatments and results are described in Table 5 below.

[0052] Table 5

Table 5

[0053] Or neither mannitol nor sorbitol showed a high relationship between the dose and the control % at DAT7 (mannitol R 2 = 0.825; sorbitol R 2 = 0.4663) or DAT14 (mannitol R 2 = 0.6646; sorbitol R 2 = 0.4192). As seen in Table 5 above, mannitol and sorbitol at 1700, 3400, 6800, 13600 and 27200 g / HA increased the control of Echinochloa crus-galli more than S-3100 alone.

[0054] Example 6 - Mannitol and sorbitol increase the diversion of S-3100 The 4 plots of maize were grown until the V6 stage. The soybean petioles of the plants at the V6 stage were treated with one of the following 4 treatments in a petiole separation assay: 1) untreated; 2) 20 g / HA of S-3100; 3) 20 g / HA of S-3100 and 6800 g / HA of mannitol; or 4) 20 g / HA of S-3100 and 6800 g / HA of sorbitol. The results were recorded at DAT21. The results are shown in Figure 1.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 1, plants treated with only mannitol instead of sorbitol showed necrotic areas in leaf tissues at DAT21. Petioles treated with only S-3100 showed yellowing of leaves and necrosis of leaf veins, particularly in the main vascular tissue. This pattern suggests that S-3100 may be partially diverted upward through the vascular tissue. Petioles treated with S-3100 and mannitol showed severe vein necrosis. This suggests that mannitol may help the diversion of S-3100 to smaller leaf veins of soybean leaves. S-3100 and sorbitol showed strong leaf bronzing and mild vein necrosis in some leaves. On the adaxial side of the leaves, leaf bronzing was stronger. Quantification of S-3100 and its degradation in leaves was not performed.

Claims

1. An agricultural composition comprising a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor and one or more sugar alcohols, wherein the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor is ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate, the one or more sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of D-mannitol, D-sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, L-arabitol, mannitol, xylitol, 1D-chiro-inositol, inositol, myo-inositol, galactinol, L-quercitol, D-pinitol, D-ononitol, D-myo-inositol-1,3-diphosphate, and galactinol, the agricultural composition.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are D-sorbitol.

3. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising one or more auxin herbicides.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the one or more auxin herbicides are selected from the group consisting of dicamba, 2,4-D, dichlorprop, (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid (MCPA), 4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butanoic acid (MCPB), mecoprop, picloram, quinclorac, triclopyr, fluroxypyr, picloram, aminopyralid, clopyralid, and aminocyclopyrachlor, and their agriculturally acceptable salts and esters.

5. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the one or more auxin herbicides are salts of dicamba.

6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the salts of dicamba are selected from the group consisting of dicamba-bipropamine, dicamba-diglycolamine, and dicamba-tetrabutylamine.

7. An agricultural composition comprising ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate and D-sorbitol.

8. The composition according to claim 7, further comprising a salt of dicamba.

9. A method for controlling weeds, which comprises applying a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor and one or more sugar alcohols simultaneously or sequentially to an area in need of weed or weed control, wherein the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor is ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate, and the one or more sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of D-mannitol, D-sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, L-arabitol, mannitol, xylitol, 1D-chiro-inositol, inositol, myo-inositol, galactinol, L-quercitol, D-pinitol, D-ononitol, D-myo-inositol-1,3-bisphosphate, and galactinol, the method.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising applying one or more auxin herbicides simultaneously or sequentially to an area in need of weed or weed control.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the PPO inhibitor is applied in an amount of 1 to 100 grams per hectare.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the PPO inhibitor is applied in an amount of 10 to 50 grams per hectare.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the PPO inhibitor is applied in an amount of 20 grams per hectare.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are applied in an amount of 100 to 100,000 grams per hectare.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are applied in an amount of 1,000 to 30,000 grams per hectare.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are applied in an amount of 6,800 grams per hectare.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the one or more auxin herbicides are applied in an amount of 1 to 1,000 grams per hectare.

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