Methods and Compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition comprising saccharin and a penetrant in a liquid carrier. The herbicidal composition can be used to eliminate or reduce undesirable plant growth.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] 1.Technical Field The present disclosure relates to eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth. [Background technology]

[0002] 2.Background technology The ability to eliminate or reduce undesirable plant growth is important to modern agricultural practices, for example, by killing weeds or other plants that compete with crops or ornamental plants, allowing the desirable plants to grow stronger than the undesirable plants.

[0003] Resistance to existing herbicides is also a growing problem. This is particularly problematic because most existing herbicides use one of only a limited number of modes of action. Resistance often develops to the mode of action rather than to the specific herbicide.

[0004] There is also an increasing demand for agricultural practices that are considered organic, or at least have reduced toxicity and / or residues compared to existing herbicides. Toxic residues from pesticides in all parts of the environment are seeping into the food chain and threatening the future of the world's ecosystems. Roundup (glyphosate), the most widely used agricultural and industrial herbicide, is currently under intense scrutiny for whether it causes cancer.

[0005] The use of more environmentally friendly methods of plant growth control is an area of demand, particularly for high value crops such as grapes for wine production.

[0006] Other agricultural practices involve unwanted growth on desirable plants, but in undesirable locations or at undesirable times. For example, desaccharination is the practice of removing young, non-fruiting shoots from grapevines to allow older grapevine stems to fruit. This type of unwanted growth removal requires specialized techniques to remove the correct parts of the plant without damaging the remaining plants, and can therefore be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Another example of undesirable growth timing is the use of foliage-destroying sprays to aid in the synchronized maturation of crops. For example, diquat is widely used to "dry out" or "dry down" the growing parts of crops, leaving the edible parts at the same maturity. For example, potato stems are sprayed with diquat, which kills the leaves, while the tubers are left in the ground for harvest.

[0007] Where reference is made herein to external sources, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing features of the present invention. Unless otherwise expressly stated, reference to such sources should not be construed as an admission that such sources are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art in any jurisdiction. Summary of the Invention

[0008] 3. Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present disclosure to provide methods for eliminating or reducing undesired plant growth and / or compositions for killing or reducing plant growth that at least in some way go towards overcoming one or more of the problems or difficulties mentioned above, or at least provide a useful option to the industry / public. Although overlapping with other descriptions, various aspects of the present invention are described below, however, the present invention is not limited to the following. [1] a liquid carrier, at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and an osmotic agent 1. A composition for eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth comprising: [2] The composition according to [1], wherein the artificial sweetener or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K, stevia, or lugusnum. [3] The composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the composition is about 5 to 600 g / L, preferably about 5 to 400 g / L, preferably about 5 to 300 g / L, preferably about 10 to 200 g / L, preferably about 50 to 200 g / L. [4] The composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is saccharin, preferably saccharin sodium. [5] The composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the penetrating agent comprises an alkoxylated alcohol, a saponin, and / or an organic silicone compound. [6] [5] The composition described in [5], wherein the alkoxylated alcohol is an alcohol ethoxylate or an ethoxylated soybean oil. [7] The composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the concentration of the penetrant in the composition is about 0.5 to 20 ml / L, preferably about 0.5 to 15 ml / L, and preferably about 0.5 to 10 ml / L. [8] [7] The composition according to [7], wherein the penetrating agent is an organically modified polydimethylsiloxane penetrating agent. [9] The composition according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the weight ratio of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the osmotic agent is about 1 to 150:1, preferably about 2 to 120:1, preferably about 5 to 100:1, preferably about 10 to 80:1.

[10] The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

[11] A method for eliminating or reducing undesired plant growth, comprising applying the liquid composition according to any one of [1] to

[10] to the undesired plant growth.

[12] 11. The method of claim 11, wherein the liquid composition is applied to the undesired plant growth by contacting, wetting, dosing, drenching, soaking, dipping, painting or spraying.

[13] The method according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the application of the liquid composition is repeated one or more times.

[14] The method according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the application is repeated within about one month after the initial application.

[15] The method according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein the undesired plant growth is a sucker that is part of a desired plant or a shoot from a desired bulb or tuber.

[16] The method according to any one of

[11] to

[15] , wherein application of the method results in a reduction in the biomass of the plant of at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 or 100% within 30 days.

[17] The method according to any one of

[11] to

[15] , wherein application of the method results in a reduction in the biomass of the plant of at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 or 100% within 7 days.

[0009] In a first aspect, there is provided a method for eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth, comprising: applying a liquid composition comprising at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and an osmotic agent to the undesirable plant growth. A method is provided which includes:

[0010] In some embodiments, the liquid composition is applied to the undesired plant growth by contacting, wetting, dosing, drenching, soaking, dipping, painting, or spraying.

[0011] In some embodiments, the liquid composition is sprayed on undesired plant growth.

[0012] In some embodiments, the application of the liquid composition is repeated one or more times, hi some embodiments, the application is repeated within about one month of the initial application.

[0013] In some embodiments, the undesired plant growth is a sucker that is part of a desired plant, hi some embodiments, the undesired plant growth is a shoot from a desired bulb or tuber.

[0014] In a second aspect, a liquid carrier, at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and Penetrating agent A composition for eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth is provided, comprising:

[0015] In a third aspect, a liquid carrier, at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and Penetrating agent A herbicidal composition is provided, comprising:

[0016] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of making the composition of the second or third aspect, comprising adding at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and an osmotic agent to a liquid carrier.

[0017] In the above aspect: In some embodiments, the artificial sweetener or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K, stevia, or lugusum.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is xylitol, sorbitol, or erythritol.

[0019] In some embodiments, the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is saccharin.

[0020] In some embodiments, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the liquid composition is about 5 to 600 g / liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the liquid composition is about 5 to 400 g / liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the liquid composition is about 5 to 300 g / liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the liquid composition is about 10 to 200 g / liter. In some embodiments, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the liquid composition is about 50 to 200 g / liter.

[0021] In some embodiments, the artificial sweetener or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is a saccharin salt.

[0022] In some embodiments, the artificial sweetener or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is sodium saccharin.

[0023] In some embodiments, the concentration of the saccharin salt in the liquid composition is about 5 to 600 g / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the saccharin salt in the liquid composition is about 5 to 300 g / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the saccharin salt in the liquid composition is about 10 to 300 g / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the saccharin salt in the liquid composition is about 10 to 200 g / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the saccharin salt in the liquid composition is about 50 to 200 g / L.

[0024] In some embodiments, the concentration of the osmotic agent in the composition is about 0.5-20 ml / L, in some embodiments, the concentration of the osmotic agent in the composition is about 0.5-15 ml / L, in some embodiments, the concentration of the osmotic agent in the composition is about 0.5-10 ml / L.

[0025] In some embodiments, the penetrating agent comprises an alkoxylated alcohol, a saponin, and / or an organosilicone compound.

[0026] In some embodiments, the alkoxylated alcohol is an alcohol ethoxylate. In some embodiments, the alcohol ethoxylate is ethoxylated soybean oil.

[0027] In some embodiments, the organosilicone compound is an organomodified polydimethylsiloxane or an organomodified trisiloxane.

[0028] In some embodiments, the concentration of the organo-modified polydimethylsiloxane penetrant is about 0.5-20 ml / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organo-modified polydimethylsiloxane penetrant is about 2-10 ml / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the organo-modified polydimethylsiloxane penetrant is about 5 ml / L. In some embodiments, the organo-modified polydimethylsiloxane penetrant comprises about 600-1200 g of organo-modified polydimethylsiloxane per liter of penetrant.

[0029] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the osmotic agent is about 1 to 150:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the osmotic agent is about 2 to 120:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the osmotic agent is about 5 to 100:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the osmotic agent is about 10 to 80:1.

[0030] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise water.

[0031] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims containing the term "comprising," there may be features other than those prefaced by that term. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0032] Reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10), and to any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7), and thus all subranges of all ranges explicitly disclosed herein are intended to be expressly disclosed herein. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest and highest values recited should be considered to be expressly set forth in this application as well.

[0033] As used herein, the term "and / or" means "and" or "or," or both.

[0034] As used herein, "(s)" following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular form of the noun.

[0035] Many modifications in the construction and widely different embodiments and applications of the present invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0036] The present disclosure consists of the foregoing and contemplates the following configurations, which are given by way of example only: Features disclosed herein may be combined into new embodiments of compatible elements addressing the same or related inventive concepts.

[0037] 4. Brief description of the drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1A] 1 is a photograph showing ragwort (not in bloom) before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 1B] 1 is a photograph showing ragwort (not in bloom) after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 2A] 1 is a photograph showing a thistle before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 2B] 1 is a photograph showing a thistle after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 3A]1 is a photograph showing ragwort (in bloom) before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 3B] 1 is a photograph showing ragwort (in bloom) after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 4A] 1 is a photograph showing gorse before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 4B] 1 is a photograph showing gorse after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 5A] 1 is a photograph showing a dandelion before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 5B] 1 is a photograph showing a dandelion after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing ragwort (not in bloom) before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 6B] 1 is a photograph showing ragwort (not in bloom) after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 7A] 1 is a photograph showing gorse and fly agaric before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 7B] 1 is a photograph showing gorse and fly agaric after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 8A] 1 is a photograph showing gorse before application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 8B] 1 is a photograph showing gorse after application of a composition of the present invention, as described in Example 5. [Figure 9]1 is a graph showing the survival rate (%) of tillage radish as a function of the dose concentration (ml aiL −1 ) described in Example 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] 5. Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention provides a contact means for controlling undesirable plant growth. Because it acts by contact, it can be used to kill, control, reduce, or slow the growth of specific plants, even if they are among desirable plants. Alternatively, the present invention can be used to control portions of plants without damaging the remaining portions, such as, for example, desaccharinating grapes, removing shoots from bulbs or tubers, and / or "soft pruning" (e.g., for use in cotton plant cultivation to remove leaves or foliage from the plant). It is believed that the present invention can be used near non-target vegetation because there is little or no translocation.

[0040] The present invention relates to a method for eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth, comprising applying a liquid composition comprising at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and an osmotic agent to the undesirable plant growth. Preferably, an effective amount of the composition is applied to the undesirable plant growth. In one embodiment, the method results in a reduction in plant biomass of at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, or 100% within 30 days. In one embodiment, the method results in a reduction in plant biomass of at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, or 100% within 7 days.

[0041] The present invention further or alternatively relates to a composition for eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth comprising a liquid carrier, at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and an osmotic agent.

[0042] The present invention further or alternatively relates to a herbicidal composition comprising a liquid carrier, at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and a penetrant.

[0043] The present invention further or alternatively relates to a composition for eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth or a method for making a herbicidal composition, comprising adding at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and a penetrant to a liquid carrier.

[0044] The present invention may optionally be used in combination with other herbicides and / or other agricultural chemicals.An example of a herbicide is glyphosate.Other agricultural chemicals include, but are not limited to, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, soil pesticides, antivirals, attractants and plant growth regulators.The composition of the present invention may contain additional herbicides and / or other agricultural chemicals, or the additional herbicides and / or other agricultural chemicals may be applied separately.The composition of the present invention may be provided in a kit with additional herbicides and / or other agricultural chemicals for combining before use or applying separately.

[0045] Furthermore, various commonly used additives such as fillers, carriers, thickeners, binders, stabilizers, antifoaming agents, antisettling agents, antifreeze agents, dispersion stabilizers, preservatives, colorants, and mildew inhibitors may be used in the composition.

[0046] 4.1 Artificial Sweeteners and / or Sugar Alcohols The compositions of the present invention comprise at least one artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof (ie, an agriculturally acceptable salt of an artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol).

[0047] The salt of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol may be any agriculturally acceptable salt, for example, alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts and calcium salts; amine salts such as dimethylamine salts, triethylamine salts and ammonium salts; inorganic acid salts such as hydrochlorides, perchlorates, sulfates and nitrates; or organic acid salts such as acetates and methanesulfonates.

[0048] Artificial Sweeteners or Sugar Alcohols The artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, may be in the form of a hydrate.

[0049] The artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is preferably a hydrate or is capable of forming a hydrate.

[0050] Examples of artificial sweeteners or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof include saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K, stevia or lugusum. The structure of saccharin is shown below: [ka] However, due to their solubility, agriculturally acceptable salts are preferably used in the compositions of the present invention. When saccharin is used, it may be necessary to increase the concentration of the osmotic agent to aid solubility.

[0051] Preferably, either the sodium or calcium salt is used, preferably the sodium salt.

[0052] The method for synthesizing saccharin is known as the Maumee method, although other options are available.

[0053] Examples of sugar alcohols or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof include xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol.

[0054] Preferably, saccharin, preferably a saccharin salt, preferably an alkali metal saccharin salt, is used in the composition as it has been found to give superior results over other artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols.

[0055] The concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the composition is preferably an effective amount. Preferably, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the composition is about 5 to 600 g / L, preferably about 5 to 400 g / L, and preferably about 5 to 300 g / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the composition is about 10 to 200 g / L. In some embodiments, the concentration of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the composition is about 50 to 200 g / L. However, the concentration will depend on the use of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol, the ease of plant death, or the level of growth rate control and / or slowdown desired.

[0056] Preferably, the concentration of the saccharin salt in the composition is about 5 to 600 g / liter, preferably about 5 to 300 g / liter, preferably about 10 to 300 g / liter, preferably about 10 to 200 g / liter, preferably about 50 to 200 g / liter.

[0057] 4.2 Penetrating Agent The composition of the present invention includes a penetrant. "Penetrant" refers to an agent that carries or transports a compound into the interior of living cells and / or enables, promotes, or increases the uptake of a compound into the interior of living cells. Agricultural penetrants dissolve or penetrate the waxy surface layer of leaves, allowing other chemicals to contact the cells and enter the spaces between them.

[0058] Many penetrants also exhibit surface-active properties and can therefore be classified as surfactants, which are agents that modify the surface properties of other materials with which they come into contact.

[0059] Examples of surfactants include (a) wetting agents, which reduce the surface tension of the spray droplets and increase contact between the droplets and the leaf or insect surface, and (b) spreading agents, which increase adhesion of the solution to the leaf or insect surface. Emulsifiers and spreading agents are also types of surfactants.

[0060] In some cases, surfactants can act as penetration agents (surfactant penetrants), but not all surfactants enhance penetration.

[0061] Surfactant penetrants can be nonionic, anionic, or cationic, depending on the ionic charge carried by the compounds that make up the penetrant.

[0062] In one embodiment, the penetrant for use in the compositions of the present invention is a non-ionic surfactant penetrant.

[0063] Commercially available penetrants are generally compositions containing one or more penetrating compounds in a suitable solvent. Penetrants may also contain additional agents, such as non-penetrating surfactants.

[0064] In some embodiments, the osmotic agent is provided in a ready-to-use formulation comprising one or more osmotic compounds. Preferably, the concentration of the osmotic compound(s) in the ready-to-use formulation is about 0.1-50% by weight, about 1-50% by weight, about 1-30% by weight, about 1-20% by weight, or about 1-10% by weight.

[0065] In one embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant penetrant comprises one or more organosilicone compounds, one or more complex alcohols, and / or one or more saponins.

[0066] Organosilicone compounds include (but are not limited to) organo-modified polydimethylsiloxanes and organo-modified trisiloxanes.

[0067] Commercially available organosilicone penetrants include, but are not limited to: Yates Pulse® - organically modified polydimethylsiloxane, Ecospread® - a BioGro® certified nonionic surfactant in the organically modified trisiloxane chemical class, Silwet 625® - a trisiloxane alkoxylate wetting agent, and Apparent Devour 1020 Penetrant®, containing 1020 g / L of polyether-modified polysiloxane

[0068] A wide range of complex alcohols have also been used as penetrating agents, including alkoxylated alcohols (alcohol alkoxylates); alkylarylethoxylates, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate and octylphenol ethoxylate; polyalkoxytriglycerides, such as ethoxylated soybean oil; alkoxylated fatty alcohols, such as fatty acid ethoxylates; and alkoxylated fatty amines, such as fatty amine ethoxylates.

[0069] Commercially available complex alcohol penetrants include, but are not limited to: Agnique® SBO 10-ethoxylated soybean oil adjuvant, Oroboost®, manufactured by Oro Agri International Ltd, containing alcohol ethoxylates and cold-pressed orange oil; GlyAssist 1040® surfactant containing octylphenol ethoxylate and polyethylene glycol octylphenyl ether, Apparent Wetter 1000®, which contains nonionic alcohol alkoxylates, Buff It®, which contains nonionic fatty acid ethoxylates and buffering agents; Chemwet 1000®, which contains alcohol alkoxylates, Deluge 1000® wetting agent containing nonionic fatty acid ethoxylates, PCT Reactor Wetter 600 Surfactant® containing nonylphenol ethylene oxide condensate (600 g / L), SprayPro 780® Acidifying Surfactant Compatibility Agent containing alkylaryl polyoxyethylene glycol phosphate ester (780 g / L), propylene glycol (>100 g / L), and phosphoric acid (10-50 g / L)

[0070] Saponins are glycosides found in a variety of plant species that have been shown to have surfactant and penetrating properties.

[0071] Other penetrants include: Protec Plus®, a blend of esterified canola oil and non-ionic surfactants (alcohol ethoxylates), In-bound Spray Adjuvant®, containing more than 60% paraffinic petroleum and non-ionic surfactants; Apparent Buffer 700 Surfactant® containing soybean phospholipids (350 g / L), propionic acid (350 g / L) and surfactant; Nexus Spray Adjuvant® containing canola oil and a non-ionic surfactant, and Trump® Spray Oil, containing paraffinic petroleum (>90%) and non-ionic surfactants

[0072] In one embodiment, the concentration of the osmotic agent in the composition of the present invention is about 0.5 to 20 ml / L, about 0.5 to 15 ml / L, or about 0.5 to 10 ml / L, or in another embodiment, the concentration of the osmotic agent in the composition of the present invention is about 1 to 20 ml / L, about 1 to 15 ml / L, or about 1 to 10 ml / L.

[0073] In some embodiments, the organosilicone compound is an organomodified polydimethylsiloxane or an organomodified trisiloxane. In some embodiments, the penetrant comprises at least 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 g / L of the organosilicone compound.

[0074] Preferably, the concentration of the organomodified polydimethylsiloxane penetrant in the composition of the present invention is about 1-20 ml / L, about 2-10 ml / L, or about 5 ml / L.

[0075] Preferably, the weight ratio of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the osmotic agent is about 1-150:1, about 2-120:1, about 5-100:1, or about 10-80:1.

[0076] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising saccharin or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and an organosilicone penetrant in a liquid carrier (preferably water), wherein the saccharin has a shrinkage of about 50 to 250 g / L, the organosilicone penetrant has a concentration of about 0.5 to 10 ml / L, and the organosilicone penetrant comprises an organosilicone compound in an amount of about 600 to about 1200 g / L.

[0077] 4.3 Liquid Carrier The preferred liquid carrier for the compositions of the present invention is water because it is environmentally sound and cost-effective. However, one or more other liquid carriers, such as alcohols, alkanes, alkenes, ketones (e.g., acetone), aromatic compounds, DMSO, DMF, acetates, amines, amides, pyrrolidones, oils (e.g., vegetable oils or mineral oils), may be used instead of or in addition to water.

[0078] If desired or necessary, a surfactant, co-solvent, or mixture of solvents may optionally be used to enhance the solubility of the artificial sweetener or sugar alcohol in the liquid carrier. An example of a suitable surfactant is a detergent, such as a commercial cleaning detergent.

[0079] Reference to a liquid composition should also be taken to mean a viscous liquid or paste.

[0080] The compositions of the present invention may also include other agriculturally acceptable excipients such as, but not limited to, humectants, compatibilizers, antifoaming agents, drift control agents, deposition agents, water conditioners, acidifying agents, buffers, and colorants.

[0081] 4.4 Application method The compositions of the present invention are preferably applied to portions of above-ground undesired plant growth. Various application means can be used, such as contacting, wetting, dosing, drenching, soaking, dipping, painting, or spraying. Devices such as boom sprayers, misters, blanket wipers, or rope wick applicators can be used.

[0082] Preferably, the composition is sprayed onto the unwanted plant material, preferably to completely cover the target material. Alternatively, the composition may be applied to old unwanted plant growth, such as, for example, a stump. In such cases, the composition preferably has a thicker viscosity to aid in application to the desired area.

[0083] The composition may be applied once to the undesired plant growth, or for some undesired plant growth, it may be desirable to repeat the application one or more times at a period of time after the initial application, e.g., about 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month.

[0084] Where reference is made in the foregoing description to components having integers or their known equivalents, those integers are incorporated herein as if set forth individually. Any of the foregoing features or embodiments or aspects may be combined with one or more of the other features or embodiments or aspects described herein.

[0085] 5. Example Example 1 - Use as a drying agent Onion weed (Allium triquetrum) was sprayed with a composition containing 1 L of water, 100 g of sodium saccharin hydrate (C7H4NNaO3S.HO), CAS No. 82385-42-0, pharmaceutical grade (99-101%), and 5 ml of Yates Pulse® composition. The composition was applied to green stems, foliage, and / or flowers during the summer (growing) season.

[0086] After five days, the foliage withered and turned yellow. Over time, the stems turned from green to brown and began to decay.

[0087] Within 30 days, the stems had completely collapsed and died. During inspection of the stems, white bulbs were seen "poking" above the soil. These were onion weed bulbs, which had separated from the stems and roots and remained "detached" and could be seen at the top of the soil. This indicates that the present invention can be used as a desiccant for pre-harvest use on tuberous / bulbous flowering crops such as potatoes, onions, garlic, and chives. The present invention enhances this method by gently separating the upper foliage and underlying roots from the bulb. Current methods include chemical, mechanical, and a combination of both.

[0088] Example 2 - Use of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols as herbicides A composition comprising water containing sodium saccharin hydrate (C7H4NNaO3S.HO, CAS No. 82385-42-0, pharmaceutical grade 99-101%) and Pulse® penetrant was applied to a variety of plant species to demonstrate the broad-spectrum herbicidal properties of the present invention. The results are shown in Table 2. [Table 1]

[0089] Compositions containing the sugar alcohols erythritol and xylitol were tested against small household weeds (grassy and leafy) in New Zealand. The results are shown in Table 3. Both the erythritol and xylitol compositions exhibited herbicidal properties, but were less effective than the saccharin composition. The saccharin composition exhibited particularly good herbicidal properties compared to the sugar alcohols erythritol and xylitol. [Table 2]

[0090] Example 4 - Use of Sodium Saccharin Hydrate as a Herbicide Against Dandelion Plants A composition containing water, sodium saccharin hydrate (various dosages) (C7H4NNaO3S.HO, CAS number 82385-42-0, pharmaceutical grade) and a penetrant (Yates Pulse®) was applied to dandelions. The results are shown in Table 4. [Table 3]

[0091] Example 5 - Use of sodium saccharin as a herbicide for various plant species Plants were sprayed with a composition containing 1 L of water, 100 g of sodium saccharin (C7H4NNaO3S), CAS 128-44-9, and 5 ml of Yates Pulse™. The composition was applied to green stems, foliage, and / or flowers in late summer in Dunedin, New Zealand. A: Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris, formerly Senecio jacobaea): Some vegetative (not flowering), some reproductive (flowering). B: Gorse (Ulex europaeus): young soft seedlings up to 600mm tall C: Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum): 1 shrub, 500mm high D: Dandelion, Cat's ear (Hypochaeris radicata) single rosette, creeping, not flowering E: Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) single rosette, not blooming

[0092] result Wilting and necrosis (browning) was observed 4 hours after application in all species except flowering currant and gorse, which showed only tip curling / wilting. After 30 hours, complete wilting and necrosis was observed in all species except flowering currant, which showed patchy necrosis at this stage. By 56 hours, wilting and necrosis was complete in flowering currant.

[0093] The effects on gorse seedlings were very pronounced. Applications of glyphosate and Pulse® may result in wilting of young tips after a few hours to a few days, but wilting and necrosis are often not convincing until 10 days after application. Application of the compositions of the present invention caused a pronounced discoloration of young gorse plants, rather than the browning that occurs with glyphosate application. The results are shown in Figures 1-8.

[0094] Example 6 - Use of Sodium Saccharin and Various Osmotic Agents A composition containing water, sodium saccharin (C7H4NNaO3S, food grade, CAS number 128-44-9), and a penetrant was applied to various plant species by foliage spraying. The results are shown in Table 5. [Table 4]

[0095] While all of the compositions of the present invention were effective herbicides, the compositions containing the organosilicon penetrant were found to be the most effective, acting rapidly and completely killing the plants.

[0096] Example 7 - Use of Calcium Saccharin A composition containing 20 g of calcium saccharin (CAS No. 6381-91-5), 1-2 ml of a penetrant (Devour 1020™), and 98 ml of water was sprayed onto the foliage of various plants. There was an immediate reaction, with the plants changing color and wilting.

[0097] Example 8 - Use of Sodium Saccharin Dihydrate A composition containing 50 g of sodium saccharin dihydrate (CAS No. 6155-57-3), 1-2 ml of a penetrant (Devour 1020™), and 268 ml of water was sprayed onto the foliage of various plants. There was an immediate reaction, with the plants changing color and wilting.

[0098] Example 9 - Use of Sodium Saccharin Composition A composition containing 20 g of sodium saccharin (CAS number 6381-91-5), 0.5 ml of a penetrant (Devour 1020™) and 1 L of water was sprayed onto the foliage of various plants. Trial dates: March 15th to April 15th, 2021 Trial location: Lansdowne farm, University of Sydney, Camden. Procedure: A range of weeds commonly found on the Lansdowne farm were selected for spot spray testing using a standard backpack sprayer equipped with a flat-fan spray nozzle. Weeds included mallow, sowthistle, pigweed, shepherd's purse, swine watercress, crowsfoot grass, carrot weed, cape dandelion, fat hen, barnyard grass, medic weed, and fleabane. All selected weeds were flagged with a red pin. Weeds were sprayed until fully saturated and the solution began to drip. Once sprayed, plants were continuously observed for the development of any symptoms. Conditions: The compositions of the present invention were applied under clear skies at 11:00 am with a wind speed of 5 km / hour. Results: A total of 17 weeds (both grasses and broadleaf) were selected for treatment. Foliage damage symptoms began to appear on all weeds 24 hours after spraying. Fifteen of the 17 plants died, with only pigweed and one unidentified species surviving 30 DAS (several days after spraying).

[0099] Example 10 - Dose Response for Sodium Saccharin / Devour 1020 Composition A stock solution of 200 g of sodium saccharin (CAS number 6381-91-5) and 5 ml of osmotic agent (Devour 1020™) was made in 1 L of water and then used at various concentrations and further diluted with water as shown below. Trial dates: April 15th to May 15th, 2021 Trial location: Hoop-house facility, Lansdowne, University of Sydney, Camden. Procedure: Representative grass (forage oat, Avena sativa) and broadleaf weed (tillage radish, Raphanus sativus) species were established in separate seedling containers filled with potting mix. Ten replicate containers were used for each weed species, each with six herbicide treatments. Once seedlings reached the five- to six-leaf stage, they were screened with six concentrations of candidate herbicides. A herbicide dilution series was used to examine the effect of reducing herbicide concentrations on efficacy. Each seedling was sprayed back and forth using a flat fan nozzle. Approximately 10 ml of herbicide solution was applied to each seedling for a 2-second treatment period, ensuring complete coverage. Plant survival was assessed approximately four weeks after treatment. Aboveground plant material from each surviving plant was then harvested, oven-dried at 70°C for 72 hours, and weighed to determine dry matter yield. Percent survival and dry matter production relative to untreated controls were calculated to determine the effects of treatments on plant survival and plant growth, respectively. Conditions: The composition of the present invention was applied at 11:00 am on a sunny day with a wind speed of 5 km / hour. Dosage: 300ml / L, 150ml / L, 75ml / L, 37.5ml / L, 18.75ml / L, 0ml / L (control) Results: Tillage radish was more susceptible to the candidate herbicides than forage oat. The survival rate (%) of tillage radish gradually decreased with increasing herbicide dose (Figure 9).

[0100] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, various components can be rearranged as desired. Moreover, not all of the present features, aspects, and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. a liquid carrier, saccharin or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and an osmotic agent 1. A composition for eliminating or reducing undesirable plant growth comprising: The composition, wherein the penetrating agent is an organosilicone compound.

2. 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of saccharin or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the composition is 5 to 600 g / liter.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the saccharin or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof is sodium saccharin.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concentration of the penetrant in the composition is 0.5 to 20 ml / L.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the penetrant is an organo-modified polydimethylsiloxane penetrant.

6. 6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio of the saccharin or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof to the penetrant is 1 to 150:

1.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid carrier comprises water.

8. 8. A method for eliminating or reducing undesired plant growth, comprising applying a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to said undesired plant growth.

9. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the composition is applied to the undesired plant growth by contacting, wetting, dosing, drenching, soaking, dipping, painting, or spraying.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the application of the composition is repeated one or more times.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the application is repeated within one month of the initial application.

12. 12. The method of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the undesired plant growth is a sucker that is part of a desired plant or a shoot from a desired bulb or tuber.

13. 13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein application of the method results in a reduction in biomass of the plant of at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 or 100% within 30 days.

14. 13. The method of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein application of the method results in a reduction in the biomass of the plant of at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95 or 100% within 7 days.

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