Novel insecticide composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insecticide composition comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w; fluensulfone or salts or derivatives thereof in the range of 0.1% to 30% w / w; and at least one excipient. The insecticide composition is in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel. The insecticide composition in the form of a wettable powder; a wettable powder of an encapsulated suspension; a liquid suspension or suspension concentrate; a suspoemulsion, or a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate (ZC) has a particle size range of 0.1 to 30 microns, and the insecticide composition in the form of a wettable powder has a particle size range of 0.1 microns to 60 microns. The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of the insecticide composition, and a method for treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, site or part thereof, seed, seedling, or surrounding soil with the insecticide composition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pesticidal composition comprising sulfur; fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pesticidal composition comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The pesticidal composition may be in liquid form, such as a suspension concentrate or liquid suspension; a suspoemulsion; or a ZC composition (a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate), or in solid form, such as a wettable powder; a water dispersible granule; or a water dispersible granule of an encapsulated suspension. Additionally, pesticide compositions in the form of suspension concentrates or liquid suspensions, suspoemulsions, ZC compositions, water dispersible granules, or water dispersible granules of encapsulated suspensions contain particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. Pesticide compositions in the form of wettable powders contain particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 60 microns.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a pesticide composition comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method of treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or part thereof, seed, seedling, or surrounding soil with an insecticide composition comprising elemental sulfur; fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. [Background technology]

[0004] In describing embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity, however, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the specific terminology so chosen, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that function similarly and serve a similar purpose.

[0005] Nematodes are agricultural pests that attack a variety of crops, including common vegetables, crops, fruit trees, and ornamental crops. Nematodes are difficult to control and spread easily between areas via soil, tools, or infested plants.

[0006] The majority of plant-parasitic nematodes are root feeders and are found associated with most plants. Some are endoparasitic, living and feeding within plant tissues, while others are ectoparasitic, feeding externally through the plant wall. Endoparasitic root feeders include economically important pests such as root-knot nematodes, reniform nematodes, cyst nematodes, and root-root nematodes. Direct feeding by nematodes can significantly reduce plant nutrient and water uptake. Nematodes have the greatest impact on crop productivity when they attack seedling roots immediately after seed germination. Nematode feeding also creates open wounds that provide entry points for a wide variety of plant-pathogenic fungi and bacteria. These microbial infections are often more economically damaging than the direct effects of nematode feeding.

[0007] The insecticidal efficacy of known compounds is currently unsatisfactory in the field of nematode or insect pest control. Due to diverse practices in different regions, insecticides are sometimes applied at relatively higher doses, which over time results in the development of resistance in insect pests or nematodes, thereby leading to soil toxicity and other environmental hazards, as well as higher economic costs.

[0008] Currently available insecticide combinations are outdated chemistry, and repeated use of such chemical combinations has led to problems in insect control or nematode pest population management, such as resistance of nematode or insect pests to the insecticide, pest recurrence, secondary pest outbreaks, residue-related problems, toxic effects on humans, and reduced yields.

[0009] It is of great importance to limit the substantial use of chemical pesticides and to identify insecticidal compositions that are effective at low dosages, do not induce cross-resistance to existing products, are environmentally friendly with reduced toxicity. Furthermore, there is a continuing need for novel insecticide combinations to be applied to provide economical and effective solutions in terms of insect or nematode control, yield, plant growth, broader crop protection spectrum, reduced application frequency, reduced environmental / farmer burden, healthy foliage, labor cost savings, and cost-effectiveness to the end user.

[0010] Fluoroalkenyl thioether compounds such as fluensulfone have pleiotropic effects, inhibiting nematode development, egg laying, egg hatching, feeding, and migration. Furthermore, the role and benefits of sulfur as an insecticide have long been known. Sulfur is considered organic in nature, and the benefits of its use include not only reduced reliance on chemicals as an effective method of pest control, but also, because of its organic nature, environmentally friendly, increased crop yields, improved food safety, human, animal, or plant health, and quality of life. Various formulations, such as granules, pellets, and powders, are known to provide sulfur in forms for use as fertilizers or insecticides. The use of sulfur as a fungicide, acaricide, and miticide is particularly important and has long been used as an environmentally friendly agricultural practice.

[0011] Fluensulfone-based insecticide compositions are known in the art. However, it has been observed that the application of a single active composition, such as fluensulfone alone, can lead to the development of pest resistance over time. Therefore, there is a need in the art to develop active combinations that reduce the likelihood of resistance development and improve the spectrum of disease and pest control. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0302446 discloses a combination of sulfur and an insecticidal active selected from the group consisting of cartap, fipronil, pirimicarb, buprofezin, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, diafenthiuron, novaluron, flubendiamide, spirotetramat, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid. International Publication No. WO 2018 / 104787 discloses a highly concentrated, stable liquid formulation containing fluensulfone, a cyclic ketone, and at least one agrochemically acceptable inert additive, the formulation comprising an organic phase, wherein the concentration of fluensulfone in the organic phase is greater than 40% by weight. International Publication No. WO 2019 / 239358 relates to a stable composition comprising (i) an effective amount of fluensulfone, (ii) an effective amount of fipronil, and (iii) an effective amount of azoxystrobin. Furthermore, WO 2018 / 207124 teaches a water-disintegrable granular composition having specific physical properties, comprising at least one pesticidal active, including any one of a water-insoluble nutrient, an algae, or an insecticidal active, in a concentration range of 0.1% to 95% by weight of the total composition, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. None of the above-mentioned documents discloses a combination of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone in a specific concentration range that shows synergistic effects and superior efficacy in field applications. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Newer insecticides with modern integrated pest management approaches are also needed for improved toxicological and ecological profiles, including reduced plant toxicity, resistance management, reduced dosage, significantly broader spectrum, improved synergy, improved safety for humans, and reduced toxicity to the environment, to name a few. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly developed stable compositions comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur; an effective amount of fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, thereby demonstrating synergistic properties and superior field efficacy. The inventors have surprisingly found that compositions comprising elemental sulfur and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof are synergistic, act as superior crop protection agents, are non-phytotoxic, are effective at reduced applied doses, aid in resistance management observed with older insecticide chemistries, and also demonstrate increased yield in field applications. The inventors have further found that compositions comprising elemental sulfur and fluensulfone or its salts and derivatives thereof, when formulated as suspension concentrates or liquid suspensions; suspoemulsions; ZC compositions (combinations of encapsulated suspension concentrates and suspension concentrates); water dispersible granules or water dispersible granules of encapsulated suspensions, or when formulated as wettable powders with particles in the size range of 0.1 to 60 microns, not only exhibit excellent efficacy in field applications but are also synergistic and provide surprising results not only as crop protection agents but also as yield enhancers.

[0014] The present invention relates to pesticide compositions comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur; an effective amount of fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0015] According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur may be present in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; fluensulfone or a salt thereof or a derivative thereof may be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the insecticide compositions of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone are preferably in the form of wettable powders; water dispersible granules; water dispersible granules of encapsulated suspensions; liquid suspensions or suspension concentrates; suspoemulsion compositions; and ZC compositions, which are combinations of encapsulated suspensions and suspension concentrates.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition in the form of a wettable powder comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 60 microns.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the pesticide compositions in the form of water dispersible granules; water dispersible granules of encapsulated suspension concentrates; liquid suspensions or suspension concentrates; suspoemulsion compositions; and ZC compositions which are combinations of encapsulated suspension concentrates and suspension concentrates, comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0019] The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a pesticide composition comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for protecting or improving the health or yield of a crop by treating at least one of a plant, crop, or part thereof, plant propagation material, seed, seedling, or surrounding soil with an insecticide composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur; an effective amount of fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology is chosen for clarity. However, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the specific terminology chosen, and it should be understood that such specific terminology includes all technical equivalents that function similarly and achieve the same purpose. It is understood that any numerical range described herein is intended to include all subranges encompassed. Also, unless otherwise specified, the percentage of components in a composition is expressed as weight percent.

[0022] The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The terms "including" and / or "having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).

[0023] The term "sulfur" as used in the compositions refers to elemental sulfur obtained from natural or synthetic sources. The term includes allotropes of elemental sulfur, such as amorphous sulfur, monoclinic sulfur, orthorhombic sulfur composed of S8 molecules, and other cyclic molecules such as S7 and S12. The term also includes sulfur produced by petrochemical processing and refining. The term also includes "biosulfur." ​​The term also includes elemental sulfur produced by microbial action.

[0024] As described herein, a water dispersible granule is defined as a formulation that, when added to water, rapidly disperses or dissolves to give a fine particle suspension. As described herein, "WG" or "WDG" refers to a water dispersible granule. A water dispersible granule is formulated by blending and compacting powdered active ingredients together with surfactants and other formulation excipients into small, easily measured granules that disperse into finer / primary particles when added to water.

[0025] According to the present invention, the term liquid suspension encompasses "aqueous suspension" or "aqueous dispersion" or "suspension concentrate (SC)" compositions. A liquid suspension can be defined as a composition in which solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid vehicle can be water and / or a water-miscible solvent.

[0026] As defined herein, WP refers to wettable powder, which is a powder formulation for application as a suspension after dispersion in water.

[0027] As defined herein, CS or encapsulated suspension refers to a formulation that is a combination of one or more surfactants and an active ingredient encapsulated in a polymer shell suspended in water, the suspension optionally containing additional actives.Water dispersible granules of encapsulated suspension refer to granular compositions obtained by spray drying an encapsulated suspension composition.

[0028] As defined herein, a ZC formulation is a combination of an encapsulating suspension and a suspension concentrate, such that the formulation contains a stable aqueous suspension of microcapsules and a suspension of solid particulates (in the aqueous phase), each of which contains at least one active ingredient.

[0029] As defined herein, an aqueous suspoemulsion is essentially a mixture of water-insoluble active ingredients dispersed in a water-based solution, where one (or more) of the active ingredients is a solid (SC) formulated as a suspension form and one (or more) of the actives is an oil formulated as an emulsion in water (EW).

[0030] The present invention relates to pesticide compositions comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur; an effective amount of fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0031] The present invention particularly relates to a pesticide composition comprising elemental sulfur present in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0032] According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in the range of 20% w / w to 85% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in the range of 20% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in the range of 20% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in the range of 20% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in the range of 20% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0033] According to one embodiment, fluensulfone, or a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof, is present in the range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, fluensulfone, or a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof, is present in the range of 0.1% to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, fluensulfone, or a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof, is present in the range of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, fluensulfone, or a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof, is present in the range of 0.1% to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, fluensulfone, or a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof, is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, fluensulfone, or a salt thereof, or a derivative thereof, is present in the range of 0.1% to 5% w / w of the total composition.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the pesticide composition is in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, or paste.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the liquid pesticide composition is in the form of a suspension concentrate or liquid suspension, a flowable concentrate, a seed dressing, a suspoemulsion, or a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate (ZC).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the liquid insecticide composition comprises sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition, and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the liquid pesticide compositions are preferably in the form of liquid suspensions or suspension concentrates; suspoemulsion compositions; and ZC compositions, which are combinations of encapsulated suspensions and suspension concentrates.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the liquid insecticide composition is preferably in the form of a liquid suspension or suspension concentrate, which comprises sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition, and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 5% w / w of the total composition.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the liquid insecticide composition is preferably in the form of a suspoemulsion. According to one embodiment, the suspoemulsion composition comprises sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition, and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the liquid pesticide composition is preferably in the form of a ZC composition (a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the ZC composition comprises sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition, and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the solid pesticide composition is in the form of a powder, granules, or dust.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition is in the form of a powder, including a wettable powder or dispersible powder and a soluble powder. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition is in the form of a granule, including one of a spray granule, a pellet, an extruded granule, a water dispersible granule, and an encapsulated suspension water dispersible granule.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the pesticide composition is preferably in the form of a wettable powder.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the wettable powder composition comprises sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition, and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the pesticide composition is preferably in the form of a water dispersible granule.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the water dispersible granule composition comprises sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 88% w / w of the total composition, and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the pesticide composition is preferably in the form of an encapsulated suspension water dispersible granule.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the encapsulated suspension comprise sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition, and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition is in the form of a water dispersible granule or an encapsulated suspension water dispersible granule, the granules being in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition is in the form of a water dispersible granule or an encapsulated suspension water dispersible granule, the granules being in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2.5 mm. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition is in the form of a water dispersible granule or an encapsulated suspension water dispersible granule, the granules being in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition is in the form of a water dispersible granule or an encapsulated suspension water dispersible granule, the granules being in the size range of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the pesticide composition in the form of a wettable powder comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 60 microns.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition in the form of a water dispersible granule, an encapsulated water dispersible granule, a liquid suspension concentrate, a suspoemulsion, or a ZC composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition in the form of a water dispersible granule, or an encapsulated water dispersible granule, a liquid suspension concentrate, a suspoemulsion, or a ZC composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 25 microns. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition in the form of a water dispersible granule, or an encapsulated water dispersible granule, a liquid suspension concentrate, a suspoemulsion, or a ZC composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 20 microns. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition in the form of a water dispersible granule, or an encapsulated water dispersible granule, a liquid suspension concentrate, a suspoemulsion, or a ZC composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 10 microns.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the pesticide composition comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. According to a further embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient comprises at least one of surfactants, binders or binding agents; wetting agents; emulsifiers; fillers or carriers or diluents; coating agents; buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents; antifoaming or defoaming agents; penetrating agents; UV protectants; UV absorbers; UV light scattering agents; stabilizers; pigments; colorants; structuring agents; chelating or complexing agents or sequestering agents; thickening agents; suspending agents or suspending aids or anti-caking or anti-settling agents; viscosity or rheology modifiers; tackifiers; humectants; spreading agents; adhesives; antifreeze or freezing point depressants; solvents; preservatives or bactericides or antifungals or biocides or antimicrobials or antioxidants; polymers; monomers; crosslinkers; penetration enhancers; protective colloids, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the surfactant comprises one or more of anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and polymeric surfactants. According to one embodiment, the surfactant comprises one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersing agents. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that additional agrochemically acceptable excipients may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Agrochemically acceptable excipients are commercially manufactured and available from a variety of companies.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the pesticide composition in the form of a water dispersible granule or water dispersible powder composition comprises at least one pesticide excipient, including dispersants, surfactants, wetting agents, binders, or fillers, or carriers, or diluents, anti-foaming agents, ultraviolet absorbers, UV light scattering agents, anti-caking or anti-settling agents or suspending aids or suspending agents, adhesives, pigments, colorants, and stabilizers. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that additional agrochemically acceptable excipients may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the liquid pesticide composition, in the form of a suspension concentrate or liquid suspension or suspoemulsion composition, comprises at least one pesticide excipient, including a dispersant, a structuring agent, a surfactant, a humectant, a solvent, a suspending agent or suspending aid or anti-caking or anti-settling agent, a penetrating agent, a sticking agent, an ultraviolet absorber, a UV light scattering agent, a buffer or pH adjuster or neutralizer, a stabilizer, an emulsifier, a biocide, an anti-freeze or freezing point depressant, and an anti-foaming agent. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that additional agrochemically acceptable excipients may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the ZC composition comprises at least one agrochemical excipient, including at least one dispersant, structurant, surfactant, wetting agent, humectant, solvent, suspending agent or suspending aid or anti-caking or anti-settling agent, penetrating agent, adhesive, ultraviolet absorber, UV light scattering agent, buffer or pH adjuster or neutralizer, stabilizer, emulsifier, biocide, antifreeze or freezing point depressant, anti-foaming agent, monomers such as isocyanates and diamines or glycols, crosslinker, polymer, protective colloid, and penetration enhancer. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that additional agrochemically acceptable excipients may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the encapsulated suspension contain at least one agrochemical excipient, including dispersants, surfactants, wetting agents, suspending agents or suspending aids or anti-caking or anti-settling agents, penetrating agents, adhesives, ultraviolet absorbers, UV light scattering agents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, anti-foaming agents, monomers, polymers, crosslinkers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, and stabilizers. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that additional agrochemically acceptable excipients may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 5% to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 5% to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 5% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 5% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 5% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 5% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the surfactant used in the pesticide composition comprises one or more of anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and polymeric surfactants. According to one embodiment, the surfactant comprises one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersing agents.

[0061] Anionic surfactants include salts of fatty acids, benzoates, polycarboxylates, salts of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkyl diglycol ether sulfates, salts of alcohol sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, styrene acrylic polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, salts of alkyl phosphates, alkylaryl phosphates, hydroxyl styrylaryl phosphates or derivatives thereof, styrylaryl phosphates, docusates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfates, alkyl Rusarcosinates, alpha olefin sulfonate sodium salts, alkylbenzene sulfonates or their salts, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sulfosuccinates, polyacrylates, salts of polyacrylates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl phosphate esters, ethoxylated alkylaryl phosphate esters, sulfosuccinic acid mono- and other diesters, phosphate esters, alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensates (Tersperse 2020) alkylnaphthalenesulfonates such as isopropyl and butyl derivatives, alkyl ether sulfates - sodium and ammonium salts;Alkyl aryl ether phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphate esters, mono-alkyl sulfosuccinates, aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium perfluorononanoate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, magnesium laureth sulfate, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, carboxylates, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, phospholipids, potassium lauryl sulfate, soap, soap substitutes, sodium alkyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium laurate, laureth sulfate sodium, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myreth sulfate, sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, sodium pareth sulfate, alkyl carboxylates, sodium stearate, alpha olefin sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonate salts, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate fatty acid salts, naphthalene sulfonate condensates-sodium salts, fluorocarboxylates, fatty alcohol sulfates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensates-sodium salts, salts of naphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde or alkyl naphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde; or salts, derivatives thereof, including, but not limited to, one or more of:

[0062] Other anionic surfactants found to be useful include taurate surfactants such as sodium N-cyclohexyl-N-palmitoyl taurate, sodium N-methyl-N-oleoyl taurate, sold under the trade names Igepon CN-42, Igepon T-33, T-43, T-51, T-73, T-77, and T-74, respectively, by GAF Corporation, Chemical Products, New York, NY 10020. Sodium N-methyl-N-oleoyl taurate is also available under the trade name "Adinol" from Croda Chemicals, Ltd., England.

[0063] Cationic surfactants include dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, alkylmethylethoxylated ammonium chloride or salt, dodecyl-, coco-, hexadecyl-, octadecyl-, octadecyl / behenyl-, behenyl-, cocoamidopropyl-, trimethylammonium chloride; coco-, stearyl-, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, alkyl-, tetradecyl -, Octadecyl-dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, Dioctyl-, Di(octyl-decyl)-, Didecyl-, Dihexadecyl-distearyl-, Di(hydrogenated tallow)-dimethyl ammonium chloride, Di(hydrogenated tallow)benzyl-, Trioctyl-, Tri(octyl-decyl)-, Tridodecyl-, Trihexadecyl-methyl ammonium chloride, Dodecyltrimethyl-, Dodecyldimethylbenzyl-, Di-(octyl-decyl) methyl)dimethyl, didecyldimethyl-ammonium bromide, quaternized amine ethoxylates, behentrimonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzododecinium bromide, bronidox, quaternary ammonium chloride carbethopenthecinium bromide, cetalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide, dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride, domiphen bromide, laurylmethylgluceth-10 hydroxypropyldimonium chloride, octenidine dihydrochloride, olafur, N-oleyl-1,3-propanediamine, pafutoxin, stearalkonium chloride, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, thonzonium bromide; salts or derivatives thereof.

[0064] Nonionic surfactants include polyol esters, polyol fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated esters, polyethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated alcohols, EO / PO copolymers; EO and PO block copolymers, di- and tri-block copolymers; block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamers, polysorbates, alkyl polysaccharides such as alkyl polyglycosides and blends thereof, amine ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycol and glycerol esters, glucosidyl alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycols, sorbitan alkyl esters, sorbitan derivatives, fatty acid esters of sorbitan (Span) and their ethoxylated derivatives (Tween), and sucrose esters of fatty acids, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, Atlas Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer surfactant sold under the trade names G5000 and TERMUL5429, decyl glucoside, decyl polyglucose, glycerol monostearate, lauryl glucoside, maltoside, monolaurin, narrow range ethoxylates, Nonidet P-40, nonoxynol-9, nonoxynol, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, N-octyl beta-D-thioglucopyranoside, octyl glucoside, oleyl alcohol, PEG-10 sunflower glyceride, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, polidocanol, poloxamer, poloxamer 407, polyethoxycaprylylsilane, methylparaben ... tallow amine, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, polysorbate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, sorbitan derivatives, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl laurate, lauryl glucoside, nonylphenol polyethoxyethanol, nonylphenol polyglycol ether, castor oil ethoxylate, polyglycol ether, polyadduct of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymer of polyalkylene glycol ether and hydroxystearic acid, tributylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol,Octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol, ethoxylated tristyrylphenol, ethoxylated block copolymer, ethoxylated alcohol, ethoxylated tristyrylphenol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan, fatty acid polyglycerides, fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ethers, oxyalkylene block polymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, alcohol ethoxylates - C6 to C16 / 18 alcohols, linear and branched alcohol alkoxylates - The compositions may include, but are not limited to, one or more of various hydrophobizing and EO / PO contents and ratios, fatty acid esters - mono and diesters; lauric, stearic, and oleic; glycerol esters - with and without EO; lauric, stearic, cocoa, and tall oil derived, ethoxylated glycerin, sorbitan esters - with and without EO; lauric, stearic, and oleic; mono and triesters, castor oil ethoxylates - 5 to 200 moles of EO; non-hydrogenated and hydrogenated, block polymers, amine oxides - ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated; alkyl dimethyl, fatty amine ethoxylates - coco, tallow, stearyl, oleylamine, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, or polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters; salts or derivatives thereof.

[0065] Amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, derivatives of betaine, coco and lauryl amidopropyl betaine, coco alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl dimethyl betaine; C8-C18 alkyl dipropionates - sodium lauriminodipropionate, cocoamidopropyl hydroxysulfobetaine, imidazolines, phospholipids phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin, lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl amphoacetates and propionates, alkyl ampho(di)acetates and dipropionates, lecithin and ethanolamine fatty amides; or salts, derivatives thereof, one or more of which may be used.

[0066] AtlasG5000, TERMUL5429, TERMUL2510, ECOTERIC®, EULSOGEN®118, Genapol®X, Genapol®OX-080, Genapol®C100, Emulsogen®EL200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer8261, HypermerB239, HypermerB261, HypermerB246sf, Solutol HS15, Promulgen™D, Soprophor7961P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret40, Etocas200, Etocas29, Rokacet R26, Cetomacrogol1000, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton N-101, Triton X-100, Tween 20, 40, 60, 65, 80, Span 20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120, Brij®, Atlox 4912, Atlas G5000, TERMUL 3512, TERMUL 3015, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC®, ECOTERIC® T85, ECOTERIC® T20, TERIC 12A4, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol® X, Genapol® OX-080, Genapol® C100, Emulsogen® EL200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer 8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol Surfactants commercially available under the trademarks HS15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 7961P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton™ N-101, IGEPAL CA-630, Isoceteth-20, Hostapon 1306, and Agrilan 1208, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following:

[0067] However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other conventional surfactants may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Surfactants are commercially produced and are available from a variety of companies.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the dispersant used in the insecticide composition is selected from the group consisting of phenol naphthalene sulfonate, lignin sulfonate, lignin derivatives, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonic acid, alkylaryl sulfonate, alkyl sulfate, alkyl sulfonate, fatty alcohol sulfate, fatty acid and sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ether, and polyoxyethylene styryl phenyl ether sulfate ester salts, and their alkali metal, ammonium or amine salts, polyoxyethylene styryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl ester, and phosphate esters, mixtures of sodium salts of naphthalene sulfonate urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salts of phenol sulfonate formaldehyde condensate polyaromatic sulfonic acid, sodium alkylaryl sulfonate, glyceryl ester, ammonium salts of maleic anhydride copolymer. and ammonium salts, phosphate esters, salts of addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, polycarboxylates, sodium salts of condensed phenolsulfonic acids, and one or more of naphthalenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensates, sodium naphthalenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensates, ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalenes, salts of polyacrylic acids, tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate esters; fatty alcohol ethoxylates; alkyl ethoxylates; graft copolymers, ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalenes, salts of polyacrylic acids, salts, and derivatives thereof, polymethyl methacrylic acid / acrylic graft copolymers and derivatives thereof, sorbitan ester ethoxylates, phosphate esters and derivatives thereof, stearic fatty acids and derivatives thereof, oleic fatty acids, vegetable fatty acids, and tallow fatty acid ethoxylates.

[0070] Commercially available dispersants include "Morwet D425" (sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensate, from Nouryon Corporation, USA), "Morwet EFW" sulfated alkyl carboxylate and alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-sodium salt, "Tamol PP" (sodium salt of phenolsulfonic acid condensate), "Reax 80N" (sodium lignosulfonate), and "Wettol D1" sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate (from BASF). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known dispersants can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Dispersants are commercially manufactured and available from a variety of companies.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1 to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 1 to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 5 to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 5 to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent used in the insecticide composition is selected from the group consisting of phenol naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates and their salts, naphthalene sulfonates and their salts, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated alkyl carboxylates, polyoxyalkylated ethyl phenols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amines, lignin derivatives, alkanesulfonates or salts thereof, alkyl benzene sulfonates, salts of polycarboxylic acids, salts of esters of sulfosuccinic acid, alkyl polyglycol ether sulfones Examples of wetting agents include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: acid salts, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulfates and alkyl sulfosuccinate monoesters, alkyl polyglucosides, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated linear alcohols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, dioctyl sulfosuccinates, lauryl sulfates, EO-PO block copolymers; nonyl-phenol ethoxylates and their derivatives, castor oil-based ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, polyol ethoxylates, alkyl polysaccharides, or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known wetting agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wetting agents are commercially available and are available from various companies.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the emulsifier used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of alkylated benzenesulfonates, ethoxylated or alkoxylated tristyrylphenols, alkoxylated copolymers, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid derivatives, sorbitol derivatives, castor oil ethoxylates and derivatives, ethoxylated phenols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, nonylphenol alkoxylates, alkylphenol alkoxylates, alcohol alkoxylates, sulfosuccinic acid, alkyl ether phosphates, alkoxylated fatty alcohol phosphates (e.g., PEG10 PPG5 cetyl phosphate), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone or PVP, lignin sulfonates, polyacrylates, polysorbates, polycarboxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, salts of alkylarylsulfonic acid, and derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known emulsifiers can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Emulsifiers are commercially available and are available from a variety of companies.

[0075] AtlasG5000, TERMUL5429, TERMUL2510, ECOTERIC®, EMULSOGEN® 118, Genapol® X, Genapol® OX-080, Genapol® C100, Emulsogen® EL200, ArlacelP135, Hypermer8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor7961P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret40, Etocas200, Etocas29, Rokacet R26, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton™ N-101, Tween 20, 40, 60, 65, 80, Span 20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120, Brij®, Triton™ Atlox 4912, Atlas G5000, TERMUL 3512, TERMUL 3015, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC®, ECOTERIC® T85, ECOTERIC® T20, TERIC 12A4, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol® X, Genapol® OX-080, Genapol® C100, Emulsogen® EL200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer 8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer Emulsifiers used in pesticide compositions can also be used, including, but not limited to, one or more of B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 7961P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton™ N-101, Tween 20, 40, 60, 65, 80 and Span 20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120.However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known emulsifiers may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Emulsifiers are commercially produced and available from a variety of companies.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the solvent used in the pesticide composition comprises a water-miscible or water-immiscible solvent.

[0078] Water-miscible solvents include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, dimethylformamide, decanamide, dimethoxyethane, dimethyloctaneamide, dimethyldecaneamide, water, propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and its derivatives, glycerol, sorbitol, dimethyloctadecanamide, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, glycols and glycol ethers in general, alkylene carbonates, dimethylformamide, acetophenone, cyclohexanone, and dimethyl sulfoxide. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other water-miscible solvents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] If necessary, solvents that can be used to dissolve the solid active ingredient include aromatic chlorinated hydrocarbons, chlorinated maleic hydrocarbons, ketones, long-chain esters and mixtures thereof (Solvesso 100, Solvesso 150, Solvesso 200, Solvesso 150ND, Solvesso 200ND, Aromatic 200, Hydrosol A200, Hydrosol A230 / 270, Caromax 20, Caromax 28, Aromat K150, Aromat K200, Shellsol A150, Shellsol A100, Fin FAS-TX150, Fin (commercially available as FAST-TX200), xylene, cyclohexane, cyclopentane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, isooctane, benzene, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2-methylhexane, 3-methylhexane, 2-methylbutane, 2,3-dimethylpentane, methylcyclopentane, methylcyclohexane, 2,4-dimethylpentane, and aromatics such as toluene; 1-pentene, 2-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, ethyl vinyl ether Examples of suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, propyl ether, petroleum distillates, and petroleum ether, butyl vinyl ether, butyl ethyl ether, 1,2-epoxybutane, furan, tetrahydropyran, 1-butanal, 2-methylpropanal, 2-pentanone, 3-pentanone, ethyl formate, propyl formate, isopropyl formate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, tetramethylsilane, chlorobenzene, and substituted aromatics such as benzaldehyde, and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other solvents known in the art can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1 to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1 to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1 to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the binding agent or binder used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of water-soluble cellulose derivatives such as lactose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, starch, dextrin, lignin sulfonate, and carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, clay, kaolin, attapulgite, gum arabic and gum ghatti, carrageenan, polyacrylates, polycarboxylates, carbomers, derivatives, and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different binding agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Binders are commercially available and are available from a variety of companies.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the composition.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the carrier used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a solid carrier, a filler, or a diluent. According to another embodiment, the carrier includes a mineral carrier, a plant carrier, a synthetic carrier, a water-soluble carrier, and a water-insoluble carrier. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different carriers can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Carriers are commercially available and are available from various companies.

[0084] The solid carrier may be any of a variety of materials, including clays such as bentonite, china clay, acid clay, and dolomite; natural minerals such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite, and halloysite; synthetic and diatomaceous silicas; montmorillonite minerals such as sodium montmorillonite; smectites such as saponite, hectorite, sauconite, and hydrite; micas such as pyrophyllite, talc, agalmatolite, muscovite, phengite, sericite, and illite; silicas such as cristobalite, attapulgite, and sepiolite; vermiculite, laponite, pumice, perlite, volclay, vermiculite, limestone; and natural and synthetic ketides. Examples of suitable carriers include silicate salts, charcoal, silica, powdered silica, fused silica, hydrophobic silica, wet-process silica, dry-process silica, calcined wet-process silica, surface-modified silica, mica, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, and derivatives thereof; fly ash, chalk (Omya®), fuller's earth, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, hydrated lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch (Pineflow, available from Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), sucrose, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, kaolin 1777, lactose, maltodextrin, dextrin, sorbitol; and salts of lignosulfonic acid such as ammonium, sodium, calcium, and zinc. Water-insoluble carriers include, but are not limited to, clay, microcrystalline cellulose, perlite, volcanic ash, mica, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, soapstone, starch, hydrophobically or hydrophilically modified starch, and calcium phosphate. Water-soluble salts such as citrates, nitrates, sulfates, hexametaphosphates, phosphates, sulfates, phosphoric acid, ammonium salts such as magnesium sulfate, etc. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that different solid supports can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Solid supports are commercially produced and available from a variety of companies.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 70% w / w of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the composition.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the anti-caking agent used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, precipitated silica, fumed silica, hydrophobically modified silica, perlite, mica, talc, soapstone, magnesium aluminum silicate, clay, calcium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, fumed silica (white carbon), ester gum, petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L, sodium stearate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, sodium aluminosilicate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, calcium phosphate salts, or one or more of their derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different anti-caking agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Anti-caking agents are commercially available and are available from a variety of companies.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the anti-foaming or defoaming agent used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of silica, siloxane, silicon dioxide, simethicone, dimethicone, polydimethylsiloxane and its derivatives, vegetable oil, petroleum oil, paraffin oil, polyethylene glycol, silicone oil, and magnesium stearate or its derivatives. Preferred anti-foaming agents include silicone emulsions (e.g., Silicon® SRE, Wacker, or Rhodorsil® from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, and fatty acids. Non-silicone defoamers can also be used. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known anti-foaming agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Anti-foaming agents are commercially available and are available from a variety of companies.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w / w of the total composition.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer used in the insecticide composition includes both organic and inorganic acids and bases, and mixtures thereof. According to a further embodiment, the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer includes, but is not limited to, one or more of organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkali metal compounds, or salts, or derivatives thereof. According to one embodiment, the organic acids include, but are not limited to, acetic acid, propionic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid, phytic acid, or salts, or derivatives thereof; and one or more of mono-, di-, or tribasic acid salts of these acids, or derivatives thereof. Alkali metal compounds include, but are not limited to, one or more of alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate, and alkali metal phosphates such as sodium phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate; sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, borax, sodium borate; calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, lime, potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium acetate, sodium benzoate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium metasilicate, trisodium phosphate, ammonia, primary amines, secondary amines, and tertiary amines, and mixtures thereof. According to one embodiment, salts of organic acids include, but are not limited to, one or more of alkali metal salts such as sodium citrate. Mixtures can also be used to prepare pH adjusters, buffers, or neutralizers. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known pH adjusters, buffers, or neutralizers can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. pH adjusters, buffers or neutralizing agents are commercially manufactured and available from a variety of companies.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the pH adjusting or buffering agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the pH adjusting or buffering agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the pH adjusting or buffering agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the pH adjusting or buffering agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w / w of the total composition.

[0091] According to one embodiment, preferred spreading agents for use in the insecticide composition include, but are not limited to, one or more of silicone surfactants, copolymers of maleic acid and styrene compounds, (meth)acrylic acid copolymers, half esters of polymers consisting of polyhydric alcohols and dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, water-soluble salts of polystyrene sulfonic acid, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed or mineral oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycols, polyethers, polyoxyalkylated ethylphenols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amines, alkyl polyglycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl polysaccharides, vegetable oils, mineral oils, petroleum, silicone oils, siloxanes, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkylamines, alkyl polyglycosides, and glycidyl ethers. Examples of polyhydric alcohols that may be used in nonionic surfactants include dihydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, neopentyl glycol, and 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, trihydric alcohols such as glycerol, clathrates, salts, or derivatives thereof. Commercially available spreading agents include Silwet L77 and Silwet 408. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventional spreading agents may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Spreading agents are commercially available from a variety of companies.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 5% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 1% w / w of the total composition.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the binder used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of silicone surfactants, mineral oils, vegetable oils, petroleum, silicone oils, emulsifiers, fish oils, or fatty acid soaps, or emulsified vegetable oils. Examples of binders include carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers such as gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, carbomer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyvinyl acetate, lecithin, carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers, paraffin, polyamide resins, polyacrylates, polyoxyethylene, waxes, polyvinyl alkyl ethers, alkylphenol-formalin condensates, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil, or mineral oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycols, polyethers, clathrates, synthetic resin emulsions, or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other binders known in the art can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. These binders are commercially available from a variety of companies. According to one embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the binder is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0094] According to one embodiment, stabilizers used in the insecticide composition include, but are not limited to, alkyl glyoxylates such as ethyl glyoxylate, zeolites, EDTA, and chelating agents, sequestering agents, antioxidants such as sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, citric acid, malic acid, and their salts; phenolic compounds, vitamin E, BHA, BHT, and the like; ultraviolet absorbers such as benzophenone compounds, or their derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventional stabilizers can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Stabilizers are commercially available from various companies.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the preservative used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of bactericides, antifungal agents, biocides, antimicrobial agents, and antioxidants.Non-limiting examples of preservatives include parabens, their esters and salts, propionic acid and its salts, 2,4-hexadienoic acid (sorbic acid) and its salts, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, 2-hydroxybiphenyl ether and its salts, inorganic sulfites and bisulfites, sodium iodate, chlorobutanol, 1,6-bis(4-amidino-2-bromophenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, 5-amino-1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methylhexahydropyrimidinium nitrite ... , 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol), N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea, 4-chloro-m-cresol, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, 1,1'-methylene-bis(3-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,4- Dioximidazolidin-5-yl)urea), 2-phenoxyethanol, hexamethylenetetramine, 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azonia-adamantane chloride, 1(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone, 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, benzyl alcohol, octopirox, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 2,2'-methyl ethylenebis(6-bromo-4-chlorophenol), bromochlorophene, dichlorophen, 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol, 2-chloroacetamide, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine acetate, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, 1-phenoxypropan-2-ol, N-alkyl (C12-C22) trimethylammonium bromide and chloride, 4,4-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine, N-hydroxymethyl-N-(1,3-di(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-Dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl)-N'-hydroxymethylurea, 1,6-bis(4-amidinophenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, glutaraldehyde, 5-ethyl-1-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo(3.3.0)octane, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)propane-1,2-diol, hyamine, alkyl(C8-C18)dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, alkyl(C8-C18)dimethylbenzylammonium bromide, alkyl(C8-C18)dimethylbenzylammonium saccharinate, benzyl hemiformal, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, sodium hydroxymethylaminoacetate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, acetic acid, cetylpyridinium chloride, and derivatives of 2H-isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives), such as alkylisothiazolones (e.g., 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MIT; chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, CIT), benzisothiazolones (e.g., 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, BIT, commercially available as Proxel® types from ICI) or 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MTIT), C1-C4-alkyl parahydroxybenzoates, dichlorophene, Proxel® types from ICI, Thor Acticide® RS from Chemie, Kathon® MK from Rohm & Haas, Bacto-100, sodium propionate, sodium benzoate, propylparaben, sodium propylparaben, potassium sorbate, potassium benzoate, phenylethyl alcohol, sodium, ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl alcohol, benzothiamine chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, 1,2-benzothiazol-3-one, Preventol® (Lanxess®), butylhydroxytoluene, potassium sorbate, 3-bromo-2,3-diiodo-2-propenyl ethyl carbonate, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, 2,3,Iodine-containing organic compounds such as 3-triiodoallyl alcohol and parachlorophenyl-3-iodopropargyl formal; benzimidazole and benzthiazole compounds such as 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and 2-thiocyanomethylthiobenzothiazole; 1-(2-(2',4'-dichlorophenyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole, 1-(2-(2',4'- triazole compounds such as α-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol; and naturally occurring compounds such as 4-isopropyltropolone (hinokitiol) and borax, or salts or derivatives thereof. Antioxidants include sodium or potassium bisulfite, sulfurous acid, ascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g., urocanic acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-t-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), and pentaerythrityl tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)]propionate; amine antioxidants such as N,N'-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine; hydroquinoline antioxidants such as 2,5-di(t-amyl)hydroquinoline; and phosphorus-containing antioxidants such as triphenylphosphate propylthiouracil. Antioxidants, hydroquinone and its derivatives (e.g., arbutin), ubiquinone and ubiquinol and their derivatives, ascorbyl palmitate, stearate, di-palmitate, acetate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, diisosodium ascorbyl phosphate and sulfate, potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, isoascorbic acid and its derivatives, disodium rutinyl disulfate, dibutylhydroxytoluene, 4,4-thiobis-6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol, butylhydroxyanisole, p-octylphenol, mono-(di- or tri-)methylbenzylphenol, 2,Examples of preservatives include, but are not limited to, one or more of 6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, pentaerythritol-tetrakis-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, butylhydroxyanisole, and trihydroxybutyrophenone. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventional preservatives may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preservatives are commercially available and are manufactured by a variety of companies.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the preservative or bactericide or antifungal agent or biocide or antimicrobial agent or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the preservative or bactericide or antifungal agent or biocide or antimicrobial agent or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the preservative or bactericide or antifungal agent or biocide or antimicrobial agent or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 5% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the preservative or bactericide or antifungal agent or biocide or antimicrobial agent or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 2% w / w of the total composition.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the structuring agent used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a thickener, a viscosity modifier, a tackifier, a suspending aid, a rheology modifier, or an anti-settling agent. The structuring agent prevents settling of the active ingredient particles after prolonged storage.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the structuring agent used in the composition is one or more polymers such as polyacrylics, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides, modified cellulose derivatives, cellulose derivatives, copolymers of carboxyvinyl or polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives; bentonite clay, kaolin, smectite, attapulgite, attaclair, veegum, vangel with high surface area area), silica, and natural gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, rhamsan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan, welan gum, dextrin, polyacrylic acid and its sodium salts; fumed silica, mixtures of fumed silica and fumed aluminum oxide, swellable polymers, swellable clays, polyamides or derivatives thereof; polyols such as poly(vinyl acetate), sodium polyacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol), phospholipids (e.g., cephalin), and the like; stachyose, fructooligosaccharides, amylose, pectin, alginates, hydrocolloids, and mixtures thereof. Also included are celluloses such as carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethylethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl propyl cellulose, methylhydroxyethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose; starch, starch acetate, starch hydroxyethyl ether, ionic starch, long-chain alkyl starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, corn starch, amine starch, starch phosphate, and dialdehyde starch; vegetable starches such as corn starch and potato starch; other carbohydrates such as pectin, amylopectin, xylan, glycogen, agar, gluten, alginic acid, and phycocolloids, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known structuring agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0100] Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, polysaccharides, alkaline earth metal silicates, guar gum, veegum, bentonite, attapulgite, and kaolin. Structurants are commercially produced and available from a variety of companies.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w / w of the composition. According to one embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 4% w / w of the composition. According to one embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 3% w / w of the composition. According to one embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 2% w / w of the composition. According to one embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w / w of the composition. According to one embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 0.1% w / w of the composition.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the cryoprotectant or freezing point depressant used in the liquid suspension composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol; monohydric or polyhydric alcohols; glycol ethers; glycol monoethers such as the methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl ethers of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol; glycol diethers such as the methyl and ethyl diethers of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol urea; glycerol, isopropanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, di- or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether; carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylose, arabinose, sorbitol, mannitol, trehalose, and raffinose, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different cryoprotectants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Cryoprotectants are commercially available and are available from a variety of companies.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the chelating or complexing or sequestering agent used in the pesticide composition is selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonates, polycarboxylic acids such as polyacrylic acid and various hydrolyzed poly(methyl vinyl ether / maleic anhydride); N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), N,N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethyl-N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, and N,N,N',N",N"-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; alpha-hydroxy acids such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and gluconic acid; orthophosphates such as trisodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, monosodium phosphate; condensing agents such as sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium tetrapolyphosphate. Examples of suitable chelating or complexing agents include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: phosphates; 5-sulfo-8-hydroxyquinoline; and 3,5-disulfopyrocatechol, polycarboxylates, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its salts, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and its salts, N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) and its salts, ethylenediaminediacetate (EDDA) and its salts, ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (EDDHA) and its salts, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA) and its salts, polyethyleneaminepolyacetic acid, lignosulfonates, calcium, potassium, sodium, and ammonium lignosulfonates, fulvic acid, urmic acid, citric acid, cyclodextrin, phytic acid, humic acid, and pyrophosphate. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other chelating or complexing or sequestrating agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Chelating or complexing or sequestrating agents are commercially available from a variety of companies.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the penetrant used in the insecticide composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, esters, amines, alkanolamines, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds, triglycerides, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane hexaoleate, sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane trioleate, ethoxylated triglycerides, ethoxylated polyol esters, alkoxylated alkanols, and also alkoxylated triglyceride fatty acid esters, fatty acid ethers, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane monooleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane dioleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different penetrants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Penetrants are commercially manufactured and available from a variety of companies.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the ultraviolet absorber is zinc oxide, titanium oxide, lignosulfonate, benzotriazole compounds such as 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyloxalic acid bisanilide, dimethyl succinate-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine polycondensate, 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole and 2-(2'-hydroxy-4'-n-octoxyphenyl)benzotriazole; 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzotriazole. The ultraviolet absorber may be selected from, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: benzophenone compounds such as phenone and 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone; salicylic acid compounds such as phenyl salicylate and pt-butylphenyl salicylate; 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyloxalic acid bisanilide, p-aminobenzoic acid and its salts or derivatives; and dimethyl succinate-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine polycondensates or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different ultraviolet absorbers can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such ultraviolet absorbers are commercially available and are available from various companies.

[0106] According to one embodiment, UV light scattering agents may be used, including, but not limited to, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that different UV light scattering agents or mixtures thereof may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such UV light scattering agents are commercially available and are available from a variety of companies.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the humectant is selected from one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers, such as the Synperonic PE series of copolymers available from Uniqema, or salts and derivatives thereof, but is not limited thereto. Other humectants include propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol compounds such as propylene glycol ethers; and derivatives thereof. Other humectants include calcium chloride, sodium lactate, urea, polydextrose, sodium metaphosphate, amino acids such as proline; triacetin, and the like. The nonionic surfactants mentioned above also function as humectants. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known humectants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Humectants are commercially available and are available from various companies.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the ZC composition, or water dispersible granule of the encapsulated suspension, comprises a monomer comprising at least one first monomer utilized in an organic phase comprising an isocyanate such as polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate (PMPPI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), or 4,4' methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate), and / or a trimer such as HMDI or IPDI, an isomer of toluene diisocyanate, an isomer and derivative of phenylene diisocyanate, an isomer and derivative of biphenylene diisocyanate, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), a polymeric polyisocyanate, a biuret, and a blocked polyisocyanate, or mixtures thereof.

[0110] The concentration of isocyanate, and the ratio when more than one isocyanate is used, is selected to obtain the desired release rate profile for a particular application. Generally, the isocyanate will comprise from about 0.3 to about 20%, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 15%, even more preferably from about 1 to about 25%, and most preferably from about 10 to about 20% by weight of the microcapsules.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the ZC composition or the water dispersible granules of the encapsulated suspension contain at least one second monomer, such as a diamine or polyamine, or a mixture thereof. The monomer comprises a compound that is soluble in the aqueous phase. Aliphatic or alicyclic primary or secondary diamines or polyamines, such as ethylene-1,2-diamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, bis-(3-aminopropyl)amine, bis-(2-methylaminoethyl)methylamine, 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 3-amino-1-methylaminopropane, N-methyl-bis-(3-aminopropyl)amine, 1,4-diamino-n-butane, propylene-1,3-diamine, tetramethylenediamine, pentamethylenediamine, 1,6-hexamethylenediamine, triethylenediamine, 1,6-diamino-n-hexane, and tetraethylenepentamine, and mixtures thereof are preferably used. Polyethyleneimine is also suitable. The diamines and polyamines are usually chosen as they are water soluble per se or in the form of salts soluble in water, and are polymethylenediamines, phenylenediamines, toluenediamines, and piperazines.

[0112] Particularly suitable amines are polyfunctional amines having a functionality greater than 2 but less than 3, which can provide some degree of crosslinking to the shell wall. The polyfunctional amine should be in the form of a water-soluble salt. Suitable examples of polyfunctional amines that may be used include 1,3,5-benzenetriamine trihydrochloride, 2,4,6-triaminotoluene trihydrochloride, 1,3,6-triaminonaphthalene, 3,4,5-triamino-1,2,4-triazole, melamine, 2,4,5,8-tetraaminoanthraquinone, propylenediamine, isopropylenediamine, ethenediamine, triethylenetetraamine, bix-hexamethylenetriamine, and polyalkylenepolyamines such as pentaethylenehexamine. The amines may be used alone or in combination with each other, preferably in combination with 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HMDA).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the ZC composition or the water-dispersible granule of the encapsulated suspension contains a protective colloid selected from at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinylpyrrolidone, starch (amylose and amylopectin), water-soluble polysaccharides such as cellulose, and their methyl, hydroxyethyl, and hydroxypropyl derivatives, and poly(meth)acrylics. Polyvinyl alcohol is typically sold in solid forms with various molecular weights and degrees of hydrolysis. The polyvinyl alcohol is added in an amount sufficient to enhance the stability of the microcapsules. In particular, polyvinyl alcohols with lower molecular weights or lower degrees of hydrolysis and higher water solubility are preferred.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the ZC composition, or water dispersible granule of the encapsulated suspension, comprises a polymer such as a polyurea formed by the reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyamine; a polymer formed from melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde condensates, and similar types of aminoplasts, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyolefins, polysaccharides, proteins, silica, lipid-modified cellulose, gums, polyacrylates, polyphosphates, polystyrene, polyesters, or mixtures thereof.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition comprises at least one further active ingredient. According to one embodiment, the active ingredient comprises at least one insecticidal active; Macronutrients macro nutrient, trace amount nutrition The active ingredients include nutrients selected from micronutrients; biostimulants; fertilizers; plant growth regulators; algae, and mixtures thereof. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other active ingredients may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the pesticidal active comprises one or more of antifouling agents, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, nematicides, pheromones, defoliants, acaricides, plant growth regulators, algicides, antifeedants, bird killers, fungicides, bird repellents, bioinsecticides, biocides, sterilizers, safeners, insect attractants, insect repellents, insect growth regulators, mammalian repellents, mating disruptors, disinfectants, molluscicides, antibacterial agents, miticides, ovicides, fumigants, plant activators, rodenticides, synergists, virucides, microbial insecticides, plant introduction protectants, other miscellaneous pesticidal actives or salts or derivatives, and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other pesticidal actives can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0117] According to further embodiments, the additional active ingredient is present in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0118] Surprisingly, it has been found that the pesticide compositions of the present invention have improved physical properties of dispersibility, suspension, wettability, viscosity, and pourability, which facilitate ease of handling and reduce material loss during product handling during packaging and during field application.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid composition is determined in accordance with CIPAC MT-192. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity at 25°C of about 10 cps to about 3000 cps. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity at 25°C of about 10 cps to about 2500 cps. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity at 25°C of about 10 cps to about 2000 cps. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity at 25°C of about 10 cps to about 1500 cps. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity at 25°C of about 10 cps to about 1200 cps. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity at 25°C of about 10 cps to about 1000 cps. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity at 25°C of about 10 cps to about 800 cps. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity of about 10 cps to about 500 cps at 25° C. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity of about 10 cps to about 400 cps at 25° C. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a viscosity of about 10 cps to about 300 cps at 25° C.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension compositions of the present invention are easily pourable. Pourability is a measure of the percentage of residue.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the injectability of the insecticide composition is determined according to CIPAC MT-148.1. According to a further embodiment, the injectability of the insecticide composition is less than 5% residual. According to a further embodiment, the injectability of the insecticide composition is preferably less than 2.5% residual. According to a further embodiment, the injectability of the insecticide composition is more preferably less than 2.0% residual.

[0122] The dispersibility of the compositions herein can be determined according to standard CIPAC test, MT174. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has at least 50% dispersibility. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has at least 60% dispersibility. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has at least 70% dispersibility. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has at least 80% dispersibility. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has at least 90% dispersibility. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has at least 99% dispersibility. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has 100% dispersibility.

[0123] Suspensibility is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended in a column of liquid of a specified height after a given time, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The test for suspensibility is performed according to the CIPAC handbook, "MT184 Test for Suspensibility".

[0124] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a suspensibility of at least 50%. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a suspensibility of at least 60%. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a suspensibility of at least 70%. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a suspensibility of at least 80%. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a suspensibility of at least 90%. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a suspensibility of at least 99%. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition has a suspensibility of 100%.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates excellent suspension under accelerated storage conditions (ATS). According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 90% suspension under ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 80% suspension under ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 70% suspension under ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 60% suspension under ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 50% suspension under ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 40% suspension under ATS.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 90% dispersibility under the ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 80% dispersibility under the ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 70% dispersibility under the ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 60% dispersibility under the ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 50% dispersibility under the ATS. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates at least 40% dispersibility under the ATS.

[0127] Wettability is the condition or state of being able to be hydrated. It can be defined as the degree to which a solid can be hydrated by a liquid, and is measured by the adhesive force between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of a granular or wettable powder composition is measured using standard CIPAC test MT-53, which describes a procedure for determining the time to complete hydration of a wettable formulation. A weighed amount of the granular composition is dropped from a specific height into a beaker of water, and the time for complete hydration is determined. According to another embodiment, the insecticide composition in the form of a water dispersible granule, wettable powder, spheronized granule, or spray granule has a wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, it has a wettability of less than 1 minute. According to another embodiment, the insecticide composition has a wettability of less than 30 seconds.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition demonstrates excellent stability against heat, light, temperature, and caking. According to one embodiment, the insecticide composition exhibits stability for at least three years. According to a further embodiment, the insecticide composition exhibits stability for at least two years. According to a further embodiment, the insecticide composition exhibits stability for at least one year. According to a further embodiment, the insecticide composition exhibits stability for at least six months.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the present invention further relates to a process for preparing the pesticide composition of the present invention, comprising elemental sulfur present in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0130] According to another embodiment, the pesticide composition in the form of a water dispersible granule is prepared by various techniques, such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, spheronization, freeze drying, etc. The granules can also be extruded by an extruder to obtain extruded granules.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the process for preparing a water dispersible granule composition includes blending at least one pesticide excipient with elemental sulfur and fluensulfone and salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof to obtain a slurry or hydrated mixture. The hydrated slurry is milled to obtain a desired particle size of 0.1 to 30 microns. The resulting hydrated mixture is then dried, for example, in a spray dryer, fluidized bed dryer, or any suitable granulator, followed by sieving, if necessary, to remove undersized and oversized granules to obtain the desired size water dispersible granule. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the process or process parameters can be modified, altered, or varied to obtain a water dispersible granule composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0132] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing an extruded granular composition. The process involves passing technical sulfur through an air jet mill to obtain a particle size ranging from 0.1 to 30 microns. The process further involves taking water in a beaker and adding a surfactant thereto. The process further involves adding fluensulfone to the above mixture and mixing using a homogenizer to obtain a uniform dispersion. The milled dispersion of sulfur and fluensulfone is further granulated, and water is added to obtain a mass of desired consistency. The mass is then passed through an extruder to obtain an extrudate, which is then dried to obtain the extruded water dispersible granular composition.

[0133] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a wettable powder composition. The process involves mixing an effective amount of fluensulfone, a salt, or a derivative thereof with the required diluent and inert ingredients to obtain a first mixture. Elemental sulfur is then mixed with a surfactant to obtain a second mixture. Both mixtures are then added to a mass mixer for 30 minutes and passed through an air jet mill to obtain a wettable powder composition having a desired particle size range of 0.1 microns to 60 microns.

[0134] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing water dispersible granules of an encapsulated suspension. The process involves first preparing a slurry of sulfur in water using the required surfactants and then milling it using a suitable mill to obtain the desired particle size in the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. Fluensulfone is then dissolved in a suitable oil to prepare the encapsulated suspension composition. A polyvinyl alcohol solution is then prepared in water. A diisocyanate is then added to the oil phase, and the oil phase is added dropwise to an aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution at 45°C to 55°C. Ethylenediamine is then dissolved in water, followed by the addition of an acid. The pH is then adjusted to 6.0 to 7.5 using a suitable alkali. The milled sulfur slurry and the encapsulated suspension of Fluensulfone are mixed in the required ratio, and the mixture is spray-dried to obtain the water dispersible granules of the encapsulated suspension.

[0135] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid suspension composition.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a liquid suspension pesticide composition, the process comprising homogenizing a mixture of effective amounts of elemental sulfur, fluensulfone and salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a suspension; and wet-milling the resulting suspension to obtain a composition having a particle size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the process for preparing a liquid suspension composition includes homogenizing one or more excipients by feeding them into a vessel equipped with agitation equipment. Furthermore, elemental sulfur, fluensulfone, and salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof are added to the homogenized blend and continuously stirred for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until the entire mixture is homogenized. The resulting suspension is then passed through a wet mill to obtain a desired particle size in the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. Then, under continuous homogenization, the required amount of structuring agent is added to the resulting suspension. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the process or process parameters can be modified, altered, or changed to obtain a liquid suspension composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0138] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a suspoemulsion pesticide composition, comprising dissolving fluensulfone in an oil or solvent and preparing a concentrated emulsion with required pesticide excipients to obtain a first portion. The process further comprises mixing an effective amount of elemental sulfur with a surfactant to obtain a second portion, and then milling the second portion to obtain a desired particle size. The two resulting portions are then mixed in a mass mixer for 30 minutes to obtain a suspoemulsion composition having a desired particle size of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0139] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a ZC composition (a combination of a suspension concentrate and an encapsulated suspension composition). The process involves preparing a slurry by adding water to a beaker and the necessary surfactants, glycols, and biocides. Sulfur is then added to the mixture, and the mixture is milled to obtain the desired particle size. To prepare the encapsulated suspension, an effective amount of Fluensulfone is mixed with a solvent or oil. A polyvinyl alcohol solution is prepared in water. The required amount of diisocyanate is then added to the oil phase, and the oil phase is added dropwise to the aqueous PVA solution at 45°C to 55°C. Ethylenediamine is then added and dissolved in water, followed by the addition of an acid. The pH is then adjusted to 6.0 to 7.5 using a suitable alkali. The Fluensulfone encapsulated suspension is then added to the sulfur suspension and mixed well to obtain the ZC composition. A structuring agent is then added, along with additional water, to make up the volume as needed. The composition has a particle size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the present invention further relates to a method for applying the composition. The composition can be applied by various methods to ensure that the composition penetrates into the soil. The composition can be applied by seedbed tray application, in-furrow application, soil drench, soil injection, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, seed treatment, seed coating, and other such methods. The composition can also be applied in the form of a foliar spray.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for protecting crops, controlling insect pests, nematodes, and fungi, improving crop health and growth, increasing crop yield, strengthening plants, and increasing crop defenses, the method comprising treating at least one of a plant, crop, plant propagation material, site or part thereof, seed, seedling, or surrounding soil with an insecticide composition comprising elemental sulfur present in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition and fluensulfone or a salt or derivative thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. The composition may be sprayed directly on the plant, e.g., on its leaves, or may be applied to the plant propagation material or site thereof before sowing or planting.

[0142] The rate or dose of application of the composition will depend on the type of crop or the particular active ingredient in the composition, but will be such that the insecticidal active ingredient is in an effective amount to provide the desired effect, such as crop protection, crop yield, etc.

[0143] It has been observed that the composition of the present invention provides better insect pest control compared with the application of individual active ingredients.In addition, such composition is useful for improving crop yield, improving the physiological characteristics of crops, etc.In this way, it has been observed that the composition of the present invention demonstrates improved, effective and excellent behavior in the field at reduced dosage. [Example]

[0144] A. Preparation example The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the compositions of the present invention. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples and can be extrapolated to the overall claimed concentration ranges of the ingredients.

[0145] Example 1: Wettable Powder Formulation of 85% Elemental Sulfur and 1% Fluensulfone A wettable powder formulation was prepared by mixing 1 part Fluensulfone with 1 part precipitated silica and 4 parts kaolin to obtain a first portion. Additionally, 85 parts sulfur was mixed with 7 parts sodium lignosulfonate and 2 parts naphthalene sulfonate condensate to obtain a second portion. Both portions were then blended in a mass mixer for 30 minutes and then passed through an air jet mill to obtain a wettable powder composition with the desired particle size.

[0146] The composition had a particle size of about 59 microns. The composition had a sling of 53%, a wet sieve retention of 0.04%, and a hydration time of less than 35 seconds. The composition further demonstrated a sling of about 47% and a hydration time of about 40 seconds under accelerated storage conditions.

[0147] Example 2: Wettable Powder Formulation of 20% Elemental Sulfur and 20% Fluensulfone A wettable powder formulation was prepared by mixing 20 parts Fluensulfone with 4 parts alcohol ethoxylate, 20 parts silica, and 20 parts china clay to obtain the first subportion. 20 parts sulfur and 10 parts zinc oxide were mixed with 3 parts Supragil MNS90 and 3 parts Supragil WP to obtain the second subportion. Both subportions were then mixed in a mass mixer for 30 minutes and then passed through an air jet mill to obtain the desired particle size.

[0148] The composition has a particle size of about 35 microns. The composition has a sag of 60%, a hydration of less than 10 seconds, and a wet sieve retention value of 0.1%. The composition further demonstrated a hydration of 15 seconds and a sag of about 57% under accelerated storage conditions.

[0149] Example 3: Wettable Powder Formulation of 45% Elemental Sulfur and 30% Fluensulfone A wettable powder formulation was prepared by mixing 30 parts Fluensulfone with 3 parts alcohol ethoxylate, 17 parts silica, and 2 parts china clay to obtain the first portion. 45 parts sulfur was then mixed with 2 parts Geropon T36 and 1 part Geropon T77 to obtain the second portion. Both portions were blended in a mass mixer for 30 minutes and then passed through an air jet mill to obtain the desired particle size.

[0150] The composition has a particle size of about 26 microns. The composition has a sag of 62%, a hydration rate of less than 60 seconds, and a wet sieve retention rate of 0.12%. The composition further demonstrated a hydration rate of less than 55 seconds and a sag of about 55% under accelerated storage conditions.

[0151] Example 4: Wettable Powder Formulation of 90% Elemental Sulfur and 0.1% Fluensulfone A wettable powder formulation was prepared by mixing 0.1 parts Fluensulfone with 4 parts kaolin. 90 parts sulfur was then mixed with 3.9 parts sodium lignin sulfonate and 2 parts naphthalene sulfonate condensate. Both portions were then blended in a mass mixer for 30 minutes and then passed through an air jet mill to obtain the desired particle size.

[0152] The composition had a particle size of about 43 microns. The composition had a sling of 67%, a wet sieve retention of 0.08%, and a hydration time of less than 30 seconds. The composition further demonstrated a sling of about 60% and a hydration time of 25 seconds under accelerated storage conditions.

[0153] Example 5: Fluensulfone Water Dispersible Granules Containing 88% and 2% Elemental Sulfur A water dispersible granule was prepared by adding water to a beaker, and surfactants including 1 part naphthalene sulfonate condensate sodium salt, 4 parts Stepsperse 500, 1 part silica, and 4 parts Tensiofix LX were sequentially added to the beaker and stirred until the surfactants were completely dissolved. 88 parts of technical sulfur were then added and stirred until well dispersed. 2 parts of technical fluensulfone were then added and mixed for 15 minutes using a homogenizer to obtain a slurry. The slurry was then passed through a wet mill to obtain the desired particle size range. The milled slurry was then spray-dried using a suitable spray dryer. The composition had a particle size of approximately 20 microns and a granule size of 2.5 mm.

[0154] The composition has a dispersibility of 81%, a suspension of 71%, a hydration time of less than 30 seconds, and a wet sieve retention value of 0.09%. The composition further demonstrated a dispersibility of 78%, a hydration time of less than 25 seconds, and a suspension time of about 68% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition does not exhibit hardness.

[0155] Example 6: Fluensulfone Water Dispersible Granules Containing 20% ​​and 10% Elemental Sulfur A water dispersible granule was prepared by adding water to a beaker, and surfactants containing 1 part naphthalenesulfonate condensate sodium salt, 4 parts Stersperse 200, 5 parts Vanillex N, 5 parts silica, and 50 parts china clay were added sequentially to the beaker and stirred until the surfactants were completely dissolved. 20 parts technical sulfur and 5 parts azoxystrobin were then added and stirred to disperse well. 10 parts technical fluensulfone was then added and mixed for 15 minutes using a homogenizer to obtain a slurry. The slurry was then passed through a wet mill to obtain the desired particle size range. The milled slurry was then spray-dried using a suitable spray dryer.

[0156] The composition has a particle size of about 5 microns and a granule size of 1.2 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 92%, a suspension of 88%, a hydration of less than 20 seconds, and a wet sieve retention value of 0.07%. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further demonstrated a dispersibility of 87%, a hydration of less than 15 seconds, and a suspension of about 82%. The composition does not exhibit hardness.

[0157] Example 7: Fluensulfone Water Dispersible Granules Containing 50% and 0.1% Elemental Sulfur A water dispersible granule was prepared by pouring water into a beaker, and a surfactant containing 1 part Borresperse CA, 3 parts sodium polycarboxylate, and 6 parts maltodextrin was added to the beaker in order with 34.9 parts china clay, and stirred until the surfactant was completely dissolved. 50 parts of technical sulfur and 5 parts of spirulina were then added and stirred until well dispersed. 0.1 parts of technical fluensulfone was then added and mixed for 15 minutes using a homogenizer to obtain a slurry. The slurry was then passed through a wet mill to obtain the desired particle size range. The milled slurry was then spray-dried using a suitable spray dryer.

[0158] The composition has a particle size of about 28 microns and a granule size of 2.0 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 74%, a suspension of 65%, a hydration of less than 9 seconds, and a wet sieve retention value of 0.1%. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further demonstrated a dispersibility of 70%, a hydration of less than 5 seconds, and a suspension of about 60%. The composition does not exhibit hardness.

[0159] Example 8: Liquid Suspension Composition of 60% Elemental Sulfur and 0.1% Fluensulfone A liquid suspension composition was prepared by adding a sufficient amount of water to a beaker and adding 2 parts Resicare MSW, 2 parts Soprophor FL, or another surfactant, along with 5 parts monoethylene glycol, 4.6 parts alcohol ethoxylate, and 0.1 parts benzisothiazolinone. The ingredients were thoroughly mixed to obtain a mixture, and 60 parts elemental sulfur and 0.1 parts technical fluensulfone were added to the mixture. The resulting mixture was thoroughly stirred and milled to obtain the desired particle size. 0.07 parts xanthan gum was then added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension concentrate.

[0160] The resulting formulation had a particle size of 3 microns, a suspension of 88%, and a wet sieve retention of 0.01%. The pH of the suspension concentrate was 5.5. The composition had a viscosity of approximately 400 cps and a pourability of less than 3.5%. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition had a suspension of approximately 80% and a viscosity of approximately 360 cps.

[0161] Example 9: Liquid Suspension Composition of 30% Elemental Sulfur and 1% Fluensulfone A liquid suspension composition was prepared by placing a sufficient amount of water in a beaker and adding 2 parts of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, 1.8 parts of a surfactant such as naphthalene sulfonate condensate, along with 5 parts of monoethylene glycol, 2 parts of Soprophor 3D33, and 0.1 parts of benzisothiazolinone. The ingredients were thoroughly mixed to obtain a mixture, and 30 parts of elemental sulfur and 1 part of technical-grade fluensulfone were added to the mixture. The resulting mixture was thoroughly stirred and milled to obtain the desired particle size. 0.1 parts of xanthan gum was then added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension concentrate.

[0162] The resulting formulation had a particle size of 14 microns, a 99% suspension, and a wet sieve retention of 0.03%. The pH of the suspension concentrate was 7.1. The composition has a suspension of about 99%, a viscosity of about 350 cps, and a pourability of less than 1% retention. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition has a suspension of about 95% and a viscosity of about 320 cps.

[0163] Example 10: Liquid Suspension Composition of 20% Elemental Sulfur and 5% Fluensulfone A liquid suspension composition was prepared by adding a sufficient amount of water to a beaker and adding 2 parts polysorbate 20, 2 parts Morwet D425, and other surfactants, along with 10 parts propylene glycol, 1.5 parts Tersperse 2500, and 0.1 parts benzisothiazolinone. The ingredients were thoroughly mixed to obtain a mixture, and 20 parts elemental sulfur was added to the mixture along with 5 parts technical-grade fluensulfone. The resulting mixture was thoroughly stirred and milled to obtain the desired particle size. 0.08 parts xanthan gum was then added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension concentrate.

[0164] The resulting formulation had a particle size of 9.6 microns, a suspension of 90%, and a wet sieve retention of 0.04%. The pH of the suspension concentrate was 6.8. The composition had a viscosity of approximately 800 cps and a pourability of less than 2%. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition had a suspension of approximately 84% and a viscosity of approximately 810 cps.

[0165] Example 11: Suspoemulsion Composition of 20% Elemental Sulfur and 15% Fluensulfone To a sufficient amount of water in a beaker, 5 parts monoethylene glycol was added, followed by 5 parts Soprophor 3D33, 2 parts polysorbate 85, and 0.1 parts benzisothiazolinone to obtain a mixture. 20 parts sulfur was then added to the mixture, and the resulting suspension was homogenized using a homogenizer and then passed through a wet mill to obtain the desired particle size range. 15 parts Fluensulfone was then dissolved in 5 parts Solvesso 100, and 1.5 parts of calcium salt of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid was then added to the mixture. The Fluensulfone mixture was then added to the ground sulfur suspension. 0.12 parts xanthan gum was then added to obtain the desired viscosity.

[0166] The composition has a particle size of about 17 microns, a pendency of about 81%, a viscosity of about 420 cps, a pourability of less than 1.5%, and a wet sieve retention of 0.01%. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition has a pendency of about 78% and a viscosity of about 370 cps.

[0167] Example 12: Suspoemulsion Composition of 35% Elemental Sulfur and 10% Fluensulfone 3.5 parts alcohol ethoxylate, followed by 2 parts Powerblox SN, 2 parts Stepac TSPK, 0.1 part benzisothiazolinone, and 5 parts propylene glycol were added to a sufficient amount of water in a beaker. To this mixture, 35 parts elemental sulfur was added, followed by a mixture of 10 parts Fluensulfone, 5 parts Garasol 110, and 1 part sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate. The resulting slurry was blended for 30 minutes using a laboratory homogenizer and then milled using a bead mill to obtain the desired particle size. 0.1 parts xanthan gum was added to the milled mixture to obtain the desired viscosity.

[0168] The composition has a particle size of about 7 microns, a pendency of about 85%, a viscosity of about 390 cps, a pourability of less than 1%, and a wet sieve retention of 0.01%. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition has a pendency of about 82% and a viscosity of about 410 cps.

[0169] Example 13: Suspoemulsion Composition of 55% Elemental Sulfur and 0.1% Fluensulfone To a sufficient amount of water in a beaker, 5 parts monoethylene glycol, 4.5 parts alcohol ethoxylate, 2 parts Resicare MSW, and 0.1 parts benzisothiazolinone were added to obtain a mixture. 55 parts sulfur was then added to the mixture, and the resulting suspension was homogenized using a homogenizer. The slurry was then passed through a wet mill to obtain the desired particle size range. 0.1 parts fluensulfone was then dissolved in 5 parts C9 hydrocarbon solvent, and 2 parts Soprophor 3D33 were then added to the mixture. The fluensulfone mixture was then added to the ground sulfur suspension. 0.08 parts xanthan gum was then added to obtain the desired viscosity.

[0170] The composition has a particle size of about 23 microns, a pendency of about 97%, a viscosity of about 480 cps, a pourability of less than 2%, and a wet sieve retention of 0.02%. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition has a pendency of about 90% and a viscosity of about 450 cps.

[0171] Example 14: ZC Composition of 30% Elemental Sulfur and 15% Fluensulfone First, a sulfur slurry was prepared by adding a sufficient amount of water to a beaker and adding 5 parts of a surfactant, such as Tamol DN, and 5 parts of monoethylene glycol. Then, 30 parts of sulfur was added and milled to obtain the desired particle size. To obtain the Fluensulfone encapsulated suspension, 15 parts of Fluensulfone and 10 parts of Solvesso 200ND were mixed. Furthermore, a solution of 2 parts of Gohsenol GH17R was prepared in water. 1.5 parts of toluene diisocyanate was added to the oil phase and added dropwise to the Gohsenol aqueous solution at 50°C. Furthermore, 0.5 parts of ethylenediamine, followed by 0.2 parts of acetic acid, were dissolved in water. The pH was adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using 0.05 parts of sodium hydroxide solution. The milled sulfur suspension and Fluensulfone CS were then mixed in a 1:1 w / w ratio. Next, 0.1 parts of xanthan gum and 0.1 parts of benzoisothiazolinone were added with stirring. The resulting ZC composition had a sulfur content of 30% and a fluensulfone content of 15%. The composition had particles of about 13 microns in size with a 96% suspension and an 85% dispersion. The composition had a suspension of about 90% under accelerated storage conditions.

[0172] Example 15: ZC Composition of 20% Elemental Sulfur and 10% Fluensulfone First, a sulfur slurry was prepared by adding a sufficient amount of water to a beaker and adding 5 parts of a surfactant such as Soprophor 3D33, 5 parts of monoethylene glycol, and 2 parts of Resicare MSW. Then, 20 parts of sulfur was added and milled to obtain the desired particle size. To obtain the Fluensulfone encapsulated suspension, 10 parts of Fluensulfone and 5 parts of Solvesso 200ND were mixed. Furthermore, a solution of 1.5 parts of Kuraray Poval 3-98 was prepared in water. 1.5 parts of polymethylene diisocyanate was added to the oil phase and added dropwise to the aqueous Kuraray Poval 3-98 solution at 50°C. Furthermore, 1.25 parts of trimethylolpropane was dissolved in water and added to the dispersion. The milled sulfur suspension and Fluensulfone CS were then mixed in a 1:1 w / w ratio. Next, 0.12 parts of xanthan gum and 0.1 parts of benzoisothiazolinone were added with stirring. The resulting ZC composition had a sulfur content of 21% and a fluensulfone content of 10%.

[0173] The composition has particles about 18 microns in size with a suspension of 89%, and the composition has a suspension of about 78% under accelerated storage conditions.

[0174] Example 16: ZC Composition of 25% Elemental Sulfur and 1% Fluensulfone First, a sulfur slurry was prepared by adding a sufficient amount of water to a beaker and adding 3 parts of a surfactant such as sodium polycarboxylate, 5 parts of propylene glycol, and 2 parts of Morwet D425. Next, 25 parts of sulfur was added and milled to obtain the desired particle size. To obtain the Fluensulfone encapsulation suspension, 1 part Fluensulfone and 5 parts of Garosol 110 were mixed. Furthermore, a solution of 1.5 parts of Kuraray Poval 3-98 was prepared in water. 1.5 parts of polymethylene diisocyanate was added to the oil phase and added dropwise to the Kuraray Poval 3-98 in water at 50°C. Furthermore, 0.5 parts of ethylenediamine, followed by 0.2 parts of citric acid, was dissolved in water. The pH was adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using 0.05 parts of potassium hydroxide solution. The milled sulfur suspension was then mixed with Fluensulfone CS in a 1:1 w / w ratio. 0.11 parts of xanthan gum and 0.1 parts of benzisothiazolinone were added under stirring. The resulting ZC composition had a sulfur content of 25% and a fluenesulfone content of 5%.

[0175] The composition has particles about 15 microns in size with a suspension of 87%. The composition has a suspension of about 81% under accelerated storage conditions.

[0176] Example 17: Water Dispersible Granule of 60% Elemental Sulfur and 20% Encapsulated Suspension of Fluensulfone First, a slurry of 60 parts sulfur, 5 parts Tamol DN, and 5 parts sodium lignosulfonate was prepared in water and milled using a suitable mill to obtain the desired particle size. To prepare the encapsulated suspension composition, 20 parts Fluensulfone was mixed with 5 parts Solvesso 200ND. A solution of 2 parts Gohsenol GH17R was then prepared in water. 1.5 parts toluene diisocyanate was added to the oil phase and added dropwise to the Gohsenol aqueous solution at 50°C. 0.75 parts Soprophor TSPK, 0.5 parts ethylenediamine, and 0.2 parts acetic acid were dissolved in water. The pH was then adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using 0.05 parts sodium hydroxide solution. The milled sulfur slurry was then mixed with Fluensulfone CS, and the resulting dispersion was spray-dried to obtain the encapsulated suspension water dispersible granules. The composition has a particle size of 10 microns, a 91% suspension, an 86% dispersibility, and a 30 second hydration. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition has approximately 87% suspension and 80% dispersibility.

[0177] Example 18: Water Dispersible Granule of 20% Elemental Sulfur and 30% Encapsulated Suspension of Fluensulfone First, a slurry of 20 parts sulfur, 3 parts sodium polycarboxylate, and 10 parts sodium lignosulfonate was prepared in water and milled using a suitable mill to obtain the desired particle size. To prepare the encapsulated suspension composition, 30 parts Fluensulfone was mixed with 7 parts acetophenone. Next, a solution of 2 parts Kuraray 3-98 was prepared in water. 1.5 parts polymethylene diisocyanate was added to the oil phase and added dropwise to the aqueous Kuraray 3-98 solution at 50°C. 0.5 parts ethylenediamine was dissolved in water, followed by 0.2 parts citric acid. The pH was then adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using 0.05 parts sodium hydroxide solution. 0.75 parts sodium naphthalenesulfonate and 25 parts sodium sulfate were then added. The milled sulfur slurry and Fluensulfone CS were mixed, and the resulting dispersion was spray-dried to obtain the desired dry encapsulated formulation in the form of a water dispersible granule.

[0178] The composition has a particle size of 12 microns, 80% suspensibility, 65% dispersibility, and 80 seconds of hydration. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition has approximately 75% suspensibility, 61% dispersibility, and 88 seconds of hydration after ATS.

[0179] Example 19: Water Dispersible Granule of 40% Elemental Sulfur and 0.1% Encapsulated Suspension of Fluensulfone First, a slurry of 40 parts sulfur, 3 parts sodium polycarboxylate, and 3 parts Morwet D425 was prepared in water and milled using a suitable mill to obtain the desired particle size. To prepare the encapsulated suspension composition, 0.1 parts Fluensulfone was mixed with 5 parts Solvesso 100. Next, a solution of 2 parts Kuraray 3-98 was prepared in water. 1.5 parts hexamethylene diisocyanate was added to the oil phase and added dropwise to the aqueous Kuraray 3-98 solution at 50°C. To this dispersion, 0.5 parts ethylenediamine dissolved in water was added, followed by 0.2 parts citric acid. The pH was then adjusted to 6.0-7.5 using 0.05 parts sodium hydroxide solution. Next, 1.75 parts Morwet EFW, 9 parts ammonium sulfate, 10 parts Borresperse NA, and 23.9 parts china clay were added. Furthermore, the ground sulfur slurry and Fluensulfone CS were mixed, and the resulting dispersion was spray-dried to obtain a suitable dry encapsulated formulation in the form of a water dispersible granule. The composition has a particle size of 8.8 microns, a suspension of 84%, a dispersibility of 68%, and a hydration time of 48 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition has a suspension of approximately 82%, a dispersibility of 60%, and a hydration time of 54 seconds after ATS.

[0180] A. Field survey <Field trial 1: To investigate the effectiveness of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone to control nematode pests in cowpea> A field trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a composition of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone for the control of nematode pests in cowpea. The trial was designed in a randomized block design (RBD) during the Rabi season, i.e., January to April, with 10 treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. After planting cowpea seeds in the trial plots, test product samples, sulfur, and fluensulfone, alone and in combination, were applied as soil applications at the prescribed doses. Cowpea crops in the trial fields were cultivated using the following good agronomic practices:

[0181] (Experiment details) a) Location of trial: Idar, Gujarat b) Crop: Cowpea (seeds of var. Keshvin) c) Experimental Season: Rabi d) Trial Planning: RBD e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 10 g) Property size: 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Sowing date: January 8, 2022 i) Applicable date: January 8, 2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: April 8, 2022

[0182] Observations of crop damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita 90 days after planting cowpea plants from each location were recorded and the percentage of control was calculated using the following formula: Control (%) = [damage in control plot - damage in treated plot) / damage in control plot] x 100 was calculated using

[0183] Average data on control of nematode pests were recorded at harvest along with grain yield and are presented in Tables 1 and 2.

[0184] [Table 1]

[0185] From Table 1, it can be seen that applications of Treatment 1 with 90% sulfur + 0.2% fluensulfone wettable powder @ 10,000 g / ha and Treatment 2 with 45% sulfur + 0.1% fluensulfone wettable powder @ 20,000 g / ha according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests in cowpea 90 days after application compared to Treatments 3 and 4 in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually. It can be seen that Treatments 1 and 2 showed an 85.23% and 84.91% reduction in nematode control relative to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 with the individual actives, which showed only a 46.70% and 54.57% reduction in nematode control, respectively. The results are all the more surprising because the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in combination are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the morphology of the composition, i.e., the wettable powder shown in this study, which includes particles ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 60 microns.

[0186] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0187] [Table 2]

[0188] From Table 2, it can be seen that application of Treatment 1, using a 40% sulfur + 30% fluensulfone wettable powder composition @ 1800 g / ha, and Treatment 2, using a 20% sulfur + 15% fluensulfone wettable powder composition @ 3600 g / ha, according to embodiments of the present invention, were highly effective in controlling nematode pests on cowpea 90 days after application, compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, which use the individual actives, which exhibited poor control relative to the untreated control, Treatments 1 and 2 exhibited a 96.58% and 95.99% reduction in nematode control relative to the untreated control. The results are all the more surprising because the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in combination were the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatments 1 and 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions, according to embodiments of the present invention, in which both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the morphology of the composition, ie, the wettable powder presented in this study, which contains particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 60 microns.

[0189] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0190] <Field trial 2: To investigate the effectiveness of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone to control nematode pests in cowpea> A field trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a composition of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone for the control of nematode pests in cowpea. The trial was designed in a randomized block design (RBD) during the rabi season, i.e., January to April, with 10 treatments including an untreated control and replicated four times. After planting cowpea seeds in the trial plots, test product samples, sulfur, and fluensulfone, alone and in combination, were applied as soil applications at the prescribed doses. The cowpea crop in the trial field was cultivated using the following good agronomic practices:

[0191] (Experiment details) a) Location of trial: Prantij, Gujarat b) Crop: Cowpea (seeds of var. Keshvin) c) Experimental Season: Rabi d) Trial Planning: RBD e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 10 g) Property size: 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Sowing date: January 10, 2022 i) Applicable date: January 10, 2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: April 10, 2022

[0192] Observations of crop damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita 90 days after planting cowpea plants from each location were recorded and the percentage of control was calculated using the following formula: Control (%) = [damage in control plot - damage in treated plot) / damage in control plot] x 100 was calculated using

[0193] Average data on control of nematode pests were recorded at harvest along with grain yield and are presented in Tables 3 and 4.

[0194] [Table 3]

[0195] Table 3 shows that applications of sulfur 88% + fluensulfone 1% WG @ 4000 g / ha and sulfur 44% + fluensulfone 0.5% WG @ 8000 g / ha in Treatment 1 and Treatment 2, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, showed 85.58% and 86.14% reductions in nematode control relative to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 46.81% and 17.22% reduction in nematode control, respectively, relative to the untreated control. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions in accordance with embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests in cowpea 90 days after application. A surprising increase in efficacy is observed with compositions in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, even though the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in compositions in accordance with the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, i.e., the water dispersible granules shown in this study, which contain particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0196] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0197] [Table 4]

[0198] Table 4 shows that applications of 40% sulfur + 10% fluensulfone WG @ 2500 g / ha and 22% sulfur + 5% fluensulfone WG @ 5000 g / ha according to embodiments of the present invention showed 89.63% and 89.95% reductions in nematode control compared to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 77.03% and 15.15% reduction in nematode control, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests in cowpea 90 days after application. A surprising increase in efficacy is observed with the compositions of the present invention, even though the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in the compositions according to the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, i.e., the water dispersible granules shown in this study, which contain particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0199] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0200] <Field trial 3: To investigate the effectiveness of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone to control nematode pests in cowpea> A field trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a composition of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone for the control of nematode pests in cowpea. The trial was designed in a randomized block design (RBD) during the rabi season, i.e., January to April, with 10 treatments, including an untreated control, replicated six times. After planting cowpea seeds in the trial plots, test product samples, sulfur, and fluensulfone, alone and in combination, were applied as soil applications at the prescribed doses. Cowpea crops in the trial fields were cultivated using the following good agronomic practices:

[0201] (Experiment details) a) Location of trial: Gandhinagar, Gujarat b) Crop: Cowpea (seeds of var. Keshvin) c) Experimental Season: Rabi d) Trial Planning: RBD e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 10 g) Property size: 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Sowing date: January 15, 2022 i) Applicable date: January 15, 2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: April 15, 2022

[0202] Observations of crop damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita 90 days after planting cowpea plants from each location were recorded and the percentage of control was calculated using the following formula: Control (%) = [damage in control plot - damage in treated plot) / damage in control plot] x 100 was calculated using

[0203] Average data on control of nematode pests were recorded at harvest along with grain yield and are presented in Tables 5 and 6.

[0204] [Table 5]

[0205] Table 5 shows that applications of 60% sulfur + 20% encapsulated fluensulfone water dispersible granules @ 1200 g / ha and 30% sulfur + 10% encapsulated fluensulfone water dispersible granules @ 2400 g / ha in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in Treatment 1 and Treatment 2, respectively, showed 90.28% and 90.12% reductions in nematode control relative to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 72.45% and 13.69% reduction in nematode control, respectively, relative to the untreated control. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied separately, treatments using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests in cowpea 90 days after application. A surprising increase in efficacy is observed with the compositions of the present invention, even though the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied separately and in the compositions according to the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the form of the compositions, i.e., the encapsulated suspension water dispersible granules shown in this study, which contain particles ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0206] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0207] [Table 6]

[0208] Table 6 shows that applications of 40% sulfur + 0.20% encapsulated fluensulfone water dispersible granules @ 10,000 g / ha and 20% sulfur + 0.10% encapsulated fluensulfone water dispersible granules @ 20,000 g / ha according to embodiments of the present invention showed 85.23% and 84.91% reductions in nematodes compared to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 46.70% and 54.57% reduction in nematode control, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests in cowpea 60 days after application. A surprising increase in efficacy is observed with the compositions of the present invention, even though the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in the compositions according to the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the form of the compositions, i.e., the encapsulated suspension water dispersible granules shown in this study, which contain particles ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0209] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0210] <Field trial 4: To investigate the effectiveness of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone to control nematode pests in tomatoes> A field trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a composition of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone for the control of nematode pests in tomatoes. The trial was designed in a randomized block design (RBD) during the rabi season, i.e., January to April, with 10 treatments, including an untreated control, replicated five times. After planting tomato seedlings in the trial plots, test product samples, sulfur, and fluensulfone, alone and in combination, were applied as soil applications at the prescribed doses. Tomato crops in the trial fields were cultivated using the following good agronomic practices:

[0211] (Experiment details) a) Location of trial: Indore, Madhya Pradesh b) Crop: Tomato c) Experimental Season: Rabi d) Trial Planning: RBD e) Iterations: 5 f) Processing: 10 g) Property size: 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Sowing date: January 10, 2022 i) Applicable date: January 10, 2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Crop variety: Abhilash k) Harvest date: April 18, 2022

[0212] Observations of crop damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita 70 days after planting tomato plants from each location were recorded and the percentage of control was calculated using the following formula: Control (%) = [damage in control plot - damage in treated plot) / damage in control plot] x 100 was calculated using

[0213] Average data on control of nematode pests was recorded at harvest along with crop yield and is presented in Tables 7 and 8.

[0214] [Table 7]

[0215] Table 7 shows that applications of 60% sulfur + 0.2% fluensulfone SC @ 14,000 g / ha in Treatment 1 and 30% sulfur + 0.1% fluensulfone SC @ 28,000 g / ha in Treatment 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention demonstrated 87.12% and 87.28% reductions in nematode control compared to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which demonstrated only a 50.23% and 47.56% reduction in nematode control, respectively. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions in accordance with embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests on tomatoes 70 days after application. The increased efficacy of compositions in accordance with the present invention is surprising, since the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in compositions in accordance with the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, i.e., a suspension concentrate, shown in this study, which includes particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0216] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, fruit size and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0217] [Table 8]

[0218] Table 8 shows that applications of 40% sulfur + 5% fluensulfone SC @ 4000 g / ha and 20% sulfur + 2.5% fluensulfone SC @ 8000 g / ha according to embodiments of the present invention showed 87.96% and 88.73% reductions in nematode control compared to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 71.75% and 26.85% reduction in nematode control, respectively. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests on tomatoes 70 days after application. The increased efficacy of compositions according to the present invention is surprising, since the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in compositions according to the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatments 1 and 2 are attributed to the presence of both actives at specific concentrations in a single composition according to embodiments of the present invention. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the morphology of the composition, namely the suspension concentrate shown in this study, which contains particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0219] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling nematodes, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, and therefore exhibit significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, fruit size and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0220] <Field trial 5: Investigating the effectiveness of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone to control nematode pests in tomatoes> A field trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a composition of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone for the control of nematode pests in tomatoes. The trial was designed in a randomized block design (RBD) during the rabi season, i.e., January to April, with 10 treatments, including an untreated control, replicated five times. After planting tomato seedlings in the trial plots, test product samples, sulfur, and fluensulfone, alone and in combination, were applied as soil applications at the prescribed doses. Tomato crops in the trial fields were cultivated using the following good agronomic practices:

[0221] (Experiment details) a) Location of trial: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh b) Crop: Tomato c) Experimental Season: Rabi d) Trial Planning: RBD e) Iterations: 5 f) Processing: 10 g) Property size: 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Sowing date: January 14, 2022 i) Applicable date: January 14, 2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: April 22, 2022

[0222] Observations of crop damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita 70 days after planting tomato plants from each location were recorded and the percentage of control was calculated using the following formula: Control (%) = [damage in control plot - damage in treated plot) / damage in control plot] x 100 was calculated using

[0223] Average data on control of nematode pests was recorded at harvest along with crop yield and is presented in Tables 9 and 10.

[0224] [Table 9]

[0225] Table 9 shows that applications of sulfur 55% + fluensulfone 1%) SE @ 10,000 g / ha and treatment 2, using sulfur 27.5% + fluensulfone 0.5%) SE @ 20,000 g / ha according to embodiments of the present invention, showed 89.89% and 90.49% reductions in nematode control compared to the untreated control, compared to treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 65.23% and 50.66% reduction in nematode control, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Compared to treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests on tomatoes 70 days after application. The increased efficacy of compositions according to the present invention is surprising, since the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in compositions according to the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, i.e., a suspoemulsion, shown in this study, which contains particles ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0226] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, fruit size and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0227] [Table 10]

[0228] Table 10 shows that applications of 40% sulfur + 15% fluensulfone SE @ 3000 g / ha and 20% sulfur + 7.5% fluensulfone SE @ 6000 g / ha according to embodiments of the present invention showed 93.15% and 93.62% reductions in nematode control compared to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 77.13% and 10.88% reduction in nematode control, respectively. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests on tomatoes 70 days after application. The increased efficacy of compositions according to the present invention is surprising, since the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in compositions according to the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatments 1 and 2 are attributed to the presence of both actives at specific concentrations in a single composition according to embodiments of the present invention. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, ie, the suspoemulsion shown in this study, which contains particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0229] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, fruit size and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0230] <Field trial 6: To investigate the effectiveness of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone to control nematode pests in eggplant> A field trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a composition of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone for the control of nematode pests in eggplant. The trial was conducted during the rabi season, i.e., January to April, in a randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. After planting eggplant seedlings in the trial plots, test product samples, sulfur, and fluensulfone, alone and in combination, were applied as soil applications at the prescribed doses. The eggplant crop in the trial field was cultivated using the following good agronomic practices:

[0231] (Experiment details) a) Location of trial: 24 Parganas, West Bengal b) Crop: Eggplant c) Experimental Season: Rabi d) Trial Planning: RBD e) Iterations: 5 f) Processing: 5 g) Property size: 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Sowing date: December 10, 2021 i) Applicable date: December 10, 2021 j) Application method: Soil application near the root zone k) Crop variety: Arka Neelkanth k) Harvest date: March 10, 2022

[0232] Observations of crop damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita 90 days after planting the eggplant plants from each location were recorded and the percentage of control was calculated using the following formula: Control (%) = [damage in control plot - damage in treated plot) / damage in control plot] x 100 was calculated using

[0233] Average data on control of nematode pests was recorded at harvest along with crop yield and is presented in Tables 11 and 12.

[0234] [Table 11]

[0235] Table 11 shows that applications of sulfur 30% + fluensulfone 15%) ZC @ 3000 g / ha and sulfur 20% + fluensulfone 10%) ZC @ 4500 g / ha in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showed 92.79% and 92.48% reductions in nematode control relative to the untreated control, compared to Treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 77.45% and 15.79% reduction in nematode control, respectively, relative to the untreated control. Compared to Treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions in accordance with embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests on eggplant 90 days after application. The increased efficacy of compositions in accordance with the present invention is surprising, since the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in compositions in accordance with the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are attributed to the sulfur and fluensulfone compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, where both actives are present at specific concentrations in a single composition. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the composition's form, i.e., the ZC composition, which is a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate composition, as shown in this study, containing particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0236] Furthermore, compositions according to embodiments of the present invention not only assist in controlling pests, thanks to the significant control of nematode populations and due to the presence of sulfur in the compositions, but also provide additional nutrition to the plants, thus showing significant improvements in yield and other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, fruit size and improved foliage, compared to yields observed when sulfur and fluensulfone are applied separately.

[0237] [Table 12]

[0238] Table 12 shows that application of sulfur 30% + fluensulfone 1.5%) ZC @ 6000 g / ha in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and treatment 2 with sulfur 20% + fluensulfone 3%) ZC @ 9000 g / ha in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention showed 87.75% and 86.81% reductions in nematode control compared to the untreated control, compared to treatments 3 and 4 using the individual actives, which showed only a 61.69% and 16.16% reduction in nematode control, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Compared to treatments 3 and 4, in which sulfur and fluensulfone were applied individually, treatments using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention were highly effective in controlling nematode pests on eggplant 90 days after application. The increased efficacy of compositions according to the present invention is surprising, since the doses of sulfur and fluensulfone applied individually and in compositions according to the present invention are the same. The surprising synergistic results of treatments 1 and 2 are attributed to the presence of both actives at specific concentrations in a single composition according to an embodiment of the present invention. The enhanced efficacy is further attributed to the composition's morphology, i.e., the ZC composition, which is a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate composition, as shown in this study, containing particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0239] Thus, the inventors of the present invention evaluated compositions of elemental sulfur and fluensulfone or salts or derivatives thereof on crops such as cowpeas, tomatoes, and eggplants. It was observed that the compositions of the present invention provided enhanced control of nematode pests compared to the application of individual active ingredients. Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention not only help improve crop yield, but also show improved physiological characteristics of the crop, such as root length, plant height, fruit size, and improved foliage. Thus, it was observed that the compositions of the present invention demonstrated enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field.

[0240] The inventors have determined that solid compositions according to the present invention, which have carefully selected characteristics, i.e., a combination of specific granule sizes, in which the granules comprise particles of a specific size range or wettable powders of a specific size range, together with liquid compositions with good viscosity and suspension properties, provide the active ingredient(s) readily available to crops or plants, helping crops obtain nutrition and protection throughout their developmental stages. Furthermore, compositions in the form of encapsulated suspension concentrate water dispersible granules and ZC compositions, which are combinations of suspension concentrates and encapsulated suspension concentrates, also provide continuous and sustained release of the active ingredient(s) throughout the crop's life cycle, thus providing effective crop protection and nutrient solutions. Due to their ease of application, the compositions of the present invention are highly economical for end users.

[0241] From the foregoing, it will be seen that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

1. elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; fluensulfone in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; A nematicide composition comprising:

2. 2. The nematicide composition according to claim 1, which is in the form of a solid, liquid or gel.

3. 3. The nematicide composition according to claim 2, wherein the solid composition is in the form of one of a wettable powder, a water dispersible granule, and a water dispersible granule of an encapsulated suspension.

4. 3. The nematicide composition of claim 2, wherein the solid composition comprises elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; and fluensulfone in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

5. 3. The nematicide composition of claim 2, wherein the liquid nematicide composition is in the form of one of a liquid suspension or suspension concentrate; a suspoemulsion, or a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate (ZC).

6. 6. The nematicide composition of claim 5, wherein the liquid composition comprises elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; and fluensulfone in the range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

7. 4. The nematicide composition according to claim 3, wherein the water dispersible granules and the water dispersible granules of the encapsulated suspension have a size range of 0.1 to 3 mm.

8. 10. The nematicide composition of claim 1, wherein said composition comprises particles ranging in size from 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

9. 10. The nematicide composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one active ingredient selected from macronutrients; micronutrients; biostimulants; fertilizers; insecticidal actives; plant growth regulators; algae, and mixtures thereof.

10. 2. The nematicide composition of claim 1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from at least one of a surfactant, a binder or binding agent; a wetting agent; an emulsifier; a filler or carrier or diluent; a coating agent; a buffer or pH adjuster or neutralizing agent; an antifoaming agent or defoaming agent; a penetrating agent; a UV protectant; a UV absorber; a UV light scattering agent; a stabilizer; a pigment; a colorant; a structuring agent; a chelating or complexing agent or sequestering agent; a thickening agent; a suspending agent or suspending aid or anti-caking or anti-settling agent; a viscosity adjuster or rheology modifier; a tackifier; a humectant; a spreading agent; a sticking agent; an antifreeze or freezing point depressant; a solvent; a preservative or bactericide or antifungal agent or biocide or antimicrobial or antioxidant, a polymer, a monomer, a crosslinker, a penetration enhancer, a protective colloid, and mixtures thereof.

11. 10. A method for treating at least one of a plant, a crop, a plant propagation material, a part thereof, or a seed, a seedling, and soil with the nematicide composition of claim 1.

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