FUNGICIDAL COMPOSITION CONTAINING PYRACLOSTROBIN, CYAZOFAMIDE AND METIRAM

Abstract

: The invention relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w; cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w; metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w; and, at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The invention further relates to the process of preparing the fungicidal composition of the present invention. The invention furthermore relates to a method of controlling fungal disease, crop protection or improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or the locus with the fungicidal composition of the present invention.

Description

[0001] FUNGICIDAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING PYRACLOSTROBIN, CYAZOFAMID AND METIRAM

[0002] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising effective amount of Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; effective amount of Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; effective amount of Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. More particularly, the invention relates to a fungicidal composition comprising: Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The fungicidal composition has particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0004] The invention further relates to the process of preparing the fungicidal composition comprising Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0005] The invention furthermore relates to a method of controlling fungal disease, crop protection or improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the fungicidal composition of the present invention.

[0006] 2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Fungal pathogens are extremely dangerous and may cause a loss of crop harvests or in the most serious cases, the death of the plants. Fungi can also negatively affect the quality of crops, causing an accumulation of toxins within the plants. The toxins produced by some fungi are dangerous for humans and animals. Again presently, the planting area of economic crops is gradually expanding and with the degree of occurrence and the number of diseases also increasing, it is becoming more and more difficult to effectively control plant pathogens.

[0008] While the use of chemical fungicides, for the protection of crops against fungi and other pests has been an integral component of crop management, the current fungicides available in the market do not meet the modern-day crop protection requirements, as they:

[0009] • lack in providing a broad spectrum of action,

[0010] • exhibit an unsatisfactory efficacy,

[0011] • exhibit an increased resistance among the fungi / diseases due to the repeated and prolonged administration of the individual actives or known chemistries at higher dosages,

[0012] • leads to environmental pollution and soil toxicity due to the leaching of the pesticides in soil and groundwater, when the pesticides are applied in higher dosages to overcome resistance issues.

[0013] Several fungicidal chemistries have been developed in order to control a wide array of fungal pests and pathogens. However, it is challenging to develop a stable formulation of pesticides including more than one active component with different physical and chemical properties, at times leading to the non-compatibility of the two or more actives combined in a composition, resulting in an unstable product over a prolonged period of storage.

[0014] Hence there is a need for developing newer fungicidal compositions, in particular fungicidal compositions with modem integrated pest management not only for an improved toxicological and environmental profile but also for broadening the spectrum of crop protection, along with increased safety to the end users.

[0015] There is a further need to reduce the rate of application of the fungicidal active ingredients in order to address the adverse environmental or toxicological effects observed with the higher dosages of application of the fungicidal compositions, while also overcoming the issues of development of fungi / disease resistance and other drawbacks associated with known chemistries.

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to develop a synergistic fungicidal composition, which while overcoming the above mentioned disadvantages, also provides an effective control over a broad spectrum of phytopathogenic harmful fungi, at application rates which are as low as possible, whereby the composition is effective at a reduced dosage of active compounds, exhibits a broadened activity spectrum of fungal control while improving the plant growth promoting activity, along with increased safety to the end users and reduced toxicity to the environment.

[0017] Pyraclostrobin is a strobilurin fungicide that inhibits mitochondrial complex III of fungal and mammalian cells. Pyraclostrobin is a broad-spectrum fungicide, that controls major plant pathogens from the ascomycete, basidiomycete, deuteromycete and oomycete classes of fungi. It has protective, curative, eradicative, translaminar, and locosystemic properties. Pyraclostrobin is taken up by the plants and is largely retained by the waxes in the leaf cuticle. It demonstrates good translaminar movement through the leaf, resulting in disease control on leaf surfaces.

[0018] Cyazofamid is a fungicide that is highly-specific in controlling the oomycete plant pathogen. The biochemical mode of action of cyazofamid is inhibition of all stages of fungal development. It controls early and late blight on tomatoes and potatoes and downy mildew on cucurbit vegetables and grapes.

[0019] Metiram is a broad spectrum contact fungicide from the dithiocarbamate group used for the control of fungal pathogens in a wide range of crops. It provides broad- spectrum disease protection with a safe Zinc (14%) supplement, which helps in better crop health. Metiram is used to protect fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamentals from foliar diseases and damping off.

[0020] However, there is no fungicidal composition known in the art comprising of a specific combination of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, which is not only synergistic in nature, but can also be effectively used with a broad spectrum fungicidal activity at reduced dosages of application and address the drawbacks discussed above with the known compositions.

[0021] The inventors have surprisingly found that the composition comprising an effective amount of pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; an effective amount of cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; an effective amount of metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, exhibits synergy. The inventors have developed a stable synergistic fungicidal composition comprising pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, where the composition acts as a superior crop -protectant, is non- phytotoxic, is effective at reduced dosages of application, helps in the resistance management observed with the old pesticide chemistry and also demonstrates increased yield on field application, while broadening the spectrum of crop protection, in terms of fungus or disease control.

[0022] The fungicidal composition of the invention comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns and thereby exhibits superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability and wettability. The fungicidal composition exhibits an increased surface area coverage on application to the crops or the plants, which enhances adhesion and provides better penetration of the active moieties when applied to the foliage, improving the efficacy and bioavailability of the composition. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the fungicidal composition was found to be significant not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

[0023] The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage and also surprisingly be used effectively in modern irrigation systems.

[0024] 3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60 % w / w of the total composition; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60 % w / w of the total composition; Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60 % w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition is in the form of wettable powders, water dispersible granules, water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension (WG- CS or DC), extruded granules, liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion or a zeon concentrate composition which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate composition (ZC).

[0026] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a process of preparing the fungicidal composition comprising pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of protection of the crop or improving its health or yield, by treating a plant or parts thereof, a plant propagation material, seed or a seedling, with a fungicidal composition comprising an effective amount of pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; an effective amount of cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; an effective amount of metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; and wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0028] 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that such specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed. Also, unless denoted otherwise, percentage of components in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0029] 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).

[0030] As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0031] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10. Also, unless denoted otherwise, percentages of components in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0032] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0033] The term “plant” or “crop” used in this application are interchangeable and wherever the term “plant” has been used shall also mean vegetations of similar nature namely crops, trees, shrub, herb etc. The term “agriculturally acceptable salts” include the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, such as sodium, potassium or calcium salts. When preparing the mixtures, preference is given to using the pure active compounds.

[0034] The granules refer mainly to water dispersible granules, extruded granules or spheronised granules or water disintegrable granules or broadcast granules or water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension.

[0035] As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules. As described herein, water dispersible granule is defined as a formulation which disperses or dissolves rapidly when added to water to give a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small, easily measured granules by blending and agglomerating ground active ingredients together with surfactants and other formulation excipients which disperses into finer / primary particles upon addition to water. The term water dispersible granules also encompasses extruded granules or granules obtained by the process of extrusion.

[0036] As defined herein, WP refers to a wettable powder, which can be a powder formulation to be applied as a suspension after dispersion in water.

[0037] As defined herein, CS-WG or DC refers to a granular composition obtained by drying a stable suspension of micro-encapsulated active ingredient, in an aqueous continuous phase.

[0038] As defined herein, the term liquid suspension encompasses “aqueous suspension” or aqueous dispersion” or “suspension concentrates (SC)” or flowable concentrate (FC) for seed dressing or suspension concentrate for seed treatment (FS) composition. Liquid suspension can be defined as a composition wherein solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid as a vehicle can be water and / or a water miscible solvent.

[0039] As defined herein, “suspo-emulsion” composition is essentially a mixture of water- insoluble active constituents dispersed in a water-based solution where one (or more) of the active constituents is a solid, formulated as a suspension form (SC) and one (or more) of the actives is in an oil, formulated as an emulsion in water (EW). As defined herein, CS refers to a stable suspension of micro-encapsulated active ingredient in an aqueous continuous phase, intended for dilution with water before use.

[0040] As defined herein, ZC formulation refers to a zeon concentrate composition which is a combination of the capsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate composition.

[0041] As defined herein, synergy can be referred to as “cooperative action of two components of the mixture such that the overall effect is greater or longer than “the sum of the two (or more) effects used independently” (PML Tames, Neth J. Plant Pathology 1964, 70, 73-80)

[0042] The term Pyraclostrobin used in the present invention refers to Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

[0043] The term Metiram used in the present invention refers to Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

[0044] The term Cyazofamid used in the present invention refers to Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

[0045] The particle size of the composition is defined as the size of particles of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules (WG) or wettable powders (WP) or water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension (DC) or liquid suspension (SC) or suspo-emulsion or a zeon concentrate composition which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) as a whole comprising the active ingredients i.e. pyraclostrobin; cyazofamid and metiram, along with the agrochemically acceptable excipient / s.

[0046] D50 is the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 50%. D50 is also called the median particle diameter or median particle size and represents an average 50% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution and represent average 90% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is also the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 90%.

[0047] A mixture is defined as a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically united to each other. A homogeneous mixture is defined as one whose composition is uniform throughout the mixture or the components that make up the mixture are distributed uniformly.

[0048] The present invention relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; an effective amount of Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; an effective amount of Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0049] The invention particularly relates to a fungicidal composition comprising: Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the fungicidal composition has particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0050] The inventors have surprisingly found that a fungicidal composition, comprising: Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, where the composition has a particle size range of 0.1 to 50 microns demonstrated synergistic pesticidal activity compared to the activity of the individual active ingredient alone.

[0051] The inventors have found that the composition not only provides an excellent fungal control, but also improves the yield, when the particles in the composition are present in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The plants treated with the composition of the invention also exhibits improved characteristics such as improved plant height, improved root length and improved foliage. The said composition acts as a superior crop-protectant, is non-phytotoxic and helps in resistance management observed with the old pesticide chemistry, while exhibiting a broad spectrum of crop protection. The composition is effective in controlling several diseases, for instance downy mildew, powdery mildew and anthracnose disease in grapes and cucumber, as well as in controlling the late blight and early blight diseases in crops such as tomato and potato.

[0052] In addition, the composition of the present invention exhibits superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability, wettability and pourability. The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage conditions.

[0053] According to an embodiment, Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0054] According to an embodiment, Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0055] According to an embodiment, Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof are present in the range of 1% to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition is in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gel or a paste.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the solid composition comprises Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the solid composition is in the form of wettable powders, dispersible powders, broadcast granules, spheronized granules, extruded granules, water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension. According to an embodiment, the water disintegrable granular composition is in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the solid composition is preferably in the form of one of wettable powders; extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension are in a size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to an embodiment, the extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to an embodiment, the extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm. According to an embodiment, the extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. According to an embodiment, the extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension are preferably, in a size range of 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 40 microns. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal compositions in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension, disperse into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, on addition to water. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal compositions in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension disperse into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, on addition to water.

[0063] According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 10 microns.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of wettable powders, extruded granules; water dispersible granules and water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the liquid composition comprises Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. According to an embodiment, the liquid composition is in the form of solutions, suspension, oil dispersion, liquid suspension, flowable concentrate, seed dressing, suspo-emulsion, capsulated suspension, zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC).

[0066] According to an embodiment, the liquid composition is preferably, in the form of one of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC).

[0067] According to a further embodiment, the particle size of the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) is in the range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. According to a further embodiment, the particle size of the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) is preferably in the range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns. According to a further embodiment, the particle size of the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) is preferably in the range of 0.1 micron to 15 microns. According to a further embodiment, the particle size of the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) is preferably in the range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, on addition to water. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns, on addition to water. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns, on addition to water. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition of the invention in the form of liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate which is a combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC) comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition of the invention in the form of liquid suspension or oil dispersion comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 10 microns.

[0069] According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition of the present invention in the form of liquid suspension or oil dispersion comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 15 microns. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition of the invention in the form of liquid suspension or oil dispersion comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition of the present invention in the form of liquid suspension or oil dispersion comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 5 microns.

[0070] The particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the fungicidal composition for the solid composition or 0.1-30 microns for the liquid composition, was found to be important not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipients is selected from surfactants, binders or binding agents; disintegrating agents; fillers or carriers or diluents; coating agents; buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents; antifoaming agents or defoamers; penetrants; humectant; pigments or colorants; structuring agents; thickeners; suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anticaking agents or anti-settling agents; microcapsule wall forming materials; cross linking agents; monomers; protective colloids; viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers; tackifiers; humectants; spreading agents; sticking agents; anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants; solvents; preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidants and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agrochemically acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. The agrochemically acceptable excipients are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 1% w / w to 99.7% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 95% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the fungicidal composition of the present invention include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents. According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the composition include one or more of anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric and polymeric surfactants.

[0075] The anionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to a salt of Fatty Acid, a Polycarboxylate, Alkyl Ether Sulfates, an Alkyl Sulfate, an Alkylarylsulfate, an Alkylaryl Sulfonate, an Aryl Sulfonate, a Lignin Sulfonate, an Alkyl Diphenyl Ether Disulfonate, a Polystyrene Sulfonate, a Salt of Alkylphosphoric Acid Ester, an Alkylaryl Phosphate, a Styrylaryl Phosphate, a Salt Of Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether Sulfuric Acid Ester, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Salt, Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate or Its Salts, Sodium Lauroyl sarcosinate, Sulfosuccinates, Polyacrylates, Alkyl Ether Phosphate, a Salt of Polyoxyethylene alkylaryl Phosphoric Acid Ester, Sulfosuccinates -Mono and other Diesters, Phosphate Esters, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate-Isopropyl and Butyl Derivatives; Alkyl Aryl Ether Phosphates, a salt of Polyoxyethylene Aryl Ether Phosphoric Acid Ester, Mono-Alkyl Sulphosuccinates, Aromatic Hydrocarbon Sulphonates, Ammonium Laurylsulphate, Soap, Soap Substitute, Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl benzenesulfonate, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Laurethsulfate, Sodium Nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, Alkyl Carboxylates, Sodium Stearate, Alpha Olefin Sulphonates, Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Fatty Acid salts, Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates-Sodium salt, Fatty Alcohol Sulphates, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates-Sodium Salt, A Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid Condensed with Formaldehyde or a Salt of Alkyl naphthalene Sulfonic Acid condensed with Formaldehyde or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0076] The non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants include one or more of but not limited to Polyol Esters, Polyol Fatty Acid Esters, Ethoxylated and Propoxylated Fatty Alcohols, EO and PO Block Copolymers, Di, Tri-Block Copolymers, Polysorbates, Alkyl Polysaccharides, Polyoxyethylene Glycol, Sorbitan Derivatives, Fatty Acid Esters of Sorbitan (Spans) and Their Ethoxylated Derivatives (Tweens), Cocamide Monoethanolamine (MEA), Decyl, Narrow-Range Ethoxylate, Oleyl Alcohol, PEG-10, Polysorbate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan, Sorbitanmonolaurate, Sorbitanmono stearate, Sorbitantristearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Castor Oil Ethoxylate, Polyglycol Ethers, Polyadducts of Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide, Polyoxy Ethylene Sorbitan, Fatty Acid Polyglyceride, Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether, Polyoxyethylenealkylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylenestyrylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylene Glycol Alkyl Ether, Alcohol Ethoxylates- C6 to C 16 / 18 Alcohols, Linear and Branched, Alcohol Alkoxylates- Various Hydrophobes and EO / PO Contents and Ratios, a Polyoxyethylene Hydrogenated Castor Oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the fungicidal composition include, but not limited to non-ionic dispersants selected from one or more of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates-; alkyl ethoxylates; EO-PO block and graft copolymers; However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the fungicidal composition include, but not limited to anionic dispersants selected from one or more of tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters; lignin sulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkali metal, alkylarylsulfonates, alkylsulfonates, mixture of sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salt of phenol sulphonic formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, condensation products of aryl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates and kraft lignin. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0081] According to an embodiment the wetting agents used in the fungicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of phenol naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, naphthalene sulphonate sodium salt, dibutylnaphthalene - sulfonic acid, alkylarylsulfonates, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters, salts, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different wetting agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the carriers that are used in the fungicidal composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to one or more of solid carriers or fillers or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carriers include mineral carriers, plant carriers, synthetic carriers, water-soluble carriers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0084] The solid carriers include natural minerals like clay such as china clay, acid clay, kaolin such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite, and synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, micas, such as pyrophyllite, talc, silicas such as cristobalite and quartz, such as attapulgite and sepiolite, vermiculite, laponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated aluminas, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silicas, surface-modified silicas, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, slaked lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch, cellulose, plant carriers such as cellulose, chaff, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, and soybean flour, casein sodium, sucrose, salt cake, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available Silicates are Aerosil brands, Sipemat brands as Sipemat ® 22S and CALFLO E, and kaolin 1777.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 95% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1 % to 70% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition.

[0086] According to an embodiment, solvent comprises water miscible solvents. According to an embodiment, water miscible solvents include including but not limited to 1, 4-Dioxane, 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, Dimethoxyethane, Dimethyloctanamide, glycerol, Dimethyldecanamide. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water miscible solvents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0087] According to an embodiment, solvent comprises water immiscible solvents. According to an embodiment, water immiscible solvents include aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aromatic and non- aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum distillates, aromatic and non- aromatic ethers, esters or amides, oils or mixtures thereof. According to further embodiment the oils can be one or more of a mineral oil, petroleum oil, vegetable oil or animal oil or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water immiscible solvents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0088] The mineral oil or petroleum oil can be one or more of aliphatic or isoparaffinic series, and mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons; halogenated aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons. Paraffinic oil can be selected from linear or branched C8 to C30 paraffins for example such as octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, their mixtures, or mixtures thereof with higher boiling homologs, such as hepta-, octa-, nona- decane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, pentacosane, and the branched chain isomers thereof, unsubstituted or substituted aromatic or cycloaliphatic C7 to C18 hydrocarbon compounds such as mono- or polyalkyl-substituted benzenes, or mono- or polyalkyl-substituted naphthalenes, or transesterification products thereof, liquid esters of Cl to C 12 alcohols such as butanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, dodecanoi, cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, cyclooctanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol with C2 to C12 carboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, such as caproic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, succinic acid and glutaric acid; or with aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, toluic acid, salicylic acid and phthalic acid, liquid amides of Cl to C5 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with C6 to C18 carboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof. Esters which can be used in the oil dispersions of the invention are benzyl acetate, caproic acid ethyl ester, pelargonic acid ethyl ester, benzoic acid methyl or ethyl ester, salicylic acid methyl, propyl, or butyl ester, diesters of phthalic acid with saturated aliphatic or alicyclic Cl to C12 alcohols, such as phthalic acid dimethyl ester, dibutyl ester, diisooctyt ester, or liquid amides of C1-C3 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with C6 - C 18 carboxylic acids or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other mineral or petroleum oils without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0089] The vegetable oils can be one or more of seed oil. The vegetable oils can also include one or more of soy bean oil, rape seed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, com oil, cotton seed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, kapok oil, papaya oil, camellia oil, rice bran oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils, or transesterification products thereof such as soy bean oil methyl esters, ethyl esters, propyl esters, butyl esters or derivatives thereof. The animal oil can be one or more of whale oil, codliver oil, or mink oil. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other vegetable or animal oils without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0090] The petroleum distillates include one or more of aromatic hydrocarbons derived from benzene, such as toluene, xylenes, other alkylated benzenes and the like, and naphthalene derivatives, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane, octane, cyclohexane, and the like, mineral oils from the aliphatic or isoparaffinic series, and mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons; halogenated aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons; vegetable, seed or animal oils such as soybean oil, rape seed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cotton seed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like, and Ci-C6 monoesters derived from vegetable oils such as methyl oleate, methyl soyate, and methyl laurate, seed or animal oils; C1-C6 dialkyl amides of C6-C20 saturated and unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids; Cl -Cl 2 esters of aromatic carboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids and Cl- C12 esters of aliphatic and cyclo aliphatic carboxylic acids; C4-C 12 polyesters of dihydric, trihydric, or other lower polyalcohols such as, propylene glycol dioleate, di-octyl succinate, dibutyl adipate, di-octyl phthalate, and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other petroleum distillates, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition includes organic solvents or cosolvents such as ethers like tetrahydrofuran and the like, alkylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol diethyl ether and the like, amides such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone and the like, ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone and the like, nitriles such as butyronitrile and the like, sulfoxides or sulfones such as dimethyl sulfoxide or sulfolane and the like, and alkylene carbonates such as propylene or butylene carbonate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other organic solvents or cosolvents, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the solvents are present in the concentration range of 0.1% to 90% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvents are present in the concentration range of 0.1% to 80% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration range of 0.1% to 70% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of total composition.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the first monomer employed in the organic phase of the capsulated suspension composition includes isocyanates such as polymethylenepolyphenyleneisocyanate (PMPPI), hexmethylenediisocyanate (HMDI), isophoronediisocyanate (IPDI) or 4,4' methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) and / or trimers of HMDI or IPDI and the like, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), isomers of tolylene diisocyanate, isomers and derivatives of phenylene diisocyanate, isomers and derivatives of biphenylene diisocyanates, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), polymeric polyisocyanates, biurets and blocked polyisocyanates or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other monomers, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0094] The concentration of the isocyanate(s) and the ratio where more than one isocyanate is used, is chosen so as to obtain the desired release rate profile for the particular application. In general, the isocyanate(s) will comprise from about 0.3 to about 20%, more suitably from about 0.5 to about 15%, even more suitably from about 1% to about 25% and most suitably from about 10% to about 20%, by weight of the microcapsule. The organic phase of the capsule formation can also include other optional components such as surfactants, cross-linking agents, permeability enhancing agents such as castor oil, and a suspended particulate well-dispersed ultraviolet protectant material such as titanium dioxide and / or zinc oxide. The ultraviolet protectant material is included in the organic phase, if the agrochemical active ingredient is sensitive to ultraviolet light. The oil phase can also have a solvent to render a solid active ingredient in a liquid form.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the second monomer employed includes diamines or polyamines or mixtures thereof. The monomers include compounds which are 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-l-methylaminopropane, N-methyl-bis-(3-aminopropyl)amine, 1,4-diamino-n-butane, propylene 1,3 - diamine, tetramethylene diamine, pentamethylene diamine, 1,6-hexamethylene diamine, triethylene diamine, 1,6-diamino-n-hexane and tetraethylenepentamine and mixtures thereof are suitably used. Polyethyleneimines are also suitable. Diamines and polyamines, usually selected as water soluble per se or in-water soluble salt form, are polymethylene diamines, phenylene diamine, toluene diamine and piperazine. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other monomers, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0096] Particularly, suitable amines are the polyfunctional amines which have a functionality greater than 2 but less than 3 and which may provide a degree of cross-linking in the shell wall. The polyfunctional amines should be in a water soluble salt form. Suitable examples of polyfunctional amines which may be used include 1,3,5-benzene triamine trihydrochloride, 2,4,6-triamino toluene trihydrochloride, 1,3,6-triaminonaphthalene, 3,4,5-triamino-l,2,4- triazole, melamine, 2,4,5,8-tetramino anthraquinone, propylenediamine, diethylene triamine, isopropylenediamine, ethenediamine, triethylenetetraamine, bix-hexamethylenetriamine, polyalkylene polyamines such as pentaethylene hexamine, and the like. The amines may be used alone or in combination with each other, preferably in combination with 1,6- hexamethylenediamine (HMDA).

[0097] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of capsulated suspension includes protective colloids such as polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene sulfonate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate, copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and quatemized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, or combination thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other protective colloids without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the antifoaming agents or defoamers which are used in the fungicidal composition of the present invention include but are not limited to one or more of silica, siloxane, silicone dioxide, polydimethyl siloxane, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers, silicone oils and magnesium stearate or derivatives thereof. Preferred antifoaming agents include silicone emulsions (such as, e.g., Silikon® SRE, Wacker or Rhodorsil® from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, fluoro-organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different antifoaming agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agents are present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agents are present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents that are used in the composition include both acids and bases of the organic or inorganic type and mixtures thereof. According to a further embodiment, pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents include, but are not limited to one or more of organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkali metal compounds or salts, derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the organic acids include, but not limited to one or more of citric, malic, adipic, fumaric, maleic, succinic, and tartaric acids, or salts, derivatives thereof, and the mono-, di-, or tribasic salts of these acids or derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the salts of inorganic acids include, but not limited to one or more of alkali metal salts such as, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and the like. Mixtures can also be used to create pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different pH adjusters without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the pH adjusters or buffers are present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents which are used in the fungicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polysaccharides, fumed and precipitated silica (white carbon), a petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearylether, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkylsulfosuccinates, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anticaking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents are present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the spreading agents which are used in the fungicidal composition include but are not limited to one or more of copolymer of maleic acid with a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, trisiloxanes and modified trisiloxanes, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different spreading agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the spreading agents are present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the sticking agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of paraffin, a polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, latex, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, gums such as xanthan gum, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycol, a synthetic resin emulsion or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different sticking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the sticking agents are present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents that are used in the fungicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, suspension aids, rheological modifiers or anti-settling agents. A structuring agent prevents sedimentation of the active ingredient particles after prolonged storage.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of polyacrylics, polysaccharides, cellulose derivatives, copolymers of cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives; clays such as kaolin, smectite, attapulgites and gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, dextrin, fumed silica, mixture of fumed silica and fumed aluminium oxide, swellable polymers, poly(ethylene glycol), stachyose, celluloses such as hemicellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxy-methyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl propyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose; plant starches such as corn starch and potato starch. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different structuring agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0108] Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminium silicate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, clays, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents are present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agents are present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agents are present in 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, glycerol, However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anti-freezing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants are present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the penetrants which is used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of alcohol, glycol, glycol ether, ester, amine, alkanolamine, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium compound, triglyceride, fatty acid ester, fatty acid ether, N-methyl pyrrolidone, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide, or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylenetrimethylolpropanemonooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate polyoxyethylenetrimethylolpropanedioleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propane trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different penetrants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the penetrants are present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the humectants are selected from, but not limited to one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers. Other humectants are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly (ethylene glycol), poly (propylene glycol), glycerol and the like; polyhydric alcohol compounds such as propylene glycol ether, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different humectants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the humectants are present in the range of 0.1 % to 40% by weight of the total composition.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the stabilizers which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of peroxide compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, zeolite, antioxidants such as phenol compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, EDTA, sodium sulphites, citric acid, citrates and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known stabilizers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the stabilizers are present in the range of 1% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0118] According to an embodiment, preservatives are selected from one or more of formic acid, and derivatives of 2H isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives) such as alkylisothiazolones (for example 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MIT; chloro-2-methyl-2H- isothiazol-3-one, CIT), benzoisothiazolones (for example l,2-benzoisothiazol-3(2H)-one, BIT, commercially available as Proxel® types from Arch Biocides Ltd.) or 2-methyl-4,5- trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MTIT), Proxel® from Arch Biocides Ltd. or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Lanxess, , Sodium Propinoate, Sodium Benzoate, Propyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben Sodum, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Benzoate, Phenyl Mercuric Nitrate, Phenyl Etehyl Alcohol, Sodium, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Bezyl Alcohol, Benzothonium Chloride, Cetyl pyridinium Chloride, Antioxidants includes but not limited to one or more of imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g. urocanic acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-t-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), penta erythrityl tetrakis[3-(3,5,-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)] propionate; amine antioxidants. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known preservatives without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the preservatives are present in the range of 0.01% to 2% by weight of the total composition.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from but not limited to synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants can be water soluble or water insoluble, in the form of lakes. Dyes can be solvent dyes, acid dyes or basic dyes. Examples of such products include, but not limited, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785, pigment 15. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known pigments and colorants without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are present in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents which are used in the fungicidal composition include, but not limited to one or more of inorganic water soluble salts e.g. sodium chloride; water soluble organic compounds such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, a cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL- 10 (crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known disintegrating agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents are present in the range of 0.5% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the binding agents or binders that are used in the fungicidal composition include, but not limited to one or more of maltodextrin, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, complex organic substance, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known binding agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the binders are present in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition includes at least one further active ingredient. According to an embodiment, the further active ingredients include one or more of pesticidal active ingredients, fertilizers, micronutrients, macronutrients, bio stimulants, organic acids, or mixtures thereof. According to a further embodiment, the pesticidal active ingredients is one or more of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, miticides, acaricides, nematicides, pheromones, algicides, antifeedants, avicides, bactericides, bird repellents, biopesticides, insect repellents, ovicides, rodenticides, etc. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other active ingredients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0126] According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredients are present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredients are present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredients are present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0127] It has been surprisingly found that the fungicidal composition of the present invention has enhanced and improved physical properties of dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, attrition resistance and hardness, which provides ease of handling and also reduces the loss of material while handling the product at the time of packaging as well as during field application.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension does not sediment or settle on storage and is easily pourable. This property can be measured in terms of viscosity of the fluid which is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or tensile stress.

[0129] According to an embodiment, viscosity of the liquid composition is determined as per CIPAC MT- 192. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 3000 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 2500 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 2000 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1500 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1200 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1000 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 800 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 400 cps. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 300 cps.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the liquid suspension composition of the present invention is easily pourable. The pourability is the measure of percent of residue.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the pourability of the fungicidal composition is determined as per CIPAC MT-148.1. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the fungicidal composition is less than 5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the fungicidal composition is preferably less than 2.5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the fungicidal composition is more preferably less than 2.0% residue.

[0132] Suspensibility is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid, of stated height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The test for suspensibility is done as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 184 Test for Suspensibility”.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 50%.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 60%.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 70%.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 80%.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 90%.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 95%.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates superior suspensibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS). According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of at least 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of at least 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of at least 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of at least 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of at least 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of at least 40% under ATS.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule exhibits almost instantaneous dispersion.

[0141] Dispersibility of the composition of the present application, can be determined as per the standard CIPAC test, MT 174. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 95%.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of at least 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates a dispersibility of at least 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of at least 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of at least 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of at least 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of at least 40% under ATS.

[0143] Wettability is the condition or the state of being wettable and can be defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, measured by the force of adhesion between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of the granular composition or wettable powder compositions is measured using the Standard CIPAC Test MT-53 which describes a procedure for the determination of the time of complete wetting of wettable formulations. A weighed amount of the granular composition is dropped on water in a beaker from a specified height and the time for complete wetting was determined. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or wettable powders or the water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension has a wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or wettable powders or the water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension has a wettability of less than 1 minute. According to another embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or wettable powders or the water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension has a wettability of less than 30 seconds.

[0144] The granular composition is formulated in a manner such that it is imparted with sufficient hardness which prevents the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Erweka, Shimadzu, Brinell Hardness (AKB-3000 Model), Mecmesin, Agilent, Vinsyst, Ametek, Dr. Shleuniger, Electrolab and Rockwell.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 4 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 3 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 2 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 1 Newtons.

[0146] More preferably, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a nil hardness. The reference to nil hardness is indicative of the fact that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by the hardness measuring apparatus. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Vinsyst Portable Table Hardness Tester VTHT series.

[0147] The water disintegrable granular composition is formulated in a manner such that it is imparted with sufficient hardness which prevents the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness exhibited by the granules is estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Monsanto, Sotax, Erweka in accordance with the standard methods described in pharmacopoeias such as United States Pharmacopoeia section<1217>. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 5 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 10 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 20 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the water disintegrable granules of the invention is at least 30 Newton.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule or the water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension or the liquid suspension passes the wet sieve retention test. The test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible material in formulations that are applied as dispersions in water. The wet sieve retention value of the agrochemical composition in the form of liquid suspension and granules is measured by using the Standard CIPAC Test MT- 185 which describes a procedure for the measuring the amount of material retained on the sieve. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water and the suspension formed is transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of the material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or the water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension or liquid suspension has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.5%. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.2%. According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.1%. The wet sieve retention value of less than 0.5% indicate that the fungicidal composition helps in easy application of the formulation preventing clogging of the nozzles or filter equipment.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition demonstrates superior stability towards heat, light, temperature and caking. According to an embodiment, the stability exhibited by the fungicidal composition is at least 3 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the fungicidal composition is at least 2 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the fungicidal composition is at least 1 year. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the fungicidal composition is at least 6 months.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to process of preparing composition of the present invention comprising Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition; Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition and Cyazofamid or their agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0152] According to a further embodiment the present invention relates to a process for preparing the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension, wettable powders, liquid suspension, suspo-emulsion and zeon concentrate composition which is combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate compositions (ZC).

[0153] According to further embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules is made by various techniques such as spray drying and fluidized bed granulation. The granules of the present invention can also be obtained through the process of extrusion.

[0154] The invention also relates to a process for preparing the fungicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, the process comprising: a) milling a blend of effective amount of Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; effective amount of Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and effective amount of Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain a slurry or wet mix, to obtain particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns; b) drying the wet mix and c) sieving the dried mix to remove the undersized and oversized granules, to obtain the water dispersible granular composition; wherein the granules of the composition are in size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain water dispersible granular composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the invention also relates to a process for preparing an extruded granular fungicidal composition, the process comprising: dry milling a blend of effective amount of Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; effective amount of Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and effective amount of Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof with at least one agrochemical excipient, in an air mill or a jet mill to obtain a homogenous mixture with particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns. Water is added to the dry powder and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder and the resultant extrudates are dried by suitable means such as air drying, fluid bed dryer and tray dryer, followed by sieving to remove the under sized and oversized granules to obtain the granules in the size range of 0.05-4.0 mm. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0156] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a process for preparing a water dispersible granular composition of capsulated suspension. The process involves melting effective amount of Pyraclostrobin and dissolving it in required amount of monomer and the solvent to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase is prepared by mixing water, protective colloids and optionally surfactants or emulsifiers, if required. The organic phase is then added to an aqueous phase with high shear or agitation or with stirring, forming a dispersion or emulsion of organic phase droplets in the aqueous phase. A suitable dispersing means is employed to disperse the organic phase in the aqueous phase. Selection of the dispersion process and apparatus will depend upon the desired particle size of the ultimate product to be produced. The dispersion is then subjected to conditions such as agitation in order to reduce the particle size of the composition. The reaction temperature is generally in the range from about 20° C. to about 80° C. A second monomer is then added to the dispersion or emulsion which is then stirred and cooled to room temperature. In the situation where approximately equimolar amounts of isocyanate and amino groups are present, the reaction temperature is preferably from about 40° C. to about 65° C and even more preferably from about 50° C. to about 60° C.

[0157] The reaction mixture was neutralized with an acid to obtain a capsulated suspension of Pyraclostrobin with the desired particle size distribution. Further, effective amount of Cyazofamid was blended with effective amount of Metiram along with required amounts of surfactants, dispersing agents and clay in required amounts of water and milled to obtain a desired particle size. Finally, the Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension was blended with the milled slurry of Cyazofamid and Metiram and spray dried, to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

[0158] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a process for preparing a wettable powder composition. The process involves mixing effective amounts of Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; and Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof with required surfactants, diluents and inert ingredients to obtain a mixture. The mixture is then added to a mass mixer for 30 minutes and passed through an air jet mill to obtain a wettable powder composition with the desired particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the liquid suspension fungicidal composition, the process comprising: homogenizing a mixture of effective amount of Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; effective amount of Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and effective amount of Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide a composition with a desired particle size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. To the wet milled suspension, rheology modifiers and other excipients, as may be necessary, are added to obtain the liquid suspension composition. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the fungicidal composition in the form of suspo-emulsion, the process comprising melting effective amount of Pyraclostrobin, blending with required amount of solvents and surfactants to obtain an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) of pyraclostrobin. Then sufficient amount of surfactant was added to water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities to obtain a blend. Further effective amounts of Cyazofamid and Metiram were added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes, until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, required amount of dispersing agent and defoaming agents were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size and obtain a milled slurry. Finally, Pyraclostrobin emulsifiable concentrate was mixed with the milled slurry and required additives such as structuring agents, preservatives and antifoaming agents, as may be necessary, were added to the mixture under continuous homogenization to obtain the suspo-emulsion composition. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the fungicidal composition in the form of a zeon concentrate composition or a ZC composition. The process involves melting effective amount of Pyraclostrobin and dissolving it in required amount of isocyanate and the solvent to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing polyvinyl alcohol and an antifoaming agent in water. The oil phase was added drop wise to the aqueous phase under high shear of around 2000 rpm at a suitable temperature. After 3 to 5 minutes, the amine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with an acid to obtain a capsulated suspension of Pyraclostrobin with a desired particle size distribution. The process further involves adding high molecular weight polymeric emulsifier and solvent to water and homogenizing by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. Further required amount of Cyazofamid and Metiram were added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, required amount of surfactant, dispersing agent and antifoaming agent were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Finally, Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension was mixed with the milled slurry and then requisite amount of xanthan gum, preservatives and balance water along with surfactants, as may be necessary, were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the Zeon concentrate composition. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0162] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a method of application of the composition. The composition is applied through a variety of methods, which ensure that the composition is uniformly applied to the plant foliage.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the invention also relates to a method of protecting the crop, controlling plant pathogen, controlling pest, improving the crop health and growth, enhancing the crop yield, strengthening the plant, increasing crop defense, the method comprising treating at least one of a plant, locus or parts thereof, plant propagation material, a seed or seedling with the fungicidal composition which includes Pyraclostrobin or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition, Cyazofamid or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition, Metiram or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The composition may be sprayed directly to the plant, such as its foliage or applied to the plant propagation material before it is sown or planted or to the locus thereof.

[0164] The rates of application or the dosage of the composition depends on the type of crops or the specific active ingredients in the composition but is such that the fungicidal active ingredient, is applied in an effective amount to provide the desired action such as crop protection, crop yield.

[0165] A. PREPARATION EXAMPLES:

[0166] The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the composition of the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited to these exemplifications. The form of the composition, excipients and the concentrations of actives and excipients can be replaced by any other forms, excipients and concentrations as covered in the present invention.

[0167] Example 1: Water dispersible granules of Pyraclostrobin 0.1%; Cyazofamid 15% and Metiram 60% (spray dried)

[0168] 0.12 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 16.40 gms of Cyazofamid, 66.30 gms of Metiram, 10.85 gms of modified ligno sulponate, 2.50 gms of sodium lauryl sulphate, 3.83 gms of Kraft lignin in 120 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 4 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

[0169] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 81%, wet sieve retention value of 0.06% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 77%, attrition resistance of 90% and a wettability of less than 5 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 77% and a dispersibility of 13% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: DIO: 1.2-micron; D50: 3.8 microns and D90: 8.3 microns.

[0170] Example 2: Water dispersible granules of Pyraclostrobin 60% + Cyazofamid 0.1% + Metiram 15 % WG (Fluid bed spray drying)

[0171] 61.22 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 0.12 gms of Cyazofamid, 16.6 gms of Metiram, 4 gms of sodium lauryl sulphate, 3 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 9.24 gms of sodium sulphate in ribbon blender and jet milled to reduce the particle size of the mixture below 11 microns. The jet milled mixture was further blended in the ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The homogenous powder was then fluid bed spray dried, using a binder solution of 4.82 gm of sodium ligno sulphonate and balance sucrose in required quantity of water to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

[0172] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 91%, wet sieve retention value of 0.02% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 87%, attrition resistance of 82% and a wettability of less than 10 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 87% and a dispersibility of 83% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.2-microns; D50: 5.8 microns and D90: 10.4 microns.

[0173] Example 3: Water Dispersible Granules of Pyraclostrobin 20% + Cyazofamid 60% + Metiram 0.1% WG (Fluid bed spray drying)

[0174] 20.41 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 65.60 gms of Cyazofamid, 0.11 gms of Metiram, 2 gms of sodium lauryl sulphate, 1 gm of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate in a ribbon blender and jet milled to reduce the particle size of the mixture, below 10 microns. The mixture was further blended in the ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The homogenous powder was then fluid bed spray dried using a binder solution of 8.88 gm of sodium ligno sulphonate and 2 gms of lactose in required quantity of water, to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

[0175] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 72%, wet sieve retention value of 0.08% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 68%, attrition resistance of 85% and a wettability of less than 14 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 68% and a dispersibility of 64% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: DIO: 2.5 microns; D50: 5.2 microns and D90: 9.8 microns.

[0176] Example 4: Water dispersible granules of Pyraclostrobin 30% + Cyazofamid 20% + Metiram 30% WG (Fluid bed spray drying)

[0177] 30.5 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 22 gms of Cyazofamid, 33.2 gms of Metiram, 2 gms of sodium lauryl sulphate, 2 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 1 gm sodium tri-polypho sphate and 3 gms of kraft lignin in a ribbon blender and jet milled to reduce the particle size of the mixture below 10 microns. The mixture was blended in the ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder, which was then fluid bed spray dried using a binder solution of 5.3 gms of modified ligno sulphonate and 1 gm of lactose in required quantity of water to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

[0178] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 65%, wet sieve retention value of 0.10% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 61%, attrition resistance of 83% and a wettability of less than 10 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 61% and a dispersibility of 58% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 4.2 microns; D50: 13.2 microns and D90: 41.2 microns.

[0179] Example 5: Water dispersible granules of Capsulated suspension of Pyraclostrobin 5% + Cyazofamid 40% + Metiram 20% (CS-WG)

[0180] 27.3 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and dissolved with 3 gms of Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in 10 gms of Solvesso 150 to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 4.9 gms of polyvinyl alcohol and 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 35.88 gms of water. The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase drop wise under high shear of about 2000 rpm at a temperature of 50 degrees. After 3 to 5 minutes, 18.17 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.45 gms of citric acid to give 26.75% Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension. The capsules had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 0.9-microns D50: 3.2-micron D90: 5.2 microns 44.2 gms of Cyazofamid is blended with 22 gms of Metiram technical, 3 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate condensate, 8 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, 3 gms of anionic tristryrylphenol phosphate and 11.11 parts of clay in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 5 microns.

[0181] 19 gms of Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension was blended with the milled slurry and spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granular composition (CS-WG)

[0182] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 75%, wet sieve retention value of 0.09% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 71%, attrition resistance of 85% and a wettability of less than 10 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 71% and a dispersibility of 67% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.5 microns; D50: 4.3-microns and D90: 9.3 microns.

[0183] Example 6: Water dispersible granules of Capsulated suspension of Pyraclostrobin 15% + Cyazofamid 40% + Metiram 0.1% (CS WG)

[0184] 44.2 gms of Cyazofamid was blended with 0.12 gms of Metiram, 2 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene Sulphonate, 3 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 15 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, 1.5 gms of anionic tristryrylphenol phosphate and 8.42 parts of clay in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 4 microns.

[0185] 56.2 gms of Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension prepared as per the example no 5, was blended with the above milled slurry and spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

[0186] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 70%, wet sieve retention value of 0.04% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 66%, attrition resistance of 89% and a wettability of less than 35 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 65% and a dispersibility of 62% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.85 microns; D50: 3.8 microns and D90: 7.3 microns.

[0187] Example 7: Water dispersible granules of Capsulated suspension of Pyraclostrobin 20% + Cyazofamid 0.1% + Metiram 40% (CS WG) 27.3 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and dissolved with 2.4 gms of MDI in 10 gms of Solvesso 100 to obtain the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 5.16 gms of polyvinyl alcohol and 0.1 gm of antifoaming agent in 37.84 gms of water. The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase, drop-wise under high shear at about 2000 rpm at a temperature of 50 degrees. After 3 to 5 minutes, 18 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added drop wise to the reaction mixture and the mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.40 gms of citric acid to obtain the 26.70% Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension. The capsules had a following size distribution: D10 1.1-micron D50 3.8-micron D90 6.3 microns

[0188] 0.12 gms of Cyazofamid was blended with 44 gms of Metiram, 1.5 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate, 3 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 10.33 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, 2 gms of anionic tristryrylphenol phosphate, 5 gms of mixture of salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid condensation product in 100 gms of water and milled to an average particle size below 5 microns.

[0189] 76 gms of Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension was blended with the milled slurry and spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

[0190] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 85%, wet sieve retention value of 0.04% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 81%, attrition resistance of 88% and a wettability of less than 35 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 81% and a dispersibility of 77% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.7 microns; D50: 4.8 microns and D90: 10.2 microns.

[0191] Example 8: Water dispersible granules of Capsulated suspension of Pyraclostrobin 35% + Cyazofamid 20% +Metiram 0.1% (CS-WG)

[0192] 36.5 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and dissolved with 2.5 gms of MDI in 8.8 gms of Solvesso 150 to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 4 gms of polyvinyl alcohol, 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 29.6 gms of water. The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase, drop-wise under high shear of about 2000 rpm at a temperature of 50 degree. After 3 to 5 minutes, 18 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and the mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.4 gms of citric acid to obtain the Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension. The capsules had the following size distribution: DIO: 0.7-micron, D50: 3.9-micron and D90: 6.3 microns.

[0193] 22 gms of Cyazofamid was blended with 0.14 gms of Metiram, 4 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate condensate, 14.81 gms of sodium lignosulphonate, 2 gms of anionic tristryrylphenol phosphate and 2 gms of gum arabic in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 5 microns.

[0194] 100 gms of Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension prepared above was blended with the milled slurry of Cyazofamid and Metiram and then spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granules of the capsulated suspension.

[0195] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 70%, wet sieve retention value of 0.05% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 81%, attrition resistance of 80% and a wettability of less than 35 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 65% and a dispersibility of 77% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.8 microns; D50: 4.8 microns and D90: 9.1 microns.

[0196] Example 9: Water dispersible granules of Capsulated suspension of Pyraclostrobin 15% + Cyazofamid 20% +Metiram 25% (CS-WG)

[0197] 27.3 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and dissolved with 2.4 gm of MDI in 9 gms of Solvesso 200 to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 5.16 gms of polyvinyl alcohol and 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 37.54 gms of water. Then the oil phase was added to the aqueous phase drop-wise under high shear at about 2000 rpm at a temperature of around 50 degrees. After 3 to 5 minutes, 18 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added drop wise to the reaction mixture and the mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.4 gms of citric acid to obtain the Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension. The capsules had the following size distribution of D10: 0.8-micron; D50: 3.2-micron and D90: 5.5 microns.

[0198] 22 gms of Cyazofamid was blended with 27.5 gms of Metiram, 14.49 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, 2 gms of anionic tristryrylphenol phosphate, 1 gm of gum arabic, 5 gms of mixture of salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid condensation product in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 4 microns. Then 57 gms of Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension obtained was blended with the above milled slurry of Cyazofamid and Metiram and spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granules.

[0199] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 81%, wet sieve retention value of 0.06% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 77%, attrition resistance of 89% and a wettability of less than 20 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 78% and a dispersibility of 73% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: DIO: 1.8 microns; D50: 3.5 microns and D90: 8 microns.

[0200] Example 10: Water dispersible granules of Pyraclostrobin 0.1% + Cyazofamid 10% + Metiram 50% (Extruded)

[0201] 0.11 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 11 gms of Cyazofamid and 66.4 gms of Metiram, 6 gms of ammonium sulphate, 3 gms of Sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 11 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate and balance clay in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The powder was then jet milled to reduce the particle size below 45 microns to obtain a mixture. The mixture was then mixed with water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules below the size range of 2 mm and further dried to obtain the moisture content below 2%.

[0202] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 65%, wet sieve retention value of 0.08% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 61%, attrition resistance of 88% and a wettability of less than 35 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 60% and a dispersibility of 57% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10:3.6 microns; D50: 18.5 microns and D90: 42.5 microns

[0203] Example 11: Water dispersible granules of Pyraclostrobin 50% + Cyazofamid 10% + Metiram 0.1% (Extruded)

[0204] 52 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 11 gms of Cyazofamid, 0.11 gms of Metiram, 2 gms of Sodium isobutyl naphthalene sulfonate, 21.89 gms of modified ligno sulphonate, 2 gms of kraft lignin, 3 parts of naphthalenesulfonic acid, polymer with formaldehyde sodium salt, 5 parts of lactose and balance sodium tripolyphosphate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The powder was then jet milled to reduce the particle size below 16 microns and the mixture obtained was then mixed with water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain the granules below 2 mm and further dried to obtain the moisture content below 2%.

[0205] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 72%, wet sieve retention value of 0.1% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 68%, attrition resistance of 90% and a wettability of less than 30 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 65% and a dispersibility of 64% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10:2.6 microns; D50: 9.5 microns and D90: 15.5 microns

[0206] Example 12: Water dispersible granules of Pyraclostrobin 10% + Cyazofamid 50% + Metiram 5 % (Extruded)

[0207] 10.5 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 55 gms of Cyazofamid, 5.65 gms of Metiram, 3 gms of polycarboxylate, 4 gms of Sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 10 gms of ligno sulphonate, 7.35 gms of perlite, 1.5 gm of naphthalenesulfonic acid, polymer with formaldehyde sodium salt, and balance lactose in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The powder obtained was then jet milled to reduce the particle size below 20 microns. The powder was then mixed with water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules below 2 mm and further dried to obtain the moisture content below 2%.

[0208] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 76%, wet sieve retention value of 0.12% on a 75- micron sieve, dispersibility of 72%, attrition resistance of 95% and a wettability of less than 30 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 69% and a dispersibility of 65% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.6 microns; D50: 10.5 microns and D90: 18.6 microns

[0209] Example 13: Wettable powder composition of Pyraclostrobin 12% + Cyazofamid 1% + Metiram 50% (WP) 12.35 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 1.86 gms of Cyazofamid, 54.46 gms of Metiram, 5 gms of sodium isobutyl naphthalene sulphonate, 5 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 0.50 gms of silica, 13 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, and balance clay in a ribbon blender and jet milled to reduce the particle size below 12 microns. The mixture was further blended in the ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous wettable powder composition.

[0210] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 72%, wet sieve retention value of 0.15% on a 75- micron sieve and a wettability of less than 40 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 65% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: DIO: 3.8 microns; D50: 7.2 microns and D90: 21.5 microns.

[0211] Example 14: Wettable powder composition of Pyraclostrobin 50% + Cyazofamid 20 % + Metiram 0.1% (WP)

[0212] 51.12 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 21.61 gms of Cyazofamid, 0.12 gms of Metiram, 3 gms of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 1.4 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 3 gms of polycarboxylate, 2 gms of silica, 5 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate and balance clay in a ribbon blender and jet milled to reduce the particle size below 15 microns to obtain a mixture. The mixture obtained was further blended in the ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous wettable powder composition.

[0213] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 76%, wet sieve retention value of 0.08% on a 75- micron sieve and a wettability of less than 20 secs. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 71% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.3 microns; D50: 6.1 microns and D90: 13.3 microns.

[0214] Example 15: Wettable powder composition of Pyraclostrobin 0.1% + Cyazofamid 50% + Metiram 25% (WP)

[0215] 0.11 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 54.46 gms of Cyazofamid , 27.28 gms of Metiram , 8 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, 2.5 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 2 gms of dicotyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt and balance clay in a ribbon blender and jet milled to reduce the particle size below 10 microns and obtain a mixture. The mixture was further blended in the ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous wettable powder composition. The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 70% and a wet sieve retention value of 0.10% on a 75-micron sieve. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 65% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: DIO: 1.2 microns; D50: 4.5 microns and D90: 9.8 microns.

[0216] Example 16: Wettable powder composition of Pyraclostrobin 20% + Cyazofamid 30% + Metiram 20% (WP)

[0217] 20.5 gms of Pyraclostrobin was blended with 33.44 gms of Cyazofamid , 22.25 gms of Metiram , 7 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, 3.5 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate,

[0218] 2.5 gms of dicotyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt and balance clay in a ribbon blender and jet milled to reduce the particle size below 10 microns and obtain a mixture. The mixture was further blended in the ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous wettable powder composition.

[0219] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 75% and a wet sieve retention value of 0.6% on a 75-micron sieve. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of about 70% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10:

[0220] 1.5 microns; D50: 5.5 microns and D90: 10.3 microns.

[0221] Example 17: Suspension concentrate composition of Pyraclostrobin 0.1% + Cyazofamid 40 % + Metiram 5% SC

[0222] 15 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate and 70 gms of ethylene glycol were added to 320 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 1.12 gms of Pyraclostrobin, 431.18 gms of Cyazofamid and 51 parts of Metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 10 gms of acrylic graft polymer, 5 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate, 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension composition. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 2 gms of xanthan gum, 1 part of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

[0223] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 90% and a viscosity of 540 cps. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.45%, spontaneity of dispersion was 85% and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.06%. The composition further demonstrated a suspensibility of about 85% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: DIO: 1.23 microns; D50: 2.11 microns and D90: 3.8 microns.

[0224] Example 18: Suspension concentrate composition of Pyraclostrobin 5 % + Cyazofamid 0.1 % + Metiram 40 SC

[0225] 20 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate and 60 gms of propylene glycol were added to 350 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 52.04 gms of Pyraclostrobin, 1.18 gms of Cyazofamid and 401 gms of Metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 17.5 gms of polyray Iphenyl ether sulphate ammonium salt, 17.5 gms of sodium ligno sulphonate and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.7 gms of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension composition.

[0226] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 85% and a viscosity of 440 cps. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.55%, spontaneity of dispersion was 80% and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.08%. The composition further demonstrated a suspensibility of about 80% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.18 microns; D50: 2.83 microns and D90: 4.4 microns.

[0227] Example 19: Suspension concentrate composition of Pyraclostrobin 40% + Cyazofamid 5 % + Metiram 0.1% SC

[0228] 40 gms of trisiloxane ethoxylate, 100 gms of propylene glycol were added to 320 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 409.2 gms of Pyraclostrobin, 54.8 gms of Cyazofamid and 1.10 gms of Metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 25 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 5 parts of sodium ligno sulphonate, 6 parts of EO / PO block copolymer and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.1 gms of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension composition.

[0229] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 80% and a viscosity of 380 cps. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.65%, spontaneity of dispersion was 76% and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.02%. The composition further demonstrated a suspensibility of about 76% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 0.89 microns; D50: 2.1 microns and D90: 3.8 microns.

[0230] Example 20: Suspension concentrate composition of Pyraclostrobin 20% + Cyazofamid 10 % + Metiram 10% SC

[0231] 45 gms of trisiloxane ethoxylate, 95 gms of propylene glycol were added to 340 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 204.6 gms of pyraclostrobin, 109.6 gms of cyazofamid and 110 gms of metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 20 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 15 parts of sodium ligno sulphonate, 8 parts of EO / PO block copolymer and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.3 gms of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension composition.

[0232] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 70% and a viscosity of 380 cps. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.65%, spontaneity of dispersion was 76% and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.6%. The composition further demonstrated a suspensibility of about 66% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.89 microns; D50: 8.1 microns and D90: 21.3 microns. Example 21: Suspo-emulsion composition of Pyraclostrobin 10% + Cyazofamid 30 % + Metiram 5 % (SE)

[0233] 103 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and blended with 50 gms of Solvesso 200, 20 gms of castor oil ethoxylate and 15 gms of alcohol ethoxylate to obtain a pyraclostrobin EC.

[0234] 20 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate and 45 gms of propylene glycol were added to 310 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 323 gms of Cyazofamid, 55.43 gms of Metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 15 gms of acrylic graft copolymer and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size and obtain a milled slurry.

[0235] Finally, pyraclostrobin EC was mixed with the milled slurry and 1.5 gms of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the suspo-emulsion composition.

[0236] The composition exhibited a viscosity of 420 cps and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.02%. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 0.52 microns; D50: 1.9 microns and D90: 3.2 microns.

[0237] Example 22: Suspo-emulsion composition of Pyraclostrobin 5% + Cyazofamid 0.1 % + Metiram 40 (SE)

[0238] 52 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and blended with 25 gms of Solvesso 200 and 20 gms of tristyryl phenol phosphate surfactant to obtain a pyraclostrobin emulsifiable concentrate (EC). 15 gms of kraft lignin and 50 gms of propylene glycol were added to 330 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 1.10 gm of Cyazofamid and 436 gms of Metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 7.5 gms of EO / PO block copolymer, 10 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 5 gms of silica and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size and obtain a milled slurry. Finally, Pyraclostrobin EC was mixed with the milled slurry and then 1.7 gms of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the suspo-emulsion composition.

[0239] The composition exhibited a viscosity of 600 cps and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.05%. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: DIO: 1.3 microns; D50: 2.5 microns and D90: 4.2 microns.

[0240] Example 23: Zeon Concentrate composition of Pyraclostrobin 1% + Cyazofamid 40 % + Metiram 5 % (ZC)

[0241] 15 gms of high molecular weight polymeric emulsifier and 60 gms of ethylene glycol were added to 340 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 431.18 gms of cyazofamid and 55.43 gms of metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 10 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 5 gms of modified ligno sulphonate and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size.

[0242] Finally, 3.80 gms of Pyraclostrobin 26.75% CS as prepared in example 5 was mixed with the milled slurry and then 0.8 gms of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gms of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

[0243] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 89%, viscosity of 490 cps and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.06%. The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 85% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.8 microns; D50: 3.3 microns and D90: 5.8 microns.

[0244] Example 24: Zeon Concentrate composition of Pyraclostrobin 2.5% + Cyazofamid 0.1 % + Metiram 40% (ZC)

[0245] 30 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and dissolved with 2.3 gm of MDI in 10 gms of Solvesso 100 to prepare an oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 4.6 gms of polyvinyl alcohol and 0.1 gms of antifoaming agent in 34.4 gms of water. Then the oil phase was added to the aqueous phase drop wise under high shear of about 2000 rpm, at a temperature of 50 degrees. After 3 to 5 minutes, 18 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and the mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.4 gms of citric acid to obtain a 29.4% Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension. The capsules had a particle size distribution of D10: 1.1- microns D50: 3.3-microns D90: 5.6 microns.

[0246] 2.5 gms of trisiloxane ethoxylate and 50 gms of propylene glycol were added to 350 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 431.18 gms of Cyazofamid and 51 gms of Metiram were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 15 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 5 gms of kraft lignin, 10 gms of ethoxylated tristyryl phenol and 1 gm of poly dimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size and obtain a milled slurry.

[0247] Finally, 9.35 gms of Pyraclostrobin 29.4% CS was mixed with the milled slurry and then 0.7 gms of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the ZC composition.

[0248] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 80%, viscosity of 530 cps and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.08%. The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 75% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.9 microns; D50: 3.9 microns and D90: 6.2 microns.

[0249] Example 25: Zeon Concentrate composition of Pyraclostrobin 10% + Cyazofamid 20 % + Metiram 10% (ZC)

[0250] 310 gms of Pyraclostrobin was melted and dissolved with 23 gms of MDI in 100 gms of Solvesso 150 to obtain the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 50 gms of polyvinyl alcohol, 1 gm of antifoaming agent in 331.5 gms of water. The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase, drop-wise under high shear at about 1800 rpm at a temperature of 50 degrees. After 5 minutes, 180 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 4.5 gms of citric acid to obtain 30.3% Pyraclostrobin capsulated suspension. The capsules had the following particle size distribution: DIO: 1.8 microns, D50: 3.9 microns, D90: 7.1 microns.

[0251] 17.5 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate and 50 gms of propylene glycol were added to 230 gms of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. Then 216.13 gms of Cyazofamid and 109.78 gms of Metiram technical were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 20 gms of modified styrene acrylic co polymer, 7.5 gms of modified ligno sulphonate, 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size.

[0252] Finally, 333.3 gms of Pyraclostrobin CS was mixed with the milled slurry of Cyazofamid and Metiram and then 1 gm of xanthan gum, 1 gm of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 gm of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the ZC liquid suspension.

[0253] The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 82%, viscosity of 490 cps and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.09%. The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 78% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 1.6 microns; D50: 4.1 microns and D90: 8.4 microns.

[0254] A. FIELD STUDY:

[0255] Field Experiment 1: To study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram for controlling late blight infestation in tomato.

[0256] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the compositions of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in tomato in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The trial was laid out during the Kharif season i.e. July to October, in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments including the untreated control and replicated five times. The test product samples, Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, alone and in combination, in a prescribed dose, were applied as foliar application after planting of the tomato seedlings in the trial plot. The tomato crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices. Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Nagpur, Maharashtra b) Crop : Tomato c) Experiment season: Kharif d) Trial Design : RBD e) Replications : Five f) Treatments : Six g) Plot size : 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Date of sowing : 6.07.2023 i) Date of Application: 06.09.2023 and 16.09.2023 (2ndapplication) j) Method of application : Foliar application k) Crop Variety: Vaishali k) Date of Harvesting: 14.10.2023, 28.10.2023, 13.11.2023

[0257] The observation on crop damage caused by Phytopthora infestans were recorded as Percentage disease incidence (PDI) at 10 days after application of 2ndspray, from each plot and the percentage control was calculated using following formula:

[0258] Control (%) = [Damage in control plot -Damage in treated plot) / Damage in control plot] X 100

[0259] Synergy evaluation using Colby's formula:

[0260] “Synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R. in an article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” published in Weeds, 1967, 15, p. 20-22. The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows:

[0261] E = X + Y - (XY / 100)

[0262] Where,

[0263] E= Expected % effect by mixture of two products X and Y in a defined dose.

[0264] X= Observed % effect by product A

[0265] Y= Observed % effect by product B The action expected for a given combination of three active components is calculated as follows:

[0266] E = (X + Y + Z) - (XY+YZ+XZ / 100) + (XYZ / 10000)

[0267] Where,

[0268] E= Expected % effect by mixture of three products X, Y and Z in a defined dose.

[0269] X= Observed % effect by product A

[0270] Y= Observed % effect by product B

[0271] Z= Observed % effect by product C

[0272] The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula Eq. (2) (Abbott, 1925).

[0273] SF= Observed effect / Expected effect

[0274] Where, SF >1 for Synergistic reaction; SF<1 for antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for additive reaction.

[0275] When the percentage of effect (pest / disease reduction or yield increase) observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF >1, the synergistic effect of the combination is inferred. When the percentage of effect (pest / disease reduction or yield increase) observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF== 1 , merely an additive effect may be inferred, and wherein the percentage of effect (pest / disease reduction or yield increase) observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF<1, an antagonistic effect of the combinations is inferred.

[0276] The mean data on control against the late blight infestation along with the crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in Table 1 :

[0277] Table 1:

[0278]

[0279] CS WG (DC): Water dispersible granular composition of Capsulated suspension ZC: Zeon Concentrate Composition which is a combination of Capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate

[0280] * Synergy calculation

[0281] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray

[0282] It can be seen from the Table 1 that the application of Treatment T1 with Pyraclostrobin 10% + Cyazofamid 2% + Metiram 40% CS WG @1500 gms / ha and Treatment T2 with Pyraclostrobin 5% + Cyazofamid 1% + Metiram 20% ZC @ 3000 gms / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 91.16% and 90.32% reduction in the late blight infestation in tomato at 10 days after application of the 2ndspray, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments 3, 4 and 5 with individual actives, which only showed a 17.95%, 9.25% and 26.36% reduction, respectively, in the late blight incidence, over the untreated control. It can be observed that the percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, based on the embodiments of the present invention, is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 45.17%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2, with the compositions as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the application with individual actives i.e. treatments T3, T4 and T5.

[0283] Further, the compositions of Treatments T1 and T2 (based on the embodiments of the present invention) showed a 19.71% and 19.09%, increase in the yield of tomato, respectively, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3, T4 and T5 which only showed a yield increase of 5.63%, 3.46% and 7.93%, respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield increase in tomato observed with the Treatments T1 and T2 is higher than the expected yield of 16.13%.

[0284] The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives applied i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. Water dispersible granular composition of Capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and the Zeon Concentrate Composition which is a combination of Capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC), where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns (CS-WG) and 0.1 micron to 30 microns (ZC), respectively, as per the embodiments of the present invention. Field Experiment 2: To study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram with specific particle size, for controlling Early blight infestation in tomato.

[0285] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the compositions of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in tomato in Akola, Maharashtra. The trial was laid out during the Kharif season i.e. July to October, in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four treatments including the untreated control and replicated five times. The test product samples, Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, alone and in combination, in a prescribed dose were applied as foliar application after planting of the tomato seedlings in the trial plot. The tomato crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0286] Details of experiment a) Trial Eocation : Akola, Maharashtra b) Crop : Tomato c) Experiment season: Kharif d) Trial Design : RBD e) Replications : Five f) Treatments : Four g) Plot size : 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Date of sowing : 10.07.2023 i) Date of Application: 10.09.2023 and 20.09.2023 (2ndapplication) j) Method of application : Foliar application k) Crop Variety: Pus a Ruby k) Date of Harvesting: 18.10.2023, 02.11.2023, 17.11.2023

[0287] The observations on disease control caused by Altemaria solani were recorded at 10 days after application of second spray and the percentage disease incidence was presented in table 2 to study the impact of the particle size of the composition as per the present invention, on the disease control in tomato as compared to the compositions with higher particle size ranges.

[0288] Table 2:

[0289] WG: Water dispersible granular composition

[0290] * Synergy calculation DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray

[0291] It can be seen from the Table 2 that the application of Treatment T1 with the composition of Pyraclostrobin 60% + Cyazofamid 1% + Metiram 20% WG@ 1200 gms / ha with p.s. range of 0.1 to 50 microns as per the present invention, showed a 91.79% reduction in the early blight infestation in tomatoes at 10 days after application of the 2ndspray over the untreated control, and as compared to the Treatments T2 and T3 with compositions having higher particle size ranges, which only showed a 55.38% and 42.56% reduction, respectively, in the early blight incidence in tomato, over the untreated control.

[0292] Further, the composition of Treatment T1 (as per the present invention) showed a 25.06% increase, in the yield of tomatoes over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T2 and T3, with higher particle size ranges which only showed a yield increase of 9.96% and 3.42%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0293] The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. water dispersible granular compositions, where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, as per the embodiments of the present invention.

[0294] Field Experiment 3: To study the effect of the composition of pyraclostrobin, cyazofamid and metiram, for controlling downy mildew infestation in grapes.

[0295] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in grapes in Nashik, Maharashtra. The trial was laid out during the Rabi season i.e. October to January in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated five times, and applied in two different plots. The test product samples, Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, alone and in combination, with prescribed dose were applied as foliar application after the pruning of grapes in the trial plot. The grape crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0296] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Nashik, Maharashtra b) Crop : Grapes c) Experiment season: Rabi d) Trial Design : RBD e) Replications : Five f) Treatments : Seven g) Plot size : 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Date of pruning : 22.10.2023 i) Date of Application: 17.11.2023 (1stApplication)

[0297] 28.11.2023 (2ndApplication) j) Method of application : Foliar application (2 Sprays) k) Crop Variety: Thompson Seedless k) Date of Harvesting: 4.03.2024

[0298] The observations on disease control caused by Plasmopara viticola were recorded at 10 days after second spray and the percentage disease incidence was presented in Table 3 to see the impact of the composition on disease control of grapes as compared to the control with individual fungicides.

[0299] The percentage control and the synergy factor was computed using the formula discussed in Field Trial - Experiment 1.

[0300] The mean data on control against the downy mildew infestation along with the crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 3:

[0301] Table 3:

[0302]

[0303] WG: Water dispersible granular composition

[0304] SC: Liquid Suspension composition

[0305] * Synergy calculation

[0306] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray

[0307] It can be seen from the Table 3 that the application of Treatment 1 with Pyraclostrobin 0.8% + Cyazofamid 5% + Metiram 60% WG@ 1800 gms / ha and Treatment 2 with Pyraclostrobin 0.4% + Cyazofamid 2.5% + Metiram 30% SC @3600 gms / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed an 88.47% and 87.79% reduction in the downy mildew infestation in grapes over the untreated control at 10 days after application of the 2ndspray, as compared to the treatments 4, 5 and 6, with individual actives, which only showed a 27.71%, 51.71% and 20.98% reduction, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 72.42%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T4, T5 and T6.

[0308] Further, the compositions of Treatments T1 and T2 (based on the embodiments of the present invention) showed a 29.49% and 27.79%, increase in the yield of grapes, respectively, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T4, T5 and T6, which only showed a yield increase of 2.03%, 6.77% and 13.89%, respectively, in grapes over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, is higher than the expected yield of 21.36%.

[0309] Furthermore, it can be observed from Table 3 that the Treatment T3 with composition as per the embodiment of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatment T2 also demonstrated a 79.83% reduction in the downy mildew infestation in grapes as well as an enhanced yield of 23.38%, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T4, T5 and T6 with individual actives, applied at higher dosages.

[0310] The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives applied i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. water dispersible granular composition and suspension concentrate compositions, where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, as per the embodiments of the present invention.

[0311] Field Experiment 4: To study effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram for controlling powdery mildew infestation in grapes.

[0312] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in grapes, in Satara, Maharashtra. The trial was laid out during Rabi season i.e. October to January in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments including untreated control which are replicated five times. The test product samples, Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, alone and in combination with prescribed dose were applied as foliar application after planting of grape seedlings in the trial plot. The grape crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0313] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Satara, Maharashtra b) Crop : Grapes c) Experiment season: Rabi d) Trial Design : RBD e) Replications : Five f) Treatments : Ten g) Plot size : 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Date of Pruning : 04.10.2023 i) Date of Application: 09.11.2023 (1stApplication)

[0314] 19.11.2023 (2ndApplication) j) Method of application : Foliar application (2 Sprays) k) Crop Variety: Thompson seedless k) Date of Harvesting: 13.03.2024

[0315] The observations on disease control caused by fungus Uncinula necator were recorded at 10 days after second spray and the percentage disease incidence was presented in Table 4 to assess the impact of the composition on disease control of grapes, as compared to the control with individual fungicides.

[0316] The percentage control and the synergy factor was computed using the formula discussed in Field Trial - Experiment 1. The mean data on control against the powdery mildew infestation along with the crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 4:

[0317] Table 4:

[0318] CS WG (DC): Water dispersible granular composition of Capsulated suspension

[0319] ZC: Zeon Concentrate Composition which is a combination of Capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate WG: Water dispersible granular composition

[0320] SC: Liquid Suspension composition

[0321] * Synergy calculation

[0322] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray It can be seen from Table 4 that the application of Treatment T1 with Pyraclostrobin 1% + Cyazofamid 25% + Metiram 30% CS WG@2500 gms / ha and Treatment T2 with Pyraclostrobin 0.5% + Cyazofamid 12.5% + Metiram 15% ZC@5000 gms / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 93.71% and 92.89% reduction in the powdery mildew infestation in grapes over the untreated control at 10 days after application of the 2ndspray, or as compared to the treatments T7, T8 and T9 with individual actives i.e. Pyraclostrobin 25% SC, Cyazofamid 20% SC and Metiram 70% WG, which only showed a 9.56%, 29.78% and 19.12% reduction, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 48.64%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T7, T8 and T9.

[0323] Moreover, the compositions of Treatments T1 and T2 also exhibited enhanced powdery mildew control in grapes as compared to Treatments T4, T5 and T6 with Pyraclostrobin 1% + Metiram 30% WG@2500 gms / ha, Pyraclostrobin 0.5% + Cyazofamid 12.5% ZC @5000 gms / ha and Cyazofamid 12.5% + Metiram 15% SC@5000 gms / ha, respectively, with the two way combinations of actives, where these treatments showed a powdery mildew control of only 27.05%, 35.92% and 44.80% respectively, over the untreated control.

[0324] Furthermore, it can be observed from table 4 that the Treatment T3 with composition as per the embodiment of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2 also demonstrated an 86.61% reduction in the powdery mildew infestation in grapes as well as an enhanced yield of 24.65%, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T4, T5 and T6 with the two way compositions of actives or as compared to the treatments T7, T8 and T9, with the individual actives, applied at higher dosages.

[0325] Further, the compositions of Treatments T1 and T2 (based on the embodiments of the present invention) showed a 33.33% and 31.59%, increase in the yield of grapes, respectively, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T7, T8 and T9 with the individual actives, which only showed a yield increase of 2.43%, 9.72% and 4.86%, respectively, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T4, T5 and T6 with the two way compositions of actives which showed a yield increase of 8.68%, 10.76% and 15.97%, respectively over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, was also observed to be higher than the expected yield of 16.19%. The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. Water dispersible granular composition of Capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and the Zeon Concentrate Composition which is a combination of Capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC), where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns (CS-WG) and 0.1 micron to 30 microns (ZC), respectively, as per the embodiments of the present invention.

[0326] Field Experiment 5: To study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram for controlling anthracnose infestation in grapes.

[0327] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in grapes, in Sangli, Maharashtra. The trial was laid out during Rabi season i.e. October to January in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments including untreated control, replicated five times.. The test product samples, Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, alone and in combination with prescribed dose were applied as foliar application after planting of grape seedlings in the trial plot. The grape crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

[0328] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Sangli, Maharashtra b) Crop : Grapes c) Experiment season: Rabi d) Trial Design : RBD e) Replications : Five f) Treatments : Six g) Plot size : 5 x 6 = 30 sqm h) Date of Pruning : 04.10.2023 i) Date of Application: 09.11.2023 (1stApplication)

[0329] 19.11.2023 (2ndApplication) j) Method of application : Foliar application (2 Sprays) k) Crop Variety: Thompson Seedless k) Date of Harvesting: 13.03.2024 The observations on disease control caused by the fungus Elsinoe ampelina were recorded at 10 days after second spray and the percentage disease incidence was presented in Table 5 to assess the impact of the composition on disease control of grapes, as compared to the control with individual fungicides. The percentage control and the synergy factor was computed using the formula discussed in Field Trial - Experiment 1.

[0330] The mean data on control against the anthracnose infestation along with the grape crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 5: Table 5:

[0331] WG: Water dispersible granular composition

[0332] SC: Liquid Suspension composition

[0333] * Synergy calculation

[0334] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray

[0335] It can be seen from the Table 5 that the application of Treatment 1 with Pyraclostrobin 15% + Cyazofamid 60% + Metiram 1% WG@ 1000 gms / ha and Treatment 2 with Pyraclostrobin 7.5% + Cyazofamid 30% + Metiram 0.5% SC @2000 gms / ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed an 88.55% and 88.26% reduction in the anthracnose infestation in grapes over the untreated control at 10 days after application of the 2nd spray, as compared to the treatments T3, T4 and T5 with individual actives, which only showed a 20.05%, 26.89% and 5.79% reduction, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 44.94%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T3, T4 and T5.

[0336] Further, the compositions of Treatments T1 and T2 (based on the embodiments of the present invention) showed a 23.77% and 24.82%, increase in the yield of grapes, respectively, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3, T4 and T5, which only showed a yield increase of 6.34%, 10.52% and 2.92%, respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, is higher than the expected yield of 18.66%.

[0337] The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. Water dispersible granular composition (WG) and the suspension concentrate composition (SC), where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns (WG) and 0.1 micron to 30 microns (SC), respectively, as per the embodiments of the present invention.

[0338] Field trial 6: To study the effect of particle size of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram for controlling late blight infestation in potatoes.

[0339] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in potato. The trial was laid out during Rabi season i.e. October to January in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated five times. The test product samples, Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, in combination with prescribed dose and varying particle size ranges were applied as foliar application after planting of potato in the trial plot. The potato crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices. The tubers were planted in 60 cms row to row and 25 cms plant to plant spacing.

[0340] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Nashik, Maharashtra b) Crop : Potato c) Experiment season : Rabi 2023 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Five f) Treatment : Five g) Plot size : 8m x 5m = 40sq.m h) Date of sowing : 27.10.2023 i) Date of Application: 12.12.2023 and 22.12.2023 j) Method of application: Foliar application k) Date of Harvesting: 27.01.2024

[0341] The observations on disease control caused by Phytophthora infestans were recorded at 10 days after second spray and the percentage disease incidence was presented in table 5 to assess the impact of the particle size of the compositions on disease control of potato.

[0342] The percentage control and the synergy factor was computed using the formula discussed in Field Trial - Experiment 1.

[0343] The mean data on control against the Phytophthora infestans incidence along with the crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 6 to enumerate the impact of the composition comprising Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, with specific particle size as compared to the compositions with the higher particle size ranges.

[0344] Table 6:

[0345] SC: Liquid Suspension composition

[0346] * Synergy calculation

[0347] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray It can be seen from Table 6 that the application of Treatment 1 with Pyraclostrobin 40% + Cyazofamid 5% + Metiram 0.1% SC@ 1500 gms / ha with particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed a 93.09% reduction in the late blight infestation in potato, over the untreated control at 20 days after application of the 2nd spray, as compared to the treatments T2, T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 58.56%, 31.36% and 21.43% reduction, respectively, over the untreated control. Further, the composition of Treatment T1 (based on the embodiment of the present invention) showed a 20.21% increase in the yield of potato over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T2, T3 and T4, which only showed a yield increase of 8.49%, 5.71% and 3.84%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0348] The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. Suspension concentrate composition (SC), where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, as per the embodiment of the present invention.

[0349] Field trial 7: To study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram for controlling early blight infestation in potatoes.

[0350] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram with varying particle sizes in potato. The trial was laid out during the Rabi season i.e. October to January in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments including untreated control, replicated five times. The test product samples of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in combination, with varying particle sizes, with prescribed dose, were applied as foliar application after the planting of potato in the trial plot. The potato crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices. The tubers were planted in 60 cms row to row and 25 cms plant to plant spacing.

[0351] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Satara, Maharashtra b) Crop : Potato c) Experiment season: Rabi 2023 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Five f) Treatment : Eight g) Plot size : 8m x 5m = 40sq.m h) Date of sowing : 03.11.2023 i) Date of Application: 19.12.2023 and 29.12.2023 j) Method of application: Foliar application k) Date of Harvesting: 03.02.2024

[0352] The observations on the control of early blight disease, caused by Alternaria solani were recorded at 10 days after application of the second spray and the percentage disease incidence was presented in Table 7, to assess the impact of the composition as per the present invention, on the disease control in potato.

[0353] The percentage control and the synergy factor was computed using the formula discussed in Field Trial - Experiment 1. The mean data on control against the Alternaria solani incidence along with the crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 7 to enumerate the impact of the composition comprising pyraclostrobin, cyazofamid and metiram, as per the present invention, on the control of pest infestation. Table 7:

[0354] WG: Water dispersible granular composition

[0355] * Synergy calculation

[0356] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray

[0357] It can be seen from Table 7 that the application of Treatment T1 with Pyraclostrobin 2.5% + Cyazofamid 2% + Metiram 40% WG@2500 gms / ha, as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed an 89.30% reduction in the early blight infestation in potato, over the untreated control at 10 days after application of the 2nd spray, as compared to the treatments T2, T3 and T4 with the two way compositions of actives i.e. Pyraclostrobin 2.5% + Cyazofamid

[0358] 2% CS @2500 gms / ha, Pyraclostrobin 2.5% + Metiram 40% WG @2500 gms / ha and Cyazofamid 2% + Metiram 40% WG @2500 gms / ha, respectively, whereby these treatments only showed a disease control of 24.25%, 31.21% and 29.35%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0359] Further, it was observed that the Treatment T1 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed a significant reduction in the early blight infestation in potato, over the untreated control at 10 days after application of the 2nd spray, as compared to the treatments T5, T6 and T7 with the application of individual actives i.e. Pyraclostrobin 25% WG, Cyazofamid 20% WG and Metiram 70% WG, respectively, whereby these treatments only showed a disease control of 15.04%, 9.57% and 20.64%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0360] Furthermore, the composition of Treatment T1 (based on the embodiment of the present invention) showed a 20.64% increase in the yield of potato over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T2, T3 and T4 with the two way compositions, which only showed a yield increase of 8.16%, 6.94% and 8.16%, respectively, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T5, T6 and T7 with the individual actives, which only showed a yield increase of 3.90%, 3.68% and 4.19%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0361] The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. water dispersible granules where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, as per the embodiment of the present invention.

[0362] Field trial 8: To study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram for controlling downy mildew and powdery mildew in cucumber.

[0363] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in cucumber. The trials were laid out during July to September in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments including untreated control, replicated five times. The test product samples, including Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, with prescribed dose were applied as foliar application. Two applications of the composition were done at an interval of 10 days. The cucumber crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0364] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Ahmednagar, Maharashtra b) Crop : Cucumber c) Experiment season : Jul to Sep 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Five f) Treatment :Eight g) Plot size : 5 m x 6 m = 30 sq.m h) Date of sowing : 5.07.2024 i) Date of Application: 24.08.2024 (1st application) 02.09.2024 (2nd application) j) Method of application: Foliar application k) Date of Harvesting : 15.09.2024, 20.09.2024, 24.09.2024

[0365] The observations on disease control caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis (downy mildew) was recorded at 10 days after the application of the second spray and the percentage disease incidence was set forth in Table 8 to assess the impact of the various compositions applied, including the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention on the disease control of cucumber, as compared to the untreated control.

[0366] The percentage control and the synergy factor was computed using the formula discussed in Field Trial - Experiment 1.

[0367] The mean data on control against the Pseudoperonospora cubensis incidence along with the crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in Table 8 to enumerate the impact of the compositions as per the present invention on the downy mildew incidence in Cucumber.

[0368] Table 8:

[0369]

[0370] WP: Wettable powder composition

[0371] SE: Suspo-emulsion composition

[0372] WG: Water dispersible granular composition SC: Liquid Suspension composition

[0373] * Synergy calculation

[0374] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray

[0375] It can be seen from Table 8 that the application of Treatment T1 with Pyraclostrobin 30% + Cyazofamid 15% + Metiram 25% WP @ 900 gms / ha, as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed a 95.17% reduction in the downy mildew infestation in cucumber over the untreated control at 20 days after application of the 2nd spray, as compared to the untreated control. Further, it can be observed that the percentage disease reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, based on the embodiments of the present invention, is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 73.33% for the downy mildew control in cucumber. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2, with the compositions as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect, compared to the application with individual actives i.e. treatments T5, T6 and T7. It is further observed from Table 8 that the compositions of Treatments T1 and T2 i.e Pyraclostrobin 30% + Cyazofamid 15% + Metiram 25% WP @900 gms / ha and Pyraclostrobin 15% + Cyazofamid 7.5% + Metiram 12.5% SE @ 1800 ml / ha (both based on the embodiments of the present invention) showed a 18.37% and 17.17% increase in the yield of cucumber over the untreated control, or as compared to the treatments T5, T6 and T7 with the individual actives, which only showed a yield increase of 6.71%, 5.65% and 3.18%, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be further noted that the Treatments T3 and T4, with the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage, as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 and T2 also demonstrated a significant 15.75% and 16.25% increase in the yield of cucumber as compared to the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T5, T6 and T7 with the individual actives, applied at higher dosages.

[0376] The results observed in Table 8 are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same.

[0377] Moreover, it can be observed from Table 8 that the Treatments T3 and T4, with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 and T2 also demonstrated a 90.21% and 88.20% reduction in the downy mildew infestation in cucumber, respectively, as compared to the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T5, T6 and T7 with the individual actives, applied at higher dosages.

[0378] The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. wettable powders and suspo-emulsion, where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns (WP) or 0.1 micron to 30 microns (SE), as per the embodiments of the present invention.

[0379] Field trial 9: To study the effect of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram for controlling anthracnose in cucumber.

[0380] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram in cucumber. The trials were laid out during August to October in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated five times. The test product samples, including Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, with prescribed dose were applied as foliar application. Two applications of the composition were done at an interval of 10 days. The cucumber crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0381] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Jalna, Maharashtra b) Crop : Cucumber c) Experiment season: August to October 2023 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Five f) Treatment : Five g) Plot size : 5 m x 6 m = 30 sq.m h) Date of sowing : 02.08.2023 i) Date of Application: 21.09.2023 (1st application) 01.10.2023 (2nd application) j) Method of application: Foliar application k) Date of Harvesting : 19.10.2023, 26.10.2023, 11.10.2023

[0382] The observations on disease control caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare were recorded at 10 days after the application of the second spray and the percentage disease incidence was set forth in Table 9 to assess the impact of the various compositions applied, including the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention on the disease control of cucumber, as compared to the untreated control.

[0383] The percentage control and the synergy factor was computed using the formula discussed in Field Trial - Experiment 1.

[0384] The mean data on control against the Colletotrichum orbiculare incidence along with the crop yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 9, to enumerate the impact of the compositions as per the present invention, as compared to the compositions of Pyraclostrobin or Cyazofamid or Metiram applied individually.

[0385] Table 9:

[0386]

[0387] SC: Liquid Suspension composition

[0388] SE: Suspo emulsion composition

[0389] WG: Water dispersible granular composition

[0390] 5 * Synergy calculation

[0391] DA2S: Days After application of 2ndSpray

[0392] It can be seen from the Table 9 that the application of Treatment T1 with the composition of Pyraclostrobin 1% + Cyazofamid 40% + Metiram 5% SE@ 1800 gms / ha, as per the present 0 invention showed a 89.35% reduction in the anthracnose infestation in cucumber at 10 days after application of the 2ndspray as compared to the untreated control, and over the treatments 2, 3 and 4 with compositions including individual actives, which only showed a disease control of 11.51%, 30.21% and 15.73% respectively, in the anthracnose infestation in cucumber.

[0393] Further, it can be observed that the Treatment Tl, based on the embodiment of the present invention) showed a 19.73% increase in the yield of cucumber, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T2, T3 and T4 with the individual actives, which only showed a yield increase of 2.63%, 6.57% and 4.60%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0394] The results are all the more surprising as the dosages of the actives applied i.e Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram, applied in each of the treatments are the same. The surprising results can be attributed to the form of the composition i.e. suspo-emulsion composition, where Pyraclostrobin, Cyazofamid and Metiram are present in specific concentrations and particularly include particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, as per the embodiments of the present invention.

[0395] Further, the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention, on account of significant control of the fungal pests and pathogens, also additionally provide nutrition to the plant, thus showing a significant enhancement in the yield, as well as other crop characteristics such as plant height, root length, fruit size and improved foliage, as compared to the yield observed with individual applications of Pyraclostrobin, Metiram and Cyazofamid, as compared to the other comparative samples.

[0396] It was observed that the combination of the present invention provides good control of fungi or disease as compared to the application of individual actives. Further the composition of the present invention not only helps in improving the crop yield, but the plants also exhibit enhanced physiological parameters. It was observed that the compositions of the present invention, wherein the composition has a particle size in the range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage. The fungicidal composition with a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns provides for increased surface area coverage on application to the foliage and also enhances adhesion and penetration of the actives when applied to the target site of plants or crops.

[0397] The fungicidal composition of Pyraclostrobin, Metiram and Cyazofamid also results in enhanced dispersibility and suspensibility, resulting in the even distribution of the actives when applied to the target site of plants or crops, resulting in better efficacy of the formulation, on its field application. The particle size of the composition not only provides an efficacious composition but also improves the physical properties of the composition. It was observed that the composition of the present invention provides good control on fungal pests as compared to application of individual actives. Further such composition helps in improving the crop yield as well as in enhancing the crop physiological characteristics etc. Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage.

[0398] Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage.

[0399] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated 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. A fungicidal composition containing: a) Pyraclostrobin or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; b) Cyazofamid or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; c) Metiram or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; and d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range from 0.1 microns to 50 microns.

2. A fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid, liquid or gel.

3. The fungicidal composition of claim 2, wherein the solid composition comprises Pyraclostrobin or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; Cyazofamid or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and Metiram or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition.

4. The fungicidal composition according to claim 2, wherein the solid composition is in the form of wettable powders, dispersible powders, scatterable granules, spheronized granules, extruded granules, water-dispersible granules, water-disintegrating granules and water-dispersible granules of encapsulated suspension.

5. The fungicidal composition according to claim 4, wherein the solid composition is in the form of wettable powders, water-dispersible granules and water-dispersible granules of encapsulated suspension.

6. The fungicidal composition according to claim 5, wherein the water-dispersible granules have a size in the range from 0.05 to 4 mm.

7. The fungicidal composition according to claim 5, wherein the solid composition in the form of wettable powders, water-dispersible granules and water-dispersible granules of encapsulated suspension contains particles in the size range from 0.1 microns to 50 microns.

8. The fungicidal composition of claim 2, wherein the liquid composition comprises Pyraclostrobin or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition, Cyazofamid or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition, and Metiram or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition.

9. The fungicidal composition according to claim 2, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of solutions, suspensions, oil dispersions, liquid suspensions, flowable concentrates, seed dressings, suspoemulsions and zeon concentrate compositions (combinations of encapsulated suspensions and suspension concentrates (ZC)).

10. The fungicidal composition according to claim 9, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a suspoemulsion and a zeon concentrate composition (a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate (ZC)).

11. The fungicidal composition according to claim 9, wherein the liquid composition in the form of a liquid suspension, suspoemulsion and zeon concentrate composition (a combination of an encapsulated suspension and a suspension concentrate (ZC)) contains particles in the size range from 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

12. A fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition additionally contains at least one active ingredient selected from microelements, macroelements, biostimulants, fertilizers, fungicidal active substances, plant growth regulators, algae or mixtures thereof.

13. Fungicidal composition according to item1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from surfactants, binders or coupling agents; disintegrating agents; fillers or carriers or diluents; coating agents; buffers or pH regulators or neutralizing agents; antifoaming agents or antifoaming agents; penetrants; humectants; pigments or dyes; structure-forming agents; thickeners; suspending agents or auxiliary suspending agents or anticaking agents or antisettling agents; materials for forming the wall of the microcapsule; cross-linking agents; monomers; protective colloids; viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers; tackifiers; humectants; spreading agents; adhering agents; antifreeze agent or freezing point depressants; solvents; preservatives, or bactericides, or antifungal agents, or biocides, or antimicrobial agents, or antioxidants, as well as mixtures thereof.

14. The fungicidal composition of claim 1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in a concentration range of 1% to 99.7% by weight of the total composition.

15. A method for producing a fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises pyraclostrobin or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; cyazofamid or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition; metiram or its agriculturally acceptable salts in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition contains particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns.

16. A method for treating a plant, parts of a plant, plant propagation material, seed, sprout or locus with a fungicidal composition according to claim 1.