Herbicidal compositions and methods of use

Abstract

Herbicidal compositions having as active components, aclonifen, diflufenican, and either ACCase inhibitor or very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor are provided. The herbicidal compositions find use in the selective control of undesired vegetation such as weeds (grasses and broad-leaved weeds), in crops of useful plants such as crops of cereals, allium, sunflower, and maize, both pre-emergence and post- emergence of the weeds.

Description

Herbicidal compositions and methods of useField of the disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to herbicidal compositions having as active components, aclonifen, diflufenican, and either ACCase inhibitor or very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor. The herbicidal compositions find use in the selective control of undesired vegetation such as weeds (grasses and broad-leaved weeds), in crops of useful plants such as crops of cereals, allium, sunflower, and maize, both pre-emergence and post-emergence of the weeds.Background of the disclosure

[0002] Garlic, onion and other allium crops are widely grown worldwide and the control of weeds / pests remains a challenge. Multiple herbicide sprays include field preparation (glyphosate or paraquat flumioxazin and oxyfluorfen), pre-emergence (glyphosate or paraquat, DCPA, bensulide, ethofumesate, and pendimethalin) and postemergence (clethodim, oxyfluorfen, bromoxynil, ethofumesate, dimethenamid).

[0003] Additionally, the multiple use of herbicides is common in cereal and other crops, however it is desirable to keep the herbicide load on crops as low as possible for ecological, environmental and economic reasons.

[0004] Accordingly, a need remains for new herbicidal compositions that are useful in weed control in allium and other crops.

[0005] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and / or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.Summary of the disclosure

[0006] In one aspect the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition comprising the components (a), (b) and (c):(a) an ACCase inhibitor or very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor;(b) diflufenican; and(c) aclonifen.

[0007] In embodiments, the ACCase inhibitor comprises one or more aryloxyphenoxypropionates (FOPs), cyclohexanediones (DIMs), and phenylpyrazolins (DENs).

[0008] In embodiments, the ACCase inhibitor comprises prop-2-ynyl (2R)-2-[4-(5- chloro-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)oxyphenoxy]propanoate (clodinafop-P).

[0009] In embodiments, the ACCase inhibitor comprises 8-(2,6-diethyl-p-tolyl)-1 ,2,4,5- tetrahydro-7-oxo-7H-pyrazolo[1 ,2-d][1 ,4,5]oxadiazepin-9-yl-2,2-dimethyl-propionate (pinoxaden).

[0010] In embodiments, the ACCase inhibitor comprises butyl (2R)-2-[4-[5- (trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]oxyphenoxy]propanoate (fluazifop-P butyl).

[0011] In embodiments, the ACCase inhibitor comprises 2-[(E)-N-[(E)-3-chloroprop- 2-enoxy]-C-ethylcarbonimidoyl]-5-(2-ethylsulfanylpropyl)-3-hydroxycyclohex-2-en-1 - one (clethodim).

[0012] In embodiments, the very long chain fatty acid synthesis (VLCFA) inhibitor comprises one or more of dimethenamid P, ethofumesate, and pyroxasulphone.

[0013] In embodiments, the herbicidal composition comprises:(a) 1 to 35 wt.% of an ACCase inhibitor or VLCFA inhibitor;(b) 1 to 30 wt.% of diflufenican; and(c) 30 to 98 wt.% of aclonifen; based on the total weight of components (a), (b), and (c).

[0014] In embodiments, the herbicidal composition comprises:(a) 3 to 25 wt.% of an ACCase inhibitor or VLCFA inhibitor;(b) 3 to 25 wt.% of diflufenican; and(c) 30 to 94 wt.% of aclonifen; based on the total weight of components (a), (b), and (c).

[0015] In embodiments, the herbicidal composition comprises:(a) 5 to 20 wt.% of an ACCase inhibitor or VLCFA inhibitor;(b) 5 to 20 wt.% of diflufenican; and(c) 30 to 90 wt.% of aclonifen; based on the total weight of components (a), (b), and (c).

[0016] In embodiments, the herbicidal composition further comprises one or more agrochemical active compounds, such as insecticides, fungicides and safeners.

[0017] In embodiments, the herbicidal composition may comprise more than one ACCase inhibitor, or more than one VLCFA inhibitor, or a mixture of ACCase and VLCFA inhibitors.

[0018] In embodiments, components (a), (b), and (c) are present in amounts to give synergistic effects.

[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling unwanted vegetation, the method comprising applying the herbicidal compostion according to any one of the herein disclosed embodiments, and comprising components (a), (b), and (c) to one or more of plants, plant parts, plant seeds, and an area on which plants grow.

[0020] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a use of the herbicidal composition according to any one of the herein disclosed embodiments for controlling unwanted vegetation.

[0021] In embodiments, the unwanted vegetation includes monocots, dicots and cyperaceae.

[0022] In embodiments, components (a), (b), and (c) are used in amounts to give synergistic effects.

[0023] In embodiments, the use is for controlling herbicide-resistant unwanted vegetation.

[0024] In embodiments, the unwanted vegetation is present in an area comprising crop plants.

[0025] In embodiments of the method or use, the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of aclonifen applied is from about 100g / hectare to about 500g / hectare.

[0026] In embodiments of the method or use, the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of diflufenican applied is from about 20g / hectare to about 70g / hectare

[0027] In embodiments of the method or use, the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of ACCase inhibitor applied is from about 4g / hectare to about 120g / hectare.

[0028] In embodiments of the method or use, the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of VLCFA inhibitor applied is from about 50g / hectare to about 1500g / hectare.

[0029] In embodiments of the method or use, components (a), (b), and (c) are applied together.

[0030] In embodiments of the method or use, components (a), (b), and (c) are applied sequentially. In embodiments, the time between the application of each of the components is less than 7 days, or less than 6 days, or less than 5 days, or less than 4 days, or less than 3 days, or less than 2 days, or less than 1 day, or less than 12 hours, or less than 6 hours.

[0031] In embodiments of the method or use, the herbicidal composition is in the form of suspension concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate, or water-dispersible granules.

[0032] In embodiments of the method or use, the plants are genetically modified or have been obtained by mutation selection.

[0033] In embodiments of the method or use, the plant is an allium crop plant, for example garlic, onion, or leek.

[0034] In embodiments of the method or use, component (a) is an ACCase inhibitor, for example one or more of clodinafop P or pinoxaden, and the plant is a cereal crop plant, for example wheat or barley.

[0035] In embodiments of the method or use, component (a) is an ACCase inhibitor, for example one or more of clodinafop P, fluazifop-P butyl, clethodim, or pinoxaden, and the plant is an oil crop plant, for example, sunflower.

[0036] In embodiments of the method or use, application of the composition to unwanted vegetation is at pre-emergent and / or post-emergent stage.

[0037] In embodiments of the method or use, the unwanted vegetation is facilitated to germinate by wetting the soil / sub soil, for example by flood irrigation, water sprinkling, rain, or soaked via raised beds or ridges.

[0038] In embodiments of the method or use, the wetting is performed before application of the herbicidal composition.

[0039] Any embodiment herein shall be taken to apply mutatis mutandis to any other embodiment unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0040] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent compositions, devices and processes are clearly within the scope of the disclosure as described herein.

[0041] Further aspects of the present disclosure and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of examples.Detailed description of the embodiments

[0042] One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. It will be understood that the disclosure described and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the disclosure.

[0043] For purposes of interpreting this specification, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa.Definitions

[0044] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, preferred methods and materials are described. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the following terms are defined below.

[0045] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.

[0046] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an organic gas” means one organic gas or more than one organic gas.

[0047] As used herein, the term “and / or”, e.g., “X and / or Y” will be understood to mean either “X and Y” or “X or Y” and shall be taken to provide explicit support for both meanings or for either meaning.

[0048] As used herein, the term “about” refers to a quantity, value, dimension, size, or amount that varies by as much as 10%, 5%, 1% or 0.1 % to a reference quantity, value, dimension, size, or amount.

[0049] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the disclosure can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1 , 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0050] Surprisingly, it has now been found that compositions comprising active components aclonifen, diflufenican, and either ACCase inhibitor or very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor may exhibit a synergistic action that is capable of controlling the majority of weeds (grasses and broad-leaved weeds) occurring especially in one or more crops of useful plants, without appreciably damaging the useful plants, such as but not limited to crops of cereals, allium, sunflower and maize.

[0051] In comparison to the individual active components the presently disclosed compositions achieve a high level of weed control. Preventing the unintentional overdose of active component is desired by agricultural practices with low rates of application. The presently disclosed compositions selectively target a broad range of weeds without appreciably harming or exhibiting phytotoxicity to the desired crop. The compositions according to the present disclosure possess excellent weed control capability and at the same time increasing the prospects of the desired crops succeeding.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises, or consists essentially of, or consists of, as activecomponents, aclonifen, diflufenican, and one or more ACCase inhibitors (aryloxyphenoxypropionates (FOPs), cyclohexanediones (DIMs), and phenylpyrazolines (DENs)).

[0053] The one or more ACCase inhibitors may comprise one or more of clodinafop- P, pinoxaden, fluazifop-P butyl, and clethodim.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal composition comprises, or consists essentially of, or consists of, as active components, aclonifen, diflufenican, and one or more very long chain fatty acid synthesis (VLCFA) inhibitors, for example one or more of dimethenamid P, ethofumesate, and pyroxasulphone.

[0055] The compositions according to the present disclosure comprise the active components in any mixing ratio. The rate of application (effective amount) of the composition may vary depending upon various factors including and not limited to the nature of the soil, moisture level, the crop plant, the weed type, or the environmental conditions at the time of application. The active components in the compositions according to the present disclosure can generally be applied at a rate of 0.005 to 2 kg of total active components per hectare, preferably at a rate of 0.01 to 0.8 kg of total active component mixture per hectare.

[0056] In embodiments, the herbicidal compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated as a solution or suspension with the following concentrations (a) aclonifen: 200g / L to 500g / L (b) clodinafop-P: 10g / L to 60g / L; (c) fluazifop-P butyl 20g / L to 150g / L; (d) clethodim 10g / L to 10Og / L; (e) diflufenican 20g / L to 90g / L, (f) dimethenamid P 10Og / L to 600g / L, (g) ethofumesate @ 200g / L to 2000g / L, (h) pyroxasulphone 20g / L to 120g / L.

[0057] In embodiments, the application amount of the formulations is about1 L / hectare. The 1 L of formulation may be diluted to 50L to 400L for application, such as spraying. The application frequency may be one or more per crop.

[0058] In embodiments a method is disclosed wherein the herbicidal composition is applied once, after the field soil and / or subsoil is wetted or saturated with water,such as through irrigation. For pre-emergent use, the crop seeds and / or cloves and / or plants are sown and / or planted in a soil bed under ordinary open field conditions and / or inside, such as in a greenhouse. Then the soil bed is treated with water including, but not limited to, flood irrigation, aerial spray, drip irrigation, rain or similar, ensuring the saturation or wetness of soil and / or subsoil with water. Once the water is soaked, the herbicidal composition is applied to the surface of the soil preferably within 72 hours of water treatment. For post-emergent use, the crop seeds and / or cloves and / or plants and / or plant parts are sown in a soil bed under ordinary open field conditions and / or inside, such as in greenhouse, and treated with water including, but not limited to, flood irrigation, aerial spray, drip irrigation, rain or similar ensuring the saturation or wetness of soil and / or subsoil with water. Once the weeds germinate and are at 2 to 6 leaf stages the herbicidal composition is applied to the crop and weeds preferably within 1 to 4 weeks of water treatment. This method results in a reduced amount of herbicidal composition spray used to achieve effective weed control.

[0059] The weeds to be controlled may be both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds, including and not limited to bindi, blue heliotrope, cats ear, chickweed, Cinderella weed, clover, cotula, cudeweed, fleabane, flickweed, khakhi weed, lambs tongue, marchmallow, medic, pearwort, pennywort, pigweed, red coutic weed, shepherds purse, thistle, wireweed, stellaria, sida, xanthium, amaranthus, chenopodium, ipomoea, chrysanthemum, galium, viola and veronica, soliva sessils, parietaria judaica, capeweed, bahia grass, carpet grass, crowsfoot, mullumbimby couch, paramatta grass, paspalum, summer grass, winter grass, alisma spp, leptochloa chinensis, nasturtium, agrostis, digitaria, avena, setaria, sinapis, lolium, solanum, echinochloa, barnyard grass, scirpus, monochorea, sagittaria, bromus, alopecurus, sorghum, rottboellia, abutilon, asparagus, asthma weed, creeping oxalis, dandelion (taraxum officinale), flatweed (hypochoeris radicata), flickweed (cardamine hirsute), lantana, milk thistle (sonchus oleraceus), nutgrass (cyperus rotundus), oxalis, privet (ligustrum sinense), stinging nettle (urticaria urens), tradescantia, ryegrass, wild oat, volunteer wheat.

[0060] Additional weeds include Apera spp., Brachiaria spp., Fimbristylis spp., Panicum spp., Phalaris spp., Poa spp., Agropyron, Cynodon, Imperata. Kochia spp.,Lamium spp., Matricaria spp., Pharbitis spp., Polygonum spp., Solanum spp., Eclipta spp., Convolvulus, Cirsium, Rumex and Artemisia.

[0061] As used herein the term "crops" include crops such as, and not limited to, natural crops, cross breed crops, genetically modified crops, and crops which are tolerant to agrochemicals. These modified crops include but are not limited to those developed as a result of conventional methods of breeding or genetic engineering and some limited examples are glyophostate tolerant crops, triazine tolerant crops (Clearfield®, RoundupReady®, Libertylink®, Bt-176 maize hybrids of NK®, Knockout® (maize), Newleaf® (potatoes)).

[0062] The composition according to the present disclosure can be used in unmodified form, by tank mixing of the components, as separately formulated, or the composition may be formulated in a variety of ways using formulation adjuvants, such as carriers, solvents and surface-active substances. Such formulations may require dilution prior to use wherein the dilution can be made with, but not limited to, water, liquid fertilizers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oil or solvents. The formulations can be in various physical forms, for example in the form of dusting powders, gels, effervescent compressed tablets, suspension concentrate, capsule suspensions, emulsifiable granules, water-dispersible granules, water-dispersible tablets, emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, microemulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, oil flowables, aqueous dispersions, oily dispersions, suspoemulsions, soluble liquids, water-soluble concentrates (with water or a water-miscible organic solvent as carrier), impregnated polymer films or in other forms.

[0063] Reference is made to the Manual on Development and Use of FAQ Specifications for Plant Protection Products, 5th Edition, 1999. The composition can be formulated, for example, by mixing the active components with other active or non-active components in the form of finely divided solids, granules, solutions, dispersions or emulsions. The formulations of active component often comprise other adjuvants, for example finely divided solids, mineral oils, vegetable oils, modified vegetable oils, organic solvents, water, surface-active substances or combinations thereof. As slow release formulations, the active components canalso be contained in very fine microcapsules consisting of polymer / s. Microcapsules usually have a diameter of from 0.1 to 500 microns containing active components in an amount of about from 0.1 to 95 % by weight of the capsule weight. The active components can be present in the form of a monolithic solid, in the form of fine particles in solid or liquid dispersion, or in the form of a suitable solution. The encapsulating membranes comprise, for example, natural and synthetic gums, cellulose, styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polyester, polyamides, polyureas, PLAGA, polyurethane or chemically modified polymers and starch xanthates or other polymers that are known to the person skilled in the art. Alternatively, it is possible for very fine microcapsules to be formed wherein the active component is present in the form of finely divided particles in a solid matrix of a base substance, but in that case the microcapsule is not encapsulated.

[0064] Surface-active substances can be used both in solid and in liquid formulations, and may be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or polymeric and they may be used as emulsifiying, wetting or suspending agents or for other purposes. The surface-active substances include, and are not limited to salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; salts of alkylarylsulfonates, such as calcium dodecyl- benzenesulfonate; salts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonates; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethylammonium chloride, alkylphenol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and di-alkyl phosphate esters; and also further substances described e.g. in "McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual", MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood, New Jersey, 1981.

[0065] Adjuvants suitable for the formualtion of the compositions according to the present disclosure are known perse. As liquid carriers there may be used: water, toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, diacetone alcohol, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, acetophenone, amyl acetate, petroleum ether,vegetable oils, acetone, 1 ,4-dioxane, alkyl esters of acetic acid, dipropylene glycol, 1 ,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 1 ,1 ,1 - trichloroethane, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol methyl ether, ethyl acetate, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, phenol, polyethylene glycol (PEG 400), propionic acid, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, toluene, triethyl phosphate, oleic acid, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, mineral oil, laurylamine, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, 2-ethyl hexanol, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, gammabutyrolactone, mesityl oxide, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, ethylene carbonate, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n- octylamine, p-xylene, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, oleylamine, a-xylene, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and higher molecular weight alcohols, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and the like. Water is generally the carrier of choice for the dilution of the concentrates. Suitable solid carriers are, for example, are and are not limited to talc, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, calcium montomorillonite, cottonseed husks, maize flour, wheatmeal, soybean flour, silica, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, pumice, and similar materials. The description reference may be, for example, include CFR 180.1001 . (c) & (d). Additional components include calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, fatty alcohol-polyoxyethylene ether, polyoxyethylene nonylphenol ether, N- methyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, sorbitan fatty acid ester polyoxyethylene groups ether, phenethyl phenol polyethenoxy polyethenoxy ether, ethylene glycol, sodium alginate, styryl phenol APEO, kaolin, lauryl sodium sulfate, glycerine 80g, silicone, lauryl sodium sulfate, and sodium lignin sulfonate.

[0066] Further adjuvants in the formulations may include crystallisation inhibitors, neutralising or pH- modifying substances and buffers, dyes, anti-oxidants, corrosion-inhibitors, fragrances, wetting agents, complexing agents, foaming agents, viscosity-modifying substances, suspending agents, mixing aids, antifoams, light absorbers, lubricants, dispersants, thickeners, absorption improvers, micronutrients, plasticisers, glidants, anti-freezes, microbiocides and also liquid and solid fertilisers.

[0067] The formulations may also comprise additional useful substances including but not limited to, further herbicides, herbicide safeners, plant growth regulators, fungicides or insecticides, other plant active substance, novel chemical / s with unknown effect on plants.

[0068] The formulated compositions according to the present disclosure can additionally include an additive comprising a mineral oil, an animal oil, vegetable oil, methyl to octyl ester of oils, alkyl esters of such oils or mixtures of such oils and oil derivatives. The amount of oil additive used in formualting the compositions according to the present disclosure is generally from 0.01 to 50%, based on the spray mixture. For example, the oil additive can be added to the spray tank in the desired concentration after the spray mixture has been prepared. Preferred oil additives comprise mineral oils and / or an oil of vegetable and / or animal origin, for example rapeseed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil, emulsified vegetable oil, such as AMIGO® (Rhone-Poulenc Canada Inc.), alkyl esters of oils of vegetable and / or animal origin. Other example are Adigor® and Expedient®. The preferred oil additives comprise alkyl esters of fatty acids, for example, the methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid, Emery® 2230 or 2231 (Cognis GmbH). Reference is made to the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 5th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2000.

[0069] The surface-active substances, such as non-ionic, anionic or cationic surfactants may be used to enhance the effect of composition formulations (some examples are provided in international patent application publication no. WO 97 / 34485). Other examples are silicone surfactants, especially polyalkyl-oxide- modified heptamethyltrisiloxanes and perfluorinated surfactants. The concentrationof surface-active substances in relation to the total additive is generally from 0.1 to 50 % by weight. The formulations may be prepared with or without oil additives that consist of mixtures of oils or mineral oils or derivatives thereof with surfactants, for example Edenor ME SU®, Turbocharge® (Syngenta AG, CH) and Actipron® (BP Oil UK Limited, GB).

[0070] Furthermore, the addition of an organic solvent to the oil additive / surfactant mixture may contribute to a further enhancement of action. Suitable solvents are, for example, Solvesso® (ESSO) and Aromatic Solvent® (Exxon Corporation). The concentration of such solvents can be from 3 to 85 % by weight of the total weight. Such oil additives, which may be in admixture with solvents, are described, for example, in US Patent No. 4,834,908. A commercially available oil additive disclosed therein is known by the name MERGE® (BASF Corporation). A further oil additive that is preferred according to the present disclosure is SCORE® (Syngenta Crop Protection Canada).

[0071] In addition to the oil additives listed above, in order to enhance the activity of the compositions according to the present disclosure it is also possible for formulations of alkylpyrrolidones, (e.g. Agrimax®) to be added to the spray mixture. Formulations of synthetic latices, such as, for example, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl compounds or poly-1 -p-menthene (e.g. Bond®, Courier® or Emerald®) can also be used. Solutions that contain propionic acid, for example Eurogkem Pen-e-trate®, may be mixed into the spray mixture as activity-enhancing agents.

[0072] The herbicidal compositions of the present disclosu re generally contain the active components from 0.05 to 99.95 % by weight, especially from 0.1 to 95 % by weight, of active components. Whereas commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates, the end user will normally employ dilute formulations.

[0073] The present disclosure furthermore also provides a method for controlling unwanted vegetation (for example harmful plants), preferably in crop plants such as cereals (for example durum wheat and common wheat, allium crops (for example garlic, onion, chives, scallions, shallots, leeks), barley, rice, corn, millet, sorghum, cotton,sunflowers, soybeans, potatoes, tomatoes, beans such as, for example, bush beans and broad beans, flax, pasture grass, fruit plantations, plantation crops, greens and lawns, and also squares of residential areas or industrial sites, or rail tracks, where the components (a), (b) and (c) of the herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure are applied jointly or separately to plants, for example harmful plants, plant parts, plant seeds or the area on which the plants grow, for example the area under cultivation, for example by the pre-emergence method (very early to late) and / or postemergence method. The present disclosure also provides the use of the herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure comprising the components (a), (b) and (c) for controlling herbicide-resistant harmful plants, preferably in crop plants, preferably in the crop plants mentioned above.

[0074] The present disclosure also provides a method for controlling unwanted vegetation with the herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure comprising the components (a), (b) and (c), and their use in crop plants which have been modified by genetic engineering (transgenic) or obtained by mutation selection, and which are resistant to growth regulators such as, for example, 2,4 D, dicamba, or against herbicides which inhibit essential plant enzymes, for example acetolactate synthases (ALS), EPSP synthases, glutamine synthases (GS) or hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases (HPPD), or respectively to herbicides from the group of the sulfonylureas, glyphosates, glufosinates or benzoylisoxazoles and analogous active compounds, or to any combinations of these active compounds. The herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure can be used with particular preference in transgenic crop plants which are resistant to a combination of glyphosates and glufosinates, glyphosates and sulfonylureas or imidazolinones. The present disclosure also provides the use of the herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure comprising the components (a), (b) and (c) for controlling harmful plants, preferably in crop plants, preferably in the crop plants mentioned above.

[0075] The herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure can also be used non-selectively for controlling unwanted vegetation, for example in plantation crops, at the wayside, on squares, industrial sites or railway installations; or selectively for controlling unwanted vegetation in crops for energy generation (biogas, bioethanol), public places, and areas producing solar energy, windmills, turbines.

[0076] The herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure can be present both as mixed formulations of components (a), (b), and (c), and, or a tank mix of individual components, individually formulated components (a), (b), and (c), if appropriate, with further agrochemical active compounds, additives and / or customary formulation auxiliaries which are then applied in a customary manner diluted with water or can be prepared as so-called tank mixes by joint dilution of the separately formulated or partially separately formulated components with water. In certain cases, the mixed formulations can be diluted with other liquids or solids, or else be applied in undiluted form.

[0077] In embodiments, the amount of one or more ACCase inhibitors (component (a)) in the presently disclosed herbicidal compositions may be 1 wt.%, or 2 wt.%, or 3 wt.%, or 4 wt.%, or 5 wt.%, or 6 wt.%, or 7 wt.%, or 8 wt.%, or 9 wt.%, or 10 wt.%, or 11 wt.%, or 12 wt.%, or 13 wt.%, or 14 wt.%, or 15 wt.%, or 16 wt.%, or 17 wt.%, or 18 wt.%, or 19 wt.%, or 20 wt.%, or 21 wt.%, or 22 wt.%, or 23 wt.%, or 24 wt.%, or 25 wt.%, or 26 wt.%, or 27 wt.%, or 28 wt.%, or 29 wt.%, or 30 wt.%, or 31 wt.%, or 32 wt.%, or 33 wt.%, or 34 wt.%, or 35 wt.%, 40 wt.%, 45 wt.%, 50 wt.%, based on the total weight of components (a), (b) and (c).

[0078] In embodiments, the amount of one or more very long chain fatty acid synthesis (VLCFA) inhibitors (component (a)) in the presently disclosed herbicidal compositions may be 1 wt.%, or 2 wt.%, or 3 wt.%, or 4 wt.%, or 5 wt.%, or 6 wt.%, or 7 wt.%, or 8 wt.%, or 9 wt.%, or 10 wt.%, or 11 wt.%, or 12 wt.%, or 13 wt.%, or 14 wt.%, or 15 wt.%, or 16 wt.%, or 17 wt.%, or 18 wt.%, or 19 wt.%, or 20 wt.%, or21 wt.%, or 22 wt.%, or 23 wt.%, or 24 wt.%, or 25 wt.%, or 26 wt.%, or 27 wt.%, or28 wt.%, or 29 wt.%, or 30 wt.%, or 40 wt.%, or 45 wt.%, or 50 wt.%, or 55 wt.%, or60 wt.%, or 65 wt.%, or 70 wt.%, or 75 wt.%, or 80 wt.%, based on the total weight of components (a), (b) and (c).

[0079] In embodiments, the amount of diflufenican (component (b)) in the presently disclosed herbicidal compositions may be 1 wt.%, or 2 wt.%, or 3 wt.%, or 4 wt.%, or 5 wt.%, or 6 wt.%, or 7 wt.%, or 8 wt.%, or 9 wt.%, or 10 wt.%, or 1 1 wt.%, or 12 wt.%, or 13 wt.%, or 14 wt.%, or 15 wt.%, or 16 wt.%, or 17 wt.%, or 18 wt.%, or 19 wt.%, or 20 wt.%, or 21 wt.%, or 22 wt.%, or 23 wt.%, or 24 wt.%, or 25wt.%, or 26 wt.%, or 27 wt.%, or 28 wt.%, or 29 wt.%, or 30 wt.%, or 31 wt.%, or 32 wt.%, or 33 wt.%, or 34 wt.%, or 35 wt.%, 40 wt.%, 45 wt.%, 50 wt.% based on the total weight of components (a), (b) and (c).

[0080] In embodiments, the amount of aclinofen (component (c)) in the presently disclosed herbicidal compositions may be 1 wt.%, or 2 wt.%, or 3 wt.%, or 4 wt.%, or 5 wt.%, or 6 wt.%, or 7 wt.%, or 8 wt.%, or 9 wt.%, or 10 wt.%, or 11 wt.%, or 12 wt.%, or 13 wt.%, or 14 wt.%, or 15 wt.%, or 16 wt.%, or 17 wt.%, or 18 wt.%, or 19 wt.%, or 20 wt.%, or 21 wt.%, or 22 wt.%, or 23 wt.%, or 24 wt.%, or 25 wt.%, or 26 wt.%, or 27 wt.%, or 28 wt.%, or 29 wt.%, or 30 wt.%, or 40 wt.%, or 45 wt.%, or 50 wt.%, or 55 wt.%, or 60 wt.%, or 65 wt.%, or 70 wt.%, or 75 wt.%, or 80 wt.%, or 85 wt.%, or 90 wt.%, or 95 wt.%, based on the total weight of components (a), (b) and (c).

[0081] The components (a), (b) and (c) can be formulated in various ways, depending on the prevailing biological and / or chemico-physical parameters.

[0082] Examples of general formulation options are: wettable powders (WP), water- soluble concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates (EC), aqueous solutions (SL), emulsions (EW), such as oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, sprayable solutions or emulsions, suspension concentrates (SC), dispersions, oil dispersions (OD), suspoemulsions (SE), dusts (DP), seed-dressing products, granules for soil application or spreading (GR) or water-dispersible granules (WG), ultra-low volume formulations, microcapsule dispersions or wax dispersions.

[0083] Preferred formulations have especially the following compositions which are not limited:• Suspension concentrate: active component composition (limits from 0.1 % to 80%), surface active agents (limits from 0.5 to 80%) and water (balance).• Emulsifiable concentrate contains the active component composition (limits from 0.1 to 99.9%), surface active agents (limits from 1 to 80%) and liquid carrier (balance).• Dusts contains active component composition (limits from 0.1 up-to 80%), solid carrier (balance)• Wettable powders: active component composition (limits from 0.1 to 99.9%), surface active agents (limits from 0.3 to 40%) and solid carrier (balance)• Granules: active component composition (limits from 0.1 to 99.9%), and solid carrier (balance)

[0084] It is often more practical for the active components present in the compositions according to the present disclosure to be formulated separately and then to be combined in the applicator in the desired mixing ratio in the form of a "tank mixture", optionally with a diluent such as water, shortly before application. In a preferred embodiment, the active components present in the compositions according to the present disclosure are a mixture or formulated together (known as pre-mix or formulated product).

[0085] In an embodiment of any aspect of the present disclosure, the herbicidal compositions consists essentially of, or consists of, as active component, (a), (b), and (c), and optionally one or more formulation adjuvants.

[0086] In an embodiment of any aspect of the present disclosure, one or more further herbicidal active components are present in the herbicidal composition and in combination with (a), (b), and (c).

[0087] In embodiments, the amount of one or more ACCase inhibitors (component (a)) in 1 litre of the presently disclosed herbicidal formulations, which are application ready, may be 5 g / L, or 10 g / L, or 20 g / L, or 25 g / L, or 30 g / L, or 35 g / L, or 40 g / L, or 45 g / L, or 50 g / L, or 55 g / L, or 60 g / L, or 65 g / L, or 70 g / L, or 75 g / L, or 80 g / L, or 85 g / L, or 90 g / L, 100g / L, 125g / L, 150g / L.

[0088] In embodiments, the amount of one or more very long chain fatty acid synthesis (VLCFA) inhibitors (component (a)) in 1 litre of the presently disclosed herbicidal formulations, which are application ready, may be 20 g / L, or 25 g / L, or 30 g / L, or 35 g / L, or 40 g / L, or 45 g / L, or 50 g / L, or 55 g / L, or 60 g / L, or 220 g / L, or 230 g / L, or 240 g / L, or 250 g / L, or 270 g / L, or 290 g / L, or 300 g / L, or 330 g / L, or 360 g / L, or 400 g / L, or 450 g / L, or 500 g / L, or 600 g / L, or 700 g / L, or 800 g / L.

[0089] In embodiments, the amount of aclinofen (component (c)) in 1 litre of thepresently disclosed herbicidal formulations, which are application ready, may be 10Og / L, 210 g / L, or 220 g / L, or 230 g / L, or 240 g / L, or 250 g / L, or 260 g / L, or 270 g / L, or 280 g / L, or 290 g / L, or 300 g / L, or 310 g / L, or 320 g / L, or 330 g / L, or 340 g / L, or 350 g / L, or 360 g / L, or 370 g / L, or 380 g / L, or 390 g / L, or 400 g / L, or 410 g / L, or 420 g / L, or 430 g / L, or 440 g / L, or 450 g / L, or 460 g / L, or 470 g / L, or 480 g / L, or 490 g / L, or 500 g / L, or 600 g / L.

[0090] In embodiments, the amount of diflufenican (component (b)) in 1 litre of the presently disclosed herbicidal formulations, which are application ready, may be 5 g / L, or 10 g / L, or 20 g / L, or 25 g / L, or 30 g / L, or 35 g / L, or 40 g / L, or 45 g / L, or 50 g / L, or 55 g / L, or 60 g / L, or 65 g / L, or 70 g / L, or 75 g / L, or 80 g / L, or 85 g / L, or 90 g / L.

[0091] In embodiments the application rate, for example by spraying, may vary from 1 L / ha to 10L / ha. There may be one or more than one application, wherein per application the dilution may be 50L to 400L per ha (hectare).

[0092] Surprisingly, the presently disclosed compositions of active components exceed the additive effect on the weeds to be controlled that is to be expected through additive effects. In embodiments, the combined effect broadens the range of action of active components by displaying, in embodiments, synergistic activity where the rates of application of the individual compounds are reduced while a good level of action is maintained. The compositions according to the present disclosure achieve a high level of weed control with considerable broadening of the spectrum of weeds and increased selectivity in respect of the crops of useful plants. The compositions according to the present disclosure, while retaining excellent control of weeds have low or no phytotoxicity against the desired crops of useful plants. The low rate of application inrease the prospects of crops succeeding.Examples

[0093] The following examples below are for illustration purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. The synergistic effect and / or superior effect of the compositions of the present disclosure are demonstrated.

[0094] Activity in the compositions is higher than the expected activity of the sum of the individual herbicides employed. The synergistic effects allow higher efficacy and / orlonger persistency in controlling grass and broad-leaved weeds with only one or few applications, and / or have rapid onset of the herbicidal action. The methods of application effectively control weeds in one or few applications. The reduced application is thus more advantageous economically, ecologically, and with lesser burden on the environment when used for agricu Itu ral / forestry / horticu Itural crops, public places including but not limited to railway tracks, green land / meadows, or crops for generating energy (biogas, bioethanol). The crops free of unwanted competing plants ensure and / or increase yield levels from both a qualitative and quantitative angle. The novel compositions according to the present disclosure markedly exceed the technical state of the art with a view to the properties described.

[0095] Even though the herbicidal compositions according to the present disclosure have an outstanding herbicidal activity toward mono- and dicotyledonous harmful plants, the desired crop plants displayed excellent safety with minor to no phytotoxicity.

[0096] The active components used in the examples are described below:(1 ) Clodinafop-P: 15g / L to 50g / L(2) Fluazifop-P butyl: 20g / L to 150g / L(3) Clethodim: 10g / L to 90g / L(4) Pinoxaden: 5g / L to 25g / L(5) Aclonifen: 200g / L to 600g / L(6) Diflufenican: 20g / L to 90g / L(7) Pyroxasulphone: 50g / L to 10Og / LThe active components may be used @ 1 L / ha per application. There may be one or more applications per crop.

[0097] In the following examples, “Composition A” refers to a herbicidal composition comprising one or more ACCase inhibitors, aclonifen, and diflufenican.

[0098] In the following examples, “Composition B” refers to a herbicidal composition comprising one or more very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitors, aclonifen, and diflufenican.Example 1 : Pre-emergence testing

[0099] Test plants were sown in a soil bed under ordinary open field conditions in which standard soil was used as cultivation substrate. At the pre-emergence stage, the active components, alone and in combination, were applied to the surface of the soil. The tests were visually evaluated after 1 up to 10 weeks later (100 % = plant is completely dead; 0 % = no phytotoxic action on the plant). The seeds of various broadleaved weed and grass weed were sown in a ~10 cm diameter pot filled with standard nonsterile farm soil. After sowing, the soil was covered with a further soil layer of about 1 cm. The pots were then irrigated to saturation with water and then allowed to soak. The pre-sown allium crop (garlic cloves, seeds of onion seed, leek), or sunflower, where the seeds or cloves were covered with soil, was irrigated where the irrigation method included, and was not limited to, flood irrigation, water sprinkle, drip irrigation, rain, or soaked via raised bed or ridges. Once the water was soaked the surface was sprayed with the herbicidal composition. After the treatment, the plants were fertilized and watered as required.Example 2: Post-emergence testing

[0100] Cloves of garlic, plants or seeds of onion, leek and other allium crop were planted in soil where the weed was facilitated to grow after making the surface wet, preferably by irrigation and that irrigation included and was not limited to flood irrigation, water sprinkle, rain, soaked via raised bed or ridges. Once the weeds had grown and were at 2 or more leaf stage the spray of the herbicidal composition (joint or separate) was performed to control the weed. A single spray was sufficient to control the weeds. The seeds of various broad-leaved weed and grass weed were sown in a ~10 cm diameter pot filled with standard nonsterile farm soil. After sowing the soil was covered with a further soil layer of about 1 cm. The pots were then irrigated with water and the weeds were allowed to germinate and were at the 2 or more-leaf stage when sprayed. The amount of water used for spray application was 50L to 400L per hectare. After the treatment, the plants were fertilized and watered as required.Example 3: Post-emergence test on weeds only

[0101] The herbicides, both singly and as combination were applied to the established post-emergence stage (2 up to 8 leaf stage). The rates of application depended on theoptimum concentrations ascertained under field conditions. The tests were evaluated after 7 to 22 days (100 % action = plant is completely dead; 0 % action= no phytotoxic action).

[0102] A synergistic effect exists whenever the action of, for example, the active component combination of the compounds according to the compositions of the present disclosure is greater than the sum of the actions of the active components applied singly. The herbicidal action to be expected for a given combination of two herbicides can be calculated as follows (see COLBY, S.R., "Calculating synergistic and antagonistic response of herbicide combinations", Weeds 15, pages 20-22, 1967):We = (A+B) - (A*B) / 100; wherein:We = expected additive action in percent.A = percentage herbicidal action on treatment with compound A at a rate of application of a-kg per hectare, compared with the untreated control (= 0%).B = percentage herbicidal action on treatment with a compound B at a rate of application of b-kg per hectare, compared with the untreated control.

[0103] The herbicidal action to be expected for a given combination of three herbicides can be calculated as follows:We = (A+B+C) - (A*B+A*C+B*C) / 100 + (A*B*C) / 10000; wherein:We = expected additive action in percent.A = percentage herbicidal action on treatment with compound A at a rate of application of a-kg per hectare, compared with the untreated control (= 0%).B = percentage herbicidal action on treatment with a compound B at a rate of application of b-kg per hectare, compared with the untreated control.C = percentage herbicidal action on treatment with a compound C at a rate of application of c-kg per hectare, compared with the untreated control.

[0104] Thus, if the observed activity is greater than expected from the Colby formula, then synergism is present.Example 4: Effect of compositions comprising ACCase inhibitor clethodim on weeds

[0105] Field soil with a previous history of seed bank of multiple monocot and dicot weeds was selected for testing.

[0106] The field soil was prepared with rotavator and an area of 3m2was irrigated to allow the weeds to germinate. The spray was completed when the weeds including summer grass, digitaria, echinochloa, setaria, alopercurus, chenopodium, wireweed, pigweed, amarnath were at 4-6 leaf stage. An area of ~15cm2each were sprayed with (A) ACCase inhibitor clethodim, (B) diflufenican, and (C) aclonifen, each individually, and the three component composition. The herbicides were sprayed so that in each of the applications the amount of applied spray, and therefore the amount of applied active components, was regulated to be as close as possible. The herbicidal effect was noted after 2 weeks and details of weeds tested, concentrations of components A, B, and C, and the effect on weeds is summarised in Table 1 in which We is the expected additive action according to the three component Colby formula, A+B+C is the observed activity of the 3 component composition, and Delta is the oberved activity of the 3 component composition minus We.

[0107] It is evident that there was a profound synergistic effect across all weed types.

[0108] The herbicidal effects of compositions containing two components of the presently dislcosed herbicidal composition, specifically diflufenican + aclonifen and clethodim + aclonifen were tested (same evaluation conditions as for the 3 component composition). The two component Colby formula was used to assess the results.

[0109] While synergistic effects were oberved with the binary mixtures, in each and every case the 3 component mixture significantly outperformed the binary mixtures.Example 5: Effect of compositions comprising ACCase inhibitor clodinafop P on weeds

[0110] Example 4 was substantially repeated except that ACCase inhibitor clethodim was replaced with another ACCase inhibitor clodinafop P. The effect on weeds is summarised in Table 2 in which We is the expected additive action according to the three component Colby formula, A+B+C is the observed activity of the 3 component composition, and Delta is the oberved activity of the 3 component composition minus We.

[0111] It is evident that there was a profound synergistic effect across all weed types.

[0112] Binary mixtures exhibited a degree of synergism, however there was a significantly enhanced synergistic effect for the 3 component composition.Example 6: Effect of sequential application on efficacy

[0113] 15 cm2blocks of established weeds, both monocots and dicots, including rye grass, volunteer wheat, oat, marshmallow, and capeweed were separately sprayed with a mixture of all 3 components (aclonifen, clethodim and diflufenican), or a single component aclonifen or diflufenican was sprayed first followed by spraying the remaining two components 7 days later. One area was left unsprayed. The effect was noted post 2 weeks of the final spray. The efficacy against various weeds was recorded as >90% when the composition of 3 components was utilised. Application of the active components separately had a significantly lower efficacy ranging from 30% to 55%. This range of efficacies was similar to an additive action of the 3 components. That is, no synergy was oberved when application of the components was performed 7 days apart.Example 7: Comparison of efficacy of compositions containing VLCFA inhibitor

[0114] Field soil was prepared with a rotavator and then irrigation was performed ensuring thorough wetting for maximal weed germination. The open field was divided into ~15cm2areas each marked as rubber circles when the weeds, both monocots and dicots, were at 2 to 4 leaf stage. The weeds included ryegrass and wheat. Spraying of a composition comprising aclonifen, diflufenican, and VLCFA inhibitor pyroxasulphone (Composition B) was compared with a composition comprising aclonifen, diflufenican, and ACCase inhibitor clethodim (Composition A), while the control area was unsprayed.

[0115] Herbicidal effect was recorded at 3 weeks post treatment when the composition with ACCase inhibitor (Composition A) displayed superior effect in which almost all weeds died. The composition with VLCFA inhibitor (Composition B), where the grass was prominently ryegrass, was affected, but to a lesser degree. There were volunteer wheat plants observed with Composition B and none with Composition A. The control area that was not treated had weeds normally growing and ryegrass reached 6 or more leaf stage. Visual effect as average was (a) Control = No effect on growth; (b) Composition B = 61%; (c) Composition A = 96%.

[0116] In a separate test wheat crop infested with wild oat, canery grass, silver grass, marshmellow, capeweed, carrot weed, clover was selected and divided into parts of 0.5m2each. Spray was completed with composition A (ACCase inhibitor as pinoxaden or clodinafop-P) or Composition B (VLCFA inhibitor as pyroxasulfone) along with a control area that was not sprayed. The herbicidal and crop safety was recorded 3 weeks post treatment. The efficacy as visual (EWRS scale) was recorded where the effect was similar as on the dicots and was greater than 90% in each active group; however, there was greater difference towards the monocots where the composition B had efficacy against wild oat as <30% while the composition A had efficacy >80%. The safety towards wheat crop was similar in both groups. The untreated area was infested with monocots and dicots growing normally.

[0117] In a further experiment with wheat crop a block was subdivided into 6 blocks of 0.5 m2each as open field. The results are summarised in Table 3.

[0118] The weeds at spray time were at 2 to 4 leaf stage with multiple varieties of monocots and dicots, mainly capeweed, rye grass, carrot weed, cudeweed, marshmallow, medic and wild oat, along with the wheat. The weed suppression effect occurred in order of 5>1 >4>2>3 within 10 days and the effect with both composition A and B was more pronounced on the dicots compared to the monocots. The wheat plants were found to be safe and growing in each lot.Example 8: Efficacy of composition on weeds in garlic crop

[0119] Field soil with a history of weed seed bank including winter and summer monocots and dicot weeds was prepared with a rotavator. The field (3 m2) was separated into 2 parts where 2 separate garlic varieties were planted, and the field was flood irrigated. The irrigation ensured the saturation of the field with water allowing many weeds to grow prior to spraying. The weeds included monocots and dicots including stellaria (chickweed), sinapis, capeweed (arctotheca calendula), carrot weed (cotula), cudeweed, flickweed, shepherds purse, marchmallow, dock weed, wild oats (avena spp.), paterson's curse (echium plantagineum), volunteer wheat, ryegrass (lolium), poa annua (winter grass), lambs tongue, medic weed, soursob (oxalis pes-caprae), clover (trifolium spp.), wild radish (raphanus raphanistrum), brome grass (bromus spp.). The weeds were germinating, along with sprouting of the garlic cloves. The combined weed density was up to 90 plants or more in 10cm2area. Each area was separated with rubber circles before spraying. A spray of the composition A (aclonifen, diflufenican, ACCase inhibitor as Flozifop-P or Clethodim) was completed when the weeds and cloves were at their 2 to 4 leaf stage on selected area of 30cm2each. After 2 weeks the sprayed area was found clean with no evidence of weed infestation (>99% weeds were killed). The area treated with composition B (aclonifen, diflufenican, pyroxasulphone) was observed to have as slower effect on the weeds. On the other hand, in the control and unsprayed area, the weeds grew normally up-to 6 leaf stages and were actively growing. There was noappreciable effect on the garlic plants (<5% visible if any phytotoxicity) in both groups sprayed with the herbidical compositions. The compositions were surprisingly highly selective against the multiple winter weeds and was crop safe. No weeds had emerged or had established when noted 3 months post plantation of crop in composition A area.Example 9: Efficacy of composition on weeds in onion cropField soil with a history of weed seed bank including the winter and summer monocots and dicot weeds was prepared with a rotavator The field (2m2) was selected, and onion plants were transplanted in rows and the field flood irrigated. The irrigation ensured the saturation of the field with water allowing many weeds to grow prior to spraying. The transplanted onion plants were stabilized and were at 3 leaf stage when the weeds germinated and were at 2-4 leaf stage when treated with herbicidal composition. One week after spraying with Composition A the weeds were clearly recorded as stressed and started dying with visual recording of >95% weeds cleared on the treated part. Two weeks post treatment >99% weeds were cleared. The area treated with composition B was observed to contain volunteer wheat plants. The untreated part of the field continued to be heavily infested with weeds, where both monocots and dicots grew up to 6 leaf stage or more. The weeds included solunum nigrum (black nightshade), pigweed (portulaca oleracea; amaranthus retroflexus), chenopodium, galium, sida, fleabane, bindi weed, caltrop (tribulus terrestris), soliva sessilis, wireweed (polygonum aviculare), sowthistle (sonchus oleraceus), blue heliotrope, cats ear (hypochaeris radicata), dandelion, khakhi weed (Amaranthaceae caryophyllales). The grass weeds included leptochloa chinensis, paspalum, setaria, echinochloa, bromus, alopecurus, rottboellia, cyperus, digitaria sanguinalis and digitaria cilaris (summer grass), eleusine indica (crab grass), nutgrass (cyperus rotundus), volunteer wheat, barnyard grass (echinochloa crus-galli), liverseed grass (urochloa panicoides), and spiny burrgrass (cenchrus spp.).

[0120] Surprisingly the treatment did not appear to cause appreciable phytotoxicity to the onion plants and was <5%. There were no weeds emerging when noted 60 days post plantation of crop.

[0121] In another experiment various varieties of onion were transplanted as a mix (5 to 10 rows each of red burgundy, red onion, brown onion) and were irrigated via sprinkler. The weeds germinated and were at 2 to 6 leaf stage when the spray was completed with Composition A. The weeds were killed in one week at >99%. The field remained clear of weeds 7 weeks post spraying (visual efficacy >97%) while the onion crop was normal. The weed control effect was mainatined at the time of harvest of the onion. The bulb size was normal.

[0122] In still another experiment various varieties of onion were mix transplanted (5 to 10 rows each of red burgundy, red onion, brown onion) and the field was flood irrigated. The weed germinated and at 2 weeks post irrigation was at 2 or more leaf stage when the spray was completed with compositions A & B. The results were evaluated at 3 weeks post spraying when >96% of the weeds were dead, while the onion crop showed mild crop injury at <5%. The weed control effect was noted at >90% at the time of harvest. There were volunteer wheat plants present with composition B.Example 10: Pre-emergent efficacy of compositions A and B in sunflower cropField soil with a history of weed seed bank, including winter and summer monocots and dicot weeds, was prepared with rotavator. A 1 .5 m long raised bed was created where sunflower seeds were sown 30 cm apart. The raised bed was then irrigated from both sides and water soaked to the top ensuring saturation. The spray was completed 3 days post sowing. Sunflower seeds germinated, and no weeds were observed germinating or growing. The weeds included solunum nigrum (black nightshade), pigweed (portulaca oleracea; amaranthus retroflexus), chenopodium, galium, sida, fleabane, bindi weed, caltrop (tribulus terrestris), soliva sessilis, wireweed (polygonum aviculare), sowthistle (sonchus oleraceus), blue heliotrope, cats ear (hypochaeris radicata), dandelion, khakhi weed (Amaranthaceae caryophyllales). The grass weeds included leptochloa chinensis, paspalum, setaria, echinochloa, bromus, alopecurus, rottboellia, cyperus, digitaria sanguinalis and digitaria cilaris (summer grass), eleusine indica (crab grass), nutgrass (cyperus rotundus), barnyard grass (echinochloa crus- galli), liverseed grass (urochloa panicoides), and spiny burrgrass (cenchrus spp.)

[0123] The sunflower crop grew well and was harvested in April (Southern Hemisphere). In conclusion the composition was safe for the crop and had excellent efficacy against the weeds, including both monocots and dicots.

[0124] In another experiment sunflower plants were grown in a raised bed. The crop was at 4 leaf stage and the surface was infested with weeds.

[0125] The weeds included purslane, solunum nigrum (black nightshade), amarnath, chenopodium, galium, fleabane, bindi weed (soliva sessilis), wireweed, cats ear, dandelion, khakhi weed, red coutic weed. The grass weeds included leptochloa chinensis, paspalum, digitaria ciliaris, setaria, echinochloa, barnyard grass, bromus, rottboellia, eleusine indica (crow foot), and wheat.

[0126] When the spray was completed with composition A, after two weeks >98% of the weeds were regressed or dead. The crop had some level of injury (-15%) in terms of damaged leaves. However new leaves were healthy and the crop normalized.Example 11 : Pre-emergent efficacy of various compositions on weeds

[0127] Field soil with a history of weed seed bank, including winter and summer monocots and dicot weeds, was prepared with a rotavator. The area was flood irrigated and then allowed to settle for 24 hours when all water had soaked. Areas of 30cm2each were chosen for spraying.

[0128] The sprayed area was monitored post two weeks from treatment when no weeds were found in the sprayed area and all of the compositions A with different ACCase inhibitor (Clodinafop-P, Flozifop-P and Clethodim) had similar efficacy. The unsprayed area contained weeds including capeweed, ryegrass, wild oat, thistle, cudeweed, carrot weed (cotula), pigweed, shepherds purse, marchmallow, dock and the grass weeds including avena (sativa and fatua), lambs tongue, and medic weed.Example 12: Post-emergent efficacy of various compositions on weeds

[0129] Field soil with a rich history of weed seed bank, including the winter and summer monocots and dicot weeds, was prepared with a rotavator. The area was moist with continued rain when weeds including dicots and monocots were grown to the stage of 2 to 4 leaves, including capeweed, ryegrass, and volunteer wheat. Blocks of30cm2each was chosen for experiment where the blocks were sprayed with composition B and composition A (ACCase inhibitor as Fluzifop P, Clethodim, Clodinafop P) and the control block was left unsprayed.After three weeks the area was examined. The unsprayed area contained weeds including capeweed, ryegrass, wild oat, thistle, cudeweed, carrot weed (cotula), pigweed, shepherds purse, marchmallow, dock and grass weeds including avena (sativa and fatua), lambs tongue, medic weed. The ryegrass was mainly the final dying weed and the sprayed area had the herbicidal effect in order, Block 5 = Block 3 > Block 4 > Block 2 (Table 4).

[0130] In another experiment weed seed including dicots and monocot grass were mixed in the filed soil 15 cm2that was already containing weed seed bank of both mono and dicots was then irrigated and left for 4 weeks to germinate and grow the weeds to 6 leaf stage. Spray was completed with (a) glyphosate, (b) composition B and (c) composition A (ACCase inhibitors clethodim). Six weeks post spray the area sprayed with glyophosate had three established ryegrasses presumed to be resistant to glyophosate. There was one marshmallow plant that did not respond well with visible effect of EWRS ~6. The composition B area had 2 ryegrass plants which were not fully killed but regressed (the effect was seen as EWRS ~5). The composition A completely cleared the area of weeds.Example 13; Safety of composition on garlic

[0131] In an experiment with no spray history, Australian red garlic was at 5 leaf stage and rye grass plants were established to 6 leaf or more. Spray was completed with composition A (ACCase inhibitor with either flozifop P or clethodim) at an area of ~15cm2. The crops were monitored to 4 weeks post spray when it was noted that the sprayed crop area looked similar to the unsprayed area, with no appreciable visible injury to garlic crop. The rye grass plants in the garlic crop were dead or decomposing.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A herbicidal composition comprising the components (a), (b) and (c):(a) an ACCase inhibitor or a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor;(b) diflufenican; and(c) aclonifen.

2. The herbicidal composition according to claim 1 , wherein the ACCase inhibitor comprises an aryloxyphenoxypropionate (FOPs), or a cyclohexanedione (DIMs), or a phenylpyrazolin (DENs).

3. The herbicidal composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ACCase inhibitor comprises clodinafop-P, fluazifop-P butyl, clethodim, or pinoxaden.

4. The herbicidal composition according to claim 1 , wherein the VLCFA inhibitor comprises dimethenamid P, ethofumesate, or pyroxasulphone.

5. The herbicidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:(a) 1 to 35 wt.% of an ACCase inhibitor or a VLCFA inhibitor;(b) 1 to 30 wt.% of diflufenican; and(c) 30 to 98 wt.% of aclonifen; based on the total weight of components (a), (b), and (c).

6. The herbicidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:(a) 3 to 25 wt.% of an ACCase inhibitor or a VLCFA inhibitor;(b) 3 to 25 wt.% of diflufenican; and(c) 30 to 94 wt.% of aclonifen; based on the total weight of components (a), (b), and (c).

7. The herbicidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:(a) 5 to 20 wt.% of an ACCase inhibitor or a VLCFA inhibitor;(b) 5 to 20 wt.% of diflufenican; and(c) 30 to 90 wt.% of aclonifen; based on the total weight of components (a), (b), and (c).

8. The herbicidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising one or more agrochemical active compounds, such as insecticides, fungicides and safeners.

9. A method for controlling unwanted vegetation, the method comprising applying the herbicidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and comprisng components (a), (b), and (c) to one or more of plants, plant parts, plant seeds, and an area on which plants grow.

10. A use of the herbicidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for controlling unwanted vegetation.11 . The use according to claim 10 for controlling herbicide-resistant unwanted vegetation.

12. The use according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the unwanted vegetation is present in an area comprising crop plants.

13. The method according to claim 9, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of aclonifen applied is from about 10Og / hectare to about 500g / hectare.

14. The method according to claim 9 or claim 13, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of diflufenican applied is from about 20g / hectare to about 70g / hectare15. The method according to any one of claims 9, 13 or 14, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of ACCase inhibitor applied is from about 4g / hectare to about 120g / hectare.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 15, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the herbicidal composition is applied such that the amount of VLCFA inhibitor applied is from about 50g / hectare to about 100g / hectare.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 16, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein components (a), (b), and (c) are applied together.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 16, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the components (a), (b), and (c) are applied sequentially.

19. The method or use according to claim 18, wherein the time between sequential application of each component is less than 7 days, or less than 6 days, or less than 5 days, or less than 4 days, or less than 3 days, or less than 2 days, or less than 1 day, or less than 12 hours, or less than 6 hours.

20. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 19, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the herbicidal composition is in the form of suspension concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate, or water-dispersible granules.21 . The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 20, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 20, wherein the plants are genetically modified or have been obtained by mutation selection.

22. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 21 , or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 21 , wherein the plant is an allium crop plant, for example garlic, onion, or leek.

23. The method or use according to claim 22, wherein compoent (a) is pyroxasulfone.

24. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 21 , or the use according to any one of claims to 21 , wherein component (a) is an ACCase inhibitor, for example one of clodinafop P or pinoxaden, and the plant is a cereal crop plant, for example, wheat or barley.

25. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 21 , or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 21 , wherein component (a) is an ACCase inhibitor, for exampleone of clodinafop P, fluazifop-P butyl, clethodim, or pinoxaden, and the plant is an oil crop plant, for example, sunflower.

26. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 25, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 25, wherein application to unwanted vegetation is at pre- emergent and / or post-emergent stage.

27. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 13 to 26, or the use according to any one of claims 10 to 26, wherein the unwanted vegetation is facilitated to germinate by wetting the soil / sub soil, for example by flood irrigation, water sprinkling, rain, or soaked via raised beds or ridges.

28. The method or use according to claim 27, wherein the wetting is performed before application of the herbicidal composition.

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