Novel insecticidal mixtures for controlling and protecting crops

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agrochemical insecticidal mixture comprising combination of a nereistoxin analog insecticides and additional insecticide, and the method for controlling pests comprising treating the infected crop with an effective amount of said insecticidal mixture. The present invention mainly displays the efficacy of Cartap mixtures on Anthonomus grandis in cotton crop that led to decrease in plant structural damaged and increase health of the plant. In addition, The present invention displays an unexpected synergistic effect was observed for the inventive mixture of cartap and chlorfenapyr.

Description

[0001] TITLE: NOVEL INSECTICIDAL MIXTURES FOR CONTROLLING AND PROTECTING CROPS

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION:

[0003] The present invention relates to an agrochemical insecticidal mixture comprising combination of a nereistoxin analog insecticides and additional insecticide, and the method for controlling pests comprising treating the infected crop with an effective amount of said insecticidal mixture.

[0004] SUMMARY:

[0005] The present invention is directed to an insecticidal mixture comprising a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, isoxazolines, metadiamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof.

[0006] This invention is further directed to a method for controlling pests comprising treating the infected crop with an effective amount of the insecticidal mixture comprising a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, isoxazolines, meta-diamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof.

[0007] This invention is further directed to a method for protecting crops comprising treating the crops with an effective amount of the insecticidal mixture comprising a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, isoxazolines, meta- diamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof. In addition, this invention is directed to the use of the insecticidal mixture, comprising a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, isoxazolines, meta-diamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof, wherein the mixture of insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) is synergistic.

[0008] The present invention also directed to the use of the insecticidal mixture comprising a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, Isoxazolines, meta-diamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof, for improvement of the health of a plant.

[0009] This invention also directed to the use of the insecticidal mixture comprising a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, isoxazolines, meta- diamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof, for increasing the yield of the crop

[0010] BACKGROUND:

[0011] One of the most common damaging insects for cotton crop, among others pest, is the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis). The boll weevil is a small grayish-brown beetle that is native to Central Mexico. This pest is considered to be one of the most destructive agricultural pests in the United States and is known for its ability to cause significant damage to cotton crops. The boll weevil feeds on the developing buds and squares of cotton plants, which leads to the drop of flower buds and consequently, decreases yields and damages the crop, reduced yields, and cause poor-quality cotton. The female boll weevil also lays eggs in the cotton bolls, where the developing larvae feed on the cotton fibers, causing further damage.

[0012] The boll weevil has had a significant impact on the cotton industry in the United States, and other places in the world, particularly in the southern states, where it has caused billions of dollars in losses over the years. In the effort to control the spread of the boll weevil, many cotton-producing regions have implemented strict control and eradication programs, such as crop rotation and sanitation, cultural practices, and the use of pesticides. It is worth noted that additionally to cotton boll weevil, other pests can harm cotton crop such as aphids (Aphis gossypii), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), thrips (Frankliniella spp.), spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), armyworms (Spodoptera spp.), cutworms (Various species), cotton fleahopper (Pseudatomoscelis seriatus), cotton leafworm (Alabama argillacea) and plant bugs (Various species).

[0013] Pesticides are chemical substances that are used to control or eliminate pests, such as insects, weeds, and plant diseases, in agricultural crops. They are aimed to increase yields by protecting crops from damages caused by pests, which can result in higher yields and better quality of crops, and in term to reduce crop loss, increase cost-effective and efficiency. Pesticides are easy to apply and can be used to treat large areas quickly and efficiently. In recent years, the attempts of preventing the spread of boll weevil in cotton is conducted, mostly and practically by only two principal pesticides: malathion and ethiprole. However, malathion is an organophosphate pesticide that possesses numerous of drawbacks and potential risks associated with its use. Malathion is not selective in its toxicity and can harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life. Malathion is toxic to humans, it can be absorbed through the skin and cause a range of health problems from nausea, vomiting an up to cancer. Malathion residues can remain on treated crops and in the environment for some time after the application, leading to potential exposure to humans and wildlife. Expanded use of malathion can lead to the development of resistance in the target pest populations. As a results of the above mentioned, in many countries, the use of malathion is subject to strict regulations due to its potential risks.

[0014] Nereistoxin analog insecticides are a class of synthetic insecticides that are designed to target the nervous system of insects. They are modeled after a naturally occurring toxin called nereistoxin, which is produced by certain marine worms and is toxic to insects.

[0015] Nereistoxin analogs work by binding to a specific site on the insect's nervous system, block the receptors, preventing nerve transmission and ultimately leading to paralysis and death. These insecticides are particularly effective against pests such as aphids, mites, and thrips. Some examples of nereistoxin analog insecticides include cartap, bensultap, thiocyclam and thiobensultap. These insecticides are widely used in agriculture and horticulture to control insect pests and increase crop yields.

[0016] Among others, cartap insecticide is a popular nereistoxin analog insecticides, used to control a wide range of insect pests in agriculture and horticulture. It is most popular in controlling aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies and jassids. Some of the advantages of cartap insecticide are: cartap insecticide acts quickly on insects, leading to rapid death and control of pest populations. Cartap insecticide is relatively safe for humans and animals, as it has low toxicity and does not accumulate in the environment. Cartap insecticide is biodegradable and does not have a persistent impact on the environment, making it an environmentally friendly option. Cartap insecticide is cost-effective and can be used at low concentrations, making it a popular choice for farmers and growers. In addition, Cartap insecticide provides long-lasting protection against insect pests, reducing the need for frequent applications.

[0017] From the above introduction, one can emphasize the need in new compositions of cartap pesticide in the agriculture field especially in the cotton crop field. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:

[0018] DEFINITIONS:

[0019] Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms to be used herein. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this subject matter pertains. The following definitions are provided for clarity.

[0020] The term "a" or "an" as used herein includes the singular and the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the terms "a," "an," or "at least one" can be used interchangeably in this application.

[0021] As used herein, the verb "comprise" as is used in this description and in the claims and its conjugations are used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. Throughout the application, descriptions of various embodiments use the term "comprising"; however, it will be understood by one of skill in the art, that in some specific instances, an embodiment can alternatively be described using the language "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of."

[0022] As used herein, the term "about" when used in connection with a numerical value includes ±10% from the indicated value. In addition, all ranges directed to the same component or property herein are inclusive of the endpoints, are independently combinable, and include all intermediate points and ranges. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided by the invention.

[0023] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount of the active component that is commercially recommended for use to control and / or prevent pest. The commercially recommended amount for each active component, often specified as application rates of the commercial formulation, may be found on the label accompanying the commercial formulation. The commercially recommended application rates of the commercial formulation may vary depending on factors such as the plant species and the pest to be controlled.

[0024] As used herein, the term "mixture" or "combination" refers, but is not limited to, a combination in any physical form, e.g., blend, solution, alloy, or the like.

[0025] The term "health of a plant" comprises various sorts of improvements of plants that are not connected to the control of pests. For example, advantageous properties that may be mentioned are improved crop characteristics including: emergence, crop yields, protein content, oil content, starch content, more developed root system (improved root growth), improved stress tolerance (e.g. against drought, heat, salt, UV, water, cold), reduced ethylene (reduced production and / or inhibition of reception), increase in plant height, bigger leaf blade, less dead basal leaves, stronger tillers, greener leaf color, pigment content, photosynthetic activity, less input needed (such as fertilizers or water), less seeds needed, more productive tillers, earlier flowering, early grain maturity, less plant verse (lodging), increased shoot growth, enhanced plant vigor, increased plant stand and early and better germination; or any other advantages familiar to a person skilled in the art.

[0026] The term "in the absence of insect pest pressure" referred to conditions in which insect pests are not present in the growth area of a plant, as well as to the conditions in which such insect pests are present within the area of growth of a plant in a quantity which is not harmful to the plant, and which does not interfere with the growth of the plant.

[0027] The term "plant growth" refers to the process of improving and promoting the plant development to achieve better yields and healthier plants.

[0028] The term "yield" refers to increasing the quantity or quality of crops or plant products harvested from a given area of land or a specific plant. The term "plant development" refers to the process of promoting and improving various aspects of a plant's growth and life cycle. Enhancing plant development include the following aspects:

[0029] 1. Promoting Growth established by encouraging the plant to grow larger, taller, or more vigorously, often through providing adequate nutrients, water, and optimal growing conditions.

[0030] 2. Accelerating Maturation established by speeding up the plant's life cycle to achieve earlier flowering, fruiting, or seed production, which can be beneficial in agriculture and horticulture.

[0031] 3. Improving Reproduction established by increasing the plant's ability to produce seeds, fruits, or other reproductive structures, which is crucial for plant propagation and agriculture.

[0032] 4. Enhancing Root Development established by focusing on root growth to improve nutrient and water uptake, which can have a significant impact on overall plant health and productivity.

[0033] 5. Optimizing Flowering and Fruit Set established by manipulating factors like light, temperature, and nutrients to encourage more prolific flowering and higher fruit or seed production.

[0034] The term "bud system" refers to the growth and the development of the buds on a plant. Buds are small, undeveloped shoots that have the potential to grow into leaves, flowers, or new branches.

[0035] The term "flower system" refers to the growth and the development, quantity, quality, and overall performance of flowers on a plant.

[0036] The term "vigor" refers to the process of improving the overall strength, health, and vitality of a plant and consequently lead to increase in crop yields, better plant resilience, and improve overall plant health.

[0037] As used herein the term "knock-down activity" or "knock-down treatment" means an application of one or more insecticides for controlling insect infestation of the plant or locus before and / or after an infestation or before and / or after insect damage are shown and / or when the pest pressure is low / high. Insect pressure may be assessed based on the conditions associated with insect development such as population density and certain environmental conditions.

[0038] As used herein the term "prolonged effect" means obtaining insecticidal activity over an extended period after the application of one or more insecticide for controlling insect infestation of the plant or locus over an extended period of time, before and / or after an infestation or before and / or after insect damage are shown and / or when the insect pressure is low / high. Insect pressure may be assessed based on the conditions associated with insect development such as population density and certain environmental conditions.

[0039] As used herein, the phrase "agriculturally acceptable carrier" means carriers which are known and accepted in the art for the formation of compositions for agricultural or horticultural use. Such agriculturally acceptable carrier can be, but not limited to, water, organic oil, clay, granules, aerosol, microencapsulated material, fertilizer.

[0040] As used herein the term "pesticide" refers to any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating pests, such as insecticide and fungicide.

[0041] As used herein, the term "insecticide" broadly refers to compounds that kills, controls, repel or mitigate one or more species of insects. For chemical classes and applications, as well as specific compounds of each class, see "The Pesticide Manual Thirteenth Edition" (British Crop Protection Council, Hampshire, UK, 2003), as well as "The e-Pesticide Manual, Version 3" (British Crop Protection Council, Hampshire, UK, 2003-04), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As used herein the term "plant" or "crop" refers, but is not limited to whole plants, plant organs (e.g. leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, or plant seeds. This term also encompasses plant crops such as oilseed rape (e.g. canola), cotton, rice, banana, potato (including sweet potato), coffee, sugar cane, citrus, beans, sunflower, corn, soybean, wheat, barley, oats, chickpeas, fruit trees, nut trees (e.g. almonds), lentils, grain sorghum, alfalfa, brassicas, fruiting vegetables (e.g. tomatoes, pepper, chili, eggplant, cucumber, squash etc.), tea, bulb vegetables (e.g. onion, leek etc.), grapes, pome fruit (e.g. apples, pears etc.), and stone fruit (e.g. pears, plums etc.). In some embodiments, the term "plant" may include the propagation material thereof.

[0042] As used herein the term "plant propagation material" refers, but is not limited to, all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant including tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolons, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.

[0043] The term "locus" as used herein refers not only to areas where the pest such as an insecticide may already be developed, but also to areas that have not yet been attacked by said pest, and to areas under cultivation. Locus includes the crop and propagation material of the crop (all the generative parts of the crop such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. Examples of propagation material of the crop include seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolons, buds, and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which could be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil. Locus also includes the area surrounding the crop and the growing media of the crop, such as soil and crop field.

[0044] As used herein, the term "treating a plant or a locus against insect and / or mite pest" includes, but is not limited to, protecting the plant or locus against insect and / or mite pest and / or controlling insect and / or mite pest of the plant or locus. As used herein, the terms "control" or "controlling" are meant to include, but are not limited to, any killing, growth regulating, inhibiting, or interfering with the normal life cycle of the pest activities of a given pest. These terms include for example preventing larvae from developing into mature insects, modulating the emergence of pests from eggs including preventing eclosion, degrading the egg material, suffocation, reducing gut motility, inhibiting the formation of chitin, disrupting mating or sexual communication, and preventing feeding activity.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "protect" or "protecting" are meant to include, but are not limited to, any blocking, restricting, limiting, securing, or barring the presence of the insect and / or mite pest.

[0046] As used herein the term "ha" refers to hectare.

[0047] As used herein, the term "boll weevil" refers, but is not limited to, to insects of the beetle's family of Curculionidae, "coleoptera". Other names include, but is not limited to, "Anthonomus grandis".

[0048] As used herein, the term "thrips" refers, but is not limited to, to insects of the slender family of Thysanoptera. Other names include, but is not limited to, " Physopoda" .

[0049] The agrochemical composition subject of invention:

[0050] The present invention provides an insecticidal mixture comprising: a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, isoxazolines, meta-diamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho- cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is nereistoxin analogue selected from the group comprising bensultap, cartap, thiocyclam, thiosultap-sodium, and the mixtures thereof.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is bensultap or its salts thereof.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is cartap or its salts thereof.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is pyrethroid selected from the group comprising: acrinathrin, allethrin, d-c / s-trans allethrin, d-trans allethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin s-cyclopentenyl isomer , bioresmethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, empenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau-fluvalinate, halfenprox, imiprothrin, kadethrin, permethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, pyrethrins (pyrethrum), resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, and the mixtures thereof.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is pyrethroid selected from the group comprising bifenthrin, cycloprothrin, cypermethrin, beta-cyfluthrin, lambda- cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, phenothrin and the mixtures thereof.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is pyrethroid selected from the group comprising bifenthrin, cycloprothrin, fenvalerate, and the mixtures thereof.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is neonicotinoid selected from the group comprising acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and the mixtures thereof.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is neonicotinoid selected from the group comprising clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and the mixtures thereof.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is spinosyn selected from the group comprising spinetoram, spinosad and the mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is meta-diamide selected from the group comprising brofanilide, fluxametamide and the mixtures thereof.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is METI (Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitor) selected from the group comprising fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, pyrimidifen, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad and the mixtures thereof.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is tolfenpyrad.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is bifenthrin.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the additional insecticide b) is chlorfenapyr.

[0064] The weight ratio between the insecticide a) and the additional insecticide b), cannot generally be defined, as it varies depending upon various conditions such as the type of the formulation, weather conditions, the type of crop and the type of pests.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is from 7:1 to 1:1, 5:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 1:1, 3:1 to 2:1, 1:1 to 1:2.5.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is from 100:1 to 1:1, 50:1 to 1:1, 30:1 to 1:1, 30:1 to 2:1, 30:1 to 5:1, 15:1 to 7:1.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is from 30:1 to 2:1.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is from 15:1 to 7:1.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is from 3:1 to 2:1. According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, 2:1, 1.5:1, 1.2:1, 1:1, 1:1.2, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is 100:1, 90:1, 80:1, 70:1, 60:1, 50:1, 40:1, 30:1, 25:1, 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 5:1, 3:1, 1:1.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the bifenthrin is selected from 100:1 to 1:1, 50:1 to 1:1, 30:1 to 1:1, 30:1 to 2:1, 20:1 to 3:1.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the bifenthrin is from 10:1 to 10:2.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the chlorfenapyr is from 7:1 to 1:2, 5:1 to 1:2, 3:1 to 1:2, 2.5:1 to 1:2, 2.5:1 to 1:1.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the chlorfenapyr is from 2.5:1 to 1:1.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the chlorfenapyr is 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, 2:1, 1.5:1, 1.2:1, 1:1, 1:1.2, 1:1.5, 1:2.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the chlorfenapyr is 1:1.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the chlorfenapyr is 2:1.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the chlorfenapyr is 2.5:1.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the bifenthrin is 100:1,

[0080] 90:1, 80:1, 70:1, 60:1, 50:1, 40:1, 30:1, 25:1, 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 5:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, 2:1, 1:1.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the bifenthrin is 5:1.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of the cartap to the bifenthrin is 10:1.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the amount of the insecticide a) is from 0.01 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture. According to an embodiment, the amount of the insecticide a) is from 0.1 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the amount of the insecticide a) is from 1 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the amount of the insecticide a) is from 10 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the amount of the insecticide a) is from 30 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the amount of the insecticide a) is from 40 % to 60 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the amount of the insecticide a) is from 20 % to 50 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 0.01 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 0.1 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 1 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 10 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 30 % to 70 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 40 % to 60 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture. According to an embodiment, the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 5 % to 50 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

[0095] In yet another embodiment, the insecticidal mixture may be applied in various mixtures or combinations. For example, in a pre-mixed concentrate form, in a single "ready-for- use" form, or in a combined mixture, composed from separate formulations of the single pesticide, such as a "tank-mix" form.

[0096] In an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture is applied in the form of a "ready-for-use" formulation comprising the insecticide a) and the additional insecticide b). This formulation can be obtained by combining the insecticides in an effective amount with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, a surfactant or other application-promoting adjuvant customarily employed in formulation technology.

[0097] In an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture is applied in the form of a pre-mixed concentrate formulation comprising the insecticide a) and the additional insecticide b). This formulation can be obtained by combining the insecticides in an effective amount with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, a surfactant or other application-promoting adjuvant customarily employed in formulation technology.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture is formulated as a solid formulation selected from the group comprising dust (DP), granule (GR), pellet (PS), wettable powder (WP), water dispersible granule (WG), water dispersible tablet (WT), water soluble granule (WSG), water-soluble powder (WSP), bait (B), granular bait (GB), microencapsulated (M), tablet.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture can be provided as common formulation selected from and not limited to water dispersible granules (WDG), soluble powder (SP), suspension concentrate (SC), soluble concentrate (SL), suspoemulsion (SE), oil-in-water emulsion (EW), emulsion concentrated (EC), microencapsulated formulation, dispersible concentrate (DC), oil dispersion (OD), ULV (ultra-low-volume) liquid formulations. These formulation types could be prepared according to procedures known in the art. According to an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture comprising at least one additional component selected from the group of surfactants, solid diluents, and liquid diluents, and the mixture thereof.

[0100] In one embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 0.1 to 99 wt. %, from 0.1 to 95 wt. %, or from 0.1 to 90 wt. %, based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0101] In another embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 1 to 70 wt. %, based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0102] In yet another embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 1 to 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0103] In yet another embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 1 to 40 wt. %, based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0104] In yet another embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 1 to 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0105] In yet another embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 1 to 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0106] In yet another embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 1 to 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture. The remaining components in the formulation are for example carrier and additives. In an embodiment, the total amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is from 1%, 2%, 5%, 7%, 10% to 90%, 93%, 95%, 98%, 99% based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0107] In an embodiment, the total sum amount of the insecticides a) and b) in the insecticidal mixture is 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% based on the total weight of the insecticidal mixture.

[0108] In an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture of the present invention may include additional crop protection agents, for example insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, molluscicides, growth regulators, biological agents, fertilizers, or mixtures thereof.

[0109] Another aspect of this invention comprising a method for controlling of pests comprising treating the infected crop with an effective amount of the present insecticidal mixture.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the infected crop treated with the present insecticidal mixture, for the controlling of pests, is selected from the group comprising tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, cucurbits, melon, watermelon, cucumbers, carrots, onions, potatoes, tobacco, pome and stone fruits, walnuts, kiwi, berries, olive, almonds, pineapples, apples, pears, plums, peaches, and cherries, table and wine grapes, citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes, cotton, soybean, oil seed rape, tree nuts, wheat, barley, maize, sorghum, sunflower, peanuts, rice, pasture, corn, coffee, beans, peas, yucca, sugar cane, clover, chili and ornamentals such as roses.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the infected crop treated with the insecticidal mixture, for controlling of pests, is from the group comprising cotton, soybean, and corn.

[0112] In a specific embodiment, the infected crop treated with the present insecticidal mixture, for the controlling of pests, is cotton.

[0113] In a specific embodiment, the infected crop treated with the present insecticidal mixture, for the controlling of pests, is soybean. In a specific embodiment, the infected crop treated with the present insecticidal mixture, for the controlling of pests, is corn.

[0114] Another aspect of this invention comprising a method for protecting crop comprising treating the crop with effective amount of the present insecticidal mixture in the absence of insecticidal pressure on said crop.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the crop treated with the present insecticidal mixture in the absence of insecticidal pressure, is selected from the group comprising tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, cucurbits, melon, watermelon, cucumbers, carrots, onions, potatoes, tobacco, pome and stone fruits, walnuts, kiwi, berries, olive, almonds, pineapples, apples, pears, plums, peaches, and cherries, table and wine grapes, citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes, cotton, soybean, oil seed rape, tree nuts, wheat, barley, maize, sorghum, sunflower, peanuts, rice, pasture, corn, coffee, beans, peas, yucca, sugar cane, clover, chili and ornamentals such as roses.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the crop treated with the insecticidal mixture in the absence of insecticidal pressure, is cotton.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the crop treated with the present insecticidal mixture in the absence of insecticidal pressure, is soybean.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the crop treated with the present insecticidal mixture in the absence of insecticidal pressure, is corn.

[0119] The present invention also relates to a method for controlling pests by contacting the pests or their food supply, habitat, breeding grounds or their locus with a synergistically effective amount of a mixture of insecticide a) and additional insecticide b).

[0120] The present invention provides a method for controlling pests by contacting the pests or their food supply, habitat, breeding grounds or their locus with an effective amount of the insecticidal mixture disclosed herein, so as to thereby control insects. The present invention provides a method of protecting plants from attack or infestation by pests comprising contacting the plant, or the soil or water in which the plant is growing, with an effective amount of the insecticidal mixture disclosed herein, so as to thereby protecting plants from attack or infestation by said pests.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the target pests are selected from the Coleoptera order such as Acanthoscelides spp. (weevils), Acanthoscelides obtectus (common bean weevil), Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer), Agriotes spp. (wireworms), Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle), Anthonomus spp. (weevils), Anthonomus grandis (boll weevil), Aphidius spp., Apion spp. (weevils), Apogonia spp. (grubs), Ataenius spretulus (Black Turgrass Ataenius), Atomaria linearis (pygmy mangold beetle), Aulacophore spp., Bothynoderes punctiventris (beet root weevil), Bruchus spp. (weevils), Bruchus pisorum (pea weevil), Cacoesia spp., Callosobruchus maculatus (southern cow pea weevil), Carpophilus hemipteras (dried fruit beetle), Cassida vittata, Cerosterna spp, Cerotoma spp. (chrysomeids), Cerotoma trifurcata (bean leaf beetle), Ceutorhynchus spp. (weevils), Ceutorhynchus assimilis (cabbage seedpod weevil), Ceutorhynchus napi (cabbage curculio), Chaetocnema spp. (chrysomelids), Colaspis spp. (soil beetles), Conoderus scalaris, Conoderus stigmosus, Conotrachelus nenuphar (plum curculio), Cotinus nitidis (Green June beetle), Crioceris asparagi (asparagus beetle), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (rusty grain beetle), Cryptolestes pusillus (flat grain beetle), Cryptolestes turcicus (Turkish grain beetle), Ctenicera spp. (wireworms), Curculio spp. (weevils), Cyclocephala spp. (grubs), Cylindrocpturus adspersus (sunflower stem weevil), Deporaus marginatus (mango leaf-cutting weevil), Dermestes lardarius (larder beetle), Dermestes maculates (hide beetle), Diabrotica spp. (chrysolemids), Epilachna varivestis (Mexican bean beetle), Faustinas cubae, Hylobius pales (pales weevil), Hypera spp. (weevils), Hypera postica (alfalfa weevil), Hyperdoes spp. (Hyperodes weevil), Hypothenemus hampei (coffee berry beetle), Ips spp. (engravers), Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Liogenys futscus, Liogenys suturalis, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice water weevil), Lyctus spp. (wood beetles / powder post beetles), Maecolaspis joliveti, Megascelis spp., Melanotus communis, Meligethes spp., Meligethes aeneus (blossom beetle), Melolontha (common European cockchafer), Oberea brevis, Oberea linearis, Oryctes rhinoceros (date palm beetle Oryzaephilus mercator (merchant grain beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (sawtoothed grain beetle), Otiorhynchus spp. (weevils), Oulema melanopus (cereal leaf beetle), Oulema oryzae, Pantomorus spp. (weevils), Phyllophaga spp. (May / June beetle), Phyllophaga cuyabana, Phyllotreta spp. (chrysomelids), Phynchites spp., Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle), Prostephanus truncates (larger grain borer), Rhizopertha dominica (lesser grain borer), Rhizotrogus spp. (Eurpoean chafer), Rhynchophorus spp. (weevils), Scolytus spp. (wood beetles), Shenophorus spp. (Billbug), Sitona lineatus (pea leaf weevil), Sitophilus spp. (grain weevils), Sitophilus granaries (granary weevil), Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil), Stegobium paniceum (drugstore beetle), Tribolium spp. (flour beetles), Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle), Tribolium confusum (confused flour beetle), Trogoderma variabile (warehouse beetle) and Zabrus tenebioides.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the target insect pests are selected from Diptera order, such as Aedes spp. (mosquitoes), Agromyza frontella (alfalfa blotch leafminer), Agromyza spp. (leaf miner flies), Anastrepha spp. (fruit flies), Anastrepha suspensa (Caribbean fruit fly), Anopheles spp. (mosquitoes), Batrocera spp. (fruit flies), Bactrocera cucurbitae (melon fly), Bactrocera dorsalis (oriental fruit fly), Ceratitis spp. (fruit flies), Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranea fruit fly), Chrysops spp. (deer flies), Cocliliomyia spp. (screwworms), Contarinia spp. (Gall midges), Culexspp. (mosquitoes), Dasineura spp. (gall midges), Dasineura brassicae (cabbage gall midge), Delia spp., Delia platura (seedcorn maggot), Drosophila spp. (vinegar flies), Fannia spp. (filth flies), Fannia canicularis (little house fly), Fannia scalaris (latrine fly), Gasterophilus intestinalis (horse bot fly), Gracillia perseae, Haematobia irritans (horn fly), Hylemyia spp. (root maggots), Hypoderma lineatum (common cattle grub), Liriomyza spp. (leafminer flies), Liriomyza brassica (serpentine leafminer), Melophagus ovinus (sheep ked), Musca spp. (muscid flies), Musca autumnalis (face fly), Musca domestica (house fly), Oestrus ovis (sheep bot fly), Oscinella frit (grass fly), Pegomyia betae (beet leafminer), Phorbia spp., Psila rosae (carrot rust fly), Rhagoletis cerasi (cherry fruit fly), Rhagoletis pomonella (apple maggot), Sitodiplosis mosellana (orange wheat blossom midge), Stomoxys calcitrans (stable fly), Tabanus spp. (horse flies) and Tipula spp. (crane flies).

[0123] According to an embodiment, the target insect pests are selected from Hemiptera order, such as Acrosternum hilare (green stink bug), Blissus leucopterus (chinch bug), Calocoris norvegicus (potato mirid), Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug), Cimex lectularius (bed bug), Dagbertus fasciatus, Dichelops furcatus, Dysdercus suturellus (cotton Stainer), Edessa meditabunda, Eurygaster maura (cereal bug), Euschistus heros, Euschistus servus (brown stink bug), Helopeltis antonii, Helopeltis theivora (tea blight plantbug), Lagynotomus spp. (stink bugs), Leptocorisa oratorius, Leptocorisa varicornis, Lygus spp. (plant bugs), Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug), Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Neurocolpus longirostris, Nezara viridula (southern green stink bug), Paratrioza cockerelli, Phytocoris spp. (plant bugs), Phytocoris californicus, Phytocoris relativus, Piezodorus guildingi, Poecilocapsus lineatus (fourlined plant bug), Psallus vaccinicola, Pseudacysta perseae, Scaptocoris castanea and Triatoma spp. (bloodsucking conenose bugs / kissing bugs).

[0124] According to an embodiment, the target insect pests are selected from Homoptera order, such as Acrythosiphon pisum (pea aphid), Adelges spp. (adelgids), Aleurodes proletella (cabbage whitefly), Aleurodicus disperses, Aleurothrixus floccosus (woolly whitefly), Aluacaspis spp., Amrasca bigutella, Aphrophora spp. (leafhoppers), Aonidiella aurantii (California red scale), Aphis spp. (aphids), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid), Aphis pomi (apple aphid), Aulacorthum solani (foxglove aphid), Bemisia spp. (whiteflies), Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci (sweetpotato whitefly), Brachycolus noxius (Russian aphid), Brachycorynella asparagi (asparagus aphid), Brevennia rehi, Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), Ceroplastes spp. (scales), Ceroplastes rubens (red wax scale), Chionaspis spp. (scales), Chrysomphalus spp. (scales), Coccus spp. (scales), Dysaphis plantaginea (rosy apple aphid), Empoasca spp. (leafhoppers), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Icerya purchasi (cottony cushion scale), Idioscopus nitidulus (mango leafhopper), Laodelphax striatellus (smaller brown planthopper), Lepidosaphes spp., Macrosiphum spp., Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid), Macrosiphum granarium (English grain aphid), Macrosiphum rosae (rose aphid), Macrosteles quadrilineatus (aster leafhopper), Mahanarva frimbiolata, Metopolophium dirhodum (rose grain aphid), Mictis longicornis, Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Nephotettixspp. (leafhoppers), Nephotettix cinctipes (green leafhopper), Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), Parlatoria pergandii (chaff scale), Parlatoria ziziphi (ebony scale), Peregrinus maidis (corn delphacid), Philaenus spp. (spittlebugs), Phylloxera vitifoliae (grape phylloxera), Physokermes piceae (spruce bud scale), Pianococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus brevipes (pine apple mealybug), Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale), Rhapalosiphum spp. (aphids), Rhapalosiphum maida (corn leaf aphid), Rhapalosiphum pad! (oat bird-cherry aphid), Saissetia spp. (scales), Saissetia oleae (black scale), Schizaphis graminum (greenbug), Sitobion avenae (English grain aphid), Sogatella furcifera (white-backed planthopper), Therioaphis spp. (aphids), Toumeyella spp. (scales), Toxoptera spp. (aphids), Trialeurodes spp. (whiteflies), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly), Trialeurodes abutiloneus (bandedwing whitefly), Unaspis spp. (scales), Unaspis yanonensis (arrowhead scale) and Zulia entreriana.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the target insect pests are selected from Lepidoptera order, such as Achoea janata, Adoxophyes spp., Adoxophyes orana, Agrotis spp. (cutworms), Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm), Alabama argillacea (cotton leafworm), Amorbia cuneana, Amyelosis transitella (navel orangeworm), Anacamptodes defectaria, Anarsia lineatella (peach twig borer), Anomis sabulifera (jute looper), Anticarsia gemmatalis (velvetbean caterpillar), Spodoptera frugiperda (all armyworm caterpillar), Archips argyrospila (fruittree leafroller), Archips rosana (rose leaf roller), Argyrotaenia spp. (tortricid moths), Argyrotaenia citrana (orange tortrix), Autographa gamma, Bonagota cranaodes, Borbo cinnara (rice leaf folder), Bucculatrix thurberiella (cotton leafperforator), Caloptilia spp. (leaf miners), Capua reticulana, Carposina niponensis (peach fruit moth), Chilo spp., Chlumetia transversa (mango shoot borer), Choristoneura rosaceana (obliquebanded leafroller), Chrysodeixis spp., Cnaphalocerus medinalis (grass leafroller), Colias spp., Conpomorpha cramerella, Cossus (carpenter moth), Crambus spp. (Sod webworms), Cydia funebrana (plum fruit moth), Cydia molesta (oriental fruit moth), Cydia nignicana (pea moth), Cydia pomonella (codling moth), Darna diducta, Diaphania spp. (stem borers), Diatraea spp. (stalk borers), Diatraea saccharalis (sugarcane borer), Diatraea graniosella (southwester corn borer), Earias spp. (bollworms), Earias insulata (Egyptian bollworm), Earias vitella (rough northern bollworm), Ecdytopopha aurantianum, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (lesser cornstalk borer), Epiphysias postruttana (light brown apple moth), Ephestia spp. (flour moths), Ephestia cautella (almond moth), Ephestia elutella (tobbaco moth), Ephestia kuehniella (Mediterranean flour moth), Epimeces spp., Epinotia aporema, Erionota thrax (banana skipper), Eupoecilia ambiguella (grape berry moth), Euxoa auxiliaris (army cutworm), Feltia spp. (cutworms), Gortyna spp. (stemborers), Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth), Hedylepta indicata (bean leaf webber), Helicoverpa spp. (noctuid moths), Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), Helicoverpa zea (bollworm / corn earworm), Heliothis spp. (noctuid moths), Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm), Hellula undalis (cabbage webworm), Indarbela spp. (root borers), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), Leucinodes orbonalis (eggplant fruit borer), Leucoptera malifoliella, Lithocollectis spp., Lobesia botrana (grape fruit moth), Loxagrotis spp. (noctuid moths), Loxagrotis albicosta (western bean cutworm), Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Lyonetia clerkella (apple leaf miner), Mahasena corbetti (oil palm bagworm), Malacosoma spp. (tent caterpillars), Mamestra brassicae (cabbage armyworm), Maruca testulalis (bean pod borer), Metisa plana (bagworm), Mythimna unipuncta (true armyworm), Neoleucinodes elegantalis (small tomato borer), Nymphula depunctalis (rice caseworm), Operophthera brumata (winter moth), Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer), Oxydia vesulia, Pandemis cerasana (common currant tortrix), Pandemis heparana (brown apple tortrix), Papilio demodocus, Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm), Peridroma spp. (cutworms), Peridroma saucia (variegated cutworm), Perileucoptera coffeella (white coffee leafminer), Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth), Phyllocnisitis citrella, Phyllonorycter spp. (leafminers), Pieris rapae (imported cabbageworm), Plathypena scabra, Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth), Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth), Polychrosis viteana (grape berry moth), Prays endocarpa, Prays oleae (olive moth), Pseudaletia spp. (noctuid moths), Pseudaletia unipunctata (armyworm), Pseudoplusia includens (soybean looper), Rachiplusia nu, Scirpophaga incertulas, Sesamia spp. (stemborers), Sesamia inferens (pink rice stem borer), Sesamia nonagrioides, Setora nitens, Sitotroga cerealella (Angoumois grain moth), Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera spp. (armyworms), Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm), Spodoptera fugiperda (fall armyworm), Spodoptera oridania (southern armyworm), Synanthedori spp. (root borers), Theda basilides, Thermisia gemmatalis, Tineola bisselliella (webbing clothes moth), Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper), Tuta absoluta, Yponomeuta spp., Zeuzera coffeae (red branch borer) and Zeuzera pyrina (leopard moth).

[0126] According to an embodiment, the target insect pests are selected from Orthoptera order, such as Anabrus simplex (Mormon cricket), Gryllotalpidae (mole crickets), Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus spp. (grasshoppers), Microcentrum retinerve (angularwinged katydid), Pterophylla spp. (kaydids), Chistocerca gregaria, Scudderia furcata (forktailed bush katydid) and Valanga nigricorni.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the target insect pests are selected from Thysanoptera order, such as Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips), Caliothrips brasiliensis (soybean thrips), Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips), Frankliniella shultzei, Frankliniella schultzei, Frankliniella williamsi (corn thrips), Heliothrips haemorrhaidalis (greenhouse thrips) Riphiphorothrips cruentatus, Scirtothrips spp., Scirtothrips citri (citrus thrips), Scirtothrips dorsalis (yellow tea thrips), Taeniothrips rhopalantennalis and Thrips spp.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the target insect pests are selected from Anthonomus grandis, Caliothrips brasiliensis, Frankliniella schultzei, Polyphagotarsonemus lattus, Tetranychus urticae, Bemisia tabaci or Lyriomiza spp, Spodoptera frugiperda, Helicoverpa armigera, Heliothis virescens, Spodoptera spp, Plusinae, Alabama argilacea.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the target insect pest is selected from Anthonomus grandis, Caliothrips brasiliensis, Frankliniella schultzei, Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera.

[0130] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling Anthonomus grandis in cotton. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera in cotton.

[0131] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling Frankliniella schultzei in soybean.

[0132] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling Caliothrips brasiliensis in corn.

[0133] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of using the insecticidal mixture for protecting cotton crop from Anthonomus grandis.

[0134] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of using the insecticidal mixture for protecting cotton crop from Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera.

[0135] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for protecting soybean crop from Frankliniella schultzei.

[0136] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for protecting corn crop from Caliothrips brasiliensis.

[0137] In an embodiment, the application rates of the insecticidal mixture according to the invention are from 1 g / ha to 10000 g / ha, particularly from 50 g / ha to 5000 g / ha, more particularly from 500 g / ha to 2000 g / ha.

[0138] In some embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is from 500 g / ha to 2000 g / ha.

[0139] In some embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is from 500 g / ha to 1500 g / ha.

[0140] In some embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is from 500 g / ha to 1000 g / ha.

[0141] In another embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is 1200 g / ha.

[0142] In another embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is 1000 g / ha. In another embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is 800 g / ha.

[0143] In another embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is 750 g / ha.

[0144] In another embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is 700 g / ha.

[0145] In another embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is 550 g / ha.

[0146] In another embodiment, the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is 500 g / ha.

[0147] In an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture of the present invention may be applied presowing or post-sowing, pre-emergence, or early-post-emergence of the crop. The insecticidal mixture may be applied via in furrow spray, foliar application, broadcast, basal application, soil application, soil incorporation or soil injection where the crop is growing.

[0148] Another aspect of this invention comprising the use of the insecticidal mixture according to the present invention, wherein a synergistic mixture of insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) is applied to the crop or to the locus wherein the crop is growing.

[0149] Accordingto an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture of the present invention establishes a synergistic effect.

[0150] In purpose of the present invention, a synergistic effect is referred to the condition, in which the overall activity of the insecticidal mixture comprising insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) is greater than the sum of the activities of each one of the insecticides alone.

[0151] In an embodiment, the insecticidal mixture of the present invention shows synergistic effect when insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) are taken in a synergistically effective amount.

[0152] In some embodiments, an amount of insecticide a) and an amount of an additional insecticide b) if applied together are more effective than when insecticide a) at the same amount, and the insecticide b) at the same amount, is applied alone. In some embodiments, an amount of insecticide a) and an amount of an additional insecticide b) in a ratio of 30:1 to 2:1, if applied together are more effective than when insecticide a) at the same amount, and the insecticide b) at the same amount, is applied alone.

[0153] Colby's method is used to determine if synergy exists for a combination of active ingredients. According to Colby, the expected action (E) of active ingredients A+B is: where E - expected efficacy, A and B - the efficacy of two active ingredients A and B at a given dose.

[0154] When the percentage of control observed (O) for the combination is greater than the expected (E) percentage, there is a synergistic effect. The synergism ratio (R) is calculated as the ratio between the expected values and observed values. If the synergism ratio (R) between observed and expected is >1 then synergy is exhibited, if R=1 then the effect is additive and if R<1 then the mix is antagonistic.

[0155] For a more detailed description of the Colby formula, see Colby, S. R. "Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combination," Weeds, Vol. 15, pages 20-22; 1967; see also Limpel et al., Proc. NEWCC 16: 48-53 (1962).

[0156] In some embodiment, the mixture is an improved combination in that the amount of the additional insecticide b) is effective to increase sensitivity of the insect to the amount of the insecticide a) compared to the sensitivity of the insect to the amount of the insecticide a) when it is applied not in combination with the amount of the additional insecticide b).

[0157] In some embodiment, the mixture is an improved combination in that it prolonged the period of protection against insect infection and / or control of insect infection than when the amount of the additional insecticide b) and the amount of the insecticide a) are applied alone. In some embodiment, the amount of insecticide a) needed to achieve a level of insect control in the presence of the additional insecticide b) is reduced, compared to the amount of insecticide a) when applied alone.

[0158] In some embodiments, the mixture is an improved combination in that it reduces the amount of time needed to achieve a level of insect control compared to when the amount of the additional insecticide b) and the amount of the insecticide a) are applied alone.

[0159] Another aspect of this invention comprising the use of the insecticidal mixture for improvement of the health of a plant.

[0160] The present invention provides a method for improvement of the health of a plant of enhancing plant growth comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the insecticidal mixtures and / or compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof.

[0161] The present invention provides a method for improvement of the health of a plant of enhancing crop plants development and / or enhancing crop plants vigor and / or improving plant potential yield comprising applying an effective amount of the any one of the insecticidal mixtures or the compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof.

[0162] The present invention provides a method for improvement of the health of a plant of enhancing plant development comprising applying an effective amount of the any one of the insecticidal mixtures or the compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof so as to thereby enhance plant development.

[0163] The present invention provides a method for improvement of the health of a plant of enhancing buds system comprising applying an effective amount of the any one of the insecticidal mixtures or the compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof so as to thereby enhance the buds system. The present invention provides a method for improvement of the health of a plant of enhancing flower system comprising applying an effective amount of the any one of the insecticidal mixtures or the compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof so as to thereby enhance the flower system.

[0164] The present invention provides a method for improvement of the health of a plant of enhancing plant vigor comprising applying an effective amount of the any one of the insecticidal mixtures or the compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof so as to thereby enhance plant vigor.

[0165] The present invention provides a method for improvement of the health of a plant of enhancing knock-down activity and / or prolonged control comprising contacting the plant, or the soil or water in which the plant is growing, with an effective amount of the any one of the insecticidal mixtures or the compositions disclosed herein so as to thereby enhance knock-down activity and / or prolonged control.

[0166] According to an embodiment, the insecticidal mixtures of the present invention are applied as a knock-down treatment.

[0167] According to an embodiment, the insecticidal mixtures of the present invention are applied to provide prolonged insecticidal control.

[0168] The present invention provides a method for regulating plant growth comprising applying an effective amount of the insecticidal mixtures or the compositions disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof so as to thereby regulate plant growth.

[0169] The present invention provides a method for improving plant potential yield comprising applying an effective amount of the any one of the insecticidal mixtures disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof so as to thereby improve plant potential yield.

[0170] According to an embodiment, the use of the insecticidal mixture increases the yield of the crop by at least about 5%. According to an embodiment, the use of the insecticidal mixture increases the yield of the crop by at least about 10%.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the use of the insecticidal mixture increases the yield of the crop by at least about 20%.

[0172] According to an embodiment, the use of the insecticidal mixture increases the yield of the crop by at least about 25%.

[0173] In some embodiments, the insecticidal mixtures of the present invention are improved combinations in which the amount of the insecticide a) and the additional insecticide b) is effective for treating a plant or locus against fungal infection.

[0174] In another embodiment, insecticide a) and the additional insecticide b) can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession, the sequence, in the case of separate application, generally not having any effect on the result of the control measures.

[0175] That is, each of the insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) may be applied jointly or in succession. In an embodiment, the insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) can be prepared separately as individual formulations, and the individual formulations are applied as is, or diluted to predetermined concentrations.

[0176] In another embodiment, the insecticide a), and additional insecticide b) can be prepared separately, as individual formulations, and the individual formulations can be mixed together, when diluted to a predetermined concentration.

[0177] In another embodiment, the insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) can be formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is, or the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration. EXAMPLES:

[0178] The following examples illustrate the practice of the present invention in some of its embodiments but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and examples. It is intended that the specification, including the examples, is considered exemplary only without limiting the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0179] The data was analyzed via residues and Bartlett test for homogeneity between variances. Once the two assumptions of parametric statistics were met, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. The means were compared by the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. All statistical analyses were performed using R software, version 3.6.1 (R Core Team, 2019).

[0180] EXAMPLE 1 (Trial #1) - Insecticidal mixtures efficacy on cotton boll weevil us

[0181] OBJECTIVES:

[0182] Evaluating the efficacy of cartap insecticidal mixtures controlling cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) in cotton crop.

[0183] DESCRIPTION OF FIELD TRIAL (studv procedures):

[0184] The application of the insecticidal mixtures (Table 1) was conducted by a coastal sprayer, pressurized with CO2, at a working pressure of 2.5 kg cm-2 and syrup volume of 150 L / ha The spray bar consisted of six TT 11002 fan tips spaced 0.5 m apart. The first application started when the infestation level was 1%. 3 applications were conducted at 5 days interval. The spraying was conducted on random cotton blocks with 4 replications. Each replication was 6 meter wide and 3 meter long, 18 m2of total area.

[0185] The number of adults of Anthonomus grandis was counted at day 0, 3 and 5 after the first application (DA1A) and second application (DA2A), and at day 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 after the third application (DA3A) (Table 2). The number of structural damages (feeding injuries) and ovulations of Anthonomus grandis was counted on 20 flower buds per replicate at day 0 and 5 after the first and the second application and at day 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 after the third application (Table 3). MATERIALS:

[0186] Table 1. Insecticidal mixtures and doses that were used in field trial #1. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

[0187] Results obtained from the field trials show decrease in the population of Anthonomus grandis in cotton crop. Cotton blocks that were sprayed with Malathion 1000® EC (FMC) Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®- Adama) disclosed similar effect of 66%, 71% and 61% decrease of Anthonomus grandis population at 3DA1A, 3DA2A and 3DA3A, correspondingly. A prolonged effect was observed for the Malathion 1000 EC (FMC), Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF) even at 15DA3A, keeping the Anthonomus grandis population at 68-72% lower than of the control group (Table 2).

[0188] In addition, notable decrease of 82% at 3DA2A in plant structural damage was observed in the cotton blocks that were sprayed with Malathion 1000® (FMC) and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Zeta-Cypermethrin 350 EC (Mustang®-FMC). The inventive Cartap mixtures of Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF), and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®-Adama) led to respectful decrease of 76% at 3DA2A. The lower plant structural damage was obtained after at 3DA3A and 5DA3A for Malathion 1000® (FMC) (82% and 78%), Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) (82% and 72%), Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF) (82% and 81%), Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Zeta-Cypermethrin 350 EC (Mustang®-FMC) (85% and 84%) and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®-Adama) (78% and 82%). The higher prolonged effect was observed for the Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®-Adama) with 82% less plant structural damage at 7DA3A. In all cases plant structural damage was increased significantly at 15DA3A.

[0189] Furthermore, the number of flower buds fall in the cotton blocks that were sprayed with the examined insecticidal mixtures was decreased constantly after each application (Table 4). The higher decreases of more than 50% were observed for the cotton blocks that were sprayed with Malathion 1000® (FMC), Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo), Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF), Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Zeta- Cypermethrin 350 EC (Mustang®-FMC) and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®-Adama). CONCLUSIONS:

[0190] The use of Cartap mixtures on Anthonomus grandis in cotton crop led to decrease the Anthonomus grandis population, decrease in plant structural damaged and increase health of the plant, consequently led to higher cotton yield.

[0191] 5 SUPPORTING DATA:

[0192] Table 2. Control efficacy on Anthonomus grandis after insecticidal applications in cotton represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the pest population. Table 3. Structural damage after the insecticidal applications in cotton represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the structural damage.

[0193] Table 4. Number of flower buds fall after insecticidal applications in cotton crop.

[0194] EXAMPLE 2 (Trial #2) - insecticidal mixtures efficacy on cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis), Caterpillar (Spodoptera frugiperda) and Caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera) in cotton crop.

[0195] OBJECTIVES:

[0196] Evaluating the efficacy of inventive cartap insecticidal mixtures controlling cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and other pests in cotton crop.

[0197] DESCRIPTION OF FIELD TRIAL (study procedures): The application of insecticidal mixtures (Table 5) was conducted by a costal sprayer, pressurized with CO2, at a working pressure of 2.5 kg cm-2 and syrup volume of 150 L ha- 1. The spray bar consisted of six TT 110.02 fan tips spaced 0.5 m apart. Six spraying applications were conducted with an interval of 5 days, started at day 0 after 1% insect infestation. The spraying was conducted on random cotton blocks with 4 replications. Each replication unit was 6 meter wide and 3 meter long, 18 m2of total area. The number of Anthonomus grandis (Table 6), oviposition of Anthonomus grandis (Table 7), caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera) (Table 8) and caterpillar (Spodoptera frugiperda) (Table 9) was counted at day 3, 5 after the first application (DA1A) and at day 7 and 10 after the sixth application (DA6A). MATERIALS:

[0198] Table 5. Insecticides mixtures and doses that were used in the field trial #2.

[0199] RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

[0200] Decrease in structural damage of between 33% to 79% was observed in all of the cotton blocks that were sprayed with the insecticidal mixtures. The most rapid effect of 69% decrease in structural damage was observed for the inventive insecticidal mixtures of Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®-Adama) and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF) after only 3DA1A. For these inventive mixtures a relatively high prolonged effect of 72-79% at 5DA2A, 7DA6A and 10DA6A was also observed leading to even higher decrease in structural damage (Table 6).

[0201] According to another aspect of the field trial, decrease in oviposition of Anthonomus grandis was detected for all mixtures in a range of between 33% to 83%, after the insecticidal applications. In all cases the decrease of oviposition had prolonged effect at 3DA1A, 5DA2A, 7DA6A and 10DA6A. Yet, higher decrease of between 56 to 83 % was observed for the inventive mixtures of Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®-Adama) and Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF).

[0202] Synergistic effect of 1.22 was observed for the inventive mixture of the Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF), leading to less feeding damages and oviposition of Anthonomus grandis in cotton crop (Table X).

[0203] C: % efficiency of Cartap 500, E: % efficiency of Chlorfenapyr 200, C+E (o): observec efficiency of the mixture Cartap 500 + Chlorfenapyr 200, C+E (e): expected efficiency of the Cartap 500 + Chlorfenapyr 200 mixture (COLBY formula), R: >1 - Mixture of Cartap 500 + Chlorfenapyr 200 is synergistic.

[0204] Additive effect was observed for the mixture of Cartap® BR 500 (Sumitomo) + Bifenthrin 100 EC (Seizer®-Adama) leading to decrease in structural damages in the cotton crop.

[0205] C: % efficiency of Cartap 500, D: %efficacy of Bifenthrin 50, C+D (o): observed efficiency of the mixture Cartap 500 + Bifenthrin 50, C+D (e): expected efficiency of the mixture Cartap 500 + Bifenthrin 50(COLBY formula), R: - 1 - Mixture of Cartap 500 + Bifenthrin 50 is additive.

[0206] According to another aspect of the field trial, a control effect on Caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera) and Caterpillar (Spodoptera frugiperda) was also disclosed in all of the cotton blocks that were sprayed with the insecticidal mixtures (Table 8 and Table 9). Decrease in adult numbers of the Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda was observed for all mixtures in a range of between 36% to 100%. In all cases prolonged effect was observed at 5DA2A and 6DA6A. While Chlorfenapyr (Pirate®-BASF) led to the highest control effect on the Helicoverpa armigera (100%) at 5DA2A and 6DA6A, the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr led to the highest control effect on the Spodoptera frugiperda (100%) at 5DA2A and 6DA6A. CONCLUSION:

[0207] This trial, similarly to the first trial (trial #1), supports that the use of Cartap mixtures on Anthonomus grandis in cotton crop can lead to decrease in plant structural damaged and increase health of the plant and consequently lead to higher cotton yield. In addition, an unexpected synergistic effect was observed for the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr. The control on caterpillar species of Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda was also represented.

[0208] SUPPORTING DATA: Table 6. Preventing effect on structural damage after the insecticidal applications in cotton represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the structural damage.

[0209] Table 7. Control efficacy on oviposition of Anthonomus grandis after the insecticidal applications in cotton represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the oviposition.

[0210] Table 8. Control efficacy on Helicoverpa armigera after the insecticidal applications in cotton represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the Helicoverpa armigera population.

[0211] Table 9. Control efficacy on Spodoptera frugiperda after the insecticidal applications in cotton represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the Spodoptera frugiperda population.

[0212] EXAMPLE 3 (Trial #3) - Insecticidal mixtures efficacy on Thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) in soybean OBJECTIVES:

[0213] Evaluating the efficacy of cartap insecticidal mixtures controlling Thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) in soybean.

[0214] MATERIALS:

[0215] Table 10. Insecticidal mixtures and doses that were used in the field trial #3. * To all insecticidal mixtures, 0.5% per weight of Rumba®(ADAMA) 765 EC (soybean oi methyl ester adjuvant) was added.

[0216] Application Methodology

[0217] The application of insecticidal mixtures (Table 10) was conducted by a backpack sprayer, pressurized to CO2, at a working pressure of 2.5 kg cm-2 and syrup volume of 150 L ha-1.

[0218] The bar spraying consisted of six TT 11002 fan nozzles spaced 0.5 m apart. The first application was carried out after 1% of infestation and the second application was carried out with an interval of 7 days. The number of adults and nymphs of thrips was counted on 10 leaves at day 0, 1, 3 and 7 after the first insecticidal application (DA1A) and day 1, 3, 7 after the second insecticidal application (DA2A).

[0219] The control effect was calculated by the Abbott equation (1925) and displayed in tables 11, 12, 13 and 14.

[0220] RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

[0221] According to the results of the field trial, control effect on adults and nymphs of Frankliniella schultzei in soybean was observed for all mixtures in a range of between 18% to 97% after the first insecticide application. In some cases, as observed for the Magnum®(ADAMA) the prolonged effect on the adults of Frankliniella schultzei was decreased significantly from 82% at 1DA1A to 18% at 7DA1A. In comparison to the commonly used products, higher control and prolonged effects were observed for the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr, leading to 97% control effect at 1DA1A and 56% at 7DA1A.

[0222] The control effect that was observed for nymphs of the Frankliniella schultzei after the first application, supported the observation obtained for the adults of the Frankliniella schultzei with similar trends, which emphasize the advantage of the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr in comparison to the commonly used insecticide. In this case the treatment by mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr led to 97% and 56% control effect at 1DA1A at 7DA1A, correspondingly. A second insecticidal application led to similar trends of control effect of adults and nymphs of Frankliniella schultzei in soybean. The inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr, led to 91% control effect on adults at 1DA2A and 100% control effect on nymphs at 1DA2A and at 3DA2A.

[0223] CONCLUSION:

[0224] The use of the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr on Frankliniella schultzei in soybean crop led to high control effect on adults and nymphs of Frankliniella schultzei and also lead to decrease in plant structural damage, increase the health of the plant and consequently to higher yield.

[0225] SUPPORTING DATA:

[0226] Table 11. Control efficacy on adults of Frankliniella schultzei after first insecticidal applications in soybean represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the adults population of Frankliniella schultzei.

[0227] Table 12. Control efficacy on nymphs of Frankliniella after first insecticidal applications in soybean represented by percentage [%] of decrease in nymph population of Frankliniella schultzei.

[0228] Table 13. Control efficacy on adults of Frankliniella after second insecticidal applications in soybean represented by percentage [%] of decrease in adult population of Frankliniella schultzei.

[0229] Table 14. Control efficacy on nymphs of Frankliniella schultzei after second insecticidal applications [%] in soybean represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the nymphs population of Frankliniella schultzei.

[0230] Example 4 (Trial #4) - insecticidal mixtures efficacy on Thrips (Cali thrips Brasiliense) in corn

[0231] OBJECTIVES:

[0232] Evaluating the efficacy of inventive cartap insecticidal mixtures controlling Thrips (Caliothrips brasiliensis) in corn.

[0233] MATERIALS:

[0234] Table 15. Insecticidal mixtures and doses that were used in the field trial #4. * To all insecticidal mixtures 0.5 % per weight of Rumba®(ADAMA) 765 EC (soybean oil methyl ester) was added.

[0235] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIELD TRIAL (study procedures):

[0236] The application of insecticidal mixtures (Table 15) was conducted by a backpack sprayer, pressurized to CO2, at a working pressure of 2.5 kg cm-2 and syrup volume of 150 L ha-1. The bar spraying consisted of six TT 11002 fan nozzles spaced 0.5 m apart. The first application was carried out after 1% of infestation and the second applications was carried out with an interval of 7 days.

[0237] The number of adults and nymphs of thrips was counted in 10 leaves at day 0, 1, 3 and 7 after first insecticidal application (DA1A) and day 1, 3, 7 after second insecticidal application (DA2A).

[0238] The control efficacy was calculated by the Abbott equation (1925) and displayed in tables 16, 17, 18 and 19.

[0239] RESULTS AND DISSCUSSION:

[0240] According to the results of the field trial, control efficacy on adults and nymphs of Caliothrips brasiliensis in corn was observed for all the insecticidal mixtures in a range of between 24% to 94% at day 1 after the first application (Table 16). While the lowest control effect of about 24% after 1DA1A was observed for the Exalt®(Corteva), higher control effect was observed for the Magnum®(ADAMA) and the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr at 1DA1A of 94% and 54%, correspondingly. Surprisingly, while the prolonged effect of the commonly used product, Magnum®(ADAMA), decreased over time to 24% at 7DA1A, the prolonged effect of the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr was preserved and increased to 84% at 7DA1A. The control effect on nymphs of the Caliothrips brasiliensis after the first insecticidal application, supports the results obtained for the adults with similar trends which emphasize the advantage prolonged effect of the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr (Table 17). The treatment by the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr, led to the high control effect of 98% at 1DA1A and highest prolonged effect of 100% at 7DA1A.

[0241] Another aspect of the field trial discloses the control efficacy on nymphs and adults of Caliothrips brasiliensis in soybean, after a second insecticidal application. The highest control effect and prolonged effect on adults was observed for the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr, leading to 96% at 1DA2A, 97% at 3DA2A and 94% at 10DA2A (Table 18). A perfect control effect and prolonged effect was observed on the nymphs, leading to 100% effect at 1DA2A and 3DA2A and 10DA2A (Table 19).

[0242] CONCLUSIONS:

[0243] The use of the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr on Caliothrips brasiliensis in corn crop led to high control effect and prolonged effect on adults and nymphs of Caliothrips brasiliensis and also lead to decrease in plant structural damage, increase the health of the plant and consequently, to the higher yield.

[0244] SUPPORTING DATA:

[0245] Table 16. Control efficacy on adults of Caliothrips brasiliensis after the first insecticidal applications in corn, represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the adults population of Caliothrips brasiliensis.

[0246] Table 17. Control efficacy on nymphs of Caliothrips brasiliensis after the first insecticidal applications in corn, represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the nymphs population of Caliothrips brasiliensis.

[0247] Table 18. Control efficacy on adults of Caliothrips brasiliensis after the second insecticidal applications in corn, represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the adult population of Caliothrips brasiliensis.

[0248] Table 19. Control efficacy on nymphs of Caliothrips brasiliensis after the second insecticidal applications in corn, represented by percentage [%] of decrease in the nymph population of Caliothrips brasiliensis.

[0249] According to the above field trial experiments, one can emphasized that the inventive cartap mixtures have control levels that are equal, and in some cases even superior to the existing commercial standard products intended for use of specific pests. An unexpected, synergistic effect was observed for the inventive mixture of cartap + chlorfenapyr against the Anthonomus grandis in cotton. The inventive mixtures offer a much broader spectrum of pest control other than weevil, in comparison to the standard commonly used products, potentially, also directly addressing to the control of thrips, caterpillars, mites, whiteflies, reducing the need for additional specific insecticide applications to control these pests. In addition, the mixtures provided by the present invention are currently not commonly used for control of the represented wide list of pests and, therefore, can contribute to an active ingredient rotation system in different crops, in line with pest resistance management strategies.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An insecticidal mixture comprising a) insecticide selected from the group of nereistoxin analogues and b) additional insecticide selected from the group consisting of: pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, isoxazolines, metadiamides, METI (mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors), chlorfenapyr, dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC), sulfluramid, pyridalyl, and the mixtures thereof.

2. The insecticidal mixture according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide a) is nereistoxin analogue selected from the group consisting of: bensultap, cartap or its salt thereof, thiocyclam, thiosultap-sodium, and the mixtures thereof.

3. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the insecticide a) is cartap or its salts thereof.

4. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the additional insecticide b) is pyrethroid selected from the group consisting of: acrinathrin, allethrin, d-c / s-trans allethrin, d-trans allethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin s-cyclopentenyl isomer, bioresmethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta- cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, empenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau-fluvalinate, halfenprox, imiprothrin, kadethrin, permethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, pyrethrins, pyrethrum, resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, and the mixtures thereof.

5. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the additional insecticide b) is neonicotinoid selected from the group consisting of: acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and the mixtures thereof.

6. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the additional insecticide b) is spinosyn selected from the group consisting of: spinetoram, spinosad and the mixtures thereof.

7. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the additional insecticide b) is meta-diamide selected from the group consisting of: brofanilid, fluxametamide, and the mixtures thereof.

8. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the additional insecticide b) is tolfenpyrad.

9. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the additional insecticide b) is selected from: chlorfenapyr, bifenthrin, and the mixtures thereof.

10. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the weight ratio of the insecticide a) to the additional insecticide b) is from 30:1 to 1:1.

11. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the amount of the insecticide a) is from 0.01 % to 70.0 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

12. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the amount of the additional insecticide b) is from 0.01 % to 70.0 % by weight, based on the weight of total mixture.

13. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-12, formulated as a solid formulation selected from the group consisting of: dust (DP), granule (GR), pellet (PS), wettable powder (WP), water dispersible granule (WG), water dispersible tablet (WT), water soluble granule (WSG), water-soluble powder (WSP), granular bait (GB).

14. The insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-12, formulated as a liquid formulation selected from the group consisting of suspension concentrate (SC), soluble concentrate (SL), suspoemulsion (SE), emulsion (EW), emulsion concentrated (EC), microencapsulate, dispersible concentrate (DC), oil dispersion (OD), ULV formulations.

15. A method for controlling of pests comprising treating the infected crop with an effective amount of the insecticidal mixture according to any of the preceding claims 1-14.

16. The method for controlling of pests according to claim 15, wherein the crop is cotton, soybean, corn, common bean, potato, tomato, and melon.

17. The method for controlling pests according to any of claims 15-16, wherein the pests is at least one of Anthonomus grandis, Helicoverpa armigera, Heliothis virescens, Spodoptera spp, Caliothrips brasiliensis, Frankliniella occidentalis, Polyphagotarsonemus lattus, Tetranychus urticae, Bemisia tabaci, Plusinae, Alabama argilacea, Lyriomiza spp, Spodoptera frugiperda.

18. A method for protecting crop comprising treating the crop infected by pest with effective amount of the insecticidal mixture according to any of the preceding claims 1-14.

19. The method for protecting crop according to claim 18, wherein the crop is cotton, soybean, corn, common bean, tomato, potato, and melon.

20. The method for protecting crop according to any of claims 18-19, wherein the pest is at least one of Anthonomus grandis, Helicoverpa armigera, Heliothis virescens, Spodoptera spp, Caliothrips brasiliensis, Frankliniella occidentalis, Polyphagotarsonemus lattus, Tetranychus urticae, Bemisia tabaci, Plusinae, Alabama argilacea, Lyriomiza spp, Spodoptera frugiperda.

21. The method according to any of claims 15-20, wherein the application rate of the insecticidal mixture is of from 500 g / ha to 2000 g / ha.

22. The method according to claim 15-21, wherein the insecticidal mixture is applied on the crop or on the soil where the crop is growing.

23. Use of the insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-14, wherein the mixture of insecticide a) and additional insecticide b) is synergistic.

24. Use of the insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-14 for improvement of the health of a plant.

25. Use of the insecticidal mixture according to any of claims 1-14 for the increasing of the yield of the crop.

26. Method according to any of claims 15-22, wherein the insecticidal mixture of claims 1-14 is synergistic.

27. Use according to any of claims 23-25, wherein the insecticidal mixture of claims 1- 14 is synergistic.

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