An agrochemical combination and compositions thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a stable agrochemical composition comprises of a plant growth regulator; a water-insoluble pesticide; and at least two spontaneity inducers. The present invention discloses stable agrochemical composition of plant growth regulator derived from seaweeds. The present invention also discloses process of preparing, method of application and use of stable agrochemical composition.

Description

[0001] AN AGROCHEMICAL COMBINATION AND COMPOSITIONS THEREOF

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an agrochemical combination and composition. The present invention further relates to a method of controlling phytopathogen infestation and reducing disease incidence in crops.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Plant pathogens can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in critical losses of crop yield, quality and consequently economic losses. Pathogens like fungi often stunt crop growth, they attack and destroy standing crops, induce distress in crops so that they succumb to other diseases and / or result in a significantly lower crop yield. Plants respond to infections caused by pathogens by activating their innate immune system. Pathogen recognition triggers ion channel gating, oxidative burst, cellular redox changes, protein kinase cascades and other responses that either directly activate cellular changes such as cell wall reinforcement, or activate changes in gene expression that lead to the formation of defensive compounds, e.g. compounds directed to fight infection or to make the plant less receptive to pathogens.

[0006] Fungicides include chemical compounds or biological substances used to kill or inhibit fungi or oomycetes or their spores. Fungicides sometimes are also known to retard growth of other plant pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, nematodes or insects. Apart from chemical control by fungicide applications that prevent and control crop pathogens, it is also advantageous to stimulate the plant immune system to control diseases caused by parasites or pathogens such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, arachnids and insects.

[0007] Variety of seaweeds stimulating the plant immune system are known as elicitors. Seaweeds are considered a natural resource of bio-elicitors because of their high polysaccharide content. Their involvement in early signaling processes through activation of secondary metabolic pathways and mobilization of signal molecules has been suggested. The use of seaweed polysaccharides to protect plants against pathogens has been widely reported. Agriculturally recognized seaweed extracts and purified compounds include polysaccharides such as laminarin, ulvans, alginates, carrageenan and their breakdown products. Other constituents contributing to plant growth promotion include micro- and macronutrients, sterols, N- containing compounds like betaines, and hormones. Laminarin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide food reserve found in fronds of brown seaweed. It is a polymer of simple sugars linked together by glycosidic bonds. More specifically, it is a class of storage P-glucans comprised of P-( 1-3) -linked glucose residues with some P-(l-6)-intrachain linkages, and some 6-O-branching in the main chain. D-mannitol occurs at 2-3% of reducing termini and these chains are referred to as M chains, while those with glucose at the reducing termini are known as G chains.

[0008] Combining a plant growth stimulant such as laminarin with agrochemically active ingredients, especially fungicides is likely to offer efficient control of fungal pathogens infesting crops as well as boosting plant growth by triggering its immune system. However, stability has always remained a challenge while formulating naturally occurring compounds, either as a single active or in combination with other actives; due to their potential to degrade quickly under environmental and storage conditions. The challenges involved in developing commercially acceptable products containing agriculturally active compounds continues to increase due to rapid emergence of complex customer standards and regulatory requirements.

[0009] Agricultural compositions must exhibit excellent chemical stability and maintain a high level of physical stability under a severe range of storage and use conditions. Handling of a liquid product in bulk storage facilities represents a special challenge because the product is likely to be subjected to high shear forces at high and low temperatures. Agrochemical compositions are generally prepared using one or more adjuvants, in specific combinations to provide optimum biological activity. Sometimes the stability of the formulation may be disturbed, and one or more component separates out, as a discrete phase. The separation of a discrete phase from an agrochemical composition is highly undesirable, particularly when the formulation is sold in bulk containers. In these circumstances it is virtually impossible to re-homogenize the formulation and to achieve an even distribution of components for application. The formulation must be stable in storage for prolonged periods in extreme temperature conditions. Consistently maintaining such crucial factors and conditions present formidable problems to the formulator.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need in the art for developing a stable composition combining a bio-elicitor and a water insoluble fungicide having efficient performance characteristics and good physicochemical stability. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an agrochemical combination for controlling phytopathogen infestation in crops.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable agrochemical composition comprising a plant growth regulator and a water insoluble pesticide.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an agrochemical composition exhibiting excellent chemical and physical stability under an extreme range of storage and use conditions.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for preparing an agrochemical composition comprising a plant growth regulator and a water-insoluble active / pesticide.

[0015] Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling pests by applying to a crop or its locus, an agrochemical composition comprising a plant growth regulator and a water-insoluble active.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising:

[0018] (i) a plant growth regulator comprising a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative; and

[0019] (ii) at least one water-insoluble pesticide.

[0020] In an aspect, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising laminarin and fenhexamid.

[0021] In an aspect, the present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising:

[0022] (i) a plant growth regulator comprising a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative,

[0023] (ii) at least one water-insoluble pesticide,

[0024] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers, and

[0025] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising:

[0027] (i) a plant growth regulator comprising a sea-weed extract,

[0028] (ii) at least one water-insoluble pesticide,

[0029] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers selected from the group comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0030] In another aspect, the present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising:

[0031] (i) a plant growth regulator comprising a glucan or its derivative,

[0032] (ii) at least one water-insoluble pesticide,

[0033] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers selected from the group comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and

[0034] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising:

[0036] (i) laminarin,

[0037] (ii) fenhexamid,

[0038] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers selected from the group comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and

[0039] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0040] In another aspect the present invention provides a process of preparing an agrochemical composition comprising admixing a plant growth regulator comprising a sea-weed extract, a water-insoluble pesticide, at least two spontaneity inducers and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in water to obtain a stable agrochemical composition.

[0041] In another aspect the present invention provides a process of preparing an agrochemical composition comprising admixing a plant growth regulator comprising a glucan or glucan derivative, a water-insoluble pesticide, at least two spontaneity inducers and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in water to obtain a stable agrochemical composition.

[0042] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling phytopathogens comprising applying to a crop or to its locus an agrochemically effective amount of an agrochemical combination comprising (a) a plant growth regulator comprising a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative, and (b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide.

[0043] In one more aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling phytopathogens comprising applying to a crop or to its locus an agrochemically effective amount of an agrochemical combination comprising laminarin and fenhexamid.

[0044] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling phytopathogens comprising applying to a crop or to its locus an agrochemically effective amount of an agrochemical composition comprising (a) a plant growth regulator comprising a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative; (b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide; (c) at least two spontaneity inducers, and (d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0045] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling phytopathogens comprising applying to a crop or to its locus an agrochemically effective amount of an agrochemical composition comprising laminarin, fenhexamid, at least two spontaneity inducers, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0046] In one aspect, the present invention provides the use of the present agrochemical composition / combination for controlling fungal phytopathogen infestation in crops.

[0047] In one more aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts comprising (a) a plant growth regulator comprising a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative; (b) at least one waterinsoluble pesticide; (c) at least two spontaneity inducers, and (d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0048] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows, which illustrates by way of example, the most preferred features of the present invention which are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention described herein.

[0049] Detailed description of the invention

[0050] Source of biological material: Laminarin in the extract form and in the powder form was procured from Saint Malo, France.

[0051] The following description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0052] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0053] The terms used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and not for limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0054] For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials / ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about".

[0055] Thus, before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term.

[0056] Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms 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.

[0057] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0058] As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0059] The aspects and embodiments described herein shall also be interpreted to replace the clause “comprising” with either “consisting of or with “consisting essentially of or with “consisting substantially of . “About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 10% or ± 5% of the stated value. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided. For example, “0.1-80%” includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, etc. up to 80%.

[0060] All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as used herein.

[0061] As used herein the term "plant" or “crop” refers 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 fruits. The term “plant” may further include the propagation material thereof, which may include 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. This includes seeds, 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.

[0062] The term “locus” as used herein denotes the vicinity or area designated for growth of a desired crop, and in which control of the growth and / or spread of undesirable vegetation is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein undesirable vegetation growth has either occurred, is most likely to occur, or is yet to occur. The salts referred to herein are agriculturally acceptable salts. As used herein, an "agriculturally acceptable salt" means a salt which is acceptable for use in agricultural or horticultural use.

[0063] As described herein, the term “glucans" refers to class of homopolysaccharides which contain glucose units as monomer building blocks, wherein the glucose molecule may be linked by a- or p-glycosidic bonds and may be branched or straight chain. Specific examples for suitable glucans are P-glucans, more specifically P-1 ,3-glucans such as, for example, laminarin and curdlan. P-1 -3 glucans, for example, have various origins.

[0064] "Glucan derivatives" according to the present invention refer to modified glucans, for example modified by sulfation or by hydrolysis. Specific examples for suitable glucan derivatives are sulfated glucans, particularly sulfated P-glucans, more specifically P-1 ,3- glucans such as sulfated laminarin or sulfated curdlan. Furthermore, also laminaribiose, cellobiose, nigerose, laminaritriose, laminaritetrose and laminaripentose are suitable glucan derivatives according to the present invention.

[0065] As described herein, the term “spontaneity” refers to the homogeneity and uniformity to the formulation.

[0066] As described herein, the term “spontaneity inducers” refers to substances capable of regulating the viscosity of a system and imparting overall homogeneity and uniformity to the formulation.

[0067] As described herein, the term ‘stable’ refers to physical and chemical stability of the formulation.

[0068] The present inventors have found that the agrochemical combination comprising a plant growth regulator, i.e. laminarin and at least one water-insoluble pesticide, i.e. fenhexamid is efficient for controlling phytopathogen infestation in crops. Further, surprisingly, inventors of the present invention have formulated a stable suspension concentrate composition comprising glucan and / or glucan derivatives such as laminarin in combination with a water-insoluble pesticide using suitable spontaneity inducers. The present inventors have provided an agrochemical composition comprising a plant growth regulator, i.e. laminarin and a waterinsoluble active, i.e. fenhexamid having a spontaneous and uniform phase. The composition is devoid of any haziness or phase separation and is stable even at low temperatures. A suspension concentrate composition comprises a mill base and a gel part. The mill base includes active ingredients dispersed and / or dissolved in water along with suitable auxiliary ingredients. The gel part essentially comprises a viscosity modifier, water and optionally, a preservative. The gel part provides suitable viscosity to the suspension concentrate and contributes to the overall spontaneity of the composition. The addition of the gel part aids in bringing uniformity among the respective ingredients of the suspension concentrate and also aids in its performance. While pouring out the suspension concentrate for end application, it should be released efficiently and easily without sticking to the walls of the container, causing reduced wastage of the product. While diluting the suspension concentrate with water for end application, the final mixture should be capable of passing through the spray nozzle without any hassle. The presence of viscosity modifiers in the suspension concentrate, either as one ingredient or as a part of gel contributes to maintain overall spontaneity of the composition. The inventors of the present invention further observed that the presence of suitable spontaneity inducers in the present suspension concentrate formulation confer the required physicochemical characteristics to the formulation.

[0069] The present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising a plant growth regulator and at least one water-insoluble pesticide.

[0070] In an embodiment, the plant growth regulator comprises a seaweed extract or a glucan or its derivative.

[0071] In an embodiment, the seaweed extract comprises a glucan or its derivative, preferably a P- glucan, in particular a P-1 ,3-glucan.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glucan or its derivative comprises laminarin.

[0073] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seaweed extract is obtained from brown-algae.

[0074] In an embodiment, brown algae are from Laminaria species.

[0075] In an embodiment, the seaweed extract from brown algae comprises laminarin extracted from Laminaria digitata.

[0076] In an embodiment, the seaweed extract comprises laminarin.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator is curdlan. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator is ulvan.

[0078] In an embodiment, the water-insoluble pesticide comprises fenhexamid.

[0079] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising laminarin and fenhexamid.

[0080] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising laminarin and fenhexamid in a weight ratio ranging from 1:50 to 50: 1.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising laminarin and fenhexamid in a weight ratio ranging from 1:20 to 20: 1.

[0082] In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising laminarin and fenhexamid in a weight ratio ranging from 1: 10 to 10: 1.

[0083] Most preferably, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising laminarin and fenhexamid in a weight ratio ranging from 1:5 to 5: 1

[0084] In an embodiment, the agrochemical combination is formulated as a solid or liquid composition.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an agrochemical composition comprises: a) a plant growth regulator; b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide; c) at least two spontaneity inducers, and d) an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present invention plant growth regulator comprises a glucan or a glucan derivative.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention plant growth regulator comprises a seaweed extract.

[0088] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seaweed extract is obtained from brown-algae.

[0089] In an embodiment, brown algae is selected from Ascophyllum species.

[0090] In an embodiment, brown algae is selected from Laminaria species. In an embodiment, the seaweed extract from brown algae comprises a glucan or its derivative, preferably a P- glucan, in particular a P-1 ,3 -glucan extracted from Laminaria digitata.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glucan or its derivative comprises laminarin.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator is curdlan.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator is ulvan.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator is laminarin.

[0095] Laminarin extraction can be accomplished by basic hydrolysis of the respective seaweed. More particularly, the seaweed from Laminaria species. The resulting hydrolysate is neutralised to a pH of about 6 to 8, e.g. by addition of a strong acid. The product is filtrated and optionally diafiltrated or an electrodialysis of the hydrolysate may be carried out to obtain laminarin.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator is in the form of a powder obtained by processing the seaweed.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, plant growth regulator is in the form of a powder obtained by processing the seaweed by crushing, grinding, milling and drying.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present invention, plant growth regulator is in the form of a powder obtained by processing the seaweed by evaporating or lyophilizing the said seaweed extract.

[0099] According to an embodiment, laminarin used in the combination and composition of the present invention is in the form of a powder.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 99% w / w plant growth promoter of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 80 w / w plant growth promoter of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 60% w / w plant growth promoter of the total weight of the agrochemical composition. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 99% w / w laminarin of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 80% w / w laminarin of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0104] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 60% w / w laminarin of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0105] According to an embodiment, laminarin used in the combination and composition of the present invention is contained in a sea-weed extract.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 50% w / w laminarin in sea-weed extract of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0107] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 40% w / w laminarin in sea-weed extract of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 20% w / w laminarin in sea-weed extract of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0109] According to an embodiment, laminarin used in the combination and composition of the present invention is in the powdered form.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 99% w / w laminarin in powdered form of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 20% w / w to about 99% w / w laminarin in powdered form of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises at least one water-insoluble pesticide.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises at least one water-insoluble pesticide is selected from the group comprising of fipronil, flubendiamide, clodinafop, metribuzin, difenthiuron, indoxacarb, bifenthrin, fluazuron, atrazine, deltamethrin, rimsulfuron, imidacloprid, fomesafen, acifluorfen, azaconazole, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, benodanil, benzamacril, benzamacryl-isobutyl, bialaphos, bromuconazole, bupirimate, buthiobat, calcium polysulphide, capsimycin, carbendazim, carboxin, carvone, chinomethionat (quinomethionat), chlobenthiazone, chlorfenazole, chlorothalonil, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, diclobutrazol, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, diafenthiuron, dimethirimol, dodine, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fluquinconazole, flurprimidol, flusilazole, flusulphamide, flutolanil, iprodione, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, metalaxyl, metconazole, methasulphocarb, myclobutanil, penconazole, pencycuron, phosdiphen, pimaricin, piperalin, polyoxin, polyoxorim, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb, propanosine-sodium, propiconazole, propineb, pyrazophos, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, pyroxyfur, Sulphur and sulphur preparations, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, tricyclazole, tridemorph, triticonazole, avermectin lorfenapyr fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyrimidifen, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad Diafenthiuron spirodiclofen, spiromesifen amidoflumet, benclothiaz, benzoximate, bifenazate, bromopropylate, buprofezin, clothiazoben, cycloprene, dicyclanil, flubenzimine, flufenerim, gossyplure, potassium oleate, sulphluramid, tetradifon, tetrasul, triarathene, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, clothianidin, cyantraniliprole, diafenthiuron, emamectin benzoate, ethiprole, flupyradifurone, imidacloprid, indoxacarb, lambda cyhalothrin, lufenuron, methoxyfenozide, pymetrozine, pyrethrum, bistrifluoron, chlofluazuron, diflubenzuron, fluazuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, penfluoron, teflubenzuronchromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises at least one water-insoluble fungicide selected from copper fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, phthalamide fungicides, chloronitrile fungicides, sulfamide fungicides, guanidine fungicides, triazines fungicides and quinone fungicides.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises at least one water-insoluble fungicide selected from the group comprising of fenhexamid, azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, tolylfluanid, dithianon, folpet, sulfur, copper hydroxide and chlorothalonil.

[0116] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water-insoluble fungicide comprises fenhexamid. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w water-insoluble pesticide of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w water-insoluble pesticide of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 15% w / w to about 60% w / w water-insoluble pesticide of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 20% w / w to about 40% w / w water-insoluble pesticide of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w of fenhexamid of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w of fenhexamid of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0122] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 15% w / w to about 60% w / w of fenhexamid of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0123] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 20% w / w to about 40% w / w of fenhexamid of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spontaneity inducers are selected from the group comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s).

[0126] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spontaneity inducers are selected from the group comprising inorganic clay(s) and polysaccharides. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic clays are selected from the group comprising bentonite clay, magnesium aluminum silicate, attapulgite clay and smectite clays.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the polysaccharide comprises polysaccharide gums (e.g. gellan gum, jelutong gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, gum karya, tara gum, locust gum, agar agar, carrageenan, alginic acid, alginates (e.g. sodium, potassium, ammonium, or calcium)), starch and its derivatives.

[0128] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the polysaccharide comprises xanthan gum.

[0129] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the polysaccharide comprises xanthan gum in the form of a gel obtained by mixing said polysaccharide in water.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the gel may further comprise a biocide.

[0131] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w spontaneity inducers of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0132] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 0.001% w / w to about 1% w / w spontaneity inducers of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0133] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 0.01% w / w to about 1% w / w spontaneity inducers of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0134] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises from about 0.1% w / w to about 1% w / w spontaneity inducers of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

[0135] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises:

[0136] (i) a plant growth regulator comprising a seaweed extract;

[0137] (ii) at least one water-insoluble pesticide;

[0138] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and

[0139] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises:

[0140] (i) a plant growth regulator comprising a seaweed extract from brown algae;

[0141] (ii) at least one water-insoluble pesticide;

[0142] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and

[0143] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0144] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises:

[0145] (i) a seaweed extract comprising laminarin;

[0146] (ii) fenhexamid;

[0147] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and

[0148] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0149] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises:

[0150] (i) a plant growth regulator comprising a glucan or glucan derivative (s);

[0151] (ii) at least one water-insoluble pesticide;

[0152] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and

[0153] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0154] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises:

[0155] (i) a glucan comprising laminarin;

[0156] (ii) fenhexamid;

[0157] (iii) at least two spontaneity inducers comprising inorganic clay(s), polysaccharide(s), synthetic polymer(s) and silica-based compound(s), and

[0158] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0159] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises:

[0160] (i) laminarin;

[0161] (ii) fenhexamid;

[0162] (iii) attapulgite clay and xanthan gum; and

[0163] (iv) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The composition according to the invention comprises from about 5% to about 70%w / w, preferably from about 10% to about 60% w / w and especially preferably from about 15% to about 50% w / w of at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0164] In an embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight and especially preferably at least 15% by weight of water based on the total weight of the composition.

[0165] In another embodiment, the present invention provides the preparation of a composition containing an effective amount of laminarin and a water insoluble pesticide, optionally incorporated with an agriculturally acceptable carrier or vehicle.

[0166] In another embodiment, the composition may further comprise an additional substance selected from deficiency-correcting elements, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, growth hormones, lipoamino acids and betaines.

[0167] In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises agriculturally acceptable adjuvants, carriers, diluents, surfactants, solvent, surface -active substances, emulsifiers, fillers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, freezing agents, preservatives etc.

[0168] Preferably the liquid formulations for example are suspension concentrate formulation, an emulsifiable concentrate formulation and flowable concentrates are used in the present method. Preferably the solid formulations for example granular formulation are used in the present method. The formulation can be ready-to-use compositions.

[0169] In an embodiment, the formulation is a flowable concentrate (FS) formulation.

[0170] In an embodiment, the formulation is a suspension concentrate formulation.

[0171] In an embodiment, the stable composition of the present invention comprises anionic and nonionic surfactants.

[0172] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the agrochemical composition comprises of anionic surfactants selected from the group comprising of alkyl sulfate ester salts, alkylaryl sulfonate salts, dialkyl sulfosuccinate salts, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether phosphate ester salts, lignosulfonate salts and naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde polycondensates; preferably, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate (ANS) condensate, sodium lignosulphonate, naphthylsulfonate, mono- and di-(Ci-Ci6)-alkylnaphthylsulfonates, such as, for example, dibutylnaphthylsulfonate; condensates of naphthalenesulfonic acid such as sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate (NSC) (Morwet D-425), (Ci-Ci6)-alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid or phenolsulfonic acid with formaldehyde (Ci-Ci6)-naphthalenesulfonate / formaldehyde condensates, (Ci-Ci6)-alkylnaphthalene sulfonate / formaldehyde condensates and phenol sulfonate / formaldehyde condensates); (Ci-Ci6)-alkylnaphthalenesulfonates; naphthalene sulfonate / formaldehyde condensates and (Ci-Ci6)-alkylnaphthalene-sulfonate / formaldehyde condensates.

[0173] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises of non-ionic surfactants selected from the group comprising of ethoxylated and propoxylated alcohol, methyl oxirane polymer with oxirane, polyoxyethylene alkylpolyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, sorbitan fatty acid esters, methyl methacrylate graft copolymer, acrylic copolymer (Atlox 4913), polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether, and polyethylene glycol) -block-poly (propylene glycol)- block-poly (ethylene glycol).

[0174] Optionally, about 0.1 wt % to about 5.0 wt % of antifoaming or defoamers are employed to stop any unwanted foam generated while manufacturing suspension concentrate composition of the present application. The preferred antifoaming agent is selected from the group consisting of silicone -based compounds, alcohols, glycol ethers, mineral spirits, acetylene diols, poly siloxanes, organosiloxanes, siloxane glycols, reaction products of silicon dioxide and organosiloxane polymer, polydimethylsiloxanes or polyalkylene glycols alone or in combination. Defoamers that are suitable include polydimethylsiloxane emulsion defoamer and silicone antifoam emulsions.

[0175] The surfactant may be non-ionic alkoxylates selected from C10-12 alcohol (10 EO) Ethoxylate, Tridecyl alcohol (6EO) Ethoxylate, CIO alcohol (5 EO) Ethoxylate, Cs alcohol Ethoxylate (4 EO), C9-11 alcohol Ethoxylate (4 EO), Isodecyl alcohol (7EO) Ethoxylate or combination thereof. Preferred surfactant may be Dodecan-l-olethoxylated (23EO).

[0176] The preservatives are optionally added such as, derivatives of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, formaldehyde, in particular potassium sorbate, a combination of methyl parahydroxybenzoate or propyl parahydroxybenzoate, generally in a concentration from about 0.1% to about 1.0% w / w.

[0177] The composition according to the invention comprises from about 5% to about 70% w / w water of the total weight of the composition.

[0178] The composition according to the invention comprises from about 10% to about 60% w / w water of the total weight of the composition.

[0179] The composition according to the invention comprises from about 15% to about 50% w / w water of the total weight of the composition.

[0180] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w plant growth regulator, from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w water-insoluble pesticide; and from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0181] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w plant growth regulator, from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w water-insoluble pesticide; from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w at least two spontaneity inducers; and from about 5% w / w to about 70% w / w water.

[0182] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w plant growth regulator, from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w water-insoluble pesticide; and from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w at least two spontaneity inducers wherein said stable composition is in the form of suspension concentrate.

[0183] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w plant growth regulator, from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w water-insoluble pesticide; and from about 0.01% w / w to about 1% w / w at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0184] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 15% w / w to about 60% w / w plant growth regulator, from about 15% w / w to about 60% w / w water-insoluble pesticide; and from about 0.1% w / w to about 1% w / w at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0185] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w plant growth regulator, from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w water-insoluble pesticide; from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w at least two spontaneity inducers; and from about 5% w / w to about 70% w / w water; and wherein said stable composition is in the form of suspension concentrate.

[0186] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w laminarin, from about 1% w / w to about 90% w / w fenhexamid; from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w xanthan gum and clay as spontaneity inducers; and from about 5% w / w to about 70% w / w water; and wherein said stable composition is in the form of suspension concentrate.

[0187] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 40% w / w laminarin, from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w fenhexamid; from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w xanthan gum and clay as spontaneity inducers; and from about 5% w / w to about 70% w / w water; and wherein said stable composition is in the form of suspension concentrate.

[0188] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 40% w / w seaweed extract of brown-alga, from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w fenhexamid; from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w attapulgite clay and xanthan gum as spontaneity inducers of the total weight of said composition.

[0189] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises from about 10% w / w to about 40% w / w laminarin, from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w fenhexamid; from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w attapulgite clay and xanthan gum as spontaneity inducers of the total weight of said composition.

[0190] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a process of preparing an composition comprising: admixing plant growth regulator, water-insoluble pesticide and spontaneity inducers in water to obtain an agrochemical composition. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more spontaneity inducers are added either in dispersion or gel part or in both.

[0191] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparing an composition comprising

[0192] (i) admixing a plant growth regulator, a water-insoluble pesticide and at least one or more spontaneity inducers in water to obtain a mixture;

[0193] (ii) milling the mixture to obtain a uniform dispersion of desired particle size;

[0194] (iii) preparing a gel by mixing one or more spontaneity inducers, biocide and water; and

[0195] (iv) jellifying the dispersion of step (ii) by adding gel of step (iii) to obtain an agrochemical composition.

[0196] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a process of preparing stable agrochemical composition comprising:

[0197] (i) admixing a plant growth regulator, a water-insoluble pesticide and atleast one or more spontaneity inducers in water to obtain mixture;

[0198] (ii) milling the mixture to obtain a uniform dispersion of desired particle size;

[0199] (iii) preparing a gel by mixing one or more spontaneity inducers, and water; and

[0200] (iv) jellifying the dispersion by adding on or more spontaneity inducers to obtain agrochemical-composition.

[0201] According to an embodiment of the present invention, plant growth regulator in step (i) is in the form of a liquid extract.

[0202] According to an embodiment of the present invention, plant growth regulator in step (i) is in the form of a solid powder.

[0203] According to an embodiment of the present invention, plant growth regulator in liquid extract form of step (i) is maintained at a temperature ranging from -10°C to 40°C.

[0204] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more spontaneity inducers are added in dispersion or a mill base part.

[0205] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more spontaneity inducers are added in a gel part or in both.

[0206] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one spontaneity inducer is added in dispersion part and another spontaneity inducer is added in the gel part. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a process of preparing stable composition comprising

[0207] (i) preparing an admixture by mixing a plant growth regulator, a water-insoluble pesticide and optionally other excipients in water to obtain a mixture;

[0208] (ii) adding inorganic clay to the mixture of step (i);

[0209] (iii) milling the mixture- of step (ii) to obtain a uniform dispersion of desired particle size; and

[0210] (iv) jellifying the dispersion by adding polysaccharide gel to obtain agrochemical concentrate composition.

[0211] According to an embodiment of the present invention, water used in preparing admixture of water-insoluble pesticide and other excipients is at room temperature.

[0212] According to an embodiment of the present invention, water used in preparing admixture of water-insoluble pesticide and other excipients is chilled below 10°C.

[0213] According to an embodiment of the present invention, milling is caried in a 45 L agitator bead mill (Dyno mill), with an initial rate of about 450 L / hr and adjusted subsequently based on operating experience.

[0214] According to an embodiment of the present invention, milling rate is so adjusted that temperature of mill base is maintained below 40 °C.

[0215] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a process of preparing an agrochemical composition comprising:

[0216] (i) admixing laminarin, fenhexamid and optionally other excipients to obtain a mixture;

[0217] (ii) adding attapulgite clay to the mixture of step (i);

[0218] (iii) milling the mixture to obtain a uniform dispersion of desired particle size; and

[0219] (iv) jellifying the dispersion by adding xanthan gum to obtain agrochemical concentrate composition.

[0220] According to an embodiment of the present invention, laminarin is in the form of laminarin extract.

[0221] According to an embodiment of the present invention, laminarin is in the form of dried powder. According to an embodiment of the present invention, laminarin is in the form of dry atomized powder.

[0222] According to an embodiment of the present invention, laminarin extract is heated above room temperature before incorporation it into the mill base.

[0223] According to an embodiment of the present invention, laminarin extract is heated to a temperature 40°C - 65°C before incorporation it into the mill base.

[0224] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition prepared in above steps is subjected to particle size reduction by applying shear to the mixture of active ingredients and other auxiliary agents. Suitable devices for this purpose are the devices that offers milling operation e.g. high shear mixers like ROS HSM, Ultra-Turrax apparatus, and dissolvers, static mixers, e.g. systems having mixing nozzles, bead mills, vibratory mills, agitator bead mills, colloid mills, cone mills, circulating mills (agitator ball mills with pin grinding system), disk mills, annular chamber mills, double cone mills, sprocket dispersers or homogenizers and other homogenizers.

[0225] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition is formulated to be diluted with water (or a water-based liquid) to form the corresponding end-use agrochemical formulations, typically spray formulations.

[0226] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suspension concentrate composition has a pH ranging from 5-7.

[0227] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suspension concentrate composition has a variation in pH of no more than 20% when at 54°C between 24 hours and 28 days.

[0228] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling undesired pests, comprising applying to the pests or to their locus an agrochemically effective amount of a composition comprising (a) a plant growth regulator; (b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide; and (c) at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0229] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling undesired pests, said method comprising applying to the pests or to their locus an agrochemically effective amount of stable composition comprising (a) a plant growth regulator selected from glucan or glucan derivative; (b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide; and (c) at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0230] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling undesired pests, said method comprising applying to the pests or to their locus an agrochemically effective amount of stable composition comprising (a) seaweed extract of brown alga; (b) fenhexamid; and (c) at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0231] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling undesired pests, said method comprising applying to the pests or to their locus an agrochemically effective amount of a stable composition comprising (a) laminarin; (b) fenhexamid; and (c) at least two spontaneity inducers.

[0232] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling undesired pests, said method comprising applying to the pests or to their locus an agrochemically effective amount of a stable composition comprising (a) laminarin; (b) fenhexamid; and (c) at least two spontaneity inducers selected from inorganic clays, polysaccharide, synthetic polymers and silica-based compounds.

[0233] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling phytopathogens comprising applying to a crop or its locus an agrochemically effective amount of a stable composition comprising (a) laminarin; (b) fenhexamid; (c) xanthan gum; and (d) clay.

[0234] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the agrochemical composition is capable of controlling phytopathogenic fungi on a plant or plant propagation material.

[0235] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the composition exhibits a broad range of fungicide activity against a large number of target pathogens. Non-limiting examples of specific pathogens targeted by the fungicide composition include: Botrytis cinerea (i.e., Botrytis bunch rot, gray mold, Botrytis blight), Phomopsis viticola (i.e., Phomopsis cane and leaf spot), Phomopsis rachis, Phomopsis vaccinii (i.e., Phomopsis twig blight and canker), downy mildew, Sphaerotheca macularis (i.e., powdery mildew), Guignardia bidwellii (i.e., black rot), Monilinia vacinii- cormhosi (i.e., mummy berry), Phragmidium sp. (i.e., yellow rust), Drepcinopeziza sp. (i.e., anthracnose), Kuehneola sp. (i.e., cane and leaf rust), Sphaerulinci sp. (i.e., orange rust), Arthuriomyces sp. (i.e., powder mildew), Mycosphaerella sp. (leaf spot), Colletotrichum acutatum (i.e., anthracnose fruit rot), Verticillium albo- atrum (i.e., Verticillium wilt), Phytophthora fragariae (i.e., red stele root rot), Dendrophoma obscurans (i.e., stem end rot, leaf blight), Phytophthora cactorum (i.e., leather rot), Diplocarpon earliana i.e., leaf scorch), Godronia cassandrac (i.e., fusicoccum canker), Alternaria sp. (i.e., Alternaria fruit rot), Exobasidium vaccinii (i.e., red leaf disease), Microsphaera vaccinii i. ., powdery mildew), Venturia inaegualis (i.e., apple scab), Gymnosporangium sp. (i.e., apple rust), Podosphaera leucotricha (i.e., apple powdery mildew), black rot of apple, blossom end rot of apple, blue mold of apple, brown rot of stone imii, Rhizopus sp., Leucostoma cincta or Leucostoma persoonii (i.e., cytospora canker of stone fruits), white rot of apple, Monilinia fructicola (i.e., brown rot of stone fruit), Blumeriella jaapii (i.e., cherry leaf spot of stone fruit), sooty mold of pear, pear leafspot, pear leaf blight and fruit spot, Pythium ultimatum, Phytophthora infestans (late blight, potatoes), Aspergillus sp. (i.e., Aspergillus paraciticus), Apiosporina morbosa (i.e., black knot of stone fruit), Rhizoctonia solani (i.e., black scurf in potatoes, aerial blight, soybeans), Alternaria solani (early blight, potatoes), Sclerotium rolfsii (i.e., Sclerotium rot, sugar beets), Fusarium sp., Septoria sp. and white mold in soybeans and the like.

[0236] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, its combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0237] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved, and other advantageous results are attained. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in full, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments may be combined together for better understanding of the disclosure, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0238] In another embodiment, alternative or multiple embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each embodiment can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other embodiments of the disclosure. One or more embodiments of the disclosure can be combined together to exhibit the teaching of the invention, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0239] Example 1: Laminarin + Fenhexamid Suspension concentrate (SC) formulation according to the invention

[0240] Table 1:

[0241] Q.S. Quantity sufficient

[0242] *Laminarin extract used herein has 6.35% of laminarin. Laminarin used here is extracted from seaweed Laminaria digitata

[0243] I. Mill base preparation:

[0244] 1. Mixing: Water, antifoam, monopropylene glycol and acrylic copolymer in above specified quantities were added in a vessel with agitator operative on slow speed. Agitator speed was slightly increased followed by addition of Naphthalene sulfonate condensate, sodium salt and fenhexamid to obtain a mixture. Attapulgite clay was slowly charged to the above mixture. Mixing was continued to obtain a homogeneous slurry.

[0245] 2. Milling: The homogeneous slurry of above mixture of step 1 was chilled to about 15 °C and subjected to milling operation. Processing conditions were so adjusted such that the temperature of the milled slurry was below 35 °C-40°C. II. Gel part preparation: Water was charged in a vessel, followed by the addition of biocide. Then, with vigorous high shear agitation, xanthan gum was added. Mixing was continued for at least 30 minutes to obtain gel.

[0246] III. Suspension concentrate preparation: Gel part was slowly added to the mill base under 5 continuous mixing to obtain a suspension concentrate composition.

[0247] Example 2: Physico-chemical characterization and spontaneity data

[0248] The physico-chemical characteristics of the composition of Example- 1 were analyzed. Upon visual inspection, the composition appeared as beige, opaque colored suspension. No visible 0 signs of bleed or sediments were noticed. During Freeze / thaw cycle (F / T = Freeze / thaw (- 30°C / +20°C) 5 day cycle followed by 1 month storage at 40°C) testing, cold temperature stability and AHS (2 weeks, 54°C), the composition remained stable. Viscosity of the composition in all testing conditions (ambient, F / T and AHS) was found to be within acceptable limit viz. 300cp to 600cp when tested at 6 rpm and 70cp to 150cp when tested at 60 rpm 5 (CIPAC 192MT). Particle size was found within the acceptable limit with Dso between 1.8- 2.5 pm and D90 between 5.5-7.00 pm. To observe the spontaneity of the composition, 2.5% dilution was prepared in soft water (TDS 342ppm) (Total dissolved solids) and tested after various intervals of time in various testing conditions (ambient / F / T and AHS). Negligible sedimentation (less than 0.1%) was observed confirming good spontaneity of the composition. 0 (Table-2)

[0249] Table-2

[0250] AHS: Accelerated Heat Stability; SHW: Standard Hard Water; F / T: Freeze / Thaw; WHO SHW: World

[0251] Health Organization Standard Hard Water, Al - Active ingredient particles, Y-yes and N-no

[0252] CP52: Cone-Plate viscometer, 52 stands for Spindle number

[0253] Real time stability at room temperature and ambient conditions

[0254] 5 The composition of Example- 1 was kept for real time study to observe physico-chemical features over the period. In a timeframe of 1 year, the composition was tested thrice after the completion of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Viscosity and particle size was found to remain constant with a slight variation within the acceptable limit. Also, the composition was found to maintain good spontaneity same as the one at the time of development. (Table-3)

[0255] 10 Table-3

[0256] AHS: Accelerated Heat Stability; SHW: Standard Hard Water; F / T: Freeze Thaw; WHO SHW: World Health Organization Standard Hard Water, Al - Active ingredient particles, Y-yes and N-no

[0257] Elevated temperature stability study in ambient conditions

[0258] 5 To observe the performance at various temperature conditions, the composition of Example 1 was tested for elevated temperature, at 40°C (Table-4) and also at low temperature (0°C and - 10°C) (Table 5). The composition was tested after the completion of Imonth, 2 months, 3 months and 6 months. Viscosity and particle size found to remain constant with slight variation within acceptable limit. Also, the composition was found to maintain good spontaneity at

[0259] 10 elevated temperature as well as cold temperature.

[0260] Table-4

[0261] Stability study in cold temperature

[0262] Table-5

[0263]

[0264] Example 2: Laminarin + Fenhexamid SC Suspension concentrate (SC) formulation according to the invention

[0265] Q.S. Quantity sufficient

[0266] 5 *Laminarin extract used herein has 6.35% of laminarin. Laminarin used here is extracted from seaweed Laminaria digitata

[0267] Laminarin, fenhexamid, acrylic copolymer, monopropylene glycol, water, naphthalene sulfonate condensate, sodium salt, xanthan gum, biocide, antifoam and clay were mixed in 10 above specified quantity and milled together to achieve desired particle size and processed to obtain suspension concentrate composition. Example 3: Laminarin + Fenhexamid SC (Suspension concentrate) according to the invention

[0268] Table 6

[0269] Q.S. Quantity sufficient *Laminarin extract used herein has 6.35% of laminarin. Laminarin extract used herein has 6.35% of laminarin. Laminarin used here is extracted from sea-weed Laminaria digitata

[0270] Laminarin, fenhexamid, acrylic copolymer, monopropylene glycol, water, Naphthalene sulfonate condensate, sodium salt, xanthan gum, biocide, antifoam and clay were mixed in above specified quantity and processed to obtain suspension concentrate composition as per the process described in Example-2.

[0271] Example 4: Laminarin + Fenhexamid Suspension concentrate (SC) according to the invention Table 7

[0272] Q.S. Quantity sufficient

[0273] *Laminarin in powdered form used herein has 95.6% of laminarin.

[0274] Laminarin (powdered), fenhexamid, acrylic copolymer, monopropylene glycol, water, nnaphthalene sulfonate condensate-sodium salt, xanthan gum, biocide, antifoam and clay were mixed in above specified quantity and processed to obtain suspension concentrate composition as per the process described in Example- 1. The composition exhibited desired physicochemical characteristics. Viscosity (6rpm and 60rpm) and particle size (Dso and D90) found to be within acceptable arrange and at par with the compositions made by using laminarin extract. Also, the composition found to maintain good spontaneity in elevated temperature as well as cold temperature. Sample was kept at 25°C, 40°C, 54°C and -10°C. Upon visual observation, it appeared as beige, opaque suspension concentrate without any noticeable sedimentation. Example 5: Laminarin + Fenhexamid SC formulation according to the invention

[0275] Table 8

[0276] Q.S. Quantity sufficient

[0277] *Laminarin in powdered form used herein has 95.6% of laminarin.

[0278] Laminarin powder was taken for formulation development. The composition exhibited desired phys-chem characteristics. Viscosity (6rpm and 60rpm) and particle size (Dso and D90) was found to be within acceptable arrange and at par with the compositions made by using laminarin extract. Also, the composition found to maintain good spontaneity in elevated temperature as well as cold temperature. Sample was kept at 25°C, 40°C, 54°C and -10°C. Upon visual observation, it appeared as beige, opaque suspension concentrate without any noticeable sedimentation.

[0279] Example 6: Comparative Data

[0280] Stability challenge with only one spontaneity inducer

[0281] While developing the stable composition of laminarin with water insoluble pesticides, like fenhexamid, achieving spontaneity was a challenge. Initially, inventors tried stabilizing the system in a conventional manner by adding xanthan gum. Several compositions (Composition I to IV) were developed by incorporating only xanthan gum but they became too thick and not acceptable. Overall, composition designated as Composition I, Composition II, Composition III and Composition IV could not be considered for further experimentation.

[0282] Table 9:

[0283] Q.S. Quantity sufficient

[0284] *Laminarin extract used herein has 6.35% of laminarin. Laminarin used here is extracted from seaweed Laminaria digitata Gel part optimization:

[0285] Inventors performed several experiments by incorporating clay into the composition to observe stability as well as spontaneity. It was observed during experiments that spontaneity with xanthan gum alone is challenging; inventors developed few more compositions by adding clay 5 and worked out various ratios of xanthan gum and clay. Samples of composition 10-12 were kept for 2 weeks at different conditions, ambient and 40°C. After 2 weeks, all the compositions found to be stable. Compositions kept at room temperature did not show sedimentation. Phase separation remained within acceptable limit (±15%). Similarly, compositions kept at 40°C also remained stable. Compositions did not show any sedimentation. Also, phase separation 10 remained within acceptable limit (±15%).

[0286] Addition of 0.15% to 1% clay in the composition could stabilize the system with desired spontaneity. Compositions V, VI and VII with 0.15% to 1% clay resulted into good spontaneity. No sedimentation observed in the compositions of Example 10-12. All the compositions found to remain stable at 25°C, 40°C and 54°C when tested after 2 weeks. (Table- 15 10)

[0287] Table- 10

[0288] NS: No sedimentation, PS: Phase separation.

[0289] Q.S. Quantity sufficient

[0290] *Laminarin extract used herein has 6.35% of laminarin. Laminarin used here is extracted from seaweed Laminaria digitata

[0291] 5

[0292] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have successfully developed a stable agrochemical composition comprising a plant growth promoter, i.e. laminarin and a waterinsoluble pesticide, i.e. fenhexamid using spontaneity inducers. Presence of more than one spontaneity inducer successfully stabilized the suspension concentrate concentration. The 10 selected spontaneity inducers imparted homogeneity and uniformity to the suspension concentrate of laminarin and water-insoluble pesticide. The agrochemical compositions demonstrated excellent suspensibility and dispersibility upon dilution. The active ingredients were found to remain quite stable after preparation and even during storage studies. Moreover, the agrochemical composition was found to be quite effective in controlling phytopathogenic 15 diseases and reducing the susceptibility of crop plants by significantly reducing the disease incidence.

Claims

We Claim (s)1. An agrochemical combination comprising;(a) a plant growth regulator selected from laminarin, ulvan and curdlan, and(b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide selected from the group comprising fenhexamid, azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, dithianon, folpet, sulfur, copper hydroxide and chlorothalonil.

2. The agrochemical combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combination comprises laminarin and fenhexamid.

3. The agrochemical combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the plant growth regulator and the water-insoluble pesticide is ranging from 1:50 to 50: 1.

4. An agrochemical composition comprising:(a) a plant growth regulator;(b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide; and(c) at least two spontaneity inducers and(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plant growth regulator is selected from glucan or glucan derivatives obtained from seaweeds and the plant growth regulator is present in an amount of about 0.1% w / w to about 99% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein said plant growth regulator is selected from laminarin, ulvan and curdlan.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the water-insoluble pesticide is selected from the group comprising copper fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, phthalamide fungicides, chloronitrile fungicides, sulfamide fungicides, guanidine fungicides, triazines fungicides and quinone fungicides and the said pesticide is present in a concentration ranging from 10% w / w to about 80% w / w water-insoluble pesticide of the total weight of the agrochemical composition.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein said water-insoluble pesticide is selected from the group comprising of fenhexamid, azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, dithianon, folpet, sulfur, copper hydroxide and chlorothalonil.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein said spontaneity inducer is selected from the group comprising bentonite clay, magnesium aluminium silicate, attapulgite clay, smectite clay, gellan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, gum karya, tara gum, locust gum, agar agar, carrageenan, alginic acid, alginates, starch and its derivatives and the said spontaneity inducers is present in an amount from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the composition is in the form of suspension concentrate (SC).

11. A suspension concentrate composition as claimed in claim 10, the said composition comprising;(a) a plant growth regulator selected from laminarin, ulvan and curdlan in a concentration ranging from about 0.1% w / w to about 99% w / w,(b) a water-insoluble pesticide in a concentration ranging from about 10% w / w to about 80% w / w;(c) at least two spontaneity inducers in a concentration ranging from about 0.001% w / w to about 2% w / w; and(d) and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein said composition comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient comprising one or more anionic and non-ionic surfactant selected from the group of alkyl sulfate ester salts, alkylaryl sulfonate salts, dialkyl sulfosuccinate salts, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether phosphate ester salts, lignosulfonate salts and naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde polycondensates; preferably, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate, sodium lignosulphonate, naphthylsulfonate, mono- and di-(Ci-Ci6)-alkylnaphthylsulfonates and sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate.

13. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein said non-ionic surfactants are selected from the group comprising of ethoxylated and propoxylated alcohol, methyl oxirane polymer with oxirane, polyoxyethylene alkylpolyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, sorbitan fatty acid esters, methyl methacrylate graft copolymer, acrylic copolymer, polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether, and polyethylene glycol) -block-poly (propylene glycol)-block- poly(ethylene glycol).

14. A process of preparing the composition as claimed in claim 4 comprising(i) admixing a plant growth regulator, a water-insoluble pesticide and at least one or more spontaneity inducers in water to obtain a mixture;(ii) milling the mixture to obtain a uniform dispersion of desired particle size;(iii) preparing a gel by mixing one or more spontaneity inducers and water; and(iv) jellifying the dispersion of step (ii) by adding gel of step (iii) to obtain the composition, wherein said spontaneity inducers are added either in dispersion or gel part or in both.

15. The process as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plant growth regulator is maintained at a temperature ranging from 40°C to -10°C.

16. A method of controlling undesired pests comprising applying to the pests or to their locus an agrochemically effective amount of the agrochemical composition comprising (a) a plant growth regulator; (b) at least one water-insoluble pesticide; and (c) at least two spontaneity inducers selected from inorganic clays, polysaccharide, synthetic polymers and silica-based compounds.

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