Method for controlling fungal infestation in soybean and uses thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogens including fungal pathogens. Particularly, the disclosure provides method of controlling fungal infestation in Soybean crop by application of fungicides. The disclosure also relates to corresponding use thereof.

Description

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUNGAL INFESTATION INSOYBEAN AND USES THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is in the field of agrochemicals, particularly towards agricultural pest (fungal pathogen) control. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods for controlling fungal infestation in Soybean using fungicidal combinations or compositions.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art to the presently claimed disclosure.

[0003] Plant diseases caused by infection of various phytopathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, nematodes etc. cause deterioration of the quality of plants, considerable reduction of yield, and even death of plants, resulting in significant economic losses. Of these diseases, 70-80% are caused by pathogenic fungi. In recent years, fungal disease of crops have become increasingly serious as they have severely affected crop yield and quality, and they have become an important bottleneck for the development of sustainable agriculture. Thus, there is a need to effectively control fungal disease in crops to achieve efficient and stable production of agricultural crops.

[0004] Fungicides are chemical compounds used to prevent, control, or eradicate the spread of fungi on crop or plants, and are important tools for managing plant diseases. Fungicides are grouped as contact, translaminar, or systemic in nature. Contact fungicides protect plant tissue topically, translaminar fungicides are redistributed from the upper sprayed leaf surface to the lower unsprayed surface, and systemic fungicides enter into plant tissue and are distributed by xylem vessels throughout the plant. Fungicides are also grouped together according to their mode of action.

[0005] Amongst various agricultural crops / plants, Soybean is widely cultivated all over the world. However, Soybean is susceptible to severe fungal diseases. For example, Asian Soybean rust (causative fungi - Phakopsora pachyrhizi) is one of the major diseases that affects Soybean. It causes lesions on the leaves of Soybean plants and eventually kills the plants. It causes severe losses in production and yield and hence its control measures are urgently needed. Similarly, Target spot (causative fungi: Corynespora cassiicola) is another disease that affects Soybean. Initial infection by Target spot is generally seen forming lesions on the lower canopy leaves. After the initial infection has matured, if conditions are favourable, conidia will form and may disperse to the upper canopy of the plant. As lesions age, centres of leaf spots may fall out causing a shot-hole appearance. In cases of heavy infestation, defoliation can occur, resulting in loss of yield.

[0006] While many fungicides belonging to different chemical classes have been or are being developed for use in agricultural crops, however, many of these fungicides have one or more drawbacks such as low efficacy, high dosage requirements, crop tolerance or exhibiting activity only against particular phytopathogenic fungi or plant, and do not always meet the demands of the agricultural practice. Additionally, while use of fungicidal combinations or compositions comprising mixtures of different fungicides have also been tried, there nonetheless exists a need in the art for improved solutions for controlling specific phytopathogenic fungi, and at the same time has low toxicity, high stability, and reduced cost. The present disclosure tries to address one or more of said needs.OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal infestation and / or fungal diseases in crops.

[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal infestation and / or fungal diseases in crops such as Soybean.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal diseases of Soybean, particularly asian soybean rust and target spot.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal pathogens infecting Soybean, particularly Phakopsorci pachyrhizi, Phakopsorci meibomiae. and Corynespora cassiicolci.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal pathogens and / or fungal diseases affecting Soybean described above, by employing a fungicidal combination or a composition comprising fluazinam and at least one other fungicide.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal pathogens and / or fungal diseases affecting Soybean described above, by employing a fungicidal combination or composition comprising fluazinam and at least one other fungicide to achieve enhanced efficacy against the fungal pathogens as compared to individual fungicides.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal pathogens and / or fungal diseases affecting Soybean described above, by employing a fungicidal combination or composition comprising fluazinam and at least one other fungicide that have lower application rates as compared to the individual fungicides.

[0014] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling fungal pathogens and / or fungal diseases affecting Soybean described above, by employing a fungicidal combination or composition comprising fluazinam and at least one other fungicide that have low phytotoxicity and high stability.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling pathogenic fungal infestation in Soybean crop, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising pyrazole- carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, and benzamide, or combinations thereof.

[0016] In another aspect, the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition for controlling fungal diseases in Soybean, such as, but not limiting to asian soybean rust and target spot, comprises: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, mancozeb, fluopyram, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole and tebuconazole, or combinations thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fluazinam and at least one fungicide in the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition is employed in a ratio ranging from about 10: 1 to 1: 10.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pathogenic fungus is selected from Phakopsorci pachyrhizi. Phakopsorci meibomiae and Corynespora cassiicola, or a combination thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fungal disease is selected from Soybean rust and Target Spot, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure also relates to use of a fungicidal combination, or a fungicidal composition described herein for controlling pathogenic fungal infestation in Soybean, for improving health of Soybean, and / or for improving yield of Soybean.

[0021] In some embodiments of use, the pathogenic fungus is selected from Phakopsorci pachyrhizi, Phakopsora meibomiae, and Corynespora cassiicola, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments of use, the fungal disease is selected from Soybean rust and Target Spot, or a combination thereof.

[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0024] The following is a description of embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0026] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and “including” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to”.

[0027] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0028] As used in the description herein and throughout the numbered embodiments or claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, ratio and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the disclosure are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the writtendescription are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.

[0030] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0031] The headings and abstract of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0032] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure otherwise claimed.

[0033] The following discussion provides many exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0034] Various terms as used herein are described below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0035] The term “about” as used herein encompasses variations of up to + / -10% and more preferably + / -5%, or any such variations that are appropriate for practicing the present disclosure to achieve desired effects.

[0036] The term “locus” as used herein means fields in or on which plants are growing, or where seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or where seed will be placed into the soil. The term also includes the vicinity of a desired crop in which fungal control is desired. In some embodiments, locus means the point of pest growth or infestation in the plant / crop.

[0037] The term “crop” refers to all physical parts of a plant including foliage / leaves, seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, and fruits. As used herein, the term “plant”, “crop” and “Soybean” have been used interchangeably throughout the present disclosure. The term “crop” shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus.

[0038] The term “control” or “controlling” or “prevent” or “preventing” a fungal pathogen or a fungal disease refers to preventing or inhibiting or reducing the growth, reducing the ability of fungal pathogen to grow or reproduce or proliferate or spread, including killing (e.g., causing the morbidity or mortality, or reduced fecundity) of fungal pathogen. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing or retardation of the pest, or decrease and prevention and / or treatment of the disease caused by the pest, including preventing and / or treating symptom(s) or condition(s) associated with the disease.

[0039] The term “managing” of a disease in the context of the present invention refers to prevention and / or treatment of the disease caused by a fungal pathogen, including preventing and / or treating symptom(s) or condition(s) associated with the disease.

[0040] The term “fungi”, “fungus”, “phytopathogenic fungi”, “phytopathogenic fungus” or the likes as used herein refers to fungi or fungus-like pathogens having the ability to cause infection or disease in plants.

[0041] The term “fungicide” or “fungicides” or “fungicidal compound” as used herein means a compound(s) that controls, modifies, inhibits, kills or prevents the growth of fungi or their spores.

[0042] The term ‘fungicidally effective amount of the fungicide’ refers to an amount of the fungicide that kills or inhibits the phytopathogenic disease for which control or prevention is desired, in an amount not significantly toxic to the plant being treated.

[0043] The term “infestation” in the context of the present invention, means the presence of a large number of fungal pests, pathogens or spores in crops, so as to cause damage / disease.

[0044] Fluazinam is a broad-spectrum fungicide used in agriculture. It is classed as a diarylamine and more specifically an arylaminopyridine. The mode of action involves the compound being an extremely potent uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria and also having high reactivity with thiols. Fluazinam is chemically known as 3-chloro-N— 5- trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinamine and is represented as follows:

[0045] Fluxapyroxad is a broad-spectrum pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide used on a large variety of commercial crops. It stunts fungus growth by inhibiting the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme. Fluxapyroxad is chemically known as 3-(fluoromethyl)-l-methyl-N-(3',4',5'- trifluoro[l,l'- biphenyl]-2-yl)-lH-pyrazole-4-carboxamide and isrepresented as follows:

[0046] Pydiflumetofen is a broad-spectrum pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide used in agriculture to protect crops from fungal diseases. It stunts fungus growth by inhibiting the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme. Pydiflumetofen is chemically known as 3- (Difluoromethyl)-N-methoxy- 1 -methyl -N-[ l-(2, 4, 6-trichlorophenyl)-2-propanyl] - 1H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide and is represented as follows:

[0047] Fluindapyr is also a pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide used in agriculture to protect crops from fungal diseases. Its mode of action is by inhibiting the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme. Fluindapyr is chemically known as 3-(difluoromethyl)- V-[(3J?S)-7-fluoro-2,3- dihydro- 1 , 1 ,3 -trimethyl- 1 H-inden-4-y 1 ] - 1 -methyl- 1 H-py razole-4-carboxam ide and is represented as follows:

[0048] Difenoconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole fungicide with broad-range activity. Its mode of action is as a demethylation inhibitor. Difenoconazole is chemically known as 1 -[[2- [2-chloro-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-4-methyl-l,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-l,2,4-triazole and is represented as follows:

[0049] Prothioconazole is a synthetic chemical produced primarily for its fungicidal properties. It is a member of the class of compounds triazoles and functions as a demethylation inhibitor. Prothioconazole is chemically known as 2-[2-(l-chlorocyclopropyl)-3-(2- chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-lH-l,2,4-triazole-3-thione and is represented as follows:

[0050] Ipconazole is a systemic, broad-spectrum fungicide belonging to the class of triazoles. It is a demethylation inhibitor and chemically known as 2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]- 5-(l-methylethyl)-l-(lH-l,2,4-triazol-l-ylmethyl) cyclopentanol and is represented as follows:

[0051] Tebuconazole is a triazole fungicide used agriculturally to treat plant pathogenic fungi. It functions as a demethylation inhibitor. Tebuconazole is chemically known as l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-3-(lH, l,2,4-triazol-l-ylmethyl)pentan-3-ol and is represented as follows:

[0052] Mancozeb is a dithiocarbamate non-systemic agricultural fungicide with multi-site, protective action on contact. Mancozeb reacts with, and inactivates, the sulphydryl groups of amino acids and enzymes within fungal cells, resulting in disruption of lipid metabolism, respiration, and production of ATP. The molecular formula of Mancozeb is C4oH6oMn9N2oS4oZn and the skeletal formula is as follows:

[0053] Fluopyram is a broad-spectrum fungicide belonging to the family of benzamides and functions as an inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase enzyme. Fluopyram is chemically known as N-{2-[3-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]ethyl}-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide and is represented as follows:

[0054] It was surprisingly found by the present inventors that the combination of fluazinam with at least one additional fungicide belonging to pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate or benzamide class of compounds, when used as a fungicidal combination or composition for controlling fungal diseases in Soybean, results in an enhancement of fungicidal efficacy, and a surprising reduction in fungal disease incidence.

[0055] Accordingly, in an aspect, the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition for controlling fungal diseases in soybean, such as, but not limiting to asian soybean rust and target spot, comprises: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, mancozeb, fluopyram, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole and tebuconazole, or combinations thereof.Method of controlling fungal infestation in Soybean crops

[0056] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal infestation in crops, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof, an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0057] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal infestation in crops, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof, an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising Succinate dehydrogenase enzyme inhibitor (SDHI), Demethylation inhibitor (DMI), an inhibitor of metal-containing enzymes in fungal cells, and combinations thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the crop is Soybean.

[0059] In some embodiments, the disease and corresponding pathogenic fungus is selected from a group comprising asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), new world soybean rust (Phakopsorci meibomiae). target spot (Corynespora cassiicolci), downy mildew (Peronospora manshurica), stem blight (Phytophthora sojae). rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), purpura (Cercospora kikuchii), Bird's eye rot (Elsinoe glycines), black spot disease (Diaporthe phaseoloruni), Southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii), damping-off (Fusarium oxysporum),anthracnose (Colletotrichum truncation, C. trifolii, Glomerella glycines, Gloeosporium sp.), gray mold (Botrytis cinered) and leaf rot (Rhizoctonia solani) or any combination thereof.

[0060] In some embodiments, the disease is asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi. new world soybean rust caused by Phakopsora meibomiae or target spot caused by Corynespora cassiicola, or both.

[0061] In some embodiments, the disease is asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi.

[0062] In some embodiments, the disease is New World soybean rust caused by Phakopsora meibomiae.

[0063] In some embodiments, the disease is target spot caused by Corynespora cassiicola.

[0064] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal infestation in Soybean, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, triazolinthione, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0065] In some embodiments, the pyrazole-carboxamide compound is selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In some embodiments, the triazole compound is selected from a group comprising difenoconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, and combinations thereof.

[0067] In some embodiment, the triazolinthione compound is prothioconazole.

[0068] In some embodiments, the dithiocarbamate is mancozeb.

[0069] In some embodiments, the benzamide is fluopyram.

[0070] In an embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 100 g a.i. / ha to about 700 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 100 g a.i. / ha, about 150 g a.i. / ha, about 200 g a.i. / ha, about 250 g a.i. / ha, about 300 g a.i. / ha, about 350 g a.i. / ha, about 400 g a.i. / ha, about 450 g a.i. / ha, about 500 g a.i. / ha, about 550 g a.i. / ha, about 600 g a.i. / ha, about 650 g a.i. / ha or about 700 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0071] In an embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 200 g a.i. / ha to about 600 g a.i. / ha.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 300 g a.i. / ha to about 500 g a.i. / ha.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, fluazinam is applied at a rate of 400 g a.i. / ha to about 450 g a.i. / ha.

[0074] In an embodiment, fluxapyroxad is applied at a rate in the range from 10 g a.i. / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example, fluxapyroxad is applied at a rate of about 10 g a.i. / ha, about 20 g a.i. / ha, about 30 g a.i. / ha, about 40 g a.i. / ha, about 45 g a.i. / ha, about 50 g a.i. / ha, about 60 g a.i. / ha, about 70 g a.i. / ha, about 80 g a.i. / ha, about 90 g a.i. / ha, about 100 g a.i. / ha, about 110 g a.i. / ha, about 120 g a.i. / ha, about 130 g a.i. / ha, about 140 g a.i. / ha, about 150 g a.i. / ha, about 160 g a.i. / ha, about 170 g a.i. / ha, about 180 g a.i. / ha, about 190 g a.i. / ha, or about 200 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0075] In an embodiment, fluxapyroxad is applied at a rate in the range from 20 g a.i. / ha to about 150 g a.i. / ha.

[0076] In an embodiment, fluxapyroxad is applied at a rate in the range from 30 g a.i. / ha to about 100 g a.i. / ha.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, fluxapyroxad is applied at a rate in the range from 45 g a.i. / ha to about 60 g a.i. / ha.

[0078] In an embodiment, fluindapyr is applied at a rate in the range from 10 g a.i. / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example, fluindapyr is applied at a rate of about 10 g a.i. / ha, about 20 g a.i. / ha, about 30 g a.i. / ha, about 40 g a.i. / ha, about 50 g a.i. / ha, about 53 g a.i. / ha, about 60 g a.i. / ha, about 70 g a.i. / ha, about 80 g a.i. / ha, about 90 g a.i. / ha, about 100 g a.i. / ha, about 110 g a.i. / ha, about 120 g a.i. / ha, about 130 g a.i. / ha, about 140 g a.i. / ha, about 150 g a.i. / ha, about 160 g a.i. / ha, about 170 g a.i. / ha, about 180 g a.i. / ha, about 190 g a.i. / ha, or about 200 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0079] In an embodiment, fluindapyr is applied at a rate in the range from 20 g a.i. / ha to about 150 g a.i. / ha.

[0080] In an embodiment, fluindapyr is applied at a rate in the range from 30 g a.i. / ha to about 100 g a.i. / ha.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, fluindapyr is applied at a rate in the range from 53 g a.i. / ha to about 70 g a.i. / ha.

[0082] In an embodiment, pydiflumetofen is applied at a rate in the range from 10 g a.i. / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example, fluindapyr is applied at a rate of about 10 g a.i. / ha, about 20 g a.i. / ha, about 30 g a.i. / ha, about 40 g a.i. / ha, about 50 g a.i. / ha, about 60 g a.i. / ha, about 70 g a.i. / ha, about 80 g a.i. / ha, about 90 g a.i. / ha, about 100 g a.i. / ha, about 110 g a.i. / ha, about 120 g a.i. / ha, about 130 g a.i. / ha, about 140 g a.i. / ha, about 150 g a.i. / ha, about 160 g a.i. / ha, about 170 g a.i. / ha, about 180 g a.i. / ha, about 190 g a.i. / ha, or about 200 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. .

[0083] In an embodiment, pydiflumetofen is applied at a rate in the range from 20 g a.i. / ha to about 150 g a.i. / ha.

[0084] In an embodiment, pydiflumetofen is applied at a rate in the range from 30 g a.i. / ha to about 100 g a.i. / ha.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, pydiflumetofen is applied at a rate in the range from 40 g a.i. / ha to about 50 g a.i. / ha.

[0086] In an embodiment, fluopyram is applied at a rate in the range from 100 g a.i. / hato about 300 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example, fluopyram is applied at a rate of aboutlOO g a.i. / ha, about 110 g a.i. / ha, about 120 g a.i. / ha, about 130 g a.i. / ha, about 140 g a.i. / ha, about 150 g a.i. / ha, about 160 g a.i. / ha, about 170 g a.i. / ha, about 180 g a.i. / ha, about 190 g a.i. / ha, or about 200 g a.i. / ha, about 210 g a.i. / ha, about 220 g a.i. / ha, about 230 g a.i. / ha, about 240 g a.i. / ha, about 250 g a.i. / ha, about 260 g a.i. / ha, about 270 g a.i. / ha, about 280 g a.i. / ha, about 290 g a.i. / ha, or about 300 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, fluopyram is applied at a rate in the range from 150 g a.i . / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha.

[0088] In an embodiment, prothioconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 10 g a.i. / ha to about 300 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example, prothioconazole is applied at a rate of about 10 g a.i. / ha, about 20 g a.i. / ha, about 25 g a.i. / ha, about 30 g a.i. / ha, about 40 g a.i. / ha, about 50 g a.i. / ha, about 53 g a.i. / ha, about 60 g a.i. / ha, about 70 g a.i. / ha, about 75 g a.i. / ha, about 80 g a.i. / ha, about 90 g a.i. / ha, about 100 g a.i. / ha, about 110 g a.i. / ha, about 120 g a.i. / ha, about 130 g a.i. / ha, about 140 g a.i. / ha, about 150 g a.i. / ha, about 160 g a.i. / ha, about 170 g a.i. / ha, about 180 g a.i. / ha, about 190 g a.i. / ha, or about 200 g a.i. / ha, about 210 g a.i. / ha, about 220 g a.i. / ha, about 230 g a.i. / ha, about 240 g a.i. / ha, about 250 g a.i. / ha, about 260 g a.i. / ha, about 270 g a.i. / ha, about 280 g a.i. / ha, about 290 g a.i. / ha, or about 300 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0089] In an embodiment, prothioconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 25 g a.i. / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha.

[0090] In an embodiment, prothioconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 50 g a.i. / ha to about 150 g a.i. / ha.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, prothioconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 75 g a.i. / ha to about 100 g a.i. / ha.

[0092] In an embodiment, difenoconazole is applied at a rate in the range from about 10 g a.i. / ha to about 300 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example,fluindapyr is applied at a rate of about 10 g a.i. / ha, about 20 g a.i. / ha, about 25 g a.i. / ha, about 30 g a.i. / ha, about 40 g a.i. / ha, about 50 g a.i. / ha, about 60 g a.i. / ha, about 68 g a.i. / ha, about 70 g a.i. / ha, about 80 g a.i. / ha, about 90 g a.i. / ha, about 100 g a.i. / ha, about 110 g a.i. / ha, about 120 g a.i. / ha, about 130 g a.i. / ha, about 140 g a.i. / ha, about 150 g a.i. / ha, about 160 g a.i. / ha, about 170 g a.i. / ha, about 180 g a.i. / ha, about 190 g a.i. / ha, or about 200 g a.i. / ha, about 210 g a.i. / ha, about 220 g a.i. / ha, about 230 g a.i. / ha, about 240 g a.i. / ha, about 250 g a.i. / ha, about 260 g a.i. / ha, about 270 g a.i. / ha, about 280 g a.i. / ha, about 290 g a.i. / ha, or about 300 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0093] In an embodiment, difenoconazole is applied at a rate in the range from about 25 g a.i. / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha.

[0094] In an embodiment, difenoconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 50 g a.i. / ha to about 150 g a.i. / ha.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, difenoconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 68 g a.i. / ha to about 90 g a.i. / ha.

[0096] In an embodiment, mancozeb is applied at a rate in the range from 100 g a.i. / ha to about 2000 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween. For example, mancozeb is applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i. / ha, about 200 g a.i. / ha, about 300 g a.i. / ha, about 400 g a.i. / ha, about 500 g a.i. / ha, about 600 g a.i. / ha, about 700 g a.i. / ha, about 800 g a.i. / ha, about 900 g a.i. / ha, about 1000 g a.i. / ha, about 1100 g a.i. / ha, about 1200 g a.i. / ha, about 1250 g a.i. / ha, about 1300 g a.i. / ha, about 1400 g a.i. / ha, about 1500 g a.i. / ha, about 1600 g a.i. / ha, about 1700 g a.i. / ha, about 1800 g a.i. / ha, about 1900 g a.i. / ha, or about 2000 g a.i. / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0097] In an embodiment, mancozeb is applied at a rate in the range from 500 g a.i. / ha to about 1500 g a.i. / ha.

[0098] In an embodiment, mancozeb is applied at a rate in the range from 1000 g a.i. / ha to about 1250 g a.i. / ha.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, mancozeb is applied at a rate in the range from 800 g a.i. / Ha to 1300 g a.i. / Ha.

[0100] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal infestation in Soybean, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof, an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising Succinate dehydrogenase enzyme inhibitor (SDHI), Demethylation inhibitor (DMI), an inhibitor of metal-containing enzymes in fungal cells, and combinations thereof.

[0101] In some embodiments, the Succinate dehydrogenase enzyme inhibitor (SDHI) is selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, fluopyram and combinations thereof.

[0102] In some embodiments, the Demethylation inhibitor (DMI) is selected from a group comprising difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole and combinations thereof.

[0103] In some embodiments, the inhibitor of metal-containing enzymes in fungal cells is mancozeb.

[0104] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal infestation in Soybean, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb, fluopyram, and combinations thereof.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure helps in controlling infestation by any pathogenic fungus affecting Soybean and causing disease.

[0106] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi. new world soybean rust caused by Phakopsora meibomiae. target spot caused by Corynespora cassiicola. or a combination thereof, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb, fluopyram, and combinations thereof.

[0107] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb, fluopyram, and combinations thereof.

[0108] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling new world soybean rust caused by Phakopsora meibomiae, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb, fluopyram, and combinations thereof.

[0109] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling target spot caused by Corynespora cassiicola, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising:a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb, fluopyram, and combinations thereof.

[0110] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least two fungicides selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb and fluopyram.

[0111] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least three fungicides selected from a group comprising fluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb and fluopyram.

[0112] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising the fungicides of Table 1.

[0113] In Table 1 below, ‘X’ represents presence of the particular fungicide. Accordingly, every combination of fungicides provided in Table 1 represents a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purposes of the present disclosure, each of the feature / combination of features that are derivable from Table 1 are envisaged to exist individually, all together or in different combinations within the ambit of the present disclosure .Table 1Note'. DI = Difenoconazole; IP = Ipconazole; FL = Fluopyram; PY = Pydiflumetofen; PR = Prothioconazole; MA = Mancozeb; FLX = Fluxapyroxad; FLU = Fluindapyr; TB = Tebuconazole

[0114] In some embodiments of the method, the combination or composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) the at least one fungicide selected from a group comprisingfluxapyroxad, pydiflumetofen, fluindapyr, difenoconazole, prothioconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole, mancozeb, fluopyram, and combinations thereof, are in fungicidally effective amounts.

[0115] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) fluxapyroxad; wherein the fluazinam and the fluxapyroxad are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0116] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) fluxapyroxad; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha (grams of active ingredient per hectare) to 500 g a.i. / Ha (grams of active ingredient per hectare), including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the fluxapyroxad is applied at a rate ranging of about 45 g a.i. / Ha to 60 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0117] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the fluxapyroxad is applied at a rate of about 45 g a.i. / Ha, about 48 g a.i. / Ha,about 51 g a.i. / Ha, about 52 g a.i. / Ha, about 54 g a.i. / Ha, about 56 g a.i. / Ha, about 58 g a.i. / Ha, or about 60 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0118] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian Soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) fluindapyr; wherein the fluazinam and the fluindapyr are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0119] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian Soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) fluindapyr; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the fluindapyr is applied at a rate ranging of about 53 g a.i. / Ha to 70 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0120] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the fluindapyr is applied at a rate of about 53 g a.i. / Ha, about 54 g a.i. / Ha, about 56 g a.i. / Ha, about 58 g a.i. / Ha, about 60 g a.i. / Ha, about 62 g a.i. / Ha, about 64 g a.i. / Ha, about 66 g a.i. / Ha, about 68 g a.i. / Ha, or about 70 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0121] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) pydiflumetofen; wherein the fluazinam and the pydiflumetofen are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0122] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian Soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) pydiflumetofen; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the pydiflumetofen is applied at a rate ranging of about 40 g a.i. / Ha to 50 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0123] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the pydiflumetofen is applied at a rate of about 40 g a.i. / Ha, about 41 g a.i. / Ha, about 42 g a.i. / Ha, about 43 g a.i. / Ha, about 44 g a.i. / Ha, about 45 g a.i. / Ha, about 46 g a.i. / Ha, about 47 g a.i. / Ha, about 48 g a.i. / Ha, about 49 g a.i. / Ha, or about 50 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0124] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) difenoconazole; wherein the fluazinam and the difenoconazole are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0125] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) difenoconazole; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the difenoconazole is applied at a rate ranging of about 68 g a.i. / Ha to 90 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0126] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the difenoconazole is applied at a rate of about 68 g a.i. / Ha, 70 g a.i. / Ha, about 72 g a.i. / Ha, about 74 g a.i. / Ha, about 77 g a.i. / Ha, about 78 g a.i. / Ha, about 80 g a.i. / Ha, about 82 g a.i. / Ha, about 84 g a.i. / Ha, about 86 g a.i. / Ha, about 88 g a.i. / Ha, or about 90 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0127] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) prothioconazole; wherein the fluazinam and the prothioconazole are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0128] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian Soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) prothioconazole; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the prothioconazole is applied at a rate ranging of about 75 g a.i. / Ha to 100 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0129] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the prothioconazole is applied at a rate of about 75 g a.i. / Ha, about 77 g a.i. / Ha, about 79 g a.i. / Ha, about 80 g a.i. / Ha, about 82 g a.i. / Ha, about 85 g a.i. / Ha, about 87 g a.i. / Ha, about 90 g a.i. / Ha, about 92 g a.i. / Ha, about 94 g a.i. / Ha, about 96 g a.i. / Ha, about 98 g a.i. / Ha, or about 100 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0130] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) tebuconazole; wherein the fluazinam and the tebuconazole are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0131] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) tebuconazole; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the tebuconazole is applied at a rate ranging of about 90 g a.i. / Ha to 120 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0132] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, or about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the tebuconazole is applied at a rate of about 90 g a.i. / Ha, about 92 g a.i. / Ha, about 94 g a.i. / Ha, about 96 g a.i. / Ha, about 96 g a.i. / Ha, about 98 g a.i. / Ha, about 100 g a.i. / Ha, about 102 g a.i. / Ha, about 104 g a.i. / Ha, about 106 g a.i. / Ha, about 108 g a.i. / Ha, about 110 g a.i. / Ha, 112 g a.i. / Ha, 114 g a.i. / Ha, 116 g a.i. / Ha, 118 g a.i. / Ha or about 120 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0133] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) ipconazole; wherein the fluazinam and the ipconazole are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0134] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) ipconazole; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the ipconazole is applied at a rate ranging of about 10 g a.i. / Ha to about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0135] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the ipconazole is applied at a rate of about 10 g a.i. / Ha, about 50 g a.i. / Ha, about 75 g a.i. / Ha, about 85 g a.i. / Ha, about 100 g a.i. / Ha, about 150 g a.i. / Ha, about 200 g a.i. / Ha, about 250 g a.i. / Ha, about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0136] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, Target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying tofoliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) mancozeb; wherein the fluazinam and the mancozeb are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0137] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) mancozeb; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the mancozeb is applied at a rate ranging of about 800 g a.i. / Ha to 1300 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0138] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the mancozeb is applied at a rate of about 800 g a.i / ha, about 900 g a.i / ha, about 920 g a.i / ha, about 940 g a.i / ha, about 960 g a.i / ha, about 980 g a.i / ha, about 1000 g a.i / ha, about 1020 g a.i / ha, about 1040 g a.i / ha, about 1060 g a.i / ha, about 1080 g a.i / ha, about 1100 g a.i / ha, about 1120 g a.i / ha, about 1140 g a.i / ha, about 1160 g a.i / ha, about 1180 g a.i / ha, about 1200 g a.i. / Ha, about 1220 g a.i / ha, about 1240 g a.i / ha, about 1260 g a.i / ha, about 1280 g a.i / ha, or about 1300 g a.i / ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0139] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying tofoliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) fluopyram; wherein the fluazinam and the fluopyram are applied at a ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween, for example at a ratio of about 2: 1, 5: 1; 4: 1; 6: 1, 8: 1, 10: 1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, or 1: 10, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0140] In some embodiments, the method for controlling fungal disease in Soybean selected from asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) fluopyram; wherein the fluazinam is applied at a rate ranging of about 300 g a.i. / Ha to 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween, and wherein the fluopyram is applied at a rate ranging of about 100 g a.i. / Ha to 300 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0141] In some embodiments of the method, the fluazinam is applied at a rate of about 300 g a.i. / Ha, about 310 g a.i. / Ha, about 320 g a.i. / Ha, about 330 g a.i. / Ha, about 340 g a.i. / Ha, about 350 g a.i. / Ha, about 360 g a.i. / Ha, about 370 g a.i. / Ha, about 380 g a.i. / Ha, about 390 g a.i. / Ha, about 400 g a.i. / Ha, about 410 g a.i. / Ha, about 420 g a.i. / Ha, about 430 g a.i. / Ha, about 440 g a.i. / Ha, about 450 g a.i. / Ha, about 460 g a.i. / Ha, about 470 g a.i. / Ha, about 480 g a.i. / Ha, about 490 g a.i. / Ha, or about 500 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween; and the fluopyram is applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i. / Ha, about 110 g a.i. / Ha, about 120 g a.i. / Ha, about 130 g a.i. / Ha, about 140 g a.i. / Ha, about 150 g a.i. / Ha, about 160 g a.i. / Ha, about 170 g a.i. / Ha, about 180 g a.i. / Ha, about 190 g a.i. / Ha, about 200 g a.i. / Ha, about 210 g a.i. / Ha, about 220 g a.i. / Ha, about 230 g a.i. / Ha, about 240 g a.i. / Ha, about 250 g a.i. / Ha, about 260 g a.i. / Ha, about 270 g a.i. / Ha, about 280 g a.i. / Ha, about 290 g a.i. / Ha, or about 300 g a.i. / Ha, including values and ranges therebetween.

[0142] In the context of the present disclosure, ‘fungicidal combination’ refers to the fluazinam and the at least one additional fungicide described above both being appliedindividually (i.e., as separate actives) either at the same time or at different time points. Further, each of said individual actives i.e., fluazinam and at least one additional fungicide of the ‘fungicidal combination’ can be applied in any dosage form. In some embodiments, the individual actives of the ‘fungicidal combination’ can be formulated with an agriculturally acceptable excipient. In some embodiments, the individual actives can be applied without formulating with an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0143] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops of the present disclosure may comprise additional fungicides selected from a group comprising morpholine fungicides, triazole fungicides, acylamino acid fungicides, anilide fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, strobilurin fungicides, aromatic fungicides, arsenical fungicides, aryl phenyl ketone fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole precursor fungicides, benzothiazole fungicides, bridged diphenyl fungicides, carbamate fungicides, conazole fungicides, copper fungicides, dicarboximide fungicides, dinitrophenol fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, dithiolane fungicides, hydrazide fungicides, imidazole fungicides, inorganic fungicides, organophosphorus fungicides, organotin fungicides, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole fungicides, pyrimidine fungicides, pyrrole fungicides, quinoline fungicides, quinone fungicides, quinoxaline fungicides, thiadiazole fungicides, thiazole fungicides, thiazolidine fungicides, thiocarbamate fungicides, thiophene fungicides, triazine fungicides, triazolopyrimidine fungicides, urea fungicides, zinc fungicides, unclassified fungicides, and combinations thereof.

[0144] In the context of the present disclosure, ‘fungicidal composition’ refers to a composition comprising the fluazinam, the at least one additional fungicide described above, and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0145] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition for controlling fungal infestation in crops comprising: a) fluazinam, b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof, and c) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0146] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition for controlling fungal infestation in Soybean crop comprising: a) fluazinam, b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof, and c) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0147] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising Succinate dehydrogenase enzyme inhibitor (SDHI), Demethylation inhibitor (DMI), an inhibitor of metalcontaining enzymes in fungal cells, and combinations thereof, and c) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0148] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable excipient employed in the fungicidal combination, or the fungicidal composition is selected from a group comprising solvent, diluent, carrier, surfactant, dispersing agent, wetting agent, antifoam agent, stabilizing agent, anti-freezing agent, biocide, viscosity modifiers, pH modifier and combinations thereof.

[0149] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solvent is selected from aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and esters thereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such as dimethylformamide and dimethylsulphoxide, and also water.

[0150] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable carrier is a solid carrier or a liquid carrier.

[0151] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable liquid carrier is selected from a group comprising water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methylethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2- butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1 -trichloroethane, 2- heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobomyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and alcohols ofhigher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2 -pyrrolidone and combinations thereof.

[0152] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solid carrier is selected from a group comprising talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed husks, wheat flour, Soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and combinations thereof.

[0153] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable surfactant is selected from nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl (mono- or di-) phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di- or tri-) styrylphenyl ethers, polyoxyylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid (mono- or di-)esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, castor oil ethylene oxide adducts, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene glycol, ethylene oxideadducts of acetylene alcohol, alkyl glycosides, etc.; anionic surfactants, such as alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, salts of formalin condensate of naphthalenesulfonic acid, salts of formalin condensate of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono- or di-) alkylphenyl ether sulfate or phosphate ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di- or tri)styrylphenyl ether sulfuric or phosphoric ester salts, polycarboxylates (for example, polyacrylic acid salts, polymaleic acid salts, a copolymer of maleic acid and olefin, etc.), polystyrene sulfonate, etc.; cationic surfactants, such as alkyl amine salts, alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, etc.; amphoteric surfactants of amino acid type, betaine type, etc.; silicone surfactants, fluorine surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0154] In some embodiments, the dispersing agent enables disintegration of granules in water with ease. In some embodiments, the dispersing agent is an ionic dispersing agent or a non-ionic dispersing agent such as salts of polystyrenesulphonic acids, salts of polyvinylsulphonic acids, salts of naphthalenesulphonic acid / formaldehyde condensates, salts of condensates of naphthalenesulphonic acid, phenolsulphonic acid and formaldehyde, and salts of lignosulphonic acid, polyethylene oxide / polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene glycol ethers of linear alcohols, reaction combinations of fatty acids with ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide, furthermore polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylic copolymers, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters, furthermore alkyl ethoxylates and alkylarylethoxylates. The preferred dispersing agents include sodium naphthalene sulfonateformaldehyde condensate, polyethyleneglycol mono- [2,4,6-tris (1 -phenylethyl] phenyl ether, or any combination thereof.

[0155] In some embodiments, the stabilizers may include carboxylic acids, such as citric acid and butenedioic acid, or inorganic components such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate which may also act as a pH modifier.

[0156] In some embodiments, the antifoam agent is selected from silicone oil, modified polydimethylsiloxane, magnesium stearate or a suitable combination thereof.

[0157] In some embodiments, the pH modifier is selected from organic and inorganic components that are usually employed in agrochemical compositions to modify the pH. In some embodiments, the pH modifier is selected from potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and sodium dihydrogen phosphate.

[0158] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops of the present disclosure may comprise additional fungicides selected from a group comprising morpholine fungicides, triazole fungicides, acylamino acid fungicides, anilide fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, strobilurin fungicides, aromatic fungicides, arsenical fungicides, aryl phenyl ketone fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole precursor fungicides, benzothiazole fungicides, bridged diphenyl fungicides, carbamate fungicides, conazole fungicides, copper fungicides, dicarboximide fungicides, dinitrophenol fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, dithiolane fungicides, hydrazide fungicides, imidazole fungicides, inorganic fungicides, organophosphorus fungicides, organotin fungicides, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole fungicides, pyrimidine fungicides, pyrrole fungicides, quinoline fungicides, quinone fungicides, quinoxaline fungicides, thiadiazole fungicides, thiazole fungicides, thiazolidine fungicides, thiocarbamate fungicides, thiophene fungicides, triazine fungicides, triazolopyrimidine fungicides, urea fungicides, zinc fungicides, unclassified fungicides, and combinations thereof.

[0159] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition is in a solid dosage form or a liquid dosage form.

[0160] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition is in a dosage form selected from a group comprising suspension concentrate (SC), water dispersible granule (WDG), aerosols, capsule suspensions, cold-fogging concentrates, warmfogging concentrates, encapsulated granules, fine granules, flowable concentrates for the treatment of seed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in- water emulsions, water-in oil emulsions, macrogranules, microgranules, oil-dispersible powders, oil-miscible flowable concentrates, oil-miscible liquids, foams, pastes, pesticide- coated seed, suspension concentrates, suspension emulsion concentrates, soluble concentrates, suspensions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts and granules, water-soluble granules or tablets, water-soluble powders for the treatment of seed, wettable powders, naturalcombinations and synthetic substances impregnated with active compound, and also microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating materials for seed, and also ULV cold fogging and warm -fogging formulations.Methods for improving plant health and yield in Soybean

[0161] The present disclosure also provides a method of improving health in Soybean susceptible to phytopathogenic fungi, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0162] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of improving health in Soybean susceptible to asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0163] The present disclosure also provides a method of improving yield in Soybean susceptible to phytopathogenic fungi, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0164] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of improving yield in Soybean susceptible to asian soybean rust, target spot or both, comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, andb) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0165] While the above embodiments focus on method of improving health of Soybean, and method of improving yield in Soybean, all the features and characteristics of the methods, including the steps involved, the specific fungicidal combinations and / or compositions, the specific components, ratios of the components, rate of application of the components, pathogenic fungus, the fungal disease, etc., are as described by any of the embodiments above relating to method of controlling fungal infestation of Soybean. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of method of improving health of Soybean, and method of improving yield in Soybean.

[0166] The methods of the present disclosure can be carried out in agricultural lands such as fields, lawns and orchards, or in non-agricultural lands. The present methods may be used to control diseases in agricultural lands for cultivating the plants without any phytotoxicity to Soybean. The fungicidal combinations and compositions of the present disclosure do not show any sign or symptoms of any phytotoxicity and are safe at different growth stages of Soybean.

[0167] In some embodiments, the combinations or compositions of the present disclosure may be applied by various conventional treating techniques and machines, such as sprayers, fluidized bed techniques, the roller mill method, drones, rotostatic seed treaters, and drum coaters, spouted beds, etc. Pre- and post-coating procedures such as sizing etc., may also be carried out. Such procedures are known in the art. It is readily understood that plant propagation material will typically be treated only once it is removed from the plant and is ready to be resown.

[0168] In some embodiments, the treatment may occur before sowing of the plant propagation material so that the sown material has been pre-treated with the present fungicidal combination or composition. In some embodiments, seed coating or seed pelleting of the present fungicidal combination or composition according to the disclosure is carried out. As a result of this seed treatment, the active ingredients in the combination and / or composition are adhered on to the seed and therefore available for disease control.

[0169] In the methods of the present disclosure, the fungicidal combination / compositions may be applied simultaneously as a tank mix or may be applied sequentially. The application may be made to plant or parts thereof, or the soil before emergence of the plants, either preplanting or post-planting. The application may be made as a foliar spray at different timings during crop development, with either one or two applications early or late post-emergence. The fungicidal combinations / compositions as described above can be applied, for example, in a single “ready-mix” form, in a combined spray mixture composed of separate compositions of the single active ingredient components, such as a “tank-mix”, or in a combined use of the single active ingredients when applied in a sequential manner, i.e., one after the other within a reasonably short period, such as a few minutes, hours or days.

[0170] In some embodiments of the present methods, the combination comprising fluazinam and at least one additional fungicide described herein may be applied simultaneously to the seeds, to the foliage, or at the locus of the Soybean.

[0171] In some embodiments of the present methods, the combination comprising fluazinam and at least one additional fungicide described herein may be applied sequentially to the seeds, to the foliage, or at the locus of the Soybean.

[0172] In some embodiments of the sequential application, the components (fluazinam and at least one additional fungicide described herein) may be applied in any order. For instance, the fluazinam may be first applied to the seeds, to the foliage, or at the locus of infestation of the Soybean crop followed by the application of the at least one additional fungicide, or vice versa.Use

[0173] The present disclosure also relates to use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for controlling pathogenic fungal infestation in Soybean, said fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0174] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for controlling asian soybean rust, target spot or both, in Soybean, said fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0175] The present disclosure also relates to use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for improving health of Soybean, said fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one compound selected from a group comprising pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0176] The present disclosure also relates to use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for improving yield in Soybean, said fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one compound selected from a group comprising pyrazole-carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.

[0177] Accordingly, while the above embodiments focus on use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising fluazinam and at least one additional fungicide for controlling fungal infestation in Soybean, for improving health of Soybean, or for improving yield in Soybean, all the features and characteristics defined in the embodiments, including the specific fungicidal combination and / or composition, the specific components, ratios of the components, rate of application of the components, pathogenic fungus, the fungal disease, etc., are as described by any of the embodiments above relating to method of controlling fungal infestation of Soybean crops. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of use embodiments described above.It is to be understood that the foregoing description is illustrative and not limiting. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on particular features of this disclosure, it willbe appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. Similarly, additional embodiments and features of the present disclosure will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in art based upon description provided herein. Descriptions of well-known / conventional methods / steps and techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0178] The methods employed by the present disclosure indicate sustained and effective control and treatment of fungal disease in crops, preferably for controlling target spot caused by Corynespora cassiicola, new world soybean rust caused by Phakopsorci meibomiae and asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsorci pachyrhizi in Glycine max (soybean).

[0179] The methods employed by the present disclosure further result in enhancing crop yield and improving crop health, preferably in Glycine max (soybean) susceptible to various diseases.

[0180] This effectiveness of all treatments can be evaluated according to Colby’s equation. In the Colby’s equation given below, E is the expected efficacy of combination of Cyantraniliprole, and orange oil,X is the observed efficacy of Cyantraniliprole or salts thereof andY is the observed efficacy of the orange oil.

[0181] Observed efficacy values i.e., X and Y are % weed control for Cyantraniliprole and an orange oil. If observed efficacy of combination of Cyantraniliprole and an orange oil is greater than its expected efficacy, then combination is determined to be synergistic. If observed efficacy is equal to or less than expected efficacy, then combination is determined to be non- synergistic.Colby’s equation E = X + Y - XY / 100

[0182] The results of synergistic effects of the present combinations / compositions are represented in examples. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90- 100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth.

[0183] The methods and use of the present disclosure employing a fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprising fluazinam and at least one additional fungicide as described herein, for controlling pathogenic fungi such as Phakopsorci pachyrhizi, Phakopsorci meibomiae and Corynespora cassiicolci in Soybean, improve the fungal pathogen control and the yield of Soybean, with reduced phytotoxicity.

[0184] The methods and use of the present disclosure also show reduction in severity and incidence of the disease caused by fungal pathogens in Soybean, including but not limiting to Asian soybean rust and target spot disease, with the efficacy of the active components being consistent over a period of time. This in turn indicates sustained and effective control of fungal pathogens in Soybean crops.

[0185] Throughout this specification, the term ‘combinations thereof or ‘any combination thereof or ‘any combinations thereof are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning, as regularly known in the field of patents disclosures.

[0186] As regards the embodiments characterized in this specification, it is intended that each embodiment be read independently as well as in combination with another embodiment. For example, in case of some embodiments 1 reciting 3 alternatives A, B and C, some embodiments 2 reciting 3 alternatives D, E and F and some embodiments 3 reciting 3 alternatives G, H and I, it is to be understood that the specification unambiguously discloses embodiments corresponding to combinations A, D, G; A, D, H; A, D, I; A, E, G; A, E, H; A,E, I; A, F, G; A, F, H; A, F, I; B, D, G; B, D, H; B, D, I; B, E, G; B, E, H; B, E, I; B, F, G; B,F, H; B, F, I; C, D, G; C, D, H; C, D, I; C, E, G; C, E, H; C, E, I; C, F, G; C, F, H; C, F, I, unless specifically mentioned otherwise.

[0187] Specifically, the invention includes embodiments in which particular subject matter is excluded, in full or in part, such as substances or materials, method steps and conditions, protocols, procedures, assays or analysis. Thus, even though the invention is generally not expressed herein in terms of what the invention does not include aspects that are not expressly included in the invention are nevertheless disclosed herein. A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.EXAMPLES

[0188] Example 1: Bio efficacy of fluazinam solo and combination with tebuconazole and fluxapyroxad on Asian Soybean Rust.The present invention will now be explained in detail by reference to the following formulation examples and a test example, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.Table 1 : Effect of Fluazinam solo and double combination on Asian Soybean RustTable 1 illustrates %control of fluazinam solo and fluazinam combinations with mancozeb on Asian Soybean Rust. Fluazinam + mancozeb exhibits enhanced efficacy over solo treatment of fluazinam and mancozeb.

[0189] Example 2: Bio efficacy of fluazinam solo and combination with tebuconazole and fluxapyroxad on Asian Soybean Rust.The present invention will now be explained in detail by reference to the following formulation examples and a test example, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.Table 2: Effect of Fluazinam solo and double combination on Asian Soybean RustTable 2 illustrates % control of fluazinam solo and fluazinam combinations with tebuconazole and fluxapyroxad on Asian Soybean Rust. Fluazinam + tebuconazole and fluazinam + fluxapyroxad exhibits enhanced efficacy over solo treatment of fluazinam, tebuconazole and fluxapyroxad.

[0190] Example 3: Bio efficacy of fluazinam solo and combination with prothioconazole, tebuconazole and difenoconazole on Asian Soybean Rust.The present invention will now be explained in detail by reference to the following formulation examples and a test example, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.Table 3 : Effect of Fluazinam solo and double combination on Asian Soybean RustTable 3 illustrates % control of fluazinam solo and fluazinam combinations with tebuconazole and fluxapyroxad on Asian Soybean Rust. Fluazinam + tebuconazole, fluazinam + Prothioconazole, and fluazinam + tebuconazole exhibits enhanced efficacy over solo treatment of fluazinam, tebuconazole, prothioconazole and difenoconazole.

[0191] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

Claims

We Claim:1) A method for controlling pathogenic fungal infestation in Soybean crop, said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crop, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising pyrazole- carboxamide, triazole, triazolinthione, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.2) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pathogenic fungi is Phakopsorci pachyrhizi. Phakopsorci meihomiae, Corynespora cassiicola. or a combination thereof.3) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fungal infestation causes a disease selected from a group comprising asian soybean rust, new world soybean rust, target spot, or a combination thereof.4) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein fluazinam is applied at a rate in the range from about 200 g a.i. / ha to about 600 g a.i. / ha.5) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide is selected from fluxapyroxad, fluindapyr, pydiflumetofen or a combination thereof.6) The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein fluxapyroxad, fluindapyr and pydiflumetofen is applied at a rate in the range from about 20 g a.i. / ha to about 150 g a.i. / ha.7) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein triazole fungicide is selected from difenoconazole, ipconazole, tebuconazole or combination thereof.8) The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein difenoconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 25 g a.i. / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha,9) The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein triazolinthione fungicide is prothioconazole .10) The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein prothioconazole is applied at a rate in the range from 50 g a.i. / ha to about 150 g a.i. / ha.11) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein dithiocarbamate fungicide is mancozeb.12) The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein mancozeb is applied at a rate in the range from 500 g a.i. / ha to about 1500 g a.i. / ha.13) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein benzamide fungicide is fluopyram.14) The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein fluopyram is applied at a rate in the range from about 150 g a.i. / ha to about 200 g a.i. / ha.15) The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluazinam and the at least one fungicide in the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition is employed in a ratio ranging from about 10: 1 to 1: 10.16) A fungicidal composition for controlling fungal infestation in Soybean crop comprising: a) fluazinam, b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising a pyrazole- carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof, and c) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.17) Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for controlling pathogenic fungal infestation in Soybean crop, said fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition comprising: a) fluazinam, and b) at least one fungicide selected from a group comprising pyrazole- carboxamide, triazole, dithiocarbamate, benzamide, and combinations thereof.