Liquid laminarin containing composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stable liquid composition comprising laminarin. The stable liquid compositions of the present invention are peculiar due to high loading of laminarin facilitated by the compositions. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said composition / formulation and method of use thereof.

Description

[0001] LIQUID LAMINARIN CONTAINING COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a stable liquid composition. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stable liquid formulation comprising laminarin. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said composition / formulation and method of use thereof.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Laminarin is a polysaccharide found in algae, including green algae and derived from seaweed, a polymer of simple sugars linked together by glycosidic bonds. More specifically, it is a class of storage P-glucans comprised of P-(l-3)-linked glucose residues with some P-( 1-6) -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. The exact molecular structure of laminarin varies depending on environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity and nutrient salts, waves, sea current and immersion depth. Its chemical formula is C18H32O16 (University of Hertfordshire 2014; ChEBI 2015; Kadam, Tiwari and O’Donnell 2015).

[0006] Brown algae may contain up to 35% laminarin on a dry weight basis, depending on species, season, habitat and extraction method. Laminarin is generally extracted from brown algae of the Pheophyceae type, and in particular the Fucales or the Laminariales. Laminarin is known to use as a seed germination and plant growth accelerator (biostimulant). Laminarin, a bio-fungicide can be extracted starting from a raw material consisting of brown algae, especially using the method disclosed in the French patent FR 9208387. The formulated product (Vacciplant) comprises laminarin.

[0007] The challenge involved in developing commercially acceptable products containing agriculturally active compounds continues to increase due to the rapid emergence of more complex customer and regulatory requirements. These agricultural compositions must exhibit excellent chemical stability and must also 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 can be subject to high shear forces at both high and low temperatures. This emerging area of performance is critical to customer satisfaction and commercial success with a product. At the same time the demand on the agrochemical compositions performance has been increasing, the number of auxiliary chemicals approved for use in agrochemical compositions by the various regulatory authorities has been decreasing due to more stringent standards for the toxicological and ecological properties of these materials.

[0008] It is desirable to deliver the required quantity of active ingredient to a user in a smaller volume and lower weight. The highly loaded active formulations thus provide economic advantage to the agriculture. The agrochemical compositions are generally prepared using one or more surfactants in specific combinations to provide optimum biological activity. When attempts are made to provide liquid formulations, difficulties are encountered with respect to providing a desirably high concentration of the active ingredient. Particularly when the agrochemical formulations comprise high concentration of actives, stability challenges are faced by the formulator to maintain desired uniform formulation. Sometimes the stability of the formulation may be disturbed, and one or more component separates out, for example as a discrete phase. In general, the separation of a discrete phase from an agrochemical 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 even distribution of the components for application in the field. Thus, selection of the specific surfactants / dispersing agents while making the formulation is important to provide stable formulations. Furthermore, the formulation must be stable in respect of storage for prolonged periods in both hot and cold climates. These all factors present formidable problems to the formulator.

[0009] Hence, there is a need in the art to develop such high loaded active formulations that has both unique performance characteristics, a good physicochemical stability that meets the industry requirements and useful for agriculture application.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprising: i) a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative; and ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprising: i) laminarin; ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and iii) an agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

[0013] In an embodiment, wherein the stable liquid composition of the present invention is an oil dispersion, said composition comprises a carrier.

[0014] In another aspect the present invention provides an oil dispersion comprising: i) laminarin; ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and iii) a carrier. In another aspect the present invention provides an oil dispersion comprising i) laminarin; ii) at least two non-ionic surfactants; and iii) a carrier.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an improved composition comprising a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative in high concentration and process for preparing said composition.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides use of highly loaded sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative composition for controlling phytopathogenic fungi of plants.

[0017] In another aspect the present invention provides a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi of plants by applying a high loaded sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative composition according to the present invention.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising stable composition according to the present invention as a biopesticide.

[0019] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] For the purposes of the following detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, 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". The term "about" used to qualify the amounts of active components shall be interpreted to mean "approximately" or "reasonably close to" and any statistically insignificant variations therefrom. 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. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0021] 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.

[0022] All percentages, ratios and proportions used herein are based on weight unless indicated otherwise.

[0023] The terms “g / L” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective ingredient in “grams” present “per litre” of the composition.

[0024] The term “high-load," as used herein, refers to an agricultural chemical formulation or composition that contains a relatively large amount (i.e, a high concentration) of an active ingredient.

[0025] As used herein, the term “stable” refers to chemical and / or physical stabilization of an active compound. The term "storage stability" as used to a "liquid composition" means that the liquid composition does not deteriorate within a range of temperatures, which include extreme temperatures that can be experienced under normal storage conditions, for example a range from 0°C to 40°C or preferably a range from -10°C to 54°C and at ambient temperature.

[0026] The present invention is broadly related to liquid compositions of high concentration a sea-weed extract or a glucan or glucan derivative.

[0027] 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.

[0028] "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.

[0029] The present invention thus provides a stable liquid composition comprising high concentration of glucan and / or glucan derivatives such as laminarin with good suspensibility and dispersibility. These properties are achieved by use of specific non-ionic surfactants. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that one or more non-ionic surfactants for example polymeric surfactant and sorbitan esters when used in the composition imparted good suspensibility and dispersibility to the formulation and also enabled in formulating stable oil dispersion with high concentrations of the active ingredient.

[0030] The solo laminarin formulations available in the market are with low concentration of laminarin for example soluble liquid (SL) formulation containing 37 g / L or 45 g / L of laminarin. Higher loaded solo laminarin formulations are not known in the art and there is a need for providing such formulations.

[0031] It is desirable to produce highly loaded formulations, such high loaded formulations have various advantages such as (i) less volume of raw materials to procure (ii) high loaded active formulations require fewer litres or kilograms of active to formulate (iii) it is helpful for the user as less volume is used by the end user to handle highly loaded active formulations during mixing and application in the field, also, in the field less containers to dispose of post-application of the formulation. The highly loaded formulations are more cost-effective formulations for the manufacturers / producers .

[0032] The present inventors thus developed a liquid composition comprising highly loaded glucan and / or glucan derivatives such as laminarin which can be used as solo formulation or a tank mix with one or more other pesticides. Preferably, the liquid composition according to the present invention is formulated as an oil dispersion. Accordingly, the present invention provides an oil dispersion formulation comprising highly loaded glucan and / or glucan derivatives such as laminarin as active agent and the formulation is physicochemically stable even after a prolonged storage at standard storage conditions.

[0033] The present bio-fungicide composition is environmentally friendly, highly effective, low in toxicity, and can be used for the prevention and / or controlling various plant fungal diseases.

[0034] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a liquid composition comprising: i) a sea-weed extract or a glucan or its derivative; and ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant.

[0035] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a liquid composition comprising: i) a glucan or its derivative; and ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant.

[0036] In an embodiment, the seaweed extract comprises a glucan or its derivative, preferably a P- glucan, in particular a P-1 ,3-glucan.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the glucan or its derivative comprises laminarin. According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seaweed extract is obtained from brown-algae.

[0038] In an embodiment, brown algae are from Laminaria species.

[0039] In an embodiment, the seaweed extract from brown algae comprises laminarin extracted from Laminaria digitata.

[0040] In an embodiment, the seaweed extract comprises laminarin.

[0041] It has been known that laminarin and compositions in which it is present increase the production yield of agricultural products by exerting an accelerating action on plant growth, cell elongation and seed germination. The laminarin containing compositions are applied preventatively or when conditions for disease development become favorable.

[0042] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprising: i) laminarin; ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and iii) an agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

[0043] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprising: i) laminarin; ii) at least two non-ionic surfactants; and iii) an agrochemical acceptable ingredient.

[0044] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprising high loading of laminarin. In an embodiment the liquid composition comprises more than 100 g / L of laminarin.

[0045] In an embodiment the liquid composition comprises more than 200 g / L of laminarin.

[0046] In an embodiment the liquid composition comprises more than 300 g / L of laminarin.

[0047] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a liquid composition comprising about 333.33g / L of laminarin.

[0048] In an embodiment, laminarin is used in an amount from about 1% to 90% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition. In an embodiment laminarin is used in an amount from about 1% to about 50% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition. In an embodiment laminarin is used in an amount from about 10% to about 35% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition.

[0049] In an embodiment the non-ionic surfactant is selected from one or more polymeric surfactants, sorbitan ester, alkoxylated sorbitan esters, or combinations thereof..

[0050] In an embodiment, non-ionic surfactant is a combination of any of polymeric surfactants, sorbitan ester, and alkoxylated sorbitan esters.

[0051] In an embodiment, non-ionic surfactant is selected from sorbitan ester, or alkoxylated sorbitan esters.

[0052] Examples of sorbitan ester, or alkoxylated sorbitan esters include ethoxylated sorbitol esters and ethoxylated sorbitan esters. In one embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitolate, polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitan hexaoleate, polyoxyethylene (50) sorbitan hexaoleate, polyoxyethylene (60) sorbitan hexaoleate, polyoxyethylene (30) oleate laurate, or combinations thereof.

[0053] In an embodiment, the nonionic surfactant is having an Hydrophile-Lipophile balance (HLB) value between 5 to 7.

[0054] In an embodiment the non-ionic surfactant is selected from polymeric surfactant. In an embodiment, the polymeric surfactant may be a polymeric dispersant or a polymeric emulsifier.

[0055] In an embodiment, the polymeric surfactant includes the class of poly oxy ethylene / poly oxypropylene copolymers .

[0056] In an embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant(s) is used in an amount from about 0.1% to 90% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant(s) is used in an amount from about 0.1% to 50% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant(s) is used in an amount from about 0.1% to 20% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is used in an amount from about 1% to 12% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition.

[0057] In an embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is used in an amount from about 1% to 10% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition, the non-ionic surfactant is used in an amount of about 8% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition.

[0058] In an embodiment, the polymeric surfactant is used in an amount from about 1% to 10% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition, the non-ionic surfactant is used in an amount of about 4% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition.

[0059] In an embodiment, wherein the stable liquid composition of the present invention is an oil dispersion, said composition comprises a carrier.

[0060] In an embodiment, the present composition further comprises at least one carrier.

[0061] In one embodiment, the carrier is selected from a mineral oil, a hydrogenated vegetable oil, an ester oil (a synthetic ester oil), or combination of oils.

[0062] In an embodiment, mineral oil including aliphatic (paraffin) mineral oils and aromatic mineral or synthetic oils (for example, Solvesso™)

[0063] In an embodiment, the hydrogenated vegetable oil is selected from hydrogenated cotton seed oil, hydrogenated linseed oil, hydrogenated mustard oil, hydrogenated neem oil, hydrogenated niger seed oil, hydrogenated oiticica oil, hydrogenated olive oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated peanut oil, hydrogenated perilla oil, hydrogenated poppy seed oil, hydrogenated rape seed oil, hydrogenated safflower oil, hydrogenated sesame oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, or any combinations thereof.

[0064] In an embodiment, the ester oil (a synthetic ester oil) is especially a Ci6 ester of a Cs to C22 fatty acid or a mixture of esters.

[0065] In one embodiment, the carrier may include: a mineral oil, including aliphatic (paraffin) mineral oils and aromatic mineral or synthetic oils, such as those sold under the trade name solvesso; an optionally hydrogenated vegetable oil, such as an optionally hydrogenated cotton seed oil, linseed oil, mustard oil, neem oil, niger seed oil, oiticica oil, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, perilla oil, poppy seed oil, rape seed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, or soybean oil; an ester oil (a synthetic ester oil), especially a Ci6 ester of a Cs to C22 fatty acid or a mixture of esters, or combination of oils.

[0066] In an embodiment the carrier is an oil selected from sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, or tall oil.

[0067] In an embodiment the carrier is sunflower oil.

[0068] In an embodiment, the carrier is used in an amount from about 0.001 to 90% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition.

[0069] In an embodiment, the carrier is used in an amount from about 1 to 70% w / w or w / v or v / v of total composition.

[0070] In an embodiment, the carrier is used in an amount from about 1 to 60% w / w or w / v or v / v of total composition.

[0071] In an embodiment, the carrier is used in an amount of about 55% w / w or w / v or v / v of total composition.

[0072] In an embodiment the present composition uses green components and is biodegradable. In an embodiment the present formulation is a green formulation.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the present compositions further comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable ingredients selected from wetting agents, rheology modifiers, oil, thickeners, fertilizers, dispersing agents, compatibility agents, stabilizers, defoamers, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, correctives, spray colorants (dyes) or mixtures thereof.

[0074] In an embodiment, the wetting agent is selected from benzene sulfonic acid, C10-13- (linear) alkyl derivative, calcium salt and 2-methylpropan-l-ol salts of aliphatic monoesters of sulphuric acid, sodium lauryl sulphate; sulfoalkylamides and salts thereof including but not limited to N-methyl-N-oleoyltaurate sodium salt; alkylarylsulfonates including but not limited to alkylbenzenesulfonates; alkylnaphthalenesulfonates and salts thereof or mixtures thereof.

[0075] In an embodiment the dispersing agent is selected from the group comprising ethoxylated isotridecanol, a polymeric ester dispersant (e.g., Atlox® 4916, Atlox® 4912 or Atlox® 4914, a modified styrene acrylic copolymer dispersant, glycol distearate, sorbitan trioleate, propylene glycol isostearate, glycol stearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, glyceryl stearate, lecithin, steareth-2, oleth-2, glyceryl laurate, ceteth- 2, block copolymers, polyethylenegly col-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, glyceryl stearate self-emulsifying, sucrose cocoate, methyl glucose sesquistearate, lecithin or mixtures thereof.

[0076] In an embodiment, the defoamer is selected from silicone-based compounds, alcohols, glycol ethers, mineral spirits, acetylene diols, poly siloxanes, organosiloxanes, siloxane glycols, reaction products of silicon dioxide and organosiloxane polymer, Octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane, poly dimethylsiloxanes, polyalkylene glycols, or a combination thereof.

[0077] In one embodiment, the defoamer is present in a concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 5 % w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

[0078] In an embodiment the thickener is selected from the group comprising xanthan gum, carboxy methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl propyl cellulose, Silane, dichlorodimethyl-, reaction products with silica.

[0079] In one embodiment, the thickener is present in a concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 5 % w / w based on the total weight of the composition. In embodiments, the solvent is selected from water, aromatic solvents, heavy aromatic naphta, a glycol, methyl oleate, aliphatic solvents, vegetable or seed oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed / canola oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, com oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils and in certain embodiments, methyl esters; and mixtures thereof.

[0080] In an embodiment, the present compositions further comprise an adjuvant. In an embodiment the adjuvant is selected from the group comprising nonyl phenol ethylene oxide condensate non-ionic organic surfactant, any adjuvant classified as mineral oil and one or more mono alkyl esters of fatty acids, or organosilicones.

[0081] In an embodiment adjuvant is used in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% w / w of the total composition.

[0082] In another embodiment, the composition comprising highly loaded laminarin can be combined with an additional pesticide. The additional pesticide is selected from deficiency-correcting elements, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, growth hormones, lipoamino acids and betaines.

[0083] In an embodiment, the liquid compositions comprising highly loaded laminarin in combination with one or more additional pesticide can be in any conventional agriculturally useful form, for example, in the form of a ready-to-use or ready-mix formulation or can be used as tank mix.

[0084] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable oil dispersion composition comprises: i) laminarin; ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and iii) a carrier. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable oil dispersion composition comprises: i) laminarin; ii) at least two non-ionic surfactants; and iii) a carrier.

[0085] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 100 g / L of laminarin; ii) sorbitan ester or its derivatives; and iii) a carrier.

[0086] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 200 g / L of laminarin; ii) sorbitan ester or its derivatives; and iii) a carrier.

[0087] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 300 g / L of laminarin; ii) sorbitan ester or its derivatives; and iii) a carrier.

[0088] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 100 g / L of laminarin; ii) a polymeric surfactant; and iii) a carrier. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 200 g / L of laminarin; ii) a polymeric surfactant; and iii) a carrier.

[0089] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 300 g / L of laminarin; ii) a polymeric surfactant; and iii) a carrier.

[0090] In another embodiment, the stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 100 g / L of laminarin; ii) a polymeric surfactant; iii) sorbitan ester or its derivatives; and iv) a carrier.

[0091] In another embodiment, the stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 200 g / L of laminarin; ii) a polymeric surfactant; iii) sorbitan ester or its derivatives; and iv) a carrier.

[0092] In another embodiment, the stable liquid composition comprises: i) at least 300 g / L of laminarin; ii) a polymeric surfactant; iii) sorbitan ester or its derivatives; and iv) a carrier.

[0093] In another embodiment, the stable oil dispersion composition comprises: i) at least 300 g / L of laminarin ii) 10 to 50 g / L of polymeric surfactant iii) 50 to 90 g / L sorbitan ester or its derivatives and iv) a carrier.

[0094] In an embodiment the present invention provides a process for preparation of highly loaded laminarin liquid compositions.

[0095] In an embodiment, the process for preparation of highly loaded laminarin composition comprises mixing laminarin in high concentration with customary additives / carriers under low shear at room temperature to obtain the desired formulation.

[0096] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preventing and / or controlling a pest infestation in a target area, comprising the step of applying a pesticidally effective amount of the present composition comprising highly loaded laminarin according to the present invention, thereby preventing and / or controlling the pest infestation.

[0097] In an embodiment the present invention is used to control fungal diseases in agricultural crops for cultivating the plants without any phytotoxicity to the plant.

[0098] Examples of plants which can be treated successfully with composition comprising laminarin within the framework of the use according to the invention are selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, fruits and vegetables, fruit crops such as apple trees, pear trees and vines; grapes, cereals such as wheat, maize and rice; oleaginous plants such as soya, sunflower and colza; vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, cauliflowers and potatoes.

[0099] The formulations according to the present invention are useful in combating, preventing or controlling phytopathogenic diseases which comprises applying to a phytopathogen, to the locus of a phytopathogen, or to a plant susceptible to attack by a phytopathogen, or to propagation material thereof.

[0100] The compositions according to the present invention are effective for the following plant diseases which may include:

[0101] Disease in rice: Blast (Pyricularia Oryzae), Helminthosporium leaf spot (Cochliobolus miyabeanus), sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) , and bakanae disease (Gibberella fujikuroi).

[0102] Diseases in wheat: powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis) , Fusariuin head blight (Fusarium graminearum, F. avenacerum, F. culmorum, Microdochium nivale) , rust (Puccinia striiformis, P. graminis, P. recondita) , pink snow mold (Micronectriella nivale), Typhula snow blight (Typhula sp . ) , loose smut (Ustilago tritici) , bunt (Tilletia caries) , eyespot (Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides) , leaf blotch 3h, (Mycosphaerella graminicola) , glume blotch (Stagonospora nodorum) , septoria, and yellow spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) .

[0103] Diseases of barley: powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis), Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum, F. avenacerum, F. culmorum, Microdochium nivale), rust - (Puccinia striiformis, P. graminis, P. hordei) , loose smut (Ustilago nuda) , scald (Rhynchosporium secalis) , net blotch (Pyrenophora teres), spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus), leaf stripe (Pyrenophora graminea) , and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani) .

[0104] Diseases in com: smut (Ustilago maydis), brown spot (Cochliobolus heterostrophus), copper spot (Gloeocercospora sorghi), southern rust (Puccinia polysora), gray leaf spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis), white spot (Phaeosphaeria mydis and / or Pantoea ananatis) and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani). Diseases of citrus: melanose (Diaporthe citri), scab (Elsinoe fawcetti), penicillium rot (Penicillium digitatum, P.italicum), and brown rot (Phytophthora parasitica, Phytophthora citrophthora) .

[0105] Diseases of apple: blossom blight (Monilinia mali), canker (Valsa ceratosperma), powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha), Altemaria leaf spot (Altemaria altemata apple pathotype) , scab (Venturia inaequalis) , powdery mildew, bitter rot (Colletotrichum acutatum), crown rot (Phytophtora cactorum), blotch (Diplocarpon mali) , and ring rot (Botryosphaeria berengeriana) .

[0106] Diseases of pear: scab (Venturia nashicola, V. pirina) , powdery mildew, black spot (Altemaria altemata Japanese pear pathotype) , mst (Gymnosporangium 3h, haraeanum) , and phytophthora fruit rot (Phytophtora cactomm).

[0107] Diseases of peach: brown rot (Monilinia fructicola), powdery mildew, scab (Cladosporium carpophilum), and phomopsis rot (Phomopsis sp.).

[0108] Diseases of grape: anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina) , ripe rot (Glomerella cingulata), powdery mildew (Uncinula necator) , mst (Phakopsora ampelopsidis) , black rot (Guignardia bidwellii), botrytis, and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) .

[0109] Diseases of Japanese persimmon: anthracnose (Gloeosporium kaki) , and leaf spot (Cercospora kaki, Mycosphaerella nawae) .

[0110] Diseases of gourd: anthracnose (Colletotrichum lagenarium) , powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea), gummy stem blight (Mycosphaerella melonis), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxyspomm) , downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) tA Phytophthora rot (Phytophthora sp.) , and damping-off (Pythium sp .).

[0111] Diseases of tomato: early blight (Altemaria solani) , leaf mold (Cladosporium fulvum) , and late blight (Phytophthora infestans) . Diseases of eggplant: brown spot (Phomopsis vexans) , and powdery mildew 3 (Erysiphe cichoracearum) Diseases of cruciferous vegetables: Altemaria leaf spot (Altemaria japonica) , white spot (Cercosporella brassicae) , clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) , and downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica) .

[0112] Diseases of onion: rust (Puccinia allii), and downy mildew (Peronospora destructor).

[0113] Diseases of soybean: purple seed stain (Cercospora kikuchii) , sphaceloma scad (Elsinoe glycines) , pod and stem blight (Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae) , septoria brown spot (Septoria glycines), frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina), rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) , Yellow rust, brown stem rot (Phytophthora sojae), and - Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani) .

[0114] Diseases of kidney bean: anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemthianum). Diseases of peanut: leaf spot (Cercospora personata), brown leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) and southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii).

[0115] Diseases of garden pea: powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi) , and root rot (Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi) .

[0116] Diseases of potato: early blight (Altemaria solani), late blight (Phytophthora tA infestans), pink rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica), and powdery scab (Spongospora subterranean f. sp. subterranea).

[0117] Diseases of strawberry: powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca humuli), and anthracnose (Glomerella cingulata).

[0118] Diseases of tea: net blister blight (Exobasidium reticulatum), white scab (Elsinoe 3 leucospila), gray blight (Pestalotiopsis sp.), and anthracnose (Colletotrichumtheae sinensis) . Diseases of tobacco: brown spot (Altemaria longipes), powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), anthracnose (Colletotrichum tabacum), downy mildew 4h, (Peronospora tabacina) , and black shank (Phytophthora nicotianae).

[0119] Diseases of rapeseed: sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) , and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani) . Diseases of cotton: Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani) .

[0120] Diseases of sugar beat: Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola) , leaf blight (Thanatephorus cucumeris), Root rot (Thanatephorus cucumeris), and Aphanomyces root rot (Aphanomyces cochlioides) .

[0121] Diseases of rose: black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) , powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa) , and downy mildew (Peronospora sparsa) . Diseases of chrysanthemum and asteraceous plants: downy mildew (Bremia lactucae), leaf blight (Septoria chrysanthemi-indici) , and white rust (Puccinia horiana).

[0122] A Diseases of various groups: diseases caused by Pythium spp. (Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium debarianum, Pythium graminicola, Pythium irregulare, Pythium ultimum), gray mold. (Botrytis cinerea), and Sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).

[0123] Disease of Japanese radish: Altemaria leaf spot(Altemaria brassicicola).

[0124] Diseases of turfgrass: dollar spot (Sclerotinia homeocarpa), and brown patch and large patch (Rhizoctonia solani).

[0125] Disease of banana: Black sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), Yellow sigatoka 4h, (Mycosphaerella musicola). Disease of sunflower: downy mildew (Plasmopara halstedii) .

[0126] Seed diseases or diseases in the early stages of the growth of various plants caused - by Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., Gibberella spp., Tricoderma spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Corticium spp., Phoma spp., Rhizoctonia spp. and Diplodia spp.

[0127] Viral diseases of various plants mediated by Polymixa spp. or Olpidium spp. and so on.

[0128] In one embodiment, the fungal disease is powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii). In some embodiments, the fungal disease is powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) in grapes.

[0129] In some embodiments, the composition is effective for protecting the plant from powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii).

[0130] In an embodiment the composition of the present invention can be packaged as a kit-of-parts. In an embodiment a kit-of-parts may contain various components of the formulation of the present invention and an instruction manual that may can be used as per the instruction manual.

[0131] 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 embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0132] The invention will be illustrated with reference to the following examples. EXAMPLES

[0133] Example 1

[0134] Oil dispersion (OD):

[0135] The materials in given quantity above, sunflower oil and surfactant are combined under low shear. The active ingredient laminarin was added slowly under high shear, ensuring rapid wetting to prevent clumping. The mixture was milled conventionally to have oil dispersion formulation with average crystal size of d(0.5) <3um.

[0136] Stability data:

[0137] Storage stability of the laminarin composition

[0138] To assess the physico-chemical behaviour of the present formulation after prolonged storage (storage stability), the formulations were prepared according to standard formulation technology and stored under the following storage conditions: 2 weeks at -10°C, 2 weeks at 54°C, 24 hours at 50°C and at ambient temperature.

[0139] The composition prepared according to the present process is also stable at low temperature for two weeks, thus present formulation was found to possess good stability profile.

[0140] The sample appearance, physical state & colour these tests are performed visually and are described in descriptive terms in the below tables. Table 1

[0141] Further the present composition containing high concentration of laminarin was tested at ambient temperature for 300 days and at 50°C for one month storage. The results are represented in below table.

[0142] Table 2

[0143] It is evident from the above results that oil dispersion containing high concentration of laminarin is stable with no separation. Example 2

[0144] All percentage values in the following formulation examples are weight per volume values (w / v-values).

[0145] Oil dispersion (OD):

[0146] The sunflower oil, polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitan hexaoleate, polymeric dispersant and fumed silica were combined under low shear. Laminarin was added slowly under high shear, ensuring rapid wetting to prevent clumping to obtain final composition.

[0147] Stability data:

[0148] Storage stability of the laminarin composition

[0149] To assess the physico-chemical behaviour of the present formulation after prolonged storage (storage stability), the formulations were prepared according to standard formulation technology and stored under the following storage conditions:

[0150] 2 weeks at -10°C, 2 weeks at 54°C, 24 hours at 50°C and at ambient temperature.

[0151] The composition prepared according to the present process is also stable at low temperature for two weeks, thus present formulation was found to possess good stability profile.

[0152] The sample appearance, physical state & colour these tests are performed visually and are described in descriptive terms in the below tables.

[0153] Table 3

[0154] Further the present composition containing high concentration of laminarin was tested at ambient temperature for 300 days and at 50°C for one month storage. The results are represented in below table.

[0155] Table 4

[0156] It is evident from the above results that oil dispersion containing high concentration of laminarin is stable with no separation.

Claims

We Claims:

1. A stable liquid composition comprising: i) laminarin; ii) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and iii) an agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

2. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid composition comprises more than 100 g / L of laminarin.

3. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid composition comprises laminarin in an amount from about l%to about 50% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition.

4. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is selected from one or more polymeric surfactants, sorbitan ester, alkoxylated sorbitan esters, or combinations thereof.

5. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is selected from polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitolate, polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitan hexaoleate, polyoxyethylene (50) sorbitan hexaoleate, polyoxyethylene (60) sorbitan hexaoleate, polyoxyethylene (30) oleate laurate, or combinations thereof.

6. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the polymeric surfactant is a polymeric dispersant and includes the class of poly oxyethylene / poly oxypropylene copolymers .

7. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the nonionic surfactant is having an Hydrophile-Lipophile balance (HLB) value between 5 to 7.

8. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the liquid composition comprises the non-ionic surfactant in an amount from about 0.1% to about 50% w / w or w / v or v / v of total weight of the composition.

9. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least one carrier.

10. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the carrier is selected from a mineral oil, a hydrogenated vegetable oil, an ester oil (a synthetic ester oil), or combination of oils.

11. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the carrier is an oil selected from sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, or tall oil.

12. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the carrier is used in an amount from about 0.001 to 90% w / w of total weight of the composition.

13. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable ingredients selected from wetting agents, rheology modifiers, oil, thickeners, fertilizers, dispersing agents, compatibility agents, stabilizers, defoamers, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, correctives, spray colorants (dyes) or mixtures thereof.

14. The liquid composition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the agrochemically acceptable ingredient is present in a concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 5% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

15. The composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein said composition is a stable oil dispersion.

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