Enhanced auxin mimic herbicide

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for suppressing the growth of post-emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation), said method comprising: providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the vegetation is suppressed.

Description

[0001] Enhanced Auxin Mimic Herbicide

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to compositions comprising an auxin mimic having enhanced herbicidal properties due to the presence of an adjuvant as described herein, and to the use of the same as a herbicide.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The selective control of unwanted vegetation, such as weeds, is a major industry. Vegetation can be controlled using herbicides that are non-selective or selective, and systemic or contact. Non-selective herbicides kill or damage all plants to which they are applied, i.e., both desired and undesired vegetation. In contrast, selective herbicides eliminate or inhibit the growth of unwanted vegetation (e.g. weeds), while leaving the desired vegetation relatively unharmed. Contact herbicides are applied to the top growth, or portion(s) of the plant located above the soil surface. In contrast, systemic herbicides are initially taken up by the roots and / or the foliage of the plant and subsequently translocated to tissues that are remotely located from the point of application.

[0006] Typically, post-emergent herbicides are initially taken up by the leaves, stem or roots of a plant, and subsequently moved throughout the plant. As such, post-emergent herbicides typically have a systemic mode of action. One particular class of post-emergent herbicides is represented by the “auxin mimics” which are categorised into group 4 by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC). Thus, the auxin mimics may be referred to as “HRAC4” herbicides. Examples include phenoxy acid herbicides such as 2,4-D (2,4- Dicholorophenoxyacetic acid), 2,4-DP (2,4-Dicholorophenoxypropionic acid, or Dichlorprop), and mecoprop (2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid). 2,4-D and 2,4-DP are transported to cells throughout a plant where they act by affecting nucleic acid and protein synthesis, enzyme activity, respiration, and cell division. Mecoprop, following similar systemic delivery, acts by affecting enzyme activity and plant growth. Further examples include benzoic acid herbicides such as dicamba, which exert similar systemic effects.

[0007] The use of synthetic herbicides for weed control has raised concerns about human and environmental safety. One approach is to simply reduce the application rate of an auxin mimic, however this leads to sub-optimal weed control. Repeated application of the auxin mimic may then follow, exacerbating the application of the herbicide. There is therefore a need for interventions that increase the efficacy of herbicidal compositions comprising such auxin mimics, such that reduced concentrations of said auxin mimics, or reduced application rates, could be employed.

[0008] To-date, attempts to improve the herbicidal efficacy of auxin mimics have had limited effect. Accordingly, there remains a need for auxin mimic products having improved pre-emergent herbicidal efficacy.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present inventors have surprisingly demonstrated that coordinated use of a fatty acid (having a carbon chain length as described below) significantly enhances the herbicidal effect of an auxin mimic e.g. HRAC 4 herbicide. This is particularly surprising because, although fatty acids may be employed as herbicidally active ingredients in their own right when applied at a sufficiently high rate, the inventors have demonstrated that sub-herbicidal levels of the fatty acid (including levels in which no herbicidal activity follows) nevertheless enhances the activity of the auxin mimic component. For example, application rates of <6000 g / ha (even down to about 699 g / ha) have been demonstrated to enhance the activity of an auxin mimic even though these are fatty acid rates that have not previously reported to be of wide utility in weed control. Thus, not only have the present inventors identified a new technical field of application (i.e. as part of an auxin mimic-based formulation) for a fatty acid as described herein, they have also identified an unexpected technical effect within said field (i.e. enhanced efficacy of an auxin mimic).

[0011] According to one aspect, there is provided a herbicidal combination comprising: an auxin mimic (e.g. as an active herbicidal ingredient); and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid.

[0012] According to one aspect, there is provided a herbicidal combination comprising: an auxin mimic as an active herbicidal ingredient; and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic.

[0013] Preferably, said combination has enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. For example, said combination preferably has enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid and / or auxin mimic (preferably fatty acid and auxin mimic) are applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. It is particularly preferred that said combination has enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid is applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid.

[0014] Said herbicidal combination may be provided in the form of a composition, in other words as a herbicidal composition comprising said fatty acid and said auxin mimic.

[0015] According to one aspect, there is provided a herbicidal composition comprising: an auxin mimic as an active herbicidal ingredient; and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic.

[0016] According to one aspect, there is provided a herbicidal composition comprising: an auxin mimic (e.g. as an active herbicidal ingredient); and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid.

[0017] Preferably, said composition has enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. For example, said composition preferably has enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid and / or auxin mimic (preferably fatty acid and auxin mimic) are applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. It is particularly preferred that said composition has enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid is applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid.

[0018] In one aspect, there is provided a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) comprising: an auxin mimic (e.g. as an active herbicidal ingredient); and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid, wherein said combination provides enhanced (e.g. post-emergent) herbicidal activity when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. In one aspect, there is provided a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) comprising: an auxin mimic e.g. as an active herbicidal ingredient; and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic, wherein said composition has enhanced (e.g. post-emergent) herbicidal activity when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid.

[0019] Naturally, said comparative assessment is performed under the same (else substantially the same) conditions. The skilled person will understand that said comparative assessment is performed under the same (else substantially the same) conditions.

[0020] According to one aspect, there is provided a selective herbicidal combination comprising: an auxin mimic; and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid.

[0021] According to one aspect, there is provided a selective herbicidal combination comprising: an auxin mimic as an active herbicidal ingredient; and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the selective herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic.

[0022] Preferably, said selective herbicidal combination provides enhanced selective herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent selective herbicidal activity) when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. For example, said combination preferably provides enhanced selective herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent selective herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid and / or auxin mimic (preferably fatty acid and auxin mimic) are applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. It is particularly preferred that said combination provides enhanced selective herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent selective herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid is applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid.

[0023] According to one aspect, there is provided a selective herbicidal composition comprising: an auxin mimic; and a C5-C25 (preferably C8-Cio) fatty acid. According to one aspect, there is provided a selective herbicidal composition comprising: an auxin mimic as an active herbicidal ingredient; and a C5-C25 fatty acid (preferably a C8-Cio fatty acid) as an adjuvant to enhance the selective herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic.

[0024] Preferably, said selective post-emergent herbicidal composition has enhanced selective herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent selective herbicidal activity) when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. For example, said composition preferably has enhanced selective herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent selective herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid and / or auxin mimic (preferably fatty acid and auxin mimic) are applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid. It is particularly preferred that said composition has enhanced selective herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent selective herbicidal activity) when the fatty acid is applied at an application rate described herein, and when compared with an otherwise identical composition lacking said fatty acid.

[0025] Also provided is a kit comprising: a. an auxin mimic; and b. a C5-C25 fatty acid (preferably C8-Cio fatty acid); and c. instructions to contact post-emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired post-emergent vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; or instructions to combine said auxin mimic and said fatty acid to provide an admixture and to contact post- emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired post-emergent vegetation) with said admixture.

[0026] Also provided is a kit comprising: a. an auxin mimic as an active herbicidal ingredient; and b. a C5-C25 fatty acid (preferably a C8-Cio fatty acid) as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and c. instructions to contact post-emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired post-emergent vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; or instructions to combine said auxin mimic and said fatty acid to provide an admixture and to contact post- emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired post-emergent vegetation) with said admixture.

[0027] Also provided is a kit comprising: a. an auxin mimic as an active herbicidal ingredient; and b. a C5-C25 fatty acid (preferably a C8-Cio fatty acid) as an adjuvant to enhance the selective herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and c. instructions to contact post-emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired post-emergent vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; or instructions to combine said auxin mimic and said fatty acid to provide an admixture and to contact post- emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired post-emergent vegetation) with said admixture.

[0028] One aspect provides a method for suppressing the growth of vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation), said method comprising: a. providing a herbicidal combination described herein; and b. contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with said herbicidal combination; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) is suppressed.

[0029] One aspect provides a method for suppressing the growth of vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation), said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic, and a C5-C25 fatty acid; and b. contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) is suppressed.

[0030] One aspect provides a method for suppressing the growth of vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation), said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and b. contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) is suppressed.

[0031] One aspect provides a method for controlling the growth of vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation), said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic, and a C5-C25 fatty acid; and b. contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) is destroyed.

[0032] One aspect provides a method for controlling the growth of undesired vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and b. contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) is destroyed.

[0033] The “undesired vegetation” described herein is most preferably dicotyledonous vegetation. The “desired vegetation” is preferably monocotyledonous vegetation, most preferably crop vegetation. In other words, “desired vegetation” is preferably crop vegetation. For example, broadleaf dicotyledonous plants are often considered to be weeds when growing in the context of lawns and crop plantations. For example, noting key crop vegetation (e.g. maize) can be considered monocotyledonous vegetation that is relatively unharmed by the HRAC 4 auxin mimics (or fatty acids), the herbicidal composition described herein can be applied in the context of crop plantations to control the growth of dicotyledonous vegetation, while the growth of crops (e.g. monocotyledonous vegetation) is relatively unharmed. Additionally or alternatively, noting grass (e.g. lawn grass) can be considered monocotyledonous vegetation that is relatively unharmed by the HRAC 4 auxin mimics (or fatty acids), the herbicidal composition described herein can be applied in the context of lawns to control the growth of dicotyledonous vegetation, while the growth of monocotyledonous vegetation is relatively unharmed.

[0034] Another aspect provides a method for selectively suppressing the growth of undesired vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing a herbicidal combination described herein; and b. contacting desired and undesired vegetation with said herbicidal combination; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the undesired vegetation is preferentially suppressed while the growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed. Another aspect provides a method for selectively suppressing the growth of undesired vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic, and a C5-C25 fatty acid; and b. contacting desired and undesired vegetation with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the undesired vegetation is preferentially suppressed while the growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed.

[0035] Another aspect provides a method for selectively suppressing the growth of undesired vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and b. contacting desired and undesired vegetation with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the undesired vegetation is preferentially suppressed while the growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed.

[0036] Another aspect provides a method for selectively controlling the growth of undesired vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic; and a C5-C25 fatty acid; and b. contacting desired and undesired vegetation with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the undesired vegetation is preferentially destroyed while the growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed.

[0037] Another aspect provides a method for selectively controlling the growth of undesired vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and b. contacting desired and undesired vegetation with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the growth of the undesired vegetation is preferentially destroyed while the growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed.

[0038] Most preferably, a method as described above provides enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post- emergent herbicidal activity) when compared with an otherwise identical method lacking inclusion of said fatty acid. Said enhanced herbicidal activity may be enhanced selective herbicidal activity.

[0039] One aspect provides use of a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant for enhancing the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic. Aspects of the invention include use of a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant for enhancing the selective herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic.

[0040] In one aspect there is provided use of a C5-C25 fatty acid, for enhancing the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic (e.g. when compared with an otherwise identical auxin mimic lacking said fatty acid). Aspects of the invention include use of a C5-C25 fatty acid, for enhancing the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic (e.g. when compared with an otherwise identical auxin mimic lacking said fatty acid).

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that use of a fatty acid as described herein enhances the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic. Thus, in use of the invention, the fatty acid enhances the herbicidal activity (e.g. selective herbicidal activity) of an auxin mimic.

[0043] By providing a combination having enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. enhanced selectively herbicidal activity) a reduced amount of either of said components can now be used when contacting an area of undesired vegetation and / or an area of undesired vegetation and desired vegetation. For example, because the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic is enhanced by a fatty acid described herein, reduced amounts of the auxin mimic can be applied, yet while still outperforming higher amounts of auxin mimic when applied alone. Advantageously, the ability to use a reduced amount of the components of the combination reduces costs associated with contacting an area of undesired vegetation and / or an area of undesired vegetation and desired vegetation, and / or results in improved efficiency of said composition. Also, a composition having enhanced selective herbicidal activity may mean that a decreased concentration of said composition can be applied to an area of undesired and desired vegetation, yet advantageously resulting in increased damage and / or kill and / or inhibition of growth of undesired vegetation (optionally whilst demonstrating relatively reduced damage and / or kill and / or inhibition of growth of desired vegetation).

[0044] For example, with reference to the examples section herein, co-application of an auxin mimic with the fatty acid has been demonstrated to have the ability to outperform the effect of applying the auxin mimic alone, despite the latter being applied at a higher application rate. In addition, the enhancement can be provided even though the fatty acid component is provided at a relatively low amount / concentration. For example, with reference to the examples, the application rate of a fatty acid described herein can be significantly reduced, with any associated reduction in herbicidal effect having no adverse effect on the ability of the combination / co-application with an auxin mimic to demonstrate an enhanced post-emergent herbicidal effect.

[0045] As such, this allows the possibly to use a fatty acid described herein as an ‘adjuvant’ to enhance the herbicidal activity of the auxin mimic. This is highly surprising, as fatty acids as described herein have typically been used at much higher rates to provide a herbicidal effect themselves, often as a sole herbicide ingredient. Thus, not only have the inventors demonstrated at new technical field for application of a fatty acid (e.g. as an adjuvant of a herbicidal combination), but they have also demonstrated a new technical effect within said field i.e. for enhancing the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic.

[0046] The ability to co-apply fatty acid with an auxin mimic, such that reduced levels of the auxin mimic can be applied, may be particularly advantageous. In such scenario, a component that is already known to be environmentally friendly (that is, the fatty acid) provides yet further advantages in terms of environmental safety, by reducing the amount of an auxin mimic to be applied.

[0047] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the fatty acid may enhance the foliar effect of the auxin mimic.

[0048] Thus, in use of the invention, the fatty acid may be employed to enhance the herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) of an auxin mimic.

[0049] The fatty acid may be applied to vegetation prior to, simultaneously with or sequentially to said auxin mimic. The fatty acid may be applied to undesired and / or desired vegetation prior to, simultaneously with or sequentially to said auxin mimic. The C5-C25 fatty acid component and the auxin mimic are applied to a selected target area containing vegetation such as undesired vegetation (and optionally desired vegetation) e.g. in a “herbicidal effective amount”.

[0050] Thus, when applied to the target area in said amount, the auxin mimic is able to contact with and suppress vegetation such as undesired vegetation located within the target area.

[0051] The term ‘suppresses’ (or ‘suppressing’) embraces damaging beyond recovery, (terminally) inhibiting or eliminating growth of the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) to which it is applied. Reference to ‘suppresses’ (or ‘suppressing’) embraces prophylactic and treatment regimens.

[0052] When desired vegetation is also present in the target area, undesired vegetation is preferentially suppressed while growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed. In this regard, should accidental damage of desired vegetation occur, this is typically of a transient nature and the desired vegetation is able to recover. Occasionally, a very low incidence of accidental injury or damage of desired vegetation may be observed. Whilst to be ideally avoided, a skilled person would appreciate that such observations are considered synonymous with the term ‘unharmed / relatively unharmed’ as used herein.

[0053] Following contact with a combination (auxin mimic and fatty acid) of the invention, the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) may suitably be destroyed. Thus, preferably, following said contacting step, the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) is destroyed. Preferably, where desired and undesired vegetation is contacted with a combination (auxin mimic and fatty acid) of the invention, following said contacting step, the undesired vegetation is preferentially destroyed while growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed. In other words, when desired vegetation is also present in the target area, undesired vegetation is preferentially destroyed while growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed. As mentioned above, should accidental damage of desired vegetation occur, this is typically of a transient nature and the desired vegetation is able to recover.

[0054] Thus, when applied to the target area in said amount, the auxin mimic is able to contact with and suppress (preferably destroy) vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) located within the target area. Reference to “controlling the growth” embraces growth suppression, growth prevention, cellular damage, destruction and / or death of vegetation. Reference to “control” embraces prophylactic and treatment regimens.

[0055] Reference to “target area” means the area to which a combination (e.g. composition or formulation) of the present invention is applied, and embraces adjacent areas into which the combination may disperse. Examples of dispersion include application into a liquid-containing environment, and dispersion onto a solid surface with associated dilution (e.g. by weathering).

[0056] The combination of the invention (the fatty acid component and the auxin mimic component) can be applied to a selected target area. Said target area is typically an area of soil, which may contain pre-emergent undesired vegetation (and optionally post-emergent vegetation) or is suspected to contain pre-emergent undesired vegetation (such application may be put into effect as part of a prophylactic treatment regimen). The latter includes a scenario in which pre- emergent undesired vegetation may become present in the target area, for example shortly after application of the fatty acid and auxin mimic components of the invention to the target area. When undesired vegetation is present in the target area, application of the fatty acid and auxin mimic components of the invention may contact any part of the pre-emergent structure. Reference to pre-emergent vegetation means that the vegetation in question is not visible above the substrate (e.g. soil) level. Pre-emergent vegetation therefore embraces ungerminated seed and germinated seed that has not yet broken through the substrate layer.

[0057] The target area may include desired vegetation. Said desired vegetation may be present in the form of pre- and / or post-emergent desired vegetation (preferably in the form of post-emergent desired vegetation). When desired vegetation is present in the target area, application of the fatty acid and auxin mimic components of the invention may contact any part of the pre- emergent structure (e.g. seed, tubule, or root) and / or post-emergent structure (e.g. leaf, stem, or root) of the desired vegetation.

[0058] A preferable form of desired vegetation may be crop vegetation. In other words, the desired vegetation may be a crop. Examples of crops include food, fiber, horticulture, floriculture and / or fuel crops. It is particularly preferred that desired vegetation may be a food crop. The undesired vegetation may be any vegetation other than the crop vegetation that represents the desired vegetation. Thus, undesired vegetation may be any non-crop vegetation. For example, it may be said that the undesired vegetation is a crop weed (e.g. crop weeds). The skilled person understands that crop weeds are weeds that grow amongst crops.

[0059] In other words, the desired vegetation may preferably be said to be “cultivated” vegetation (e.g. the desired vegetation may be a cultivated plant). Terms such as “cultivar” and “cultigen” may be used to described cultivated vegetation. The undesired vegetation may preferably be said to be uncultivated vegetation (e.g. a weed of cultivation). Thus, methods of the invention may involve suppressing undesired vegetation (e.g. plants) that grow amongst cultivar, wherein the undesired vegetation was not planted for the purpose of obtaining their produce, with growth of the cultivar being relatively unharmed.

[0060] By being applied to provide a post-emergent effect, said effect may be an early post-emergent effect or a late post-emergent effect. The post-emergent effect may be both an early and late post-emergent effect. The combined use described above may offer both contact and limited residual activity.

[0061] An “early” post-emergent effect may be obtained by contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with a combination of the invention <10 days, <8 days, <6 days, <4 days or <2 days (preferably <4 days, more preferably <2 days) following seed germination and emergence of said vegetation through the substrate layer e.g. soil layer.

[0062] A “late” post-emergent effect may be obtained by contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with a combination of the invention >10 days, >12 days, >14 days, >16 days, >18 days or >20 days (preferably >10 days, more preferably >12 days) following seed germination and emergence of said vegetation through the substrate layer e.g. soil layer.

[0063] The target vegetation (e.g. vegetation to be suppressed, which may be referred to as undesired vegetation) may advantageously be defined with reference to an internationally recognised standard of plant development staging. One such standard is the BBCH-scale which is used to identify the phenological development stages of plants (BBCH is an abbreviation of "Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie"). Further details are provided by Hack H, Bleiholder H, Buhr L, Meier U, Schnock-Fricke U, Weber E, Witzenberger A (1992) “A uniform code for phenological growth stages of mono- and dicotyledonous plants. Extended BBCH scale, general”. Nachrichtenblatt des Deutschen Pflanzenschutzdienstes 44(12):265-270 (incorporated herein by reference). As is well known to the skilled person, the BBCH scale outlines the following principal growth stages:

[0064] 0: Germination, sprouting, bud development

[0065] 1 : Leaf development

[0066] 2: Formation of side shoots, tillering

[0067] 3: Stem elongation or rosette growth, shoot development

[0068] 4: Development of harvestable vegetative plant parts, bolting

[0069] 5: Inflorescence emergence, heading

[0070] 6: Flowering

[0071] 7: Development of fruit

[0072] 8: Ripening or maturity of fruit and seed

[0073] 9: Senescence, beginning of dormancy

[0074] Preferably, target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention comprises BBCH scale principal growth stage 1 vegetation (“Leaf development”), principal growth stage 2 vegetation (“Formation of side shoots, tillering”) and / or principal growth stage 3 vegetation (“Stem elongation or rosette growth, shoot development”). More preferably, target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention comprises or consists of BBCH scale principal growth stage 1 vegetation (“Leaf development”).

[0075] The “target vegetation” is the vegetation that is to be suppressed (e.g. destroyed) by the present invention. The terms “target vegetation” and “undesired vegetation” may be used synonymously throughout.

[0076] Within BBCH scale stage 1 (“Leaf development”), which is a ‘principal growth stage’, there are codes (e.g. secondary growth stages) 10-19:

[0077] 10 - First true leaf emerged from coleoptile (Gramineae); Cotyledons completely unfolded (dicots, monocots), First leaves separated (perennial plants)

[0078] 11 - First true leaf, leaf pair or whorl unfolded; First leaves unfolded (Perennial plants) 12- Two true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls unfolded

[0079] 13 - Three true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls unfolded

[0080] 14 to 18 - Four, Five, Six, Seven, or Eight (respectively) true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls unfolded

[0081] 19 - nine or more true leaves, leaf pairs or whorls unfolded. Within BBCH scale stage 2 (“Formation of side shoots, tillering”), there are codes (e.g. secondary growth stages) 20-29:

[0082] 20: Main shoot only (no tillers)

[0083] 21 : First side shoot visible; first tiller visible (Gramineae)

[0084] 22-28: Two to eight side shoots visible, respectively; two to eight tillers visible, respectively (Gramineae)

[0085] 29: Nine or more side shoots visible; nine or more tillers visible (Gramineae).

[0086] Within principal growth stage 3 vegetation (“Stem elongation or rosette growth, shoot development”), there are codes (e.g. secondary growth stages) 30-39:

[0087] 30: Beginning of stem elongation: pseudostem and tillers erect, first internode begins to elongate, top of inflorescence at least 1 cm above tillering node

[0088] 31 : Stem (rosette) 10% of final length (diameter); one node detectable (Gramineae) 32-38: Stem (rosette) 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, respectively; two to eight nodes detectable (Gramineae)

[0089] 39: Maximum stem length or rosette diameter reached; nine or more nodes detectable (Gramineae).

[0090] The description for other codes (e.g. 40-50 and so on) can readily be obtained by referring to one of the documents that describe BBCH, such as the above-mentioned Hack et al.

[0091] For convenience, said codes 10-39 may simply be referred to as “BBCH scale stage 10-39 vegetation". For example, for convenience, BBCH scale stage 1 , codes 11-18 vegetation may simply be referred to as “BBCH scale stages 11-18 vegetation”. For example, BBCH scale stage 1 , code 11 vegetation may simply be referred to as BBCH scale stage 11 vegetation.

[0092] Target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention may be BBCH scale stage 10-69 vegetation (e.g. codes 10-69). For example, target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention may be BBCH scale stage 10-50 vegetation. For example, target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention may be BBCH scale stage 10-39 vegetation, more preferably BBCH scale stage 10-30 vegetation.

[0093] More preferably, target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention may be BBCH scale stage 11-18 vegetation (even more preferably BBCH scale stage 11-16 vegetation). It is particularly preferred that target vegetation of the present invention may be BBCH scale stage 14-16 vegetation. In other words, it is preferred that target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention may be BBCH scale stage 1 , codes 11-18 vegetation (more preferably BBCH scale stage 1 , codes 11-16 vegetation). It is particularly preferred that target vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) of the present invention may be BBCH scale stage 1 , codes 14-16 vegetation.

[0094] In the context of the present invention, desired vegetation preferably refers to monocotyledon vegetation.

[0095] In the context of the present invention, desired vegetation most preferably refers to crop vegetation (e.g. vegetation cultivated for the purpose of providing subsistence / food). Particular examples include fruit crop, vegetable (e.g. carrot) crop, maize, sugar beet (e.g. Beta vulgaris), fodder beet, red beet (e.g. beet root), cereals, coconut tree (e.g. Cocos nucifera), bamboo (e.g. Bambusoideae), garlic (e.g. Allium sativum), onion (e.g. Allium cepa), ginger (e.g. Zingiber officinale), pulse (e.g. of genus Lathyrus, such as Lathyrus oleraceus), legume (e.g. Fabaceae / Leguminosae) and sugarcane (e.g. Saccharum).

[0096] Examples of desired vegetation include fruit crop, vegetable (e.g. carrot) crop, sugar beet (e.g. Beta vulgaris), fodder beet, red beet (e.g. beet root), cereals, coconut tree (e.g. Cocos nucifera), bamboo (e.g. Bambusoideae), garlic (e.g. Allium sativum), onion (e.g. Allium cepa), ginger (e.g. Zingiber officinale), pulse (e.g. of genus Lathyrus, such as Lathyrus oleraceus), legume (e.g. Fabaceae / Leguminosae) and sugarcane (e.g. Saccharum).

[0097] An example of a fruit crop includes banana plants (e.g. Musa acuminata and / or Musa balbisiana).

[0098] Additionally or alternatively, the desired vegetation may be tobacco plant.

[0099] It is particularly preferred that the desired vegetation may be selected from cereal crop, sugar beet crop, fodder beet crop, sugar cane crop, legume crop, cotton crop, corn crop, fruit plant (e.g. fruit crop), rape crop, canola crop, vegetable crop, and tobacco plant.

[0100] For example, the desired vegetation may be selected from cereal crop, sugar beet crop, fodder beet crop, sugar cane crop, legume crop, cotton crop, fruit plant (e.g. fruit crop), rape crop, canola crop, vegetable crop, and tobacco plant. Examples of said cereals include rice (e.g. Oryza sativa and / or O. glaberrima), wheat (e.g. Triticum, such as Triticum aestivum), rye (e.g. Secale cereale), oat (e.g. Avena sativa), barley (e.g. Hordeum vulgare), millet, and maize.

[0101] Examples of said cereals include rice (e.g. Oryza sativa and / or O. glaberrima), wheat (e.g. Triticum, such as Triticum aestivum), rye (e.g. Secale cereale), oat (e.g. Avena sativa), barley (e.g. Hordeum vulgare), and millet.

[0102] Additionally or alternatively, the desired vegetation may also refer to flowers (e.g. monocotyledon flowers). Examples of desired vegetation include agapanthus, daffodils, lilies, orchids and tulips.

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, the desired vegetation may refer to a plant that provides fiber such as cotton (e.g. Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium arboretum, and / or Gossypium herbaceum).

[0104] Preferred desired vegetation may be grain pea, winter wheat crop, spring barley crop, sugar beet and / or maize crop (e.g. grain pea, winter wheat crop, sugar beet and / or spring barley crop).

[0105] Particularly preferred desired vegetation may be winter wheat crop, spring barley crop, sugar beet and / or maize crop. For example, preferred desired vegetation may be winter wheat crop, sugar beet and / or spring barley crop.

[0106] Additionally or alternatively, the desired vegetation may also refer to grasses, e.g. grass, lawn, and / or pastureland, and preferably refers to a grass (e.g. a lawn grass). Particular examples include Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L), Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra spp. Commutate), Creeping fescue (Festuca rubra spp. Rubra / trichophylla), Tall fescue Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), Blue fescue Festuca glauca Villars.), Colonial bentgrass (Agrotis tenuis Sibth), Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L), Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides), St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), and Zoysia grass (Zoisia spp.).

[0107] Undesired vegetation can include weeds and unwanted plants, including conifers, cycads, ferns, horsetails, mosses, liverworts, and algae. Thus, in use, the combination (e.g composition) of the present invention may suppress / control one or more of (e.g. all of) weeds and unwanted plants including conifers, cycads, ferns, horsetails, mosses, liverworts, and algae. Certain monocotyledonous plants may also be considered “undesired” vegetation.

[0108] The combination (e.g. composition) can be used in both residential and commercial plant or crop areas, and it may be very effective against one or more of (e.g., all of) common weeds such as dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), false dandelions (Hypochoeris radicata), white clover (Trifolium repens), daisies (Bellis perennis), and chickweed (Stellaria media).

[0109] Examples of undesired vegetation (e.g. crop weeds) may include chickweed, barnyard grass, dandelion, striga and / or Japanese knotweed.

[0110] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may refer to eudicotyledon vegetation and / or dicotyledon vegetation (e.g. eudicotyledon vegetation and dicotyledon vegetation). In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation preferably refers to dicotyledon vegetation.

[0111] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may refer to black mustard (Brassica nigra), curly dock (Rumexcrispus), common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), pineapple weed (Matricaria matricarioides), swamp smartweed (kelp) (Polygonum coccineum), prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola), lance-leaved groundcherry (Physalis lanceifolia), annual sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus), london rocket (Sisybrium irio), common fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia), hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa- pastoris), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), common knotweed (Polygonum aviculare), green amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus), mare's tail (Conyza canadensis), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), cheeseweed (Malva parviflora), lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), puncture vine (T ribulus terrestris), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), prostrate spurge (Euphorbia supina), telegraph plant (Heterotheca grandiflora), carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata), yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), mayweed (Anthemis cotula), burning nettle (Urtica urens), fat hen (Atriplex patula), chickweed (Stellaria media), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), minnerslettuce (Montia perfoliata), turkey mullein (Eremocarpus setigerus), nettleleaf goosefoot (Chenopodium murale), prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides), silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium), hoary cress (Cardaria draba), largeseed dodder (Cuscuta indecora), California burclover (Medicago polymorpha), horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens), flax-leaved fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), tumble pigweed (Amaranthus albus), stephanomeria, (Stephanomeria exiqua), wild turnip (Brassica campestris), buffalo goard (Cucurbita foetidissima), common mullein (Verbascum thapsus), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Spanish thistle (Xanthium spinosum), chicory (Cichorium intybus), sweet anise (Foeniculum vulgare), annual yellow sweetclover (Melilotus indica), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), broadleaf filaree (Erodium botrys), whitestem filaree (Erodium moschatum), redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium), ivyleaf morning-glory (Ipomea hederacea), shortpod mustard (Brassica geniculata), buckhorn plantain (Plantago lacenolata), sticky chickweed (Cerastium viscosum), himalaya blackberry (Rubus procerus), purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina), Mexican tea (Chenopodium ambrosioides), Spanish clover (Lotus purshianus), Australian brassbuttons (Cotula australis), goldenrod (Solidago californica), citron (Citrullus lanatus), hedge mustard (Sisymbrium orientale), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), Chinese thornapple (Datura ferox), bristly ox tongue (Pieris echioides), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), spiny sowthistle (Sonchus asper), Tasmanian goosefoot (Chenopodium pumilio), goosefoot (Chenopodium botrys), wright groundcherry (Physalis acutifolia), tomatillo groundcherry (Physalis Philadelphia), petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus), bitter apple (Cucumis myriocarpus), indian tobacco (Nicotiana bigelovii), common morning-glory (Ipomoea purpurea), waterplantain (Alisma triviale), smartweed (Polygonum lapathifolium), mature sowthistle (Sonchus asper), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), lupine (Lupinus formosus), and grasses of the family Gramineae such as annual rye grass, blue grass, water grass, barnyard grass, bermuda grass, fescue, mat grass, Johnson grass, Aethusa cynapium and the like.

[0112] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may refer to viola arvensis, rape (winter), weed rape, solanum nigrum, matricaria chamomilla, chenopodium album, soft wheat (spring), sisymbrium officianale, stellaria media, terrarium dissecta, eriochloa sericea, phacelia (e.g. phacelia tanacetifolia), silene noctiflora, linseed (e.g. linum usitatissimum), trifolium alexandrinum, rye (winter), Fumaria officinalis, Thlaspi arvense, Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Alopecurus myosuroides, Crepis species, Convovolus arvensis, Equisetum arvense, Geranium robertianum, Hypericum perforatum, Oenothera biennis, Plantago lanceolate, Trifolium campestre, Vicia hirsute, Aethusa cynapium and / or Vicia villosa.

[0113] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may refer to viola arvensis, rape (winter), weed rape, solanum nigrum, matricaria chamomilla, chenopodium album, soft wheat (spring), sisymbrium officianale, stellaria media, terrarium dissecta, eriochloa sericea, phacelia (e.g. phacelia tanacetifolia), silene noctiflora, linseed (e.g. linum usitatissimum), trifolium alexandrinum, Aethusa cynapium and / or rye (winter).

[0114] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may refer to viola arvensis, rape (winter), weed rape, solanum nigrum, matricaria chamomilla, chenopodium album, sisymbrium officianale, stellaria media, terrarium dissecta, eriochloa sericea, phacelia (e.g. phacelia tanacetifolia), silene noctiflora, linseed (e.g. linum usitatissimum), Aethusa cynapium and / or trifolium alexandrinum.

[0115] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may referto Chenopodium album, Stellaria media, Matricaria chamomilla, Fumaria officinalis, Thlaspi arvense, Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Alopecurus myosuroides, Crepis species, Convovolus arvensis, Equisetum arvense, Geranium robertianum, Hypericum perforatum, Oenothera biennis, Plantago lanceolate, Trifolium campestre, Vicia hirsute and / or Vicia villosa. For example, undesired vegetation may refer to Fumaria officinalis, Thlaspi arvense, Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Alopecurus myosuroides, Crepis species, Convovolus arvensis, Equisetum arvense, Geranium robertianum, Hypericum perforatum, Oenothera biennis, Plantago lanceolate, Trifolium campestre, Aethusa cynapium, Vicia hirsute and / or Vicia villosa.

[0116] The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) maintains a global database that includes codes for vegetation, and may be convenient to refer to the vegetation (particularly the undesired vegetation) with reference to an EPPO Code. Thus, examples of undesired vegetation include:

[0117] CHEAL (Chenopodium album)

[0118] PHCTA (Phacelia tanacetifolia)

[0119] 1TRFG (Trifolium)

[0120] LIUUT (Linum usitatissimum)

[0121] STEME (Stellaria media)

[0122] GERDI (Geranium dissectum)

[0123] ERBSE (Eriochloa sericea)

[0124] MELNO (Silene noctiflora)

[0125] TRFAL (Trifolium alexandrinum)

[0126] VIOAR (Viola arvensis)

[0127] BRSNW (rape (winter))

[0128] SOLNI (Solanum nigrum) MATCH (Matricaria chamomilla) SSYOF (Sisymbrium officinale) TRZAS (soft wheat (spring)) FUMOF (Fumaria officinalis) THLAR (Thlaspi arvense) PAPRH (Papaver rhoeas) CENCY (Centaurea cyanus) LAMPU (Lamium purpureum) ALOMY (Alopecurus myosuroides) 1CVPG (Crepis species) CONAR (Convovolus arvensis) EQUAR (Equisetum arvense) GERRO (Geranium robertianum) HYPPE (Hypericum perforatum) OEOBI (Oenothera biennis) PLALA (Plantago lanceolate) TRFCA (Trifolium campestre) VICHI (Vicia hirsute) VIWI (Vicia villosa) CIRAR (Cirsium arvense) CONAR (Convolvulus arvensis) 1 RUMG (Rumex) 1VERG (Veronica) 1 MATG (Matricaria) 1ATXG (Atriplex)

[0129] CAPBP (Capsella bursa-pastoris) 1 PRAG (Persicaria)

[0130] AETCY (Aethusa cynapium) 1GERG (Geranium) 1 MERG (Mercurialis) 1SSYG (Sisymbrium) BRSNN (Brassica napus)

[0131] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may refer to CHEAL, AETCY, BRSNN (weed rape), PHCTA, 1TRFG, LIUUT, STEME, GERDI, ERBSE, MELNO, TRFAL, VIOAR, BRSNW, SOLNI, MATCH, SSYOF, SETVI, POLCO, POLPE, LAMPU, RUMOB, 1 MATG, PAPRH, Cl RAR, CENCY, and / or 1VERG.

[0132] In the context of the present invention, undesired vegetation may refer to THLAR, CIRAR, CONAR, 1 RUMG, BRSNN, CENCY, 1VERG, STEME, CHEAL, 1 MATG, 1ATXG, FUMOF, CAPBP, 1 PRAG, AETCY, 1GERG, LAMPU, 1 MERG, SOLNI, and / or 1SSYG.

[0133] In the context of the present invention the combination of actives of the group HRAC 4 (“auxin mimics”) and fatty acids is preferably used in agriculture and horticulture for effective undesired vegetation (e.g. weed) management. The invention can be used in different crops for food-, feed- and / or energy production (e.g. for food-, feed- and energy production). Preferably crops can be cereals, beets, sugar cane, canola, vegetables, different kind of trees, soybeans and other legumes, fruit and vineyards.

[0134] For example, the combination may be applied to winter wheat crop, spring barley crop, and / or maize crop (e.g. to provide a selective herbicidal effect against undesired vegetation as described herein).

[0135] For example, the combination may be applied to winter wheat crop, and / or spring barley crop (e.g. to provide a selective herbicidal effect against undesired vegetation as described herein).

[0136] Herbicidal activity

[0137] An assessment of “herbicidal activity” can be made using a “vegetation damage assay” described herein.

[0138] The “vegetation damage assay” comprises: a. applying an amount of a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention to a site (e.g. defined site) comprising vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation); b. following application (e.g. after at least 4, 7 or 14 days from application) assessing the percentage area of said site (e.g. defined site) that is covered in vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation); and c. calculating efficacy (e.g. percentage suppression / control of said vegetation) using the Henderson & Tilton formula and / or the Abbott formula, preferably using the Henderson & Tilton formula. In step b., the assessment of coverage with vegetation refers to assessing coverage of the site with vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) that was not substantially suppressed following application with the combination. For example, by assessing % coverage of the site with vegetation that remains viable following application of the combination.

[0139] Said formulas of course involve comparison with untreated control sites of vegetation, and said control may be performed directly as part of the vegetation damage assay, or the results of such control may be separately accessed for calculating the efficacy. The skilled person understands that a control allows for direct comparison, with growing conditions being otherwise identical (but for lack of treatment with a herbicidal combination / composition of the invention).

[0140] Herbicidal activity may refer to suppression / damage (e.g. destruction of) vegetation at least 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 or 44 days after application of the herbicidal activity.

[0141] Step b. (assessing damage) may be performed at least 4, 7, 14, or 28 days from application of the combination / composition (preferably at least 14 days from application).

[0142] The “ABBOTT” formula is as follows:

[0143] Xn= weed coverage (%) of untreated control area

[0144] Yn= weed coverage (%) of treated area

[0145] EffAB= Efficiency ABBOTT (%)

[0146] The Henderson & Tilton formula is as follows:

[0147] EffH&T= Efficiency HENDERSON & TILTON (%)

[0148] Ta= weed coverage (%) treated — after

[0149] Tb= weed coverage (%) treated — before

[0150] Ca= weed coverage (%) untreated control — after

[0151] Cb= weed coverage (%) untreated control — before

[0152] Said vegetation (which can also be referred to as undesired vegetation) may include any of the undesired vegetation described herein. For example, said vegetation may include viola arvensis, rape (winter), weed rape, solanum nigrum, matricaria chamomilla, chenopodium album, soft wheat (spring), sisymbrium officianale, stellaria media, teranium dissecta, eriochloa sericea, phacelia, silene noctiflora, linseed, trifolium alexandrinum and / or rye (winter). For example, said vegetation may include viola arvensis, rape (winter), weed rape, solanum nigrum, matricaria chamomilla, chenopodium album, sisymbrium officianale, stellaria media, teranium dissecta, eriochloa sericea, phacelia, silene noctiflora, linseed, Aethusa cynapium and / or Trifolium alexandrinum.

[0153] It is particularly preferred that said vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) may comprise or consist of matricaria chamomilla, stellaria media, Aethusa cynapium and / or chenopodium album.

[0154] It is particularly preferred that said vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) may comprise or consist of matricaria chamomilla, stellaria media and / or chenopodium album.

[0155] Herbicidal activity is typically acknowledged when an amount of a combination (e.g. composition) causes damage to vegetation that is rated at at least about 40% (e.g. efficacy of 40%) in the vegetation damage assay. A more commonly accepted herbicidal activity corresponds to damage to vegetation that is rated at at least about 50% or 60% (e.g. efficacy of 50% or 60%) in the vegetation damage assay. A preferred herbicidal activity corresponds to damage to vegetation that is rated at at least about 70% or 80% (e.g. efficacy of 70% or 80%) in the vegetation damage assay, and a particularly desired herbicidal activity corresponds to damage to vegetation that is rated at at least about 90% (e.g. efficacy of 90%) in the vegetation damage assay.

[0156] Enhanced Herbicidal Activity

[0157] The presence of a fatty acid may enhance the herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% when compared to an otherwise identical ‘control’ (e.g. composition) that does not comprise a fatty acid. The herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising both an auxin mimic and a fatty acid described herein may be enhanced by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% when compared to an otherwise identical ‘control’ (e.g. composition) that does not comprise the fatty acid.

[0158] Herbicidal activity may refer to suppression of vegetation at least 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 or 44 days after application of the herbicidal activity. Herbicidal activity may refer to damage (e.g. destruction of) vegetation at least 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 or 44 days after application of the herbicidal activity.

[0159] As hereinbefore discussed, the presence of a fatty acid as described herein can enhance the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic. Said enhanced herbicidal activity may be readily confirmed via a simple comparative experiment employing the “vegetation damage assay” described above (and as illustrated in the examples). In more detail, two compositions containing the same auxin mimic (one composition including a fatty acid described herein, and the other composition not including said fatty acid) are tested in parallel (under identical or otherwise experimentally equivalent conditions), and their respective vegetation damage scores (e.g. efficacy as calculated herein) are compared. To ensure optimal comparative testing, the amount of auxin mimic applied per target area (e.g. grams per hectare) should be the same for the two compositions being tested in parallel. By way of example, the two compositions being tested may employ the same concentration of auxin mimic, and each composition may be applied to an identical / equivalent target area (hectare).

[0160] Preferably, the presence of a fatty acid may enhance the herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention by at least 5% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 5% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to an otherwise identical ‘control’ (e.g. composition) that does not comprise a fatty acid.

[0161] The present invention embraces combining a fatty acid with an auxin mimic composition that has no or substantially no herbicidal activity, such that following said addition the combination (e.g. composition) is now capable of demonstrating herbicidal activity. This improvement is consistent with providing an enhanced herbicidal activity.

[0162] The presence of a fatty acid may enhance the herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention by at least 5% or by at least 8% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 5% or at least a 8% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to the corresponding ‘control’ (no fatty acid).

[0163] The presence of a fatty acid may enhance the herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention by at least 10% or by at least 15% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 10% or at least a 15% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to the corresponding ‘control’ (no fatty acid).

[0164] The presence of a fatty acid may enhance the herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention by at least 20% or at least 30% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 20% or at least a 30% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to the corresponding ‘control’ (no fatty acid).

[0165] Suitably, the presence of a fatty acid may enhance the herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention by at least 40% or at least 50% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 40% or at least a 50% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to the corresponding ‘control’ (no fatty acid).

[0166] The herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising both an auxin mimic and a fatty acid described herein may be enhanced by at least 5% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 5% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to an otherwise identical ‘control’ (e.g. composition) that does not comprise the fatty acid.

[0167] The present invention embraces combining an auxin mimic with a fatty acid composition that has no or substantially no herbicidal activity, such that following said addition the composition is now capable of demonstrating herbicidal activity. This improvement is consistent with providing an enhanced herbicidal activity.

[0168] The herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising both an auxin mimic and a fatty acid described herein may be enhanced by at least 10% or by at least 15% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 10% or at least a 15% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to the corresponding ‘control’ (no fatty acid).

[0169] The herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising both an auxin mimic and a fatty acid described herein may be enhanced by at least 20% or at least 30% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 20% or at least a 30% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to the corresponding ‘control’ (no fatty acid).

[0170] Suitably, the herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising both an auxin mimic and a fatty acid described herein may be enhanced by at least 40% or at least 50% (e.g. corresponding to at least a 40% or at least a 50% score increase in a “vegetation damage assay” as described herein) when compared to the corresponding ‘control’ (no fatty acid).

[0171] Enhanced Selective Herbicidal Activity

[0172] The term “selectively herbicidal” (aka “selectively treating / controlling undesired vegetation”) as used herein means that a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention is capable of suppressing (preferably destroying) undesired vegetation to which it is applied, whilst leaving desired vegetation unharmed or relatively unharmed. The term “selective herbicide” is different to “non-selective herbicide”, which suppresses (e.g. destroys) all or substantially all vegetation to which it is applied, irrespective of whether said vegetation is desired or undesired vegetation.

[0173] Details on preferred types of “desired” or “undesired” vegetation are outlined above.

[0174] The presence of a fatty acid may enhance the selective herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% when compared to an otherwise identical ‘control’ (e.g. composition) that does not comprise a fatty acid. The herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising both an auxin mimic and a fatty acid described herein may be enhanced by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% when compared to an otherwise identical ‘control’ that does not comprise an auxin mimic.

[0175] An assessment of “selective herbicidal activity” can be made using a “selective herbicide assay” as taught herein.

[0176] The “selective herbicide assay” comprises: a. applying an amount of a combination described herein (an auxin mimic and fatty acid) to a site (e.g. defined site) comprising undesired vegetation and desired vegetation; b. following application (e.g. after at least 4, 7 or 14 days from application) assessing the percentage area of said site (e.g. defined site) that is covered in undesired vegetation, and assessing the percentage area of said site (e.g. defined site) that is covered in desired vegetation; and c. calculating efficacy (percentage suppression / control of undesired vegetation and percentage suppression / control of desired vegetation) using the Henderson & Tilton formula and / or the Abbott formula, preferably using the Henderson & Tilton formula.

[0177] In step b., the assessment of coverage with vegetation refers to assessing coverage of the site with vegetation (e.g. desired and undesired vegetation) that was not substantially suppressed following application with the combination. For example, by assessing % coverage of the site with vegetation that remains viable following application of the combination.

[0178] Said formulas of course involve comparison with untreated control sites of vegetation, and said control may be performed directly as part of the vegetation damage assay. The skilled person understands that a control allows for direct comparison, with growing conditions being otherwise identical (but for lack of treatment with a herbicidal combination / composition of the invention).

[0179] Selective herbicidal activity may refer to damage (e.g. destruction of) vegetation at least 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 or 44 days after application of the herbicidal activity.

[0180] A “selective herbicide activity” is typically acknowledged when an amount of a combination (e.g. composition) described herein scores a rating of at least about 40% (suitably at least about 50%, 60% or 70%) when assessing efficacy against undesired vegetation, and scores a rating of less than about 15% when assessing efficacy against desired vegetation.

[0181] A selective herbicidal activity may correspond to a rating of at least about 40% when assessing efficacy against undesired vegetation, and may score a rating of less than about 10% or 5% (suitably less than about 1%) when assessing efficacy against desired vegetation. A selective herbicidal activity may correspond to a rating of at least about 60% when assessing efficacy against undesired vegetation, and may score a rating of less than about 10% or 5% (suitably less than about 1 %) when assessing efficacy against desired vegetation. A selective herbicidal activity may correspond to a rating of at least about 80% when assessing efficacy against undesired vegetation, and may score a rating of less than about 10% or 5% (suitably less than about 1%) when assessing efficacy against desired vegetation. A selective herbicidal activity may correspond to a rating of at least about 90% when assessing efficacy against undesired vegetation, and may score a rating of less than about 10% or 5% (suitably less than about 1%) when assessing efficacy against desired vegetation. A selective herbicidal activity may correspond to a rating of at least about 95% when assessing efficacy against undesired vegetation, and may score a rating of less than about 10% or 5% (suitably less than about 1%) when assessing efficacy against desired vegetation.

[0182] As hereinbefore discussed, the presence of a fatty acid described herein may simultaneously enhance the selective herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising an auxin mimic, relative to selective herbicidal activity of a corresponding control (e.g. composition) that lacks said fatty acid. The selective herbicidal activity of a combination (e.g. composition) comprising both an auxin mimic and a fatty acid described herein may be enhanced, relative to selective herbicidal activity of a corresponding control (e.g. composition) that lacks said fatty acid.

[0183] Said enhanced selective herbicidal activity may be readily confirmed via a simple comparative experiment employing a “selective herbicide assay” described herein.

[0184] In more detail, two compositions containing the same auxin mimic (one composition including a fatty acid described herein, and the other composition not including said fatty acid) may be tested in parallel (under identical or otherwise experimentally equivalent conditions), and their respective undesired vegetation damage and desired vegetation scores are compared. To ensure optimal comparative testing, the amount of the auxin mimic applied per target area (e.g. grams per hectare) should be the same for the two compositions being tested in parallel. By way of example, the two compositions being tested may employ the same concentration of the auxin mimic, and each composition is applied to an identical / equivalent target area (e.g. in hectares). Additionally or alternatively, two compositions containing the same fatty acid described herein (one composition including an auxin mimic, and the other composition not including said auxin mimic) may be tested in parallel (under identical or otherwise experimentally equivalent conditions), and their respective undesired vegetation damage and desired vegetation scores are compared. To ensure optimal comparative testing, the amount of fatty acid applied per target area (e.g. grams per hectare) should be the same for the two compositions being tested in parallel. By way of example, the two compositions being tested may employ the same concentration of fatty acid, and each composition may be applied to an identical / equivalent target area (e.g. in hectares). The term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may be confirmed (for example, via the “selective herbicide assay” herein) when a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention demonstrates an increased difference between the % efficacy scores against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation when compared to the corresponding difference recorded for a ‘control’ (e.g. composition) comprising the same auxin mimic lacking said fatty acid described herein. The term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may be confirmed (for example, via the “selective herbicide assay” herein) when a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention demonstrates an increased difference between the % efficacy scores against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation when compared to the corresponding difference recorded for a ‘control’ (e.g. composition) comprising the same auxin mimic (as described herein) lacking said fatty acid.

[0185] To ensure optimal comparative assessment, identical application rates should be employed (as discussed hereinbefore, for example with reference to the “vegetation damage assay”).

[0186] In other words, if (hypothetically) a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention scores a rating of 40% activity against undesired vegetation and a score of 15% against desired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) providing a difference of 25%, whereas if (hypothetically) a ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid) scores a rating of 35% activity against undesired vegetation and a score of 18% against desired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) providing a difference of 17%, then comparatively the combination (e.g. composition) of the invention would be considered to have enhanced selectively herbicidal activity.

[0187] Thus, the term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 1% or at least about 3% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid). The term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 1% or at least about 3% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid). The term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 5% or at least about 10% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid). The term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a composition of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 5% or at least about 10% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid).

[0188] Suitably, the term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a composition of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 20% or at least about 30% or at least about 50% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid). Suitably, the term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 20% or at least about 30% or at least about 50% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid).

[0189] Suitably, the term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 70% or at least about 80% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid). The term “enhanced selective herbicidal activity” as used herein may mean that a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention provides an increase in the difference between the % efficacy against desired vegetation and undesired vegetation (e.g. as determined in the “selective herbicide assay” herein) of at least about 70% or at least about 80% when compared with the corresponding ‘control’ e.g. composition (otherwise identical though lacking said fatty acid). Fattv Acids

[0190] The term "fatty acid" is recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art e.g. as including those saturated or unsaturated straight chain and branched carboxylic acids obtained from the hydrolysis of fats. In the context of herbicides, the skilled person is well aware of the meaning of the term fatty acid as it pertains to a herbicidal combination / composition.

[0191] A fatty acid described herein has between 5 and 25 carbon atoms. A fatty acid of the invention may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid (e.g. fatty acid) having from 5 to 25 carbon atoms (preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 10 carbon atoms).

[0192] As outlined above, combinations / compositions, methods and uses of the invention involve a C5-C25 fatty acid. This means that the fatty acid may be fatty acid selected from the list consisting of a C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11 , C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C21 , C22, C23, C24, and C25 fatty acid. The fatty acid may preferably be selected from the list consisting of a C8, C9, and C10 fatty acid.

[0193] Simply for the avoidance of doubt, the term:

[0194] C5 refers to pentanoic acid (also known as Valeric acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)3COOH;

[0195] C6 refers to Hexanoic acid (also known as Caproic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)4COOH;

[0196] C7 refers to Heptanoic acid (also known as Enanthic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)5COOH;

[0197] C8 refers to Octanoic acid (also known as Caprylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)6COOH;

[0198] C9 refers to Nonanoic acid (also known as Pelargonic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)7COOH;

[0199] C10 refers to Decanoic acid (also known as Capric acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)8COOH;

[0200] C11 refers to Undecanoic acid (also known as Undecylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)9COOH;

[0201] C12 refers to Dodecanoic acid (also known as Lauric acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I0COOH;

[0202] C13 refers to Tridecanoic acid (also known as Tridecylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)IICOOH; C14 refers to Tetradecanoic acid (also known as Myristic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I2COOH;

[0203] C15 refers to Pentadecanoic acid (also known as Pentadecylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I3COOH;

[0204] C16 refers to Hexadecanoic acid (also known as Palmitic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I4COOH;

[0205] C17 refers to Heptadecanoic acid (also known as Margaric acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I5COOH;

[0206] C18 refers to Octadecanoic acid (also known as Stearic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I6COOH;

[0207] C19 refers to Nonadecanoic acid (also known as Nonadecylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I7COOH;

[0208] C20 refers to Icosanoic acid (also known as Arachidic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I3COOH;

[0209] C21 refers to Heneicosanoic acid (also known as Heneicosylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)I9COOH;

[0210] C22 refers to Docosanoic acid (also known as Behenic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)20COOH;

[0211] C23 refers to Tricosanoic acid (also known as Tricosylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)2ICOOH;

[0212] C24 refers to Tetracosanoic acid (also known as Lignoceric acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)22COOH; and

[0213] C25 refers to Pentacosanoic acid acid (also known as Pentacosylic acid), having a basic formula of CH3(CH2)23COOH.

[0214] The following term may also be used (e.g. synonymously) to generically describe a fatty acid of the invention: “an alpha monocarboxylic fatty acid having from 5 to 25 carbon atoms”.

[0215] Naturally, the formulas outlined above may be subject to change depending on the precise form in which the fatty acid is provided. For example, the fatty acid may be saponified. Taking C9 as an example, while the formula outlined above is embraced by reference to C9, so too is an ammonium saponified form having the formula NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO_.

[0216] As outlined above, a fatty acid can be employed to provide the advantageous effect of enhancing the herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic. Throughout the disclosure, reference to a “fatty acid” described herein may mean “a fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) of an auxin mimic”, or “a fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the selective herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent selective herbicidal activity) of an auxin mimic”.

[0217] For the avoidance of any doubt, the aforementioned reference to a C5-C25 fatty acid embraces the addition (to the combination / composition) of only one of said fatty acids, the addition of more than one of said fatty acids, or addition of a combination of each of said fatty acids.

[0218] The fatty acid component may comprise (or consist of) one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, eleven or more, twelve or more, thirteen or more, fourteen or more, fifteen or more, sixteen or more, seventeen or more, eighteen or more, nineteen or more, twenty or more, or twenty-one or more fatty acids selected from the list consisting of C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11 , C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20, C21 , C22, C23, C24, and C25 fatty acid.

[0219] The fatty acid may be a C6-Ci2fatty acid. In other words, the fatty acid may be fatty acid selected from the list consisting of C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11 , and C12 fatty acid. The fatty acid component may comprise (or consist of) one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, or seven or more fatty acids selected from the list consisting of C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11 , and C12 fatty acid.

[0220] Preferably, the fatty acid may be a C8-C10 fatty acid. In other words, the fatty acid may be a fatty acid selected from the list consisting of a C8, C9, and C10 fatty acid. The fatty acid component may comprise (or consist of) one or more, two or more, or three or more fatty acids selected from the list consisting of C8, C9, and C10 fatty acid.

[0221] The fatty acid may comprise (or consist of) caprylic acid (C8).

[0222] The fatty acid may comprise (or consist of) nonanoic acid (C9).

[0223] The fatty acid may comprise (or consist of) capric acid (C10).

[0224] An example of a known herbicidal composition based on nonanoic acid is FINALSAN™ from W. Neudorff GmbH KG, an emulsifiable concentrate herbicide containing 186.7 g / L nonanoic acid. Another known composition based on nonanoic acid is RapidGo™ from W. Neudorff GmbH KG, a biocide product containing 699.4 g / L nonanoic acid. An example of a known herbicidal composition comprising caprylic acid and capric acid is HomePlate80™ from W. Neudorff GmbH KG, a herbicidal composition comprising caprylic acid at 44% and capric acid at 36%.

[0225] The fatty acid may comprise (or consist of) caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). In other words, the fatty acid component of the invention may be provided by a mixture of C8 and C10. The ratio of caprylic acid to capric acid (e.g. in a composition comprising both) may be between 0.8: 1.5 and 1.1 : 1.3. A preferred ratio may be 1.2:1 (where reference to “1.2” in this ratio may mean “about 1.2”, where the term about 1.2 may mean 1.2 plus / minus up to 2% thereof). A more specific ratio of caprylic acid to capric acid may be 1.22:1. The most preferred ratio corresponds to a value derived from calculating the ratio of caprylic acid to capric acid in composition that comprises 44% (by weight) caprylic acid and 36% (by weight) capric acid.

[0226] A herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise nonanoic acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) capric acid. Alternatively, a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise capric acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) nonanoic acid.

[0227] A herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise nonanoic acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) caprylic acid. Alternatively, a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise caprylic acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) nonanoic acid.

[0228] A herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise caprylic acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) capric acid. Alternatively, a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise capric acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) caprylic acid.

[0229] A herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise nonanoic acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) other fatty acid. Alternatively, a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise caprylic acid and capric acid, and may comprise no (or substantially no) other fatty acid. Alternatively, a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise caprylic acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) other fatty acid. Alternatively, a herbicidal combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) described herein may comprise capric acid and may comprise no (or substantially no) other fatty acid.

[0230] The term “substantially no” as used in this context means that the combination (e.g. composition) comprises less than 0.01% (by weight) or less than 0.001% (by weight) of the fatty acid being referred to (as being absent). Preferably the term “substantially no” may mean that the combination (e.g. composition) comprises less than 0.0001% (by weight) of the fatty acid being referred to. More preferably, the term “substantially no” may mean that the combination (e.g. composition) comprises no (e.g. 0% by weight) amount ofthe fatty acid being referred to.

[0231] The end-use concentration of the ingredients of the combinations (e.g. herbicidal compositions) of the present invention may vary depending on the form of the fatty acid component.

[0232] A fatty acid of the invention may be provided in the form of a salt (e.g. saponified fatty acid). Examples include sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium and ammonium salt forms. Preferably, the fatty acid may be provided in the form of potassium, sodium or ammonium salt, preferably a potassium or ammonium salt. A particularly preferred fatty acid is a fatty acid in the form of an ammonium salt. Examples of suitable fatty acids include potassium pelargonate (K+C9) and ammonium pelargonate (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO ), with ammonium pelargonate being particularly preferred.

[0233] Thus, a fatty acid of the invention may be saponified. In other words, the fatty acid may be a saponified soap of a fatty acid as described herein. Suitable examples may include a saponified ammonium soap of capric acid, nonanoic acid, and / or caprylic acid. A preferred example is a saponified ammonium soap of nonanoic acid.

[0234] When saponified, a fatty acid may be more appropriately referred to as an “alkali” (e.g. strictly speaking not an acid perse). The skilled person would readily understand this.

[0235] Additionally or alternatively, a fatty acid of the invention may be unsaponified. Where the fatty acid is unsaponified, the additional presence of an emulsifier may be advantageous.

[0236] Combinations (e.g. herbicidal compositions) of the invention may also comprise both saponified fatty acid as described herein and unsaponified fatty acid (e.g. free fatty acid) as described herein. A ratio of saponified fatty acid to unsaponified (e.g. free) fatty acid may be in the range of about 3:4 to 9:1 (more preferably about 3:4 to 2:1).

[0237] Additionally or alternatively, a fatty acid may be provided in the form of an ester, such as a methyl or ethyl (preferably methyl) ester. Examples included methyl nonanoate.

[0238] The esters and salts of pelargonic acid are called pelargonates or nonanoates. Salts and esters of octanoic acid are known as octanoates or caprylates. Salts and esters of decanoic acid are called caprates or decanoates.

[0239] Additionally or alternatively, the fatty acid may be provided in the form a fatty acid sugar ester, for example with a sugar selected from sucrose, sorbitol and xylitol. Examples of fatty acid sugar esters include sucrose octanoate, sorbitol octanoate, sorbitol decanoate, xylitol decanoate, and / or xylitol laurate.

[0240] A fatty acid described herein may also be in the form of a fatty acid-metal salt (e.g. transition metal). Said metal may be selected from the group consisting of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Examples include Ca+2, Cu+1, Cu+2, Fe+2, Fe+3, Mg+2, and Zn+2salts of a fatty acid as described herein.

[0241] A fatty acid described herein may also be in the form of an amide. Amides include primary, secondary and tertiary amides. Suitable secondary and tertiary amides can have lower alkyl groups of between one and three carbon atoms.

[0242] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention may be provided in the form of a “ready to use” (RTU) combination (e.g. RTU composition).

[0243] Certain concentrations of the fatty acids, by weight, will now be discussed (with discussion of certain concentrations of auxin mimic, by weight, being outlined further below). Throughout this disclosure (e.g. when discussing either a fatty acid of the invention or an auxin mimic), the term “by weight” preferably means “weight over volume (w / v)”.

[0244] The component parts of the combination may be provided as separate compositions (e.g. to be admixed prior to or during application). Thus, the concentrations outlined below may preferably refer to a concentration of the fatty acid component of the combination (e.g. premixture with the auxin mimic). That being said, the concentrations outlined below may refer to a concentration of the fatty acid component of the combination provided in the form of a composition comprising the fatty acid and the auxin mimic.

[0245] A combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.2% by weight to about 75% by weight, for example at least about 1% by weight to about 75% by weight.

[0246] A combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.2% by weight to about 25% by weight, for example at least about 1% by weight to about 25% by weight.

[0247] A combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.2% by weight to about 10% by weight, more preferably at least about 0.6% to about 6% by weight.

[0248] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.2% by weight (e.g. up to about 10% by weight). Suitably, a fatty acid described herein may be present at a concentration of at least about 0.3% by weight, more preferably at least about 0.5% by weight (e.g. up to about 10% by weight).

[0249] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of about 0.2%-10% by weight, 0.3-9.5% by weight, 0.4-9% by weight, 0.5-8.5% by weight, 0.6-8% by weight, 0.7-7.5% by weight, 0.6-7% by weight, 0.7-6.5% by weight, 0.8-6% by weight, 0.9- 5.5% by weight, 1-5% by weight, 1.1-4% by weight, 1.2-3% by weight, 1.3-2.5% by weight, or 1 .4-2% by weight.

[0250] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of < 10% by weight, < 8% by weight, < 6% by weight, < 4% by weight, < 2% by weight, < 0.5% by weight; preferably at a concentration of < 10% by weight. A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of > 0.2% by weight, > 0.5% by weight, > 2% by weight, > 4% by weight, > 6% by weight, or > 8% by weight; preferably at a concentration of > 0.2% by weight.

[0251] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of 0.2%-10% by weight, preferably 0.3-9% by weight, more preferably 0.4-8% by weight.

[0252] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of 0.2%- 2.2% by weight, preferably 0.3- 1.2% by weight, more preferably 0.6- 1.2% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for nonanoic acid (even more suitably for unsaponified nonanoic acid). Thus, where the fatty acid is nonanoic acid (e.g. unsaponified nonanoic acid), a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said fatty acid at a concentration of 0.2%-2.2% by weight, preferably 0.3- 1.2% by weight, more preferably 0.6- 1.2% by weight.

[0253] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of 1%-9% by weight, preferably 1-4% by weight, more preferably 2-8% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for ammonium pelargonate. Thus, where the fatty acid is ammonium pelargonate, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said fatty acid at a concentration of 1%-9% by weight, preferably 1-4% by weight, more preferably 2-8% by weight.

[0254] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of 0.2%-2% by weight, preferably 0.25-0.95% by weight, more preferably 0.5-1.9% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for a combination of caprylic acid and capric acid as described herein. Thus, where the fatty acid is a combination of caprylic acid and capric acid as described herein, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said fatty acid at a concentration of 0.2%-2% by weight, preferably 0.25-0.95% by weight, more preferably 0.5-1.9% by weight.

[0255] Where a broad (e.g. non-selective effect) is desired, a broad concentration of the fatty acid may be employed. For example, a non-selective herbicidal combination (e.g. non-selective herbicidal combination), optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.2% by weight to about 75% by weight (preferably at least about 1% by weight to about 75% by weight).

[0256] Where a selective herbicidal effect is desired, a particular concentration may be considered preferable. For example, a selective herbicidal combination (e.g. selective herbicidal composition), optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. RTU composition), may comprise a fatty acid described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.2 % by weight to about 25% by weight (preferably at least about 1% by weight to about 25% by weight).

[0257] The fatty acid may be added to the combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) at the time of formulation, or it can be provided as a separate composition that is admixed with the auxin mimic (and optionally one or more further ingredient(s)) prior to or during application to vegetation. Alternatively or additionally, the fatty acid and auxin mimic components may be applied separately to vegetation.

[0258] As mentioned above, the present inventors have surprisingly discovered that coordinated use of a fatty acid described herein may significantly enhance the herbicidal effect of an auxin mimic e.g. HRAC 4 herbicide. This is particularly surprising because, although fatty acids may be employed as herbicidally active ingredients in their own right when applied at a sufficiently high rate, the inventors have demonstrated that sub-herbicidal levels of the fatty acid (including levels in which no herbicidal activity follows) nevertheless enhances the activity of the auxin mimic component. For example, application rates of <6000 g / ha (even down to 900 g / ha) have been demonstrated to enhance the activity of an auxin mimic even though these are fatty acid rates that have not previously been reported to be of utility in weed control. Thus, not only have the present inventors identified a new technical field of application (i.e. as part of an auxin mimic-based formulation) for a fatty acid as described herein, they have also identified an unexpected technical effect within said field (i.e. enhanced efficacy of an auxin mimic).

[0259] Thus, the fatty acid may be provided as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic. The skilled person will be aware that fatty acids described herein are known to demonstrate herbicidal efficacy in their own right. However, when applied below certain rates, the effect is sub-herbicidal. For example, the present inventors have demonstrated that an application rate of 7500 g / ha nonanoic acid (either the saponified or non-saponified versions described in the Examples section) alone (i.e. with no other herbicide) demonstrates and efficacy of just ~30% efficacy as measured by a vegetation damage assay described herein, against a mixture of weeds DAUCA, TRIPE, LAMPU, STEME, GERRO, VERCH. Typically, efficacy of at such level would be considered to be ‘sub-herbicidal’. Thus, while the fatty acid may be referred to as an “adjuvant” herein, it will be understood that a fatty acid as an adjuvant may demonstrate a (e.g. low) level of efficacy against vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) when applied in the absence of an auxin mimic e.g. an efficacy of <35%, <20%, <10% or <5% e.g. as measured by a vegetation damage assay described herein. However, any such levels are generally considered sub-herbicidal, and are below the efficacy levels provided by a combination of auxin mimic and fatty acid.

[0260] Various application rates, in grams per hectare (g / ha), of the fatty acid will be described in this disclosure, as well as various application rates (g / ha) of an auxin mimic. When a particular rate (or range of rates) of a fatty acid is described, it is preferred that the rate (or range of rates) referred to represents the total amount of fatty acid of any kind described herein that is applied. For example, if it is said that the fatty acid comprises C9, and the C9 is applied at a rate of 900 to 2800 g / ha, it is preferred that an upper limit of 2800 g / ha of fatty acid (of any kind described herein) “in total” is not exceeded even if another fatty acid (e.g. C10) is co-applied.

[0261] Similarly, when a particular rate (or range of rates) of an auxin mimic is described, it is preferred that the rate (or range of rates) referred to represents the total amount of auxin mimic of any kind described herein that is applied. For example, if it is said that the auxin mimic comprises 2,4-D, and the 2,4-D is applied at a rate of 2-2000 g / ha, it is preferred that an upper limit of 2000 g / ha of auxin mimic (of any kind described herein) “in total” is not exceeded even if another auxin mimic (e.g. quinmerac) is co-applied.

[0262] The fatty acid may be applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation), such as by spraying, at a rate of <35,000 g / ha, <32,000 g / ha, <20,000 g / ha, <18,000 g / ha, <16,000 g / ha, <14,000 g / ha, <13,000 g / ha, <12,000 g / ha, <10,000 g / ha, <8,000 g / ha, <6,000 g / ha, <4,000 g / ha, <3,000 g / ha, <2,000 g / ha, or <1 ,000 g / ha (preferably <20,000 g / ha). The application rate for the fatty acid may be > 200 g / ha, > 300 g / ha, > 500 g / ha, > 700 g / ha, >900 g / ha, >1000 g / ha, > 2000 g / ha, > 3000 g / ha, > 4000 g / ha or > 5000 g / ha (preferably >900 g / ha). Preferably, the fatty acid may be applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation), such as by spraying, at a rate of <20,000 g / ha, optionally wherein the application rate is >900 g / ha.

[0263] More preferably, the fatty acid may be applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation), such as by spraying, at a rate of <11 ,000 g / ha, optionally wherein the application rate is >900 g / ha. It is particularly preferred that the fatty acid may be applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation), such as by spraying, at a rate of <3,000 g / ha, optionally wherein the application rate is >500g / ha.

[0264] The fatty acid may be applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation), such as by spraying at a rate of 500-35,000 g / ha, 900-31 ,000 g / ha, 1 ,500-28,000 g / ha, 2,000 - 25,000 g / ha, 2,500 - 22,000 g / ha, 3,000 - 20,000 g / ha, 3,500 - 18,000 g / ha, 4,000 - 15,000 g / ha, 4,500 - 12,000 g / ha, or 5,000 - 10,000 g / ha.

[0265] A suitable application rate may be about 900-31 ,000 g / ha of fatty acid described herein. Another suitable application rate may be about 6000-13,000 g / ha of fatty acid described herein. Another suitable application rate may be about 900-23,000 g / ha of fatty acid described herein. Another suitable application rate may be about 2,000-10,000 g / ha of fatty acid described herein.

[0266] The fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of: 850-950 g / ha, 950-1700 g / ha, 1700-1900 g / ha, 1900-2500 g / ha, 2500-3000 g / ha, 3000-3500 g / ha, 3500-4000 g / ha, 4000- 4500 g / ha, 4500-5000 g / ha, 5000-5500 g / ha, 5500-6000 g / ha, 6000-6500 g / ha, 6500-7000 g / ha, 7000-8500 g / ha, 8500-9000 g / ha, 9000-9500 g / ha, 9500-10,000 g / ha, 10,000-10,500 g / ha, 10,500-11 ,000 g / ha, 11 ,000-11 ,500 g / ha, 11 ,500-12,000 g / ha, 12,000-12,500 g / ha, 12,500-13,000 g / ha, 13,000-13,500 g / ha, 13,500-14,000 g / ha, 14,000-14,500 g / ha, or 14,500- 15,000 g / ha.

[0267] The fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of <10,000 g / ha, <9,000 g / ha, <8,000 g / ha, <7,000 g / ha, <6,000 g / ha, <5,000 g / ha, <4,000 g / ha, <3,000 g / ha, <2,000 g / ha, or <1 ,000 g / ha; preferably at a rate of <6,000 g / ha. The fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of >500 g / ha, > 700 g / ha, >900 g / ha, >1000 g / ha, >2000 g / ha, >3000 g / ha, >4000 g / ha, >5000 g / ha, >6000 g / ha, >7000 g / ha, >8000 g / ha, or >9000 g / ha; preferably at a rate of >500 g / ha.

[0268] The fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of 850-950 g / ha, 950-1700 g / ha, 1700-1900 g / ha, 1900-2500 g / ha, 2500-3000 g / ha, 3000-3500 g / ha, 3500-4000 g / ha, 4000- 4500 g / ha, 4500-5000 g / ha, 5000-5500 g / ha or 5500-6000 g / ha. The fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of 500 to 6,000 g / ha, preferably 600 to 4,000 g / ha, more preferably 800 to 3,000 g / ha.

[0269] It is particularly preferred that the fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of 900 to 2800 g / ha. For example, the fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 2800 g / ha.

[0270] The fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of 900-11 ,000 g / ha, 900-10,000 g / ha, 900-9,000 g / ha, 900-8,000 g / ha, 900-7,000 g / ha, 900-6,000 g / ha or 900-5,000 g / ha (preferably 900-11 ,000 g / ha). The fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of 1 ,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 2,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 3,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 4,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 5,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 6,000-11 ,000 g / ha, or 7,000-11 ,000 g / ha (preferably 2,800-11 ,000 g / ha). Such application rates may be particularly advantageous for obtaining selective herbicidal activity (e.g. when applied to both desired and undesired vegetation).

[0271] Thus in any aspect or embodiment of the invention directed to obtaining selective herbicidal activity (e.g. when applied to both desired and undesired vegetation), the fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of 900-11 ,000 g / ha, 900-10,000 g / ha, 900-9,000 g / ha, 900-8,000 g / ha, 900-7,000 g / ha, 900-6,000 g / ha or 900-5,000 g / ha (preferably 900-11 ,000 g / ha). In any aspect or embodiment of the invention directed to obtaining selective herbicidal activity (e.g. when applied to both desired and undesired vegetation), the fatty acid may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of 1 ,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 2,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 3,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 4,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 5,000-11 ,000 g / ha, 6,000-11 ,000 g / ha, or 7,000-11 ,000 g / ha (preferably 2,800-11 ,000 g / ha).

[0272] Auxin Mimics

[0273] The Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) classifies the auxin mimic herbicides in group four (“HRAC 4”).

[0274] Thus, the active ingredients of the HRAC 4 group of herbicides are also known as auxin mimics. With their ability to control dicot weeds in cereals in particular, auxin herbicides are among the most widely used active ingredients in crop production. As their mode of action (e.g. in dicot weeds), they increase ethylene formation that triggers growth changes and also stimulates the synthesis of abscisic acid. The result is stomatai closure, inhibition of CO2assimilation, increased formation of reactive oxygen species, leaf senescence, tissue damage and finally cell death. In contrast, in the tissues of sensitive noxious grasses there is an accumulation of phytotoxic cyanide, which is formed as a metabolic by-product of stimulated ethylene biosynthesis. All these are reactions that in principle can also be involved in the regulation of normal plant developmental processes and stress processes. HRAC 4 is the third most important herbicide group in the world.

[0275] Advantageously, due to co-application with a fatty acid described here, reduced rates of an auxin mimic can be applied while still even outperforming (in terms of herbicidal efficacy) the otherwise higher application rates of the auxin mimic (applied alone).

[0276] The auxin mimic may be the sole herbicidal active ingredient of the combination (e.g. with the proviso that a fatty acid as an adjuvant described herein is also present). For example, combinations or compositions described herein may be absent another HRAC herbicide (other than HRAC4), for example they may be absent an HRAC1 herbicide such as fluazifop.

[0277] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2- methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA); 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4- chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; fluroxypyr; triclopyr; picloram; aminopyralid; halauxifen; dicamba; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0278] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2- methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA); 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4- chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; fluroxypyr; triclopyr; picloram; aminopyralid; halauxifen; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen- benzyl; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0279] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2- methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA); 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4- chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; triclopyr; picloram; aminopyralid; halauxifen; dicamba; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen- benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0280] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2- methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA); 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4- chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; fluroxypyr; triclopyr; picloram; halauxifen; dicamba; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen- benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0281] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2- methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA); 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4- chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; fluroxypyr; picloram; aminopyralid; halauxifen; dicamba; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0282] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; fluroxypyr; triclopyr; picloram; aminopyralid; halauxifen; dicamba; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0283] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2- methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA); 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4- (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; 4-(4-chloro-o- tolyloxy) butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; fluroxypyr; triclopyr; picloram; aminopyralid; halauxifen; dicamba; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac. The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; picloram; halauxifen; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0284] The auxin mimic of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T); 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; 4-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; picloram; halauxifen; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; florpyrauxifen- benzyl; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

[0285] MCPB can be referred to by a IUPAC name “4-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid”; additionally or alternatively by a CAS name “4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butanoic acid” (also known as “4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butyric acid”).

[0286] Any auxin mimic described herein may be provided as a salt thereof e.g. sodium or potassium salt. Taking MCPB as an example, the MCPB can be provided as a sodium salt of MCPB.

[0287] The auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; MCPA; clopyralid; fluroxypyr; dicamba; triclopyr; picloram; halauxifen; florpyrauxifen-benzyl; and quinmerac.

[0288] Preferably, the auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; MCPA; clopyralid; fluroxypyr; dicamba; triclopyr; picloram; halauxifen; and quinmerac.

[0289] For example, the auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; MCPA; clopyralid; fluroxypyr; triclopyr; picloram; halauxifen; and quinmerac.

[0290] The auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; clopyralid; fluroxypyr; dicamba; triclopyr; picloram; halauxifen; and quinmerac. The auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; MCPA; clopyralid; dicamba; triclopyr; picloram; halauxifen; and quinmerac.

[0291] The auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; MCPA; clopyralid; fluroxypyr; dicamba; picloram; halauxifen; and quinmerac.

[0292] The auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; clopyralid; picloram; halauxifen; and quinmerac.

[0293] For example, the auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; MCPA; and quinmerac.

[0294] The auxin mimic may be selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; and quinmerac.

[0295] More preferably, the auxin mimic may be a phenoxycarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; and MCPA.

[0296] The auxin mimic may be a phenoxycarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; and mecoprop-p.

[0297] It is particularly preferred that the auxin mimic may comprise or consist of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Thus, the auxin mimic may most preferably be 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D).

[0298] A combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.05% by weight to about 1 .5% by weight, for example at least about 0.1% by weight to about 1% by weight.

[0299] A combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.06% by weight to about 1 .3% by weight. A combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.07% by weight to about 1.1% by weight.

[0300] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of at least about 0.05% by weight (optionally up to about 1 .5% by weight). An auxin mimic described herein may be present at a concentration of at least about 0.06% by weight (e.g. up to about 1.3% by weight). An auxin mimic described herein may be present at a concentration of at least about 0.07% by weight (e.g. up to about 1.1% by weight).

[0301] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.2%-10% by weight, 0.3-9.5% by weight, 0.4-9% by weight, 0.5-8.5% by weight, 0.6-8% by weight, 0.7-7.5 % by weight, 0.6-7% by weight, 0.7-6.5% by weight, 0.8-6% by weight, 0.9- 5.5% by weight, 1-5% by weight, 1.1-4% by weight, 1.2-3% by weight, 1.3-2.5% by weight, or 1 .4-2% by weight.

[0302] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of < 2 % by weight, < 1 .8% by weight, < 1 .6 % by weight, < 1 .4 % by weight, < 1.2 % by weight, < 1 % by weight, or < 0.8 % by weight; preferably at a concentration of < 1.6 % by weight. A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of > 0.02% by weight, > 0.04% by weight, > 0.06% by weight, > 0.08% by weight, > 0.1% by weight,

[0303] > 0.12% by weight, > 0.14% by weight or > 0.16% by weight; preferably at a concentration of

[0304] > 0.04% by weight.

[0305] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.05-3% by weight, preferably 0.15-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.2-1 % by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for 2,4-D. Thus, where the auxin mimic is 2,4-D, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.05-3% by weight, preferably 0.2-1% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.75% by weight. A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.75% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for 2,4-D. Thus, where the auxin mimic is 2,4-D, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.75% by weight.

[0306] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.08-2% by weight, preferably 0.15-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.2-1% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for MCPA. Thus, where the auxin mimic is MCPA, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.08-2% by weight, preferably 0.15-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.25-1% (w / v) by weight.

[0307] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for MCPA. Thus, where the auxin mimic is MCPA, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1 % by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% by weight.

[0308] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.08-2% by weight, preferably 0.15-1 .5% by weight, more preferably 0.2-0.9% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% (w / v). Such concentrations are particularly suitable for MCPB. Thus, where the auxin mimic is MCPB, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.08-2% by weight, preferably 0.15-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.2-0.9% (w / v) by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% (w / v).

[0309] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1% by weight, more preferably 0.35-0.9% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for MCPB. Thus, where the auxin mimic is MCPB, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1 % by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% by weight.

[0310] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.08-2% by weight, preferably 0.15-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.2-1% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Dichlorprop-P. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Dichlorprop-P, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.08-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.15-1% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% by weight.

[0311] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1 % by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Dichlorprop-P. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Dichlorprop-P, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.15-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.2-1% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.7% by weight.

[0312] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.08-2% by weight, preferably 0.2-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.25-1% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Mecoprop-P. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Mecoprop-P, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.08-2% by weight, preferably 0.2-1 .5% by weight, more preferably 0.25-1% by weight.

[0313] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.2-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.25-1.2% by weight, more preferably 0.3-1% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Mecoprop-P. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Mecoprop-P, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.2-1 .5% by weight, preferably 0.25-1 .2% by weight, more preferably 0.3-1% by weight.

[0314] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.01-3% by weight, preferably 0.05-2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.07-2.2% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Dicamba. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Dicamba, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.01-3% by weight, preferably 0.05-2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.07-2.2 % by weight.

[0315] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.05-2.5% by weight, preferably 0.07-2.2% by weight, more preferably 0.09-0.19% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Dicamba. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Dicamba, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.05-2.5% by weight, preferably 0.07-2.2% by weight, more preferably 0.09-0.19% by weight.

[0316] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.01-0.3% (w / v); optionally at a concentration of about 0.05-0.25% (w / v), preferably 0.07-0.22 % (w / v), more preferably 0.08-0.19% (w / v). Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Dicamba. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Dicamba, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.05-0.25% (w / v), preferably 0.07-0.22% (w / v), more preferably 0.08-0.19% (w / v).

[0317] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.01-3% by weight, preferably 0.025-1 .5% % by weight, more preferably 0.035-1.2% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Clopyralid. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Clopyralid, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.01-3% by weight, preferably 0.025-1 .5% % by weight, more preferably 0.035-1.2% by weight. A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.025-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.035-1.2% by weight, more preferably 0.05-1 by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Clopyralid. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Clopyralid, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.025-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.035-1.2% by weight, more preferably 0.05-1% by weight.

[0318] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.01-7% by weight, preferably 0.15-6% by weight, more preferably 0.2-5% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Fluroxypyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Fluroxypyr, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.01-7% by weight, preferably 0.15-6% by weight, more preferably 0.2-5% by weight.

[0319] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.15-6% by weight, preferably 0.2-5 % by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.45% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Fluroxypyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Fluroxypyr, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.15-6% by weight, preferably 0.2-5% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.45% by weight.

[0320] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.15-0.6% by weight, preferably 0.2-0.5% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.45% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Fluroxypyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Fluroxypyr, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.15-0.6% by weight, preferably 0.2-0.5% by weight, more preferably 0.25-0.45% by weight.

[0321] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.01-07% by weight, preferably 0.15-0.6% by weight, more preferably 0.2-0.5% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Fluroxypyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Fluroxypyr, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.01-0.7% by weight, preferably 0.15-0.6% by weight, more preferably 0.2-5% by weight.

[0322] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.0006-0.04% by weight, preferably 0.0009-0.035% by weight, more preferably 0.001-0.03% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Picloram. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Picloram, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.0006-0.04% by weight, preferably 0.0009-0.035% by weight, more preferably 0.001- 0.03% by weight.

[0323] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.08-0.35% by weight, preferably 0.1-3% by weight, more preferably 0.13-0.25% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Picloram. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Picloram, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.08-0.35% by weight, preferably 0.1-3% by weight, more preferably 0.13-0.25% by weight.

[0324] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.00015-0.02% by weight, preferably 0.0002-0.010% by weight, more preferably 0.0003- 0.003% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Halauxifen. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Halauxifen, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.00015-0.02% by weight, preferably 0.0002-0.010% by weight, more preferably 0.0003-0.003% by weight.

[0325] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.08-0.35% by weight, preferably 0.1-3% by weight, more preferably 0.13-0.25% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Halauxifen. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Halauxifen, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.08-0.35% by weight, preferably 0.1-3% by weight, more preferably 0.13-0.25% by weight.

[0326] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about of 0.0003-0.005% by weight, preferably 0.00035-0.004% by weight, more preferably 0.0004- 0.0038% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Aminopyralid. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Aminopyralid, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about of 0.0003-0.005% by weight, preferably 0.00035-0.004% by weight, more preferably 0.0004-0.0038% by weight.

[0327] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about of 0.04-0.2% by weight, preferably 0.06-0.15% by weight, more preferably 0.08-0.13% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Aminopyralid. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Aminopyralid, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about of 0.04-0.2% by weight, preferably 0.06-0.15% by weight, more preferably 0.08-0.13% by weight.

[0328] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.015-2% by weight, preferably 0.02-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.04-1.2% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Triclopyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Triclopyr, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.015-2% by weight, preferably 0.02-1 .5% by weight, more preferably 0.04-1.2% by weight.

[0329] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.02-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.04-1.2% by weight, more preferably 0.05-1% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Triclopyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Triclopyr, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.02-1 .5% by weight, preferably 0.04-1 .2% by weight, more preferably 0.05-1% by weight. A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.015-2% by weight, preferably 0.02-1.5% by weight, more preferably 0.04-1.2% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Quinmerac. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Quinmerac, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.015-2% by weight, preferably 0.02-1 .5% by weight, more preferably 0.04-1.2% by weight.

[0330] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic described herein at a concentration of about 0.02-1.5% by weight, preferably 0.04-1.2% by weight, more preferably 0.05-1% by weight. Such concentrations are particularly suitable for Quinmerac. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Quinmerac, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise said auxin mimic at a concentration of about 0.02-1 .5% by weight, preferably 0.04-1 .2% by weight, more preferably 0.05-1% by weight.

[0331] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of <2,000 g / ha, <1 ,800g / ha, <1 ,600 g / ha, <1 ,400 g / ha, <1 ,200 g / ha, <1 ,000 g / ha, <800 g / ha, <600 g / ha, <400 g / ha, <200 g / ha, <100 g / ha, <80 g / ha, <60 g / ha, <40g / ha, <20g / ha or <2g / ha; preferably at a rate of <1 ,200 g / ha.

[0332] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of > 2 g / ha, > 20g / ha, >40 g / ha, >60g / ha, >80g / ha, >100g / ha, >200g / ha, >400g / ha, >600g / ha, >800g / ha, >1000g / ha, >1200g / ha, >1400g / ha, >1600g / ha, or >1800g / ha; preferably at a rate of >2 g / ha.

[0333] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 2-2000 g / ha, preferably about 4-1 ,250 g / ha.

[0334] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably 200-800 g / ha, more preferably 250-750 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for 2,4-D. Thus, where the auxin mimic is 2,4-D, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably about 200-800 g / ha, more preferably about 250-750 g / ha. The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably about 200-800 g / ha, more preferably about 250-700 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for MCPA. Thus, where the auxin mimic is MCPA, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably about 200- 800 g / ha, more preferably about 250-700 g / ha.

[0335] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-2500 g / ha, preferably about 200-2000 g / ha, more preferably about 600-1800 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for MCPB. Thus, where the auxin mimic is MCPB, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-2500 g / ha, preferably about 200- 2000 g / ha, more preferably about 600-1800 g / ha.

[0336] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably 200-900 g / ha, more preferably 300-800 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Dichlorprop-P. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Dichlorprop-P, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably 200- 900 g / ha, more preferably 300-800 g / ha.

[0337] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably about 200-900 g / ha, more preferably about 300-800 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Mecoprop-P. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Mecoprop-P, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 100-1000 g / ha, preferably about 200-900 g / ha, more preferably about 300-800 g / ha.

[0338] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about of 50-250g / ha, preferably 70-200 g / ha, more preferably 90-180 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Dicamba. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Dicamba, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 50-250g / ha, preferably 70-200 g / ha, more preferably 90-180 g / ha.

[0339] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about of 30-200g / ha, preferably 45-150 g / ha, more preferably 60-120 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Clopyralid. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Clopyralid, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 30-200g / ha, preferably 45-150 g / ha, more preferably 60-120 g / ha. The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about of 50-250g / ha, preferably 80-200 g / ha, more preferably 100-180 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Fluroxypyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Fluroxypyr, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 50-250g / ha, preferably 80-200 g / ha, more preferably 100-180 g / ha.

[0340] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 5-35g / ha, preferably 8-30 g / ha, more preferably 12-24 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Picloram. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Picloram, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 5-35g / ha, preferably 8-30 g / ha, more preferably 12-24 g / ha.

[0341] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 0.5-1 Og / ha, preferably 1 .5-8 g / ha, more preferably 2.5-5 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Halauxifen. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Halauxifen, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 0.5-1 Og / ha, preferably 1.5-8 g / ha, more preferably 2.5-5 g / ha.

[0342] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 2-1 Og / ha, preferably 4-8 g / ha, more preferably 5-7.5 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Aminopyralid. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Aminopyralid, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 2-1 Og / ha, preferably 4-8 g / ha, more preferably 5-7.5 g / ha.

[0343] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 75-450g / ha, preferably 100-350 g / ha, more preferably 150-300 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Triclopyr. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Triclopyr, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 75-450g / ha, preferably 100-350 g / ha, more preferably 150-300 g / ha.

[0344] The auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 75-350g / ha, preferably 100-300 g / ha, more preferably 125-250 g / ha. Such application rates may be particularly suitable for Quinmerac. Thus, where the auxin mimic is Quinmerac, the auxin mimic may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 75-350g / ha, preferably 100-300 g / ha, more preferably 125-250 g / ha.

[0345] The auxin mimic (for example where the auxin mimic is quinmerac) may be applied, such as by spraying, at a rate of about 50-77 g / ha (e.g. about 53.33-76.13 g / ha). Certain ratios of auxin mimic to fatty acid will now be discussed. Thus the ratios are expressed as auxin mimic to fatty acid. For example, a ratio of “1:2” refers to one part auxin mimic to two parts fatty acid. A ratio of “1:0.2” refers to one part auxin mimic to one-fifth part (relative to the auxin) fatty acid. The term “ratio” may preferably mean “weight ratio”.

[0346] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise auxin mimic and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1:1 -1:15000; preferably about 1 :2 to 1 : 100; more preferably 1 :2 to 1 : 15.

[0347] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a auxin mimic and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1:10-1:20000, 1:15-1:15000, 1:20-1:10000, 1:25-1:5000, or 1 :30-1 :1000. A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise a auxin mimic and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1:10-1:900, 1:15-1:800, 1:20-1:700, 1:25-1:600, 1:30-1:600, 1:35-1:500, 1:40-1:400, 1:45- 1:300, or 1:50-1:200.

[0348] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1:40-1:200, 1:50-1:180, 1:60-1:160, 1:70-1:140, or 1:80-1:120. A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1:180, 1:160, 1:150, 1:140, 1:130, 1:120, 1:110, 1:100, 1:90, 1:80, 1:70, 1:60, or 1:40.

[0349] In any aspect or embodiment of the invention directed to obtaining selective herbicidal activity (e.g. when applied to both desired and undesired vegetation), a combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise an auxin mimic and a fatty acid at ratio of 1:40-1:100, 1:45-1:90, 1:50-1:80, or 1:55-1:70.

[0350] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise auxin mimic and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1:0.05- 1:5000, preferably 1:0.1 - 1:100; more preferably 1:0.2- 1:45. A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise 2,4-D and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.1 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.15 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.2 - 1 :45.

[0351] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise MCPA and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.1- 1 :100; preferably 1 :0.15 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.2 - 1 :45.

[0352] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise MCPA and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.05 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.075 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.1 - 1 :45.

[0353] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise MCPB and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.1- 1 :100; preferably 1 :0.15 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.2 - 1 :45.

[0354] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise MCPB and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.05 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.075 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.1 - 1 :45.

[0355] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise dichlorprop-P and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.1 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.15 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.2 - 1 :45.

[0356] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise Mecoprop-P and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.1 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.15 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.2 - 1 :45.

[0357] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise mecoprop-P and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.075 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.09 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.1 - 1 :45.

[0358] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise dicamba and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.1 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.2 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.3 - 1 :45. A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise clopyralid and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.5 - 1 : 150; preferably 1 :0.75 — 1 :135; more preferably 1 : 1 - 1 : 120.

[0359] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise fluroxypyr and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.5 - 1 : 135; preferably 1 :0.75 — 1 :125; more preferably 1 :0.8 - 1 : 120.

[0360] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise picloram and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :2 - 1 : 1000; preferably 1 :3.5 - 1 :850; more preferably 1 :5 - 1700.

[0361] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise halauxifen and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :15 - 1 :5000; preferably 1 :20- 1 :4500; more preferably 1 :25 - 1 :3500.

[0362] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise aminopyralid and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :10 - 1 :4000; preferably 1 :13.5- 1 :3500; more preferably 1 :15 - 1 :2000.

[0363] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise triclopyr and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.2 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.35 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.5 - 1 :60.

[0364] A combination (e.g. herbicidal composition) of the present invention, optionally in the form of a RTU combination (e.g. composition), may comprise quinmerac and a fatty acid at ratio of about 1 :0.2 - 1 : 100; preferably 1 :0.35 - 1 :75; more preferably 1 :0.5 - 1 :60.

[0365] Formulations and Additional Inaredients

[0366] The component parts of the invention may be formulated as a liquid formula, a dry granule, a liquid concentrate, or a dry concentrate. A composition of the invention may be formulated as a liquid formula, a dry granule, a liquid concentrate, or a dry concentrate.

[0367] A component part of the present invention may be comprised within a granule, preferably a water dispersible granule. Such granule (preferably water dispersible granule) may be suspended in a liquid formulation. For example, auxin mimic may be comprised within a granule (preferably water dispersible granule).

[0368] A suitable combination provides a fatty acid described herein in a liquid formulation, and an auxin mimic within water dispersible granules. Said water dispersible granules (having auxin mimic) can be suspended in the liquid formulation of fatty acid (e.g. which is suitable for spraying).

[0369] A component part of the combination of the invention may be provided as a dry concentrate that is dissolved in water before application to vegetation. A composition of the invention may be provided as a dry concentrate that is dissolved in water before application to vegetation.

[0370] A component part of the combination of the invention may be provided as a liquid concentrate that is diluted with water before application to vegetation. A composition of the invention may be provided as a liquid concentrate that is diluted with water before application to vegetation.

[0371] A component part of the combination of the invention may be provided as a dry granule that is applied directly to the vegetation. A composition of the invention may be provided as a dry granule that is applied directly to the vegetation.

[0372] A component part of the combination of the invention may be formulated as a ready-to-use formulation. A composition of the invention may be formulated as a ready-to-use formulation. Such formulations may take the form of liquid or dry RTU formulations (preferably a liquid RTU formulation).

[0373] The solvents used in the ready-to-use liquid composition and liquid concentrate forms can vary. The solvent may be a poor wetting agent on plant leaves, essentially equal to that of water. Grass leaves are often vertical and hard to wet, whereas many weeds, such as the dandelion, are horizontal and easier to wet. Without wishing to be bound by theory, solutions that are poor wetting agents are believed to be advantageous as they tend to bead up and run off of grass leaves, while spreading onto leaves of the horizontal weeds, such as dandelion weeds. Examples of solvents that may be used in a formulation of the disclosed herbicidal compositions may be selected from propylene glycol, glycerin, alcohols (e.g. tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA)) or combinations thereof.

[0374] Alternatively or in addition to the above ingredients, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention may be formulated with one or more further components. For example, the composition may be formulated with one or more component selected from a growth regulators, fertilizers, further herbicides, thickening agents, humectants, antioxidants, stabilizing agents, wetting agents, sequestrants, solvents, dyes, or combinations thereof.

[0375] Suitable humectants may include propylene glycol, glycerin, beet molasses, or combinations thereof. Suitable antioxidants may include citric acid. Suitable stabilizing agents may include citric acid, ammonium compounds, or combinations thereof. Suitable wetting agents may include carboxylic acids (or salts thereof) or silicone polymers (e.g. Silwet 77 (Witco Corp, CT, USA)). Suitable preservatives may include Kathon® (a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, made by Rohm & Haas of Hayward, CA), sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, parabens, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol or combinations thereof. The end-use concentration of such additives may vary, but in some embodiments, the concentration may be between about 0.1 to about 5% by weight.

[0376] A variety of fertilizers can be added to the herbicidal combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention. Preferably, the fertilizer is a nitrogen-containing fertilizer that is effective to promote the rapid growth of desired vegetation (e.g. crops), thereby allowing the desired vegetation to shade and out-compete the damaged weeds.

[0377] Suitably the combination (e.g. composition) of the invention may be formulated with a fertilizer, such as a fertilizer selected from urea ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, leather meal, bone meal, plant meals, ammonium potassium phosphate, or combinations thereof.

[0378] Any end use concentration of a fertilizer may be contemplated in the present invention. A fertilizer may be added to a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention with an end use concentration in the range of about 20% to about 80% by weight, suitably in the range of about 50 to about 75% by weight, preferably in the range of 60 to 75% by weight.

[0379] Optionally, one or more growth regulators may be added to a combination (e.g. composition) of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, growth regulators that may be added to the herbicidal combination (e.g. compositions) may include maleic hydrazide (MH), cycocel (2-chloroethyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride), auxin derivatives, and combinations thereof. The end-use concentration of the additional growth regulators can vary. The concentration may be between about 100 ppm to about 2% by weight. The herbicidal combinations (e.g. compositions) of the present invention may also include natural growth regulators, such as for example, salicylic acid, salts of salicylic acid including ammonium salicylate, jasmonates, ethylene, auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, or combinations thereof. The end-use concentration of these natural growth regulators can vary, but in some embodiments may be between about 10 ppm to about 5% by weight.

[0380] A combination (e.g. composition) of the invention may also comprise an additional component to enhance processability and shelf-life. An ingredient selected from an emulsifier, antifoaming agent, a gum and a solvent may be present in a combination (e.g. composition) described herein, with an emulsifier being a particular preferred (additional) ingredient. Where the fatty acid comprises (or consists of) unsaponified fatty acid, the presence of an emulsifier may be particularly advantageous.

[0381] An emulsifier may be present at a concentration of 0.1 to 5% by weight. Examples of suitable emulsifiers include an ethoxylated sorbitan ester (e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitans) such as Tween® 20 [polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate], Tween® 21 [polyoxyethylene (4)sorbitan monolaurate], Tween®40 [polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate], Tween® 80 [polyoxyethylene (20)-sorbitan monooleate], Tween® 81 [polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate], and Tween® 85 [polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate], and combinations thereof, all available from Croda Canada Ltd., Racco Parkway Vaughan, Ontario L4J 8X9. For example, and emulsifier may include a surfactant, such as Tween (e.g. Tween81 and / or Tween85) or a polysorbate (e.g. polysorbate 20 and / or polysorbate 80).

[0382] An anti-foaming agent (e.g. which may suppress the amount of foam generated during manufacture, dilution and spraying, relative to a composition lacking the anti-foaming agent) may be present at a concentration of 0.1 to 1% by weight. Examples of suitable anti-foaming agents include Antifoam CM Concentrate and Antifoam 8810 FG Concentrate.

[0383] A gum component (e.g. which may increase viscosity and / or droplet size when the composition is sprayed, relative to viscosity and / or droplet size in the absence of the gum) may be present at a concentration of 0.1 to 1 percent by weight. Examples of suitable gum components include Rhodopol 23, VanGelB and Kelzan S.

[0384] A solvent may be present at a concentration of 0.1 to 5 percent. Examples of suitable solvents include alcohols (such as isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, propanaol, butanol, methanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and / or tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol) and vegetable oils (e.g. canola oil). In addition to the fatty disclosed herein and the auxin mimic, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention may comprise one or more further herbicidally effective ingredients (e.g. a coactive ingredient). The one or more further herbicidally effective ingredients may be selected from glyphosate, glufosinate, urea, sodium, borax, copper sulfate, carboxylic acids or the salts thereof, ammonium compounds, calcium compounds, or combinations thereof. The end-use concentration of the additional herbicide(s) can vary, but in some embodiments, the concentration may be between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, suitably between about 2% to about 5% by weight.

[0385] In addition to the fatty acid disclosed herein and the auxin mimic, a combination (e.g. composition) of the invention may comprise flufenacet. A combination (e.g. composition) comprising flufenacet may demonstrate enhanced herbicidal activity (e.g. post-emergent herbicidal activity) when compared with an otherwise identical combination (e.g. composition) lacking said flufenacet. Flufenacet may be provided at a concentration of 0.03-0.15% by weight, 0.05-0.13% by weight, or 0.07-0.1% by weight (preferably about 0.07-0.1% weight, such as about 0.08% by weight). Flufenacet may be applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of about 100-350g / ha, 120-320g / ha, 140-300g / ha, 160-280g / ha, preferably at a rate of about 220-260 g / ha (e.g. about 240 g / ha).

[0386] Furthermore, a variety of thickening agents may be added to the herbicidal combinations (e.g. compositions) disclosed herein. Suitable thickening agents may include Rhodopol 23 (Rhone Poulenc), VanGel B (R. T. Vanderbilt), Kelzan S (Merck & Co.), guar gum, propylene glycol, glycerol, and combinations thereof. The end-use concentration of added thickening agent(s) can vary, but in some embodiments may be in the range of between about 0.01% to about 10% by weight.

[0387] The herbicidal combinations (e.g. compositions) of the present invention are effective over a wide range of pH values. The person skilled in the art is capable of determining an optimal pH of a composition of the invention. For example, once a composition of the invention has been appropriately formulated, the pH of the solution may be measured and adjusted as necessary. The pH values can be measured using standard techniques. For example using a pH meter (suitably a pH meter with glass bulb electrodes). The pH of a composition of the present invention may be between about pH 1.5 to about pH 10. Suitably the pH of a composition of the invention may be between about pH 4 to about pH 8.

[0388] The term “contacting” as used in reference to a method of the invention encompasses all methods for contacting or applying a combination (e.g. composition), or fatty acid and auxin mimic to an area of vegetation known to the person skilled in the art. Contacting may include contacting vegetation directly and / or contacting the ground in which said vegetation is present.

[0389] Preferably a combination (e.g. composition), or fatty acid and auxin mimic is applied to the top growth, or portion(s) of the undesired vegetation (and optionally to the desired vegetation) located above the soil surface.

[0390] Contacting may include spraying. Accordingly, the fatty acid component and the auxin mimic component may be sprayed on undesired vegetation (and optionally on desired vegetation). This application may encompass both spraying the vegetation directly (e.g. on the top growth, or portion(s) of the plant located above the soil surface) and / or spraying the ground in which said vegetation is present. Additionally or alternatively, contacting may include pouring.

[0391] The fatty acid and auxin mimic components may be provided as a dry concentrate that is dissolved in water before application to vegetation.

[0392] The fatty acid and auxin mimic components may be provided as a liquid concentrate that is diluted with water before application to vegetation.

[0393] The fatty acid and auxin mimic components may be provided as a dry granule that is applied directly to the vegetation.

[0394] The fatty acid and auxin mimic components may be provided as a combination of a dry concentrate (e.g. the auxin mimic may be provided as a dry concentrate) that is preferably dissolved in water before application to vegetation, together with a liquid concentrate (e.g. the fatty acid may be provided as a liquid concentrate) that is diluted with water before application to vegetation.

[0395] Other Matters

[0396] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Singleton, et al., DICTIONARY OF MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 20 ED., John Wiley and Sons, New York (1994), and Hale & Marham, THE HARPER COLLINS DICTIONARY OF BIOLOGY, Harper Perennial, NY (1991) provide the skilled person with a general dictionary of many of the terms used in this disclosure.

[0397] This disclosure is not limited by the exemplary methods and materials disclosed herein, and any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of this disclosure. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Unless otherwise indicated, any nucleic acid sequences are written left to right in 5' to 3' orientation; amino acid sequences are written left to right in amino to carboxy orientation, respectively.

[0398] The headings provided herein are not limitations of the various aspects or embodiments of this disclosure.

[0399] Amino acids are referred to herein using the name of the amino acid, the three letter abbreviation or the single letter abbreviation. The term “protein", as used herein, includes proteins, polypeptides, and peptides. As used herein, the term “amino acid sequence” is synonymous with the term “polypeptide” and / or the term “protein”. In some instances, the term “amino acid sequence” is synonymous with the term “peptide”. In some instances, the term “amino acid sequence” is synonymous with the term “enzyme”. The terms "protein" and "polypeptide" are used interchangeably herein. In the present disclosure and claims, the conventional one-letter and three-letter codes for amino acid residues may be used. The 3- letter code for amino acids as defined in conformity with the IUPACIUB Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature (JCBN). It is also understood that a polypeptide may be coded for by more than one nucleotide sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code.

[0400] Other definitions of terms may appear throughout the specification. Before the exemplary embodiments are described in more detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments described, and as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be defined only by the appended claims.

[0401] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within this disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within this disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in this disclosure.

[0402] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an auxin mimic” includes a plurality of such candidate agents and reference to “the auxin mimic” includes reference to one or more auxin mimics and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0403] The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that such publications constitute prior art to the claims appended hereto.

[0404] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Examples.

[0405] EXAMPLES

[0406] MATERIALS & METHODS

[0407] Unless otherwise specified, the experiments were conducted as field trials. The plot size over which (weed) vegetation was grown, and across which the herbicidal compositions were applied, was 1 .5 m x 6.75 m (40.5 m2). The experiments were conducted using a randomized block with four replications.

[0408] For convenience of application, the fatty acid and auxin mimic was applied using the plotsprayer Schachtner PSGFE 4.3 following standard calibration (e.g. the driving speed and the application rate). Water used in the compositions was a demineralized water having a purity level of under 20 pS / cm. The nozzle type was a Lechler IDKT 120-02. The volume of composition applied was in the range of 200 l / ha to 400 l / ha.

[0409] The target plants (vegetation / weeds) were grown in the plot (appropriately cultivated to provide a mock seedbed) from seed and were allowed to emerge before application of the composition. All experiments included an untreated control.

[0410] The percentage of plot coverage (with the target vegetation) pre-treatment (or in an untreated control) was compared with the percentage of plot coverage estimated at a defined day posttreatment. This data was used to calculate efficacy of the treatment using either the HENDERSON & TILTON or the ABBOTT formula.

[0411] Simply for convenience, due to readily accessible products comprising the same, the fatty acids nonanoic acid (both saponified and unsaponified), caprylic acid and capric acid represented the fatty acids employed in these examples.

[0412] Because they were readily accessible products, the following fatty acid herbicide products were used as a source of fatty acid herbicide in the examples: Finalsan, RapidGo and HomePlate80.

[0413] Finalsan™ comprises 186.7 g / l of pelargonic (e.g. nonanoic) acid. This is formulated as an ammonium soap (saponified) with the formula NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO_.

[0414] RapidGo™ comprises 699.4 g / l of pelargonic (e.g. nonanoic) acid. It is formulated in an unsaponified form, with the formula CH3(CH2)7COOH.

[0415] HomePlate80™ comprises a blend of 44 % Caprylic Acid (CH3(CH2)6COOH) and 36 % Capric Acid (CH3(CH2)8COOH), with an overall amount of 752 g / l fatty acid.

[0416] EXAMPLE 1

[0417] Field CHEAL Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Auxin Mimics

[0418] In this experiment, solutions comprising 1 .4% (w / v) nonanoic acid were provided, via Finalsan. The solutions additionally comprised either:

[0419] 0.25% MCPA (provided via the product U 46 M Fluid)

[0420] 0.1875% 2,4-D (provided via the product U 46 D Fluid)

[0421] 0.1995% Dichlorprop-P (provided via the product Duplosan DP), or

[0422] 0.225% Mecoprop-P (provided via the product Duplosan KV)

[0423] Control solutions comprised a corresponding concentration of the fatty acid but no auxin mimic (fatty acid-only controls) else a corresponding concentration of the auxin mimic but no fatty acid (auxin mimic-only control). In this experiment, the effectiveness of the combination of nonanoic acid (in this case ammonium saponified as described above) with these different auxin mimics was tested using application rates (g / ha) as outlined in Table 1. The target vegetation (weed) was CHEAL. The volume of composition applied to the plot was 400 l / ha. The efficacy at 41 days after treatment (dat) was calculated with the ABBOTT formula.

[0424] Thus, with these data, a calculation of the efficacy with the “ABBOTT” formula was performed as follows:

[0425] Xn= weed coverage (%) of untreated control

[0426] Yn= weed coverage (%) of treated

[0427] EffAB= Efficiency ABBOTT (%)

[0428] The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0429] Table 1. DAT = days after treatment. EXAMPLE 2

[0430] Field CHEAL Test of Nonanoic Acid, Caprylic Acid and Capric Acid with 2,4-D

[0431] Solutions comprising either ammonium saponified nonanoic acid (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO', provided via Finalsan), unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) or a blend of caprylic acid / capric acid (CH3(CH2)6COOH / CH3(CH2)8COOH provided via HomePlate) were prepared.

[0432] The solutions of NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO' comprised about 1.4% (w / v) of said fatty acid. The solutions of CH3(CH2)7COOH comprised about 1.4% (w / v) of said fatty acid. The solutions comprising a blend of CH3(CH2)6COOHZ CH3(CH2)8COOH comprised about 1.4% (w / v) of said blend of fatty acids.

[0433] The solutions additionally comprised 0.09375% 2,4-D (provided via the product U 46 D Fluid).

[0434] Control solutions comprised a corresponding concentration of the fatty acid but no auxin mimic (fatty acid-only controls) else a corresponding concentration of the auxin mimic but no fatty acid (auxin mimic-only control).

[0435] In this experiment, the effectiveness of the combination of the different types of fatty acid formulation in combination with 2,4-D was tested using application rates (g / ha) as outlined in Table 2. The target vegetation (weed) was CHEAL. The volume of composition applied to the plot was 400 l / ha. The efficacy at 28 days after treatment (dat) was calculated with the HENDERSON & TILTON formula. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0436] The formula is defined as follows:

[0437] EffH&T= Efficiency HENDERSON & TILTON (%)

[0438] Ta= weed coverage (%) treated — after

[0439] Tb= weed coverage (%) treated — before

[0440] Ca= weed coverage (%) control — after

[0441] Cb= weed coverage (%) control — before Table 2.

[0442] EXAMPLE 3

[0443] Field Weed Rape (BRSNN) Test of Nonanoic Acid with 2,4-D

[0444] Solutions comprising ammonium saponified nonanoic acid (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO_, provided via Finalsan) were prepared.

[0445] The solutions comprised said fatty acid at a concentration of

[0446] 1.40 % (w / v), when applied at 5601 g / ha with a spray volume of 400l / ha, 0.93 % (w / v), when applied at 3734 g / ha with a spray volume of 400l / ha,

[0447] 0.47 % (w / v), when applied at 1867 g / ha with a spray volume of 400l / ha,

[0448] 0.47 % (w / v), when applied at 933 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 0.93 % (w / v), when applied at 1867 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha,

[0449] 1 .40 % (w / v), when applied at 2800 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha,

[0450] 1 .87 % (w / v), when applied at 3734 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha,

[0451] - 2.33 % (w / v), when applied at 4667 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha,

[0452] - 2.80 % (w / v), when applied at 5601 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha.

[0453] The solutions additionally comprised 2,4-D (provided via the product U 46 D Fluid) at a concentration of 0.1875% (w / v) when applied with a spray volume of 200l / ha, or 0.09375% (w / v) when applied with a spray volume of 400l / ha.

[0454] In this experiment, the effectiveness of the combination of the different amounts of nonanoic acid in combination with 2,4-D was tested using application rates (g / ha) as outlined in Table 3. The volume of composition applied to the plot was either 200 l / ha or 400 l / ha. The target vegetation (weed) was weed rape. The efficacy at 36 days after treatment (dat) was calculated with the ABBOT formula. Thus, with these data, a calculation of the efficacy with the “ABBOTT” formula was performed as described above.

[0455] The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0456] Table 3.

[0457] EXAMPLE 4

[0458] Field Weed Rape Test of Nonanoic Acid with 2,4-D

[0459] Solutions comprising ammonium saponified nonanoic acid (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO', provided via Finalsan) or unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared.

[0460] The solutions comprised said ammonium saponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.47 % (w / v), when applied at 933.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 2001 / ha, 0.93 % (w / v), when applied at 1867 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 1 .40 % (w / v), when applied at 2800.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 1 .87 % (w / v), when applied at 3734 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 1 .40 % (w / v), when applied at 5601 g / ha with a spray volume of 400l / ha.

[0461] The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.47 % (w / v), when applied at 933.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 0.93 % (w / v), when applied at 1867 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 1 .40 % (w / v), when applied at 2800.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 1 .87 % (w / v), when applied at 3734 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha.

[0462] The solutions additionally comprised 2,4-D (provided via the product U 46 D Fluid) at a concentration of 0.1875% (w / v) when applied at 375g / ha, or 0.9375% (w / v) when applied at 187.5 g / ha, or at a concentration of 0.3750% when applied at a rate of 750.0 g / ha.

[0463] In this experiment, the effectiveness of the combination of different amounts of said saponified and unsaponified nonanoic acid in combination with 2,4-D was tested using application rates (g / ha) as outlined in Table 4. The volume of composition applied to the plot was 200 l / ha. The target vegetation (weed) was weed rape. The efficacy at 35 days after treatment (dat) was calculated with the ABBOTT formula. The results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0464] Table 4. EXAMPLE 5

[0465] Field PHCTA, 1TRFG and LIUUT Test of Nonanoic Acid with 2,4-D

[0466] Solutions comprising ammonium saponified nonanoic acid (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO_, provided via Finalsan) or unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared.

[0467] The solutions comprised said ammonium saponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.4668 % (w / v), when applied at 933.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 0.9335 % (w / v), when applied at 1867 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha,

[0468] 1 .4003 % (w / v), when applied at 2800.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha,

[0469] 1 .4003 % (w / v), when applied at 5601 g / ha with a spray volume of 400l / ha.

[0470] The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of

[0471] 0.4668 % (w / v), when applied at 933.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha, 0.9335 % (w / v), when applied at 1867 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha,

[0472] 1 .4003 % (w / v), when applied at 2800.5 g / ha with a spray volume of 200l / ha.

[0473] The solutions additionally comprised 2,4-D (provided via the product U 46 D Fluid) at a concentration of 0.125 % (w / v), which was applied at a rate of 250 g / ha 2,4-D.

[0474] In this experiment, the effectiveness of the combination of different amounts of said saponified and unsaponified nonanoic acid in combination with 2,4-D was tested using application rates (g / ha) as outlined in Table 5. The volume of composition applied to the plot was 200 l / ha. The target vegetation (weed) was a sown covercrop with PHCTA, different kinds of 1TRFG and LIUUT. The efficacy at 46 days after treatment (dat) was calculated with the ABBOTT formula. The results are shown in Table 5 below.

[0475] Table 5.

[0476] EXAMPLE 6

[0477] Field Weed Rape Test of Nonanoic Acid with 2,4-D

[0478] Solutions comprising ammonium saponified nonanoic acid (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO-, provided via Finalsan) were prepared.

[0479] The solutions comprised said ammonium saponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 1 .4003 % (w / v).

[0480] The solutions additionally comprised 2,4-D (provided via the product U 46 D Fluid) at a concentration of 0.1875 % (w / v) when applied at 375 g / ha, 0.25 % (w / v) when applied at 500 g / ha, 0.3125 % (w / v) when applied at 625 g / ha, or 0.3750 % (w / v) when applied at 750g / ha.

[0481] In this experiment, the effectiveness of the combination of different amounts of said saponified nonanoic acid in combination with 2,4-D was tested using application rates (g / ha) as outlined in Table 6. The volume of composition applied to the plot was 200 l / ha. The target vegetation (weed) was weed rape. The efficacy at 41 days after treatment (dat) was calculated with the ABBOTT formula. The results are shown in Table 6 below. Table 6.

[0482] EXAMPLE 7

[0483] Field PHCTA, 1TRFG and LIUUT Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Auxin Mimics

[0484] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared.

[0485] The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 1 .3988 % (w / v).

[0486] The solutions additionally comprised:

[0487] Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.02 % (w / v)

[0488] Fluroxypyr at a concentration of 0.025 % (w / v)

[0489] - Triclopyr / Fluroxypyr at a concentration of 0.05 / 0.05 % (w / v)

[0490] Quinmerac at a concentration of 0.0417 % (w / v), or

[0491] Dicamba at a concentration of 0.03 % (w / v).

[0492] The efficacy was calculated with the ABBOTT formula. The target plants were a sown covercrop with PHCTA, different kinds of 1TRFG and LIUUT. The spray volume was 200 l / ha. Table 7.

[0493] EXAMPLE 8

[0494] Field PHCTA, 1TRFG and LIUUT Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Auxin Mimics Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared. The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 1.3988 % (w / v). The solutions additionally comprised:

[0495] Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.060 % (w / v) Fluroxypyr at a concentrion of 0.0375 % (w / v) - Picloram / Halauxifen-methyl at a concentration of 0.0040 / 0.0008 % (w / v)

[0496] - T riclopyr / Fluroxypyr at a concentration of 0.15 / 0.15 % (w / v) Quinmerac at a concentration of 0.125 % (w / v), or Dicamba at a concentration of 0.09 % (w / v). The efficacy was calculated with the ABBOTT formula. The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The target plants were a sown covercrop with PHCTA, different kinds of 1TRFG and LIUUT. Table 8.

[0497] EXAMPLE 9

[0498] Field Test with Various Weeds of Nonanoic Acid with 2,4-D Solutions comprising ammonium saponified nonanoic acid (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO-, provided via Finalsan) were prepared.

[0499] The solutions comprised said ammonium saponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 1 .4005 % (w / v).

[0500] The solutions additionally comprised 2,4-D at a concentration of 0.1875 % (w / v).

[0501] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. Efficacy was estimated at 28 DAT with the ABBOTT formula. The results are shown in Table 9. Table 9.

[0502] EXAMPLE 10

[0503] Field Test with Various Weeds of Nonanoic Acid with 2,4-D

[0504] Solutions comprising ammonium saponified nonanoic acid (NH4+CH3(CH2)7COO', provided via Finalsan) were prepared.

[0505] The solutions comprised said ammonium saponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 1 .4005 % (w / v).

[0506] The solutions additionally comprised 2,4-D at a concentration of 0.075 % (w / v) when applied at a rate of 150 g / ha. The concentration was 0.15% (w / v) when applied at a rate of 300 g / ha. The concentration was 0.225% (w / v) when applied at a rate of 450 g / ha. The concentration was 0.3% (w / v) when applied at a rate of 600 g / ha. The concentration was 0.375% (w / v) when applied at a rate of 750 g / ha.

[0507] The spray volume was 200 l / ha.

[0508] The efficacy was estimated with the ABBOTT formula based on data collected 28 days after treatment. The results are shown in Table 10. Table 10. ND = no data.

[0509] EXAMPLE 11

[0510] Maize Crop with Weeds CHEAL, SETVI, SOLNI, POLCO, POLPE - Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Amounts of Clopyralid

[0511] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared.

[0512] The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.75 and 1.5 % (w / v).

[0513] The solutions additionally comprised:

[0514] Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.21 % (w / v)

[0515] Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.14 % (w / v) or - Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.07 % (w / v)

[0516] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated with the ABBOTT formula. The target plants were soilborne weeds in the crop of maize. These species were CHEAL, SETVI, SOLNI, POLCO, POLPE. Results are shown in Table 11. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the maize vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0517] Table 11. ND = no data.

[0518] EXAMPLE 12

[0519] Maize Crop with Weeds CHEAL, SETVI, SOLNI, POLCO, POLPE - Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Amounts of Clopyralid in Combination with Picloram

[0520] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared. The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.75 and 1.5 % (w / v). The solutions additionally comprised:

[0521] Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.0467 % (w / v), Picloram at a concentration of 0.0117% (w / v),

[0522] Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.0311 % (w / v), Picloram at a concentration of 0.0078% (w / v),

[0523] Clopyralid at a concentration of 0.0156 % (w / v), Picloram at a concentration of 0.0039% (w / v).

[0524] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated with the ABBOTT formula. The target plants were soilborne weeds in the crop of maize. These species were CHEAL, SETVI, SOLNI, POLCO, POLPE. Results are shown in Table 12. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the maize vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0525] Table 12. ND = no data.

[0526] EXAMPLE 13

[0527] Spring Barlev Crop with Weeds STEME, MATCH, LAMPU, RUMOB - Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Amounts of MCPA

[0528] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared.

[0529] The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.75 and 1.5 % (w / v).

[0530] The solutions additionally comprised:

[0531] MCPA at a concentration of 0.35 % (w / v),

[0532] MCPA at a concentration of 0.2333 % (w / v), or

[0533] MCPA at a concentration of 0.1167 % (w / v).

[0534] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated with the ABBOTT formula. The target plants were soilborne weeds in the crop of spring barley. These species were STEME, MATCH, LAMPU, RUMOB. Results are shown in Table 13. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the spring barley vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0535] Table 13. ND = no data.

[0536] EXAMPLE 14

[0537] Spring Barlev Crop with Weeds MATCH, LAMPU, RUMOB - Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Amounts of Dichlorprop-P

[0538] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared.

[0539] The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.75 and 1.5 % (w / v).

[0540] The solutions additionally comprised:

[0541] Dichlorprop-P at a concentration of 0.399 % (w / v),

[0542] Dichlorprop-P at a concentration of 0.266 % (w / v), or

[0543] Dichlorprop-P at a concentration of 0.133 % (w / v).

[0544] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated with the ABBOTT formula. The target plants were soilborne weeds in the crop of spring barley. These species were MATCH, LAMPU, RUMOB. Results are shown in Table 14. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the spring barley crop vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0545] Table 14. ND = no data

[0546] EXAMPLE 15

[0547] Winter Wheat Crop with Weeds 1 MATG, PAPRH, CIRAR, CENCY, 1VERG, STEME - Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Amounts of 2,4-D

[0548] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared.

[0549] The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.75 and 1.5 % (w / v).

[0550] The solutions additionally comprised:

[0551] - 2,4-D at a concentration of 0.375 % (w / v),

[0552] - 2,4-D at a concentration of 0.25 % (w / v), or

[0553] - 2,4-D at a concentration of 0.125 % (w / v).

[0554] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated with the ABBOTT formula. The target plants were soilborne weeds in the crop of winter wheat. These species were 1 MATG, PAPRH, CIRAR, CENCY, 1VERG, STEME. Results are shown in Table 15. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the winter wheat vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0555] Table 15. ND = no data.

[0556] EXAMPLE 16

[0557] Grain peas with weed CHEAL - Test of Nonanoic Acid with Various Amounts of MCPB

[0558] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared. The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.35 and 1.049 % (w / v). The solutions additionally comprised:

[0559] MCPB at a concentration of 0.3%

[0560] MCPB at a concentration of 0.5%

[0561] MCPB at a concentration of 0.7%

[0562] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated on a scale from 0 until 100 %. The target plants were soilborn weeds. Main weeds were CHEAL and the group of RUMEX plants. The crop was grain peas. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the grain peas vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0563] Table 16.

[0564] EXAMPLE 17

[0565] Grain peas with weeds CHEAL and Rumex - test of Nonanoic Acid with MCPB and approved common herbicides

[0566] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared. The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.35 and 1.049 % (w / v). The solutions additionally comprised:

[0567] MCPB at a concentration of 0.9%

[0568] Aclonifen at a concentration of 0.9%, Clomazone in a concentration of 0.036% Pendimethalin at a concentration of 0.0079625%

[0569] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated on a scale from 0 until 100 %. The target plants were soilborn weeds. Main weeds were CHEAL and the group of RUMEX plants. The crop was grain peas. Results are shown in Table 17.

[0570] Two common herbicidal combinations were used as practical standards. One practical standard was 1800 g / ha Aclonifen + 72 g / ha Clomazone as pre-emergence treatment under dry conditions. The other practical standard was 1592.5 g / ha Pendimethalin as early-post emergent treatment. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the grain peas vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0571] Table 17

[0572] EXAMPLE 18

[0573] Sugar beets with main weed CHEAL and AETCY - test with of Nonanoic Acid with Quinmerac

[0574] Solutions comprising unsaponified nonanoic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH provided via RapidGo) were prepared. Another active was also present. The solutions comprised said unsaponified nonanoic acid at a concentration of 0.3497 or 0.6994 % (w / v). The solutions additionally comprised:

[0575] Quinmerac in a concentration of 0.026665%

[0576] Quinmerac in a concentration of 0.038065%

[0577] The spray volume was 200 l / ha. The efficacy was estimated on a scale from 0 until 100 %. The target plants were soilborne weeds in the crop of sugar beets. Main weeds were CHEAL and AETCY. Results are shown in Table 18. Only the weeds were suppressed by the herbicidal combination, and no noticeable damage to the sugar beet vegetation was noted, demonstrating the enhanced selective herbicidal effect of the combination of the invention.

[0578] Table 18

[0579] Other matters

[0580] All publications mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described methods and system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in biochemistry and biotechnology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for suppressing the growth of post-emergent vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation), said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and b. contacting vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the vegetation is suppressed.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said fatty acid is a C6-Ci2fatty acid; preferably a C7-C11 fatty acid.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fatty acid is a C8-Cio fatty acid.

4. A method for selectively suppressing the growth of post-emergent undesired vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and b. contacting desired and undesired vegetation with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the undesired vegetation is preferentially suppressed while growth of the desired vegetation is relatively unharmed.

5. A method for selectively suppressing the growth of dicotyledon vegetation, said method comprising: a. providing an auxin mimic as an active ingredient, and a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic; and b. contacting monocotyledon and dicotyledon vegetation with said auxin mimic and said fatty acid; wherein, following said contacting step, the dicotyledon vegetation is preferentially suppressed while growth of monocotyledon vegetation is relatively unharmed.

6. Use of a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant for enhancing the post-emergent herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic.

7. Use of a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant for enhancing the selective post-emergent herbicidal activity of an auxin mimic.

8. A herbicidal combination comprising: a. an auxin mimic as an active herbicidal ingredient; and b. a C5-C25 fatty acid as an adjuvant to enhance the herbicidal activity of said auxin mimic.

9. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said auxin mimic and said fatty acid are provided in the form of a composition comprising the auxin mimic and the fatty acid.

10. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is the sole herbicidal active ingredient of the combination.11 . The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop; dichlorprop-p; mecoprop; mecoprop-p; 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA); 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5- T); 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB); clomeprop; fenoprop; MCPA-thioethyl; 4-(4-chloro-o-tolyloxy)butyric acid (MCPB); clopyralid; fluroxypyr; triclopyr; picloram; aminopyralid; halauxifen; dicamba; chloramben; trichlorobenzoic acid (TBA); aminocyclopyrachlor; quinclorac; and quinmerac.

12. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is selected from the group consisting of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; MCPA; clopyralid; fluroxypyr; dicamba; triclopyr; picloram; halauxifen; and quinmerac.

13. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is a phenoxycarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; and MCPA.

14. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D).

15. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of a C6-Ci2fatty acid, preferably a C7-C11 fatty acid.

16. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of a C8-Cio fatty acid.

17. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of caprylic acid (C8).

18. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of nonanoic acid (C9).

19. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of capric acid (C10).

20. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (CK).21 . The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is provided in the form of a sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium and / or ammonium salt, and / or wherein the fatty acid is provided in the form of an ester.

22. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is provided in the form of a potassium or ammonium salt.

23. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is potassium pelargonate (KC9).

24. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the fatty acid is ammonium pelargonate (NH4+C9).

25. The method, use or herbicidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of <10,000 g / ha, <9,000 g / ha, <8,000 g / ha, <7,000 g / ha, <6,000 g / ha, <5,000 g / ha, <4,000 g / ha, <3,000 g / ha, <2,000 g / ha, or <1 ,000 g / ha; and optionally wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of > 200 g / ha, >300g / ha, > 500 g / ha, > 700g / ha, >900 g / ha, >1000g / ha, > 2000g / ha, > 3000g / ha, > 4000g / ha, > 5000g / ha, > 6000g / ha, > 7000g / ha, > 8000g / ha, or > 9000g / ha.

26. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of: 850-950g / ha, 950-1700 g / ha, 1700-1900 g / ha, 1900-2500 g / ha, 2500-3000 g / ha, 3000- 3500 g / ha, 3500-4000 g / ha, 4000-4500 g / ha, 4500-5000 g / ha, 5000-5500 g / ha or 5500- 6000 g / ha (e.g. a rate of 850-6000 g / ha).

27. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of <6,000 g / ha; and optionally wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of > 200 g / ha.

28. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 200 to 6,000 g / ha.

29. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 500 to 4,000 g / ha.

30. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 800 to 3,000 g / ha.31 . The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 900 to 2800 g / ha.

32. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of about 2800 g / ha.

33. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of <2,000 g / ha, <1 ,800g / ha, <1 ,600 g / ha, <1 ,400 g / ha, <1 ,200 g / ha, <1 ,000 g / ha, <800 g / ha, <600 g / ha, <400 g / ha, <200 g / ha, <100 g / ha, <80 g / ha, <60 g / ha, <40g / ha, <20g / haor <2g / ha; and optionally wherein the auxin mimic is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of > 2 g / ha, > 20g / ha, >40 g / ha, >60g / ha, > 80g / ha, > 100g / ha, > 200g / ha, > 400g / ha, > 600g / ha, > 800g / ha, > 1000g / ha, > 1200g / ha, > 1400g / ha, > 1600g / ha, or > 1800g / ha.

34. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 2-2000 g / ha.

35. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of 2,4-D, and wherein said 2,4-D is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 90-1200 g / ha.

36. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 35, wherein 2,4-D is applied at a rate of 100-1000 g / ha.

37. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 35 or 36, wherein 2,4- D is applied at a rate of 200-800 g / ha.

38. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 35, 36 or 37, wherein 2,4-D is applied at a rate of 250-750 g / ha.

39. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of MCPA, and wherein said MCPA is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 90-1200 g / ha.

40. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 39, wherein MCPA is applied at a rate of 100-1000 g / ha.41 . The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 39 or 40, wherein MCPA is applied at a rate of 200-800 g / ha.

42. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 39, 40 or 41 , wherein MCPA is applied at a rate of 250-700 g / ha.

43. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of MCPB, and wherein said MCPB is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 600 -1800 g / ha.

44. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 43, wherein MCPB is applied at a rate of 600 - 1400 g / ha.

45. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 43 or 44, wherein MCPB is applied at a rate of 1800 g / ha.

46. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Dichlorprop-P, and wherein said Dichlorprop-P is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 100- 1000 g / ha.

47. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 46, wherein said Dichlorprop-P is applied at a rate of 200-900 g / ha.

48. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 46 or 47, wherein said Dichlorprop-P is applied at a rate of 300-800 g / ha.

49. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Mecoprop-P, and wherein said Mecoprop-P is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 100-1000 g / ha.

50. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 49, wherein said Mecoprop-P is applied at a rate of 200-900 g / ha.51 . The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 49 or 50, wherein said Mecoprop-P is applied at a rate of 300-800 g / ha.

52. The method, use or herbicidal combination of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Dicamba, and wherein said Dicamba is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 50-250 g / ha.

53. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 52, wherein said Dicamba is applied at a rate of 70-200 g / ha.

54. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 52 or 53, wherein said Dicamba is applied at a rate of 90-180 g / ha.

55. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Clopyralid, and wherein said Clopyralid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 30-200 g / ha.

56. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 55, wherein said Clopyralid is applied at a rate of 45-150 g / ha.

57. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 55 or 56, wherein said Clopyralid is applied at a rate of 60-120 g / ha.

58. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Fluroxypyr, and wherein said Fluroxypyr is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 30-350 g / ha.

59. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 58, wherein Fluroxypyr is applied at a rate of 50-250 g / ha.

60. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 58 or 59, wherein said Fluroxypyr is applied at a rate of 80-200 g / ha.61 . The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 58, 59 or 60, wherein said Fluroxypyr is applied at a rate of 100-180 g / ha.

62. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Picloram, and wherein said Picloram is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 2-40 g / ha.

63. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 62, wherein Picloram is applied at a rate of 5-35g / ha.

64. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 62 or 63, wherein said Picloram is applied at a rate of 8-30 g / ha.

65. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 62, 63, or 64, wherein said Picloram is applied at a rate of 12-24 g / ha.

66. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Halauxifen (e.g. Halauxifen- methyl), and wherein said Halauxifen is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 0.5-10 g / ha.

67. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 66, wherein said Halauxifen is applied at a rate of 1 .5-8 g / ha.

68. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 66 or 67, wherein said Halauxifen is applied at a rate of 2.5-5 g / ha.

69. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Aminopyralid, and wherein said Aminopyralid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 2-10 g / ha.

70. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 69, wherein said Aminopyralid is applied at a rate of 4-8 g / ha.71 . The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 69 or 70, wherein said Aminopyralid is applied at a rate of 5-7.5 g / ha.

72. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Triclopyr, and wherein said Triclopyr is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 75-450 g / ha.

73. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 72, wherein said Triclopyr is applied at a rate of 100-350 g / ha.

74. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 72 or 73, wherein said Triclopyr is applied at a rate of 150-300 g / ha.

75. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Quinmerac, and wherein said Quinmerac is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 5-350 g / ha (e.g. about 5.33-350g / ha).

76. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Quinmerac, and wherein said Quinmerac is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) at a rate of 40-350 g / ha, or 75-350 g / ha; optionally wherein said Quinmerac is applied at a rate of 40-90 g / ha.

77. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 76, wherein said Quinmerac is applied at a rate of 100-300 g / ha.

78. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to claim 76 or 77, wherein said Quinmerac is applied at a rate of 125-250 g / ha.

79. The method, use or herbicidal combination according to any one of claims 75-78, wherein said Quinmerac is applied at a rate of 50-77 g / ha (e.g. about 53.33-76.13 g / ha).

80. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic is present at a concentration of 0.0005-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.06-1.3% (w / v), more preferably 0.07-1 .1% (w / v).81 . The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of 2,4-D, and wherein said 2,4-D is present at a concentration of 0.05-3% (w / v); optionally wherein said 2,4-D is present at a concentration of 0.15-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.2-1% (w / v), more preferably 0.25-0.75% (w / v).

82. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of MCPA, and wherein said MCPA is present at a concentration of 0.08-2% (w / v); optionally wherein said MCPA is present at a concentration of 0.15-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.2-1% (w / v), more preferably 0.25-0.7% (w / v).

83. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of MCPB, and wherein said MCPB is present at a concentration of 0.08-2% (w / v); optionally wherein said MCPB is present at a concentration of 0.15-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.2-0.9% (w / v), more preferably 0.25-0.7% (w / v).

84. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Dichlorprop-P, and wherein said Dichlorprop-P is present at a concentration of 0.08-2% (w / v); optionally wherein said Dichlorprop-P is present at a concentration of 0.15-1 .5% (w / v), preferably 0.2-1% (w / v), more preferably 0.25-0.7% (w / v).

85. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Mecoprop-P, and wherein said Mecoprop-P is present at a concentration of 0.08-2% (w / v); optionally wherein said Mecoprop-P is present at a concentration of 0.2-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.25-1.2% (w / v), more preferably 0.3-1% (w / v).

86. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Dicamba, and wherein said Dicamba is present at a concentration of 0.01-0.3% (w / v); optionally wherein said Dicamba is present at a concentration of 0.05-0.25% (w / v), preferably 0.07-0.22% (w / v), more preferably 0.08-0.19% (w / v).

87. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Clopyralid, and wherein said Clopyralid is present at a concentration of 0.01-3% (w / v); optionally wherein said Clopyralid is present at a concentration of 0.025-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.035-1.2% (w / v), more preferably 0.05-1% (w / v).

88. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Fluroxypyr, and wherein said Fluroxypyr is present at a concentration of 0.01-0.7% (w / v); optionally wherein said Fluroxypyr is present at a concentration of 0.15-0.6% (w / v), preferably 0.2-0.5% (w / v), more preferably 0.25-0.45% (w / v).

89. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Picloram, and wherein said Picloram is present at a concentration of 0.0006-0.04% (w / v); optionally wherein said Picloram is present at a concentration of 0.0009-0.035% (w / v), preferably 0.001-0.03% (w / v), more preferably 0.002-0.012% (w / v).

90. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Halauxifen (e.g. Halauxifen-methyl), and wherein said Halauxifen is present at a concentration of 0.00015-0.02% (w / v); optionally wherein said Halauxifen is present at a concentration of 0.0002-0.01% (w / v), preferably 0.0003-0.003% (w / v), more preferably 0.0004-0.0025% (w / v).91 . The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Aminopyralid, and wherein said Aminopyralid is present at a concentration of 0.0003-0.005%; optionally wherein said Aminopyralid is present at a concentration of 0.00035-0.004% (w / v), preferably 0.0004- 0.0038% (w / v), more preferably 0.00045-0.00375% (w / v).

92. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Triclopyr, and wherein said Triclopyr is present at a concentration of 0.015-2%; optionally wherein said Triclopyr is present at a concentration of 0.02-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.04-1.2% (w / v), more preferably 0.05-1% (w / v).

93. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Quinmerac, and wherein said Quinmerac is present at a concentration of 0.01-2% (w / v).

94. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic comprises or consists of Quinmerac, and wherein said Quinmerac is present at a concentration of 0.015-2% (w / v); optionally wherein said Quinmerac is present at a concentration of 0.02-1.5% (w / v), preferably 0.04-1.2% (w / v), more preferably 0.05-1% (w / v).

95. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is present at a concentration of < 10% (w / v), < 8% (w / v), < 6% (w / v), < 4% (w / v), < 2% (w / v), < 0.5% (w / v) (preferably wherein the fatty acid is present at a concentration of < 10% (w / v)); and optionally wherein the fatty acid is present at a concentration of > 0.2% (w / v), > 0.5% (w / v), > 2% (w / v), > 4% (w / v), > 6% (w / v), or > 8% (w / v).

96. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is present at a concentration of 0.2%-10% (w / v), preferably 0.3-9% (w / v), more preferably 0.4-8% (w / v).

97. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of nonanoic acid (preferably unsaponified nonanoic acid), and wherein said nonanoic acid is present at a concentration of 0.2-2.2% (w / v), preferably 0.3-1.2% (w / v), more preferably 0.6-1.2% (w / v).

98. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of saponified nonanoic acid (preferably ammonium pelargonate), and wherein said saponified nonanoic acid (preferably ammonium pelargonate) is present at a concentration of 1%-9% (w / v), preferably 1-4% (w / v), more preferably 2-8% (w / v).

99. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid comprises or consists of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), and wherein said caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) is present at a concentration of 0.2-2% (w / v), preferably 0.25-0.95% (w / v), more preferably 0.5-1.9% (w / v) (e.g. said concentration values representing the combined concentration of C8 and C10).

100. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the auxin mimic to fatty acid is from 1 :0.2 to 1 :45.101 . The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of BBCH-scale stage IQ- 69 vegetation.

102. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of BBCH-scale stage IQ- 39 vegetation.

103. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of BBCH-scale stage 11- 30 vegetation.

104. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of BBCH-scale stage 11- 16 vegetation.

105. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: a. the auxin mimic is a phenoxycarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); dichlorprop-p; mecoprop-p; and MCPA (preferably wherein the auxin mimic is 2,4-D); and b. the fatty acid is nonanoic acid (C9).

106. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the undesired vegetation comprises or consists of dicotyledons.

107. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of viola arvensis, rape (winter), weed rape, solanum nigrum, matricaria chamomilla, chenopodium album, soft wheat (spring), sisymbrium officianale, stellaria media, teranium dissecta, eriochloa sericea, phacelia, silene noctiflora, linseed, Trifolium alexandrinum, Aethusa cynapium, and / or rye (winter); optionally wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of viola arvensis, rape (winter), weed rape, solanum nigrum, matricaria chamomilla, chenopodium album, soft wheat (spring), sisymbrium officianale, stellaria media, teranium dissecta, eriochloa sericea, phacelia, silene noctiflora, linseed, Trifolium alexandrinum, and / or rye (winter).

108. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of matricaria chamomilla, stellaria media, Aethusa cynapium, and / or chenopodium album; optionally wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of matricaria chamomilla, stellaria media, and / or chenopodium album.

109. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vegetation (e.g. undesired vegetation) comprises or consists of chenopodium album.

110. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein desired vegetation comprises or consists of monocotyledons.

111. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein desired vegetation comprises or consists of monocotyledon crop plant(s).

112. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein desired vegetation comprises or consists of grain pea, corn crop, sugar beet, cereal crops, grasses, coconut, agapanthus, asparagus, bamboo, bananas, daffodils, garlic, ginger, lilies, onions, orchids, rice, sugarcane, tulips, and / or wheat.

113. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein desired vegetation comprises or consists of grain pea, corn crop (e.g. maize), sugar beet, fodder beet, legume, cotton, fruit plants, rape, canola, vegetable crops and / or cereal crops (such as spring barley, winter wheat, or a combination thereof).

114. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fatty acid is applied (e.g. to undesired and / or desired vegetation) prior to, simultaneously with or sequentially to said auxin mimic.

115. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of growth regulators, fertilisers, a further herbicide, thickening agents, humectants, antioxidants, stabilising agents, wetting agents, sequestrants, solvents, dyes or combinations thereof.

116. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises a fertiliser selected from the group consisting of urea ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium sulfate, and combinations thereof.

117. The method, use or combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxin mimic and / or fatty acid is provided as a liquid composition and is applied by spraying and / or pouring.

Images