Adjuvant compositions for high-load herbicidal compositions

Abstract

The present invention provides an adjuvant composition for herbicides comprising: a) from 15.0% to 32.0% by weight of at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, b) at least one second surfactant selected from: b)(i) alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactants, b)(ii) glycoside surfactants, provided that the content of glycoside surfactant (if any) in the adjuvant composition is at most 6.0% by weight, and b)(iii) combinations thereof, c) optionally, at least one liquid medium, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

Description

[0001] ADJUVANT COMPOSITIONS FOR HIGH-LOAD HERBICIDAL COMPOSITIONS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides an adjuvant composition for herbicides. In addition, the present invention further provides a herbicidal composition comprising an adjuvant composition according to the invention. The invention also relates to different uses of said adjuvant composition and / or said herbicidal composition in agrochemical (agriculture) domain.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Herbicidally active glufosinate compositions are known and are commercially available in the form of ammonium, potassium and other salts. These herbicidal compositions are generally applied to weeds and unwanted vegetation in the form of an aqueous formulation containing a variety of adjuvants including for example wetting agents, surfactants, dispersants, anti-foam agents, humectants, and the like. The activity of the glufosinate composition may be improved considerably by the careful choice of additives.

[0006] Typically, there is a desire to have a higher glufosinate concentration, as the enduser (e.g., farmer) can modify the use concentration (amount of active applied to the field) by adjusting the dilution rate, and can avoid handling much product (the higher the concentration is, the lower the weight is for example).

[0007] Concentrated compositions can comprise a high amount of glufosinate, water, and at least one surfactant that can be useful as a formulation aid (dispersion, dissolution and / or stability of the glufosinate in water), and / or as a biological activator (for example increasing the efficacy the glufosinate, for example by encouraging wetting of a weed to be eliminated, or by encouraging penetration of the glufosinate into the weed). The relative amounts of glufosinate, surfactant(s) and optionally further ingredients may have also an effect onto the rheological properties of the formulation (for example viscosity, or ability to be spread). The rheological properties of the formulation as such or upon dilution are important for handling and spreading purpose.

[0008] Where the concentration of glufosinate is high, crystallization is often a significant problem. Crystallization can occur at different temperatures, at different glufosinate concentrations, or when diluting with water, but in particular is problematic at low temperatures. Crystallization is characterized by formation of small solid particles comprising glufosinate. These small particles can have the bad impact of filters clogging, nozzles clogging, creating unnecessary hazardous waste problems to dispose of the crystals, loss of activity (bioefficacy), and / or bad repartition of the active on the field.

[0009] Another important problem associated to high load compositions is the compatibility of the surfactants and which may lead in some cases to separation issues.

[0010] There is a need for new adjuvant compositions that allow the preparations of high loaded glufosinate herbicidal compositions, typically of glufosinate herbicidal compositions with a load of greater than or equal to 280 g / L, preferably of greater than or equal to 350 g / L, more preferably of greater than or equal to 400 g / L, typically of greater than or equal to 420 g / L.

[0011] More particularly, there is a need for new adjuvant compositions that allow the preparations of high loaded glufosinate herbicidal compositions while having at least one of the following feature: low and high temperature stability, lower cost, by using lower cost ingredients, better ecotoxic profile, better viscosity profile and stability, especially at lower temperature and during freeze-though cycles, and / or by avoiding crystallization, while keeping an acceptable efficacy or equivalent efficacy or even improving efficacy.

[0012] There is a continuing interest in agricultural pesticide compositions, more particularly agricultural fungicide compositions, which exhibit improved properties.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, it is provided an adjuvant composition for herbicides, said composition comprising: a) from 15.0% to 32.0% by weight of at least one first surfactant chosen from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, b) at least one second surfactant selected from: b)(i) alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactants, b)(ii) glycoside surfactants, provided that the content of glycoside surfactant (if any) in the adjuvant composition is at most 6.0% by weight, and b)(iii) combinations thereof, c) optionally, at least one liquid medium, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0015] Preferably, said at least one second surfactant comprises from b)(i) alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactants.

[0016] More preferably, said at least one second surfactant comprises at least one alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant b)(i) and at least one glycoside surfactant b)(ii).

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises: a) from 15.0% to 32.0% by weight of at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably selected from carboxybetaine compounds, b) at least one second surfactant selected from alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactants, c) optionally, at least one glycoside surfactant, provided that the content of glycoside surfactant (if any) in the adjuvant composition is at most 6.0% by weight, and d) optionally, at least one liquid medium, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0018] Preferably, the first surfactant is chosen from carboxybetaine compounds, preferably from alkyl dimethyl betaine compounds, more preferably from (C4-C32)- alkyl dimethyl betaine compounds, even more preferably from (Cio-Cie)-alkyl dimethyl betaine compounds.

[0019] More preferably, the first surfactant is a mixture of lauryl dimethyl betaine and myristyl dimethyl betaine.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) are chosen from alkoxylated (C -C2o)-alkyl ether phosphate, more preferably from alkoxylated tridecyl ether phosphate, even more preferably from polyethyleneglycol tridecyl ether phosphate. According to an embodiment, the glycoside surfactant(s) are chosen from alkyl polyglycoside surfactants, more preferably from alkyl polyglucoside.

[0021] Advantageously, the liquid medium comprises at least one aqueous liquid medium, preferably water, and / or a solvent, preferably the liquid medium comprises water and optionally a solvent.

[0022] More advantageously, the liquid medium comprises water and a solvent.

[0023] Preferably, the solvent is of general formula (VI):

[0024] R14CONR15R16(VI) wherein:

[0025] - R14is a linear or branched, saturated aliphatic group, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, substituted by one or more functional groups chosen from -OH groups and / or -COOR’ groups, wherein R’ is a (Ci-Ce)alkyl group,

[0026] - R15and R16, which are identical or different, are a (Ci-Ce)alkyl group, R14and R15or R16may together form a ring, the said ring containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more (Ci-C4)alkyl groups and / or one or more functional groups chosen from -OH groups, -OR’ groups, -COOR’ groups and -CONR17R18groups, wherein R’ is a (Ci- Ce)alkyl group and R17and R18, which are identical or different, denote a (Ci- Ce)alkyl group.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises from 20.0% to 28.0% by weight of said at least one first surfactant, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 22.5% to 27.5% by weight.

[0028] According to an embodiment, when present in the adjuvant composition, the content of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) ranges from 0.5% to 10.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 1.0% to 5.0% by weight, more preferably from 2.0% to 4.0% by weight. According to an embodiment, when present in the adjuvant composition, the content of glycoside surfactant(s) ranges from 0.1% to 6.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 0.5% to 4.5% by weight, more preferably from 1.0% to 4.0% by weight.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, it is provided an herbicidal composition comprising:

[0030] - at least one herbicide,

[0031] - at least one adjuvant composition according of the invention as defined above and in more details below, and

[0032] - optionally, a liquid medium.

[0033] Preferably, the herbicide is chosen from aminophosphate or aminophosphonate ammonium salts, preferably from ammonium glyphosate or glufosinate salts, more preferably from ammonium glufosinate salts.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the herbicide is present in the herbicidal composition of the invention at equal or greater than 280 g / L, preferably at equal or greater than 350 g / L, more preferably at equal or greater than 400 g / L, typically at equal or greater than 420 g / L.

[0035] In still another aspect of the present invention, it is provided a method of preparing a herbicidal composition according to the invention as defined above and in more details below, said method comprising putting in contact and mixing at least one herbicide, at least one adjuvant composition as defined above and in more details below, and optionally a liquid medium.

[0036] The invention also relates to the use of an adjuvant composition according to the invention (as defined above and in more details below) or of a herbicidal composition according to the invention (as defined above and in more details below), in agrochemicals. The invention further concerns a method for regulating plant growth comprising contacting a herbicidal composition according to the invention (as defined above and in more details below) with a plant.

[0037] The invention finally relates to a method of imparting low temperature stability to an herbicidal composition comprising equal or greater than 280 g / L of a herbicide, comprising adding to said composition an adjuvant composition according to the invention (as defined above and in more details below).

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term "comprising one" or “comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with the term "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified. The terms "between" and “from ... to...” should be understood as being inclusive of the limits.

[0040] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. , to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0041] It should be noted that in specifying any range of concentration, weight ratio or amount, any particular upper concentration, weight ratio or amount can be associated with any particular lower concentration, weight ratio or amount, respectively.

[0042] As used herein, the term "alkyl" means a saturated hydrocarbon radical, which may be straight, branched or cyclic, such as, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n- butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, n-hexyl, cyclohexyl.

[0043] As used herein, the term “derivative” means an ester, ether, diester, diether or any other derivatives from a specific molecule or compound which contains functional groups able of being derivatizes, for instance but not limited to an acid group.

[0044] The amounts of surfactants are amounts of actives matters, as opposed to amounts “as is”, dry amounts, or the like, unless otherwise provided.

[0045] The invention firstly relates to an adjuvant composition for herbicides, comprising: a) from 15.0 % to 32.0 % by weight of at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, b) at least one second surfactant selected from: b)(i) alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactants, b)(ii) glycoside surfactants, provided that the content of glycoside surfactants in the adjuvant composition is at most 6.0% by weight, and b) (iii) combinations thereof, c) optionally, at least one liquid medium, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0046] The invention also relates to an herbicidal composition comprising:

[0047] - at least one herbicide,

[0048] - at least one adjuvant composition according to the invention, and

[0049] - optionally, a liquid medium.

[0050] First surfactant - betaine

[0051] The adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds.

[0052] By “betaine”, we refer in the context of the invention to a neutral compound with a positively charged cationic functional group that bears no hydrogen atom, and with a negatively charger functional group, such as a carboxylate group, that is not adjacent to the cationic functional group.

[0053] The betaine compound is typically chosen from carboxybetaine compounds sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof.

[0054] Carboxybetaines are generally known compounds and include, for example, N- alkyl derivatives of glycine and N-alkyl derivatives of p-alanine, more typically N- alkyl derivatives of dimethyl glycine.

[0055] Preferably, carboxybetaine compound of the adjuvant composition of the invention is according to the general formula (I): wherein

[0056] R1is an hydrophobic moiety, R2and R3are each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxy-terminated poly(oxyalkylene), or alkoxy-terminated poly(oxyalkylene), and

[0057] R4is methylene or dimethylene.

[0058] Suitable (carboxy) betaine surfactants include, for example, decyl dimethyl betaine, undecyl dimethyl betaine, dodecyl dimethyl betaine, tridecyl dimethyl betaine, tetradecyl dimethyl betaine, coco dimethyl betaine, (Ci2-Ci4)alkyl dimethyl betaine, hexadecyl dimethyl betaine, heptadecyl dimethyl betaine, octadecyl dimethyl betaine, dodecylamidopropyl dimethyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl dimethyl betaine, oleylamidopropyl betaine, lauryl dihydroxypropylglycinate, lauryl di(hydroxy-poly(ethoxy))glycinate, p-alanine, cocodimethylbetaine, and mixtures thereof.

[0059] Sulfobetaines are generally known compounds. Sulfobetaine may be compounds according to the general formula (II): R5R6R7N+CH2(CHR8)XCH2SO3- (II) wherein R5is a C1-C4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, such as a methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl,

[0060] R6is C6-C22alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl or hydroxyalkenyl,

[0061] R7is a C1-C4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, or a C6-C22alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl or hydroxyalkenyl, R8is H or OH, x is an integer of 0-2, wherein any two of the groups R4-R6may optionally form a ring structure.

[0062] Examples of sulfobetaines include and are not limited to: coco dimethyl sulfobetaine, myristyl dimethyl sulfobetaine, palmityl dimethyl sulfobetaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfobetaine, erucamidopropyl hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the first surfactant is chosen from carboxybetaines, more preferably from (carboxy)betaine compounds of formula (I) as defined above.

[0064] Preferably, R1is an alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxyalkyl, each typically having from 4 to 32 carbon atoms per group, wherein the alkyl moiety of the alkoxyalkyl group may optionally be substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups and / or be linked to the nitrogen atom of structure (I) via a divalent oxyalkylene radical of from 1 to 6 oxy(C2-C3)alkylene units. More preferably, R1is an alkyl or alkoxyalkyl, having from 4 to 32 carbon atoms per group.

[0065] Preferably, R2and R3are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkyl, (Ci-Ce)alkenyl, an alkoxyalkyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms per group, hydroxy(Ci-Ce) alkyl, or R9-(OCyH2y)z- wherein R9is H or (Ci-Ce)alkyl, y is, independently for each - (OCyH2y)- unit, 2 or 3, and z is an integer of from 1 to 20, more typically from 1 to 10. More preferably, R2and R3are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkyl, even more preferably (Ci-C3)alkyl, typically methyl.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment:

[0067] - R1is (C4-C32)alkyl or alkoxyalkyl having from 4 to 32 carbon atoms per group,

[0068] - R2and R3are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkyl, and

[0069] - R4is methylene or dimethylene.

[0070] According to an even preferred embodiment:

[0071] - R1is (C4-C32)alkyl, preferably (Ce-Csojalkyl, more preferably (Cs-C22)alkyl, even more preferably (Cio-Cie)alkyl, and typically (Ci2-Ci4)alkyl,

[0072] - R2and R3are each independently (Ci-Ce)alkyl, preferably (Ci-C3)alkyl, more preferably methyl, and

[0073] - R4is methylene.

[0074] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the betaine compound is a mixture of (Ci2-Ci4)alkyl dimethyl betaine compounds. In other words, the betaine compound of the first surfactant is a mixture of lauryl dimethyl betaine and myristyl dimethyl betaine. Advantageously, lauryl dimethyl betaine and myristyl dimethyl betaine are present in the adjuvant composition of the invention according to a weight ratio ranging from 10:1 to 1 :10, preferably from 10:1 to 1 :1 , even more preferably from 5:1 to 1 :1 , typically from 3:1 to 1 :1.

[0075] Specific examples of betaines compounds particularly adapted to the invention include for example Agrospec® HT 2009, Geronol® CF / AS 30 or even Mirataine® BB FLA.

[0076] The adjuvant composition of the invention comprises from 15.0% to 32.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, of said first surfactant(s). Advantageously, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises from 20.0% to 28.0% by weight of said first surfactant(s), with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 22.5% to 27.5% by weight. Second surf acta nt(s)

[0077] The adjuvant composition according to the invention further comprises at least one second surfactant. The second surfactant is typically chosen from: i) alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s), ii) glycoside surfactant(s), and iii) combinations thereof.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the second surfactant consists of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) and / or glycoside surfactant(s).

[0079] Alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s)

[0080] According to an embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises at least one second surfactant chosen from alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s).

[0081] Preferably, the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate compound of the composition of the invention is according to the general formula (III): wherein

[0082] - R is a linear or branched, preferably linear, alkyl group,

[0083] - a is, independently for each -(CaH2a-O)- unit, an integer ranging from 1 to 20, and

[0084] - b is an integar ranging from 1 to 50.

[0085] Advantageously, R10is a linear (C1-C50) alkyl group, preferably a (C5-C20) alkyl group, more preferably a (C10-C20) alkyl group, even more preferably a (C10-C15).

[0086] Advantageously, a is, independently for each -(CaH2a-O)- unit, an integer ranging from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 5. More advantageously, a is, independently for each -(CaH2a-O)- unit, equal to 1 or 2.

[0087] Advantageously, b is an integer ranging from 1 to 30, preferably from 2 to 20, more preferably from 3 to 15, typically from 5 to 10.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate compound of the composition of the invention is according to the general formula (IV): wherein:

[0089] - R10is a (C10-C15) linear alkyl group, and

[0090] - b is an integer ranging from 5 to 10.

[0091] According to an even preferred embodiment, the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate compound of the composition of the invention is chosen from polyethylene glycol tridecyl ether phosphates.

[0092] Specific examples of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate compounds particularly adapted to the invention include for example Rhodafac® RS-610 commercialized by SYENSQO.

[0093] Preferably, and when present in the adjuvant composition according to the invention, the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) represent from 0.5% to 10.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 1.0% to 5.0% by weight, more preferably from 2.0% to 4.5% by weight.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the first surfactant(s) and the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) surfactant(s) are present in the adjuvant composition of the invention according to weight ratio ranging from 1 :1 to 50:1 , preferably from 10:1 to 30:1 , more preferably from 15:1 to 25:1.

[0095] Glycoside surfactant(s)

[0096] According to an embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises at least one second surfactant chosen from glycoside surfactant(s).

[0097] Suitable glycoside surfactants are generally known compounds, which characteristically comprise a sugar moiety bound to a hydrophobic moiety. Suitable sugar moieties include monosaccharide moieties and polysaccharide moieties. Suitable hydrophobic moieties include hydrocarbyl moieties, more typically (C4-C3o)hydrocarbyl moieties, even more typically (C4- Csojalkyl groups. In one embodiment, the glycoside surfactant component of the present invention is selected from alkylmonoglycoside surfactants, alkylpolyglycoside surfactants, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the glycoside surfactant component of the respective adjuvant composition or pesticide composition of the present invention comprises one or more compounds according to formula (V):

[0098] R11O(R12)mR13(V) wherein:

[0099] - R11is a hydrophobic moiety,

[0100] - each R12is independently a divalent monosaccharide radical,

[0101] - R13is a monovalent monosaccharide radical, and

[0102] - m is an integer of from 0 to about 10, more typically from 0 to 4, even more typically from 0 to 2.

[0103] In one embodiment, R11is hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl. More typically, R11is a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated aliphatic group or an aromatic group, more typically, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, and even more typically, alkyl.

[0104] In one embodiment, R11contains from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, even more preferably from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. According to a preferred embodiment, R11contains from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, even more preferably from 8 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0105] As used herein in reference to a monosaccharide radical, the term "divalent" means that the radical is a linking group that links two other moieties via a respective single covalent bond between the divalent monosaccharide radical and each of the two other moieties and corresponds to a monosaccharide residue formed by, for example, conceptually removing two hydrogen atoms from a molecule of the monosaccharide. In one embodiment, each R12is a divalent radical selected from divalent pentose radicals and divalent hexose radicals. Suitable divalent pentose radicals and divalent hexose radicals include divalent radicals of aldopentoses, aldohexoses, ketopentoses, and ketohexoses, such as, for example, divalent radicals of ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, dihydroxyacetone, erthrulose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, and tagatose.

[0106] In one embodiment, each R12is independently a divalent radical of ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, dihydroxyacetone, erthrulose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, or tagatose.

[0107] In one embodiment, each R12is independently a divalent radical of glucose, arabinose, or xylose, more typically, glucose.

[0108] As used herein in reference to a monosaccharide radical, the term "monovalent" means that the radical is an end group that caps one other moiety via a single covalent bond to the one other moiety and corresponds to a monosaccharide residue formed by, for example, conceptually removing one hydrogen atom from a molecule of the monosaccharide.

[0109] In one embodiment, R13is a monovalent radical selected from monovalent pentose radicals and monovalent hexose radicals. Suitable monovalent pentose radicals and monovalent hexose radicals include divalent radicals of ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, dihydroxyacetone, erthrulose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, and tagatose.

[0110] In one embodiment, R13is monovalent radical of ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, dihydroxyacetone, erthrulose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, or tagatose.

[0111] In one embodiment, R13is a monovalent radical of glucose, arabinose, or xylose, more typically, glucose.

[0112] When m = 0, glycoside surfactant according to structure (V) is a monoglycoside surfactant. When m is greater than 0, the glycoside surfactant according to structure (V) is a polyglycoside surfactant.

[0113] In one embodiment, m is an integer greater than 0, -(R12)mR13is a monovalent moiety consisting of a chain of m polymerized monomeric saccharide units R12with a terminal saccharide group R13.

[0114] In one embodiment, each R12radical and the R13radical is a residue of the same saccharide compound. In one embodiment, each R12and R13is a glucose residue. In one embodiment, each R12and R13group is independently selected from monosaccharide residues, and include residues of at least two different monosaccharides. In one embodiment, each R12and R13group is independently selected from glucose residues, arabinose residues, and xylose residues, more typically, from arabinose residues and xylose residues, and include residues of at least two different monosaccharides.

[0115] In one embodiment, the glycoside surfactant according to formula (V) is a species according to formula (V-a):

[0116] R110-( R12)m( R12)m ( R12)m -R13( V-a) wherein:

[0117] - R11and R13are each described as above,

[0118] - each R12’, R12”, and R12’ is an R12group, wherein R12A R12” R12’”,

[0119] - each m’, m", and m'" is an integer of from 0 to 10, wherein m' + m" + m'" = m, and

[0120] - the sequence of the R12’, R12”, and R12units in the -(R12’)m (R12)m”(R12)m”- chain is a random, alternating, or a block sequence, more typically, a random sequence. According to a preferred embodiment, the glycoside surfactant is chosen from alkyl polyglucoside surfactants, preferably from C8 to C12 alkyl polyglucoside surfactants, more preferably from C8 to C10 alkyl polyglucosides.

[0121] Specific examples of C8 to C10 alkyl polyglucoside compounds particularly adapted to the invention include for example Triton™ CG-50 commercialized by Dow.

[0122] Preferably, and when present in the adjuvant composition according to the invention, the glycoside surfactant(s) represent from 0.1% to 6% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 0.5 % to 4.5% by weight, more preferably from 1 .0% to 4% by weight.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the first surfactant(s) and the glycoside surfactant(s) are present in the adjuvant composition of the invention according to weight ratio ranging from 1 :1 to 50:1 , preferably from 5:1 to 30:1 , more preferably from 5:1 to 20:1.

[0124] According to a first embodiment, the second surfactant consists of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s). Preferably, according to this first embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention is free of glycoside surfactant(s).

[0125] According to a second embodiment, the second surfactant consists of glycoside surfactant(s). Preferably, according to this first embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention is free of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s).

[0126] According to a third embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises both at least one alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant, and at least one glycoside surfactant. Preferably, according to this third embodiment, the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) and the glycoside surfactant(s) are present in the adjuvant composition of the invention according to weight ratio ranging from 10:1 to 1 :10, preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :5, more preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :4.

[0127] Liquid medium

[0128] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention further comprises a liquid medium.

[0129] As used herein, "liquid medium" means a medium that is in the liquid phase at a temperature of 25°C and a pressure of one atmosphere.

[0130] More preferably, the adjuvant composition of the invention is in the form of a dispersion of the above-defined surfactants in a liquid medium.

[0131] The liquid medium may be a non-aqueous liquid medium and / or an aqueous liquid medium.

[0132] Advantageously, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises from 45.0% to 75.0% by weight of liquid medium, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 50.0% to 70.0% by weight, more preferably from 52.0% to 59.0% by weight.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the liquid medium comprises at least one aqueous liquid medium and / or a solvent.

[0134] By “solvent”, we refer in the context of the invention to a liquid substance that is capable of dissolving at least one of the first and second surfactant(s) present in the adjuvant composition of the invention, preferably all the surfactant(s) present in the adjuvant composition of the invention.

[0135] Aqueous liquid medium

[0136] As used herein, the terminology "aqueous medium" means a single-phase liquid medium that contains more than a trace amount of water, typically, based on 100 pbw of the aqueous medium, more than 0.1 pbw water. Suitable aqueous media more typically comprise, based on 100 pbw of the aqueous medium, greater than about 5 pbw water, even more typically greater than 10 pbw water. In one embodiment, the aqueous emulsion comprises, based on 100 pbw of the aqueous medium, greater than 40 pbw water, more typically, greater than 50 pbw water. The aqueous medium may, optionally, further comprise water soluble or water miscible components dissolved in the aqueous medium. The terminology "water miscible" as used herein means miscible in all proportions with water. Suitable water miscible organic liquids include, for example, (C1-C5) alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and (Ci-Cs)polyols, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. The composition of the present invention may, optionally, further comprise one or more water insoluble or water immiscible components, such as a water immiscible organic liquid, wherein the combined aqueous medium and water insoluble or water immiscible components form a micro emulsion, or a multi-phase system such as, for example, an emulsion, a suspension or a suspoemulsion, in which the aqueous medium is in the form of a discontinuous phase dispersed in a continuous phase of the water insoluble or water immiscible component, or, more typically, the water insoluble or water immiscible component is in the form of a discontinuous phase dispersed in a continuous phase of the aqueous medium.

[0137] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid medium is an aqueous liquid medium, more preferably is water.

[0138] Advantageously, when present, the aqueous liquid medium, notably water, represents from 45.0% to 65.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 50.0% to 60.0% by weight, more preferably from 52.0% to 54.0% by weight.

[0139] Solvent

[0140] According to an embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises at least one solvent (or a mixture of solvents). In one embodiment, the solvent is a polar solvent. In another embodiment, the solvent is water-miscible. The solvent may include, but is not limited to, one or a mixture of: a water-miscible glycol ether, a water-miscible polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerine or propylene glycol) ether, a water-miscible alcohol, a water-miscible ketone, a water-miscible aldehyde, a water-miscible acetate.

[0141] In some embodiments, the solvent comprises at least one of propylene glycol, glycerine or ethylene glycol.

[0142] Other solvents (or solvent blends include at least one of the following) include: N- methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP, can be further identified for example with CAS number 872-50-4), diester solvents, propylene carbonate, acetophenone, ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, methoxy methyl butanol, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, dimethyl formamide (DMF), furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, neopentyl glycol, hexadiols, hexylene glycol, glycol ether amines, ethylene glycol monoacetate.

[0143] According to a preferred embodiment, the solvent is chosen from solvents of formula (VI):

[0144] R14CONR15R16(VI) wherein:

[0145] R14is a linear or branched, saturated aliphatic group, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, substituted by one or more functional groups chosen from -OH groups and / or -COOR’ groups, wherein R’ is a (Ci-Ce)alkyl group, in particular a (Ci-C4)alkyl group, and more particularly a (Ci-C2)alkyl group,

[0146] R15and R16, which are identical or different, are a (Ci-Ce)alkyl group, in particular a (Ci-C4)alkyl group, and more particularly a (Ci-C2)alkyl group,

[0147] R14and R15or R16may together form a ring, the said ring containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more (Ci-C4)alkyl groups and / or one or more functional groups chosen from -OH groups, -OR’ groups, -COOR’ groups and -CONR17R18groups, wherein R’ is a (Ci- Ce)alkyl group, in particular a (Ci-C4)alkyl group, and more particularly a (Ci- C2)alkyl group, and R17and R18, which are identical or different, denote a (Ci- Ce)alkyl group, in particular a (Ci-C4)alkyl group, and more particularly a (Ci- C2)alkyl group.

[0148] Preferably, the radical R14in formula (VI) represents a group having the formula -Z-COOR' in which R' is a methyl group and Z is a linear or branched divalent alkylene group comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0149] More preferentially, Z is a linear or branched divalent alkylene group comprising 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferentially Z is a branched divalent alkylene group comprising 4 carbon atoms.

[0150] According to a preferred embodiment, the solvent of general formula (VI) is chosen from those of the following general formula (VI-1):

[0151] R’OOC-Z-CONR15R16(VI-1) wherein,

[0152] Z is a divalent (Ci-Ce)alkylene, preferably (C2-Cs)alkylene, more preferentially (C4)alkylene, and

[0153] R’, R15and R16, identical or different, denote a (Ci-Ce)alkyl, preferably a (Ci-C4)alkyl, more preferentially a (Ci-C2)alkyl, and even better a methyl group. Preferably according to this embodiment, Z in formula (VI-1) is a divalent (C4)alkylene, more preferably a divalent alkylene group of formula -CH(CH3)- CH2-CH2-.

[0154] Preferably according to this embodiment, R’, R15and R16, are (Ci-C4)alkyls, in particular methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, tert-butyl. And more preferably R’, R15and R16are identical and notably a (Ci-C2)alkyl. More advantageously, R’, R15and R16, are identical and denote a methyl group.

[0155] Preferably, the solvent(s) is (are) chosen from compounds of formula (VI-1), wherein Z is a (C4)alkylene group, and R’, R15and R16are methyl groups. Very preferably, the ester-amide solvent comprises at least one compound of formula (VI-1), wherein Z is an alkylene group of formula -CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2, and R’, R15and R16are methyl groups.

[0156] Advantageously, the solvent comprises, preferably is, methyl-5- (dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate.

[0157] Rhodiasolv® Polarclean, marketed by SYENSQO, is an example of very suitable commercial solvent which can be used in an adjuvant composition in accordance with the invention.

[0158] Advantageously, when present, the solvent(s) represents from 0.1 to 10.0%, by weight of solvent, notably of formula (VI), with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 2.0 by weight, typically from 0.5% to 2.0% by weight.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the liquid medium comprises at least one aqueous liquid medium, preferably water, and optionally at least one solvent.

[0160] According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid medium comprises both at least one liquid medium, preferably water, and at least one solvent, preferably of formula (VI-1).

[0161] Additional components According to an embodiment, the adjuvant composition as described herein may further comprise additional components such as, for example: surfactants different from the above-described first and second surfactants, anti-foaming agents, deposition control agents such as anti-rebound or anti-drift agents.

[0162] In one particular embodiment, the herbicidal compositions described herein contain, in addition to the first and second surfactants defined above, an additional surfactant. In one embodiment, said additional surfactant is chosen from a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant and mixtures thereof. This additional surfactant may provide further advantages or synergies in term of costs, and / or bioefficacy, and / or rheology management, and / or environment concerns.

[0163] Some non-limiting examples of additional surfactants include: an ethoxylated fatty amine; a fatty amine; an ether carboxylate; an acid or non-acid mono- and di-ester phosphate, optionally polyalkoxylated, and mixtures thereof.

[0164] According to an embodiment the composition is substantially free (less than 10% by weight of the total composition, preferably less than 1 %, preferably none) of a humectant selected from polyhydric alcohols, polysaccharide humectants, and mixtures thereof.

[0165] The adjuvant composition of the invention may also further comprise pH adjusting agents, notably organic pH adjusting agents such as monoethanol amine or triethanolamine (TEA), and / or inorganic bases or acids, to get desired pH of the final formulation.

[0166] The adjuvant composition of the invention may also further comprise impurities resulting from the manufacturing process of the surfactant(s). These impurities are typically introduced in the adjuvant composition of the invention as a mixture with the surfactant(s). Alkali metal salts such as potassium chloride or sodium chloride are typical examples of impurities present with surfactant(s).

[0167] Ammonium sulfate may also be a useful adjuvant compound to achieve water conditioning effects. As a matter of fact, ammonium sulfate is known to reduce the effect of the hard water ions (especially calcium and magnesium ions) on the efficacy of some pesticides such as weak acid herbicides (like glyphosate). Advantageously, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises from 0% to 10% by weight of additional component(s), with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.5% to 2% by weight.

[0168] The adjuvant composition

[0169] According to a first embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises at least one alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant, and optionally at least one glycoside surfactant.

[0170] Preferably, according to this first embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises, preferably essentially consists, more preferably consists of: a) from 15% to 32% by weight at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine betaines, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably from carboxybetaine compounds, b) from 0.5% to 10% by weight of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s), preferably of polyethylene tridecyl ether phosphates, c) optionally, from 0.1% to 6% by weight of glycoside surfactant(s), preferably from alkyl polyglucosides, d) optionally, from 45% to 75% by weight of at least one liquid medium, preferably of a mixture of at least one aqueous liquid medium and of at least one solvent, and e) optionally, from 0% to 10% by weight of additional components as defined above, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0171] More preferably, according to this first embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises, preferably essentially consists, more preferably consists of: a) from 20% to 28% by weight at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine betaines, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably from carboxy betaine compounds, b) from 1% to 5% by weight of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s), preferably of polyethylene tridecyl ether phosphates, c) optionally, from 0.1% to 4.5% by weight of glycoside surfactant(s), preferably from alkyl polyglucosides, d) from 50% to 60% by weight of at least one aqueous liquid medium, preferably of water, e) from 0.1 % to 5% by weight of at least one solvent, preferably of formula (VI) as defined above, and f) from 0.1% to 5% by weight of additional components as defined above, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0172] Even more preferably, according to this third embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises, preferably essentially consists, more preferably consists of: a) from 22.5% to 27.5% by weight at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine betaines, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably from carboxybetaine compounds, b) from 2% to 4.5% by weight of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphates, preferably of polyethylene tridecyl ether phosphates, c) optionally, from 1 % to 4% by weight of glycoside surfactant(s), preferably from alkyl polyglucosides, d) from 52% to 54% by weight of at least one aqueous liquid medium, preferably of water, e) from 0.5% to 2% by weight of at least one solvent, preferably of formula (VI) as defined above, and f) from 0.5% to 2% by weight of additional components as defined above, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0173] According to a second embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention comprises at least one glycoside surfactant, and optionally at least one alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant.

[0174] Preferably, according to this second embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises, preferably essentially consists, more preferably consists of: a) from 15% to 32% by weight at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably from carboxybetaine compounds, b) optionally, from 0.5% to 10% by weight of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s), preferably of polyethylene tridecyl ether phosphates, c) from 0.1% to 6% by weight of glycoside surfactant(s), preferably from alkyl polyglucosides, d) optionally, from 45% to 75% by weight of at least one liquid medium, preferably of a mixture of at least one aqueous liquid medium and of at least one solvent, preferably of formula (VI) as defined above, and f) optionally, from 0% to 10% by weight of additional components as defined above, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0175] More preferably, according to this second embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises, preferably essentially consists, more preferably consists of: a) from 20% to 28% by weight at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably from carboxybetaine compounds, b) optionally, from 1 % to 5% by weight of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s), preferably of polyethylene tridecyl ether phosphates, c) from 0.1% to 4.5% by weight of glycoside surfactant(s), preferably from alkyl polyglucosides, d) from 50% to 60% by weight of at least one aqueous liquid medium, preferably of water, e) from 0.1 % to 5% by weight of at least one solvent, preferably of formula (VI) as defined above, and f) from 0.1% to 5% by weight of additional components as defined above, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0176] Even more preferably, according to this second embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention comprises, preferably essentially consists, more preferably consists of: a) from 22.5% to 27.5% by weight at least one first surfactant selected from betaine compounds, preferably from carboxybetaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, more preferably from betaine compounds, b) optionally, from 2% to 4.5% by weight of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphates, preferably of polyethylene tridecyl ether phosphates, c) from 1% to 4% by weight of glycoside surfactant(s), preferably from alkyl polyglucosides, d) from 52% to 54% by weight of at least one aqueous liquid medium, preferably of water, e) from 0.5% to 2% by weight of at least one solvent, preferably of formula (VI) as defined above, and f) from 0.5% to 2% by weight of additional components as defined above, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the adjuvant composition is an agricultural adjuvant composition. In particular, according to this embodiment, the adjuvant composition according to the invention is particularly adapted to be used in agrochemical (agriculture) domain, notably in combination with herbicide(s).

[0178] The adjuvant composition of the invention can be prepared by mixing their different constituents with moderate stirring, at a temperature ranging from 15° C. to 60° C. In one embodiment, the temperature is ambient temperature (15-30°C.).

[0179] The herbicide(s)

[0180] The herbicidal composition according to the invention comprises at least one herbicide.

[0181] Preferably, the herbicide is chosen from aminophosphate, aminophosphate salts, aminophosphonate, aminophosphonate salts, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the herbicide is chosen from glufosinate, glufosinate salts, glyphosate, glyphosate salts, and mixtures thereof.

[0182] Glyphosate refers to N(phosphonomethyl)glycine. Gluphosinate refers to 4- [hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]-DL-homoalanine.

[0183] In the case that the herbicide is glyphosate or the salt thereof, the salt may be the potassium salt of glyphosate, the sodium salt of glyphosate, the isopropyl amine salt of glyphosate, the ammonium salt of glyphosate, combination of the potassium salt of glyphosate and the isopropyl amine salt of glyphosate, or combination of the potassium salt of glyphosate and the ammonium salt of glyphosate.

[0184] The glyphosate or the salt thereof may be present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 90 wt%, preferably from 20 wt% to 60 wt%, more preferably, 30% to 50%, based on total weight of the composition.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the herbicide is a glufosinate or salt thereof which may be represented by the general formula (VII): in the form of the racemate or the L enantiomer, lower alkyl esters thereof or salts thereof with acids or bases.

[0186] The compounds of the general formula (VII) include an asymmetric carbon atom. The L enantiomer is regarded as the biologically active isomer. The general formula (VII) hence embraces all stereoisomers and mixtures thereof, particularly the racemate, and the biologically active enantiomer in each case. Examples of active ingredients of the formula (VII) are as follows: glufosinate and its ammonium salt in racemic form,, i.e., 2-amino-4- [hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]butanoic acid and its ammonium salt, the L- enantiomer of glufosinate and its ammonium salt, bilanafos / bialaphos, i.e., L-2- amino-4-[hydroxy( methyl)phosphinoyl]butanoyl-L-ala111inyl-L-alanine and its sodium salt.

[0187] Preferably, the herbicide is an ammonium salt of glufosinate.

[0188] In the case that the herbicide is a glufosinate or the salt thereof, the glufosinate active ingredient may be present in an amount of from 1 wt% to 90 wt%, preferably from 5 wt% to 50 wt%, more preferably from 20 wt% to 40 wt%, based on total weight of the composition.

[0189] According to an embodiment, the herbicide is present in the herbicidal composition at equal or greater than 280 g / L, preferably at equal or greater than 350 g / L, more preferably at equal or greater than 400 g / L, even more preferably at equal or greater than 420 g / L.

[0190] According to a preferred embodiment, the herbicide is present in the herbicidal composition at a content ranging 280 g / L to 420 g / L, preferably ranging from 350 g / L to 420 g / L, more preferably ranging from 400 g / L to 420 g / L.

[0191] The herbicidal composition

[0192] In particular, the invention also relates to an aqueous herbicidal composition comprising:

[0193] - at least one herbicide as defined above, preferably chosen from glufosinate ammonium salt,

[0194] - at least one adjuvant composition according to the invention and as defined above, and

[0195] - optionally, at least one liquid medium, notably as defined above.

[0196] In one embodiment, such herbicidal composition according to the invention is preferably aqueous.

[0197] In one embodiment, the adjuvant composition of the invention represents from 5.0% to 52.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the final herbicidal composition, preferably from 10.0% to 40.0% by weight, more preferably from 20.0% to 40.0% by weight.

[0198] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition of the invention comprises the liquid medium. In this embodiment, the liquid medium, notably the aqueous liquid media and / or solvent(s), typically represent from 20.0% to 70.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the final herbicidal composition, preferably from 30.0% to 70.0% by weight, more preferably from 35.0% to 60.0% by weight.

[0199] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition does not comprise further liquid medium that the one already present in the adjuvant composition.

[0200] According to another embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises an additional liquid medium that is distinct from the liquid medium already present in the adjuvant composition.

[0201] The herbicidal composition according to the invention can be prepared by mixing their different constituents with moderate stirring, at a temperature ranging from 15°C to 60°C. In one embodiment, the temperature is ambient temperature (15- 30°C). According to an embodiment, the adjuvant composition or a part thereof is added during neutralization of the aminophophate or aminophosphonate salts. The remaining components can be added afterwards.

[0202] The herbicidal compositions as described herein are characterized by at least one of the following properties: low temperature stability, bioefficacy, and low viscosity. The adjuvant composition as described herein can protect certain concentrated water soluble liquid herbicide formulations from instability at low storage temperatures when compared to the same formulations free from said adjuvant composition. The adjuvant composition as described herein can protect certain concentrated water soluble liquid herbicide formulations from instability at low storage temperatures when compared to the same formulations free from said adjuvant composition.

[0203] In one embodiment, the term Bioavailability or bioenhancing (BE) activity is defined as "an herbicide (or pesticide) or nutrient at a lower amount (dosage level) which in combination with an adjuvant provides more availability of the herbicide there by reducing the application rate of the herbicide or nutrient resulting in enhanced bioefficacy of the said herbicide. In such instance, the adjuvant, thus, enhances the bioefficacy of the herbicide when introduced into the same herbicidal composition.

[0204] In another embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein increases the bioefficacy of certain herbicides contained in such herbicidal composition. In other words, the adjuvant composition according to the invention, acting synergistically, produce a low application rate formulation (versus a composition without such adjuvant ingredients). For example, in one embodiment, the adjuvant composition as described herein enhance the bioefficacy of the herbicide such that lower amounts are needed (i.e. , lower application rate) versus a herbicide composition without such adjuvant mixture.

[0205] In practice, similar ingredients are added to the spray mixture separately, at much higher rates. Using the adjuvant blend components in one spray formulation, at an applicable spray rate, provides a convenient and time-saving combination for farmers. As described herein, in one embodiment, the adjuvant composition increases spray retention, and / or prevents pesticide antagonism from salts in the spray water, and / or enhances leaf penetration by providing a lipophilic and hydrophilic environment. In one embodiment, the effective amount of herbicide is about 1 % of the spray mixture volume. In one embodiment, the effective amount of herbicide means about 0.5% of the spray mixture volume. In one embodiment, the effective amount of herbicide means about 2% of the spray mixture volume. In one embodiment, the effective amount of herbicide means about 1.0% of the spray mixture volume. In one embodiment, the effective amount of herbicide means about 0.75% of the spray mixture volume.

[0206] In one embodiment, the herbicidal compositions as described herein maintain a viscosity of less than 400 Centipoise (cP) at room temperature, typically at a temperature ranging from 20°C to 25°C.

[0207] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than 20°C. In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than 15°C. In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than 10°C. In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than 5°C. In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than 0°C. In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than - 5°C. In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than -10°C. In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition as described herein exhibits no crystallization at a temperature at or less than -16°C.

[0208] Use of the adjuvant composition of the invention allows for large-scale production of highly concentrated water soluble herbicide salt formulations. Depending on the specific nature of the herbicide salt employed and their relative ratios, it is possible to load the herbicidal formulation with higher concentrations of the active ingredient salts than are currently commercially marketed. Higher active ingredient loadings are favored since it reduces transportation and warehousing costs and allows each package to treat more surface area.

[0209] In some embodiments, the composition is stable at a temperature of equal or less than 10°C, typically equal or less than 5°C, or equal or less than 2°C, even more typically equal or less than 0°C. In other embodiments, the composition is stable at a temperature of equal or less than -2°C, typically equal or less than -5°C, equal or less than -10°C, even more typically equal or less than -15°C. In this context, stability means minimal or no crystal formation at said low temperature. In another embodiment, stability means minimal or no phase separation at said low temperature.

[0210] Applications and uses

[0211] The herbicidal composition of the invention can be advantageously used in agrochemicals, in particular for preparing agrochemical formulations.

[0212] The herbicidal composition of the invention can be thus used to treat plants, normally after diluting with water. The diluted composition can be applied onto a field by any appropriate mean. The dilution, and the application onto the field, can be for example such that the amount of aminophosphate or amoniphosphonate ammonium salt, preferably glufosinate ammonium salt, is of from 800 g / ha to 3100 g / ha.

[0213] In another aspect, described herein is method for regulating plant growth comprising contacting an herbicidal composition as defined above, with a plant.

[0214] In another aspect, described is the use of any of the herbicidal compositions herein for spray applying to a plant.

[0215] In still another aspect, described herein is a method of imparting low temperature stability to an herbicidal composition comprising equal or greater than 280 g / L of a herbicide, notably as defined above, comprising adding to said herbicidal composition an adjuvant composition according to the invention.

[0216] Should the disclosure of any patents, patent applications, and publications which are incorporated herein by reference conflict with the description of the present application to the extent that it may render a term unclear, the present description shall take precedence.

[0217] EXAMPLES

[0218] In the following examples, and unless otherwise explicitly stated, contents are in given in percentages by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0219] Materials & Methods

[0220] The following compositions are prepared from: - Carboxy betaine: a mixture of C12 and C14 alkyl dimethyl betaines (30% by weight of actives), commercially available from SYENSQO under the name Aghrospec® HT 2009;

[0221] - Phosphate: polyethylene glycol tridecyl ether phosphate (87% by weight of actives), commercially available from SYENSQO under the name Rhodafac® RS-610;

[0222] - Glycoside: nonionic, C8 to C10 alkyl polyglucoside (50% by weight of actives);

[0223] Solvent: mixture comprising methyl-5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5- oxopentanoate, commercially available from SYENSQO under the name Rhodiasolv® Polarclean;

[0224] - Herbicide: 50 wt.% glufosinate ammonium solution prepared from 95 wt.% technical grade of glufosinate ammonium.

[0225] The properties of the compositions have been evaluated according to the following protocols:

[0226] - pH value: the pH of the adjuvant compositions and of the herbicide compositions is measured as is and after stability studies using pH meter;

[0227] - density: density is measured using a Mettler Toledo D40 at 20°C;

[0228] - viscosity: the viscosity is measured at room temperature 21 (±2) °C (or at 0 (±2) °C) using a Brookfield DV 2T viscometer equipped with a small sample adapter and chilled water supply to maintain the desired low temperature during the measurements. The viscosity was measured using LV3 spindle and the value was collected at the rotation speed of 30 rpm during 1 min;

[0229] - storage stability: the appearance of the compositions after a prolonged period of storage in specific conditions is observed and then compared to their appearance before storage. The appearance of the compositions is notably observed after 1 or 2 weeks of storage at room temperature, at 54°C or even at low temperature, typically at -10°C or -16°C. The behavior of the compositions after freeze-thaw (F / T) cycles (of 24 hours) has also been monitored for 1 or 2 weeks.

[0230] EXAMPLE 1

[0231] 1.1. Preparation and evaluation of adjuvant compositions

[0232] Adjuvant compositions A1 , A2, A3 and A4 according to the invention have been prepared by simple mixing all the components with overhead stirrer.

[0233] The composition of adjuvant compositions A1 , A2, A3 and A4 is given in table 1 below:

[0234] Table 1

[0235] The stability of the adjuvant compositions A1 , A2, A3 and A4 have then been evaluated according to the above-detailed protocols. The results are given in table 2 below:

[0236] Table 2

[0237] We observe that the adjuvant compositions were frozen at -10°C, but remained liquids after 1 week of storage at room temperature and 54°C.

[0238] 1.2. Preparation and evaluation of herbicidal compositions (Built-in adjuvated herbicide formulations}

[0239] Herbicidal compositions C1 , C2, C3 and C4 according to the invention have been respectively prepared from the adjuvant compositions A1 , A2, A3 and A4 prepared above. In particular, the herbicidal compositions according to the following protocol: the 50wt% herbicidal solution was mixed with each of adjuvant composition using overhead stirrer. The composition of the herbicide compositions C1 , C2, C3 and C4 is given in table

[0240] 3 below:

[0241] Table 3

[0242] The properties / performances of the herbicidal compositions have then been evaluated according to the above-detailed protocols. The results are given in table 4 below:

[0243] Table 4

[0244] We observe that after 2 weeks of storage at 54°C, the compositions have no phase separation and remain clear non-viscous liquid. They also show good stability at -16°C, -10°C, room temperature, and after freeze-thaw (F / T) cycles for 2 weeks. Furthermore, the compositions do not freeze at -16°C and also remain a viscous liquid. Further, the pH and of the viscosity of the herbicide compositions

[0245] C1 to C4 after 2 weeks of storage at 54°C, at room temperature, at -10°C, at - 16°C and of freeze / thaw cycles of 24h remain stable.

[0246] The stability study at different storage conditions showed that formulations do not have significant changes in the viscosity and pH when the solutions brought back to RT after 2 weeks of storage at specific temperature.

[0247] EXAMPLE 2

[0248] 2.1. Preparation and evaluation of adjuvant compositions

[0249] Adjuvant compositions A5, A6 and A7 according to the invention have been prepared by simple mixing all the components with overhead stirrer.

[0250] The composition of adjuvant compositions A5, A6 and A7 is given in table 5 below:

[0251] Table 5

[0252] 2.2. Preparation and evaluation of herbicidal compositions (Built-in adluvated herbicide formulations)

[0253] Herbicidal compositions C5, C6 and C7 according to the invention have been respectively prepared from the adjuvant compositions A5, A6 and A7 prepared above. In particular, the herbicidal compositions according to the following protocol: the 50wt% herbicidal solution was mixed with each of adjuvant composition using overhead stirrer.

[0254] The composition of the herbicide compositions C5, C6 and C7 is given in table 6 below:

[0255] Table 6

[0256] The properties / performances of the herbicidal compositions have then been evaluated according to the above-detailed protocols. The results are given in table 7 below:

[0257] Table 7

[0258] We observe that the three formulations have a very satisfactory viscosity value at room temperature. Compositions C5 and C6 are even more advantageous in that they have a reduced viscosity at room temperature, compared to composition C7.

[0259] Further, compositions C5 and C6 have a satisfactory viscosity value at 0°C.

Claims

C L A I M S1 . An adjuvant composition for herbicides, said composition comprising: a) from 15.0% to 32.0% by weight of at least one first surfactant chosen from betaine compounds, preferably selected from carboxybetaine compounds, sulfobetaine compounds and mixtures thereof, b) at least one second surfactant selected from: b)(i) alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactants, b)(ii) glycoside surfactants, provided that the content of glycoside surfactant (if any) in the adjuvant composition is at most 6.0% by weight, and b) (iii) combinations thereof, c) optionally, at least one liquid medium, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition.

2. The adjuvant composition according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one second surfactant comprises b)(i) alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactants.

3. The adjuvant composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one second surfactant comprises at least one alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant b)(i) and at least one glycoside surfactant b)(ii).

4. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first surfactant is chosen from carboxybetaine compounds, preferably from alkyl dimethyl betaine compounds, more preferably from (C4-C32)-alkyl dimethyl betaine compounds, even more preferably from (Cio-Cie)-alkyl dimethyl betaine compounds.

5. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first surfactant is a mixture of lauryl dimethyl betaine and myristyl dimethyl betaine.

6. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) are chosen from alkoxylated (C -C2o)-alkyl ether phosphate, more preferably from alkoxylatedtridecyl ether phosphate, even more preferably from polyethyleneglycol tridecyl ether phosphate.

7. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the glycoside surfactant(s) are chosen from alkyl polyglycoside surfactants, more preferably from alkyl polyglucoside.

8. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid medium comprises at least one aqueous liquid medium, preferably water, and / or a solvent, preferably the liquid medium comprises water and optionally a solvent.

9. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid medium comprises water and a solvent.

10. The adjuvant composition according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the solvent is of general formula (VI):R14CONR15R16(VI) wherein:- R14is a linear or branched, saturated aliphatic group, having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, substituted by one or more functional groups chosen from -OH groups and / or -COOR’ groups, wherein R’ is a (Ci-Ce)alkyl group,- R15and R16, which are identical or different, are a (Ci-Ce)alkyl group, R14and R15or R16may together form a ring, the said ring containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more (Ci-C4)alkyl groups and / or one or more functional groups chosen from -OH groups, -OR’ groups, -COOR’ groups and -CONR17R18groups, wherein R’ is a (Ci- Ce)alkyl group and R17and R18, which are identical or different, denote a (Ci- Ce)alkyl group.

11. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, comprising from 20.0% to 28.0% by weight of said at least one first surfactant, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 22.5% to 27.5% by weight.

12. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when present in the adjuvant composition, the content of alkoxylated alkyl ether phosphate surfactant(s) ranges from 0.5% to 10.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 1.0% to 5.0% by weight, more preferably from 2.0% to 4.0% by weight.

13. The adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when present in the adjuvant composition, the content of glycoside surfactant(s) ranges from 0.1% to 6.0% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the adjuvant composition, preferably from 0.5% to 4.5% by weight, more preferably from 1 .0% to 4.0% by weight.

14. An herbicidal composition comprising:- at least one herbicide,- at least one adjuvant composition according to any of the preceding claims, and- optionally, a liquid medium.

15. The herbicidal composition according to claim 14, wherein the herbicide is chosen from aminophosphate or aminophosphonate ammonium salts, preferably from ammonium glyphosate or glufosinate salts, more preferably from ammonium glufosinate salts.

16. The herbicidal composition according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the herbicide is present at equal or greater than 280 g / L, preferably at equal or greater than 350 g / L, more preferably at equal or greater than 400 g / L, typically at equal or greater than 420 g / L.

17. A method of preparing a herbicidal composition according to any of claims 14 to 16, said method comprising putting in contact and mixing at least one herbicide, at least one adjuvant composition according to any of claims 1 to 13, and optionally a liquid medium.

18. Use of an adjuvant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or of a herbicidal composition according to any of claims 14 to 16, in agrochemicals.

19. A method for regulating plant growth comprising contacting a herbicidal composition according to any of claims 14 to 16 with a plant.

20. A method of imparting low temperature stability to an herbicidal composition comprising equal or greater than 280 g / L of a herbicide, comprising adding to said composition an adjuvant composition according to any of claims 1 to 13.