Herbicidal combinations, compositions, and method of applications thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to agrochemical combinations and compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a herbicidal composition comprising at least one of metolachlor or s-metolachlor chloroacetamide herbicide, plus at least oxyfluorfen diphenyl ether herbicide, plus at least a safener and at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient. The disclosure further relates to a method of reducing phytotoxicity in crops by applying herbicidal composition for reducing phytotoxicity in crops, the composition comprises at least one of metolachlor or s-metolachlor chloroacetamide herbicide, plus at least a oxyfluorfen diphenyl ether herbicide, plus at least a safener and at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

Description

HERBICIDAL COMBINATIONS, COMPOSITIONS, AND METHOD OF APPLICATIONS THEREOF FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0001] The present disclosure relates to agrochemical combinations and compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a herbicidal combination and composition comprising at least one chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide and at least a safener. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0002] Herbicides are used to control growth of undesired plants / weeds. Weeds are detrimental to the crop growth, health, and yield. Herbicides have been traditionally used for their weed-controlling characteristics as well as for their effect on crops. Herbicides with broad spectrum control of weed often have limited utility as they also injure crops. Crop injury is a major cause of concerns as it limits the use of herbicide and thus affects crop protection. Generally, to reduce crop injury safeners are applied along with the herbicides.

[0003] Safeners selectively protect crops from herbicide harm while preserving herbicides' biological activity against the target weeds. They are combined with herbicides to protect crops from injury. Chemical safeners provide a practical, efficient, and simple means of increasing herbicide selectivity. Safeners primarily reduce herbicide phytotoxicity to crop plants by: (i) improving herbicide metabolism in crops; (ii) influencing herbicide absorption and transportation in crops; (iii) competitively binding to herbicide target sites; and (iv) influencing target enzyme activity. However, it is important to note that not all safeners have the desired beneficial impact of reducing phytotoxicity in combination with comparable herbicides. As a result, the challenges of discovering appropriate herbicide-safener combinations that operate efficiently to prevent phytotoxicity in crop plants and control weeds.OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0004] It is a primary objective of the present disclosure to provide a herbicidal combination for controlling weeds.

[0005] Another objective of the present disclosure to provide a herbicidal composition for controlling weeds.

[0006] Another objective of the present disclosure to provide a method for controlling weeds.

[0007] Another objective of the present disclosure to provide a herbicidal combination for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury.

[0008] Another objective of the present disclosure to provide a herbicidal composition for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury.

[0009] Another objective of the present disclosure to provide a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide and at least a safener.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide and at least a safener.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide, at least a safener and at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0013] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition comprising: a) metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b) oxyfluorfen; c) at least a safener; and d) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0014] According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for reducing phytotoxicity in crops, comprising: a) metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b) oxyfluorfen; c) at least a safener; and d) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury, comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide, at least a safener and at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying an effective amount of the herbicidal combination or composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide and at least a safener.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure a method for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury occurring due to the application of an agrochemical combination in a crop, said method comprising applying or using a safener in an agrochemical combination comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide and at least a diphenyl ether herbicide.

[0018] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description that follows, which illustrates by way of example, the most preferred features of the present disclosure which are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:

[0019] The present disclosure now will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying examples, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This description is not intended to be a detailed catalogue of all the different ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all the features that may be added to the instant disclosure. Thus, the disclosure contemplates that in some embodiments of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein can be excluded or omitted. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the disclosure, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, 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. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

[0021] The following description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. The disclosure in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative methods. An illustrative example is described in this section in connection with the embodiments and methods provided.

[0022] It is to be noted that, as used in the specification, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally combined in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “containing” and “involving” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. In any aspect or embodiment described hereinbelow, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” or “consisting substantially of”. In these aspects or embodiment, the combination or composition described “includes” or “comprises” or “consists of” or “consists essentially of” or “consists substantially of” the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other herbicides or fungicides or insecticides or plant growth promoting agents or adjuvants, or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0024] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in thespecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

[0025] The expression of various quantities in terms of “%” or “% w / w” means the mass concentration of the particular ingredient in the composition / combination unless otherwise specified.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “kg a.i. / ha” or “kg / ha” as used herein denote the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “kilograms” applied “per hectare” of the crop field.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “g a.i. / ha” or “g / ha” as used herein denote the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” applied “per hectare” of the crop field.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” are inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skilled in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 10% or ± 5% of the stated value. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided. For example, “0.1-80%” includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, etc. up to 80%.

[0029] As used herein, the term “agrochemical” used herein is understood to denote an agricultural chemical such as pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators and can be used interchangeably.

[0030] As used herein, the term “agriculturally acceptable salt” means a salt which is acceptable for use in agrochemical or horticultural use. The salts referred to herein are agriculturally acceptable salts.

[0031] As used herein, the term “herbicide” as used herein means an active ingredient that kills, controls or otherwise adversely modifies the growth of unwanted plants. As used herein, a “herbicidally effective amount” is an amount of active ingredient that causes a “herbicidal effect” i.e., an adversely modifying effect and includes deviations from natural development, killing, regulation, desiccation, retardation, and methods known to a person skilled in the art.

[0032] As used herein the term “plant” or “crop” refers to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, and plant seeds. This term also encompasses plant crops such as fruits. The term “plant” may further include the propagation material thereof, which may include all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolon, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.

[0033] As used herein, the term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of a plant, such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergencefrom the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

[0034] As used herein, the term “seed” embraces seeds and plant propagules of all kinds including but not limited to true seeds, seed pieces, suckers, corms, bulbs, fruit, tubers, grains, cuttings, cut shoots and the like. In a preferred embodiment a seed is a true seed.

[0035] As used herein, the term “increased yield” of an agricultural plant means that the yield of a product of the respective plant is increased by a measurable amount over the yield of the same product of the plant produced under the same conditions, but without the application of the compositions described herein. According to the present disclosure, it is preferred that the crop yield be increased by at least 0.5 %, preferably at least 2%, more preferably at least 5%, upon application of the combinations and compositions described herein.

[0036] The term “weed” as used herein refers to the plant whose growth is considered undesirable in a particular situation i.e., growth of a plant at a wrong place and includes pesticide resistant plants. In the broadest sense, the term “weed” refers to plants which grow in locations in which they are not desired. In other words, a “weed” is a plant in which in the context of a crop is undesirable due to competition for water, nutrients, sunlight, soil, etc. The term may also refer to crop plants which are undesirable at a location.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “undesirable vegetation”, “harmful plants”, “unwanted plants”, “weeds” and “weed species”, as used herein, are synonyms.

[0038] Typically, the combinations / compositions of the present disclosure are applied to the targeted weed or to their locus or to the crop / plant. The term “locus” as used herein shall denote the vicinity of a desired crop in which weed control, typically selective weed control is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein the weed infestation has either emerged or is yet to emerge. The term crop shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus. The said locus could be a weed, an area adjacent to the weed, soil adapted to support growth of the weed, a root of the weed and / or foliage of the weed.

[0039] As used herein, the term “post-emergence” refers to the application of a herbicidal combination or a composition after emergence of a plant from the soil.

[0040] As used herein, the term “pre-emergence” refers to the time point before seedlings emerge from the ground. When any herbicide is applied at pre-emergence stage, it prevents establishment of the germinated weed seedlings.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “formulation” and “composition” may be used interchangeably and refer to a mixture of two or more compounds, elements, molecules, etc. In some aspects, the terms formulation and composition may be used to refer to a mixture of one or more ingredients with a carrier or other excipients.

[0042] As used herein, the term “phytotoxicity” refers to any adverse effect or reaction on plant growth, physiology, or metabolism caused by any chemical substance, fertilizer, herbicide, heavy metal, etc.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “excipient” or “additive” mean inactive substance that forms a part of the composition. The terms “excipient” or “additive” mean essentially the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

[0044] It has surprisingly been found by the present inventors that a combination of one or more chloroacetamide herbicides and diphenyl ether herbicide with one or more safeners selectively controls the growth of weeds and reduces phytotoxicity in crop plants.

[0045] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination comprising: a. at least a chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least a diphenyl ether herbicide; and c. at least a safener.

[0046] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury, comprising: a. at least a chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least a diphenyl ether herbicide; and c. at least a safener.

[0047] In an embodiment, chloroacetamide herbicide is selected from acetochlor, alachlor, allidochlor, amidochlor, butachlor, butenachlor, CDEA, delachlor, diethatyl, dimethachlor, dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, ethachlor, ethaprochlor, metazachlor, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, pethoxamid, pretilachlor, propachlor, propisochlor, prynachlor, terbuchlor, thenylchlor, xylachlor or a combination thereof.

[0048] In an embodiment, chloroacetamide herbicide is selected from metolachlor or S-metolachlor.

[0049] In an embodiment, diphenyl ether herbicide is selected from acifluorfen, aclonifen, bifenox, chlomethoxyfen, chlornitrofen, ethoxyfen, etnipromid, fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen, fluoronitrofen, fomesafen, fucaomi, furyloxyfen, halosafen, lactofen, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen, oxyfluorfen or a combination thereof.

[0050] In an embodiment, diphenyl ether herbicide is oxyfluorfen.

[0051] In an embodiment, safener is selected from dietholate, dicyclonon, fenchlorazole, metcamifen, cyometrinil, fenchlorazole-ethyl, oxabetrinil, naphthaleic anhydride, jiecaowan, jiecaoxi, 1-bromo-4-[chloro (methanesulfonyl) ]benzene (BPCMS), mephenate, furilazole, fluxofenim, flurazole, fenclorim, cyprosulfamid, mefenpyr, mefenpyr-diethyl, isoxadifen, isoxadifen-ethyl, cloquintocet-mexyl, benoxacor, flurazole, dichlormid, fluxofenim or combination thereof.

[0052] In an embodiment, safener is dichlormid.

[0053] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination comprising: a. metolachlor or s-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. at least a safener.

[0054] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination comprising: a. metolachlor or s-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. at least a safener.

[0055] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising: a. metolachlor or s-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. dichlormid.

[0056] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:80 to 80:1.

[0057] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:60 to 60:1.

[0058] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:40 to 40:1.

[0059] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:20 to 20:1.

[0060] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:10 to 10:1.

[0061] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio of 10:1.

[0062] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio in the range from 1:5 to 5:1.

[0063] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination comprising: a. metolachlor or s-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; andc. at least a safener. wherein metolachlor or s-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of 10:1.

[0064] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal combination for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising: a. metolachlor or s-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. dichlormid. wherein metolachlor or s-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of 10:1.

[0065] The present disclosure further provides a herbicidal composition comprising at least two herbicides.

[0066] While the subsequent embodiments focus on herbicidal compositions, the features and characteristics of herbicides, weeds, crop, mode of action, are as described by any of the embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of the herbicidal composition, described herein.

[0067] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition comprising: a. at least a chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least a diphenyl ether herbicide; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0068] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising: a. at least a chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least a diphenyl ether herbicide; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0069] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0070] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. at least a safener; and d. at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of about 10:1.

[0072] In an embodiment, safener is selected one or more of dietholate, dicyclonon, fenchlorazole, cyometrinil, fenchlorazole-ethyl, oxabetrinil, naphthaleic anhydride, mephenate, furilazole, fluxofenim, flurazole, fenclorim, cyprosulfamid, mefenpyr, mefenpyr-diethyl, isoxadifen, isoxadifen-ethyl, cloquintocet-mexyl, benoxacor, flurazole, dichlormid, fluxofenim or combination thereof.

[0073] In an embodiment, safener is dichlormid.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. dichlormid; and d. at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient. wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of about 10:1.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. dichlormid; and d. at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of about 10:1.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises metolachlor or S-metolachlor in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 50% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0077] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises metolachlor or S- metolachlor in an amount from about 10% w / w to about 40% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0078] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises metolachlor or S- metolachlor in an amount from about 20% w / w to about 30% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0079] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises metolachlor or S- metolachlor in an amount 39.37% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0080] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises metolachlor or S- metolachlor in an amount 40% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0081] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises oxyfluorfen in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 10 % w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0082] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises oxyfluorfen in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 8 % w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0083] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises oxyfluorfen in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 6 % w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0084] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises oxyfluorfen in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 4 % w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0085] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises oxyfluorfen in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 2 % w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0086] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises oxyfluorfen in an amount of 4% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0087] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises safener in an amount ranging from 0.1% to about 10% w / w of the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises safener in an amount ranging from 0.1% to about 5% w / w of the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises safener in an amount of about 2.5% w / w of the total weight of the formulation. In another embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises safener in an amount of about 2.13 % w / w of the total weight of the formulation.

[0088] In an embodiment, the composition has a cost to benefit ratio in the range from about 1:1 to about 1:5.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the composition has a cost to benefit ratio in the range from about 1:1 to about 1:2.5.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the composition has a cost to benefit ratio in the range from about 1:1 to about 1:2.48.

[0091] According to an embodiment, herbicidal composition comprises agriculturally acceptable excipient in an amount from about 0.01% w / w to about 90% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0092] According to an embodiment, herbicidal composition comprises the agriculturally acceptable excipient in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 80% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0093] According to an embodiment, herbicidal composition comprises the agriculturally acceptable excipient in an amount from about 10% w / w to about 70% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0094] According to an embodiment, herbicidal composition comprises the agriculturally acceptable excipient in an amount from about 20% w / w to about 60% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0095] According to an embodiment, herbicidal composition comprises the agriculturally acceptable excipient in an amount from about 30% w / w to about 50% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0096] According to an embodiment, herbicidal composition comprises the agriculturally acceptable excipient in an amount from about 40% w / w to about 45% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0097] According to an embodiment, herbicidal composition comprises the surfactants in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 15% w / w of total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the surfactant is in the range from about 2% w / w to about 6% w / w. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the surfactant is in the range from about 4% w / w to about 5% w / w of the total weight of the formulation.

[0098] In an embodiment, concentration of calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate is in the range from about 2% w / w to about 6% w / w of the total weight of the formulation.

[0099] In an embodiment, concentration of ethoxylated polyaryl phenol is in the range from about 4% w / w to about 7% w / w of the total weight of the formulation.

[0100] In some embodiments, the herbicidal composition comprises agriculturally acceptable excipient selected from a group comprising solvent, diluent, carrier, emulsifiers, surfactant, dispersing agent, wetting agent, antifoam agent, stabilizing agent, anti-freezing agent, biocide, viscosity modifiers, pH modifier and combinations thereof.

[0101] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solvent is selected from aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and esters thereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such as dimethylformamide and dimethylsulphoxide, and also water.

[0102] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable carrier is selected from a solid carrier or a liquid carrier.

[0103] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable liquid carrier is selected from water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycoldibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and alcohols of higher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and combinations thereof.

[0104] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solid carrier is selected from talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed husks, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and combinations thereof.

[0105] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable surfactants may be selected from nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, Ethoxylated polyaryl phenol, polyoxyethylene alkyl (mono- or di-) phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di- or tri-) styrylphenyl ethers, polyoxyylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid (mono- or di- )esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, castor oil ethylene oxide adducts, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, ethylene oxideadducts of acetylene glycol, ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene alcohol, alkyl glycosides, etc.; anionic surfactants, such as alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, calcium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, naphthalene sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, salts of formalin condensate of naphthalenesulfonic acid, salts of formalin condensate of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono- or di-) alkylphenyl ether sulfate or phosphate ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di- or tri)styrylphenyl ether sulfuric or phosphoric ester salts, polycarboxylates (for example, polyacrylic acid salts, polymaleic acid salts, a copolymer of maleic acid and olefin, etc.), polystyrene sulfonate, etc.; cationic surfactants, such as alkyl amine salts, alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, etc.; amphoteric surfactants of amino acid type, betaine type, etc.; silicone surfactants, fluorine surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0106] In another embodiment, the surfactant is selected from calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, ethoxylated polyaryl phenol or a combination thereof.

[0107] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in plants / crops may contain ionic and nonionic dispersing agents to enable disintegration of granules in water with ease, such as salts of polystyrenesulphonic acids, salts of polyvinylsulphonic acids, salts of naphthalenesulphonic acid / formaldehyde condensates, salts of condensates of naphthalenesulphonic acid, phenolsulphonic acid and formaldehyde, and salts of lignosulphonic acid, polyethylene oxide / polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene glycol ethers of linear alcohols, reaction combinations of fatty acids with ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide, furthermore polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylic copolymers, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters, furthermore alkyl ethoxylates and alkylarylethoxylates. The preferred dispersing agents include sodium naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, polyethyleneglycol mono- [2,4,6-tris (1-phenylethyl] phenyl ether or a combination thereof.

[0108] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in plants / crops may contain stabilizers. Such stabilizers may include carboxylic acids, such as citric acid and butenedioic acid or inorganic components such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate which may also act as a pH modifier.

[0109] In some embodiments, the herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in plants / crops of the present disclosure comprises at least one antifoaming agent which are usually combined for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. In some embodiments, the preferred antifoaming agents are selected from silicone oil, modified polydimethylsiloxane, magnesium stearate or a suitable combination thereof.

[0110] In some embodiments, the herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in plants / crops of the present disclosure comprise at least one pH modifier selected from organic and inorganic components that are usually combined in agrochemical compositions to modify the pH. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pH modifier may be selected from potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. However, the choice of a pH modifier is not particularly limiting.

[0111] In an embodiment, the biocide is 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one.

[0112] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a herbicidal composition for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. at least a safener; d. surfactants selected from calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonates, ethoxylated polyaryl phenol or a combination thereof; ande. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0113] In some embodiments, the herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in crops is in a solid dosage form or liquid dosage form.

[0114] In some embodiments, the herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in plants is in a dosage form selected from a group comprising aerosols, capsule suspensions, cold-fogging concentrates, warm-fogging concentrates, encapsulated granules, fine granules, flowable concentrates for the treatment of seed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in- water emulsions, water-in oil emulsions, macrogranules, microgranules, oil- dispersible powders, oil-miscible flowable concentrates, oil-miscible liquids, foams, pastes, pesticide-coated seed, suspension concentrates, suspension emulsion concentrates, soluble concentrates, suspensions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts and granules, water-soluble granules or tablets, water-soluble powders for the treatment of seed, wettable powders, natural combinations and synthetic substances impregnated with active compound, and also microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating materials for seed, and also ULV cold fogging and warm-fogging formulations.

[0115] The present disclosure further relates to a method of controlling weeds, said method comprising contacting or applying at the locus of crops, an effective amount of an herbicidal combination or herbicidal composition, as described above.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds.

[0117] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds.

[0118] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling herbicide-tolerant weeds.

[0119] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds.

[0120] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds in fallow fields.

[0121] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds in fallow fields.

[0122] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; and c. at least a safener.

[0123] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; and c. at least a safener.

[0124] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising:a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; and c. at least a safener. wherein the herbicides are combined in a ration in the range from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0125] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; and c. at least a safener. wherein the herbicides are combined in a ration in the range from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0126] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. at least a safener.

[0127] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. dichlormid.

[0128] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. dichlormid. wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of 10:1.

[0129] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury by applying a herbicidal combination, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; and c. dichlormid. wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of 10:1.

[0130] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal composition, comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0131] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury by applying a herbicidal composition, comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide;b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0132] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal composition, comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient. wherein the herbicides are combined in a ration in the range from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0133] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury by applying a herbicidal composition, comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide; b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide; c. at least a safener; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient. wherein the herbicides are combined in a ration in the range from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0134] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by applying a herbicidal composition, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. dichlormid; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipientwherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of 10:1

[0135] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury by applying a herbicidal composition, comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. dichlormid; and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of 10:1

[0136] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for reducing or avoiding phytotoxicity or for reducing crop injury occurring due to the application of an agrochemical combination in a crop, said method comprising applying or using dichlormid as a safener in an agrochemical combination comprising at least one chloroacetamide herbicide, at least one diphenyl ether herbicide and at least a safener, wherein the herbicides are combined in a ratio in the range from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0137] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for reducing or avoiding phytotoxicity or for reducing crop injury occurring due to the application of an agrochemical combination in a crop, said method comprising applying or using dichlormid as a safener in an agrochemical combination comprising metolachlor or S-metolachlor, oxyfluorfen herbicide and dichlormid, wherein the herbicides are combined in a ratio in the range from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0138] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 2000 g ai / ha. In another embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide is applied in an amount from about 100 to about 1800 g ai / ha. In another embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide is applied in an amount from about 300 to about 1600 g ai / ha. In another embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide is applied in an amount from about 400 to about 14000 g ai / ha. In another embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide is applied in an amount from about 500 to about 1200 g ai / ha. In another embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide is applied in an amount from about 600 to about 1000 g ai / ha. In another embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide is applied in an amount of about 1200 g ai / ha.

[0139] In an embodiment, chloroacetamide herbicide is selected from metolachlor or S-metolachlor.

[0140] In an embodiment, metolachlor or S-metolachlor is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 2000 g ai / ha

[0141] In an embodiment, the diphenyl ether herbicide is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 1000 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, the diphenyl ether herbicide is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 800 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, the diphenyl ether herbicide is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 600 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, the diphenyl ether herbicide is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 400 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, the diphenyl ether herbicide is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 200 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, , the diphenyl ether herbicide is applied in an amount of 120 g ai / ha.

[0142] In an embodiment, the diphenyl ether herbicide is oxyfluorfen.

[0143] In an embodiment, oxyfluorfen is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 1000 g ai / ha.

[0144] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of an effective amount of the herbicidal combination or the herbicidal composition to a plant, or a plant propagation material, or a locus thereof.

[0145] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, wherein the weeds are treated by applying concurrently or subsequently or sequentially a herbicidal combination or composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least one di diphenyl ether herbicide and at least one safener.

[0146] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing phytotoxicity or avoiding crop injury, wherein the weeds are treated by applying concurrently or subsequently or sequentially a herbicidal combination comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least one di diphenyl ether herbicide and at least one safener.

[0147] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, wherein the weeds are treated by applying concurrently or subsequently or sequentially a herbicidal composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide, at least a safener and an additional agrochemical thereof.

[0148] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing or avoiding phytotoxicity or reducing crop injury, wherein the weeds are treated by applying concurrently or subsequently or sequentially a herbicidal combination or composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide, at least a safener and an additional agrochemical thereof.

[0149] In an embodiment, the additional agrochemical comprises at least one pesticide selected from the group comprising acaricides, algicides,avicides / bird repellents, bactericides, fungicides, herbicide safeners, herbicides, insect attractants, insect chemosterilants, insect repellents, insecticides, mammal repellents, molluscicides, nematicides, nitrification inhibitors, plant activators, plant growth regulators, rodenticides, synergists, virucides, and combinations thereof.

[0150] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, wherein the herbicidal combination comprises metolachlor or S- metolachlor, oxyfluorfen, dichlormid and an additional herbicide thereof.

[0151] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide is selected from the group comprising aliphatic acid herbicides, amide herbicides, aromatic acid herbicides, benzofuran herbicides, benzonitrile herbicides, benzophenone herbicides, benzothiadiazinone herbicides, benzyl ether herbicides, botanical herbicides, carbamate herbicides, cyclohexanedione oxime herbicides, dinitroaniline herbicides, dinitrophenol herbicides, diphenyl ether herbicides, diphenyl heterocycle herbicides, dithiocarbamate herbicides, fumigant herbicides, halogenated alkanoic acid herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, inorganic herbicides, isoxazole herbicides, isoxazolidinone herbicides, isoxazoline herbicides, N-phenyl heterocycle herbicides, N-phenylimide herbicides, N- phenyloxadiazolone herbicides, N-phenyltriazolinone herbicides, organochlorine herbicides, organophosphorous herbicides, oxirane herbicides, oxyacetamide herbicides, phenol herbicides, phenoxy herbicides, phenylcarboxylic acid herbicides, phenyl ether herbicides, phenylthiourea herbicides, pyrazole herbicides, pyridazine herbicides, pyridazinone herbicides, pyridine herbicides, pyrimidinediamine herbicides, pyrimidinyloxybenzylamine herbicides, quaternary ammonium herbicides, quinone herbicides, alpha-thioacetamide herbicides, thiocarbamate herbicides, thiocarbonate herbicides, triazine herbicides, triazinone herbicides, triazole herbicides, triazolone herbicides, triazolopyrimidine herbicides, triketone herbicides, uracil herbicides, urea herbicides, unclassified herbicide, and combinations thereof.

[0152] In an embodiment, the additional herbicide is further selected from the group comprising phosphinic acid herbicides, sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone herbicides, anilide herbicides, acetamide herbicides, aryloxyphenoxypropionic herbicides, benzoylpyrazole herbicides, chloroacetamide herbicides, glycine derivative herbicides, aryloxyphenoxypropionic herbicides, phenyl ether herbicides, N-phenylimide herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, N-phenyltriazolinone herbicides, alkylazine herbicides, phenoxyacetic herbicides, pyridyloxycarboxylic acid herbicides, benzoic acid herbicides, triketone herbicides, chlorotriazine herbicides, quaternary ammonium herbicides, phenylurea herbicides, phenylpyrazoline herbicides, and combinations thereof.

[0153] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds by application of an effective amount of the herbicidal composition to a plant, or a plant propagation material, or a locus thereof.

[0154] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a herbicidal composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least one diphenyl ether herbicide, at least a safener and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient thereof; wherein the herbicidal composition is in a form of a solid or a liquid formulation.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises an additional agrochemical in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 80% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0156] In another embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises an additional herbicide in an amount from about 1% w / w to about 80% w / w of total weight of the composition.

[0157] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, preferably broadleaf weeds.

[0158] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, preferably grass weeds.

[0159] In a preferred embodiment, the weeds may be selected from the group of Poaceae weeds comprising Echinochloa crusgalli, Setaria viridis, Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria geniculata, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria insularis, Eleusine indica, Poa annua, Alospecurus aequalis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum vulgare, Agropyron repens, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum, Bromus secalinus, Bromus tectorum, Hordeum jubatum, Aegilops cylindrica, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris minor, Apera spicaventi, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Panicum texanum, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria platyphylla, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Cenchrus echinatus, Cenchrus pauciflorus, Eriochloa villosa, Pennisetum setosum, Chloris gayana, Eragrostis pilosa, Rhynchelitrum repens, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Ischaemum rugosum, Oryza sativa, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum maritimum, Pennisetum clandestinum, Pennisetum setosum or Rottboellia cochinchinensis, and combinations thereof.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment, the weeds may be selected from the group comprising Achyranthes aspera, Avena sp., Avena sativa, Avena strigosa, Ageratum conyzoides, Amaranthus viridis, Bidens pilosa, Bidens subalternans, Brachiaria brizantha (currently known as Urochloa brizantha), Brachiaria decumbens (currently known as Urochloa decumbens), Brachiaria extensa (currently known as Urochloa platyphylla), Brachiaria plantaginea (currently known as Urochloa plantaginea), Cenchrus echinatus, Chloris gayana, Chloris sp., Conyza sp., Commelina benghalensis, Commelina elegans, Cynodon dactylon,Digitaria insularis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria Nuda, Dinebra Retroflexa, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa sp., Eleusine ssp., Eragrostis ciliaris, Eragrostis Pilosa, Euphorbia hirta, Leptochloa filiformis, Melinis minutiflora, Melinis repens, Murdannia nudiflora, Panicum fasciculatum, Panicum purpurascens, Panicum maximum, Parthenium hysterophorus, Paspalum dilatatum, Paspalum virgatum, Pennisetum purpureum, Pennisetum setosum, Poa annua, Raddia stolonifera, Rhynchelytrum repens, Rottboellia exaltata, Spermacoce verticillata, Spermacoce latifolia, Spermacoce spinosa, Setaria spp., Sorghum halepense, Sorghum sudanense, Sporobolus indicus, Tridax procumbens, Trianthema portulacastrum and unwanted plants growing in a particular crop field such as volunteer Glycine max, volunteer Zea mays, volunteer cotton, volunteer wheat, other volunteer crops, and combinations thereof.

[0161] In an embodiment, the herbicidal combination / composition as described above are applied to a plant, or a plant propagation material, or a locus thereof, in an effective amount. The selection of the effective amount depends on the density of weed infestation, weather patterns, crop health, etc.

[0162] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds in crops comprising rice, wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum, cotton, soybean, peanut, buckwheat, beet, rapeseed, sunflower, durum wheat, fall wheat, field corn, winter barley, cotton, fall barley, fallow, spring wheat, triticale, winter wheat, sugar cane, tobacco, etc.; vegetables; solanaceous vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, pimento, popper, potato, etc., cucurbit vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, water melon, melon, squash, etc., cruciferous vegetables such as radish, white turnip, horseradish, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, leaf mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., asteraceous vegetables such as burdock, crown daisy, artichoke, lettuce, etc., liliaceous vegetables such as green onion, onion, garlic, and asparagus, ammiaceous vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery, parsnip, etc., chenopodiaceous vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, etc.,lamiaceous vegetables such as Perilla frutescens, mint, basil, etc. strawberry, sweet potato, Dioscorea japonica, colocasia, etc., flowers, foliage plants, turf grasses, fruits: pome fruits such apple, pear, quince, etc. stone fleshy fruits such as peach, plum, nectarine, Prunus mume, cherry fruit, apricot, prune, etc., citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, rime, grapefruit, etc., nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almond, pistachio, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, etc. berries such as blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, etc., grape, kaki fruit, olive, plum, banana, coffee, date palm, coconuts, etc., trees otter than fruit trees; tea, mulberry, flowering plant, trees such as ash, birch, dogwood, Eucalyptus, Ginkgo biloba, lilac, maple, Quercus, poplar, Judas tree, liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova. Japanese arborvitae, fir wood, hemlock, juniper, Pinus, Picea, and Taxus cuspidate, and combinations thereof.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds in crops comprising row crops comprising sunflower, potato, canola, dry bean, field pea, flax, safflower, buckwheat, cotton, maize, soybeans, and sugar beets.

[0164] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal combination / composition as described above are usually applied to the unwanted plants / weeds by spraying on the leaves. Here, the application can be carried out using, for example, water as carrier by customary spraying techniques.

[0165] In an embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination / composition may be done before, during and / or after, preferably before and / or after, sowing of the crops.

[0166] In an embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination / composition may be done on fallow field.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination / composition may be done to control the growth of weeds at the pre- emergence stage or the post-emergence stage.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination / composition may be done to control the growth of weeds close to the sowing stage of the crop.

[0169] In an embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination / composition may be done as a burndown application.

[0170] In an embodiment, the application of the herbicidal combination / composition may be done during fallow period or at the weeds post- emergence stage.

[0171] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal combination / composition may be applied pre-or post-emergence of weeds, or together with the plant, or plant propagation material, or locus of a plant thereof. It is also possible to apply the herbicidal combination / composition to a plant, or a plant propagation material, or a locus thereof or pre-treating a crop plant with the herbicidal combination / composition.

[0172] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination / composition, for controlling weeds.

[0173] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide, b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide, andc. at least a safener.

[0174] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor, b. oxyfluorfen, and c. dichlormid.

[0175] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide, b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide, and c. at least a safener.

[0176] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor, b. oxyfluorfen, and c. dichlormid.

[0177] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal composition for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide, b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide,c. at least a safener, and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0178] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal composition for controlling herbicide-resistant and / or herbicide-tolerant weeds comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor, b. oxyfluorfen, c. dichlormid, and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0179] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal composition for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising: a. at least one chloroacetamide herbicide, b. at least one diphenyl ether herbicide, c. at least a safener, and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0180] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal composition for reducing or avoiding the phytotoxic side-effects or for reducing crop injury comprising: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor, b. oxyfluorfen, c. dichlormid, and d. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[0181] In an embodiment, the chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined at a ratio in the range from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

[0182] In an embodiment, metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of 10:1.

[0183] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a herbicidal combination / composition, for improving yield of the desired crop.

[0184] In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination / composition of the present disclosure may be applied in combination with agriculturally active components such as fertilizers, macronutrients, micronutrients, biologicals, biostimulants, plant extracts, synergists, and combinations thereof.

[0185] In an embodiment, the macronutrients or a micronutrient is selected from the group comprising nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, boron, manganese, chlorine, molybdenum, nickel, and combinations thereof.

[0186] In another embodiment, the additional herbicide / agrochemical may be admixed with an adjuvant or a bio-stimulant or an agrochemical or a fertilizer compound such that said components may be tank mixed before spraying.

[0187] According to an embodiment, the herbicidal combination / composition is applied from a pre-dosage device, a knapsack sprayer, a spray tank, a spray plane, or an irrigation system, or a drone, or a spot spray system. Typically, the herbicidal composition is made up with water, buffer, and / or further auxiliaries to the desired application concentration and the ready-to-use spray liquor or the herbicidal combination / composition is thus obtained.

[0188] In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination / composition may be used for foliar application, application to a ground, or to the soil, or to a plant, or a locus or a plant propagation material, or combinations thereof.

[0189] In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination / composition can be used in agricultural lands such as fields, paddy fields, lawns and orchards or in non-agricultural lands, fallow fields, or for the purpose of chemical fallow application.

[0190] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a herbicidal composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide, at least one safener and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient, wherein the process comprises mixing at least as chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide, at least one safener and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient homogenously to form the herbicidal composition.

[0191] In another embodiment, the process comprises optionally adding an additional agrochemical / herbicide.

[0192] According to an embodiment, the various components of the herbicidal combination / composition may be used individually or partially or completely mixed with one or more to prepare the herbicidal combination / composition. It is also possible for the components to be separately packaged and used as a component in a kit of parts.

[0193] In one embodiment, the kits may include one or more of the components that are used to prepare the herbicidal combination / composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least one diphenyl etherherbicide and at least one safener. For examples, the kits may include active ingredients and / or at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient. One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated.

[0194] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising the herbicidal combination / composition comprising at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, at least a diphenyl ether herbicide and at least a safener is provided wherein chloroacetamide herbicide and diphenyl ether herbicide are combined in a ratio in the range from about 10:1 to about 1:10. The kit comprises a plurality of components, including at least one of the ingredients of the herbicidal combination / composition.

[0195] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the kit includes at least one, or all of the components needed to prepare the herbicidal combination / composition. For example, the kit may include metolachlor or S- metolachlor, oxyfluorfen, dichlormid and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient. The kit may optionally include an additional agrochemical or an additional herbicide.

[0196] One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag and / or canister.

[0197] In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separate from one another, i.e., they are not pre-formulated. As such, a kit may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags and / or canisters, each container containing a separate component of the herbicidal combination / composition as described above.

[0198] In both forms, an individual component of the kit may be applied separate from or together with the other components of the kit or as a component of the herbicidal combination / composition.

[0199] The disclosure also provides a kit comprising the herbicidal combination / composition for controlling weed growth or for improving yield of desired crop and instructions for use. The instructions for use typically comprise instructions for the application of the herbicidal combination / composition to a plant, or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0200] According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises: a. at least a chloroacetamide herbicide, b. at least a diphenyl ether herbicide, c. at least a safener, d. at least one adjuvant, and e. optionally further comprises instructions for use.

[0201] According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises: a. metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b. oxyfluorfen; c. dichlormid d. at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient; and e. optionally further comprises instructions for use.

[0202] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal combination / composition of the present disclosure is stable, over time and at various temperatures.

[0203] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal combination / composition preferably retains its physical integrity during handling and spreading, and, upon broadcasting, typically releases the active ingredientswhen contacting fallow field, wet soil, irrigation water, or rainfall hits the broadcasting granules.

[0204] In an embodiment, the herbicidal combination / composition may provide synergistic control for weeds at pre-emergent and / or at post-emergent stage.

[0205] In another embodiment, the herbicidal combination / composition is synergistic and effective in improving yield of desired crop by controlling weeds. The herbicidal combination / composition also provides increase in crop yield and crop quality.

[0206] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved, and other advantageous results attained. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in full, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0207] The present disclosure is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustration only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the specification and examples are illustrative but not limitative of the present disclosure and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments can be practiced that are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The following examples illustrate the disclosure, but by no means intend to limit the scope of the claims.EXAMPLES:

[0208] Example 1: Metolachlor 39.37% + Oxyfluorfen 3.94% EC Table 1Physicochemical parameters of the composition described in table 1: Table 2

[0209] The table 2 provides a summary of the product’s specifications and compliance status under three conditions: 0 DAY, AMB (ambient), and AHS-14D (after 14 days of accelerated heat stress). The product consistently appeared as a light brown to brown stable homogeneous liquid, free from any suspended matter or sediment, and complied with this description across all conditions. The concentrations of the active ingredients and the safener—metolachlor, oxyfluorfen, and dichlormid—remained within the specified ranges, showing minimal variation, which indicated that the chemical composition remained stable over time and under stress. The pH values, recorded between 6.26 and 6.98, stayed well within the acceptable range of 5.5 to 7. Specific gravity values were consistent at approximately 1.016, aligning with the specification range of 0.995 to 1.035. Moisture content was low, ranging from nil to 0.20%, which was comfortably below the maximum limit of 0.5%. Emulsion stability tests showed completeemulsification with minimal cream formation, and all samples complied with the required standards. Overall, the product demonstrated strong stability, consistency, and compliance across all tested conditions.

[0210] Example 2: Weed control efficiency of broadleaved weeds (%) as influenced by Metolachlor 39.37% + Oxyfluorfen 3.94% EC in cotton at 15 DAT. Table 3 illustrates the number of treatments done to evaluate weed control efficacy. Table 4 and 5 represents the % control efficacy of the treatments on different weeds. Table 3: ProtocolTable 4Table 5Among all the herbicide treatments, total weed control efficiency was higher with Metolachlor 39.37% + Oxyfluorfen 3.94% EC as compared to treatment with solo Metolachlor and Oxyfluorfen.

[0211] Example 3: Yield of cotton treated with Metolachlor 39.37% + Oxyfluorfen 3.94% EC Table 6The above table illustrates that treatment T3 Metolachlor 39.37% + Oxyfluorfen 3.94% (3750 ml / ha) provided highest yield followed by Treatment T2 and T1. The combination of Metolachlor + oxyfluorfen provided better yield as compared to solo treatments.

[0212] Example 4: Phytotoxicity effect of Metolachlor 39.37% + Oxyfluorfen 3.94% EC on cotton Table 7Phytotoxicity symptoms observed for yellowing, stunting, wilting, necrosis, epinasty, hyponasty, vein clearing, chlorosis and leaf injury on surface or tip; *DAG- Days after germination From the above table it is established that the composition of the present invention is safe and does not exhibit any phytotoxicity even at higher dosage.

[0213] Example 5: Weed control efficiency of grassy weeds(%)in cotton Table 8Among all the herbicide treatments, total weed control efficiency was higher with Metolachlor 39.37% + Oxyfluorfen 3.94% EC as compared to treatment with solo Metolachlor and Oxyfluorfen.

[0214] Example 6: Cost to benefit ratio of different treatments in cotton. The Cost: Benefit ratio was calculated based on application cost of treatments, crop yield and price of the product. It was observed that the composition of Metolachlor+ Oxyfluorfen WG @ dose of 3000 ml / ha & @ 3750 ml / ha recorded higher cost benefit ratio of 1 :2.48 and 1 :2.43 in comparison to all other treatment (Table 8) Table 9Price of cotton: Rs.4000 / q Labour chares for application: Rs.1000 / - Cost of cultivation: Rs.35000 / - The above table presents a comparative analysis of five agricultural treatments (T1 to T5), focusing on their economic and yield performance. Treatments T1 to T3 share the same cost per liter / kg (^1300) but differ in dosage and input costs. T1, with the lowest dose (2250 ml / ha), yields 18.54 q / ha and a cost-benefit ratio of 1:1.91. T2, with a higher dose (3000 ml / ha), achieves the highest yield increase over the untreated control (UTC) at 14.56 q / ha and the best cost-benefit ratio of 1:2.48. T3, despite having the highest input cost (^40875) and dose (3750 ml / ha), shows a yield similar to T2 (24.85 q / ha) and a slightly lower cost-benefit ratio of 1:2.43. Treatments T4 and T5, with lower costs per liter / kg (^500 and ^600 respectively), show reduced yields and cost-benefit ratios, indicating less economic efficiency compared to T2 and T3. Overall, T2 emerges as the most effective treatment in terms of yield improvement and economic return.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A herbicidal composition, comprising: a) metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b) oxyfluorfen; c) at least a safener; and d) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient. wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of about 10:

1.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein metolachlor or S- metolachlor is present in an amount ranging from 1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein oxyfluorfen is present in an amount ranging from 1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safener is selected from dietholate, dicyclonon, fenchlorazole, cyometrinil, fenchlorazole-ethyl, oxabetrinil, naphthaleic anhydride, mephenate, furilazole, fluxofenim, flurazole, fenclorim, cyprosulfamid, mefenpyr, mefenpyr-diethyl, isoxadifen, isoxadifen-ethyl, cloquintocet-mexyl, benoxacor, flurazole, dichlormid, fluxofenim or a combination thereof.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein safener is present in an amount ranging from 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agriculturally acceptable excipient is selected from solvents, carriers, surfactants, dispersing agents, wetting agents, antifoam agents, stabilizers, pH modifiers, or a combination thereof.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein surfactants are selected from calcium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, ethoxylated polyaryl phenol or a combination thereof.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein calcium dodecyl benzene sulphonate concentration is in the range from about 2% w / w to about 6% w / w of the total weight of the formulation.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein ethoxylated polyaryl phenol concentration is in the range from about 4% w / w to about 7% w / w of the total weight of the formulation.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC).

11. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition exhibits no phytotoxicity.

12. The composition as claimed in claim, wherein the composition has a cost to benefit ratio in the range from about 1:1 to about 1:

5.

13. A method for controlling weeds by applying an effective amount of a composition comprising: a) metolachlor or S-metolachlor; b) oxyfluorfen; c) at least a safener; and d) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient. wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor and oxyfluorfen are combined in a ratio of about 10:

1.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the application is carried out at pre-emergence or post-emergence stage of the weeds.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the composition is applied to crops selected from cotton, maize, soybean, sunflower, and sugar beet.

16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein metolachlor or S-metolachlor is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 2000 g ai / ha.

17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein oxyfluorfen is applied in an amount in the range from about 100 to about 1000 g ai / ha.

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