An agrochemical combination

Abstract

The present invention relates to agrochemical combinations, compositions and methods for controlling phytopathogenic infestation. Particularly, the present invention relates to controlling phytopathogenic infestation using kasugamycin. Also, the present invention relates to combination or composition comprising kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal agents / fungicidal agents for controlling bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof, particularly a cereal crop and methods of using the same.

Description

TITLE: AN AGROCHEMICAL COMBINATIONTechnical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for controlling or preventing phytopathogenic infestation and diseases caused thereby in crops or a part thereof, particularly cereal crops or a part thereof. The present invention particularly relates to controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby in crops or a part thereof using kasugamycin. Also, the present invention relates to controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby in crops or a part thereof using combination or compositions comprising kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal / fungicidal agents.Background

[0002] Bacterial diseases are one of the most common reasons for yield loss and poor health of crops across the globe. Stunt disease is the most important disease of com / maize in the Americas and the Caribbean, where it causes the severe stunting of com plants and can result in up to 100% yield loss. The stunt disease in corn / maize can be of two types - maize bushy stunt and corn stunt which are caused by mycoplasma of maize bushy stunt i.e. Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris and com stunt spiroplasma i.e. Spiroplasma kunkelii respectively. Corn stunt complex is a disease caused by a combination of above-mentioned pathogens. The infection with said pathogens has been associated with early plant death, proliferation of unproductive ears, and reduction in grain filling and grain weight. These bacteria are more often spread by leafhoppers, which act as vector for the spread of these diseases. Dalbulus maidis is the only insect vector of these pathogens. Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris and Spiroplasma kunkelii belong to a class of bacteria called Mollicutes and many species of these genera affect not only corn, but other plants and cultivars as well.

[0003] Kasugamycin is an agricultural antibiotic bactericide that inhibits the proliferation of bacteria by tampering with their ability to make new proteins with ribosome being the major target. It exhibits pesticidal properties and has been widely used. The mechanism of action of kasugamycin is to disturb the esterase system of pathogen metabolism of amino acid; destroy the biosynthesis of protein; the growth that suppresses mycelia also causes cell granulations, makes pathogen lose breeding and infection ability. However, on the contrary of the common understanding, Liao and Chen In Vitro Susceptibility and Resistance of Two Spiroplasmas to Antibiotics, 1981, Phytopathology 71:442-445) have demonstrated that some Spiroplasmas are resistant to kasugamycin. At present, agriculturists rely heavily on chemical pesticides for management of these phytopathogens and diseases, posing several risks to the environment as well as crops. The application of synthetic pesticides in crop management has been reported to cause persistent issues relating to phytotoxicity as well as emergence of resistance in phytopathogens, resulting in poor disease control and massive crop loss.

[0004] There is therefore an unmet need in the art to develop a solution for control and management of com stunt disease by controlling the Mollicutes. There is a need for a solution that includes a component having a biological origin such as kasugamycin or a salt thereof for control of Mollicutes and diseases caused thereby. There also is a need for an agricultural combination or composition including a component having a biological origin such as kasugamycin or a salt thereof and an additional active ingredient that may overcome the drawbacks associated with the existing agricultural combinations or compositions and exhibits functional reciprocity and provides broad- spectrum anti-microbial properties.

[0005] The present inventors have addressed the existing urgent need of providing a solution in form of kasugamycin or a salt thereof for control of bacterial disease in cereals and an agricultural combination or composition having minimal or no phytotoxicity and mitigating resistance in phytopathogens. Further, the present invention aims to reduce the economic losses associated with stunt disease in com fields, preserve grain quality, increase yield while ensuring environmentalsustainability through integrated management practices that optimize the use of approved eco-friendly and sustainable methods for pest prevention and control.Object of invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an agrochemical combination for controlling phytopathogenic infestation in crops.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more agrochemical compounds.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more insecticides and / or one or more fungicides.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more agrochemical compounds for controlling phytopathogenic infestation in crops.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and disease caused thereby in crops, particularly cereal crops.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease in cereal crops.

[0012] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a method of controlling or preventing Mollicutes infestation or agents transmitting Mollicutes infestation and disease caused thereby in cereal crops, particularly corn.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide use of kasugamycin, effective in controlling or preventing bacterial infestation, particularly Mollicutes infestation, or agents transmitting Mollicutes infestation in cereal crops and disease caused thereby.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide use of said agricultural combination or composition comprising said combination, effective incontrolling or preventing bacterial infestation, particularly Mollicutes infestation, or agents transmitting Mollicutes infestation in cereal crops and disease caused thereby.Summary of the invention

[0015] In an aspect, the present invention relates to agrochemical combinations for controlling phytopathogenic infestation in crops.

[0016] In an aspect, the present invention relates to an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more agrochemical compounds.

[0017] In an aspect, the present invention relates to an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more insecticides and / or one or more fungicides.

[0018] In an aspect, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin and one or more insecticides selected from the group consisting of acephate, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, flupyrimin, sulfluramid, isocycloseram, Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and combinations thereof.

[0019] In an aspect, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin and one or more fungicides selected from the group consisting of metominostrobin, tebuconazole, protioconazole, trifloxystrobin, bixafen, azoxystrobin, cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin, epoxiconazole, and combinations thereof.

[0020] In an aspect, the present invention relates to method of controlling or preventing phytopathogenic infestation or disease caused thereby in crops.

[0021] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation or disease caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof.

[0022] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease caused by bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in a crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof.

[0023] In an embodiment, the bacterial infestation is caused by Mollicutes.

[0024] In an embodiment, the agent transmitting bacterial infestation is a vector.

[0025] In an embodiment, said vector is a leafhopper.

[0026] In an embodiment, the crop is a cereal crop.

[0027] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation or disease caused thereby in a cereal crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.

[0028] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease caused by bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation or disease caused thereby in a cereal crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.

[0029] In an aspect, the present invention relates to use of an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof for controlling bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation or disease caused thereby in a cereal crop or a part thereof.

[0030] In an aspect, the present invention relates to use of an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent, for controlling bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation or disease caused thereby in a cereal crop or a part thereof.Detailed description of the invention

[0031] 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. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well- known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0032] The terms used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials / ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”.

[0034] Thus, before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.

[0035] Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms used herein. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this subject matter pertains. The following definitions are provided for clarity.

[0036] The use of the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc. as used herein are not meant to denote any ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.

[0037] The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted.

[0038] In any embodiment or embodiment described hereinbelow, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of’. In these embodiments 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 ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0039] “About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill 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 thatwhere 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%.

[0040] All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), 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 the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

[0041] As used herein, the term “agrochemical” is understood to denote an agricultural chemical such as pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators and can be used interchangeably.

[0042] As used herein, the term “insecticide” refers to the ability of a substance to decrease or inhibit the growth of insects. The term includes chemical, biological or biochemical insecticides.

[0043] As used herein, the term “fungicide” refers to the ability of a substance to decrease or inhibit the growth of fungus. The term includes chemical, biological or biochemical fungicides.

[0044] The term “active” as used herein, is meant an ingredient that is chemically active and / or biologically active in origin. In this regard an “active” ingredient can be a single ingredient or a combination of ingredients.

[0045] The term “effective amount” refers to an amount of an active ingredient that kills or inhibits phytopathogenic infestation or agent transmitting phytopathogenic infestation and diseases caused thereby for which control is desired, in an amount not significantly toxic to the crop or plant being treated.

[0046] The term “phytopathogenic infestation” as used herein refers to undesirable presence of a large number of phytopathogens, in a specific location. The term also includes an incursion, or a sudden significant increase of anphytopathogen leading to damage to plants in fields, forests and natural habitats. The term includes microbial infestation, agents transmitting microbial infestation as well as insect pest infestation and disease caused thereby. In an embodiment, said microbial infestation is a bacterial infestation. In another embodiment, agents transmitting microbial infestation is a vector carrying said microbes.

[0047] The term “disease control” as used herein denotes control and prevention of a disease. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, inhibition or decrease of the disease.

[0048] The term “plant” or “crop” refers to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, or 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, stolons, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.

[0049] 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 emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

[0050] The term “locus” as used herein denotes the vicinity or area designated for growth of a desired crop susceptible to or likely to be susceptible to infestation by pathogens, and in which control of the phytopathogens is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein pathogenic infestation has either occurred or is most likely to occur or is yet to occur.

[0051] The term “agricultural produce” means any produce out of cultivation of plants and rearing of all life forms of animals, for food, fibre, fuel, raw material or other similar products, on which either no further processing was done or such processing is done as is usually done by a cultivator or producer which does not alter its essential characteristics but makes it marketable for primary market.

[0052] The term “% disease severity” refers to the percentage decay observed in the crops in terms of the percentage of relevant host tissues covered by lesions or damaged by the disease in crops. Severity results from the number and size of the lesions. The % severity indicates the extent of damage caused by the disease.

[0053] To “control” or “controlling” insects means to inhibit, and / or supress the ability of a pathogen to grow and / or reproduce, or to limit pathogen-related damage or loss in crop plants or denotes control and prevention of a disease. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, decrease of the disease.

[0054] As used herein, the terms “% disease control” refers to the % control and prevention of a disease in crops.

[0055] The term “g a.i. / L” or “g ai / L” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” present “per litre” of the composition

[0056] The terms “g a.i. / ha” or “g ai / ha” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” applied “per hectare” of the crop field.

[0057] References to “ai” or “a.i.” means active ingredient and is construed to mean the same at portions of the specification hereinafter.

[0058] The present inventors have unexpectedly solved the existing urgent need of providing a solution to controlling bacterial diseases in cereal crops, particularly corn stunt disease in corn by applying an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof or a combination of kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal / fungicidal agents. The present combination and the method of control aims to reduce the economic losses associated with corn stunt disease in corn fields,preserve grain yield and quality, while ensuring environmental sustainability through integrated management practices that optimize the use of approved eco- friendly and sustainable methods for disease prevention and control.

[0059] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more agrochemical compounds.

[0060] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.

[0061] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent for controlling bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in a crop or a part thereof and disease caused thereby.

[0062] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent for controlling bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in a crop or a part thereof and disease caused thereby.

[0063] In an embodiment, the insecticidal agent is selected from the group comprising acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, sodium channel modulators, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators - Site I, glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators, Juvenile hormone receptor modulators, Chordo tonal Organ TRPV Channel Modulators, Mite growth inhibitors affecting CHS1, Microbial disruptors of insect midgut membranes, Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase, Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers, Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis affecting CHS1, Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis, type 1, Moulting disruptor,Ecdysone receptor agonists, Octopamine receptor agonists, Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors - Qo site, Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors, Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, Inhibitors of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, Mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors, Mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors, Ryanodine receptor modulators, Chordotonal organ nicotinamidase inhibitors, GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators, Baculoviruses, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric Modulators - Site II, Calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa2) modulators, Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors - Qi site, RNA Interference mediated target suppressors, Chordotonal organ modulators - undefined target site, Vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) inhibitors, bioinsecticides and combinations thereof.

[0064] In an embodiment, the present invention provides insecticidal agent selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors (Group 1), GABA-gated chloride channel blockers (Group 2), Sodium channel modulators (Group 3), Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators (Group 4), Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient (Group 13), GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators (Group 30), bioinsecticides and combinations thereof.

[0065] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more insecticidal agent are selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor insecticides, carbamates, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator insecticides, organophosphates, pyrethroids, pyrethrins, neonicotinoids, sulfoxmines, pyridylidenes, diamides, meta-diamides, isoxazolines, uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient insecticides, GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator insecticides, bioinsecticides and combinations thereof.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor insecticides selected from the group comprising carbamates and organophosphates.

[0067] In an embodiment, carbamates are selected from the group comprising alanycarb, aldicarb, aendiocarb, benfuracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, triazamate, trimethacarb, XMC and xylylcarb.

[0068] In an embodiment, organophosphates are selected from the group comprising acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenvinphos, chlormephos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, coumaphos, cyanophos, demeton-S -methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos / DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, disulfoton, EPN, ethion, ethoprophos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fenthion, fosthiazate, heptenophos, isofenphos, isoxathion, malathion, mecarbam, methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, parathion- methyl, phenthoate, phosalone, phorate, phosmet, phosphamidon, phoxim, profenofos, propetamphos, prothiofos, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion, puinalphos, sulfotep, tebupirimfos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos, vamidothion, pirimiphos-methyl, imicyafos, and isopropyl O- (methoxy amino thio -phosphoryl) salicylate.

[0069] In an embodiment the present invention provides GABA-gated chloride channel blockers selected from the group comprising cyclodiene organochlorines and phenylpyrazoles.

[0070] In an embodiment, cyclodiene organochlorines are selected from chlordane and endosulfan.

[0071] In an embodiment, phenylpyrazoles are selected from ethiprole and fipronil.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides Sodium channel modulators insecticides selected from the group comprising pyrethroids, pyrethrins, DDT and methoxychlor.

[0073] In an embodiment, the pyrethroids and pyrethrins are selected from the group comprising acrinathrin, allethrin, bifenthrin cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha- cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyphenothrin [(Ir)-trans- isomers], deltamethrin, empenthrin [(ez)- (lr)- isomers], esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau- fluvalinate, kadethrin, pyrethrins (pyrethrum), halfenprox, phenothrin [(Ir)-trans- isomer], prallethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tetramethrin [(lr)- isomers], tralomethrin, transfluthrin and permethrin.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the pyrethroid is selected from the group comprising cypermethrin, allethrin, bifenthrin and cyhalothrin.

[0075] In an embodiment, the present invention provides nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator insecticides comprising neonicotinoids, nicotine, sulfoximines, butenolides, mesoionics and pyridylidenes.

[0076] In an embodiment, the neonicotinoids are selected from the group comprising acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam.

[0077] In an embodiment, the pyridylidene insecticide is flupyrimin.

[0078] In an embodiment, Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient insecticides are selected from the group comprising pyrroles, pinitrophenols and sulfluramid.

[0079] In an embodiment, the GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator insecticides are selected from meta-diamides and isoxazolines.

[0080] In an embodiment, the meta-diamides is broflanilide and the isooxazoline is fluxametamide and isocycloseram.

[0081] In an embodiment, bioinsecticides are selected from Bacillus spp., Beauveria spp., Isaria spp., Metarhizium spp., Lecanicillium spp., and combinations thereof.

[0082] In an embodiment, bioinsecticides are selected from Beauveria spp., Isaria spp., and combinations thereof.

[0083] In an embodiment, bioinsecticides are selected from Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and combinations thereof.

[0084] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more insecticidal agent selected from the group consisting of acephate, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, flupyrimin, sulfluramid, isocycloseram, Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and combinations thereof.

[0085] In an embodiment, said combination is effective in controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agents transmitting bacterial infestation and disease caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof.

[0086] In an embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 0.5-200:200-0.5. In an embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 0.5-150: 150-0.5. Preferably, kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 1:0.5 to 1:200. Preferably, kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 1:0.5 to 1: 150.

[0087] In another embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal agent(s) are combined in a ratio of about 1:0.5 to about 1: 145, about 1:0.5 to about 1:45, about 1:0.5 to about 1:4, about 1: 1 to about 1:25, about 1: 1 to about 1:15, about 1: 1 to about 1:2.

[0088] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more fungicidalagent for controlling bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in a crop or a part thereof and disease caused thereby.

[0089] In an embodiment, the fungicidal agent is selected from the group consisting of: i. Al) RNA polymerase I inhibitor - PhenylAmides - selected from the group consisting of benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M (=kiralaxyl), furalaxyl, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (=mefenoxam),oxadixyl, ofurace, and combinations thereof; ii. A2) adenosin deaminase inhibitor - hydroxy-(2-amino-) pyrimidines - selected from the group consisting of bupirimate, dimethirimol, ethirimol, and combinations thereof; iii. A3) DNA / RNA synthesis inhibitor - heteroaromatics - selected from the group consisting of hymexazole, octhilinone, and combinations thereof; iv. A4) DNA topoisomerase type II (gyrase) inhibitor - carboxylic acids- oxolinic acid; v. A5) DHODHI fungicide - ipflufenoquin; vi. Bl)tubulin polymerization inhibitor - Methyl Benzimidazole Carbamates selected from the group consisting of benomyl, carbendazim, fuberidazole, thiabendazole, thiophanate,thiophanate-methyl, and combinations thereof; vii.B2) tubulin polymerization inhibitor - N-phenyl carbamates - diethofencarb; viii. B3)tubulin polymerization inhibitor selected from the group consisting of zoxamide (benzamides), ethaboxam (thiazole carboxamide), and combinations thereof; ix. B4) cell division inhibitor phenylureas pencycuron; x. B5) delocalisation of spectrin-like proteins - benzamides -selected from the group consisting of fluopicolide, fluopimomide, and combinations thereof;xi. B6) actin / myosin / fimbrin function inhibitors - selected from the group consisting of cyanoacrylates such as phenamacril, aryl-phenylketones such as metrafenone, pyriofenone, and combinations thereof; xii.B7) tubulin dynamics modulator - pyridazine such as pyridachlometyl; xiii. Cl) complex I NADH oxido-reductase inhibitor - selected from the group consisting of pyrimidinamines such as diflumetorim, pyrazole such as tolfenpyrad, quinazoline such as fenazaquin, and combinations thereof; xiv. C2) Succinate- dehydrogenase inhibitors selected from the group consisting of benodanil, flutolanil, mepronil, isofetamid, fluopyram, cyclobutrifluram, fenfuram, carboxin, oxycarboxin, thifluzamide, benzovindiflupyr, bixafen, fluindapyr, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, inpyrfluxam, isopyrazam, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, isoflucypram, pydiflumetofen, boscalid, pyraziflumid, and combinations thereof; xv. C3) Quinone outside Inhibitors selected from the group consisting of azoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraoxystrobin, mandestrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, triclopyricarb, kresoxim-methyl, trifloxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, fenaminstrobin, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, famoxadone, fluoxastrobin, fenamidone, pyribencarb, metyltetraprole, and combinations thereof; xvi. C4) Quinone inside Inhibitors selected from the group consisting of cyazofamid, amisulbrom, fenpicoxamid, florylpicoxamid, and combinations thereof; xvii. C5) uncouplersof oxidative phosphorylation selected from the group consisting of binapacryl, meptyldinocap, dinocap, fluazinam, ferimzone, and combinations thereof; xviii. C6) inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation selected from the group consisting of ATP synthase fentin acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide, and combinations thereof; xix. C7) ATP transport inhibitor such as silthiofam;xx. C8) Quinone outsideinhibitor, stigmatellin binding type such as ametoctradin; xxi. DI) methioninebiosynthesis inhibitor selected from the group consisting of cyprodinil, mepanipyrim, pyrimethanil, and combinations thereof; xxii. D2) protein synthesis (ribosome, termination step) inhibitor such as blasticidin-S; xxiii. D3) protein synthesis (ribosome, initiation step) inhibitor such as kasugamycin; xxiv. D4) protein synthesis (ribosome, initiation step) inhibitor such as streptomycin; xxv. D5) protein synthesis (ribosome, elongation step) inhibitor such as oxytetracycline; xxvi. El) signal transduction inhibitor - azanaphthalenes selected from the group consisting of quinoxyfen, proquinazid, and combinations thereof; xxvii. E2) MAP / Histidine- Kinase in osmotic signal transduction (os -2, HOG1) inhibitor - PhenylPyrroles selected from the group consisting of fenpiclonil, fludioxonil, and combinations thereof; xxviii. E3) MAP / Histidine- Kinase in osmotic signal transduction (os-1, Dafl) inhibitor - dicarboximides selected from the group consisting of chlozolinate, dimethachlone, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin,and combinations thereof; xxix. F2) phospholipidbiosynthesis inhibitor selected from the group consisting of edifenphos, iprobenfos (IBP), pyrazophos, isoprothiolane, and combinations thereof; xxx. F3) cell peroxidation inhibitor aromatic hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of biphenyl, chloroneb, dicloran, quintozene (PCNB), tecnazene (TCNB),tolclofos-methyl,and combinations thereof; xxxi. F4) cell membrane permeability, fatty acids inhibitor carbamates selected from the group consisting of iodocarb, propamocarb, prothiocarb, and combinations thereof;xxxii. F8) ergosterol binding inhibitor natamycin; xxxiii. OSBPI oxysterol binding protein homologue inhibitor selected from the group consisting of oxathiapiprolin, fluoxapiprolin, and combinations thereof; xxxiv. Gl) DeMethylation Inhibitors selected from the group consisting of triforine, pyrifenox pyrisoxazole, fenarimol, nuarimol, imazalil, oxpoconazole, pefurazoate, prochloraz, triflumizole, azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, prothioconazole, and combinations thereof; xxxv. G2)morpholines selected from the group consisting of aldimorph,dodemorph, fenpropimorph, tridemorph, fenpropidin, piperalin, spiroxamine, and combinations thereof; xxxvi. G3) KetoReductase Inhibitorsselected from the group consisting of fenhexamid, fenpyrazamine, and combinations thereof; xxxvii. G4)squalene-epoxidase in sterol biosynthesis inhibitorselected from the group consisting of pyributicarb, naftifine, terbinafine, and combinations thereof; xxxviii. H3) validamycin; xxxix. H4) chitin synthase inhibitor polyoxin; xl. H5) cellulose synthase inhibitor Carboxylic Acid Amides selected from the group consisting of benthiavalicarb, iprovalicarb, valifenalate, mandipropamid, and combinations thereof; xli. multi- site (contact) fungicides selected from the group consisting of copper, copper-based fungicides such as copper complexes, copper salts (for example tribasic copper sulphate), sulphur, sulphur-based fungicides such as sulphur complexes, sulphur salts, amobam, ferbam, mancozeb, maneb, metiram, propineb, thiram, zinc, thiazole, zineb, ziram, captan,captafol, folpet, chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, tolylfluanid, guazatine, iminoctadine, anilazine, dithianon, fluoroimide, chinomethionat / quinomethionate, methasulfocarb, and combinations thereof; xlii. other fungicides selected from the group consisting of fthalide, pyroquilon, tricyclazole, carpropamid, diclocymet, fenoxanil, tolprocarb, acibenzolar-S-methyl, tiadinil, isotianil, probenazole, laminarin, fosetyl-Al, dichlobentiazox, cymoxanil, triazoxide, triazoxide, diclomezine, cyflufenamid, dodine, flutianil, ferimzone, tebufloquin, picarbutrazox, mineral oils such as paraffinic oil, organic oils (cinnamon oil, orange oil), inorganic salts, material of biological origin; plant oils (mixtures): eugenol, geraniol, thymol, and combinations thereof; xliii. biological fungicides such as Trichoderma spp., Trichoderma spp., Coniothyrium spp., Coniothyrium spp., Talaromyces spp., Talaromyces spp., Bacillus spp., Bacillus spp., Gluconobacter spp., Gluconobacter spp., Gluconobacter spp., extracts (both cell-free and cell- inclusive) and combinations thereof; xliv. and combinations of any of the above.

[0090] In an embodiment, one or more fungicidal agent is selected from the group consisting of metominostrobin, tebuconazole, protioconazole, trifloxystrobin, bixafen, azoxystrobin, cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin, epoxiconazole, and combinations thereof.

[0091] In an embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more fungicidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 1: 100 to about 100: 1. Preferably, in an embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more fungicidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 1- 50:50-1.

[0092] In an embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more fungicidal agents are applied in a ratio of about 1:100 to about 100: 1. Preferably, in an embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more fungicidal agents are applied in a ratio of about 1- 50:50-1.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, kasugamycin and one or more fungicidal agents are combined or applied in a ratio of about 1: 1 to about 1:50.

[0094] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more agrochemical compounds.

[0095] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.

[0096] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent for controlling bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in a crop or a part thereof and disease caused thereby.

[0097] In an embodiment, said composition further comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0098] In an embodiment, said composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0099] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more insecticides selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor insecticides, carbamates, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator insecticides, organophosphates, pyrethroids, pyrethrins, neonicotinoids, sulfoxmines, pyridylidenes, diamides, meta-diamides, isoxazolines, uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient insecticides, GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator insecticides, bioinsecticides and combinations thereof. Optionally, said composition further comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0100] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more insecticides selected from the group consisting of acephate, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, flupyrimin, sulfluramid, isocycloseram, Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and combinations thereof. Optionally, said composition further comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. Said composition is effective in controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agents transmitting bacterial infestation and disease caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof.

[0101] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof and one or more fungicidal agents selected from the group consisting of metominostrobin, tebuconazole, protioconazole, trifloxystrobin, bixafen, azoxystrobin, cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin, epoxiconazole, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the composition further comprises one or more agriculturally suitable excipients. Said composition is effective in controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agents transmitting bacterial infestation and disease caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof.

[0102] In an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from one or more of dispersant / dispersing agents, carriers, emulsifiers, colorants, thickener s / binders, antifreeze agents, antifoaming agents, antioxidants, solvents, preservatives, diluents, other auxiliary agents, or combinations thereof.

[0103] In another embodiment, the dispersant / dispersing agents include anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfate ester salts, alkylaryl sulfonate salts, dialkyl sulfosuccinate salts, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether phosphate ester salts, ligno sulfonate salts and naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde polycondensates, sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate; and nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylpolyoxypropylene block copolymers and sorbitan fatty acid esters and cationic surfactants such asalkyltrimethylammonium salts. Other examples include Acrylic copolymer solution, polyalkylene oxide block copolymer and combinations thereof.

[0104] In another embodiment, the carrier may include minerals such as kaolin clay, attapulgite clay, bentonite, montmorillonite, acid white clay, pyrophyllite, talc, diatomaceous earth and calcite; natural organic materials such as corn rachis powder and walnut husk powder; synthetic organic materials such as urea; salts such as calcium carbonate and ammonium sulfate; synthetic inorganic materials such as synthetic hydrated silicon oxide. Examples of the liquid carrier include aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, alkylbenzene and methylnaphthalene; alcohols such as 2-propanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether; ketones such as acetone, cyclohexanone and isophorone; vegetable oil such as soybean oil and cotton seed oil; petroleum aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile and water.

[0105] In another embodiment, emulsifiers which can be advantageously employed herein can be readily determined by those skilled in the art and include various non-ionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric emulsifiers, or a blend of two or more emulsifiers. Examples of non-ionic emulsifiers useful in preparing the emulsifiable concentrates include the polyalkylene glycol ethers and condensation products of alkyl and aryl phenols, aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic amines or fatty acids with ethylene oxide, propylene oxides such as the ethoxylated alkyl phenols and carboxylic esters solubilized with the polyol or polyoxyalkylene. Cationic emulsifiers include quaternary ammonium compounds and fatty amine salts. Anionic emulsifiers include the oil-soluble salts (e.g., calcium) of alkylaryl sulfonic acids, oil- soluble salts or sulfated polyglycol ethers and appropriate salts of phosphated polyglycol ether. Other examples include tristyrylphenol ethoxylate, linear calcium alkylbenzene sulphonate, castor oil ethoxylate, and combinations thereof.

[0106] In an embodiment, colorants may be selected from iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs, such as alizain dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs or metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs, and trace elements, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

[0107] In an embodiment, thickeners / binders / gelling agents may be selected from but not limited to molasses, granulated sugar, alginates, karaya gum, jaguar gum, tragacanth gum, polysaccharide gum, mucilage, xanthan gum or combination thereof. In another embodiment, the binder may be selected from silicates such as magnesium aluminium silicate, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, celluloses, including ethylcelluloses and methylcelluloses, hydroxymethyl celluloses, hydroxypropylcelluloses, hydroxymethylpropyl-celluloses, poly vin yip yrolidones, dextrins, malto-dextrins, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabics, shellacs, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonates, acrylic copolymers, starches, polyvinylacrylates, zeins, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylimide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylimide monomers, alginate, ethylcellulose, polychloroprene and syrups or mixtures thereof; polymers and copolymers of vinyl acetate, methyl cellulose, vinylidene chloride, acrylic, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polysaccharide; polymers and copolymers of vinylidene chloride and vinyl acetate -ethylene copolymers; combinations of polyvinyl alcohol and sucrose; plasticizers such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyglycols.

[0108] In another embodiment, antifreeze agent(s) added to the composition may be alcohols selected from the group comprising of but not limited to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2- propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 3- methyl-l,5-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, trimethylol propane, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, xylenol, bisphenols such as bisphenol A or the like. In addition, ether alcohols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, butoxyethanol, butylene glycol monobutyl ether,dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol, octaglycerol.

[0109] According to an embodiment, antifoam agent may be selected from polydimethoxysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, dimethylsiloxane polymers, siloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymer, polypropylene glycol, alkyl poly acrylates, castor oil, fatty acids, fatty acids esters, fatty acids sulfate, fatty alcohol, fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohol sulfate, foot olive oil, mono & di glyceride, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, poly propylene glycol, silicones oil, vegetable fats, vegetable fats sulfate, vegetable oil, vegetable oil sulfate, vegetable wax, vegetable wax sulfate, agents based on silicon or magnesium stearate.

[0110] In another embodiment, antioxidants are, for example, amino acids (e.g., glycine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and derivatives thereof, imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g., urocanic acid), peptides, such as, for example, D,L- carnosine, D-carnosine, L-carnosine and derivatives thereof (e.g., anserine), carotenoids, carotenes (e.g., a-carotene, P-carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, lipoic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., dihydrolipoic acid), aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and further thio compounds (e.g., thioglycerol, thiosorbitol, thioglycolic acid, thioredoxin, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and the glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl, lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, y-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof), and salts thereof, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts), and sulfoximine compounds (e.g., buthionine sulfoximines, homocysteine sulfoximine, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathionine sulfoximine) in very low tolerated doses (e.g., pmol / kg to pmol / kg), also metal chelating agents (e.g., a- hydroxy fatty acids, EDTA, EGTA, phytic acid, lactoferrin), a-hydroxy acids (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acids, bile acid, bile extracts, gallic esters (e.g., propyl, octyl and dodecyl gallate), flavonoids, catechins, bilirubin, biliverdin and derivatives thereof, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof (e.g., y- linolenic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof, hydroquinone and derivatives thereof (e.g., arbutin), ubiquinone andubiquinol, and derivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives thereof (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate, stearate, dipalmitate, acetate, Mg ascorbyl phosphates, sodium and magnesium ascorbate, disodium ascorbyl phosphate and sulfate, potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, chitosan ascorbate), isoascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, tocopherols and derivatives thereof (e.g., tocopheryl acetate, linoleate, oleate and succinate, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12, tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopher solan), vitamin A and derivatives (e.g., vitamin A palmitate), the coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, disodium rutinyl disulfate, cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., ferulic acid, ethyl ferulate, caffeic acid), kojic acid, chitosan glycolate and salicylate, butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisol, nordihydroguaiacic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, selenium and selenium derivatives (e.g., selenomethionine), stilbenes and stilbene derivatives (e.g., stilbene oxide, transstilbene oxide). According to the disclosure, suitable derivatives (salts, esters, sugars, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides, and lipids) and mixtures of these specified active ingredients or plant extracts (e.g., tea tree oil, rosemary extract and rosemarinic acid) which comprise these antioxidants can be used. In general, mixtures of the aforementioned antioxidants are possible.

[0111] According to an embodiment, examples of suitable solvents are water, oils of vegetable, cyclohexanone, 2-butoxyethanol, or derivatives thereof. In principle, solvent mixtures may also be used.

[0112] In another embodiment, suitable preservatives are for example benzothiazoles, l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, l,2-phenyl-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-bromo-2- nitro-l,3-propanediol, inter chloroxylenol paraoxybenzoate butyl and benzoic acid & combination thereof.

[0113] According to an embodiment, example of suitable diluent is water.

[0114] According to an embodiment, examples of the other agrochemically acceptable excipients that can be included in the composition include water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, polysaccharidessuch as Arabic gum, alginic acid, or a salt thereof, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Xanthan gum, inorganic materials such as aluminum magnesium silicate and alumina sol, preservatives, coloring agents and stabilization agents such as acid phosphate isopropyl (PAP), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

[0115] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 70% w / w of kasugamycin of total weight of the composition.

[0116] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 60% w / w of kasugamycin of total weight of the composition.

[0117] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 50% w / w of kasugamycin of total weight of the composition.

[0118] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 5% w / w to about 40% w / w of kasugamycin of total weight of the composition.

[0119] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 70% w / w of the insecticides of total weight of the composition.

[0120] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 60% w / w of the insecticides of total weight of the composition.

[0121] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 50% w / w of the insecticides of total weight of the composition.

[0122] In an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 5% w / w to about 40% w / w of the insecticides of total weight of the composition.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 50% w / w of the agrochemically acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition.

[0124] In an embodiment, the compositions of the present disclosure are produced by combining the actives with at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to prepare a mixture and formulating the mixture into a solid or liquid formulation. Examples of the solid or liquid formulation includes, but are not limited to, wettable powders, granules, dusts, soluble (liquid) concentrates, suspension concentrates (SC), oil in water emulsions (EW), water in oil emulsions, emulsifiable concentrates, capsule suspensions, ZC (mixed formulation of capsulesuspension and suspension concentrate) formulations, oil dispersions, other known formulation types, or a combination thereof.

[0125] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to method of controlling or preventing phytopathogenic disease in a crop or a part thereof.

[0126] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to method of controlling or preventing bacterial disease or agent transmitting bacterial disease in a crop or a part thereof.

[0127] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation or disease caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof.

[0128] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of combination or composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more agrochemical compounds.

[0129] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus or a plant propagation material, an effective amount of combination or composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.

[0130] In an embodiment, the present invention provides kasugamycin as kasugamycin hydrochloride.

[0131] In an embodiment, the crop is a cereal crop.

[0132] In an embodiment, the cereal crop is selected from the group consisting of wheat, rye, sorghum, rice, oats, maize, barley, millet, quinoa, corn, and combinations thereof.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the cereal crop is corn. In a more preferred embodiment, the cereal crop is corn seed.

[0134] In an embodiment, the bacterial infestation is caused by Mollicutes.

[0135] In an embodiment, the Mollicutes are selected from the genus from the group consisting of Mycoplasma, Spiroplasma, Phytoplasma and Acholeplasma and combinations thereof.

[0136] In an embodiment, the Mollicutes are selected from the group consisting of Spiroplasma kunkelli, Phytoplasma asteris (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris).

[0137] In a preferred embodiment, the bacterial infestation is caused by Spiroplasma. In an even more preferred embodiment, the bacterial infestation is caused by Spiroplasma kunkelli.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment, the bacterial infestation is caused by Phytoplasma. In an even more preferred embodiment, the bacterial infestation is caused by Phytoplasma asteris (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris).

[0139] In an embodiment, disease caused by bacterial infestation is a stunt disease.

[0140] In an embodiment, the stunt disease is a com stunt disease or maize bushy stunt disease or com stunt complex disease.

[0141] In an embodiment, said disease is caused by Mollicutes infestation. In an embodiment, the Mollicutes are selected from the group consisting of Mycoplasma, Spiroplasma, Phytoplasma and Acholeplasma In a preferred embodiment, said disease is caused by Spiroplasma or Phytoplasma. In an even more preferred embodiment, said disease is caused by Spiroplasma kunkelli or Phytoplasma asteris (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris). In a more preferred embodiment, said corn stunt complex disease is caused by the combination of said pathogens.

[0142] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease or stunt complex disease caused by bacterialinfestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in a cereal crop or a part thereof, particularly in a com crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of kasugamycin or a salt thereof.

[0143] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease or stunt complex disease caused by bacterial infestation or agent transmitting stunt disease in a cereal crop or a part thereof, particularly in a corn crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of combination or composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.

[0144] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease or stunt complex disease caused by bacterial infestation or agent transmitting stunt disease in a cereal crop or a part thereof, particularly in a corn crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of combination or composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor insecticides, carbamates, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator insecticides, organophosphates, pyrethroids, pyrethrins, neonicotinoids, sulfoxmines, pyridylidenes, diamides, meta-diamides, isoxazolines, uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient insecticides, GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator insecticides, bioinsecticides and combinations thereof.

[0145] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease or stunt complex disease caused by bacterial infestation or agent transmitting stunt disease in a cereal crop or a part thereof, particularly in a corn crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of combination or composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent selected from the group consisting of acephate, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, acetamiprid,clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, flupyrimin, sulfluramid, isocycloseram, Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and combinations thereof.

[0146] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of controlling or preventing stunt disease or stunt complex disease caused by bacterial infestation or agent transmitting stunt disease in a cereal crop or a part thereof, particularly in a corn crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus an effective amount of combination or composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more fungicidal agent selected from the group consisting of metominostrobin, tebuconazole, protioconazole, trifloxystrobin, bixafen, azoxystrobin, cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin, epoxiconazole, and combinations thereof.

[0147] In an embodiment, the agent transmitting bacterial infestation is a vector.

[0148] In an embodiment, the vector is an insect selected from Leafhoppers, Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Hemipteran, or Homopteran order. However, the choice of the target insect pests is not limiting. In an embodiment, said control or prevention is effected by controlling the vector of bacteria causing infestation in cereal crops or a part thereof.

[0149] In an embodiment, said vector is an insect of the order Homoptera, such as Acrythosiphon pisum (pea aphid), Adelges spp. (adelgids), Aleurodes proletella (cabbage whitefly), Aleurodicus disperses, Aleurothrixus floccosus (woolly whitefly), Aluacaspis spp., Amrasca bigutella bigutella, Aphrophora spp. (leafhoppers), Aonidiella aurantii (California red scale), Aphis spp. (aphids), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid), Aphis pomi (apple aphid), Aulacorthum solani (foxglove aphid), Bemisia spp. (whiteflies), Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci (sweet potato whitefly), Brachycolus noxius (Russian aphid), Brachycorynella asparagi (asparagus aphid), Brevennia re hi, Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), Ceroplastes spp. (scales), Ceroplastes rubens (red bawax scale), Chionaspis spp. (scales), Chrysomphalus spp. (scales), Coccus spp. (scales), Dysaphis plantaginea(rosy apple aphid), Empoasca spp. (leafhoppers), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid ), leery a purchasi ( cotony cushion scale ), Idioscopus nitidulus ( mango leafhopper), Eaodelphax striatellus (smaller brown planthopper), Eepidosaphes spp., Macrosiphum spp., Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid), Macrosiphum granarium (English grain aphid), Macrosiphum rosae (rose aphid), Macrosteles quadrilineatus (aster leafhopper), Mahanarva frimbiolata, Metopolophium dirhodum (rose grain aphid), Mictis longimangois, Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Nephotettix spp. (leafhoppers), Nephotettix cinctipes (green leafhopper), Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), Parlatoria pergandii (chaff scale), Parlatoria ziziphi ( ebony scale ), Peregrinus maidis ( mango delphacid ), Philaenus spp. (spittlebugs), Phylloxera vitifoliae (grape phylloxera), Physokermes piceae (spruce bud scale), Pianococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus brevipes (pine apple mealybug), Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale), Rhapalosiphum spp. (aphids), Rhapalosiphum maida (mango leaf aphid), Rhapalosiphum padi (oat bird-cherry aphid), Saissetia spp. (scales), Saissetia oleae (black scale), Schizaphis graminum (greenbug), Sitobion avenae (English grain aphid), Sogatella furcifera (white -backed planthopper), Therioaphis spp. (aphids), Tourney ella spp. (scales), Toxoptera spp. (aphids), Trialeurodes spp. (whiteflies), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly), Trialeurodes abutiloneus (bandedwing whitefly), Unaspis spp. (scales), Unaspis yanonensis ( arrowhead scale ) and Zulia entreriana.

[0150] In an embodiment, said vector is an insect of the order Hemiptera, such as Amritodus atkinsoni Aero sternum hilar e (green stink bug), Blissus leucopterus (chinch bug), Calocoris norvegicus (potato mind), Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug), Cimex lectularius (bed bug), Dagbertus fasciatus, Dichelops furcatus, Dysdercus suturellus (cotton Stainer), Edessa meditabunda, Eurygaster maura (cereal bug), Euschistus heros, Euschistus servus (brown stink bug), Helopeltis antonii, Helopeltis theivora ( tea blight plantbug ), Lagynotomus spp. ( stink bugs ), Eeptocorisa oratorius, Eeptocorisa varicornis, Eygus spp. (plant bugs), Eygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug), Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Neurocolpus longirostris, N ezara viridula (southern green stink bug), Paratrioza cockerelli,Phytocoris spp. (plant bugs), Phytocoris calif ornicus, Phytocoris relativus, Piezodorus guildingi, Poecilocapsus lineatus (fourlined plant bug), Psallus vaccinicola, Pseudacysta perseae, Scaptocoris castanea and Triatoma spp. (bloodsucking conenose bugs / kissing bugs).

[0151] In a preferred embodiment, said insect is a leafhopper.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment, leafhopper is Leptodelphax maculiger.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment, said leafhopper is Dalbulus maidis.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment, said leafhopper is Dalbulus maidis or Leptodelphax maculiger.

[0155] In another embodiment, said control or prevention is effected by controlling the vector of Mollicutes. In a further embodiment, one such vector is an insect. In an embodiment, said insect is a leafhopper. In an embodiment, said insect belongs to Dalbulus genus. In a preferred embodiment, said insect is Dalbulus maidis.

[0156] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to application of kasugamycin or a salt thereof, its combinations or compositions as described herein to the ground, to the plant, to the foliage or to the plant propagation. Preferably, said invention provides seed treatment with kasugamycin or a salt thereof, its combinations or compositions.

[0157] Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a seed treatment for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in plant or a part or a plant propagation material thereof, or a disease caused thereby, comprising treating a plant propagation material with kasugamycin or a salt thereof.

[0158] An embodiment of the present invention provides a seed treatment for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in plant, or a part or a plant propagation material thereof, or a disease caused thereby, comprising treating a plant propagation material with kasugamycinor a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.

[0159] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a seed treatment for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in plant or a part or a plant propagation material thereof, or a disease caused thereby, comprising treating a plant propagation material with kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor insecticides, carbamates, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator insecticides, organophosphates, pyrethroids, pyrethrins, neonicotinoids, sulfoxmines, pyridylidenes, diamides, meta-diamides, isoxazolines, uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient insecticides, GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator insecticides, bioinsecticides and combinations thereof.

[0160] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a seed treatment for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in plant or a part, or a plant propagation material thereof, or a disease caused thereby, comprising treating a plant propagation material with kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent selected from the group consisting of acephate, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, flupyrimin, sulfluramid, isocycloseram, Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and combinations thereof.

[0161] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a seed treatment for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in plant or a part or a plant propagation material thereof, or a disease caused thereby, comprising treating a plant propagation material with kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more fungicidal agent selected from the group consisting of metominostrobin, tebuconazole, protioconazole, trifloxystrobin,bixafen, azoxystrobin, cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin, epoxiconazole, and combinations thereof.

[0162] In an embodiment, the method of the present invention increases the disease resistance in a plant or plant propagation material.

[0163] The plant propagation material treated with kasugamycin and one or more insecticides / fungicides in the first aspect are, therefore, resistant to disease and / or pest damage; accordingly, the present invention also provides a pathogenic and / or pest resistant plant propagation material which is treated with kasugamycin and one or further active compounds and consequently at least the active ingredients thereof are adhered on the propagation material, such as a seed.

[0164] In an embodiment, the plant propagation material is a seed.

[0165] In an embodiment, the seed may be a fruit seed or vegetable seed.

[0166] In an embodiment, the choice of the selected seed is not limiting.

[0167] In an embodiment, the seed may be selected from soybean seed, orange seed, raspberries seed, broccoli seed, prune seed, com seed, peach seed, mango seed, celery seed, conifer seed, tangerine seed, kiwifruit seed, gooseberry seed, plum seed, pumpkin seed, beet seed, starfruit seed, bean seed, carrot seed, asparagus seed, apple seed, crab-apple seed, Swiss chard seed, and many more.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, seed is a com seed.

[0169] Thus, in an embodiment, the present invention provides a com seed treated with kasugamycin such that at least a portion of the applied kasugamycin is adhering to the corn seed.

[0170] Thus, in an embodiment, the present invention provides a corn seed treated with kasugamycin and one or more insecticides and / or one or more fungicides such that at least a portion of the applied kasugamycin and one or more insecticides and / or one or more fungicides is adhering to the corn seed.

[0171] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a locus treated with kasugamycin and one or more insecticides and / or one or more fungicides, wherein the locus is planted with or intended to be planted with a plant or a plant propagation material.

[0172] In an embodiment, advantageously the present compositions provide significant efficacy on insect pest and simultaneously provide improvement in plant growth.

[0173] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby, by applying an agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin and one or more insecticides / fungicides, simultaneously or sequentially, to a plant or a locus or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby, by applying an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin and one or more insecticides / fungicides, simultaneously or sequentially, to a plant or a locus or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0175] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby, by applying an agrochemical combination or composition comprising kasugamycin and one or more insecticides / fungicides, simultaneously or sequentially, to a plant or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0176] The combinations of present invention may be applied to the locus of the plant on one or more occasions during the growth of the plant. It can be applied to the planting site before the seed is sown, during the sowing of the seed, preemergence and / or post-emergence. The compositions can also be used while the plant is being grown in a green house and the use can be continued after transplantation. The soil may, for example, be treated directly, prior to transplanting, at transplanting or after transplanting. The use of the compositions can be via any suitable method, which ensures that the agents penetrate the soil, for example, nursery tray application, in furrow application, soil drenching, soil injection, drip irrigation, application through sprinklers or central pivot, incorporation into soil (broad cast or in band) are such methods.

[0177] The treatment according to the invention of the plants and plant parts with the active compound or its compositions is carried out directly or by action on their surroundings, habitat or storage space using customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting, foaming, painting, spreading-on, watering (drenching), drip irrigating and, in the case of propagation material, in particular in the case of seeds, furthermore as a powder for dry seed treatment, a solution for seed treatment, a water-soluble powder for slurry treatment, by incrusting, by coating with one or more layers, etc. It is furthermore possible to apply the active compound in combination with other active(s) by the ultra-low volume method, or to inject the active compound combination into the soil.

[0178] The rate and frequency of use of the combinations / compositions on the plant may vary within wide limits and depends on the type of use, the specific active agents, the nature of the soil, the method of application (pre- or post-emergence, etc.), the plant, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the method of application, the time of application and the target plant.

[0179] In an embodiment, when employed in plant protection, the amount of active substance applied is in the range, depending on the kind of effect desired, from 0.001 to 10 kg per ha, preferably from 0.001 to 5 kg per ha or 0.001 to 2 kg per ha preferably from 0.005 to 1 kg per ha, in particular from 0.005 to 0.5 kg per ha.

[0180] In an embodiment, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 1 g ai / ha to about 500 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 1 g ai / ha to about 150 g ai / ha. In an embodiment, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 1 g ai / ha to about 100 g ai / ha. Preferably, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 10 g ai / ha to about 200 g ai / ha. Preferably, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 10 g ai / ha to about 160 g ai / ha. Preferably, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 10 g ai / ha to about 120 g ai / ha. Preferably, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 10 g ai / ha to about 70 g ai / ha. Preferably, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 10 gai / ha to about 60 g ai / ha. Preferably, kasugamycin or a salt thereof is applied at a rate of about 20 g ai / ha to about 40 g ai / ha. The application rates may be inclusive of a sum total of kasugamycin applied in a set of treatments.

[0181] In an embodiment, the one or more insecticidal agent(s) are applied at a dose rate ranging from about 1 g ai / ha to about 5000 g ai / ha. Preferably, the one or more insecticidal agent(s) are applied at a dose rate ranging from about 10 g ai / ha to about 4000 g ai / ha. Preferably, the one or more insecticidal agent(s) are applied at dose a rate ranging from about 20 g ai / ha to about 3000 g ai / ha. The application rates may be inclusive of a sum total of active ingredients applied in a set of treatments.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more insecticidal agent(s) are applied at a dose rate of about 485 g ai / ha to about 970 g ai / ha.

[0183] In another preferred embodiment, the one or more insecticidal agent(s) are applied at a dose rate of about 300 g ai / ha to about 600 g ai / ha.

[0184] In another preferred embodiment, the one or more insecticidal agent(s) are applied at a dose rate of about 600 g ai / ha to about 800 g ai / ha.

[0185] In another preferred embodiment, the one or more insecticidal agent(s) are applied at a dose rate of about 60 g ai / ha to about 120 g ai / ha.

[0186] In an embodiment, the one or more fungicidal agent(s) are applied at a rate ranging from about 1 g ai / ha to about 1000 g ai / ha. Preferably, the one or more fungicidal agent(s) are applied at a rate ranging from about 20 g ai / ha to about 700 g ai / ha.

[0187] The present invention is also directed to a seed that is protected against multiple insect pests comprising a seed treated with composition of kasugamycin and one or more agrochemicals. Advantageously the present compositions provide significant efficacy on insect pest and simultaneously provide improvement in plant growth.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling pests by applying an agrochemical combination comprisingkasugamycin and one or more agrochemicals, simultaneously or sequentially, to a plant or a locus thereof or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling pests by applying an agrochemical composition comprising kasugamycin and one or more agrochemicals, simultaneously or sequentially, to a plant or a locus thereof or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling pests by applying an agrochemical combination or composition comprising kasugamycin and one or more agrochemicals, simultaneously or sequentially, to a plant or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0191] The agrochemical combination may be a tank-mix or a ready- mix / premix. The agrochemical combination may be a combination of treatments applied sequentially with or without a time gap. Said combinations may be tank- mixed at the time of application, applied sequentially as separate compositions or ready-mixed together, optionally with at least one agrochemically suitable excipients. The tank-mixing may be carried out with individual compositions comprising kasugamycin and insecticides / fungicides respectively at the time of application or just before use.

[0192] The constituents of the agrochemical combination may be applied as together as a tank-mix or a premix / ready-mix or sequentially as a series of treatments.

[0193] In an embodiment, said combination is applied as tank-mixed at the time of application or applied sequentially as separate compositions or ready-mixed together to a plant or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0194] The constituents of the agrochemical combination may be applied together and / or sequentially with further active compounds. These further active compounds can be selected from fertilizers or micronutrient donors or microorganisms or other preparations that influence plant growth, such as inoculants (e.g., a strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria), plant inducers.

[0195] The compositions of the present invention may be a result of tankmixing of separate active ingredients or independent compositions comprising said active ingredients, with or without one or more agriculturally suitable excipients. Alternatively, the composition may be a ready-mix or a premix formulation, with or without one or more agriculturally suitable excipients.

[0196] In an embodiment, the agriculturally suitable excipients are selected from one or more of dispersant / dispersing agents, carriers, emulsifiers, colorants, thickener s / binders, antifreeze agents, antifoaming agents, antioxidants, solvents, preservatives, diluents, other auxiliary agents, or combinations thereof.

[0197] In an embodiment, the present invention provides use of an effective amount of kasugamycin for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in cereal crops or a part thereof, or a disease caused thereby.

[0198] In an embodiment, the present invention provides use of an effective amount of kasugamycin; and one or more insecticidal and / or one or more fungicidal agent, for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation in cereal crops or a part thereof, or a disease caused thereby.

[0199] In an embodiment, the present invention provides use of combination of present invention and composition comprising said combination for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and disease caused thereby in a plant or a plant part or a plant propagation material thereof.

[0200] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a kit comprising multiple components. Said components comprise separate components of kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent(s) and / or one or more fungicidal agent(s) which need to be used as per the instructions provided along with the kit on mixing and / or applying for desired use and results.

[0201] This effectiveness of all treatments can be evaluated according to Colby’s equation. In the Colby’s equation given below, E is the expected efficacyof combination of the kasugamycin or a salt thereof, and insecticidal / fungicidal agent(s), salts or analogues thereof,

[0202] X is the observed efficacy of the kasugamycin or a salt thereof, and

[0203] Y is the observed efficacy of insecticidal / fungicidal agent(s).

[0204] Observed efficacy values i.e. X and Y are % disease control for the kasugamycin or a salt thereof and insecticidal / fungicidal agent(s). If observed efficacy of combination of the kasugamycin or a salt thereof and insecticidal / fungicidal agent(s) is greater than its expected efficacy, then combination is determined to be synergistic. If observed efficacy is equal to or less than expected efficacy, then combination is determined to be non- synergistic.

[0205] Colby’s equation E = X + Y - XY / 100

[0206] The results of synergistic effects of the present combinations / compositions is represented in examples. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90- 100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth.

[0207] Specifically, the invention includes embodiments in which particular subject matter is excluded, in full or in part, such as substances or materials, method steps and conditions, protocols, procedures, assays or analysis. Thus, even though the invention is generally not expressed herein in terms of what the invention does not include aspects that are not expressly included in the invention are nevertheless disclosed herein. Although a number of embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0208] These and other advantages of the invention may become more apparent from the examples set forth. These examples are provided merely as illustrations of the invention and are not intended to be construed as a limitation thereof.ExamplesExample 1: Efficacy of combination of (kasugamycin 20 SL + acephate 970SG) in controlling corn stunt complex diseaseThe efficacy of kasugamycin 20 SL and acephate 970 SG on the control of Spiroplasma kunkelii and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and its effect on corn (maize) was observed, (kasugamycin 20 SL + acephate 970 SG) was applied at varying application rates on the com crop / maize for the control of com stunt complex disease. Trials were conducted in four replicates. The first application occurred at the beginning of the infestation i.e. when the first insect was detected. In all, 5 sprays (A, B, C, D, E) were carried out at an interval of 7 days.Crop: Corn / Maize (Zea mays); Hybrid: SYL 7382Crop stage: BBCH 71Treated plot area (m2): 18Number of replications: 4Application timing: 5 DAE; 7 DAA-A; 7 DAA-B; 7 DAA-C; 7 DAA-DAssessment Interval: 74 DAEDAE: Days after emergence of crop; DAA-A: Days after first application; DAA-B: Days after second application; DAA-C: Days after third application; DAA-D: Days after forth applicationDisease control (in %) post treatment for the corn stunt complex was assessed as per the above-mentioned assessment intervals. The observations are provided in Table 1 below.Table 1: Effect of (kasugamycin 20 SL + acephate 970 SG) on % control in corn stunt complex diseaseExample 2: Efficacy of combination of (kasugamycin 20 SL + flupyrimin 500 FS) in controlling corn stunt complex disease in corn seedsThe efficacy of kasugamycin 20 SL and flupyrimin 500 FS on the control of Spiroplasma kunkelii and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and its effect on corn (maize) seed was observed, (kasugamycin 20 SL + flupyrimin 500 FS) was applied as a seed treatment for the control of corn stunt complex disease. Trials were conducted in four replicates. The application was done on the day of sowing of corn (maize) seeds.Crop: Corn / Maize seeds (Zea mays) Cultivar / Variety / Hybrid: P38O8Crop stage: BBCH 71Treated plot area (m2): 18Number of replications: 4Application timing: A (seed treatment)Assessment Interval: 78 DAEDAE: Days after emergence of cropDisease control (in %) post treatment for the corn stunt complex was assessed as per the above-mentioned assessment intervals. The observations are provided in Table 2 below.Table 2: Effect of (kasugamycin 20 SL + flupyrimin 500 FS) on % control in corn stunt complex diseaseExample 3: Efficacy of combination of (kasugamycin 20 SL + Beauveria bassiana 300 WP) in controlling corn stunt complex diseaseThe efficacy of kasugamycin 20SL and Beauveria bassiana 300 WP on the control of Spiroplasma kunkelii and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and its effect on corn (maize) was observed, (kasugamycin 20 SL + Beauveria bassiana 300 WP) was applied at varying application rates on the corn (maize) crop for the control of the com stunt complex disease. Trials were conducted in four replicates. The first application occurred at the beginning of the infestation i.e. when the first insect was detected. In all, 5 sprays (A, B, C, D, E) were carried out at an interval of 7 days.Crop: Corn / Maize (Zea mays); Hybrid: SYL 7382Crop stage: BBCH 71Treated plot area (m2): 18Number of replications: 4Application timing: 5 DAE; 7 DAA-A; 7 DAA-B; 7 DAA-C; 7 DAA-DAssessment Interval: 74 DAEDAE: Days after emergence of crop; DAA-A: Days after first application; DAA-B: Days after second application; DAA-C: Days after third application; DAA-D: Days after forth applicationDisease control (in %) post treatment for the corn stunt complex was assessed as per the above-mentioned assessment intervals. The observations are provided in Table 3 below.Table 3: Effect of (kasugamycin 20 SL + Beauveria bassiana 300 WP) on % control in corn stunt complex disease*CFU - colony forming unityExample 4: Efficacy of combination of (kasugamycin 20 SL + Isaria fumosorosea 85 SC) in controlling corn stunt complex diseaseThe efficacy of kasugamycin 20 SL and Isaria fumosorosea 85 SC on the control of Spiroplasma kunkelii and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and its effect on corn (maize) was observed, (kasugamycin 20 SL + Isaria fumosorosea 85 SC) was applied at varying application rates on the corn (maize) crop for the control of the com stunt complex disease. Trials were conducted in four replicates. The first application occurred at the beginning of the infestation i.e. when the first insect was detected. In all, 5 sprays (A, B, C, D, E) were carried out at an interval of 7 days.Crop: Corn / Maize (Zea mays); Hybrid: SYL 7382Crop stage: BBCH 71Treated plot area (m2): 18Number of replications: 4Application timing: 5 DAE; 7 DAA-A; 7 DAA-B; 7 DAA-C; 7 DAA-DAssessment Interval: 82 DAEDAE: Days after emergence of crop; DAA-A: Days after first application; DAA-B: Days after second application; DAA-C: Days after third application; DAA-D: Days after forth applicationDisease control (in %) post treatment for the corn stunt complex was assessed as per the above-mentioned assessment intervals. The observations are provided in Table 4 below.Table 4: Effect of (kasugamycin 20 SL + Isaria fumosorosea 85 SC) on % control in corn stunt complex disease

[0209] Kasugamycin in combination with other insecticides shows synergistic control of corn stunt complex disease as observed from Table 1, Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 respectively. It is clearly observed that kasugamycin alone does not exhibit any insecticidal activity; however, a combination of kasugamycin with other insecticides results in synergy that contributes to the reduction of symptoms of the stunting complex caused by the transmission of Spiroplasma kunkelii and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) by vector Dalbulus maidis.Example 5:The efficacy of kasugamycin and insecticides on the control of the maize bush stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and its effect on the com yield, productivity and quality was observed. The trial included an insecticide standard programme (ISP), kasugamycin solo treatment and combination of both ISP and kasugamycin treatments. First spray was carried out at beginning of pest infestation. In all, 6 sprays (A,B,C,D,E,F) were carried out at an interval of 5 days.Insecticide standard program (ISP):Spray A: acephate 850 g / L + bifenthrin 30 g / L (acephate 850 g ai / ha + bifenthrin 30 g ai / ha)Spray B: acetamiprid 250 g / L + bifenthrin 250 g / L (acetamiprid 62.5 g ai / ha + bifenthrin 62.5 g ai / ha)Spray C: acephate 850 g / L + bifenthrin 30 g / L (acephate 850 g ai / ha + bifenthrin 30 g ai / ha) Spray C: acetamiprid 250 g / L + bifenthrin 250 g / L (acetamiprid 62.5 g ai / ha + bifenthrin 62.5 g ai / ha)Spray D: acephate 850 g / L + bifenthrin 30 g / L (acephate 850 g ai / ha + bifenthrin 30 g ai / ha)In comparison, Kasugamycin 20 g / L was applied in 6 sprays A,B,C,D,E,F at an interval of 5 days.For combination treatments, Kasugamycin 20 g / L was included in sprays A,B,C of ISP.The assessment was carried out for severity and control of spiroplasma (Spiroplasma kunkelii) and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) at R3 stage (Silva et al, 2003) which refers to symptoms in more than 30% of leaves, slight reduction in size, no damage to the ear. Number of plants with no symptoms were recorded which is demonstrated in table 5.1.Table 5.1: No. of plants with no symptoms of disease (spiroplasma (Spiroplasma kunkelii) and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP))It is evident from the above table 5.1 that the combination treatment with inclusion of kasugamycin at half the number of treatments compared with kasugamycin solo treatment was able to provide a higher number of healthy plants without disease. It was a surprising finding that the number of healthy plants exceeded the expected number of healthy plantsthat could be obtained with the combination of ISP and kasugamycin, especially with kasugamycin applied at half the total dose as compared to its solo treatment.Table 5.2: Yield (bags / ha)1 bag = 60 kg It is evident from the above table 5.2 that the combination treatment with inclusion of kasugamycin at half the number of treatments or at reduced dose compared with kasugamycin solo treatment was able to provide a higher yield of com. It was a surprising finding that the number of bag per hectare exceeded the expected resultthat could be obtained with the combination of ISP and kasugamycin, especially with kasugamycin applied at reduced dose as compared to its solo treatment.

[0210] It is to be understood that the present invention is susceptible to modifications, changes and adaptations by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, changes, adaptations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0211] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the abovedescribed embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:1) An agrochemical combination comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.2) The combination of claim 1, wherein one or more insecticidal agent are selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor insecticides, carbamates, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator insecticides, organophosphates, pyrethroids, pyrethrins, neonicotinoids, sulfoxmines, pyridylidenes, diamides, meta-diamides, isoxazolines, uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient insecticides, GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator insecticides, bioinsecticides and combinations thereof.3) The combination of claim 1, wherein one or more insecticidal agents are selected from the group consisting of acephate, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, flupyrimin, sulfluramid, isocycloseram, Isaria fumosorosea, Beauveria bassiana and combinations thereof.4) The combination of claim 1, wherein one or more fungicidal agents are selected from selected from the group consisting of metominostrobin, tebuconazole, protioconazole, trifloxystrobin, bixafen, azoxystrobin, cyproconazole, pyraclostrobin, epoxiconazole, and combinations thereof.5) The combination of claim 1, wherein kasugamycin and one or more insecticidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 0.5-200:200-0.5, preferably combined in a ratio from about 1-50:50-1.6) The combination of claim 1, wherein kasugamycin and one or more fungicidal agents are combined in a ratio of about 1: 100 to about 100: 1, preferably combined in a ratio of about 1-50:50-1.7) An agrochemical composition comprising the combination as claimed in claim 1 and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.8) The composition of claim 7, wherein said composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 70% w / w of kasugamycin, preferably from about 1% w / w to about 50% w / w of kasugamycin, more preferably from about 5% w / w to about 40% w / w of kasugamycin of total weight of the composition.9) The composition of claim 7, wherein said composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 70% w / w of the insecticides, preferably from about 1% w / w to about 50% w / w of the insecticides, more preferably from about 5% w / w to about 40% w / w of the insecticides of total weight of the composition.10) The composition of claim 7, wherein said composition comprises from about 1% w / w to about 50% w / w of the agrochemically acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition.ID A method of controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and diseases caused thereby in a crop or a part thereof, said method comprising applying to a locus or a plant propagation material, an effective amount of combination or composition comprising kasugamycin or a salt thereof; and one or more insecticidal agent and / or one or more fungicidal agent.12) The method of claim 11, wherein the crop is a cereal crop.13) The method of claim 11, wherein the cereal crop is selected from the group consisting of wheat, rye, sorghum, rice, oats, maize / corn, barley, millet, quinoa, corn, and combinations thereof.14) The method of claim 11, wherein the bacterial infestation is caused by Mollicutes.15) The method of claim 11, wherein the Mollicutes are selected from the genus from the group consisting of Mycoplasma, Spiroplasma, Phytoplasma and Acholeplasma and combinations thereof.16) The method of claim 11, wherein the Mollicutes are selected from the group consisting of Spiroplasma kunkelli, Phytoplasma asteris ( Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris).17) The method of claim 11, wherein said disease caused by bacterial infestation is a stunt disease.18) The method of claim 17, wherein the stunt disease is a corn stunt disease or maize bushy stunt disease or corn stunt complex disease.19) The method of claim 11, wherein the agent transmitting the bacterial infestation is a vector.20) The method of claim 19, wherein the vector is an insect selected from Leafhoppers, Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Hemipteran, or Homopteran order.21) The method of claim 20, wherein Leafhopper is Dalbulus maidis or Leptodelphax maculiger.22) The method of claim 11, wherein kasugamycin or salt thereof is applied at a dose rate of about 1 g ai / ha to about 500 g ai / ha, preferably from about 10 g ai / ha to about 120 g ai / ha, more preferably from about 20 g ai / ha to about 40 g ai / ha.23) The method of claim 11, wherein one or more insecticide is applied at a dose rate of about 1 g ai / ha to about 5000 g ai / ha, preferably at a dose rate of about 20 g ai / ha to about 3000 g ai / ha.24) The method of claim 11, wherein one or more fungicidal agent is applied at a rate ranging from about 1 g ai / ha to about 1000 g ai / ha, preferably at a rate ranging from about 20 g ai / ha to about 700 g ai / ha.25) The method of claim 11, wherein said combination is applied as tank-mixed at the time of application or applied sequentially as separate compositionsor ready-mixed together to a plant or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.26) Use of combination as claimed in claim 1 or composition comprising said combination for controlling or preventing bacterial infestation or agent transmitting bacterial infestation and disease caused thereby in a plant or a plant part or a plant propagation material thereof.

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