Aqueous feeding blocker insecticide compositions and its application

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling whiteflies and other sucking pests, that are known to be resistance against conventional insecticides, by feeding blocker aqueous insecticidal composition comprising: an agrochemically effective amount of Pyrifluquinazon and an agrochemically effective amount of Flonicamid. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the said composition and its use for crops.

Description

AQUEOUS FEEDING BLOCKER INSECTICIDE COMPOSITIONS AND ITS APPLICATION

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to technical field of agrochemical compositions and its applications. In particular, the present invention relates to synergistic feeding blocker compositions and formulations thereof capable of protecting seedlings and growing plants from harmful effects of whitefly and other sap sucking insect pests. The present invention also relates to a method of preparation of the composition and its application for protecting crop plants from sap sucking insect pests and protecting vector-borne viral disease of agricultural important crop plants without adverse impacts on environment.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] It is well known that many economically important crops, such as cotton, pulses, legumes, cucurbits, peppers, okra, tomatoes, brinjal and other agricultural and horticultural crops are damaged by sap sucking insect pests directly or transmitting viral diseases on crop plants as indirectly, worldwide. Virus infections in plants cause a variety of detrimental effects, including stunted growth, altered morphology, and greatly reduce the quality and quantity of crop yield. The yield losses due to virus diseases are estimated worldwide at more than US$30 billion annually. Viruses are immobile and are usually transmitted from one plant to another by a living organism called a vector or carrier. Hemipteran insects are the most important and numerous vectors of plant viruses, being able to transmit more than 70% of all known insect-borne viruses. Among these, aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are major vectors of plant viruses, transmitting more than 500 virus species. Hemipteran insects having piercing sucking mouthparts, which are called sucking pests, that allow the insects to access and feed on the contents of the plant cells they feed. Viruses can also be transmitted by other insects, mites, nematodes, fungi, infected pollen or vegetative propagating material, contact between plants, and infected or contaminated seeds. Thus, sucking pests play an important role not only transmitting the virus disease but also destroy the crop plants directly, including sucking the plant sap, depletion of nutrients, stunted growth, curling leaves, reducing size and vigor, discoloration, wilting, and the presence of sticky honeydew and toxin secretions which leads yield and quality reduction of crops. Normally, the presence of a virus in plants is only noticed if it produces recognizable symptoms in the organism it is infecting, which normally takes two to three weeks’ time after infecting in plant. In plants, these symptoms include mosaic patterns, flower-break, deformed growth, chlorosis or yellowing, stunting and leaf distortion, ringspots, and vein clearing. Some of the crops like cotton, pulses, legumes, oilseeds, cucurbits, peppers / chilli, okra, tomatoes, brinjal, fruits and vegetables are highly vulnerable to vector-transmitted viral disease which causes significantly very high yield and quality reduction which leads economic losses to farmers.

[0004] Sucking pests such as whitefly, aphids, jassids, thrips, mealybugs, etc, cause incalculable loss globally as they pose serious threat to many host plants. Crops grown under protected conditions like greenhouse as well as in open fields are very prone to these sucking insect pests attack causing damage through direct feeding and virus transmission. For example, whiteflies cause up to 100% yield losses due to damage caused by directly and indirect ways. Previously, sporadic infestation of this pest and the diseases they transmit was managed through a cocktail of insecticides; however, uncontrollable outbreaks at recent times have become a serious cause for concern. Once established under favorable microclimate, pest density rises to outbreak levels where its control becomes difficult. Both nymphs and adult stages of whitefly and other sucking pests have piercing and sucking mouthparts and usually penetrate the phloem and suck the sap by inserting their stylets into the leaf. During this feeding process, they acquire plant viruses also. Adult whiteflies may disperse and transmit the virus to new plants at subsequent feeding. They also secrete honeydew, a sticky substance on which saprophytic sooty mould develops and thereby hinders the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant. Irrespective of the instars, whiteflies and other sucking pests at low densities are usually not damaging, and do not cause significant damage directly but they can cause serious damage to crop by transmitting the viruses diseases and thus the role of sucking insect pests are equally important as a vector of various plant viruses as they directly cause the damage as a sucking pest. The disease attains significance because the virus is capable of attacking the crop in all the stages of its growth period. However, the combination of direct feeding loss and vector behavior has promoted this pest to one of the most damaging pests in agriculture. Though, all the sucking pests are causing serious crop losses, some of the sucking pests like whiteflies have already taken a heavy toll during past decades and risen as important sucking pests on most vegetables and horticultural and ornamental crops around the world. The escalating whitefly population has resulted in increased usage of insecticides, which is not only harmful to the environment but also resulted in resistance problems. Whiteflies consist of more than 1500 species in approximately 126 genera, but relatively few transmit plant viruses. Whiteflies in the Bemisia and Trialeurodes genera are vectors of various plant viruses. Notably they transmit 90% of the viruses belonging to the genus Begomovirus which currently comprises around 200 members. Further, whitefly-transmitted viruses also include ipomoviruses and criniviruses of the family Potyviridae and Closteroviridae, respectively.

[0005] Plant viruses are classified in two categories depending on their ability to circulate through the body of their insect vectors, non-circulative (NC) and circulative viruses (CVs). NC virus particles attach to the cuticle of their vectors for a short period of time without any circulation within the vector’s body. This category is divided into two subcategories depending on the duration of virus retention in the vector, non-persistent (NP) and semi-persistent (SP). Insect vectors quickly transmit NP viruses after fast exploratory superficial probes. These NP viruses persist for a few hours in the vector, are acquired and inoculated during brief (seconds) intracellular stylet punctures in the epidermis and mesophyll cells. Furthermore, vectors can transmit NP viruses immediately after acquiring the virus without any latent period. However, SP viruses can persist many hours or days in their vectors, and need several hours for acquisition and inoculation, with no latent period. When the insect vector moults, the transmissibility of both NP and SP viruses is lost. The second category corresponds to circulative viruses (CVs), also frequently referred to as persistent (P) viruses. Circulative virus needs to circulate through the insect’s body, crossing the gut and salivary-gland membranes. These viruses need a latent period of several hours or days to circulate inside the insect’s body before they can be transmitted. CV particles are ingested generally from phloem sieve elements, internalized by the insect vector, transported across gut cellular membranes, carried by the hemolymph, and enter the salivary glands. Lastly, saliva transports virus particles through the salivary duct to reach the phloem cells of an uninfected host plant. The incidence and severity of virus disease in plants is positively correlated with vector population levels, feeding behaviors, physiological activeness of mouth parts by which they feed and egested the virus, under any given environmental situation.

[0006] Management of sap sucking insect pests and virus diseases transmitted by them are found difficult due to the wide host range of both insect vectors and viruses; availability of scanty resistance sources in crops plants, faster resistance development by the insect vectors against pesticides and quicker evolution of viruses strain capable to infect resistance source in crop plant. Among various approaches to control the sucking pests as well as prevent the virus disease, the use of insecticides remains the common practice by farmers for preventing the virus disease by controlling their vectors on agricultural crops. However, management of some of the sucking pests like whitefly populations and viral disease transmitted by it is difficult due to the polyphagous nature, high reproductive rate, short generation time, biotypes, rapid evolution of resistance to insecticides and the relatively staying at protected location of the individuals on the underside of the leaves contributes to its survival and dominance in the agroecosystem.

[0007] In view of the above, there exists a need to find out effective insecticide compositions and formulations to combat serious sucking insect pests and prevent transmitting virus from one plant to other in crops like cotton, chilli, black gram, green gram, tomato, okra, brinjal, cucurbits, soybean, papaya as well as other vegetables and horticultural crops. Environmentally-friendly long duration protection of seedlings and growing plants from sap sucking pests is another requirement to get successful harvest of agricultural crops.

[0008] Vector-borne plant viruses are transmitted from plants to plants after specific behavioral events in which insect vectors such as whitefly and aphids find, land on, probe, and feed on an infected plant. Then, infective insects need to search, find, and feed on a non-infected plant to complete the transmission process. Therefore effective management of the insect vectors of plant viruses is crucial to minimizing the spread of plant viruses, thus reducing crop damage. The transmission of vector-borne virus disease can be prevented effectively by: (1) reducing vector populations, (2) interfering virus acquisition from sources, (3) interference with vector landing, and (4) interference with the transmission process.

[0009] The most commonly used insecticides to control sucking pests such as whitefly and aphids includes, Acephate, Ethion, Oxydemeton-methyl, Profenofos, Monocrotophos, and Quinalphos from the organophosphate group of chemistry which acts as Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors at the insect nervous system; Ethiprole and Fipronil from Phenylpyrazole group which act as GABA-gated chloride channel blockers at nervous system; Bifenthrin, lambda-Cyhalothrin, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Etofenprox, Fenpropathrin, and Permethrin from Pyrethroids, they acts as Sodium channel modulators at the nervous system; Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam from Neonicotinoids, Sulfoxaflor from Sulfoximines, Flupyradifurone from Butenolides which acts as Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators at the nervous system; Pymetrozine, Pyrifluquinazon, Afidopyropen, they acts on Chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators at nervous system; Diafenthiuron acts as Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase in the respiratory system; Buprofezin acts as Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis; Fenpyroximate, Pyridaben, Tolfenpyrad acts as Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors (METI) at the respiratory system; Spiromesifen, Spiropidion, Spirotetramat acts as Inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase; Flonicamid acts as Chordotonal organ modulators. These insecticides are either used as a single insecticide compound or in combination of two or more insecticide compounds in a form of different type of formulation like Capsule suspension (CS), Dispersible concentrate (DC), Powder for dry seed treatment (DS), Emulsifiable concentrate (EC), Emulsion water-in-oil (EO), Emulsion for seed treatment (ES), Emulsion oil-in-water (EW), Flowable concentrate for seed treatment (FS), Granules (GR), Micro-emulsion (ME), Oil-dispersion (OD), Suspension concentrate (SC), Suspo-emulsion (SE), Water soluble granule (SG), Soluble concentrate (SL), Water soluble powder (SP), Water dispersible granules (WG), Wettable powder (WP), Water dispersible powder for slurry seed treatment (WS), a mixed formulation of CS and SC (ZC), a mixed formulation of CS and SE (ZE), a mixed formulation of CS and EW (ZW) etc, by the way of foliar spray, seed treatment, drenching of plants, broadcasting, nursery treatment.

[0010] Typical problem is that since whitefly and other sucking pest populations, which are also common vector of various virus diseases on agricultural crop plants, are difficult to control completely due to its inhabitants at the relatively protected location of the individuals on the underside of the leaves, high reproductive rate, short generation time necessary, rapid evolution of resistance to insecticides and that therefore even few whiteflies or aphids are enough to spread the virus diseases. Further, in some cases, some insecticides such as organophosphates, Phenylpyrazoles, Pyrethroids and Neonicotinoids under resistance development situations, can also contribute to the spread of virus diseases by inducing greater vector activity and mobility, which results in more inoculation attempts than when insects are in a calmer state (Garzo E., et all, Plant, 1-16, 2020).

[0011] Another difficulty in relation to the use of pesticides for target pest control, particularly for difficulty to control pests such as whiteflies, is that the repeated and exclusive application of an individual pesticide compound leads, in many cases, to a rapid selection of pests which have developed natural or adapted resistance against the active compound. For example, the resistance ratios in the whitefly against different insecticides were recorded in the range of 30.67-131.48 fold for acephate, 29.17-83.67 fold for triazophos, 0.38-2.51 fold for indoxacarb, 4.55-34.52 fold for dinotefuran, 6.26-27.56 fold for tolfenpyrad, 7.87-31.89 fold for spiromesifen, 1.61-30.08 fold for pyriproxyfen, and 3.09-45.92 fold for flonicamid (Roy D., et all, Phytoparasitica, Volume 47, pages 55-66, 2019). 1-16, 2020). Therefore there is a need for pest control agents that help in preventing resistance induced by pesticides, in an environmentally-friendly and cost effective manner.

[0012] Yet another difficulty in relation to sap sucking pest control resides, particularly for the pests which feed underside of leaf surface like whiteflies, in the use of contact or semi-systemic insecticides, since complete control of sap sucking pests is difficult to achieve by application of contact or semi-systemic pesticides on crop plant either by foliar spray or drenching. Therefore, there is a need for a suitable pesticide composition that can prevent the transmission of virus diseases, by way of preventing the feeding from one plant and egested the virus to the other plant, caused by vectors which are still alive after application of insecticides.

[0013] Yet another difficulty resides in developing liquid formulation mixture compositions having multiple active ingredients with different physico-chemical properties, for various beneficial purposes. For example, pesticide formulations when developing in co-formulation using two or three active ingredient, face challenge to make a stable formulation upon storage, improve biological activity, safety to environment and crop plants.

[0014] The Pyridine azomethine derivative insecticide compound of compound of formula I (1-acetyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-[(3-pyridylmethyl)amino]-6-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]quinazolin-2-one; (pyrifluquinazon) is specifically described, for example in EP1097932, known by the common name ‘pyrifluquinazon’ and having CAS number 337458-27-2, is an insecticide effective against a numbers of sap sucking pests like Whiteflies, Aphids, Thrips, Mealybugs and Scales. Pyrifluquinazon is a contact and translaminar insecticide and has been classified as a Chordotonal Organ TRPV Channel Modulator within Subgroup 9B by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) and acts by disrupting feeding in plant-sucking insects. A more detailed description with structure, uses, activity and applications are summarized in “The Pesticide Manual” published by the British Crop Protection Council, 19th edition, 2021, page 1002. Pyrifluquinazon is commercially available in SC and WG formulations either singly or in combination with other and insecticides active ingredients to control a variety of sap sucking insect pests.

[0015] The pyridine carboxamide insecticide compound of formula [ N-cyanomethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl) nicotinamide], is specifically described, for example in EP0580374B1, known by the common name ‘Flonicamid’ and having CAS number 158062-67-0, is an insecticide effective against a number of hemipterous pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, and thysanopterous pests like thrips. Flonicamid is a systemic insecticide and has been classified as a Chordotonal organ modulator in group 29 by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) and acts by disrupts hearing, balance, movement to cause cessation of feeding, but the specific target site of the chemical is unknown. A more detailed description with structure, uses, activity and applications are summarized in “The Pesticide Manual” published by the British Crop Protection Council, 19th edition, 2021, page 494. Flonicamid is commercially available in SC and WG formulations either singly or in combination with other insecticide active ingredients to control a variety of sucking insect pests.

[0016] IN202221013646 describes a synergistic Oil Dispersion composition comprising bioactive amount of (A) Pyrifluquinazon; and (B) at least one more of active ingredients selected from the class of an insecticide; or a fungicide; or a plant health additive; or combinations thereof. This reference also describes a process of preparation of the said oil dispersion formulation and its application in the field of agriculture. This disclosure relates to that a Pyrifluquinazon mixture composition shows synergistic action when formulated in Oil Dispersion formulation.

[0017] IN201821023084 discloses a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising A) Pyrifluquinazon; B) at least one insecticide selected from diafenthiuron, pyriproxyfen and spiromesifen; and C) at least one more insecticide selected from acephate, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, fipronil, bifenthrin, lambda cyhalothrin, fenpropathrin, acetamirprid, clothianidin, dinotefruan, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, triflumezopyrim, spinetoram, spinosad, abamectin, emamectin benzoate, fenoxycarb, pymetrozine, afidopyropen, hexythiazox, etoxazole, propargite, cartap hydrochloride, thiocyclam hydrogen oxalate, novaluron, buprofezin, cyromazine, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, acequinocyl, bifenazate, fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, tolfenpyrad, indoxacarb, metaflumizone, spirodiclofen, spirotetramat, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide, flonicamid, azadirechtrin, flupyrimin with one or more inactive excipients. This reference also describes process for preparing the said composition and its use in crops. This disclosure relates to Pyrifluquinazon mixture composition shows synergistic action by using three active ingredient in composition.

[0018] IN202011041121 discloses a synergistic insecticidal composition of Pyrifluquinazon; one or more Insecticides selected from the class of pyrethroids, nicotinics, spinosyns, mectins, juvenile hormone mimics, chordotonal organ modulators, mite growth inhibitors, mitochondrial ATP Synthase inhibitors, uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, chitin biosynthesis type-1 inhibitors, moulting disruptors, mitochondrial electron transport inhibitors (METI), lipid synthesis inhibitors, diamides, metadiamides, isoxazolines, compounds of unknown mechanism of action and Plant Health Additives selected from biostimulants, plant growth regulators, microbial agents and micronutrients or mixtures thereof. This reference also describes the method of preparation of the formulation for the said insecticidal composition. This disclosure relates to the Pyrifluquinazon mixture composition shows synergistic action by using three active ingredient in composition including Plant Health Additives selected from biostimulants, plant growth regulators, microbial agents and micronutrients.

[0019] CN103125496 describes a combination of pesticides wherein the quinazoline insecticide pyrifluquinazon and the pymetrozine are mixed and its process of preparations of the composition and uses thereof.

[0020] WO2013030195 discloses a method of controlling insects in the family Curculionidae (commonly known as weevils), using at least one active ingredient selected from (I) N-(cyanomethyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide (flonicamid), (II) N-[[[2,5-Dichloro-4-(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropoxy) phenyl]amino]carbonyl]-2,6-difluorobenzamide (lufenuron) and (III) l-acetyl-3,4-dihydro-3-[(3-pyridinylmethyl)amino]-6-[1,2,2,2-tetrafluo-ro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]-2(1 H)-quinazolinone (pyrifluquinazon) in a free form or in an agrochemically acceptable salt form.

[0021] EP2563128 describes a method of controlling aphids that are resistant to neonicotinoid insecticides, using the compound pyrifluquinazon in a free form or in an agrochemically acceptable salt form as well as the use of compositions comprising said compound to control neonicontinoid resistant insects. Methods of this invention find particular use in controlling neonicotinoid resistant insects in crops of useful plants.

[0022] JP2017-178802 describes a new technique for efficiently controlling pests that are difficult or impossible to control using conventional techniques by a composition that combines one or more compounds selected from active ingredient A and active ingredient B. The active ingredient A is a compound such as isoprothiolane, buprofezin, flutolanil, fenpyroximate, pyraflufen-ethyl , tiadinil, basic copper sulfate or fluoroimide.

[0023] CN103125493A relates to an insecticide composition in the field of pesticide mixture. The effective constituent of the insecticide composition mixed with an amide pesticide is formed by mixture of novel pyrifluquinazon and one of four amide compounds and its process of preparations of composition and uses.

[0024] Kumar.V, Jindal.V, Kataria.S and Pathania.M 2019. Activity of novel insecticides against different life stages of the whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 89 (10): 47-51, reveals the activity of Flonicamid and other insecticides against different stages of whiteflies on cotton.

[0025] However, none of the above disclosing documents describes that efficient control of sap sucking insect, particularly for Whitefly, which has developed resistance to conventional insecticides, and preventing the virus disease on crop plant particularly in cotton, pulses, legumes, oilseeds, cucurbits, peppers / chilli, okra, tomatoes, brinjal and other vegetable and horticultural crops. Further, existing compositions comprising combination of pyrifluquinazon and another compound, for controlling sap sucking insect pests, particularly whitefly which has developed resistance to existing insecticides including flonicamid, are not described to be satisfactory in the prior art and for preventing spread of virus diseases, stable suspension concentrate (SC) formulation upon storage, improve biological activity on resistance whitefly population, safety to environment and crop plant safety.

[0026] Effective control of sap sucking insect pests like Whiteflies along with prevention of spread of virus diseases, particularly, but not limited to, whiteflies and aphids etc., is very much needed. There is a need to develop insecticide composition that provides effective pesticidal activity on sap sucking insect pests resistant to conventional insecticides, particularly whiteflies which are difficult to manage by using a single insecticide. Furthermore, there is a desire for pesticides composition, which can prevent virus disease transmission by blocking the feeding of insect vector in a synergistic way.

[0027] Therefore there is a need in the art for a ready-to-use aqueous insecticide composition comprising a combination of contact insecticide pyrifluquinazon and at least one another insecticidally active compound having advantageous activity profile, high stability and, a synergistically improved action, which allows for a reduced application rate in comparison with individual application of the active compounds and has no adverse effect on the environment and crops.

[0028] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.

[0029] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0030] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0031] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an insecticide composition which comprising a) pyrifluquinazon and b) flonicamid, which is capable of protecting plants, especially cotton, pulses, legumes, oilseeds, cucurbits, peppers / chilli, okra, tomatoes and brinjal, from sap sucking insect pests which has developed the resistance from conventional insecticides in general and Whiteflies in particular and / or protect virus diseases spread by sap sucking insect pests vectors.

[0032] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a plant protection composition capable of protecting seedlings and / or growing plants from sap sucking insect pests or virus vectors which has developed the resistance against conventional insecticides.

[0033] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a plant protection composition that can provide enhanced protection against insect pests and / or virus disease that attack seedlings and / or growing plants even at low dose rate.

[0034] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a plant protection composition that can provide protection from transmission of virus diseases by sap sucking insect pests of seedlings and / or growing plants by its disturbing feeding activities.

[0035] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a plant protection composition of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid in a stable aqueous form.

[0036] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a plant protection composition which is capable of protecting agriculturally crop plants, especially cotton, pulses, oilseeds, cucurbits, peppers / chilli, okra, tomatoes and brinjal as well as fruit plants, from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus diseases spread by sap sucking insect pest vectors. The plant protection composition disclosed herein can protect seedlings and / or growing plants from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus diseases spread by sap sucking insect pest vectors resistance to conventional insecticides like whiteflies. Further, the plant protection composition disclosed herein can exhibit insecticidal activity and / or inhibits feeding behavior ability of insect vectors for a prolonged period of time even at a low dose rate. The present disclosure also provides a ready mix composition of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid in a stable aqueous form.

[0037] In one aspect of the present disclosure there provided is a composition for protecting a agriculturally important crops against sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors, wherein the composition can include a synergistic combination of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid.

[0038] In one aspect of the present disclosure there provided is a composition for protecting a agriculturally important crops against sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors, wherein the composition can include a synergistic combination of one contact insecticide pyrifluquinazon and second either systemic insecticide flonicamid.

[0039] In another aspect of the present disclosure there provided is a composition for protecting an agriculturally important crops against sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors, by disturbing feeding behavior ability of sap sucking insect vectors.

[0040] In another aspect of the present disclosure there provided is a composition for protecting an agriculturally important crops against sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors for a prolonged period of time even at a low dose rate long.

[0041] In an embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can include pyrifluquinazon in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% w / w, and flonicamid in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% w / w.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can include pyrifluquinazon in an amount of 20 % w / w and flonicamid in an amount of 20% w / w.

[0043] In one embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can further include at least one solvent, at least one surfactant, at least one biocide agent, and at least one anti-freezing agent.

[0044] In one embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can further include one or more formulation agents selected from the group consisting of an anti-foaming agent, a rheology modifier, a binding agent, a colouring agent and a filler.

[0045] In one embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can be provided in the form of a liquid aqueous suspension formulation, more particularly suspension concentrate (SC) formulation.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can be used to protect seedlings and / or growing plant against sap sucking pests by mean of foliar spray, by drenching, by seed treatment and by in-furrow spray over seeds by applying an effective amount of the composition.

[0047] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can be applied to an agriculturally important crops in an amount agriculturally acceptable dose rate ranging from 100 ml / ha to 1200 ml / ha, in order to protect the agriculturally important crops from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors.

[0048] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

[0049] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a graph showing effect of different insecticidal treatments against whitefly population and yellow vein mosaic virus disease on the black gram, wherein the light blue line (labelled with “P”) = Pyrifluquinazon @ 60gAI / ha; the red line= Flonicamid @ 60gAI / ha (labelled with “F”); the pale green line (labelled with “P+F”) = Pyrifluquinazon + Flonicamid @ 60 + 60 gAI / ha; and the purple line (labelled with “U”)= Untreated.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to the subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0053] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0054] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All the methods described herein can be performed in any 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”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0055] The term “insecticide” as utilized herein is intended to cover compounds which adversely affect the existence, growth of the harmful insects. Such means may comprise a complete killing action, eradicating, arresting growth, blocking of feeding, repelling, change in feeding behavior, inhibition, reducing in number or any combination thereof.

[0056] The term “pulses” includes, but not limited to, soybean, lentil, pigeon pea or red gram, black gram or urad bean, green gram or mung bean and kidney bean from family leguminosae, preferably black gram, green gram and soybean.

[0057] The term "cucurbits" includes, but not limited to, Pumpkin, Wax Gourd, Pointed Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Bottle Gourd, Zucchini, Snake Gourd, Cucumber, Watermelon, Ridge Gourd and Muskmelon from family Cucurbitaceae, preferably Cucumber, ridge gourd, Zucchini, bitter gourd and Muskmelon.

[0058] The term "fruits" includes, but not limited to, papaya, banana, grape and pomegranate, preferably Papaya.

[0059] The present disclosure provides a synergistic plant protection composition which is capable of protecting plants, especially cotton, pulses, legumes, oilseeds, cucurbits, peppers / chilli, okra, tomatoes and brinjal as well as fruit plants, from attack by sap sucking insect pests and / or virus diseases spread by sap sucking insect pests such as Whitefly and Aphids. The plant protection composition disclosed herein can protect seedlings and / or growing plants from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus diseases. Further, the plant protection composition disclosed herein can exhibit insecticidal and / or virus disease protections activity for a prolonged period of time even at a low dose rate. The present disclosure also provides a pre-mix formulation in a stable, aqueous form that contains the insecticide composition of the present disclosure.

[0060] In one aspect of the present disclosure there is provide an insecticidal composition for protecting crop plants from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus diseases transmitted by sap sucking insect pests, wherein the composition can include an insecticide combination of a) pyrifluquinazon and b) flonicamid.

[0061] In an embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can include, for example, pyrifluquinazon in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% w / w and flonicamid in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% w / w but the amounts of the active ingredients are not limited thereto.

[0062] In the insecticidal composition disclosed herein, the ratio of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid is not limited, an example of the ratio of the weight of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid contained in the composition being 60:1-1:60, and the ratio can be, for example, 60:1, 50:1, 40:1, 30:1, 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 8:1, 5:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:5, 1:8, 1:10, 1:15, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50 and 1:60 but it is not limited to these ratios and can be changed as appropriate. As the ratio of the weight of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid contained in the composition, 20:1 to 1:20 are preferable; as the ratio, 15:1 to 1:15 are more preferable, and 10:1 to 1:10 are further more preferable, where 10:1, 8:1, 5:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:5, 1:8 and 1:10 are recited as preferred examples. In another preferred embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can include 1) pyrifluquinazon in an amount of 20 % w / w and flonicamid in an amount of 20% w / w.

[0063] In one embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can further include at least one solvent; at least one surfactant; at least one biocide agent; and at least one anti-freezing agent.

[0064] In one embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can further include one or more formulation agents selected from the group consisting of an anti-foaming agent, a rheology modifier, a binding agent, a colouring agent and a filler.

[0065] In one embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can be provided in the form of an aqueous suspension formulation.

[0066] In another aspect of the present disclosure there is provide a method for protecting an agriculturally important crops against sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors, preferably whiteflies and aphids, wherein the method can include: providing the composition comprising pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid; and applying an effective amount of the composition to the crops.

[0067] In another aspect of the present disclosure there provided is an insecticidal composition for protecting agriculturally important crops from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors for a prolonged period of time even at a low dose rate.

[0068] In one embodiment, agriculturally important crops can preferably be selected from the group consisting of cotton, pulses, oilseeds, cucurbits, peppers / chilli, okra, tomatoes and brinjal as well as fruit plants.

[0069] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can be used to protect seedlings and / or growing plant from sap sucking pests by mean of foliar spray, by drenching, by seed treatment and by in-furrow spray over seeds by applying an effective amount of the composition.

[0070] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can be applied to agriculturally important crops in an amount agriculturally acceptable dose rate ranging from 200ml / ha to 1500ml / ha, in order to protect agriculturally important crops from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors.

[0071] Surprisingly, the present inventors have now found that when the combination of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid was applied with a reduced amount of dose rate, the resultant combination showed improved effects, to a greater degree than expectable, for controlling difficult-to-controlling whiteflies.

[0072] Surprisingly, it has been found that the active compound combination or composition according to the invention does not only exhibit an additive effect of the activity of the individual components, but exert an improved effect on whiteflies which developed resistance against conventional insecticides including feeding blocker mode of action insecticides like Flonicamid.

[0073] Surprisingly, it has also been found that the active compound combination or composition according to the invention does not only exhibit an additive effect of the activity of the individual components, but gives the improved protection from spread of virus diseases, transmits by sap sucking insects such as whiteflies. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the Insecticidal composition can be used for controlling or preventing damages of seedlings and growing plant by sap sucking insects pests belonging to the order Hemiptera, for example, whiteflies such as Cotton whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), rugose spiralling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus and A.dispersus), citrus whitefly (Dialeurodes citri and Aleurocanthus woglumi), Jasmine whitefly (D. kirkaldyi and Kanakarajiella vulgaris), Betelvine whitefly (Aleurocanthus rugosa and Singhiella pallida), Cardamom whitefly (Singhiella cardamomi and Aleuroclava cardamom), Mulberry whitefly (Dialeuropora decempuncta) and so on; Aphids such as cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), bean aphid (Aphis fabae), corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis), cowpea aphid (Aphis crassivora), grain aphid (Sitobion avenae), black citrus aphid (Toxoptera aurantii), green citrus aphis (Aphis spiraecola), golden glow aphid (Uroleucon spp.), pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), leaf curl plum aphid (Brachycaudus helichrysi) cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), coriander aphid (Hyadaphis coriandri), turnip or Mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), woolly apple aphid, (Eriosoma lanigerum), soybean aphids (Aphis glycines), Green apple aphids (Aphis pomi), rice root aphid (Tetraneura nigriabdominalis) and so on; hoppers such as cotton leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula ), potato leaf hopper (Empoasca fabae), Mango hoppers (Idioscopus niveoparsus, I. clypealis, Amirtodus atkinsoni), Brown leaf hopper of brinjal (Cestius phycitisrice), Green leaf leafhopper of rice (Nephotettix nigropictus), rice brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugen), rice white backed plant hopper (Sogatella furcifera), beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus), maize leafhopper (Cicadulina mbila), two-spotted leafhopper (Sophonia rufofascia), common brown leafhopper (Orosius orientalis), apple leafhopper (Typhlocyba pomaria) and so on; mealy bugs such as Apple Mealy bug (Phenococcus aceris), citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri), cotton mealy bug (Planococcus spp. and Pseudococcus spp.), grape mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus), papaya mealy bug (Pracoccus marginatus), sugarcane mealybug (Saccharicoccus sacchari); scales such as citrus black scale (Saissetia oleae), citrus red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), yellow scale (Aonidiella citrine); Thysanoptera pests, for example, Flower thrips (Frankliniella spp)., melon thrips (Thrips palmi), Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), Chilli flower thrips (Thrips parvispinsus), oriental tomato thrips (Ceratothripoides claratris), chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) and so on.

[0074] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the insecticide composition can be advantageously used for protecting or preventing virus disease on various crops, for example virus diseases transmitted by whiteflies such as cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV), Chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCuV), Chilli golden mosaic virus (ChiGMV), Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV), Bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV), Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV), Bean dwarf mosaic virus (BDMV), Bean calico mosaic virus (BCaMV), Bean distortion dwarf virus (BDDV), Soybean crinkle leaf virus (SCLV), Soybean golden mosaic virus (SoyGMV), Potato yellow mosaic virus (PYMV), Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), Okra leaf curl virus (OkLCuV), Sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV), Okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV), Papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCuV), Papaya mosaic virus (PaMV), Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), Tomato crinkle virus (ToCrV), Tomato chlorotic mottle virus (ToCMoV), Tomato yellow vein streak virus (ToYVSV), Tomato yellow mosaic virus (ToYMoV), Tomato curly stunt virus (ToCSV), Tomato mottle virus (ToMoV), Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV), Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), Tomato necrotic dwarf virus (ToNDV), cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CuCYV), Cucurbit leaf curl virus (CuLCrV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDVE), Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV), Melon chlorotic leaf curl virus (MCLCV), Melon leaf curl virus (MLCV), Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV), Watermelon curly mottle virus (WmCMV), Pumpkin yellow vein mosaic virus (PYVMV), Eggplant yellow mosaic virus (EYMV), Tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV), Tobacco leaf rugose virus (TbLRV), Cabbage leaf curl virus (CaLCV) and so on, virus diseases transmit by Aphids such as Chilli vein mottle virus (CVMV), potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CuMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Tobacco vein mottling virus (TVMV), Plum pox virus (PPV), Tobacco etch virus (TEV), Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), Alfalfa mosaic virus (ALMV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), Beet yellows virus (BYV), Urd bean leaf crinckle virus (UBLCV), Pea enation mosaic virus-1 (PEMV), Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), Carrot mottle virus (CMV), Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), Banana bract mosaic virus (BBMV), Cardamom mosaic virus (CaMV), Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV), Pepper vein banding virus (PVBV), Sunflower mosaic virus (SuMV), Garlic mosaic virus (GMV), Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), and so on, virus diseases transmit by leaf hoppers or plant hoppers such as beet curly top virus (BCTV), Rice Strip virus (RSV), Maize chlorotic dwarf virus (MCDV), Maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV), maize streak Virus (MSV), Rice tungro virus (RTV), Barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV), Potato yellow dwarf virus (PYDV), Wheat dwarf virus (WDV), Wheat Striate Virus ((WSV), Oat blue dwarf virus (OBDV) and so on, virus diseases transmit by thrips such as Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV), Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV), Peanut yellow spot virus (PYSV), Melon yellow spot virus (MYSV), Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMV), Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus (ZLCV) and so on.

[0075] The term "insecticidal effective amount" is that quantity of active agent, which, when applied in any of that amount, will provide the required control of target pathogen and insect pests. The particular amount is dependent upon many factors including, for example, the crop, insect and pests sought to be controlled and environmental conditions. The selection of the proper quantity of active agent to be applied, however, is within the expertise of one skilled in the art.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the plant protection composition disclosed herein can be formulated in the form of an aqueous suspension concentrate (SC). Suitable one or more formulation auxiliary ingredients (also referred to as adjuvants) may be used to formulate such pre-formulated composition. Exemplary formulation auxiliary ingredients can include anti-foaming agent, surfactants such as wetting and dispersing agents, rheology modifier, preservatives, anti-freezing agent, water etc., and if appropriate, aqueous carrier and other agriculturally acceptable additives.

[0077] In an embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can include pyrifluquinazon in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% w / w and flonicamid in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% w / w.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the insecticidal composition disclosed herein can include pyrifluquinazon in an amount of 20 % w / w and flonicamid in an amount of 20% w / w.

[0079] In an embodiment, the insecticidal composition according to the present invention is a suspension concentrate (SC) formulation comprising: 　　　(a) an insecticidally effective amount of pyrifluquinazon; 　　　(b) an insecticidally effective amount of flonicamid; and 　　　(c) at least one agrochemically acceptable carrier.

[0080] In this embodiment, the suspension concentrate (SC) formulation of the present invention can further comprise an agrochemicals acceptable and environmentally friendly aqueous carrier. These carriers may include one or more anti-foaming agent, surfactants (such as wetting & dispersing agents), rheology modifier, preservative, anti-freezing agent and water which may be added to form a stable composition.

[0081] In another embodiment, the insecticidal composition is in the form of a liquid formulation. An illustrative formulation composition comprising various ingredients is illustrated in the table below:

[0082] In an embodiment, the suspension concentrate (SC) insecticide composition of the present invention can be prepared by conventional processes known in the art.

[0083] In an embodiment, the composition disclosed herein can be formulated together with one or more suitable customary formulation auxiliary ingredients (also referred to as adjuvants) such as an anti-foaming agent, surfactants (such as wetting and dispersing agent), rheology modifier, preservative, anti-freezing agent and water.

[0084] In an embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure comprises an anti-foaming agent, which is usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Preferred antifoaming agents are selected from magnesium stearate, dimethyl polysiloxane, silicone emulsions (such as e.g. Silikon (trademark registered) SRE, Wacker, Germany or Rhodorsil (trademark registered), Rhodia, France), fatty acid esters, long chain alcohols, fatty acids, salts of fatty acids, fluoro organic compounds, silicone oils, mineral oils, polyether siloxane copolymer containing fumed silica, silicone defoamers, non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), arylalkyl modified polysiloxanes, polyethylene glycol and glycerin or a suitable mixtures thereof.

[0085] In an embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure comprises a surfactant (such as a wetting and dispersing agent) which is usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Preferred surfactants are selected from ionic and non-ionic products and include solutions of organo-modified polyacrylate, polyacrylate, sodium polyacrylate, alkylsulfonates, phosphoric acid ester, modified polyethers, polyurethanes, alkyl aryl sulfonates, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, polycarboxylates, phenol sulfonate, alkyl sulfates, dialkylsulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfates, acetylene glycols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenylether sulfate, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, polyoxyethylenesorbitan alkylates, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenyl ether polymer, polyoxyalkylene glycols, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and ammonium salts of aromatic sulfonic acids such as ligninsoulfonic acid (Borresperse (trademark registered) types, Borregard, Norway), phenolsulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid (Morwet (trademark registered) types, Nouryon, U.S.A.), dibutylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (Nekal (trademark registered) types, BASF, Germany), condensates of naphthalene or of naphthalenesulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde such as naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensates, phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde polycondensate as sodium salt, fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty alcohol ethoxylate and sulfated hexa-, hepta- and octadecanolates, sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, acrylic copolymers, mixture of alkoxylate and fatty alcohol ethoxylates and suitable rheological additives such as heteropolysaccharide or a suitable mixtures thereof.

[0086] In an embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure comprises a rheology modifier to stabilize dispersion formulations against sedimentation, which is usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Preferred rheology modifiers are selected from both natural and man-made modifiers, such as, for example, natural gums (xanthan gum, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, guar gum, locust bean gum etc.), attagel, agar, alginic acid, alginate salt, chitin, pectin, casein, dextran, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicas, fumed silica, fumed aluminium oxide, colloidal silicon dioxides, hydrogenated castor oils, polyvinylalcohol, sodium alginate, sodium poly acrylate, welan gum, lignosulfonates, hydroxy methyl cellulose, dextrin, heteropolysaccharides, organic and inorganic clays, montmorillonite, bentonite clays, oxidized waxes, carboxy methylcellulose, carrageen, fucoidan, laminaran, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane), HMPE (hydrophobically modified polyethers), HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali-swellable emulsion), polyacrylates, polyamides, 2-aminoethyl starch, 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose, cellulose sulfate salt, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidinones, alkali metal salts of the maleic anhydride copolymers, alkali metal salts of poly(meth)acrylate, and starch or a suitable mixtures thereof. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, however, and a wide variety of other rheology modifiers can be employed. A wide variety of rheology modifiers are available commercially, including, for example, the following: Kelzan (trademark registered) (CP Kelco, U.S.A.), Rhodopol (trademark registered) 23 (Rhodia, France), Veegum (trademark registered) (R.T. Vanderbilt, U.S.A.) and Attaclay (trademark registered) (Engelhard Corp., NJ; USA).

[0087] In an embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure comprises a preservative which is usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions for preservation and stabilization of the formulation. Preferred preservatives or biocides are selected from sodium benzoate, 1,2-benzisothiazoline-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, potassium sorbate and parahydroxy benzoates or suitable mixtures thereof. Bactericides may also be added for preservation and stabilization of the composition. Examples for suitable bactericides are those based on dichlorophene and benzylalcohol hemi formal (Proxel (trademark registered) from ICI; Acticide (trademark registered) RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon (trademark registered) MK from Rohm & Haas) and isothiazolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones (Acticide (trademark registered) MBS from Thor Chemie).

[0088] In an embodiment, anti-freezing agent that can be used to formulate the plant protection composition of the present disclosure can include those substances which lead to a depression of the melting point of water. Suitable anti-freezing agents include, for example and without limitation, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-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, urea, tetraethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethylether, diethylene glycol monoethylether, triethylene glycol monomethylether, butoxyethanol, butylene glycol monobutylether, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol and octaglycerol and suitable mixtures thereof.

[0089] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plant protection composition, in a liquid form, can provide uniform coating of seeds with non-dusting seed treatment, which will not interfere with germination and sprouting of the seed but which also will protect the seed against seed-borne and soil-borne pathogens and insect pests.

[0090] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the insecticide composition, in a liquid form, can be applied to seedlings and growing plants of agriculturally important crops by spraying, drenching, in-furrow spray over seed, drip irrigation etc, in an amount agriculturally acceptable dose rate ranging from 100 ml / ha to 1200 ml / ha, in order to protect the an agriculturally important crops from sap sucking insect pests and / or virus vectors.

[0091] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plant insecticide composition, in a liquid form, can be applied by spraying, drenching, in-furrow spray over seed, drip irrigation by diluting the said composition in sufficient water. However, application rate and methods are dependent on various factors such as the type of the crop seed, size of the seed, type of the insects to be controlled or prevented, population level on insects, method of application, and climatic conditions.

[0092] In another embodiment, the composition of present disclosure exhibits a remarkable improvement in bio-efficacy activity against sap sucking insect pests and / or prolonged protection of virus diseases, which is unexpected from the effects of the individual application of each insecticide in said composition.

[0093] In one embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure can be prepared in a liquid form by a process which includes the steps of: (a) forming a homogeneous premix with weighed quantity of water and surfactant; (b) charge weighed amount of pyrifluquinazon, and flonicamid technical to the above mixture while stirring; (c) add weighed amount of an anti-foaming agent; (d) charge weighed amount of anti-freezing agent, preservative (e) mill the above mixture in bead mill at 15°C to 20°C to get a desired particle size; (f) charge weighed amount of rheology modifier and stir till homogeneous mixture is obtained.

[0094] In one embodiment, during preparation of the liquid composition of the present disclosure, the sequence of addition of the different formulation auxiliaries and active ingredients can be interchanged with each other according to suitability of the formulation.

[0095] In one embodiment, the insecticide composition of the present disclosure is both cold and heat stable at temperatures ranging from 0 ±2°C and 54±2°C.

[0096] In one embodiment, the liquid composition according to the present disclosure is stable and maintains its viscosity and homogeneity for at least 12 months at 25°C. The viscosity of the aqueous composition can be 50 to 2000, more specifically 100 to 1000 mPa・s when measured with a suitable viscometer.

[0097] In one embodiment, the final composition can be screened if desired to remove any insoluble particles. The average size of the suspended particles can range from 0.1 to 20 microns, specifically 1.5 to 5 microns when measured with a suitable particle size analyzer.

[0098] In the field of agriculture, it is often understood that the term “synergy” as defined by Colby S. R. in an article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” published in Weeds, 1967, 15, p. 20-22. The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows: The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula (ref.: Abbott, W.S., J. Economic Entomology, 18, 265-267, 1925). SF= Observed control / Expected control Where, SF>1 for Synergistic reaction; SF<1 for antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for additive reaction.

[0099] When the percentage of pests or disease control observed (E) for the combination is greater than the expected percentage, a synergistic effect of the combination can be inferred. When the percentage of pests or disease control observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage, merely an additive effect may be inferred, and wherein the percentage of pests or disease control observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage, an antagonistic effect of the combinations can be inferred.

[0100] To calculate the corrected percent control of sucking pest populations after application of treatments, the Abbott’s formula1 (Abbott 1925) formula as given below was used. Corrected % control = (1 -nT / nC) *100. wherein nT = insect survivors in the treatment and nC = insect survivors in control.

[0101] The following examples are provided to more specifically set forth and define the process of the present invention. It is recognized that changes may be made to the specific parameters and ranges disclosed herein and that there may be a number of different ways known in the art to change the disclosed variables. And whereas it is understood that only the preferred embodiments of these elements are disclosed herein as set forth in the specification and drawings, the invention should not be so limited and should be construed in terms of the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

[0102] EXAMPLES The invention will now be illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of the present invention and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0103] Process steps for the preparation of liquid composition In one embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure can be prepared in a liquid form by a process which includes the steps of: (a) forming a homogeneous premix with weighed quantity of water and a surfactant; (b) charge weighed amount of pyrifluquinazon, and flonicamid technical to the above mixture while stirring; (c) add weighed amount of an anti-foaming agent; (d) charge weighed amount of anti-freezing agent, preservative (e) mill the above mixture in bead mill at 15°C to 20°C to get a desired particle size;(f) charge weighed amount of rheology modifier and stir till homogeneous mixture is obtained. The compositions of Examples 1 to 4 are as shown in the table below.

[0104]

[0105] Biological examples:

[0106] Synergistic activity of the insecticide composition of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid was studied through various biological experiments conducted in fields. Efficacy against target sap sucking insect pests and prevention of viral disease transmission were studied in different sets of experiments.

[0107] Field experiment methodology: The field trials were conducted in commercial cultivated cotton, black gram and brinjal under hot-spot area of whiteflies. Example 5 summarizes the impact of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid as individual application and combined application of pyrifluquinazon and flonicamid at different dose levels against whiteflies and prevention of virus diseases on black gram, cotton and brinjal using following treatment details.

[0108] The trial was conducted during kharif 2023 season using normal research methodology at a hot spot area of Whiteflies at Sirsa, Haryana where most of the conventional insecticides show poor control of whiteflies due to resistance development issues. The trial was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and 11 treatments keeping 7m x 4m plot size. The cotton crop (variety- Rasi 926) was raised as per standard agronomical practices of the area. Application of the treatments was imposed using water @ 500 l / ha when whiteflies crosses the economic threshold level (ETL) which was coincided at boll formation stage of cotton crop. The whitefly population from 15 leaves selected randomly from 5 plants was observed at before spray and 7thand 16thdays after spray and percent control was calculated using Abbott (1925) formula.

[0109] It can be appreciated from the observed results presented in Example 5 above that out of the three tank mix applications i.e. T5 (Pyrifluquinazon 20% WG +Pyriproxyfen 10%EC), T6 (Pyrifluquinazon 20% WG +Flonicamid 50% WG ) and T7 (Pyrifluquinazon 20% WG + Tolfenpyrad 15 EC ), only T6 shows surprisingly synergistic activity against the whiteflies on cotton over the effect of the individual insecticides whereas there was interestingly no synergistic activity on the whiteflies when Pyrifluquinazon was applied as tank mix with Pyriproxyfen (T5) or Tolfenpyrad (T7).

[0110] The trial was conducted during Rabi 2023-24 season using the normal research methodology at a hot spot area of yellow vein mosaic virus disease on black gram at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and four treatments keeping 10 m x 5 m plot size. The black gram crop (variety- LBG 646) was raised as per standard agronomical practices of the area. Application of the treatments was imposed using water volume @ 500 l / ha when initial yellow vein mosaic virus disease was noticed on few plants. The whitefly population from 15 leaves selected from 5 plants randomly was also observed at before spray and 7th, 21stand 28thdays after spray and percent yellow vein mosaic virus disease incidence was calculated. Figure 1: Efficacy of Pyrifluquinazon +Flonicamid against whiteflies and protection from yellow vein mosaic virus disease on black gram.

[0111] Figure 1 depicts the graphical representation of the effect of ready-mix application of Pyrifluquinazon 200 g / l +Flonicamid 200 g / l SC formulation composition comprising treatment of Pyrifluquinazon, Flonicamid and Pyrifluquinazon +Flonicamid at particular doses applied as foliar application on black gram to protect the yellow vein mosaic virus disease, which was observed 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post application. It can be appreciated from Figure 1 that insecticide combination comprising Pyrifluquinazon +Flonicamid tested at dose rate of 60 + 60 g.a.i. / ha, respectively, had good protection from yellow vain mosaic virus disease for long duration, recorded up to 28 DAS, as compared to individual insecticidal treatment Pyrifluquinazon @ 60g.a.i. / ha and Flonicamid @ 60 g.a.i. / ha on black gram, thus showing the enhanced long term effect of the particular insecticidal composition of the present invention. Synergistic Effect Experiment Test Methods: Leaf dip bio-assay as detailed below was conducted. Fresh tender leaves of uniform size were immersed in each insecticide solution for 30 seconds and then air dried the treated leaves on a wire net with upper leaf surface (abaxial surface) facing skywards, or on tissue paper towels. Treated individual leaves were placed into bioassay cups containing Agar medium and adult insects were released into each cup using Aspirator. Keep the leaf material turgid throughout the bioassay period. All the test cups holding treated leaves and insects were kept at 25-30 degrees Celsius, 60-70 % relative humidity and a 16:8 light: dark cycle. Mortality was measured at 48, 72 & 96hrs in each treatment. Insects that showed no signs of movement were considered dead. Untreated control leaf was treated with distilled water. Other conditions are as compiled in the table below: The results are shown in the table belowa): These results confirm that a combination of PQZ and flonicamid has a synergistic effect against the whitefly.

[0112] Accordingly, by the practice of the present invention, insecticidal compositions having heretofore unrecognized characteristics are prepared. The mixture of Pyrifluquinazon +Flonicamid with reduced dose of individual insecticides, exhibits exceptionally synergetic effect for control of whitefly which is difficult to control by conventional insecticides due to resistance development into it conventional insecticides including flonicamid.

[0113] Overall, the present invention provides a composition comprising Pyrifluquinazon and Flonicamid insecticide compounds, when used at lower dose rates in mixture exhibits an unexpected and surprising synergism in ability to reduce or control the whitefly population which are resistant to conventional insecticides. Of particular importance is that the said composition, while it is detrimental to the whitefly population, has synergistic effect on protection from the virus disease transmitted by whitefly vectors due to its unexpected increased feeding blocking mechanism against whiteflies which are responsible to transmit the virus disease from one plant to another plant while feeding of plants.

[0114] The compositions and methods of the appended claims are not limited in scope by the specific compositions and methods described herein, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claimed invention, and any compositions and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention. Various modifications of the compositions and methods in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. Further, while only certain representative compositions and method steps disclosed herein are specifically described, other combinations of the compositions and method steps also are intended to fall within the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims, even if not specifically recited.

[0115] The numerical values of various parameters given in the specification are at approximations and slightly higher or slightly lower values of these parameters fall within the ambit and the scope of the invention.

[0116] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific steps of the preferred process, it will be highly appreciated that many steps can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred steps without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred steps of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosures herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

[0117] ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition which is capable of protecting crop plants from attacks by whiteflies and other sap sucking insect pests and / or viral diseases transmitted by them.

[0118] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition capable of protecting seeds, seedlings and / or growing plants from whiteflies and other sucking insect pests and spread of viral diseases.

[0119] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition that can prevent / control whiteflies and other sucking pests which are difficult to control by conventional insecticides due to resistance development against the conventional insecticides.

[0120] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition that can provide extended protection against sap sucking insect pests and viral disease transmitted by them by its systemic and contract activity in plants.

[0121] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition that can provide enhanced protection against insect pests that attack seeds, seedlings and / or growing plants even at reduced dose rates in mixture.

[0122] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition that exhibits insecticidal spectrum against a wide range of sucking pests for a prolonged period of time.

[0123] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition that protects economically important crops, such as cotton, Soybean, pulses, legumes, cucurbits, peppers, okra, tomatoes, brinjal, papaya and other agricultural, horticultural and fruit crops.

[0124] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition in a stable, aqueous form.

[0125] The present disclosure provides a ready-to-apply formulation that contains a plant protection composition.

[0126] The present disclosure provides a plant protection composition that increases plant yield, by protecting the crops from sap sucking insect’s pests and virus disease transmitted by them.

[0127] The present disclosure provides a method of protecting economically important crops, such as cotton, pulses, legumes, cucurbits, peppers, okra, tomatoes, brinjal, papaya and other agricultural, horticultural and fruit crops from attacks by whiteflies and other sap sucking insect pests by mean of spraying, drenching, in-furrow spray over seed, drip irrigation etc.

Claims

A pesticidal composition comprising as active components:　　　A) Pyrifluquinazon or a salt thereof and　　　B) Flonicamid or a salt thereof.The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein component A) and component B) are present in a weight ratio of from 1:60 to 60:1.The composition as claimed in claims 1 to 2, wherein component A) and component B) are present in a weight ratio of 1:1.The composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 further comprising: at least one solvent, at least one surfactant, at least one biocide agent, and at least one anti-freezing agent.The composition as claimed in claim 4, further comprising one or more agents selected from the group consisting of, an anti-foaming agent, a rheology modifier, a binding agent, a thickener, a colouring agent, and a filler.An aqueous suspension formulation comprising a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.A method of controlling whitefly and other sucking pests that are known to be resistance against conventional insecticides by the pesticidal composition in any one of claim 1 to 5.A method of protecting crops from virus disease transmitted by whiteflies and other sap sucking insect pests, the method comprising:providing a composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5;applying an effective amount of the composition to the crops.The method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the crops is selected from economically important crops, such as cotton, soybean, pulses, legumes, cucurbits, peppers, okra, tomatoes, brinjal, papaya and other agricultural, horticultural and fruit crops.The method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein applying an effective amount of the composition to the crops comprises applying by spraying, by drenching, by in-furrow spray over seeds or planting material, by using drip irrigation, and seed treatments.The method as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein the composition is applied to the crop in an amount ranging from 500 ml / ha to 1500 ml / ha.

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