Ternary herbicidal mixture

Abstract

The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising a triazine compound, a phenoxy-carboxylate compound, an additional herbicidal compound, and optionally a herbicide safener, for controlling unwanted vegetation.

Description

[0001] TERNARY HERBICIDAL MIXTURE

[0002] Field of the Invention:

[0003] The present invention relates to a ternary herbicidal mixture. More particularly, it relates to a ternary herbicidal mixture for controlling unwanted vegetation, comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxy -carb oxy late compound, an additional herbicidal compound, and optionally, a herbicide safener.

[0004] Background of the Invention:

[0005] The management of undesirable vegetation is crucial for maximising crop productivity. Selective weed control is particularly important in high-value crops such as rice, soybean, sugar beet, maize, potato, wheat, barley, tomato, and various plantation crops. Uncontrolled weed growth in these crops can significantly reduce yield and increase production costs. Although numerous herbicidal products exist, there remains a need for new mixtures, formulations, and application methods that are more efficient, cost effective, environmentally friendly, or have alternative modes of action.

[0006] Herbicide performance is influenced by factors including types and amounts of herbicides used, the target weed species, and environmental conditions such as climate and soil. Other factors include persistence, degradation rate, and how the active ingredient affects weed response over time or under specific conditions. Higher application rates may only partially compensate for variation in herbicide activity.

[0007] No single active ingredient can effectively control all weed species across diverse climates and cropping systems.. Therefore, it is desirable to use the minimum effective herbicide dose necessary to achieve the desired outcome. Lower application rates reduce the need for formulation additives, decrease the quantity of active ingredients required, and improve cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

[0008] Combinations of herbicides are commonly used to broaden the spectrum of weed control or to enhance control of specific species through additive effects. In certain cases, rare combinations unexpectedly produce a greater-than-additive effect. Such valuable mixtures and methods have now been discovered. The present invention relates to the technical field of crop protection mixtures, specifically herbicidal mixtures effective against unwanted vegetation. These mixtures comprise a triazine compound, a phenoxy-carboxylate compound, an additional herbicidal compound, and optionally, a herbicide safener.

[0009] However, existing herbicidal mixtures do not always meet the practical requirements of modern agriculture, particularly for controlling invasive weeds in cereal cultivation. Depending on the application site, either the safening effect of the mixture may be insufficient, or the spectrum of weeds controlled by the mixture may not be broad enough.

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide mixtures, carefully selected by judicious choice of herbicidal compounds, that exhibit improved activity against harmful weeds. It is a further object to provide mixtures useful for controlling unwanted vegetation comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, a phenoxy-carboxylate compound, an additional herbicidal compound, and optionally, a herbicide safener.

[0011] It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a ternary herbicidal mixture that is both fast acting and long lasting, with multiple modes of action, thereby offering advantages over currently available herbicides.

[0012] Summary of the Invention:

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxy -carb oxy late compound, an effective amount of an additional herbicidal compound, and optionally a herbicide safener.

[0014] In an aspect, the present invention provides a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxy -carb oxy late compound, an effective amount of a triketone or a urea compound and optionally a herbicide safener.

[0015] The invention reflects synergistic interactions among active compounds when applied concurrently or successively. The combined effect exceeds that expected from individual applications, thereby enabling more effective weed control. The invention also addresses limitations of prior art by reducing application rates, broadening the spectrum of activity, combining rapid knock-down with long-lasting control, and improving resistance management. Accordingly, one purpose of the present invention is to provide herbicidal combinations that enhance weed control through improved efficacy and sustainability.

[0016] In an aspect, the triazine compound is selected from the group comprising ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, dimethametryn, prometone, prometryn, propazine, simazine, terbuthylazine, or terbutryn, preferably ametryn.

[0017] In another aspect, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound is selected from the group comprising 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4,5-T, clomeprop, mecoprop, dichlorprop, MCPA, or MCPB, preferably 2,4- D or its derivatives thereof.

[0018] In a further aspect, the urea compound is selected from the group comprising diuron, isoproturon, chlorotoluron, flometuron, metobromuron, linuron, methabenzthiazuron, tebuthiuron, or monuron, preferably diuron.

[0019] In an aspect, the additional herbicidal compound is selected from the group comprising a triketone compound or a urea compound.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the triketone compound is selected from the group comprising tembotrione, mesotrione, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione, fenquinotrione, benzobicyclon, or bicyclopyrone, preferably tembotrione.

[0021] Furthermore, simultaneous (joint or separate) or successive applications of the ternary herbicidal mixture provide enhanced synergistic effect.

[0022] In an aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound to the phenoxy-carboxylate compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound to the triketone compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the present invention further provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound to the urea compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[0025] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the phenoxy-carboxylate compound to the triketone compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[0026] In an aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the phenoxy-carboxylate compound to the urea compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1. In another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the triketone compound is from 1-20: 1-10: 0.1-2.

[0027] In a preferred aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the triketone compound is 16: 8.7: 1.

[0028] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicidal mixture wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the urea compound is from 1-20: 1-10: 1-20.

[0029] In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the urea compound is 16: 8.7: 10.

[0030] The ternary herbicidal mixture may further comprise a herbicide safener selected from the group comprising benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, jiecaowan, jiecaoxi, metcamifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, 2,2,5-trimethyl- 3-(dichloroacetyl)-l,3-oxazolidine, 4-(Dichloroacetyl)-l-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane, 2- di chi oromethyl-2-m ethyl- 1,3 -di oxolane, oxabetrinil or esters thereof.

[0031] In an aspect, the application rate of ternary herbicidal mixture is from about 1 g a.i. / hato 10000 g a.i. / ha, preferably from 1 g a.i. / ha to 1000 g a.i. / ha.

[0032] The invention further provides the use of the ternary herbicidal mixture comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxy-carboxylate compound, and an effective amount of a triketone or a urea compound and optionally a herbicide safener for controlling weeds. The target weeds are selected from the group comprising Alopecurus spp., Apera spp., Avena spp., Acalypha indica, Brachiaria spp., Bromus spp., Chloris spp., Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus spp., Digitaria spp., Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica, Leptochloa spp., Lolium spp., Hordeum glaucum, Panicum spp., Pennisetum spp., Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa., Poa spp., Setaria spp., Urochloa spp. such as Urochloa ramosa, Vulpia spp., Ageratum spp., Amaranthus spp., Alternanthera spp., Arctotheca calendula, Bifora testiculata, Boerhavia dominii, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Chenopodium spp., Conyza spp., Cotula australis, Crassula spp., Commelina benghalensis, Datura stramonium, Digera arvensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echium plantagineum, Emex australis, Erodium spp., Fallopia convolvulus, Fumaria spp., Galium spp., Heliotropium spp., Ipomoea spp., Juncus bufonius, Lactuca serriola, Lamium spp., Malva spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp., Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Parthenium hysterophorus, Phyllanthus niruri, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rapistrum spp., Sida spp., Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium spp., Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oleraceus, Physalis minima, Stellaria media, Tetragonia tetragonioides, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tribulus spp., Trifolium subterraneum, Urtica urens, Vicia sativa, Veronica spp., or Xanthium spp..

[0033] Preferably, the weeds are selected from the group comprising Amaranthus spp., Alternanthera sessilis, Acalypha indica, Brachiaria reptans, Cyperus rotundus, Commelina benghalensis, Ipomoea spp., Digitaria sanguinalis, Digera arvensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echinochloa colonum, Portulaca oleracea, Physalis minima, Parthenium hysterophorus, Panicum spp., Phyllanthus niruri, Trianthema portulacastrum, Setaria viridis, or Urochloa ramosa.

[0034] Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0035] Definitions:

[0036] It may be beneficial to provide definitions for certain terms used herein before describing the present invention in detail. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant field.

[0037] In describing the embodiments of the invention, specific terminology is used for clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each such term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0038] It will be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the reference to “a surfactant” includes one or more such surfactants.

[0039] It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, and any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such method.

[0040] Throughout this application, descriptions of various embodiments use the term “comprising”. However, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that, in some specific instances, an embodiment can alternatively be described using the language “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of.”

[0041] As used herein, the term “safener” or “herbicide safener” refers to an organic compound that, in some cases, improves crop plant compatibility when applied jointly with specifically acting herbicides. Some safeners are herbicidally active. In such cases, the safeners act as an antidote or antagonist to the crop plants and thus reduce or even prevent damage to the crop plants.

[0042] As used herein, the term “effective” when used to describe a method for controlling, means that the method provides a good level of control of the undesired weeds without significantly interfering with the normal growth and development of the crop.

[0043] As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to the agriculturally effective dose as specified in the description (for example, about 1 g a.i. / ha to 10000 g a.i. / ha, preferably 1-1000 g a.i. / ha).

[0044] As used herein, the term “active ingredient” includes, but is not limited to, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

[0045] As used herein, the term “herbicide” or “herbicidal compound” refers to an active ingredient capable of controlling unwanted plants or weeds, for example when growing in the locus of the desired crop.

[0046] As used herein, the term “triazine compound” refers to the compound containing a triazine group, selected from the group comprising ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, dimethametryn, prometone, prometryn, propazine, simazine, terbuthylazine, terbutryn or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof.

[0047] As used herein, the term “phenoxy-carboxylate compound” refers to the compound containing a phenoxy-carboxylate group, selected from the group comprising 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4,5-T, clomeprop, mecoprop, dichlorprop, MCPA, MCPB or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof such as 2,4-D-ammonium, 2,4-D-butotyl, 2,4-D-butyl, 2,4-D-choline, 2,4-D- diethylammonium, 2,4-D-dimethylammonium, 2,4-D-diolamine, 2,4-D-doboxyl, 2,4-D- dodecylammonium, 2,4-D-etexyl, 2,4-D-ethyl, 2,4-D-heptylammonium, 2,4-D-isobutyl, 2,4- D-isoctyl, 2,4-D-isopropyl, 2,4-D-isopropylammonium, 2,4-D-lithium, 2,4-D-meptyl, 2,4-D- methyl, 2,4-D-methylammonium, 2,4-D-octyl, 2,4-D-pentyl, 2,4-D-potassium, 2,4-D-propyl, 2,4-D-sodium, 2,4-D-tefuryl, 2,4-D-terboxyl, 2,4-D-tetradecylammonium, 2,4-D- triethylammonium, 2,4-D-tripromine, 2,4-D-trolamine.

[0048] As used herein, the term “triketone compound” refers to the compound containing a triketone group, selected from the group comprising tembotrione, mesotrione, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione, fenquinotrione, benzobicyclon, bicyclopyrone or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof.

[0049] As used herein, the term “urea compound” refers to the compound containing a urea group, selected from the group comprising diuron, isoproturon, chlorotoluron, flometuron, metobromuron, linuron, methabenzthiazuron, tebuthiuron, monuron or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof.

[0050] As used herein, the terms “control” or “controlling” are meant to include, but are not limited to, killing, growth regulation, inhibition or interference with the normal life cycle of a weed.

[0051] As used herein, the term “adjuvant” is broadly defined as any substance that itself is not an active ingredient but enhances, or is intended to enhance, the effectiveness of the agrochemical active compounds with which it is used. Adjuvants may include, but are not limited to, spreading agents, penetrants, compatibility agents, and drift retardants. They are typically used to dilute ready mix formulations prior to application in the field, although some formulations include built-in adjuvants.

[0052] As used herein, the term “ready mix” means a formulation that may be applied to plants directly after dilution comprising one or more active ingredients. The term “mixture” refers to a combination in any physical form, e.g., blend, solution, alloy, or the like.

[0053] As used herein, the term “tank mix” refers to the mixture of two or more active ingredients or formulations that are combined shortly before application. Tank mixtures may be formed by mixing one or more formulations (each comprising one or more active ingredients) with water. Alternatively, they may comprise a mixture of one or more formulations with one or more adjuvants.

[0054] As used herein, the term “plant” or “crop” includes reference to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits, etc.), plant cells, and plant seeds. This term also encompasses planted crops such as fruits. The term further includes propagation material thereof such as seeds, vegetative plant material (e.g., cuttings and tubers), spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts, basal shoots, stolons, buds, seedlings, and young plants, intended for transplantation after germination or emergence from soil.

[0055] As used herein, the term “locus” includes a habitat, breeding ground, plant, propagation material, soil, area, material or environment in which undesired vegetation is growing or may grow.

[0056] As used herein, the term “cultivated plants” includes plants that have been modified by breeding, mutagenesis or genetic engineering. Genetically modified plants are plants, whose genetic material has been altered using recombinant DNA techniques, typically by integrating one or more genes to improve specific plant properties.

[0057] As used herein, the term “g” refers to gram, and “L” or “1” refers to litre.

[0058] As used herein, the term “a.i ” refers to active ingredient.

[0059] As used herein, the term “ha” refers to hectare.

[0060] As used herein, the term “more effective” includes, but is not limited to, increasing the efficacy of herbicidal control, prolonging protection, reducing the amount of time needed to achieve a given level of control, extending the duration of weed protection after application and / or reducing the application frequency when each pesticide at the same amount is applied alone.

[0061] As used herein, the term “enhancing crop plants” means improving one or more of plant quality, plant vigor, nutrient uptake, root system development, tolerance to stress factors, and / or yield in a plant to which the mixture described herein has been applied, as compared to a control plant grown under the same conditions without the mixture.

[0062] As used herein, the term “enhancing the root system” means that the root system of a plant treated with the mixture described herein is improved qualitatively or quantitatively compared to the root system of a control plant grown under the same conditions without the mixture. Enhanced root systems include, but are not limited, to improved visual appearance and composition (e.g., color, density, and uniformity), increased root growth, more extensive development, stronger and healthier roots, improved plant stand, and / or increased root system weight. As used herein, the term “improving plant quality” means that one or more traits of a plant treated with the mixture described herein are improved qualitatively or quantitatively compared to the same traits of a control plant grown under the same conditions without the mixture. Such traits include, but are not limited to, improved visual appearance and composition of the plant (e.g., color, density, uniformity, compactness), reduced ethylene effects (reduced production and / or inhibition of reception), improved quality of harvested material (e.g., seeds, fruits, leaves, vegetables, shoots, or canes), improved carbohydrate content (e.g., increased sugar and / or starch, improved sugar / acid ratio, reduced reducing sugars, accelerated sugar development), improved protein content, improved oil content and / or oil composition, improved nutritional value, reduction of anti -nutritional compounds, increased nutrient uptake, stronger and healthier roots, improved organoleptic properties (e.g., taste), improved consumer health benefits (e.g., higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants), improved post-harvest characteristics (e.g., shelf-life, storage stability, processability, compound extractability), and / or improved seed quality (e.g., for use in subsequent planting seasons).

[0063] For clarity, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters provided in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties. Each parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits reported and ordinary rounding practices. The term “about” includes ±10% of the indicated values.

[0064] As used herein, all ranges directed to the same component or property are inclusive of their endpoints, independently combinable, and include all intermediate points. For example, the range “0.1% to 50%” expressly includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, ... up to 50%.

[0065] As used herein, the term, “% w / w” or “wt. %” refers to % of the weight of a component relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0066] When a ratio is expressed as “X: 1 or higher”, it is intended to include Y: 1, where Y > X. Similarly, when expressed as “X: 1 or lower”, it includes Z: 1, where Z < X. The same logic applies to ratios written as “1 : X or higher” and “1 : X or lower”.

[0067] As used herein, the term “synergistic” refers to an interaction of two or more factors (e.g., active ingredient) such that the combined effect is greater than the predicted effect based on the individual responses. Herbicidal Mixtures:

[0068] It has been surprisingly found that combining an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxy-carboxylate compound, an additional herbicidal compound and optionally, a herbicide safener, results in mixtures that exhibit broad spectrum weed control with both knock-down and long residual activity under varying climate conditions. The mixtures of the present invention are based, in part, on the finding that application of such mixtures to a locus or area where weed control is desired results in improved control.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxycarboxylate compound, an effective amount of a triketone or a urea compound and optionally in combination with a herbicide safener.

[0070] Such combinations typically provide a higher herbicidal activity than the sum of the activities of each of the herbicides when applied at the same rate. This synergistic effect allows for reduced dosages of the individual herbicides, thereby lowering the risk of damage to agriculturally important plants while maintaining strong weed control.

[0071] In another embodiment, the triazine compound is selected from the group comprising ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, dimethametryn, prometone, prometryn, propazine, simazine, terbuthylazine, terbutryn or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the triazine compound is ametryn.

[0073] In a further embodiment, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound is selected from the group comprising 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4, 5-T, clomeprop, mecoprop, dichlorprop, MCPA, MCPB or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound is 2,4-D or its derivative selected from 2,4-D-ammonium, 2,4-D-butotyl, 2,4-D-butyl, 2,4-D-choline, 2,4-D- diethylammonium, 2,4-D-dimethylammonium, 2,4-D-diolamine, 2,4-D-doboxyl, 2,4-D- dodecylammonium, 2,4-D-etexyl, 2,4-D-ethyl, 2,4-D-heptylammonium, 2,4-D-isobutyl, 2,4- D-isoctyl, 2,4-D-isopropyl, 2,4-D-isopropylammonium, 2,4-D-lithium, 2,4-D-meptyl, 2,4-D- methyl, 2,4-D-methylammonium, 2,4-D-octyl, 2,4-D-pentyl, 2,4-D-potassium, 2,4-D-propyl, 2,4-D-sodium, 2,4-D-tefuryl, 2,4-D-terboxyl, 2,4-D-tetradecylammonium, 2,4-D- triethylammonium, 2,4-D-tripromine, 2,4-D-trolamine.

[0075] In an embodiment, the additional herbicidal compound is selected from the group comprising a triketone compound or a urea compound.

[0076] In yet another embodiment, the triketone compound is selected from the group comprising tembotrione, mesotrione, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione, fenquinotrione, benzobicyclon, bicyclopyrone or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the triketone compound is tembotrione.

[0078] In another embodiment, the urea compound is selected from the group comprising diuron, isoproturon, chlorotoluron, flometuron, metobromuron, linuron, methabenzthiazuron, tebuthiuron, monuron or any derivatives, salt or esters thereof.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the urea compound is diuron.

[0080] In an embodiment, the herbicide safener may be employed individually or in any useful combination with the inventive mixtures. Suitable safeners include, but are not limited to, benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, jiecaowan (CAS No. 22052-63-7), jiecaoxi (CAS No. 97454-00-7), metcamifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(dichloroacetyl)-l,3-oxazolidine (R-29148), 4-(Dichloroacetyl)- l-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane (AD-67), 2-dichloromethyl-2-methyl-l,3-dioxolane (MG-191), oxabetrinil or esters thereof as well as the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and, provided they have a carboxyl group, their agriculturally acceptable derivatives, in particular their esters like mefenpyr as mefenpyr-di ethyl, cloquintocet as cloquintocet-mexyl. Combinations of safeners may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising ametryn, 2,4-D and diuron.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising ametryn, 2,4-D, diuron and optionally a herbicide safener.

[0083] In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising ametryn, 2,4-D and tembotrione. In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a ternary herbicidal mixture comprising ametryn, 2,4-D, tembotrione and optionally a herbicide safener.

[0084] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a synergistic ternary herbicidal mixture comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxycarboxylate compound, an effective amount of a triketone or a urea compound and optionally, a herbicide safener.

[0085] In some embodiments, the weight ratios between the active compounds may vary depending on factors such as formulation type, weather conditions, crop type, and the type of undesired vegetation.

[0086] In an embodiment, the weight ratio of triazine compound to the phenoxy-carboxylate compound from about 1 : 100 to 100: 1, for example, from about 1 :50 to 50: 1.

[0087] In another embodiment, the weight ratio of triazine compound to the triketone compound from about 1:100 to 100:1, for example, from about 1:50 to 50:1.

[0088] In a further embodiment, the weight ratio of triazine compound to the urea compound from about 1:100 to 100:1, for example, from about 1:50 to 50:1.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the weight ratio of phenoxy -carboxyl ate compound to the triketone compound from about 1 : 100 to 100: 1, for example, from about 1 :50 to 50: 1.

[0090] In an embodiment, the weight ratio of phenoxy-carboxylate compound to the urea compound from about 1:100 to 100:1, for example, from about 1:50 to 50:1.

[0091] Typical proportions may vary, for example, from about 1:25 to 25:1 or from about 1:10 to 10:1, for example, including intermediate ratios such as 1:0.5, 0.5:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and so on.

[0092] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy -carb oxy late compound and the triketone compound is from about 1-100: 1-100: 0.1-100, for example, from about 1-50: 1-50: 0.1-50, preferably about 1-20: 1-20: 0.1-20 and more preferably about 1-20: 1-10: 0.5-2.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the triketone compound is about 16: 8.7: 1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy -carb oxy late compound and the urea compound is from about 1-100: 1-100: 1-100, for example, from about 1-50: 1-50: 1-50, preferably about 1-20: 1-20: 1-20 and more preferably about 5-20: 5-10: 5- 20.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the urea compound is about 16: 8.7: 10.

[0095] Method of Use:

[0096] The present invention provides a method for enhancing root systems, crop plant development, crop plant vigor, and / or improving plant potential yield, comprising applying an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixture disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof.

[0097] The present invention provides a method for enhancing plant development by applying an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixtures disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof.

[0098] The present invention provides a method for enhancing root systems by applying an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixture disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof.

[0099] The present invention provides a method for enhancing plant vigor by applying an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixtures disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof.

[0100] The present invention provides a method for improving plant potential yield by applying an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixtures disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof.

[0101] The present invention provides a method for improving plant quality by applying an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixtures disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof.

[0102] The present invention provides a method for regulating plant growth by applying an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixtures disclosed herein to one or more plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof. The present invention provides a method for controlling weeds by contacting the weed or their locus with an effective amount of any one of the ternary herbicidal mixtures disclosed herein.

[0103] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for controlling weed by applying the mixture before, during, or after the emergence of the undesirable weeds, wherein the mixture is applied simultaneously or in succession.

[0104] Application:

[0105] In an embodiment, the ternary herbicidal mixture of the present invention may be applied presowing or post-sowing, pre-emergence, or post-emergence of the crop. The mixture may be applied via furrow spray, foliar application, broadcast, basal application, soil application, soil incorporation or soil injection.

[0106] In some embodiments, the ternary herbicidal mixture can be applied in non-crop areas, including, but not limited to, commercial areas, residential areas, lawns, ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, parks, livestock areas, warehouses, food storage facilities, grain bins, turfgrass, pastures, grasslands, rangelands, fallow land, rights-of-way, golf courses, along roadsides, power-lines, pipelines, railways, forests, well sites, and equipment yards.

[0107] The ternary herbicidal mixture can also be applied to a wide range of crops, for example, including rice, com, sorghum, wheat, barley, oats, cereals, triticale, soybeans, beans (including dried beans), cotton, fruits (including peaches, apples, pineapples), potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, canola, flax, peas, lentils, mustard, chickpeas, sunflowers, alfalfa, onions, herbage, sugarcane, beetroot, turmeric, cassava, cucurbits, vines, rubber, oilseed rape, oil palms, ornamental trees and bushes.

[0108] The weeds treatable with the ternary herbicidal mixture include, but are not limited to, Alopecurus spp. such as Alopecurus myosuroides, Alopecurus aequalis: Apera spp. such as Apera spica-venli: Avena falua. Avena slerilis. Brachiaria spp. such as Brachiaria reptans, Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumhens: Bromus spp. such as Bromus secalinus, Bromus sterilis, Bromus leclorum: Chloris spp., Cynodon spp. such as Cynodon dactylon,; Cyperus spp., Digitaria spp. such as Digitaria ciliar is, Digitaria insular is, Digitaria ischaemum, Digitaria sanguinalis,' Echinochloa spp. such as Echinochloa corona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa crus-pavonis, Echinochloa erecta, Echinochloa oryzoides, Echinochloa phyllogogon,' Eleusine indica, Ischaemum rugosum, Leptochloa spp. such as Leptochloa chinensis, Leptochloa panicoides, Leptochloa scabra, Leptochloa virgalcr, Lolium spp. such as Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidunr, Panicum spp. such as Panicum capillars. Panicum dicholomiflorum: Hordeum glaucum, Phalaris brachystachyx, Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa, Poa spp. such as Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis,' Pennisetum spp., Rottboellia exaltata, Setaria spp. such as Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria pumila, Setaria verticillata, Setaria viridis,' Urochloa spp. such as Urochloa ramosa, Vulpia spp., Ageratum spp., Amaranthus spp. such as Amaranthus albus, Amaranthus blitoides, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus palmeri, Amaranthus powellii, Amaranthus retroflexus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus rudis, Amaranthus viridis,' Ambrosia artemisifolia, Anthemis arvensis, Alternanthera spp., Acalypha indica, Arctotheca calendula, Bifora testiculata, Boerhavia dominii, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Chenopodium spp. such as Chenopodium album, Chenopodium ficifolium, Chenopodium polyspermum, Chenopodium hybridunr, Commelina benghalensis, Conyza spp. such as Conyza bonariensis, Conyza canadensis,' Cotula australis, Crassula spp., Descurania sophia, Datura stramonium, Digera arvensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echium plantagineum, Emex australis, Er odium spp., Fallopia convolvulus, Fumaria spp., Galium spp. such as Galium aparine, Galium spurium, Galium tricornutunr, Kochia scoparia, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria discoidea, Matricaria inodora, Heliotropium spp., Ipomoea spp., Juncus bufonius, Lactuca serriola, Lamium spp., Malva spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp. such as Papaver rhoeas,' Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Physalis minima, Parthenium hysterophorus, Phyllanthus niruri, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rapistrum spp., Sida spp., Sinapis alba, Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium spp. such as Sisymbrium officinale, Sisymbrium orientate,' Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oteraceus, Stellaria media, Tetragonia tetragonioides, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tributes spp., Trifolium subterraneum, Thlaspi arvense, Urtica urens, Vicia sativa (Vetches), Veronica spp. or Xanthium spp.

[0109] The application rates of the ternary herbicidal mixture vary depending on conditions, such as formulation type, weather conditions, crop type, the desired effect, and weed species. For example, the application rate may range from 1 g a.i. / ha to 10000 g a.i. / ha, preferably from 1 g a.i. / ha to 1000 g a.i. / ha.

[0110] Correspondingly, the application rates for the triazine compound are generally from 1 g a.i. / ha to 5000 g a.i. / ha, preferably from 1 g a.i. / ha to 2500 g a.i. / ha, in particular from 1 g a.i. / ha to 2000 g a.i. / ha, particularly 1200 g a.i. / ha to 1800 g a.i. / ha, preferably 1600 g a.i. / ha. Correspondingly, the application rates for the phenoxy-carboxylate compound are generally from 1 g a.i. / ha to 5000 g a.i. / ha, preferably from 1 g a.i. / ha to 2500 g a.i. / ha, in particular from 1 g a.i. / ha to 1500 g a.i. / ha, particularly 500 g a.i. / ha to 1000 g a.i. / ha and preferably 870 g a.i. / ha.

[0111] Correspondingly, the application rates for the triketone compound are generally from 1 g a.i. / ha to 5000 g a.i. / ha, preferably from 1 g a.i. / ha to 2500 g a.i. / ha, in particular from 1 g a.i. / ha to 1500 g a.i. / ha, particularly 1 g a.i. / ha to 500 g a.i. / ha, more particularly 50 g a.i. / ha to 250 g a.i. / ha and preferably 105 g a.i. / ha.

[0112] Correspondingly, the application rates for the urea compound are generally from 1 g a.i. / ha to 5000 g a.i. / ha, preferably from 1 g a.i. / ha to 2500 g a.i. / ha, in particular from 1 g a.i. / ha to 1500 g a.i. / ha, particularly 750 g a.i. / ha to 1250 g a.i. / ha, and preferably 1000 g a.i. / ha.

[0113] In an embodiment, the application rates for the ternary herbicidal mixture of triazine compound, phenoxy-carboxylate compound and triketone compound particularly 1200 g a.i. / ha to 1800 g a.i. / ha of triazine compound, 500 g a.i. / ha to 1000 g a.i. / ha of phenoxy-carboxylate compound and 50 g a.i. / ha to 250 g a.i. / ha of triketone compound.

[0114] In another embodiment, the application rates for the ternary herbicidal mixture of triazine compound, phenoxy-carboxylate compound and urea compound particularly 1200 g a.i. / ha to 1800 g a.i. / ha of triazine compound, 500 g a.i. / ha to 1000 g a.i. / ha of phenoxy-carboxylate compound and 750 g a.i. / ha to 1250 g a.i. / ha of urea compound.

[0115] The present invention provides the use of the ternary herbicidal mixture comprising an effective amount of a triazine compound, an effective amount of a phenoxy -carb oxy late compound, an effective amount of a triketone or a urea compound and optionally, a herbicide safener, as described above, for controlling weeds. The weeds may be selected from the group comprising Amaranthus spp., Alternanthera sessilis. Acalypha indica, Brachiaria reptans, Cyperus rotundus, Commelina benghalensis, Ipomoea spp., Digitaria sanguinalis, Digera arvensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echinochloa colonum, Physalis minima, Portulaca oleracea, Parthenium hysterophorus, Panicum spp, Phyllanthus niruri, Trianthema portulacastrum Setaria viridis, or Urochloa ramosa.

[0116] The following representative examples illustrate the practice of the present invention in some embodiments but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and examples.

[0117] Example:

[0118] A synergistic effect exists whenever the action of an active ingredient combination is greater than the sum of the actions of the individual components.

[0119] In the field of agriculture, the term “synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R. in “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations" Weeds, 1967, vol. 15, p. 20-22.

[0120] Colby’s formula:

[0121] The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows:

[0122] E = X + Y - XY / 100 where:

[0123] E = expected effect (percentage of weed control) for the combination at defined doses;

[0124] X = effect observed for compound (I) at its defined dose;

[0125] Y = effect observed for compound (II) at its defined dose.

[0126] The action expected for a given combination of three active components can be calculated as follows:

[0127] E = (X + Y + Z) - (XY + XZ + YZ) / 100 + XYZ / 10000 where:

[0128] E = expected effect (percentage of weed control) for the combination at defined doses;

[0129] X = effect observed for compound (I) at its defined dose;

[0130] Y = effect observed for compound (II) at its defined dose;

[0131] Z = effect observed for compound (III) at its defined dose.

[0132] Here, efficacy or percent inhibition is expressed in %. A value of 0% corresponds to no treatment (control), while 100% represents complete control. When the percent control observed for the combination is greater than E, a synergistic effect is present. When the percent control equals E, there is an additive effect. When the percent control is lower than E, there is an antagonistic effect. Example 1.

[0133] A field trial was conducted at Northern India (Uttar Pradesh) to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and tembotrione. The combination was also evaluated in comparison to the solo applications of ametryn, 2,4-D and tembotrione. The target crop was sugarcane, and the targeted weeds included Cyperus rotundus and Digitaria sanguinalis. Treatments were applied as a post-emergence application.

[0134] Treatments were applied using a gas propelled, hand-held boom sprayer equipped with flat fan nozzles, delivering 90 L ha'1at 250 kPa. The treatment details are summarized in Table 1. The synergistic effect of the combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and tembotrione was evaluated in terms of weed control. Percent mortality of Cyperus rotundus and Digitaria sanguinalis was recorded 30 days after application as summarized in Table 2.

[0135] Table 1: Treatment details for evaluating the weed control effect of the combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and tembotrione.

[0136] Table 2: Percent mortality of Cyperus rotundus and Digitaria sanguinalis in sugarcane at Northern India (Uttar Pradesh).

[0137] Results: The combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and tembotrione demonstrated a synergistic effect in controlling Cyperus rotundus and Digitaria sanguinalis in sugarcane.

[0138] Example 2.

[0139] A field trial was conducted at Western India (Maharashtra) to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and diuron. The combination was also evaluated in comparison to the solo applications of ametryn, 2,4-D and diuron. The target crop was sugarcane, and the targeted weeds included Digitaria sanguinalis and Setaria viridis. Treatments were applied as a post-emergence application.

[0140] Treatments were applied using a gas propelled, hand-held boom sprayer equipped with flat fan nozzles, delivering 90 L ha'1at 250 kPa. The treatment details are summarized in Table 3. The synergistic effect of the combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and diuron was evaluated in terms of weed control. Percent mortality of Digitaria sanguinalis and Setaria viridis was recorded 45 days after application as summarized in Table 4.

[0141] Table 3: Treatment details for evaluating the weed control effect of the combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and diuron.

[0142] Table 4: Percent mortality of Digitaria sanguinalis and Setaria viridis in sugarcane at Western India (Maharashtra).

[0143] Results: The combination of ametryn, 2,4-D and diuron demonstrated a synergistic effect in controlling Digitaria sanguinalis and Setaria viridis in sugarcane.

[0144] While the present disclosure of the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been described by way of example in detail herein. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A ternary herbicidal mixture comprising: a) an effective amount of a triazine compound, b) an effective amount of a phenoxy-carboxylate compound, and c) an effective amount of an additional herbicidal compound.

2. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the triazine compound is selected from the group comprising ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, dimethametryn, prometone, prometryn, propazine, simazine, terbuthylazine, or terbutryn.

3. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 2, wherein the triazine compound is ametryn.

4. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phenoxy-carboxylate compound is selected from the group comprising 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4, 5-T, clomeprop, mecoprop, dichlorprop, MCPA, or MCPB.

5. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 4, wherein the phenoxy-carboxylate compound is 2,4-D.

6. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the additional herbicidal compound is selected from the group comprising a triketone or a urea compound.

7. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 6, wherein the urea compound is selected from the group comprising diuron, isoproturon, chlorotoluron, flometuron, metobromuron, linuron, methabenzthiazuron, tebuthiuron, or monuron.

8. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 7, wherein the urea compound is diuron.

9. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 6, wherein the triketone compound is selected from the group comprising tembotrione, mesotrione, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione, fenquinotrione, benzobicyclon, or bicyclopyrone.

10. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 9, wherein the triketone compound is tembotrione.

11. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound and the phenoxy-carboxylate compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

12. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound and the triketone compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

13. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound and the urea compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

14. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the triketone compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

15. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the urea compound is from 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

16. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy-carboxylate compound and the triketone compound is from 1-20: 1-10: 0.1-2.

17. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the triazine compound, the phenoxy -carb oxy late compound and the urea compound is from 1-20: 1-10: 1-20.

18. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the herbicidal mixture further comprises a herbicide safener.

19. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 18, wherein the herbicide safener is selected from the group comprising benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, jiecaowan, jiecaoxi, metcamifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(dichloroacetyl)-l,3- oxazolidine, 4-(Dichloroacetyl)-l-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane, 2-dichloromethyl-2- methyl-l,3-dioxolane, oxabetrinil or esters thereof.

20. The ternary herbicidal mixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the herbicidal mixture provides a synergistic effect.

21. A method for controlling weed comprising contacting the weeds or their locus with an agriculturally effective amount of the ternary herbicidal mixture as defined in claim 1.

22. The method for controlling weed as claimed in claim 21, which comprises applying the mixture before, during, or after the emergence of the undesirable weeds, wherein the mixture is applied simultaneously or in succession.

23. The method for controlling weed as claimed in claim 21, wherein the weeds are selected from the group comprising Alopecurus spp., Apera spp., Acalypha indica, Avena spp., Brachiaria spp., Bromus spp., Chlor is spp., Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus spp., Digitaria spp., Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica, Leptochloa spp., Lolium spp., Hordeum glaucum, Panicum spp., Pennisetum spp., Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa., Poa spp., Setaria spp., Urochloa spp., Vulpia spp., Ageratum spp., Amaranthus spp., Alternanthera spp., Arctotheca calendula, Bifora testiculata, Boerhavia dominii, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastor is, Chenopodium spp., Conyza spp., Cotula australis, Crassula spp., Commelina benghalensis, Datura stramonium, Digera arvensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echium plantagineum, Emex australis, Erodium spp., Fallopia convolvulus, Fumaria spp., Galium spp., Heliotropium spp., Ipomoea spp., Juncus bufonius, Lactuca serriola, Lamium spp., Malva spp., Medicago spp., Papaver spp., Polygonum spp., Portulaca oleracea, Parthenium hysterophorus, Phyllanthus niruri, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rapistrum spp., Sida spp., Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium spp., Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oleraceus, Physalis minima, Stellaria media, Tetragonia tetragonioides, Trianthema portulacastrum, Tribulus spp., Trifolium subterraneum, Urtica urens, Vicia sativa, Veronica spp., or Xanthium spp..

24. The method for controlling weed as claimed in claim 23, wherein the weeds are selected from the group comprising Amaranthus spp., Alternanthera sessilis, Acalypha indica, Brachiaria reptans, Cyperus rotundus, Commelina benghalensis, Ipomoea spp., Digitaria sanguinalis, Digera arvensis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echinochloa colonum, Portulaca oleracea, Physalis minima, Parthenium hysterophorus, Panicumspp., Phyllanthus niruri, Trianthema portulacastrum, Setaria viridis, or Urochloa ramosa.

Images