Crop protection composition comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole

Abstract

The present invention relates to a synergistic combination comprising of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant along with protection from fungal pathogens. The present invention particularly relates to a crop protection composition for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant said composition comprising synergystic combination of: elemental sulphur in the range of 30% w / w to 70%w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and difenoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The crop protection composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The crop protection composition is in the form of water dispersible granules, powder for dry seeds, water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment, flowable suspension and liquid suspension. The present invention also relates to the process of preparation of the crop protection composition. The invention further relates to a method for enhancing the stress tolerance of the plant, controlling fungal disease and improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the crop protection composition of the present invention..

Description

[0001] NOVEL CROP PROTECTION COMPOSITION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a synergistic combination comprising of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and dif enoconazole for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant along with protection from fungal pathogens. The present invention particularly relates to a crop protection composition for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant said composition comprising synergystic combination of an effective amount of elemental sulphur, an effective amount of azoxystrobin and an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. More particularly, the invention relates to a crop protection composition for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant said composition comprising synergystic combination of: elemental sulphur in the range of 30% w / w to 70%w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and difenoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The crop protection composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The crop protection composition is in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, powder for dry seeds trestment, water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment, flowable suspension and liquid suspension.

[0004] The invention further relates to the process of preparing the crop protection composition comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole.

[0005] The invention furthermore relates to a method for enhancing the stress tolerance of the plant, controlling fungal disease and improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the crop protection composition of the present invention.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of 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 specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0008] Crop production is a fundamental pillar of global food security; however, its sustainability is increasingly challenged by a complex interplay of plant diseases and environmental stresses.Among these challenges, plant pathogens, particularly fungal pathogens, pose a substantial threat to agricultural productivity by causing significant yield losses and deterioration in crop quality. In severe cases, fungal infections can result in the death of entire plants. Certain fungal pathogens further compromise food safety by inducing the accumulation of harmful mycotoxins within plant tissues, some of which are hazardous to humans and animals.

[0009] Climate change has further intensified these challenges by significantly altering the dynamics of plant diseases through changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events creates conditions favorable for the emergence, spread, and increased virulence of plant pathogens. Rising global temperatures have expanded the geographic range of many fungal diseases, thereby exposing new crops and regions to infections previously limited to specific climatic zones. Consequently, in addition to biotic stresses caused by pests and pathogens, crops are continuously subjected to abiotic stresses such as drought, temperature fluctuations, salinity, and nutrient imbalance. These abiotic stress factors induce protective physiological responses in plants that often result in reduced growth, impaired development, and diminished productivity. As a result, significant losses in crop yield and quality are commonly observed due to the combined effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. Moreover, climate change adversely affects the effectiveness of conventional disease management strategies, thereby necessitating more adaptive, resilient, and integrated approaches to crop protection.

[0010] The agrochemical industry has long sought methods to improve plant growth and productivity. Conventional approaches typically rely on fertilization to supply nutrients and on chemical agents to control undesirable organisms such as insects, weeds, and fungal pathogens. While such methods may provide short-term benefits, their overall biological effectiveness is often limited. In particular, these approaches do not adequately address the simultaneous need for effective disease control, enhancement of plant stress tolerance, and improvement of overall plant health. Consequently, there remains a need to improve crop productivity while reducing dependency on excessive fertilizer inputs and repeated pesticide applications.

[0011] Fungicidal crop protection compositions are widely used to manage fungal diseases. Conventional fungicidal formulations often rely on single active ingredients or mixtures that primarily target pathogen suppression. However, prolonged and repeated use of fungicides with such combinations has led to the development of resistance in fungal populations, thereby reducing long-term efficacy. Moreover, compositions comprising multiple pesticides with differing chemical andphysical properties present formulation challenges, including incompatibility, instability, improper mixing ratios, reduced shelf life, and potential hazards to users during handling and application.

[0012] Elemental sulphur has long been used in agriculture for its fungicidal activity and its role in plant nutrition and stress mitigation. Strobilurin fungicides, such as azoxystrobin, are known for their broad-spectrum antifungal activity and additional physiological benefits. Triazole fungicides, such as difenoconazole, are systemic agents that inhibit fungal sterol biosynthesis and provide both preventive and curative disease control. However, the combined and synergistic use of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole fungicides in a single composition to simultaneously enhance fungal disease control, plant stress tolerance, and overall plant health has not been known.

[0013] Several prior art documents disclose multi-component fungicidal compositions of the claimed actives or closely related compounds, intended primarily for disease control. For example, W02012 / 101660, CN114831128, CN103798246, CN102067881A, and WO2021 / 181112 describe binary fungicidal combinations comprising sulphur in combination with a fungicide, or combinations of azoxystrobin with triazole fungicides such as difenoconazole. Although these two-way combinations may offer improved disease control or resistance management, they do not teach or suggest a synergistic three-component system capable of simultaneously delivering enhanced fungal control, improved plant stress tolerance, and overall plant health benefits.

[0014] Further, W02023 / 058011 describes fungicidal combinations of multiple active ingredients disclosed therein for controlling fungal pathogens including sulphur in the sub-fungicidal range of 1-7% as a catalyst or a performance enhancer. While these disclosure demonstrate the use of ternary fungicidal systems, it is largely focused on improvement of fungicidal efficacy of specifically trifloxystrobin and difenoconazole by combining it with sulphur in sub-fungicidal amount as catalyst, and also do not address plant stress tolerance or synergistic physiological benefits arising therefrom.

[0015] To date, no fungicidal formulation has been known that combines specifically elemental sulphur in fungicidal amount, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole.

[0016] Furthermore, the prior art does not adequately address the formulation of such synergistic combinations in commercially relevant dosage forms, including water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules and liquid suspensions, particularly with controlled particle sizedistributions that ensure not only formulation stability but also effective application, and optimal bioavailability.

[0017] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved fungicidal crop protection composition that overcomes the limitations of known binary and ternary formulations by providing a stable synergistic system capable of broad-spectrum and durable fungal disease control while simultaneously enhancing plant stress tolerance (biotic and abiotic), plant vigor, and crop yield. The present invention seeks to fulfill this need by providing a synergistic fungicidal crop protection composition comprising specifically elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole, along with agrochemically acceptable excipients, as well as processes and methods for its preparation and use.

[0018] Unexpectedly, the inventors found that combining elemental sulfur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole within the claimed concentration ranges and particle size, exhibits enhanced effect, as compared to stand alone actives and combination of two actives. The mixture effectively controls a wide range of pests, improves plant health and stress tolerance, and increases crop yield without any phytotoxicity. This unique blend provides enhanced, broad-spectrum fungicidal activity while allowing for reduced application rates and fewer treatment cycles, thereby improving crop protection efficiency and lowering costs for farmers.

[0019] Further, the inventors have developed a stable synergistic crop protection composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulphur, an effective amount of azoxystrobin, an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, in the form of water dispersible granules (WG), water disintegrable granules (DG), powder for dry seeds (DS), water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment (WS), flowable suspension (FS) or liquid suspension (SC) with the particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns which acts as a superior cropprotectant, enhances stress tolerance, is non-phytotoxic, is effective at reduced dosages of application, helps in the resistance management observed with the old fungicide chemistries and also demonstrates increased yield on field application, while broadening the spectrum of crop protection in terms of the fungus / disease control as compared to stand alone actives and binary combinations.

[0020] Further, the inventors surprisingly observed that the effectiveness of the active ingredients comprised in the composition is particularly higher where the composition is in the form of waterdispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment, flowable suspension or liquid suspension and has particles in the size range of about 0.1-50 microns. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the crop protection composition was found to be significant not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy. In addition, the crop protection composition of the invention exhibit superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability, wettability and stability. The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage and also surprisingly be used effectively in modem irrigation systems.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention relates to a synergistic combination comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant along with protection from fungal pathogens.

[0023] The present invention furthermore relates to a crop protection composition for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant, said composition comprising synergystic combination comprising an effective amount of elemental sulphur, an effective amount of azoxystrobin, an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. More particularly, the invention relates to a crop protection composition comprising: elemental sulphur in the range of 30% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and difenoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient with particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0024] The present invention further relates to a process for preparation of the crop protection composition comprising elemental sulphur in the range of 30% to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% to 30% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in the range of 2% to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition is in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, powder for dry seeds, water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment, flowable suspension and liquid suspension.According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, powder for dry seeds, water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment, flowable suspension and liquid suspension include particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to a method for enhancing the stress tolerance of the plant, controlling fungal disease and improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the crop protection composition comprising synergystic combination of an effective amount of elemental sulphur; an effective amount of azoxystrobin and an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that such specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub ranges subsumed. Also, unless denoted otherwise, percentage of components in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0029] 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.

[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] As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms“preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0032] In any aspect or embodiment described herein below, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting substantially of’. In these aspects or embodiment, the composition described includes or comprises or consists of or consists essentially of or consists substantially of the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0034] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed considering the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.

[0035] 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.

[0036] All 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 exemplarylanguage (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 nonclaimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0037] The granules refer mainly to water dispersible granules, extruded granules or spheronised granules or water disintegrable granules.

[0038] As described herein, “GR” or “DG” refers to broadcast granules or extruded granules or spheronised granules or water disintegrable granules.

[0039] As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules. As described herein, water dispersible granule is defined as a formulation which disperses or dissolves rapidly when added to water to give a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small, easily measured granules by blending and agglomerating ground active ingredients together with surfactants and other formulation excipients which disperses into finer / primary particles upon addition to water.

[0040] According to the invention, the term liquid suspension encompasses “aqueous suspension” or aqueous dispersion” or “suspension concentrates (SC)” or flowable concentrate (FC) for seed dressing or suspension concentrate for seed treatment (FS) composition or suspoemulsion (SE). Liquid suspension can be defined as a composition wherein solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid as a vehicle can be water and / or a water miscible solvent.

[0041] As described herein, WS refers to water dispersible powders used for slurry seed treatment.

[0042] The term “plant” or “crop” used in this invention are interchangeable and wherever the term “plant” has been used, shall also mean vegetation of similar nature namely crops, trees, shrub, herb etc. The term ‘plant’ refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits. The term plant includes transgenic and non-transgenic plants.The term “locus” of a plant as used herein is intended to embrace the place on which the plants are growing, where the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or where the plant propagation materials of the plants will be placed into the soil.

[0043] The term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of a plant, such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

[0044] The term "broad spectrum," as used herein denotes that the composition possesses activity against wide range of pests including multiple species of insects, diseases and arachnids.

[0045] The particle size of the composition is defined as the size of particles of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules (WG or WDG), liquid suspension (SC), water disintegrable granules (GR or DG), flowable concentrate (FC) for seed dressing, suspension concentrate for seed treatment (FS) composition, suspoemulsion (SE), wettable powder (WP), water dispersible powders (WS), comprising the active ingredients elemental Sulphur, azoxystrobin and dif enoconazole along with the agrochemically acceptable excipient / s.

[0046] The term "synergistic effect" is understood to refer in particular to that defined by Colby's formula (Colby, S. R., "Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of fungicide combinations", Weeds, 15, pp. 20-22, 1967).

[0047] As used herein, the term "fungicidally effective amount" or "an effective amount" generally means the amount of the inventive mixtures or of compositions comprising the mixtures needed to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of the target fungi. The fungicidally effective amount can vary for the various mixtures / compositions used in the invention. A fungicidally effective amount of the mixtures / compositions will also vary according to the prevailing conditions such as desired pesticidal effect and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application, and the like.A mixture is defined as a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically united to each other. A homogeneous mixture is defined as one whose composition is uniform throughout the mixture. It is the type of mixture where the composition is constant throughout or the components that make up the mixture are distributed uniformly.

[0048] The term ‘Elemental Sulphur’ used in the composition refers to elemental sulphur (S°). The term includes allotropes of elemental sulfur such as plastic (amorphous) sulfur, monoclinic sulfur, rhombic sulfur composed of S8 molecules, and other ring molecules such as S7 and S 12. The term also comprises sulphur produced through processing and refining of petrochemicals. The term also comprises ‘biosulfur’. The term also comprises elemental Sulphur produced through microbial processes.

[0049] Azoxystrobin used in the present invention refers to Azoxystrobin or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester or derivatives thereof.

[0050] Difenoconazole used in the present invention refers to Difenoconazole or its salts or derivatives thereof.

[0051] The present invention relates to a synergistic crop protection combination for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant, the said combination comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole.

[0052] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that the ternary combination comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole demonstrated synergistic fungicidal activity as well as enhanced stress tolerance as compared to the activity of the stand alone active ingredient and combination of two actives.

[0053] The present invention relates to the crop protection composition for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant comprising an effective amount of elemental sulphur; an effective amount of azoxystrobin; an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0054] The inventors have found that a crop protection composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulphur, an effective amount of azoxystrobin, an effective amount of difenoconazole,and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the particles of the composition are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, exhibits a synergistic effect. The composition demonstrates excellent field efficacy in protecting crops against a broad spectrum of plant pathogens, while improving overall plant health and stress tolerance without causing phytotoxicity. The crop protection composition not only provides improved resistance management through the combination of multiple modes of action, but also results in increased crop yield while permitting reduced application rates and fewer treatment cycles, thereby enhancing crop protection efficiency and lowering input costs for farmers. The composition further demonstrates superior stability under accelerated storage conditions and is compatible with modern irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler irrigation, enabling effective and convenient application.

[0055] The invention particularly relates to a crop protection composition for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant comprising: elemental sulphur in a concentration range of 30% to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in a concentration range of 5% to 30% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in a concentration range of 2% to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the range of 1% w / w to 63% w / w of the total composition.

[0056] According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 30%w / w to 70%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 30%w / w to 60%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40%w / w to 70%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40%w / w to 60%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 45% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 45%w / w to 60%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 50%w / w to 70%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 50%w / w to 60%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 55%w / w to 70%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40%w / w to 55%w / w of the total composition.According to an embodiment, azoxystrobin is present in the range of 5% to 30%w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, azoxystrobin can be present in the range of 5% to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, azoxystrobin is present in the range of 5% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, azoxystrobin is present in the range of 10% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, azoxystrobin is present in the range of 10% to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, azoxystrobin is present in the range of 10% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, azoxystrobin is present in the range of 5% to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0057] According to an embodiment, difenoconazole is present in the range of 2% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, difenoconazole is present in the range of 2% to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, difenoconazole is present in the range of 2% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, difenoconazole is present in the range of 2% to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, difenoconazole is present in the range of 2% to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, difenoconazole is present in the range of 2% to 8.5% w / w of the total composition.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 1% w / w to 63% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 63% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w / w to 63% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 20% w / w to 63% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w / w to 54.5% w / w of the total composition.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition preferably comprises elemental sulphur is in the range of 40% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin is in the range of 5% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole is in the range of 2% w / wto 8.5% w / w; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is in the range of 10% w / w to 55.5% w / w of the total composition.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition comprises of 45.5% w / w elemental sulphur; 11.5% w / w azoxystrobin; 5.7% w / w dif enoconazole; and 37.3% w / w at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient based on the total weight of the composition.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition is in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gel or a paste.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the liquid crop protection composition is in the form of liquid suspension or suspension concentrate (SC), suspoemulsion (SE), flowable concentrate (FC), suspension concentrate for seed treatment (FS) or Ultra-Eow- Volume (ULV) concentrate.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the liquid crop protection composition is preferably in the form of flowable concentrate (FS) and liquid suspension (SC).

[0064] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition is in the form of powders, granules or dust.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the liquid crop protection composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 30% to 55% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% to 20% w / w of the total composition; dif enoconazole in the range of 2% to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the liquid crop protection composition preferably comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 30% to 45% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% to 15% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in the range of 2% to 8.5% w / w of the total composition.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition is in the form of powders including wettable powder and dispersible powder. According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition is in the form of granules including broadcast granules, spheronizedgranules, extruded granules, water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, wettable powder, and dispersible powders, slurry seed treatment.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition is in the form of powders including wettable powder, and dispersible powders.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition is in the form of powder including water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition is preferably in the form of granules including broadcast granules, spheronized granules, extruded granules, water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition is more preferably be in the form of water dispersible granules.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 40% to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% to 20% w / w of the total composition; dif enoconazole in the range of 2% to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the solid crop protection composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 40% to 60% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% to 15% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in the range of 2% to 8.5% w / w of the total composition.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 40% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 8.5% w / w; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the range of 10% w / w to 54.5% w / w of the total composition; wherein the particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1 micron to 50 micronsAccording to an embodiment, the crop protection composition comprises granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition comprises granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules, comprises granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules, comprises granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules, comprises granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water disintegrable granules, comprises granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules, powder for dry seeds, water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment, flowable suspension and liquid suspension can comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0078] The particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the crop protection composition was found to be important not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid can particularly comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid can particularly comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns.

[0080] In addition, the composition of the present invention exhibits superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability, wettability, pourability and improved viscosity. The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage conditions. The composition of the present invention not only provides surprising results as a crop protection agent but also acts as a yield enhancer.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipients is selected surfactants, binders or binding agents; disintegrating agents; fillers or carriers or diluents; coating agents;buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents; antifoaming agents or defoamers; penetrants; humectant; pigments; colorants; structuring agents; thickeners; suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anticaking agents or anti-settling agents; viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers; tackifiers; humectants; spreading agents; sticking agents; anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants; preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidants and mixtures thereof.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the surfactants is selected one or more of anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric and polymeric surfactants. According to an embodiment, the surfactants can include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agrochemically acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. The agrochemically acceptable excipients are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0083] The anionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to a salt of fatty acid, a benzoate, a polycarboxylate, a salt of alkylsulfuric acid ester, alkyl ether sulfates, an alkyl sulfate, an alkylarylsulfate, an alkyl diglycol ether sulfate, a salt of alcohol sulfuric acid ester, an alkyl sulfonate, an alkylaryl sulfonate, an aryl sulfonate, a lignin sulfonate, an alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, a polystyrene sulfonate, a salt of alkylphosphoric acid ester, an alkylaryl phosphate, a styrylaryl phosphate, sulfonate docusates, a salt of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether sulfate, alkyl sarcosinates, alpha olefin sulfonate sodium salt, alkyl benzene sulfonate or its salts, sodium lauroylsarcosinate, sulfosuccinates, polyacrylates, polyacrylates - free acid and sodium salt, salt of polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, a salt of polyoxyethylenealkylaryl phosphoric acid ester, sulfosuccinates -mono and other diesters, phosphate esters, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-isopropyl and butyl derivatives, alkyl ether sulfates -sodium and ammonium salts; alkyl aryl ether phosphates, ethylene oxides and its derivatives, a salt of polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphoric acid ester, mono-alkyl sulphosuccinates, aromatic hydrocarbon sulphonates, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, ammonium laurylsulphate, ammonium perfluorononanoate, Docusate, Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, Magnesium laurethsulfate, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, Perfluorononanoic acid, carboxylates, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, Perfluorooctanoic acid, Phospholipid, Potassium lauryl sulfate, Soap, Soap substitute, Sodium alkyl sulfate, Sodium dodecyl sulfate, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium laurate, Sodium laurethsulfate, Sodium lauroylsarcosinate, Sodium myrethsulfate, Sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, alkylcarboxylates, Sodium stearate, alpha olefin sulphonates, naphthalene sulfonate salts, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate fatty acid salts, naphthalene sulfonate condensates-sodium salt, fluoro carboxylate, fatty alcohol sulphates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensates-sodium salt, a naphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde or a salt of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde; or salts, derivatives thereof.

[0084] The non-ionic surfactants include one or more of but not limited to polyol esters, polyol fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated esters, polyethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated alcohols, Ethylene oxide (EO) / Propylene oxide (PO) copolymers; EO and PO block copolymers, di, tri-block copolymers; block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamers, polysorbates, alkyl polysaccharides such as alkyl polyglycosidesand blends thereof, amine ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester, glycol and glycerol esters, glucosidyl alkyl ethers, sodium tallowate, polyoxyethylene glycol, sorbitan alkyl esters, sorbitan derivatives, fatty acid esters of sorbitan (Spans) and their ethoxylated derivatives (Tweens), and sucrose esters of fatty acids, Cetostearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), Cocamide monoethanolamine (MEA), Decyl glucoside, Decylpolyglucose, Glycerol monostearate, Lauryl glucoside, Maltosides, Monolaurin, Narrowrange ethoxylate, Nonidet P-40, Nonoxynol-9, Nonoxynols, Octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, N-Octyl beta-D-thioglucopyranoside, Octyl glucoside, Oleyl alcohol, PEG- 10 sunflower glycerides, Pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, Polidocanol, Poloxamer, Poloxamer 407, Polyethoxylated tallow amine, Polyglycerol polyricinoleate, Polysorbate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan, Sorbitanmonolaurate, Sorbitanmono stearate, Sorbitantristearate, Stearyl alcohol, Surfactin, glyceryl laureate, lauryl glucoside, nonylphenolpolyethoxyethanols, nonyl phenol polyglycol ether, castor oil ethoxylate, polyglycol ethers, polyadducts of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymer of polyalkylene glycol ether and hydroxystearic acid, tributylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol, octylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol, etho-propoxylatedtristyrlphenols, ethoxylated alcohols, polyoxy ethylene sorbitan, fatty acid polyglyceride, a fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ether, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, an oxyalkylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylenestyrylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ether, polyethylene glycol, a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethyleneglycerin fatty acid ester, Alcohol ethoxylates- C6 to C16 / 18 alcohols, linear and branched, Alcohol alkoxylates- various hydrophobes and EO / PO contents and ratios, Fatty acid esters-mono and diesters; lauric, stearic and oleic; Glycerol esters- with and without EO; lauric,stearic, cocoa and tall oil derived, Ethoxylated glycerine, Sorbitan esters- with and without EO; lauric, stearic and oleic based; mono and trimesters, Castor oil ethoxylates-5 to 200 moles EO; non-hydrogenated and hydrogenated, Block polymers, Amine oxides- ethoxylated and nonethoxylated; alkyl dimethyl, Fatty amine ethoxylates- coco, tallow, stearyl, oleyl amines, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil or a polyoxypropylene fatty acid ester; salts or derivatives thereof.

[0085] Amphoteric or Zwitterionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to one or more of betaine, coco and lauryl amidopropyl betaines, Coco Alkyl Dimethyl Amine Oxides, alkyl dimethyl betaines; C8 to Cl 8, Alkyl dipropionates -sodium lauriminodipropionate, Cocoamidopropyl hydroxyl sulfobetaine, imidazolines, phospholipids phosphatidylserine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline, and sphingomyelins, Lauryl Dimethylamine Oxide, alkyl amphoacetates and proprionates, alkyl Ampho(di)acetates, and di-proprionates, lecithin and ethanolamine fatty amides; or salts, derivatives thereof.

[0086] Surfactants that are commercially available under the trademark but are not limited to one or more of Atlas G5000, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC®, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol®X, Genapol®OX -080, Genapol® C 100, Emulsogen® EL 200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer 8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS 15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 796 IP, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, Cetomacrogol 1000, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton N-101, Triton X-100, Tween 20, 40, 60, 65, 80, Span20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120, Brij®, Atlox 4912, TERMUL 3512, TERMUL 3015, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC® T85, ECOTERIC® T20, TERIC 12A4, IGEPAL CA-630 and Isoceteth-20.

[0087] However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known surfactants (ionic or non ionic surfactants) without departing from the scope of the present invention. The surfactants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the solvent is selected from water miscible solvents including but not limited to 1, 4-Dioxane, Ethylene glycol, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3 -Propanediol, 1,5-Pentanediol, Propylene glycol, Triethylene glycol, 1,2-Butanediol, 1,3-Butanediol, 1,4-Butanediol, Dimethylformamide, Dimethoxyethane, Dimethyloctanamide, glycerol,Dimethyldecanamide. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water miscible solvents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents which are used in the crop protection composition include, but not limited to one or more of inorganic water soluble salts e.g. sodium chloride, nitrate salts; water soluble organic compounds such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, gelatin, casein, microcrystalline cellulose, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, a cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL- 10 (crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone),, sulfonated styrene-isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, salts of polyacrylates of methacrylates, starch-polyacrylonitrile graft copolymer, sodium or potassium bicarbonates / carbonates or their mixtures or salts with acids such as citric and fumaric acid or salts, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different disintegrating agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The disintegrating agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the binding agents or binders which are used in the crop protection composition include, but not limited to one or more of proteins, , gums, maltodextrin, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, complex organic substance, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different binding agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The binding agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the carriers which are used in the crop protection composition include, but are not limited to one or more of solid carriers or fillers or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carriers include mineral carriers, plant carriers, synthetic carriers, water-soluble carriers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The carriers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.The solid carriers include natural minerals like clay such as china clay, acid clay, kaolin such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite, and halloysite, serpentines such as chrysotile, lizardite, antigorite, and amesite, synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, montmorillonite minerals such as sodium montmorillonite, smectites, such as saponite, hectorite, Sauconite, and hyderite, micas, such as pyrophyllite, talc, agalmatolite, muscovite, phengite, sericite, and illite, silicas such as cristobaliteand quartz, such as attapulgite and sepiolite; vermiculite, laponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated aluminas, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, volclay, vermiculites, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, charcoal, silicas, wet process silicas, dry process silicas, calcined products of wet process silicas, surface-modified silicas, mica, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, derivatives thereof;, chalks (Omya ®), fuller's earth, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, slaked lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch (Pineflow, available from Matsutani Chemical industry Co., Ltd.), cellulose, plant carriers such as cellulose, chaff, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, and soyabean flour, tobacco powder, a vegetable powder polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(vinylidene chloride), , casein sodium, sucrose, salt cake, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and malic acid or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available Silicates are Aerosil brands, Sipemat brands as Sipernat ® 50S and CALFLO E, and kaolin 1777. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different solid carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The solid carriers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from but not limited to synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants can be water soluble or water insoluble, in the form of lakes. Dyes can be solvent dyes, acid dyes or basic dyes. Examples of such products include, but not limited to Agrocer Red 112, Agrocer Blue 153, Agrocer Green 007, Agrocer Yellow 001, Agrocer violet 023, Unisperse black 0058, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785, Pigment 15 (PB 15).

[0093] According to an embodiment, the antifoaming agents or defoamers which are used in the crop protection composition include, but not limited to one or more of silica, siloxane, silicon dioxide, polydimethyl siloxane, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers, polyethylene glycol, Silicone oils and magnesium stearate or derivatives thereof. Preferred antifoaming agents include silicone emulsions (such as, e.g., Silikon® SRE, Wacker or Rhodorsil® from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, fluoro-organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally knownantifoaming agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifoaming agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents which are used in the crop protection composition include both acids and bases of the organic or inorganic type and mixtures thereof. According to further embodiment, pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents include, but not limited to one or more of organic acids, inorganic acids and alkali metal compounds or salts, derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the organic acids include, but not limited to one or more of citric, malic, adipic, fumaric, maleic, succinic, and tartaric acid, or salts, derivatives thereof; and the mono-, di-, or tribasic salts of these acids or derivatives thereof. Alkali metal compounds include, but not limited to one or more of hydroxides of alkali metals such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, carbonates of alkali metals such as sodium carbonate, hydrogen carbonates of alkali metals such as sodium hydrogen carbonate and alkali metal phosphates such as sodium phosphate and mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment, the salts of inorganic acids include, but not limited to one or more of alkali metal salts such as lithium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, , sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and the like. Mixtures can also be used to create a pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the spreading agents which are used in the crop protection composition include, but not limited to one or more of cellulose powder, dextrin, modified starch, crosslinked poly(vinylpyrrolidone), a copolymer of maleic acid with a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, a half ester of a polymer consisting of polyhydric alcohol with dicarboxylic anhydride, a water-soluble salt of polystyrene sulfonic acid, fatty acids, latex, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycol, polyethers, clatharates. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known spreading agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The spreading agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.According to an embodiment, the sticking agents which are used in the crop protection composition include, but not limited to one or more of paraffin, a polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, polyvinyl alkyl ether, an alkylphenol-formalin condensate, fatty acids, latex, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycol, polyethers, clatharates, a synthetic resin emulsion. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known sticking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The sticking agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the stabilizers which are used in the crop protection composition include, but not limited to one or more of peroxide compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, alkyl nitrites such as ethyl nitrite and alkyl glyoxylates such as ethyl glyoxylate, zeolite, antioxidants such as phenol compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, EDTA, dodium sulphites, citric acid, citrates and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known stabilizers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The stabilizers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the preservatives which are used in the crop protection composition include but not limited to, one or more of bactericides, anti-fungal agents, biocides, anti-microbial agents, and antioxidant. Non limiting Examples of preservatives include one or more of paraben, its esters and salts, propionic acid and its salts, 2,4-hexadienoic acid (sorbic acid) and its salt, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, 2-hydroxybiphenyl ether and its salts, inorganic sulfites and bisulfites, sodium iodate, chlorobutanol, dehydraacetic acid, formic acid, l,6-bis(4-amidino-2-bromophenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, 5-amino-l,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methylhexahydropyrimidine, 5-bromo-5-nitro- 1 ,3-dioxane, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane- 1 ,3-diol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) urea, 4-chloro-m-cresol, 2,4,4 '-trichloro-2 '-hydroxy diphenyl ether, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethyl phenol, l,l'-methylene-bis(3-(1-hydroxy methyl-2,4-di-oximidazolidin-5-yl)urea), poly(hexamethylenediguanide) hydrochloride, 2-phenoxyethanol, hexamethylenetetramine, l-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-l-azonia-adamantane chloride, l(4-chlorophenoxy)-l-(lH-imidazol-l-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone, l,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, benzyl alcohol, octopirox, 1 ,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 2,2'-methylenebis(6-bromo-4-chlorophenol),bromochlorophene, dichlorophene, 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol, 2-chloroacetamide, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine acetate, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, l-phenoxypropan-2-ol, N-alkyl(C12-C22)trimethylammonium bromide and chloride, 4,4-dimethyl-l,3-oxazolidine, N-hydroxymethyl-N-(l,3-di(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl)-N'-hydroxymethylurea, l,6-bis(4-amidinophenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, glutaraldehyde, 5-ethyl-l-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo(3.3.0)octane, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)propane-l,2-diol, Hyamine, alkyl(C8-C18)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl(C8-C18)dimethylbenzylammonium bromide, alkyl(C8-C18)dimethylbenzylammoniumsaccharinate, benzyl hemiformal, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, sodium hydroxymethylaminoacetate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, and derivatives of 2H isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives) such as alkylisothiazolones (for Example 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MIT; chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, CIT), benzoisothiazolones (for Example 1,2-benzoisothiazol-3(2H)-one, BIT, commercially available as Proxel® types from ICI) or 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MTIT), Cl-C4-alkyl para-hydroxybenzoate, an dichlorophene, Proxel® from ICI or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Rohm & Haas, Bacto-100, thimerosal, Sodium Propinoate, Sodium Benzoate, Propyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben Sodum, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Benzoate, Phenyl Mercuric Nitrate, Phenyl Etehyl Alcohol, Sodium, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Bezyla Alcohol, Benzothonium Chloride, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Benzalkonium Chloride, l,2-benzothiazol-3-one, Preventol® (Lanxess®), Butylhydroxytoluene, potassium sorbate, iodine-containing organic compounds such as 3-bromo-2,3-diiodo-2-propenyl ethyl carbonate, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, 2,3,3-triiodo allyl alcohol, and parachlorophenyl-3-iodopropargylformal; benzimidazole compounds and benzthiazole compounds such as 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and 2-thiocyanomethylthiobenzo-thiazole; triazole compounds such as l-(2-(2',4'-dichlorophenyl)-l,3-dioxolane-2-ylmethyl)- 1 H- 1 ,2,4-triazole, 1 -(2-(2',4 '-dichloro phenyl)-4-propyl- 1 ,3-dioxolane-2-ylmethyl)-lH-l,2,4-triazole, and a-(2-(4-chlorophenyl) ethyl)-a-( 1,1 -dimethyl ethyl)- 1H- 1,2,4-triazole-1 -ethanol; and naturally occurring compounds such as 4-isopropyl tropolone (hinokitiol) and borax. Antioxidants includes but not limited to one or more of imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g. urocanic acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-t-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), penta erythrityl tetrakis[3-(3,5,-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)] propionate; amine antioxidants such as N,N'-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine; hydroquinoline antioxidants such as 2,5-di(t-amyl)hydroquinoline; phosphorus-containing antioxidants such as triphenyl phosphate, caro- tenoids, carotenes (e.g. a-carotene, P-carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, lipoic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g. dihydrolipoic acid), aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and further thiocompounds (e.g. thioglycerol, thiosorbitol, thioglycolic acid, thioredoxin, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl, lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, y-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof), and salts thereof, dilaurylthiodipropionate, distearylthiodipropion- ate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts), and sulfoximine compounds (e.g. buthioninesulfoximi- nes, homocysteine sulfoximine, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathioninesul- foximine) in very low tolerated doses (e.g. pmol / kg to pmol / kg), a-hydroxy acids (e.g. citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acids, gallic esters (e.g. propyl, octyl and dodecyl gallate), unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives, hydroquinone and derivatives thereof (e.g. arbutin), ubiquinone and ubiquinol, and derivatives thereof, ascorbyl palmitate, stearate, dipalmitate, acetate, Mg ascorbyl phosphates, disc- diumascorbyl phosphate and sulfate, potassium ascorbyltocopheryl phosphate, isoascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, the coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, disodium rutinyldisulfate, dibutylhydroxytoluene, 4,4-thiobis-6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol, butylhydroxy anisole, p-octylphenol, mono-(di- or tri-) methyl benzylphenol, 2,6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, pentaerythritol-tetrakis 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, butylhydroxyanisol, nordihydroguaiacic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, selenium and selenium derivatives (e.g. selenomethionine), stilbenes and stilbene derivatives (e.g. stilbene oxide, trans-stilbene oxide). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known preservatives without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preservatives are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the crop protection composition include, but not limited to one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, suspension aids, rheological modifiers or anti-settling agents. A structuring agent prevents sedimentation of the active ingredient particles after prolonged storage.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the aqueous suspension composition include, but not limited to one or more polymers such as polyacrylics, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides, hydrophobically modified cellulose derivatives, co-polymers of cellulose derivatives, carboxyvinyl or polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polyethylenes, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives; clays such as bentonite clays, kaolin, smectite, attapulgites, attaclays with high surface area silica and natural gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, rhamsan gum, locust bean gum, carageenan, welan gum,veegum, gelatin, dextrin, collagen; polyacrylic acids and their sodium salts; the polyglycol ethers of fatty alcohols and polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide condensation products and mixtures thereof and include ethoxylated alkyl phenols (also designated in the art as alkylaryl polyether alcohols); ethoxylated aliphatic alcohols (or alkyl polyether alcohols); ethoxylated fatty acids (or polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters); ethoxylatedanhydrosorbitol esters (or polyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters), long chain amine and cyclic amine oxides which are nonionic in basic solutions; long chain tertiary phosphine oxides; and long chain dialkyl sulfoxides, fumed silica, mixture of fumed silica and fumed aluminium oxide, swellable polymers, polyamides or its derivatives; polyols such as glycerine, poly(vinyl acetate), sodium poly acrylate, poly(ethylene glycol), phospholipid (for Example, cephalin, and the like); stachyose, fructo-oligosaccharides, amylose, pectins, alginates, hydrocolloids and mixtures thereof. Also, celluloses such as hemicellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxy -methyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl propyl cellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose; starches such, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkyl starches, dextrins, maltodextrin, corn starch, amine starches, phosphates starches, and dialdehyde starches; plant starches such as com starch and potato starch; other carbohydrates such as pectin, dextrin, amylopectin, xylan, glycogen, agar, gluten, alginic acid, phycocolloids, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known structuring agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0100] Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, guar gum, aluminum silicate, methyl cellulose and its derivatives, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, and polyvinyl alcohol. The structuring agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents or anti-settling agent or suspending agents used include one or more of, but not limited to polysaccharides such as starch, mannose, galactose, cellulose derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose; gums such as agar, carrageenan, alginates, arabic, tragacanth, karaya, ghatti , guar, dextran, starches including pregelatinized and modified starches, poly (vinylpyrrolidone), fumed silica (white carbon), ester gum, a petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearylether, Aerosol® OT-B sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, Silwet® L-77 silicone-polyether copolymer, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkylsulfosuccinates, salts or derivativesthereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anti caking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention, anticaking agents or antisettling agent or suspending agents or suspension aids are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the antifreezing agents or freezing point depressants used in the aqueous suspension composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, butyrolactone, N,N-dimethyl-formamide, glycerol, monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, glycol ethers, glycol monoethers such as the methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl ether of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, glycol diethers such as methyl and ethyl diethers of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and dipropyleneglycol.or urea, glycerol, isopropanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, di- or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether or cyclohexanol, carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylose, arabinose, sorbitol, mannitol, trehalose, raffinose or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different antifreezing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifreezing agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the antifreezing agent is present an amount of from 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the penetrant which is used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of alcohol, glycol, glycol ether, ester, amine, alkanolamine, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium compound, triglyceride, fatty acid ester, fatty acid ether, N-methyl pyrrolidone, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide, or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propane monooleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propanedioleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propanetrioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different penetrants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the ultraviolet absorbent is selected from, but not limited to one or more of 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyloxazalic acid bisanilide, succinic acid dimethyl- l-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethylpiperidine polycondensate, benzotriazole compounds such as 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazoleand 2-(2 '-hydroxy-4 '-n-octoxyphenyl)benzotriazole; benzophenone compounds such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone; salicylic acid compounds such as phenyl salicylate and p-t-butylphenyl salicylate; 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate, 2-ethoxy-2 '-ethyl oxalic bisanilide, and dimethyl succinate- l-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine poly-condensate or derivatives or the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different ultraviolet absorbents, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such ultraviolet absorbents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the UV ray scattering agents include, but not limited to titanium dioxide or the like may be used. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different UV ray scattering agents or mixtures thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such UV ray scattering agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the humectant is selected from, but not limited to one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers, such as the Synperonic PE series of copolymers available from Uniqema or salts, derivatives thereof. Other humectants are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly (ethylene glycol), poly (propylene glycol), glycerol and the like; polyhydric alcohol or derivatives thereof. Also, other humectants include aloe vera gel, alpha hydroxyl acids such as lactic acid and salts thereof, albumin, glyceryl triacetate, honey, calcium chloride, etc. The non-ionic surfactants mentioned above also act as humectants. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known humectants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The humectants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition includes at least one further active ingredient selected from one or more of pesticidal active ingredients, fertilizers, micronutrients, macronutrients, bio stimulants, organic acids, plant growth regulators, algae or mixtures thereof.

[0108] According to a further embodiment, the pesticidal active is one or more of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, miticides, acaricides, nematicides, pheromones, algicides, antifeedants, avicides, bactericides, bird repellents, biopesticides, insect repellents, ovicides, rodenticides, etc. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other active ingredients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition comprises at least one further active ingredient. According to an embodiment, the active ingredient comprises one or more fungicides.

[0110] According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0111] It has been surprisingly found that the crop protection composition of the present invention has enhanced and improved physical properties of dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, provides ease of handling and also reduces the loss of material while handling the product at the time of packaging as well as during field application.

[0112] Wettability is the condition or the state of being wettable and is defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, measured by the force of adhesion between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of the granular composition is measured using the Standard CIPAC Test MT-53 which describes a procedure for the determination of the time of complete wetting of wettable formulations. A weighed amount of the granular composition is dropped on water in a beaker from a specified height and the time for complete wetting was determined. According to another embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules or spheronised granules has wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, the crop protection composition has wettability of less than 1 minute. According to another embodiment, the crop protection composition has wettability of less than 30 seconds. According to another embodiment, the crop protection composition has wettability of less than 15 seconds.

[0113] The spheronised granular composition is formulated in a manner such that it is imparted with sufficient hardness which prevents the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness exhibited by the granules is estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Shimadzu, Brinell Hardness (AKB-3000 Model), Mecmesin, Agilent, Vinsyst, Ametek and Rockwell. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 100Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 90 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 80 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 70 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 60 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 50 Newton.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 4 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 3 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 2 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 1 Newtons.

[0115] More preferably, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a nil hardness. The reference to nil hardness is indicative of the fact that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by the hardness measuring apparatus. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Vinsyst Portable Table Hardness Tester VTHT series.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granule or liquid suspension passes the wet sieve retention test. The test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible material in formulations that are applied as dispersions in water. The wet sieve retention value of the agrochemical composition in the form of liquid suspension and granules is measured by using the Standard CIPAC Test MT- 185 which describes a procedure for measuring the amount of material retained on the sieve. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water and the suspension formed is transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of the material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing

[0117] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granule or liquid suspension has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.5%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.2%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection compositionhas a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.1%. The wet sieve retention value of less than 0.5% indicate that the crop protection composition helps in easy application of the formulation preventing clogging of the nozzles or filter equipment.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid suspension composition is determined as per CIPAC MT- 192. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 3000 cps. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 2500 cps. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 2000 cps. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 1500 cps. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 1200 cps. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 400 cps.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition of the present invention in the form of liquid suspension is easily pourable. The pourability is the measure of the percent of residue. According to an embodiment, the pourability of the crop protection composition is determined as per CIPAC MT- 148.1. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the crop protection composition can be less than 5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the crop protection composition can be preferably less than 2.5% residue. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the crop protection composition can be more preferably less than 2.0% residue.

[0120] Dispersibility of the composition of the present application, can be determined as per the standard CIPAC test, MT 174. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a dispersibility of at least 30%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition hasa dispersibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a dispersibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition has a dispersibility of at least 90%.According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granule exhibits almost instantaneous dispersion.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water disintegrable granules makes the actives available instantaneously and also over a longer period which may extend throughout the crop cycle, providing an immediate and sustained release of actives eventually strengthening and protecting the crop at each and every stage of the crop cycle.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 90% under accelerated storage condition (ATS). According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 30% under ATS.

[0123] Suspensibility is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid, of stated height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The test for suspensibility is done as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 184 Test for Suspensibility”.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition in the form of water disintegrable granules, water dispersible granules or a liquid suspension have a suspensibility of at least 30%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition have a suspensibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition have a suspensibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition have a suspensibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition have a suspensibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition have a suspensibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition have a suspensibility of at least 90%.According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates superior stability in terms of suspensibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS). According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 30% under ATS.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the crop protection composition demonstrates superior stability towards heat, light, temperature and caking. According to an embodiment, the stability exhibited by the crop protection composition is at least 3 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the crop protection composition is at least 2 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the crop protection composition is at least 1 year. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the crop protection composition is at least 6 months.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to a process of preparing a crop protection composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulphur; an effective amount of azoxystrobin; an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0127] The invention relates to a process for preparing the crop protection composition in the form of water dispersible granules, the process comprising: a) milling a blend of elemental sulphur in the range of 30% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in water to obtain a slurry or wet mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns and b) drying the wet mix, sieving the dried mix to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain water dispersible granules; wherein the granules of the composition comprise of granules in size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm.The wet mix obtained is dried, for instance in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer or any suitable granulating equipment, followed by sieving to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain granules.

[0128] The invention also relates to a process for preparing the crop protection composition in the form of water disintegrable granules or spheronised granules, the process comprising:

[0129] a) milling blend of elemental sulphur in the range of 30% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a mixture, comprising particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns;

[0130] b) adding further water to the mixture obtained in step (a) and blending to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the extruded granules in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm; or

[0131] agglomerating the wet mixture obtained in step (b) in an agglomerator to obtain water disintegrable granular or spheronised granular composition in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0132] The invention relates to a process for preparing a ‘water dispersible powder for slurry treatment (WS)’ composition, wherein the process involves mixing effective amount of azoxystrobin with required diluents and inert ingredients to obtain a first mixture. The process involves mixing effective amount of difenoconazole with required diluents and inert ingredients (such as pigment) to obtain a second mixture. Elemental sulphur is then mixed with the surfactants to obtain a third mixture. The three mixtures are then mixed using a suitable mass mixer for 30 minutes and passed through an air jet mill to obtain a wettable powder composition with the desired particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. Alternatively, the wettable powder composition is prepared by mixing effective amount of azoxystrobin, difenoconazole, Elemental sulphur with required diluents and inert ingredients using a suitable mass mixer for 30 minutes and then passed through an air jet mill to obtain a wettable powder composition with the desired particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0133] The invention relates to a process for preparing the liquid suspension or ‘Suspension concentrate for seed treatment (FS)’ composition, the process comprising: homogenizing mixture of elemental sulphur in the range of 30% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the rangeof 5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; dif enoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

[0134] The process of preparing the liquid suspension, involves homogenization of one or more of excipients (such as surfactant, colouring agent etc.) by feeding them along with water into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. Elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole are added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 5 to 10 minutes until the total mixture becomes homogeneous. Subsequently, the suspension obtained is passed through the wet mill to obtain a desired particle size in the range of 0.1 to 50 microns. Then, requisite quantity of the structuring agent is added to the obtained suspension, under continuous homogenization. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain liquid suspension composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0135] According to another embodiment, the invention also relates to a method for enhancing the stress tolerance of the plant, controlling fungal disease and improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the crop protection composition comprising synergystic combination an effective amount of elemental sulphur; an effective amount of azoxystrobin; an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a method of application of the combination or composition comprising said combination.

[0137] The combination or composition comprising said combination can be applied through a variety of methods. Methods of applying to the soil include any suitable method, which ensures that the composition penetrates the soil, for Example nursery tray application, in furrow application, soil drenching, soil injection, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation. The composition can also be applied as seed treatment or seed painting and such other methods. The composition is preferably applied in the form of a foliar spray.The rates of application or the dosage of combination or composition comprising said combination depend on the type of use, the type of crops, or the specific active ingredients in the composition. The fungicidal active ingredient in an effective amount is used to provide the desired action such as crop protection and crop yield.

[0138] It was observed that the combination of the present invention exhibited enhanced efficacy as compared to the application of individual actives and application of combinations having two actives. The mixture effectively improved the stress tolerance in the crops which in turn resulted in enhanced control over wide range of pathogens, improved plant health and increased crop yield without any phytotoxicity. Further the composition of the present invention not only helps in improving the crop yield, but the plants also exhibit enhanced physiological parameters. It was observed that the compositions of the present invention, wherein the composition has a particle size in the range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns demonstrate superior stability as well as enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage. The crop protection composition with a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns provides for increased surface area coverage on application to the foliage which enhances adhesion and provides better penetration of the actives when applied to the foliage and also facilitates better absorption by the roots when applied to the surrounding soil improving their efficacy and bioavailability, allowing for reduced application rates and fewer treatment cycles, thereby improving crop protection efficiency and lowering costs for farmers.

[0139] Further, the inventors have developed a stable synergistic crop protection composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulphur, an effective amount of azoxystrobin, an effective amount of difenoconazole and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, in the form of water dispersible granules (WG), powder for dry seeds (DS), water-dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment (WS), flowable suspension (FS) and liquid suspension (SC) with the particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns which acts as a superior crop-protectant, enhances stress tolerance, is non-phy to toxic, is effective at reduced dosages of application, helps in the resistance management observed with the old fungicide chemistries and also demonstrates increased yield on field application, while broadening the spectrum of crop protection in terms of the fungus / disease control.

[0140] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It isto be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

[0141] A. PREPARATION EXAMPLES:

[0142] The following Examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the composition of the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited to these exemplifications and is extrapolated to the overall claimed concentration range of the components.

[0143] EXAMPLE 1: Elemental Sulphur 45.5% + Azoxystrobin 11.4% + Difenoconazole 5.7% water dispersible granules (WG)

[0144] 12.2 Parts of azoxystrobin, 6.1 parts of difenoconazole, 47 parts of elemental sulphur were blended with 3.5 parts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, 12 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, 2 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 12 parts of maltodextrin and balance clay in 110 parts of water. The mixture was milled to a slurry having an average particle size below 2.5 microns. The milled slurry was fluid bed dried to obtain a product having a granule size below 1 mm. The granules have suspensibility of 82%, dispersibility of 85%, wetting out time of 7 sec and heat stability suspensibility of 78% and heat stability dispersibility of 80%.

[0145] EXAMPLE 2: Elemental Sulphur 50% + Azoxystrobin 15% + Difenoconazole 15% water dispersible granules (WG)

[0146] 16.5 Parts of azoxystrobin, 16.5 parts of difenoconazole, 51.5 parts of elemental sulphur, 7.3 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 2 parts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, 2 parts of sodium citrate, a balance mixture of salts of naphthalene sulphonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid condensation product, and 120 parts of water were blended. The mixture was milled to a slurry having an average particle size below 10 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried to obtain product having granule size below 1.5 mm. The granules have suspensibility of 65%, dispersibility of 70%, wetting out time of 10 sec. Further the composition exhibited suspensibility of 60% and dispersibility of 65% on accelerated storage.

[0147] EXAMPLE 3: Elemental Sulphur 55% + Azoxystrobin 5% + Difenoconazole 2% water dispersible granules (WG)

[0148] 5.4 Parts of azoxystrobin, 2.7 parts of difenoconazole, 56.5 parts of elemental sulphur were blended with 15 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 2 parts of polycarboxylate, 3 parts of sodium alkyl naphthene sulfonate condensate, 3 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and balanceclay in 120 parts of water. The mixture was milled to a slurry having an average particle size below 4 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried to obtain granules with a granule size below 1.2 mm. The granules have a suspensibility of 75%, dispersibility of 72%, wetting out time of 7 sec. Further the composition exhibited suspensibility of 70% and dispersibility of 70% on accelerated storage.

[0149] EXAMPLE 4: Elemental Sulphur 50% + Azoxystrobin 5% + Difenoconazole 2% Suspension Concentrate (SC)

[0150] 20 Parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 60 parts of propylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized. 55 Parts of azoxystrobin, 506 parts of elemental sulphur and 22 parts of difenoconazole was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 10 parts of nonionic surfactant, 0.25 parts of poly dimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The suspension was passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then 1 part of xanthan gum, 0.5 parts of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 0.3 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion and balance water were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension. The composition had a particle size D10 of 0.83 micron, D50 of 2.55 microns and D90 of 4.9 microns. The composition had a viscosity of 800 cps, suspensibility of 93%, pourability rinsed residue of 0.28%, spontaneity dispersion of 87%, and wet sieve retention on 75 microns of 0.06%. Further, the composition exhibited suspensibility of 89% on accelerated storage.

[0151] EXAMPLE 5: Elemental Sulphur 40% + Azoxystrobin 10% + Difenoconazole 6% Suspension Concentrate (SC)

[0152] 10 Parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate and 40 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenised by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 107 Parts of azoxystrobin, 405 parts of elemental sulphur and 65 parts of difenoconazole was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 40 parts of tristyryl phenol phosphate, 0.4 parts of polydimethyl siloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.5 parts of xanthan gum, 0.5 parts of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 0.75 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspensionThe composition had a particle size DIO of 0.35 micron, D50 of 1.9 microns and D90 of 3.2 microns. The composition had viscosity of 620 cps, suspensibility of 97%, pourability rinsed residue of 0.15%, spontaneity of dispersion of 91%, wet sieve retention on 75 microns of 0.03%. Further, the composition exhibited suspensibility of 89% on accelerated storage.

[0153] EXAMPLE 6: Elemental Sulphur 30% + Azoxystrobin 7.5% + Difenoconazole 3.5% Flowable Suspension (FS)

[0154] 10 Parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 40 parts of glycerol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized. 80 Parts of azoxystrobin, 304 parts of elemental sulphur and 38 parts of difenoconazole was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 10 parts of trisiloxane ethoxylate, 20 parts of pigment red, 0.25 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The suspension was passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then 2 part of xanthan gum, 0.5 parts of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion and balance water were added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension. The composition had a particle size D10 of 1.13 micron, D50 of 6.55 microns and D90 of 16.9 microns. The composition had a viscosity of 910 cps, suspensibility of 75%, pourability rinsed residue of 0.54%, spontaneity dispersion of 85%, and wet sieve retention on 75 microns of 0.065%. Further, the composition exhibited suspensibility of 72% on accelerated storage.

[0155] EXAMPLE 7: Elemental Sulphur 40 %+ Azoxystrobin 18 %+ Difenoconazole 11% Powder for Dry Seed Treatment (DS)

[0156] 41 Parts of elemental sulphur, 19 parts of azoxystrobin, 12 parts of difenoconazole, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 12 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 3 parts of pigment, PVP- K30 1 parts and balanced parts of clay were blended in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain powder having an average particle size below 15 microns. The composition had a particle size distribution of DIO 2.65 microns; D505.23 micron and D90 15 microns and adhesion to seed was found to be more than 80%.

[0157] EXAMPLE 8: Elemental Sulphur 70% + Azoxystrobin 5% + Difenoconazole 10% Water Disintegrable Granules (DG)

[0158] 71 Parts of elemental sulphur, 5.5 parts of azoxystrobin, 10.8 parts of difenoconazole were blended with 3 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 3.7 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 3parts of sodium citrate, and balance parts of bentonite in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain powder having an average particle size below 10 microns. The mixture was then mixed with water to prepare the dough. The dough was extruded to obtain granules in the size range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%. The disintegration of granules in water was 90% (Material passing through 150-micron sieve). The granular composition had hardness of 10 N and Attrition Resistance of 95.7%.

[0159] EXAMPLE 9: Elemental Sulphur 65% + Azoxystrobin 10% + Difenoconazole 5% Water Disintegrable Granules (DG)

[0160] 66 Parts of elemental sulphur, 10.8 parts of azoxystrobin, 5.5 parts of difenoconazole blended with 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 7 parts of sodium citrate, and 6.7 parts of bentonite in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain powder having an average particle size below 18 microns. The mixture was then mixed with 2 parts of com starch and water to prepare the dough. The dough was extruded to obtain granules in the size range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%. The disintegration of granules in water was 85% (Material passing through 150-micron sieve). The granular composition had hardness of 20N and Attrition Resistance of 99.7%.

[0161] EXAMPLE 10: Elemental Sulphur 30% + Azoxystrobin 15% + Difenoconazole 30% Water Disintegrable Granules (DG)

[0162] 31 Parts of elemental sulphur, 16 parts of azoxystrobin, 31 parts of difenoconazole were blended with 2 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 6 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 6 parts of sodium citrate, and 3 parts of bentonite, balanced parts of perlite in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain powder having an average particle size below 20 microns. The mixture was then mixed with 3 parts of com starch and water to prepare the dough. The dough was extmded to obtain granules in the size range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%. The disintegration of granules in water was 75% (Material passing through 150 micron sieve). The granular composition had hardness of 30N and Attrition Resistance of 91%.

[0163] EXAMPLE 11: Elemental Sulphur 30% + Azoxystrobin 30% + Difenoconazole 15% Water Disintegrable Granules (DG)

[0164] 31 Parts of elemental sulphur, 32 parts of azoxystrobin, 15.5 parts of difenoconazole were blended with 2 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 6.5 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 5parts of sodium citrate, and 6 parts of bentonite in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain powder having an average particle size below 25microns. The mixture was then mixed with 2 parts of PVP K30 and water to prepare the dough. The dough was extruded to obtain granules in the size range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%. The disintegration of granules in water was 80% (Material passing through 150-micron sieve). The granular composition had hardness of 40N and Attrition Resistance of 95%.

[0165] EXAMPLE 12: Elemental Sulphur 40% + Azoxystrobin 10% + Difenoconazole 6% Water Disintegrable Granules (DG)

[0166] 41 Parts of elemental sulphur, 11 parts of azoxystrobin, 6.5 parts of difenoconazole were blended with 3 parts of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, 4 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 3 parts of lactose and 7 parts of bentonite and balance perlite in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain powder having an average particle size below 50 microns. The mixture was then mixed with water to prepare the dough. The dough was extruded to obtain granules in the size range of 0.4 mm to 2.5 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%. The composition had a suspensibility of 65%, pourability rinsed residue of 0.34%, and wet sieve retention on 75 microns of 0.09%. Further, the composition exhibited suspensibility of 60% on accelerated storage.

[0167] EXAMPLE 13: Elemental Sulphur 45 %+ Azoxystrobin 10 %+ Difenoconazole 10% Water dispersible poder for slurry Treatment (WS)

[0168] 45.5 Parts of elemental sulphur, 10.6 parts of azoxystrobin, 10.6 parts of difenoconazole, 4 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate , 15 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 2 parts of pigment, 2 parts Lactose and balanced parts of clay were blended in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain powder having an average particle size below 15 microns. The composition had a particle size distribution of DIO 1.35 microns; D50 4 micron and D90 10 microns and adhesion to seed was found to be more than 70%.

[0169] B. FIELD STUDY:

[0170] The following are some abbreviations that have been used in this specification.

[0171] • WG : W ater dispersible granule

[0172] • GR / DG: Water disintegrable Granules• SC: Aqueous suspension concentrate or liquid suspension

[0173] • *: Expected effect calculated by Colby’s method

[0174] • UTC: untreated control

[0175] • DAA: Days after application

[0176] • ISP: 1st spray application,

[0177] • 2SP: 2nd spray application

[0178] • PDI: Percent Disease Index

[0179] • g.ai.h.: gram active ingredient per hectare

[0180] • Kg / ha: Kilogram per hectare

[0181] Percent disease index (PDI) was calculated for the diseases using 0-5 scale wherein 0= no infection, 1= 1-10 percent leaf area infected, 2= 11-25 percent leaf area infected, 3= 26-50 percent leaf area infected, 4= 51-75 leaf area infected and 5=75 and above percent leaf area infected.

[0182] The percentage reduction of disease incidence against UTC was calculated using the following formula:

[0183] % Reduction = [(PDI in control plot - PDI in treated plot) / PDI in control plot] X 100

[0184] Further, the percentage increase in yield over UTC was calculated using the following formula: Increase (%) = [(Crop yield in treated plot - Crop yield in control plot) / Crop yield in control plot] X 100

[0185] Synergy evaluation using Colby's formula:

[0186] “Synergy” is 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 three active components can be calculated as follows: E = X + Y + Z- (XY+YZ + XZ) / 100+ (XYZ / 10000)

[0187] Where,

[0188] E= Expected % effect by mixture of two products X, Y and Z in a defined dose.

[0189] X= Observed % effect by product A

[0190] Y= Observed % effect by product B

[0191] Z= Observed % effect by product C

[0192] The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula Eq. (2) (Abbott, 1925).SF= Observed effect / Expected effect

[0193] Where, SF >1 for Synergistic reaction; SF<1 for antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for additive reaction.

[0194] When the percentage of effect (pest / disease reduction or yield increase) observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF >1, the synergistic effect of the combination is inferred. When the percentage of effect (pest / disease reduction or yield increase) observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF=1, merely an additive effect may be inferred, and wherein the percentage of effect (pest / disease reduction or yield increase) observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage effect (E) i.e. SF<1, an antagonistic effect of the combinations is inferred.

[0195] Field trial 1: Effect of ternary combination comprising Elemental Sulphur, Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole as compared to two-way combinations and stand-alone actives on Anthracnose and Powdery Mildew in Grapes.

[0196] Field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different compositions of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole against anthracnose and powdery mildew in grapes. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments, including an untreated control, and each treatment was replicated four times. The test product consisted of a ternary combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole, and its performance was compared with binary combinations (sulphur + azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin + difenoconazole, and sulphur + difenoconazole), as well as with individual active ingredients in WG and SC formulations. The Grapes in the trial field were raised following good agricultural practice.

[0197] Details of experiment:

[0198] a) Trial location: Nashik, Maharashtra

[0199] b) Crop: Grapes (Sonaka variety)

[0200] c) Trial Design: RBD, 04 replications

[0201] d) Date of Prunning: 10.10.2024

[0202] e) Water volume used: 500 L / ha

[0203] f) Date of application: 02.12.2024 & 12.12.2024

[0204] g) Time of application: Early in the morning

[0205] h) Target Pathogen: Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), Anthracnose (Collelolrichum fungi).i) Plot size: 5 m x 6 m = 30 sq.m

[0206] j) Method of application: Foliar application at 3-5% diseases incidence

[0207] k) Assessment: Disease severity Index

[0208] l) Yield: At harvest (total of 3 pickings)

[0209] The observation on crop damage caused by Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and Anthracnose (Colletotrichum fungi) were recorded at 10 days interval after 2ndapplication (10DAA2SP) on randomly selected 3 leaves per grape vine and 10 Grape vine plants per plot from each treatments per replication. Based on the data percent reduction in disease incidence (PDI) was calculated and presented in table 1 A.

[0210] Table 1A:

[0211]

[0212]

[0213] *Expected percentage disease reduction calculated as per Colby’s method

[0214] Berry size was evaluated by randomly selecting 2-3 clusters per vine and visually analyzing the sizes of berries from the top, middle, and bottom of each cluster at key growth stages. The observation for yield was also recorded at harvest and presented in TablelB.

[0215] Table IB:

[0216]

[0217]

[0218] It can be seen from Table 1A that the Treatment 1 (Tl) with the combination of Sulphur 45.5% + Azoxystrobin 11.5% + Difenoconazole 5.7% WG as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed 92.89% reduction in anthracnose incidence over untreated control as compared to treatments with standalone actives i.e. treatments T6 (Sulphur 45.5% WG), T7 (Azoxystobin 11.5% WG) and T8 (Difenoconazole 5.7% WG) which showed disease reduction of 22.18%, 35.15% and 27.62% respectively, which were applied at the same dosage i.e. 500 g / ha of sulphur, 127 g / ha of azoxystrobin and 63 g / ha of difenoconazole. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction for treatment T 1 is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 63.47%. Thus, the treatment Tl with the compositions as per the embodiments of the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the application with individual actives i.e. treatments T6, T7 and T8.

[0219] In addition, it can be observed from Table 1 that treatment 2 (T2) which were applied at reduced dosage of actives as compared to stand alone actives also demonstrated 91.21% reduction in anthracnose disease over untreated control which is higher than the expected disease reduction i.e.

[0220] 63.47%. It was surprising to observe that treatment T2 with the composition of the presentinvention even though applied at reduced dosage of actives as compared to standalone actives demonstrated superior control over anthracnose.

[0221] Further, it can be observed that the treatment T1 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole was highly effective in controlling anthracnose infestation as compared to treatments with the binary combinations i.e. T3 (Sulphur 45.5% + Azoxystrobin 11.5% WG), T4 (Azoxystrobin 11.5% + Difenoconazole 5.7% WG) and T5 (Sulphur 45.5% + Difenoconazole 5.7% WG), which showed anthracnose disease reduction of only 52.72%, 56.49% and 37.24% respectively. Similar, superior results can be observed in terms of control over powdery mildew as per Table 1A.

[0222] Furthermore, treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, on account of significant control of the fungus also resulted in a substantial enhancement in the yield and other growth parameters such as berry size as compared to that observed for treatments with standalone active applications (T6, T7 and T8) as well as binary combinations (T3, T4 and T5). Treatments T1 and T2 exhibited yield increases of 44.08% and 42.82% over untreated control respectively which is higher than the expected yield increase of 21.33%, calculated by Colby’s method. These results demonstrate that the composition of the present invention is highly effective in disease control and also contributes to enhanced yield and improved growth parameters when compared to standalone active ingredients as well as the corresponding binary combinations.

[0223] Field Trial 2: Effect of ternary combination comprising Elemental Sulphur, Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole as compared to binary combinations and stand-alone actives on Leaf spot in Chili.

[0224] Field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of compositions of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole against Leaf spot in Chili (Sitara Variety). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments, including an untreated control, and each treatment was replicated four times. The test product consisted of a ternary combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole, and its performance was compared with binary combinations (sulphur + azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin + difenoconazole, and sulphur + difenoconazole), as well as with individual active ingredients applied in DG formulations. The Chili crop was raised in trial field following good agricultural practice.Details of experiment

[0225] a) Trial Location : Dharwad, Karnataka

[0226] b) Crop : Chili (Sitara Variety)

[0227] c) Trial Design : RBD

[0228] d) Replications : Four

[0229] e) Treatment : Nine

[0230] f) Water volume used: 500 L / ha

[0231] g) Plot size : 6 m x 10 m

[0232] h) Date of sowing : 18.06.2024

[0233] i) Date of Application: 15.08.2024 & 25.08.2024

[0234] j) Method of application: Foliar application at 3-5% diseases incidence

[0235] k) Date of Harvesting: 18.10.2024

[0236] l) Yield: At harvest (Total of 3 pickings)

[0237] The observation on crop damage caused by Leaf spot were recorded at 10 days interval after 2ndapplication (10DAA2SP) on randomly selected in 10 Chili plants per plot from each treatment. Based on the data percent reduction in disease incidence (PDI) was calculated. The mean data on control against the fungus along with the Chili yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 2.

[0238] Table 2:

[0239]

[0240]

[0241] *Expected percentage disease reduction or increase in yield calculated as per Colby’s method

[0242] It can be seen from Table 2 that the Treatment 1 (Tl) with the combination of Sulphur 65% +Azoxystrobin 10% +Dif enoconazole 5% DG as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed significantly higher Leaf spot control, with reductions of 89.45% over untreated control as compared to treatments with standalone actives i.e. treatments T6 (Sulphur 65% DG), T7 ( Azoxy strobin 10% DG) and T8 (Dif enoconazole 5% DG) which showed disease reduction of only 34.55%, 45.45% and 29.09% respectively, even though the same dosage of actives being applied i.e. 975 g / ha of sulphur, 150 g / ha of azoxystrobin and 75 g / ha of dif enoconazole.

[0243] It can be observed that percentage disease reduction for treatment Tl is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction of 74.68%, calculated by Colby’s method. Thus, treatment Tl with the compositions as per the embodiments of the present invention demonstrated asynergistic effect compared to the application with individual actives i.e. treatments T6, T7 and T8.

[0244] Further, it can be observed that treatment T1 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole exhibited substantially higher control over leaf spot infestation as compared to treatments with the binary combinations i.e. T3 (Sulphur 65% + Azoxystrobin 10% DG), T4 (Azoxystrobin 10% + Difenoconazole 5% DG) and T5 (Sulphur 65% + Difenoconazole 5% DG), which showed percentage leaf spot infestation reduction of only 70.91%, 56.36% and 67.27% respectively. Similarly, treatment 2 (T2) also demonstrated substantially higher control over leaf spot infestation.

[0245] It was also observed that the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, on account of significant control of the fungus also resulted in a substantial enhancement in the yield, as compared to the yield observed for treatments with standalone active applications (T6, T7 and T8) as well as binary combinations (T3, T4 and T5). Specifically, treatments T1 showed yield increase of 66.67% over untreated control which is higher than the expected yield increase of 37.08%, calculated by Colby’s method. These results demonstrate that the composition of the present invention is highly effective in disease control and yield enhancement as compared to standalone active ingredients as well as the corresponding binary combinations.

[0246] Field Trial Data 3: Effect of a composition comprising Elemental Sulphur, Azoxystrobin, and Difenoconazole compared to Prior art combinations on Maize crop under Biotic and Abiotic stress.

[0247] The field trials were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of a composition comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole on maize grown under biotic stress (fungal infection) and abiotic stress (heavy rain) conditions, and to compare its performance with prior art fungicidal combinations containing alternative active ingredients. The trial was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eleven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The test product sample with elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole alone and in combinations; and other similar combinations (i.e. sulphur, trifloxystrobin and difenoconazole; sulphur, azoxystrobin and propiconazole) in prescribed dosages were applied byfoliar application and were compared with untreated control. The Maize crop was raised in trial field following good agricultural practice.

[0248] Details of experiment

[0249] a) Trial Location : Godhra, Gujarat

[0250] b) Crop : Maize (Gujarat Maize-3 variety)

[0251] c) Trial Design : RBD

[0252] d) Replications : Four

[0253] e) Treatment : Eleven

[0254] f) Water volume used: 500 L / ha

[0255] g) Plot size : 6 m x 10 m

[0256] h) Date of sowing : 20.07.2025

[0257] i) Date of Application: 10.09.2025 & 25.10.2025

[0258] j) Method of application: Foliar application at 3-5% diseases incidence

[0259] k) Date of Harvesting : 20.12.2025

[0260] Fungicide treatments were applied at 3-5% severity level of disease by manually using knapsack sprayer. The observations on disease, Turcicum Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum) incidence were recorded by measuring leaf blight severity percentage from 5 leaves each from 3 plants per treatments at 10 Days after second spray. Based on the data percent reduction in disease incidence was calculated and presented in Table 3 A.

[0261] Table 3A:

[0262]

[0263]

[0264] • Expected disease reduction calculated as per Colby’s method

[0265] Observation on stem girth was recorded by measuring the diameter of the maize stem using a calibrated digital vernier caliper at a fixed position 5 cm above the soil surface uniformly for all the treatments and replications. Measurements were taken from randomly selected 10 plants per treatment in each plot and the average stem girth for each treatment was calculated based on measurements from multiple plants per replication.

[0266] Observation on lodging was recorded by visually assessing the crop at physiological maturity and calculating the percentage of lodged plants per plot. Lodging was defined as plants leaning or fallen at an angle greater than 45° from the vertical due to stem breakage or root failure. The number of lodged plants was counted and expressed as a percentage of the total number of plants assessed in each plot.

[0267] Table 3B:

[0268]

[0269] • Expected increase in stem girth, reduction in lodging or increase in yield calculated as per Colby’s methodIt can be seen from table 3 A that treatment 1 (Tl) with Sulphur 50% + Azoxystobin 7% + Difenoconazole 2% SC as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated 82% reduction in Turcicum Leaf Blight incidence over untreated control as compared to treatments with standalone actives i.e. treatments T6 (Sulphur 50% SC), T7 (Azoxystobin 7% SC) and T9 (Difenoconazole 2% SC) which showed percentage disease reduction of 26.40%, 36.80% and 24.00% respectively. It can be observed that percentage disease reduction for treatment Tl is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 64.65%. Thus, the treatment Tl with the compositions as per the embodiments of the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the application with individual actives i.e. treatments T6, T7 and T9 applied at the same dosage.

[0270] Additionally, as observed from table 3 A, treatment Tl with the combination of elemental sulphur + azoxystrobin + difenoconazole exhibited substantially higher control over leaf blight disease as compared to treatments with composition containing other actives beloning to strobilurin (trifloxystrobin) or triazole fungicide (difenoconazole class). It can be seen that treatment 3 (T3) with Sulphur 50% + Trifloxystrobin 7% + Difenoconazole 2% SC and treatment 4 (T4) with Sulphur 50% + Azoxystrobin 7% + Propiconazole 2% SC showed percentage disease reduction of only 65.20% and 67.60%, respectively.

[0271] Further, it can be observed that treatment 2 (T2) with Sulphur 45.5%+ Azoxystrobin 11.5%+ Difenoconazole 5.7% WG as per the embodiment of the present invention also demonstrated superior control over leaf blight disease as compared to treatment 5 (T5) similar to prior art combination comprising sub fungicidal amount of sulphur (Sulphur 5%+ Trifloxystrobin 11.5% + Difenoconazole 5.7% WG).

[0272] It is further evident from Table 3B that treatments Tl and T2 with the composition containing elemental sulphur + azoxystrobin + difenoconazole as per the embodiment of the present invention also demonstrated superior stem girth and reduced lodging in comparison to treatments with prior art combinations comprising Sulphur 50% + Trifloxystrobin 7% + Difenoconazole 2% SC (T3) and Sulphur 50%+ Azoxystrobin 7% + Propiconazole 2% SC (T4) and Sulphur 5%+ Trifloxystrobin 11.5% + Difenoconazole 5.7% WG (T5). The percentage increase in stem girth over the untreated control for Tl and T2 was 88.37% and 79.07%, respectively, which was significantly higher than the increases observed for T3 (30.23%), T4 (57.36%), and T5 (33.33%). The enhanced stem girth observed for Tl and T2 correspondingly resulted in improved resistanceto lodging, indicating better tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. The reduction in loadging for treatments T1 and T2 over control was 83.93% and 80.36% respectively, which is substantially higher as compared to Treatments T3, T4 and T5 which showed loadging reduction of 50.00%, 62.50% and 55.36% respectively. Thus, the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole demonstrated better biotic and abiotic stress tolerance as compared to prior art composition containing alternative active ingredients or different concentration as compared to the present invention.

[0273] It was also observed that the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention, on account of improved tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress also resulted in a substantial enhancement in the yield, as compared to the yield observed for treatments T3, T4 and T5. Treatments T1 and T2 recorded yield increases of 40.24% and 37.40%, respectively, over the untreated control. In contrast, treatments T3, T4, and T5 showed comparatively lower yield increases of 24.41%, 26.77%, and 21.57%, respectively.

[0274] Accordingly, the results demonstrate that the composition of the present invention comprising a combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole is superior in conferring biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and in enhancing yield, when compared to compositions containing alternative active ingredients or different concentrations of actives as disclosed in the prior art.

[0275] Field Trial Data 4: To study the effect of composition comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole with varying concentrations in rice infected with Sheath blight.

[0276] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of composition comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole with a varying concentration for controlling Sheath blight in rice in West Bengal. The trial was laid out in Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eleven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The Rice crop was raised in trial field following good agricultural practice.

[0277] Details of experiment

[0278] a) Trial Location : Bardhaman, West Bengal

[0279] b) Crop : Rice (Swarna)c) Trial Design : RBD

[0280] d) Replications : Four

[0281] e) Treatment : Eleven

[0282] f) Plot size : 6 m x 10 m

[0283] g) Date of sowing: 20.06.2024

[0284] h) Date of Application: 10.08.2024 & 25.08.2024

[0285] i) Method of application: Foliar application at 3-5% diseases incidence

[0286] j) Date of Harvesting : 20.11.2024

[0287] Fungicide treatments were applied at 3-5% severity level of disease by manually using knapsack sprayer. The observations on disease, Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solarii)) incidence were recorded by measuring sheath blight severity percentage from 5 leaves each from 3 plants per treatments at 10 Days after second spray. Based on the data percent reduction in disease incidence was calculated and presented in Table 4.

[0288] Under stressful conditions, plants tend to accumulate various metabolites, particularly amino acids, with proline accumulation being closely associated with stress responses. Extensive evidence indicates a positive correlation between elevated proline levels and plant stress. In the present study, it was observed that the composition of the present invention enhanced plant stress tolerance, as reflected by a reduction in proline content in the leaf tissue. For the determination of proline content, 5 leaves from each of 3 plants per treatment were sampled at 10 Days after second spray and analyzed. The results of the proline estimation are presented in Table 4.

[0289] Table 4:

[0290]

[0291]

[0292] *Expected percentage disease reduction or increase in yield calculated as per Colby’s methodIt can be seen from Table 4 that treatment 1 (Tl) with Sulphur 50% + Azoxystrobin 15% + Difenoconazole 15% WG as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated 80.23% reduction in sheath blight incidence over the untreated control which is significantly higher as compared to treatments with standalone actives i.e. treatments T4 (Sulphur 50% WG), T7 ( Azoxy stobin 15% WG) and T9 (Difenoconazole 15% WG) which showed percentage disease reduction of 22.09%, 25.97% and 22.09% respectively. Further, observed disease reduction for treatment Tl is also higher than the expected disease reduction value of 55.07% calculated using Colby’s method, thereby confirming a synergistic effect of the composition of the present invention when compared with the individual actives applied at the same dosage.

[0293] Additionally, it can be observed that treatment Tl with the combination of Sulphur 50% + Azoxystrobin 15% + Difenoconazole 15% WG as per the embodiment of the present invention exhibited markedly superior control of sheath blight disease when compared with comparative treatments containing the same active ingredients at concentrations outside the claimed range. Treatments with combinations comprising Sulphur 5%+ Azoxystrobin 15%+ Difenoconazole 15% WG (T2) and Sulphur 10% + Azoxystrobin 35% + Difenoconazole 35% WG (T3) having concentration of actives beyond claimed range exhibited disease reduction of only 43.41% and 46.12% respectively. Furthermore, in treatments T3, T8, and T10, symptoms such as leaf yellowing and tip burning were observed, indicating phytotoxic effects. Whereas no such phytotoxicity obseverd with the treatment Tl with the composition of the present invention.

[0294] It is further evident from Table 4 that treatment Tl with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated enhanced tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress, as indicated by a significant reduction in leaf proline content compared to the untreated control. The percentage reduction in proline content for Tl is 45.21%, which was considerably higher than the reductions observed for T2 (25.76%) and T3 (30.88%). The greater reduction in proline accumulation reflects improved stress tolerance imparted by the composition of the present invention.

[0295] It was also observed that the treatment Tl with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention, on account of improved tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress also resulted in a substantial enhancement in the yield, as compared to the yield observed for treatments T2, T3 and T4. Treatment Tl and recorded yield increases of 30.38%, over the untreated control which ishigher than the expected yield increase calculated as per Colby’s method (28.25%). In contrast, treatments T2 and T3, showed comparatively lower yield increases of 20%, 15.19%, respectively which is even lower than the expected yield calcuted by Colby’s method, 24.89% and 21.36% respectively.

[0296] Accordingly, the results demonstrate that the composition of the present invention comprising a combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole, within the claimed concentration ranges, is superior in conferring tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress and in enhancing yield while being non-phytotoxic when compared to compositions containing the same active ingredients at concentrations outside the scope of the present invention.

[0297] Field Trial Data 5: Effect of combination comprising Elemental Sulphur, Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole as compared to binary combinations and stand-alone actives on Frog Eye Leaf Spot (Cercospora sojina) and Leaf spot (Alternaria tenuissima) on Soybean.

[0298] A field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the composition of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole against Eye Leaf Spot (Cercospora sojina) and Leaf spot (Alternaria tenuissima) on Soybean. The experiment was laid out in Kharif season in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments, including an untreated control, and each treatment was replicated four times. The test product consisted of a ternary combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole, and its performance was compared with binary combinations (sulphur + azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin + difenoconazole, and sulphur + difenoconazole), as well as with individual active ingredients in DG formulations. The Soybean in the trial field were raised following good agricultural practice.

[0299] Details of experiment

[0300] a) Trial Location : Malwa region, MP

[0301] b) Crop : Soybean (NRC 142)

[0302] c) Trial Design : RBD, 04 replications

[0303] d) Water volume used: 500 L / ha

[0304] e) Date of sowing : 15.06.2024

[0305] f) Date of Application: 10.08.2024 & 20.08.2024

[0306] g) Time of application: Early in the morning

[0307] h) Target Pathogen: Eye Leaf Spot (Cercospora sojina) andLeaf spot (Alternaria tenuissima).

[0308] i) Plot size: 5 m x 6 m = 30 sq.m

[0309] j) Method of application: Two Foliar applications at 10 days interval, 1stapplication 3-5% disease incidence

[0310] k) Assessment: Disease severity Index

[0311] 1) Date of Harvesting : 20.10.2024

[0312] The observation on crop damage caused by Eye Leaf Spot (Cercospora sojina) and Leaf spot (Altemaria tenuissima) were recorded at 10 days interval after 2ndapplication (10DAA2SP) on randomly selected Soybean plots and per plot from each treatment. Based on the data percent reduction in disease incidence (PDI) was calculated and the mean data on control against the fungus along with the soybean yield recorded at harvest is presented in Tables 5.

[0313] Table 5:

[0314]

[0315]

[0316] *Expected percentage disease reduction or increase in yield calculated as per Colby’s method

[0317] It can be seen from Table 5 that the Treatment 1 (Tl) with the combination of Sulphur 30% + Azoxystrobin 30% + Dif enoconazole 15% DG as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed 68.90% reduction in Frog Eye Leaf Spot incidence over untreated control as compared to treatments with standalone actives i.e. treatments T3 (Sulphur 30% DG), T4 (Azoxystobin 30% DG @500 g / ha) and T6 (Difenoconazole 15% DG @500 g / ha) which showed percentage disease reduction of 4.33%, 40.55% and 35.43% respectively. Further, Treatment 1 (Tl) with the combination as per the embodiment of the present invention also showed 70.29% reduction in Leaf Spot disease caused by Alternaria tenuissima, over untreated control as compared to treatments with standalone actives i.e. treatments T3, T4 and T6 which showed percentage disease reduction of 12.97%, 38.49% and 26.78% respectively even though applied the same dosage of actives being applied i.e. 150 g / ha of sulphur, 150 g / ha of azoxystrobin and 75 g / ha of difenoconazole.

[0318] Further, observed reduction of Frog Eye Leaf Spot and Leaf spot caused by Alternaria tenuissima for treatment Tl is also higher than the expected disease reduction value of 63.28% and 60.81% respectively, calculated using Colby’s method. This confirms a synergistic effect of the composition of the present invention when compared with the individual actives applied at the same dosage.In addition, it can be observed from table 5 that treatment 2 (T2) Sulphur 30% + Azoxystrobin 15% + Difenoconazole 30% DG as per the embodiment of the present invention, which was applied at same dosage of actives as compared to stand alone actives also demonstrated 64.17% reduction in Frog Eye Leaf Spot which is higher than the expected disease reduction of 61.16%; and 62.76% of reduction in Leaf Spot which is higher than the expected disease reduction of 58.28%.

[0319] It was also observed that the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, also resulted in a substantial enhancement in the yield, as compared to the yield observed for treatments with standalone active applications (T3-T8). It can also be seen that Treatments T1 and T2 showed 56.13% and 47% increase in yield over untreated control respectively which is higher than the expected increase in yield i.e. 40.80% and 34.57% respectively, calculated by Colby’s method. Thus, it was observed that the composition of the present invention is not only efficacious in terms of disease control but also helps in obtaining higher yield on account of effective disease control.

[0320] Field Trial Data 6: Effect of particle size of the composition comprising Elemental Sulphur, Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole against Purple blotch and Downy mildew in Onion.

[0321] The field trial was conducted to study the effect of ternary composition comprising elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole with a specific particle size for controlling Purple blotch and Downy mildew in Onion. The trial was laid out during Rabi season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments including untreated control, replicated five times. The test product consisted of a ternary combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole, with varying particle size as WG formulation compared with the untreated control. The Onion crop was raised in trial field following good agricultural practice.

[0322] Details of experiment

[0323] a) Trial Location : Nashik, Maharashtra

[0324] b) Crop : Onion (red onions)

[0325] c) Trial Design : RBD

[0326] d) Replications : Five

[0327] e) Treatment : Eightf) Plot size : 6 m x 10 m

[0328] g) Date of sowing :20.09.2024

[0329] h) Date of Application: 10.11.2024 & 20.11.2024

[0330] i) Method of application: Two Foliar applications at 10 days interval

[0331] j) Date of Harvesting : 20.1.2025

[0332] The observation on crop damage caused by Purple blotch and Downy mildew were recorded at 10 days interval after 2ndapplication (10DAA2SP) on randomly selected 3 onion leaves of 10 Onion plants per treatment per application. Based on the data percent reduction in disease incidence (PDI) was calculated and mean data on control against the fungus along with the Onion yield recorded at harvest is presented in the Tables 6.

[0333] Table 6:

[0334]

[0335]

[0336] It can be seen from Table 6 that the Treatment 1 (Tl) with the combination of Sulphur 40% + Azoxystrobin 10% + Difenoconazole 6% DG with particle size of 0.1 to 50 microns as per the embodiment of the present invention showed 81.51% reduction in Purple blotch incidence over untreated control as compared to treatments with standalone actives with same particle size of 0.1-50 microns i.e. treatments T5 (Sulphur 40% DG), T6 (Azoxystobin 10% DG) and T7 (Difenoconazole 6% DG) which showed percentage disease reduction of 17.36%, 38.11% and 41.13% respectively. Similarly, Tl showed 78.01% reduction in Downy mildew incidence overuntreated control as compared to treatments with standalone actives T5, T6 and T7 which showed percentage disease reduction of 21.58%, 27.80% and 26.97% respectively. Further, it can be noted that observed disease reduction for treatment T1 is also higher than the expected disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method of 69.89% for Purple blotch and 58.65% for Downy mildew respectively.

[0337] In contrast, Treatment 3 (T3) and Treatment 4 (T4) with same composition comprising combination of the Sulphur 40% + Azoxystrobin 10% + Difenoconazole 6% WG with particle size of 51 to 100 microns and 100 to 300 microns respectively, showed 52.83% and 33.58 % reduction in Purple blotch incidence respectively and 55.19% and 43.98% reduction in Downy mildew incidence respectively.

[0338] In addition, it can be observed that Treatment 2 (T2) with the combination of Sulphur 30% + Azoxystrobin 7.5% + Difenoconazole 3.5% SC with particle size of 0.1 to 20 microns, as per the embodiment of the present invention exhibited highest disease control for both, Purple blotch incidence (88.30%) and Downy mildew (82.99% ). The results are more surprising as T2 has been applied at reduced dosage of actives as compared to treatments T3 and T4 with composition having particle size beyond 0.1 to 50 microns as well as treatments T5, T6 and T7 with standalone actives.

[0339] It was also observed that the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, on account of significant control of the fungus also resulted in a substantial enhancement in the yield, as compared to the yield observed for treatments T5, T6 and T7 with standalone actives and also as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with the same composition having particles in the size range beyond 0.1 to 50 microns. Treatments T1 and T2 showed 58.39% and 67.06% increase in yield over untreated control respectively, which is also higher than the expected yield increase of 57.67%, calculated by Colby’s method. Thus, it was observed that the composition of the present invention is not only efficacious in terms of disease control but also helps in obtaining higher yield on account of effective disease control.

[0340] Thus, it was surprisingly observed that, even among identical formulations, superior efficacy was achieved with the composition having a specific particle size distribution of 0.1 to 50 microns when compared to formulations containing particles outside this range. The composition of the present invention with particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns exhibits enhanced stabilityand improved physical characterisitics, leading to uniform distribution of the active ingredients with increased surface area coverage. This optimized particle size further enhances adhesion to and penetration of the active ingredients at the target site on plants, crops, or surrounding soil, thereby facilitating improved absorption, higher bioavailability, and increased efficacy at reduced application rates.

[0341] Moreover, it was surprisingly observed that the ternary combination of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, and difenoconazole, when formulated with specific concentrations and optimised particle size as per the present invention, demonstrates improved tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and exhibits enhanced and superior field performance at lower dosages. The composition provides substantially higher control over a broad spectrum of fungal diseases compared to standalone active ingredients, binary combinations, and prior art compositions. In addition to effective disease management, the composition of the present invention also contributes to improved crop yield and enhanced physiological parameters, thereby offering a technically advanced, efficacious, and agronomically beneficial solution.

[0342] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations is effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

CLAIMS:We claim,1. A synergistic crop protection combination for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant, the said combination comprising of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole.

2. A crop protection composition for enhancing the stress tolerance and health of a plant, the said composition comprising synergystic combination of:elemental sulphur in the range of 30% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin in the range of 5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole in the range of 2% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition; andat least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the range of 1% w / w to 63% w / w of the total composition; wherein the particles of the composition are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

3. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel.

4. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the solid composition is in the form granules including water dispersible granules (WDG), extruded granules (WDG), broadcast granules (GR), spheronized granules (GR), water disintegrable granules (DG), powder for dry seed treatment (DS) or water dispersible powder for slurry treatment (WS).

5. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the liquid crop protection composition is in the form of liquid suspension or suspension concentrate (SC), suspoemulsion (SE), flowable concentrate (FC), suspension concentrate for seed treatment (FS) or Ultra-Low- Volume (ULV) concentrate.

6. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

7. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the water dispersible granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm.

8. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the particles of the composition are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns.

9. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the composition further comprises at least one active ingredient selected from pesticidal actives, fertilizers, macronutrients, micronutrients, biostimulants, organic acids, plant growth regulators, algae and mixtures thereof.

10. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from at least one of surfactants, binders or binding agents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, fillers or carriers or diluents, coating agents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, antifoaming agents or defoamers, penetrants, UV protecting agents, UV absorbents, UV rays scattering agents, stabilizers, pigments, colorants, structuring agents, chelating or complexing or sequestering agent, thickeners, suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anticaking agents or anti-settling agents, viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers, tackifiers, humectants, spreading agents, sticking agents, anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants, solvents, preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidants, polymers, monomers, cross-linking agents, permeability enhancing agents, protective colloids and mixtures thereof.

11. The crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the elemental sulphur is in the range of 40% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition; azoxystrobin is in the range of 5% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition; difenoconazole is in the range of 2% w / w to 8.5% w / w; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is in the range of 10% w / w to 55.5% w / w of the total composition.

12. A process for preparation of crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2 in the form of water dispersible granules, wherein the process comprises:a) milling a blend of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, difenoconazole in water with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain a slurry or wet mix, comprising particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns; andb) drying the wet mix, sieving the dried mix to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain the water dispersible granules;wherein the granules of the composition are in size range of 0.05mm to 3mm.

13. A process for preparation of crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2 in the form of water disintegrable granules, wherein the process comprises:a. milling a blend of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin, difenoconazole in water with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain a mixture, comprising particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns;b. adding further water to the mixture obtained in step (a) and blending to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the extruded granules in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm; oragglomerating the wet mixture obtained in step (b) in an agglomerator to obtain spheronised granular composition in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

14. A process for preparation of crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2 in the form of liquid suspension, wherein the process comprises:a) homogenizing mixture of elemental sulphur, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain a suspension; andb) wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns,c) optionally, adding one or more of excipients selected from structuring agent, biocide and preservatives to the obtained suspension, under continuous homogenization.

15. A method for enhancing the stress tolerance of the plant, controlling fungal disease and improving plant health or yield, the said method comprising treating at least one of a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus, parts thereof or seed, seedling and soil with the crop protection composition as claimed in claim 2.

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