WO2025238213A1

WO2025238213A1 - Method for treatment of root rot disease caused by plant pathogens in legume crops

Info

Publication number: WO2025238213A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/063543
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katherine BUXTON; Allen Terry
Original assignee: Syngenta Crop Protection AG Switzerland
Current assignee: Syngenta Crop Protection AG Switzerland
Priority date: 2024-05-17
Filing date: 2025-05-16
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-17

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of combating, preventing or controlling root rot disease caused by plant pathogen, by applying to a legume crop plant, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a compound of formula (I), as active ingredient, and to the use of said compound in seed treatment.

Description

METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF ROOT ROT DISEASE CAUSED BY PLANT PATHOGENS IN LEGUME

CROPS

The present invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of root rot disease caused by plant pathogen in legume crop plants. In particular it relates to a method of combating, preventing or controlling root rot disease caused by plant pathogen, by applying to a legume crop plant, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a compound of formula (I), and to the use of said compound in seed treatment.

Root rot is a plant disease caused by various pathogenic fungi, oomycetes, or soil-borne bacteria that infect and decay the root systems of plants, leading to a decline in plant health, wilting, and often death. In the context of legume crop plants, such as soybeans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, root rot can be particularly detrimental as these plants rely on healthy root systems for nitrogen fixation and overall productivity.

Root rot pathogens typically thrive in wet or waterlogged soil conditions and can persist in the soil for extended periods, posing a recurring threat to subsequent plantings. The disease is often characterized by the browning, softening, and decay of the roots, which may be accompanied by a foul odor. As the infection progresses, affected plants may exhibit symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing or browning of foliage, and premature wilting.

The management of root rot in legume crop plants often involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and soil drainage, as well as the use of resistant cultivars and, in some cases, targeted fungicidal treatments. Given the economic significance of legume crops and their role in sustainable agricultural systems, effective control measures for root rot are of considerable importance to farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole.

Oomycetes, also known as water molds, are a group of fungus-like microorganisms that belong to the kingdom Straminipila. Despite their resemblance to fungi, oomycetes are phylogenetically distinct and are classified under the kingdom Chromista. Oomycetes are known for their role as plant pathogens, causing various destructive diseases in agricultural and natural ecosystems, including root rot in numerous crop plants.

These microorganisms thrive in moist environments, particularly in water-saturated soils, and are characterized by the production of motile spores, known as zoospores, during certain stages of their life cycle. Oomycetes can infect plant roots, stems, leaves, and fruits, leading to symptoms such as wilting, necrosis, and decay.

The stem and root-rotting Oomycetes are a large group of related fungus-like plant pathogens, including the genera Phytophthora, Pythium and Aphanomyces, which cause significant plant losses and yield declines in a wide range of plants across all sectors of horticulture.

Oomycetes are causal agents of root rot in specific crop plants, such as beets or legumes.

The present invention relates to a method of combating, preventing or controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes, in particular by Aphanomyces spp., by applying to a legume crop plant, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a compound of formula (I) or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I), and to the use of said compound in seed treatment. The present invention relates a fungicidal compound suitable for controlling, limiting, or preventing an infestation of plants caused by oomycetes, especially of Aphanomyces spp., causal agent of plant diseases, such as root rots, seedling rot & damping off, in treating plant propagation material, and to a seed treatment use. The present disclosure also relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of root rot disease caused by oomycetes, especially of Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants.

In particular it relates to a method of combating, preventing or controlling oomycetes, especially Aphanomyces euteiches (A euteiches), by applying to a plant, preferably a legume crop plant, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a compound of formula (I) or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I), and to the use of said compound in seed treatment. More particular it relates to a method of combating, preventing or controlling root rot disease caused by oomycetes, especially Aphanomyces euteiches (A euteiches), by applying to a plant, preferably a legume crop plant, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a compound of formula (I), and to the use of said compound in seed treatment

Aphanomyces is a genus of water molds (or water moulds). Many of these water molds are known as economically important pathogens of species of plants and animals, including fish, crustaceans, and agricultural crop plants. Aphanomyces has a number of legume host plants, of which peas, beans, and lentils are the most susceptible pulse crops to infection. The disease that manifests in plants infected with these water molds is sometimes known simply as Aphanomyces root rot or common root rot. Some of these water molds are host-specific, such as Aphanomyces iridis (A. iridis), which only infects irises. Others can infest several hosts, such as Aphanomyces euteiches (A. euteiches), which grows on several legumes, like for example beans, soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, lupins, grass peas, mesquite, carob, tamarind, alfalfa, and clover.

Aphanomyces root rots caused by Aphanomyces spp. are the most important root diseases causing qualitative and quantitative yield losses in multiple crops, especially legume crop plants, like for example peas, lentils and beans; and in sugar beet. Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) is an important agricultural disease worldwide, e.g., especially in North America (United States and Canada), Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Root rots caused by Aphanomyces spp. are difficult to manage as oopsores are long lived and soil borne. Management includes using resistant crop varieties and having good soil drainage, as well as testing soil for the pathogen to avoid infected fields.

Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) is an example of a monocyclic disease, causing only one infection cycle per season. Although Aphanomyces euteiches can potentially infect hosts at any point in the growing season, infection usually begins during seedling emergence. The primary source of inoculum is oospores, which can be found either in the soil or in infected plant debris from previously infected host plants. When growing under optimal conditions, an infection of Aphanomyces euteiches can result in symptoms within 10 days, and oospores can be formed between 7 and 14 days. Oospores become dormant after being formed and can survive for more than 10 years.

In North America (USA and Canada) is a significant increase in peas, lentils and beans cultivation. Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases of legume crop plants, of which peas and lentils are the most susceptible pulse crops to infection. The pathogen can attack and infect said legume host plants (legume crop plants) at any growth stage, but infection generally occurs soon after emergence in heavily infested fields during wet weather. A low level of infection in one year can produce enough inoculum to cause economic damage to follow legume crops, particular peas, for up 8 years. Poorly drained soils favor infection, but the pathogen can also attack plants in well-drained soils kept wet by frequent irrigation. Several soil-borne pathogens have been reported to be involved in root rot complex, including Aphanomyces euteiches, Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., Phytophthora spp., and Rhizoctonia solani. For instance, pea root rot complex has been reported to be a serious problem in field pea production in Canada and worldwide.

Aphanomyces is an extremely difficult disease for Canadian pulse growers. Estimation of crop losses due to Aphanomyces euteiches is difficult to establish as numerous factors, including the combination of several common soil fungi that cause root rot diseases. When root rot is severe, yield reduction can be as high as about 70 %. Long-lived resting spores, the absence of genetic resistance, and the lack of control options make Aphanomyces root rot a difficult disease to manage.

Aphanomyces root rot is caused by Aphanomyces euteiches, a highly specialized pathogen of legumes and pulses. While this pathogen has a number of legume host plants, peas and lentils are the most susceptible pulse crops to infection. Aphanomyces euteiches is classified as an oomycete, or water mold, and is not a true fungus. The resting spores, called oospores, are thick-walled and allow the pathogen to survive in the soil during harsh winter conditions.

In view of Aphanomyces euteiches being a soilborne water mold pathogen, and not a fungus, most fungicide seed treatments that are efficient at controlling other root rots like Fusarium do not necessarily provide the desired control of Aphanomyces. Moreover, once established, Aphanomyces spread through the root system throughout the season, often causing major crop losses at the flowering stage itself. Therefore, Aphanomyces continue to be a difficult disease to identify solutions and management options.

Infection characterized by root rot is associated with seed decay, damping-off, seedling blight, root rot, and wilt; however, the identity of the causal organisms cannot be determined solely by examining the symptoms.

INTEGO® Solo (ethaboxam) has activity on the oomycete class of water molds, including Aphanomyces, but needs to be tank-mixed with an approved seed treatment partner for protection from other root rot pathogens. These seed treatments provide approximately three weeks of early season protection after seeding, when root systems are small, actively growing, and highly susceptible to infection.

In view of the difficulties in determining the symptoms of the disease and the vast challenges encountered in effectively controlling the root rot disease in plants, there is a need for an alternate treatment strategy for the control and suppression of Aphanomyces spp. accompanied with an increase in the yield of crops and its good health.

Such, there is a long-felt need for an alternate treatment strategy for the control and suppression of root rot caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular Aphanomyces spp., particular by Aphanomyces euteiches, accompanied with an increase in the yield of crops and their good health. The present inventors have unexpectedly found that the application of the compound of the present invention results in a significant enhancement in the crop plant health, crop yield as well as in the reduction of root rot infection caused by Oomycetes plant pathogen, especially by Aphanomyces and other phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, specifically in legume crop plants. The improvement in crop health and reduction in root rot infection has been brought about by applying the compound of the present invention, thereby, controlling phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, particularly Oomycetes., in legume crop plants. Preferably, the improvement in crop health and reduction in root rot infection has been brought about by applying the compound of the present invention, thereby, controlling phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, particularly Aphanomyces spp., in legume crop plants.

It was observed and defined by the present inventors in terms of plant growth parameters that the application of the compound of the present invention resulted in the reduction of root rot infection caused by Oomycetes, in particular Aphanomyces and helped in the maintenance of plant health, thus proving the efficient and the broad-spectrum fungicidal use of the compound of the present invention against phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens particularly Aphanomyces spp.. Thus, the present invention confers an improved and efficient treatment to solve challenges encountered in cultivating leguminous crops.

W02003/016303 discloses that certain tetrazolyl-oxime derivative exhibit particularly superior plant disease controlling activity. There is no specific disclosure in this document that said tetrazolyl oxime derivatives are useful for the control and/or treatment of root rot disease caused by the Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particular by Aphanomyces euteiches.

W02009/119072 discloses a plant disease controlling agent comprising a tetrazolyl-oxime derivative and other agricultural and horticultural fungicidal active ingredients as an active ingredient, but there is no disclosure that these compositions are useful for the control and/or treatment of root rot disease caused by the Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particular by Aphanomyces euteiches.

WO2010/094728 discloses a pesticide composition based on a tetrazolyl-oxime derivative and a fungicide or an insecticide active substance or compound intended for protecting plants, crops or seeds against fungal diseases or insect damages, but there is no disclosure that these compositions are useful for the control and/or treatment of root rot disease caused by the Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particular by Aphanomyces euteiches.

WO2012/045798A1 pesticide composition intended for protecting plants, crops or seeds against fungal diseases or insect damages, based on a tetrazolyl-oxime derivative and a thiazolyl-piperidine derivative, but there is no disclosure that these compositions are useful for the control and/or treatment of root rot disease caused by the Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particular by Aphanomyces euteiches.

It has now been surprisingly found a compound of formula (I) 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl A/-[6-[[[(Z)-[(1 -methyl-1 A7- tetrazol-5-yl)phenylmethylene]amino]oxy]methyl]-2-pyridinyl]carbamate (picarbutrazox) as disclosed in W02003/016303 is highly effective at controlling, preventing and/or for treatment of root rot disease caused by Oomycete plant pathogens. Particularly, it has been found that the compound of formula (I) is highly effective at controlling, preventing and/or for treatment of root rot disease caused by the Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particularly by Aphanomyces euteiches.

These highly effective compounds thus represent an important new solution for farmers to control or prevent Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) caused by caused by Oomycete plant pathogens. In particular, it has been found that these highly effective compounds thus represent an important new solution for farmers to control or prevent Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) caused by caused by Aphanomyces spp., especially by A. euteiches.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventing, limiting or controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes in plants, which comprises applying to a propagation material of said plant, a compound of formula (I) or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) as active ingredient. Particularly, there is provided a method for preventing, limiting or controlling root rot disease caused by Aphanomyces spp. plant pathogen in plants, which comprises applying to a propagation material of said plant, a compound of formula (I) or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) as active ingredient.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the picarbutrazox, compound of formula (I) has, for practical purposes, a very advantageous level of biological activity for protecting plants against diseases that are caused by Oomycetes. Particularly it has been found that the picarbutrazox, compound of formula (I) has, for practical purposes, a very advantageous level of biological activity for protecting plants against diseases that are caused by Aphanomyces spp. plant pathogen, particular Aphanomyces euteiches.

Controlling, limiting, or preventing and its inflections, within the context of the present invention, mean reducing any undesired effect, such as pathogenic, and especially phytopathogenic such as oomycetes, infestation or attack of, and pathogenic damage on plant propagation material to such a level that an improvement is demonstrated. The method according to the present invention has advantageous properties for protecting plant propagation material against Oomycetes plant pathogens. In particular, the method according to the present invention has advantageous properties for protecting plant propagation material against, Aphanomyces plant pathogen, particular Aphanomyces euteiches, attack or infestation, which result in a disease and damage to the plant propagation material; particularly in instance of plants, the present invention can control, limit or prevent pathogenic damage caused by Aphanomyces plant pathogen, particular Aphanomyces euteiches, on a seed, parts of plant and/or plant grown from the treated seed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an agrochemical composition comprising a fungicidally effective amount of the compound of formula (I) (picarbutrazox) according to the invention. Such an agricultural composition may further comprise at least one additional active ingredient and/or an agrochemically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling or preventing infestation of useful plants by Oomycete plant pathogens, wherein a fungicidally effective amount of compound of formula (I) (picarbutrazox) according to the invention, or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) (picarbutrazox), is applied to the plants, to parts thereof or the locus thereof, or to the seeds. Particularly, there is provided a method of controlling or preventing infestation of useful plants by Aphanomyces euteiches, wherein a fungicidally effective amount of compound of formula (I) (picarbutrazox) according to the invention, or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) (picarbutrazox), is applied to the plants, to parts thereof or the locus thereof, or to the seeds.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a plant propagation material treated with a compound of formula (I).

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a compound of formula (I) according to the invention for the control and/or treatment of Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particularly by Aphanomyces euteiches. Particularly for the control and /or treatment of root rot disease caused by the Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particularly by Aphanomyces euteiches. According to this particular aspect of the invention, the use may exclude methods for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy and diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term "controlling" refers to reducing the number of pests, eliminating pests and/or preventing further pest damage such that damage to a plant or to a plant derived product is reduced.

As used herein the term ’’combating”, “preventing” or “controlling”, and its inflections, within the context of the present invention, mean reducing any undesired effect, such as pathogenic and more particularly phytopathogenic, especially Aphanomyces spp, infestation or attack of, and pathogenic damage to a plant or to a plant derived product to such a level that an improvement is demonstrated. As used herein, the term "pest" refers to insects, and molluscs that are found in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, the storage of products of vegetable origin (such as fruit, grain, and timber); and those pests associated with the damage of man-made structures. The term pest encompasses all stages in the life cycle of the pest.

As used herein, the term “pulse” refers to the edible seed from a legume plant. Pulses are a type of leguminous crop that is harvested solely for dry seeds. Dried beans, lentils and peas are the most commonly known and consumed types of pulses. Pulses include beans, lentils, chickpeas and peas. For example, a pea pod is a legume, but the pea inside the pod is the pulse.

As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to the amount of the compound, or a salt thereof, which, upon single or multiple applications provides the desired effect.

An effective amount is readily determined by the skilled person in the art, using known techniques and by observing results obtained under analogous circumstances. In determining the effective amount, a number of factors are considered including, but not limited to the type of plant or derived product to be applied; the pest to be controlled and its lifecycle; the particular compound applied; the type of application; and other relevant circumstances.

As used herein, the term “room temperature” or “RT” or “rt” or “ambient temperature” refer to a temperature of about 15° C to about 35° C. For example, rt can refer to a temperature of about 20° C to about 30° C.

The term “locus” as used herein means fields in or on which plants are growing, or where seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or where seed will be placed into the soil. It includes soil, seeds, and seedlings, as well as established vegetation.

According to the present disclosure, "increased yield" of an agricultural plant means that the yield of a product of the respective plant is increased by a measurable amount over the yield of the same product of the plant produced under the same conditions, but without the application of the compound described herein.

As used herein, the term “plants” refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits.

As used herein, the term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of the plant, such as seeds, which can be used for the multiplication of the latter, and vegetative material, such as cuttings or tubers, for example potatoes. There can be mentioned for example seeds (in the strict sense), 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, may also be mentioned. These young plants can be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion. Preferably “plant propagation material” is understood to denote seeds.

As already indicated, surprisingly, it has now been found that the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention have, for practical purposes, a very advantageous level of biological activity for protecting plants against diseases that are caused by the Oomyctes plant pathogen in plants. Particular, it has now been found that the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention have, for practical purposes, a very advantageous level of biological activity for protecting plants against diseases that are caused by the Aphanomyces plant pathogen in plants, particular Aphanomyces euteiches.

The present inventors have unexpectedly found that the application of compound of formula(l) results in a significant enhancement in the crop plant health, crop yield as well as in the reduction of root rot infection caused by Oomycetes, specifically in legume crop plants. The improvement in crop health and reduction in root rot infection has been brought about by applying the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, thereby, controlling Oomyctes in legume crop plants. Particular, the present inventors have unexpectedly found that the application of the compound of formula(l) results in a significant enhancement in the crop plant health, crop yield as well as in the reduction of root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces spp., especially by Aphanomyces euteiches, specifically in legume crop plants. The improvement in crop health and reduction in root rot infection has been brought about by applying the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, thereby, controlling Aphanomyces spp., especially by Aphanomyces euteiches, in legume crop plants.

As used herein, the term “legume crop” can be used interchangeably with “legume plant”, “legume crop”, leguminous crops or “leguminous crop plant”.

Legume crop plants, also known as leguminous crops, are plants in the family Fabaceae (or Leguminosae). They are characterized by their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their root nodules. This nitrogen-fixing capability enriches the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Legumes are also known for their seed pods that split along both sides when ripe.

Legume crops are diverse and include both herbaceous plants and trees. They are cultivated for a variety of purposes, including human consumption, livestock feed, and soil improvement.

Legume crops are plants that produce seeds within a pod and have a unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria. They are an important component of agricultural systems due to their nutritional value and soil-enhancing properties.

Examples of leguminous crops are, but not limited to, beans (Phaseolus spp.), including but not limited to field bean, kidney bean, lima bean (dry), navy bean, pinto bean, and tepary bean; beans (Vigna spp.), including but not limited to adzuki bean, black-eyed pea, catjang, cowpea, crowder pea, moth bean, mung bean, rice bean, southern pea, urad bean; peas (Pisum sativum), including but not limited to garden peas, snap peas, and split peas; lentils (Lens culina s), including but not limited to various types like red, green, brown, and black lentils; chickpeas (Cicer a etinum), also known as garbanzo beans; and soybeans (Glycine max).

Examples of leguminous crops are, but not limited to, dried shelled peas and dried shelled beans.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compound of formula (I) is used for controlling Oomycetes plant pathogens. In one embodiment of the invention, the compound of formula (I) is used for controlling Aphanomyces spp.. Preferably the compound of formula (I) is used for controlling Aphanomyces euteiches.

In one embodiment, the target crop is leguminous crops (or legume crop plant).

In one embodiment, the target crop is leguminous crops selected from beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas or soybeans. In one embodiment, the target crop is lentils.

In one embodiment, the target crop is beans.

In one embodiment, the target crop is soybean.

In one embodiment, the target crop is peas.

In another embodiment, the target crop is leguminous crops selected from peas and lentils.

Oomycetes are known for their role as plant pathogens, causing various destructive diseases in agricultural and natural ecosystems, including root rot in numerous crop plants. The stem and root-rotting Oomycetes are a large group of related fungus-like plant pathogens, including the genera Phytophthora, Pythium and Aphanomyces, which cause significant plant losses and yield declines in a wide range of plants across all sectors of horticulture. The most relevant oomycete plant pathogens causing root rot, which have a significant economic impact are Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp., Phytophthora sojae, and Aphanomyces spp..

• Phytophthora spp. (Root Rot in Various Crops): Several species of Phytophthora, such as Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora cinnamomi, are known to cause root rot in a wide range of crops, including peppers, tomatoes, avocado, and many ornamental plants. The economic impact of Phytophthora-induced root rot includes reduced crop yields, plant mortality, and the cost of implementing control measures.

• Pythium spp. (Root Rot in Various Crops): Various species of Pythium are responsible for causing root rot in numerous crops, including lettuce, cucurbits, and ornamental plants. Pythium-induced root rot can lead to poor stand establishment, stunted growth, and reduced marketable yields, resulting in economic losses for growers.

• Phytophthora sojae (Soybean Root Rot): Phytophthora sojae is a significant pathogen affecting soybean crops, causing root rot and damping-off. This disease can lead to reduced soybean yields, impacting the economic viability of soybean production.

• Aphanomyces spp.-. Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases of legume crop plants, of which peas and lentils are the most susceptible pulse crops to infection. Aphanomyces root rot is caused by Aphanomyces euteiches, a highly specialized pathogen of legumes and pulses. Aphanomyces euteiches is a pathogen that causes root rot in legume crops, including peas and alfalfa. The disease can result in reduced forage and seed production, leading to economic losses for growers and the livestock industry.

In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are caused by Oomycete plant pathogens.

In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens. In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens in leguminous crops.

In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens in leguminous crops, wherein said leguminous crops are selected from beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas or soybeans.

In another preferred embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens in leguminous crops, wherein said leguminous crop is selected from peas and lentils.

In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens in lentils.

In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens in peas.

In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens in beans.

In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Oomycete plant pathogens in soybeans.

In one embodiment of the invention, the Oomycetes plant pathogen is selected from Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp., Phytophthora sojae, or Aphanomyces spp.. Preferably, the Oomycetes plant pathogen is selected from Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp., or Aphanomyces spp.. More preferably, the Oomycetes plant pathogen is selected from Pythium spp., or Aphanomyces spp. Even more preferably, the Oomycetes plant pathogen is selected from Aphanomyces spp..

In one embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are caused by Aphanomyces species.

In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces spp. Preferably the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches.

In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches in leguminous crops.

In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches in leguminous crops, wherein the leguminous crop is selected from lentils, peas, beans and soybeans.

In a preferred embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches in leguminous crops, wherein the leguminous crop is selected from lentils and peas.

In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces species in lentils, specifically Aphanomyces euteiches in lentils.

In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces species in peas, specifically Aphanomyces euteiches in peas. In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces species in beans, specifically Aphanomyces euteiches in beans.

In another embodiment, the target pathogen and disease are root rot caused by Aphanomyces species in soybeans, specifically Aphanomyces euteiches in soybeans.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, can be used to control fungal diseases from a secondary pathogen. Said secondary pathogen can be selected from Alternaria spp. including Altemaria alternata; Aphanomyces spp., including Aphanomyces euteiches f. sp. Pisi; Ascochyta spp., including Ascochyta pinodes, Ascochyta pisi; Botryosphaeria spp. including Botryotinia fuckeliana; Botrytis spp. including B. cinerea; Cercospora spp. including Cercospora kikuchi, Cercospora pisa-sativae, Cercospora sojina; Cladosporium spp., including Cladosporium cladosporioides f. sp. pisicoia, Cladosporium pisicoia; Cochliobolus spp., including Cochliobolus sativus; Colletotrichum spp. including Colletothchum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum pisi; Diaporthe spp. including Diaporthe longicolla, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae: Didymella pinodella; Elsinoe spp., including glycines; Erysiphe spp., including Erysiphe pisi; Fusarium spp., including Fusarium avanaceum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum. sp. pisi, Fusarium solani, Fusicladium pisicoia; Fusicladium spp., including Fusicladium pisicoia, Glomerella cingulata, Mycosphaerella spp. including Mycosphaerella pinodes; Oidium spp., Peronospora spp., including Peronospora viciae; Phakopsora pachyrhizi; Phytophthora sojae; Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotina spp. including Sclerotinia sclerotiorum; Septoria spp., including Septori pisi, Septoria glycines; Thanatephonis cucumeris, Thielaviopsis spp. including Thielaviopsis basicola (syn: Chalara elegans); and Uromyces fabae, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, can be used to control fungal diseases from a secondary pathogen, wherein said secondary pathogen can be selected from Alternaria alternata, Aphanomyces euteiches f. sp. pisi, Ascochyta pinodella, Ascochyta pinodes, Ascochyta pisi, Botryotinia fuckeliana, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora pisa-sativae, Chalara elegans, Cladosporium cladosporioides f. sp. pisicoia, Cladosporium pisicoia, Colletothchum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum pisi, Erysiphe pisi, Fusarium spp., Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum. sp. pisi, Fusarium solani, Fusicladium pisicoia, Glomerella cingulata, Mycosphaerella pinodes, Oidium sp., Peronospora spp., Peronospora viciae, Phoma pinodella, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Septoria pisi, Thanatephonis cucumeris, Thielaviopsis hasicola and Uromyces fabae, legumenous diseases: Cercospora kikuchii, Elsinoe glycines, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae, Fusarium spp., Peronospora spp., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Septoria glycines Cercospora sojina, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Cochliobolus sativus, Phomopsis longicolla (soybean,), Pythium spp., Phoma spp., Phytophthora sojae and Rhizoctonia solani, and combinations thereof

In another embodiment of the present invention, said the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, can be used to control fungal diseases from a secondary pathogen, wherein the secondary pathogen can be selected from Cercospora kikuchii, Elsinoe glycines, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae, Fusarium spp., Peronospora spp., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Septoria glycines Cercospora sojina, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Cochliobolus sativus, Phomopsis longicolla (soybean,), Pythium spp., Phoma spp., Phytophthora sojae and Rhizoctonia solani, and combinations thereof

In another embodiment of the present invention, the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, can be used to control fungal diseases from a secondary pathogen, wherein the secondary pathogen can be selected from Fusarium spp..

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, can be used to control fungal diseases from a secondary pathogen, wherein the secondary pathogen can be selected from Fusarium spp., in particular from Fusarium avanaceum and Fusarium solani.

Typically, the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising said compound, provide for the control or suppression of seed, seedling, and soil-borne diseases of cereal grains (barley, wheat, oat, rye and triticale), dried shelled pea and bean (dry pea, dry bean, lentil and chickpea) and soybean.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling diseases in leguminous crops, caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling diseases in legume crop plants, caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for control of root rot disease caused in legume crop plants, caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens in lentils and peas.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens in lentils.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens in peas.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens in beans.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens in soybeans.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling diseases in leguminous crops, caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces spp..

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling diseases in legume crop plants, caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches. In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for control of root rot disease caused in legume crop plants, caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused in legume crop plants by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches, wherein said in legume crop plant is selected from pulses.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused in legume crop plants by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches, wherein said in legume crop plant is selected from peas and lentils.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches in lentils.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches in peas.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches in beans.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches in soybeans.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of a compound of formula (I) for controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, in particular by Aphanomyces euteiches in peas and lentils.

The present invention demonstrated enhanced root rot control in crops, particularly legume crops, which resulted in increased yield.

The present invention demonstrated enhanced root rot control in legume crops, particular peas, which resulted in increased yield.

An improvement in the root rot control is defined in terms of the % reduction in root rot infection in crops caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens, wherein the % reduction in root rot infection is by at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least by 95% in seeds or crops treated with the compound of the present invention or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, compared to the root rot infection in untreated seeds or crops. Particular an improvement in the root rot control is defined in terms of the % reduction in root rot infection in crops caused by Aphanomyces spp., particular by Aphanomyces euteiches, wherein the % reduction in root rot infection is by at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, in seeds or crops treated with the compound of the present invention or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, compared to the root rot infection in untreated seeds or crops.

An improvement in the crop yield is defined in terms of an increase in crop yield by at least 0.5 %, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, upon application of the compound of the present invention or a composition comprising the compound of the present invention.

The compound of the present invention or a composition comprising said compound of the present invention, for use in the present methods, can be applied before or after infection of the useful plants or the propagation material thereof by the fungi and/or fungus-like pathogens

The method of the present disclosure also improves the existing disease control to an unexpectedly high degree and surprisingly improves the yield obtained. According to an embodiment, the method is for improving the health of a plant.

According to a further embodiment of the disclosure, by means of seed treatment the health of the plants that are growing from seed that has been treated with the compound of the present invention is improved.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term improved plant health is defined as the ability of the plant to maintain survival and its growth under stressed conditions, including the presence by phytopathogenic organisms. Accordingly, improved plant health is measured in terms of a significant reduction in root rot damage caused by Aphanomyces spp., specifically Aphanomyces euteiches, that indicate the health of the plant.

In the present invention, propagation material of a plant can be understood to denote all the generative parts of the plant, such as seeds, which can be used for the multiplication of the latter including vegetative plant material such as cuttings. There may be mentioned, as plant propagation material, seeds (in the strict sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, parts of plants. The plant propagation material can be treated with the active ingredient(s) of the invention before the material is sown or planted. Alternatively, the plant propagation material may be treated with the active ingredient(s) of the invention during sowing or planting. Additionally, the active ingredient(s) of the invention may be applied to the previously treated propagation material before or during its planting. The active ingredient(s) of the invention may be applied during the sowing of the seed. The active ingredient(s) may also be used to plant propagation material derived from plants grown in a greenhouse and/or during transplantation.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (I) is used for seed treatment of plants. In the treatment of seeds, the compound of the present invention is commonly applied by treating the seeds with an effective amount of the compound of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant propagation material is plant seeds. In a preferred embodiment, the plant propagation material can be seeds from legume crop plants, particularly beans, lentils, soybeans, and peas. In a more preferred embodiment, the plant propagation material can be seeds from legume crop plants, wherein the legume crop is selected from peas and lentils.

In one embodiment, the plant propagation material can be pea seeds.

In another embodiment, the plant propagation material can be bean seeds.

In another embodiment, the plant propagation material can be lentil seeds.

In another embodiment, the plant propagation material can be soybean seeds.

In another embodiment, the plant propagation material can be peas and lentil seeds.

The seed treatment can occur to an unsown seed, and the term "unsown seed" is meant to include seed at any period between the harvest of the seed and the sowing of the seed in the ground for the purpose of germination and growth of the plant. Treatment to an unsown seed is not meant to include those practices in which the pesticide is applied to the soil but would include any application practice that would target the seed during the sowing/planting process.

The treated plant propagation material of the present invention can be treated in the same manner as conventional plant propagation material. The treated propagation material can be stored, handled, sown and tilled in the same manner as any other pesticide treated material.

In one embodiment, the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention is used for seed treatment of plants. In the treatment of seeds, the present formulations are commonly applied by treating the seeds with an effective amount of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In the treatment of plant propagation material, particularly seeds, the application rates of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention based on application rates are generally in the range of 0.005 to 20 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 1 to 15 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 1 to 12.5 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 1 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material; preferably, in the range of 2.5 to 12.5 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 5 to 12.5 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 7.5 to 12.5 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material; more preferably in the range of 2.5 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 5 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 7.5 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the application rates of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention based on application rates are generally in the range of 2.5 to 12.5 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material, of 5 to 12.5 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 7.5 to 12.5 g a.i./100 kg of plant propagation material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the application rates of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention based on application rates are generally in the range of, in the range of 2.5 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 5 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material, in the range of 7.5 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material. The term “g a.i./100 kg plant propagation material” as used herein refer to the application rate given in gram [g] of active ingredient [a.i.] per 100 kg of plant propagation material. The plant propagation material may preferably be plant seeds.

In one embodiment, the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention may be applied as per known methods of application to seeds and other plant propagation material or transplanted saplings.

It is one more object to provide a compound which provides for the inhibition of root rot diseases caused by Aphanomyces spp. accompanied with an improvement in the growth parameters and yield of crop plants, preferably legume crops.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use, e.g., as active ingredients for controlling plant pests or on non-living materials for the control of spoilage microorganisms or organisms potentially harmful to man. The novel compounds are distinguished by excellent activity at low rates of application, by being well tolerated by plants and by being environmentally safe. They have very useful curative, preventive and systemic properties and can be used for protecting numerous cultivated plants. The compounds of formula (I) can be used to inhibit or destroy the pests that occur on plants or parts of plants (fruit, blossoms, leaves, stems, tubers, roots) of different crops of useful plants, while at the same time protecting also those parts of the plants that grow later, e.g., from phytopathogenic microorganisms.

The present invention further relates to a method for controlling or preventing infestation of plants or plant propagation material and/or harvested food crops susceptible to microbial attack by treating plants or plant propagation material and/or harvested food crops wherein an effective amount a compound of formula (I) according to the invention is applied to the plants, to parts thereof or the locus thereof.

It is also possible to use a compound of formula (I) according to the invention as a fungicide. The term “fungicide” as used herein means a compound that controls, modifies, or prevents the growth of fungi. The term “fungicidally effective amount” where used means the quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds that is capable of producing an effect on the growth of fungi. Controlling or modifying effects include all deviation from natural development, such as killing, retardation and the like, and prevention includes barrier or other defensive formation in or on a plant to prevent fungal infection.

It may also be possible to use compounds of formula (I) according to the invention as dressing agents for the treatment of plant propagation material, e.g., seed, such as fruits, tubers or grains, or plant cuttings, for the protection against fungal infections as well as against phytopathogenic fungi occurring in the soil. The propagation material can be treated with a compound of formula (I), or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) before planting: seed, for example, can be dressed before being sown. The active compounds of formula (I) can also be applied to grains (coating), either by impregnating the seeds in a liquid formulation or by coating them with a solid formulation. The compound of formula (I), or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) can also be applied to the planting site when the propagation material is being planted, for example, to the seed furrow during sowing. The invention relates also to such methods of treating plant propagation material and to the plant propagation material so treated. Another aspect of the invention is related to the use of a compound of formula (I) according to the invention, or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) as defined herein, or of a fungicidal or insecticidal mixture comprising the compound of formula (I) as defined herein, in admixture with other fungicides or insecticides as described above, for controlling or preventing infestation of plants, e.g., useful plants such as crop plants, propagation material thereof, e.g., seeds, harvested crops, e.g., harvested food crops, or non-living materials by insects, or by phytopathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungal organisms.

A further aspect of invention is related to a method of controlling or preventing an infestation of plants, e.g., useful plants such as crop plants, propagation material thereof, e.g., seeds, harvested crops, e.g., harvested food crops, or of non-living materials by phytopathogenic or spoilage microorganisms or organisms potentially harmful to man, especially fungal organisms, which comprises the application of a compound of formula (I) according to the invention or of a preferred individual compound as defined herein as active ingredient to the plants, to parts of the plants or to the locus thereof, to the propagation material thereof, or to any part of the non-living materials.

Controlling or preventing means reducing infestation by insects, or by phytopathogenic or spoilage microorganisms, or organisms potentially harmful to man, especially fungal organisms, to such a level that an improvement is demonstrated.

A preferred method of controlling or preventing an infestation of crop plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, especially fungal organisms, or insects which comprises the application of a compound of formula (I) according to the invention, or an agrochemical composition which contains said compound of formula (I), is foliar application. The frequency of application and the rate of application will depend on the risk of infestation by the corresponding pathogen or insect. However, the compounds of formula (I) according to the invention can also penetrate the plant through the roots via the soil (systemic action) by drenching the locus of the plant with a liquid formulation, or by applying the compounds in solid form to the soil, e.g., in granular form (soil application). In crops of water rice such granulates can be applied to the flooded rice field. The compounds of formula (I) may also be applied to seeds (coating) by impregnating the seeds or tubers either with a liquid formulation of the fungicide or coating them with a solid formulation.

A formulation, e.g., a composition containing the compound of formula (I) according to the invention and, if desired, a solid or liquid adjuvant or monomers for encapsulating the compound of formula (I), may be prepared in a known manner, typically by intimately mixing and/or grinding the compound with extenders, for example solvents, solid carriers and, optionally, surface active compounds (surfactants).

Suitably, a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention is applied either preventative, meaning prior to disease development or curative, meaning after disease development, or a composition comprising said compound of formula (I) according to the present invention is applied either preventative, meaning prior to disease development or curative, meaning after disease development.

The present inventors have unexpectedly found that the application of the compound of the present invention results in significant enhancement in the crop plant health, crop yield as well as in the reduction of root rot infection caused by Oomycetes plant pathogens and other phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, specifically in legume crop plants. Particularly the present inventors have unexpectedly found that the application of the compound of the present invention results in a significant enhancement in the crop plant health, crop yield as well as in the reduction of root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces and other phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, specifically in legume crop plants.

The improvement in crop health and reduction in root rot infection has been brought about by applying the compound of the present invention thereby, controlling phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, particularly Oomycetes plant pathogens in legume crop plants and beet plants. Particularly the improvement in crop health and reduction in root rot infection has been brought about by applying the compound of the present invention thereby, controlling phytopathogenic fungi and fungus-like pathogens, particularly Aphanomyces spp., in legume crop plants.

It was observed and defined by the present inventors in terms of plant growth parameters that the application of the compound of the present invention resulted in the reduction of root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces and helped in the maintenance of plant health, thus proving the efficient and the broad-spectrum fungicidal use of the compound of the present invention against phytopathogenic fungi and fungus- like pathogens. Thus, the present invention confers an improved and efficient treatment to solve challenges encountered in cultivating leguminous crops and beet plants.

The compounds according to the invention can be used as pesticidal agents in unmodified form, but they are generally formulated into compositions in various ways using formulation adjuvants, such as carriers, solvents and surface-active substances. The formulations can be in various physical forms, e.g. in the form of dusting powders, gels, wettable powders, water-dispersible granules, water-dispersible tablets, effervescent pellets, emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, oil-flowables, aqueous dispersions, oily dispersions, suspo-emulsions, capsule suspensions, flowable concentrates for seed treatment, emulsifiable granules, soluble liquids, water-soluble concentrates (with water or a water-miscible organic solvent as carrier), impregnated polymer films or in other forms known e.g. from the Manual on Development and Use of FAO and WHO Specifications for Pesticides, United Nations, First Edition, Second Revision (2010). Such formulations can either be used directly or diluted prior to use. The dilutions can be made, for example, with water, liquid fertilizers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oil or solvents.

The formulations can be prepared e.g., by mixing the active ingredient (the compound of the present invention) with the formulation adjuvants in order to obtain compositions in the form of finely divided solids, granules, solutions, dispersions or emulsions. The active ingredients can also be formulated with other adjuvants, such as finely divided solids, mineral oils, oils of vegetable or animal origin, modified oils of vegetable or animal origin, organic solvents, water, surface-active substances, or combinations thereof.

The active ingredients can also be contained in very fine microcapsules. Microcapsules contain the active ingredients in a porous carrier. This enables the active ingredients to be released into the environment in controlled amounts (e.g., slow-release). Microcapsules usually have a diameter of from 0.1 to 500 microns. They contain active ingredients in an amount of about from 25 to 95 % by weight of the capsule weight. The active ingredients can be in the form of a monolithic solid, in the form of fine particles in solid or liquid dispersion or in the form of a suitable solution. The encapsulating membranes can comprise, for example, natural or synthetic rubbers, cellulose, styrene/butadiene copolymers, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polyesters, polyamides, polyureas, polyurethane or chemically modified polymers and starch xanthates or other polymers that are known to the person skilled in the art. Alternatively, very fine microcapsules can be formed in which the active ingredient is contained in the form of finely divided particles in a solid matrix of base substance, but the microcapsules are not themselves encapsulated.

The formulation adjuvants that are suitable for the preparation of compositions are known per se. As liquid carriers there may be used: water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1 ,2- dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, A/,A/-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1 ,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1 ,1 ,1 - trichloroethane, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and alcohols of higher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N- methyl-2-pyrrolidone and the like.

Suitable solid carriers are, for example, talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed husks, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin, and similar substances.

A large number of surface-active substances can advantageously be used in both solid and liquid formulations, especially in those formulations which can be diluted with a carrier prior to use. Surface-active substances may be anionic, cationic, non-ionic, or polymeric and they can be used as emulsifiers, wetting agents or suspending agents or for other purposes. Typical surface-active substances include, for example, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; salts of alkylarylsulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol/alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate; alcohol/alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecylalcohol ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and di-alkylphosphate esters; and also further substances described e.g. in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood New Jersey (1981 ).

Further adjuvants that can be used in pesticidal formulations include crystallisation inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, suspending agents, dyes, anti-oxidants, foaming agents, light absorbers, mixing auxiliaries, antifoams, complexing agents, neutralising or pH-modifying substances and buffers, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, wetting agents, take-up enhancers, micronutrients, plasticisers, glidants, lubricants, dispersants, thickeners, antifreezes, microbicides, and liquid and solid fertilisers.

A composition comprising the compound of the present invention can include an additive comprising an oil of vegetable or animal origin, a mineral oil, alkyl esters of such oils or mixtures of such oils and oil derivatives. The amount of oil additive in the composition comprising the compound of the present invention is generally from 0.01 to 10 %, based on the mixture to be applied. For example, the oil additive can be added to a spray tank in the desired concentration after a spray mixture has been prepared. Preferred oil additives comprise mineral oils or oils of vegetable origin, for example rapeseed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil, emulsified vegetable oil, alkyl esters of oils of vegetable origin, for example the methyl derivatives, or an oil of animal origin, such as fish oil or beef tallow. Preferred oil additives comprise alkyl esters of C8-C22 fatty acids, especially the methyl derivatives of C12-C18 fatty acids, for example the methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid (methyl laurate, methyl palmitate and methyl oleate, respectively). Many oil derivatives are known from the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 10^th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2010.

These compositions generally comprise from 1 to 99.9 % by weight of a formulation adjuvant which preferably includes from 0 to 25 % by weight of a surface-active substance. Whereas commercial products may preferably be formulated as concentrates, the end user will normally employ dilute formulations.

Accordingly, the active ingredient(s) of the invention, and the composition(s) comprising the active ingredient(s), can preferably adhere to the propagation material, such as a seed.

Although it is believed that the present method can be applied to a seed in any physiological state, it is preferred that the seed be in a sufficiently durable state that it incurs no damage during the treatment process. Typically, the seed would be a seed that had been harvested from the field; removed from the plant; and separated from any cob, stalk, outer husk, and surrounding pulp or other non-seed plant material. The seed would preferably also be biologically stable to the extent that the treatment would cause no biological damage to the seed. It is believed that the treatment can be applied to the seed at any time between harvesting the seed and sowing of the seed or during the sowing process (seed directed applications).

The compound according to the present invention can be applied to seeds using conventional treating techniques and machines, such as fluidized bed techniques, the roller mill method, rotostatic seed treaters, and drum coaters. Other methods, such as spouted beds may also be useful. The seeds may be pre-sized before coating. After coating, the seeds are typically dried and then transferred to a sizing machine for sizing. Such procedures are known in the art and are set out in more detail below.

A composition used in the method according to the present invention can be called a dressing composition, which relates to a liquid composition useful for covering and/or wetting a plant propagation material, and more preferably a seed, at least in part or in totality.

The compound according to the present invention, and compositions comprising said compound is particularly suited for dressing applications on plant propagation material, especially on seeds. The techniques of seed treatment application are well known to those skilled in the art, and they may be used readily in the context of the present invention. The compound according to the present invention, or a composition comprising said compound is applied to the seed as slurry or a soak. There also may be mentioned, e.g., film coating or encapsulation. The coating processes are well known in the art, and employ, for seeds, the techniques of film coating or encapsulation, or for the other multiplication products, the techniques of immersion.

One method of applying the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising the compound according to the invention consists in spraying or wetting the plant propagation material with the aqueous liquid preparation, or mixing the plant material with such liquid preparation. Also, before the application, the compound of the present invention, or a composition comprising the compound according to the invention may be diluted with water by simple mixing at ambient temperature in order to prepare an on-farm seed treatment formulation.

Typically, a tank-mix formulation for seed treatment application comprises 0.25 % to 80 % by weight, especially 1 to 75 % by weight, of active ingredient(s), and 99.75 % to 20 % by weight, especially 99 % to 25 % by weight, of a solid or liquid auxiliary (including, for example, a solvent such as water), where the auxiliaries can be a surfactant in an amount of 0 to 40 % by weight, especially 0.5 to 30 % by weight, based on the total weight of the tank-mix formulation.

Typically, a pre-mix formulation for seed treatment application comprises 0.5 to 99.9 % by weight, especially 1 to 95 % by weight, of active ingredient(s), and 99.5 to 0.1 % by weight, especially 99 to 5 % by weight, of a solid or liquid adjuvant (including, for example, a solvent such as water), where the auxiliaries can be a surfactant in an amount of 0 to 50 % by weight, especially 0.5 to 40 % by weight, based on the total weight of the pre-mix formulation.

Whereas commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates (e.g., pre-mix composition (formulation)), the end user will normally employ dilute formulations (e.g., tank mix composition).

Preferred formulations can have the following compositions (weight %):

Emulsifiable concentrates: active ingredient: 1 to 95 %, preferably 60 to 90 % surface-active agent: 1 to 30 %, preferably 5 to 20 % liquid carrier: 1 to 80 %, preferably 1 to 35 % Dusts: active ingredient: 0.1 to 10 %, preferably 0.1 to 5 % solid carrier: 99.9 to 90 %, preferably 99.9 to 99 %

Suspension concentrates: active ingredient: 5 to 75 %, preferably 10 to 50 % water: 94 to 24 %, preferably 88 to 30 % surface-active agent: 1 to 40 %, preferably 2 to 30 %

Wettable powders: active ingredient: 0.5 to 90 %, preferably 1 to 80 % surface-active agent: 0.5 to 20 %, preferably 1 to 15 % solid carrier: 5 to 95 %, preferably 15 to 90 %

Granules: active ingredient: 0.1 to 30 %, preferably 0.1 to 15 % solid carrier: 99.5 to 70 %, preferably 97 to 85 %

Flowable concentrates for seed treatment: active ingredient: 1 to 75 %, preferably 10 to 50 % water: 98 to 24 %, preferably 88 to 30 % surface-active agent: 1 to 30 %, preferably 2 to 20 %

Soluble concentrate: active ingredient: 1 to 95 %, preferably 10 to 80 % liquid carrier: 5 to 99 %, preferably 20 to 90 %

FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Wettable powders a) b) c) active ingredients 25 % 50 % 75 % sodium lignosulfonate 5 % 5 % - sodium lauryl sulfate 3 % - 5 % sodium diisobutylnaphthalenesulfonate 6 % 10 % phenol polyethylene glycol ether (7-8 mol of ethylene oxide) 2 % highly dispersed silicic acid 5 % 10 % 10 %

Kaolin 62 % 27 % -

The combination is thoroughly mixed with the adjuvants, and the mixture is thoroughly ground in a suitable mill, affording wettable powders that can be diluted with water to give suspensions of the desired concentration.

Powders for drv seed treatment a) b) c) active ingredients 25 % 50 % 75 % light mineral oil 5 % 5 % 5 % highly dispersed silicic acid 5 % 5 %

Kaolin 65 % 40 %

Talcum 20 %

The combination is thoroughly mixed with the adjuvants, and the mixture is thoroughly ground in a suitable mill, affording powders that can be used directly for seed treatment.

Emulsifiable concentrate active ingredients 10 % octylphenol polyethylene glycol ether (4-5 mol of ethylene oxide) 3 % calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate 3 % castor oil polyglycol ether (35 mol of ethylene oxide) 4 %

Cyclohexanone 30 % xylene mixture 50 %

Emulsions of any reguired dilution, which can be used in plant protection, can be obtained from this concentrate by dilution with water.

Dusts a) b) c)

Active ingredients 5 % 6 % 4 %

Talcum 95 % -

Kaolin 94 % - mineral filler 96 %

Ready-for-use dust is obtained by mixing the combination with the carrier and grinding the mixture in a suitable mill. Such dust can also be used for dry dressings for seed.

Extruder granules

Active ingredients 15 % sodium lignosulfonate 2 % carboxymethylcellulose 1 %

Kaolin 82 %

The combination is mixed and ground with the adjuvants, and the mixture is moistened with water. The mixture is extruded and then dried in a stream of air.

Coated granules

Active ingredients 8% polyethylene glycol (mol. wt. 200) 3 %

Kaolin 89 %

The finely ground combination is uniformly applied, in a mixer, to the kaolin moistened with polyethylene glycol. Non-dusty coated granules are obtained in this manner.

Suspension concentrates active ingredients 40 % propylene glycol 10 % nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether (15 mol of ethylene oxide) 6 %

Sodium lignosulfonate 10 % carboxymethylcellulose 1 % silicone oil (in the form of a 75 % emulsion in water) 1 %

Water 32 %

The finely ground combination is intimately mixed with the adjuvants, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution can be obtained by dilution with water. Using such dilutions, living plants as well as plant propagation material can be treated and protected against infestation by microorganisms, by spraying, pouring or immersion.

Flowable concentrate for seed treatment active ingredients 40 % propylene glycol 5 % copolymer butanol PO/EO 2 %

Tristyrenephenole with 10-20 moles EO 2 %

1 ,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (in the form of a 20% solution in water) 0.5 % monoazo-pigment calcium salt 5 %

Silicone oil (in the form of a 75 % emulsion in water) 0.2 %

Water 45.3 %

The finely ground combination is intimately mixed with the adjuvants, giving a flowable concentrate from which solutions of any desired dilution can be obtained by dilution with water, that can be used directly for seed treatment. Using such dilutions, living plants as well as plant propagation material can be treated and protected against infestation by microorganisms, by spraying, pouring or immersion.

Slow-Release Capsule Suspension

28 parts of the combination are mixed with 2 parts of an aromatic solvent and 7 parts of toluene diisocyanate/polymethylene-polyphenylisocyanate-mixture (8:1). This mixture is emulsified in a mixture of 1 .2 parts of polyvinylalcohol, 0.05 parts of a defoamer and 51.6 parts of water until the desired particle size is achieved. To this emulsion a mixture of 2.8 parts 1 ,6-diaminohexane in 5.3 parts of water is added. The mixture is agitated until the polymerization reaction is completed. The capsule suspension obtained is stabilized by adding 0.25 parts of a thickener and 3 parts of a dispersing agent. The capsule suspension formulation contains 28% of the active ingredients. The medium capsule diameter is 8-15 microns. The resulting formulation is applied to seeds as an aqueous suspension in an apparatus suitable for that purpose.

Formulation types include an emulsion concentrate (EC), a suspension concentrate (SC), a suspo-emulsion (SE), a capsule suspension (CS), a water dispersible granule (WG), an emulsifiable granule (EG), an emulsion, water in oil (EO), an emulsion, oil in water (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil dispersion (OD), an oil miscible flowable (OF), an oil miscible liquid (OL), a soluble concentrate (SL), an ultra-low volume suspension (SU), an ultra-low volume liquid (UL), a technical concentrate (TK), a dispersible concentrate (DC), a wettable powder (WP), a soluble granule (SG) or any technically feasible formulation in combination with agriculturally acceptable adjuvants.

Another object of the present invention is a use of the active ingredient(s) as described above, as seed treatment, to control, limit or prevent an infestation of a plant, more particularly selected among legume crops, by Oomycetes plant pathogens. The expression legume crops, and Oomycetes plant pathogens, as well as the application rates are those as defined in the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is a use of said pesticidal combination, against Oomycetes plant pathogens, such as those defined in the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is a method of controlling, limiting, or preventing an infestation of a plant, which comprises applying to a growing locus of said plant, said pesticidal combination, preferably against Oomycetes plant pathogens, such as those defined in the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is a use of the active ingredient(s) as described above, as seed treatment, to control, limit or prevent an infestation of a plant, more particularly selected among legume crops, by Aphanomyces, particular Aphanomyces euteiches. The expression legume crops, and Aphanomyces, as well as the application rates are those as defined in the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is a plant propagation material, such as for example a seed, treated with a picarbutrazox.

Another object of the present invention is a plant propagation material, such as for example a seed, treated with a picarbutrazox, optionally together with one or more customary formulation adjuvants.

Another object of the present invention is a plant propagation material, such for example a seed, treated with a pesticidal composition comprising picarbutrazox.

Another object of the present invention is a use of said pesticidal combination, against Aphanomyces, and more preferably against Aphanomyces euteiches, such as those defined in the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is a method of controlling, limiting, or preventing an infestation of a plant, which comprises applying to a growing locus of said plant, said pesticidal combination, preferably against Aphanomyces, and more preferably against Aphanomyces euteiches, such as those defined in the present invention.

In the present invention, the term “locus” as used herein means fields in or on which plants are growing, or where seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or where seed will be placed into the soil. It includes soil, seeds, and seedlings, as well as established vegetation.

EXAMPLES

The invention will be illustrated with reference to the following examples. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of picarbutrazox as seed treatment solutions, against Aphanomyces, especially Oomycetes plant pathogen on legume crop plants. Particularly the objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of picarbutrazox as seed treatment solutions, against Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches on legumes crop plants.

Trials were conducted to test the effects of present composition in treated and untreated pea crops against Aphanomyces infection at different locations.

Trials were conducted to test the effects of present composition in treated and untreated lentil crops against Aphanomyces infection at different locations.

INTEGO® Solo (or IntegoOSolo) is a seed treatment that controls Pythium in all labelled crops, Phytophthora in soybeans, and suppresses Aphanomyces root rot in field peas and lentils. The active ingredient of INTEGO® Solo is ethaboxam (CAS REG No: 162650-77-3). A SC383 formulation of INTEGO® Solo was used in the trials (this corresponds to 383 g/L ethaboxam)

Observed results: For the trials, wherein the pea crop was subjected to Aphanomyces euteiches infection, the results have been observed in terms of % root rot damage, at an interval of e.g. 25 to 29 DAS (i.e., 29 days after sowing), or e.g. 33 DAS, or e.g. 34 DAS.

“DAS” (Days after sowing or seeding) means the time after the seeds were placed in the respective growth condition.

For assessing root severity % infected root area was primarily assessed. The root was looked for honey brown discoloration along with epicotyl discoloration and pinching on the roots, poor lateral root growth and minimal root hairs and rated the severity of the disease on a 0-100% scale, considering the whole root area as 100%.

Efficacy was calculated as follows: (Inoculated check-treatment)/inoculated check))x100

Preparation of Aphanomyces euteiches plate slurry: Aphanomyces inoculum grown and provided in the form on infested Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) lab petri plates. Blend Aphanomyces infected plates (2 infested PDA plates per row crop) in a small blender with 1 .5 L of distilled water to form a slurry. Mix this slurry with 15 L of potting soil and spread along the furrow in the field, on top of the seed. Cover soil/slurry mix with additional potting soil and firmly pack to close the row.

Example 1 : Treatment of pea seed subjected to Aphanomyces euteiches infection with picarbutrazox

Experimental design: Trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of picarbutrazox in treated and untreated pea crops against Aphanomyces euteiches infection with rate range from 2.5 to 10 g a. I. /100 kg seeds. Trials were set up with a RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) in four different locations on raised beds with sterilized soil to avoid any infection with other soil borne pathogens. Four (4) replications, with each replication represented by 30 hand planted seeds in a 1 .2 m long row, for a total of 120 seeds per trial. Prior to row closure, plots were inoculated with an Aphanomyces euteiches plate slurry, leaving a non-inoculated check. No chemical phytotoxicity was observed from the seed treatments. The efficacy of the treatment was measured by assessing said roots of the 120 seedlings per trial, by looking for honey brown discoloration along with epicotyl discoloration and pinching on the roots, poor lateral root growth and minimal root hairs and rated the severity of the disease on a 0-100% scale, considering the whole root area as 100%, compared to the untreated crop (inoculated check). The root rot severity in percent [%] is shown as average over all 4 replications.

Table 1 : Results from pea-Trail 1 These data show that picarbutrazox has significantly reduced the infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, in pea seeds as compared to the untreated check (untreated pea seeds).

Around 75% efficacy at a rate of 5 g a.i./100 kg seed and 87.5 % efficacy at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to 81 .3 % efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i ,/100 kg seed was observed with picarbutrazox as compared to untreated pea crop for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces especially Aphanomyces euteiches, fungus. Such picarbutrazox provides better control for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of peas compared to Intego Solo, 87.5 % versus 81 .3 % efficacy at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed.

Table 2: Results from pea-Trail 2

These data show that picarbutrazox has significantly reduced the infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, in pea seeds as compared to the untreated check (untreated pea seeds).

Around 46.7 % efficacy at a rate of 5 g a.i./100 kg seed and 59.1 % efficacy at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to 29.6 % efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed was observed with picarbutrazox as compared to untreated pea crop for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, fungus. Such picarbutrazox provides better control for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of peas compared to Intego Solo, 59.1 % versus 29.6 % efficacy at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed.

Table 3: Results from pea-Trail 3

Around 55.4 % efficacy at a rate of 2.5 g a.i./100 kg seed and 57.2 % efficacy at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to 47 % efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed was observed with picarbutrazox as compared to untreated pea crop for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, fungus. Such picarbutrazox provides better control for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of peas compared to Intego Solo, 57.2 % versus 46.9 % efficacy at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed.

Table 4: Results from pea-Trail 4

These data show that picarbutrazox has significantly reduced the infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, in pea seeds as compared to the untreated check (untreated pea seeds). Evaluating root rot severity, picarbutrazox resulted in efficacy of 76.5% at a rate of 5 g a.i./100 kg seed and 88.6% efficacy at a rate of 10 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to 88.5% efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed. In this study, picarbutrazox provided similar control for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of peas compared to IntegoOSolo.

Table 5: Results from pea-Trail 5

Evaluating root rot severity, picarbutrazox resulted in efficacy of 51 .3% at a rate of 2.5 g a.i./100 kg, 38.2% at a rate of 5 g a.i./100 kg seed and around 54% efficacy at a rate of 10 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to 54.2% efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed. In this study, picarbutrazox provided similar control at a rate of 2.5 or 10 g a.i./100kg for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of peas compared to IntegoOSolo applied at 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed.

Above data (Tables 1 to 5) shows that PCBX has significantly reduced the infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus especially Aphanomyces euteiches, in peas as compared to the untreated check (untreated pea seeds).

An improved efficacy was observed with PCBX as compared to untreated pea crop for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus especially Aphanomyces euteiches, under variable disease pressure conditions and was better than the only commercial standard (IntegoOSolo) available in the market for Aphanomyces control in most of the trials.

Example 2: Treatment of lentil seed subjected to Aphanomyces euteiches infection with picarbutrazox

Experimental design: Trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of picarbutrazox in treated and untreated lentil crops against Aphanomyces euteiches infection with rate range from 2.5 to 10 g a. I. /100 kg seeds. Trials were set up with a RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) in three different locations on raised beds with sterilized soil to avoid any infection with other soil borne pathogens. Four (4) replications, with each replication represented by 30 hand planted seeds in a 1 .2 m long row, for a total of 120 seeds per trial. Prior to row closure, plots were inoculated with an Aphanomyces euteiches plate slurry, leaving a non-inoculated check. No chemical phytotoxicity was observed from the seed treatments. The efficacy of the treatment was measured by assessing said roots of the 120 seedlings per trial, by looking for honey brown discoloration along with epicotyl discoloration and pinching on the roots, poor lateral root growth and minimal root hairs and rated the severity of the disease on a 0-100% scale, considering the whole root area as 100%, compared to the untreated crop (inoculated check). The root rot severity in percent [%] is shown as average over all 4 replications.

Table 6: Results from lentil-Trial 1

These data show that picarbutrazox has significantly reduced the infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, in lentil seeds as compared to the untreated check (untreated lentil seeds).

Evaluating root rot severity, picarbutrazox resulted in efficacy around 66 % at a rate of 2.5 g a.i./100 kg, 86.3% at a rate of 5 g a.i./100 kg seed and 97.9% efficacy at a rate of 10 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to 82.2 % efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed. In this study, picarbutrazox applied at 5 or 10 g a.i./100 kg provided greater control for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of lentils compared to IntegoOSolo.

Table 7: Results from lentil-Trial 2 These data show that picarbutrazox has significantly reduced the infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, in lentil seeds as compared to the untreated check (untreated lentil seeds).

Evaluating root rot severity, picarbutrazox resulted in efficacy around 56 % at a rate of 5 g a.i./100 kg seed and 73.3% efficacy at a rate of 10 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to 49 % efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed. In this study, picarbutrazox provided significantly greater control for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of lentils compared to IntegoOSolo.

Table 8: Results from lentil-Trial 3

Evaluating root rot severity, picarbutrazox resulted in efficacy of 47.7 % at a rate of 2.5 g a.i./100 kg seed, 38.5 % at a rate of 5 g a.i./100 kg seed and around 43 % efficacy at a rate of 10 g a.i./100 kg seed, compared to

44.1 % efficacy of IntegoOSolo at a rate of 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed. In this study, picarbutrazox at a rate of 2.5 g a.i./100 kg provided greater control for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, of lentils compared to IntegoOSolo 7.5 g a.i./100 kg seed.

Above data (Tables 6 to 8) show that PCBX has significantly reduced the infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, in lentils as compared to the untreated check (untreated lentil seeds).

An improved efficacy was observed with PCBX as compared to untreated lentil crop for root rot infection caused by Aphanomyces fungus, especially Aphanomyces euteiches, under variable disease pressure conditions and was better than the only commercial standard (IntegoOSolo) available in the market for Aphanomyces control in most of the trials.

Claims

1 . A method for preventing, limiting or controlling root rot disease caused by Oomycetes plant pathogen in plants, which comprises applying to a propagation material of said plant, a compound of formula (I) or a pesticidal composition comprising said compound of formula (I) as active ingredient.

The method according to claim 1 , wherein the Oomycetes plant pathogen is selected from

Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp., Phytophthora sojae, or Aphanomyces spp..

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the Oomycetes plant pathogen is selected from Aphanomyces spp..

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the Aphanomyces spp. plant pathogen is selected from Aphanomyces euteiches.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plant is selected from legume crop plants.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the legume crop plant is selected from peas, beans, lentils, and soybean.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the legume crop plant is selected from peas.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the legume crop plant is selected from beans.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the legume crop plant is selected from lentils.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the legume crop plant is selected from soybeans.

11 . The method according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the compound of formula (I) is applied at an application rate of 2.5 to 10 g a.i./100kg of plant propagation material.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the compound of formula (I) is to control fungal diseases from a secondary pathogen, wherein said secondary pathogen can be selected from Altemaria spp. including Altemaria alternata; Aphanomyces spp., including Aphanomyces euteiches f. sp. Pisi; Ascochyta spp., including Ascochyta pinodes, Ascochyta pisi; Botryosphaeria spp. including Botryotinia fuckeliana; Botrytis spp. including B. cinerea; Cercospora spp. including Cercospora kikuchi, Cercospora pisa-sativae, Cercospora sojina; Cladosporium spp., including Cladosporium cladosporioides f. sp. pisicoia, Cladosporium pisicoia; Cochliobolus spp., including Cochliobolus sativus; Colletotrichum spp. including Colletothchum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum pisi; Diaporthe spp. including Diaporthe longicolla, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae: Didymella pinodella; Elsinoe spp., including glycines; Erysiphe spp., including Erysiphe pisi; Fusarium spp., including Fusarium avanaceum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum. sp. pisi, Fusarium solani, Fusicladium pisicoia; Fusicladium spp., including Fusicladium pisicoia, Glomerella cingulata, Mycosphaerella spp. including Mycosphaerella pinodes; Oidium spp., Peronospora spp., including Peronospora viciae; Phakopsora pachyrhizi; Phytophthora sojae; Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotina spp. including Sclerotinia sclerotiorum; Septoria spp., including Septori pisi, Septoria glycines; Thanatephonis cucumeris, Thielaviopsis spp. including Thielaviopsis basicola (syn: Chalara elegans); and Uromyces fabae, and combinations thereof.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the secondary pathogen is selected from Fusarium spp..

14. A plant propagation material treated with a compound according to formula (I)

15. Use of a compound of formula (I) for control of root rot disease caused by Aphanomyces euteiches.