WO2025248563A1

WO2025248563A1 - Novel herbicidal composition

Info

Publication number: WO2025248563A1
Application number: PCT/IN2025/050815
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajiv Rathod
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-05-30
Filing date: 2025-05-30
Publication date: 2025-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-30

Abstract

The invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising Saflufenacil or salts thereof in a range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w; Propaquizafop or salts thereof in a range of 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The composition further optionally includes glyphosate or salts thereof in a range of 0.1% w/w to 55% w/w. The invention further relates to a process of preparing the herbicidal composition and to a method of controlling unwanted plants or weeds, crop protection or improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the herbicidal composition.

Description

NOVEL HERBICIDAL COMPOSITION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, an effective amount of Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. More particularly, the invention relates to a herbicidal composition comprising: Saflufenacil agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the concentration range of 5% to 99.8% w/w of the total composition. The composition optionally includes Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition. The herbicidal composition has particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

The invention further relates to the process of preparing the herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, an effective amount of Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; optionally an effective amount of Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

The invention furthermore relates to a method of controlling weeds, crop protection or improving plant health or yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the herbicidal composition of the present invention.

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Unwanted plants or weeds are those plants which grow alongside the desired crops or the plants and thereby affect the growth and the quality of the desired crops or the plants. Some examples of the undesired weeds include grasses, sedges, and broad-leaved weeds. Various herbicidal compositions have been known in the art to control the undesired plants or the weeds in the agricultural fields and the non-crop lands. At present, several herbicidal compositions have been developed and used, however, there are a variety of types of weeds to be controlled, and their development lasts for a long period. Further, undesired plants or weeds exhibit a lowered sensitivity to herbicides (herbicide-resistant weeds) and in some applications, it is observed that the herbicides have only exhibited a restricted effect.

Moreover, in the case of herbicidal compositions, it is desirable to control the harmful and unwanted plants effectively, but at the same time to be compatible with the useful crops or plants in question. It is further desirable to develop a herbicidal composition which has a broad spectrum of activity, allowing the simultaneous control of a variety of undesired and harmful plants. Frequently, this cannot be achieved using a single herbicidally active compound.

Currently, the herbicides available in the market do not meet the modern-day crop protection requirements, as they:

• lack in providing a broad spectrum of action,

• exhibit an unsatisfactory efficacy in controlling the weeds.

• exhibit a deleterious effect on commercially important crops thereby reducing the yield

• exhibit increased resistance among the weeds or the unwanted plants due to the repeated and prolonged administration of the individual actives or known chemistries at higher dosages,

• lead to environmental pollution and soil toxicity due to the leaching of the herbicides in soil and groundwater.

It is further observed that several herbicides are not found to be compatible with the useful crops or the plants such as dicotyledonous crop plants including cotton, oilseed rape or graminaceous plants, such as barley, millet, corn, rice, wheat and sugar cane and in effect, the result observed is not always satisfactory, i.e. in addition to the harmful plants, the crop plants, too, are damaged on a scale which cannot be tolerated. To address this concern, the application rates of the herbicides are reduced, whereby the useful crops are plants are protected, however, the extent of the control of harmful plants or weeds is lowered. Again presently, the planting area of economic crops is gradually expanding and with the degree of occurrence and the number of weeds also increasing, it is becoming more and more difficult to effectively control the unwanted plants.

In addition, the repeated use of the currently known herbicidal chemistries also exhibit residue related problems and eventually lead to toxic effects on human beings.

The compositions should also show an accelerated action on harmful plants, i.e. they should effect damaging of the harmful plants more quickly as compared to the application of the individual herbicides.

Thus, an efficacious and synergistic herbicidal composition having a broad herbicidal spectrum, which allows efficient and reliable control of grass, broadleaf weeds and unwanted vegetation, at reduced application rates, whereby the composition controls the undesired weeds without causing any damage to the useful crops or the plants is desired. It is a further object of the present invention to develop newer herbicidal compositions with modern integrated weed management, not only for an improved toxicological and environmental profile but also for broadening the spectrum of crop protection along with increased safety to the end users. Moreover, the persistence of the herbicidal activity of the composition should be sufficiently long in order to achieve control of the weeds over a sufficiently long period of time. The composition should also have a low toxicity to humans or other mammals.

There is a further need to reduce the rate of application of the herbicidal active ingredients in order to address the adverse environmental or toxicological effects observed with the higher dosages of application of the herbicidal compositions, while also overcoming the issues of development of herbicide resistance and other drawbacks associated with known chemistries.

Saflufenacil (2-chloro-5-[3,6- dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl]-l (2H)pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-[[methyl(l-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]benzamide) is a selective herbicide belonging to the pyrimidinedione chemical class, used to control broadleaved weeds. Saflufenacil belongs to the group of PPO inhibitors, useful for the control of broad-leaved weeds by pre-emergence applications to cereal crops, corn, chickpeas, cotton, edible beans, edible peas, lentils, lupine, sorghum, soybeans and sunflowers; postemergence applications to fruit tree orchards, nut tree orchards, and vineyards; and fallow croplands and non-agricultural areas, including pine plantations, rights-of-way weeds and bare ground.

Propaquizafop, ((RJ-2- [[(l-methylethylidene)amino] oxyethyl 2- [4- [(6-chloro-2- quinoxalinyl) oxy] phenoxy] propanoate), a fatty acid synthesis inhibitor which inhibits acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) is a systemic post-emergence herbicide absorbed by foliage and roots, and translocated throughout the plant. Propaquizafop is used for the control of a wide range of annual and perennial grasses (including Sorghum halepense, Agropyron repens and Cynodon dactylon] in soya beans, cotton, sugar beet, potatoes, peanuts, peas, oilseed rape and vegetables. Propaquizafop is effective against monocot weeds in black gram, onion, soybean, Oilseed rapes, swedes, turnips, linseeds, peas, field beans, potatoes, sugar beets, fodder beets, carrots, parsnips, bulb onions, farm forests and forest nurseries.

However, there is no herbicidal composition known in the art comprising a combination of Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop, which is not only synergistic in nature but can also effectively exhibit a broad spectrum herbicidal activity at reduced dosages of application and at the same time address the drawbacks discussed above with the known herbicidal chemistries.

The inventors have surprisingly found out that the combination of Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop exhibits synergy. Further, the inventors have developed a stable synergistic herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, an effective amount of Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, which acts as a superior crop-protectant, is non-phytotoxic, is effective at reduced dosages of application, helps in the resistance management observed with the old herbicide chemistries and also demonstrates increased yield on field application, while broadening the spectrum of crop protection in terms of enhanced weed control.

The herbicidal composition of the invention comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns and thereby exhibits superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability and wettability, exhibits an increased surface area coverage on application to the crops or the plants, which enhances adhesion and provides better penetration of the active moieties when applied to the foliage and also facilitates better absorption by the roots when applied to the surrounding soil, improving their efficacy and bioavailability. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the herbicidal composition was found to be significant not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage and also surprisingly be used effectively in modern irrigation systems.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in a concentration range of 5% to 99.8% w/w of the total composition; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

The composition optionally comprises Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of water dispersible granules (WG), extruded granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG), liquid suspension (SC), emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and soluble liquid (SL).

According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a process of preparing the herbicidal composition comprising Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition, optionally Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of protection of the crop or improving its health or yield, by treating the undesired weeds and vegetation, or the locus of the weeds or undesired vegetation or the surrounding soil where the undesired weeds are likely to grow, with a herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, an effective amount of Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, optionally effective amount of Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed considering the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules and are defined as a formulation which disperses rapidly when added to water to give a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small, easily measured granules by blending and agglomerating ground active ingredients together with surfactants and other formulation excipients and are obtained by spray drying or by extrusion process. These granules instantaneously disperse into finer/primary particles upon addition to water.

An extruded granule refers to those granules which are obtained by the process of extrusion.

A ‘liquid suspension’ encompasses, “aqueous suspension” or aqueous dispersion” or “suspension concentrate (SC)” composition. The suspension is defined as composition wherein solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid as a vehicle can be water and/or a water miscible solvent. The water miscible solvent used herein is environmentally safe.

As defined herein, an emulsifiable concentrate or EC formulation is essentially an agrochemical formulation where an active ingredient is dissolved in a solvent, along with an emulsifier, to form a stable oil-in-water emulsion when diluted with water, facilitating uniform and precise application. As defined herein, a dry capsulated suspension or CS-WG formulation is a formulation where the active ingredient is encased in a microcapsule and then mixed with other substances to create a granular product that can be easily dispersed in water.

As defined herein, a soluble liquid composition is a water soluble formulation of active ingredients in water or in polar solvents.

The term “plant” or “crop” used in this invention are interchangeable and wherever the term “plant” has been used, shall also mean vegetation of similar nature namely crops, trees, shrub, herb etc. The term ‘plant’ refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits. The term plant includes transgenic and non-transgenic plants.

The term “locus” of a plant as used herein is intended to embrace the place on which the plants are growing, where the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or where the plant propagation materials of the plants will be placed into the soil.

The term “weed” as used herein refers to unwanted plants or vegetation which compete for resources with the crops or plants of interest.

The term “herbicide” as used herein refers to a substance which adversely affects the existence and growth of the target weed.

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

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

The particle size of the composition is defined as the size of particles of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules (WG) or liquid suspension (SC) or water disintegrable granules (GR or DG) as a whole, comprising the active ingredients Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop along with the agrochemically acceptable excipient/s.

DIO is the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 10% and represent 10% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D50 is the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 50%. D50 is also called the median particle diameter or median particle size or average particle size and represent an average 50% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution and represent 90% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size.

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

As used herein, the term "herbicidally effective amount" or "an effective amount" generally means the amount of the inventive mixtures or of compositions comprising the mixtures needed to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of the target weed or the unwanted vegetation. The herbicidally effective amount can vary for the various mixtures / compositions used in the invention. A herbicidally effective amount of the mixtures / compositions will also vary according to the prevailing conditions such as desired pesticidal effect and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application, and the like.

A mixture is defined as a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically united to each other. A homogeneous mixture is defined as one whose composition is uniform throughout the mixture. It is the type of mixture where the composition is constant throughout or the components that make up the mixture are distributed uniformly.

The term Saflufenacil used in the present invention refers to Saflufenacil or its agriculturally acceptable salts thereof. The term Propaquizafop used in the present invention refers to Propaquizafop or its salts thereof and also includes Propaquizafop-ethyL

The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising an effective amount of Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, an effective amount of Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

The inventors have surprisingly found that the herbicidal composition comprising: Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in a concentration range of 5% to 99.8% w/w of the total composition, wherein the composition has a particle size range of 0.1 to 50 microns, demonstrated synergistic herbicidal activity compared to the activity of the individual active ingredient alone.

The inventors have found that the composition not only provides an excellent weed control, but also improves the yield, when the particles in the composition are present in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The plants treated with the composition of the invention also exhibits improved characteristics such as plant height, root length and improved foliage. The said composition acts as a superior herbicide, is non-phytotoxic and helps in resistance management of old pesticide chemistry, while exhibiting a broad spectrum of crop protection. The composition is effective in controlling several weeds, for instance, broadleaved weed flora and grassy weed flora.

In addition, the composition of the present invention exhibits superior physical characteristics such as suspensibility, dispersibility, flowability, wettability, pourability and improved viscosity. The compositions of the present invention also demonstrated superior performance under accelerated storage conditions.

According to an embodiment, Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 70% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 60% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 40% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 30% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 70% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 60% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 40% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 30% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gel or a paste.

According to an embodiment, the liquid herbicidal composition is in the form of solutions, suspension, emulsion, oil dispersion, liquid suspension, soluble liquid, flowable concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate, seed dressing, suspo-emulsion, capsulated suspension, emulsions in water, Ultra-low-volume concentrate (ULV), combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC).

According to an embodiment, the liquid herbicidal composition is preferably in the form of soluble liquid (SL), liquid suspension (SC) and emulsifiable concentrate (EC). According to an embodiment, the liquid composition comprises saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition and propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the liquid composition preferably comprises saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 25% w/w of the total composition and propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w/w to 30% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the liquid composition preferably comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof at a concentration of 23.3% w/w of the total composition and Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof at a concentration of 25% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the solid herbicidal composition is in the form of powders, granules or dust.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of powders including wettable powder and dispersible powder. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of granules including broadcast granules, spheronized granules, extruded granules, water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and a dry ZC composition (combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate).

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is preferably in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG).

According to an embodiment, the solid composition comprises saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition and propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the solid composition comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 5% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof in the range of 5% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and extruded granules comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and extruded granules, preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 40 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and extruded granules, preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and extruded granules, preferably comprise particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and extruded granules, disperse into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, on addition to water. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and extruded granules, disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns, on addition to water. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 30 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension, water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 10 microns.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension comprise particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns.

The particle size range of 0.1-50 microns of the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules and dry capsulated suspension was found to be important not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipients include surfactants, binders or binding agents; disintegrating agents; fillers or carriers or diluents; coating agents; buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents; antifoaming agents or defoamers; penetrants; UV protecting agents; UV absorbent; UV rays scattering agent; humectant; pigments; colorants; structuring agents; chelating or complexing or sequestering agent; thickeners; suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anticaking agents or anti-settling agents; viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers; tackifiers; microcapsule wall forming materials; cross linking agents; monomers; protective colloids; humectants; spreading agents; sticking agents; anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants; solvents; preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidants and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agrochemically acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. The agrochemically acceptable excipients are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 99.8% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w/w to 90% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w/w to 70% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w/w to 60% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the herbicidal composition of the present invention include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents. According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the composition include one or more of anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric and polymeric surfactants.

The anionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to a salt of Fatty Acid, a Poly carboxylate, Alkyl Ether Sulfates, an Alkyl Sulfate, an Alkylarylsulfate, an Alkylaryl Sulfonate, an Aryl Sulfonate, a Lignin Sulfonate, an Alkyl Diphenyl Ether Disulfonate, a Polystyrene Sulfonate, a Salt of Alkylphosphoric Acid Ester, an Alkylaryl Phosphate, a Styrylaryl Phosphate, a Salt Of Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether Sulfuric Acid Ester, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Salt, Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate or Its Salts, Sodium Lauroyl sarcosinate, Sulfosuccinates, Polyacrylates, Alkyl Ether Phosphate, a Salt of Polyoxyethylene alkylaryl Phosphoric Acid Ester, Sulfosuccinates -Mono and other Diesters, Phosphate Esters, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate-lsopropyl and Butyl Derivatives; Alkyl Aryl Ether Phosphates, a salt of Polyoxyethylene Aryl Ether Phosphoric Acid Ester, Mono-Alkyl Sulphosuccinates, Aromatic Hydrocarbon Sulphonates, Ammonium Laurylsulphate, Soap, Soap Substitute, Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl benzenesulfonate, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Laurethsulfate, Sodium Nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, Alkyl Carboxylates, Sodium Stearate, Alpha Olefin Sulphonates, Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Fatty Acid salts, Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates-Sodium salt, Fatty Alcohol Sulphates, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates-Sodium Salt, A Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid Condensed with Formaldehyde or a Salt of Alkyl naphthalene Sulfonic Acid condensed with Formaldehyde or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants include one or more of but not limited to Polyol Esters, Polyol Fatty Acid Esters, Ethoxylated and Propoxylated Fatty Alcohols, EO and PO Block Copolymers, Di, Tri-Block Copolymers, Polysorbates, Alkyl Polysaccharides, Polyoxyethylene Glycol, Sorbitan Derivatives, Fatty Acid Esters of Sorbitan (Spans) and Their Ethoxylated Derivatives (Tweens), Cocamide Monoethanolamine (MEA), Decyl, Narrow-Range Ethoxylate, Oleyl Alcohol, PEG-10, Polysorbate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan, Sorbitanmonolaurate, Sorbitanmonostearate, Sorbitantristearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Castor Oil Ethoxylate, Polyglycol Ethers, Polyadducts of Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide, Polyoxy Ethylene Sorbitan, Fatty Acid Polyglyceride, Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether, Polyoxyethylenealkylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylenestyrylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylene Glycol Alkyl Ether, Alcohol Ethoxylates- C6to C 16/18 Alcohols, Linear and Branched, Alcohol Alkoxylates- Various Hydrophobes and EO/PO Contents and Ratios, a Polyoxyethylene Hydrogenated Castor Oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the herbicidal composition include, but not limited to non-ionic dispersants selected from one or more of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl ethoxylates, EO-PO block and graft copolymers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the herbicidal composition include, but not limited to anionic dispersants selected from one or more of tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters; lignin sulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkali metal, alkylarylsulfonates, alkylsulfonates, mixture of sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salt of phenol sulphonic formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, condensation products of aryl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates and kraft lignin . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the wetting agents used in the herbicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of phenol naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, naphthalene sulphonate sodium salt, dibutylnaphthalene- sulfonic acid, alkylarylsulfonates, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters, salts, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different wetting agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different wetting agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the carriers that are used in the herbicidal composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to one or more of solid carriers or fillers or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carriers include mineral carriers, plant carriers, synthetic carriers, water-soluble carriers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The solid carriers include natural minerals like clay such as china clay, acid clay, kaolin such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite, and synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, micas, such as pyrophyllite, talc, silicas such as cristobalite and quartz, such as attapulgite and sepiolite, vermiculite, laponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated aluminas, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silicas, surface-modified silicas, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, slaked lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch, cellulose, plant carriers such as cellulose, chaff, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, and soybean flour, casein sodium, sucrose, salt cake, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available Silicates are Aerosil brands, Sipernat brands as Sipernat ® 22S and CALFLO E, and kaolin 1777.

According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 70% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition.

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

According to an embodiment, solvent comprises water immiscible solvents. According to an embodiment, water immiscible solvents include aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aromatic and non- aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum distillates, aromatic and non-aromatic ethers, esters or amides, oils or mixtures thereof. According to further embodiment the oils is one or more of a mineral oil, petroleum oil, vegetable oil or animal oil or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water immiscible solvents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The mineral oil or petroleum oil is one or more of aliphatic or isoparaffinic series, and mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons; halogenated aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons. Paraffinic oil is selected from linear or branched C8 to C30 paraffins for example such as octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, their mixtures, or mixtures thereof with higher boiling homologs, such as hepta-, octa-, nona- decane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, pentacosane, and the branched chain isomers thereof, unsubstituted or substituted aromatic or cycloaliphatic C7 to C18 hydrocarbon compounds such as mono- or polyalkyl- substituted benzenes, or mono- or polyalkyl-substituted naphthalenes, or transesterification products thereof, liquid esters of Cl to C 12 alcohols such as butanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, dodecanol, cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, cyclooctanol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol with C2 to C12 carboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, such as caproic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, succinic acid and glutaric acid; or with aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, toluic acid, salicylic acid and phthalic acid , liquid amides of Cl to C5 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with C6 to C18 carboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof. Esters which is used in the oil dispersions of the invention are benzyl acetate, caproic acid ethyl ester, pelargonic acid ethyl ester, benzoic acid methyl or ethyl ester, salicylic acid methyl, propyl, or butyl ester, diesters of phthalic acid with saturated aliphatic or alicyclic Cl to C12 alcohols, such as phthalic acid dimethyl ester, dibutyl ester, diisooctyt ester, or liquid amides of C 1-C3 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with C6 - C18 carboxylic acids or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other mineral or petroleum oils without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The vegetable oils is one or more of seed oil. The vegetable oils can also include one or more of soy bean oil, rape seed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, com oil, cotton seed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, kapok oil, papaya oil, camellia oil, rice bran oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils, or transesterification products thereof such as soy bean oil methyl esters, ethyl esters, propyl esters, butyl esters or derivatives thereof. The animal oil is one or more of whale oil, codliver oil, or mink oil. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other vegetable or animal oils without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The petroleum distillates include one or more of aromatic hydrocarbons derived from benzene, such as toluene, xylenes, other alkylated benzenes and the like, and naphthalene derivatives, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane, octane, cyclohexane, and the like, mineral oils from the aliphatic or isoparaffinic series, and mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons; halogenated aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons; vegetable, seed or animal oils such as soybean oil, rape seed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cotton seed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like, and Ci-C6 mono-esters derived from vegetable oils such as methyl oleate, methyl soyate, and methyl laurate, seed or animal oils; C1-C6 dialkyl amides of C6-C20 saturated and unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids; C1-C12 esters of aromatic carboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids and C1-C12 esters of aliphatic and cyclo aliphatic carboxylic acids; C4-C 12 polyesters of dihydric, trihydric, or other lower polyalcohols such as, propylene glycol dioleate, di-octyl succinate, di-butyl adipate, di-octyl phthalate, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the composition includes organic solvents or cosolvents such as ethers like tetrahydrofuran and the like, alkylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as ethylene glycol diethyl ether and the like, amides such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide or N-methylpyrrolidone and the like, ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone and the like, nitriles such as butyronitrile and the like, sulfoxides or sulfones such as dimethyl sulfoxide or sulfolane and the like, and alkylene carbonates such as propylene or butylene carbonate. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 60% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 50% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 40% by weight of total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 30% by weight of total composition.

According to an embodiment, the antifoaming agents or defoamers which are used in the herbicidal composition of the present invention include but are not limited to one or more of silica, siloxane, silicone dioxide, polydimethyl siloxane, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers, silicone oils and magnesium stearate or derivatives thereof. Preferred antifoaming agents include silicone emulsions (such as, e.g., Silikon® SRE, Wacker or Rhodorsil® from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, fluoro-organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different antifoaming agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the pH adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents that are used in the composition include both acids and bases of the organic or inorganic type and mixtures thereof. According to a further embodiment, pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents include, but are not limited to one or more of organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkali metal compounds or salts, derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the organic acids include, but not limited to one or more of citric, malic, adipic, fumaric, maleic, succinic, and tartaric acids, or salts, derivatives thereof, and the mono-, di-, or tribasic salts of these acids or derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the salts of inorganic acids include, but not limited to one or more of alkali metal salts such as, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and the like. Mixtures can also be used to create a pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different pH adjusters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the pH adjusters or buffers are present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents which are used in the herbicidal composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polysaccharides, fumed and precipitated silica (white carbon), a petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearylether, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkylsulfosuccinates, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anticaking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the anticaking agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the spreading agents which are used in the composition include but are not limited to one or more of copolymer of maleic acid with a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, trisiloxanes and modified trisiloxanes, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different spreading agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the sticking agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of paraffin, a polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, latex, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, gums such as xanthan gum, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycol, a synthetic resin emulsion or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different sticking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the sticking agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w/w of the total composition.

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

According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of polyacrylics, polysaccharides, cellulose derivatives, co-polymers of cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives; clays such as kaolin, smectite, attapulgites and gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, dextrin, fumed silica, mixture of fumed silica and fumed aluminium oxide, swellable polymers, polyethylene glycol), stachyose, celluloses such as hemicellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxy-methyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl propyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose; plant starches such as corn starch and potato starch. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that itis possible to utilize different structuring agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminium silicate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, clays, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, glycerol, However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anti-freezing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

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

According to an embodiment, the penetrant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the humectant is selected from, but not limited to one or more of polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers. Other humectants are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly (ethylene glycol), poly (propylene glycol), glycerol and the like; polyhydric alcohol compounds such as propylene glycol ether, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different humectants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the stabilizers which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of peroxide compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, zeolite, antioxidants such as phenol compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, EDTA, sodium sulphites, citric acid, citrates and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known stabilizers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the stabilizer is present in the range of 1% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, preservative is selected from one or more of formic acid, and derivatives of 2H isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives) such as alkylisothiazolones (for example 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MIT; chloro-2-methyl-2H- isothiazol-3-one, C1T), benzoisothiazolones (for example l,2-benzoisothiazol-3(2H)-one, BIT, commercially available as Proxel® types from Arch Biocides Ltd.) or 2-methyl-4,5- trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MT1T), Proxel® from Arch Biocides Ltd. or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Lanxess, , Sodium Propinoate, Sodium Benzoate, Propyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben Sodum, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Benzoate, Phenyl Mercuric Nitrate, Phenyl Etehyl Alcohol, Sodium, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Bezyl Alcohol, Benzothonium Chloride, Cetyl pyridinium Chloride, Antioxidants includes but not limited to one or more of imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g. urocanic acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-t-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), penta erythrityl tetrakis[3-(3,5,-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)] propionate; amine antioxidants. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known preservatives without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the preservative is present in the range of 0.01% to 2% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from but not limited to synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants is water soluble or water insoluble, in the form of lakes. Dyes is solvent dyes, acid dyes or basic dyes. Examples of such products include, but not limited, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785 and pigment 15. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known pigments and colorants without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are present in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of inorganic water soluble salts e.g. sodium chloride; water soluble organic compounds such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, a cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL- 10 (crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known disintegrating agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in the range of 0.5% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the binding agents or binders that are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of maltodextrin, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, complex organic substance, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known binding agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the binder is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the first monomer employed in the organic phase of the capsulated suspension composition includes isocyanates such as polymethylenepolyphenyleneisocyanate (PMPP1), hexmethylenediisocyanate (HMD1), isophoronediisocyanate (1PD1) or 4,4' methylenebisfcyclohexyl isocyanate) and/or trimers of HMD1 or 1PD1 and the like, toluene diisocyanate (TD1), isomers of tolylene diisocyanate, isomers and derivatives of phenylene diisocyanate, isomers and derivatives of biphenylene diisocyanates, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MD1), polymeric polyisocyanates, biurets and blocked polyisocyanates or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will

T1 appreciate that it is possible to utilize other monomers, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The concentration of the isocyanate(s) and the ratio where more than one isocyanate is used, is chosen so as to obtain the desired release rate profile for the particular application. In general, the isocyanate(s) will comprise from about 0.3 to about 20%, more suitably from about 0.5 to about 15%, even more suitably from about 1% to about 25% and most suitably from about 10% to about 20%, by weight of the microcapsule.

The organic phase of the capsule formation can also include other optional components such as surfactants, cross-linking agents, permeability enhancing agents such as castor oil, and a suspended particulate well-dispersed ultraviolet protectant material such as titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. The ultraviolet protectant material is included in the organic phase, if the agrochemical active ingredient is sensitive to ultraviolet light. The oil phase can also have a solvent to render a solid active ingredient in a liquid form.

According to an embodiment, the second monomer employed includes diamines or polyamines or mixtures thereof. The monomers include compounds which are soluble in the aqueous phase. Aliphatic or alicyclic primary or secondary diamines or polyamines such as ethylene-1, 2-diamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, bis-(3-aminopropyl)- amine, bis-(2-methylaminoethyl)-methylamine, 1,4-diaminocyclohexane, 3-amino-l- methylaminopropane, N-methyl-bis-(3-aminopropyl)amine, 1,4-diamino-n-butane, propylene 1,3 - diamine, tetramethylene diamine, pentamethylene diamine, 1,6- hexamethylene diamine, triethylene diamine, 1,6-diamino-n-hexane and tetraethylenepentamine and mixtures thereof are suitably used. Polyethyleneimines are also suitable. Diamines and polyamines, usually selected as water soluble per se or in-water soluble salt form, are polymethylene diamines, phenylene diamine, toluene diamine and piperazine. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other monomers, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Particularly, suitable amines are the polyfunctional amines which have a functionality greater than 2 but less than 3 and which may provide a degree of cross-linking in the shell wall. The polyfunctional amines should be in a water soluble salt form. Suitable examples of polyfunctional amines which may be used include 1,3,5-benzene triamine trihydrochloride, 2,4,6-triamino toluene trihydrochloride, 1,3,6-triaminonaphthalene, 3,4,5-triamino-l,2,4- triazole, melamine, 2,4,5,8-tetramino anthraquinone, propylenediamine, diethylene triamine, isopropylenediamine, ethenediamine, triethylenetetraamine, bix- hexamethylenetriamine, polyalkylene polyamines such as pentaethylene hexamine, and the like. The amines may be used alone or in combination with each other, preferably in combination with 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HMDA).

According to an embodiment, the fungicidal composition in the form of capsulated suspension includes protective colloids such as polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene sulfonate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate, copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, or combination thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other protective colloids without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition includes at least one further active ingredient. According to an embodiment, the further active ingredients include one or more of macronutrients, micronutrients, biostimulants, fertilizers, pesticidal active ingredients, plant growth regulators, algae, safeners, or mixtures thereof.

According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredients include one or more herbicides or safeners. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other active ingredients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 70% w/w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 60% w/w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition of the invention includes at least one further herbicide. The further herbicides include, but not limited to 4-CPA; 4-CPB; 4- CPP; 2,4-D; 2,4-D choline salt, 2,4-D esters and amines, 2,4-DB; 3,4-DA; 3,4-DB; 2,4-DEB; 2,4- DEP; 3,4-DP; 2,3,6-TBA; 2,4, 5-T; 2,4,5-TB; acetochlor, acifluorfen, aclonifen, acrolein, alachlor, allidochlor, alloxydim, allyl alcohol, alorac, ametridione, ametryn, amibuzin, amicarbazone, amidosulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor, amiprofos- methyl, amitrole, ammonium sulfamate, anilofos, anisuron, asulam, atraton, atrazine, azafenidin, azimsulfuron, aziprotryne, barban, BCPC, beflubutamid, benazolin, bencarbazone, benfuresate, bensulfuron-methyl, bensulide, benthiocarb, bentazon-sodium, benzadox, benzfendizone, benzipram, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, benzofluor, benzoylprop, benzthiazuron, bialaphos, bicyclopyrone, bifenox, bilanafos, bispyribac-sodium, borax, bromacil, bromobonil, bromobutide, bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, brompyrazon, butachlor, butafenacil, butenachlor, buthidazole, buthiuron, butroxydim, buturon, butylate, cacodylic acid, cafenstrole, calcium chlorate, calcium cyanamide, cambendichlor, carbasulam, carboxazole chlorprocarb, carfentrazone-ethyl, CDEA, CEPC, chlomethoxyfen, chloramben, chloranocryl, chlorazifop, chlorazine, chlorbromuron, chlorbufam, chloreturon, chlorfenac, chlorfenprop, chlorflurazole, chlorflurenol, chloridazon, chlorimuron, chlomitrofen, chloropon, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, chloroxynil, chlorsulfuron, chlorthal, chlorthiamid, cinidon-ethyl, cinmethylin, cinosulfuron, cisanilide, clethodim, cliodinate, clodinafop- propargyl, clofop, clomazone, clomeprop, cloprop, cloproxydim, clopyralid, cloransulam- methyl, CMA, copper sulfate, CPMF, CPPC, credazine, cresol, cumyluron, cyanatryn, cyanazine, cycloate, cyclopyrimorate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cycluron, cyhalofop- butyl, cyperquat, cyprazine, cyprazole, cypromid, daimuron, dalapon, dazomet, delachlor, desmedipham, desmetryn, di-allate, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichloralurea, dichlormate, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-P, diclofop-methyl, diclosulam, diethamquat, diethatyl, difenopenten, difenoxuron, difenzoquat, diflufenican, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dimepiperate, dimethachlor, dimethametryn, dimexano, dimidazon, dinofenate, dinoprop, dinosam, dinoseb, dinoterb, diphenamid, dipropetryn, diquat, disuldiuron, DMPA, DNOC, DSMA, EBEP, eglinazine, endothal, epronaz, EPTC, erbon, esprocarb, ethbenzamide, ethametsulfuron, ethidimuron, ethiolate, ethobenzamid, etobenzamid, ethofumesate, ethoxyfen, ethoxysulfuron, etinofen, etnipromid, etobenzanid, EXD, fenasulam, fenoprop, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl+isoxadifen-ethyl, fenoxasulfone, fenteracol, fenthiaprop, fentrazamide, fenuron, ferrous sulfate, flamprop, flamprop-M, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop, fluazifop-P- butyl, fluazolate, flucarbazone, flucetosulfuron, fluchloralin, flufenacet, flufenican, flufenpyr- ethyl, flumetsulam, flumezin, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, flumipropyn, fluometuron, fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen, fluoromidine, fluoronitrofen, fluothiuron, flupoxam, flupropacil, flupropanate, flupyrsulfuron, fluridone, fluorochloridone, fluoroxypyr, fluoroxypyr-meptyl, flurtamone, fluthiacet, fomesafen, foramsulfuron, fosamine, fumiclorac, furyloxyfen, glufosinate, glufosinate salts and esters, glufosinate -ammonium, glufosinate-P-ammonium, glyphosate, glyphosate salts and esters, halauxifen, halauxifen-methyl, halosafen, halosulfuron-methyl, haloxydine, haloxyfop -methyl, haloxyfop-P -methyl, hexachloroacetone, hexaflurate, hexazinone, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazosulfuron, imazethapyr, indanofan, indaziflam, iodobonil, iodomethane, iodosulfuron, iodosulfuron- ethyl-sodium, iofensulfuron, ioxynil, ipazine, ipfencarbazone, iprymidam, isocarbamid, isocil, isomethiozin, isonoruron, isopolinate, isopropalin, isoproturon, isouron, isoxaben, isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, isoxapyrifop, karbutilate, ketospiradox, lactofen, lenacil, linuron, MAA, MAMA, MCPA esters and amines, MCPA-thioethyl, MCPB, mecoprop, mecoprop-P, medinoterb, mefenacet, mefluidide, mesoprazine, mesosulfuron, mesotrione, metam, metamifop, metamitron, metazosulfuron, metflurazon, methabenzthiazuron, methalpropalin, methazole, methiobencarb, methiozolin, methiuron, methometon, methoprotryne, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, metazachlor, methyldymron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metolachlor, metosulam, metoxuron, metribuzin, metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, molinate, monalide, monisouron, monochloroacetic acid, monolinuron, monuron, morfamquat, MSMA, naproanilide, napropamide, naptalam, neburon, nicosulfuron, nipyraclofen, nitralin, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen, norflurazon, noruron, OCH, orbencarb, ortho-dichlorobenzene, orthosulfamuron, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxapyrazon, oxasulfuron, oxaziclomefone, oxyfluorfen, paraflufen-ethyl, parafluoron, paraquat, pebulate, pelargonic acidpenoxsulam, pentachlorophenol, pentanochlor, pentoxazone, perfluidone, pethoxamid, phenisopham, phenmedipham, phenmedipham- ethyl, phenobenzuron, phenylmercury acetate, picloram, picolinafen, pinoxaden, piperophos, potassium arsenite, potassium azide, potassium cyanate, pretilachlor, primisulfuron-methyl, procyazine, prodiamine, profluazol, profluralin, profoxydim, proglinazine, prohexadione-calcium, prometon, prometryn, pronamide, propachlor, propanil, propaquizafop, propazine, propisochlor, propoxycarbazone, propyrisulfuron, propyzamide, prosulfalin, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, proxan, prynachlor, pydanon, pyraclonil, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrasulfotole, pyrazogyl, pyrazolynate, pyrazosulfuron- ethyl, pyrazoxyfen, pyribenzoxim, pyributicarb, pyriclor, pyridafol, pyridate, pyriftalid, pyriminobac, pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac-sodium, pyroxasulfone, pyroxsulam, quinclorac, quinoclamine, quinonamid, quizalofop, quizalofop-P-ethyl, rhodethanil, rimsulfuron, saflufenacil, S-metolachlor, sebuthylazine, secbumeton, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simeton, simetryn, SMA, sodium arsenite, sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sulcotrione, sulfallate, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, sulfosate, sulfosulfuron, sulfuric acid, sulglycapin, swep, SYN-523, TCA, tebutam, tebuthiuron, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbucarb, terbuchlor, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, tetrafluoron, thiazafluoronthidiazimin, thidiazuron, thiencarbazone- methyl, thifensulfuron, thifensulfurn-methyl, thiobencarb, tiocarbazil, tioclorim, topramezone, tralkoxydim, triafamone, tri-allate, triasulfuron, triaziflam, tribenuron, tribenuron-methyl, tricamba, triclopyr choline salt, triclopyr esters and salts, tridiphane, trietazine, trifloxysulfuron, trifluralin, triflusulfuron, trifop, trifopsime, trihydroxytriazine, trimeturon, tripropindan, tritac, tritosulfuron, vernolate, xylachlor and salts, optically active isomers and mixtures thereof.

According to an embodiment, the further herbicide that can be included in the composition of saflufenacil and propaquizafop is glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

According to a further embodiment, the glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 40% w/w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof is present in the concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 30% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition of the invention may also include one or more herbicide safeners. Herbicide safeners are compounds which are used in combination with the herbicides so as to reduce the effect of the herbicides on crop plants. As some of the safeners are by themselves herbicidally active, they act as antidote to the crop plants and thus reduce or prevent any damage to the crop plants.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition can include known herbicide safeners such as benoxacor, benthiocarb, brassinolide, cloquinotocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamate, diamuron, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, dimepiperate, disulfoton, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, hairpin proteins, isoxadifen- ethyl, mefenpyr-diethyl, mephenate, MG-191, MON 4660, naphthalic anhydride (NA), oxabetrinil, R29148 and N-phenyl-sulfonyl benzoic acid amides to enhance their selectivity. It has been surprisingly found that the herbicidal composition of the present invention has enhanced and improved physical properties of dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, provides ease of handling and also reduces the loss of material while handling the product at the time of packaging as well as during field application.

According to an embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid composition is determined as per CIPAC MT-192. Accordingto an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 2000 cps. Accordingto an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 1500 cps. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 1000 cps. Accordingto an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension has a viscosity at 25° C. of 200 cps to 200 cps.

Accordingto an embodiment, the composition in the form of liquid suspension of the present invention is easily pourable. The pourability is the measure of the percent of residue.

According to an embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition is determined as per CIPAC MT-148.1. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension is less than 5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension is preferably less than 2.5% residue. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension is more preferably less than 1.5% residue. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the herbicidal composition in the form of liquid suspension is more preferably less than 0.5% residue.

Suspensibility is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid, of stated height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The test for suspensibility is done as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 184 Test for Suspensibility”. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 30%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 90%.

Dispersibility of the composition of the present application, in the form of water dispersible granules, can determined as per the standard C1PAC test, MT 174 whereas the spontaneity of dispersion of the composition in the form of liquid suspension, can determined as per the standard C1PAC test, MT 160. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 30%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 90%.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule exhibits almost instantaneous dispersion.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 40% under ATS.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates superior stability in terms of suspensibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS). According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 40% under ATS.

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

Wettability is the condition or the state of being wettable and can be defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, measured by the force of adhesion between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of the granular compositions is measured using the Standard C1PAC Test MT-53 which describes a procedure for the determination of the time of complete wetting of wettable formulations. A weighed amount of the granular composition is dropped on water in a beaker from a specified height and the time for complete wetting was determined. According to another embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or extruded granules or dry capsulated suspension has a wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or extruded granules or dry capsulated suspension has a wettability of less than 1 minute. According to another embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or extruded granules or dry capsulated suspension has a wettability of less than 30 seconds.

The granular composition is formulated in a manner such that it is imparted with sufficient hardness which prevents the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Erweka, Shimadzu, Brinell Hardness (AKB-3000 Model), Mecmesin, Agilent, Vinsyst, Ametek, Dr. Shleuniger, Electrolab and Rockwell.

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

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

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule or liquid suspension passes the wet sieve retention test. The test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible material in formulations that are applied as dispersions in water. The wet sieve retention value of the agrochemical composition in the form of liquid suspension and granules is measured by using the Standard C1PAC Test MT- 185 which describes a procedure for the measuring the amount of material retained on the sieve. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water and the suspension formed is transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of the material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

Attrition resistance determines the resistance of a granular material to wear. The granular composition of the invention has good attrition resistance. The Samples can be tested for attrition as per the C1PAC Handbook specified test, "MT 178 - Attrition resistance of granules". According to another embodiment, the granular composition of the invention has an attrition resistance of at least 90%. According to another embodiment, the granular composition of the invention has an attrition resistance of at least 95%. According to another embodiment, the granular composition of the invention has an attrition resistance of at least 95%.

According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules, and dry capsulated suspension has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.5%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules, liquid suspension and emulsion in water formulation has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.2%. According to an embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules, liquid suspension and emulsion in water formulation has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.1%. The wet sieve retention value of less than 0.5% indicate that the herbicidal composition helps in easy application of the formulation preventing clogging of the nozzles or filter equipment.

According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to process of preparing composition of the present invention comprising Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75 % w/w of the total composition and Propaquizafop or their agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80 % w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to process of preparing composition of the present invention in the form of a liquid comprising Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45 % w/w of the total composition and Propaquizafop or their agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45 w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

According to a further embodiment the present invention relates to a process for preparing the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, extruded granules, dry capsulated suspension, liquid suspension, emulsifiable concentrate and soluble liquid composition. According to further embodiment, the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules is made by various techniques such as spray drying and fluidized bed granulation. The granules of the present invention can also be obtained through the process of extrusion.

The invention relates to a process for preparing the herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules, the process comprising: homogenising a blend of Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80 % w/w of the total composition, optionally Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 55 % w/w of the total composition with one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients in water, in a vessel provided with stirring facilities to obtain a slurry. The process further involves wet milling the slurry obtained, to obtain a slurry comprising particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns. The wet milled slurry is then spray dried or fluid bed dried to obtain the water dispersible granular composition with a granule size of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain water dispersible granular composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention also relates to a process for preparing a herbicidal composition in the form of extruded granules, the process comprising homogenously blending Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition; Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80 % w/w of the total composition optionally Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 55 % w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in a blender to obtain a mixture. The process further involves jet-milling or air-milling the mixture obtained in step (i), to obtain a powder comprising particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns. Water is then added to the dry powder and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder and the resultant extrudates are dried by suitable means such as air drying, fluid bed dryer and tray dryer, followed by sieving to remove the under sized and oversized granules to obtain the granules in the size range of 0.05-4.0 mm. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a process for preparing a water dispersible granular composition of capsulated suspension. The process involves melting effective amount of Propaquizafop and dissolving it in required amount of monomer and the solvent to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase is prepared by mixing water, protective colloids and optionally surfactants or emulsifiers, if required. The organic phase is then added to an aqueous phase with high shear or agitation or with stirring, forming a dispersion or emulsion of organic phase droplets in the aqueous phase. A suitable dispersing means is employed to disperse the organic phase in the aqueous phase. Selection of the dispersion process and apparatus will depend upon the desired particle size of the ultimate product to be produced. The dispersion is then subjected to conditions such as agitation in order to reduce the particle size of the composition. The reaction temperature is generally in the range from about 20° C. to about 80° C. A second monomer is then added to the dispersion or emulsion which is then stirred and cooled to room temperature. In the situation where approximately equimolar amounts of isocyanate and amino groups are present, the reaction temperature is preferably from about 40° C. to about 65° C and even more preferably from about 50° C. to about 60° C.

The reaction mixture was then neutralized with an acid to obtain a capsulated suspension of Propaquizafop. Further, effective amount of Saflufenacil was blended, with optional inclusion of Glyphosate or salts thereof, along with required amounts of surfactants, dispersing agents and clay in required amounts of water and milled to obtain a desired particle size. Finally, the Propaquizafop capsulated suspension was blended with the milled slurry of Saflufenacil and Glyphosate (optional) and spray dried, to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the liquid suspension herbicidal composition, the process comprising: homogenizing mixture of Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition; Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45 % w/w of the total composition; optionally Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45 % w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a desired particle size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. To the wet milled suspension, rheology modifiers and other excipients, as may be necessary, are added to obtain the liquid suspension composition, which has a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the herbicidal composition in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate, the process comprising: blending Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition; Propaquizafop or their agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition optionally Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45 % w/w of the total composition with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients and solvent as may be necessary, to obtain the emulsifiable concentrate composition.

According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the herbicidal composition in the form of soluble liquid, the process comprising: blending Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in a concentration range of 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition; Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45%w/w of the total composition and optionally Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45 % w/w of the total composition with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients, solvents and water as may be necessary, to obtain the soluble liquid composition.

The herbicidal composition of the present invention may be applied to weeds or the undesired vegetation or may be applied to a place where they grow or to the locus of the weeds or the undesired vegetation. The herbicidal composition may be applied at any time either before or after the emergence of the weeds. The herbicidal composition of the present invention may take various application forms such as soil application, foliar application, irrigation application, and submerged application, and it can be applied to agricultural fields such as upland fields, orchards and paddy fields, and non-crop land such as turf grass, pastures, grasslands, range lands, ridges of fields, fallow fields (arable lands left uncropped for one or more growing seasons to allow the soil to recover and regenerate, often as part of a crop rotation system), rights of way, power lines, pipe lines, railway sides, equipment yards, play grounds, golf course, vacant land, forests, factory sites, and roadsides).

According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a method of application of the composition. The herbicidal composition of the present invention comprising an effective amount of Saflufenacil; effective amount of Propaquizafop; optionally effective amount of Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is applied to weeds or the undesired vegetation or to a place where they grow or to the locus of the weeds or the undesired vegetation. The herbicidal composition may be applied at any time either before or after the emergence of the weeds.

The herbicidal composition of the present invention can be applied to target crops such as invasive plants and woody plants in rangeland, permanent pastures, industrial and other non-crop areas.

In some embodiments, the compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used for controlling undesired vegetation in crops. The herbicidal composition of the present invention can be applied to broad-leaved weed flora, such as but not limited to velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), ladysthumb (Polygonum persicaria), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus), blue mustard (Chorispora tenella), flixweed (Descurainia Sophia), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), and Lamium amplexicaule, horseweed (Conyza canadensis), kochia (Kochia scoparia), and various other broadleaf weeds such as Cyperus rotundus, Dactyloctanium aegyptium, Eleusine indca, Cynodon dactylon, Chloris barbata, Echinocloa colona, Amaranthus viridis, Portulaca oleraceae, Commelina benghalensis, Ageratum conyzoides, Digera arvensis, Euporbia hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Echinochloa colonum, Echinochola crusgalli, Digiteria sanguinalis, Dactyloctenium eigyptium, Eleusine indica.

The herbicidal composition of the invention is also effective against grassy weeds such as perennial grasses, including Sorghum halepense, Agropyron repens, and Cynodon dactylon.

The herbicidal composition of the present invention is particularly effective against the weed flora such as Cyperus rotundus, Dactyloctanium aegyptium Eleusine indca, Cynodon dactylon, Chloris barbata, Echinocloa colona, Amaranthus viridis, Portulaca oleraceae, Commelina benghalensis, Ageratum conyzoides, Digera arvensis, Euporbia hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Echinochloa colonum, Echinochola crusgalli, Digiteria sanguinalis, Dactyloctenium eigyptium, Eleusine indica.

According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to a method of application of the composition. The herbicidal composition of the present invention may be applied to weeds or may be applied to a place where they grow. Further, it may be applied at any time either before or after the emergence of the weeds. Further, the herbicidal composition of the present invention may take various application forms such as soil application, foliar application, irrigation application, and submerged application.

According to an embodiment, the invention also relates to a method of protecting the crop, against unwanted weeds or vegetation, improving the crop health and growth, enhancing the crop yield, strengthening the plant, increasing crop defense, the method comprising treating at least one of unwanted weeds or vegetation or treating the locus at which the crop is growing with the herbicidal composition which includes Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80 % w/w of the total composition; optionally Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 55 % w/w of the total composition and one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns.

The rates of application or the dosage of the composition depends on the type of use, the target weeds, the degree of weed infestation, the type of crops and also on the specific active ingredients in the composition and the amounts in which they are used, such that the herbicidal active ingredient, is in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as crop protection, crop yield). According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be applied as single dose or in multiple doses. According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention may be applied repeatedly for predetermined number of times at regular intervals of a predetermined number of days.

According to further embodiment, the invention relates to a method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against the weeds at a dosage of 0.5kg/ha to 30kg/ha. According to further embodiment, the method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against broad leaved weeds at a dosage of 0.5kg/ha to 20kg/ha. According to further embodiment, the method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against broad leaved weeds at a dosage of 0.5 kg/ha to 10 kg/ha. According to further embodiment, the method for controlling weeds wherein the composition is effective against broad leaved weeds at a dosage of 0.5 kg/ha to 5 kg/ha.

According to an embodiment the composition can be applied from 1 time up to 4 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 3 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied up to 2 times. According to an embodiment the composition can be applied only once.

It was observed that the composition of the present invention provides effective control of the undesired vegetation or weeds or as compared to the application of individual actives.

The composition of the present invention shows enhanced herbicide action in comparison with the herbicide action of solo actives such as Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop against undesirable vegetation, in particular, broad leaved weed flora, particularly Cyperus rotundus, Dactyloctanium aegyptium Eleusine indca, Cynodon dactylon, Chloris barbata, Echinocloa colona, Amaranthus viridis, Portulaca oleraceae, Commelina benghalensis, Ageratum conyzoides, Digera arvensis, Euporbia hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Echinochloa colonum, Echinochola crusgalli, Digiteria sanguinalis, Dactyloctenium eigyptium, Eleusine indica.

Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage. From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations is effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

A. PREPARATION EXAMPLES:

The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the composition of the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited to these exemplifications. The form of the composition, excipients and the concentrations of actives and excipients can be replaced by any other forms, excipients and concentrations as covered in the present invention.

EXAMPLE NO 1: Saflufenacil 0.1% + Propaquizafop 80% Extruded granules

0.11 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 84 parts of Propaquizafop, 2 parts of ammonium sulphate, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 4 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 3 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 2 parts of silica and balance perlite in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 7 microns. The powder was then mixed with water to prepare a dough, which was then extruded through a suitable equipment to obtain extruded granules below 2 mm. The granules were further dried to obtain a moisture content below 2%.

The composition had a dispersibility of 62%; suspensibility of 66%, wettability of 5 secs, showed a suspensibility of 62% under accelerated storage conditions and an attrition resistance of 92%. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 13.5 microns; D50 of 7 microns and DIO of 3 microns.

EXAMPLE NO 2: Saflufenacil 35 % + Propaquizafop 40% Extruded granules

37.5 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 42 parts of Propaquizafop, 3 parts of lactose , 2 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate blend, 5 parts of modified lignosulphonate, 2.5 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 3 parts of silica and balance talc in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 15 microns. The powder was then mixed with water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain extruded granules below 2 mm. The granules were further dried to obtain a moisture content below 2%.

The composition had a dispersibility of 85%; suspensibility of 88%, wettability of 4 secs, showed a suspensibility of 85% under accelerated storage conditions and had an attrition resistance of 90%. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 38.5 microns; D50 of 15 microns and DIO of 5.5 microns.

EXAMPLE NO 3: Saflufenacil 23.3 % + Propaquizafop 25% Extruded granules

24.7 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 26.4 parts of Propaquizafop, 10 parts of ammonium sulphate, 3 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 9 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 4 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 1 part of polycarboxylate, 3 parts of silica and balance perlite in a ribbon blender to obtain homogeneous mixture.

The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 5 microns. The powder was then mixed with water to prepare dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules below 2 mm. The granules are further dried to obtain a moisture content below 2%.

The composition had a dispersibility of 74%; suspensibility of 78%, wettability of 3 secs, showed a suspensibility of 76% under accelerated storage conditions and an attrition resistance of 95%. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 8.5 microns; D50 of 5 microns and DIO of 2 microns.

EXAMPLE NO 4: Saflufenacil 75 % + Propaquizafop 0.1% (Extruded granules)

80.2 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 0.11 parts of Propaquizafop, 7.69 parts of ammonium sulphate, 2 parts of sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate blend, 5 parts of kraft lignin and 5 parts of sodium methyl naphthalene formaldehyde sulfonate condensate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 5 microns. The powder was then mixed with water to prepare a dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules below 2 mm. The granules were further dried to obtain a moisture content below 2%. The composition had a dispersibility of 78%; suspensibility of 81%, wettability of 5 secs, showed a suspensibility of 78% under accelerated storage conditions and had an attrition resistance of 90%. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 15.5 microns; D50 of 10 microns and DIO of 3.5 microns.

Example no 5: Saflufenacil 40% + Propaquizafop 20% CS WG (spray dried granules)

27 gms of Propaquizafop was melted and dissolved with 2.4 gm of methyl diphenyl diisocyanate in 9 gms of Solvesso 150 to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 5.04 gms of Polyvinyl alcohol, 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 38.26 gms of water. The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase dropwise under high shear of around 2000 rpm at a temperature of 55 degree celcius. After 3 to 5 minutes, 17.7 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and the mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.4 gms of citric acid to obtain the Propaquizafop capsulated suspension. The capsules had following size distribution: D10 of 0.9 microns, D50 of 4.78 microns and D90 of 8.3 microns.

42.8 gms of Saflufenacil was blended with 3 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene Sulphonate condensate, 10.5 gms of sodium lignosulphonate, 5 gms of maltodextrin, 3 gms of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate and 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 100 parts of water. The mixture was milled to an average particle size below 3 microns.

78 gms of Propaquizafop capsulated suspension was blended with the above milled slurry and spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granules of Propaquizafop 20% and Saflufenacil 40%.

The composition had the following particle size distribution: D10 of 1.2 microns, D50 of 4.89 microns, and D90 of 9.6 microns. The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 75%, wet sieve retention value of 0.09%, wettability of 25 secs and attrition resistance of 85%. The composition further demonstrated a suspensibility of 70%, after heat stability study.

Example No. 6: Saflufenacil 75% + Propaquizafop 1% CS WG (spray dried granules)

28 gms of Propaquizafop was melted and dissolved with 2.1 gm of methyl diphenyl diisocyanate in 9 gms of Solvesso 200 to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 4.92 gms of Polyvinyl alcohol, 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 36.43 gms of water. The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase dropwise under high shear around 2000 rpm at a temperature of 55 degree. After 3 to 5 minutes, 18.9 gms of 5% solution of diethylene triamine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.45 gms of citric acid to obtain the Propaquizafop capsulated suspension. The capsules had the following size distribution: DIO of 0.8 microns, D50 of 4.23 microns and D90 of 8.1 microns.

80.2 gms of Saflufenacil was blended with 2 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene Sulphonate condensate, 10.95 gms of sodium lignosulphonate, 2 gms of kraft lignin and 3 gms of sodium isobutyl naphthalene sulfonate and 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 4 microns.

4 gms of Propaquizafop capsulated suspension was blended with the above milled slurry and spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granules of Propaquizafop 1% and Saflufencil 75%. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D10 of 1.35 microns, D50 of 5.22 microns and D90 of 9.6 microns.

The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 71%, wet sieve retention value of 0.11%, wettability of 30 secs and an attrition resistance of 88%. The composition further demonstrated suspensibility of 65%, after heat stability study

Example no. 7: Saflufenacil 23% + Propaquizafop 25% CS WG (Spray dried granules)

28 gms of Propaquizafop was melted and dissolved with 2.6 gms of methyl diphenyl diisocyanate in 10 gms of Solvesso 200 to prepare the oil phase. The aqueous phase was prepared by mixing 5.3 gms of Polyvinyl alcohol, 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 38.50 gms of water. The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase dropwise under high shear around 2000 rpm at a temperature of 55 °C. After 3 to 5 minutes, 15 gms of 6% solution of diethylene triamine was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and the mixture was kept under high shear for about 2 hours. After two hours, the reaction mixture was neutralized with 0.4 gms of citric acid to obtain the Propaquizafop capsulated suspension. The capsules had the following size distribution: D10 of 0.87 microns; D50 of 5.2 microns and D90 of 9.2 microns.

25 gms of Saflufenacil was blended with 4 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate condensate, 11.16 gms of sodium lignosulphonate, 2 gms of kraft lignin and 3 gms of sodium isobutyl naphthalene sulfonate, 5 gms of gum arable, 6 gms of clay and 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 3 microns.

95 gms of Propaquizafop capsulated suspension was blended with the above milled slurry and spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granules of Propaquizafop 25% and Saflufenacil 23%.

The composition had the following particle size distribution: DIO of 1.45 microns; D50 of 6.28 microns and D90 of 10.4 microns.

The composition exhibited a suspensibility of 73%, wet sieve retention value of 0.08%, wettability of 15 secs and attrition resistance of 90%. The composition further demonstrated a suspensibility of 65%, after heat stability study.

EXAMPLE NO 8: Saflufenacil 75 % + Propaquizafop 0.1% WG (Spray dried granules)

80.2 gms of Saflufenacil was blended with 4 gms of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate condensate, 8 gms of modified lignosulphonate, 2 gms of silica, 3 gms of sodium isobutyl naphthalene sulfonate and 0.2 gms of antifoaming agent, 0.11 gms of propaquizafop and balance clay in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size below 5 microns. The above milled slurry was then spray dried to obtain the water dispersible granules.

The composition exhibited a dispersibility of 60%, suspensibility of 65%, wet sieve retention value of 0.13%, wettability of 18 secs and attrition resistance of 90%. The composition further demonstrated a suspensibility of 60%, after heat stability study.

EXAMPLE NO 9: Saflufenacil 5% + Propaquizafop 1% + Glyphosate ammonium salt 50% Extruded Granules

5.4 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 1.1 parts of Propaquizafop, 73 parts of glyphosate ammonium salt, 10 parts of ammonium sulphate, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 7 parts of alcohol ethoxylate surfactant and 1.5 parts of maltodextrin in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

The homogenous mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 5 microns, the mixture was then mixed with water containing tallow amine ethoxylate to prepare a dough. The dough was then extruded through an equipment to obtain the granules below 2 mm. The granules were further dried to obtain a moisture content below 2%. The composition had a dispersibility of 88%; suspensibility of 92%, wettability of 5 secs and showed a suspensibility of 88% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 12.5 microns; D50 of 5 microns and DIO of 1.5 microns.

EXAMPLE NO 10: Saflufenacil 75% + Propaquizafop 1% + Glyphosate ammonium salt 1% Extruded granules

80.2 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 1.2 parts of Propaquizafop, 1.5 parts of glyphosate ammonium salt (70% purity), 3 parts of ammonium sulphate, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulphate, 10.10 parts of sodium lignosulphonate, 2 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

The mixture was then jet milled to obtain a powder having an average particle size below 5 microns. The mixture was then mixed with water to prepare a dough. The dough was then extruded through a suitable equipment to obtain extruded granules below 2 mm. The granules were further dried to obtain a moisture content below 2%.

The composition had a dispersibility of 75%; suspensibility of 79%, wettability of 10 secs and showed a suspensibility of 76% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D90 of 12.5 microns; D50 of 5 microns and D10 of 1.5 microns.

EXAMPLE NO 11: Saflufenacil 1% + Propaquizafop 20% Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)

1.1 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 20.7 parts of Propaquizafop, 47.2 parts of solvent naptha, 5 parts of dimethyl formamide, 26 parts of alky polyethylene glycol ether in a vessel to obtain an emulsifiable concentrate composition.

EXAMPLE NO 12: Saflufencil 20% + Propaquizafop 1% Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC )

22 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 1.1 parts of Propaquizafop, 5 parts of solvent naptha, 38.90 parts of dimethyl formamide, 18 parts of butyrolactone and 15 parts of blend containing calcium alkyl benzene sulfonate, castor oil ethoxylate and alcohol ethoxylate in a vessel to obtain an emulsifiable concentrate composition.

EXAMPLE NO 13: Saflufenacil 0.1% + Propaquizafop 45% Emulsifiable Concentrate 0.11 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 46.57 parts of Propaquizafop, 15 parts of solvent naptha, 28 parts of dimethyl formamide, 10.32 parts of alky polyethylene glycol ether in a vessel to obtain an emulsifiable concentrate composition.

EXAMPLE NO 14: Saflufenacil 14.25 % + Propaquizafop 0.1% Soluble Liquid

15 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 0.11 parts of Propaquizafop, 60 parts of diethanolamine, 2 parts of Dimethyl formamide and 22.89 parts of alkylene carbonate in a vessel to obtain a soluble liquid composition.

EXAMPLE NO 15: Saflufenacil 45 % + Propaquizafop 1% Soluble Liquid (SL)

47.36 parts of Saflufenacil was blended with 1.1 parts of Propaquizafop, 34 parts of Diethanolamine, 2 parts of Dimethyl formamide and 15.54 parts of alkylene carbonate in a vessel to obtain a soluble liquid composition.

EXAMPLE NO 16: Glyphosate isopropyl amine salt 41% + Saflufenacil 1% + Propaquizafop 2% Suspension Concentrates (SC)

30 parts of ethoxylated alcohol, phosphate ester blend, 5 parts of propylene glycol were added to 100 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 11 parts of Saflufenacil, 21 parts of Propaquizafop technical were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. 1 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size.

In another vessel, 260 parts of water was taken and 180 parts of isopropyl amine were added under stirring. 324 parts of glyphosate was slowly added under stirring to obtain a homogenous clear solution, followed by the addition of 60 parts of solution of dimethyl alkyl betaine. The obtained solution was mixed with the above milled slurry.

Then 1 part of xanthan gum, 1 parts of l,2-benziasothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 part of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

The composition had a particle size D10 of 1.58 microns, D50 of 2.4 microns and D90 of 3.3 microns. The composition viscosity of 350 cps, suspensibility of 96%, pourability rinsed residue of 0.15, the spontaneity of dispersion was 89%, and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was 0.02%.

EXAMPLE NO 17: Glyphosate isopropyl amine salt 1% + Saflufenacil 10% + Propaquizafop 20% Suspension concentrates

35 parts of ethoxylated alcohol and phosphate ester blend, 8 parts of propylene glycol were added to 80 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 110 parts of Saflufenacil, 210 parts of Propaquizafop was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. 1 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size.

In another vessel, 150 parts of water was taken and 80 parts of isopropyl amine was added under stirring. 7.9 parts of glyphosate was slowly added under stirring to obtain a homogenous clear solution, followed by the addition of 50 parts of solution of dimethyl alkyl betaine. The obtained solution was mixed with the above milled slurry to obtain a mixture.

Further, 1 parts ofxanthan gum, 1 parts of l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, balance water and 1 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion was added to the mixture under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

The composition had a particle size D10 of 2.6 microns; D50 of 3.9 microns, D904.3 microns, spontaneity of dispersion was 89%, suspensibility of 92%, viscosity of 250 cps, pourability rinsed residue of 0.19, and wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of 0.03% .

B. FIELD STUDY:

The following are some abbreviations that have been used in the field study data.

• WG: Water dispersible granules (spray dried)

• SC: Liquid suspension

• EC: Emulsifiable Concentrate

• SL: Soluble Liquid

• CS-WG: Water dispersible granules of capsulated suspension

• p.s.: Particle size of the composition • *: Expected effect (disease reduction or increase in yield) calculated by Colby’s method

• UTC: Untreated control

• DAA: Days after application

• DAS: Days after spraying

• g/ha: Grams per hectare

• kg/ha: Kilograms per hectare

• Qtl/ha: Quintal per hectare

• T/Ha: Tons per hectare

The percentage weed control over UTC was calculated using the following formula:

% Control = [(PD1 in control plot - PD1 in treated plot) / PD1 in control plot] X 100

Further, the percentage increase in yield over UTC was calculated using the following formula:

Increase (%) = [(Crop yield in treated plot - Crop yield in control plot) / Crop yield in control plot] X 100

Synergy evaluation using Colby's formula:

“Synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R.wee in an article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” published in Weeds, 1967, 15, p. 20- 22.

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

E = X + Y - (XY/100)

Where,

E= Expected % effect by mixture of two products X and Y in a defined dose.

X= Observed % effect by product A

Y= Observed % effect by product B The action expected for a given combination of three active components can be calculated as follows:

E = X + Y + Z - (XY+YZ + XZJ/1OO+ (XYZ/10000)

Where,

E= Expected % effect by mixture of three products X, Y and Z in a defined dose.

X= Observed % effect by product A

Y= Observed % effect by product B

Z= Observed % effect by product C

The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula Eq.(2) (Abbott, 1925).

SF= Observed effect /Expected effect

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

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

Experiment No. 1: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop, where the compositions are in the form of extruded granules and emulsifiable concentrate (EC)”, in controlling weeds in commercially cultivated Soybean crop, with comparative samples

Field experiment methodology: The field trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of the embodiments of the composition of the present invention on yield of soybean at Buldhana in Maharashtra, to evaluate the control of Amaranthus viridis (broad leaved) and Convolvulus arvensis (grassy weed).

The trial was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 40 sq.m (8m x 5m) was maintained. The compositions evaluated include Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop as per the present invention along with the comparative samples including individual actives and with compositions as per the present invention applied at reduced dosages. The application of the treatments with the composition as per the embodiment of the invention along with the comparative samples was made on the trial plots, post the weed emergence. The soybean crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Buldhana (Maharashtra) b) Crop : Soybean (MAUS 725 variety) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Seven g) Plot size : 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of sowing : 10.06.2024 i) Date of Application: 30.06.2024 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds as post emergence (3-4 leaves stage of weeds) k) Date of Observation: 30.07.2024 (30DAA)

The observations on weed control Amaranthus viridis (broad leaved) and Echinochloa colonum (grassy weed) were recorded at 30 DAA (Isqm) and the percentage weed incidence was presented in Table 1 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control of Soybean.

Table 1:

T7 UTC 50.70 62.8

It can be seen from Table 1 that the application of Treatment T1 with Saflufenacil 1.5% + Propaquizafop 80% extruded granules at 1200 g/ha and Treatment T2 with Saflufenacil 0.845% + Propaquizafop 45% EC at 2133.4 g/ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 89% and 88% reduction in the Amaranthus viridis weed incidence in soybean, over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the Treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 18.4% and 43.2% control of Amaranthus viridis weed respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage weed reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 53.7%.

It can be seen from Table 1 that the application of Treatments T1 and T2, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 91.2% and 90.8% reduction in the Echinochloa colonum weed incidence in soybean, over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the Treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 11.5% and 49.8% control of Echinochloa colonum weed respectively, over the untreated control. The Echinochloa colonum weed control observed with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease control calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 55.59%.

Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T5 and T6.

The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatment T1 and T2 and those applied in Treatments T5 and T6, are the same.

It can be further seen from Table 1 that Treatments T3 with Saflufenacil 1.3% + Propaquizafop 76.65% extruded granules at 1200 g/ha and Treatment T4 with Saflufenacil 0.75% + Propaquizafop 40% EC at 2300 g/ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 84.4% and 84% reduction in the Amaranthus viridis weed incidence in soybean, respectively as well as a 86.9% and 86.6% reduction in the Echinochloa colonum weed incidence, respectively, over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the control observed with Treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, even though Treatments T3 and T4 are applied at a reduced dosage of actives as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2.

Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage.

Table 1A: (continuation of Table 1)

It can be observed from Table 1A, the compositions of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 23.6% and 22.4% increase in the yield of Soybean over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, is higher than the expected yield of 19.4%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect.

Furthermore, it can be observed that the Treatments T3 and T4, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, where the actives are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2 also demonstrated an enhanced yield of 22.0% and 21.9% yield respectively, over the untreated control or as compared to the treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, applied at higher dosages, which only showed a yield increase of 7.3% and 13% in soybean, respectively, over the untreated control, thus illustrating that the composition as per the invention is also effective at reduced dosages.

Experiment No. 2: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop” where the compositions are in the form of water dispersible granules (WG) and soluble liquid (SL) compositions with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling broad leaved weed such as Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved weed) and Eleusine indica (grassy weed) in commercially cultivated tea crop.

Field experiment methodology:

The field trial was carried out to observe the effect of the compositions in the form of water dispersible granules and soluble liquid compositions with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved weed) and Eleusine indica (grassy weed) in tea in Dooars in West Bengal. The trial was laid out during the Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product compositions as per the present invention with varying concentration range, along with comparative compositions with individual actives composition, with prescribed dose were applied to the soil after the emergence of the weeds. The Tea crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

Details of Experiment: a) Trial Location : Dooars in West Bengal b) Crop & Variety : Tea (Black) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Six g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of Application: 24.07.2024 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds as post emergence (3-4 leaves stage of weeds) k) Date of Observation: 24.08.2024 The observations on weed control ofAgeratum conyzoides (broad leaved weed) and Eleusine indica (grassy weed) were recorded 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and the mean count was considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 2 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in tea.

Table 2: It can be seen from Table 2 that the application of Treatment T1 with Saflufenacil 35% + Propaquizafop 40% WG at 250 g/ha and Treatment T2 with Saflufenacil 17.5% + Propaquizafop 20% SL at 500 g/ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a reduction of 92.7% and 91.1%, respectively, in the controlling Ageratum conyzoides weed incidence in tea, over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the Treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 31.3% and 59% and control of Ageratum conyzoides weed respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage weed control with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 71.8%.

Further, Treatments T1 and T2, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a reduction of 91.3% and 91%, respectively, in Eleusine indica weed control in tea, over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the Treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which only showed a 35.2% and 52.5% Eleusine indica weed respectively, over the untreated control. The percentage Eleusine indica weed reduction with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 69.19%.

The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatment T1 and T2 and those applied in Treatments T5 and T6, are the same. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T5 and T6.

It can be further seen from Table 2, that Treatment T3 with Saflufenacil 30% + Propaquizafop 35% WG at 250 g/ha and Treatment T4 with Saflufenacil 15% + Propaquizafop 17.5% SL at 500 g/ha, both compositions, as per the embodiments of the present invention, where the compositions are applied at a reduced dosage as compared to the stand alone actives or as compared to the dosage applied in Treatments T1 or T2, showed a 90.8% and 89.2% reduction in the Ageratum conyzoides weed incidence in tea and a 88.8% and 88.3% reduction in the Eleusine indica weed incidence in tea, over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the Treatments T5 and T6 with individual actives, which showed a very poor weed control, over the untreated control, illustrating that the composition also works effectively at a reduced dosage. Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage.

Experiment No. 3: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop, where the compositions are in the form of dry capsulated granules (CS-WG) and emulsifiable concentrate (EC)”, in controlling weeds in commercially cultivated Soybean crop, with comparative samples

Field experiment methodology:

The field trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of embodiments of the composition of the present invention on yield of Soybean in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during Kharif season, to evaluate the control of Amaranthus palmeri (broad leaved) and Ambrosia artemisiifolia (broad leaved).

The trial was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 40 sq.m (8m x 5m) was maintained. The compositions evaluated include Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop as per the present invention along with the comparative samples including individual actives. The application of the treatments with the composition as per the embodiment of the invention along with the comparative samples was made on the trial plots after the emergence of the weeds. The soybean crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh b) Crop : Soybean (JS-20-29 variety) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Five g) Plot size : 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of sowing : 5.06.2024 i) Date of Application: 27.06.2024 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds as post emergence (3-4 leaves stage of weeds) k) Date of Observation: 27.07.2024 (30DAA)

The observations on weed control Amaranthus palmeri (broad leaved) and Ambrosia artemisiifolia (broad leaved) were recorded at 30 days after 1^st spray and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 3 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in Soybean.

Table 3: *: Synergy factor

It can be seen from Table 3 that the application of treatment T1 with Saflufenacil 75% + Propaquizafop 1% CS-WG at 400 g/ha and Treatment T2 with Saflufenacil 45% + Propaquizafop 0.54% EC at 666.7 g/ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 91.6% and 90.2% control respectively, in the Amaranthus palmeri weed incidence in soybean over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 46% and 13.6% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that percentage weed control with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage weed control calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 53.3%. Thus, the treatments T1 and T2 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T3 and T4.

It can be further seen from Table 3 that the treatment T1 and Treatment T2, with compositions, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 91.2% and 91.7% reduction in the Ambrosia artemisiifolia weed incidence in soybean over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 56.7% and 20% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control.

Surprisingly, the percentage Ambrosia artemisiifolia weed control with the treatments T1 and T2, with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage disease reduction calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 65.3%, thus demonstrating a synergistic effect.

The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 and T2 as well those applied in Treatments T3 and T4, are the same.

Table 3A (Continuation of Table 3)

It can be seen from Table 3A that the compositions of Treatment T1 and Treatment T2, both as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 22.8% and 21.2% increase in the yield of soybean over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 respectively, over the untreated control. Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatments T1 and T2, is higher than the expected yield of 16.5%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 and T2 as well those applied in Treatments T3 and T4, are the same.

Experiment No. 4: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Saflufenacil and Propaquizafop, where the composition is in the form of extruded granules with specific particle size range as per the embodiment of the present invention”, as against extruded granules compositions having a higher particle size range, in controlling weeds such as Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved) and Echinochola crusgalli (grassy weed) in commercially cultivated Tea plantation, with comparative samples

Field experiment methodology:

The field trial was carried out to observe the effect of the compositions in the form of extruded granules compositions with both actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved) and Echinochola crusgalli (grassy weed) in tea in Assam. The trial was laid out during the Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product compositions with varying concentration range and particle size, as per the embodiment of the present invention, along with comparative compositions with higher particle size ranges, were applied to the soil after the emergence of the weeds. The Tea crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

Details of Experiment: a) Trial Location : Assam b) Crop & Variety : Tea (Black) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Five g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of Application: 24.07.2024 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds as post emergence (3-4 leaves stage of weedflora) k) Date of Observation: 24.08.2024

The observations on weed control of Ageratum conyzoides (broad leaved) and Echinochola crusgalli (grassy weed) were recorded 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and the mean count was considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 4 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in tea.

Table 4:

It can be seen from Table 4 that the application of the compositions of Saflufenacil 25% + Propaquizafop 30% extruded granules with p.s of 0.1 to 50 microns, both as per the invention, applied at a dosage of 325 g/ha, showed a 93.2% and 92.1% reduction in Ageratum conyzoides and Echinochola crusgalli weed incidence, respectively, in tea.

It can be further seen from Table 4 that application of Treatment T3 with Saflufenacil 25% + Clodinafop-ethyl 30% extruded granules, with p.s. 0.1 to 50 microns @ 325 g/ha where the active Propaquizafop was substituted with Clodinafop-ethyl, only showed a 63.3% and 56.7% weed control of Ageratum conyzoides and Echinochola crusgalli, respectively, in tea.

Further it can be seen from Table 4 that the application of Treatments T3 with the compositions of Saflufenacil 25% + Propaquizafop 30% extruded granules with p.s of 51 to 100 microns at 325 g/ha, only showed a 48.6% and 43.9% reduction in Ageratum conyzoides and Echinochola crusgalli, respectively, in tea.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the application of Treatments T4 with the compositions of Saflufenacil 25% + Propaquizafop 30% extruded granules with p.s. > 100 microns at 325 g/ha, only showed a 22.9% and 23.8% weed control of Ageratum conyzoides and Echinochola crusgalli, respectively in tea.

The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments Tl, T2 and T3 are the same.

Experiment No. 5

To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Saflufenacil, Propaquizafop and Glyphosate”, where the composition is in the form of suspension concentrate with specific particle size range as per the embodiment of the present invention”, as against suspension concentrate compositions having a higher particle size range, in controlling weeds such as Echinocloa colona (grassy weed) in commercially cultivated Tea plantation, with comparative samples

Field experiment methodology:

The field trial was carried out to observe the effect of the compositions in the form of suspension concentrate compositions with actives in varying concentrations, as per the embodiment of the present invention, as against comparative samples, in controlling Echinocloa colona (grassy weed) in tea in Assam. The trial was laid out during the Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The test product compositions as per the present invention with varying concentration range, along with comparative compositions with individual actives composition, with prescribed dose were applied to the soil after the emergence of the weeds. The Tea crop in the trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.

The observations on weed control of Echinocloa colona (grassy weed) were recorded 30 days after application from 1 sqm area and the mean count was considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 5 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control in tea. Table 5:

It can be seen from Table 5 that the application of Treatments T1 with the compositions of Saflufenacil 25% + Propaquizafop 20% + Glyphosate 10% SC @ 400 g/ha with p.s of 0.1 to 50 microns as per the invention and and T2 with the compositions of Saflufenacil 25% +

Propaquizafop 20% + Glyphosate 10% SC with p.s of 0.1 to 30 microns at 400 g/ha, both as per the embodiments of the present invention showed 88% and 93.2% reduction, respectively, in the Echinocloa colona weed in tea, over the untreated control, as compared to the treatments T3 and T4 with with similar compositions, but higher particle size ranges which only showed a 59.5% and 33.5% control, respectively, in the Echinocloa colona weed in tea, over the untreated control. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in the Treatments T1 to T4 are the same.

Experiment No. 6: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Saflufenacil, Propaquizafop and Glyphosate, where the compositions are in the form of water dispersible granules (WG) in controlling weeds such as Amaranthus viridis (broad leaved) in commercially cultivated Soybean in Jhalawar of Rajasthan, with comparative samples.

Field experiment methodology:

The field trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules (WG) on the yield of Soybean in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, as well as in controlling the weed Amaranthus viridis (broad leaved).

The trial was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 40 sq.m (8m x 5m) was maintained. The compositions evaluated include Saflufenacil, Propaquizafop and Glyphosate in specific concentrations as per the present invention, along with the comparative samples with individual actives. The application of the treatments with the composition as per the embodiment of the invention along with the comparative samples was made on the trial plots post weed emergence. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The soybean crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Jhalawar (Rajasthan) b) Crop : Soybean (NRC 131) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Five g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of sowing :6-07-2024 i) Date of Application: 1-08-2024 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds as post emergence (3-4 leaves stage of weeds) k) Date of Observation (weed incidence): 1.09.2024 The observations on weed control Amaranthus viridis (broad leaved) in Soybean were recorded at 30 days after application from 1 sqm area from 3 spots and mean count considered for further analysis and the percentage disease incidence was presented in Table 6 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control of Soybean.

Table 6:

It can be seen from Table 6 that the application of treatment T1 with Saflufenacil 5% + Propaquizafop 10% + Glyphosate 50% WG at 1000 g/ha as per the embodiment of the present invention, showed a 93.25% control in the Amaranthus viridis weed incidence in soybean, over the untreated control, at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T2 and T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 23.5%, 30.38% and 58.12% weed control, respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that the percentage weed control with the treatments T1 with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage weed control calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 77.69%. Thus, the treatment T1 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T2, T3 and T4.

Further the composition of Treatment T1 as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 16.24% increase in the yield of soybean over the Treatments T2, T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 2.4%, 4.8% and 8.4% increase in the yield of soybean, respectively, over the untreated control.

Surprisingly, the yield with the composition of Treatment T1 is higher than the expected yield of 14.88%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect. The results are all the more surprising, as the dosages of the actives applied in all the Treatments are the same.

Experiment No. 7: To study the effect of the compositions comprising “Saflufenacil, Propaquizafop and Glyphosate”, where the compositions are in the form of extruded granules in controlling weeds such as Echinochloa colonum (grassy weed) in commercially cultivated Soybean in Baran of Rajasthan, with comparative samples

Field experiment methodology:

The field trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of the composition of the present invention in the form of extruded granules on the yield of Soybean in Baran of Rajasthan as well as in controlling the grassy weed, Echinochloa colonum

The trial was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. For each treatment, plot size of 40 sq.m (8m x 5m) was maintained. The compositions evaluated include Saflufenacil, Propaquizafop and Glyphosate in specific concentrations as per the present invention, along with the comparative samples with individual actives. The application of the treatments with the composition as per the embodiment of the invention along with the comparative samples was made on the trial plots post weed emergence. For each treatment, plot size of 30 sq.m (6m x 5m) was maintained. The soybean crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

5 Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Baran (Rajasthan) b) Crop : Soybean (NRC 138) c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design 0 e) Replications : Four f) Treatments : Five g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of sowing : 6-11-2024 i) Date of Application: 1-12-2024 5 j) Method of application: Soil application to the weeds as post emergence (3-4 leaves stage of weeds) k) Date of Observation (weed incidence): 1.01.2025

The observations on weed control of Echinochloa colonum (grassy weed) in Soybean were0 recorded at 30 days after application from the 1 sqm area and mean count was considered for further analysis and the percentage weed control was presented in Table 7 to assess the efficacy of the compositions on the weed control of Soybean.

Table 7:

It can be seen from Table 7 that the application of treatment T1 with Saflufenacil 30% + Propaquizafop 25% + Glyphosate 5% extruded granules at 1200 g/ha as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 94.8% control in the Echinochloa colonum weed incidence in soybean over the untreated control at 30 days after application, as compared to the treatments T2 and T3 and T4 with individual actives, which only showed a 47.31%, 44.1% and 14.9 weed control respectively, over the untreated control. It can be observed that the percentage weed control with the treatments T1 with compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention is also higher than the expected percentage weed control calculated by Colby’s method i.e. 74.94%. Thus, the treatment T1 with the composition as per the present invention demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to the treatments with the individual actives i.e. treatments T2, T3 and T4.

Further, the composition of Treatment T1 as per the embodiments of the present invention, showed a 13.38% increase in the yield of soybean over the individual actives, with Treatments T2, T3 and T4, which only showed a 6.8%, 2.5% and 1.33% increase in the yield of soybean, respectively, over the untreated control.

Surprisingly, the yield with the Treatment T1 is higher than the expected yield of 10.43%, thereby illustrating a synergist effect. Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields at reduced dosage.

Moreover, the compositions of the invention show a persistent herbicidal activity, even under difficult weathering conditions, which allows a more flexible application in burndown applications and minimizes the risk of weeds escaping. The composition of the invention is non-phytotoxic and shows superior crop compatibility with certain conventional crop plants and with herbicide tolerant crop plants, i.e. their use in these crops leads to a reduced damage of the crop plants and/or does not cause any damage to the crop plants and also assists in managing herbicidal resistance or reducing herbicidal residue. The composition of the present invention exhibits an accelerated action on harmful plants, i.e. they may affect damage of the harmful plants more quickly in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides.

Furthermore, the composition of the present invention is highly stable, synergistic in nature and is suitable for integrated pest management. Further, such composition also helps in improving the crop yield, crop characteristics etc. Thus, it has been observed that the composition of the present invention, demonstrates enhanced, efficacious and superior behaviour in the fields at reduced dosage along with ease of application making it economically beneficial and environment friendly.

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

Claims

CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. A herbicidal composition comprising a combination of: a) Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, b) Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition, and a) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the range of 5% to 99.8% w/w of the total composition; wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

2. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel.

3. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solid composition is in the form of wettable powder (WP), dispersible powder, broadcast granules, spheronized granules, extruded granules, water dispersible granules (WDG), water disintegrable granules (GR), dry capsulated suspension (OS WG) and dry ZC composition (combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate).

4. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the solid composition is in the form of water dispersible granules (WG), extruded granules, dry capsulated suspension (CS-WG) and wettable powder (WP).

5. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the granules are in the size range of from 0.05 to 4 mm.

6. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solid composition comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition.

7. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solid composition comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 5% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof in the range of 5% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition.

8. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of suspension, emulsion, oil dispersion, liquid suspension (SC), soluble liquid (SL), suspo-emulsion (SE), flowable concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate (EC), seed dressing, suspo-emulsion (SE), capsulated suspension (CS), emulsions in water (EW), Ultra-low-volume concentrate (ULV), combination of capsulated suspension and suspension concentrate (ZC).

9. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of emulsifiable concentrate (EC), suspension concentrate (SC), soluble liquid (SL).

10. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition has a particle size in the size range of from 0.1 to 30 microns.

11. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition and Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 45% w/w of the total composition.

12. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 1% w/w to 25% w/w of the total composition and Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof in the range of 1% w/w to 30% w/w of the total composition.

13. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof at a concentration of 23.3% w/w of the total composition and Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof at a concentration of 25% w/w of the total composition.

14. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from at least one of surfactants, binders or binding agents, disintegrating agent, fillers or carriers or diluents, coating agents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, antifoaming agents or defoamers, penetrants, stabilizers, pigments, colorants, structuring agents, thickeners, suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anticaking agents or anti-settling agents, viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers, tackifiers, humectants, spreading agents, sticking agents, anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants, solvents, microcapsule wall forming materials, cross linking agents, monomers, protective colloids, preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidants, polymers, monomers, crosslinking agents, permeability enhancing agents, protective colloids or mixtures thereof.

15. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises at least one herbicide, agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof in the range of 0.1% w/wto 55% w/w of the total composition.

16. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 15, wherein the herbicide is Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition.

17. The herbicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition, Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salts or derivatives thereof in the range of 1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition, Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 55% w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

18. A method for protecting the plant against unwanted weeds or vegetation, the method comprising treating the undesired weeds and vegetation, or the locus of the weeds or undesired vegetation or the surrounding soil where the undesired weeds are likely to grow with a herbicidal composition as claimed in Claim 1, the composition comprising: i. Saflufenacil or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 75% w/w of the total composition ii. Propaquizafop or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof in the range of 0.1% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition; hi. optionally effective amount of Glyphosate or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and iv. at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.