DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition comprising the active ingredients dimethomorph and chlorothalonil in the form of water dispersible granules (WDG). The composition is used for treating downy mildew in grapes, early blight, and late blight diseases in tomato crops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of crop protection, the use of a particular active substance for the control of fungi may become increasingly difficult in time due to the adaptation of the mentioned fungi to the fungicide being used. This leads to the loss of effectiveness in the control of the pathogen, overuse of the fungicide and, consequently, downfall in crop production and profitability.

A very well-known and widely used form of approaching this problem is by using a combination of different active substances. In fact, in many cases only the combination of the characteristics and properties of more than one active substance makes it possible to obtain a product of high performance in all the aspects of biological action (preventive action, curative action and eradicative action) while keeping the probability of the development of resistance to these molecules to a minimum. Nevertheless, the effect of such a combination may result in an antagonistic, additive, or yet synergistic activity.

Dimethomorph is a fungicide with systemic function. It is chemically known as (E, Z)-4-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl) acryloyl] morpholine. It is used for treating mildew and root rot caused by organisms such as Pythium and Phytophthora species.

Chlorothalonil is a broad-spectrum, non-systemic fungicide. It is chemically known as 2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile and used to treat diseases in vegetables, orchards, and ornamentals. It's also used as a wood protectant, pesticide, acaricide, and to control mold, mildew, bacteria, and algae.
CN101953356A (2010) discloses the thermal smoke agent comprises the active ingredients like Dimethomorph and Azoxystrobin, Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil, Dimethomorph and Cymoxanil, Dimethomorph and Metalaxyl, Dimethomorph and Hymexazol, or Dimethomorph and Enestroburin, along with agrochemical auxiliaries selected from an emulsifying agent, a dispersing agent, a solvent, a viscosity regulating agent, a defoaming agent and the like. The active ingredients and the auxiliaries are prepared into oil-suspension formulations.

Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil are both widely used in the agricultural industry but function through different modes of action. Dimethomorph is a systemic fungicide effective against oomycetes while Chlorothalonil is a broad-spectrum contact fungicide. While each has specific benefits, combining the two provides a synergistic effect, offering superior protection against a wide range of fungal pathogens.

Furthermore, the water dispersible granule (WDG) formulation is preferred over other formulations (such as wettable powders or emulsifiable concentrates) due to its improved handling characteristics, minimal dust formation, and ease of application.

The invention provides a highly effective, stable, and user-friendly formulation of dimethomorph and chlorothalonil as water-dispersible granules, addressing the needs of modern agricultural practices.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide synergistic water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising of dimethomorph and chlorothalonil with suitable agrochemical additives, and process for the preparation thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a synergistic fungicidal composition for the sustainable control of plant pathogenic fungi, in particular resistant strains, with an effective application rate as low as possible, benefiting of a better toxicological and ecotoxicological profile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising:
a) dimethomorph present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 40% (w/w),
b) chlorothalonil present in a range from 35% (w/w) to 50% (w/w), and
c) agrochemical additives.

According to the present invention, suitable agrochemical excipients are selected from a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, an anticaking agent, a defoamer, a co-filler, and a filler.

Another aspect of the present invention, the wetting agent is selected from the group comprising of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, an anionic sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, present in a range from 1% to 5% (w/w).

Another aspect of the present invention, the dispersing agent is selected from the group comprising of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, Sodium polycarboxylate, sodium lignosulfonate, sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate, salt of phenol sulphonic acid condensation product, blend of dispersing agent, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and combination thereof, present in a range from 1% to 10% (w/w).

Another aspect of the present invention, the defoamer suitable for the purpose of the present invention is Silicone antifoam emulsion, present in an amount of 0.1% to 1.5% (w/w).

Another aspect of the present invention, the anti-caking agent is silicon dioxide, present in an amount of 1% to 2% (w/w).

Another aspect of the present invention, the co-filler is selected from the group comprising ammonium sulphate, and lactose monohydrate, present in a range from 1% to 20% (w/w).

Another aspect of the present invention, a filler is china clay, present in Q.S.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising:
a) dimethomorph is present in 15.0% (w/w),
b) chlorothalonil is present in 37.5% (w/w),
c) alkyl naphthalene sulfonate wetting agent is present in 3.0% (w/w),
d) alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate dispersing agent is present in 8.0% (w/w),
e) silicone antiform emulsion defoamer is present in 0.5% (w/w),
f) silicon dioxide anticaking agent is present in 1.0% (w/w),
g) ammonium sulphate co-filler is present in 15.0% (w/w), and
h) china clay filler is present in Q. S.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a synergistic fungicidal composition for the sustainable control of plant pathogenic fungi, in particular resistant strains, with an effective application rate as low as possible, benefiting of a better toxicological and ecotoxicological profile.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing such compositions and a method of using such compositions effectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The term "comprising", which is synonymous with "including", "containing", or "characterized by” here is defined as being inclusive or open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "crops" and "vegetation" can include, for instance, dormant seeds, germinant seeds, emerging seedlings, plants emerging from vegetative propagules, immature vegetation, and established vegetation.

As used herein, immature vegetation may be understood to include small vegetative plants prior to reproductive stage, and mature vegetation may be understood to include vegetative plants during and after the reproductive stage.

As used herein, the term “synergistic composition” may be understood to include effective combination of more than one agrochemical that allows the application of the said agrochemical in a much lower dosage, which results in a less dosage treatment for the crops.

The term "comprising", which is synonymous with "including", "containing", or "characterized by" here is defined as being inclusive or open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

As used herein, the term “agrochemical additives” may be understood to include a range of surfactants, dispersing agents, pigments, solvents, co-solvents, defoamers, and emulsions, crystallization inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, suspending agents, dyes, antioxidants, light absorbers, mixing aids, neutralizers or pH adjusting substances and buffers, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, wetting agents, absorption enhancers, micronutrients, plasticizers, lubricants, thickeners, anti-freezing agents, sterilization agents, biocide, adjuvant among others.
Suitable additives may be a solid or liquid and are generally a substance commonly used in formulation processing processes, for example, natural or regenerated minerals, solvents, dispersing agents, wetting agents, adhesives, thickeners, stabilizers, binders, or fertilizers.

As used herein, the terms "fungicide" refers to biocidal chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill parasitic fungi or their spores.

As used herein, a "fungicidally effective amount" may be understood to include an amount of an active ingredient that causes a "fungicide effect," i.e., an adversely modifying effect including, for instance, a deviation from natural growth or development, killing, regulation, desiccation, growth inhibition, growth reduction, and retardation of fungi or their spores.

As used herein, applying fungicide or fungicidal composition may be understood to include delivering it directly to the targeted fungi or their spores on the plant thereof or to the area where control of fungi is desired. Methods of application include but are not limited to pre-emergently contacting soil or water, post-emergently contacting the fungi or area adjacent to the fungi on the plants.

The fungicidal composition of the present invention may be formulated as capsule suspension (CS), Dispersible concentrate (DC), Dustable powder (DP), Powder for dry seed treatment (DS), Emulsifiable concentrate (EC), Emulsifiable granule (EG), Emulsion water in-oil (EO), Emulsifiable powder (EP), Emulsion for seed treatment (ES), Emulsion oil-in-water (EW), Flowable concentrate for seed treatment (FS), Granules (GR), Micro-emulsion (ME), Oil-dispersion (OD), Oil miscible flowable concentrate (OF), Oil miscible liquid (OL), Oil dispersible powder (OP), Suspension concentrate (SC), Suspension concentrate for direct application (SD), Suspo-emulsion (SE), Water soluble granule (SG), Soluble concentrate (SL), Spreading oil (SO), Water soluble powder (SP), Water soluble tablet (ST), Water dispersible granules (WG or WDG), Wettable powder (WP), Water dispersible powder for slurry seed treatment (WS), Water dispersible tablet (WT), a mixed formulation of CS and SC (ZC), a mixed formulation of CS and SE (ZE), a mixed formulation of CS and EW (ZW) among others. Preferably, the composition of the present invention is formulated as water dispersible granules (WDG).

One embodiment of the present invention provides a water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising of:
a) dimethomorph present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 40% (w/w),
b) chlorothalonil present in a range from 35% (w/w) to 50% (w/w), and
c) agrochemical additives.

According to the present invention, suitable agrochemical excipients are selected from a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, an anticaking agent, a defoamer, a co-filler, and a filler.

According to the present invention, the active ingredients dimethomorph and chlorothalonil are combined with one or more carriers and excipients to form Water Dispersible Granules (WDG). The WDG formulation ensures easy dispersal in water, uniform distribution during application, and minimal dust.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising of:
a) dimethomorph is present in 15.0% (w/w),
b) chlorothalonil is present in 37.5% (w/w),
c) alkyl naphthalene sulfonate wetting agent is present in 3.0% (w/w),
d) alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate dispersing agent is present in 8.0% (w/w),
e) silicone antiform emulsion defoamer is present in 0.5% (w/w),
f) silicon dioxide anticaking agent is present in 1.0% (w/w),
g) ammonium sulphate co-filler is present in 15.0% (w/w), and
h) china clay filler is present in Q. S.
A wetting agent is a substance that when added to a liquid increases the spreading or penetration power of the liquid by reducing the interfacial tension between the liquid and the surface on which it is spreading.

According to the present embodiment, the wetting agent is selected from the group comprising of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, an anionic sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, present in a range from 1% to 5% (w/w).

A dispersant or a dispersing agent is a substance which absorbs onto the surface of particles and helps to preserve the state of dispersion of the particles and prevents them from re-aggregating. Dispersants are added to agrochemical compositions to facilitate dispersion and suspension during manufacture, and to ensure the particles re-disperse into water in a spray tank.

According to the present embodiment, the dispersing agent is selected from the group comprising of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, Sodium polycarboxylate, sodium lignosulfonate, sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate, salt of phenol sulphonic acid condensation product, blend of dispersing agent, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and combination thereof, present in a range from 1% to 10% (w/w).

Defoamer is a chemical reagent developed for defoaming, and foam suppression based on the principle of foaming. The defoamer suitable for the purpose of the present invention is Silicone antifoam emulsion, present in an amount of 0.1% to 1.5% (w/w).

According to the present embodiment, the anti-caking agent is silicon dioxide, present in an amount of 1% to 2% (w/w).

According to the present embodiment, the co-filler is selected from the group comprising ammonium sulphate, and lactose monohydrate, present in a range from 1% to 20% (w/w).
A filler refers to solid chemicals that are added to a pesticide formulation to aid in the delivery of the active ingredient. Accordingly, the composition of the present invention contains a filler is china clay, present in Q.S.

The compositions according to the invention have very good fungicidal properties and can be employed for controlling phytopathogenic fungi such as Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Deuteromycetes, Oomycetes, Plasmodiophoromycetes, Zygomycetes, and the like. Examples which may be mentioned, but not by limitation, are some pathogens of fungal diseases.

The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will be more clearly described in the complete specification which will be filed pursuant to the present provisional specification.

EXAMPLES:
Example 1: Dimethomorph 15.0% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG:
S. No. Composition Function Charge in (%)
1. Dimethomorph Active ingredient 15.0
2. Chlorothalonil Active ingredient 37.5
3. Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Wetting agent 3.0
4. Alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate Dispersing agent 8.0
5. Silicone antifoam emulsion Defoamer 0.5
6. Silicon dioxide Anti caking agent 1.0
7. Ammonium sulphate Co-filler 15.0
8. China clay Filler Q.S.

Procedure of preparation of Dimethomorph 15.0% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG:
Step 1: Weighing the raw materials according to the batch size in a pre-blender and mixing it for 1 hour:

• Filler,
• Anticaking agent,
• Co-filler,
• Wetting agent,
• Dispersing agent,
• Dimethomorph Technical,
• Chlorothalonil Technical.
Step 2: Milling the sample through air jet mill instrument at Inlet pressure 2-3 kg/cm2, grinding pressure 6 kg/ cm2 and checking the particle size < 15 5 microns.
Step 3: Collecting milled sample and post blending in a blender.
Step 4: Preparing dough by mixing water and defoamer.
Step 5: Extruding the granules through Basket extruder.
Step 6: Collecting the WDG and dry in fluid bed dryer (FBD) @ 50°C, checking the moisture content it should be < 5.0%. (Note: While drying the WDG in FBD, air flow rate should be maintained between 50-60).
Step 7: Submitting the sample for Analysis.
Step 8: Packing the material appropriately (TLP bag).

Example 2: Dimethomorph 15.0% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG:
S. No. Composition Function Charge in (%)
1. Dimethomorph Active ingredient 15.0
2. Chlorothalonil Active ingredient 37.5
3. Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Wetting agent 3.0
4. Sodium Polycarboxylate Dispersing agent 5.0
5. Blend of dispersing agent Dispersing agent 5.0
6. Silicone antifoam emulsion Defoamer 0.5
7. Silicon dioxide Anti caking agent 1.0
8. Ammonium sulphate Co-filler 10.0
9. China clay Filler Q.S.

The manufacturing procedure for formulation of Example 2 is like the one described in Example 1.

Example 3: Dimethomorph 33.3% + Chlorothalonil 41.7% WDG:
S. No. Composition Function Charge in (%)
1. Dimethomorph Active ingredient 33.3
2. Chlorothalonil Active ingredient 41.7
3. Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Wetting agent 3.0
4. Alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate Dispersing agent 8.0
5. Silicone antifoam emulsion Defoamer 0.5
6. Silicon dioxide Anti caking agent 1.0
7. Ammonium sulphate Co-filler 15.0
8. China clay Filler Q.S.

The manufacturing procedure for formulation of Example 3 is like the one described in Example 1.

Efficacy study for combination of Dimethomorph 15.0% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% in water dispersible granules (WDG) form:
SYNERGY STUDIES:
A synergistic effect exists whenever the action of an active ingredient combination is greater than the sum of the actions of the individual components.

After calculating % disease control, the synergism was calculated by the below formula: The synergistic herbicidal action of the inventive mixtures calculated by Colby’s formula as follows:

Appropriate analysis of plant response to fungicide combination is critical in determining the type of activity observed. The most widely used model is the one Gowing* derived and Colby** modified. Gowing described a mathematical formula for calculating the predicting response values for pesticide mixtures. He suggested the expected (E) percent inhibition of growth induced by herbicide A plus herbicide B is as follows, *(Jerry Flint et al, 1988) ***

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

AB
Expected (E) = A + B -
100

Where:
A - Percent inhibition of growth by fungicide A at given rate.
B - Percent inhibition of growth by fungicide B at given rate.

When the percentage of fungicidal control observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage, there is a synergistic effect. (Ratio of O/E > 1, means synergism observed.)
Reference:
*Gowing, D. P. 1960. Comments on tests of pesticide mixtures. Weeds 8:379–391.
**Colby, S. R. 1967. Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of pesticide combinations. Weeds 15:20–22
*** Jerry Flint et al, 1988. Analyzing Pesticide Interactions: A Statistical Treatment of Colby's Method. Weed Technology 2: 304-309

FIELD AND SYNERGY STUDIES

Trial 1: Bio-efficacy against grapes downy mildew:
The Downy mildew is caused by the Oomycete group of fungal pathogens Plasmopara viticola. This is a potentially devasting disease that can infect grapes, foliage and berries at any stage of crop development. The pathogen overwinters as thick-walled spores (oospores) in leaf debris from the previous growing season on the soil surface under vines. Oospores at or near the soil surface will germinate in spring by producing sporangia that are rain-splashed or wind-blown to susceptible grape tissues. Sporangia release swimming zoospores in a film of water (rain or dew) which infect the leaves by penetrating the leaf stomata within several hours. Light green or yellow lesions, called “oil spots,” on leaves appear within five to 17 days after infection, depending on the temperature.

Disease development required cool, moist weather under the favorable condition foliar symptoms appear as yellow circular spot with an oily appearance (oily spots). Young oily spots on young leaves surrounded by a brownish yellow halo. The halo fades and the oil spots mature. Under favorable weather conditions, large numbers of oil spots may develop and coalesce to cover most of the leaf surface.

The field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of innovative mixtures of Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil against grapes downy mildew. The trial was conducted with randomized block design with net plot size of 5m x 6m. Grape crops were raised with all standard agronomic practices. Spraying was done with manual operated backpack knapsack sprayer with 1000 L of water spray volume per hectare at 8 to 10 days after pruning.

The visual observations were recorded for % disease control from ten plants per plot. The observations were recorded before spraying, 7 DAA (Days after application) and 14 DAA (Days after application)

Table 1A: Downy mildew disease control in grapes:
Below table 1A demonstrates synergy against Downy mildew disease of grapes using the combination of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG. The field trials were carried out at various locations. The percentage disease control was calculated after 7 and 14 days of application. The target disease was Downy mildew disease, and the results are recorded in the table below.
Compositions Dose
(GAH) Percent disease control – Grapes Downy mildew
7 DAA 14 DAA
Dimethomorph 50% WP 300 50 60
Chlorothalonil 75% WP 750 30 40
Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG 1050 75 80

The trial results show excellent efficacy of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG combination against downy mildew disease. The solo application of Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil active ingredients tested were also not able to provide satisfactory control of downy mildew disease. The combination of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG found very promising against grapes downy mildew in terms of efficacy as well as residual control.

Table 1B: Synergy table: Downy mildew of grape diseases control at 14 DAA
Compositions Dose
(GAH) Percent disease control – Grapes Downy mildew (14 DAA)
Expected Observed
Dimethomorph 50% WP 300 60
Chlorothalonil 75% WP 750 40
Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG 1050 76 80
Ratio of O/E 1.05

Table 1B clearly demonstrates the synergy between Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG in controlling grapes downy mildew disease. The large difference between the observed and the expected efficacy clearly demonstrates the synergistic effect of the combination.

Trial 2: Field Bio-efficacy trials: Tomato Early Blight:
The early blight is caused by the fungal pathogen Alternaria solani. This is a potentially devasting disease. Warm, humid (24-29°C/ 75-84°F) environmental conditions are conducive to infection. Its major threat to many vegetable and fruit crops and can also affect the crop stand and yield. The first symptoms of early blight appear as small, circular, or irregular, dark brown to black spots on the older (lower) leaves. These spots enlarge up to 3/8 inch in diameter and gradually may become angular-shaped. These first lesions appear about two to three days after infection, with further sporulation on the surface of these lesions occurring three to five days later. Early blight lesions can be diagnosed in the field easily due to the dark concentric rings alternating with bands of light-tan tissue, giving them a distinctive target spot appearance. Multiple lesions on the same leaf also may coalesce, or grow together, to form one mass. As lesions coalesce, chlorosis (yellowing of plant tissue) may be visible due to clusters of infection. Elongated, brown to black lesions also may develop on stems and petioles of infected plants.

The field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of innovative mixtures of Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil against Alternaria solani fungus in Tomato crop. Trial was conducted with randomized block design with net plot size of 5m x 6m. Tomato crop was raised with all standard agronomic practices. Spraying was done with manual operated backpack knapsack sprayer with 500 L of water spray volume per hectare at 45 days after planting.

The visual observations were recorded for % disease control from ten plants per plot. The observations were recorded before spraying, 7 DAA (Days after application) and 14 DAA (Days after application).

Table 2A: Early blight disease control in Tomato:
Below table demonstrates synergy against Early blight disease control in Tomato using the combination of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG. The field trials were carried out at various locations. The percentage disease control was calculated after 7 and 14 days of application. The target disease was Early blight disease, and the results are recorded in the below table.
Compositions Dose
(GAH) Percent disease control – Early blight of tomato
7 DAA 14 DAA
Dimethomorph 50% WP 300 45 40
Chlorothalonil 75% WP 750 60 55
Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG 1050 80 77

The trial results show excellent efficacy of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG combination against early blight disease control in tomato. The solo application of Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil active ingredients tested, were also not able to provide satisfactory control of early blight disease control. The combination of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG found very promising against tomato early blight in terms of efficacy as well as residual control.
Table 2B: Synergy table: Early blight of tomato disease control at 14 DAA
Compositions Dose
(GAH) Percent disease control – Early blight of tomato (14 DAA)
Expected Observed
Dimethomorph 50% WP 300 40
Chlorothalonil 75% WP 750 55
Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG 1050 73 77
Ratio of O/E 1.05

Table 2B clearly demonstrates the synergy between Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG in controlling Early blight of tomato. The large difference between the observed and the expected efficacy clearly demonstrates the synergistic effect of the combination.

Trial 3: Field Bio-efficacy trials: Tomato late blight:
The late blight is caused by the Oomycete group of fungal pathogen Phytophthora infestans. This is a potentially devasting disease that can infect tomato foliage and fruit at any stage of crop development. The first symptoms of late blight in the field are small, light to dark green, circular to irregular-shaped water-soaked spots. These lesions usually appear first on the lower leaves. Lesions often begin to develop near the leaf tips or edges, where dew is retained the longest. During cool, moist weather, these lesions expand rapidly into large, dark brown or black lesions, often appearing greasy. The lesions are not limited by leaf veins, and as new infections occur and existing infections coalesce, entire leaves can become blighted and killed within just a few days. The lesions also may be present on petioles and stems of the plant. Maximum and minimum temperatures in the range of 16-20°C and 1-6°C were found favorable for Tomato blight disease. Similarly, relative humidity, rainfall, and wind speed in the range of 63-71%, 1.5-3.75 mm and 1-5.5 Km/h, respectively, were conducive for PLB disease which are helpful in disease development.

The field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of innovative mixtures of Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil against phytophthora infestans fungus in tomato crops. Trial was conducted with randomized block design with net plot size of 5m x 6m. Tomato crop was raised with all standard agronomic practices. Spraying was done with manual operated backpack knapsack sprayer with 500 L of water spray volume per hectare at 45 days after planting.

The visual observations were recorded for % disease control from ten plants per plot. The observations were recorded before spraying, 7 DAA (Days after application) and 14 DAA (Days after application)

Table 3A: Late blight disease control in Tomato:
Below table demonstrates synergy against late blight disease control in tomato using the combination of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG. The field trials were carried out at various locations. The percentage disease control was calculated after 7 and 14 days of application. The target disease was late blight disease, and the results are recorded in the below table 3A.
Compositions Dose
(GAH) Percent disease control – Late blight of tomato
7 DAA 14 DAA
Dimethomorph 50% WP 300 60 70
Chlorothalonil 75% WP 750 35 40
Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG 1050 75 88

The trial results show excellent efficacy of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG combination against late blight disease control in Tomato. The solo application of Dimethomorph and Chlorothalonil active ingredients tested were also not able to provide satisfactory control of late blight disease control. The combination of Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG was found very promising against tomato late blight in terms of efficacy as well as residual control.
Table 3B: Synergy table: Late blight of tomato disease control at 14 DAA
Compositions Dose
(GAH) Percent disease control – Late blight of tomato (14 DAA)
Expected Observed
Dimethomorph 50% WP 300 70
Chlorothalonil 75% WP 750 40
Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG 1050 82 88
Ratio of O/E 1.07

Table 3B clearly demonstrates the synergy between Dimethomorph 15% + Chlorothalonil 37.5% WDG in controlling late blight of tomato. The large difference between the observed and the expected efficacy clearly demonstrates the synergistic effect of the combination.

Efficacy testing field trials demonstrated that the granules reduced fungal infection rates in tomato crops by 88% compared to untreated controls, outperforming individual applications of dimethomorph or chlorothalonil.

Advantages of the Invention:
? The present composition of dimethomorph and chlorothalonil WDG provides control over a wide range of fungal pathogens, both systemic and contact.
? The present composition reduces the likelihood of resistance by combining two fungicides with different modes of action.
? The present composition improves handling, reduces dust, and ensures uniform application, improving efficacy and safety.
? The present composition minimizes the environmental impact by reducing the need for multiple fungicides, lowering the total chemical load on the environment.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. A water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising of:
a) dimethomorph present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 40% (w/w),
b) chlorothalonil present in a range from 35% (w/w) to 50% (w/w), and
c) agrochemical additives.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agrochemical excipients are selected from a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, an anticaking agent, a defoamer, a co-filler, and a filler.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wetting agent is selected from the group comprising of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, an anionic sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, present in a range from 1% to 5% (w/w).

4. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dispersing agent is selected from the group comprising of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, Sodium polycarboxylate, sodium lignosulfonate, sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate, salt of phenol sulphonic acid condensation product, blend of dispersing agent, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, and combination thereof, present in a range from 1% to 10% (w/w).

5. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the defoamer is silicone antifoam emulsion, present in an amount of 0.1% to 1.5% (w/w).

6. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anti-caking agent is silicon dioxide, present in an amount of 1% to 2% (w/w).

7. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the co-filler is selected from the group comprising ammonium sulphate, and lactose monohydrate, present in a range from 1% to 20% (w/w).
8. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the filler is china clay, present in Q.S.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising:
a) dimethomorph is present in 15.0% (w/w),
b) chlorothalonil is present in 37.5% (w/w),
c) alkyl naphthalene sulfonate wetting agent is present in 3.0% (w/w),
d) alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate dispersing agent is present in 8.0% (w/w),
e) silicone antiform emulsion defoamer is present in 0.5% (w/w),
f) silicon dioxide anticaking agent is present in 1.0% (w/w),
g) ammonium sulphate co-filler is present in 15.0% (w/w), and
h) china clay filler is present in Q. S.

Dated this Seventeenth (17th) day of January 2025

Sahadev Katam,
General Manager, Legal-IPR,
Coromandel International Limited,
Registered Indian Patent Agent No. IN/PA/5560