DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising of pyroxasulfone, oxyfluorfen and suitable agrochemical additives.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for controlling undesirable vegetation, and to act as x-spectrum weed control in crops like wheat, soyabean, and sugarcane in pre-emergence application timing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weeds are valueless plants that grow wild on cultivated land that cause injury or have undesirable effects on the plants. There are many ways of controlling weed growth like mechanical, biological, cultural, and chemical. We need one or all these methods for an effective and environmentally friendly weed control system.
Chemical control of weeds has been an essential tool for managing weeds in home landscapes and crops. With modern changes, many herbicides of today are selective and effective. These traits of some new herbicides, if used properly, can be less hazardous to the environment.
Herbicides are a broad range of pesticides that hamper the growth of unwanted plants. They are chemicals that can control or manipulate undesirable vegetation. These are used widely in row-crop farming, where they are either applied before or after planting. Spraying herbicides prevents or minimizes other vegetation, maximizes crop production, and improves harvesting.
In some cases, herbicidal active ingredients have been shown to be more effective in combination than when applied individually and this is referred to as "synergism." As described in the Herbicide Handbook of the Weed Science Society of America, Eighth Edition, 2002, p. 462 "'synergism' [is] an interaction of two or more factors such that the effect when combined is greater than the predicted effect based on the response to each factor applied separately."
The herbicidal compounds forming the synergistic composition of this invention are independently known in the art for their effects on plant growth.

Pyroxasulfone is registered to be applied either in the fall, early preplant, or early postemergence, which allows for flexibility in weed control strategy developed by Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. It is an isooxazoline that delivers higher intrinsic activity and a broader spectrum of control of small-seeded broadleaf weeds and grasses. It is a selective herbicide for controlling annual grasses, annual broadleaf weeds, and sedges. This herbicide can only be applied to the surface of the agricultural field, and it kills weeds by inhibiting plant shoot growth. Crop maize wheat soyabean.

Oxyfluorfen is a selective pre- and post-emergent herbicide used to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in a variety of nuts, tree fruit, vine, and field crops, especially wine grapes and almonds. It is also used for residential weed control. It is a contact herbicide and light are required for it to affect target plants. It is available in emulsifiable concentration and granular formulations.

As the active compounds having different mechanisms of action are combined to delay the generation of resistance and reduce the amount of application and prevention and treatment costs. Consequently, research is being conducted to produce herbicides and combinations of herbicides that are safer, that have better performance, that require lower dosages, that are easier to use, and that cost less.

The present inventors developed a synergistic suspension concentrate (SC) of Pyroxasulfone and Oxyfluorfen which demonstrated effective weed control in agricultural fields.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
One objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising of pyroxasulfone, and oxyfluorfen.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition of pyroxasulfone, and oxyfluorfen in the form of a suspension concentrate (SC), water dispersible granules (WDG), and wettable powder (WP) formulations.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing the synergistic herbicidal composition of pyroxasulfone, and oxyfluorfen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a stable suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising Pyroxasulfone and Oxyfluorfen in a suitable aqueous medium. The formulation enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients, prevents crystallization, and ensures long-term stability.

One aspect of the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives are provided.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal composition of pyroxasulfone, and oxyfluorfen in the form of a suspension concentrate (SC), water dispersible granules (WDG), and wettable powder (WP) formulations.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.
Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a water dispersible granule (WDG) comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a wettable powder (WP) composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.

Accordingly, suitable agrochemical additives may be selected from the group comprising of surfactants, dispersing agents, solvents, co-solvents, preservative, rheology modifier, defoamers, emulsions, viscosity modifiers, suspending agents, pH adjusting substances, buffers, wetting agents, thickeners, anti-freezing agents, anti-caking agents, biocide, adjuvant, filler and among others.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of synergistic herbicidal composition comprising of pyroxasulfone, and oxyfluorfen.
In yet another aspect of the present invention provides an herbicidal composition with improved stability and ready to use, having superior bio-efficacy compared to the individual formulations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. The present application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
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.
Similarly, the words "comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise, the terms "include", "including" and "or" should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. However, the embodiments provided by the present disclosure may lack any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, a disclosure of an embodiment defined using the term "comprising" is also a disclosure of embodiments "consisting essentially of” and "consisting of” the disclosed components. Where used herein, the term "example", particularly when followed by a listing of terms, is merely exemplary and illustrative, and should not be deemed to be exclusive or comprehensive. Any embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein unless explicitly indicated otherwise.
The expression of various quantities in terms of “% w/w” or “%” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.
As used herein, the terms “herbicide” may be understood as a substance that is toxic to plants, used to destroy unwanted vegetation.

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.

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.

The present invention aims to develop a novel formulation for the combination of pyroxasulfone, and oxyfluorfen.
One embodiment of the present invention, a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives are provided.

The herbicidal composition of the present invention formulated in the form of suspension concentrate (SC), water dispersible granules (WG or WDG), and wettable powder (WP).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.

Suitable adjuvants may be solid or liquid and are generally a substance commonly used in formulation processing process, for example a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, a preservative, a defoamer, a rheology modifier, an anti-caking agent, an anti-freezing agent, and a filler.

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.
Accordingly, the composition of the present invention contains a wetting agent selected from the group comprising of primary alcohol ethoxylate, mono-C12-18-alkyl esters, sodium salts, Sodium alpha olefin sulphonate, sodium di-isopropyl naphthalene sulphonate, sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and naphthalene sulfonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid sodium salt, present in an amount of 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.

Accordingly, the composition of the present invention contains a dispersing agent selected from the group comprising of acrylic co-polymer, primary alcohol ethoxylate, fatty alcohol ethoxylates mixtures, sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate, modified styrene acrylic polymer, and combination thereof, present in an amount of 1% to 10% (w/w).
A preservative agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is selected from 1, 2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, and methylene bis thiocyanate, present in an amount of 0.05% to 1% (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 selected from silicon emulsion, and polydimethyl siloxane emulsion, present in an amount of 0.5% to 2% (w/w).

A Rheology modifier suitable for the purpose of the present invention is xanthan gum, present in an amount of 5% to 10% (w/w).
An anti-freezing agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is propylene glycol, present in an amount of 5% to 10% (w/w).
An anticaking agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is silicon dioxide or precipitated silica, present in an amount of 1% to 5% (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 distilled water, present in Q.S.
Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a water dispersible granules (WDG) composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.

Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a wettable powder (WP) composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.

Suitable adjuvants may be solid or liquid and are generally a substance commonly used in water dispersible granule (WDG) and wettable powder (WP) formulations are, for example a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, a disintegrating agent, a defoamer, an anti-caking agent, an antifoaming agent, and a filler.

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.

Accordingly, the composition of the present invention contains a wetting agent selected from the group comprising of sulfuric acid, mono-C12-18-alkyl esters, sodium salts, Sodium alpha olefin sulphonate, sodium di-isopropyl naphthalene sulphonate, sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and naphthalene sulfonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid sodium salt, present in an amount of 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.
Accordingly, the composition of the present invention contains a dispersing agent selected from the group comprising of sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate, and modified styrene acrylic polymer, present in an amount of 1% to 5% (w/w).
A disintegrating agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is ammonium sulphate, present in an amount of 10% to 25% (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 emulsion, present in an amount of 0.1% to 2% (w/w).
An anticaking agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is silicon dioxide, present in an amount of 1% to 5% (w/w).
An antifoaming agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is polydimethyl siloxanes, present in an amount of 1% to 2% (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 composition achieves improved biological activity by enhancing overall control of weeds over a shorter period. Additional benefits of using the herbicidal composition of the present invention includes reduced risk of occupational hazard, lower cost of application, better cost: benefit ratio to the end user, reduced fuel, and labor cost, saving in applicator’s time and loss caused by mechanical damage to the crop and soil.

The present compositions can be applied to the undesirable vegetation and/or weeds or their locus using conventional ground or aerial dusters, sprayers, and granule applicators, by addition to irrigation or paddy water, and by other conventional means known to those skilled in the art.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples which are provided merely to be exemplary of the inventions and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Certain modifications and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Examples:

Example 1: Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC
S. No. Composition Function Charge in (%)
1. Pyroxasulfone Active ingredient 12.0
2. Oxyfluorfen Active ingredient 9.0
3. Acrylic Co-polymer Dispersing Agent 3.0
4. Primary alcohol ethoxylate Wetting Agent 2.0
5. 1, 2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one Preservative 0.1
6. Silicone emulsion Defoamer 0.5
7. Silicon dioxide Anti caking agent 1.0
8. Xanthan Gum Rheology Modifier 8.0
9. Propylene Glycol Anti-freezing agent 8.0
10. Distilled Water Filler Q.S.

Manufacturing Process:
Step 1: According to the batch size, all raw materials were mixed in following order.
? Distilled Water
? Preservative
? Anti-freezing agent
? Defoamer
? Wetting agent
? Dispersing agent
? Pyroxasulfone Technical
? Oxyfluorfen Technical
? Anticaking agent

Step 2: Pre-mix the slurry in a mixing chamber.
Step 3: Milling the slurry, through bead mill instrument.
Step 4: Collecting the wet milled sample and wash bead mill with balance amount of distilled water and transfer it to sample. Check input verses output. Check particle size of milled slurry. If it as per specification (d50 value >5µ) then transfer material to mixing chamber and start mixing.
Step 5: Preparing 2% xanthan gum solution in another high-speed shear mixture.
Step 6: Adding 2% xanthan gum solution to above milled slurry under stirring condition as per output received. Continue the stirring for 1 hour and then send sample for analysis.
Step 7: Packing.

Example 2: Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% WDG

S. No. Composition Function Charge in (%)
1. Pyroxasulfone Active ingredient 12.0
2. Oxyfluorfen Active ingredient 9.0
3. Sulfuric acid, mono-C12-18-alkyl esters, sodium salts Wetting agent 1.5
4. Sodium salt of alkyl naphthalene sulphonate condensate Dispersing agent 4.5
5. Ammonium sulphate Disintegrating Agent 15.0
6. Silicon emulsion Defoamer 0.5
7. Silicon dioxide Anti caking agent 3.0
8. China clay Filler Q.S.

Manufacturing Process:

Step 1: According to the batch size, all raw materials were mixed in following order.
? Pyroxasulfone technical
? Oxyfluorfen technical
? Anticaking agent
? Wetting agent
? Dispersing agent
? Disintegrating agent
? Filler
Step 2: Pre-mix the sample in a blender
Step 3: Milling the sample, through Air Jet mill instrument
Step 4: Collecting the Air Jet milled sample and post blend in a blender.
Step 5: Preparing a dough by mixing water and defoamer
Step 6: Extruding the granules through Basket extruder, the temperature of extruder does not go beyond 400C
Step 7: Collecting the WDG and dry in fluid bed dryer (FBD) @ 60°C, check the moisture content it should be < 5.0%. Note: While drying the WDG in FBD, air flow rate should be maintained between 50-70.
Step 8: Submitting the sample for analysis.
Step 9: Packing the material in a suitable bottle.

Example 3: Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% WP

S. No. Composition Function Charge in (%)
1. Pyroxasulfone Active ingredient 12.0
2. Oxyfluorfen Active ingredient 9.0
3. Sulfuric acid, mono-C12-18-alkyl esters, sodium salts Wetting agent 2.5
4. Sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate Dispersing agent 3.0
5. Polydimethyl siloxanes Anti-foaming agent 1.5
6. Silicon dioxide Anti caking agent 3.0
7. China clay Filler Q.S.

Manufacturing Process:

Step 1: According to the batch size, all raw materials were mixed in following order.
? Pyroxasulfone technical
? Oxyfluorfen technical
? Anticaking agent
? Wetting agent
? Dispersing agent
? Anti-foaming agent
? Filler

Step 2: Pre-mix the sample in a blender.
Step 3: Milling the sample, through Air Jet mill instrument.
Step 4: Collecting the Air Jet milled sample and post blend in a blender.
Step 5: Post-mix the sample in a ribbon blender for 2 hours
Step 6: Submitting the sample for analysis
Step 7: Packing the material in a suitable bottle.

Efficacy study for combination of Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% in Suspension Concentrate (SC) 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 pesticidal action of the inventive mixtures calculated by Colby’s formula as follows:

Appropriate analysis of plant response to pesticide 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 pesticide A plus pesticide 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 - Percentage of pest control observed by compound A.
B - Percentage of pest control observed by compound B.

When the percentage of pesticidal 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 herbicide mixtures. Weeds 8:379–391.
**Colby, S. R. 1967. Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations. Weeds 15:20–22
*** Jerry Flint et al, 1988. Analyzing Herbicide Interactions: A Statistical Treatment of Colby's Method. Weed Technology 2: 304-309

FIELD AND SYNERGY STUDIES

Successful weed control is the most important factor for fruitful crop production because losses due to weeds have been one of the major limiting factors in wheat production. Weeds compete with crops for light moisture and nutrients. It was concluded that weeds exhibit economic yield losses to the crops, which may range from 24-39.95% and these must be controlled during the full growing season of the crop for achieving satisfactory crop yields. Traditionally, weed control in India has been largely dependent on manual weeding. However, increased labour scarcity and costs are encouraging farmers to adopt herbicides.

The field studies were conducted to compare the weed controlling activity of the combination of Pyroxasulfone and Oxyfluorfen. The active ingredient Pyroxasulfone in the combination, belongs to chemical family “Isooxazolines” with mode of action of inhibition of very long chain fatty acids synthesis (VLCFA) inhibitors & Oxyfluorfen belongs to chemical family “Aryloxyphenoxy-propionates” with PPO (protoporphyrinogen oxidase) inhibitor mode of action. Combination has the potential of controlling the cross-spectrum weeds (broad leaf weeds & grassy weeds) in wheat at the pre-emergence (0-3 DAS) application timing. All the molecules are safe to wheat when applied at their recommended dose rate in pre-emergence (0-3 DAS) application timing.

The weed control activity of the individual herbicides and their combinations were evaluated on weeds such as Phalaris minor, Melilotus alba, Rumex dentatus and Chenopodium album in Wheat crop. Parthenium hysterophorus, Trianthema portulacastrum, Eleusine indica and Amaranthus viridis weeds in Sugarcane crop. Acalypha indica, Commelina communis, commelina benghalensis and Echinochloa colona weeds in soybean crop.

Trials were conducted with randomized block design with net plot size of 5 m x 6 m. Each trial was replicated four times and conducted under GEP guidelines. The spraying was done with manual operated backpack knapsack sprayer with 400 L of water spray volume per hectare at pre-emergence application timing. Such field trials were carried out at various locations to generate independent data, the locations were chosen randomly across India.

Visual observations were recorded on percent weed control for individual weeds on whole plot basis 30 days after application. These observations are to be taken from the entire plot.

The herbicide combinations, application rates, plant species tested, and results are given in the following tables:

Table 1: Demonstrates synergy on weeds using the combination of Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC in pre-emergence application window. The field trials were carried out in India at various locations. The percentage efficacy was calculated after 30 days of application. The target weeds are Phalaris minor, Chenopodium album, Vicia sativa and Lathyrus aphaca.

Active Dose (GAH) % Weed Control of Phalaris minor % Weed Control of Chenopodium album % Weed Control of Vicia sativa % Weed Control of Lathyrus aphaca
Expected Observed Expected Observed Expected Observed Expected Observed
Pyroxasulfone 85% WDG 127.5 80 70 60 50
Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 90 60 45 65 66
Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC 210 92 95 83.5 90 86 90 83 88
Ratio of O/E 1.03 1.07 1.04 1.06

The Phalaris minor, Chenopodium album, Vicia sativa, and Lathyrus aphaca control results in table 1 clearly demonstrates synergy between Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC in pre-emergence. The higher ratio of the observed and the expected efficacy clearly demonstrates the synergistic effect of the combination.

Table 2: Demonstrates synergy on weeds of Sugarcane using the combination of Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC in pre-emergence application window. The field trials were carried out in India at various locations. The percentage efficacy was calculated after 30 days of application. The target weeds are Parthenium hysterophorus, Trianthema portulacastrum, Eleusine indica, and Amaranthus viridis.

Active Dose (GAH) % Weed Control of
P. hysterophorus % Weed Control of T. portulacastrum % Weed Control of Eleusine indica % Weed Control of Amaranthus viridis
Expected Observed Expected Observed Expected Observed Expected Observed
Pyroxasulfone 85% WDG 127.5 60 65 70 72
Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 90 70 70 60 65
Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC 210 88 95 89.5 98 88 95 90.2 98
Ratio of O/E 1.07 1.09 1.07 1.08
The Parthenium hysterophorus, Trianthema portulacastrum, Eleusine indica and Amaranthus viridis control results in table 1 clearly demonstrates, synergy between Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC in pre-emergence. The higher ratio of the observed and the expected efficacy clearly demonstrates the synergistic effect of the combination.

Table 3: Demonstrates synergy on weeds of Soybean using the combination of Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC in pre-emergence application window. The field trials were carried out in India at various locations. The percentage efficacy was calculated after 30 days of application. The target weeds are Acalypha indica, Commelina communis, Commelina benghalensis and Echinochloa colona.

Active Dose (GAH) % Weed Control of
Acalypha indica % Weed Control of C.communis % Weed Control of C. benghalensis % Weed Control of Echinochloa colona
Expected Observed Expected Observed Expected Observed Expected Observed
Pyroxasulfone 85% WDG 127.5 75 70 65 80
Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 90 45 70 72 60
Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC 210 86.25 92 91 95 90.2 98 92 95
Ratio of O/E 1.06 1.04 1.08 1.03

The Acalypha indica, Commelina communis, commelina benghalensis and Echinochloa colona control results in table 1 clearly demonstrates, synergy between Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% SC in pre-emergence. The higher ratio of the observed and the expected efficacy clearly demonstrates the synergistic effect of the combination.
This invention provides an innovative and effective solution for weed management, leveraging the synergistic properties of Pyroxasulfone 12% + Oxyfluorfen 9% in a stable Suspension Concentrate (SC) formulation. The invention addresses key challenges in formulation science, offering a product with significant agricultural and economic benefits.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS:

1. A suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising of a) pyroxasulfone present in a range from 10% (w/w) to 15% (w/w), b) oxyfluorfen present in a range from 8% (w/w) to 12% (w/w), and suitable agrochemical additives.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, where in the agrochemical additives are selected from group comprising of a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, a preservative, a defoamer, a rheology modifier, an anti-caking agent, an anti-freezing agent, and a filler.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dispersing agent is selected from acrylic co-polymer, primary alcohol ethoxylate, fatty alcohol ethoxylates mixtures, sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate, modified styrene acrylic polymer, and combination thereof, present in an amount of 1% to 10% (w/w).

4. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wetting agent is selected from the group comprising of primary alcohol ethoxylate, mono-C12-18-alkyl esters, sodium salts, Sodium alpha olefin sulphonate, sodium di-isopropyl naphthalene sulphonate, sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and naphthalene sulfonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid sodium salt, present in an amount of 1% to 5% (w/w).

5. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the preservative is selected from 1, 2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, and methylene bis thiocyanate, present in an amount of 0.05% to 1% (w/w).

6. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the defoamer is selected from silicon emulsion, and polydimethyl siloxane emulsion, present in an amount of 0.5% to 2% (w/w).

7. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rheology modifier is xanthan gum, present in an amount of 5% to 10% (w/w).

8. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anti-freezing agent is propylene glycol, present in an amount of 5% to 10% (w/w).

9. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anticaking agent is silicon dioxide or precipitated silica, present in an amount of 1% to 5% (w/w).

10. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the filler is distilled water, present in Q.S.

Dated this Eleventh (11th) day of February 2025

Sahadev Katam,
General Manager, Legal-IPR,
Coromandel International Limited,
Registered Patent Agent IN/PA/5560