DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure pertains to technical field of agrochemical composition. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a stable and synergistic composition comprising mixture of two acaricides and to a method of controlling crop damaging pests using such composition.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Acarids such as mites are responsible for major yield losses in food crops worldwide. Mites are highly problematic and costly pests of cultivated plants. Two spotted spider mites are of particular importance as they have been reported to infest more than 200 different plant species, including woody plants, ornamentals, fruit crops, vegetable crops and greenhouse crops. Mites feed by using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from leaves. After leaves are pierced, chlorotic spots occur, eventually leading to necrosis and possible defoliation. Mites have many natural enemies such as predatory mites and insects. Predators and parasitoids alone are not effective in preventing crop plant damage by mites.
[0004] Etoxazole is a narrow spectrum systemic acaricide used to combat spider mites. Abamectin is an insecticide as well as an acaricide that is used to control mites, sucking insects, and leaf miners on a variety of crops and ornamental plants. The acaricides etoxazole and abamectin are independently known in the art for their acaricidal potency, and are also commercially available.
[0005] Although etoxazole and abamectin have acaricidal properties, in many cases when applied individually, they do not provide sufficient control of acarids such as mites and their activities at low application rates are not always satisfactory. In addition, certain mites are becoming more and more resistant to a number of most widely used acaricides. Furthermore, it is very expensive and time consuming to seek and obtain registration of a new acaricide compound, including its proposed use rate. Approval data required must not only include evidence of efficacy at the application rates proposed but also safety of acaricide when applied at the recommended level.
[0006] One possibility of improving the acaricidal efficacy can consist in combining etoxazole with abamectin. Attempts to combine etoxazole and abamectin into a single composition are disclosed in CN102283216A, WO2011092141A2, CN105123714 and CN109392927A. However, the combined use of etoxazole and abamectin causes a lack of stability in a co-formulation or decomposition of an active agent. None of these references discloses a formulation approach that can overcome the stability issues encountered when etoxazole and abamectin are combined in a single formulation and at a lower concentration. Consequently, what is desired is a co-formulation of etoxazole and abamectin with high stability and a synergistically improved action.
[0007] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.

OBJECTS
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to address the stability issues that can occur when etoxazole and abamectin are combined into a single composition.
[0009] It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a stable co-formulation of etoxazole and abamectin.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a co-formulation of etoxazole and abamectin with high stability and a synergistically improved action.
[0011] Further object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved acaricide composition that is safe while being highly effective in controlling crop damaging pests.
[0012] Still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a stable acaricide composition that exhibits a synergistic acaricidal activity against various species of mites harmful to agriculture.
SUMMARY
[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to stable co-formulations of etoxazole and abamectin that are stable over prolonged periods of time and exhibit advantageous acaricidal activity profile. The inventors have discovered unique combination of excipients, such as dispersing agent and wetting agent, capable of forming a stable co-formulation of etoxazole and abamectin. The present disclosure is also based upon a surprising finding that etoxazole and abamectin display a synergistic acaricidal effect in the control of crop damaging acarids when applied in combination, for example in a composition comprising the two compounds. The synergistic effect allows a reduction in application rate of individual active ingredients, a faster onset of acaricidal action, a longer-lasting action, better control of crop damaging pests with only one or a few applications, and a broadening of possible application period. Further, treatments using a combination of etoxazole and abamectin can exhibit a broader spectrum of acaricidal activity than the compounds when used alone.
[0014] In especially preferred embodiments, contemplated acaricide combination is formulated in the form of suspension concentrate (SC) which exhibits high stability, a synergistically improved action, satisfactory acaricidal activity against various species of mites without harming their natural enemies and improved compatibility in crops of useful plants. The suspension concentrate (SC) formulation comprises an acaricidally effective amount of etoxazole, an acaricidally effective amount of abamectin together with agrochemically acceptable excipients.
[0015] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an aqueous suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising, based on a total weight of the composition:
0.1-50% by weight of etoxazole;
0.1-50% by weight of abamectin;
0.1-20% by weight of a dispersing agent;
0.1-15% by weight of a wetting agent;
0.05-15% by weight of an anti-freezing agent;
0.01-10% by weight of a thickener; and
remainder water.
[0016] While having good plant tolerance and low toxicity to warm-blooded animals, the co-formulations according to the present disclosure are suitable for the control of acarids, in particular mites which are encountered in agriculture and in horticulture. The disclosed co-formulation is effective against all or individual stages of development of the crop damaging acarids and against resistant and normally sensitive species of the pests.
[0017] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0019] The term “acaricide” as used herein, refers to a compound that kills or materially inhibits the growth, proliferation, reproduction, or spread of acarids.
[0020] The phrase “acaricidally effective amount” as used herein, refers to quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds that is capable of killing or materially inhibiting the growth, proliferation, reproduction or spread of acarids.
[0021] The term “plant” refers to all physical parts of a plant, including shoots, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruit bodies, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and rhizomes.
[0022] As used herein, the phrase "agrochemically acceptable excipients" means excipients which are known and accepted in the art for formation of formulations for agricultural or horticultural use.
[0023] The expression “controlling pests” as used herein, means killing pests, or preventing pests to develop or to grow, or preventing pests to infect or infest, or inhibiting the rate and extent of a pest attack, or delaying the onset of a pest attack.
[0024] As used herein, the term “pest” refers to any species injurious to plants or plant products.
[0025] The present disclosure provides stable co-formulations of etoxazole and abamectin that are stable over prolonged periods of time and exhibit advantageous acaricidal activity profile. The inventors have discovered unique combination of excipients, such as dispersing agent and wetting agent, capable of forming a stable co-formulation of etoxazole and abamectin. The present disclosure is also based upon a surprising finding that etoxazole and abamectin display a synergistic acaricidal effect in the control of crop damaging acarids when applied in combination, for example in a composition comprising the two compounds.
[0026] The synergistic effects of the combination of etoxazole and abamectin can provide one or more of a number of advantages over the use of each active ingredient alone. In particular, the rates of application of each active ingredient can be markedly reduced, when the two compounds are used in combination, while maintaining a high level of acaricidal efficacy. More specifically, the use of the combination of etoxazole and abamectin has the potential to control crop damaging acarids at a low application rate, in particular at a rate of application at which the individual active ingredients alone are ineffective. Treatments using a combination of etoxazole and abamectin can exhibit a broader spectrum of acaricidal activity than the compounds when used alone. The use of a composition comprising the two active ingredients also has a speed of action which is faster than that which would have been predicted from the speed of each ingredient used individually. Further, the combination of etoxazole and abamectin in a stable formulation provides an acaricide product which not only improves crop yield and reduces costs.
[0027] In especially preferred embodiments, the combination of etoxazole and abamectin is formulated in the form of suspension concentrate (SC) which exhibits high stability, a synergistically improved action, satisfactory acaricidal activity against various species of mites without harming their natural enemies and improved compatibility in crops of useful plants. The suspension concentrate (SC) formulation comprises an acaricidally effective amount of etoxazole, an acaricidally effective amount of abamectin together with agrochemically acceptable excipients.
[0028] In the composition of present disclosure, the etoxazole and abamectin weight ratio at which the acaricidal effect is synergistic lies within the range of from about 1:20 to about 20:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of etoxazole and abamectin in the composition ranges from about 1:10 to about 10:1.
[0029] The active ingredients etoxazole and abamectin may be present in the composition of the present disclosure in a wide range of amounts. In some preferred embodiments, the composition comprises, by weight, from 0.1% to 50% of etoxazole and from 0.1% to 50% of abamectin, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, etoxazole is used in the range of 1% to 20% by weight and abamectin is used in the range of 0.5% to 15% by weight of the composition. In especially preferred embodiments, etoxazole is present in an amount of 6% by weight and abamectin is present in an amount of 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, formulation excipients are present in the composition in an amount of from 0.05% to 98% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
[0030] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an aqueous suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising, based on a total weight of the composition:
0.1-50% by weight of etoxazole;
0.1-50% by weight of abamectin;
0.1-20% by weight of a dispersing agent;
0.1-15% by weight of a wetting agent;
0.1-25% by weight of an anti-freezing agent;
0.01-10% by weight of a thickener; and
remainder water.
[0031] In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprises, based on a total weight of the composition:
0.1-50% by weight of etoxazole;
0.1-50% by weight of abamectin;
0.1-20% by weight of a dispersing agent;
0.1-15% by weight of a wetting agent;
0.1-25% by weight of an anti-freezing agent;
0.01-10% by weight of a thickener;
0.05-10% by weight of an inert carrier;
0.01-5% by weight of a preservative;
0.01-5% by weight of an anti-foaming agent; and
remainder water.
[0032] The dispersing agent can be selected from alkoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate esters (or salts or acid forms thereof), lignosulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, ethoxylated alkyl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated linear alcohols, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates, maleic anhydride copolymers, phosphate esters, condensation products of aryl/alkyl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, sulfonates of condensed naphthalene, lignin derivatives, naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, polycarboxylates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, salts of sulfonated naphthalene, ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of phenol sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof. The dispersing agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to about 10% by weight, based on a total weight of the composition.
[0033] In especially preferred embodiments, ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate amine salt is used as the dispersing agent.
[0034] The wetting agent can be selected from alkyl phenol ethoxylate, fatty oil ethoxylate, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated alkyl carboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethyl phenols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amines, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, salts of polycarboxylic acids, salts of esters of sulfosuccinic acid, alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylpolyglycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulfates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters, and mixtures thereof. Wetting agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to about 10% by weight, based on a total weight of the composition.
[0035] In especially preferred embodiments, ethoxylated alkyl phenol is used as the wetting agent.
[0036] Suitable anti-freezing agents include organic solvents which are completely miscible with water, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, other glycols, glycerine or urea. Anti-freezing agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to about 15% by weight, based on a total weight of the composition.
[0037] In especially preferred embodiments, ethylene glycol is used as the anti-freezing agent.
[0038] Suitable thickeners for use in the composition include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Examples include xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and its derivatives, hydrated clay minerals, magnesium aluminium silicates and mixtures thereof. Preferably, thickener is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.05% to about 8% by weight, based on a total weight of the composition. Preferably, xanthan gum is used as the thickener.
[0039] Suitable inert carrier(s) for use in the composition include, but not limited to, natural ground minerals, such as kaolin or china clay, alumina, talc, silica, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite, and diatomaceous earth, or synthetic ground minerals, such as highly dispersed silicic acid, aluminium oxide, silicates, and calcium phosphates, calcium hydrogen phosphates and mixtures thereof. The inert carrier may preferably be used in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight based on a total weight of the composition. Preferably, silica is used as the inert carrier.
[0040] Suitable preservatives include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and formaldehyde. Preservative may be present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
[0041] Suitable anti-foaming agents for use in the composition include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Particularly preferred anti-foaming agents polydimethylsiloxanes and perfluroalkylphosphonic acids, such as the silicone anti-foaming agents. Preferably, silicone anti-foaming agents is used and is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
[0042] In various embodiments, the suspension concentrate formulation according to the present disclosure can further include a stabilizing agent, buffering agent, an antioxidant, and a mixture thereof.
[0043] The stabilizing agent can be selected from modified hydrophobic silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica, hydrophobic silica powder and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the stabilizing agent is precipitated silica, dimethyldichlorosilane-treated fumed silica. In another embodiment, the stabilizing agent can be selected from epoxidized soybean oil, gamma butyrolactone, butylated hydroxyl toluene and its derivatives, epichlorhydrin, quinone derivatives, hydrazine hydrates and its derivatives, general class UV stabilizers, glycols and its derivatives and mixtures thereof. The stabilizing agent may preferably be used in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 6% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
[0044] The buffering agent can be selected from H+ bentonite, calcium bentonite, sodium bentonite, H+ hectorite, calcium hectorite, sodium hectorite and mixtures thereof. Preferably, buffering agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
[0045] Suitable antioxidants are all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions, as is known in the art. Preferred antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene.
[0046] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed suspension concentrate formulation can additionally include one or more further agrochemical active compounds, such as insecticides, nematicides, fungicides, safeners, growth factor enhancers and fertilizers, in addition to the components etoxazole and abamectin.
[0047] The present disclosure is further directed to methods of controlling an acarid comprising applying the suspension concentrate composition of the present disclosure to an area in need of pest control.
[0048] While having good plant tolerance and low toxicity to warm-blooded animals, the stable co-formulations according to the present disclosure are suitable for the control of crop damaging pests. The crop damaging pests whose control is of greatest interest in the practice of present invention are acarids, in particular mites which are encountered in agriculture and in horticulture. The control of such pests may be achieved by applying to an area in need of pest control the combination of etoxazole and abamectin in suitable amounts. As used herein, “an area in need of pest control” refers to any area where the pest is present during any life stage. One environment likely to be treated by the method of the present disclosure includes the plants that the pest is living on/in and the surrounding soil.
[0049] In various embodiments, the co-formulation according to the present disclosure is particularly advantageous in the protection of crops from attack by mites, such as Trombidiformes - Red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), Acariformes - Purple mites (Calacarus carinatus) and Trombidiformes - Scarlet mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis).
[0050] In various embodiments, the co-formulation according to the present disclosure is particularly suitable for controlling acarids that attack tea plant and brinjal plant.
[0051] The application of the disclosed co-formulation may be performed using any method or apparatus known in the art. Useful methods of application include broadcast or localized spraying, drip irrigation and other forms of irrigation. Suspension concentrate (SC) may be applied directly in the field or it may be applied as a fine spray after being added to tank water. The application rates of the co-formulation can vary over a wide range. The optimal application rates will depend on the crop to be protected, the stage of growth of the crop and of the pest, and the manner in which application is made, i.e., whether by spraying, irrigation, or other means. The total application rate of etoxazole and abamectin can vary within a wide range, for example from 1 to 1000g per hectare (g/ha). Preferably, the application rate ranges from 2 to 650 g/ha, more preferably from 100 to 650 g/ha.
[0052] While the foregoing description discloses various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
EXAMPLES
[0053] The present disclosure is further explained in the form of following examples. However, it is to be understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Formulation Examples
Table-1
Ingredients (% w/w) Exp. 1 Exp. 2 Exp. 3 Exp. 4 Exp. 5 Exp. 6 Exp. 7 Exp.8 Exp. 9
Abamectin 1.5 1.5 1.5 1 1 1 3 3 3
Etoxazole 6 6 6 4 4 4 12 12 12
Ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate amine salt 3 2.5 4 3 2.5 4 3 2.5 4
Ethoxylated alkyl phenol 1 0.75 1.25 1 0.75 1.25 1 0.75 1.25
Monoethylene glycol 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Silicon defoamer 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Precipitated silica 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Xanthan gum 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
Water 80.8 81.55 79.55 83.3 84.05 82.05 73.3 74.05 72.05
Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Accelerated Storage Stability
The compositions formulated in Experiments 1 to 9 were subjected to accelerated storage stability study and the results are presented in Table-2:
Table-2
Initial analysis Exp. 1 Exp. 2 Exp. 3 Exp. 4 Exp. 5 Exp. 6 Exp. 7 Exp.8 Exp. 9
Abamectin content (%) 1.55 1.56 1.52 1.05 1.03 1.01 3.03 3.06 3.09
Etoxazole content (%) 6.1 6.09 6.16 4.11 4.04 4.07 12.1 12.09 12.06
pH range 7.04 7.22 7.13 7.03 7.06 7.11 7.11 7.32 7.31
Suspensibility - Abamectin 98.32 98.55 99.11 99.11 98.99 98.22 98.99 99.1 98.90
Suspensibility - Etoxazole 98.45 98.32 98.21 98.81 98.76 98.87 98.21 98.9 98.65
Pourability Direct (%) 2.78 2.22 2.3 2.5 2.82 2.71 2.98 2.76 2.64
Pourability Rinsed (%) 0.22 0.3 0.24 0.11 0.25 0.26 0.23 0.25 0.21
Wet sieve (75 mic. Passing) 99.99 99.99 99.99 99.99 99.99 99.99 99.98 99.99 99.99
Persistent Foam (ml after one min.) 20 19 21 20 19 22 26 21 21
Low temperature stability Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass

Storage Stability (54?C, 14 days)
Table-3
Exp. 1 Exp. 2 Exp. 3 Exp. 4 Exp. 5 Exp. 6 Exp. 7 Exp.8 Exp. 9
Abamectin 1.52 1.55 1.52 1.02 1.04 1.05 3.02 3.05 3.02
Etoxazole 6.09 6.11 6.16 4.12 4.09 4.04 12.08 12.04 12.1
pH range 7.11 7.36 7.13 7.13 7.21 7.34 7.11 7.01 7.17
Suspensibility - Abamectin 98.66 98.99 99.11 98.62 99.01 98.11 98.98 98.22 98.11
Suspensibility - Etoxazole 98.49 98.01 98.21 98.76 98.54 98.24 98.90 98.48 98.80
Pourability Direct (%) 2.84 2.22 2.3 2.22 2.9 2.77 2.87 2.71 2.55
Pourability Rinsed (%) 0.23 0.3 0.24 0.22 0.26 0.21 0.27 0.23 0.23
Wet sieve (75 mic. Passing) 99.99 99.99 99.99 99.99 99.99 99.98 99.98 99.99 99.98
Persistent Foam (ml after one min.) 18 19 21 19 23 21 19 26 25

As observed the compositions formulated in experiments 1 to 9 were found to be stable at the end of the accelerated storage stability study.
Stability studies
[0054] The formulation of Example 1 was tested for its storage stability. The storage stability / shelf-life study was initiated on Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC formulation for 30 months. The Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC formulation was packed in primary packing in the form of HDPE container (Bottles), and the packaged samples were stored at three different agroclimatic locations viz., Mumbai, Delhi and Coimbatore. The time-points of analysis were 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months from the date of storage. The samples were then tested to determine the content of active ingredient in the formulation and to determine other properties of the formulation. The active ingredient content was analysed by HPLC chromatographic method. Analysis of samples collected from the three different locations during the 30 months storage (at various intervals as mentioned above), showed no significant change in the physicochemical properties, as well as in the active ingredient content of the formulation during the storage period, indicating that the Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC formulation had good storage stability.
Bio-efficacy studies
[0055] The SC formulation of Example 1 was tested for its biological activity against Red Spider Mite, Tetranychus Urticae Koch Infesting Brinjal and the results are shown below:
[0056] The trials were laid out during Kharif – 2019 and Kharif – 2020 in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments including untreated control, replicated three times. The test product sample, Etoxazole and Abamectin alone and in combination with the prescribed dose were applied as a foliar application at Economic Threshhold Level. The Brinjal crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practices.
Details of experiment:
Design : Randomized Block Design with seven treatments Bio-efficacy) and one treatment of double dose (Phytotoxicity) with three replications.
Plot size : 30Sq.m.
Variety : “Muktakeshi” (HYV)
Period : First season- 2019
Date of sowing: 20/08/2019
Date of application: 28/09/2019
Second season- 2020
Date of sowing: 22/08/2020
Date of application: 29/09/2020
Pest species : Red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Spacing : 60 cm x 45 cm
Date of Insecticide Application : Total two sprays were given at 10-15 days interval beginning at the first infestation with knapsack sprayer fitted with hollow cone nozzle @ 500 lit of solution/ha.
Date of spraying:
First Season: 2019
1st Spray: 26-11-2019
2nd Spray: 11-12-2019

Second Season: 2020
1st Spray: 29/11/2020
2nd Spray: 14/12/2020
Methodology & Observations -
Bio-efficacy

Yield : The number of motile stages of different sucking pests (nymphs & adults) / 5 randomly tagged plants / plot on 15 leaves in the apical portion was counted before application as well as on 3rd, 7th& 10th ,14 tn days after each application. To compare the treatment, means, analysis of variance was carried out after necessary transformation of the observed data. Reduction of insect population in different treatments over control was used as an indicator of insecticidal efficacy -

Post-treatment population in treatment Pre-treatment population in untreated control
1- ----------------------------- x ------------------------------- x100
Pre-treatment population in treatment Post-treatment population in untreated control

The data on yields were estimated by cumulating the multiple picking during the whole period of experiment and were subjected to analysis of variance while the percent yield increased over control was calculated from the following formula. Increased yield over control (%) =
Yield in treatment – Yield in control
--------------------------------------------- x100
Yield in control
Phytotoxicity : The observations for phytotoxicity evaluation were made after 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days of each spray for leaf injury on tips/surface, wilting, vein clearing, stunting, necrosis, chlorosis, epinasty and hyponasty following 0-10 scale (as per CIB guidelines). The details are: 0 = 0%, 1= 1-10%, 2= 11-20%, 3= 21-30%, 4= 31-40%, 5= 41-50%, 6= 51-60%, 7= 61 70%, 8= 71-80%, 9= 81-90%, 10= 91-100%.
Date of final harvest : First Season : 5-01-2020
Second Season :15/01/2021

Results and Discussion
This showed that all the plots treated with the composition of the claimed invention gave significantly higher yield compared to that of individual actives.
From the test results shown above, it is evident that there is an unexpected and surprising result i.e. synergistic effect of the combination of etoxazole and abamectin in the control of red spider mites in brinjal. As can be seen from Tables 4 to 8, the combined administration of etoxazole and abamectin resulted in significant reduction in red spider mite population as compared to single administration of the individual active ingredient.

Table 4 - Effect of Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC on incidence of Red spider mite of brinjal during 1st season, 2019 (mean of three replications)
Tr. No. Treatments Dose
ml or g/ha
(g a.i./ha) No. of Red spider mite (nymph + adult)/ leaf
No of Red spider mite at different days after 1st spray

PTC No. of Red spider mite at different days after 2nd spray
PTC 3
DAA 7
DAA 10
DAA 14
DAA 3
DAA 7
DAA 10
DAA 14
DAA
1 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC
300 ml 21.45 3.15
4.76
5.76
7.86 15.65 3.45
4.12
4.87
5.21
2 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC # 450 ml 21.3
1.38
1.43
1.6
1.96 15.7 0.78
0.88
0.95
1.15
3 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 600 ml 21.87
1.23
1.3
1.45
1.8 15.34 0.6
0.74
0.84
1.02
4 Etoxazole 10% SC 400 ml 21.9
5.87
8.65
12.65
16.63 15.6 4.63
6.76
7.98
11.66
5 Abamectin 1.9% EC 375 ml 21.84
5.55
9.67
13.43
17.65 15.45 4.8
7.1
9.65
11.95
6 Propargite 57% EC 1000 ml 21.53
5.32
8.43
13.54
18.45 15.48 5.1
6.9
7.63
11.58
7 Untreated control - 21.6
24.56
28.65
34.1
39.65 52.79 55.67
58.5
63.54
68.42
CD at 5% NS 0.40 0.56 0.52 0.56 0.48 0.51 0.44 0.49
PTC :Pre-treatment count; DAA : Days after application; N.S.: Non-significant; CD: Critical difference Figures in parentheses are square root transformed values

Table 5 - Effect of Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC on incidence of Red spider mite of brinjal during IInd season, 2020 (mean of three replications)

Tr No. Treatments Dose
ml or g/ha
(g a.i./ha) No. of Red spider mite (nymph + adult)/ leaf
No of Red spider mite at different days after 1st spray

PTC No. of Red spider mite at different days after 2nd spray
PTC 3
DAA 7
DAA 10
DAA 14
DAA 3
DAA 7
DAA 10
DAA 14
DAA
1 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 300 ml 16.3 3.2 3.55 3.96 4.25 12.4 1.42 2.27 3.03 3.79
2 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC # 450 ml 16.25 1.48 1.54 1.78 1.94 12.65 0.68 0.83 0.95 1.17
3 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 600 ml 16.85 1.37 1.48 1.6 1.73 12.49 0.59 0.7 0.82 0.95
4 Etoxazole 10% SC 400 ml 16.34 4.76 5.97 7.93 11.82 12.69 2.45 5.43 8.12 12.45
5 Abamectin 1.9% EC 375 ml 16.5 4.8 6.12 8.54 12.76 12.64 2.68 5.76 9.43 11.78
6 Propargite 57% EC 1000 ml 16.45 4.5 6 8.56 11.96 12.74 2.75 6.34 8.67 12.56
7 Untreated control - 16.68 20.43 25.3 31.45 37.65 37.65 42.54 45.67 48.32 52.79
CD at 5% NS 0.40 0.58 0.51 0.62 0.48 0.51 0.44 0.71

PTC : Pre treatment count; DAA : Days after application; N.S.: Non-significant; CD: Critical Difference Figures in parentheses are square root transformed values.

Table 6 - Effect of Etoxazole 6% + Abamection 1.5% SC on % ROC of red spider mite of Brinjal during 1st season 2019
Tr. No. Treatments Dose
(ml/ha) % ROC* - Reduction over control
I Spray II Spray
3rd 7th 10th 14th 3rd 7th 10th 14th
1.
Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 300 87.17 83.39 83.11 80.18 93.80 92.96 92.34 92.39
2.
Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 450 94.38 95.01 95.31 95.06 98.60 98.50 98.50 98.32
3.
Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 600 94.99 95.46 95.75 95.46 98.92 98.74 98.68 98.51
4. Etoxazole 10% SC 400 76.10 69.81 62.90 58.06 91.68 88.44 87.44 82.96
5. Abamectin 1.9% EC 375 77.40 66.25 60.62 55.49 91.38 87.86 84.81 82.53
6. Propergite 57% EC 1000 78.34 70.58 60.29 53.47 90.84 88.21 87.99 83.08
7. Untreated control (Water spray) - - - - - - - - -

*% ROC = Reduction over control, DAT = Days after Treatment
Conclusion: Highest percent of Reduction over control was observed in Treatment 1 was 92.39%, Treatment 2: 98.32% and Treatment 3: 98.51% as compared to solo treatments 4 was 82.96% and Treatment 5 was 82.53%.
Table 7 - Effect of Etoxazole 6% + Abamection 1.5% SC on % ROC of red spider mite of Brinjal during 2nd Season 2020
Tr. No. Treatments Dose
(ml/ha) % ROC* - Reduction over control
I Spray II Spray
3rd 7th 10th 14th 3rd 7th 10th 14th
1.

Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 300 84.34 86.01 87.41 88.71 96.66 95.03 93.73 92.82
2.

Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 450 92.76 93.93 94.34 94.85 98.40 98.18 98.03 97.78
3.

Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 600 93.29 94.17 94.91 95.41 98.61 98.47 98.30 98.20
4. Etoxazole 10% SC 400 76.70 76.48 74.79 68.61 94.24 88.11 83.20 76.42
5.
Abamectin 1.9% EC 375 76.51 75.89 72.85 66.11 93.70 87.39 80.48 77.69
6. Propergite 57% EC 1000 77.97 76.36 72.78 68.23 93.54 86.12 82.06 76.21
7. Untreated control (Water spray) - - - - - - - - -

*% ROC = Reduction over control, DAT = Days after Treatment
Conclusion: Highest percent of Reduction over control was observed in Treatment 1 was 92.82%, Treatment 2: 97.78% and Treatment 3: 98.20% as compared to solo treatments 4 was 76.42% and Treatment 5 was 77.69%.

Table 8 - Yield performance of different treatment schedules on brinjal during 1st season, 2019 & 2nd season, 2020 (mean of three replications)

Treatments Dose
ml or g/ha
(g a.i./ha) 1st season, 2019 2nd season, 2020
Yield (t/ha) % Increased over control Yield (t/ha) % Increased over control
Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 300 ml 34.57 72.16 32.94 68.75
Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC # 450 ml 35.80 78.29 34.86 78.59
Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 600 ml 36.28 80.68 35.98 84.32
Etoxazole 10% SC 400 ml 32.02 59.46 31.55 61.63
Abamectin 1.9% EC 375 ml 33.16 65.14 32.13 64.60
Untreated control - 20.08 - 19.52 -
C.D. @ 5 % 1.25 1.35

[0057] This showed that all the plots treated with the composition of the claimed invention gave significantly higher yield compared to that of individual actives.
[0058] From the test results shown above, it is evident that there is an unexpected and surprising result i.e. synergistic effect of the combination of etoxazole and abamectin in the control of red spider mites in brinjal. As can be seen from the data contained in above tables, the combined administration of etoxazole and abamectin resulted in significant reduction in red spider mite population as compared to single administration of the individual active ingredients.

Table 9 - Phytotoxic effect of synergistic composition of the present invention (Etoxazole 6 % + Abamectin 1 % SC) on Brinjal (First season)
T. No Treatments Dose
ml or g/ha
(g a.i./ha) Leaf injury on tips and leaf surface Wilting, Vein clearing and necrosis Epinasty and Hyponasty
T1 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 300 ml 0 0 0
T2 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC # 450 ml 0 0 0
T3 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 600 ml 0 0 0
T4 Etoxazole 10% SC 400 ml 0 0 0
T5 Abamectin 1.9% EC 375 ml 0 0 0
T6 Propargite 57% EC 1000 ml 0 0 0
T7 Untreated control - 0 0 0

Table 10 - Phytotoxic effect of synergistic composition of the present invention (Etoxazole 6 % + Abamectin 1 % SC) on Brinjal (Second season)
T. No Treatments Dose
ml or g/ha
(g a.i./ha) Leaf injury on tips and leaf surface Wilting, Vein clearing and necrosis Epinasty and Hyponasty
T1 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 300 ml 0 0 0
T2 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC # 450 ml 0 0 0
T3 Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC 600 ml 0 0 0
T4 Etoxazole 10% SC 400 ml 0 0 0
T5 Abamectin 1.9% EC 375 ml 0 0 0
T6 Propargite 57% EC 1000 ml 0 0 0
T7 Untreated control - 0 0 0

These observations were done at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 days after application. No phytotoxic symptoms as mentioned in Table 9 & 10 was observed in any of the treated plots with Etoxazole 6% + Abamectin 1.5% SC.
Conclusion
The treatments outlined in the aforesaid tables clearly enunciate that treatment numbers 1 to 3 which pertain to the composition of the claimed invention are significantly more effective than treatment numbers 4 and 5 which pertain to the individual actives.
,CLAIMS:1. A stable suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising, based on a total weight of the composition:
0.1-50% by weight of etoxazole;
0.1-50% by weight of abamectin;
0.1-20% by weight of a dispersing agent;
0.1-15% by weight of a wetting agent;
0.1-25% by weight of an anti-freezing agent; and
0.01-10% by weight of a thickener.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
0.05-10% by weight of an inert carrier;
0.01-5% by weight of a preservative; and
0.01-5% by weight of an anti-foaming agent.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein etoxazole and abamectin are present in a weight ratio of from 1:20 to 20:1.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein etoxazole is present in an amount of from 1% to 20% by weight and abamectin is present in an amount of from 0.5 to 15% by weight.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispersing agent is selected from alkoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate esters or salts or acid forms thereof, lignosulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, ethoxylated alkyl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated linear alcohols, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates, maleic anhydride copolymers, phosphate esters, condensation products of aryl/alkyl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, sulfonates of condensed naphthalene, lignin derivatives, naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, polycarboxylates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, salts of sulfonated naphthalene, ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of phenol sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dispersing agent is ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate amine salt.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wetting agent is selected from alkyl phenol ethoxylate, fatty oil ethoxylate, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated alkyl carboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethyl phenols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amines, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, salts of polycarboxylic acids, salts of esters of sulfosuccinic acid, alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylpolyglycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulfates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters, and mixtures thereof.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wetting agent is ethoxylated alkyl phenol.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti-freezing agent is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerine, urea, and mixtures thereof.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the anti-freezing agent is ethylene glycol.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickener is selected from xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and its derivatives, hydrated clay minerals, magnesium aluminium silicates, and mixtures thereof.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anti-foaming agent is silicone anti-foaming agent.

13. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the preservative is selected from 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or formaldehyde.

14. A method of controlling an acarid comprising applying the composition of claim 1 to an agricultural area in need thereof.