Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to herbicides. In particular, the present invention relates to a ternary herbicidal composition, which provides synergistic control of weeds in crops of cultivated plants and on non-crop area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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] The weed infestation is a major problem in the productivity of various crop plants such as wheat, triticale, sugarcane, soybean, rice, barley,r oats, rye etc. Weeds are undesirable due to competitive and allelopathic behavior. A weed is a plant species which grows as a wild plant and generally has no aesthetic and economic values. Weeds compete with the cultivated crop for nutrients, sunlight and moisture. Some weeds may also release compounds that are toxic to crop growth.
[0004] Rice is commonly consumed as food around the world. Rice is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or, less commonly, Oryza glaberrima (African rice). There are many varieties of rice, and culinary preferences tend to vary regionally. In 2020, world production of rice was 756.7 million metric tons (834.1 million short tons), led by China and India with a combined 52% of this total. Other major producers were Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam. As a cereal grain, domesticated rice is the most widely consumed staple food for over half of the world's human population, particularly in Asia and Africa. Weed infestation is one of the major impediments to rice yield, besides disease, pest and climatic influences. Weeds consume available nutrients and compete for space and sunlight with crop plants. They compete for available nitrogen supply and light during the early growth stage. Therefore, uncontrolled growth of weed plants in rice crop is most important factor for reduction in rice yield. To help combat this problem, researchers in the field of synthetic chemistry have produced an extensive variety of chemicals and chemical formulations effective in the control of such unwanted plants called weeds. Chemical herbicides of many types have been reported in the literature and a large number are in commercial use.
[0005] Weeds are considered as a major constraint for higher production of rice. In recent years, a number of chemicals having herbicidal activity have been used to control weeds in rice fields. The most commonly used herbicides in rice fields to manage the weeds are Anilofos, Bentazone, Butachlor, Carfentrazone ethyl, Cyhalofop butyl, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, Flucetasulfuron, Metamifop, Metsulfuron methyl, Oxadiargyl, Penoxsulam, Pertilachlor, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl, Propanil, Azimsulfuron, Bispyribac sodium, Bensulfuron methyl, Chlorimuron ethyl, Pendimethalin, Ethoxysulfuron, Ethoxysulfuron, and Triafamone etc.
[0006] Since weeds are diversified in kind viz. grassy weeds, broad leaf weeds, sedges and vines, and their emergence extends over a long period of time, the herbicidal effects of conventional single herbicidal agents are restricted in general as most of the available herbicides can control only one type of weed i.e. either grassy weeds or broad leaf weeds, having affectivity when applied before germination of weeds or after germination of weeds. Some of the weed species, like grassy weed such as Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli, Eleusine indica, Leptochloa chinensis, Barnyard grass, Digiteria, Dactyloctenium, Panicum repens; broad leaf weed such as Eclipta alba, Marsilea quadrifolia, Ludwigia parviflora, Monochoria vaginalis, Sphenoclcea zylenica, Digera arevensis, Phyllanthus niruri, Ammania baccifera, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Commelina benghalinsis, Bergia capensis, Caesulia axillaris, and sedges weeds such as Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria, Cyperus rotundus, Fimbristylis miliacea in rice crop are difficult to kill by single or even mixtures of two herbicidal active ingredients. Moreover, most of the herbicides do not protect the germination of weeds after killing of standing weeds, therefore, new weeds again emerge out and start competing with the cultivated crop plants.
[0007] Compositions of herbicidal combinations offer significant advantages over individual applications including improved and extended weed control, reduced herbicide rates and application costs, shorter contact times for improved results in flowing water, less stringent use restrictions, improved selectivity, improved spectrum of weeds controller reduced cost and reduced residue problems. In some cases, the herbicidal active ingredients have been shown to be more effective in combination than when applied individually. However, identifying appropriate herbicide combinations having chemical and physical stability while combining two or three herbicidal actives remains a challenge.
[0008] In view of such situation, it is desirable to develop a herbicidal composition having broad herbicidal activity spectrum against a wide variety of weeds and a long residual effect to prevent subsequent germination of weeds without any phytotoxicity to the crop plants. In contrast, it is also more sensible to be able to employ herbicidal combinations which have proven sufficiently effective and able to control multiple types of weeds for as long as possible, especially when it has shown itself to be environmentally compatible to a particularly high degree and to possess only minimal side-effects.
[0009] WO2006086640 describes a solid herbicidal mixture comprises an effective amount of penoxsulam and a second herbicide selected from the group of dicamba, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, triclopyr, clopyralid, mecoprop-P and mixtures thereof.
[0010] WO2022023912 describes a herbicidal composition comprising combination of one or more herbicides comprising Penoxsulam and one or more additional herbicides selected from pyrazosulfuron or its derivative, bispyribac and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid derivatives or combinations thereof.
[0011] CN106305739 and CN106577701 also describes a herbicidal composition composed of penoxsulam and propanil used for controlling weeds in rice field.
[0012] Agricultural Research Journal of Kerala (1979), 17(1), 14-17 describes a relative efficiency of different herbicides on rice under semi dry conditions containing propanil-2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid sodium salt mixture.
[0013] Philippine Agriculturist (1971), 55(5-6), 225-31 describes about Propanil alone or in combination with the phenoxy herbicides, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid or MCPA, provided some degree of control of S. maritimus, a weed associated with lowland rice fields.
[0014] Indian Agriculturist (1973), 17(2), 169-79 describes different treatments, involving various combinations of herbicides, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, propanil and MCPA for weed control in rice.
[0015] CA1102576 describes herbicidal compositions containing propanil and a compound selected from MCPA or 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid and their agrochemically acceptable salts, esters, or amides, and their mixtures synergistically control Setaria and Polygonaceae spp., e.g. Fagopyrum, in wheat.
[0016] CN107006469 describes herbicidal composition comprises contact herbicide and permeable herbicide. The contact herbicide is propanil. The permeable herbicide is (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid butylate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid isooctyl ester, or 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid amine salt.
[0017] The use of herbicides to control undesired weeds in crops has become almost a universal practice. Effective use of different herbicides requires sound management. For instance, time and method of application and stage of weed plant development are critical to getting good weed control with herbicides. Unfortunately, herbicides that exhibit greater potency, broader weed spectrum and more rapid degradation in soil also have greater crop phytotoxicity. Various weed species are also resistant to herbicides. So the development of new and effective herbicidal composition becomes increasingly important.
[0018] In view of the available art described above, only a binary combination is reported and that also having one or more drawbacks as far as application and efficacy results are concerned. Despite the presence of single and binary compositions in the market, there are still no availability of any ternary formulations, which exhibits excellent synergistic effect. Hence, there is a clear need for improved formulations to reliably deliver solid or liquid formulations of improved chemical stability.
[0019] Therefore, there is a long-standing need in the art of a better combination of herbicidal active compounds having efficient and accelerated control of broad-spectrum weeds, an advantageous activity profile, high stability, low toxicity to humans or other mammals, synergistically improved action, and having improved ecological compatibility, which allows the application rate to be reduced in comparison with the individual application of the active compounds.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0020] An object of the present invention is to provide a new and better composition of herbicidal active compounds having greater potency.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a ternary herbicidal composition.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition that demonstrates broader weed spectrum.
[0023] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly stable herbicidal composition that has synergistically improved action.
[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which has low toxicity to humans or other mammals.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition that has improved ecological compatibility.
[0026] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which allows the application rate to be reduced in comparison with the individual application of the active compounds.
[0027] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition that rapidly degrades in soil, and has lesser crop phytotoxicity.
[0028] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which shows better herbicidal effect against the developed resistance in broad range of weed species specially grown along with rice.
[0029] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which is easy to handle and can be easily applied on crops.
[0030] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which is highly effective for a long duration on broad range of weed species in rice.
[0031] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which is useful for controlling undesired weeds in cultivated crop plants particularly rice.
[0032] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which affords selective controlling of undesired weeds for rice crop.
[0033] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an herbicidal composition, which can control different weeds at post emergent stage in rice crop.
[0034] The other objects and preferred embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying examples, which are not intended to limit scope of the present invention in any manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention relates to a ternary herbicidal composition, which provides synergistic control of weeds in crops of cultivated plants and on non-crop area. The ternary herbicidal composition comprises:
a) 2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)-N-(5,8-dimethoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-2-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonamide (commonly known as “penoxsulam”, and hereinafter referred to as Herbicide-A);
b) N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)propanamide (commonly known as “propanil”, and hereinafter referred to as Herbicide-B);
c) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or its derivative (commonly known as “2,4-D”, and hereinafter referred to as Herbicide-C); and
d) one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients.
[0036] In an embodiment, the ternary herbicidal composition disclosed herein comprises (a) penoxsulam (Herbicide A) in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the composition, (b) propanil (Herbicide B) in an amount ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the composition, (c) 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid or a derivative thereof (Herbicide C) in an amount ranging from 10% to 30% by weight of the composition, and (d) one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients.
[0037] In various embodiments, the derivative of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid includes an ethyl ester, a 2-ethylhexyl ester, an isobutyl ester, a sodium salt, and a dimethylamine salt.
[0038] As indicated above, the ternary herbicidal composition of the present invention comprises one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients. Preferably, the one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients are selected from the group consisting of emulsifying agents, dispersing agents, wetting agents, antifoaming agents, binding agents, fillers, rheology modifiers, surfactants, anti-freezing agents, biocides, solvents, and pH adjusters.
[0039] In various embodiments, the ternary herbicidal composition disclosed herein can be formulated as a solid formulation or a liquid formulation.
[0040] In some embodiments, the ternary herbicidal composition can be formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), a wettable powder (WP), water dispersible granules (WDG), a suspension concentrate (SC), a microemulsion (ME), a suspo-emulsion (SE), an oil-in-water emulsion (EW), or an oil dispersion (OD).
[0041] The ternary herbicidal composition disclosed herein is effective against a variety of harmful weeds. In some embodiments, the ternary herbicidal composition disclosed herein can be used for controlling weeds in rice crops. Exemplary weeds include, but not limited to, Echinochloa species (Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli), Physalis species (Physalis minima), Phyllanthus species (Phyllanthus niruri), Leptochola species (Leptochola chinensis), Ludwigia species (Ludwigia parviflora), Commelina species (Commelina benghalensis), Cyperus species (Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis), Fimbristylis species (Fimbristylis miliacea), Eclipta species (Eclipta alba), Bergia species (Bergia capensis), Ammania species (Ammania bassifera), Alternanthera species (Alternanthera philoxeroides), Monochoria species (Monochoria vaginalis), and Marsilia species (Marsilia quadrifolia).
[0042] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learnt by the practice of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the 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.
[0044] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0045] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0046] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0047] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0048] The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” have been used herein to describe various embodiments, the terms “consisting essentially of’ and “consisting of’ can be used in place of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific embodiments of the invention and are also disclosed. Other than in the examples, or where otherwise noted, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood at the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, to be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.
[0049] The numerical values of various parameters given in the specification are at approximations and slightly higher or slightly lower values of these parameters fall within the ambit and the scope of the invention.
[0050] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific steps of the preferred process, it will be highly appreciated that many steps can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred steps without departing from the principles of the invention.
[0051] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0052] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0053] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0054] It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
[0055] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0056] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0057] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0058] The terms "herbicide" and "herbicidal" are used herein to denote the inhibitive control or modification of undesired plant growth. Inhibitive control and modification include all deviations from natural development, such as total killing, growth retardation, defoliation, desiccation, regulation, stunting, tillering, stimulation, leaf burn and dwarfing.
[0059] As described in the ‘Herbicide Handbook of the Weed Science Society of America’, Ninth Edition, 2007, p. 429, ‘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”. Synergism in the herbicide context can mean that the use of composition having Herbicide A, B, and C as described herein results in an enhanced, greater than additive weed control effect compared to the weed control effect of herbicidal mixtures (A+B), (B+C) or (C+A) individually.
[0060] The present invention relates to a ternary herbicidal composition, which provides synergistic control of weeds in crops of cultivated plants and on non-crop area. The ternary herbicidal composition comprises:
a) 2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)-N-(5,8-dimethoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-2-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzenesulfonamide (commonly known as “penoxsulam”, and hereinafter referred to as Herbicide-A);
b) N-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)propanamide (commonly known as “propanil”, and hereinafter referred to as Herbicide-B);
c) 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid or its derivative (commonly known as “2,4-D”, and hereinafter referred to as Herbicide-C); and
d) one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients.
[0061] Chemically, Herbicide-A is Penoxsulam, a triazolopyrimidine sulfonamide herbicide for weed control in rice. It is a branched chain amino acid (leucine, isoleucine and valine) synthesis (ALS or AHAS) inhibitor. It is used for pre- or post-emergence control of Echinochloa spp., as well as many broad-leaf, sedge and aquatic weeds in rice. Its herbicidal activity is described in book entitled ‘The Pesticide Manual’, seventeenth edition, 2015, page-851, contents whereof are incorporated herein, in its entirety, by way of reference.
[0062] Chemically, Herbicide-B is propanil, and it is a photosynthetic electron transport inhibitor at the photosystem II receptor site. It acts as a selective contact post-emergence herbicide in rice to control broad-leaved and grass weeds. It is having a short duration of activity. Its herbicidal activity is described in book entitled ‘The Pesticide Manual’, seventeenth edition, 2015, page-921, contents whereof are incorporated herein, in its entirety, by way of reference.
[0063] Chemically, Herbicide-C is 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, a herbicide that kills the plant by mimicking auxin, a plant growth hormone and it is used as herbicide in form of agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof to control broadleaf weeds in, for instance, wheat, cereals, corn, grasses, rice, sorghum, sugarcane, fallow land, pasture, rangeland, turf, and noncropland as post-emergent application. Its herbicidal activity is described in book entitled ‘The Pesticide Manual’, seventeenth Edition, 2015, page-283.
[0064] In an embodiment, the derivative of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid includes an ethyl ester, a 2-ethylhexyl ester, an isobutyl ester, a sodium salt, and a dimethylamine salt.
[0065] In still another embodiment, the present invention discloses unexpected and surprising effect of a herbicidal composition comprising Herbicides A+B+C. The herbicidal composition disclosed herein not only exhibits synergistic weed control effect, but also has broad applicability to various weeds, and is effective over a longer duration of time.
[0066] The herbicidal composition disclosed herein has little or no phytotoxicity against crops of useful plants and is useful for controlling weeds in the locus where crops are cultivated or will be cultivated. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling weeds in a rice crop comprising applying to the locus where the control is desired an herbicidally effective amount of a composition comprising Herbicides A+B+C.
[0067] In various embodiments, the ternary herbicidal composition disclosed herein comprises (a) penoxsulam (Herbicide A) in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the composition, (b) propanil (Herbicide B) in an amount ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the composition, (c) 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid or a derivative thereof (Herbicide C) in an amount ranging from 10% to 30% by weight of the composition; and (d) one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients.
[0068] In some embodiments, the ternary herbicidal composition disclosed herein comprises one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients in an amount ranging from 30 to 50 % by weight of the composition.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the w/w concentration of Herbicide A in the composition is about 0.8%.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the w/w concentration of Herbicide B in the composition is about 32%.
[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the w/w concentration of Herbicide C in the composition is about 20%.
[0072] In an embodiment, the composition comprises Herbicide A, Herbicide B and Herbicide C in a weight ratio of 1 : 35-45 : 20-30.
[0073] The ternary herbicidal composition disclosed herein is effective against a variety of harmful weeds. In some embodiments, the herbicidal composition disclosed herein can be used for controlling weeds in rice crops. Exemplary weeds include, but not limited to, Echinochloa species (Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli), Physalis species (Physalis minima), Phyllanthus species (Phyllanthus niruri), Leptochola species (Leptochola chinensis), Ludwigia species (Ludwigia parviflora), Commelina species (Commelina benghalensis), Cyperus species (Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis), Fimbristylis species (Fimbristylis miliacea), Eclipta species (Eclipta alba), Bergia species (Bergia capensis), Ammania species (Ammania bassifera), Alternanthera species (Alternanthera philoxeroides), Monochoria species (Monochoria vaginalis), and Marsilia species (Marsilia quadrifolia).
[0074] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition can be employed for selective control of weeds, such as annual or perennial grass weed, broad leaf weed and sedges, present in useful crop fields, such as but not limited to rice. Exemplary grass weeds include Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli, Eleusine indica, Leptochloa chinensis, Barnyard grass, Digiteria, Dactyloctenium, and Panicum repens. Exemplary broad leaf weeds include Eclipta alba, Marsilea quadrifolia, Ludwigia parviflora, Monochoria vaginalis, Sphenoclcea zylenica, Digera arevensis, Phyllanthus niruri, Ammania baccifera, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Commelina benghalinsis, Bergia capensis, and Caesulia axillaris. Exemplary sedges include Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria, Cyperus rotundus, and Fimbristylis miliacea.
[0075] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ternary composition comprising Herbicides A+B+C shows good crop compatibility [i.e. their use in crops does not result in increased damage to crops when compared to the binary mixture of the herbicides (A+B), (B+C) or (C+A)] even though showing synergistic effect against weeds or undesirable plants.
[0076] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the application of said composition comprising Herbicides A+B+C, which shows a remarkable improvement in residual activity. Further, the herbicidal composition of the present invention is very useful in a practical application, since it is capable of controlling, for example, hard to kill weeds in rice crop fields.
[0077] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ternary herbicidal composition of Herbicides A+B+C can be applied in a conventional manner by using techniques familiar to a person skilled in the art. The type of application depends on the intended purpose; in any case, it should be ensured that the finest possible distribution or exposing to harmful plant or unwanted plant or locus to be treated by active ingredients according to the invention. The herbicidal composition is applied to unwanted plant or weed locus primarily by spraying, in particular foliar spraying of an aqueous solution of the said composition. Application can be carried out by customary spraying techniques using, for example, water as a carrier.
[0078] In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be applied by any one of the methods selected from atomization, spreading, dusting, spraying, diffusion, immersion, irrigation, injection, mixing, sprinkling (water immersion), foaming, dressing, coating, blasting, fumigation, smoking, smog and painting.
[0079] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the required application rate of the ternary composition comprising Herbicides A+B+C depends on various factors such as density of the undesired vegetation, type of soil, development stage of the plants, climatic conditions of the location, and on the application method. In general, the post-emergence application rate of the ternary premix formulation of the present invention ranges from 1000 to 5000 g/ha, preferably from 2000 to 3000 g/ha.
[0080] In yet in another embodiment of the present invention, application of the herbicidal composition comprising Herbicides A+B+C results in a remarkable synergistic improvement in the application window (post-emergence in weeds under different agronomical cultivation practices of rice) compared to application of binary mixture of herbicides (A+B), (B+C) or (C+A) individually.
[0081] According to embodiments of the present invention, compositions containing Herbicide-A, Herbicide-B, and Herbicide-C can be formulated in the form of a single package solid or liquid formulation containing a homogeneous mixture of Herbicides A, B, and C. In various embodiments, the herbicidal composition disclosed herein can be formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), a wettable powder (WP), a water dispersible granule (WDG), a suspension concentrate (SC), a microemulsion (ME), a suspo-emulsion (SE), an oil-in-water emulsion (EW), or an oil dispersion (OD). Such formulations may be prepared by any method known in the art, for example by bringing into association the Herbicides A, B, and C with one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients. Preferably, the one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients are selected from the group consisting of emulsifying agents, dispersing agents, wetting agents, antifoaming agents, binding agents, fillers, rheology modifiers, surfactants, anti-freezing agents, biocides, solvents, and pH adjusters.
[0082] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition is in the form of water dispersible granule (WDG) or wettable powder (WP). An illustrative WDG or WP formulation comprises the ingredients shown in Table 1.
Table 1:
Ingredient Weight % Range
Herbicide A 0.1% to 5%
Herbicide B 20% to 50%
Herbicide C 10% to 30%
One or more Surfactant 5% to 25%
One or more binding agent 0.1% to 3%
One or more antifoaming agent 0.1% to 3%
One or more filler 20% to 50%

[0083] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises at least one surfactant (such as wetting agents, tackifiers, dispersants and/or emulsifiers) which is usually employed in agrochemical compositions. Preferred surfactants are selected from ionic and non-ionic products and include solutions of organo-modified polyacrylates, polyacrylates, polysaccharides, alkyl or aryl sulfonates, phosphoric acid ester, modified polyethers, polyurethanes, polycarboxylates, alkyl or aryl sulfates, tristyrylphenol ethaoxylated, dialkylsulfosuccinates, alkyl or lauryl ether sulfates, sodium or potassium lauryl sulphate, silicon alkoxylates, alkoxylated alkyl phenols, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, acetylene glycols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether and salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether and salts, polyoxyethylene styryl phenyl ether and salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl ester, derivatives of polyglycol ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkylate, polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl ether polymer, polyoxyalkylene glycol, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of aromatic sulfonic acids such as ligninsoulfonic acid (Borresperse® types, Borregard, Norway), phenolsulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid (Morwet® types, Akzo Nobel, U.S.A.), dibutylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (Nekal® types, BASF, Germany), condensates of alkylnaphthalene sulfonate or of naphthalenesulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde such as naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde polycondensate as sodium salt, fatty alcohol sulfates, sodium or calcium salts of alkyl benzene sulphonate, C12-C15 alkoxylated alcohol, alkoxyoxylated tri, di or monostyryl phenol, ethoxylated polyarylphenol and sulfated hexa-, hepta- and octadecanolates, sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers ethoxylated alkyl aryl phosphate esters, taurates, styrene acrylic co-polymer, acrylic polymer, polyalkylene oxide block copolymer, EO-PO block copolymers as such, any fatty alcohols, esters of fatty acids, alcohols or compounds containing at least one OH group or a suitable mixtures thereof.
[0084] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises one or more solvents, such as water, aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene, xylene, naphthalene, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes or their derivatives), methyl soyate, petroleum naphtha, aliphatic hydrocarbons, kerosene, diesel oil, furthermore coal tar oils and oils of vegetable or animal origin, aromatic solvents (e.g. solvesso products), paraffins (e.g. mineral fractions), alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, pentanol, 2-ethylhexanol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol), ketones (e.g. cyclohexanone, gamma-butyrolactone), pyrrolidones (e.g. N-methyl pyrrolidone, NOP), DMSO, acetates (glycol diacetate), glycols, fatty acid dimethylamides, fatty acids and fatty acid esters and a suitable mixtures thereof.
[0085] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises at least one antifoaming agent, which can be selected from polydimethylsiloxane, magnesium stearate, silicone emulsions (such as e.g. Silikon® SRE, Wacker, Germany or Rhodorsil®, Rhodia, France), long chain alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, salts of fatty acids, fluoro organic compounds, silicone oils, mineral oils, polyether siloxane copolymer containing fumed silica, silicone defoamers, non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), arylalkyl modified polysiloxanes, polyethylene glycol and glycerin or a suitable mixtures thereof.
[0086] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises a stabilizing agent, such as diethylamine, dimethylamine, diethanolamine, isopropylamine or a suitable mixture thereof.
[0087] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises one or more rheology modifiers which are usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Suitable rheology modifiers include, but not limited to, both natural and man-made modifiers, such as, for example, natural gums (xanthan gum, gum arabic, gun ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, guar gum, locust bean gum etc.), attagel, agar, alginic acid, alginate salt, chitin, pectin, casein, dextran, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicas, fumed silica or silicon dioxide, fumed aluminium oxide, colloidal silicon dioxides, hydrogenated castor oils, polyvinylalcohol, sodium alginate, sodium poly acrylate, welan gum, lignosulfonates, hydroxy methyl cellulose, dextrin, heteropolysaccharides, organic and inorganic clays, montmorillonite, bentonite clay or its organic derivatives, oxidized waxes, carboxy methylcellulose, carrageen, fucoidan, laminaran, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane), HMPE (hydrophobically modified polyethers), HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali-swellable emulsion), polyacrylates, polyamides, 2-aminoethyl starch, 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose, cellulose sulfate salt, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidinones, alkali metal salts of the maleic anhydride copolymers, alkali metal salts of poly(meth)acrylate, and starch or a suitable mixtures thereof. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, however, and a wide variety of other rheology modifiers can be employed. A wide variety of rheology modifiers are available commercially, including, for example, the following: Kelzan® (CP Kelco, USA), Rhodopol® 23 (Rhodia, France), Veegum® (R.T. Vanderbilt, USA) and Attaclay® (Engelhard Corp., NJ; USA).
[0088] In one embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises one or more anti-freezing agents selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, trimethylol propane, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, xylenol, bisphenols such as bisphenol A or the like. In addition, ether alcohols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, urea, tetraethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethylether, diethylene glycol monoethylether, triethylene glycol monomethylether, butoxyethanol, butylene glycol monobutylether, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol, octaglycerol or a suitable mixture thereof may also be used.
[0089] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises at least one filler selected from the group consisting of sucrose, lactose, methyl soyate, vegetable oil, urea, thiourea, kaolin, clays, talc, chalk, glass fiber, highly disperse silica, precipitated silica, diatomite, calcite, talcum, wood flour, cellulose, pulverized wood, diatomaceous earth, montmorillonite, sodium sulfate, salts of alkali earth metals with any strong or weak acid (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium, magnesium chloride etc), citric acid and its salts, ammonium sulphate, ammonium chloride, potash, glycols salts of dibasic acid, ammonium carbonate, salt of alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate or hydroxide, water and a suitable mixture thereof.
[0090] In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition further comprises a binding agent such as polyvinylpyrolidone or the like, and/or a biocide such as benzisothiazolinone or the like, and/or a rheology modifier such as xanthan gum or the like, which are known in the prior art and usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions.
[0091] The compositions and methods of the appended claims are not limited in scope by the specific compositions and methods described herein, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claims and any compositions and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Various modifications of the compositions and methods in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, while only certain representative compositions and method steps disclosed herein are specifically described, other combinations of the compositions and method steps also are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims, even if not specifically recited.
[0092] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. 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
[0093] The invention is now being illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0094] Several ternary herbicidal formulations were prepared with different weight percentage of active ingredients and tested for their stability and suitability, compositions whereof are provided in the Table 2a and 2b as below:
Table 2a
Example

Ingredients 1 2 3 4 5 Role
Herbicide A*
(Purity: 97.0% w/w) 0.90 0.88 0.83 0.83 5.00 Active Ingredient
Herbicide B*
(Purity: 97.0% w/w) 35 33.51 33.51 33.51 20.00 Active Ingredient
Herbicide C*
(Purity: 95.0% w/w) 25 21.06 21.06 21.06 30.00 Active Ingredient
Tristyrylphenol ethaoxylated --- --- --- 8.00 --- Emulsifying agent
Calcium dodecyl benzenesulfonate --- --- --- 6.00 --- Emulsifying agent
Alkylnaphthalene
sulfonate condensate 8.00 8.00 08.00 --- 8.00 Dispersing agent
Sodium lauryl sulfate 4 3.00 3.00 --- 3.5 Wetting agent
Polydimethylsiloxanes 1.00 1.00 1.00 --- 1.00 Antifoaming agent
Polyvinylpyrolidone 1.00 --- 1.00 --- 1.00 Binding agent
Precipitated silica 4.00 10.00 2.00 --- 2.00 Filler
Kaolin 21.10 22.55 19.60 --- 19.50 Filler
Sodium Sulfate ---- ---- 10 ---- 10 Filler
Bentonite clay ---- --- --- 2.00 --- Rheology modifier
Methyl soyate ---- --- --- 28.60 --- Solvent
Total 100g 100g 100g 100g --- --
Formulation WDG WP WDG** OD WDG --
*Quantity is based on purity of active ingredient (e.g. 0.88g of Herbicide A with 97.0% w/w purity is equivalent to 0.8g of pure Herbicide A).
** Resulting formulated product was used for conducting field trials.

Table 2b
Example

Ingredients
6 7 8
9 10 11 Role
Herbicide A*
(Purity: 97.0% w/w) 0.10 0.60 0.83 0.88 0.83 0.83 Active Ingredient
Herbicide B*
(Purity: 97.0% w/w) 50.00 25.00 33.51 20.00 33.51 33.51 Active Ingredient
Herbicide C*
(Purity: 95.0% w/w) 10.00 20.62 20.62 30.00 20.62 20.62 Active Ingredient
Tristyrylphenol ethaoxylated 14 --- 8.00 9.00 18.00 --- Emulsifying agent
Calcium dodecyl benzenesulfonate 6.00 --- 6.00 5.12 2.00 --- Emulsifying agent
Cyclohexanone 15.00 --- --- 25.00 9.04 --- Solvent
Naphtha (Petroleum) ---- ---- --- --- --- 10.00 Solvent
N-methyl pyrrolidone 4.90 --- --- 10.00 06.00 --- Solvent
Methyl soyate ---- ---- 29.04 --- --- --- Solvent
Bentonite clay ---- ---- 2.00 --- --- --- Rheology modifier
Xanthan gum ---- 0.20 --- --- --- 0.20 Rheology modifier
Acrylic polymer ---- 4.00 --- --- --- 2.00 Surfactant
C12-C15 ethoxylated Alcohols ---- 3.00 --- --- --- 2.00 Surfactant
Polyalkylene oxide block copolymer ---- ---- ---- --- ---- 2.00 Surfactant
Propylene glycol ---- 10.00 --- --- --- 5.00 Anti-freezing agent
Benzisothiazolinone ---- .25 --- --- --- 0.25 Biocide
Water ---- 6.33 --- --- --- 23.59 Filler
Total 100g 100g 100g 100 100g 100g --
Formulation EC SC OD EC ME SE --
*Quantity is based on purity of active ingredient (e.g. 0.88g of Herbicide A with 97.0% w/w purity is equivalent to 0.8g of pure Herbicide A).
Example 12: Process steps for the preparation of emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition
[0095] Desired quantity (recited herein-above in Table 2b, Example 9) of solvent n-methyl pyrrolidone, cyclohexanone and Herbicide-A were charged in a vessel at room temperature (~35°C). Then add Herbicide B slowly under stirring and stir till clear solution obtained. Again charge desired quantity of Herbicide-C under stirring. Stir at room temperature till the technical gets miscible in the solvent. Charge desired quantity of emulsifying agents (tristyrylphenol ethoxylated and calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate) and stir till it gets miscible in the solvents. Filter the product to get to get final EC formulation without any extraneous matter.

Example 13: Process for the preparation of water dispersible granule (WDG):
[0096] Desired amount (recited herein-above in Table 2a, Example 3) of precipitated silica, kaolin, sodium sulfate and Herbicide-B, in multi mill. Grind above mixture to get free flowing powder. Then charge above homogenous mixture into premix blender then charge desired quantity of Herbicide-A, Herbicide-C, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate, sodium lauryl sulfate, polydimethylsiloxanes, and polyvinylpyrrolidone were charged in a premix blender and blended till a uniformly blended mixture was obtained. The mixture was ground utilizing an air jet mill for which the feed rate was adjusted according to the desired particle size. After the grinding process, the mixture was blended in the post blender till uniformly blended mixture was obtained. In-process sample was check and then the mass was transferred to a sigma blender to get a uniform dough using water. The dough was extruded in an extruder through desire sized jar to get required granules. The WDG product was then dried in a fluidized bed dryer (FBD).
Example 14: Process for the preparation of suspension concentrate (SC):
[0097] Desired amount (recited herein-above in Table 2b, Example 7) of water was charged in a vessel followed by charging of acrylic graft copolymer, alcohols C12-15 ethoxylated, polydimethylsiloxanes, propylene glycol, and benzisothiazolinone. Then charged desired quantity of Herbicide-A, Herbicide-B, and Herbicide-C under stirring. The mixture was stirred till uniformly mixture was obtained. The mixture was ground utilizing bead mill for which the feed rate was adjusted according to the desired particle size maintaining temperature between 15°C to 20°C. The in-process sample was checked. Charged xanthan gum gel and stirred the mixture till uniformly mixture was obtained. The product was filtered to get final SC formulation without any extraneous matter.
Example 15: Process for the preparation of Oil dispersion (OD):
[0098] Desired amount (recited herein-above in Table 2b, Example 8) of soya methyl ester was charged in a vessel followed by charging of trystyrylphenol ethoxylated, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. Then charged bentonite clay under stirring, then charged desired quantity of Herbicide-A, Herbicide-B, and Herbicide-C under stirring. The mixture was stirred till uniformly mixture was obtained. The mixture was ground utilizing bead mill for which the feed rate was adjusted according to the desired particle size maintaining temperature between 15°C to 20°C. The in-process sample was checked. The mixture was stirred till uniformly mixture was obtained. The product was filtered to get final OD formulation without any extraneous matter.
Bio-efficacy study (in-house):
[0099] The synergistic herbicidal composition of the present disclosure Herbicide-(A+B+C), prepared in accordance with Example 3 (WDG formulation) was used for conducting field trials at a given concentrations, and efficacy was compared with binary possible tank mix combinations i.e.,
i) Herbicide-A 21.7% + Herbicide-C 95% SP or (A+C),
ii) Herbicide-A 21.7% + Herbicide-B 80% DF or (A+B), and
iii) Herbicide-B 80% DF + Herbicide-C 95% SP or (B+C),
against various grassy weeds, broad leaf weeds and sedges weeds in rice crop as per predetermined doses at 2-5 leaf stage.
[00100] Binary mixture were prepared by mixing commercially available formulation of Herbicide-A (Granite 21.7% SC- manufactured by Corteva Agriscience), Herbicide-B (Empezer 80% DF- manufactured by UPL), and Herbicide-C (Salix 95% SP- manufactured by Atul Ltd.) as per predetermined doses.
Field experiment methodology
[00101] Two field trials were conducted in cultivated rice field under naturally occurring weed populations in the trial fields. The trial sites were located at:
a) Field Trial-1 at VPO-Navabupeta, Taluka-Ravulapalem, District-Konaseema (Andhra Pradesh); Crop variety: Swana; Time period from July 2022 to December 2022.
b) Field Trial-2 at VPO-Rajim, Taluka-Rajim, District-Gariyaband (Chhattisgarh); Crop variety: Mahamaya; Time period from July 2022 to December 2022.

Experimental Design and Treatments:
[00102] The trials were conducted on different varieties of rice crop using normal research methodology. Treatments were randomized in block wise having plot area of 5.0 x 5.0 sq. m. and replicated thrice. The experimental plots were one meter apart to prevent cross-contamination of treatments and other research activities. Soil type for trial-1 is black and for trial-2 it is loam soil. Battery operated Knapsack sprayer with flat fan nozzle is used for application. The timely observations from the trial field were recorded, using standard methodology of observations.
Observations:
[00103] Below examples 16 to 18 summarizes the percentage control observations based on post-emergence field trials and phytotoxicity observations in rice crop.
[00104] In Examples 16 to 18, herbicidal composition (A+B+C) used in Plot number T1, T2 and T3 referred to WDG formulation prepared in accordance with Example 3 and 13.

[000119] Example 16: Percentage control observations based on field trials performed at VPO-Navabupeta ,Taluka-Ravulapalem , District-Konaseema (Andhra Pradesh) [FIELD TRIAL-1]

Plot Herbicidal Composition Use Rate
(g.a.i. /ha) % Control Observed at 30 DAA
Grassy weed Broad leaf weed Sedges
Echinochloa colonum Echinochloa crusgalli Leptochloa chinensis Bergia capensis Ammania bassifera Ludwigia perviflora Alternanthera philoxeroides Monochoria vaginalis Marsilia quadrifolia Eclipta alba Cyperus difformis
T1 (A+B+C) 18+720+450 81 78 76 79 81 75 79 82 78 73 66
T2 (A+B+C) 20+800+500 96 94 91 98 100 100 98 99 93 100 97
T3 (A+B+C) 22+880+550 98 96 93 100 100 100 98 100 96 100 98
T4 A+C 22.5+1000 70 65 63 89 90 92 87 91 93 92 90
T5 A+B 22.5+2000 87 79 82 62 65 60 61 81 65 64 79
T6 B+C 2000+1000 45 39 41 79 83 80 85 90 86 85 82
T7 A 22.5 68 61 59 60 63 56 58 77 60 62 73
T8 B 2000 47 40 43 31 48 28 23 60 33 44 42
T9 C 1000 20 15 10 77 80 76 81 83 79 80 77
T10 UTC - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Plot Herbicidal Composition Use Rate (g.a.i./ha) % Control Observed at 60 DAA
Grassy weed Broad leaf weed Sedges
Echinochloa colonum Echinochloa crusgalli Leptochloa chinensis Bergia capensis Ammania bassifera Ludwigia perviflora Alternanthera philoxeroides Monochoria vaginalis Marsilia quadrifolia Eclipta alba Cyperus difformis
T1 (A+B+C) 18+720+450 77 71 70 75 76 71 72 76 71 70 62
T2 (A+B+C) 20+800+500 94 93 89 97 100 99 97 97 94 99 96
T3 (A+B+C) 22+880+550 96 95 90 98 100 100 97 100 96 100 97
T4 A+C 22.5+1000 68 63 62 85 87 90 82 82 89 90 88
T5 A+B 22.5+2000 83 75 81 61 63 57 55 76 60 63 70
T6 B+C 2000+1000 43 34 32 75 80 77 82 89 81 83 80
T7 A 22.5 61 52 55 53 61 51 55 72 54 58 66
T8 B 2000 45 36 32 24 37 20 18 50 28 38 35
T9 C 1000 12 10 8 73 79 74 80 80 76 75 70
T10 UTC - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Here DAA=Days After Application

[000120] Example 17: Percentage control observations based on field trials performed at VPO-Rajim ,Taluka-Rajim , District-Gariyaband (Chhattisgarh) [FIELD TRIAL-2]
Plot Herbicidal Composition Use Rate
(g.a.i. /ha) % Control Observed at 30 DAA
Grassy weed Broad leaf weed Sedges
Echinochloa colonum Echinochloa Crusgalli Ammania bassifera Ludwigia perviflora Monochoria vaginalis Marsilia quadrifolia Eclipta alba Cyperus difformis
T1 (A+B+C) 18+720+450 80 77 78 80 80 77 80 68
T2 (A+B+C) 20+800+500 95 93 98 100 100 98 97 96
T3 (A+B+C) 22+880+550 97 95 99 100 100 98 98 97
T4 A+C 22.5+1000 65 60 89 93 93 90 88 90
T5 A+B 22.5+2000 89 81 67 66 80 60 68 72
T6 B+C 2000+1000 48 38 80 84 87 85 87 80
T7 A 22.5 65 64 67 54 70 55 60 70
T8 B 2000 44 51 40 32 55 31 48 39
T9 C 1000 13 11 82 79 86 80 82 75
T10 UTC - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Plot Herbicidal Composition Use Rate
(g.a.i. /ha) % Control Observed at 60 DAA
Grassy weed Broad leaf weed Sedges
Echinochloa colonum Echinochloa Crusgalli Ammania bassifera Ludwigia perviflora Monochoria vaginalis Marsilia quadrifolia Eclipta alba Cyperus difformis
T1 (A+B+C) 18+720+450 76 74 75 77 78 81 77 64
T2 (A+B+C) 20+800+500 96 95 100 97 100 100 99 95
T3 (A+B+C) 22+880+550 95 97 100 98 100 100 98 97
T4 A+C 22.5+1000 63 59 90 90 90 92 89 85
T5 A+B 22.5+2000 90 83 65 67 77 66 65 69
T6 B+C 2000+1000 45 36 87 86 85 88 85 82
T7 A 22.5 54 55 63 50 65 59 57 68
T8 B 2000 40 46 41 34 49 35 47 36
T9 C 1000 11 10 85 82 80 82 79 73
T10 UTC - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Here DAA=Days After Application

[000121] Example 18: Phytotoxicity Observation for [FIELD TRIAL-1] and [FIELD TRIAL-2]

Plot Herbicidal Composition Use Rate (g.a.i./ha) % Phytotoxicity observed
5 DAA 10 DAA 15 DAA 20 DAA 30 DAA
T1 (A+B+C) 18+720+450 0 0 0 0 0
T2 (A+B+C) 20+800+500 0 0 0 0 0
T3 (A+B+C) 22+880+550 0 0 0 0 0
T4 A+C 22.5+1000 0 0 0 0 0
T5 A+B 22.5+2000 0 0 0 0 0
T6 B+C 2000+1000 0 0 0 0 0
T7 A 22.5 0 0 0 0 0
T8 B 2000 0 0 0 0 0
T9 C 1000 0 0 0 0 0
T10 UTC - 0 0 0 0 0

[000122] It can be appreciated from the observed results presented hereinabove that in each case, for any of the 3 doses of the combination of Herbicides A+B+C tested, the effect of the composition in post-emergence application is unexpectedly and surprisingly synergistic over the effect of binary mixture of herbicides (A+B), (B+C) or (C+A) and also over the individual herbicides A, B and C.
[000123] The combination has the potential of controlling the cross-spectrum weeds (broad leaf weeds, grassy weeds, and sedges) in rice. All the selected molecules are safe to transplanted and direct seeded rice when applied in post-emergence (15-20 days after transplanting) application timing.
[000124] Visual observations were recorded on percent weed control for individual weeds on whole plot basis at 30 and 60 days after application (DAA). These observations are to be taken from entire plot. The field trials were carried out in India at different locations.
[000125] The results in Trial-1 (Example 16) and Trial-2 (Example-17), clearly demonstrates efficacy of combination of Herbicides A+B+C against weeds like, Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa Crusgalli, Ammania bassifera, Ludwigia perviflora, Monochoria vaginalis, Marsilia quadrifolia, Eclipta alba, and Cyperus difformis at both after 30DDA and after 60DDA. The field studies were conducted to compare the weed controlling activity of the combination of Herbicides A+B+C over the effect of binary mixture of herbicides (A+B), (B+C) or (C+A) and individual herbicides A, B and C.
[000126] The results in both Trial-1 (Example 16) and Trial-2 (Example-17), clearly demonstrates that efficacy of combination of Herbicides A+B+C in Plot number T2 and T3 have better efficacy over the other treatments.
[000127] To assess the phytotoxic effect of the herbicidal composition on rice crop viz. leaf burning, yellowing, stunting, scorching, epinasty, hyponasty etc., trials were laid out in Randomized Black Design (RBD) replicated three times. For each treatment, plot size was maintained at 25 sq. meter. To raise the crops, all the agronomical practices were followed as usually adopted for rice cultivation. The said binary and ternary herbicidal compositions were applied in prescribed recommended doses by battery operated Knapsack sprayer with flat fan nozzle.
[000128] Observation on phytotoxicity viz. growth stunting, yellowing, scorching, epinasty, hyponasty etc. was recorded at 5 to 30 ‘Days after Application’ (DAA) of post emergence treatments from ten plants which were randomly selected from each plot.
[000129] It can be appreciated from the observed results presented hereinabove that in each case i.e. Trial-1 and Trial-2, for any of the treatment T1 to T9, the percentage phytotoxicity observed is zero even after 30 DAA (refer to Example-18).
[000130] Accordingly, by the practice of the present invention, herbicide compositions having heretofore unrecognized characteristics are prepared. These herbicides exhibit exceptionally synergetic effect for control of common weeds, especially growing in the rice field and is used in a post-emergence herbicide application.
[000131] It can be appreciated from the observed results presented hereinabove that the herbicidal premix formulation of the present invention as tested exhibits no phytotoxicity to rice crop up to 3000 g or mL/ha dose amount.
[000132] Overall, the present invention provides a composition comprising three herbicidal active ingredients, which at particular w/w ratios, and in various doses exhibit an unexpected and surprising synergism in ability to eliminate growth of weeds and unwanted vegetation. Of particular importance is that the said composition, while it is detrimental to the growth of weeds, does not particularly affect agronomic characteristics of crop plant such as rice. The said composition is not phytotoxic to the crop plants up to recommended doses, which makes the said composition an attractive and suitable alternative to usage of individual herbicides.
[000133] 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.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[000134] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition that has synergistically improved action in ability to eliminate growth of weeds and unwanted vegetation.
[000135] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition that has greater potency and demonstrates broader weed spectrum.
[000136] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition that is detrimental to the growth of weeds, does not particularly affect agronomic characteristics of crop plant such as rice.
[000137] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition that is not phytotoxic to the crop plants up to recommended doses, which makes the said composition an attractive and suitable alternative to usage of individual herbicides.
[000138] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition that is highly stable and has low toxicity to humans or other mammals.
[000139] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition that has improved ecological compatibility.
[000140] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition which allows the application rate to be reduced in comparison with the individual application of the active compounds.
[000141] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition that rapidly degrades in soil and has lesser crop phytotoxicity.
[000142] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition which shows better herbicidal effect against the developed resistance in broad range of weed species specially grown along with rice crop.
[000143] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition which is easy to handle and can be easily applied on crops.
[000144] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition which is highly effective for a long duration on broad range of weed species in rice crop.
[000145] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition which is useful for controlling undesired weeds in cultivated crop plants particularly rice.
[000146] The present invention provides a ternary herbicidal composition which can control weed at post emergent stage.
, Claims:1. A herbicidal composition comprising:
a) penoxsulam in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the composition;
b) propanil in an amount ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the composition;
c) 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid or a derivative thereof in an amount ranging from 10% to 30% by weight of the composition; and
d) one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the derivative of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is an ethyl ester, a 2-ethylhexyl ester, an isobutyl ester, a sodium salt, or a dimethylamine salt.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.8% by weight of penoxsulam, 32% by weight of propanil and 20% by weight of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or a derivative thereof.
4. The composition as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients are selected from the group consisting of emulsifying agents, dispersing agents, wetting agents, antifoaming agents, binding agents, fillers, rheology modifiers, surfactants, anti-freezing agents, biocides, solvents, and pH adjusters.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the emulsifying agent is a blend of calcium salt of dodecylbenzenesulfonate and tristyrylphenol ethoxylate; the surfactant is selected from acrylic polymer, C12-C15 ethoxylated alcohols, polyalkylene oxide block copolymer, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate, Sodium lauryl sulfate and a combination thereof; and the solvent is selected from petroleum naphtha, cyclohexanone, methyl soyate, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and a combination thereof.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate, a wettable powder, water dispersible granules, a suspension concentrate, a microemulsion, an oil dispersion, a suspo-emulsion, or an oil-in-water emulsion.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition is in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition is in the form of water dispersible granules.
9. The composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, for use in controlling weeds in a rice crop.
10. The composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the weeds are selected from the group consisting of Echinochloa species (Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli), Physalis species (Physalis minima), Phyllanthus species (Phyllanthus niruri), Leptochola species (Leptochola chinensis), Ludwigia species (Ludwigia parviflora), Commelina species (Commelina benghalensis), Cyperus species (Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis), Fimbristylis species (Fimbristylis miliacea), Eclipta species (Eclipta alba), Bergia species (Bergia capensis), Ammania species (Ammania bassifera), Alternanthera species (Alternanthera philoxeroides), Monochoria species (Monochoria vaginalis), and Marsilia species (Marsilia quadrifolia).