DESC:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The present disclosure relates to an agrochemical combination comprising two or more insecticides, and in particular, an insecticidal combination comprising at least one pyridylidene insecticide and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an insecticidal combination comprising at least one nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator and at least one sodium channel modulator. The present disclosure also relates to a method for controlling pests using the insecticidal combination thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:
Insecticides are toxic substances, which are used to eradicate and control insect populations. Such compounds are primarily used to control pests that infest cultivated plants, or to eliminate disease-carrying insects in specific areas. Insecticides play a critical role in controlling the spread of insect-borne diseases and preserving crop health. These chemical substances are specifically formulated to kill or manage insect populations. Over the years, various types of insecticides have been developed, including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids, each with unique modes of action, physiological targets, and efficacy.

Furthermore, there are certain species or groups of insects, which are not susceptible to certain insecticides. This may be because either the insecticides use different biochemical pathways, or the insecticides have slightly different enzymes. Insecticides are often chosen for use based on their mode of action. In situations, when one insecticide is ineffective, another insecticide with a different mode of action may provide better results. Therefore, when and how any insecticide should be applied may be determined by the mode of action of the insecticide. Therefore, insecticides play an important role in agricultural practices across the world in controlling insect population, which infest the cultivated plants.

While many insecticidal combinations belonging to various different chemical classes have been or are being developed for controlling insect pest in agricultural crops, many of these insecticides have one or more drawbacks such as low bio efficacy, high phytotoxicity, high dosage requirements, crop tolerance or exhibiting activity only against particular insect or crop, and the like. Additionally, while methods of using insecticidal combinations comprising mixtures of different insecticide compounds have also been tried, there nonetheless exists a need in the art for improved combinations of different insecticides having enhanced activity for controlling insect pest and corresponding methods thereof, that has low phytotoxicity, enhanced bio efficacy, improved health, and improved cost benefit ratio. The present disclosure tries to address said need.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE:
It is a primary objective of the present disclosure to provide an insecticidal combination comprising two or more insecticides for controlling/preventing insect pest in crops.

It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an insecticidal combination possessing enhanced efficacy over the individual insecticides.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an insecticidal combination achieving increased yield in the crops to which they are applied.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an insecticidal combination reducing the number of insects in the crops to which they are applied.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination comprising at least one pyridylidene insecticide and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides use of an insecticidal combination comprising at least one pyridylidene insecticide and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide, for controlling insect pests in plants or preventing insect pests in plants or improving crop health.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling the growth of harmful insect pests in crops, a method for preventing insect pests in crops, or a method for improving crop health, the method comprising contacting or applying to the plant, or foliage of the plant, or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof, an effective amount of an insecticidal combination comprising at least one pyridylidene insecticide and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The present disclosure now will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying examples, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This description is not intended to be a detailed catalogue of all the different ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all the features that may be added to the instant disclosure. Thus, the disclosure contemplates that in some embodiments of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein can be excluded or omitted. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the disclosure, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 10% or ± 5% of the stated value.

Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of about 90-100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of the terms “a”, “an” and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc., as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.

The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

As used herein, the term “agrochemical” refers to all active substances which can be used in the agrochemical field, i.e., pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, fungicides, molluscicides, plant growth regulators, safeners, algicides, avicides/bird repellents, bactericides, insect attractants (semiochemicals), insect chemosterilants, insect repellents, mammal repellents, nitrification inhibitors, plant activators, rodenticides, synergists, virucides, or mixtures thereof, and can be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “agrochemical combination” or “insecticidal combination” refers to a mixture of more than one component/insecticide mixed and intended to be applied onto plants with and without further dilution.

As used herein, the term “insecticide” refers to the ability of a substance to decrease or inhibit growth of insects or pests.

As used herein, the term “insecticidal” refers to the ability of a substance to control or modify the growth of insects or pests. Insecticidal refers to the ability of a substance to increase mortality and/or inhibit the growth rate of insects or pests.

The term “insecticidally effective amount” means the amount of the composition needed to achieve an observable adverse effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, insect pest mortality, insect pest weight loss, insect pest reduced plant defoliation, and other behavioural and physical changes of an insect pest after feeding and exposure for an appropriate length of time.

The term “insects” includes all organisms in the class "Insecta”.

The term “control” or “controlling” insects refers to inhibition of insects, through a toxic effect, the ability of insect pests to survive, grow, feed, and/or reproduce, or to limit insect-related damage or loss in crop plants. To “control” insects may or may not mean killing the insects, although it preferably means reducing insect population by killing the insects.

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

The term “crop” shall include a multitude of desired plants or an individual plant growing at a locus. As used herein, the term “plant” and “crop” have been used interchangeably throughout the present disclosure. Said term refers to all physical parts of a plant including foliage/leaves, seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, and fruits.

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

The term “pest” refers to an organism, and in particular an insect, which is detrimental to the growth, reproduction, and/or viability of a plant, a portion of the plant or a plant seed. In one aspect, the pest is an insect.

The terms “g a.i./ha” as used herein denotes the amount of the respective active ingredient in “grams” applied “per hectare” of the crop field. The terms “g ai/ha”, “g a.i./ha” and “g/ha” may be used interchangeably.

The term “g/L” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” present in “per Liter” of the combination/composition. The terms “g ai/L”, “g a.i./L” and “g/L” may be used interchangeably.

Insecticides are classified based on their structure and mode of action. The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) classifies the various insecticides according to their mode of action.

Flupyrimin (FLP) is a chemotype insecticide belonging to the group of pyridylidene insecticides. Flupyrimin is chemically known as [N-[(E)-1-(6-chloro-3-pyridinylmethyl)pyridin-2(1H)-ylidene]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide]. It has unique biological properties and residual control, effective against major rice pests such as brown plant hopper (BPH) and yellow stem borer (YSB).

Etofenprox or 1-ethoxy-4-[2-methyl-1-[(3-phenoxyphenyl)methoxy]propan-2-yl]benzene, is a pyrethroid ether derivative used as an insecticide. It disturbs the insect nervous systems following direct contact or ingestion and is active against a broad spectrum of pests.

It was found by the inventors of the present invention that a combination of a pyridylidene insecticide (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator) and a pyrethroid ether insecticide (sodium channel modulator) exhibited enhancement of insecticidal efficacy, reduction in plant disease incidence and enhanced pest control in comparison to the efficacy seen with the insecticides alone. For instance, in an embodiment, the combination of a pyridylidene insecticide such as flupyrimin and a pyrethroid ether insecticide such as etofenprox effectively controls insect pest in crops, with reduced phytotoxicity and improved crop health. As will be demonstrated in the examples below, the enhanced effect of the present insecticidal combination thereof in controlling insect pests in crops is far superior to similar combinations of the prior art.

Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination. Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination.

It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an insecticidal combination comprising a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator and a sodium channel modulator.

In another embodiment, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator comprises pyridylidenes, neonicotinoids, nicotines, sulfoximines, butenolides, mesoionics, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator comprises pyridylidenes. In another embodiment, the sodium channel modulator comprises pyrethroids, pyrethrins, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), methoxychlor, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the sodium channel modulator comprises pyrethroids.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination comprising:
(a) at least one pyridylidene insecticide; and
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

As used throughout the disclosure, the pyridylidene insecticides or other active ingredients for example the pyrethroid ether insecticides, include their salts, esters, ethers, polymorphs including solvates and hydrates. A salt includes salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the active ingredient, and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and include derivatives of the disclosed compounds in which the parent compound is modified by making inorganic and organic, non-toxic, acid or base addition salts thereof. The salts can be synthesized from the parent compound by conventional chemical methods.

According to another embodiment, the pyridylidene insecticide comprises flupyrimin.

According to another embodiment, the pyrethroid ether insecticide is selected from the group comprising etofenprox, flufenprox, halfenprox, protrifenbute, silafluofen, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the pyrethroid ether insecticide is etofenprox.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination comprising at least one pyridylidene insecticide and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide, wherein the pyridylidene insecticide is flupyrimin. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination comprising at least one pyridylidene insecticide and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide, wherein the pyrethroid ether insecticide is etofenprox.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination comprising flupyrimin and etofenprox.

In another embodiment, the concentration of flupyrimin ranges from about 10 g/L to about 700 g/L, preferably from about 50 g/L to about 500 g/L, preferably from about 80 g/L to about 400 g/L, and more preferably from about 100 g/L to about 300 g/L. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of flupyrimin is about 150 g/L.

In another embodiment, the concentration of the pyrethroid ether insecticide ranges from about 10 g/L to about 500 g/L, preferably from about 50 g/L to about 400 g/L, preferably from about 60 g/L to about 300 g/L, and more preferably from about 70 g/L to about 200 g/L. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the pyrethroid ether insecticide is about 100 g/L. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the pyrethroid ether insecticide is about 75 g/L.

In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of etofenprox is about 100 g/L. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of etofenprox is about 75 g/L.

In another embodiment, concentration of flupyrimin ranges from about 100 g/L to about 300 g/L and concentration of the pyrethroid ether insecticide ranges from about 70 g/L to about 200 g/L.

In a preferred embodiment, the insecticidal combination of the present disclosure comprises flupyrimin and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide in a weight ratio ranging from about 100:1 to about 1:100, preferably from about 50:1 to about 1:50, preferably from about 20:1 to about 1:20, preferably from about 15:1 to about 1:15, preferably from about 10:1 to about 1:10, and more preferably from about 5:1 to about 1:5.

In a preferred embodiment, flupyrimin and the pyrethroid ether insecticide are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 1:20. In a preferred embodiment, the insecticidal combination of the present disclosure comprises flupyrimin and etofenprox in a weight ratio of about 1.5:1.

In another embodiment, the insecticidal combination further comprises adjuvants, auxiliaries, excipients, surfactants, inactive agents, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the insecticidal combination further comprises at least one additional insecticide. In another embodiment, the insecticidal combination comprises flupyrimin, at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide, and at least one additional insecticide.

In another embodiment, the additional insecticide is selected from the group comprising alkyl halide insecticides, aminopyrimidine insecticides, aminotriazene insecticides, antibiotic insecticides, aromatic hydrocarbon insecticides, arylpyrrole insecticides, benzimidazole insecticides, benzoylurea insecticides, beta-ketonitrile insecticides, botanical insecticides, carbamate insecticides, diacylhydrazine insecticides, diamide insecticides, dinitrophenol insecticides, dithiolane insecticides, formamidine insecticides, fumigant insecticides, inorganic insecticides, isoxazoline insecticides, juvenile hormone mimics, juvenile hormones, macrocyclic lactone insecticides, meta-diamide insecticides, methoxyacrylate insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, nereistoxin analogue insecticides, organochlorine insecticides, organophosphorus insecticides, oxadiazine insecticides, oxadiazolone insecticides, perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide insecticides, phenol insecticides, precocenes, pyrazole insecticides, pyrethrin insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, pyridine azomethine insecticides, pyrimidinamine insecticides, pyropene insecticides, RNA1 insecticides¸ salicylanilide insecticides, semicarbazone insecticides, steroid insecticides, tetramic acid insecticides, tetronic acid insecticides, thiocarbonate insecticides, thiourea insecticides, urea insecticides, unclassified insecticides, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide; and
(c) optionally at least one additional insecticide.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) etofenprox; and
(c) optionally at least one additional insecticide.

Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an insecticidal composition. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provided an insecticidal composition comprising two or more insecticides for controlling/preventing insect pest in crops.

While the subsequent embodiments focus on insecticidal compositions, the features and characteristics of insecticides, chemical class, mode of action, are as described by any of the embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of the insecticidal composition, described herein.

According to an embodiment, the insecticidal composition comprises:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide; and
(c) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

According to an embodiment, the insecticidal composition comprises:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) etofenprox; and
(c) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

In some embodiments, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising one or more solvent(s), carrier(s), surfactant(s), dispersing agent(s), wetting agent(s), antifoam agent(s), stabilizing agent(s), pH modifier(s), or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the insecticidal composition comprises:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide;
(c) at least one additional insecticide; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of the insecticidal combination/composition, described herein.

According to an embodiment, the insecticidal combination/composition comprises flupyrimin and at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide; wherein the insecticidal combination/composition is present in a form of a tank mix or a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.

According to some embodiments, insecticides of the combination as disclosed above, may be mixed at the time of application or on the point of application. The point of application refers to the locus of application of the said insecticides. The said locus could be an infected plant, or a seed, or any other plant propagation material, or an area adjacent to the said infected plant or a seed or any other plant propagation material, or locus of the infestation, and/or foliage. The insecticidal combinations according to the present disclosure can be applied before or after infection of the plants, or a locus, or a propagation material thereof, by the insect pest.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure further relates to a method for controlling the growth of harmful insect pest in crops, said method comprising contacting or applying to seeds, foliage, or at the locus of crops, an effective amount of an insecticidal combination, as described above.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure additionally provides a method for improving crop health in crops susceptible to insect pest, said method comprising contacting or applying to seeds, foliage, or at the locus of crops an effective amount of an insecticidal combination, as described above.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling the growth of harmful insect pest, and a method for improving crop health comprising applying to a plant or a locus thereof, an effective amount of an insecticidal combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling the growth of harmful insect pest, and a method for improving crop health comprising applying to a plant or a locus thereof, an effective amount of an insecticidal combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) etofenprox.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for increasing yield in a crop by application of the present method using the present insecticidal combination as described herein.

According to an embodiment, the application rate of flupyrimin ranges from about 10 g a.i./ha to about 200 g a.i./ha, preferably from about 50 g a.i./ha to about 200 g a.i./ha, and more preferably from about 70 g a.i./ha to about 200 g a.i./ha. In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of flupyrimin is about 150 g a.i./ha.

According to an embodiment, the application rate of the pyrethroid ether insecticide ranges from about 10 g a.i./ha to about 200 g a.i./ha, preferably from about 10 g a.i./ha to about 150 g a.i./ha, and more preferably from about 10 g a.i./ha to about 120 g a.i./ha. In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of the pyrethroid ether insecticide is about 75 g a.i./ha. In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of etofenprox is about 75 g a.i./ha.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the insecticidal combination provides a formulation which allows the active compounds to be taken up by the target pests/insects.

According to another embodiment, the insecticidal combination of the present disclosure is found to be highly active against a wide variety of chewing, boring and sucking insects in crops.

In an embodiment, the crops can be selected from, but not limited to, cereals, such as wheat, oats, barley, spelt, triticale, rye, maize, corn, millet, rice; crops such as sugarcane, soybean, sunflower, rape, canola, tobacco, sugar beet, fodder beet; tuber crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.; crops such as asparagus, hops, etc.; fruit plants such as apples, pears; stone- fruits such as, for example, peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, apricots; citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, limes, lemons, kumquats, mandarins, satsumas; nuts such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, pecan nuts; tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, pineapple, dates, bananas etc.; grapes; vegetables such as endives, lettuce, fennel, globe and loose-leaf salad, chard, spinach, chicory, cauliflower, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, kale (winter kale or curly kale), kohlrabi, Brussel sprouts, red cabbage, white cabbage and savoy; fruiting vegetables such as aubergines, cucumbers, paprika, marrow, tomatoes, courgettes, sweetcorn; root vegetables such as celeriac, turnip, carrots, swedes, radishes, horseradish, beetroot, salsify, celery; pulses such as peas, beans, etc.; bulb vegetables such as leeks, onions, etc.; oil crops such as mustard, poppy, olives, sunflowers, coconut, castor oil plants, cocoa beans, groundnuts; fibre crops such as cotton, jute, flex, hemp; crops such as tea, coffee, rubber; ornamentals including shrubs and flowering plants; vines; rangeland; and pastures.

In an embodiment, the target insect pest is a Lepidopteran, a Coleopteran, an orthopteran, a Thysanopteran, a Hemipteran, a Homopteran, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, Lepidopteran pest species which negatively impact agriculture include, but are not limited to, Achoea janata, Adoxophyes spp., Adoxophyes orana, Agrotis spp. (cutworms), Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm), Alabama argillacea (cotton leafworm), Amorbia cuneana, Amyelosis transitella (navel orangeworm), Anacamptodes defectaria, Anarsia lineatella (peach twig borer), Anomis sabulifera (jute looper), Anticarsia gemmatalis (velvetbean caterpillar), Archips argyrospila (fruittree leafroller), Archips rosana (rose leaf roller), Argyrotaenia spp. (tortricid moths), Argyrotaenia citrana (orange tortrix), Autographa gamma, Bonagota cranaodes, Borbo cinnara (rice leaf folder), Bucculatrix thurberiella (cotton leafperforator), Caloptilia spp. (leaf miners), Capua reticulana, Carposina niponensis (peach fruit moth), Chilo spp., Chlumetia transversa (mango shoot borer), Choristoneura rosaceana (obliquebanded leafroller), Chrysodeixis spp., Cnaphalocerus medinalis (grass leafroller), Colias spp., Conpomorpha cramerella, Cossus cossus (carpenter moth), Crambus spp. (Sod webworms), Cydia funebrana (plum fruit moth), Cydia molesta (oriental fruit moth), Cydia nignicana (pea moth), Cydia pomonella (codling moth), Darna diducta, Diaphania spp. (stem borers), Diatraea spp. (stalk borers), Diatraea saccharalis (sugarcane borer), Diatraea graniosella (southwester corn borer), Earias spp. (bollworms), Earias insulata (Egyptian bollworm), Earias vitella (rough northern bollworm), Ecdytopopha aurantianum, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (lesser cornstalk borer), Epiphysias postruttana (light brown apple moth), Ephestia spp. (flour moths), Ephestia cautella (almond moth), Ephestia elutella (tobbaco moth), Ephestia kuehniella (Mediterranean flour moth), Epimeces spp., Epinotia aporema, Erionota thrax (banana skipper), Eupoecilia ambiguella (grape berry moth), Euxoa auxiliaris (army cutworm), Feltia spp. (cutworms), Gortyna spp. (stemborers), Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth), Hedylepta indicata (bean leaf webber), Helicoverpa spp. (noctuid moths), Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), Helicoverpa zea (bollworm/corn earworm), Heliothis spp. (noctuid moths), Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm), Hellula undalis (cabbage webworm), Indarbela spp. (root borers), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), Leucinodes orbonalis (eggplant fruit borer), Leucoptera malifoliella, Lithocollectis spp., Lobesia botrana (grape fruit moth), Loxagrotis spp. (noctuid moths), Loxagrotis albicosta (western bean cutworm), Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Lyonetia clerkella (apple leaf miner), Mahasena corbetti (oil palm bagworm), Malacosoma spp. (tent caterpillars), Mamestra brassicae (cabbage armyworm), Maruca testulalis (bean pod borer), Metisa plana (bagworm), Mythimna unipuncta (true armyworm), Neoleucinodes elegantalis (small tomato borer), Nymphula depunctalis (rice caseworm), Operophthera brumata (winter moth), Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer), Oxydia vesulia, Pandemis cerasana (common currant tortrix), Pandemis heparana (brown apple tortrix), Papilio demodocus, Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm), Peridroma spp. (cutworms), Peridroma saucia (variegated cutworm), Perileucoptera coffeella (white coffee leafminer), Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth), Phyllocnisitis citrella, Phyllonorycter spp. (leafminers), Pieris rapae (imported cabbageworm), Plathypena scabra, Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth), Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth), Polychrosis viteana (grape berry moth), Prays endocarpa, Prays oleae (olive moth), Pseudaletia spp. (noctuid moths), Pseudaletia unipunctata (armyworm), Pseudoplusia includens (soybean looper), Rachiplusia nu, Scirpophaga incertulas, Sesamia spp. (stemborers), Sesamia inferens (pink rice stem borer), Sesamia nonagrioides, Setora nitens, Sitotroga cerealella (Angoumois grain moth), Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera cosmioides (lepidoptera), Spodoptera spp. (armyworms), Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm), Spodoptera fugiperda (fall armyworm), Spodoptera oridania eridania (southern armyworm), Spodoptera littoralis, Diaphania nitidalis, Synanthedon spp. (root borers), Thecla basilides, Thermisia gemmatalis, Tineola bisselliella (webbing clothes moth), Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper), Tuta absoluta, Yponomeuta spp., Zeuzera coffeae (red branch borer) and Zeuzera pyrina (leopard moth).

In yet another embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Orthoptera, such as Anabrus simplex (Mormon cricket), Gryllotalpidae (mole crickets), Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus spp. (grasshoppers), Microcentrum retinerve (angularwinged katydid), Pterophylla spp. (kaydids), Chistocerca gregaria, Scudderia furcata (forktailed bush katydid) and Valanga nigricorni.

In yet another embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Thysanoptera, such as Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips), Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips), Frankliniella shultzei Frankliniella williamsi (corn thrips), Heliothrips haemorrhaidalis (greenhouse thrips), Riphiphorothrips cruentatus, Scirtothrips spp., Scirtothrips citri (citrus thrips), Scirtothrips dorsalis (yellow tea thrips), Taeniothrips rhopalantennalis and Thrips spp. Diloboderus abderus (coleoptera) and Diabrotica speciosa (coleoptera).

In an embodiment, Coleopteran insect pests may be selected from but not limited to Acanthoscelides spp. (weevils), Acanthoscelides obtectus (common bean weevil), Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer), Agriotes spp. (wireworms), Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle), Anthonomus spp. (weevils), Anthonomus grandis (boll weevil), Aphidius spp., Apion spp. (weevils), Apogonia spp. (grubs), Ataenius spretulus (Black Turgrass Ataenius), Atomaria linearis (pygmy mangold beetle), Aulacophore spp., Bothynoderes punctiventris (beet root weevil), Bruchus spp. (weevils), Bruchus pisorum (pea weevil), Cacoesia spp., Callosobruchus maculatus (southern cow pea weevil), Carpophilus hemipteras (dried fruit beetle), Cassida vittata, Cerosterna spp, Cerotoma spp. (chrysomeids), Cerotoma trifurcata (bean leaf beetle), Ceutorhynchus spp. (weevils), Ceutorhynchus assimilis (cabbage seedpod weevil), Ceutorhynchus napi (cabbage curculio), Chaetocnema spp. (chrysomelids), Colaspis spp. (soil beetles), Conoderus scalaris, Conoderus stigmosus, Conotrachelus nenuphar (plum curculio), Cotinus nitidis (Green June beetle), Crioceris asparagi (asparagus beetle), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (rusty grain beetle), Cryptolestes pusillus (flat grain beetle), Cryptolestes turcicus (Turkish grain beetle), Ctenicera spp. (wireworms), Curculio spp. (weevils), Cyclocephala spp. (grubs), Cylindrocpturus adspersus (sunflower stem weevil), Deporaus marginatus (mango leaf-cutting weevil), Dermestes lardarius (larder beetle), Dermestes maculates (hide beetle), Diloboderus abderus (coleoptera), Diabrotica speciosa (coleoptera), Diabrotica spp. (chrysolemids), Epilachna varivestis (Mexican bean beetle), Faustinus cubae, Hylobius pales (pales weevil), Hypera spp. (weevils), Hypera postica (alfalfa weevil), Hyperdoes spp. (Hyperodes weevil), Hypothenemus hampei (coffee berry beetle), Ips spp. (engravers), Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Liogenys futscus, Liogenys suturalis, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice water weevil), Lyctus spp. (wood beetles/powder post beetles), Maecolaspis joliveti, Megascelis spp., Melanotus communis, Meligethes spp., Meligethes aeneus (blossom beetle), Melolontha melolontha (common European cockchafer), Oberea brevis, Oberea linearis, Oryctes rhinoceros (date palm beetle), Oryzaephilus mercator (merchant grain beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (sawtoothed grain beetle), Otiorhynchus spp. (weevils), Oulema melanopus (cereal leaf beetle), Oulema oryzae, Pantomorus spp. (weevils), Phyllophaga spp. (May/June beetle), Phyllophaga cuyabana, Phyllotreta spp. (chrysomelids), Phynchites spp., Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle), Prostephanus truncates (larger grain borer), Rhizopertha dominica (lesser grain borer), Rhizotrogus spp. (Eurpoean chafer), Rhynchophorus spp. (weevils), Scolytus spp. (wood beetles), Shenophorus spp. (Billbug), Sitona lineatus (pea leaf weevil), Sitophilus spp. (grain weevils), Sitophilus granaries (granary weevil), Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil), Stegobium paniceum (drugstore beetle), Tribolium spp. (flour beetles), Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle), Tribolium confusum (confused flour beetle), Trogoderma variabile (warehouse beetle) and Zabrus tenebioides.

In an embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Hemiptera, such as Acrosternum hilare (green stink bug), Blissus leucopterus (chinch bug), Calocoris norvegicus (potato mind), Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug), Cimex lectularius (bed bug), Diaphorina citri Tibraca limbativentris (hemíptera), Dagbertus fasciatus, Dichelops furcatus, Dichelops melacanthus, Dysdercus suturellus (cotton stainer), Edessa meditabunda, Eurygaster maura (cereal bug), Euschistus heros, Euschistus servus (brown stink bug), Helopeltis antonii, Helopeltis theivora (tea blight plantbug), Lagynotomus spp. (stink bugs), Leptocorisa oratorius, Leptocorisa varicornis, Lygus spp. (plant bugs), Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug), Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Neurocolpus longirostris, Nezara viridula (southern green stink bug), Paratrioza cockerelli, Phytocoris spp. (plant bugs), Phytocoris californicus, Phytocoris relativus, Piezodorus guildinii, Poecilocapsus lineatus (fourlined plant bug), Psallus vaccinicola, Pseudacysta perseae, Scaptocoris castanea and Triatoma spp. (bloodsucking conenose bugs/kissing bugs).

In an embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Homoptera, such as Acrythosiphon pisum (pea aphid), Adelges spp. (adelgids), Aleurodes proletella (cabbage whitefly), Aleurodicus disperses, Aleurothrixus floccosus (woolly whitefly), Aluacaspis spp., Amrasca bigutella, Aphrophora spp. (leafhoppers), Aonidiella aurantii (California red scale), Aphis spp. (aphids), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid), Aphis pomi (apple aphid), Aulacorthum solani (foxglove aphid), Bemisia spp. (whiteflies), Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci (sweet potato whitefly), Brachycolus noxius (Russian aphid), Brachycorynella asparagi (asparagus aphid), Brevennia rehi, Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), Ceroplastes spp. (scales), Ceroplastes rubens (red bawax scale), Chionaspis spp. (scales), Chrysomphalus spp. (scales), Coccus spp. (scales), Dalbulius maidis (homóptera), substituir Mahanarva fimbriolata, por Mahanarva sp., Dysaphis plantaginea (rosy apple aphid), Empoasca spp. (leafhoppers), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Icerya purchasi (cottony cushion scale), Idioscopus nitidulus (mango leafhopper), Laodelphax striatellus (smaller brown planthopper), Lepidosaphes spp., Macrosiphum spp., Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid), Macrosiphum granarium (English grain aphid), Macrosiphum rosae (rose aphid), Macrosteles quadrilineatus (aster leafhopper), Mahanarva frimbiolata, Metopolophium dirhodum (rose grain aphid), Mictis longicornis, Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Nephotettix spp. (leafhoppers), Nephotettix cinctipes (green leafhopper), Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), Parlatoria pergandii (chaff scale), Parlatoria ziziphi (ebony scale), Peregrinus maidis (corn delphacid), Philaenus spp. (spittlebugs), Phylloxera vitifoliae (grape phylloxera), Physokermes piceae (spruce bud scale), Planococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus brevipes (pine apple mealybug), Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (San Jose scale), Rhapalosiphum spp. (aphids), Rhapalosiphum maida (corn leaf aphid), Rhapalosiphum padi (oat bird-cherry aphid), Saissetia spp. (scales), Saissetia oleae (black scale), Schizaphis graminum (greenbug), Sitobion avenae (English grain aphid), Sogatella furcifera (white-backed planthopper), Therioaphis spp. (aphids), Toumeyella spp. (scales), Toxoptera spp. (aphids), Trialeurodes spp. (whiteflies), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly), Trialeurodes abutiloneus (bandedwing whitefly), Unaspis spp. (scales), Unaspis yanonensis (arrowhead scale) and Zulia entreriana.

In a preferred embodiment, the insecticidal combination of the present disclosure controls brown planthopper (BPH) in rice. The pest brown planthopper is present in rice plant. In another embodiment, the combination controls from about 30% to about 99%, preferably from about 50% to about 90%, and more preferably from about 70% to about 85% of brown planthopper in rice.

In another embodiment, the method comprises application of flupyrimin at an application rate of about 150 g a.i./ha in combination with etofenprox at an application rate of about 75 g a.i./ha, wherein the combination provided 83.8% control for BPH in rice.

In another embodiment, the method comprises application of flupyrimin at an application rate of about 150 g a.i./ha in combination with etofenprox at an application rate of about 75 g a.i./ha, wherein the combination provided 77.6% control for BPH in rice.

In another embodiment, the method comprises application of flupyrimin at an application rate of about 150 g a.i./ha in combination with etofenprox at an application rate of about 75 g a.i./ha, wherein the combination provided from about 75% to about 85% control for BPH in rice for 1, 3 and 7 days after application (DAA).

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling brown planthopper by applying an effective amount of an insecticidal combination to a plant or a locus thereof, the combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

In another embodiment, the methods of the present disclosure can be carried out in agricultural lands such as fields, lawns and orchards, or in non-agricultural lands. The present methods may be used to control diseases in agricultural lands for cultivating the crops without any phytotoxicity to the crop. The insecticidal combinations of the present disclosure do not show any sign or symptoms of any phytotoxicity and are safe at different growth stages of crops.

In some embodiments, the combinations of the present disclosure may be applied by various conventional treating techniques and machines, such as sprayers, fluidized bed techniques, the roller mill method, drones, roto static seed treaters, and drum coaters, spouted beds, etc. Pre-and post-coating procedures such as sizing etc., may also be carried out. Such procedures are known in the art. It is readily understood that plant propagation material will typically be treated only once it is removed from the plant and is ready to be re-sown.

In some embodiments, the treatment may occur before sowing of the plant propagation material so that the sown material has been pre-treated with the present insecticidal combination. In particular, seed coating or seed pelleting are preferred in the treatment of the present insecticidal combination according to the disclosure. As a result of the treatment, the active ingredients in the combination are adhered on to the seed and therefore available for disease control.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an insecticidal combination for controlling insects, the combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to the use of the insecticidal combination described herein, for controlling/preventing insect pest in crops. In another embodiment, the present disclosure additionally relates to the use of the insecticidal combination described herein, for improving crop health.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit of parts comprising an insecticidal composition is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of components, each of which components may include at least one or more of the ingredients of the insecticidal composition of the present disclosure.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit-of-parts comprising:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide; and
optionally further comprises:
(c) instructions for use.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit-of-parts comprising:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide;
(c) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; and
optionally further comprises:
(d) instructions for use.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit-of-parts comprising:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide;
(c) at least one additional insecticide;
(d) optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; and
optionally further comprises:
(e) instructions for use.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the kits may include one or more, including all, components that may be used to prepare the insecticidal combination. E.g., kits may include flupyrimin and a pyrethroid ether insecticide. One or more of the components may already be combined or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag or canister.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved, and other advantageous results attained. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in full, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments may be combined together for better understanding of the disclosure, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In another embodiment, alternative or multiple embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each embodiment can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other embodiments of the disclosure. One or more embodiments of the disclosure can be included in, or deleted from, the disclosure for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.

EXAMPLES:
Example 1: Efficacy trial to control brown planthopper (BPH) in rice
The insecticidal combination comprising flupyrimin and etofenprox was evaluated to assess the efficacy of the combination for percentage control of brown planthopper (BPH) in rice. No phytotoxicity was observed on the crops. The results have been tabulated in Table 1.

Table 1: Efficacy for brown planthopper (BPH) in rice
Component Rate
(g a.i./ha) Percentage Control
Low Density
Flupyrimin 150 75.5
Etofenprox 75 -
Flupyrimin + Etofenprox 150 + 75 83.8

It was observed that the insecticidal combination comprising flupyrimin and etofenprox showed enhanced efficacy in control of brown planthopper (BPH) in rice.

Example 2: Efficacy trial to control brown planthopper (BPH) in rice
The insecticidal combination comprising flupyrimin and etofenprox was evaluated to assess the efficacy of the combination for percentage control of brown planthopper (BPH) in rice. The time of application was spraying one time when the density of BPH appeared around 1500 individuals/m2. The water volume used was 400 L/ha and the number of days after sowing were 65. No phytotoxicity was observed on the crops. The results have been tabulated in Table 2.

Table 2: Efficacy for brown planthopper (BPH) in rice
Component Rate
(g a.i./ha) Percentage Control
1 DAA* 3 DAA 7 DAA
Untreated - - - -
Flupyrimin 150 56.8 62.3 72.7
Flupyrimin + Etofenprox 150 + 75 76.3 79.4 82.0
DAA=Days after application

It was observed that the insecticidal combination comprising flupyrimin and etofenprox showed enhanced efficacy in control of brown planthopper (BPH) in rice.

Example 3: Efficacy trial to control brown planthopper (BPH)
The insecticidal combination comprising flupyrimin and etofenprox was evaluated to assess the efficacy of the combination for percentage control of brown planthopper (BPH). No phytotoxicity was observed on the crops. The results have been tabulated in Table 3.

Table 3: Efficacy for brown planthopper (BPH) in rice
Component Rate
(g a.i./ha) Efficacy
(% Control)
Flupyrimin 150 47.1
Etofenprox 75 54.5
Flupyrimin + Etofenprox 150 + 75 77.6

It was observed that the insecticidal combination comprising flupyrimin and etofenprox showed enhanced efficacy in control of brown planthopper (BPH).
,CLAIMS:
1. An insecticidal combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pyrethroid ether insecticide is selected from the group comprising etofenprox, flufenprox, halfenprox, protrifenbute, silafluofen, or combinations thereof.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein concentration of flupyrimin ranges from about 100 g/L to about 300 g/L.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein concentration of the pyrethroid ether insecticide ranges from about 70 g/L to about 200 g/L.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein flupyrimin and the pyrethroid ether insecticide are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 1:20.

6. An insecticidal combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) etofenprox.

7. Use of an insecticidal combination for controlling insects, the combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

8. A method for controlling brown planthopper by applying an effective amount of an insecticidal combination to a plant or a locus thereof, the combination comprising:
(a) flupyrimin; and
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pyrethroid ether insecticide is etofenprox.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein application rate of flupyrimin ranges from about 10 g a.i./ha to about 200 g a.i./ha.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein application rate of the pyrethroid ether insecticide ranges from about 10 g a.i./ha to about 200 g a.i./ha.

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein brown planthopper is present in rice plant.

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the combination controls from about 70% to about 85% of brown planthopper in rice.

14. An insecticidal composition comprising:
(a) flupyrimin;
(b) at least one pyrethroid ether insecticide; and
(c) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.