DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the development of a synergistic composition of validamycin and tebuconazole for plant disease management in the field of agriculture. In particular, this invention pertains to an improved stable fungicidal composition comprising combination of validamycin and tebuconazole for plant disease management in agriculture.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] This invention pertains to combining an antibiotic having fungicidal activity with a fungicide for protecting agricultural crops from diseases. The antibiotic, non-systemic in nature causes abnormal branching of the tips of the pathogen, followed by cessation of its further development. The fungicide, systemic in nature with protective, curative and eradicative action, is rapidly absorbed into the vegetative parts of the plant with acropetal translocation. The most common yet diverse properties of these two different entities were targeted to combine in an effective and synergistic manner to effectively control pathogens in plants as one of the components of Integrated Disease Management in the field of agriculture. Validamycin, a non-systemic antibiotic cum fungicide (glucopyranoside) is used as an inhibitor of trehalase, an enzyme, which mediates the digestion of the carbohydrate trehalose and transport of glucose to the hyphals tips. Tebuconazole, a triazole systemic fungicide works with sterol biosynthesis inhibition as well as C14-demethylase inhibition activities. The two chemicals having different mode of actions / properties are combined in a particular ratio to show greater fungicidal activity coupled with better bioefficacy than that of their individual uses.
[0004] The combination products based on either Validamycin or Tebuconazole are available in the market, however, developing a unique combination product having both these active ingredients at the optimum and synergistically combining strengths delivering better results than its individual components require a lot of precision, analytical ability and dedicated research & development efforts. After many years of research, the inventors were able to develop the composition which proved to be novel in many aspects: a) This composition was effective against multiple diseases however, the same spectrum of efficacy was not achieved by its individual components. b) The composition was found stable for two years. c) Both the individual molecules i.e. Validamycin and Tebuconazole belong to different chemical groups and have different mode of actions, which make them ideal combination partners for using in Integrated Disease Management practices as well as resistance management strategies. d) This composition has exhibited its bioefficacy against paddy (rice) crop pathogens, which is one of the major crops grown across Indian geography. In view of above, the said composition can be considered as an innovative product and a boon to Indian Farmers reducing their crop losses.
[0005] Attempts to combine validamycin and tebuconazole into a single composition are described in the patent documents CN101707999, CN105284822 and CN101554168. However, it may be noted that the process of combining the individual active ingredients or formulating two or more fungicides in a single composition poses many challenges to the formulator. Major challenges being stability of the composition, decomposition of an active ingredient, antagonism of the active ingredients, and/or phytotoxicity in the treated crops. It has also been found that suspension concentrate compositions prepared with a combination of validamycin and tebuconazole, such as Suspension Concentrate (SC), have reduced product performance indexes, especially a low stability after shelf storage tests. None of the aforementioned references discloses a composition that can overcome the stability issues encountered when validamycin and tebuconazole are co-formulated as a suspension concentrate. Therefore, it is necessary to study and develop a composition to solve the technical problem of the long-term storage performance indexes of products prepared from combination of validamycin and tebuconazole being reduced.
[0006] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.

OBJECTS
[0007] An object of the present invention is to address the stability issues that can occur when validamycin and tebuconazole are prepared as a liquid concentrate composition, such as suspension concentrate.
[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a suspension concentrate composition of validamycin and tebuconazole that has advantageously improved storage stability, without significant reduction in product performance indexes, such as physical stability and/or spontaneous suspensibility after long-term storage.
[0009] Further object of the present invention is to provide an improved suspension concentrate composition of validamycin and tebuconazole that is safe while being highly effective in controlling plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens.
[0010] Still further object of the present invention is to provide a method of preparing stable suspension concentrate compositions of validamycin and tebuconazole.

SUMMARY
[0011] Aspects of the present invention relate to improved stable suspension concentrate (SC) compositions of validamycin and tebuconazole that have advantageously improved storage stability and exhibit advantageous fungicidal activity profile. The inventors have surprisingly found that when ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt is used as the dispersing agent, a more storage-stable and more effective SC compositions of validamycin and tebuconazole can be achieved than could previously be achieved with alternative dispersing agents/adjuvants/excipients. Notably, and as described in more detail below, the presence of ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt as a dispersing agent in suspension concentrates inhibits phase separation and the resulting non-uniform distribution of fungicidal active ingredient(s) in the suspension during storage.
[0012] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a SC composition comprising validamycin, tebuconazole and a dispersing agent. According to embodiments of the present invention, ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt is used as a dispersing agent. The ensuing composition has advantageously improved storage stability, without significant reduction in product performance indexes, such as physical stability and/or spontaneous suspensibility after long-term storage and exhibits advantageous fungicidal activity profile.
[0013] In one embodiment, the SC composition comprises, based on a total weight of the composition:
1-50% by weight of validamycin;
1-80% by weight of tebuconazole; and
0.1-40% by weight of a dispersing agent.
[0014] According to embodiments of the present invention, the dispersing agent is ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt. The SC composition disclosed herein can further include one or more of the following excipients: a suspending agent, an antifreeze agent, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a thickener, and an inert carrier.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a process for preparing a stable SC composition, which comprises the steps of:
homogenizing a mixture of validamycin, tebuconazole, ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt, a suspending agent, an antifreeze agent, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a thickener and an inert carrier to obtain a slurry; and
wet milling the obtained slurry to provide a suspension, wherein the suspension comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 25 microns.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of controlling a disease on useful plants caused by fungal plant pathogen(s), which comprises applying to the useful plants or a locus thereof a SC composition as disclosed herein.
[0017] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Fungicides are those substance(s) or a combination of substances whose primary function when applied to plants, seeds or rhizosphere is to control various types of diseases, which are either directly harmful to crops or indirectly interrupt crop growth. Such impact on crops deprives them from nutrient uptake, growth, yield, nutrition efficiency, crop quality, etc. Such fungicidal composition could be used / applied on agricultural crops as a part of Integrated Disease Management practices to protect them from various diseases and thereby enhancing yields.
[0019] Synergism is the cooperative action encountered in combination of two active ingredients in which the combined activity of two compounds exceeds the sum of the activities of the compounds when used alone. Keeping this in view, the preferred composition of the present invention was kept Suspension concentrate denoted as SC. Suspension concentrate (SC) composition was used to combine two active ingredients with different properties into one composition. The advantage of this particular type of composition is that it is possible to formulate more than one active ingredient together, broadening the spectrum of activity.
[0020] This invention relates to a composition of Validamycin and Tebuconazole developed with other ingredients e.g. adjuvants, inerts, etc and a SC type composition was prepared by the inventors for protecting crops from various diseases, increasing yields of crops, economically important crops or any other agriculturally important crops. The present invention relates to compositions having synergistically enhanced action and to a method of improving the health of plants by applying said composition to the plants or the locus thereof. An important aspect of this invention is to primarily aim to protect crop from diseases caused by plant pathogens.
[0021] The results show the marked synergistic interaction of the compositions of the invention. A wide range of ratios of individual components were evaluated and it was found that the disease control occurred due to synergistic effect of this composition is unexpectedly greater than that to be expected from the added effects of the individual components. This result is particularly striking in view of the fact that the said composition proved to be safer to paddy (rice) crop as the results reveal that there was no phytotoxicity reported even at double the optimum dose of this composition. The synergistic compositions of this invention may be employed to control sheath blight as well as blast diseases of rice crops, however, experimental trials on various other aspects are still in progress. The composition is prepared by incorporating the suitable adjuvants, carriers and other ingredients in order to provide stability to the composition for at least up to two years without impacting its bio-efficacy parameters.
[0022] The term "fungicide" as used herein, refers to a compound that controls fungal growth. "Control" includes prevention, destruction and inhibition of fungal growth.
[0023] The term "fungicidally effective amount" of validamycin and tebuconazole, as used herein, shall denote an amount of validamycin and tebuconazole that can be used to control plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens when used together.
[0024] As used herein, the term "locus" includes an area at which plant or plant part grows or is to be planted.
[0025] The term “plant” refers to all physical parts of a plant, including shoots, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruit bodies, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and rhizomes.
[0026] As used herein, the phrase "agrochemically acceptable excipients" means excipients which are known and accepted in the art for formation of compositions for agricultural or horticultural use.
[0027] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to improved stable suspension concentrate (SC) compositions of validamycin and tebuconazole that have advantageously improved storage stability and exhibit advantageous fungicidal activity profile. Based on extensive research, and as is shown in more detail below, the inventors have surprisingly found that when ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt is used as the dispersing agent, a more storage-stable and more effective SC composition of validamycin and tebuconazole can be achieved than could previously be achieved with alternative dispersing agents/adjuvants. Among other things, and as also shown in more detail below, the presence of ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt as a dispersing agent in suspension concentrate inhibits phase separation and the resulting non-uniform distribution of fungicidal active ingredient(s) in the suspension during storage. Further, the SC composition as disclosed herein exhibits excellent product performance attributes and synergistically improved fungicidal action.
[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention describe a SC composition which comprises validamycin, tebuconazole and ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt as a dispersing agent. The ensuing composition has advantageously improved storage stability, without significant reduction in product performance indexes, such as physical stability and/or spontaneous suspensibility after long-term storage and exhibits advantageous fungicidal activity profile.
[0029] In the SC composition of present invention, the validamycin and tebuconazole weight ratio at which the fungicidal effect is synergistic lies within the range of from about 1:20 to about 20:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of validamycin to tebuconazole in the composition ranges from about 1:10 to about 10:1. In certain embodiments, validamycin and tebuconazole are present in a weight ratio of 1:3.
[0030] The active ingredients validamycin and tebuconazole may be present in the SC composition in a wide range of amounts. In some preferred embodiments, the composition comprises, by weight, from 1% to 50% of validamycin and from 1% to 80% of tebuconazole, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, validamycin is used in the range of 1% to 30% by weight and tebuconazole is used in the range of 1% to 50% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, validamycin is present in an amount of 5% by weight and tebuconazole is present in an amount of 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, validamycin is present in an amount of 10% by weight and tebuconazole is present in an amount of 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, validamycin is present in an amount of 2% by weight and tebuconazole is present in an amount of 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0031] As indicated above, the SC composition of the present invention comprises ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt as a dispersing agent. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that the presence of ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt as a dispersing agent in suspension concentrates inhibits phase separation and the resulting non-uniform distribution of fungicidal active ingredient(s) in the suspension during storage. Thus, the SC composition of the present invention has advantageously improved storage stability, without significant reduction in product performance indexes, such as physical stability and/or spontaneous suspensibility after long-term storage. Notably, and as demonstrated in more detail below, the storage stability that can be achieved by using ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt can often not be achieved with alternative dispersing agents which might be considered as comparable by those skilled in the art. The dispersing agent, i.e., ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt, can be employed in amounts ranging from 0.1-40% by weight, preferably from 0.5-30% by weight, more preferably from 1-20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0032] In one embodiment, the SC composition comprises, based on a total weight of the composition:
1-50% by weight of validamycin;
1-80% by weight of tebuconazole; and
0.1-40% by weight of a dispersing agent.
[0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, the dispersing agent is ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt. The SC composition disclosed herein can further include one or more of the following excipients: a suspending agent, an antifreeze agent, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a thickener, and an inert carrier.
[0034] In some embodiments, the SC composition disclosed herein is an aqueous SC composition, comprising water as inert carrier. Water is preferably present in an amount of from 10 to 95% by weight, preferably from 20 to 85% by weight, more preferably from 40 to 80% by weight.
[0035] The suspending agent can be selected from modified hydrophobic silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica, hydrophobic silica powder and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the suspending agent is precipitated silica. The suspending agent may preferably be used in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to about 6% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
[0036] Suitable anti-freezing agents include organic solvents which are completely miscible with water, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, other glycols, glycerine or urea. Anti-freezing agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to about 15% by weight, based on a total weight of the composition. In especially preferred embodiments, propylene glycol is used as the anti-freezing agent.
[0037] Suitable anti-foaming agents for use in the SC composition include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Particularly preferred anti-foaming agents are polydimethylsiloxanes and perfluroalkylphosphonic acids. Preferably, polydimethylsiloxane is used and is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
[0038] Suitable biocides include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, formaldehyde, and mixtures thereof. Biocides may be present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
[0039] Suitable thickeners for use in the composition include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Examples include xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and its derivatives, hydrated clay minerals, magnesium aluminium silicates and mixtures thereof. Preferably, thickener is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.05% to about 8% by weight, based on a total weight of the composition. Preferably, xanthan gum is used as the thickener.
[0040] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed suspension concentrate composition can additionally include one or more further agrochemical active compounds, such as insecticides, nematicides, fungicides, safeners, growth factor enhancers and fertilizers, in addition to validamycin and tebuconazole.
[0041] In various embodiments, the SC composition according to the present invention comprises particles in the size range of from 0.1 micron to 25 microns.
[0042] The SC composition according to the present invention is typically a liquid that has a viscosity of from 10 cps to 3000 cps. According to an embodiment, viscosity of the SC composition is determined as per CIPAC MT-192. A sample is transferred to a standard measuring system. The measurement is carried out under different shear conditions and the apparent viscosities are determined. During the test, the temperature of the liquid is kept constant.
[0043] According to an embodiment, the SC composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 3000 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 2500 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 2000 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1500 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1200 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about less than 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 400 cps. According to an embodiment, the SC composition has viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 300 cps.
[0044] According to an embodiment, the liquid SC composition of the present invention is easily pourable. The pourability is the measure of percent of residue.
[0045] In some embodiments, the SC composition disclosed herein comprises, based on a total weight of the composition:
1-50% by weight of validamycin;
1-80% by weight of tebuconazole;
0.1-40% by weight of ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt;
0.1-10% by weight of a suspending agent;
0.1-25% by weight of an antifreeze agent;
0.01-5% by weight of an antifoaming agent;
0.01-5% by weight of a biocide;
0.01-10% by weight of a thickener; and
10-95% by weight of an inert carrier.
[0046] In some embodiments, the SC composition disclosed herein comprises, based on a total weight of the composition:
No. Chemical component % W/W
1 Validamycin a.i 5.00
2 Tebuconazole a.i 15.00
3 Ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt 10.0
4 Precipitated silica 2.00
5 Propylene glycol 5.00
6 1.2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one 0.10
7 Polydimethylsiloxane 0.50
8 Xanthan gum 0.20
9 Water QS to make
Total 100

[0047] The present invention also provides a process for preparing a stable SC composition of validamycin and tebuconazole, which comprises the steps of:
homogenizing a mixture of validamycin, tebuconazole, ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt, a suspending agent, an antifreeze agent, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a thickener and an inert carrier to obtain a slurry; and
wet milling the obtained slurry to provide a suspension, wherein the suspension comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 25 microns.
[0048] According to an embodiment, the process of preparing the SC composition involves homogenization of one or more of the composition excipients by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. Validamycin and tebuconazole are added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 5 to 10 minutes until the total mixture becomes homogeneous. Subsequently, the suspension obtained is passed through a wet mill to obtain a desired particle size in the range of 0.1 to 25 microns. Then, requisite quantity of thickener is added to the obtained suspension, under continuous homogenization. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain suspension concentrate without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0049] In addition to the stability of the SC composition, the inventors surprisingly found that the SC composition comprising validamycin and tebuconazole provides excellent control of fungal plant diseases and improves crop yield when the particles in the composition are present in the size range of 0.1 micron to 25 microns. The SC composition comprising particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 25 microns also enhances the physical nature of the composition by providing improved suspensibility, dispersibility, improved viscosity, instant dispersion of actives on application via soil or foliar route which provides effective control of plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens.
[0050] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a disease on useful plants caused by fungal plant pathogen(s), which comprises applying to the useful plants or a locus thereof a SC composition as disclosed herein. The SC composition according to the present invention may be applied before or after infection of the useful plants by fungal plant pathogen(s). Crops of useful plants in which the SC composition according to the present invention can be used include soybeans, rice, wheat, cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, sugarcane, cotton, maize, corn, and vegetables in general. The composition exhibits a synergistic fungicidal activity against a broad spectrum of fungal plant pathogens. The SC composition may be applied directly in the field or it may be applied as a fine spray after being added to tank water. The application rates of the composition can vary over a wide range. The optimal application rates will depend on the crop to be treated, the stage of growth of the crop and the stage of fungal infection, and the manner in which application is made, i.e., whether by spraying, irrigation, or other means. The total application rate of validamycin and tebuconazole can vary within a wide range, for example from 1 to 1000g per hectare (g/ha). Preferably, the application rate ranges from 2 to 650 g/ha, more preferably from 100 to 650 g/ha.
[0051] The SC composition according to the present invention is effective in controlling a broad spectrum of plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens. In some embodiments, the SC composition is used to control sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani and/or blast disease caused by Pyricularia oryzae.
[0052] The following list of embodiments forms part of the description.
[0053] Embodiment 1: A synergistic composition comprising:
a. Validamycin in the range of 1% to 50% by weight;
b. Tebuconazole in the range of 1% to 80% by weight; and
c. A dispersing agent in the range of 0.1-40% by weight.
[0054] Embodiment 2: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein Validamycin is 5.00% and Tebuconazole is 15%.
[0055] Embodiment 3: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the dispersing agent is ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt, preferably in an amount of 10.00% w/w.
[0056] Embodiment 4: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein excipients are selected from the group consisting of wetting agent, thickener, sticking agent, anti-freezing agent, anti-foam agent/defoamer, suspension aid, anti-microbial/anti-fungal/anti-bacterial agent, binders / stickers, buffering agent, and surfactant, etc.
[0057] Embodiment 5: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the excipients comprise of:
a. Precipitated Silica
b. Propylene Glycol
c. 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one
d. Polydimethyl siloxane
e. Xanthan gum
f. Water
[0058] Embodiment 6: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein excipients are in the range of 0.05 % to 80%.
[0059] Embodiment 7: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein excipient comprises:
a. 2.00% w/w Precipitated Silica;
b. 5.00% w/w Propylene Glycol;
c. 0.10% w/w 1,2-Benzisothiazol -3(2H)-one;
d. 0.50% w/w Polydimethyl Siloxane;
e. 0.20% w/w Xanthan gum;
f. Water (Q.S. to make 100%)
[0060] Embodiment 8: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the said composition is used to control plant diseases (pathogen) in paddy (rice) crop.
[0061] Embodiment 9: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the said composition controls diseases (pathogens) viz., sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and blast (Pyricularia oryzae).
[0062] Embodiment 10: The synergistic composition of one or more of Embodiments 1-10, wherein the said synergistic composition can be formulated in different formulations, including, Emulsifiable concentrate (EC), Suspoemulsion (SE), Suspension Concentrate (flowable concentrate) (SC), Capsule Suspension (CS), Dispersible Concentrate (DC), Oil Dispersion (OD), combination of SC and CS (ZC), a mixed formulation of CS and SE (ZE), a mixed formulation of CS and EW (ZW), Water Soluble Granules (SG), Water Dispersible Granules (WDG / WG), Water Soluble Bags, Wettable Powder (WP), or Soluble Powder (SP).
[0063] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.
EXAMPLES
[0064] The present disclosure is further explained in the form of following examples. However, it is to be understood that the foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
Preparation of Suspension Concentrates (SC)
[0065] Suspension Concentrate (SC) compositions were prepared according to the components and amounts shown in Table-1. Examples 1 to 3 are illustrative of the present invention, while Examples 4 to 8 are comparative examples to enunciate the inventiveness of the claimed invention on account of the usage of Ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt as the dispersing agent.

Table-1
Ingredients
Function Ex. 1
(% w/w) Ex. 2
(% w/w) Ex. 3
(% w/w) Ex. 4
(% w/w) Ex. 5
(% w/w) Ex. 6
(% w/w) Ex. 7
(% w/w) Ex. 8
(% w/w)
Tebuconazole a.i Active ingredient 15.0 30 6 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0
Validamycin a.i Active ingredient 5.0 10 2 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
Ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt
(Soprophor® FLK) Dispersing agent 10.0 10.0 10.0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0
Polyoxyethylene aryl phenyl ether phosphoric acid salt (amine salt)
(Soprophor® FLR) Dispersing agent 0 0 0 5.0 0 0 0.0 0.0
Sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate
(Morwet® D-425) Dispersing agent 0 0 0 0 4.00
0 0.0 0.0
Methyl methacrylate graft copolymer with polyethylene glycol
(Atalox® 4913) Dispersing agent 0 0 0 0 0 3.00 0.0 0.0
Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether (NPE-free) (Atlox® 4894) Dispersing agent 0 0 0 0 0 2.00 0.0 0.0
Mixture of sodium diisooctyl sulfosuccinate and
a-[tri(phenylmethyl)phenyl]-?-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethylene) Dispersing agent 0 0 0 0 0 0 9.0 0.0
Sodium lignosulfonate Dispersing agent 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 5.0
Precipitated silica Suspending agent 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.00 2.0 2.0 2.0
Propylene glycol Antifreeze 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.00 5.0 5.0 5.0
Polydimethyl siloxane Antifoam 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one Biocide 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Xanthan gum Thickener 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Water Carrier QS to 100 QS to 100 QS to 100 QS to 100 QS to 100 QS to 100 QS to 100 QS to 100

Manufacturing Process
[0066] Water (carrier), biocide (1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one) and thickener (Xanthan gum) were combined and mixed in a mixing vessel to form a thickener solution. Water (carrier), tebuconazole (active ingredient), validamycin (active ingredient), dispersing agent, anti-freezing agent (propylene glycol), antifoaming agent (polydimethylsiloxane) and suspending agent (precipitated silica) were combined and mixed in a separate mixing vessel to form a SC premix. This SC premix was then wet milled in a horizontal bead mill until the average particle size (D50) was under 3 microns. The thickener solution was added to the milled SC premix and mixed until a homogeneous suspension was achieved.
Stability Study
[0067] The SC compositions prepared in Examples 1 to 3 and the Comparative Examples 4 to 8 were stored at 54? for 2 weeks. Comparison was made for the difference in the physical stability of each sample before and after storage. The results are listed in table 2.
Table-2
Stability Test
(After 14 days at 54±2?C) Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8

Phase separation
(Sedimentation) None
(Uniform distribution of active ingredient) None
(Uniform distribution of active ingredient) None
(Uniform distribution of active ingredient) Phase separation observed Phase separation observed Phase separation observed Phase separation observed Phase separation observed

The results presented in Table 2 show that the SC compositions containing ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt as the dispersing agent have good physical stability as no phase separation is observed after being stored at 54°C for 14 days. However, with compositions of Examples 4 to 8, phase separation occurred under the same storage conditions. This observation suggests that SC compositions of Examples 4 to 8 are less stable and their physical properties may change during storage. This demonstrate that the choice of dispersing agent is critical to the stability of the SC composition.
[0068] The SC compositions of Examples 1 to 3 were subjected to accelerated storage stability study and the results are presented in Table 3.

Table 3
Parameter Example 1 Example 2
Initial At 54±2?C (14 days) At 0±2?C (7 days) Initial At 54±2?C (14 days) At 0±2?C (7 days)
Appearance Complies Complies Complies Complies Complies Complies
Tebuconazole content % w/w 15.10 15.10 15.11 30.09 30.11 30.12
Validamycin content % w/w 5.02 5.11 5.03 10.03 10.06 10.05
Suspensibility, % by mass Tebuconazole:97.34
Validamycin: 99.44 Tebuconazole:95.53 Validamycin:99.76 Tebuconazole:98.22 Validamycin:99.87 Tebuconazole:97.34
Validamycin: 99.44 Tebuconazole: 96.53 Validamycin: 98.98 Tebuconazole:97.88 Validamycin:99.87
Wet sieve Test
(Passing through 75 micron test sieve) 99.99 99.98 99.99 99.98 99.98 99.99
pH of 1% Aq. Suspension 5.03 5.13 5.18 5.45 5.54 5.42
Persistent Foam (After one min.) 14 13 10 11 16 14
Particle size (D50) 2.5 2.6 2.57 2.64 2.71 2.77

Table 3 - continued
Parameter Example 3
Initial At 54±2?C (14 days) At 0±2?C (7 days)
Appearance Complies Complies Complies
Tebuconazole content % w/w 6.02 6.01 6.06
Validamycin content % w/w 2.09 2.05 2.07
Suspensibility, % by mass Tebuconazole:99.34Validamycin: 99.64 Tebuconazole: 98.53 Validamycin: 98.98 Tebuconazole:98.88 Validamycin:99.78
Wet sieve Test
(Passing through 75 micron test sieve) 99.98 99.98 99.98
pH of 1% Aq. Suspension 5.34 5.24 5.32
Persistent Foam (After one min.) 10 15 16

The results presented in Table 3 show that when ethoxylated tristyrylphenol phosphate potassium salt is used as the dispersing agent in the SC composition, the chemical and physical stability of the composition at long term storage conditions is improved. After a relatively long storage time, even at elevated temperatures or under cold temperatures, the inventive compositions remain stable.
Characteristics of the Composition:
A. Storage Stability
[0069] The storage stability / shelf-life study was initiated on Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15% SC composition for 30 months. This composition was developed by Sumitomo Chemical India Limited (SCIL). The study was initiated in May 2019 by the Chemistry Department of Ross Lifescience Pvt. Ltd., Pune. Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15% SC Composition was packed in representative primary packing in the form of HDPE container (Bottles) as per IS 9754:1981(Reaffirmed 2003), IS 8190 (Part-2)-1988 and were stored at three different agro-climatic locations viz., Mumbai, Delhi and Coimbatore. The time-points of analysis are 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months from the date of storage. The samples were transported to Ross Lifescience Pvt. Ltd. Pune on different occasions to analyse the active ingredient content of Validamycin and Tebuconazole along with other properties. The contents of Validamycin and Tebuconazole were analyzed by HPLC chromatographic method.
[0070] Analysis of samples collected from the three different locations during the 30 months storage (at various intervals as mentioned above), showed no significant change in the physicochemical properties, as well as in the active ingredient content of Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15% SC. From the results, it is concluded that there is no significant change in active ingredient contents of Validamycin and Tebuconazole during the 30 months storage period.
B. Bio-efficacy
Experiments were conducted to study the effect of combination of Validamycin and Tebuconazole against Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in Rice crop.
[0071] The field trials were carried out to study the effect of the composition of Validamycin and Tebuconazole against Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in Rice crop. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments including untreated control, replicated three times. The test product sample, Validamycin and Tebuconazole alone and in combination in prescribed dosages were applied by foliar application. The rice crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.
Field Summary:
Location Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal
Season Kharif – 2020
Year 2020- 21
Crop Paddy
Variety/Hybrid MTU 7029
Spacing 20 × 15 cm
Plot size 5 X 4 m
Irrigated / rain fed Irrigated
Experimental details:
Design Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)
No. of treatments 6
No. of replications 3
Date of sowing
Date of transplanting
Date of application 12/07/2020
10/08/2020
I Application: 30/09/2020
II Application: 14/10/2020
Type of sprayer/nozzle
Date of harvesting Knapsack sprayer / Hollow cone nozzle
29/11/2020
Quantity of water
used for dilution 500 lit/ha

Observations recorded:
i) Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani):
[0072] Ten hills/plot are examined and recorded at 3, 7, and 14 DAA (Days after Application) to grade the disease incidence as per the scoring scale below.
Grades Description
0 No infection
1 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 20% of Plant height.
3 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 21-30% of Plant height.
5 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 31-45% of Plant height.
7 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 46-65% of Plant height.
9 Vertical spread of the lesions more than 65% of Plant height.
Further, these scales were converted into severity (Per cent disease index i.e. PDI) using the formula given below

Sum of numerical values
PDI = --------------------------------------------------------------- x 100
Number of plants observed x Maximum grade
ii) Blast disease incidence:
[0073] The data pertaining to the incidence of blast disease was collected one week after the last application of fungicides by using the disease rating scale of 0-9 developed by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI. 1996) and then converting into Per cent Disease Index by using the formula.
Sum of numerical ratings 100
Percent Disease Index = ------------------------------- X -----------------------------
Number of observations Highest rating in scale

Disease rating scale:
Score Description
0 No lesions
1 Small brown specks of pinhead size without sporulating centre
2 Small roundish to slightly elongated, necrotic grey spots, about 1-2 mm in diameter with a distinct brown margin, lesions are mostly found on the low leaves
3 Lesions type is the same as in scale 2, but significant number lesions are on the upper surface
4 Typical sporulating blast lesions, 3mm or longer, infecting low than 2% of the leaf area
5 Typical blast lesions infecting 2-10 % of the leaf area
6 Blast lesions infecting 11-25 % leaf area
7 Blast lesions infecting 26-50 % leaf area
8 Blast lesions infecting 51-75% leaf area
9 More than 75 % leaf area affected
Observations were taken on those plants at 3, 7 and 14 days after each application of all treatments of fungicides and these observations are subjected to statistical analysis to compare the results.

Table. 4: Synergistic effect of SC composition comprising Validamycin 5% & Tebuconazole 15% for controlling Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) in Rice after 1st Application.
S.
No Treatments Validamycin Tebuconazole GAI/Ha Percent Disease Index of Sheath blight % reduction in disease over control Synergy
3 DAA 7
DAA 14 DAA 3
DAA 7
DAA 14 DAA 3 DAA 7
DAA 14 DAA
1 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 25 75 100 2.80 3.59 4.1 68.25 75.49 85.54
2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 50 150 200 1.14 2.25 2.89 86.95 84.64 89.81 1.0 1.0 1.0
3 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 75 225 300 1.04 2.13 2.80 88.31 85.46 90.12
4 Tebuconazole 15 % SC 0 187.5 187.5 3.10 4.65 6.81 65.49 68.26 75.98
5 Validamycin 5% 60 0 60 3.45 5.1 7.05 61.94 65.19 75.13
6 Control 8.9 14.65 28.35 0.00 0.00 0.00
S.Em (±) 0.09 0.08 0.16 - - -
CD (p=0.05) 0.28 0.23 0.52 - - -
SC: Suspension Concentrate, DAA = Days after Application CD- Critical difference, S.Em- Standard error mean, GAI/ha: Gram active Ingredient/Hectare

Control of sheath blight:
[0074] It is observed from Table 4, Treatment T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha, the embodiment of the present invention showed significant % reduction in sheath blight and low Percent Disease Index at 3, 7 and 14 DAA as compared to individual treatments T5- Validamycin@ 60 GAI/ha and T4- Tebuconazole@ 187.5 GAI/ha after 1st application.
[0075] It is seen that Treatments T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha exhibited maximum % reduction in sheath blight (86.95 %),(84.64),( 89.81%) and low percent disease index (1.14 %),( 2.25%)( 2.89 %) compared with individual T5- Validamycin @ 60 GAI/ha ( 61.94 65.19 , 75.13 % ) (3.45, 5.1, 7.05), - T4- Tebuconazole@ 187.5 GAI/ha ( 65.49, 68.26, 75.98),(3.10, 4.65, 6.81 % ) % reduction and percent disease index of Sheath blight respectively at 3, 7 and 14 DAA.
[0076] After 1st application, treatment T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha were highly effective at low GAI/ha compared to individual treatments of Tebuconazole (187.5 GAI/ha) and Validamycin (60 GAI/ha) against Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) in Rice at 3, 7 and 14 DAA. The results of Table 4 showed that the composition of present invention was effective and synergistic in nature. It could be concluded that the results of treatments where two actives are present in a single composition at a specific concentration (50+150 GAI/ha) was found to be more effective when compared to the individual treatments of Tebuconazole (187.5 GAI/ha) and Validamycin (60 GAI/ha) even when the individual product dose is higher than the composition of the present invention. It can also be observed from these studies that the difference of % reduction in disease between the composition of the present invention versus individual treatments is more than the critical difference (CD), thus signifying that the composition is significantly effective. The efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, i.e. Suspension concentrate composition (SC) as shown in the present study.

Table. 5: Synergistic effect of SC composition comprising Validamycin 5% & Tebuconazole 15% for controlling Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in Rice after 1st Application

S.
No Treatments Validamycin Tebuconazole GAI/Ha Percent Disease Index of Blast % reduction in disease over control Synergy
3 DAA 7
DAA 3 DAA 7
DAA 3 DAA 7
DAA
1 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 25 75 100 4.60 5.12 67.99 73.44
2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 50 150 200 1.87 2.36 87.17 87.93 1.0 1.0
3 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 75 225 300 1.72 2.45 88.42 87.71
4 Tebuconazole 15 % SC 0 187.5 187.5 4.55 5.36 68.79 72.59
5 Validamycin 5% 60 0 60 4.6 5.43 68.6 72.37
6 Control 14.65 19.65 0.00 0.00
S .Em (±) 0.07 0.04 - -
CD (p=0.05) 0.22 0.12 - -
SC: Suspension Concentrate, DAS = days after spraying CD- critical difference, S.Em- standard error mean ,GAI/ha: Gram active Ingredient/Hectare

Control of Blast:
[0077] It is observed from Table 5, Treatment T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha, the embodiment of the present invention showed significant % reduction in Blast and low Percent Disease Index at 3, 7 and 14 DAA as compared to individual treatments T5- Validamycin@ 60 GAI/ha and T4- Tebuconazole@ 187.5 GAI/ha after 1st application.
[0078] It is seen that treatments T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha exhibited maximum % reduction in blast (87.17 %),(87.93 %),( 87.55 %) and low percent disease index (1.87 %),( 2.36 %)( 3.55 %) compared with individual T5- Validamycin @ 60 GAI/ha (68.60, 72.37, 79.12 % ) (4.60, 5.43, 5.98), T4- Tebuconazole@ 187.5 GAI/ha (68.79, 72.59, 79.16 %)( 4.55, 5.36, 5.94 %) % reduction and percent disease index of blast respectively at 3, 7 and 14 DAA.
[0079] After 1st application, treatment T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha were highly effective at low GAI/ha compared to individual treatments of Tebuconazole (187.5 GAI/ha) and Validamycin (60 GAI/ha) against Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in Rice at 3, 7 and 14 DAA. The results of Table 5 showed that the composition of present invention was effective and synergistic in nature. It could be concluded that the results of treatments where two actives are present in a single composition at a specific concentration (50+150 GAI/ha) was found to be more effective when compared to the individual treatments of Tebuconazole (187.5 GAI/ha) and Validamycin (60 GAI/ha) even when the individual product dose is higher than the composition of the present invention. It can also be observed from these studies that the difference of %reduction in disease between the composition of the present invention versus individual treatments is more than the critical difference (CD), thus signifying that the composition is significantly effective. The efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, i.e. Suspension concentrate composition (SC) as shown in the present study.

Table. 6: Synergistic effect of SC composition comprising Validamycin 5% & Tebuconazole 15% for controlling Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in Rice after 2nd Application.

S.
No Treatments Validamycin Tebuconazole GAI/Ha Percent Disease Index of Blast % reduction in disease over control Synergy
3 DAA 7
DAA 14 DAA 3 DAA 7
DAA 14 DAA 3 DAA 7
DAA 14 DAA
1 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 25 75 100 3.58 4.68 5.98 77.64 77.65 77.95
2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 50 150 200 1.98 2.58 3.25 87.81 87.86 88.19 1.0 1.0 1.0
3 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC 75 225 300 1.84 2.42 3.10 88.88 88.82 88.95
4 Tebuconazole 15 % SC 0 187.5 187.5 5.2 6.3 7.54 67.98 70.35 72.6
5 Validamycin 5% 60 0 60 5.1 6.25 7.75 68.75 70.73 71.97
6 Control 16.32 21.35 27.65 0.00 0.00 0.00
S .Em (±) 0.07 0.1 0.06 - - -
CD (p=0.05) 0.21 0.3 0.18 - - -
SC: Suspension Concentrate, DAS = days after spraying CD- critical difference, S.Em- standard error mean ,GAI/ha: Gram active Ingredient/Hectare

Control of Blast:
[0080] It is observed from Table 6, Treatment T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha, the embodiment of the present invention showed significant % reduction for blast also low Percent Disease Index at 3, 7 and 14 DAA as compared to individual treatments T5- Validamycin@ 60 GAI/ha and T4- Tebuconazole@ 187.5 GAI/ha after 2nd application respectively.
[0081] It is seen that Treatments T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha exhibited maximum % reduction in blast (87.81 %),(87.86 %),( 88.19 %) and low percent disease index (1.98 %),( 2.58 %)( 3.25 %) compared with individual T5- Validamycin @ 60 GAI/ha (68.75, 70.73, 71.97 % ) (5.10, 6.25, 7.75 %), T4- Tebuconazole@ 187.5 GAI/ha ( 67.98, 70.35, 72.60 %)( 5.20, 6.30, 7.54 %) % reduction and percent disease index of blast at 3, 7 and 14 DAA respectively.
[0082] After 2nd application treatment T2 Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15 % SC@ 50 +150 GAI/ha were highly effective in at low GAI/ha compared to Individual treatments of Tebuconazole (187.5 GAI/ha) and Validamycin (60 GAI/ha) against Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in Rice at 3, 7 and 14 DAA. The results of Table 6 showed that the composition of present invention was effective and synergistic in nature. It could be concluded that the results of treatments where two actives are present in a single composition at a specific concentration (50+150 GAI/ha) was found to be more effective when compared to the individual treatments of Tebuconazole (187.5 GAI/ha) and Validamycin (60 GAI/ha) even when the individual product dose is higher than the composition of the present invention. It can also be observed from these studies that the difference of %reduction in disease between the composition of the present invention versus individual treatments is more than the critical difference (CD), thus signifying that the composition is significantly effective. The efficacy is further attributed to the form of the composition, i.e. Suspension concentrate composition (SC) as shown in the present study.
[0083] The synergistic fungicidal composition of the present invention—Validamycin 5% + Tebuconazole 15% SC @ 50 + 150 GAI/ha—demonstrated significantly superior control of sheath blight and blast in rice at lower GAI/ha compared to individual treatments of Tebuconazole (187.5 GAI/ha) and Validamycin (60 GAI/ha). Moreover, the application of this synergistic composition resulted in no phytotoxic symptoms on the rice crop.
[0084] Overall, the present invention provides a composition comprising two fungicides that, at specific w/w ratios and various doses, exhibit an unexpected and remarkable synergistic ability to control plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens. Importantly, while effectively targeting fungal pathogens, this composition does not adversely affect the agronomic characteristics of crops. Furthermore, it is non-phytotoxic to crop plants at recommended doses, making it a highly attractive and suitable alternative to the use of individual fungicides.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
[0085] The synergistic composition, wherein Validamycin and Tebuconazole are mixed in a distinctive strength in the formulated product (composition type: SC), can be considered as a novel invention. This composition comprising two fungicides (in the distinctive strength as mentioned above) provides better performance (bioefficacy) than its individual components due to the following aspects: i) This composition is effective against multiple type of pathogens and the same spectrum of efficacy is not achieved against these pathogens through its individual components. ii) The composition is found stable for two years, which could be an advantage for its commercialization. iii) Both the individual molecules i.e. Validamycin and Tebuconazole belong to different chemical groups and have different mode of actions, which make them ideal combination partners for using in Integrated Disease Management practices as well as Resistance Management strategies. iv) This combination has exhibited its bioefficacy on paddy (rice) crop against sheath blight and blast diseases (pathogens) causing yield losses and deteriorating quality of produce.
In view of the above, this combination can be considered worthy to farmers earning better profits from their farm outputs.

,CLAIMS:1. A stable suspension concentrate (SC) composition comprising, based on a total weight of the composition:
1-50% by weight of validamycin;
1-80% by weight of tebuconazole; and
0.1-40% by weight of a dispersing agent.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispersing agent is ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more of the following excipients: a suspending agent, an antifreeze agent, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a thickener, and an inert carrier.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein validamycin and tebuconazole are present in a weight ratio of from 1:20 to 20:1.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein validamycin and tebuconazole are present in a weight ratio of 1:3.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of from 0.1 micron to 25 microns.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the suspending agent is selected from modified hydrophobic silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica, hydrophobic silica powder and mixtures thereof; or wherein a weight percentage of the suspending agent is 0.1-10% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the antifreeze agent is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerine, urea, and mixtures thereof; or wherein a weight percentage of the antifreeze agent is 0.1-25% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the antifoaming agent is polydimethylsiloxane; or wherein a weight percentage of the antifoaming agent is 0.01-5% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
10. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the biocide is selected from 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, formaldehyde, and mixtures thereof; or wherein a weight percentage of the biocide is 0.01-5% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
11. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the thickener is selected from xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and its derivatives, hydrated clay minerals, magnesium aluminium silicates, and mixtures thereof; or wherein a weight percentage of the thickener is 0.01-10% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
12. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inert carrier is water; or wherein a weight percentage of the inert carrier is 10-95% by weight based on a total weight of the composition.
13. The composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
1-50% by weight of validamycin;
1-80% by weight of tebuconazole;
0.1-40% by weight of ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt;
0.1-10% by weight of a suspending agent;
0.1-25% by weight of an antifreeze agent;
0.01-5% by weight of an antifoaming agent;
0.01-5% by weight of a biocide;
0.01-10% by weight of a thickener; and
10-95% by weight of an inert carrier.
14. The composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
5% w/w validamycin;
15% w/w tebuconazole;
10% w/w ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt;
2% w/w precipitated silica;
5% w/w propylene glycol;
0.1% w/w 1,2-benzisothiazol -3(2H)-one;
0.5% w/w polydimethylsiloxane;
0.2% w/w xanthan gum; and
water Q.S. to 100%.
15. A process for preparing a suspension concentrate (SC) composition, comprising the steps of:
homogenizing a mixture of validamycin, tebuconazole, ethoxylated tristerylphenol phosphate potassium salt, a suspending agent, an antifreeze agent, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a thickener and an inert carrier to obtain a slurry; and
wet milling the obtained slurry to provide a suspension, wherein the suspension comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 25 microns.