DESC:
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solid carrier suitable for use as carriers for agrochemicals such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, and for other biologically active compounds. In particular, the present invention relates to solid carrier suitable for use as carriers for low melting solid or liquid agrochemicals. The present invention also relates to a solid formulation for low melting solid or liquid agrochemicals.

Background of the Invention
Solid formulations are well known in agricultural crop and horticultural industries. One of the main advantages of solid formulations is that they can have a longer shelf life. The agricultural solid formulations are the most widely used and most versatile of the available pesticide delivery systems. For an instance, agricultural solid formulations such as emulsifiable granules, water-soluble granules or broadcasting granules are commonly used.
Typical solid formulations comprise an active ingredient and an inert typically comprised of cellulose or clays which include, inter alia, attapulgite, montmorillonite, kaolin, or bentonite type clays. The ingredients are mixed together with water to result in dough which is then extruded through extruder followed by drying in, for example a fluid dryer bed. The solid formulation described above works well with active ingredients having high melting point. However, preparation of solid formulation comprising a low melting solid or liquid active ingredient is challenging and always results in low dispersibility while dilution in the field.
Apart from this, the low melting solid or liquid active ingredients has problem associated with volatility of active ingredients. While drying the solid formulations of low melting solid or liquid active ingredient, the vapours of these active ingredients may escape the formulation thereby leading to unnecessary exposure of active ingredients to the workers and reduction in concentration of active ingredient in final formulation.
Furthermore, while preparing a solid formulation of low-melting solid or liquid active ingredients especially in soluble/emulsifiable granular formulation during or subsequent to the grinding process, the active ingredients tend to melt or become sticky. Thereby making the process for preparation of these solid formulation cumbersome.
The effectiveness of solid formulation does not only depend upon the active ingredient but also upon the inert ingredient used as the carrier for the active. The liquid holding capacity of carrier measures the amount of liquid i.e. the active ingredient that could be absorbed by the granules without a significant loss of the flowability of the granule. A carrier having high liquid holding capacity is desirable as it enables to prepare a concentrated formulation or to accommodate more than one active ingredient within the same granule. Thus, the development of an effective carrier is an essential step in the development of a successful pesticide formulation.
The present invention overcomes the above discussed problems and provides a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity for agrochemicals. The present invention also provides a process which enables preparation of agrochemical formulation comprising a low melting solid or liquid active ingredients in various strengths.

Object of the Invention
The object of the present invention is to provide a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity suitable for use in agrochemical formulations.
Another object of present invention is to provide a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity to enable preparation of formulation of agrochemicals in various strengths.
Another object of present invention is to provide a solid carrier to enable preparation of a concentrated formulation of agrochemicals without impacting flowability of formulation.
Another object of present invention is to provide a solid carrier formulation to enable preparation of a concentrated formulation of agrochemicals with multiple actives.
Another object of present invention is to provide a solid agrochemical formulation of liquid agrochemicals or low melting agrochemicals.
Yet another object of present invention is to provide a solid formulation of liquid agrochemicals or low melting agrochemicals in form of broadcast granules, water-soluble granules, water-dispersible granules or emulsifiable granules.
Yet another object of present invention is to provide a solid formulation of liquid agrochemicals or agrochemicals having melting point below 100°C, which is stable and is having a longer shelf life.

Summary of the Invention
According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity.
According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity, said carrier comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate.
According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising:
a) 10% w/w to 75% silica;
b) 1% w/w to 15% w/w binder; and
c) 5% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising:
i) at least one agrochemical; and
ii) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate.
According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising:
i) 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w of at least one agrochemical; and
ii) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate.
According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising
i) 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w at least one agrochemical; and
ii) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity;
wherein the solid carrier comprises
a) 10% w/w to 75% silica;
b) 1% w/w to 15% w/w binder; and
c) 5% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
According to an aspect, there is provided a use of a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate; in preparation of agrochemical formulation.
According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention comprising steps of:
i) preparing solid carrier comprising silica, binder and ammonium sulphate; and
ii) treating the solid carrier with an agrochemical.
According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a method of controlling pest comprising applying to the plant or on the locus a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention.
According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a method of improving plant growth comprising applying to the plant or on the locus a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention.

Detailed description of the invention:
The following description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. The terms used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials/ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Thus, before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms used herein.
Unless defined otherwise, 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.
As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having”, “containing”, “involving” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. The aspects and embodiments described herein shall also be interpreted to replace the clause “comprising” with either “consisting of” or with “consisting essentially of” or with “consisting substantially of”.
“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.
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.
All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), 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.
The expression of various quantities in terms of “%” or “% w/v” or “% w/w” means the percentage by weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.
The term “agrochemical” used herein is understood to denote an agricultural chemical such as pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators, nutrients and can be used interchangeably.
The salts referred to herein are agrochemically acceptable salts. As used herein, an “agrochemically acceptable salt” means a salt which is acceptable for use in agrochemical or horticultural use.
The terms “excipient” or “additive” or “auxiliary” mean inactive substance that forms a part of the composition. The terms “excipient” or “additive” or “auxiliary” mean essentially the same thing and can be used interchangeably.
As described herein, the term “GR” refers to extruded granules or spheronised granules or broadcast granules.
As described herein, the term “WG” or “WDG” refers to water dispersible granules. A water dispersible granule is defined as a formulation which disperses or dissolves rapidly when added to water. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small granules by blending and agglomerating a ground solid active ingredient together with surfactants and other formulation ingredients which disperse into finer/primary particles when immersed in water.
As described herein, the term “SG” or “WSG” refers to water soluble granules. A water soluble granule is defined as a formulation which on addition of water dissolves the active ingredient and forms solution, but which may contain insoluble inert ingredients.
As described herein, the term “EG” refers to emulsifiable granules. Emulsifiable granule is a granular formulation, which may contain water-insoluble formulants, to be applied as an oil-in-water emulsion of the active constituent(s) after disintegration in water.
As described herein, the term “tailorable” means “able to be adapted for particular purpose”.
The phrase “solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity” refers to a solid carrier whose liquid holding capacity can be adapted/adjusted according to the requirement of formulation.
As described herein, the term “liquid holding capacity”- measures the amount of liquid i.e. the active ingredient itself or the active ingredient dissolved in an solvent or liquid media comprising liquid surfactants or adjuvants; that could be absorbed by the granules or adsorbed onto the granules without a significant loss of the flowability of the granule. A high liquid holding capacity of a carrier enables a formulator to prepare a concentrated formulation or allows him to accommodate more than one compatible pesticide within the same granule.
It is well known that solid agrochemical compositions are preferred formulations due to their ease of handling and transportation, and its stability on storage and better shelf life. However, many of liquid or low melting solids cannot be formulated as solid composition as they have tendency to migrate to the surface of the granule making it "sticky" and leading to problems like caking. The present invention affords an economical means of making solid formulations of active ingredients having a wide range of melting points, including low melting active ingredients without impacting chemical or physical properties of formulation.
According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier is in form of granule, pellets, tablets, and the like.
According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder, and ammonium sulphate.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprises 10% w/w to 75%w/w silica; 1% w/w to 15% w/w of a binder; and 5% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate.
According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 10% w/w to 75%w/w silica;
b) 1% w/w to 15% w/w binder; and
c) 5% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, silica is fumed silica or precipitated silica; and the binder used is selected from group comprising of vinyl acetate copolymer, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymer, polyacrylic acid, carboxymethylcellulose, casein, gelatin, acacia, synthetic glue, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum Arabic, lignin, or mixture thereof.
In an embodiment, the binder used is selected from group comprising of water-soluble compounds those act as binder on drying.
In an embodiment, the binder used is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier may further comprise of one or more agrochemical acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising aqueous or organic solvent(s), buffering agent(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), anti-settling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), defoaming agent(s), photo-protector(s), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), or combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is
surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, ionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, or combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the said agrochemically acceptable excipient is anionic surfactant.
In an embodiment, the anionic surfactant is selected from group comprising of anionic derivatives of fatty alcohols having 10-24 carbon atoms in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); anionic derivatives of copolymers consisting of ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO) and/or butylene oxide (BO) units, in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); derivatives of alkylene oxide adducts of alcohols, in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); derivatives of fatty acid alkoxylates, in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl sulfosuccinate mono ester and diester salts, alcohol sulfates, olefin sulfonic acid salts or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the anionic surfactant is selected from alcohol sulfates.
In another embodiment, the solid carrier comprises from about 0.1% w/w to 20% w/w agrochemical acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In another embodiment, the solid carrier comprises from about 1% w/w to 15% w/w agrochemical acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
The liquid holding capacity of the solid carrier is tailorable i.e. it could be adapted/adjusted according to requirement of formulation prepared.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of the solid carrier can be tailored in the range of 5% w/w to 90% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of the solid carrier is in the range of 10% w/w to 90% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of the solid carrier is in the range of 15% w/w to 90% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 15% w/w to 20% silica;
b) 1% w/w to 4% w/w binder; and
c) 75% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity further comprises an agrochemical acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemical acceptable excipient is an anionic surfactant according to embodiments provided above.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprises 1% w/w to 5% w/w the anionic surfactant of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 15% w/w to 20% silica;
b) 1% w/w to 4% w/w binder;
c) 75% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate; and
d) 1% w/w to 5% w/w anionic surfactant.
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of solid carrier is in the range of 15% w/w to 35% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an alternate embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 20% w/w to 30% silica;
b) 3% w/w to 5% w/w binder; and
c) 60% w/w to 75% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity further comprises an agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is an anionic surfactant according to embodiments provided above.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprises 3% w/w to 5% w/w the anionic surfactant of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 20% w/w to 30% silica;
b) 3% w/w to 5% w/w binder;
c) 60% w/w to 75% w/w ammonium sulphate; and
d) 3% w/w to 5% w/w anionic surfactant;
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of solid carrier is in the range of 25% w/w to 45% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an alternate embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 30% w/w to 40% silica;
b) 5% w/w to 10% w/w binder; and
c) 45% w/w to 60% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity further comprises an agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is an anionic surfactant according to embodiments provided above.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprises 5% w/w to 10% w/w anionic surfactant of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 30% w/w to 40% silica;
b) 5% w/w to 10% w/w binder;
c) 45% w/w to 60% w/w ammonium sulphate; and
d) 5% w/w to 10% w/w anionic surfactant;
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of solid carrier is in the range of 35% w/w to 55% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In another alternate embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 40% w/w to 50% silica;
b) 5% w/w to 10% w/w binder; and
c) 30% w/w to 45% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity further comprises an agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is an anionic surfactant according to embodiments provided above.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprises 5% w/w to 10% w/w anionic surfactant of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 40% w/w to 50% silica;
b) 5% w/w to 10% w/w binder;
c) 30% w/w to 45% w/w ammonium sulphate; and
d) 5% w/w to 10% w/w the anionic surfactant;
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier
In embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of solid carrier is in the range of 45% w/w to 65% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In yet another alternate embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 50% w/w to 60% silica;
b) 5% w/w to 10% w/w binder; and
c) 20% w/w to 35% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity further comprises an agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is an anionic surfactant according to embodiments provided above.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprises 5% w/w to 10% w/w the anionic surfactant of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 50% w/w to 60% silica;
b) 5% w/w to 10% w/w binder;
c) 20% w/w to 35% w/w ammonium sulphate; and
d) 5% w/w to 10% w/w anionic surfactant;
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of solid carrier is in the range of 55% w/w to 75% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In yet another alternate embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailored liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 60% w/w to 80% silica;
b) 8% w/w to 12% w/w binder; and
c) 5% w/w to 20% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity further comprises an agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is an anionic surfactant according to embodiments provided above.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprises 8% w/w to 12% w/w anionic surfactant of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid carrier having tailored liquid holding capacity comprising
a) 60% w/w to 80% silica;
b) 8% w/w to 12% w/w binder;
c) 5% w/w to 20% w/w ammonium sulphate; and
d) 8% w/w to 12% w/w anionic surfactant;
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the liquid holding capacity of solid carrier is in the range of 60% w/w to 80% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
According to an embodiment of present invention, the liquid holding capacity of the solid carrier can be tailored according to requirement of strength of formulation.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier used is in any form selected from, but not limited to, powder, granules, pellets, rod-shaped, lozenges, blocks and the likes. Preferably, the solid carrier is used in form of granules.
In an embodiment, there is provided a process for preparation of the solid carrier according to present invention comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising silica, binder and ammonium sulphate;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules.
In an embodiment, the dough in the step a) of process, optionally comprise an agrochemical having high melting point.
In an embodiment, the process for preparation of the solid carrier comprises a step of drying solid carrier obtained in step b) to reduce moisture content.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier obtained are sieved to remove dust and obtain granules of desired size.
The solid carrier of present invention exhibits stability and has non-existent dust levels, high attrition resistance and chemical inertness which make them suitable for any formulation.
According to an aspect, there is provided an use of a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate; in preparation of agrochemical formulation.
According to an embodiment, the present invention provides solid carrier useful in preparing agrochemical formulation having low melting solid or a liquid active ingredient and wherein liquid holding capacity of the solid carrier is adjusted/ is tailorable according to desired strength of agrochemical formulation.
The use of solid carrier having tailored liquid holding capacity is demonstrated by preparing agrochemical formulations wherein the active ingredient is a low melting solid or a liquid active ingredient.
According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising:
i) at least one agrochemical; and
ii) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate.
In an embodiment, the solid agrochemical formulation comprises 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w of at least one agrochemical.
According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising:
i) 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w of at least one agrochemical; and
iii) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is selected from pesticide such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicide, nematicide, acaricide, miticide and the likes; biopesticides; pheromones; plant growth regulators; nutrients or combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the solid agrochemical formulation comprises more than one agrochemical.
Non- limiting examples of the agrochemicals include: acetanilides, amides, amidines, anilides, arylaminopropionic acids, arylalanines, aryloxycarboxylic acids, aryloxyplenoxy-propionates ("fops"), azoryls, benzilates, benzofurans, benzoic acids, benzoylcyclohexanediones, benzofuranyl alkylsulfonates, benzothiazoles, benzoxazoles, benzoylpyrazoles, bipyridyliums, carbamates, carbanilates, carboxamides, chloroacetamides, chloroacetanilides, chlorotriazines, cyclodienes, cyclohexanediones ("dims"), cyclohexane oximes, cyclopropylisoxazoles, dicarboximides, dinitroalilines, dinitrophenols, diphenyl ethers, dithiocarbamates, dithiolanes, glycines, halogenated aliphatics, imidazoles, imidazolinones, isoazolidinones, methoxytriazines, methylthiotriazines, neonicotinoids, nitriles, nitroanilines, nitrophenylethers, N- phenylphthalimides, organoarsenicals, organophosphates, organophosphorus, oxadiazines, oxadiazolinones, oxazoles, oxyacetamides, phenoxyalkanoic acids, phenyl carbamates, ureas, phenoxys (including substituted phenoxys), phenoxyacetics, phenoxybutyrics, phenoxycarboxylic acids, phenoxypropionics, phenylamides, phenylethylenediamines, phenylpyrazoles, phenylpyridazines, phenylureas, phosphinic acids, phosphorodithioates, phthalic acids, picolinic acids, pyrazoles, pyrethroids, pyridazines, pyridazinones, pyridines, pyridine carboxylic acids, pyrimidinamines, pyrimidinyloxybenzoic acids, pyrimidinylthiobenzoic acids, quaternary ammoniums, quinazolinones, quinoline carboxylic acids, strobilurins, sulfonamides, sulfonanilides, sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinones, sulfonylureas, tetrazolinones, thiadiazoles, thiadiazolylureas, thiocarbamates, thiocarbonates, thioureas, triazines, triazoles, triazolones, triazinones, triazolopyrimidines, triketones, uracils, and ureas (including substituted ureas).
In an embodiment, the solid agrochemical formulation comprises at least one low melting solid or liquid agrochemical.
In an embodiment, the low melting solid agrochemicals are used.
In an embodiment, the low melting solid agrochemical/s is selected from group comprising of organophosphate insecticides; pyrethroid insecticides; isoxazolidinone herbicides; carbamate fungicides or the like.
In an embodiment, the low melting solid agrochemicals may be selected from, group comprising of organophosphate insecticides such as methamidophos, monocrotophos, dimethoate or salt thereof.
In an embodiment, the low melting solid agrochemicals may be selected from, group comprising of pyrethroid insecticides such as bifenthrin, beta cyfluthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma cyhalothrin, permethrin or salt thereof.
In an embodiment, the low melting solid agrochemicals may be selected from, group comprising of isoxazolidinone herbicides such as clomazone, bixlozone or salt thereof.
In an embodiment, the low melting solid agrochemicals may be selected from, group comprising of carbamate fungicides such as propamocarb or salt thereof or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the liquid agrochemicals are used.
In an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical/s is selected from group comprising of chloroacetanilide herbicides, amide fungicides or the like.
In an embodiment, the liquid agrochemicals may be selected from, group comprising of chloroacetanilide herbicides such as acetochlor, metolachlor, S-metolachlor or salt thereof or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the liquid agrochemicals may be selected from, group comprising of amide fungicides such as Metalaxyl-M or salt thereof or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the solid agrochemical formulation may further comprise an agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising aqueous or organic solvent(s), buffering agent(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), anti-settling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), defoaming agent(s), photo-protector(s), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, agrochemically acceptable excipient is a liquid excipient.
In an embodiment, liquid excipient is water or organic solvent(s).
The organic solvents used are selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising:
i) 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w at least one low melting solid or liquid agrochemical agrochemical; and
ii) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity.
In an embodiment, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising:
i) 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w at least one low melting solid or liquid agrochemical;
ii) a solid carrier having high liquid holding capacity; and
iii) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.
According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a solid agrochemical formulation comprising
i) 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w at least one low melting solid or liquid agrochemical; and
ii) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity;
wherein the solid carrier comprises
a) 10% w/w to 75% silica;
b) 1% w/w to 15% w/w binder; and
c) 5% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the solid agrochemical formulation may comprise two or more agrochemicals.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is selected from group comprising of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, for plant growth regulators, and for other biologically active compounds.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is selected from group comprising of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, for plant growth regulators, and for other biologically active compounds having low melting point.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is selected from low melting solid agrochemicals, liquid agrochemicals or combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical compound selected have melting point below 100°C.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is insecticide such as Monocrotophos, cypermethrin and the like.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is herbicide such as Clomazone, metalochlor, S-metolachlor and the like.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is fungicide such as Metalaxyl-M, Propamocarb or propamocarb hydrochloride and the like.
In an embodiment, pheromone is the active chemical used in the present formulation.
In an embodiment, the solid agrochemical formulation is water-soluble granules, water-dispersible granules, emulsifiable granules or broadcasting granules.
According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention comprising steps of:
i) preparing solid carrier comprising silica, binder and ammonium sulphate; and
ii) treating the solid carrier with an agrochemical.
In an embodiment, the step i) comprises of step of preparing dough comprising silica, binder and ammonium sulphate in presence of an inert solvent, extruding the said dough to produce granules of desired size and drying said granules to reduce moisture content of the granules.
The inert solvent such as water is used.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier prepared in step i) may optionally comprise agrochemical/s.
In an embodiment, the solid carrier prepared in step i) may comprise agrochemical/s having high melting point.
In an embodiment, in step ii) the agrochemical used is selected from low melting solid agrochemicals, liquid agrochemicals or combination thereof.
In an embodiment, in step ii) the treatment with agrochemical comprises of absorbing the agrochemical on the solid carrier or adsorbing the agrochemical onto the solid carrier.
In an embodiment, the step ii) comprises spraying said agrochemical on the solid carrier.
In an embodiment, treatment with agrochemical comprises of absorbing the solution/mixture comprising an agrochemical and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient on the solid carrier.
The solution/mixture may further comprise another agrochemically acceptable excipient selected from the group comprising buffering agent(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), anti-settling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), defoaming agent(s), photo-protector(s), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, said excipient is water or an organic solvent.
The organic solvents used are selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, said another excipient is emulsifier(s).
In an embodiment, the step ii) comprises spraying a solution/mixture comprising an agrochemical and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient on the solid carrier.
According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a method of controlling pest comprising applying to the plant or on the locus a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is selected from pesticides such as insecticide, fungicide, nematicide and so on.
In an embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling growth of undesired plant comprising applying to the plant or on the locus a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is herbicide.
In an embodiment, there is provided a method of protecting a plant under attack of pest which comprises applying to said plant or on the locus a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention.
According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a method of improving plant growth comprising applying to the plant or on the locus a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention.
In an embodiment, the method of improving plant growth by controlling fungal infection, the method comprising applying to the plant or on the locus a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical is fungicide.
While the invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments in the following examples, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

EXAMPLES:
Example I: Preparation of solid carrier (in form of granules)
Table I
Ingredients Composition A
(% w/w) Composition B
(% w/w) Composition C
(% w/w) Composition D
(% w/w) Composition E
(% w/w) Composition F
(% w/w)
Precipitated Silica 16 25 35 45 55 70
Anionic Surfactant 2.5 4 7 8 8 10
Binder 2.0 4 7 8 8 10
Ammonium sulphate 79.5 67 51 39 29 10
Total 100 100 100 100 100 100

Blending silica, anionic surfactant, binder, ammonium sulphate and water to obtain a dough. Dough was extruded in suitable extruder to obtain granules. These granules were dried to reduce the moisture content. The granules were then sieved to remove dust and over size particles. The anionic surfactant and binder used is selected from the list provided in the description. For instance, in composition D and composition F, the anionic surfactant used is sulphate alcohols and binder used is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Example II: Preparation of solid agrochemical formulation
The use of solid carriers prepared in Example I, compositions A to F, with varying liquid holding capacities, is demonstrated in the table below by preparing different agrochemical formulations

Table II
Ex. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Monocrotophos (76%) 19.74 47.37 - - - - - - - - - -
Propamocarb Hydrochloride (97%) - - 18.56 37.11 - - - - - - - -
Cypermethrin (93%) - - - - 16.13 32.26 - - - - - -
Clomazone
(96%) - - - - - - 15.63 37.50 - - - -
S-metolachlor (98%) - - - - - - - - 24.49 32.65 - -
Metalaxyl -M (93%) - - - - - - - - - - 16.13 37.63
Emulsifier - - - - 4 8 4 7 7 7 4 7
Solvent - - - - 2 4 2 2 3 3 2 3
Composition A 80.26 - 81.44 - 77.87 - 78.38 - - - - -
Composition B - - - - - - - - - - 77.87 -
Composition C - - - - - - - - 65.51 - - -
Composition D - 52.63 - 62.89 - 55.74 - - - - - -
Composition E - - - - - - - - - 57.35 - 52.37
Composition F - - - - - - - 53.50 - - - -
• Quantities specified in the table II are in %w/w.

12 agrochemical formulations were prepared using the solid granular carriers prepared in example I. Examples 1-4 relates to water-soluble granules whereas, example 5-12 relates to emulsifiable granules.

Process for preparation of water-soluble granules (Ex. 1-4):
Solid granular carriers prepared in example I were absorbed with specified quantities of active ingredient such as Monocrotophos or Propamocarb Hydrochloride by continuous mixing at 20-35°C temperature.

Process for preparation of emulsifiable granules (Ex. 5- 12):
Active ingredient such as Cypermethrin, clomazone, S-metolachlor or Metalaxyl-M was mixed with emulsifier and solvent to obtain a solution. This solution was then absorbed onto the solid granular carriers prepared in example 1 at 20-35°C temperature.

Study of physico-chemical parameters of solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention
Composition of Example-1, 2 and 8 (as in table II) developed according to the present invention was evaluated on various physico-chemical parameters. Granules appeared as Off white to yellow colour free flowing and remained as such in accelerated heat storage (AHS) study conducted at 54°C for 14 days. The active content of active ingredient, i.e. monocrotophos in example 1 & 2; and clomazone in example 8 remained quite stable. Moisture content remained below 2 in both ambient as well as AHS. The granules of the composition exhibited excellent attrition resistance. The results are summarised in table III below and clearly demonstrates the stability of solid agrochemical formulation of example 1, 2 & 8.

Table III
Parameters Example 1 Example 2 Example 8
Ambient AHS 2 weeks, 54°C Ambient AHS
2 weeks, 54°C Ambient AHS
2 weeks, 54°C
Appearance Off white to yellow colour free flowing granules. Off white to yellow colour free flowing granules. Off white to yellow colour free flowing granules. Off white to yellow colour free flowing granules. Off white free flowing granules. Off white free flowing granules.
Monocrotophos content % w/w 15.56 14.33 36.8 35.05 - -
Clomazone content % w/w - - - - 36.72 35.94
Moisture content (% By KF Titrator)
(% w/w) 0.98 0.9 0.90 0.87 0.95 0.86
Attrition resistance 98.69 97.88 98.80 97.14 98.50 97.7
Dustiness 0.03 - 0.04 - 0.05 -
No of inversion 13 15 5 4 26 25

The inventors of the present invention successfully developed stable agrochemical formulation in the form of granules using the solid carrier according to present invention. The stable agrochemical formulation demonstrated excellent physico-chemical properties. The active ingredient was found to remain quite stable after preparation and even during storage studies.
,CLAIMS:
1. A solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity, said carrier comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate.

2. The solid carrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrier comprises 10% w/w to 75%w/w silica; 1% w/w to 15% w/w of a binder; and 5% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate.

3. The solid carrier as claimed in claim 2, wherein the silica is fumed silica or precipitated silica; and the binder used is selected from group comprising of vinyl acetate copolymer, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymer, polyacrylic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, casein, gelatin, acacia, synthetic glue, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum Arabic, lignin, or mixtures thereof.

4. The solid carrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrier further comprises one or more agrochemical acceptable excipient.

5. The solid carrier as claimed in claim 4, wherein said carrier comprises 0.1% w/w to 20% w/w agrochemical acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.

6. The solid carrier as claimed in claim 4, wherein said agrochemical acceptable excipient is surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, ionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, or combinations thereof.

7. The solid carrier as claimed in claim 4, wherein said agrochemical acceptable excipient is anionic surfactant selected from group comprising of anionic derivatives of fatty alcohols having 10-24 carbon atoms in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); anionic derivatives of copolymers consisting of ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO) and/or butylene oxide (BO) units, in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); derivatives of alkylene oxide adducts of alcohols, in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); derivatives of fatty acid alkoxylates, in the form of ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates and phosphates, and their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) and organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl sulfosuccinate mono ester and diester salts, alcohol sulfates, olefin sulfonic acid salts or combinations thereof.

8. The solid carrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid holding capacity of the solid carrier can be tailored in the range of 5% w/w to 90% w/w with respect to total weight of the composition of solid carrier.

9. A process for preparation of the solid carrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein said process comprising steps of
c) preparing a dough comprising silica, binder and ammonium sulphate;
d) extruding said dough to produce granules.

10. The process as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step a) of process, optionally comprise an agrochemical having high melting point.

11. A solid agrochemical formulation comprising:
iii) at least one agrochemical; and
iv) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity comprising silica, a binder and ammonium sulphate.

12. The formulation as claimed in claim 11, wherein said formulation comprises 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w of at least one agrochemical.

13. The formulation as claimed in claim 11, wherein said agrochemical is selected from insecticides, herbicides, fungicide, nematicide, acaricide, miticide, biopesticides, pheromones, plant growth regulators, nutrients or combination thereof.

14. The formulation as claimed in claim 11, wherein said formulation comprises at least one low melting solid or liquid agrochemical.

15. The formulation as claimed in claim 14, wherein said low melting solid agrochemical is selected from group comprising of organophosphate insecticides; pyrethroid insecticides; isoxazolidinone herbicides; or carbamate fungicides; and the liquid agrochemical is selected from group comprising of chloroacetanilide herbicides or amide fungicides.

16. The formulation as claimed in claim 11, further comprise an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

17. A solid agrochemical formulation comprising
iii) 0.1% w/w to 90% w/w at least one agrochemical; and
iv) a solid carrier having tailorable liquid holding capacity;
wherein the solid carrier comprises
d) 10% w/w to 75% silica;
e) 1% w/w to 15% w/w binder; and
f) 5% w/w to 85% w/w ammonium sulphate
of total weight of the composition of solid carrier.

18. A process for preparation of a solid agrochemical formulation according to present invention comprising steps of:
iii) preparing solid carrier comprising silica, binder and ammonium sulphate; and
iv) treating the solid carrier with an agrochemical.

19. The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein the solid carrier prepared in step i) optionally comprises agrochemical/s.

20. The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein in step ii) the agrochemical is selected from low melting solid agrochemicals, liquid agrochemicals or combination thereof.

21. The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein in step ii) the treatment with agrochemical comprises of absorbing said agrochemical on the solid carrier; or spraying said agrochemical on the solid carrier; or absorbing the solution/mixture comprising an agrochemical and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.