DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of agrochemicals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal combination comprising a) fomesafen b) haloxyfop and c) imazethapyr. Further, the present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal combination which is used for controlling undesirable plants and weeds. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing such composition and a method of using such composition effectively.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Control of weeds is extremely important in achieving high crop efficiency. Herbicides help to minimize crop damage by controlling the growth of weeds. The use of two or more appropriate active ingredients in specific dose ratios leads to synergism in crop protection. In addition to this, often highly destructive weeds can be difficult to control and may develop resistance to commercial herbicides. Many products are commercially available for these purposes, but there is still a continues need to develop new herbicidal combinations which are more effective, less costly, less toxic, environmentally safer and have different sites of action.
The key challenge in crop protection today lies in reducing the dosage of active ingredients to minimize environmental and toxicological impacts, without compromising weed control efficacy. Excessive reliance on single-mode herbicides promotes rapid selection and resistance development in weeds, threatening long-term crop productivity and sustainability.
To overcome this, there is a critical need for herbicide combinations that act quickly, are effective at lower doses, and offer broad-spectrum, long-lasting control through multiple modes of action. Such formulations should exhibit high synergistic activity, avoid cross-resistance, reduce environmental loading, and be developed as storage-stable, physico-compatible, ready-to-use products that ensure safety and ease of application.
Fomesafen, haloxyfop, and imazethapyr are well-known herbicides with complementary modes of action that provide broad-spectrum of weed control. Several studies and literature describe the about this combination.
The prior art document IN202221016281 describes an oil dispersion (OD) formulation containing the herbicidal active ingredients of fomesafen, haloxyfop, and imazethapyr. While OD formulations are known to enhance the penetration and efficacy of active ingredients, they come with some disadvantages. These include the use of high levels of organic solvents, which can cause phytotoxicity, pose flammability risks, and raise environmental concerns. Additionally, OD systems often suffer from poor storage stability under temperature fluctuations, increased formulation costs due to the need for specialized additives, and limited compatibility with other agrochemical tank-mix partners.
To address these challenges, the present invention introduces improved formulations of the same herbicidal actives in the form of Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG). The WDG formulation eliminates the need for organic solvents, offering enhanced storage stability, safer handling, and reduced packaging and transportation requirements. These innovations not only mitigate the drawbacks of OD systems but also maintain or improve herbicidal efficacy and application flexibility.
The present invention overcomes these challenges by providing a water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation with optimized solvents, emulsifiers, and stabilizers to ensure long-term stability, economic and field efficacy.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide synergistic herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) comprising a) fomesafen b) haloxyfop and c) imazethapyr.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a herbicidal mixture or combination which solves at least one of the major problems discussed above like improving the formulation safety, storage stability, reducing the cost of the combination and addressing the transportation difficulties with improved environmental safety by reducing toxicity and residue deposit in soil and in crops by providing a stable, easy-to-use WDG formulation of fomesafen, haloxyfop and imazethapyr that offers an enhanced herbicidal performance and mitigates the phytotoxicity without the need of additional crop safeners or plant health additives.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition which offers a broader and more complete spectrum of weed control.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition which provides better control of weeds at lower use rates, and which gives good residual control.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of improving the plant health or increasing yield in a crop by the application of a synergistic herbicidal combination.
The present inventive formulation provides enhanced broad-spectrum weed control that efficiently targets broadleaf and grassland weeds. The new formulation has increased stability and shelf life by avoiding deterioration, haziness, and phase separation. Having superior absorption and adherence to plant surfaces, it also exhibits reduced phytotoxicity.
The details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying description below and other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising a) fomesafen b) haloxyfop and c) imazethapyr and the process of preparation thereof.
In another aspect, the synergistic herbicidal composition of the present invention may be formulated as Water dispersible granules (WDG/WG).
The present invention provides a synergistic water dispersible granules (WDGs) composition comprising:
Fomesafen or an agriculturally acceptable salts thereof;
haloxyfop or an agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof;
imazethapyr or an agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; and
at least one agrochemical acceptable excipient.
The present invention relates to particularly in specific selected amount of fomesafen in an amount of 1 to 25% w/w, haloxyfop in an amount of 1 to 20% w/w and imazethapyr in an amount of 1 to 15% w/w, along with agriculturally acceptable adjuvants in particular amounts.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is a synergistic water dispersible granules (WDGs) composition comprising active content of fomesafen in an amount of 1-25% w/w, haloxyfop in an amount of 1- 20% w/w and imazethapyr in an amount of 1- 15% w/w.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is having synergistic water dispersible granules (WDGs) show significant broad-spectrum bio-efficacy, stable, safety upon use, environmental protection, low toxicity and not creating phytotoxicity to any part of the plant. Therefore, one aspect of present invention is to use adjuvant particularly the emulsifier, solvent and/or co-solvent which results present emulsifiable concentrate having excellent rain fastness property and emulsification property after application.
It is another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition which provides superior control and treatment of weeds compared to individual fomesafen, haloxyfop and imazethapyr having enhanced bio-efficacy then other early post and post emergence present in market.
It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide a synergistic emulsifiable composition which provides longer duration control of weeds in soybean, groundnut, and pulse crops, which helps in reducing the multiple herbicide application cost of farmers.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to prepare composition in the form easy to use for farmers and can be prepared without much complex manufacturing process.
In another aspect of the present invention, the synergistic composition comprises one or more inactive excipients selected from the group comprising of a carrier(s), surfactant(s), binder(s), disintegrating agent(s), dispersants or dispersing agent(s), wetting agent(s), pH modifier(s), thickener(s), biocide(s), preservative(s), anti-freezing agent(s), anti-caking agent (s), antifoaming agent (s), solvents, water soluble polymers, and/or stabilizer(s) or a combination thereof.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided method(s) for effectively controlling weeds infestation in useful crops, in particularly of a soybean, groundnut, and pulse crops, comprising the step of treating a locus with a composition comprising fomesafen, haloxyfop and imazethapyr.
The composition according to the present invention can be used against a large number of agronomically important weeds, such as (Echinochloa colona (Jungle rice), Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard grass), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (Crowfoot grass), Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass), Eleusine indica (Goosegrass), and Setaria glauca (Yellow foxtail)) and broadleaf species (Amaranthus viridis (Green amaranth), Trianthema portulacastrum (Horse purslane), Digera arvensis (False amaranth), Chenopodium album (Common lambsquarters), Portulaca oleracea (Common purslane), Parthenium hysterophorus (Congress grass), and Cleome viscosa (Asian spiderflower)) and sedges (Cyperus rotundus (Purple nutsedge), Cyperus esculentus (Yellow nutsedge), and Fimbristylis miliacea (Grass-like fimbry)). The composition according to the invention is suitable for all methods of application conventionally used in agriculture, e.g. Early post and post -emergence application. The composition according to the invention is suitable especially for controlling weeds in soybean, groundnut, and pulse crops.
These and other objectives and embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description is read with the accompanying study details and examples. However, both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of it represent one potential experiment and embodiment and are not restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure / specification refers to a synergistic herbicidal composition and the process for the preparation for crop protection.
The definitions provided herein below for the terminologies used in the present disclosure are for illustrative purpose only and in no manner limit, the scope of the present invention disclosed in the present disclosure.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of the ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Other processes and materials similar, or equivalent, to those described herein may be used in the practice of the present invention.
As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, “contains”, “containing”, “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a composition, mixture, process or method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process or method.
The term “combination” can be replaced with the words “mixture” or “composition” or "formulation" defined or refers to as combining two or more active ingredients formulated in desired formulations.
The term “pesticide” as used in this specification refers to a substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest or weeds which causes damage to the crop. Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides are mainly used as pesticides which control weeds and insect pests and disease-causing pathogens, respectively that eventually lead to high yield of crops.
The term “Herbicides” as used in this specification refers to a substance or mixture of substances used to kill, control or eliminate unwanted plants or vegetation, commonly known as weeds that cause economic damage to crop and ornamental plants.
The term “synergism” as used in this specification refers to the interaction between two or more active compounds or other factors to produce a combined effect or properties that is greater than the sum of their separate effects or properties. The present invention involves the mixture of two active ingredients which has increased efficacy and broad spectrum of weed control when compared to individual use and admixture of those components.
As used herein, the term “agriculturally acceptable excipients” or “excipients” or "additive(s)" or “agriculturally acceptable additives” or "auxiliaries" or "agriculturally acceptable carrier(s)" can be used interchangeably and refers to inert substances which are commonly used as diluent, to provide stability or to increase the activity profile of the composition or formulation with or without having agrochemical activity.
The expression of various quantities in the terms of “% w/w” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total composition unless otherwise specified.
The expression of various quantities in the terms of “g.a.i/ha” means the gram active ingredient per hectare. The term “g.a.i/ha” is similar to gm/ha.
The inventors of the present invention conducted extensive study and came up with suitable composition comprising effective amount of particular adjuvants.
As used herein, the term “fomesafen” encompasses its agrochemically acceptable salt(s), derivative(s) or any other modified form of fomesafen including but not limited to fomesafen-sodium.
As used herein, the term “haloxyfop” encompasses its agro-chemically acceptable salt(s), derivative(s) or any other modified form of haloxyfop including but not limited to haloxyfo-etotyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P, haloxyfop-P-methyl, haloxyfop-sodium.
As used herein, the term “imazethapyr” encompasses its agro-chemically acceptable salt(s), derivative(s) or any other modified form of imazethapyr including but not limited to Imazethapyr ammonium.The present invention involves the mixture of active ingredients selected from fomesafen, haloxyfop and imazethapyr in water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation and are described herein thereof.
Fomesafen is classified under diphenylether chemical class of herbicides is selective, systemic, pre-emergence and post-emergence which controls weeds by inhibiting the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) enzyme in plants. PPO inhibitors interfere with an enzyme involved in chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis that leads to a chemical chain reaction that ultimately causes lipid peroxidation and membrane disruption resulting in rapid degeneration of weed plant tissues by causing chlorosis/necrosis of leaves. It controls the broadleaf weeds, grasses and sedges in cotton, dry beans, snap beans, potatoes and soybeans.
Another component is Haloxyfop is a member of the aryloxyphenoxy propionate (“fop”) group of herbicides is selective, systemic and post-emergence and has the inhibition of fatty acid (lipid) synthesis by inhibiting acetyl CoA carboxylase. It also acts as induction of oxidative stress, which is accompanied by the increased intents of activity of several enzymes involved in the plant defense system against stress such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in susceptible plants. It is employed for the control of broadleaf and grassy weeds in corn, sorghum, sugarcane, pineapple, Christmas trees and other crops.
Another component is Imazethapyr which is a member of imidazolinone herbicides. It is selective, systemic and post-emergence which inhibits acetolactate synthase (ALS), also called acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the branched-chain amino acids isoleucine, lecucine, and valine leads to rapid growth cessation in susceptible weed species. It is used to control grasses, broadleaves, vines, brambles, brush, and sedges on various crops like wheat, corn, sorghum, olive trees, soybean, groundnut, and pulse crops such as black gram, green gram, and pigeon pea.
In an embodiment of the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation comprising
fomesafen or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof;
haloxyfop or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof; and
imazethapyr or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.
In an embodiment of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, fomesafen is 5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzamide.
In one embodiment of the present invention, haloxyfop also refers to an enantiomer of (±)-2-[4-[[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]phenoxy]propanoic acid, or a mixture of enantiomers thereof. In one embodiment, haloxyfop refers to (R)-(+)-2-[4-[[3- chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]phenoxy]propanoic acid, which is also commonly known as haloxyfop-P. In another embodiment, haloxyfop refers to (5)-(-)-2-[4-[[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]phenoxy]propanoic acid.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an agriculturally acceptable ester or salt of haloxyfop encompasses all the agriculturally acceptable esters or salts of haloxyfop known in the art or provided herein. In one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable salt of haloxyfop is a sodium salt (e.g., haloxyfop-sodium). In one embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable ester of haloxyfop is a methyl ester (e.g., haloxyfop-methyl or haloxyfop-P-methyl) or a 2-ethoxyethyl (etotyl) ester (e.g., haloxyfop-etotyl or haloxyfop-P-etotyl).
In an embodiment of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, imazethapyr is 5-ethyl-2-[(4RS)-4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid
In an embodiment of the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation comprising:
fomesafen or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof;
haloxyfop or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof; and
imazethapyr or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof.
wherein, haloxyfop is Haloxyfop-R-methyl.
In an embodiment of the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation comprising:
fomesafen or fomesafen sodium;
Haloxyfop-R-methyl; and
Imazethapyr or Imazethapyr ammonium .
In yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation comprising
fomesafen or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof;
haloxyfop-R-methyl; and
imazethapyr or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof.
wherein the weight ratio of fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr is from (1-25): (1-20): (1-15)
In an embodiment of the present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation comprising
fomesafen or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof;
haloxyfop-R-methyl;
imazethapyr or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof; and
at least one agrochemical acceptable excipient.
In one embodiment, an agrochemical acceptable excipient can be selected from but not limited to the group comprising wetting agent, carrier, surfactant, stabilizer, anti-freezing agent, anti-foaming agent, anticaking agent, dispersing agent, adjuvant, inert fillers and other auxiliaries. These are selected according to the respective types of formulation requirements, and which will facilitate in the preparation of different formulations.
Another aspect of the present embodiment, synergistic herbicidal composition comprising a combination of fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr; wherein fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr is from (1-25): (1-20): (1-15); preferably (1-20): (1-15): (1-10).
According to the present embodiment, the suitable agrochemically acceptable excipients are selected from the group comprising a dispersing agent, wetting agent, disintegration agent, antifoaming agent, anti-caking agent, pH modifier, filler and suitable solvent or combinations thereof.
According to the present embodiment, the suitable dispersing agent is selected from the group comprising of butylated naphthalene sulphonic acid and dioctyl sulphosuccinate, naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate, modified styrene acrylic polymer, sodium salt of polycarboxylates, modified polyacrylate, acrylate co-polymer, and mixture of salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid condensation product, and combination thereof, present in a range from 1 to 15% (w/w).
According to the present embodiment, the suitable wetting agent is selected from the group comprising of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium di-isopropyl naphthalene sulphonates, sodium dioctyl sulphosuccinate, and naphthalene sulfonic acid and phenol sulphonic acid sodium salt, present in a range from 0.5 to 15% (w/w).
According to the present embodiment, the composition of the present invention contains a disintegration agent selected from sodium sulphate, ammonium sulphate, and sodium sulphate (anhydrous), present in a range from 5 to 30% (w/w).
According to the present embodiment, the antifoaming agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is silicon powder, and silicone emulsion, present in a range from 0.1 to 30% (w/w).
According to the present embodiment, the anti-caking agent suitable for the purpose of the present invention is precipitated silica (silicon dioxide), present in a range from 1 to 30% (w/w).
According to the present embodiment, the suitable pH modifier is selected from the group comprising of citric acid, trisodium citrate, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, acetic acid, sodium carbonate, and combination thereof, present in a range from 1 to 30% (w/w).
According to the present embodiment, the suitable inert filler is selected from lactose monohydrate, china clay, starch, aluminium hydroxide, and combination thereof, present in Q.S.
According to the present embodiment, the solvent suitable for the purpose of the present invention comprises demineralized (DM) water, alone or in combination with one or more organic solvents selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, and ethylene glycol, present in a total range from 5 to 80% (w/w).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition is formulated as water dispersible granule (WDG/WG).
In another embodiment, the water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation of the present invention comprises:
fomesafen or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof;
haloxyfop-R-methyl;
imazethapyr or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof;
dispersing agent(s);
wetting agent(s);
disintegration agent(s);
antifoaming agent (s);
anti-caking agent(s);
pH modifier(s);
inert filler(s); and
solvent.
In yet another embodiment, the water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation of the present invention comprises:
about 1 to 25% fomesafen by weight of the formulation;
about 1 to 20% haloxyfop-R-methyl by weight of the formulation;
about 1 to 15% imazethapyr by weight of the formulation;
about 1 to 15% dispersing agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 0.5 to 15% wetting agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 5 to 30% disintegration agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 0.1% to 30 % anti-foaming agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 1% to 30 % anti-caking agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 1% to 30 % pH modifier(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 5% to 80 % inert filler(s) by weight of the formulation; and
about 5% to 80 % solvent by weight of the formulation.
The present invention provides a synergistic herbicidal composition having fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr and purpose thereof. The synergy of this herbicidal composition has three main effective components of fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr. This herbicidal composition acts by inhibiting the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) enzyme, an enzyme which catalyzes the oxidation of a key porphyrin intermediate on the biosynthetic pathway to chlorophyll in plants and the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) in the chloroplasts and inhibiting biosynthesis of the branched-chain amino acid, can generate efficient synergism in pre-emergence, early-post or post- emergence stages mainly post emergence of crops and can enable broad spectrum satisfactory weed control and protect the several crop from sedges, grasses and broad leaf weeds for prolonged period of time at lower dose with no phytotoxic effect. Their different modes of actions, target three different sites resulting in effectiveness, crop safety and environmental friendliness as they are applied at doses lower than they were applied alone on the crop and increasing the probability of this herbicidal mixture as a valuable tool in weed control. It also prevents the weed crops from rejuvenation and further regeneration.
Another embodiment of the present invention, the process for manufacture of Water Dispersible Granules (WDGs) Formulation is by taking required quantity of fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr and naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate, sodium dioctyl sulphosuccinate, acrylate co-polymer, naphthalene sulfonic acid, ammonium sulphate, silicon powder, silica and required quantity of china clay were added in the pre-blender reactor and mixed for 1 hour. The mixture was milled through air jet mill instrument with Inlet pressure 2-3 kg/cm2, grinding pressure 6 kg/ cm2) to obtain the desired particle size (D90 < 12 microns. Collected the milled material and post blended the material for 1 hour. Extruded the granule at 35 rpm (1.0 mesh), collected the water dispersible granules, and dried at 50°C for 30 min to maintain moisture content it should be < 5%.
Another embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic herbicidal composition of present invention used in different dose ratios shows effective weed control in broad spectrum of weeds and increases the crop yield, quality, and lesser dose ratios and shows no phytotoxicity compared to single components, admixture of those two components and other available market standards. By this the herbicidal composition of present invention achieves synergistic effect along with economic value products and improved environmental safety by reducing toxicity and residue deposit in soil and in crops.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling annual grasses, sedges and broad leaf weeds comprising synergistic herbicidal composition applying to the location of weed in effective amount.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition is used to manage weeds in crops by applying the formulation as early post and post-emergent to the weed populations at a rate of 200- 700 gm/ha.
In a preferred embodiment of the the present invention, the composition is used to manage weeds in crops by applying the formulation as early post and post-emergent to the weed populations at a rate of 300- 450 gm /ha.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the herbicidal composition obtained from the present invention, is used to control broadleaf weeds, sedges and annual grasses in rice, wheat, fruits, roots, tubers, vegetables, maize, grains, sugarcane, cereals, field crops, soybean, groundnut, and pulse crops such as black gram, green gram, and pigeon pea and various other crops for general weed control.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic herbicidal composition can be applied to early post-emergence or post-emergence stages for weed control by conventional spraying methods, such as foliar application etc., over the target areas of weeds or vegetation at same time avoiding excessive drift or runoff of the composition securing thorough coverage.
In another embodiment of the present invention, other alternative formulations other than described herein can be prepared using conventional processes and different methods known in the art by selecting appropriate agrochemical acceptable excipient(s) to get the suitable desired formulation of present invention combination.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling weeds in agricultural fields, particularly in crops such as soybean, black gram, green gram, pigeon pea, and ground nut. The method comprises applying a synergistic herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules (WDG) to the area or locus in need of weed control.
The composition comprises:
fomesafen or its agriculturally acceptable salts or esters;
haloxyfop or its agriculturally acceptable salts or esters (preferably haloxyfop-R-methyl);
imazethapyr or its agriculturally acceptable salts or esters; and
one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients selected from dispersing agents, wetting agents, binders, disintegrants, anti-foaming agents, anti-caking agents, pH modifiers, fillers, and solvents.
The method includes the application of the composition to crop fields during the early post-emergence or post-emergence stage of weed growth. The composition may be applied as a foliar spray using conventional spraying equipment such as knapsack sprayers fitted with flat fan nozzles.
The application rate may range from 200 to 700 grams of active ingredient per hectare (g a.i./ha), preferably between 300 to 450 g a.i./ha, depending on weed pressure and crop sensitivity.
The method is effective for controlling a broad spectrum of grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds, and sedges, including but not limited to: Echinochloa colona, Eleusine indica, Cynodon dactylon, Amaranthus viridis, Trianthema portulacastrum, Portulaca oleracea, Cyperus rotundus, and Fimbristylis miliacea.
The method provides synergistic herbicidal efficacy, as demonstrated by field studies and calculated using Colby’s equation, where the observed control percentage exceeds the expected additive effects of individual actives or binary mixtures. The combination results in enhanced weed suppression, reduced weed regrowth, and increased crop yield without phytotoxic effects.
This method further ensures residual weed control, reduced application frequency, and improved crop safety, making it particularly suitable for smallholder farmers seeking effective weed management solutions without crop injury or environmental risk.
The herbicide combination of fomesafen, haloxyfop, and imazethapyr is primarily recommended for use in soybean, groundnut, and pulse crops such as black gram, green gram, and pigeon pea. This post-emergence herbicide effectively controls a wide range of grassy and broadleaf weeds, which are commonly found in these crops. In soybean, it provides excellent control of problematic weeds like Echinochloa spp., Amaranthus spp., and Commelina benghalensis, ensuring healthy crop growth and improved yield potential. In groundnut, the herbicide plays a vital role in managing early-season weed competition, which is essential for optimal plant development and pod formation. In pulses, the combination helps maintain weed-free fields during the critical early growth stages by targeting diverse weed species, thereby supporting better crop establishment. The formulation is crop-selective when used as per recommended doses and application timings, making it a reliable weed management solution for these crops.

Advantages of Present Invention:
The synergistic herbicidal composition of present invention can be used in early post-emergence, or post-emergence stages for effective weed control to increase the yield of crops compared to single components of composition, admixture of those components and market standards. This will help the farmers in controlling weeds in the entire crop cycle without any environmental pollution.
The innovative and synergistic herbicidal composition of present invention has different modes of actions, target two different sites resulting in effectiveness and provides better broader spectrum of weed control in agricultural and non-agricultural fields.
The synergistic herbicidal composition of present invention is effective against broader spectrum of unwanted weeds compared to single component and market standards without any environmental pollution.
The synergistic herbicidal composition of the present invention avoids or reduces the damage of crops and shows no phytotoxicity.
The WDG formulation remains stable and maintains homogeneity over extended periods, ensuring consistent application and efficacy of herbicidal action, facilitating straightforward application and mixing at the point of use. It also reduces the risk of crop damage due to its controlled release properties, negating the need for additional safeners.
It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to a particular compositions or specific constituents, which can, of course, vary and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting the scope of the invention. As used in this specification, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise, and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art and so forth.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice for testing of the disclosure(s), of appropriate materials and methods are described herein.
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLE 1: FORMULATIONS OF SYNERGISTIC HERBICIDAL COMPOSITION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
TABLE 1: Water Dispersible Granules (WDGs) Formulation
S. No Composition Charge in (%)
1 Fomesafen 17
2 Haloxyfop-R-methyl 12.5
3 Imazethapyr 8
4 Naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate 9
5 Sodium dioctyl sulphosuccinate 2
6 Acrylate co-polymer 3
7 Naphthalene sulfonic acid 0.5
8 Ammonium sulphate 19.05
9 Silicon powder 0.5
10 Precipitated silica 5
11 Trisodium citrate 6
12 China clay QS
13 DM water QS
Total 100
Manufacturing Process:
The process for manufacture Water Dispersible Granules (WDGs) Formulation is as follows: required quantity of fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr and naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate, sodium dioctyl sulphosuccinate, acrylate co-polymer, naphthalene sulfonic acid, ammonium sulphate, silicon powder, silica and required quantity of china clay were added in the pre-blender reactor and mixed for 1 hour. The mixture was milled through air jet mill instrument with Inlet pressure 2-3 kg/cm2, grinding pressure 6 kg/ cm2) to obtain the desired particle size (D90 < 12 microns. Collected the milled material and post blended the material for 1 hour. Extruded the granule at 35 rpm (1.0 mesh), collected the water dispersible granules, and dried at 50°C for 30 min to maintain moisture content it should be < 5%.
EXAMPLE 2: BIO EFFICACY AND PHYTOTOXICITY TESTS OF THE
PRESENT INVENTION
Crops Soybean, Black gram
Succeeding crop Soybean – Chickpea, Blackgram -Paddy
Irrigated / Rainfed Irrigated
Design RBD
No. of treatments 10
No. of replications 3
Plot size 5 m x 5 m
Water volume 500 l/ha
Equipment used Knapsack sprayer (flat fan nozzle)
The molecules under focus in this study are purely post emergent in activity and the innovation molecule is a combination of three actives i.e., Fomesafen, Haloxyfop-R-Methyl and Imazethapyr. The combination of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% have been evaluated against weed flora of soybean and black gram crops. The herbicidal combination has been tested at three different doses levels viz., low, medium, and high, the same solo molecules as individual were taken into note and the efficacy of all the molecules are evaluated and compared. The treatment details are mentioned in Table 1. To justify the results the overall effect and other parameters are calculated over untreated check. To detect any existing synergistic activity in the combinations Colby’s ratio is calculated from the results and to see their effect on weed management. The residual effect of the herbicidal combination has been evaluated on the succeeding crop as well to assess the effect on germination and yield. The experimental area was first divided into plots for each treatment and replicated three times following Randomized Block Design. The spraying method followed was foliar application with the help of a knapsack sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle. The combinations are even tested against any signs of Phytotoxicity on the respective crops.
Table 1. Treatment Details
Treatment No. Treatment Dose
(gm a.i per ha)
T1 Haloxyfop R Methyl 10.5% EC 135
T2 Fomesafen 12.5% ME 125
T3 Imazethapyr 10% SL 75
T4 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Fomesafen 12.5% ME 135+125
T5 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Imazethapyr 10% SL 135+75
T6 Fomesafen 12.5% ME + Imazethapyr 10% SL 125+75
T7 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 300
T8 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 375
T9 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 450
T10 Untreated check
Method of Observations:
No. of weed /1 sq meter area: Take 4 sticks/pipes of 1 meter each and tie their ends/joints so that they make a square shape which looks similar to a quadrant. Before taking the weed counts, the square (quadrant) should be placed in the treated plot randomly and the number of weed species in the 1metre area were counted.
Based on the observations recorded, conclusions were drawn from the parameters like Percent weed control.
For checking the presence of synergism, Colby’s ratio was calculated.
Take the observation on the crop safety of herbicide i.e., Phytotoxicity / softener observation of herbicide after application at 5 and 10 Days after application.
For testing the residual effect on crops, the percent germination, Plant height/ hill height, and grain yield were recorded in paddy. In case of chickpea crop, percent germination, number of pods, and yield.
Parameters of Observations:
The weeds controlled in each treatment are calculated as percentage controlled over untreated check plot. The percent weed control is calculated by the following formula –
% weed control = (No.of weeds in control plot-No.of weeds in treated plot )/(No.of weeds in control plot)× 100
Colby’s Method: The combined effect of Pesticidal combinations is the sum of their individual effects. Colby’s method is an approach to evaluate the synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects due to the interactions of two or more pesticides as a combination.
Colby’s method calculates expected response, and a ratio is calculated between expected response and observed response.
The formula for expected response is as follows-
Two-way combination -
E = (A+B) - ((A*B)/100)
Three-way combination -
E = (A+B+C) - (AB+AC+BC/100) + ABC/10000
A represents pesticide 1, B represents pesticide 2 and C represents pesticide 3.
The observed response is the actual percent control achieved
Colby’s ratio = Observed response (O)/Expected response (E).
If the ratio is,
< 1 = Antagonistic effect
= Additive effect
> 1 = Synergistic effect
Results:
The fungicide combinations of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% formulation applied at three different doses – 800ml/ha, 1000ml/ha and 1200ml/ha (300gm a.i/ha, 375gm a.i/ha and 450gm a.i/ha) in formulation were effective against the weed flora – grasses, broad leaved weeds and sedges, so the different crops in the field experiments were enlisted below,
Soybean with a succeeding crop of chickpea
Black gram with a succeeding crop of paddy
EXAMPLE – 2.1: SOYBEAN:
Table 2. Synergistic Effect of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% Combinations against different Weed Flora of Soybean Crop
T.No Treatment Combination Dose
(gm ai/ha) % Weed Control
Grasses BLW Sedges
(E) (O) (E) (O) (E) (O)
T1 Haloxyfop R Methyl 10.5% w/w EC 135 60 57.83 63
T2 Fomesafen 12.5% ME 125 55 62 61
T3 Imazethapyr 10% SL 75 62 61 60
T4 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Fomesafen 12.5% ME 135+125 82.00 78 83.98 78 85.57 72
(O/E) 0.95 0.93 0.84
T5 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Imazethapyr 10% SL 135+75 84.80 80 83.55 75 85.20 75
(O/E) 0.94 0.90 0.88
T6 Fomesafen 12.5% ME + Imazethapyr 10% SL 125+75 82.90 77 91.42 80 88.80 77
(O/E) 0.93 0.88 0.87
T7 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 300 72.72 83 71.90 83 71.19 79
(O/E) 1.14 1.15 1.11
T8 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 375 72.72 85 71.90 88 71.19 83
(O/E) 1.17 1.22 1.17
T9 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 450 72.72 86 71.90 89 71.19 82
(O/E) 1.18 1.24 1.15
(E) – Expected % (O) – Observed %, BLW – Broad leaved weeds
The efficacy of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% formulations was evaluated against weed flora in soybean through percent weed control. The study was conducted in a randomized block design with net plot size of 5m x 5m. The spraying was done with knapsack sprayer with flat fan nozzle (Table 2).
The percentage weed control was calculated at the end of the spraying. The weed population recorded, drawn percent weed control data concludes that the herbicidal combination is highly effective in managing the weed population in soybean when applied in combination than when applied alone. The results revealed in all three doses of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% treatments 83%, 85% and 86% reductions in weed population of grassy weeds. In case of broad-leaved weeds, 83%, 88% and 89% suppression of weed population. Similarly, in sedge (annual grasses) 79%, 83% and 82% suppression in weed population was observed. The percent disease index in solo treatments and two-way tank mixture application of the combinations did not record any satisfactory control and did not observe any synergistic effects either. The present combination Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% formulations at all the three doses were highly promising in managing weed population of soybean by recording a synergistic effect with a colby ratio for grasses (1.14, 1.17, 1.18); broad leaved weeds (1.11, 1.22 and 1.24) and sedges (1.11, 1.17, 1.15) respectively.
Succeeding Crop (Chickpea)
The follow up crop for soybean is chickpea in this study and the residual effect of the herbicidal applications on the succeeding crop proved that it shows no significant effect on the succeeding crop as the germination percentage of the crop did not vary much within the treatments as it commonly ranged between 88% to 98.33% apart from untreated control (63%) while, the highest germination percentage was recorded in the three doses of combination Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% with 95.67%, 96.93% and 98.33% respectively. Whereas the yield parameters recorded showed that the number of pods ranged between 189.67 to 227.33 pods/plant apart from control (180 pods/plant) while, the highest number of pods/plant was recorded in the three doses of combination Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% with 219, 227.33 and 223 pods/plant respectively on chickpea and the yield also recorded highest in the three doses of combination Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% at all three doses with 76 t/ha, 78.33 t/ha and 74 t/ha (Table 3).
Table 3. Residual effect of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% combinations on succeeding crop (Chickpea)
T.No Treatment Dose %
germination No. of pods Pod yield
T1 Haloxyfop R Methyl 10.5% w/w EC 135 88 189.67 53.40
T2 Fomesafen 12.5% ME 125 88.67 194.67 51.99
T3 Imazethapyr 10% SL 75 90.67 198 56.59
T4 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Fomesafen 12.5% ME 135+125 93.33 203 72.33
T5 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Imazethapyr 10% SL 135+75 94 201 70
T6 Fomesafen 12.5% ME + Imazethapyr 10% SL 125+75 91.67 209.33 68.33
T7 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 300 95.67 219 76
T8 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 375 96.93 227.33 78.33
T9 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 450 98.33 223 74
T10 Untreated check - 63 180 43
SeM (Standard error of Mean) - 0.484 1.076 0.539
C.D (Critical Difference) - 1.450 3.220 1.615

Table 4. Phytotoxicity of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% Combinations and other Herbicides on Soybean
The phytotoxicity effect of the herbicide Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% combinations formulations and other herbicides showed no signs of phytotoxicity in the soybean crop. Hence, the combination is safe for the usage of effective weed management in soybean crops. (Table 4).
Treatments Days Visual Rating Scale
Yellowing Necrosis Wilting Vein
Clearing Leaf Tip / Margin Dying Stunting / Dwarfing
Haloxyfop R Methyl 10.5% EC @ 135 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 12.5% ME @ 125 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Imazethapyr 10% SL @ 75 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Fomesafen 12.5% ME @ 135+125 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Imazethapyr 10% SL @ 135+75 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 12.5% ME + Imazethapyr 10% SL @ 125+75 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% @ 300 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% @ 375 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% @ 450 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Untreated check 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0

EXAMPLE – 2.2: BLACK GRAM
Table 5. Synergistic Effect of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% Combinations against different Weed Flora of Black Gram Crop
T.No Treatment Combination Dose (gm ai/ha) % Weed Control
Grasses BLW Sedges
(E) (O) (E) (O) (E) (O)
T1 Haloxyfop R Methyl 10.5% w/w EC 135 63 61 62
T2 Fomesafen 12.5% ME 125 62.33 63 67
T3 Imazethapyr 10% SL 75 60 64 65
T4 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Fomesafen 12.5% ME 135+125 86.06 79 85.57 78 87.46 72
(O/E) 0.92 0.91 0.82
T5 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Imazethapyr 10% SL 135+75 85.20 77 85.96 74 86.70 73
(O/E) 0.90 0.86 0.84
T6 Fomesafen 12.5% ME + Imazethapyr 10% SL 125+75 91.60 75 92.08 79 90.20 75
(O/E) 0.82 0.86 0.83
T7 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 300 70.88 81 70.23 82 68.63 81
(O/E) 1.14 1.17 1.18
T8 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 375 70.88 85 70.23 85 68.63 83
(O/E) 1.20 1.21 1.21
T9 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 450 70.88 85.66 70.23 85.22 68.63 84
(O/E) 1.21 1.21 1.22
(E) – Expected % (O) – Observed %, BLW – Broad leaved weeds
The efficacy of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% formulations was evaluated against weed flora in black gram through percent weed control. The study was conducted in a randomized block design with net plot size of 5m x 5m. The spraying was done with knapsack sprayer with flat fan nozzle (Table 5).
The percent weed control was calculated at the end the spraying. The weed population recorded, drawn percent weed control data concludes that the herbicidal combination is highly effective in managing the weed population in black gram when applied in combination than when applied alone. The results revealed in all three doses of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% treatments 81%, 85% and 85.66% reductions in weed population of grassy weeds. In case of broad-leaved weeds, 82%, 85% and 85.66% suppression of weed population. Similarly, in sedge (annual grasses) 81%, 83% and 84% suppression in weed population was observed. The percent disease index in solo treatments and two-way tank mixture application of the combinations did not record any satisfactory control and did not observe any synergistic effects either. The present combination Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% formulations at all the three doses were highly promising in managing weed population of black gram by recording a synergistic effect with a Colby ratio for grasses (1.14, 1.20, 1.21); broad leaved weeds (1.17, 1.21 and 1.21) and sedges (1.18, 1.21, 1.22) respectively.
Succeeding Crop (Paddy)
The follow up crop for black gram is paddy in this study and the residual effect of the herbicidal applications on the succeeding crop proved that it shows no significant effect on the succeeding crop as the germination percentage of the crop did not vary much within the treatments as it commonly ranged between 82% to 98.18% apart from untreated control (77.67%) while, the highest germination percentage was recorded in the three doses of combination Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% with 96.34%, 98.18% and 98% respectively. Whereas the hill height recorded showed that the hill height ranged in between 70.33 cm to 85.22 cm hill height apart from control (68.86 cm). While, the three doses of combination Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% yield was recorded as the highest in all the treatments with 45.85 t/ha, 48.27 t/ha and 49 t/ha (Table 6).

Table 6. Residual effect of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% combinations on succeeding crop (Paddy)
T.No Treatment Dose %
germination Hill height/Plant Grain yield
T1 Haloxyfop R Methyl 10.5% w/w EC 135 82.00 70.33 37.67
T2 Fomesafen 12.5% ME 125 84.67 72.33 38.67
T3 Imazethapyr 10% SL 75 84.33 73.67 39.29
T4 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Fomesafen 12.5% ME 135+125 89.67 78.77 42.33
T5 Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Imazethapyr 10% SL 135+75 91.00 77.87 40.38
T6 Fomesafen 12.5% ME + Imazethapyr 10% SL 125+75 92.33 80.13 44.11
T7 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 300 96.34 82.67 45.85
T8 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 375 98.18 85.22 48.27
T9 Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% 450 98 81.08 49.00
T10 Untreated check - 77.67 68.86 34.67
SeM - 0.740 0.589 0.452
C.D - 2.217 1.765 1.352

Table 7. Phytotoxicity of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% combinations and other herbicides on Black gram
Treatments Days Visual Rating Scale
Yellowing Necrosis Wilting Vein Leaf Tip / Margin Dying Stunting / Dwarfing
Clearing
Haloxyfop R Methyl 10.5% EC @ 135 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 12.5% ME @ 125 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Imazethapyr 10% SL @ 75 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Fomesafen 12.5% ME @ 135+125 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Haloxyfop 10.5% EC + Imazethapyr 10% SL @ 135+75 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 12.5% ME + Imazethapyr 10% SL @ 125+75 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% @ 300 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% @ 375 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% @ 450 g a.i/ha 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
Untreated check 5 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0
The phytotoxicity effect of the herbicide Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% combinations formulations and other herbicides showed no signs of phytotoxicity in the black gram crop. Hence, the combination is safe for the usage of effective weed management in black gram crop (Table 7).

EXAMPLE – 3: Fomesafen + Haloxyfop + Imazethapyr OD vs WDG Comparison Data
Methodology:
Take observations of crop parameters to understand the effect of the treatments on crop vigour viz., straw yield, pod yield, Harvet index.
Parameters of Observations:
The harvest index is calculated in the three crops based on straw yield and pod yield. The formula is represented as follows –
Harvest Index = (Pod yield in treatment )/(Straw yield in treatment )
The effect of these herbicides when applied on crops are assessed based on the following growth and yield parameters, Yield (t/ha) is recorded.
Results:
The quality and quantity of the yield has been validated by calculating the harvest index of the crop in the respective treatments to check the effective difference between the formulation impact on growth and yield of crops. The pod yield of soybean in Fomesafen combination in WDG formulation were recorded the highest such as Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% WDG at 300gm/ha with 19.98 t/ha, 375 gm/ha with 18.97 t/ha and at 450 gm/ha with 18.98 t/ha. Though Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% OD formulation recorded lower yield such as 12.34 t/ha at 300 gm/ha, 13.45 t/ha at 375 gm/ha and 13.85 t/ha at 450gm/ha respectively. The harvest index in soybean recorded highest in Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% WDG formulation (0.90 at 300 gm/ha, 0.89 at 375 gm/ha and 0.86 at 450gm/ha). Similarly in case of black gram the same trend of effect was followed, and the pod yield was recorded highest in Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% WDG formulation (10.30 t/ha at 300 gm/ha, 10.86 t/ha at 375 gm/ha and 12.03 t/ha at 450gm/ha). The harvest index in black gram recorded highest in Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% WDG formulation (0.83 at 300 gm/ha, 0.84 at 375 gm/ha and 0.86 at 450gm/ha). This concludes the WDG formulation enhances biomass conversion into pod yield and in comparison, similar conversion is low in OD formulation of the same combination (Table 8).
Table 7. Effect of Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% OD vs WDG Comparison Data
Treatments Dose
(gm or ml/ha) Soybean Black gram
straw yield (kg/ha) pod yield (kg/ha) Harvest Index straw yield (kg/ha) pod yield (kg/ha) Harvest Index
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% WDG 300 2213 1998 0.90 1234 1030 0.83
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% WDG 375 2134 1897 0.89 1300 1086 0.84
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% WDG 450 2214 1898 0.86 1400 1203 0.86
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% OD 300 2180 1234 0.57 1892 987 0.52
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% OD 375 2266 1345 0.59 1614 1006 0.62
Fomesafen 17% + Haloxyfop 12.5% + Imazethapyr 8% OD 450 2347 1385 0.59 1670 1061 0.64
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 examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to a particular compositions or specific constituents, which can, of course, vary and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting the scope of the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise, and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art and so forth.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice for testing of the disclosure(s), specific examples of appropriate materials and methods are described herein. The examples set forth above are provided to give those of ordinarily skilled in the art a complete description of how to make and use the embodiments of the compositions or specific constituents, methods of practice, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Modifications of the above-described modes for carrying out the invention that is obvious to persons skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.
While specific embodiments of the present invention are explicitly disclosed herein, the above specification and examples herein are illustrative and not restrictive. It will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Many variations of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification and the embodiments below. The full scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the embodiments, along with their full scope of equivalents and the specification, along with such variations. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A synergistic herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation comprising:
Fomesafen or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof;
Haloxyfop or an agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof;
Imazethapyr or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; and
at least one agrochemical acceptable excipient.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising of fomesafen, haloxyfop and imazethapyr as active ingredients in a weight ratio ranging from (1-25): (1-20): (1-15).
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the haloxyfop includes but not limited to haloxyfop-P-methyl (haloxyfop-R-methyl), haloxyfo-etotyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P, haloxyfop-sodium; fomesafen includes but not limited to fomesafen-sodium; and imazethapyr includes but not limited to imazethapyr ammonium.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
fomesafen in an amount in the range of 1 - 25% by weight;
haloxyfop-R-methyl in an amount in the range of 1 - 20% by weight;
imazethapyr in an amount in the range of 1 - 15% by weight; and
at least one agrochemical acceptable excipient in an amount in the range of 0.01% to about 90% by weight.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein agrochemically acceptable excipients are selected from the group comprising a dispersing agent, wetting agent, disintegration agent, antifoaming agent, anti-caking agent, pH modifier, filler and suitable solvent or combinations thereof.
6. The herbicidal water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water dispersible granules (WDGs) comprises:
about 1 to 25% fomesafen by weight of the formulation;
about 1 to 20% haloxyfop-R-methyl by weight of the formulation;
about 1 to 15% imazethapyr by weight of the formulation;
about 1 to 15% dispersing agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 0.5 to 15% wetting agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 5 to 30% disintegration agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 0.1% to 30% anti-foaming agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 1% to 30 % anti-caking agent(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 1% to 30 % pH modifier(s) by weight of the formulation;
about 5% to 80 % inert filler(s) by weight of the formulation; and
about 5% to 80 % solvent by weight of the formulation.
7. A process for preparing water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein said process comprising adding the fomesafen, haloxyfop-R-methyl and imazethapyr and naphthalene sulphonates formaldehyde condensate, sodium dioctyl sulphosuccinate, acrylate co-polymer, naphthalene sulfonic acid, ammonium sulphate, silicon powder, silica and required quantity of china clay in the pre-blender reactor and mixed for 1 hour. The mixture was milled through air jet mill instrument with Inlet pressure 2-3 kg/cm2, grinding pressure 6 kg/ cm2) to obtain the desired particle size (D90 < 12 microns. Collected the milled material and post blended the material for 1 hour. Extruded the granule at 35 rpm (1.0 mesh), collected the water dispersible granules, and dried at 50°C for 30 min to maintain moisture content it should be < 5%.
8. A method for controlling weeds in agricultural crops, comprising the step of applying to a locus in need thereof an effective amount of a synergistic herbicidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules (WDG), the composition comprising:
a) Fomesafen or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof;
b) Haloxyfop or an agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof;
c) Imazethapyr or agriculturally acceptable salts thereof; and
d) at least one agrochemical acceptable excipient
wherein, the composition is applied during the early post-emergence or post-emergence stage and provides synergistic control of grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds, and sedges.
9. The composition as claimed in the preceding claims, formulated as water dispersible granules (WDGs) formulation with reducing the phytotoxicity without the need of additional crop safeners or plant health additives.
10. The composition as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the herbicidal composition is used to control annual grasses, sedges, and broad leaf weeds in onion crops and various other crops for general weed control.
11. The composition as claimed in the preceding claims, the composition is used to manage weeds in crops by applying the formulation as early post and post-emergent to the weed populations at a rate of 200- 500 gm/ha.