FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Se ction 10 and Rule 13]
Title of the invention: A H E RB I C I DA L CO M POS I T I O N
Name of the Applicant: UPL LIMITED
National i ty . India
Address! UPL House, 610 B/2., Dandra Village, Off
We stern Express I lighway, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051 India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition, a process for preparation thereof and a method of controlling weeds using said composition. More particularly, it relates to a herbicidal granular composition comprising at least one herbicide selected from metsulfuron, metsulfuron methyl, or sulfosulfuron, a process for preparation thereof and a method of controlling weeds using said composition.
BACKGROUND
Herbicides play an important role in agricultural practices across the world helping in removal of unwanted plants and weeds contaminating the yielding lands. Formulations containing herbicides have been used for decades for weed control.
Apart from agriculture, weeds and unwanted plants are a pestering problem in non-crop land which boasts of architectural constructions, amenities such as railways and runways which require utmost precision and no obstructions in its ways. Weeds are also considered a nuisance in places such as golf courses, sports complexes which require large swathes of maintained carpet lawns. In such places, the weeds are a problem, irrespective of its genus or species and target selection is not the focus. These removals require bulk removal and weeding which is cumbersome if done by hand considering the vast expanses. Herbicides can be employed in such cases for the rescue as they are way more efficient.
Also, forests and orchards with a clean floor allows better access for harvesting of fruits and valuable material from the forests. Manual weeding in such places can be a challenging and a daunting task and herbicides can be a solution to help with this problem.
The use of herbicidal combinations is a widespread and documented practice in the agricultural community. Herbicidal combinations offer significant advantages over individual applications including improved and extended weed control, reduced herbicides application rates and costs, shorter contact times for improved results,

less stringent use restrictions, improved selectivity, improved spectrum of weed controlled, reduced cost and reduced residue problems. However, the choice of inactive ingredients and process of preparing compositions comprising such combinations is also critical as many times, it leads to stability problems.
Sulfosulfuron (1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-{[2-
(ethylsulfonyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl]sulfonyl}urea) is a herbicide with CAS number 141776-32-1 and falls under the class of pyrimidinylsulfonylurea herbicides. It is an acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitor.
Metsulfuron (2-{[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-
yl)carbamoyl]sulfamoyl}benzoic acid) is a herbicide with CAS number 79510-48-8 and falls under the class of triazinylsulfonylurea herbicides. It is an acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitor.
Metsulfuron-methyl (methyl 2-{[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-
yl)carbamoyl]sulfamoyl}benzoate) is a herbicide with CAS number 74223-64-6 and falls under the class of triazinylsulfonylurea herbicides. It is an acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitor.
It has been found by the inventors of the present invention that the known compositions comprising sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron-methyl, suffer from very poor suspensibility, inversion strokes and unacceptable level of degradation of metsulfuron-methyl over time. This can sometimes lead to farmers rejecting an otherwise good product, which is certainly undesirable.
A composition with better physiochemical properties and a process for preparation thereof is therefore needed that comprises a herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, which is an unmet need in the art.
The present disclosure provided herein addresses this requirement.
OBJECTIVES
The various embodiments of the present disclosure achieve one or more of the following objectives:

An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, and wherein the composition exhibits superior suspensibility.
Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, and wherein the composition exhibits superior dispersibility.
Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, and wherein the composition exhibits reduced number of inversion strokes.
Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, and wherein the composition exhibits reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, and wherein the

composition exhibits one or more of superior suspensibility, superior dispersibility, reduced number of inversion strokes, and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, offering several advantages such as ease of handling, ease of use, reduced work exposure, reduced toxicity, reduced spillage and waste disposal, less field drift, free-flow, and significant reduction in dust hazards.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition comprising sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition comprising,
i) at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or
metsulfuron-methyl; ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and iii) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition comprising,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and

iii) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition comprising,
i) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iii) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent;
wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
Those skilled in art will be aware that invention described herein is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention described herein includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and methods referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more said steps or features.
Definitions:
For convenience, before further description of the present invention, certain terms employed in the specification, examples are described here. These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms used throughout this specification are defined as follows, unless otherwise limited in specific instances
The term “about” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 10 or ± 5 of the stated value. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided. For example, “0.1-80%” includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, etc. up to 80%.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order/ manner 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 invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention as used 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 invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. In an embodiment, 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”.
As used herein, the term "degradation" denotes activity loss of the active ingredient as a result of exposure to moisture/or upon storage.
The term “reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl” means less than 20% degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.

The term “inversion stroke” means number of tumbling movements required to suspend the formulation in a liquid medium.
The term “locus” as used herein shall denote the vicinity of a desired crop in which weed control, typically selective weed control is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein the weed infestation has either emerged or is yet to emerge. The term crop shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl and a process for preparation thereof.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition, wherein the composition comprises at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition and/or a process for preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl means less than 20% degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.

In an embodiment, the reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl means less than 10% degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is less than 20%.
In an embodiment, the reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl means less than 5% degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl means less than 2% degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition comprising,
i) at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or
metsulfuron-methyl; ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and iii) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition comprising,
i) at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or
metsulfuron-methyl; ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and iii) at least one wetting agent.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition comprising,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iii) at least one wetting agent.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition comprising,
i) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;

ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and iii) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent.
In an aspect, the concentration of sulfosulfuron is in the range from 1% w/w of the total composition to about 90% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of sulfosulfuron is in the range from 50% w/w to about 90% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, sulfosulfuron is present in the concentration from 50% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of sulfosulfuron is in the range from 60% w/w to about 80% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of sulfosulfuron is in the range from 70% w/w to about 80% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of sulfosulfuron is in the range from 75% w/w to about 80% w/w of the total composition.
In an aspect, the concentration metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 1% w/w to 90% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 1% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 1% w/w to 40% w/w of the total composition.

In another aspect, the concentration of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 1% w/w to 30% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 1% w/w to 20% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is present in the concentration from 1% to 10% w/w of the total composition
In another aspect, the concentration of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 1% w/w to 10% w/w of the total composition.
In an aspect, the concentration of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 1% w/w to 5% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is in the range of 4% w/w to 6% w/w of the total composition.
In an aspect, the naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salt thereof is present in the concentration range from 0.5% w/w to 5% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salt thereof is in the range from 0.5% w/w to 4% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salt thereof is in the range from 0.5% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition.
In an aspect, the wetting agent is present in the concentration from 1% w/w to 10% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of wetting agent is in the range from 2% to 8% w/w of the total composition.
In another aspect, the concentration of wetting agent is in the range from 3% to 7% of the total composition.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,

i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent;
wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the granular composition is an extruded granular composition.
In an embodiment, the extruded granular compositions according to the present disclosure, exhibit at least 75% w/w suspension, preferably at least 80% w/w suspension, still more preferably at least 85% w/w suspension when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 184.
Suspensibility as referred to throughout the specification is measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 184.
In a preferred embodiment, the extruded granular compositions according to the present disclosure, exhibit at least 85% w/w suspension, when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 184, at ambient condition at 0 day and 14 days AHS study.
In an embodiment, the extruded granular compositions according to the present disclosure, exhibit at least 75% w/w dispersion, preferably at least 80% w/w dispersion, still more preferably at least 85% w/w dispersion when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 174.
Dispersibility as referred to throughout the specification is measured according to standard reference method of CIPAC guideline MT 174.
In a preferred embodiment, the extruded granular compositions according to the present disclosure, exhibit at least 85% w/w dispersion when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 174 at ambient condition at 0 day and 14 days AHS study.

In an embodiment, the extruded granular compositions according to the present disclosure, exhibit not more than 25 stroke inversions, preferably not more than 20 stroke inversions, still more preferably not more than 15 stroke inversions.
In an embodiment, the extruded granular compositions according to the present disclosure, exhibit not more than 20 stroke inversions at ambient condition at 0 day and 14 days AHS study.
In an embodiment, the extruded granular compositions according to the present disclosure, exhibit not more than 10% degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl at 14 days AHS study.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent;
wherein the granular composition exhibits at least 75% w/w suspension, preferably more than 80% w/w suspension, still more preferably more than 85% w/w suspension when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 184.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent;
wherein the granular composition exhibits more than 85% w/w suspension, when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 184, at ambient condition at 0 day and 14 days AHS study.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent;
wherein the granular composition exhibits at least 75% w/w dispersion, preferably at least 80% w/w dispersion, still more preferably at least 85% w/w dispersion when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 174.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent,
wherein the granular composition exhibits at least 85% w/w dispersion when measured according to CIPAC guideline MT 174 at ambient condition at 0 day and
14 days AHS study.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent,
wherein the granular composition exhibits not more than 25 stroke inversions, preferably not more than 20 stroke inversions, still more preferably not more than
15 stroke inversions.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent,
wherein the granular composition exhibits not more than 20 stroke inversions at ambient condition at 0 day and 14 days AHS study.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least one wetting agent,
wherein the granular composition exhibits not more than 10% degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl at 14 days AHS study.
In an embodiment, naphthalene sulfonate condensate is a salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate.
In an embodiment, naphthalene sulfonate condensate is a sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate.
In an embodiment, naphthalene sulfonate condensate is sodium dialkyl naphthalene sulfonate.
In an embodiment, the wetting agent is selected from sodium naphthalene sulphonate, sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium lignosulphonate, polycarboxylates, potassium polycarboxylate or a mixture thereof
In an embodiment, the wetting agent is selected from sodium naphthalene sulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, polycarboxylates or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the wetting agent is Sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate.
In an embodiment, the wetting agent is Potassium Polycarboxylate.
In an embodiment, the wetting agent is a mixture of Potassium Polycarboxylate and Sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
iv) at least two wetting agents.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an extruded granular composition, wherein the composition comprises,
i) sulfosulfuron;
ii) metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
iii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and iv) potassium polycarboxylate and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate;
wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the composition may additionally contain some adjuvants, without limitation, selected from one or more of fillers, solvents, co-solvents, colorants, emulsifiers, biocides, anti-foam agents, or a mixture thereof.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises preparing a dough comprising sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl and extruding the prepared dough.

In an embodiment, a process for preparation of a granular composition is disclosed, the process comprises, milling and blending of at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof, at least one wetting agent optionally with at least one other active and/or agrochemically acceptable excipients to obtain a blend; preparing a dough of obtained blend; and extruding the prepared dough to obtain the granular composition.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of an extruded granular composition, wherein the process comprises preparing a dough comprising sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl and a naphthalene sulfonate condensate and extruding the prepared dough in the presence of the naphthalene sulfonate condensate. The present inventors have found that extruding the granular composition in the presence of the naphthalene sulfonate condensate leads to an improved composition.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises milling and blending at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl optionally with other active and/or agrochemically acceptable excipients, preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving and wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl optionally with other active and/or active ingredients. The agrochemically acceptable excipients include but are not limited to water, fillers, solvents, co-solvents, colorants, emulsifiers, biocides, anti-foam agents (de-foaming agent), wetting agent, suspending agents, dispersing agents, or a mixture thereof.
In an embodiment, the filler is ammonium sulphate.
In an embodiment, the de-foaming agent is polydimethylsiloxane emulsion (SAG™ 1572).
It can be easily appreciated by a person skilled in the art that one or more of the activities mentioned in the above embodiments may be eliminated or those

activities can be carried out in a different sequence to still get extruded granules for acceptable industrial purpose.
In an embodiment, ingredients of the composition are pre milled, blended, and then post milled before a dough is extruded.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises extrusion and wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl optionally with other active and/or active ingredients.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises milling and blending of sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl optionally with other active and/or agrochemically acceptable excipients, preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl optionally with other active and/or active ingredients; and wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises milling and blending sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and a wetting agent; preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving; wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; the naphthalene sulfonate condensate; and the wetting agent.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises milling and blending sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate; potassium polycarboxylate; and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving, wherein the

composition comprises sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; the naphthalene sulfonate condensate; potassium polycarboxylate; and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises milling and blending sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate; and a wetting agent, preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; the naphthalene sulfonate condensate; and the wetting agent; and wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a granular composition, wherein the process comprises milling and blending sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate; potassium polycarboxylate; and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving, wherein the composition comprises sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; the naphthalene sulfonate condensate; potassium polycarboxylate; and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate; and wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling weeds by applying to a locus the present extruded granular composition comprising at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron and metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, a method of controlling weeds is disclosed, the method comprises of applying to a locus a granular composition comprising at least one

herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; at least one wetting agent and optionally one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling weeds by applying to a locus the present extruded granular composition comprising at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl optionally with other active and/or agrochemically acceptable excipients wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling weeds by applying to a locus an extruded granular composition comprising sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate; and at least one wetting agent; wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling weeds by applying to a locus an extruded granular composition comprising sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate; and at least one wetting agent, wherein the granules are prepared by a process comprising milling and blending sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; the naphthalene sulfonate condensate; and the wetting agent; preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving and wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling weeds by applying to a locus an extruded granular composition comprising sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate;

potassium polycarboxylate and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate; wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling weeds by applying to a locus an extruded granular composition comprising sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; a naphthalene sulfonate condensate; potassium polycarboxylate and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate; wherein the granules are prepared comprising milling and blending sulfosulfuron; metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl; the naphthalene sulfonate condensate; potassium polycarboxylate and sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, preparing a dough, extruding, drying, and sieving and wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
It can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by the means of carrying out extrusion. Extrusion can be carried out a person skilled in the art by means possible in the art.
While the invention 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 invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

EXAMPLES
Example 1 (working example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount in % w/w
1. Metsulfuron methyl (95%) 5.63
2. Sulfosulfuron (97%) 78.14
3. Potassium polycarboxylate 5
4. Sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate 8.5
5. Sodium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 1.3
6. Defoaming agent 0.16
7. Ammonium sulphate q.s.
Total 100
Process of preparation:
Sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron methyl with other ingredients were milled and blended, dough was prepared, extrusion was carried out to obtain granules, granules were dried, and sieving was carried out.
Example 2 (comparative example)
In this example, all the ingredients mentioned in example 1 except sodium naphthalene sulfonate condensate were used for preparing granules.
Process of preparation:
Sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron methyl with other ingredients were milled and blended, dough was prepared, extrusion was carried out, granules were dried, and sieving was carried out.
Physiochemical properties of compositions of example 1 and 2

Sr Parameter Example 2 Example 1
No

Ambient 14 Days Ambient 14 Days
condition, AHS condition, AHS
1 0 days 0 days

Sulfosulfuron 76.28 75.9 75.278 75.041
content

Metsulfuron 5.59 4.96 5.246 5.039
2 methyl content

Suspensibility 75.96 65.23 93.43 91.52
3 (% w/w)

Dispersibility 71.56 61.07 89.5 88.1
4 (% w/w)

Number of > 42 > 42 12 12
5 Strokes

Metsulfuron- 0 11.27 0 3.94
methyl Tech Degradation (% w/w)
From the above table it is evident that the present composition of example 1 provides better suspensibility, dispersibility and reduced degradation of metsulfuron-methyl. Also, the number of strokes is significantly less as compared to example 2.
Example 3 (Comparative example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount in % w/w
1 Metsulfuronmethyl (95%) 5.63
2 Sulfosulfuron (97%) 78.14

3 Sodium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 1.3
4 SAG™ 1572 0.16
5 Ammonium sulphate q.s.
Total 100
Physiochemical properties of compositions of example 3

Sr No Parameter Example 3

Ambient condition, 0 days
1 Sulfosulfuron content 76.28

Metsulfuron methyl content 5.59
2 Suspensibility (% w/w) 55.33
3 Dispersibility (% w/w) 56.12
4 Number of Strokes > 42
From the above data it is established that the granular composition without the use of a wetting agent, demonstrates low suspensibility, dispersibility and increased number of inversion strokes.
Example 4 (Comparative example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount % w/w
1. Metsulfuron methyl (95%) 5.63

2. Sulfosulfuron (97%) 78.14
3. Dioctyl-sulfosuccinate 1
4. Sodium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 1.3
5. SAG™ 1572 0.16
6. Ammonium sulphate q.s.
Total 100
Physiochemical properties of compositions of example 4

Sr. No.
1
2 3
4 Parameter Example 4

Ambient condition, 0 days

Sulfosulfuron content 75.27

Metsulfuron methyl content 5.246

Suspensibility (% w/w) 53.12

Dispersibility (% w/w) 54.12

Number of Strokes >42
From the above data it is established that granular composition with the use of a comparative wetting agent (Dioctyl sulfosuccinate) demonstrates low suspensibility, low dispersibility and increased number of inversion strokes.
Example 5 (Working example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount in % w/w
1. Metsulfuron methyl (95%) 1.05
2. S ulfosulfuron (97%) 51.55

3. S odium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 1.3
4. P otassium polycarboxylate 5
5. S odium dialkyl naphtahlene sulfonate 8.5
6. S AG™ 1572 0.16
7. Ammonium sulphate q.s.
8. Total 100
Example 6 (Working example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount in % w/w
1. Metsulfuron methyl (95%) 5.63
2. S ulfosulfuron (97%) 78.14
3. S odium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 0.5
4. P otassium polycarboxylate 5
5. S odium dialkyl naphtahlene sulfonate 8.5
6. S AG™ 1572 0.16
7. Ammonium sulphate q.s.
Total 100
Example 7 (Working example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount in % w/w
1. Metsulfuron methyl (95%) 5.63
2. S ulfosulfuron (97%) 78.14
3. S odium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 5
4. P otassium polycarboxylate 5

5. S odium dialkyl naphtahlene sulfonate 3
6. S AG™ 1572 0.16
7. Ammonium sulphate q.s.
Total 100
Example 8 (Working example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount % w/w
1. Metsulfuron methyl (95%) 5.63
2. S ulfosulfuron (97%) 78.14
3. S odium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 1
4. P otassium polycarboxylate 10
5. S odium dialkyl naphtahlene sulfonate 1.3
6. S AG™ 1572 0.16
7. Ammonium sulphate q.s.
Total 100
Example 9 (Working Example)

Sr. No. Ingredient Amount in % w/w
1. Sulfosulfuron (97%) 78.14
2. Potassium polycarboxylate 5
3. Sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate 8.5
4. Sodium naphthalene sulfonate condensate 1.3
5. Defoaming agent 0.16
6. Ammonium sulphate q.s.
Total 100

We claim:
1. A granular composition comprising:
i) at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or
metsulfuron-methyl; ii) a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and iii) at least one wetting agent.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein sulfosulfuron is present in the concentration from 50% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is present in the concentration from 1% to 10% w/w of the total composition.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salt thereof is present in the concentration range from 0.5% w/w to 5% w/w of the total composition.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wetting agent is present in the concentration from 1% w/w to 10% w/w of the total composition.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the granular composition exhibits one or more of at least 75% w/w suspension, at least 75% w/w dispersion, not more than 25 inversion strokes and reduced degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the degradation of metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl is less than 20%.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein naphthalene sulfonate condensate is a sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wetting agent is selected from sodium naphthalene sulphonate, sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium lignosulphonate, polycarboxylates, potassium polycarboxylate or a mixture thereof.
10. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the granular composition is an extruded granular composition.
11. A process for preparation of a granular composition, the process comprising:

milling and blending of at least one herbicide selected from sulfosulfuron,
metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl, a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or
salts thereof, at least one wetting agent optionally with at least one other active
and/or agrochemically acceptable excipients to obtain a blend;
preparing a dough of obtained blend; and
extruding the prepared dough to obtain the granular composition.
12. The process as claimed in claim 11, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from solvents, fillers, water, co-solvents, colorants, emulsifiers, defoaming agents, wetting agent, dispersing agents, suspending agents and a mixture thereof.
13. A method of controlling weeds comprising:
applying to a locus a granular composition comprising at least one herbicide
selected from sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron or metsulfuron-methyl;
a naphthalene sulfonate condensate or salts thereof; and
at least one wetting agent optionally one or more agrochemically acceptable
excipients.