DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition and more particularly to a novel synergistic fungicidal composition comprising propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl and a method of preparing the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The control of plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens is extremely important in achieving high crop efficiency. Plant disease damage to ornamental, vegetable, field, cereal and fruit crops can cause significant reduction in productivity and thereby result in increased costs to the consumer. In addition to often being highly destructive, plant diseases can be difficult to control and may develop resistance to commercial fungicides. Combinations of fungicides are often used to facilitate disease control, to broaden spectrum of control and to retard resistance development. The advantages of particular fungicide combinations are recognized in the art to vary, depending on such factors as the particular plant species and plant disease to be treated, and whether the plants are treated before or after infection with the fungal plant pathogen. Accordingly, new advantageous combinations are needed to provide a variety of options to best satisfy particular plant disease control needs. Furthermore, certain rare combinations of fungicides demonstrate a greater-than-additive (i.e. synergistic) effect to provide commercially viable levels of plant disease control.
When two or more substances in combination demonstrate unexpectedly high biological activity, for example fungicidal activity, the resultant phenomenon may be referred to as synergism. The reason or mechanism for the synergy may not be always known, and may differ with different combinations, but the effect can always be observed experimentally. The term ‘synergism’ or ‘synergy’ hereinafter refers to a cooperative action encountered in a combination of two or more biologically active components in which the combined activity of the two or more components exceeds the sum of the activity of each component alone.
It is known that azole fungicides, such as, for example, (RS)-1-p-chlorophenyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)pentan-3-ol (tebuconazole)[The Pesticide Manual - A World Compendium; Fifteenth Edition; Editor: C. D. S. Tomlin; The British Crop Protection Council, entry number 808], (±)-1-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl]-1,2,4-triazole (propiconazole)[The Pesticide Manual - A World Compendium; Fifteenth Edition; Editor: C. D. S. Tomlin; The British Crop Protection Council, entry number 716], can be used as such or in the form of their salts for protecting plants and seeds (EP 0,040,345 and EP 0,052,424).Propiconazole is a steroid demethylation (ergosterol biosynthesis) inhibitor. It is a systemic foliar fungicide with protective and curative action, with translocation acropetally in the xylem. At labelled application rates, propiconazole controls numerous diseases caused by, for example, Cochliobolussativus, Erysiphegraminis, Leptosphaerianodorum, Puccinia spp., Pyrenophorateres, Pyrenophoratritici-repentis, Rhynchosporiumsecalis and Septoria spp. on cereals; Mycosphaerellamusicola andMycosphaerellafijiensis var. difformis in bananas; Sclerotiniahomoeocarpa, Rhizoctoniasolani, Puccinia spp., Erysiphegraminis in turf; Rhizoctoniasolani, Helminthosporiumoryzae and dirty panicle complex in rice; Hemileiavastatrix in coffee; Cercospora spp. in peanuts; Monilinia spp., Podosphaera spp.,Sphaerotheca spp. and Tranzschelia spp. in stone fruit; and Helminthosporiumspp. in maize.
Thiophanate-methyl,is a systemic fungicide with protective and curative action and is used against a wide range of fungal pathogens in post-harvest treatment and seed-treatment. Thiophanate-methyl is a carbendazim precursor and effective against wide range of fungal diseases in cereals, fruits, vegetables, fibre and ornamental crops, including rust, rot, anthracnose, eyespot, scab, leaf spot, mildew, Monilia spp., club root, dollar spot, Botrytis, Sclerotinia spp. etc.
The article titled "Intensity of anthracnose on three wintercreeper euonymus cultivars as influenced by fungicide programme" Janet C. Cole, Stephanie L. Schupbach, and Kenneth E. Conway, discloses an experiment to evaluate the efficacy of selected fungicides on anthracnose on three winter euonymus cultivars. The article discloses Thiophanate-methyl + Propiconazoleat the rate of 1500 mg a.i./l + 75 gm a.i./l, Thiophanate-methyl + Propiconazoleat the rate of 600 mg a.i./l mg a.i./l + 75 gm a.i./l, Thiophanate-methyl + Propiconazoleat the rate of 1500 mg a.i./l + 600 mg a.i./l mg a.i./l,and Propiconazole at the rate of 37.5 gm a.i./l& 75 gm a.i./l,Thiophanate-methylat the rate of 750 mg a.i./l & 1500 mg a.i./l and Thiophanate-methyl at the rate of 300 mg a.i./l & 600 mg a.i./l applied individually. The fungicides were applied at the regular intervals. It was observed that there were no significant differences (p<5%) among the fungicide treatments. Therefore, although the combination of Thiophanate-methyl and propiconazole is known, the precise concentrations at which the combination shows proper synergistic effect in treating fungal infection is not known.Moreover the formulation is not suggestedby these prior arts. Hence, there is still a need for new compositions which are broad spectrum, having higher
fungicidal activity and less toxicity. Accordingly, there is a need for a novel, stable and safecombinations comprising azoles along with a synergistic component.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the synergistic fungicidal composition comprisespropiconazolein an amount in the range from 10 to 20% w/w.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the synergistic fungicidal composition comprises thiophanate-methyl in an amount in the range from 40 to 60% w/w.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the synergistic fungicidal composition is formulated as a dry flowable (DF) or a wettable powder (WP).
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the synergistic fungicidal composition further comprisesa wetting agent, a dispersing agent, an anti-caking agent, and a filler.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the wetting agent may be selected from the group consisting ofa condensate of formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt, sodium salt of alkyl napthylsulphonate, alkyl aryl sulphonate and combinations thereof.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the dispersing agent is selected from the group consisting of stearyl-benzimidazoldisulfonic acid, alkyl napthylsulphonate and combinations thereof.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the filler may selected from the group consisting of kaoline, china clay and combinations thereof.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the synergistic fungicidal composition is non-phytotoxic,
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for effectively controlling pathogenic fungi at a locus, comprising the step of treating a locus with a composition comprising propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing a dry flowable (DF) for a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising the steps of: (a) admixing wetting agent, dispersing agent, anti-caking agent, and filler in a mixing vessel to form a first mixture; (b) homogenizing the first mixture to obtain a powder; (c) admixing the powder, propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl to form a second mixture; (d) granulating the second mixture through an extruder; and (e) drying the granules to obtain the composition in the form of dry flowable.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing a wettable powder (WP) for a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising the steps of : (a) admixing propiconazole, thiophanate-methyl, wetting agent, dispersing agent, anti-caking agent and filler in a mixing vessel to form a mixture; and (b) homogenizing the mixture to form a wettable powder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention according to its various aspects is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the appended claims read in view of this specification and appropriate equivalents.
It is to be noted, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 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.
As used herein DF formulation, WDG formulation, WP formulation, SC formulation are the international denominations adopted by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) to designate dry flowable, water dispersible granule,wettable powder and suspension concentrate respectively.
The term "agrochemically effective amount" is that quantity of active agent, applied in any amount which will provide the required control of pest and diseases. The particular amount is dependent upon many factors including, for example, the crop, pest and disease sought to be controlled and environmental conditions. The selection of the proper quantity of active agent to be applied, however, is within the expertise of one skilled in the art.
The azole fungicide may be selected from the group comprising tebuconazole, propiconazole, epoxiconazole and triticonazole. Preferably the azole is a propiconazole also known as(±)-1-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole. The azole may be present in an amount ranging from 10 to 20% w/w based on the weight
of the fungicidal combination.
Another fungicidally active substance selected is Thiophanate-methyl (4,4'-(o-phenylene)bis(3-thioallophanate)), which is a systemic fungicide with protective and curative action and is used against a wide range of fungal pathogens in post-harvest treatment and seed-treatment. Thiophanate-methyl may be present in an amount ranging from 40 to 60% w/w based on the weight ofthe fungicidal combination.
The novel synergistic fungicidal composition further comprises a plurality of excipients for e.g. wetting agent, dispersing agent, anti-caking agent, and fillers.
Wetting agent may be selected from a group of Condensate of Formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt, sodium salt of alkylnapthylsulphonateand alkyl aryl sulphonate.The wetting agent may be present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 3% (w/w) based on the weight of fungicidal composition; preferably, the wetting agent is Condensate of Formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt.
Dispersing agent may be selected from Stearyl-benzimidazoldisulfonic acid,alkyl napthylsulphonate and combinations thereof.The dispersing agent may be present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 3% (w/w) based on the weight of fungicidal combination; preferably, the dispersing agent is Stearyl-benzimidazoldisulfonic acid.
The anti-caking agent is silica, which maybe preferably present in an amount of 4.0-6.0% (w/w) and more preferably5.0%(w/w) based on the weight of fungicidal combination.Filler may be preferably selected from a group of kaoline, china clay and combinations thereof, more preferably kaoline and used in quantity sufficient (q.s.).
The term “quantity sufficient” used in reference to the amounts of ingredients is commonly understood in the art to mean the quantity required to make up volume of the composition and is generally readily determined by the persons skilled in the formulation arts. The term “quantity sufficient” can be interchangeably used as “q.s.”.
The synergistic fungicidal combination of the present invention is found to be useful in protecting a wide range of crops like fruits, vegetables, paddy, wheat etc. against major diseases like late and early blight, powdery and downy mildew, blast, blight, rot etc. The composition achieves improved biological activity by enhancing overall control of fungus over a shorter period of time. Additional benefits of using the fungicidal combination of the present investigation includes reduced risk of occupational hazard, lower cost of application, better cost: benefit ratio to the end user, reduced fuel and labour cost, saving in applicator’s time and reduced wear of equipment and loss caused by mechanical damage to the crop and soil.
The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intented as illustrations only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis and all reagent used in the example were obtained or are available from the chemical suppliers.
Examples 1-6:
Novel synergistic fungicidal composition of Propiconazole and Thiophanate-Methyl
The unit of each value below is “% w/w”, i.e., percentage weight by weight, relative to the weight of the composition unless otherwise specified. The composition tabulated in Table 1 is formulated as dry flowable (DF).
Table 1: Examples of novel synergistic fungicidal composition of Propiconazole and Thiophanate-Methyl
Component Function Examples (%)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Propiconazole Active Ingredient 10.00 12.50 15.00 20.00 10.00 15.00
Thiophanate-Methyl Active Ingredient 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 40.00 60.00
Condensate of Formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt Wetting Agent 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 3.00
Stearyl-benzimidazoldisulfonic acid Dispersing Agent 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 3.00
Silica Anti-caking Agent 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 6.00 4.00
Kaolin Filler q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s.
q.s.= quantity Suffucient
Example 7
Process of Manufacturing of synergistic fungicidal combination of Propiconazole and Thiophanate-Methyl:
The noval fungicide composition of Example 1-6 are prepared by the process described hereinafter. The process of preparing 100 kg batch size of fungicidal composition comprising Propiconazole and Thiophanate-Methyl is provided.
Process 1: Method of preparing Dry Flowable (DF) for a novel synergistic fungicidal composition comprising propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl
Charge all the constituents(Table 2),except active ingredients in a pre-blender and mix for 30 minutes. Start milling with an air classifier mill (ACM). Collect powder in post blender, mix for 30 minutes. Transfer this powder in a dough mixer. Spray actives onto the powder to get dough. Transfer the dough to basket extruder by maintaining temperature of extruder below 700C. Start granulation with extruder. Dry granules at 700C.Subsequently, the samples were further tested for quality parameters for confirmation to the laid down specification and packed as per requirement after approval.
Process 2: Method of preparing Wettable Powder (WP) for a novel synergistic fungicidal composition comprising propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl
The required amounts of propiconazole and thiophanate-methylwere transferred in pre-blender along with Condensate of Formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt (wetting agent), Stearyl-benzimidazoldisulfonic acid (dispersing agent), Silica (anti caking agent), and Kaolin (filler),as per below table 2,and blended for one hourat high speed.The mixture was homogenized using colloid mill and sieved (1000 micron)to remove course particles. The mixture is transferred to post blender and further blended for one hour. Subsequently, the sample were further tested for quality parameters for confirmation to the laid down specification and packed as per requirement after approval.
Table 2: Quantities of raw materials charged for preparingDF and WP.
Component Function Batch (%)
1 2 3 4 5 6
PropiconazoleTechnical (Purity: 95% w/w) Active Ingredient 10.84 13.47 16.21 21.58 10.84 15.88
Thiophanate-Methyl Technical (Purity: 95% w/w) Active Ingredient 53.16 53.16 53.16 53.16 42.16 63.32
Condensate of Formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt Wetting Agent 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 3.00
Stearyl-benzimidazoldisulfonic acid Dispersing Agent 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 3.00
Silica Anti-caking Agent 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 6.00 4.00
Kaolin Filler 25.00 22.37 19.63 14.26 37.00 10.80

Example 8
Bio-efficacy tests for synergisticfungicidal composition
Method & Time of Application
Field tests of the compositions according to the present invention were conducted at various controlled trial sites. The performance of the fungicidalcomposition prepared as described in example 7 was compared against the known compositions of Thiophanate-Methyl and Propiconazole, which were evaluated against Karnal Bunt (Neovossiaindica); Rust (Puccinia spp.) and Leaf Blight (Alternariatriticina) in wheat crop. Furthermore, the effect of the synergistic fungicidal composition on the vigour/yield of the crop was tested. The wheat plants was sown and harvested after 135 days. The required amount of fungicides were weighed and diluted with water to get the stated concentration of the active compound and application was made using high volume knapsack type sprayer fitted with pressure regulator and a vertical bar with one hollow cone nozzle using a spray fluid of 200 l/acre. A total of three applications were made at an interval of 14 days. Experiments were carried out in randomized blocks with five replications and each plot was measured an area of 100 sq. m. (10 x 10 m). The disease intensity for different diseases was analysed at 7 and 14 days after each spray and their mean was calculated.Per cent disease index (PDI) was calculated by using formula adopted by Horsfall and Heuberger, 1942 as follows
The per cent disease index (PDI) was calculated by using the following formula,
PDI = Sum of all disease Ratings ________________x 100
Total no of leaves/fruits assessed x Maximum Disease rating
The per cent disease control (PDC) was calculated by the following formula
PDC= PDI in control – PDI in treatment______ x 100
PDI in Control

Table 3:Scale for measurement of disease intensity
Grade Disease symptoms
0 No plants showing disease symptoms
1 1% or less plants showing disease symptoms
3 1-10% or less plants showing disease symptoms
5 11-20% or less plants showing disease symptoms
7 21-50% or less plants showing disease symptoms
9 51% and above plants showing disease symptoms
Table 4 below summarizes the individual and combined treatments for disease spectrum at different concentrations of Propiconazole and Thiophanate-Methyl.
Table 4 Treatments for evaluation of bio-efficacy of novel fungicidal compositions against diseasesin wheat crop
Particular Treatment A.I. Percentage Dose (a.i gm/acre) Volume of formulation (gm/ml)
T1 Propiconazole + Thiophanate-Methyl (1:5) 10 + 50 40 + 200 400
T2 Propiconazole + Thiophanate-Methyl (1:4) 12.5 + 50 50 + 200 400
T3 Propiconazole + Thiophanate-Methyl (1:3.33) 15 + 50 60 + 200 400
T4 Propiconazole + Thiophanate-Methyl (1:2.5) 20 + 50 80 + 200 400
T5 Propiconazole + Thiophanate-Methyl (1:4) 10 + 40 40 + 160 400
T6 Propiconazole + Thiophanate-Methyl (1:4) 15 + 60 60 + 240 400
T7 Propiconazole 25% EC 25.00% 50 200
T8 Thiophanate-Methyl 70% WP 70.00% 200 286
T9 Untreated Control - - -
The effectiveness of the aforementioned treatments for control of disease spectrum inwheat crop to demonstrate synergistic effect of PropiconazoleandThiophanate-Methylcompositions @ 400 gm/acre is given in Table 5-7.
Table 5: Effectiveness of fungicidal treatments on disease spectrum of wheat crop demonstrating the synergistic effects of Novel fungicidal composition of Propiconazole and Thiophanate-Methyl
Treatments details Volume (gm/ ml) PDI (%) Karnal Bunt
(Neovossiaindica) PDI (%) Rust
(Puccinia spp.) PDI (%) Leaf Blight
(Alternariatriticina)
Mean after 1st spray Mean after 2nd spray Mean after 3rd spray Mean after 1st spray Mean after 2nd spray Mean after 3rd spray Mean after 1st spray Mean after 2nd spray Mean after 3rd spray
T1 400 8.02
(16.45) 8.29
(16.73) 8.61
(17.06) 11.41
(19.74) 12.96
(21.10) 13.79
(21.80) 5.21
(13.19) 6.89
(15.22) 7.84
(16.26)
T2 400 1.75
(7.60) 1.80
(7.71) 1.84
(7.80) 3.29
(10.45) 3.67
(11.04) 4.59
(12.37) 1.36
(6.70) 1.56
(7.17) 1.89
(7.90)
T3 400 5.01
(12.93) 5.10
(13.05) 5.15
(13.12) 8.12
(16.56) 9.65
(18.10) 11.01
(19.38) 2.56
(9.21) 3.01
(9.99) 3.89
(11.68)
T4 400 7.56
(15.96) 7.85
(16.27) 8.19
(16.63) 9.85
(18.29) 11.14
(19.50) 13.41
(21.48) 4.59
(12.37) 5.63
(13.73) 6.36
(14.61)
T5 400 8.79
(17.25) 9.10
(17.56) 9.35
(17.80) 12.13
(20.38) 14.01
(21.98) 15.46
(23.15) 6.41
(14.67) 7.10
(15.45) 8.49
(16.94)
T6 400 2.56
(9.21) 2.62
(9.32) 2.66
(9.39) 3.71
(11.11) 4.29
(11.95) 5.13
(13.09) 1.75
(7.60) 1.89
(7.90) 2.20
(8.53)
T7 200 10.45
(18.86) 11.25
(19.60) 12.01
(20.28) 17.56
(24.77) 20.45
(26.89) 23.56
(29.04) 7.89
(16.31) 9.13
(17.59) 11.03
(19.40)
T8 286 11.34
(19.68) 11.82
(20.11) 12.79
(20.95) 18.56
(25.52) 22.02
(27.9) 25.19
(30.13) 6.91
(15.24) 7.86
(16.28) 9.10
(17.56)
T9 - 20.01
(26.57) 26.23
(30.81) 31.02
(33.85) 48.25
(44.00) 59.23
(50.32) 68.31
(55.74) 15.69
(23.33) 20.96
(27.25) 27.45
(31.60)
CD @ 5%$ - 0.89 1.02 1.03 0.92 1.12 1.11 0.06 0.08 0.23
SEm ± - 2.67 3.05 3.08 2.76 3.36 3.32 0.18 0.24 0.69
* Value in parenthesis are arc sin transformed
SEm ±:Standard Errors of Means; CD 5%: Critical Difference
To find out the most effective and economical treatment, the cost –benefit ratio analysis of each treatment was worked out for different treatments of Table 4. Benefit to cost ratio (BCR), defined as the number of times the fungicide control cost was recouped from the value for the increased yield was calculated as:
BCR = Net Returns______
Total Cost
Where,
Net Returns = Gross returns – Total Cost
Total Cost = Cost of Cultivation + Cost of Chemicals
The yield of Wheat grains hence obtained along with the cost benefit ratio is summarized in table 6.

Yield (Grain)
The sun dried grains obtained after threshing and cleaning from the harvested area of each plot were weighed for recording yield in each plot. The yield thus obtained was then converted into kg acre-1 for each plot.
Table 6: Treatment wise benefit to cost ratio (BCR) and yield data for wheat crop
Treatments
(1)
Cost of Chemical/l or kg ( ) (2) Cost of Chemical/Acre(3 Sprays) ( ) (3) Cost of Cultivation /Acre ( ) (4) Total Cost ( ) (5=3+4) Total yield (Kg/Acre) (6) Gross Return @ 17/Kg (7) Net Returns ( ) (8=7-5) BC Ratio (9=8/5)
T1 450 540 10000 10540 1644 27948 17408 1.652
T2 490 588 10000 10588 1704 28968 19280 1.820
T3 525 630 10000 10630 1694 28798 18168 1.709
T4 610 732 10000 10732 1672 27424 16692 1.555
T5 390 468 10000 10468 1636 27812 17344 1.656
T6 590 708 10000 10708 1699 28883 18175 1.697
T7 375 225 10000 10225 1600 27200 16975 1.660
T8 350 300 10000 10300 1567 26639 16339 1.586
T9 0 0 10000 10000 1221 20757 10757 1.075
CD 5% - - - - 59.84 - - -
CD 5%: Critical Difference
Tables 5-6 show that application of Propiconazole 12.5% andThiophanate-Methyl50% DF @ 400 gm/acre showed good control of all the target diseases along with higher yield and a BCR of 1.712 in comparison to Propiconazole 15% andThiophanate 60% DF. Further, it was also observed that the novel fungicide composition also produced bolder grains with better shine.

Evaluation of Phytotoxicity
Visual observation on phytotoxicitywere recorded forleaf injury on tip/surface, Epinasty/Hyponasty, and wilting, etc. on 0-10 scale (as below) at 3, 7 and 14 days after each application from ten plants and then average was taken.
SCORE PHYTOTOXICITY (PERCENT)
0 No phytotoxicity
1 1 – 10
2 11 – 20
3 21 – 30
4 31 – 40
5 41 – 50
6 51 – 60
7 61 – 70
8 71 – 80
9 & 10 Complete destruction

DAA = Days after application L = Leaf injury to tip/surface
E/H = Epinasty/Hyponasty W = Wilting
Table 7: Phytotoxic effect of different treatments on the wheat crop after application.
Treatment Volume of formulation (gm/ml) 1st Application 2nd Application 3rd Application
3 DAA 7 DAA 14 DAA 3 DAA 7 DAA 14 DAA 3 DAA 7 DAA 14 DAA
T1 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T2 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T3 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T4 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T5 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T6 400 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T7 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T8 286 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T9 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
It is clear from table 7 that no phytotoxicity was observed with any of the treatment at all the doses when observed at 3, 7, and 14 DAA (days after application) after each application.
It was surprisingly found that the Propiconazole 12.5% andThiophanate-Methyl 50% DF @ 400 gm/acre was significantly superior over other ratios/combinations at the same dose and also showed much better control against Karnal Bunt (Neovossiaindica); Rust (Puccinia spp.) and Leaf Blight (Alternariatriticina)disease compared to commercial formulations available in the market for Propiconazole 25% EC and Thiophanate-Methyl 75% WP,at recommended dose, when applied three times at 14 days interval along with significant improvement in plant health and yield/acre.
Thus it was concluded that Propiconazole 12.5% andThiophanate-Methyl 50% DF (1:4 ratio) was significantly better at controlling Karnal Bunt (Neovossiaindica); Rust (Puccinia spp.) and Leaf Blight (Alternariatriticina) in wheat crop and maximizing the yield potential compared to other ratios/combinations and their commercial formulations at recommended doses.
From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present investigation. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific embodiment illustrated is intended or should be inferred. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. A synergistic fungicidal composition comprising propiconazole and thiophanate-methyl.
2. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, whereinpropiconazole, is present in an amount in the range from 10 to 20% w/w.
3. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein thiophanate-methyl is present in an amount in the range from 40 to 60% w/w.
4. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is formulated as a dry flowable (DF) or a wettable powder (WP).
5. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, optionally comprisinga wetting agent, a dispersing agent, an anti-caking agent, and a filler, wherein the composition is formulated as a dry flowable (DF) or a wettable powder (WP).
6. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wetting agent is selected from the group consisting ofa condensate of formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt, sodium salt of alkyl napthylsulphonate, alkyl aryl sulphonate and combinations thereof.
7. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claims 5 to 6, wherein the wetting agent is condensate of formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonic acid sodium salt and present in an amount in the range from 2-3% w/w.
8. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein thedispersing agent is selected from the group consistingof stearyl-benzimidazoldisulfonic acid, alkyl napthylsulphonate and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 2-3%.
9. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein theanti-caking agent is present in an amount in the range from 4.0-6.0% w/w.
10. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting ofkaoline, china clay and combinations thereof, and present in quantity sufficient (q.s).
11. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, whereinthe compositionis non-phytotoxic,
12. A method for effectively controlling pathogenic fungi at a locus, comprising the step of treating the locus with the composition claimed in any of the claims 1-11.