Claims:1. A synergistic fungicidal composition comprising:
azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 10% by weight of the composition;
isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition;
mancozeb in an amount ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the composition; and
at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 20% to 75% by weight of composition.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from any or a combination of a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, a rheology modifier, an anti-freezing agent, a binding agent, a diluent and a filler.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated into any of a dustable powder, a wettable powder, a water dispersible granule, a granule, a suspension concentrate, an emulsifier concentrate and a suspo-emulsion.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated into a wettable powder comprising: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 2.5% to 6% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 8% to 16% by weight of the formulation; mancozeb in an amount ranging from 26% to 44% by weight of the formulation; a wetting agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the formulation; a dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the formulation; an antifoaming agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the formulation; and an inert filler in an amount ranging from 25% to 50% by weight of the formulation.
5. A method of controlling and eliminating fungal disease from crop plants, said method comprising: applying an effective amount of the synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claims 1 to 4 to a plant susceptible to attack by fungi.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein applying an effective amount of the composition to the crop plants comprises applying by foliar spraying, by spraying, by broadcasting or by any other suitable means, preferably by foliar spraying.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5 and 6, wherein said crop plants are selected from the group consisting of paddy, potato, cucurbits, chilli, grapes, and apple.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the composition applied to the paddy crop is in an amount ranging from 500 to 5000 gm per hectare, preferably 3000 to 4000 gm per hectare.

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of agrochemical compositions. Particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a synergistic composition and formulations thereof capable of protecting crops from harmful effects of pathogenic fungi. The composition is valuable especially in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic fungi on paddy crop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] It is well accepted that agricultural production must be increased considerably in the foreseeable future to meet the food and feed demands of rising human population and increasing livestock production. Biotic factors such as, weeds, fungus, insect pests, pathogens and viruses are the major limiting factors to achieve desired productivity of crops. Every year, these pests destroy approximately 20 to 40% of agricultural crops and even more than that under epidemic conditions.
[0004] The use of pesticides to control pests in crops is a widespread practice that has gained high degree of commercial success as it increases the crop yield by controlling pests and related diseases of the cultivated crops. To prevent or controlling the pests and related diseases, the pesticides are generally applied by different types of foliar applications.
[0005] Hundreds of millions of people world-wide depend on rice as a staple food and a crop failure by any reason may pose a real threat of starvation. Rice blast and Rice sheath blight are two main diseases of rice that poses a great threat for crop failure.
[0006] The fungus that causes Rice Blast is called Magnaporthe oryzae (formerly Magnaporthe grisea). It is an ascomycete because it produces sexual spores (ascospores) in structures called asci, and is classified in the newly erected family Magnaporthaceae. Leaf and collar Blast in rice is caused by this fungus. It can affect all parts of rice crop that are above the ground: leaf, collar, node, neck, parts of panicle and sometimes leaf sheath too. Rice blast is one of the most destructive diseases of rice. It can kill seedlings or plants up to the tillering stage. At later growth stages, a severe leaf blast infection reduces leaf area for grain fill, reducing grain yield. Leaf blast can kill rice plants at seedling stage and cause yield losses in cases of severe infection. Silicon fertilizers (e.g. calcium silicate) can be applied to soils that are silicon deficient to reduce blast, however, because of its high cost, silicon should be applied efficiently. Systemic fungicides like triazoles and strobilurins can be used judiciously for controlling blast. A fungicide application at heading can be effective in controlling the disease.
[0007] Rice sheath blight is also one of the most common and potential rice diseases worldwide. It causes major limitations on rice production in India and other countries of Asia, causing significant loss in rice quality and grain yield. Yield losses of up to 50% have been reported under most conducive environments. It is a soilborne disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. The fungus belongs to the phylum Basidiomycota, family Ceratobasidiaceae.
[0008] Early symptoms of sheath blight usually develop on the leaf sheaths at or just above the water line as circular, oval or ellipsoid water-soaked spots which are greenish-grey in colour. As the disease progresses, they enlarge and tend to coalesce forming larger lesions with grayish-white centers surrounded by tan to dark brown irregular borders. Infection may spread to leaf blades causing irregular lesions with dark green, brown or yellow-orange margins. These damaged tissues interrupt the normal flow of water and nutrients to the plant tissues above (leaves and panicles). The disease may move up the plant and infect the flag leaves and panicles under severe conditions. The fungus can spread into the culms from early sheath infections and weaken the infected culms, resulting in the lodging and collapse of tillers. The damage caused by sheath blight ranges from partial infection of the lower sheaths with little impact on grain filling to the premature death of plants and lodging with a significant reduction in grain yield and quality.
[0009] Different pesticides are traditionally used alone or in combination to address or prevent a number of pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies, and also to enhance the plant growth of large varieties of crops. It includes fungicides, insecticides, inoculants, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and fertilizer enhancers.
[00010] The most commonly used fungicides includes, captan, carboxin, difenoconazole, fludioxonil, imazalil, mefenoxam, tebuconazole, thiabendazole, thiram, triadimenol, isoprothiolane, thiophanate methyl, pyroclostrobin, azoxystrobin, mancozeb etc. These fungicides are used in different type of formulations like dry powder and as well as in liquid form.
[00011] WO2008/095913 describes mixtures of an insecticidal compound selected from fipronil or ethiprole and one or more fungicidal compound selected from azoles, strobilurins, carboxamides, heterocylic compounds, carbamates, and other active fungicidal compounds in synergistically effective amounts.
[00012] WO2009/126473 describes aqueous spore-containing chemical formulations comprises at least one spore in a mixture of water with one or more insecticide or fungicide compound or a mixture thereof along with suitable additives.
[00013] WO2010/095151 describes a water dispersible granular composition comprising at least one solid agrochemically active substance; at least one sorptive filler; at least one first agrochemically acceptable excipient; at least one liquid or low melting agrochemically active substance; and, at least one second agrochemically acceptable excipient. Agrochemically active substance described is selected from the group comprising at least one of biocides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, acaricides, nematicides, pheromones, plant growth regulators and/or repellents.
[00014] WO2010/108973 describes the combined use of synthetic fungicides and biological control agents for controlling harmful fungi. The biological control agent used is selected from non-pathogenic bacteria or fungi and metabolites produced therefrom, resin acids and plant extracts of Reynoutria sachalinensis.
[00015] WO2015/028376 describes the use of a mixture having at least a strobilurines fungicide and a further dithiocarbamates fungicide with a herbicide and/or insecticide for synergistically increasing the health of a silvicultural plant, in particular Eucalyptus.
[00016] US20110319435 describes fungicidal composition having at least one fungicide selected from the group of the systemic, locally-systemic or translaminarly-wetting organic fungicides or the nonsystemic fungicides and at least one substance which, as a one-molar solution in water or calculated as a one-molar solution in water or an aqueous comparative scale has a pH of 5.0 or less under standard conditions.
[00017] WO2019/064284 describes synergistic pesticidal composition comprising a pesticidal active ingredient and a C6-C10 unsaturated aliphatic acid or an agriculturally compatible salt thereof. A list of large number of pesticidal active ingredient is disclosed in this application.
[00018] WO2019/077460 describes a combination having at least one multisite contact fungicide, at least one systemic fungicide and at least one plant health promoting agent. The plant growth promoting agent used is a silicic acid based additive having the general formula [SiOx(OH)4-2x]n.
[00019] WO2019/186356 describes a fungicidal combination comprising at least one azole fungicide, including, an imidazole fungicide or a triazole fungicide and a second agrochemically active fungicide.
[00020] WO2019/186359 describes a fungicidal combination comprising at least one azole fungicide, including an imidazole fungicide or a triazole fungicide, and at least one multisite contact fungicide and at least a third systemic fungicide.
[00021] WO2020/061706 and WO2020/061708 describes a synergistic pesticidal composition comprising a pesticidal active ingredient and a C4-C10 saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid or an agriculturally compatible salt thereof.
[00022] WO2020/154349 describes a method of reducing downward migration of a pesticide in soil or on vegetation including turf or an area in proximity thereto, comprising applying a composition comprising a pesticide that is solubilized in a predominantly water-immiscible solvent to form an oil in water emulsion or an emulsifiable concentrate. Large number of pesticidal active ingredients are disclosed in this application.
[00023] CN111138379 describes combination of broad-spectrum bactericidal pollution-free growth-promoting thiazole manganese zinc compound and various active ingredients including fungicides.
[00024] IN201821022735, IN350538, WO2018224914 and CN101810192 describes different ternary compositions of Azoxystrobin, Mancozeb and a third active ingredient such as Thifluzamide, Fipronil, Chlorantraniliprole and Tebuconazole respectively.
[00025] CN 109392921 describes fungicidal composition having active constituent epoxiconazole, azoxystrobin, and isoprothiolane and auxiliary agent at wt. ratio of 1:1-2:1-3.
[00026] CN1930967 describes germicide composition containing Azoxystrobin and Isoprothiolane in the weight ratio of 1-40 to 5-50. CN101253864 describes compositions effective amount of mancozeb and strobilurin fungicides mainly include fenoxystrobin, azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, or fenoxystrobin and the like.
[00027] CN101700028 describes composition containing azoxystrobin and a thiocarbamate fungicide like mancozeb, zineb, maneb or thiram. CN102113511 describes compositions containing azoxystrobin as part A and the B is selected one from myclobutanil, flusilazole, mancozeb and dimethomorph.
[00028] CN 109392921 describes the fungicidal composition containing active constituent epoxiconazole, azoxystrobin, and isoprothiolane and auxiliary agent at wt. ratio of 1:1-2:1-3.
[00029] WO2015083017 describes an agrochemical combination comprising a dithiocarbamate and a polycarboxylate salt and this further comprises another pesticide, a plant growth regulator and/or a micronutrient.
[00030] Patent documents WO2018025192, CN102835407, CN101700028 and journal documents Plant Disease, 87(7), 784-788(2003) and Pestology, 38(1), 47-51(2014) also describes the composition of Azoxystrobin and Mancozeb.
[00031] Further, repeated and exclusive application of individual pesticide compounds leads to development of natural or adapted resistance against the active compounds. Therefore, there is a need for pest control agents that help in preventing resistance induced by pesticides.
[00032] Journal Plant Disease, 87(7), 784-788(2003) describes that development of azoxystrobin resistance in Magnaporthe oryzae from perennial ryegrass has been reported in certain locations in the United States. If a fungus such as Magnaporthe oryzae becomes resistant to a fungicide, then it is always a possibility that its growth may develop resistant to many other fungicides in that particular drug class. The basic way of approach to challenge the development of resistance is to develop a combination of more than one fungicide with different mode of action.
[00033] None of the current approaches/reports seems to satisfy the existing needs and they suffer from a number of limitations such as poor efficacy, high toxicity, resistance development, poor shelf-life, high cost of manufacturing etc.
[00034] There is therefore an unmet need in the art to develop a new and improved fungicidal composition and formulation to combat fungal diseases in crops that may overcome one or more limitations associated with existing compositions and formulations. The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[00035] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[00036] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[00037] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fungicidal composition that may overcome the limitations associated with the conventional fungicidal compositions.
[00038] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition that is capable of protecting plants, particularly, paddy crop from the attack of fungal pathogens.
[00039] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition capable of protecting seeds, seedling and/or growing plants from harmful effects of seed-borne and soil-borne pathogenic fungi.
[00040] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition that exhibits synergistic activity /functional reciprocity.
[00041] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition that prevents development of resistance against them.
[00042] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition that is safe, easy to prepare and is economical.
[00043] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method of preparation of the fungicidal composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00044] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of agrochemical compositions. Particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a synergistic composition and formulations thereof capable of protecting crops from harmful effects of pathogenic fungi. The composition is valuable especially in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic fungi on paddy crop.
[00045] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 10% by weight of the composition; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition; mancozeb in an amount ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 20% to 75% by weight of composition. In an embodiment, the at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from any or a combination of a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, a rheology modifier, anti-freezing agent, a binding agent, a diluent and a filler. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of a dustable powder, a wettable powder, a water dispersible granule, a granule, a suspension concentrate, an emulsifier concentrate and a suspo-emulsion.
[00046] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a wettable powder including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 2.5% to 6% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 8% to 16% by weight of the formulation; mancozeb in an amount ranging from 26% to 44% by weight of the formulation; a wetting agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the formulation; a dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the formulation; an anti-foaming agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the formulation; and an inert filler in an amount ranging from 25% to 50% by weight of the formulation. In an embodiment, the composition is suitable for protecting crop plants including paddy, potato, cucurbit, chilli, grapes, apple and the likes.
[00047] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00048] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[00049] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more comprehensively with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[00050] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions may be included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.
[00051] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00052] As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, and “including” are meant to be non- limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end of result can be added. The above terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.
[00053] As used herein, the terms “composition”, “blend”, or “mixture” are all intended to be used interchangeably.
[00054] The terms “weight percent”, “vol-%”, “percent by weight”, “% by weight”, and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used here, “percent”, “%”, and the like are intended to be synonymous with “weight percent”, “vol-%”, etc.
[00055] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.
[00056] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The numerical values of various parameters given in the specification are at approximations and slightly higher or slightly lower values of these parameters fall within the ambit and the scope of the invention.
[00057] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[00058] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject-matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[00059] The compositions and methods of the appended claims are not limited in scope by the specific compositions and methods described herein, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claims and any compositions and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Various modifications of the compositions and methods in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, while only certain representative compositions and method steps disclosed herein are specifically described, other combinations of the compositions and method steps also are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims, even if not specifically recited.
[00060] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00061] The term “fungicide” as utilized herein is intended to cover compounds active against phytopathogenic fungi that may belong to a wide range of compound classes. Examples of compound classes to which the suitable fungicidally active compound may belong include: triazole derivatives, strobilurins, carbamates (including thio- and dithio-carbamates), benzimidazoles (thiabendazole), N-trihalomethylthio compounds, substituted benzenes, carboxamides, phenylamides and phenylpyrroles, and mixtures thereof.
[00062] The term “crops” includes, but not limited to, paddy, potato, cucurbits, chilli, grapes, and apple crops.
[00063] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of agrochemical compositions. Particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a synergistic composition and formulations thereof capable of protecting crops from harmful effects of pathogenic fungi. The composition is particularly suitable in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic fungi on paddy crop.
[00064] The present application is on the premise of surprising observation of synergism between components of the composition of the present disclosure offering significant advantages over usage of individual ingredients while providing improved and extended fungal control, reduced dosage amount and frequency of application, being economical, quick in response, easy to apply, better selectivity and leaving negligible residue after use. The synergistic effect is unexpected and surprising. In-fact, the composition of the present disclosure exhibits synergistic activity and provide significant protection against one or more seed-borne and soil-borne fungal diseases such as, but not limited to, sheath blight and blast such as leaf blast, neck blast and collar blast, occurring anytime during the growth of the crop plants.
[00065] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 10% by weight of the composition; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition; mancozeb in an amount ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 20% to 75% by weight of composition.
[00066] In an embodiment, the composition includes: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 2.5% to 6% by weight of the composition; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 8% to 16% by weight of the composition; mancozeb in an amount ranging from 26% to 44% by weight of the composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 20% to 75% by weight of composition.
[00067] In an embodiment, the at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from any or a combination of a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, a rheology modifier, anti-freezing agent, a binding agent, a diluent and a filler.
[00068] In an embodiment, surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), tackifier(s) and dispersing agent(s) includes but not limited to, ionic and non-ionic products, solutions of organo-modified polyacrylates, sodium lauryl sulphate, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylate, alkylsulfonates, phosphoric acid ester, modified polyethers, polyurethanes, alkyl aryl sulfonate, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, polycarboxylates, phenol sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, dialkylsulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfates, acetylene glycols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, fatty alcohol alkoxylate (ANTAROX 245S®, Solvay), polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenylether sulfate, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ester, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, polyoxyethylenesorbitan alkylate, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenyl ether polymer, polyoxyalkylene glycol, C12-C15 ethoxylated alcohols (ANTAROX B600®, Solvay), alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of aromatic sulfonic acids such as ligninsoulfonic acid (Borresperse® types, Borregard, Norway), phenolsulfonic acid, naphthalene sulfonic acid (Morwet® types, Akzo Nobel, U.S.A.), dibutyl naphthalene sulfonic acid (Nekal® types, BASF, Germany), condensates of naphthalene or of naphthalene sulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde such as naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, Sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde polycondensate as sodium salt, fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty alcohol ethoxylate and sulfated hexa-, hepta- and octa-decanolates, sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, hetero polysaccharide and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), tackifier(s) and dispersing agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00069] In an embodiment, anti-foaming agent(s) includes but not limited to, polydimethylsiloxane, magnesium stearate, silicone emulsions (such as e.g. Silikon® SRE, Wacker, Germany or Rhodorsil®, Rhodia, France), long chain alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, salts of fatty acids, fluoro organic compounds, silicone oils, mineral oils, polyether siloxane copolymer containing fumed silica, silicone defoamers, non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), arylalkyl modified polysiloxanes, polyethylene glycol, glycerin and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other anti-foaming agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00070] In an embodiment, rheology modifier(s) includes but not limited to, natural and man-made modifiers, such as, for example, natural gums (xanthan gum, gum arabic, gun ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, guar gum, locust bean gum etc.), attagel, agar, alginic acid, alginate salt, chitin, pectin, casein, dextran, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicas, fumed silica, fumed aluminium oxide, colloidal silicon dioxides, hydrogenated castor oils, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, sodium poly acrylate, welan gum, lignosulfonates, hydroxy methyl cellulose, dextrin, hetero polysaccharides, organic and inorganic clays, montmorillonite, bentonite clays, oxidized waxes, carboxy methylcellulose, carrageen, fucoidan, laminaran, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane), HMPE (hydrophobically modified polyethers), HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali-swellable emulsion), polyacrylates, polyamides, 2-aminoethyl starch, 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose, cellulose sulfate salt, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyrrolidinones, alkali metal salts of the maleic anhydride copolymers, alkali metal salts of poly(meth)acrylate, starch, Kelzan® (CP Kelco, U.S.A.), Rhodopol® 23 (Rhodia, France), Veegum® (R.T. Vanderbilt, U.S.A.) and Attaclay® (Engelhard Corp., NJ; USA) and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other rheology modifier(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00071] In an embodiment, anti-freezing agent(s) includes but not limited to, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, trimethylol propane, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, xylenol, bisphenols such as bisphenol A or the like, ether alcohols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, urea, tetraethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethylether, diethylene glycol monoethylether, triethylene glycol monomethylether, butoxyethanol, butylene glycol monobutylether, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol, octaglycerol and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other anti-freezing agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00072] In an embodiment, binding agent(s) includes but not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols and cellulose ethers (Tylose®, Shin-Etsu, Japan) and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other binding agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00073] In an embodiment, diluents(s) or solvent(s) includes but not limited to, water, aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene, xylene, naphthalene, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes or their derivatives), solvent C9, aliphatic hydrocarbons, kerosene, diesel oil, furthermore coal tar oils and oils of vegetable or animal origin, aromatic solvents (e.g. solvesso products), paraffins (e.g. mineral fractions), alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, butanol, pentanol, 2-ethylhexanol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol), ketones (e.g. cyclohexanone, gamma-butyrolactone), pyrrolidones (e.g. NMP, NOP), DMSO, acetates (glycol diacetate), glycols, fatty acid dimethylamides, fatty acids and fatty acid esters and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other diluents(s) or solvent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00074] In an embodiment, filler(s) includes but not limited to, kaolin, clays, talc, chalk, glass fiber, highly disperse or precipitated silica, silicates, diatomite, calcite, talcum, carbonates such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, wood flour, cellulose, pulverized wood, diatomaceous earth, montmorillonite, and highly dispersed silicic acid and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other filler(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00075] In one embodiment, the composition is formulated into a solid, a semi-solid and a liquid formulation. In one embodiment, the composition is a solid formulation. In one embodiment, the composition is a liquid formulation.
[00076] The compositions detailed herein can be manufactured in one or several dosage forms. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of a dustable powder, a wettable powder, a water dispersible granule, a granule, a suspension concentrate, an emulsifier concentrate and a suspo-emulsion. In an embodiment, the above formulations can be prepared by any suitable conventional method, as known to or appreciated by a person skilled in the art to serve its intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.
[00077] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a wettable powder including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 10% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the formulation; mancozeb in an amount ranging from 20% to 50% by weight of the formulation; a wetting agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the formulation; a dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the formulation; an antifoaming agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the formulation; and an inert filler in an amount ranging from 25% to 50% by weight of the formulation.
[00078] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a wettable powder including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 2.5% to 6% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 8% to 16% by weight of the formulation; mancozeb in an amount ranging from 26% to 44% by weight of the formulation; a wetting agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the formulation; a dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 20% by weight of the formulation; an antifoaming agent in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the formulation; and an inert filler in an amount ranging from 25% to 50% by weight of the formulation. In an embodiment, the composition may find utility in protecting crop plants selected from the group including paddy, potato, cucurbit, chilli, grapes and apple. In one embodiment, the composition is a ready-to-use stable formulation. In an embodiment, composition/formulation of the present disclosure is stable for at least 24 months at 25°C.
[00079] In an embodiment, fungicidal composition of the present disclosure can be applied by any known method, including but not limited to spraying, atomizing, dusting, broadcasting and watering. However, any or a combination of method of application, as known to or appreciated by a person skilled in the art, can be utilized to serve its intended purpose. In an embodiment, the composition is applied by spraying, preferably, foliar spraying.
[00080] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the application rate of the composition disclosed herein may be in an amount ranging from 500 gm/ha to 5000 gm/ha, preferably, 3000 to 4000 gm/ha, in order to protect the paddy crop from pathogenic fungi. However, the application rate and the method of application may vary, as it is dependent on various factors such as type of the crop, pathogen to be controlled, intensity of the inoculum of pathogen, method of application and climatic/environmental conditions.
[00081] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of controlling and eliminating fungal disease from crop plants, said method comprising: applying an effective amount of the synergistic fungicidal composition of the present disclosure to a plant susceptible to attack by fungi. In an embodiment, the step of applying an effective amount of the composition to the crop plants comprises applying by foliar spraying, by spraying, by broadcasting or by any other suitable means, preferably by foliar spraying. In an embodiment, said crop plants are selected from the group consisting of paddy, potato, cucurbits, chilli, grapes, and apple. In an embodiment, the composition is applied to the paddy crop in an amount ranging from 500 to 5000 gm per hectare, preferably 3000 to 4000 gm per hectare.
[00082] The following examples are provided to more specifically set forth and define the process of the present invention. It is recognized that changes may be made to the specific parameters and ranges disclosed herein and that there may be a number of different ways known in the art to change the disclosed variables. And whereas it is understood that only the preferred embodiments of these elements are disclosed herein as set forth in the specification and drawings, the invention should not be so limited and should be construed in terms of the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.
EXAMPLES
[00083] The invention is now being illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[00084] Several formulations were prepared and tested for their suitability, compositions whereof are provided in the Table 1 below:
Table 1: Compositions
Example

Ingredients 1 2 3 4 5 6 Role
Azoxystrobin*
(Purity: 98.00% w/w) 2.04g 4.09g 6.13g 4.09g 4.09g 4.09g Active Ingredient
Isoprothiolane*
(Purity: 96.00% w/w) 6.25g 12.50g 18.75g 12.50g 12.50g 12.50g Active Ingredient
Mancozeb*
(Purity: 85.00% w/w) 17.65g 35.30g 52.95g 35.30g 35.30g 35.30g Active Ingredient
Sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate 12.00g 12.00g 14.00g 14.00g ---- ---- Dispersing agent
Sodium lauryl sulphate 3.00g 3.00g 3.50g 4.00g ---- ---- Wetting agent
Polydimethyl
Siloxane 1.00g 1.00g 1.00g 1.00g 0.50g 0.50g Anti- foaming agent
Sodium polyacrylate ---- ---- ---- ---- 5.00g 5.00g Dispersing agent
C12-C15 ethoxylated alcohols
(ANTAROX B600®) ---- ---- ---- ---- 2.00g 2.00g Dispersing agent
Fatty alcohol alkoxylate
(ANTAROX 245S®) ---- ---- ---- ---- 10.00g ---- Dispersing agent
Solvent C9 ----- ----- ----- ----- 12.00g ---- Diluent
Xanthan gum ----- ----- ----- ----- 0.05g 0.15g Rheology modifier
Propylene glycol ----- ----- ----- ----- 5.00g 5.00g Anti- freezing agent
Silica (precipitated) 5.00 10.00 3.67 14.00 ----- ----- Filler
Kaolin 53.06 22.11 ----- 15.11 13.56 35.01 Filler
Total 100g 100g 100g 100g 100g 100g --
Formulation WP WP WP WDG SE SC --
*Quantity based on purity of active ingredient (e.g. 4.09 gm of Azoxystrobin with 98.00% w/w Purity is equivalent to 4.0 gm of pure Azoxystrobin).
Process of preparation of Wettable powder (WP):
[00085] (a) Desired amount (recited herein-above in Table 1) of azoxystrobin, isoprothiolane and mancozeb were premixed in a blender to obtain mixture A; (b) separately charged sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, sodium lauryl sulphate, polydimethylsiloxane and precipitated silica and kaolin in a blender to obtain mixture B; (c) mixture A was added in mixture B present in the blender, mixed thoroughly till a uniform blend was obtained; (d) grind the blended mixture utilizing an air jet mill and feed rate was adjusted according to the particle size (particle size: less than 15µm); and (e) after grinding, the mixture was further blended in a post blender till a uniform wettable powder was obtained. The wettable powder obtained in Example-2, hereinafter referred as ALF400 (2), was used further for bio-efficacy studies.
Bio-efficacy study (in-house):
[00086] The synergistic fungicidal composition of the present disclosure, prepared in accordance with Example 2 was used for conducting field trial at a given concentrations, and efficacy was compared with a) two way possible tank mix combinations i.e., Isoprothiolane 40% EC + Azoxystrobin 23% SC (Tank Mix), Isoprothiolane 40% EC + Mancozeb 63% WP (Tank Mix) and Azoxystrobin 23% SC + Mancozeb 63% WP (Tank mix) and b) individual active ingredient formulations i.e. Isoprothiolane 40% EC, Azoxystrobin 23% SC and Mancozeb 75% WP, against sheath blight, leaf blast and neck blast of Paddy (rice).
Field experiment methodology:
[00087] The field trials were conducted in commercial cultivated paddy field under hot-spot of naturally occurring Sheath Blight, Leaf Blast and Neck Blast diseases in the trial field. The trial sites were located at:
a) Village- Dwarakapuram, Menakur, Naidupeta, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh)
b) Village-Athivaram, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh)
c) Village- Mehra , Distt- Kurukshetra (Haryana)
d) Village- Shahpur , Distt- Shamli (Uttar Pradesh)
Experimental Design and Treatments:
[00088] The trials were conducted using normal research methodology under in Sheath blight, Leaf blast and Neck Blast disease sick fields. Four crops of paddy, variety: Basmati 1509 and BPT1224 were selected for the study at above mentioned sites. The field trials started in Sept. 2020 and ended in Feb. 2021. Treatments were randomized in block wise having plot area of 5.0 x 5.0 sq. m. and replicated thrice. The experimental plots were one meter apart to prevent cross-contamination of treatments and other research activities. Soil type for each trial is sandy loam. Battery operated Knapsack sprayer with hollow cone nozzle is used for application. The timely observations from the trial field were recorded, using standard methodology of observations.
Observations:
[00089] The appearance of the visible symptoms of the disease was recorded as percent disease progression per hill on visual basis after 1st spray and subsequent observation were recorded after 7 and 14 days of each spray. For Neck Blast, observation were recorded for number of tillers per hill, number of neck blast effected tillers per hill and percent neck blast for 10 randomly selected hills per each replication. For recording the observations ten hills from each plot were graded on (0 – 9) disease scoring scale for sheath blight & blast disease and recorded neck blast & grain discoloration after final spray.
[00090] Percent disease index (PDI) was calculated using the following formula:

The PDI values were transformed by angular transformation and analyzed statistically.
[00091] The percent disease control DC (%) was calculated by the following formula:

[00092] Below examples (7 to 10) summarizes the impact of individual or combined fungicide treatments against key invasive fungal diseases in paddy crop.

[00093] Example 7: Combined Summary based on field trials performed at Village- Mehra, Distt-Kurukshetra (Haryana) and Village- Dwarakapuram, Naidupeta, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) [FIELD TRIAL-1]

Table 7.1: Effect of different fungicides against percent disease control of Sheath Blight, Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha)* Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Sheath Blight PDC Leaf Blast PDC Neck Blast PDC Grain Discoloration PDC Yield (q/ha)
1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 3rd
Spray 1st
Spray 2nd
Spray Final
Spray Final
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 77 78 80 85 88 70 81 46
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 93 96 91 95 95 81 91 52
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 100 97 93 100 98 88 94 53
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+
115 750+
500 59 56 52 81 83 61 75 40
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 44 39 38 78 80 48 73 34
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 74 75 72 71 64 33 75 37
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 32 25 22 76 78 45 72 29
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 52 48 47 71 67 25 77 32
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 41 32 34 37 20 9 64 31
T10 Untreated Check - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20
* = Gram active ingredient per hectare
Table 7.2: Bio-efficacy of different fungicide treatments against Sheath Blight, Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Sheath Blight PDI Leaf Blast PDI Neck Blast PDI Grain Discoloration PDI
Pre-count 1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 3rd
Spray Pre-count 1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 0.00
(0) 7.04
(15.31) 12.22
(20.38) 16.30
(23.79) 0.00
(0) 7.04
(15.37) 6.30
(14.52) 21.85
(14.52) 10.37
(18.78)
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 0.00
(0) 2.22
(8.38) 2.22
(8.09) 7.41
(15.72) 0.00
(0) 2.22
(8.09) 2.59
(9.03) 13.70
(9.03) 4.81
(12.66)
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 0.00
(0) 0.00
(0.00) 1.48
(5.72) 5.56
(13.59) 0.00
(0) 0.00
(0) 1.11
(6.05) 8.52
(6.05) 3.33
(10.42)
T4 Isoprothiolane 40%EC +Azoxystrobin 23%SC 300+
115 750+
500 0.00
(0) 12.22
(20.41) 24.44
(29.63) 39.26
(38.80) 0.00
(0) 8.89
(17.32) 8.52
(16.91) 27.78
(16.91) 14.07
(22.03)
T5 Isoprothiolane 40%EC +Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 0.00
(0) 16.67
(24.09) 34.07
(35.70) 50.74
(45.42) 0.00
(0) 10.37
(18.78) 10.00
(18.42) 37.78
(18.42) 15.19
(22.92)
T6 Azoxystrobin 23%SC +Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 0.00
(0) 7.78
(16.09) 13.70
(21.71) 22.59
(28.36) 0.00
(0) 13.33
(21.41) 18.15
(25.17) 48.52
(25.17) 14.07
(22.01)
T7 Isoprothiolane 40%EC 300 750 0.00
(0) 20.37
(26.82) 42.22
(40.51) 63.70
(52.96) 0.00
(0) 11.11
(19.46) 11.48
(19.79) 39.26
(19.79) 15.56
(23.2)
T8 Azoxystrobin 23%SC 115 500 0.00
(0) 14.44
(22.30) 28.89
(32.48) 43.33
(41.17) 0.00
(0) 13.70
(21.7) 17.04
(24.38) 54.07
(24.38) 12.96
(21.1)
T9 Mancozeb 75%WP 1125 1500 0.00
(0) 17.78
(24.92) 37.78
(37.90) 53.70
(47.13) 0.00
(0) 29.63
(32.98) 41.11
(39.88) 65.56
(39.88) 20.00
(26.57)
T10 Untreated Check - - 0.00
(0) 30.00
(33.20) 55.93
(48.40) 81.85
(64.95) 0.00
(0) 46.67
(43.09) 51.11
(45.64) 71.85
(45.64) 55.56
(48.19)
CD - 3.07 5.39 4.51 - 2.48 2.57 4.42 1.80
CD=Critical difference; ()= Values in bracket are arcsine transformed values to bring normality in data.
[00094] Example 8: Combined Summary based on field trials performed at Village- Shahpur, Distt-Shamli (UP) and Village- Dwarakapuram, Naidupeta, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) [FIELD TRIAL-2]

Table 8.1: Effect of different fungicides against percent disease control of Sheath Blight, Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha)) Sheath Blight PDC Leaf Blast
PDC Neck Blast PDC Grain Discoloration PDC Yield (q/ha)
1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 3rd
Spray 1st
Spray 2nd
Spray Final
Spray Final
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 79 75 78 85 87 71 78 45
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 96 94 90 94 92 82 87 51
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 98 94 94 98 96 88 90 52
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+
115 750+
500 57 53 50 80 81 61 71 41
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 40 36 35 78 77 46 69 33
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 70 70 68 67 63 34 70 36
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 29 22 20 76 76 43 68 28
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 49 47 45 67 65 28 73 31
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 37 33 30 34 19 14 53 30
T10 Untreated Check - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19
Table 8.2: Bio-efficacy of different fungicide treatments against Sheath Blight, Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Sheath Blight PDI Leaf Blast PDI Neck Blast PDI Grain Discoloration PDI
Pre-count 1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 3rd
Spray Pre-count 1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 2nd
Spray 2nd
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 0.00
(0) 7.04
(15.31) 14.81
(22.62) 17.41
(24.64) 0.00
(0) 7.04
(15.34) 6.67
(14.93) 21.11
(27.28) 12.22
(20.46)
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 0.00
(0) 1.48
(6.89) 3.70
(11.07) 7.78
(16.09) 0.00
(0) 2.96
(9.77) 4.07
(11.62) 12.96
(21.09) 7.04
(15.37)
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 0.00
(0) 0.74
(4.03) 3.33
(10.42) 5.19
(13.15) 0.00
(0) 1.11
(6.05) 2.22
(8.57) 8.89
(17.35) 5.56
(13.59)
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+
115 750+
500 0.00
(0) 14.07
(22.01) 28.15
(32.01) 39.63
(39.01) 0.00
(0) 9.26
(17.69) 10.00
(18.36) 28.52
(32.23) 16.30
(23.8)
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 0.00
(0) 19.63
(26.30) 37.78
(37.92) 51.85
(46.06) 0.00
(0) 10.37
(18.78) 11.85
(20.13) 39.63
(39) 17.04
(24.37)
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 0.00
(0) 10.00
(18.36) 17.78
(24.93) 30.37
(30.37) 0.00
(0) 15.56
(23.22) 19.26
(25.99) 48.89
(44.36) 16.67
(24.07)
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 0.00
(0) 23.33
(28.87) 46.30
(42.87) 63.70
(52.96) 0.00
(0) 11.48
(19.8) 12.59
(20.78) 42.22
(40.52) 17.78
(24.92)
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 0.00
(0) 16.67
(24.09) 31.48
(34.12) 43.70
(41.38) 0.00
(0) 15.56
(23.2) 18.15
(25.21) 53.33
(46.92) 15.19
(22.93)
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 0.00
(0) 20.74
(27.06) 39.63
(39.00) 56.30
(48.62) 0.00
(0) 31.11
(33.89) 42.59
(40.74) 63.33
(52.77) 25.93
(30.6)
T10 Untreated Check - - 0.00
(0) 32.96
(35.04) 59.26
(50.34) 80.00
(63.58) 0.00
(0) 47.41
(43.51) 52.59
(46.49) 74.44
(59.66) 57.78
(49.47)
CD - 2.84 4.10 4.03 - 2.13 2.07 4.04 1.64
CD=Critical difference; () = Values in bracket are arcsine transformed values to bring normality in data.
[00095] Example 9: Summary based on field trial performed at Village- Dwarakapuram, Naidupeta, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) [FIELD TRIAL-3]
Table 9.1: Effect of different fungicides against percent disease control of Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Leaf Blast PDC Neck Blast PDC Grain Discoloration
PDC Yield (q/ha)
1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% +
Mancozeb 30%) 300+100+750 2500 82 82 87 69 80 47
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% +
Mancozeb 30%) 375+125+937.5 3125 93 92 91 80 93 52
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% +
Mancozeb 30%) 450+150+1125 3750 100 98 96 88 96 54
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+115 750+500 79 79 78 56 77 43
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 300+1125 750+1500 74 75 73 43 75 36
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 115+1125 500+1500 59 70 67 36 76 39
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 71 73 70 40 74 30
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 53 61 71 25 79 33
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 17 19 23 15 59 32
T10 Untreated Check - - 0 0 0 0 0 22

Table 9.2: Bio-efficacy of different fungicide treatments against Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Leaf Blast PDI Neck Blast PDI Grain Discoloration PDI
Pre-count 1st
Spray 2nd
Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 6.67
(14.93) 7.04
(15.31) 10.00
(18.42) 7.78
(16.17) 24.07
(29.36) 11.11
(19.43)
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 7.04
(15.37) 2.96
(9.87) 4.44
(12.11) 5.56
(13.59) 15.93
(23.31) 3.70
(10.70)
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 7.78
(16.17) 0.00
(0) 1.11
(6.05) 2.22
(8.38) 9.63
(18.05) 2.22
(8.38)
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+
115 750+
500 7.41
(15.78) 8.15
(16.58) 11.48
(19.79) 13.33
(21.41) 34.07
(35.69) 12.59
(20.73)
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 8.15
(16.58) 10.37
(18.76) 13.70
(21.7) 16.67
(24.09) 44.81
(42.02) 14.07
(22.02)
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 7.78
(16.17) 16.30
(23.81) 16.30
(23.79) 20.00
(26.54) 49.63
(44.79) 13.33
(21.42)
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 7.04
(15.37) 11.48
(19.77) 14.44
(22.33) 18.15
(25.21) 47.04
(43.3) 14.44
(22.31)
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 7.78
(16.19) 18.52
(25.47) 21.11
(27.35) 17.78
(24.93) 58.89
(50.14) 11.85
(20.06)
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 7.78
(16.17) 32.96
(35.04) 43.70
(41.38) 46.67
(43.09) 66.30
(54.52) 22.59
(28.37)
T10 Untreated Check - - 7.78
(16.17) 39.63
(39.01) 54.07
(47.34) 60.74
(51.21) 77.78
(61.89) 55.56
(48.19)
CD - 1.93 1.95 1.86 4.01 3.45
CD=Critical difference; ()= Values in bracket are arcsine transformed values to bring normality in data.
[00096] Example 10: Summary based on field trial performed at Village-Athivaram, Nellore (Andhra Pradesh)
[FIELD TRIAL-4]
Table 10.1: Effect of different fungicides against percent disease control of Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Leaf Blast PDC Neck Blast
PDC Grain Discoloration
PDC Yield (q/ha)
1st Spray 2nd Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% +
Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 82 82 86 71 82 46
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% +
Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 93 92 91 82 94 51
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% +
Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 100 98 96 90 96 52
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+
115 750+
500 79 79 78 62 78 44
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 74 75 73 50 75 33
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 59 70 67 36 77 36
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 71 73 70 46 75 28
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 53 61 71 38 80 31
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 17 19 23 28 61 30
T10 Untreated Check - - 0 0 0 0 0 19

Table 10.2: Bio-efficacy of different fungicide treatments against Blast and Grain Discoloration of Paddy
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Leaf Blast PDI Neck Blast PDI Grain Discoloration PDI
Pre-count 1st
Spray 2nd Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray 3rd
Spray
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 0.00
(0) 6.67
(14.93) 9.26
(17.71) 8.15
(16.55) 18.52
(25.41) 10.00
(18.43)
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 0.00
(0) 2.59
(8.93) 4.07
(11.46) 5.56
(13.59) 11.48
(19.8) 3.33
(10.52)
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 0.00
(0) 0.00
(0) 1.11
(6.05) 2.59
(9.22) 6.30
(14.28) 2.22
(8.38)
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+
115 750+
500 0.00
(0) 7.78
(16.17) 10.74
(19.13) 12.96
(21.1) 24.07
(29.36) 12.22
(20.42)
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 0.00
(0) 9.26
(17.67) 12.96
(21.1) 15.56
(23.23) 31.85
(34.33) 13.70
(21.72)
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +
Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 0.00
(0) 14.81
(22.62) 15.19
(22.92) 19.26
(26.02) 41.11
(39.81) 12.59
(20.71)
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 0.00
(0) 10.37
(18.75) 13.70
(21.71) 17.41
(24.66) 34.81
(36.11) 13.70
(21.7)
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 0.00
(0) 17.04
(24.38) 20.00
(26.56) 17.04
(24.37) 39.63
(39) 11.11
(19.47)
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 0.00
(0) 30.00
(33.21) 41.48
(40.09) 44.81
(42.02) 45.93
(42.66) 21.85
(27.87)
T10 Untreated Check - - 0.00
(0) 36.30
(37.04) 51.11
(45.64) 58.52
(49.91) 64.44
(53.41) 55.56
(48.19)
CD - 2.62 1.95 1.85 5.08 2.30
CD=Critical difference; ()= Values in bracket are arcsine transformed values to bring normality in data.

[00097] Example 11: Phytotoxicity observation details after 3rd spray:
Table 11: Phytotoxicity studies
Plot Treatments Dosage
(g a.i./ ha) Formulation dosage
(gm or ml/ha) Phytotoxicity observation at before spraying and
at 5,7 & 10 DAA of the 3rd spray
Yellowing Stunting Burning
1
D
B
S 5
D
A
A 7
D
A
A 10
D
A
A 15
D
A
A 1
D
B
S 5
D
A
A 7
D
A
A 10
D
A
A 15
D
A
A 1
D
B
S 5
D
A
A 7
D
A
A 10
D
A
A 15
D
A
A
T1 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 300+
100+
750 2500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T2 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 375+
125+
937.5 3125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T3 ALF-400 (2) WP
(Isoprothiolane 12% + Azoxystrobin 4% + Mancozeb 30%) 450+
150+
1125 3750 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T4 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Azoxystrobin 23% SC 300+
115 750+
500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T5 Isoprothiolane 40% EC +Mancozeb 75% WP 300+
1125 750+
1500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T6 Azoxystrobin 23% SC +Mancozeb 75% WP 115+
1125 500+
1500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T7 Isoprothiolane 40% EC 300 750 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T8 Azoxystrobin 23% SC 115 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T9 Mancozeb 75% WP 1125 1500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
T10 Untreated Check - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Here DBS = Days before spray; DAA = Days after application; and 0 = No phytotoxicity.

[00098] It can be appreciated from the observed results presented in Table 7.1, which shows that for sheath blight, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (93%), T2 (91%) and T1(80%), followed by T6 (72%) and T4 (52%). The lowest PDC was recorded in treatment T7 (22%), T9 (34%), T5 (38%) and T10 (0.0%). For leaf blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after 2nd application was recorded in treatment T3 (98%), T2 (95%) and T1 (88%), followed by T4 (83%), T5 (80%) and T7 (78%). The lowest PDC was recorded in treatments T9 (20%), T6 (64%), and T10 (0.0%). For neck blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after final application was recorded in treatment T3 (88%), T2 (81%) and T1 (70%). Significantly lower PDC was recorded in rest of all the treatments T4 to T10. Grain discoloration PDC was also recorded much better in T3 (94%), T2 (91%) and T1 (81%) with respect to all other treatments.
[00099] The results presented in Table 7.2 shows that at the time of initiation of field trial there was no sheath blight or blast disease in any treatment which indicates the uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1st application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T10 (30.00%) followed by T7 (20.37%) and T9 (17.78%) and no PDI was recorded in T3. PDI recorded in T4, T5 and T8 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 2nd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T10 (55.93%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (1.48%) and T2 (2.22%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3rd application, the highest Sheath blight (PDI) was recorded in T10 (81.85%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (5.56%) and T2 (7.41%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. Similar bio-efficacy trend were also recorded for leaf blast, neck blast and grain discoloration, which confirms that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of all the treatments.
[000100] The results presented in Table 8.1 shows that for sheath blight, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (94%) and T2 (90%), followed by T1 (78%), T6 (68%) and T4 (50%). The lowest PDC was recorded in treatment T7 (20%), T9 (30%), T5 (35%), T8 (45%) and T10 (0.0%). For leaf blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after 2nd application was recorded in treatment T3 (96%) and T2 (92%), followed by T1 (87%) and T4 (81%). The lowest PDC was recorded in treatments T9 (19%), T6 (63%), T8 (65%), and T10 (0.0%). For neck blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after final application was recorded in treatment T3 (88%), T2 (82%), and T1 (71%). Significantly lower PDC was recorded in rest of all the treatments T4 to T10. Grain discoloration PDC was also recorded much better in T3 (90%) and T2 (87%) with respect to all other treatments.
[000101] The results presented in Table 8.2 shows that at the time of initiation of field trial there was no sheath blight in any treatment which indicates the uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1st application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T10 (32.96%) and least PDI was recorded in T1 to T3. PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 2nd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T10 (59.26%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (3.33%) and T2 (3.70%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3rd application, the highest Sheath blight (PDI) was recorded in T10 (80.00%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (5.19%) and T2 (7.78%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. Similar bio-efficacy trend were also recorded for leaf blast, neck blast and grain discoloration, which confirms that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of all the treatments.
[000102] The results presented in Table 9.1 shows that for leaf blast, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (96%), T2 (91%) and T1 (87%), followed by T4 (78%), T5 (73%), T8 (71%) and T7 (70%). The lowest PDC was recorded in treatment T10 (0.0%), T6 (67%) and T9 (23%). For neck blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after 3rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (88%) and T2 (80%), followed by T1 (69%). Significantly lower PDC was recorded in rest of all the treatments T4 to T9. Grain discoloration PDC after 3rd application was also recorded much better in T3 (96%), T2 (93%) and T1 (80%) with respect to all other treatments.
[000103] The results presented in Table 9.2 shows that at the time of initiation almost similar pre-count leaf blast percent disease index (PDI) were recorded for T1 (6.67%), T2 (7.04%), T3 (7.78%), T4 (7.41%), T5 (8.15%), T6 (7.78%), T7 (7.04%), T8 (7.78%), T9 (7.78%) and T10 (7.78%) which indicates the uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1st application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T10 (39.63%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (0.0%), T2 (2.96%) and T1 (7.04%), followed by T4 (8.15%), T5 (10.37%) and T7 (11.48%). PDI recorded in other treatments were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 2nd application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T10 (54.07%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (1.11%), T2 (4.44%) and T1 (10%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3rd application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T10 (60.74%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (2.22%), T2 (5.56%) and T1 (7.78%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. Similar bio-efficacy trend were also recorded for neck blast and grain discoloration, which confirms that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of all the treatments.
[000104] The results presented in Table 10.1 shows that for leaf blast, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (96%) and T2 (91%), followed by T1 (86%), T4 (78%), T5 (73%), T8 (71%) and T7 (70%). The lowest PDC was recorded in treatment T10 (0.0%), T9 (23%) and T6 (67%). For neck blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after 3rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (90%), T2 (82%), and T1 (71%). Significantly lower PDC were recorded in rest of all the treatments T4 to T10. Grain discoloration PDC after 3rd application was also recorded much better in T3 (96%), T2 (94%) and T1 (82%), with respect to all other treatments.
[000105] The results presented in Table 10.2 shows that at the time of initiation of field trial there was no leaf blast in any treatment which indicates the uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1st application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T10 (36.30%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (0.0%) and T2 (2.59%), followed by T1 (6.67%). PDI recorded in other treatments were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 2nd application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T10 (51.11%) followed by T9 (41.48%), T8 (20%) and T6 (15.19%). Lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (1.11%), T2 (4.07%) and T1 (9.26%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were significantly higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3rd application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T10 (58.52%) followed by T9 (44.81%), T6 (19.26%), T7 (17.41%) and T8 (17.04%). Lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (2.59%), T2 (5.56%) and T1 (8.15%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were significantly higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. Similar bio-efficacy trend were also recorded for neck blast and grain discoloration, which confirms that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of all the treatments.
[000106] Individual plot wise crop yield was recorded and calculated treatment wise yield and converted into yield per hectare (q/ha) at harvest and statistically analysed the data. Based on this, it can be further appreciated from the observed results presented in Table 7.1, 8.1, 9.1 and 10.1 that the final crop yield of paddy observed in treatment T1 to T3 were significantly superior over all other treatments T4 to T9.
[000107] It can be further appreciated from the observed results presented in Example 11, fungicide ready combinations were sprayed at different doses to check phytotoxicity effects like leaf injury on tip/surface, yellowing, chlorosis, necrosis, stunting and burning on paddy crop. The observations on these phytotoxicity parameters were observed on before spray and 5, 7, 10 and 15 days after application. Results revealed that there is no phytotoxicity observed in using the composition of the present invention even at higher dose in paddy.
[000108] Accordingly, by the practice of the present invention, fungicide ready combination is having unrecognized characteristics. The mixture of azoxystrobin, mancozeb and isoprothiolane, exhibits exceptionally synergetic effect on overall control of sheath blight, leaf blast and neck blast in paddy and restrict the grain discoloration and also results in improving the crop yield.
[000109] Overall, the present invention provides a composition comprising three fungicide compounds, which at particular w/w ratios, and in various doses exhibit an unexpected and surprising synergism in ability to prevent or control the pathogenic fungi pests. Of particular importance is that the said composition, while it is detrimental to the growth of pathogenic fungi pests, has synergistic effect on paddy crops which is required for improving plant growth and good crop yield.
[000110] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific steps of the preferred process, it will be highly appreciated that many steps can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred steps without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred steps of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosures herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

ADVANTAGES
[000111] The present disclosure provides a synergistic fungicidal composition that overcomes the limitations associated with the conventional fungicidal compositions.
[000112] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that exhibits significant protection against various fungal pathogens of crops, particularly, paddy crop.
[000113] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that can prevent/control a wide range of seed-borne and soil-borne diseases caused by fungal pathogens.
[000114] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that exhibits extended protection against diseases that attack foliage and stems of growing plants.
[000115] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that protects a paddy crop from fungal pathogens without affecting the crop.

[000116] The present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition that is safe, easy to prepare and use (ready-to-apply formulation) and is economical..
[000117] The present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition that increases the crop yield.