The present invention relates a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising imidazolinone herbicide, a sulfonylurea herbicide and an aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide. Particularly, the present invention relates to the herbicidal composition of (A) Imazethapyr or a salt or adduct thereof and (B) Chlorimuron ethyl or a salt or adduct thereof and (C) Clodinafop propargyl or a salt or adduct thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a formulation of herbicidal composition and a method for controlling undesired vegetation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In crop protection, it is desirable in principle to increase the specificity and the reliability of the action of active compounds. In particular, it is desirable for the crop protection product to control the harmful plants effectively and, at the same time, to be tolerated by the useful plants in question.
The control of undesired vegetation is extremely important in order to achieve high crop efficiency. In many cases, herbicides have an effect against a spectrum of weeds; however, these herbicides may not be effective on certain type of other weeds, which may also be present in the crop to be protected. Therefore, there is a strong need for mixing two or more herbicides.
Imazethapyr, (R5)-5-ethyl-2-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl) nicotinic acid, disclosed in US 4,798,619, is a branched chain amino acid synthesis (ALS or AHAS) inhibitor. Imazethapyr is an active compound from the group of imidazolinone herbicides, which are known e.g. from Shaner, D. L., O'Conner, S. L, The Imidazolinone Herbicides, CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. 1991 and also from The Compendium of Pesticide Common Names http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/.

IMAZETHAPYR

Imazethapyr, reduces levels of valine, leucine and isoleucine, leading to disruption of protein and DNA synthesis. Imazethapyr is a systemic herbicide, absorbed by the roots and foliage. Imazethapyr control many major annual and perennial grass and broad-leaved weeds.
According to Herbicide Mixture Compatibility Chart, published by the government of Western Australia, Department of agriculture and food Tank, mixing imazethapyr and propaquizafop is not recommended. The chart teaches that excessive crop damage or reduction in weed control may occur by the combination of both herbicides.
In addition, Paul F. Myers and Harold D. Coble {Weed Technology Vol. 6, No. 2, 1992, pp. 333-338) teaches that tank-mix combinations of imazethapyr with clethodim, fluazifop-P, quizalofop, or sethoxydim, all inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase similar to propaquizafop, resulted in an antagonistic interaction.
Chlorimuron-Ethyl,ethyl2-[(4-chloro-6-methoxypyrimidin-2yl) carbamoyl sulfamoyl] benzoate disclosed in US Patent no. US 4547215 entitled as Herbicidal sulfonamides, discloses the compounds of sulfonamides, agriculturally suitable compositions containing them and their method-of-use as selective pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides.

CHLORIMURON-ETHYL
Clodinafop Propargyl; prop-2-ynyl (2R)-2-[4-(5-chloro-3-fluoropyridin-2-yl)oxyphenoxy]propanoate disclosed in US Patent No. US4713109A entitled as 2-(4-(5-chloro-3-fluoropyridin-2-yloxy)phenoxy)-propionic acid-propynyl ester with herbicidal activity, wherein it discloses the 2-[4-(5-chloro-3-fluoropyridin-2-yloxy)-phenoxy]-propionic acid suitable for selectively controlling weeds in crops of cultivated plants, or for reducing the growth of grasses.

CLODINAFOP PROPARGYL
Compositions comprising selected herbicides have several advantages over the use of a single herbicide including (a) an increase in the spectrum of weeds controlled or an extension of weed control over a longer period of time, (b) an improvement in crop safety by using minimum doses of selected herbicides applied in combination rather than a single high dose of one herbicide and (c) a delay in the appearance of resistant weed species to selected herbicides (Int. J. Agri. Biol., Vol. 6, No. 1, 2004, pages 209-212).
Reference may be made to a patent no. US5739080 entitled “Safened Herbicidal compositions comprising a phytotoxicity reducing phenoxy acid herbicide and a sulfonylurea, sulfonamide or imadazolinone herbicide” wherein it discloses the co-application of auxin agonist herbicides such as dicamba and amino acid synthesis inhibitor herbicides such as ALS inhibitor herbicides reduces the incidence of phytotoxic effects, particularly in grassy crops.

Reference may also be made to a patent application EP3387904A1 entitled “Liquid sulfonylurea-containing herbicidal compositions”, wherein it discloses a synergistic herbicidal composition containing penoxsulam plus triclopyr and imazethapyr or imazamox for controlling weeds in crops, especially rice, cereal and grain crops, pastures, rangelands, industrial vegetation management (IVM), aquatics and turf. These compositions provide improved post-emergence herbicidal weed control.

Reference may further be made to a patent application US20120184437 entitled, “Synergistic Herbicidal Composition Containing Penoxsulam, Triclopyr and Imazethapyr” wherein it discloses a ternary herbicidal composition containing penoxsulam plus triclopyr and imazethapyr or imazamox for controlling weeds in crops, especially rice, cereal and grain crops, pastures, rangelands, industrial vegetation management (IVM), aquatics and turf.

Reference may be also made to an article tilted bioefficacy of imazethapyr and chlorimuron-ethyl in cluster bean and their residual effect on succeeding Rabi crops by Punia SS et al. published in Indian Journal of Weed Science 2011 43(1&2): 48-53”, which reports the bioefficacy and phytotoxicity of imazethapyr and chlorimuron in cluster bean. Chlorimuron and imazethapyr, irrespective of their dose and time of application, did not cause any injury to wheat, barley and chickpea planted as succeeding crop after harvest of cluster bean, but both these herbicides caused severe injury to mustard.

Reference may be made to an article titled as “Influence of different weed management practices on growth and yield attributes of irrigated blackgram under Cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu” by M Jagadesh et al. published in Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2019; 8(3): 608-611 reports that pendimethalin @1 kg ha-1 on 3 DAS followed by acifluorfen sodium (16.5%) + clodinafop propargyl (8% EC) @ 187.5g/ha on 20 DAS may possibly able to control weed menace which in turn increased weed control efficiency as well as yield and benefit-cost ratio for the irrigated blackgram.

However, the activity and selectivity behavior of a composition with multiple herbicides is difficult to predict since the behavior of each single herbicide in such a composition is often affected by the presence of the other(s) and the activity of such a composition may also vary considerably depending on chemical character, plant species, growth stage, and environmental conditions, mostly this practice results in reduced activity of the herbicides in such type of compositions.

Further the environmental and economic requirements imposed on modern-day crop protection compositions are continually increasing, with regard, for example, to the spectrum of action, toxicity, selectivity, application rate, formation of residues, and favourable preparation ability, and since, furthermore, there may be problems, for example, with resistances, a constant task is to develop new compositions, in particular herbicidal agents, which in some areas at least help to fulfil the abovementioned requirements. Also, in particular, where different type of weeds such as grassy weeds, broad leaved weeds and sedges are required to be controlled together in a single application of herbicidal composition, which are dose friendly and efficacious and less phytotoxic to various crops & plants.
There are several herbicides viz., Pendimethalin, Flutolanil, Metolachlor and Alachlor etc. which have been used for controlling weeds crops, but these have not been found much effective in controlling all sort of weeds. Henceforth, it is imperative to evaluate the efficacy of suitable post-emergence herbicides alone and in suitable compositions for effective control of dominant and diversified weed flora in plant fields. Presently, Imazethapyr is reportedly very effective post emergence herbicide for controlling some grassy and broad leaf weeds in soybean but its efficacy has not been tested with Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl for wide spectrum weed control in soybean and other crops in different parts of the country.
Therefore, present invention aims to overcome the problems of the prior art and provide a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising Imazethapyr with Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop Propargyl which can demonstrate excellent effects against the undesired vegetation including weeds such as grassy weeds, broad leaved weeds and sedges.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The main objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition effective for controlling undesired vegetation including weeds such as grassy weeds, broad leaved weeds and sedges.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal one-shot formulation effective for controlling undesired vegetation including weeds such as grassy weeds, broad leaved weeds and sedges.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal which can quickly absorb by the treated leaves of the weeds.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal which can overcome the crop injury.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide wettable powder synergistic herbicidal formulation having particle size 2-40µs.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation/composition which can help in controlling undesired vegetation when applying to the locus of the undesired vegetation.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising the active ingredients of the present invention and excipients suitable for such a herbicidal composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention related to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising:
a. at least one imidazolinone herbicide;
b. at least one sulfonylurea herbicide; and
c. at least one aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the imidazolinone herbicide is present in the range of 0.1-50% by weight, the sulfonylurea herbicide is present in range of 0.1-50% by weight, the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is present in the range of 0.1-50% by weight.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the imidazolinone herbicide is selected from the group consisting of mazamethabenz-methyl, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin and imazethapyr or salts thereof.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sulfonylurea herbicide is selected from the group consisting of chlorimuron ethyl, amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, iofensulfuron, mesosulfuron, metazosulfuron, metsulfuron, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, propyrisulfuron, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron, tribenuron, trifloxysulfuron, triflusulfuron and tritosulfuron, or salts thereof.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is selected from the group consisting of Clodinafop propargyl, fluazifop- propargyl, Propaquizafop, haloxyfop- propargyl and quizalofop- propargyl or salts thereof.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the imidazolinone herbicide is preferably imazethapyr.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sulfonylurea herbicide is preferably chlorimuron ethyl.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is preferably Clodinafop propargyl.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the imazthapy is preferably present in the range of 0.1-10% by weight, the chlorimuron ethyl is preferably present in range of 0.1-2.5% by weight, the Clodinafop propargyl is preferably present in the range of 10-50% by weight.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, said composition is formulated as SC (Suspension Concentrate), WG (Water Dispersible Granule), WP (Wettable Powder), OD (Oil Dispersion), EC (Emulsion Concentrate) and ME (Micro Emulsion) formulation.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, said composition is formulation as WP (Wettable Powder) and/or OD (Oil Dispersion).
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the said formulation is WP(Wettable Powder) formulation, which is present in the water soluble pouch made up polyvinyl alcohol and organic plastic.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the particle size of herbicidal formulation including the WP(Wettable Powder) formulation is in the range of 2-40 microns.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the herbicidal composition comprises a safener, adjuvant (silicon based spreader), a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an antifoaming agent, an anti-freezing agent, a filler, an anti-bacterial, adjuvant, thickener.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the safener is selected from the group consisting of cloquintocetl-mexyl, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon and mefenpyr-diethyl or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.1-15% w/w.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the dispersing agent is selected from the group consisting of Tristyrylphenol Ethoxylate Amine salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated /Acrylic Copolymer/ Ethoxylated Tristryl phenol Sulphate,Naphthalene sulfonic acid,sodium salt condensate with formaldehyde,Ethoxylated oleyl cetyl alcohol, Polyalkelene glycol ether or the combinations thereof and present in the range of 0.5-10% w/w..
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, wetting agent is selected from the group consisting of Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate nonionic emulsifier/ Mixture of non-ionic surfactants and Alkoxylated Alcohol/Block copolymer or the combinations thereof and present in the range of 0.5-10% w/w.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the Antifoaming Agent is Siloxane polyalkyleneoxide present in the range of 0.01-1% w/w.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the Antifreezing Agent is selected from the group consisting of Glycol,Propylene Glycol,Mono ethylene glycol and Glycerin or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.1 to 10%w/w.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the filler is selected from the group consisting of Silicon Dioxide,China Clay, Kaolin, Talc or starch or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.1-5% w/w.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the anti-bacterial is selected from Benzisothiazolin-3-one or Formaldehyde or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.01-1% w/w.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the thickener is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides or carboxymethyl cellulose or bentonite clay.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the adjuvant (silicon based spreader) is used for the OD (Oil Dispersion) formulation.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the adjuvant is selected from the silicon ethoxylated oil group.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of controlling undesired vegetation by applying synergistic herbicidal composition of the present invention to the locus of the undesired vegetation of the crops and plants.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the crop may be selected from the group consisting of soybeans, blackgram, peanuts, green gram, pigeon pea, beans, field peas and cluster beans.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the herbicidal composition may be applied in an amount of 1 to 500 g/ha. In a preferred embodiment, the herbicidal composition may be applied in an amount of 125 g/ha.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the undesired vegetation may be selected from the group consisting Echinochloa Colona, Dinebra Arabica, Cynotis sp, Eleusine Indica, Cynodon Dactylon, Euphorbia Hirta, Amaranthus Viridis, Digeria Arvensis, Digera sp., Panicum sp., Phyllanthus sp, Commelina benghalensis L, Parthenium, Trianthema Portulacasturm, Cleome viscosa, Digera arvensis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cynadon dactylone, Commelina bengalensis and Dinebra sp., Portulaca sp., Trianthima sp., Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Corchprus sp., Trianthema monogyna, Brachiaria sp. Acalypha species such as Acalypha indica, Dinebra species such as Dinebra Arabica, Cynotis spec such as Cynotis axillaris, Parthenium spec such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Physalis spec such as Physalis minima, Digera spec such as Digera arvensis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Apera spicaventi, Brachiaria spec. such as Brachiaria deflexa or Brachiaria plantaginea, Echinochloa spec. such as Echinochloa colonum, Leptochloa spec. such as Leptochloa fusca, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, Saccharum spontaneum, Cynodon dactylon, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia geniculata, Commelina benghalensis, Commelina communis, certain undesired Oryza spec. such as weedy rice or red rice (Oryza sativa), Phalaris spec. such as Phalaris canariensis, Celosia argentea, Xanthium strumarium, Papaver rhoeas, Geranium spec, Brassica spec, Avena fatua, Bromus spec., Lolium spec., Phalan spec., Setaria spec., Digitaria spec., brachiaria spec., Amaranthus spec., Chenopodium spec., Abutilon theophrasti, Galium aparine, Veronica spec., or Solanum spec. and/or to improve their compatibility with crop plants, such as soybean, peanut, pea, bean, lentil, green gram, black gram, cluster bean, fenugreek, other pulse or leguminous crops, or crops which are tolerant to the action of acetohydroxyacid synthase inhibiting herbicides, such as for example Clearfield® wheat, Clearfield® barley, Clearfield® corn, Clearfield® lentil, Clearfield® oilseed rape or canola, Clearfield® rice, Cultivance® soybean and/or Clearfield® sunflower.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• One shot herbicidal composition
• Helps in reducing the weed bio-mass drastically
• Weed control efficiency of the composition is more than 60%
• Wettable powder formulation size is in the range of 2-40µ, hence the particle size plays an important role in leaf area coverage and crop safety
• No phytotoxicity i.e. no crop injury or yellowing of crops
• No effect on the succeeding crops

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by someone ordinarily skilled in the art to which the present subject matter belongs. The following definitions are provided for clarity. As used herein the term "crop" includes reference to whole plant, plant organ (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), or plant cells.
As used herein the term "locus" includes not only areas where weeds may already be growing, but also areas where weeds have yet to emerge, and also to areas under cultivation.
As used herein the term "agriculturally acceptable carrier" means carriers of which are known and accepted in the art for the formation of formulations for agricultural or horticultural use.
The term "surfactant," as used herein, refers to an agriculturally acceptable material which imparts emulsifiability, stability, spreading, wetting, dispersibility or other surface-modifying properties.
The term "a" or "an" as used herein includes the singular and the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the term "a," "an," or "at least one" can be used interchangeably in this application.
Throughout the application, descriptions of various embodiments use the term:
"comprising;" however, it will be understood by one of skill in the art, that in some specific instances, an embodiment can alternatively be described using the language "consisting essentially of or "consisting of."
For the purposes of better understanding the present teachings and in no way limiting the scope of the teachings, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
The present invention related to a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising: an imidazolinone herbicide; a sulfonylurea herbicide; and an aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide along with a safener.
In an embodiment of the present, the an imidazolinone herbicide is present in the range of 0.1-50% by weight, the sulfonylurea herbicide is present in range of 0.1-50% by weight, the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is present in the range of 0.1-50% by weight and the safener is present in the range of 0.1-15% by weight.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the imidazolinone herbicide is selected from the group consisting of mazamethabenz-methyl, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin and imazethapyr.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the imidazolinone herbicide is Imazethapyr.
Imazethapyr is shown to have good efficacy against the grass weeds, mediocre efficacy against broad leaves and very little efficacy against the sedges. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sulfonylurea herbicide is selected from the group consisting of chlorimuron ethyl, amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, iofensulfuron, mesosulfuron, metazosulfuron, metsulfuron, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, propyrisulfuron, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron, tribenuron, trifloxysulfuron, triflusulfuron and tritosulfuron, or salts or esters thereof.
The sulfonylurea herbicide Sulfonylurea class herbicide that inhibits acetolactate synthase, which regulates plant growth. Branched chain amino acid synthesis (ASL or AHAS) inhibitor Acts by inhibiting biosynthesis of the essential amino acids valine and isoleucine, hence stopping cell division and plant growth. Crop selectivity derives from plant metabolism both by homoglutathione conjugation and by de-esterification.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sulfonylurea herbicide is preferably Chlorimuron-ethyl.
Chlorimuron-ethyl is an ethyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of chlorimuron with ethanol. it is used as herbicide for the control of broad-leaved weeds in peanuts, soya beans, and other crops. It has a role as a pro-herbicide.
Chlorimuron-ethyl is shown to have good efficacy against the broad leaves, mediocre efficacy against sedged and no effect on grass weeds.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is selected from the group consisting of Clodinafop propargyl, fluazifop- propargyl, haloxyfop- propargyl and quizalofop- propargyl.
Members of aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides act by inhibiting the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) in the chloroplasts of sensitive plants. The aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides are known as fops and are a subgroup of the acetyl-CoA inhibitor group.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is Clodinafop propargyl.
Clodinafop propargyl is shown to have good efficacy against the grass weeds, mediocre efficacy against the broad leaves and sedges.
In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the herbicidal formulation comprising Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl, and Clodinafop propargyl technical, or salts or esters thereof and/or combination thereof shown to have a synergistic effect on the crops and a single shot of said herbicidal composition is sufficient which provides excellent efficacy against the grass weeds, broad leaves weeds and perennial sedges as a single shot.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal formulation comprising composition of (A) Imazethapyr and (B) Chlorimuron ethyl esters, esters, salts and/or combination thereof.
The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal formulation comprising composition of (A) Imazethapyr and (C) Clodinafop propargyl esters, esters, salts and/or combination thereof.
The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal formulation comprising composition of (B) Chlorimuron ethyl and (C) Clodinafop propargyl esters, esters, salts and/or combination thereof.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a synergistic herbicidal formulation comprising composition of (A) Imazethapyr and (B) Chlorimuron ethyl and (C) Clodinafop propargyl esters, esters, salts and/or combination thereof.
In a preferable embodiment of the invention, the synergistic herbicidal formulation comprising of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl, and Clodinafop propargyl esters and/or combination thereof shown to have a synergistic effect on the crops and such a herbicidal composition is sufficient to show excellent efficacy against the grass weeds, broad leaves weeds and perennial sedges as a single shot.
In an embodiment, the weight ratio of Imazethapyr and Chlorimuron ethyl in the composition may be from about 50: 1 to 1 :50.
In another embodiment, the weight ratio of Imazethapyr and Clodinafop propargyl esters in the composition may be from about 50: 1 to 1:50.
In another embodiment, the weight ratio of Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters in the composition may be from about 50: 1 to 1:50.
In an embodiment, the weight ratio of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters in the composition may be from about 1:50 to 50: 1 to 1:50.
In yet another embodiment, the weight ratio of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl a and Clodinafop propargyl esters in the composition may be from about 1:50 to 50: 1 to 1:50.
In another embodiment, an herbicidal formulation comprising composition Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof including esters and salts thereof and an agriculturally acceptable carrier, is provided.
In yet another embodiment, the composition comprises a safener, a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an antifoaming agent, an anti-freezing agent, a filler, an anti-bacterial and thickener.
The herbicidal formulation may include additional other crop protection agents, for example pesticides, safeners or agents for controlling phytopathogenic fungi or bacteria.
In an embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 0.1 to 700 liter/ha.
In yet another embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 0.1 to 300 liter/ha.
In another embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 0.1 to 50 liter/ha.
In a specific embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 3.5 liter/ha.
In yet another specific embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 2.50 liter/ha.
In yet another specific embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 1.50 liter/ha.
In a specific embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 1.00 liter/ha.
In yet another embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 1 to 1000 g/ha.
In another embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 1 to 500 g/ha.
In a specific embodiment, the herbicidal formulation may be applied in an amount of about 125 g/ha.
Correspondingly, in the herbicidal formulation of the present invention, the amount of Imazethapyr is 1 to 100g/ha, Chlorimuron ethyl is 1 to 100g/ha and Clodinafop propargyl esters is to 100g/ha.
In an embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a herbicidal formulation comprising (i) compositions Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters; which may be applied pre-plant incorporated, pre- or post-emergence.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, it relates to a process for preparation mixtures of a (A) Imazethapyr and (B) Chlorimuron ethyl and (C) Clodinafop propargyl and also to compositions comprising these herbicides.
The present invention relates to herbicidal formulation comprising composition (A) Imazethapyr and component (B) Chlorimuron ethyl and component (C) Clodinafop propargyl in ratios by weight of the active ingredients are 0.1 to 50% component (A); 0.1 to 50% component (B) and 0.1 to 50% component (C).
The present invention relates to herbicidal formulation comprising ratios by weight:
Active Ingredient I Active Ingredient II Active Ingredient III
Imazethapyr Chlorimuron ethyl Clodinafop propargyl
0.1 to 50% 0.1 to 50% 0.1 to 50%

One embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of the herbicidal formulation comprising composition Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof, are suitable for controlling a large number of harmful plants, including monocotyledonous weeds, in particular annual weeds such as gramineous weeds (grasses) including Echinochloa species such as barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli var crus-galli) or Echinochloa colonum, monocotyledonous weeds selected from the group consisting of Echinochloa spec. such as Echinochloa colonum, Leptochloa spec. such as Leptochloa fusca, certain undesired Oryza spec. such as weedy rice or red rice (Oryza sativa), Phalaris spec. such as Phalaris canariensis, Brachiaria spec. such as Briachiaria deflexa or Brachiaria plataginea. Digitaria species such as crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), certain undesired Oryza spec. such as weedy rice or red rice (Oryza sativa), Setaria species such as green foxtail (Setaria viridis) and giant foxtail (Setaria faberil), Sorghum species such as johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense Pers.), Avena species such as wild oats (Avena fatua), Cenchrus species such as Cenchrus echinatus, Bromus species, Lolium species, Leptochloa spec. such as Leptochloa fusca, Phalaris species such as Phalaris canariensis, Eriochloa species, Panicum species, Brachiaria species such as Brachiaria deflexa or Brachiaria plantaginea, annual bluegrass (Poa annua), blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides), Aegilops cylindrica, Agropyron repens, Apera spica-venti, Eleusine indica, Cynodon dactylon, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Dinebra species such as Dinebra arabica, Saccharum spontaneum, and the like.

The herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof of the present invention are also suitable for controlling a large number of dicotyledonous weeds, in particular broad leaf weeds including Ambrosia species such as common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), Anthemis species, Atriplex species, Acalypha, Acanthospermum species, species such as Acalypha indica, Polygonum species such as wild buckwheat (Polygonum convolvolus), Amaranthus species such as pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) or Amaranthusviridis, Cirsium species, Convolvulus species, Conyza species, Cassia species, Chenopodium species such as common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), Sida species such as prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.), Commelina species such as for example Commelina communis or Commelina benghalens, common chickweed (Stellaria media), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrast), Hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata Cory), Anoda cristata, Bidens pilosa, Brassica kaber, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Galeopsis tetrahit, Galium aparine, Helianthus annuus, Desmodium tortuosum, Kochia scoparia, Mercurialis annua, Myosotis arvensis, Papaver rhoeas, Raphanus raphanistrum, Salsola kali, Sinapis arvensis, Sonchus arvensis, Thlaspi arvense, Tagetes minuta, Richardia braslliensis, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Heracleaum sphondylium, Aethusa cynapium, Daucus carota, Equisetum arvense, Celosia argentea, Cynotis species such as Cynotis axilaris, Parthenium species such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Physalis species such as Physalis minima, Digera species such as Digera arvensis, Datura species, Euphorbia species such as for example Euphorbiahirta or Euphorbiageniculata, Geranium species, Galinsoga species,Lamium species, morningglory(Ipomoea species), Matricaria species, Malva species, Sysimbrium species, Solanum species, Xanthium species such as for example Xanthium strumiarium, Veronica species, Viola species,and the like.
The herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr and Chlorimuron ethyl is particular suitable for controlling monocotyledonous weeds, preferably Echinochloa spec., Leptochloa spec., Orysa spec., Phalaris spec., Brachiaria spec., more preferably Echinochloa spec. such as Echinochloa colonum, Leptochloa spec. such as Leptochloa fusca and Orysa spec. such as Orysa sativa.
The herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr and Clodinafop propargylesters is particular suitable for Echinochloa spec., Phalaris spec., Leptochloa spec., Orysa spec., Brachiaria spec., more preferably Phalaris spec. such as Phalaris canariensis, Echinochloa spec. such as Echinochloa colonum, Phalaris spec. such as Phalaris canariensis, Orysa spec. such as Orysa sativa and Brachiaria spec. such as Brachiaria plantaginea.
The herbicidal formulation comprising composition Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters is in particular useful against annual and perennial grasses and broad-leaved weeds in post-emergence application.
The herbicidal formulation compositions of the present invention are also suitable for controlling a large number of annual and perennial sedge weeds including cyperus species such as purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), hime-kugu (Cyperus brevifolius H.), sedge weed (Cyperus microiria Steud), rice flatsedge (Cyperusiria L.), and the like.
The herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof according to the present invention are suitable for combating/controlling common harmful plants in useful plants (i.e. in crops). The compositions of the present invention are generally suitable for combating/controlling undesired vegetation in Legumes (Fabaceae), including e.g. soybeans (Glycine max), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and pulse crops such as peas including Pisum sativum, pigeon pea and cowpea, beans including broad beans (Vicia faba), Vigna spp., and Phaseolus spp. and lentils (lens culinaris var.). crops which are tolerant to the action of acetohydroxyacid synthase inhibiting herbicides, such as for example Clearfield® wheat, Clearfield® barley, Clearfield® corn, Clearfield® lentil, Clearfield® oilseed rape or canola, Clearfield® rice, Cultivance® soybean and/or Clearfield® sunflower.
If not stated otherwise, the compositions of the invention are suitable for application in any variety of the aforementioned crop plants.

In an embodiment, the herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof may be applied on crops which include soybeans, blackgram, peanuts, green gram, pigeon pea, cluster beans, field peas, mung beans, dry beans, peanuts, groundnuts, snap bean, alfalfa, lettuce, beans. In a specific embodiment the crop includes soybeans, groundnuts, blackgram, peanuts, green gram, pigeon pea, beans, field peas and cluster beans. In an embodiment, the mixture may be applied on tolerant or resistant mutants or transgenic crops plants such as soybean, and etc.
The herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof, the compositions of the present invention are in particular suitable for combat-ing/controlling undesired vegetation in soybean, peanut, pea, bean, lentil, green gram, black gram, cluster bean, fenugreek, other pulse or leguminous crops.
The compositions of the present invention are most suitable for combating/controlling undesired vegetation in soybean, peanut, pea, bean, lentil, green gram, black gram, cluster bean, fenugreek, other pulse or leguminous crops, preferably soybean (Glycine max).
According to the invention, carrier is to be understood as meaning a natural or synthetic, organic or inorganic substance which is mixed or combined with the active compounds for better applicability, in particular for application to plants or plant parts or seeds. The carrier, which may be solid or liquid, is generally inert and should be suitable for use in agriculture.
The described compositions may be made at the time of use, or diluted, or else they can be concentrated compositions, or so-called "ready-to-use" compositions, that is to say, ready for marketing. In an embodiment, the formulation may be obtained by combining a synergistic amount of the active ingredients with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, a surfactant or other application-promoting adjuvant customarily employed in formulation technology.

In yet another embodiment, the herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof may be as emulsion concentrates (EC), microemulsion concentrates (MEC), suspension concentrates (SC), soluble concentrates (SL), suspoemulsion (SE), oil dispersions (OD), water dispersible granules (WDG), water soluble granules (SG) and wettable powders (WP).

In yet another embodiment, the herbicidal formulation comprising the WP(Wettable Powder)formulation is present in the water soluble pouch made up polyvinyl alcohol and organic plastic (water soluble synthetic polymer).
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, size of the wettable powder (WP)formulation is in the range of 2-40 microns.
The particle size plays an important role in leaf area coverage and crop safety. The present invention composition is formulated using with a safener, a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an antifoaming agent, an anti-freezing agent, a filler, an anti-bacterial and thickener.
The safener used for the formulation is selected from the group consisting of cloquintocetl-mexyl, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon and mefenpyr-diethyl, preferably cloquintocetl-mexyl.
Herbicide composition may lead to crop injury, therefore Safener is added in combination with the herbicide, so that this injury can be reduced to acceptable levels in order to avoid yield loss as a result of crop injury.
The dispersing agent is selected from the group consisting of Tristyrylphenol Ethoxylate Amine salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated /Acrylic Copolymer/ Ethoxylated Tristryl phenol Sulphate,Naphthalene sulfonic acid,sodium salt condensate with formaldehyde,Ethoxylated oleyl cetyl alcohol, Polyalkelene glycol ether or the combinations thereof.
The Wetting Agent is selected from the group consisting of Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate nonionic emulsifier/ Mixture of non-ionic surfactants and Alkoxyleted Alcohol/Block copolymer or the combinations thereof.
Water-based formulations often cause foam during mixing operations in production. In order to reduce the tendency to foam, anti-foam agents are often added either during the production stage or before filling into bottles. Generally, there are two types of anti-foam agents, namely silicones and non-silicones. Silicones are usually aqueous emulsions of dimethyl polysiloxane while the non-silicone anti-foam agents are water-insoluble oils, such as octanol and nonanol, or silica.
In both cases, the function of the anti-foam agent is to displace the surfactant from the air-water interface.
Suitable solid or liquid carriers are: suitable liquid carriers to be used in the composition may include water, aromatic hydrocarbons such as alkylbenzenes and alkylnaphthalenes, alcohols such as methanol, cyclohexanol and decanol, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and dipropropylene glycol, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, N- alkylpyrrolidone, paraffins, oils of olive, castor, linseed, tung, sesame, corn, peanut, cotton-seed, soybean, rape-seed and coconut, fatty acid esters, ketones such as cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, isophorone and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone and the like. Suitable solid carriers are ammonium salts and natural ground minerals, such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic minerals, such as finely divided silica, alumina and natural or synthetic silicates, resins, waxes, solid fertilizers, water, alcohols, especially butanol, organic solvents, mineral oils and vegetable oils, and also derivatives thereof. It is also possible to use mixtures of such carriers. Solid carriers suitable for granules are: for example crushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite, dolomite, and also synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals and also granules of organic material, such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks.
Suitable liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers are liquids which are gaseous at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure, for example aerosol propellants, such as butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Tackifiers, such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules and latices, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, or else natural phospholipids, such as cephalins and lecithins and synthetic phospholipids can be used in the formulations. Other possible additives are mineral and vegetable oils and waxes, optionally modified.
If the extender used is water, it is also possible for example, to use organic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Suitable liquid solvents are essentially: aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and esters thereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such as dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, and also water.
The compositions according to the invention may comprise additional components, such as, for example, surfactants. Suitable surfactants are emulsifiers, dispersants or wetting agents having ionic or nonionic properties, or mixtures of these surfactants. Examples of these are salts of polyacrylic acid, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenolsulphonic acid or naphthalenesulphonic acid, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols (preferably alkylphenols or arylphenols), salts of sulphosuccinic esters, taurine derivatives (preferably alkyl taurates), phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated alcohols or phenols, fatty esters of polyols, and derivatives of the compounds containing sulphates, sulphonates and phosphates. The presence of a surfactant is required if one of the active compounds and/or one of the inert carriers is insoluble in water and when the application takes place in water. The proportion of surfactants is between 5 and 40 per cent by weight of the composition according to the invention.
It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide, Prussian blue, and organic dyes, such as alizarin dyes, azo dyes and metal phthalocyanine dyes, and trace nutrients, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.
If appropriate, other additional components may also be present, for example protective colloids, binders, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropic substances, penetrants, stabilizers, sequestering agents, complex formers. In general, the active compounds can be combined with any solid or liquid additive customarily used for formulation purposes.
In general, the compositions according to the invention comprise between 0.05 and 99 per cent by weight, 0.01 and 98 per cent by weight, preferable between 0.1 and 95 per cent by weight, particularly preferred between 0.5 and 90 per cent by weight of the active compound combination according to the invention, very particularly preferable between 10 and 70 per cent by weight.
The active compound combinations or composition according to the invention can be used as such or, depending on their respective physical and/or chemical properties, in the form of their formulations or the use forms prepared therefrom, such as aerosols, capsule suspensions, cold-fogging concentrates, warm-fogging concentrates, encapsulated granules, fine granules, flowable concentrates for the treatment of seed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, macrogranules, microgranules, oil-dispersible powders, oil-miscible flowable concentrates, oil-miscible liquids, foams, pastes, pesticide-coated seed, suspension concentrates, suspoemulsion concentrates, soluble concentrates, suspensions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts and granules, water-soluble granules or tablets, water-soluble powders for the treatment of seed, wettable powders, natural products and synthetic substances impregnated with active compound, and also microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating materials for seed, and also ULV cold-fogging and warm-fogging formulations.
The formulations mentioned can be prepared in a manner known per se, for example by mixing the active compounds or the active compound combinations with at least one additive. Suitable additives are all customary formulation auxiliaries, such as, for example, organic solvents, extenders, solvents or diluents, solid carriers and fillers, surfactants (such as adjuvants, emulsifiers, dispersants, protective colloids, wetting agents and tackifiers), dispersants and/or binders or fixatives, preservatives, dyes and pigments, defoamers, inorganic and organic thickeners, water repellents, if appropriate siccatives and UV stabilizers, gibberellins and also water and further processing auxiliaries. Depending on the formulation type to be prepared in each case, further processing steps such as, for example, wet grinding, dry grinding or granulation may be required.
Adjuvant is selected from the silicon ethoxylated oil group which is used to enhance the spreading of spray droplets on leaves faster. This activity reduces the chance of runoff but at the same time due to increased contact of area the spray solution is quickly absorbed by the treated leaves of the weeds.
The compositions according to the invention do not only comprise ready-to-use compositions which can be applied with suitable apparatus to the plant or the seed, but also commercial concentrates which have to be diluted with water prior to use.

The treatment according to the invention of the plants and plant parts with the active compounds or compositions is carried out directly or by action on their surroundings, habitat or storage space using customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting, foaming, painting, spreading-on, watering (drenching), drip irrigating and, in the case of propagation material, in particular in the case of seeds, furthermore as a powder for dry seed treatment, a solution for seed treatment, a water-soluble powder for slurry treatment, by incrusting, by coating with one or more layers, etc. It is furthermore possible to apply the active compounds by the ultra-low volume method, or to inject the active compound preparation or the active compound itself into the soil.
The present invention furthermore comprises a method for treating seed. The invention furthermore relates to seed treated according to one of the methods described in the preceding paragraph.
The active compounds or compositions according to the invention are especially suitable for treating seed. A large part of the damage to crop plants caused by harmful organisms is triggered by an infection of the seed during storage or after sowing as well as during and after germination of the plant. This phase is particularly critical since the roots and shoots of the growing plant are particularly sensitive, and even small damage may result in the death of the plant. Accordingly, there is great interest in protecting the seed and the germinating plant by using appropriate compositions.
The herbicidal formulation comprising composition of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl esters, and/or combination thereof further comprises inactive excipients including but not limited to dispersant, anti-freezing agent, anti-foam agent, wetting agent, suspension aid, anti-microbial agent, thickener, quick coating agent or sticking agents (also referred to as “stickers” or “binders”) and buffering agent.
Surfactants that are used as dispersants have the ability to adsorb strongly onto a particle surface and provide a charged or steric barrier to re-aggregation of particles. The most commonly used surfactants are anionic, non-ionic, or mixtures of the two types. For wettable powder formulations, the most common dispersants are sodium lignosulphonates. For suspension concentrates, very good adsorption and stabilization are obtained using polyelectrolytes, such as sodium naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensates. Tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters are also used. Nonionics such as alkylarylethylene oxide condensates and EO-PO block copolymers are sometimes combined with anionics as dispersants for suspension concentrates. In recent years, new types of very high molecular weight polymeric surfactants have been developed as dispersants. These have very long hydrophobic ‘backbones’ and a large number of ethylene oxide chains forming the ‘teeth’ of a ‘comb’ surfactant. These high molecular weight polymers can give very good long-term stability to suspension concentrates because the hydrophobic backbones have many anchoring points onto the particle surfaces. Examples of dispersants used herein include but not limited to sodium lignosulphonates; sodium naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensates; tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters; aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates; alky ethoxylates; EO-PO block copolymers; and graft copolymers or mixtures thereof.
Anti-freezing agent as used herein can be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycols, methoxypolyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, polybutylene glycols, glycerin and ethylene glycol.
Water-based formulations often cause foam during mixing operations in production. In order to reduce the tendency to foam, anti-foam agents are often added either during the production stage or before filling into bottles. Generally, there are two types of anti-foam agents, namely silicones and non-silicones. Silicones are usually aqueous emulsions of dimethyl polysiloxane while the non-silicone anti-foam agents are water-insoluble oils, such as octanol and nonanol, or silica. In both cases, the function of the anti-foam agent is to displace the surfactant from the air-water interface.
Examples of wetting agents used in wettable powder, suspension concentrate, and water-dispersible granule formulations include but not limited to sodium lauryl sulphate; sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate; alkyl phenol ethoxylates; and aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates or mixtures thereof.

Suspension aid in the present description denotes a natural or synthetic, organic or inorganic material with which the active substance is combined in order to facilitate its application to the plant, to the seeds or to the soil. This carrier is hence generally inert, and it must be agriculturally acceptable, in particular to the plant being treated. The carrier may be solid (clays, natural or synthetic silicates, silica, resins, waxes, solid fertilizers, and the like or mixtures thereof) or liquid (water, alcohols, ketones, petroleum fractions, aromatic or paraffinic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, liquefied gases, and the like or mixtures thereof).
Biocides / Microorganisms cause spoilage of formulated products. Therefore, anti-microbial agents are used to eliminate or reduce their effect. Examples of such agents include, but are not limited to: propionic acid and its sodium salt; sorbic acid and its sodium or potassium salts; benzoic acid and its sodium salt; p-hydroxy benzoic acid sodium salt; methyl p-hydroxy benzoate; and biocide such as sodium benzoate, 1,2-benzisothiazoline-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, potassium sorbate, parahydroxy benzoates or mixtures thereof.Thickening, gelling, and anti-settling agents generally fall into two categories, namely water-insoluble particulates and water-soluble polymers. It is possible to produce suspension concentrate formulations using clays and silicas. Examples of these types of materials, include, but are limited to, montmorillonite, e.g. bentonite; magnesium aluminum silicate; and attapulgite. Water-soluble polysaccharides have been used as thickening-gelling agents for many years. The types of polysaccharides most commonly used are natural extracts of seeds and seaweeds are synthetic derivatives of cellulose or mixtures thereof. Examples of these types of materials include, but are not limited to, guar gum; locust bean gum; carrageenam; xanthan gum; alginates; methyl cellulose; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC); hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) or mixtures thereof. Other types of anti-settling agents are based on modified starches, polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene oxide or mixtures.
The quick coating agent can be a conventionally available sticker, for example polyesters, polyamides, poly- carbonates, polyurea and polyurethanes, acrylate polymers and copolymers, styrene copolymers, butadiene copolymers, polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose derivatives, vinylalcohol, vinylacetate and vinylpyrrolidone polymers and copolymers, polyethers, epoxy, phenolic and melamine resins, polyolefins and define copolymers and mixtures thereof. Examples of preferred polymers are acrylate polymers such as poly(methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(methylmethacrylate), acrylate co-poylmers and styrene-acrylic copolymers as defined herein below, poly(styrene-co maleic anhydride), cellulosic polymers such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, acetylated mono, di, and triglycerides, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), vinyl acetate polymers and copolymers, poly(alkylene glycol), styrene butadiene copolymers, poly(orthoesters), alkyd resins, and mixtures of two or more of these. Polymers that are biodegradable are also useful in the present invention. As used herein, a polymer is biodegradable if is not water soluble, but is degraded over a period of several weeks when placed in an application environment. Examples of biodegradable polymers that are useful in the present invention include biodegradable polyesters, starch, polylactic acid starch blends, polylactic acid, poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) copolymers, polydioxanone, cellulose esters, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, starch esters, starch esteraliphatic polyester blends, modified corn starch, polycaprolactone, poly(namylmethacrylate), wood rosin, polyanhydrides, polyvinylalcohol, polyhydroxybutyratevalerate, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, and polyhydroxybutyrate or mixtures thereof.
Buffering agent as used herein is selected from group consisting of calcium hydroxyapatite, PotassiumDihydrogen Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, carbonated apatite, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, tri-calcium phosphate, calcium phosphates, carbonated calcium phosphates, amine monomers, lactate dehydrogenase and magnesium hydroxide.
The solvent for the formulation of the present invention may include water, water-soluble alcohols and dihydroxy alcohol ethers. The water-soluble alcohol which can be used in the present invention may be lower alcohols or water-soluble macromolecular alcohols. The term "lower alcohol", as used herein, represents an alcohol having 1-4 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, tert-butanol, etc. Macromolecular alcohol is not limited, as long as it may be dissolved in water in a suitable amount range, e.g., polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, glucitol, etc. The examples of suitable dihydroxyalcohol ethers used in the present invention may be dihydroxy alcohol alkyl ethers or dihydroxy alcohol aryl ethers. The examples of dihydroxy alcohol alkyl ether include ethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, etc. The examples of dihydroxy alcohol aryl ethers include ethylene glycol phenyl ether, diethylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol phenyl ether, and the like. Any of the above-mentioned solvent can be used either alone or in combination thereof.
The raw materials used in the composition of the present invention are provided in the Table 1.
Table 1: Raw Materials for the Herbicidal composition of present invention
Sr. No. Raw Materials details % w/w
1 Imazethapyr Technical 0.1-50%
2 Chlorimuron ethyl Technical 0.1-50%
3 Clodinafop propargyl Technical 0.1-50%
4 Cloquintocet Mexyl 0.1-15%
5 Dispersing Agent- Tristyrylphenol Ethoxylate Amine
salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated /Acrylic
Copolymer/ Ethoxylated Tristryl phenol Sulphate,Naphthalene sulfonic acid,sodium salt condensate with formaldehyde,Ethoxylated oleyl cetyl alcohol, Polyalkelene glycol ether 0.5-10%
6 Wetting Agent- Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate nonionic
emulsifier/ Mixture of non-ionic surfactants
& Alkoxyleted Alcohol/Block copolymer, 0.5-10%
7 Antifoaming Agent-Siloxane polyalkyleneoxide 0.01-1%
8 Antifreezing Agent- Glycol,Propylene Glycol,Mono ethylene glycol,Glycerin 0.1 to 10%
9 Filler- Silicon Dioxide/China -
Clay/Kaolin/Talc/starch 0.1-5%
10 Anti-bacterial – Benzisothiazolin-3-one / Formaldehyde 0.01-1%
11 Thickening agent Polysaccharides/carboxymethyl cellulose/Bentonite Clay 0.01-3%
12 Adjuvant- silicon ethoxylated oil group 0.1-5%
13 Mineral oil/ vegetable oil 5-70%
DM water Q.s to make 100
Total 100

EXAMPLES
The following examples are given by way of illustration and therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention.
Example 1: Preparation of an herbicidal Composition comprising imazethapyr 10%+ Chlorimuron ethyl 1.25%+ Clodinafop Propargyl 10% SC
Chemical Composition:100% Basis
Table 2: Suspension Concentrate formulation
Sr. No. Raw Materials details % w/w
1 Imazethapyr Technical 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl Technical 1.25
3 Clodinafop propargyl Technical 10
4 Safener-Cloquintocet Mexyl 2.50
5 Dispersing Agent- Tristyrylphenol Ethoxylate Amine
salt of phosphate 3
6 Wetting Agent- Block copolymer, 2
7 Antifoaming Agent-Siloxane polyalkyleneoxide 0.20
8 Antifreezing Agent- Propylene Glycol 5
9 Filler- China -Clay 1
10 Anti-bacterial – Benzisothiazolin-3-one 0.10
11 Thickener-Polysaccharides 0.10
12 DM water Q.s to make 100
Total 100

General process to prepare the suspension concentrate:
Process for the preparation suspension concentrate formulation comprising the steps of:
Process for the preparation suspension concentrate formulation comprising the steps of:
i. preparing 2% of Gum Solution 12-18 hour prior to use by mixing demineralised water and polysaccharide.
ii. homogenizing a required quantity of water, antimicrobial, and Antifoaming Agent followed by addition of polysaccharides with stirring to obtain a complete dissolution.
iii. charging a vessel with required quantity of demineralized water followed by addition of required quantity of Wetting agent, dispersing agent, Filler and homogenise it for a period of ranging 45-60 minutes using high shear homogeniser. adding technical and other remaining adjuvant excluding ‘antifreeze and thickeners and homogenizing to obtain a uniform slurry.
iv. adding half the quantity of antifoam followed by subjecting to three cycles of grinding in Dyno mill.
v. adding remaining half quantity of the antifoam along with antifreeze after grinding process completes and before sampling for in process analysis.
vi. Finally add gum solution to this formulation and send to QC for quality check

Other composition provided in the Table 3 of SC formulation can be prepared based on the above-mentioned method
Table 3: SC (Suspension Concentrate) formulation
SC (Suspension Concentrate)

Sr. No. Component Composition
1 2 3 4 5
1 Imazethapyr 0.1 0.1 50 0.1 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1 50 0.1 20 10
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 50 0.1 0.1 30 30
4 Cloquintocet Mexyl 13.5 0.1 0.1 8 8
5 Acrylic Copolymer 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
6 Naphthalene sulfonic acid,sodium salt condensate with formaldehyde 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
7 Block copolymer 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
8 Silicone Antifoam 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
9 Benzisothiazoline 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
10 Glycol 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
11 Polysaccharides 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
12 DM water QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100

Example 2: Preparation of an herbicidal Composition comprising imazethapyr 0.1%+ Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1%+ Clodinafop Propargyl 50 % WG
Chemical Composition:100% Basis
Table 4: WG (Water Dispersible Granule)
WG (Water Dispersible Granule)

Sr. No. Component % w/w

1 Imazethapyr 0.1
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 50
4 Safener-Cloquintocet Mexyl 13.5
5 Dispersing Agent-Sodium Polycarboxylate 3.00
6 Wetting Agent-Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 4.00
7 DispersingSodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate blend 1.00
8 Antifoam-Polydimethyl Siloxane 0.10
10 Filler-China Clay QS to Make 100

General process for the preparation of Wettable Granules (WG) formulation:
Process for the preparation of Wettable Granules (WG) formulation comprising the steps of:
i. charging a required quantity of filler, wetting agent, dispersing agent, technical and other remaining contents in premixing blender followed by homogenization for a period of 30 minutes to obtain a pre-blended material
ii. grinding the Pre-blended material of step (i) grinded through Jet mill/ air classifier mills followed by blending in post blender for a period of 1.5 hours to obtain a homogeneous material.
iii. analyzing the homogeneous material of step (ii) after getting approval from QC dept. material is unloaded into 25 kg. HDPE bag with LDPE liner inside to obtain finely grinded powder
iv. mixing finely grinded powder with required quantity of water toobtain extrudable dough.
v. passing the extrudable dough through extruder to obtain the wet granules of required size.
vi. passing the wet granules through Fluidized bed drier and further graded using vibrating screens.
vii. Final product is sent for QC approval.
viii. After approval material is packed in required pack sizes.
Other composition provided in the Table 4 of WG formulation can be prepared based on the above mention method
Table 4: Wettable Granules (WG) formulation
WG (Water Dispersible Granule)
Sr. No. Component Composition
1 2 3 4 5
1 Imazethapyr 0.1 0.1 50 0.1 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1 50 0.1 20 10
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 50 0.1 0.1 30 30
4 Cloquintocet Mexyl 13.5 0.1 0.1 8 8
5 Sodium Polycarboxylate 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
6 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
7 Sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate blend 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
8 Sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, formaldehyde condensate 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
9 Silicone based antifoam 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
10 Starch 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
11 Lactose anhydrous 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
12 China Clay QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100
Example 3: Preparation of an herbicidal Composition comprising imazethapyr 10%+ Chlorimuron ethyl 1.25%+ Clodinafop Propargyl 20 % WP
Chemical Composition:100% Basis

Table 5: WP (Wettable Powder) formulation
WP (Wettable Powder)

Sr. No. Component % w/w

1 Imazethapyr 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 1.25
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 10
4 Safener-Cloquintocet Mexyl 2.5
5 Dispersing Agent-Sodium ligno sulfonate 3.00
6 Wetting Agent-Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 4.00
7 DispersingSodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate blend 1.00
8 Antifoam-Polydimethyl Siloxane 0.10
10 Filler-Corn Starch QS to Make 100
General process for the preparation of WP (Wettable Powder) formulation:
Process for the preparation of wettable powder (WP) formulation comprising the steps of:
i. charging the required quantity of filler, wetting agent, dispersing agent, antifoam, technical and remaining contents in premixing blender followed by homogenization for a period of 30 minutes to obtain pre-blended material
ii. grinding the pre-blended material through Jet mill/ air classifier mills to obtain finely grinded material
iii. blending the Finely grinded material in post blender for a period of ~ 1-5 hours to obtain a homogeneous material.
iv. analysing the Homogeneous material. After getting approval from QC dept. material is unloaded into 25 kg. HDPE bag with LDPE liner inside.
Other composition provided in the Table 6 of WP formulation can be prepared based on the above mention method
Table 6: WETTABLE POWDER (WP) formulation
WP ( Wettable Powder)

Sr. No. Component Composition
1 2 3 4 5
1 Imazethapyr 0.1 0.1 50 0.1 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1 50 0.1 20 10
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 50 0.1 0.1 30 30
4 Cloquintocet Mexyl 13.5 0.1 0.1 8 8
5 Sodium ligno Sulfonate 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
6 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
7 Sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate blend 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
8 Sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, formaldehyde condensate 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
9 Silicone based antifoam 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
10 Starch 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
11 Lactose anhydrous 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
12 China Clay QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100
Example 4: Preparation of an herbicidal Composition comprising imazethapyr 10.00 %+ Chlorimuron ethyl 1.25%+ Clodinafop Propargyl 10 % EC
Chemical Composition:100% Basis
Table 7: EC (Emulsion Concentrate) formulation
EC(Emulsion Concentrate)
Sr. No. Raw Materials details % w/w
1 Imazethapyr Technical 10.00
2 Chlorimuron ethyl Technical 1.25
3 Clodinafop propargyl Technical 10.00
4 Safener-Cloquintocet Mexyl 2.50
5 Emulsifier-Calcium alkyl benzen sulfonate 5.00
6 Emulsifier-Castor oil ethoxylates 4.00
7 Stabilizer-Epoxidized Soyabean Oil 5
8 Co- Solvent Di methyl Formamide 30
9 Co-solvent N methyl pyrrolidone 20.00
10 Aromatic solvent-Heavy aromatic Naptha Q.s to make 100
Total 100

General process for the preparation of Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulation:
Process for the preparation of Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulation comprising the steps of:
i. mixing an aromatic solvent and co-solvent into a vessel to obtain completely soluble mixture.
ii. adding Technical to this solvent mixture under stirring at ambient temperature to obtain a formulation mixture
iii. adding remaining emulsifier and stabilizers and contents to into this formulation mixture followed by stirring to obtain homogenized material.
iv. Final product is sent for QC approval.
v. After approval material is packed in required pack sizes.
Other composition provided in the Table 8 of EC formulation can be prepared based on the above mention method.
Table 8: Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulation
EC(Emulsion Concentrate)
Sr. No. Component Composition
1 2 3 4 5
1 Imazethapyr 0.1 0.1 50 0.1 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1 50 0.1 20 10
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 50 0.1 0.1 30 30
4 Cloquintocet Mexyl 13.5 0.1 0.1 8 8
5 Trisiloxane alkoxylates 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
6 Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
7 Calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00
8 Condensation product of castor oil and ethylene-oxide 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00
9 Trisiloxane ethoxylate 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
10 Epoxidized soybean oil 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
11 Di methyl Formamide 5.00 10.00 20.00 10.00 10.00
12 Mixture of heavy aromatic hydrocarbons QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100

Example 6: Preparation of an herbicidal Composition comprising imazethapyr 10.00%+ Chlorimuron ethyl 1.25%+ Clodinafop Propargyl 20.00 % OD
Chemical Composition:100% Basis

Table 9: OD (Oil Dispersion) formulation

OD(Oil Dispersion)

Sr. No. Raw Materials details % w/w
1 Imazethapyr Technical 10.00
2 Chlorimuron ethyl Technical 1.25
3 Clodinafop propargyl Technical 20.00
4 Safener-Cloquintocet Mexyl 5.00
5 Dispersing Agent Ethoxylated oleyl cetyl alcohol 3.00
6 Sticking Agent-Polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.00
7 Emulsifier-Calcium alkyl benzen sulfonate 5.00
8 Emulsifier-Castor oil ethoxylates 4.00
9 Antifoam-Polydimethyl Siloxane 0.00
10 Antifreezing Agent- Propylene Glycol 0.00
11 Adjuvant- silicon ethoxylated oil 2.0
12 Vegetable Oil-Soyabean Oil Q.s to make 100
Total 100

General process for the preparation of oil dispersion (OD) formulation:
Process for the preparation of oil dispersion (OD) formulation comprising the steps of:
i. Charging a required quantity of vegetable oil in vessel followed by addition of sticking agent, mix well for a period of 30 minutes using high shear homogenizer and pass-through horizontal bead mill.
ii. Adding required quantity of Wetting agent, dispersing agent and Antifoam and anti-freezing agent, adjuvantand Emulsifier and homogenizing the contents for 60 minutes using high shear homogenizer.
iii. Then adding the technical materials and remaining contents to obtain homogenize for further 30 minutes to obtain homogenized material
iv. passing this homogenized material through horizontal bead mill to get required particle size.
v. After completion of grinding cycles sample is sent to QC for A.I. & particle size analysis
vi. After approval from QC, material is transferred to storage tank till packing.
Other composition provided in the Table 10 of OD formulation can be prepared based on the above mention method

Table 10: OIL DISPERSION (OD) formulation
OD(Oil Dispersion)
Sr. No. Component Composition
1 2 3 4 5
1 Imazethapyr 0.1 0.1 50 0.1 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1 50 0.1 20 10
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 50 0.1 0.1 30 30
4 Cloquintocet Mexyl 13.5 0.1 0.1 8 8
5 Ethoxylated oleyl cetyl alcohol 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
6 Polyalkelene glycol ether 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
7 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
8 Calcium alkyl benzen sulfonate 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
9 Castor oil ethoxylates 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
10 Silicone based antifoam 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
11 Propylene glycol 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
12 Soyabean Oil QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100

Example 7: Preparation of an herbicidal Composition comprising imazethapyr 10.00%+ Chlorimuron ethyl 1.25 %+ Clodinafop Propargyl 10 % ME
Chemical Composition:100% Basis

Table 11: ME(Micro Emulsion) formulation
ME(Micro Emulsion)
Sr. No. Raw Materials details % w/w
1 Imazethapyr Technical 10.00
2 Chlorimuron ethyl Technical 1.25
3 Clodinafop propargyl Technical 10.00
4 Safener-Cloquintocet Mexyl 2.50
5 Emulsifier-Calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate 5.00
6 Emulsifier-Tristyryl Phenyl Ethoxylate 4.00
7 Stabilizer-Epoxidized Soyabean Oil 5
8 Co- Solvent Di methyl Formamide 30
9 Co-solvent N methyl pyrrolidone 20.00
10 Solvent-Heavy aromatic Naptha Q.s to make 100
Total 100

General process for the preparation of ME(Micro Emulsion) formulation:
Process for the preparation of ME (Micro Emulsion) formulation comprising the steps of:
i. charging solvent and co-solvent into the vessel and then mix until completely soluble to obtain a mixture
ii. adding technical to this solvent mixture under stirring and at ambient temperature to obtain formulation mixture
iii. adding remaining emulsifier and stabilizers and other content into this formulation mixture followed by stirring to obtain homogenized
iv. Final product is sent for QC approval.
v. After approval material is packed in required pack sizes.
Other composition provided in the Table 12 of ME formulation can be prepared based on the above mention method
Table 12: ME (Micro Emulsion) formulation
ME(Micro Emulsion)
Sr. No. Component Composition
1 2 3 4 5
1 Imazethapyr 0.1 0.1 50 0.1 10
2 Chlorimuron ethyl 0.1 50 0.1 20 10
3 Clodinafop Propargyl 50 0.1 0.1 30 30
4 Cloquintocet Mexyl 13.5 0.1 0.1 8 8
5 Trisiloxane alkoxylates 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
6 Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
7 Calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00
8 Condensation product of castor oil and ethylene-oxide 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00
9 Trisiloxane ethoxylate 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
10 Tristyryl Phenyl Ethoxylate 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
11 Di methyl Formamide 5.00 10.00 20.00 10.00 10.00
12 Mixture of heavy aromatic hydrocarbons QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100 QS to Make 100

BIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF HERBICIDAL COMPOSITION OF PRESNET INVENTION ON WEED INDICES, YIELD ATTRIBUTES AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN CROP
Introduction:
Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important commercial crops in India. The crop is called “Golden Bean” or “Miracle crop” of the 21st century because of its multiple uses. It has the highest protein content (40-42 %), 20 percent oil, rich in lysine and vitamins A, B and D, also rich source of minerals and essential amino acids (Jadhav, 2014). Several herbicides viz., Pendimethalin, Flutolanil, Metolachlor and Alachlor etc. were in use for controlling weeds associated in soybean, but these have not been found much effective in controlling all sort of weeds. Henceforth, it is imperative to evaluate the efficacy of suitable postemergence herbicides alone and in mixture for effective control of dominant and diversified weed flora in soybean fields. Presently, imazethapyr is reportedly very effective post emergence herbicide for controlling some grassy and broad leaf weeds in soybean but its efficacy has not been tested with chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl for wide spectrum weed control in soybean in different parts of the country. Keeping the above facts in view, the present investigation was carried out to adjudge the effect of herbicidal mixture on weed indices, yield attributes and yield of soybean by a novel ternary pre-mix herbicide mixture.
Example 8
METHOD AND TREATMENT
A field experiment is conducted in kharif 2018 for the two years at Khargoan in M.P. with an average annual rainfall of 850-900 mm. The experiment comprising of 31 treatments including pre mixed and tank mixtures ternary combinations which were laid out in a randomized block design replicated thrice.
The treatments consisted of:
Imazethapyr 10EC at different doses (40, 60, 75, 100, g.a.i./ha),
Chlorimuron Ethyl 25% WP @ (5, 7.5, 9.3 & 12.5 g.a.i./ha,
Clodinafop propargyl 15% WP @ (267,400, 500 & 667 g.a.i./ha), and
various combinations (pre mixed and tank mixtures of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl and Clodinafop propargyl) as mentioned in the Table 13,
Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 1000 g.a.i./ha, hand weeding (twice @20 & 40 DAS) and weedy check.
Soybean variety “JS 335” was sown at 30 x 10 cm spacing. The fertilizer dose of 25 kg N, 62.5 kg P and 25 kg K per hectare was applied to the soybean crop.
A spray volume of 500 litres ha-1 was used.
Hand weeding was done twice at 20 and 40 DAS.
As per treatments, Pendimethalin 30% EC were sprayed 0-3 days after sowing. The other solo and ternary herbicides combinations & Chlorimuron Ethyl 25% WP was sprayed 12-15 days after sowing. Herbicides were sprayed with the help of a knapsack sprayer fitted with a flat-fan nozzle.
Observations were recorded on weed density, weed dry matter, plant growth parameters and grain yield.
A quadrate of 0.25 m2 size was selected randomly at three spots in each treatment.
Species wise weed count was recorded at 30 and 60 days and were expressed as number/m2 weeds collected at 30 and 60 days after the spray were dried at 70o C for 24 hours and weighed.
In the succeeding crop sequence, Bengal gram was sown after the harvest of soybean crop.
At appropriate moisture, gram was sown in furrows opened manually at 30 cm and the crop was supplemented with the recommended dose of fertilizer at the time of sowing and irrigated to ensure uniform crop growth.
Assessment of phytotoxicity effect of all the post emergence treatments on Soybean as well on succeeding gram crop was recorded at 1, 5, and 10 days after application of herbicide. Observations on the phytotoxic symptoms viz., chlorosis, necrosis, wilting, scorching, hyponasty and epinasty were recorded based on a standard phytotoxicity rating scale of 0 to 10 where 0= no phytotoxicity and 10 = 91-100% crop injury. Phytotoxicity was tested at recommended dose of various herbicides under testing at recommended and at higher dose of solo and ternary combinations
Weed control Efficiency- WCE %
Weed control efficiency was calculated using the formula (Mani et al., 1973) WCE (%) = (WC-WT)/WC X 100
wherein, WC = Weed in control plot WT = Weed in treated plot
Table 13: Synergy of Ternary mixture of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl.
Weed composition in the selected experimental. Field was 41% grassy weeds, 36% broad leaved weeds (BLW) and rest 23% were sedges. Ternary herbicides shown superior control over all the three types of weed flora as supported in better WCE with proven synergy as supported with application of Colby equation.

Weed Control Efficiency was found > 60% in all the ternary combinations and found superior to pre-emergent or post-emergent Solo herbicide treatments. Also, when Colby equation was applied there was found synergy in these three herbicides. The most cost effective seems to be pre-mix with Imazethapyr 50g + Chlorimuron ethyl 5 g + Clodinafop propargyl @ 50g a.i./ha
Table 14: Synergy of Ternary mixture of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl against Grassy weeds.
As the maximum weed pressure in soybean crop appears to be grassy weeds, therefore separate weed types data was collected and after analysing the same it was inferred that ternary composition of present invention have a better efficacy due to synergistic effect against the grassy weeds as well.

Table 15: Synergy of Ternary mixture of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl in reducing weed bio-mass & increasing the Weed control Index (WCI)

Weed control index (WCI)
To compare the different treatments of weed control on the basis of dry weight, weed control index (WCI) was calculated as follows (Mani et al., 1973 and Das, 2008). It indicates the per cent reduction in the dry weight in treated plots compared to weedy plots.
DWC – DWT
(WCI), % = -------------------------------- × 100
DWC
Wherein,
WCI = Weed control Index
DWC = Dry weight of weeds in control plots
DWT = Dry weight of weeds in treated plots
Weed bio-mass was drastically reduced in all the herbicidal treatments, at mediocre to high doses of ternary mixture the results were at par with two hand weeding.

Table 16 Synergy of Ternary mixture of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl impact on yield attributes and Harvest Index

Yt
(HI), % = - ------------------------ × 100
( Yt + St)
Wherein,
HI = Harvest Index
Yt = Seed yield in treated plots
St = Dry weight crop trash in treated plots
Increase in yield was observed in all the herbicides treated plots. Maximum increase in yield over control plot was observed in Hand weeded plots. In case of ternary mixtures also yield increase of > 70% was observed as compared to control plot’s yield. Similar trend was also reflected in the number of pods per plant. Harvest index (>40%) was also found par with the weed free conditions.

Table 17: Crop safety of Ternary mixture of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl and impact on plant growth attributes.

To assess any adverse impact of ternary herbicides mixture on crop health and growth was assessed by recording the plant height, number of branches and pod numbers per plant.
Twice hand weeded plots were best in plant height 52.67 cm but in ternary mixtures were close second, whereas in case solo herbicide treatment the height reduced due to increased weed competition and less of herbicide treatment shock. Number of branches except the control plots (6.3) were more or less ranging between 9 to 11/plant. In general plants were healthy and good canopy. Number of Soya pods in ternary herbicide treatments were also higher than the other treatments.
Table 18: Ternary mixture of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl and impact on yield and net returns.

Cost of cultivation was highest in hand weeding operations with slightly lower in ternary mixtures.Net returns were also highest in HW plots followed by ternary mixtures with healthy Benefit: Cost ratio of 2.20.

Table 19: Assessment of Ternary mixtures of Imazethapyr, Chlorimuron ethyl & Clodinafop propargyl of phytotoxic impact on Soybean crop.

There was no as such crop injury or burning of leaves etc. at higher concentrations of treatments there was slight yellowing for 2-3 days which recovered.

Table 20: Effect of herbicides treatment on the succeeding crop of Bengal crop
Growth parameters as well yield of succeeding crop of Bengal gram taken in the same sub plots of the experimental field shown no reduction in germination, nil phytotoxicity or injury to Bengal gram crop. In fact, the yield attributes confirmed that there is no residual impact of the ternary mixtures on the succeeding crop.
Similar efficacy has been observed for the OD formulation also in terms of the above noted parameters.

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 invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific embodiments 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.

We claim:
1. A synergistic herbicidal composition comprising:
a. at least one imidazolinone herbicide;
b. at least one sulfonylurea herbicide; and
c. at least one aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imidazolinone herbicide is present in the range of 0.1-50% by weight, the sulfonylurea herbicide is present in range of 0.1-50% by weight, the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is present in the range of 0.1-50% by weight.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imidazolinone herbicide is selected from the group consisting of mazamethabenz-methyl, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin and imazethapyr or salts thereof.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sulfonylurea herbicide is selected from the group consisting of chlorimuron ethyl, amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, iofensulfuron, mesosulfuron, metazosulfuron, metsulfuron, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, propyrisulfuron, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron, tribenuron, trifloxysulfuron, triflusulfuron and tritosulfuron, or salts thereof.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is selected from the group consisting of Clodinafop propargyl, fluazifop- propargyl, Propaquizafop, haloxyfop- propargyl and quizalofop- propargyl or salts thereof.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the imidazolinone herbicide is preferably Imazethapyr.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein the sulfonylurea herbicide is preferably chlorimuron ethyl.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein the aryloxyphenoxy propionate herbicide is preferably Clodinafop propargyl.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein Imazethapyr is preferably present in the range of 0.1-10% by weight, the chlorimuron ethyl is preferably present in range of 0.1-2.5% by weight, the Clodinafop propargyl is preferably present in the range of 10-50% by weight.
10. The composition as claimed in claim 1-9, wherein said composition is formulated as SC (Suspension Concentrate), WG (Water Dispersible Granule), WP (Wettable Powder), OD (Oil Dispersion), EC (Emulsion Concentrate) and ME (Micro Emulsion) formulation.
11. The composition as claimed in claim 1-9, wherein said composition is formulated as WP (Wettable Powder) or OD (Oil Dispersion).
12. The composition as claimed in claim 1-9 and 11, wherein the said WP(Wettable Powder) formulation is present in the water soluble pouch made up polyvinyl alcohol and organic plastics (water soluble synthetic polymer).
13. The composition as claimed in claim 1-9 and 12, wherein the particle size of WP (Wettable Powder) formulation is in the range of 2-40 microns.
14. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the composition comprises a safener, a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an antifoaming agent, an anti-freezing agent, a filler, an anti-bacterial, adjuvant, thickener.
15. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the safener is selected from the group consisting of cloquintocetl-mexyl, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon and mefenpyr-diethyl or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.1-15% w/w
16. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the dispersing agent is selected from the group consisting of Tristyrylphenol Ethoxylate Amine salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated /Acrylic Copolymer/ Ethoxylated Tristryl phenol Sulphate,Naphthalene sulfonic acid,sodium salt condensate with formaldehyde,Ethoxylated oleyl cetyl alcohol, Polyalkelene glycol ether or the combinations thereof and present in the range of 0.5-10% w/w..
17. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the Wetting Agent is selected from the group consisting of Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate nonionic emulsifier/ Mixture of non-ionic surfactants and Alkoxyleted Alcohol/Block copolymer or the combinations thereof and present in the range of 0.5-10% w/w.,
18. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the Antifoaming Agent is Siloxane polyalkyleneoxide present in the range of 0.01-1% w/w.
19. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the Antifreezing Agent is selected from the group consisting of Glycol,Propylene Glycol,Mono ethylene glycol and Glycerin or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.1 to 10%w/w.
20. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the filler is selected from the group consisting of Silicon Dioxide,China Clay, Kaolin, Talc or starch or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.1-5% w/w..
21. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the anti-bacterial is selected from Benzisothiazolin-3-one or Formaldehyde or the combinations thereof, present in the range of 0.01-1% w/w.
22. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides or carboxymethyl cellulose or bentonite clay.
23. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the adjuvant is used for OD (Oil Dispersion) formulation.
24. The composition as claimed in claims 14 and 23, wherein the adjuvant is selected from the silicon ethoxylated oil group.