FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10 and Rule 13]
Title of the invention: AN AGROCHEMICAL COMBINATION
Name of the Applicant: UPL LIMITED
Nationality: India
Address: UPL House, 610 B/2, Bandra Village, Off
Western Express Highway, Bandra-East, Mumbai-400051, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The present disclosure relates to an agrochemical combination comprising an aqueous-silicic acid and a non-aqueous component. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an agrochemical combination comprising an aqueous silicic acid, a non-aqueous component and a compatibility agent. The present disclosure also relates to a process for preparation of the agrochemical combination, use of the agrochemical combination, a method for improving plant growth and a kit of parts thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:
In crop protection practices, several agrochemical formulations such as pesticides or plant growth stimulants, additives and adjuvants are mixed in water (e.g., a tank-mix spray) to be used on plants for control of pests and weeds. Tank-mixing two or more pesticides and/or additives/adjuvants is a convenient way to impart broad-spectrum control and to reduce labour and equipment use. It also offers flexibility and may increase effectiveness of treatment.
However, an incompatible tank-mix can cause equipment damage, downtime, damage to plants along with weeds, and chemical ineffectiveness. Incompatible tank-mixes can result from chemical or physical incompatibility of the pesticides and/or additives/adjuvants. Chemical incompatibility occurs when one or more of the chemicals change properties in the tank-mix formulation. Physical incompatibility causes the formation of lumps or gels in the tank-mix formulation. This is mainly because the chemicals do not disperse properly and settle out of suspension. Furthermore, incompatibility of the tank-mix formulation can also lead to formation of foams, stratification in the tank, colour changes and bubbles formation.

Furthermore, non-aqueous adjuvants such as plant, vegetable and mineral-based oils are usually used to improve the efficacy of formulations for crop protection. These adjuvants are capable of penetrating the wax layer on the leaves of the plant thereby allowing increased access of the systemic active ingredients to the epidermal cells of the plant. Adjuvants are either added separately to the aqueous spray mixture of to the crop protection formulation (as tank-mix adjuvants) shortly before spraying or are incorporated directly into the crop protection formulation concentrate along with other auxiliaries (as pre-mix formulation).
The adjuvant, water and the active ingredient are individually added and mixed in a tank, and a mixture is prepared by stirring for spraying application. The adjuvant can be mixed with water before or after addition of the active ingredient.
Additionally, plant growth stimulants are also added as tank-mix adjuvants along with pesticide formulations to potentiate vigour and growth of the plant. Silicon, which constitutes approximately 28% of the lithosphere, is an essential element in the life of plants and other living organisms. In plants, it accumulates mainly in cell walls, reinforcing them mechanically. Silicon provides several benefits to plants. These include increased resistance to pests and pathogens, increased growth, and increased stress tolerance. The mechanisms behind these benefits may vary. Some of these benefits are caused by improved plant responses to pests. Others are due to structural changes in plants. Some other benefits may be caused by changes in plant chemical signalling. Elemental silica is an essential trace element for plants. The element silica is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust. Therefore, there are various studies that have been conducted that prove the importance of silica in the growth of plants.
A biologically available source of silicon/silica is orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4) . It is known to those skilled in the art that silicic acid, in its monomeric form, orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4) is not stable, but at higher concentrations undergoes polymerization yielding dimeric (H6Si2O7), trimeric (H8Si3O10), as well as linear unbranched

oligomers of silicic acid (SI) which are all water soluble. Linear polymers of silicic acid (SI) undergo further polymerization giving tri-dimensional branched polymers of silicic acid (S2) which are of very low water solubility and give opalescent gel. The process of polymerization proceeds further with generation of hydrated silicon dioxide (silica gel, SiO2-xH2O). It has been noticed that formulations based on orthosilicic acid when used in tank-mix with oil or oil-based formulations remain immiscible and separates into layers upon mixing. This results into an incompatible mixture with non-uniform composition within various parts of the mixture. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for providing further solutions that resolve the incompatibility of orthosilicic acid compositions with oil or oil-based tank-mix partners.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE:
It is a primary objective of the present disclosure to provide a stable agrochemical combination comprising an aqueous silicic acid, a non-aqueous component and a compatibility agent.
It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid and a compatibility agent, wherein the compatibility agent provides stability to the agrochemical combination.
It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a stable agrochemical combination which can be sprayed over time and at various temperatures.
It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a stable agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid mixed with a non-aqueous component
It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an agrochemical combination stable from about 1 to about 5 hours.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an agrochemical combination comprising an aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate, which acts as a compatibility agent in achieving uniform emulsion which can remain stable and facilitate uniform spraying of the agrochemical combination.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
In one aspect of the present disclosure, the disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component;
c) a compatibility agent; and
d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.
It yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of an agrochemical composition, the process comprising:
1) adding an aqueous silicic acid to a spray tank holding water to form a mixture; and
2) adding to the mixture of step 1), a non-aqueous component, a compatibility agent, and optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, to obtain the agrochemical combination.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides use of an agrochemical combination comprising an aqueous silicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent, for improving plant growth.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth comprising applying to the plant or to their locus thereof, an effective amount of the agrochemical combination.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit of parts comprising an agrochemical combination comprising an aqueous silicic acid and a compatibility agent.
Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description that follows, which illustrates by way of example, the most preferred features of the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The following description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. The terms used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where

expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials/ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Thus, before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms used herein.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.
As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having”, “containing”, “involving” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. The aspects and embodiments described herein shall also be interpreted to replace the clause “comprising” with either “consisting of” or with “consisting essentially of” or with “consisting substantially of”.
“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the

error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±10% or ±5% of the stated value.
Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90-100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
The use of the terms “a”, “an” and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc., as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.
All methods described herein can be performed in a 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”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
The expression of various quantities in terms of “%” or “% w/v” or “% w/w” means the percentage by weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.
As used herein, the term ‘pre-emergence’ refers to the time point before seedlings emerge from the ground. As used herein, the term ‘post-emergence’ refers to the time point after seedlings emerge from the ground.
As used herein the term “plant” or “crop” refers to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, or plant seeds. This term also encompasses plant crops such as fruits. The term “plant” may further include the propagation material thereof, which may include all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolons, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.
The term “locus” as used herein denotes the vicinity or area designated for growth of a desired crop, and in which control of the growth and/or spread of undesirable vegetation is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein

undesirable vegetation growth has either occurred, is most likely to occur, or is yet to occur.
The term “agrochemical” used herein is understood to denote an agricultural chemical such as pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators and can be used interchangeably.
The salts referred to herein are agrochemically acceptable salts. As used herein, an “agrochemically acceptable salt” means a salt which is acceptable for use in agrochemical or horticultural use.
As used herein, the term “agrochemical combination” refers to a mixture of more than one component mixed and intended to be applied onto crops with and without further dilution.
The term “active ingredient” (a.i.) or “active agent” used herein refers to that component of the composition responsible for improving plant growth.
As used herein, the term “tank-mix spray” refers to a mixture of more than one component mixed and intended to be applied onto crops with further dilution with water to make a sprayable mixture.
The terms “excipient” or “additive” mean inactive substance that forms a part of the composition. The terms “excipient” or “additive” mean essentially the same thing and can be used interchangeably.
As used herein, the term “compatibility agent” refers to components that ease the homogenization of aqueous silicic acid and non-aqueous component while making a stable tank-mix formulation. These components act as facilitators of emulsification of aqueous and non-aqueous tank-mix ingredients.

As used herein, the term “non-aqueous component” refers to oil-based compounds and products used in agrochemical practices to promote plant growth and to control pest. The oil-based compounds are devoid of water.
As used herein, the term “agrochemical oils” refers to oils or oil-based compositions used as adjuvants, carrier or solvent for agrochemical purpose.
The inventors of the present disclosure found that a compatible mixture in the form of an agrochemical combination can be obtained while mixing silicic acid-based component with oil or oil-based component as tank-mix ingredients by using aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate. The aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates act like a compatibility agent facilitating uniform blending of silicic acid-based component and oil-based component. The incorporation of aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate, especially C8-C20 ethoxylated alcohol results into a stable and uniform blend of silicic acid-based component and oil-based component. This leads to formulation of a uniform tank-mix spray intended to be used for crop health and safety. It was observed that the orthosilicic acid which is a plant growth stimulant is prepared as an aqueous formulation. Such formulations face compatibility issues when mixed with oils which are generally used as tank-mix adjuvant or with other oil-based tank-mix ingredients (such as oil dispersion (OD), emulsifiable concentrate (EC)) before application. When the aqueous compositions are combined with oils which are esters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, they tend to form an emulsion type of system due to immiscible phases coming together. Compatibility issues like partial or non-uniform mixing, phase separation, and syneresis were some common problems observed. While troubleshooting these problems, the inventors of the present disclosure screened many compatibility agents, and C8-C20 ethoxylated alcohols were the most suitable compatibility agents for preparing uniform and stable combination of aqueous orthosilicic acid and a non-aqueous component.
Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid; and
b) a non-aqueous component.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid; and
b) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
As used throughout the disclosure, the silicic acid or other active ingredients, include their salts, esters, ethers, polymorphs including solvates and hydrates. A salt includes salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the active ingredient, and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and include derivatives of the disclosed compounds in which the parent compound is modified by making inorganic and organic, non-toxic, acid or base addition salts thereof. The salts can be synthesized from the parent compound by conventional chemical methods.
According to an embodiment, the silicic acid is selected from the group comprising metasilicic acid (H2SiO3), orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4), disilicic acid (H2Si2O5), pyrosilicic acid (H6Si2O7), any other silicic acid precursor, and combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment, the silicic acid is selected from the group comprising metasilicic acid (H2SiO3), orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4), disilicic acid (H2Si2O5), pyrosilicic acid (H6Si2O7), and combinations thereof.
According to an embodiment, the silicic acid comprises orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4).
According to an embodiment, the silicic acid comprises a stabilized orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4).
According to an embodiment, the silicic acid comprises a stabilized orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4) in an aqueous form.
According to an embodiment, the aqueous silicic acid comprises from about 0.01% w/w to about 20% w/w silicic acid in water.
According to an embodiment, the aqueous silicic acid comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w silicic acid in water.
According to an embodiment, the aqueous silicic acid comprises from about 0.01% w/w to about 20% w/w orthosilicic acid in water.
According to an embodiment, the aqueous silicic acid comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w orthosilicic acid in water.
According to an embodiment, the aqueous silicic acid means stabilized orthosilicic acid. The stabilized orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4) is water soluble and is a biologically active form of silica. The aqueous orthosilicic acid and the stabilized orthosilicic acid may be interchangeably used.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:

a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the aqueous silicic acid is orthosilicic acid.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the non-aqueous component is selected from agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides.
According to an embodiment, the non-aqueous component is an agrochemical oil selected from the group comprising esters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, mineral oil, plant oil, vegetable oil, petroleum oil, oil-based adjuvants, oil-based pesticides, and combinations thereof.
According to an embodiment, the non-aqueous component is selected from the group comprising olive oil, orange oil, neem oil, Karanja oil, cinnamon oil, peanut oil, butter fat, cocoa butter, corn oil, cotton seed oil, mustard seed oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, soya oil, tall oil, sesame oil, rice bran oil, tallow oil, tallow fat, fish oil, hydroseal oil, petroleum/mineral oils, paraffins, marine oil, horticultural oil, spray oil, dormant oil, summer oil, supreme oil, superior oil, volck oil, and combinations thereof.
According to an embodiment, the non-aqueous component is refined petroleum/mineral oil. The petroleum oil is an aromatic solvent, consists predominately of C9-C11 aromatic hydrocarbons, preferably C10 aromatic hydrocarbon.

According to an embodiment, the non-aqueous component is oleyl/cetyl (C16- C18) alcohol polyglycol ether.
According to an embodiment, the non-aqueous component is a hydrocarbon with C13-C23, n-alkanes, isoalkanes and cyclic alkanes also known as white mineral oil.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the aqueous silicic acid is orthosilicic acid; and
wherein the non-aqueous component comprises agrochemical oils and oil-based
pesticides.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the compatibility agent is selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates.
According to an embodiment, the aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates are selected from the group comprising polyalkoxylated, saturated and unsaturated aliphatic alcohols, having 8 to 24 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, which is derived from the corresponding fatty acids or from petrochemical products, and having 1 to 100, preferably 2 to 50, ethylene oxide (EO) units and propylene oxide (PO) units, it being possible for the free hydroxyl group to be alkoxylated, such as C10-Guerbet

alcohol with 4-10 moles EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO, or are obtainable therefrom by etherification, for example tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate POE-9, and primary alcohol based series.
According to an embodiment, the compatibility agent is selected from alcohol ethoxylates based on C12-15 fully saturated, branched primary alcohol; isodecanol ethoxylate and tridecanol ethoxylate based on fully saturated synthetic branched alcohol; and ethoxylates based on C9-11 fully saturated, essentially linear primary alcohol.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compatibility agent is selected from C9-15 alcohol ethoxylate, C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, isodecanol ethoxylate, tridecanol ethoxylate, tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate POE-9, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles ethylene oxide (EO) and C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO, C13-15 alcohol ethoxylate with hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) 10-15 and C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate with HLB 10-13.
In a preferred embodiment, the compatibility agent is an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate selected from the group comprising C9-15 alcohol ethoxylate, C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, isodecanol ethoxylate, tridecanol ethoxylate, tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate POE-9, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the aqueous silicic acid is orthosilicic acid;

wherein the non-aqueous component comprises agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
wherein the compatibility agent is selected from C9-15 alcohol ethoxylate selected from the group comprising of C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, isodecanol ethoxylate, tridecanol ethoxylate, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the compatibility agent is selected from C9-15 alcohol ethoxylate selected from the group comprising of C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, isodecanol ethoxylate, tridecanol ethoxylate, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO, and combinations thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, orthosilicic acid is present in a concentration range of about 1 to about 300 g/L, the non-aqueous component is present in a concentration range of about 50 to about 500 g/L, and the compatibility agent is present in a concentration range of about 1 to about 200 g/L.
In a preferred embodiment, orthosilicic acid is present in a concentration range of about 10 to about 200 g/L, the non-aqueous component is present in a concentration range of about 50 to about 300 g/L, and the compatibility agent is present in a concentration range of about 1 to about 150 g/L.
In a preferred embodiment, orthosilicic acid is present in a concentration range of about 10 to about 150 g/L, the non-aqueous component is present in a concentration range of about 50 to about 200 g/L, and the compatibility agent is present in a concentration range of about 1 to about 100 g/L.

In a preferred embodiment, orthosilicic acid is present in a concentration range of about 10 to about 100 g/L, the non-aqueous component is present in a concentration range of about 50 to about 150 g/L, and the compatibility agent is present in a concentration range of about 10 to about 90 g/L.
In a preferred embodiment, orthosilicic acid is present in a concentration range of about 45 g/L to about 65 g/L, preferably about 57.5 g/L.
In a preferred embodiment, the non-aqueous component is present in a concentration range of about 120 g/L to about 140 g/L, preferably about 130 g/L.
In a preferred embodiment, the compatibility agent is present in a concentration range of about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably about 70 g/L.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent, wherein weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent ranges from about 0.1:100 to about 100:0.1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is selected from ratios comprising 0.1:1, 1:1, 10:1, 20:1, 30:1, 40:1, 50:1, 60:1, 70:1, 80:1, 90:1 and 100:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is selected from ratios comprising 1:0.1, 1:1, 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90 and 1:100.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is about 0.1:1 to 50:1.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is about 0.1:1 to 30:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is about 0.1:1 to 20:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is about 0.1:1 to 10:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is about 0.1:1 to 5:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the compatibility agent is about 0.8:1.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent, wherein weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component ranges from about 0.1:100 to about 100:0.1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component is selected from ratios comprising 0.1:1, 1:1, 10:1, 20:1, 30:1, 40:1, 50:1, 60:1, 70:1, 80:1, 90:1 and 100:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component is selected from ratios comprising 1:0.1, 1:1, 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90 and 1:100.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component is about 0.1:1 to 50:1.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component is about 0.1:1 to 30:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component is about 0.1:1 to 20:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component is about 0.1:1 to 10:1.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component is about 0.4:1.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent, wherein weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component to the compatibility agent ranges from about 1:0.1:0.1 to about 1:100:100.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component to the compatibility agent ranges from about 1:0.1:0.1 to about 1:10:10.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component to the compatibility agent ranges from about 1:0.5:0.5 to about 1:8:8.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component to the compatibility agent ranges from about 1:2:1 to about 1:5:4.
In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of orthosilicic acid to the non-aqueous component to the compatibility agent is about 1:2.2:1.2.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical combination comprises:

a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the compatibility agent is suitable for preparing a stable combination of the aqueous silicic acid with the non-aqueous component.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical combination comprises:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate; and wherein the compatibility agent is suitable for preparing a stable combination of the aqueous silicic acid with the non-aqueous component.
According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) an agrochemical oil; and
c) an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate.
Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid; and

b) a non-aqueous component.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable agrochemical composition comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) a compatibility agent;

wherein the compatibility agent is selected from C9-15 alcohol ethoxylate selected from the group comprising of C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, isodecanol ethoxylate, tridecanol ethoxylate, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO, and combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component;
c) a compatibility agent; and
d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component;
c) a compatibility agent; and
d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides;
c) a compatibility agent; and
d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemically acceptable excipients are selected from one or more of emulsifier(s), colorant(s), thickener(s)/binder(s), antifreeze agent(s), antifoaming agent(s), antioxidant(s), solvent(s), preservative(s), glidant(s), anticaking agent(s), pH-regulating agent(s), buffering agent(s), formulation aid(s), disintegrant(s), and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, emulsifiers which can be advantageously employed herein can be readily determined by those skilled in the art and include various non-ionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric emulsifiers, or a blend of two or more emulsifiers. Examples of non-ionic emulsifiers useful in preparing the emulsifiable concentrates include the polyalkylene glycol ethers and condensation products of alkyl and aryl phenols, aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic amines or fatty acids with ethylene oxide, propylene oxides such as the ethoxylated alkyl phenols and carboxylic esters solubilized with the polyol or polyoxyalkylene. Cationic emulsifiers include quaternary ammonium compounds and fatty amine salts. Anionic emulsifiers include the oil-soluble salts (e.g., calcium) of alkylaryl sulfonic acids, oil-soluble salts or sulfated polyglycol ethers and appropriate salts of phosphated polyglycol ether.
In an embodiment, colorants may be selected from iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs, such as alizarin dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs or metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs, and trace elements, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.
In an embodiment, thickener or gelling agent may be selected from but not limited
to molasses, granulated sugar, alginates, karaya gum, jaguar gum, tragacanth gum,
polysaccharide gum, mucilage, xanthan gum or combination thereof. In another
embodiment, the binder may be selected from silicates such as magnesium
aluminium silicate, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl
alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, celluloses, including ethylcelluloses and
methylcelluloses, hydroxymethyl celluloses, hydroxypropylcelluloses,
hydroxymethylpropyl-celluloses, polyvinylpyrolidones, dextrins, malto-dextrins, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabics, shellacs, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonates, acrylic copolymers, starches, polyvinylacrylates, zeins, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylimide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl

acrylate, methylacrylimide monomers, alginate, ethylcellulose, polychloroprene and syrups or mixtures thereof; polymers and copolymers of vinyl acetate, methyl cellulose, vinylidene chloride, acrylic, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polysaccharide; polymers and copolymers of vinylidene chloride and vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers; combinations of polyvinyl alcohol and sucrose; plasticizers such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyglycols.
In another embodiment, antifreeze agent(s) added to the composition may be
alcohols selected from the group comprising of 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. In
addition, ether alcohols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene
glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to
about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl
ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, butoxyethanol, butylene glycol
monobutyl ether, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol,
diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol,
octaglycerol.
According to an embodiment, antifoam agent may be selected from polydimethoxysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, alkyl poly acrylates, fatty acids, fatty acids esters, fatty acids sulfate, fatty alcohol, fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohol sulfate, foot olive oil, mono & di glyceride, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, poly propylene glycol, silicones oil, vegetable fats, vegetable fats sulfate, vegetable oil, vegetable oil sulfate, vegetable wax, vegetable wax sulfate, agents based on silicon or magnesium stearate.
In another embodiment, antioxidants are, for example, amino acids (e.g., glycine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and derivatives thereof, imidazole and imidazole

derivatives (e.g., urocanic acid), peptides, such as, for example, D,L-carnosine, D-carnosine, L-carnosine and derivatives thereof (e.g., anserine), carotenoids, carotenes (e.g., α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, lipoic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., dihydrolipoic acid), aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and further thio compounds (e.g., thioglycerol, thiosorbitol, thioglycolic acid, thioredoxin, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and the glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl, lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, γ-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof), and salts thereof, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts), and sulfoximine compounds (e.g., buthionine sulfoximines, homocysteine sulfoximine, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathionine sulfoximine) in very low tolerated doses (e.g., pmol/kg to pmol/kg), also metal chelating agents (e.g., α-hydroxy fatty acids, EDTA, EGTA, phytic acid, lactoferrin), α-hydroxy acids (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acids, bile acid, bile extracts, gallic esters (e.g., propyl, octyl and dodecyl gallate), flavonoids, catechins, bilirubin, biliverdin and derivatives thereof, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof (e.g., γ-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof, hydroquinone and derivatives thereof (e.g., arbutin), ubiquinone and ubiquinol, and derivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives thereof (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate, stearate, dipalmitate, acetate, Mg ascorbyl phosphates, sodium and magnesium ascorbate, disodium ascorbyl phosphate and sulfate, potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, chitosan ascorbate), isoascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, tocopherols and derivatives thereof (e.g., tocopheryl acetate, linoleate, oleate and succinate, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12, tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocophersolan), vitamin A and derivatives (e.g., vitamin A palmitate), the coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, disodium rutinyl disulfate, cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., ferulic acid, ethyl ferulate, caffeic acid), kojic acid, chitosan glycolate and salicylate, butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisol, nordihydroguaiacic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives

thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, selenium and selenium derivatives (e.g., selenomethionine), stilbenes and stilbene derivatives (e.g., stilbene oxide, trans-stilbene oxide). According to the disclosure, suitable derivatives (salts, esters, sugars, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides, and lipids) and mixtures of these specified active ingredients or plant extracts (e.g., tea tree oil, rosemary extract and rosemarinic acid) which comprise these antioxidants can be used. In general, mixtures of the aforementioned antioxidants are possible.
According to an embodiment, examples of suitable solvents are water, oils of vegetable, or derivatives. In principle, solvent mixtures may also be used.
In another embodiment, suitable preservatives are for example benzothiazoles, 1,2-
benzisothiazolin-3-one, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium benzoate,
potassium sorbate, 1,2-phenyl-isothiazolin-3-one, inter chloroxylenol
paraoxybenzoate butyl and benzoic acid, and combinations thereof.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of orthosilicic acid of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 40% w/w of orthosilicic acid of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of orthosilicic acid of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 60% w/w of the non-aqueous component of the total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the non-aqueous component of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the non-aqueous component of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the compatibility agent of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.5% w/w to about 40% w/w of the compatibility agent of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the compatibility agent of the total weight of the composition.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemical composition comprises said one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients in an amount ranging from about 1% w/w to about 30% w/w of total weight of the composition.
In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a white mineral oil; and
c) an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate.

In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises:
a) orthosilicic acid ;
b) white mineral oil; and
c) C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate.
In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises:
a) from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w orthosilicic acid;
b) from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w white mineral oil; and
c) from about 1% w/w to about 20% w/w C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate.
In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises:
a) from about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w orthosilicic acid ;
b) from about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w white mineral oil; and
c) from about 1% w/w to about 20% w/w C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate.
In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemical composition comprises:
a) from about 10% w/w to about 30% w/w orthosilicic acid ;
b) from about 10% w/w to about 30% w/w white mineral oil; and
c) from about 1% w/w to about 20% w/w C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the agrochemical combination is present in a form of a liquid formulation.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical combination is selected from Capsule suspension (CS), Dispersible concentrate (DC), Emulsion, water in oil (EO), Emulsion, oil in water (EW), Oil dispersion (OD), Oil miscible flowable

concentrate (oil miscible suspension (OF), Oil miscible liquid (OL), Suspension concentrate (SC), soluble concentrate (SL) or Suspoemulsion (SE).
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and

c) a compatibility agent; wherein the liquid formulation is either in the form of a tank-mix or a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the liquid formulation is either in the form of a tank-mix or a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the liquid formulation is in the form of a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid formulation comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the liquid formulation is in the form of a tank-mix formulation.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a tank-mix agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and

c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a tank-mix agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a tank-mix agrochemical composition comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a tank-mix agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical composition comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the stable tank-mix formulation is in the form of a spray solution.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical combination comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the stable tank-mix formulation is used as a spray/spraying solution.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and

c) a compatibility agent; wherein the stable tank-mix formulation is in the form of a spray solution.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable tank-mix agrochemical composition comprising:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent;
wherein the stable tank-mix formulation is used as a spray/spraying solution.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for the preparation of the agrochemical combination, wherein the agrochemical combination comprises:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for the preparation of the stable tank-mix formulation, wherein the stable tank-mix formulation comprises:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the process for preparation of the agrochemical combination comprises:
1) adding an aqueous silicic acid to a spray tank holding water to form a mixture;
2) adding to the mixture of step 1), a non-aqueous component, a compatibility agent, and optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, to obtain the agrochemical combination.

According to an embodiment, the process for the preparation of the agrochemical composition comprises:
1) adding an aqueous silicic acid to a spray tank holding water to form a mixture;
2) adding to the mixture of step 1), a non-aqueous component, a compatibility agent, and optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, to obtain the agrochemical composition.
According to an embodiment, the process for the preparation of the stable tank-mix formulation comprises:
1) adding an aqueous silicic acid to a spray tank holding water to form a mixture;
2) adding to the mixture of step 1), a non-aqueous component, a compatibility agent, and optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, to obtain the stable tank-mix formulation.
In a preferred embodiment, the process for the preparation of the stable tank-mix formulation comprises:
1) adding orthosilicic acid to a spray tank holding water to form a mixture;
2) adding to the mixture of step 1), a white mineral oil, an aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate, and optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, to obtain the stable tank-mix formulation.
In a preferred embodiment, the process for the preparation of the stable tank-mix formulation comprises:
1) adding orthosilicic acid to a spray tank holding water to form a mixture;
2) adding to the mixture of step 1), a white mineral oil, a C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, and optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, to obtain the stable tank-mix formulation.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of the agrochemical combination for improving plant growth, wherein the agrochemical combination comprises:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of the agrochemical combination for improving plant growth, wherein the agrochemical combination comprises:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of the agrochemical combination for improving plant growth, wherein the agrochemical combination comprises:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) a compatibility agent.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of the agrochemical combination for improving plant growth, wherein the agrochemical combination comprises:
a) orthosilicic acid;
b) agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides; and
c) an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising applying an agrochemical

combination comprising an aqueous silicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising applying an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising applying an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component selected from agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides, and a compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising applying an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component selected from agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising:
a) obtaining an aqueous silicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates; and
b) mixing together to prepare an agrochemical combination; and
c) applying the agrochemical combination to a plant/crop.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising:
a) obtaining orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates; and
b) mixing together to prepare an agrochemical combination; and

c) applying the agrochemical combination to a plant/crop.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising:
a) obtaining orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component selected from agrochemical oils or oil-based pesticides, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates; and
b) mixing together to prepare an agrochemical combination; and
c) applying the agrochemical combination to a plant/crop.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling pests, the method comprising:
a) obtaining orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component selected from agrochemical oils or oil-based pesticides, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates; and
b) mixing together to prepare an agrochemical combination; and
applying the agrochemical combination to a pest, or a plant or a locus thereof susceptible to attack by a pest.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising applying an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component selected from agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate in a range of about 10 to about 5000 g/Ha.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising applying an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component selected from agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate in a range of about 50 to about 4000 g/Ha.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for improving plant growth, the method comprising applying an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, a non-aqueous component selected from agrochemical oils and oil-based pesticides, and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate in a range of about 100 to about 3000 g/Ha.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the various components of the agrochemical combination can be used individually or already partially or completely mixed with one at least one other to prepare the combination according to the disclosure. It is also possible for them to be packaged and used further as composition such as a kit of parts.
The disclosure also provides a kit comprising agrochemical combination for the improving plant growth and instructions for use. The instructions for use typically comprise instructions for the application of the agrochemical combination to the plant or to a locus thereof.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a kit of parts comprising an aqueous silicic acid and a compatibility agent; wherein a first container contains the aqueous silicic acid, and a second container contains the compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a kit of parts comprising an aqueous silicic acid and a compatibility agent selected from aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates; wherein a first container contains the aqueous silicic acid, and a second container contains the compatibility agent.
According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component;
c) a compatibility agent;

and optionally further comprises: d) instructions for use.
Typically, the instructions for use comprise instructions directing a user to mix the components of the kit before application of the components of the kit to the plant or to a locus thereof.
Often, the components of the kit are packaged separately. However, the disclosure is not limited to kits in which the components are packaged separately. For example, the aqueous silicic acid and the compatibility agent may be packaged together or formulated together.
In embodiments of the kit of the disclosure in which the aqueous silicic acid and the compatibility agent are packaged separately, may be tank-mixed before being administered to the plant or to a locus thereof. Typically, such an administration to the plant or to a locus thereof is by spraying the tank-mixed formulation.
In one embodiment of the disclosure, the kit may include one or more, including all, components that may be used to prepare the agrochemical combination, e.g., kits may include active ingredients and/or compatibility agents. One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined together and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag or canister. In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separately, i.e., not pre-formulated. As such, kits may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags or canisters, each container containing a separate component for agrochemical combination.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the kit may include one or more, including all, components that may be used to prepare a stable tank-mix formulation

with a non-aqueous component, e.g., the kit may include an aqueous silicic acid and a compatibility agent.
In both forms, a component of the kit may be applied separately from or together with the further components or as a component of a combination according to the disclosure for preparing the agrochemical combination according to the disclosure.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemical combination comprises (a) an aqueous silicic acid, and (b) a compatibility agent in the form of a kit with single pack or multi pack.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemical combination comprises (a) orthosilicic acid, and (b) a compatibility agent in the form of a kit with single pack or multi pack.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemical combination comprises (a) orthosilicic acid, and (b) an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate in the form of a kit with single pack or multi pack.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemical combination comprises (a) orthosilicic acid, and (b) a C13-15 alcohol ethoxylate in the form of a kit with multi packs.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemical combination comprises (a) orthosilicic acid, and (b) a C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate in the form of a kit with multi packs.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising a combination of an aqueous silicic acid and a compatibility agent is used for preparing a stable tank-mix formulation with a non-aqueous component.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising a combination of orthosilicic acid and an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate is used for preparing a stable tank-mix formulation with a non-aqueous component.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising a combination of an aqueous silicic acid and a compatibility agent is used for preparing a stable pre-mix formulation with a non-aqueous component.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising a combination of orthosilicic acid and an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate is used for preparing a stable pre-mix formulation with a non-aqueous component.
According to an embodiment, the agrochemical combination described above is stable. It has been found that the compatibility agent provides excellent stability to the agrochemical combination and subsequently the agrochemical spray over time and at various temperatures, and even when the orthosilicic acid is mixed with the non-aqueous component.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical combination is found to be stable from about 1 to about 5 hours.
In an embodiment, the agrochemical combination is found to be stable for about 2 hours.
In an embodiment, the aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate acts as a compatibility agent in achieving uniform emulsion which can remain stable for about 2 hours and can facilitate uniform spraying of tank-mix combinations of orthosilicic acid and non-aqueous component.
All the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following description. The following examples illustrate the disclosure. They do not, however, limit the disclosure in any way. It will be understood that all tests and physical properties listed have been determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e., 25°C), unless otherwise stated herein, or unless otherwise stated in the referenced test methods and procedures. It will be understood that the specification and examples are illustrative but not limiting of the present disclosure and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments can be practiced that are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
EXAMPLES
Formulation 1: 43.48 g of (aqueous) orthosilicic acid, which is a 2.6% solution of orthosilicic acid in water was taken in a glass beaker and was diluted with 756.12 ml of water having 20 ppm hardness. The dilution was made as per the agrochemical tank-mixing practices. This formulation of orthosilicic acid was taken to check its compatibility with various tank-mix partners, especially oils and oil-based tank-mix partners.
Formulation 2: 43.48 g of (aqueous) orthosilicic acid, which is a 2.6% solution of orthosilicic acid in water was taken in a glass beaker and was diluted with 756.12 ml of water having 342 ppm hardness. The dilution was made as per the agrochemical tank-mixing practices. This formulation of orthosilicic acid was taken to check its compatibility with various tank-mix partners, especially oils and oil-based tank-mix partners.
Example 1: Agrochemical spray compatibility test
Formulation 1 prepared was mixed with various oils which were known generally
to be used as adjuvants in tank-mix compositions. To a 1000 ml composition of

Formulation 1, 130.4 g of white mineral oil was mixed together to obtain a mixture. Then, 70 g of alcohol, C12-15, ethoxylated was added to the mixture and gently stirred for 20 minutes to obtain a tank-mix emulsion. The emulsion was kept aside to assess stability of the emulsion obtained. The emulsion was found to be stable up to 2 hours without any phase separation or creaming or other unacceptable features. As per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1518-05, a tank-mix emulsion needs to be stable for a period of at least 30 minutes so that uniform spray can be achieved. The phase separation during this period should not be more than 5%. It was found that the tank-mix emulsion prepared remained stable for 2 hours, satisfying the minimum requirement of tank-mix stability. Phase separation remained less than 5% and emulsion appeared to be homogeneous.
Similarly, tank-mix stability was assessed in a similar manner for Formulation 1 with sunflower oil, hydroseal oil and C10 aromatic hydrocarbon, respectively. To a 1000 ml composition of Formulation 1, 130.4 g of each oil and 70 g of alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated were mixed to obtain a tank-mix emulsion. The tank-mix emulsion of all the combinations were found to be quite stable up to 2 hours confirming effectiveness of the compatibility agent.
Furthermore, to a 1000 ml composition of Formulation 2, 130.4 g of white mineral oil was mixed together to obtain a mixture. Then 70 g of alcohol, C12-15, ethoxylated was added to the mixture and gently stirred for 20 minutes to obtain a tank-mix emulsion. The emulsion was kept aside to assess stability of the emulsion obtained. The emulsion was found to be stable up to 2 hours without any phase separation or creaming or other unacceptable features.
Similarly, tank-mix stability was assessed in the similar manner for Formulation 2 with sunflower oil, hydroseal oil and C10 aromatic hydrocarbon, respectively. To a 1000 ml composition of Formulation 2, 130.4 g of each oil and 70 g of alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated were mixed to obtain a tank-mix emulsion. The tank-mix emulsion of all the combinations were found to be quite stable up to 2 hours

confirming effectiveness of the compatibility agent. This has been demonstrated in Table 1.
Table 1: Assessment for emulsion stability

Orthosilicic acid Non-aqueous component Compatibility agent Emulsion stability

30 minutes 1 hour 2 hours
Formulation 1 White mineral oil Alcohol, C12-15, ethoxylated Stable Stable Stable

Sunflower oil
Stable Stable Stable

Hydroseal oil
Stable Stable Stable

C10 aromatic hydrocarbon
Stable Stable Stable
Formulation 2 White mineral oil Alcohol, C12-15, ethoxylated Stable Stable Stable

Sunflower oil
S table Stable Stable

Hydroseal oil
Stable Stable Stable

C10 aromatic hydrocarbon
Stable Stable Stable
Example 2: Agrochemical spray compatibility test
The aqueous composition of orthosilicic acid of Formulation 1 and various oils as tank-mix partners were mixed with more compatibility agents of aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate group with various carbon chain length and varied degree of ethoxylation. Alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated, tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate, POE-9, C10-Guerbet alcohol, 4-10 EO, C10-Guerbet alcohol, 3-9 EO when combined with aqueous composition of Formulation 1, resulted into a stable and uniform tank-mix emulsion. It was found that all the selected aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates worked well as a compatibility agent when mixed with aqueous composition of orthosilicic acid and oil partners to prepare a stable tank-mix emulsion. The tank-mix emulsion stayed uniform without any layer separation, creaming or sedimentation problems, therefore, acceptable for agrochemical spray.

Furthermore, when aqueous composition of Formulation 2 and above oil partners were combined in the presence of alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated, uniform stable tank-mix emulsions were obtained. It was found that all the selected aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates worked well as a compatibility agent when mixed with aqueous composition of orthosilicic acid and oil partners to prepare a stable tank-mix emulsion. The tank-mix emulsion stayed uniform without any layer separation, creaming or sedimentation problems, therefore, considered acceptable to be sprayed. This has been demonstrated in Table 2.
Table 2: Assessment for emulsion stability

Orthosilicic acid Non-aqueous component Compatibility agent Emulsion stability
(30 minutes)
Formulation 1 White mineral oil Alcohol, C12-15, ethoxylated Stable

Sunflower oil Tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate, POE-9 Stable

Hydroseal oil C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles EO Stable

C10
aromatic hydrocarbon C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO Stable
Formulation 2 White mineral oil Alcohol, C12-15, ethoxylated Stable

Sunflower oil Tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate, POE-9 Stable

Hydroseal oil C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles EO Stable

C10
aromatic hydrocarbon C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles EO Stable

Example 3: Compatibility agent screening for phase separation
While screening the compatibility agent(s), different type of substances having emulsifying property were tried for establishing tank-mix stability of aqueous composition of orthosilicic acid with various oil-based adjuvants. It was found that an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymer, an EO/PO type emulsifying agent could not form uniform tank-mix emulsion with white mineral oil and phase separation was observed within 30 minutes of mixing an aqueous composition of Formulation 1. Formulation 2 also failed, and separation started within 30 minutes of forming tank-mix emulsion. Similarly, castor oil ethoxylate, nonylphenol ethoxylate, tristyrylphenol ethoxylate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and hydrophilic nonionic surfactant failed to control phase separation when various oil partners were combined with compositions of Formulation 1 and 2 as disclosed in Table 3.
Table 3: Compatibility agent screening for phase separation

Orthosilicic acid Non-aqueous
component Compatibility agent Emulsion stability
(Test time: 30 minutes)
Formulation 1 White mineral oil Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymer 30 ml separation

Castor oil ethoxylate 25 ml separation

Nonyl phenol ethoxylate 15 ml separation

Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate 17 ml separation

Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 35 ml separation

Hydrophilic nonionic surfactant 28 ml separation
Formulation 2 White mineral oil Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymer 32 ml separation

Castor oil ethoxylate 35 ml separation

Nonyl phenol ethoxylate 20 ml separation

Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate 25 ml separation

Sodium lauryl ether sulphate 30 ml separation

Hydrophilic nonionic surfactant 24 ml separation
Example 3: Compatibility agent screening for emulsion stability
Furthermore, other emulsifying agents were tested which could effectively form tank-mix emulsion of aqueous composition of orthosilicic acid of Formulation 1 with oil-based tank-mix partners. Sunflower oil was mixed with aqueous composition of orthosilicic acid of Formulation 1 and castor oil ethoxylate was added to obtain tank-mix emulsion. The emulsion could not withstand even for 30 minutes. Phase separation started to occur after 10 minutes. When aqueous composition of Formulation 1 was mixed with hydroseal oil and nonylphenol ethoxylate was added as compatibility agent, it could not stabilize the tank-mix emulsion and phase separation occurred after 5 minutes. Tank-mix emulsion of composition of Formulation 1 with C10 aromatic hydrocarbon and tristyrylphenol ethoxylate failed to sustain and phase separation occurred after 5 minutes. Similarly, when composition of Formulation 2 were combined with sunflower oil (using castor oil ethoxylate as compatibility agent), hydroseal oil (using nonylphenol ethoxylate as compatibility agent) and C10 aromatic hydrocarbon (using tristyrylphenol ethoxylate as compatibility agent) respectively, uniform tank-mix emulsion could not be formed, and separation was observed even in 30 minutes. This has been demonstrated in Table-4.
Table 4: Compatibility agent screening for emulsion stability

Orthosilicic acid Non-aqueous component Compatibility agent Emulsion stability (30 minutes)
Formulation 1 Sunflower oil Castor oil ethoxylate Stable up to 10 minutes

Hydroseal oil Nonylphenol ethoxylate Stable up to 5 minutes

C10 aromatic hydrocarbon Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate Stable up to 5 minutes
Formulation 2 Sunflower oil Castor oil ethoxylate Stable up to 10 minutes

Hydroseal oil Nonylphenol ethoxylate Stable up to 5 minutes

C10 aromatic hydrocarbon Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate Stable up to 5 minutes
Based on the experimental data, the agrochemical combination of aqueous silicic acid and non-aqueous component is stabilized using a compatibility agent (aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate). The aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate acts as a compatibility agent in achieving uniform tank-mix emulsion which can remain stable for around 2 hours and can facilitate uniform spraying of tank-mix combinations of orthosilicic acid and non-aqueous component.

We claim:
1. An agrochemical combination comprising:
a) an aqueous silicic acid;
b) a non-aqueous component; and
c) a compatibility agent.

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aqueous silicic acid is selected from the group comprising metasilicic acid (H2SiO3), orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4), disilicic acid (H2Si2O5), pyrosilicic acid (H6Si2O7), and combinations thereof.
3. The combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein the aqueous silicic acid is orthosilicic acid.
4. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-aqueous component is an agrochemical oil selected from the group comprising esters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, mineral oil, plant oil, vegetable oil, petroleum oil, oil-based adjuvants, oil-based pesticides, and combinations thereof.
5. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compatibility agent is an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate selected from the group comprising polyalkoxylated, saturated and unsaturated aliphatic alcohols, with 8 to 24 carbon atoms, and comprising from about 1 to about 100 alkylene oxide units.
6. The combination as claimed in claim 5, wherein the compatibility agent is an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate selected from the group comprising C9-15 alcohol ethoxylate, C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, isodecanol ethoxylate, tridecanol ethoxylate, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles ethylene oxide, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles ethylene oxide, and combinations thereof.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aqueous silicic acid and the compatibility agent are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.1:1 to about 5:1.
8. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the combination is present either in a form of a tank-mix or a ready-mix formulation.
9. Use of an agrochemical combination comprising an aqueous silicic acid, a non-aqueous component and a compatibility agent, for improving plant growth.
10. An agrochemical composition comprising:

a) orthosilicic acid;
b) an agrochemical oil;
c) an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate; and
d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the agrochemical oil is selected from the group comprising esters of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, mineral oil, plant oil, vegetable oil, petroleum oil, oil-based adjuvants, oil-based pesticides, and combinations thereof; and wherein the aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate is selected from the group comprising C9-15 alcohol ethoxylate, C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate, isodecanol ethoxylate, tridecanol ethoxylate, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 4-10 moles ethylene oxide, C10-Guerbet alcohol with 3-9 moles ethylene oxide, and combinations thereof.
12. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w orthosilicic acid, from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w agrochemical oil, from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate, and from about 1% w/w to about 30% w/w agrochemically acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition.

13. A process for preparation of an agrochemical combination as claimed in claim
1, the process comprising:
1) adding orthosilicic acid to a spray tank holding water to form a mixture; and
2) adding to the mixture of step 1), an agrochemical oil, an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate, and optionally at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, to obtain the agrochemical combination.

14. A method for improving plant growth, wherein the method comprises applying to the plant or to their locus thereof, an effective amount of an agrochemical combination comprising orthosilicic acid, an agrochemical oil, and an aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the method comprises applying the agrochemical combination in a range from about 100 g/ha to about 3000 g/ha.
16. A kit of parts for an agrochemical combination, the kit comprising:

a) an aqueous silicic acid; and
b) a compatibility agent;
wherein a first container comprises the aqueous silicic acid; and wherein a second container comprises the compatibility agent.
17. The kit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first container comprises orthosilicic
acid and the second container comprises aliphatic alcohol alkoxylates.