Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of fungicidal compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition comprising Trifloxystrobin and Tebuconazole.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Trifloxystrobin is a broad-spectrum foliar fungicide that has high levels of activity against many fungal pathogens within the Ascomycete, Deuteromycete, Basidiomycete, and Oomycete classes. Trifloxystrobin interferes with respiration in plant pathogenic fungi.
[0004] Tebuconazole is used in a number of different popular fungicide products to control fungi, bacteria, and viruses affecting plants. Some of the common fungal and disease problems Tebuconazole is known to treat are rust fungus, sheath blight, leaf spot, and anthracnose. Tebuconazole is dimethylase inhibitor (DMI) -interferes in process of building the structure of fungal cell wall. Finally it inhibits the reproduction and further growth of fungus.
[0005] WO 1997/000012 A1 discloses a plant-microbicidal composition comprising at least two active ingredient components in an amount that achieves a synergistic effect, together with a suitable carrier, wherein component I is trifloxystrobin; and wherein component II is a compound selected from the group propiconazol, difenoconazol, penconazol, tebuconazol, epoxyconazol, cyproconazol, hexaconazol, fenbuconazol, flusilazol, metconazol, tetraconazol, bromuconazol, fluquinconazol, prochloraz, pyrifenox and myclobutanil; or one of the salts or metal complexes thereof. It has now been well established that a combination of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole exhibits synergistic fungicidal effect, for example, as disclosed in WO 1997/000012 A1, content whereof are incorporated herein in its entirety by way of reference.
[0006] A person skilled in the art is expected to be acquiesced with the fact that the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), a statutory body in India, basis the exhaustive experimental data generated on the formulation having a combination of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole, has now given approval for commercialization of such formulation(s) within the jurisdiction of India, and one such formulation is available commercially under the trade-name of NATIVO®. NATIVO® is a combination fungicide containing Tebuconazole and Trifloxystrobin. NATIVO® is a systemic broad-spectrum fungicide with protective and curative action which offers not only a disease control but also improves quality and yield of crop. The compositions of the present disclosure are based on, in part, the well-established scientific principle of the existence of synergy between trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole.
[0007] While the state-of-art reports different formulations having a combination of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole, including water dispersible granule (WG) formulations, such formulations suffer from several shortcomings, most notable being suspension instability after storage at elevated temperatures (e.g. >45°C). India, being a temperate country/region, suspension instability after storage at elevated temperatures poses a serious challenge.
[0008] While there are few reports that address the technical problem of suspension instability, for example, WO 2007/028537, granted in India as a patent bearing no. IN260702 (erstwhile Application No. 1824/DELNP/2008)), there is still a requirement in the art of improved formulations, particularly, water dispersible granule (WG) formulations, that while alleviate one or more drawbacks set out above, especially, the problem of suspension instability after storage at elevated temperatures (e.g. >45°C), also afford excellent fungicidal activity.
[0009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

OBJECTS
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fungicidal composition comprising trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation comprising trifloxystrobin with tebuconazole that exhibits excellent suspension instability even after storage at elevated temperatures.
[0012] Further object of the present disclosure is to provide a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation comprising trifloxystrobin with tebuconazole that exhibits superior fungicidal activity.
[0013] Still further object of the present disclosure relates to a method for preparation of a fungicidal composition comprising trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole.

SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of fungicidal compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition comprising Trifloxystrobin and Tebuconazole.
[0015] The present disclosure is, at least in part, on the premise of a surprising observation by inventors of the present application, that incorporating a modified styrene acrylic polymer in the composition (particularly, a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation) comprising trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole affords excellent suspension instability even after storage at elevated temperatures.
[0016] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition, said composition comprising: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1 to 50 wt. % by weight of the composition; (b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 20 to 90 wt. % by weight of the composition; (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 25 wt. % by weight of the composition; and (d) an adjuvant.
[0017] In some embodiments, the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of surfactant or dispersant, wetting agent, emulsifier, antifoaming agent/defoamer, anticaking agent, inert filler, water, water soluble solvent, alcohol, water insoluble solvent and combinations thereof.
[0018] In some embodiments, the modified styrene acrylic polymer is Atlox Metasperse™ 550S.
[0019] In some embodiments, the composition comprises: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1 to 50 wt.% by weight of the composition, (b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 20 to 90 wt.% by weight of the composition, (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (d) a surfactant/dispersant in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 10 wt.% by weight of the composition, (f) an inert filler in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 30 wt.% by weight of the composition, and (g) an anticaking agent in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 20 wt.% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the surfactant/dispersant comprises an anionic surfactant/dispersant. In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant/dispersant is sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (e.g. Lissapol™ BN 200L).
[0020] In some embodiments, the composition comprises: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount of about 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (b) Tebuconazole in an amount of about 50 wt.% by weight of the composition, (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount of about 12 wt.% by weight of the composition, (d) a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (e.g. Lissapol™ BN 200L) in an amount of about 4 wt.% by weight of the composition, (e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount of about 0.8 wt.% by weight of the composition, (f) an inert filler in an amount of about 6.2 wt.% by weight of the composition, and (g) an anticaking agent in an amount of about 2 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0021] In some embodiments, the composition is formulated into a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation. In some embodiments, the composition is prepared using wet granulation process.
[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a process for preparation of a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation, said process comprising the steps of: (i) mixing trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, and a modified styrene acrylic polymer with one or more adjuvants to obtain a blend; (ii) milling the blend of step (i) to obtain milled particles; (iii) blending the milled particles of step (ii) to obtain a homogenous powder; (iv) mixing the powder obtained in step (iii) with water and kneading to obtain a dough; (v) extruding the dough using an extruder to obtain extrudates; (vi) drying and milling the extrudates obtained in step (v) to obtain granules; and (vii) passing the granules of step (vi) through a mesh to obtain the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.
[0023] In some embodiments, the adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of surfactant or dispersant, wetting agent, emulsifier, antifoaming agent/defoamer, anticaking agent, inert filler, water, water soluble solvent, alcohol, water insoluble solvent and combinations thereof.
[0024] In some embodiments, the adjuvants comprise a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200 L), a defoamer (defoamer powder Y-20856), kaolin and precipitated silica.
[0025] In some embodiments, the process comprises the steps of: (i) mixing trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, a modified styrene acrylic polymer (Atlox Metasperse™ 550S), a sodium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200 L), a defoamer, an inert filler and an anti-caking agent to obtain a blend; (ii) milling the blend of step (i) to obtain milled particles; (iii) blending the milled particles of step (ii) to obtain a homogenous powder; (iv) mixing the powder obtained in step (iii) with water and kneading to obtain a dough; (v) extruding the dough using an extruder to obtain extrudates; (vi) drying and milling the extrudates obtained in step (v) to obtain granules; and (vii) passing the granules of step (vi) through a mesh to obtain the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.
[0026] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0028] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0029] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.
[0030] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.” It is to be appreciated that the terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein includes the terms "consisting of", "consists" and "consists of" within their meaning.
[0031] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0032] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0033] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.
[0034] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
[0035] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0036] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0037] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0038] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of fungicidal compositions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition comprising Trifloxystrobin and Tebuconazole.
[0039] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0040] As used herein, the term “% w/w” refers to the weight of the component based on the total weight of a composition comprising the component.
[0041] The present disclosure is, at least in part, on the premise of a surprising observation by inventors of the present application, that incorporating a modified styrene acrylic polymer in the composition (particularly, a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation) comprising trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole affords excellent suspension instability even after storage at elevated temperatures.
[0042] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition, said composition comprising: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from about 1 to about 50 wt. % by weight of the composition; (b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from about 20 to about 90 wt. % by weight of the composition; (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt. % by weight of the composition; and (d) an adjuvant. In some embodiments, the modified styrene acrylic polymer is Atlox Metasperse™ 550S.
[0043] In some embodiments, the composition according to the present disclosure further comprises one or more adjuvants which include, but not limited to, emulsifiers, antifoaming agents/defoamers, anticaking agents, inert fillers, solvents, crystallisation inhibitors, viscosity-modifying substances, suspending agents, dyes, antioxidants, foaming agents, light absorbers, mixing aids, complexing agents, neutralising or pH-modifying substances and buffers, corrosion-inhibitors, fragrances, wetting agents, absorption improvers, micronutrients, plasticisers, glidants, surfactants, lubricants, dispersants, thickeners, anti-freezes, microbiocides, and also liquid and solid fertilisers.
[0044] The emulsifiers that can be used for realizing the compositions and formulations of the present disclosure include, but not limited to, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; salts of arylsulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and di-alkyl phosphate esters. It is also possible to use a mixture of one or more of these emulsifiers. The emulsifiers can be present in an amount of about 0-80% w/w of the composition.
[0045] Antioxidants that can be used for realizing the compositions and formulations of the present disclosure include, but not limited to, ascorbylpalmitate and ascorbyltetraisopalmitate, Mg-ascorbylphosphate, Na-ascorbylphosphate, ascorbyl-acetate), tocopherol and derivates (such as vitamin-E-acetate), mixtures of vitamin E, vitamin A and derivatives (vitamin-A-palmitate and -acetate) as well as coniferyl benzoate, rutinic acid and derivatives, oc-glycosylrutin, ferulic acid, citric acid, furfurylideneglucitol, carnosine, butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, and trihydroxybutyrophenone. It is also possible to use a mixture of one or more of these Antioxidants. The Antioxidants can be present in an amount of about 0-10% w/w of the composition.
[0046] Thickening agents that can be used for realizing the compositions and formulations of the present disclosure include, but not limited to, xanthan gum, modified xanthan gum, agar, succinoglycan gum (Rheozan), alginic acid, alginate, a hydrated magnesium-aluminum silicate, for example attapulgite, (Attagel®; BASF), calcium lactobionate, carrageenan, OptiXan-D ®; gellan gum, and guar gum. The Thickening agent can be present in an amount of about 0-10% w/w of the composition.
[0047] Dyes that can be used for realizing the compositions and formulations of the present disclosure include, but not limited to, titanium dioxide, color [upsilon] ss, zinc oxide, blue pigments and permanent red FGR. The solvent can be present in an amount of about 0-10% w/w of the composition.
[0048] The solvents that can be used for realizing the compositions and formulations of the present disclosure include, but not limited to, water, water soluble solvents, alcohols, water insoluble solvents, organic solvents and the like or combination thereof. The solvent can be present in an amount of about 0-20% w/w of the composition.
[0049] In some embodiments, the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of surfactant or dispersant, wetting agent, emulsifier, antifoaming agent/defoamer, anticaking agent, inert filler, water, water soluble solvent, alcohol, water insoluble solvent and combinations thereof.
[0050] In some embodiments, the composition comprises: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from about 1 to about 50 wt.% by weight of the composition, (b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from about 20 to about 90 wt.% by weight of the composition, (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (d) a surfactant/dispersant in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the composition, (f) an inert filler in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 30 wt.% by weight of the composition, and (g) an anticaking agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0051] In some embodiments, the composition comprises trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from about 5 to about 45 wt.% by weight of the composition, for example, from about 10 to about 45 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 10 to about 40 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 15 to about 35 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 20 to about 30 wt.% by weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from about 20 to about 30 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0052] In some embodiments, the composition comprises tebuconazole in an amount ranging from about 25 to about 85 wt.% by weight of the composition, for example, from about 30 to about 80 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 35 to about 75 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 40 to about 60 wt.% by weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises tebuconazole in an amount ranging from about 40 to about 60 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0053] In some embodiments, the composition comprises a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, for example, from about 0.5 to about 70 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 2 to about 50 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 5 to about 30 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 7 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount ranging from about 7 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0054] In some embodiments, the composition comprises a surfactant or dispersant (surfactant/dispersant) in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the composition, for example, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 1 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 2 to about 8 wt.% by weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises surfactant or dispersant in an amount ranging from about 2 to about 8 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0055] The surfactant or dispersant that are suitable for realizing the compositions or formulations according to the present disclosure includes one or more anionic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants.
[0056] The non-ionic surfactants or dispersants suitable for realizing the compositions or formulations according to the present disclosure includes, but not limited to, polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene glycol ethers of linear alcohols, reaction products of fatty acids with ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide, furthermore polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers of (meth) acrylic acid and (meth) acrylic acid esters, furthermore Alkylethoxylates and alkylarylethoxylates, which may optionally be phosphated and optionally neutralized with bases, wherein sorbitol ethoxylates may be mentioned by way of example, as well as polyoxyalkyleneamine derivatives.
[0057] The anionic surfactants or dispersants suitable for realizing the compositions or formulations according to the present disclosure includes, but not limited to, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of alkylsulfonic acids or alkylarylsulfonic acids. More preferably, the anionic surfactant may be Lissapol™ BN 200L, which is a sodium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate.
[0058] Another preferred group of anionic surfactants or dispersants are salts of polystyrenesulfonic acids, salts of polyvinylsulfonic acids, salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid formaldehyde condensation products, salts of condensation products of naphthalenesulfonic acid, phenolsulfonic acid and formaldehyde and salts of lignosulfonic acid.
[0059] In some embodiments, the surfactant/dispersant comprises an anionic surfactant/ dispersant. In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant/dispersant is a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200L).
[0060] In some embodiments, the composition comprises an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the composition, for example, from about 0.05 to about 7 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.25 to about 5 wt.% by weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount ranging from about 0.25 to about 5 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0061] Antifoaming agents or defoamers suitable for realizing the compositions or formulations according to the present disclosure includes, but not limited to, silicone oils, polymethylsiloxane, simethicone octanol, magnesium stearate and combinations thereof. It is also possible to use a mixture of one or more of these antifoaming agents.
[0062] In some embodiments, the composition comprises an inert filler in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, for example, from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 1 to about 15 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 3 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises inert filler in an amount ranging from about 3 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0063] Inert fillers suitable for realizing the compositions or formulations according to the present disclosure includes, but not limited to, inorganic particles such as carbonates, silicates and oxides, organic substances, such as urea-formaldehyde condensates, kaolin, rutile, silicon dioxide, highly disperse silica, silica gels, precipitated silica, colloidal silica, attapulgite china clay and natural and synthetic silicates, talc and the likes or combination thereof.
[0064] In some embodiments, the composition comprises an anticaking agent in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the composition, for example, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.75 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.75 to about 7 wt.% by weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises anticaking agent in an amount ranging from about 0.75 to about 7 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0065] Anti-caking agent suitable for realizing the compositions or formulations according to the present disclosure includes, but not limited to, precipitated silica and the likes or combinations thereof.
[0066] In some embodiments, the composition comprises: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from about 1 to about 50 wt.% by weight of the composition, (b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from about 20 to about 90 wt.% by weight of the composition, (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (d) a surfactant or dispersant, said surfactant or dispersant being sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (e.g. Lissapol™ BN 200L), in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the composition, (f) an inert filler in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 30 wt.% by weight of the composition, and (g) an anticaking agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0067] In some embodiments, the composition comprises: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount of about 25 wt.% by weight of the composition, (b) Tebuconazole in an amount of about 50 wt.% by weight of the composition, (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount of about 12 wt.% by weight of the composition, (d) a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (e.g. Lissapol™ BN 200L) in an amount of about 4 wt.% by weight of the composition, (e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount of about 0.8 wt.% by weight of the composition, (f) an inert filler in an amount of about 6.2 wt.% by weight of the composition, and (g) an anticaking agent in an amount of about 2 wt.% by weight of the composition.
[0068] In some embodiments, the composition is formulated into a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation. In some embodiments, the composition is prepared using wet granulation process.
[0069] In an embodiment, there is provided a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation, said formulation comprising: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from about 1 to about 50 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from about 20 to about 90 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (d) a surfactant or dispersant, said surfactant or dispersant being sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (e.g. Lissapol™ BN 200L), in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (f) an inert filler in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 30 wt.% by weight of the formulation, and (g) an anticaking agent in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% by weight of the formulation.
[0070] In another embodiment, there is provided a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation, said formulation comprising: (a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount of about 25 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (b) Tebuconazole in an amount of about 50 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (e.g. Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount of about 12 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (d) a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (e.g. Lissapol™ BN 200L) in an amount of about 4 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount of about 0.8 wt.% by weight of the formulation, (f) an inert filler in an amount of about 6.2 wt.% by weight of the formulation, and (g) an anticaking agent in an amount of about 2 wt.% by weight of the formulation.
[0071] The advantageous compositions and formulations realized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can find utility for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Particularly, the compositions and formulations according to the present disclosure have very good fungicidal properties and can be employed for controlling phytopathogenic fungi such as Plasmodiophoromycetes, Oomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Deuteromycetes and the likes.
[0072] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates also to a method for inhibiting or controlling undesirable fungi, wherein a fungicidally effective amount of the composition of the present disclosure is applied to the plants or their habitat.
[0073] The treatment of plants and plant parts with the compositions/formulations of the present disclosure is carried out either directly or by treating their environment, habitat or storage space by the customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying, vaporizing, misting, broadcasting, painting on and, in the case of propagation material, in particular seeds, furthermore by coating with one or more layers.
[0074] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a process for preparation of a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation, said process comprising the steps of: (i) mixing trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, and a modified styrene acrylic polymer with one or more adjuvants to obtain a blend; (ii) milling the blend of step (i) to obtain milled particles; (iii) blending the milled particles of step (ii) to obtain a homogenous powder; (iv) mixing the powder obtained in step (iii) with water and kneading to obtain a dough; (v) extruding the dough using an extruder to obtain extrudates; (vi) drying and milling the extrudates obtained in step (v) to obtain granules; and (vii) passing the granules of step (vi) through a mesh to obtain the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.
[0075] While any customary adjuvants as known to or appreciated by a person skilled in the art can be used in the process to realize the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation, in some embodiments, the adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of surfactant or dispersant, wetting agent, emulsifier, antifoaming agent/defoamer, anticaking agent, inert filler, water, water soluble solvent, alcohol, water insoluble solvent and combinations thereof.
[0076] In some embodiments, the adjuvants comprise a surfactant or dispersant e.g. sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200 L), a defoamer (e.g. defoamer powder Y-20856), an inert filler (e.g. kaolin) and an anti-caking agent (e.g. precipitated silica).
[0077] In some embodiments, the process comprises the steps of: (i) mixing trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, a modified styrene acrylic polymer (Atlox Metasperse™ 550S), a sodium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200 L), a defoamer, an inert filler and an anti-caking agent to obtain a blend; (ii) milling the blend of step (i) to obtain milled particles; (iii) blending the milled particles of step (ii) to obtain a homogenous powder; (iv) mixing the powder obtained in step (iii) with water and kneading to obtain a dough; (v) extruding the dough using an extruder to obtain extrudates; (vi) drying and milling the extrudates obtained in step (v) to obtain granules; and (vii) passing the granules of step (vi) through a mesh to obtain the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.
[0078] While the foregoing description discloses various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
EXAMPLES
[0079] Example 1: Water dispersible granule (WG) formulation comprising Tebuconazole and Trifloxystrobin
[0080] A water dispersible granule (WG) formulation comprising Tebuconazole and Trifloxystrobin was prepared, composition details wherefor is shown below in Table 1.

Table 1: Composition for a water dispersible granule formulation
S. No Component Name Quantity (% w/w)
1 Trifloxystrobin 25.00
2 Tebuconazole 50.00
3 Atlox Metasperse™ 550S
(Styrene Acrylic Acid copolymers (Na neutralized salts)) 12.00
4 Lissapol™ BN 200 L
(Sodium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate) 4.00
5 Defoamer Powder Y-20856 0.80
6 Kaolin 6.20
7 Precipitated Silica 2.00
8 Water Q.S.
Total 100.00

[0081] The processing steps followed for preparing the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation are as follows: (a) Trifloxystrobin, Tebuconazole, Atlox Metasperse™ 550S, Lissapol™ BN 200 L, Defoamer Powder Y-20856, Kaolin and Precipitated Silica were mixed in a blender to get a blend; (b) the blend was milled to obtain fine particles; (c) the milled particles were mixed in a blender to get a homogenous powder; (d) the homogenous powder was mixed with water and kneaded to form a dough; (e) the dough was extruded using an extruder to obtain extrudates; (f) the extrudates were dried and milled to get granules; and (g) the granules were passed through a mesh to obtain the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ASSAY
[0082] The water dispersible granule (WG) formulation prepared in Example 1 was subjected to physical characterization and assay (at Initial, and at 14 days after storing at 54°C), results wherefor are provided in Table 2 below:

Table 2: Physical characterization and Assay of Formulation of Example 1
S. No. Test Parameter Formulation of Example 1
Initial 14 Days at 54°C
1 Description Off white to white colored granules Off white to white colored granules

2 Moisture Content 1.39 1.39
3 pH (1% aqueous solution) 7.38 7.28
4 Wettability Completely wetted in 1 min.
without swirling Completely wetted in
1 min. without swirling

5 Wet sieve test Maximum 1.0% retained Maximum 1.0% retained
6 Granules % suspensibility - CIPAC MT
184 run in 342 ppm water 96.50% 95.90%
7 Foam Test - Measured in cm from
disp. sample 8 mL 8 mL
8 Dustiness Nil Nil
9 Tebuconazole Content 103.0 % 103.0 %


10 Trifloxystrobin Content 102.3 % 101.9 %

[0083] It could be noted, albeit surprisingly, that incorporation of Atlox Metasperse™ 550S in the WG formulation comprising Trifloxystrobin, Tebuconazole affords following advantages: (i) it provides long lasting sustained performance of product as well as enhanced shelf life of formulation; (ii) parameters like suspensibility remains intact over long range of time; and (iii) it affords robust formulation.
FIELD TRIALS
[0084] The water dispersible granule (WG) formulation prepared in Example 1 was subjected to field trials to evaluate the bio-efficacy and Phytotoxicity thereof against Blast (Pyricularia cnyzae), Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and Glume Discoloration diseases in paddy crop. Protocol/details for the field trial is provided in Table 2 below; and treatment details are provided in Table 3 below.
Table 2: Field Trial Details
Crop & Variety Paddy & HR -12
Targeted Diseases to be controlled 1. Blast (Pyricularia oryzae)
2. Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solani)
3. Glume discoloration
Plot Size 4m x 5m
Design Randomized Block Design
Replication Three
Number of applications Two
Type of Soil / Land Laterite soil
Mode of Application Knapsack sprayer
Type of Application Spray
Time and frequency of Application At first appearance of disease in the crop and 2 applications at 15 days interval

Table 3: Treatment Details
Treatment Details Dosage
(gm a.i./ha) Formulation (gm)
Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin 25 % WG
(Example 1) 100 + 50 200
Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin 25 % WG (Market sample) 100 + 50 200

[0085] Table 4 below provides field trial data showing comparative bio-efficacy of WG formulation of Example 1 vis-à-vis that of the Market Sample against Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) disease in Paddy crop during Kharif 2022.

Table 4: Bio-efficacy of WG formulation of Example 1 vis-à-vis that of the Market Sample against Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) disease in Paddy crop
S. No. Treatment Dosage/ha Percent disease intensity (PDI)* %Disease reduction over control
gm. a.i. Formulation
(gm) Pre spray 15 days after
1st spray 2nd spray
1 Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG
(Example 1) 100 + 50 200 1.64
(7.35) 6.70
(15.01) 8.99
(17.46) 82.88
2 Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin25 % WG
(Market sample) 100 + 50 200 1.74
(7.58) 6.89
(15.23) 9.24
(17.7) 82.41
*Note: Values mentioned in parenthesis are arcscine ( ) transformed values
[0086] Table 5 below provides field trial data showing comparative bio-efficacy of WG formulation of Example 1 vis-à-vis that of the Market Sample against Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) disease in Paddy crop during Kharif 2022.
Table 5: Bio-efficacy of WG formulation of Example 1 vis-à-vis that of the Market Sample against Sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) disease in Paddy crop
S. No. Treatment Dosage/ha Percent disease intensity (PDI) %Disease reduction over control
gm. a.i. Formulation
(gm) Pre spray 15 days after
1st spray 2nd spray
1 Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG
(Example 1) 100 + 50 200 1.63
(7.35) 7.18
(15.55) 9.75
(18.2) 75.46
2 Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin25 % WG
(Market sample) 100 + 50 200 1.74
(7.58) 7.40
(15.79) 10.25
(18.68) 74.18
*Note: Values mentioned in parenthesis are arcscine ( ) transformed values
[0087] Table 6 below provides field trial data showing comparative bio-efficacy of WG formulation of Example 1 vis-à-vis that of the Market Sample against Glume discoloration disease in Paddy crop during Kharif 2022

Table 6: Bio-efficacy of WG formulation of Example 1 vis-à-vis that of the Market Sample against Glume discoloration disease in Paddy crop
S. No. Treatment Dosage/ha Percent disease intensity (PDI) %Disease reduction over control
gm. a.i. Formulation
(gm) Pre spray 15 days after
1st spray 2nd spray
1 Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG (Example 1) 100 + 50 200 1.34
(6.64) 3.38
(10.6) 4.36
(12.06) 82.13
2 Tebuconazole 50% c/o + Trifloxystrobin25 % WG
(Market sample) 100 + 50 200 1.61
(7.29) 4,25
(11.9) 5.12
(13.09) 79.02
*Note: Values mentioned in parenthesis are arcscine ( ) transformed values
[0088] Phytotoxicity: No phytotoxicity symptoms were observed in any of the concentrations tested.
[0089] It could be concluded that the WG formulation of Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% (Example 1) when applied at 100+ 50 a.i/ha affords better management of Blast, Sheath blight and Glume discoloration diseases in Paddy resulting in higher yield as compared to market sample when tested at the same dose. No phytotoxicity symptoms were observed in paddy crop.

ADVANTAGES
[0090] The present disclosure provides a fungicidal composition comprising trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole.
[0091] The present disclosure provides a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation comprising trifloxystrobin with tebuconazole that exhibits excellent suspension instability even after storage at elevated temperatures.
[0092] The present disclosure provides a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation comprising trifloxystrobin with tebuconazole that exhibits superior fungicidal activity.
[0093] The present disclosure provides a method for preparation of a fungicidal composition comprising trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole that exhibits excellent suspension instability even after storage at elevated temperatures while exhibiting superior fungicidal activity.
, Claims:1. A fungicidal composition, said composition comprising:
(a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1 to 50 wt. % by weight of the composition;
(b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 20 to 90 wt. % by weight of the composition;
(c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 25 wt. % by weight of the composition; and
(d) an adjuvant.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of surfactant or dispersant, wetting agent, emulsifier, antifoaming agent/defoamer, anticaking agent, inert filler, water, water soluble solvent, alcohol, water insoluble solvent and combinations thereof.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modified styrene acrylic polymer is Atlox Metasperse™ 550S.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises:
(a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1 to 50 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(b) Tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 20 to 90 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 25 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(d) a surfactant/dispersant in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 25 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 10 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(f) an inert filler in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 30 wt.% by weight of the composition, and
(g) an anticaking agent in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 20 wt.% by weight of the composition.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the surfactant/dispersant comprises an anionic surfactant/dispersant.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the anionic surfactant/dispersant is a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200L).

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises:
(a) Trifloxystrobin in an amount of 25 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(b) Tebuconazole in an amount of 50 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(c) a modified styrene acrylic polymer (Atlox Metasperse™ 550S) in an amount of 12 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(d) a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200L) in an amount of 4 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(e) an antifoaming agent/defoamer in an amount of 0.8 wt.% by weight of the composition,
(f) an inert filler in an amount of 6.2 wt.% by weight of the composition, and
(g) an anticaking agent in an amount of 2 wt.% by weight of the composition.
8. The composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is formulated into a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.

9. A process for preparation of a water dispersible granule (WG) formulation, said process comprising the steps of:
(i) mixing trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, and a modified styrene acrylic polymer with one or more adjuvants to obtain a blend;
(ii) milling the blend of step (i) to obtain milled particles;
(iii) blending the milled particles of step (ii) to obtain a homogenous powder;
(iv) mixing the powder obtained in step (iii) with water and kneading to obtain a dough;
(v) extruding the dough using an extruder to obtain extrudates;
(vi) drying and milling the extrudates obtained in step (v) to obtain granules; and
(vii) passing the granules of step (vi) through a mesh to obtain the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.

10. The process as claimed in claim 9, wherein the adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of surfactant or dispersant, wetting agent, emulsifier, antifoaming agent/defoamer, anticaking agent, inert filler, water, water soluble solvent, alcohol, water insoluble solvent and combinations thereof.

11. The process as claimed in claim 9, wherein the adjuvants comprise a sodium salt of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200 L), a defoamer (defoamer powder Y-20856), kaolin and precipitated silica.

12. The process as claimed in claim 9, wherein the process comprises the steps of:
(i) mixing trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, a modified styrene acrylic polymer (Atlox Metasperse™ 550S), a sodium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (Lissapol™ BN 200 L), a defoamer, an inert filler and an anti-caking agent to obtain a blend;
(ii) milling the blend of step (i) to obtain milled particles;
(iii) blending the milled particles of step (ii) to obtain a homogenous powder;
(iv) mixing the powder obtained in step (iii) with water and kneading to obtain a dough;
(v) extruding the dough using an extruder to obtain extrudates;
(vi) drying and milling the extrudates obtained in step (v) to obtain granules; and
(vii) passing the granules of step (vi) through a mesh to obtain the water dispersible granule (WG) formulation.