FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an herbicidal composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel herbicidal composition comprising a fenoxaprop ester herbicide, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor herbicide and at least one liquid or low melting agrochemically active substance and a method of preparation and application of the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The protection of crops from weeds and other vegetation which inhibit crop growth is a constantly recurring problem in agriculture. To help combat this problem, researchers in the field of synthetic chemistry have produced an extensive variety of chemicals and chemical formulations effective in the control of such unwanted growth. Chemical herbicides of many types have been disclosed in the literature and a large number are in commercial use. These known herbicides can be effective against different types of undesirable vegetation and can act in different ways. For example, some herbicides are particularly useful when applied to broad leaf plants while others are more useful when applied to grassy plants. Also, these different herbicides can perform their herbicidal function in different ways. For example, some herbicides may act as acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors while others act in a completely different manner, such as acetolactate synthase inhibitors, or carotenoid biosynthesis inhibitors, or mitosis inhibitors, or photosynthesis inhibitors, just to name a few. In order to combat a wide variety of different types of undesirable vegetation, it is not uncommon to combine several different types of herbicides into a single herbicidal composition. This herbicidal composition can then be applied to a field in a single application without having to apply each of the herbicides individually.
Examples of one such particularly useful group of herbicides are aryloxyphenoxypropionic esters. Aryloxyphenoxypropionic esters typically act as acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors. An example of such herbicides include fenoxaprop esters, such as fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, commercially available from different sources. The fenoxaprop esters, such as fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, are particularly useful for application to cereal crops to combat grassy weeds. A basic structural formula for fenoxaprop herbicides is shown below.

The fenoxaprop ester herbicides are quite well adapted for application to cereal crops and have found widespread acceptance. Examples of aryloxyphenoxypropionic esters are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,908,883 B2 and 6,887,827 B2.
Liquid or low melting agro chemically active substance used in the invention is Pretilachlor, which is the common name for 2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(2- propoxyethyl)acetamide. Its herbicidal activity is described in The Pesticide Manual, Seventeenth Edition, 2015 at entry no. 648. Pretilachlor controls annual grasses, broadleaf weeds and sedges in transplanted and seeded rice. Its structure is as follows:

However, it has been observed that when a fenoxaprop ester herbicide, particularly fenoxaprop-p-ethyl or a fenoxaprop lower alkyl ester, is mixed with certain other herbicides, the fenoxaprop ester herbicide can degrade more rapidly than if the fenoxaprop herbicide were not mixed with the other herbicides. This has been particularly observed when a fenoxaprop ester is mixed with herbicides that act as weak acids, such as pyrasulfotole and bromoxynil. This increased degradation of fenoxaprop esters can be disadvantageous to a farmer because it can decrease the useful shelf life of a fenoxaprop ester containing herbicidal composition.
Therefore, it would be useful to provide a fenoxaprop ester containing herbicidal composition that reduces or eliminates the drawbacks associated with previous herbicidal compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide herbicidal combinations with improved properties.
The herbicide composition comprises a fenoxaprop ester and a buffer system.The present disclosure in one aspect, provides a herbicidal composition, comprising: (A) a fenoxaprop ester, preferably fenoxaprop-p-ethyl; (B) an ALS inhibitor; and (C) at least one liquid or low melting agro chemically active substance, and can include one or more safeners.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a synergistic herbicidal composition, comprising: (A) fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, (B) an ALS inhibitor, and (C) pretilachlor in a synergistic ratio for an efficacious weed control.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the ALS inhibitor is pyrazosulfuron-ethyl.
In accordance with another aspect, the present disclosure provides a synergistic formulation containing the aforementioned synergistic composition and at least one excipient.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising (A) Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, (B) Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, and (C) Pretilachlor.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition comprisesFenoxaprop-p-ethyl in an amount of 1 to 10%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition comprisesPyrazosulfuron-ethyl in an amount of 0.1 to 6%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition comprises Pretilachlorin an amount of 20 to 60%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition of the present invention may be in the form of water dispersible granules (WDG), granular (GR), dry flowable (DF), capsulated granules (CG), emulsion concentrate (EC), emulsion (EW), microemulsion (ME), suspension concentrate (SC), or soluble liquid (SL).
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition comprises safener, emulsifier and solvents.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the safener is selected from the group consisting of cloquintocet-mexyl, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr, and mefenpyr-diethyl, and present in an amount in the range from 1 to 2%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the emulsifiersthat can be used in the present invention include ionic and non-ionic emulsifying agents and are present in an amount in the range from 5 to 15%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the solvents that can be used in the present invention include C9 aromatic solvents, cyclohexanone, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), butanol and combinations thereof.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition of the present invention is non-phytotoxic and storage stable.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition of the present invention is more efficacious in comparison to the other chemicals tested during the trials.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition of the present invention is economically beneficial to the farmers as it provides better yield of the crop to them with reduction in the number of sprays for controlling the weeds.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition of the present invention also reduces the possibility of hazards to the farmers due to occupational exposure because of reduction in the number of sprays of herbicide to control the weeds.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic composition of the present invention helps in reducing the waste generated due to the empty packages of the product and thus helping the farmers to control the possible environmental hazards arising due to such packages.
In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling weeds in rice, wherein the rice is pre-germinated or post-germinated rice and wherein the aforementioned formulation is applied to a flooded weed-infested field.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the weeds controlled in rice are wild or degenerated grasses, broad-leaved weeds or sedges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1. is a flowchart for preparing a synergistic herbicidal composition in the form of a microemulsion (ME).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Discussed below are some representative embodiments of the present invention. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative methods. The illustrative examples are described in this section in connection with the embodiments and methods provided. The invention according to its various aspects is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the appended claims read in view of this specification and appropriate equivalents.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The expression of various quantities in terms of “% w/w” or “%” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.
The term "agrochemically effective amount" is that quantity of active agent, applied in any amount which will provide the required control of weeds. The particular amount is dependent upon many factors including, for example, the crop, type of weed to be controlled and environmental conditions. The selection of the proper quantity of active agent to be applied, however, is within the expertise of one skilled in the art. Further, the term “active ingredient” (A.I.) or “active agent” used herein refers to that component of the composition responsible for control of weeds.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a synergistic herbicidal composition, comprising: (A) fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, (B) an ALS inhibitor, and (C) pretilachlor in a synergistic ratio for an efficacious weed control.
Examples of ALS inhibitor herbicides include sulfonylureas such as rimsulfuron (DPX 9636), metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, ethametsulfuron, nicosulfuron, triasulfuron, primisulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, sulfometuron, thifensulfuron, tribenuron, triflusulfuron, clopyrasulfuron, and pyrazasulfuron; sulfonamides such as flumetsulam (DE498); imidazolinones such as imazaquin, imazamethabenz, imazapyr, imazethapyrand pyrazosulfuron-ethyl.
The present invention will be described with respect to the use of a fenoxaprop ester, such as fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, in an herbicide composition. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to use with fenoxaprop-p-ethyl but is believed to be applicable to aryloxyphenoxypropionic esters, e.g., fenoxaprop esters.
Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention, have formulated a synergistic herbicidal composition, comprising: (a) Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl; (b) Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl; and (c)Pretilachlor.
The synergistic herbicidal composition, further comprises additives selected from the group consisting of herbicide safener, emulsifier, solvents and the composition is in the form of a microemulsion (ME).
Microemulsions are regarded as one of the most promising pesticide formulations. However, formulation of pesticide microemulsions is not simple. Obtaining efficient, scientific and inexpensive formulation is challenging.
Microemulsion is defined as a solution of a pesticide with emulsifying agents in a water insoluble organic solvent which will form a solution/emulsion when added to water. Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable water-based systems containing a water-insoluble component. This means that within a given set of conditions, the oil phase is stable and will never separate out. In addition, microemulsions are composed of extremely tiny particles (similar to micelles) that can be as small as 0.01 micron. This makes the diluted product transparent because light scattering is reduced. By comparison, most coarse emulsions can have average particle sizes on the order of 1 to 5 microns.
ME formulations generally mix easily and require minimal if any agitation to keep the solution homogenous. They havealso been found to be less prone to tank-mix incompatibilities. These formulations tend to be devoid of phytotoxicity issues seen in some ECs.
Microemulsions offer a number of practical advantages, one of the most important being that they typically remain homogeneous without agitation for long periods of time. In this respect, to the agricultural technician or other user, a microemulsion formulation can be handled with the same ease and convenience as a simple aqueous solution.
A safener is to be understood as meaning a compound which eliminates or reduces the phytotoxic properties of herbicide in respect to useful plants, without substantially reducing the herbicidal activity against harmful plants.
Non limiting examples of herbicide safeners that can be employed in present invention are benoxacor, cloquintocet, cloquintocet-mexyl, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr, mefenpyr-diethyl, mephenate, metcamifen, naphthalic anhydride, oroxabetrinil, present in an amount in the range from 1 to 2%.
It is desirable to have an emulsifier in the synergistic herbicidal composition. An emulsifier is a substance that stabilizes an emulsion by increasing its kinetic stability. One class of emulsifiers are known as "surface active agents", or surfactants.The surface-active agents can be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or polymeric in character. Typical surface active agents include salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulphate; alkylarylsulfonate salts, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol-C.sub. 18 ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecyl alcohol-C.sub. 16 ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; alkylnaphthalenesulfonate salts, 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 dialkyl phosphate esters, present in an amount in the range from 5 to 15%.
Suitable solvents useful in accordance with the invention are C9 aromatic solvents, cyclohexanone, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), butanol and combinations thereof.
The resulting synergistic formulations are non-phytotoxic and storage stable and also provide a number of other advantages-
• Increased efficacy in comparison to the other chemicals tested during the trials.
• Economically beneficial to the farmers as it provides better yield of the crop to them with reduction in the number of sprays for controlling the weeds.
• Reduced possibility of hazards to the farmers due to occupational exposure because of reduction in the number of sprays of herbicide to control the weeds.
• Reduction in the waste generated due to the empty packages of the product and thus helping the farmers to control the possible environmental hazards arising due to such packages.
The embodiments of the present invention are more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrations only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis and all reagents used in the examples were obtained or are available from the chemical suppliers.

EXAMPLES
The unit of each value below is “% w/w” i. e. the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified. The compositions illustrated in Table 1 are formulated as microemulsion (ME).

Table 1: Synergistic Herbicidal compositions

Sr. No. Ingredient Role Quantity
1 Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl Technical (97% Basis) A.I. 1 to 10%
2 Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl Technical (98% Basis) A.I. 0.1 to 6%
3 Pretilachlor Technical (95% Basis) A.I. 20 to 60%
4 Mefenpyr-diethyl Safener 1 to 2%
5 Blend of ionic & Nonionic surface active agents Emulsifier 5 to 15%
6 Solvent -1 (n-Butanol) Solvent 10 to 15%
7 Solvent -2 ( C-9 aromatic solvents) Solvent Q.S. to make 100%

A.I. = Active ingredient
Q.S. = Quantity Sufficient
The aforementioned synergistic herbicidal compositions can be formulated as a microemulsion (ME) by the process described below.

Process for preparing synergistic herbicidal composition in the form of microemulsion (ME):
The novel compositions are prepared by the process described hereinafter and in Figure 1. The process for manufacture of 100 kg batch size of composition comprising Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and Pretilachloris provided.The amounts of active ingredients presented may be greater than the values calculated taking into account the percentage purity of the active ingredients, to compensate for losses of said ingredients during the manufacturing process. It was observed that following said procedure on industrial scale the final yield of A.I. will be similar or same as to standardized values.
Take described quantity of the solvents in the suitable container and all of the surfactant and stir well with high shear mixer. Then add,technicals and safener one by one under stirring. Stir well till the solution becomes clear. Now filter the formulation through proper filtration apparatus and send for quality check. If that complies with all the specifications of the product, then pack it in desired container.
If the results do not comply, rectify and further check the parameters as per the specifications and after achieving all the parameters as per the specification pack it in desired container.

Bio-efficacy of novel herbicidal composition against weed spectrum in transplanted paddy crop
Field trials were performed to evaluate the biological efficacy of the novel herbicidal composition of present invention against the commonly occurring weed spectrum in paddy crop. This evaluation was performed by comparing the claimed novel herbicidal composition in the present specification against the marketed reference products, i.e., Fenoxaprop-p-Ethyl 9.3% EC; Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl 10% WP, Pretilachlor 50% EC and Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC.
Observation on weed population, dry weight and weed control efficiency (WCE %) was calculated by throwing square quadrant randomly in the trial plots and calculating the number of weeds based on type of weeds before the spray and 15 DAA (days after application), 30 DAA and 45 DAA of the spray. Area for experiment was marked for different plot sizes and application was made using high volume knapsack sprayer at 15 days after sowing (DAS). Based on various doses, weighed quantity of test products were dissolved in 5 L of water/treatment and sprayed uniformly. All the recommended agronomic practices are followed as per good agriculture practices (GAP). Experimental design was in randomized blocks with seven replication and each plot was measured an area of 100 sq. mts (10 x 10 mts).
Details of Experiment
Target weeds: Echinochloa spp., Cyperus spp., Digitaria spp., Fimbristylismiliacae, Ecliptaalba, Ludwigiaparviflora, Monochoria vaginalis,Alternantheraphiloxeroides, Sphenoclceazeylenica, Ischaemumrugosum etc.
Crop: Transplanted Paddy
Application Method: High volume knapsack sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle
The treatment details are tabulated in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Treatment details for evaluation of Bio-efficacy of new herbicide against weed spectrum in Transplanted Paddy
Particulars Treatment Dose/ha Dose a.i./ha (g) Time of Application
T1 Fenoxaprop-p-Ethyl 6% + Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl 1.5% + Pretilachlor 50% EW 1000 mL 60 + 15 + 500 15-20 DAS
T2 1200 mL 72 + 18 + 600
T3 Fenoxaprop-p-Ethyl 6% + Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl 1.5% + Pretilachlor 50% ME 1000 mL 60 + 15 + 500
T4 1200 mL 72 + 18 + 600
T5 Fenoxaprop-p-Ethyl 9.3% EC 625 mL 56.25
T6 Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl 25% WP 150 g 15
T7 Pretilachlor 50% EC 1500 mL 750
T8 Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC 200 mL 20
T9 Control (Water Spray) -- --
The bio-efficacy effect of different treatment schedules on paddy crop and the treatment wise yield data in transplanted paddy crop is summarized in Tables below.
Table 3: Effect of novel herbicidal composition against total weed count (no./m2) in Transplanted Paddy
Sr. No. Treatments Weed Population (no./m2)
Narrow leaved weeds Sedges Broad leaved weeds
15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA* 15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA* 15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA*
1 T1 5.84 4.97 5.94 4.36 3.89 4.85 2.92 2.06 2.76
2 T2 5.54 4.74 5.14 4.36 3.79 3.89 2.76 1.83 3.01
3 T3 3.13 3.86 3.90 3.45 1.95 0.99 1.95 1.66 1.95
4 T4 0.99 2.38 3.35 1.19 1.05 0.86 0.48 0.98 1.74
5 T5 18.44 13.93 18.15 27.23 22.81 24.20 13.94 11.54 12.55
6 T6 17.14 14.82 16.96 10.91 10.11 10.72 7.60 6.43 7.33
7 T7 13.00 9.26 23.94 11.94 11.08 24.95 7.89 6.96 15.83
8 T8 8.99 6.51 11.33 6.56 5.70 8.27 4.62 4.74 5.87
9 T9 46.86 56.64 65.61 42.53 50.25 58.23 24.95 30.00 34.40
SEm+ 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.04
CD 5% 0.14 0.11 0.14 0.16 0.10 0.10 0.07 0.07 0.12

Table 4: Effect of novel herbicidal composition on total weed dry weight (g/m2) in Transplanted Paddy
Sr. No. Treatments Weed Dry Weight (g/m2)
Narrow leaved weeds Sedges Broad leaved weeds
15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA* 15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA* 15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA*
1 T1 0.76 1.39 2.55 1.00 1.21 1.94 1.26 1.38 2.32
2 T2 0.72 1.33 2.21 1.00 1.18 1.56 1.19 1.23 2.53
3 T3 0.41 1.08 1.68 0.79 0.60 0.40 0.84 1.11 1.64
4 T4 0.13 0.67 1.44 0.27 0.32 0.35 0.20 0.66 1.46
5 T5 2.40 3.90 7.80 6.26 7.07 9.68 6.00 7.73 10.54
6 T6 2.23 4.15 7.29 2.51 3.13 4.29 3.27 4.31 6.16
7 T7 1.69 2.59 10.29 2.75 3.43 9.98 3.39 4.66 13.29
8 T8 1.17 1.82 4.87 1.51 1.77 3.31 1.99 3.17 4.93
9 T9 6.09 22.65 32.80 9.78 20.10 26.78 10.73 21.00 37.15
SEm+ 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.04
CD 5% 0.15 0.12 0.15 0.18 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.08 0.14
* DAA: Days after application; CD 5%: Critical Difference; g = Gram; m2 = Square meter; mL = Millilitre, SEm = Standard error of mean.

Table 5: Effect of new herbicide against Weed Control Efficacy (WCE) (%) in Transplanted Paddy
Sr. No. Treatments Weed Control Efficacy (%)
Narrow leaved weeds Sedges Broad leaved weeds
15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA* 15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA* 15 DAA* 30 DAA* 45 DAA*
1 T1 88 94 92 90 94 93 88 93 94
2 T2 88 94 93 90 94 94 89 94 93
3 T3 93 95 95 92 97 99 92 95 96
4 T4 98 97 96 97 98 99 98 97 96
5 T5 30 86 87 36 63 61 70 76 80
6 T6 35 82 78 74 84 84 70 79 83
7 T7 72 89 69 72 83 63 68 78 64
8 T8 81 90 85 85 89 88 81 85 87
9 T9 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Table 6: Treatment Wise Yield Data in Transplanted Paddy
Treatment Grain yield
(kg ha-1) % increase in grain yield over control Straw yield
(kg ha-1) % increase in straw yield over control
T1 4695.72 63.50 5,136.08 58.41
T2 4744.77 65.21 5,227.64 61.23
T3 4787.28 66.69 5,233.09 61.40
T4 4793.82 66.92 5,253.80 62.04
T5 3589.95 25.00 4,014.01 23.80
T6 3650.92 27.12 4,051.32 24.95
T7 3701.88 28.90 4,115.93 26.94
T8 3820.18 33.02 4,339.79 33.85
T9 2871.96 - 3,242.33 -
SEm+ 32.36 - 30.33 -
CD 5% 97.02 - 90.93 -

Data presented in table 3 above shows that weed population was significantly affected by all the treatments against control when observed at 15, 30 and 45 days after application (DAA). At 45 DAA novel herbicide composition @ all the doses recorded lowest weed population closely followed by T8 i.e. bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ recommended dose. Similar results were observed in case of Weed dry weight (Table 4) and WCE (Table 5). Also T3 and T4 Applications afforded highest yields followed by T1 and T2 (Table 6), which explains preference in choosing an ME formulation for novel synergistic combination of interest over EW formulation.
Phytotoxic effect of novel herbicidal composition in Transplanted Paddy
Visual observation on phytotoxicity were recorded for leaf injury on tip/surface, Epinasty/Hyponasty, and wilting, etc. on 0-10 scale (as below) at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after each application and then average was taken.
SCORE PHYTOTOXICITY (PERCENT)
0 No phytotoxicity
1 1 – 10
2 11 – 20
3 21 – 30
4 31 – 40
5 41 – 50
6 51 – 60
7 61 – 70
8 71 – 80
9 & 10 Complete destruction
DAA = Days after application, L = Leaf injury to tip/surface, E/H = Epinasty/Hyponasty, W = Wilting

Table 7: Effect of novel herbicidal composition on the Phytotoxicity in Transplanted Paddy
S. No. Treatments Dose (mL/ha) Phytotoxicity (Days after Application)
1 DAA 3 DAA 7 DAA 14 DAA 21 DAA
1 Fenoxaprop-p-Ethyl 6% + Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl 1.5% + Pretilachlor 50% EW 1000 0 0 0 0 0
2 2000 0 0 0 0 0
3 3000 0 0 0 0 0
4 4000 0 0 0 0 0
5 Fenoxaprop-p-Ethyl 6% + Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl 1.5% + Pretilachlor 50% ME 1000 0 0 0 0 0
6 2000 0 0 0 0 0
7 3000 0 0 0 0 0
8 4000 0 0 0 0 0
9 Control - 0 0 0 0 0
0= No Phytotoxicity
Table 7 above shows that novel herbicidal composition comprising Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, Pyrazosulfuron-Ethyl (ALS Inhibitors) and Pretilachlor did not show any phytotoxicity when applied at higher dose of 4000 mL/ha in paddy crop.
From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
1. A synergistic herbicidal composition comprising a) Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl; b) Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl; and c) Pretilachlor.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 10%.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 6%.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein Pretilachlor is present in an amount ranging from 20 to 60%.
5. The composition as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein said composition is in the form of water dispersible granules (WDG), granular (GR), dry flowable (DF), capsulated granules (CG), emulsion concentrate (EC), emulsion (EW), microemulsion (ME), suspension concentrate (SC), or soluble liquid (SL).
6. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the composition comprises a safener, an emulsifier and solvents.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the safener is selected from the group consisting of cloquintocet-mexyl, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr, andmefenpyr-diethyl, and present in an amount in the range from 1 to 2%.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the emulsifier comprises blend of ionic and non-ionic emulsifying agents and is present in an amount in the range of 5 to 15%.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the solvents are selected from the group consisting of C9 aromatic solvents, cyclohexanone, N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), and butanol.

10. The composition as claimed in claims 1 to 9, wherein said composition is non-phytotoxic.