CLIAMS:1. A combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof, and at least one spreading agent.
2. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spreading agent is selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.
3. The combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
(a) said C6 – C24 fatty acid is when present in said composition selected from coconut oil, babassu oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, amaranth oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oil or wild rose oil;
(b) said organosiloxane surfactant is when present in said composition selected from
(i) an organosiloxane surfactant is a trisiloxane alkoxylate of the formula:

R6Me2SiO[MeSi(X)O]ySiMe2R6
wherein:
x and y are independently 0, 1 or 2; and
R6 is C1 – C4 alkyl;
(ii) a polyalkyleneoxide-modified heptamethyltrisiloxane selected from hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; and acetoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane;
(iii) poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-methyl- ? -[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl -1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-disiloxanyl]propoxy];
(iv) polyoxyethylene trisiloxane;
(v) polyalkyleneoxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane; and
(vi) polyethermodified trisiloxane;

(c) said linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate when present in said composition is a C9 – C11 alcohol ethoxylate, which is linear or branched; or
(d) said blend of a C6 – C24 fatty acid, an alkanolamine, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons when present in said composition is comprises:
(i) an aliphatic hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and fatty acids comprising an unbranched aliphatic tail attached to a carboxylic acid functional group;
(ii) an alkanolamine selected from ethanolamines, heptaminol, isoetarine, norepinephrine, propanolamine, sphignosine, methanolamine and N-methylethanolamine;
(e) said alkyl polyglycoside when present in said composition is selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated alky polyglycosides; alkenyl polyglycosides; alkyl polyglucoside in which the alkyl group contains 8 to 16 carbon atoms and having an average degree of polymerization of 1.4 – 1.7, 2 ethylhexyl branched C8, linear hexyl C6; and linear C8-C10 alkyl polyglycosides.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spreading agent is selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneoxide modified heptamethyltrisiloxane, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether mono[3-[methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl] ether, branched and linear C9-11 alcohol ethoxylate and a surfactant blend of aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanolamine, hexahydric alcohol ethoxylates and C18 - C20 fatty acids.

5. The combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a co-herbicide.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 5, wherein the co-herbicide is selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and metazachlor; and clomazone and metazachlor.

7. A composition comprising the combination claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 – 6.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the composition is either formed at the time of, or immediately before the intended application or is a pre-formulated composition.

9. A multi-pack herbicidal product comprising the combination claimed in any one of the claims 1 – 6 or the composition claimed in claim 7 or claim 8.

10. A multi-pack herbicidal product as claimed in claim 9 comprising:
(a) a first container comprising napropamide, an isomer thereof or a composition thereof; and
(b) a second container comprising at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

11. The multi-pack herbicidal product as claimed in claim 10 comprising a third container comprising at least one co-herbicide selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; and pethoxamid and quinmerac; clomazone and metazachlor, or a composition thereof.

12. The multi-pack herbicidal product as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 9 – 11 comprising an instruction manual instructing an user to admix the contents of said first and second and optionally the third containers and administering the admixture to the locus without incorporation into the soil.

13. A method for controlling weeds at a target locus, said method comprising administering the combination claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 – 6 or a composition claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 or a multi-pack herbicidal product claimed in claims 9 – 12 wherein the ccomponents of said combination, composition or multi-pack herbicidal product are administered concurrently or sequentially to a locus without being incorporated into the soil.

14. Use of a spreading agent to reduce or eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil is such that said spreading agent can be applied concurrently with said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same.

15. Use as claimed in claim 14, wherein a combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 – 6 or a composition claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 or a multi-pack herbicidal product claimed in claims 9 – 12 is used.

16. Use as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the locus contains the target weeds selected from the group consisting of chickweed, speedwell, poppy, field bindweed, hairy fleabane, nettleleaf goosefoot, common groundsel, horseweed, common lambsqaurters, little mallow, burning nettle, sow thistles, carpetweed, fat hen, blackberry nightshade, small flowered mallow, nettles, deadnettle, knotweed, amaranthus, Barley, foxtail, barnyard grass, bluegrass, annual brome, brome, cheatgrass, canarygrass, common crabgrass, cudweed, purple cupgrass, southwestern fiddleneck, filaree, foxtail, goose grass, Johnsongrass , jungle rice, prostrate lambsquarters, common lettuce, prickly mallow, little oat, wild panicum, Texas panicum, fall pigweed, redroot, pineapple weed, purslane, horse ryegrass, Italian sandbur, sowthistle, annual sprangletop, stinkgrass, witchgrass, Field forget-me-not, Mayweeds, Willowherbs, Volunteer cereals, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Ranunculus repens, Senecio vulgaris, Papaver rohoeas, Veronica persica, Matricaria sp., Fallopia Convolvulus, Veronica arvensis, Veronica hederofolia, Stellaria media, Polygonum convolvulus, Triticum aestivum, Stellaria Media and Hordeum vulgare L.

17. Use as claimed in claim 15 resulting into no loss of herbicidal activity of a combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 – 6 or a composition claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 or a multi-pack herbicidal product claimed in claims 9 – 12.

18. Use as claimed in claim 15 resulting into reduction in the loss of herbicidal activity by about 2% to about 50% of a combination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 – 6 or a composition claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 or a multi-pack herbicidal product claimed in claims 9 – 12.
,TagSPECI:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to herbicidal compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to herbicidal combinations comprising adjuvants that can enhance activity of the herbicide.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:

Adjuvants are added to agrochemical compositions for various purposes, such as to improve spreadability, to provide compatibility, to improve suspension, to reduce spray drift, to improve bioavailability, or to improve adhesion of the active. The proper selection of adjuvants is essential for overall success of application of an agrochemical compound.

Herbicides are applied both pre- and post- sowing. Conventionally, incorporation into the soil of the herbicide intended for soil application can improve the efficacy of the herbicide. When added to soil such herbicides need to be thoroughly incorporated into the top layer of the soil in order to prevent weeds from germination, as well as attack any weeds that have already grown. Formulation for such soil incorporations are substantially more basic and contain the active compound with basic carriers. When incorporated, such herbicides provide more regular results, which are less dependent on external factors like degradation caused by UV rays. The choice of an appropriate adjuvant for a given pesticide is not a straightforward choice for a skilled technician. Studies have indicated that the addition of certain adjuvants to herbicides may result in antagonism and loss of bio-availability as demonstrated by Stevens et. al (Antagonism of the foliar uptake of glyphosate into grasses by organosilicone surfactants. Part 1: Effects of plant species, formulation, concentrations and timing of application Pesticide Science, Volume 38, Issue 2-3, pages 185–192, 1993). The addition of organosilicone surfactants to glyphosate reduced the uptake of glyphosate over a longer period of time. Although the study was on foliar applications of glyphosate, a person skilled in the art can readily recognize that selection of adjuvants to be added to an herbicide can cause damage if not carefully screened and tested.

There is therefore a need in the art for herbicide compositions can have advantageous properties being one or more of the following:
(i) a superior and enhanced efficacy of the herbicide as well as,
(ii) a composition with excellent residual activity that results in a long term herbicidal effect, and
(iii) a composition that is not antagonistic and/or detrimental to the crops.

Napropamide, N,N-diethyl-2-(1-naphthyloxy)propanamide, is listed as entry 572 in the Pesticide Manual – 13th edition. It is a selective systemic amide herbicide used against a number of annual grasses and broad-leaved weeds. Napropamide is applied to fields containing vegetables, fruit trees and bushes, vines, strawberries, sunflowers, tobacco, olives, mint, turf, oilseeds and other crops. Napropamide is absorbed by the roots and works by inhibiting root development and growth.

(R) – N,N – diethyl – 2 – (1-naphthyloxy)propionamide i.e. R-Napropamide, now known as Napropamide-M, is the resolved D-isomer of Napropamide. It is reported to be 8 times more active than the other isomer and 1.75 to 2 times more active than racemeic (Chan et al., J. Ag.Food Chem., 23(5), 1008-1010 (1975)).

However, Napropamide, Napropamide-M and/or isomers thereof undergo photodegradation in the environment after being applied to plants and fields. In order to avoid the photomediated degradation, in conventional methods of application, Napropamide and isomers thereof are incorporated into the soil at the pre-sowing stage. In the article WALKER, A., BROWN, P. A. and MATHEWS, P. R. (1985), Persistence and phytotoxicity of napropamide residues in soil. Annals of Applied Biology, 106: 323–333, the percentage loss of napropamide following incorporation and non-incorporation were measured. The time for 50% loss of napropamide following incorporation into a sandy loam soil in the field varied from about 130 days when applied in spring or early summer to over 200 days when applied later in the year. When left on the soil surface, up to 75% of the applied dose was lost during the first 28 days after application in June or July, whereas losses following application in November, December or January represented less than 25% of the amounts applied. These losses following surface application were closely correlated with the amounts of incoming solar radiation. First-order half-lives for degradation in nine soils incubated moist at 20°C in the laboratory varied from 72 to 150 days. They were positively correlated with the extent of herbicide adsorption by the soils and with their clay content, and negatively correlated with soil pH. Phytotoxicity to wheat and barley in the same soils in glasshouse experiments was inversely related to their organic matter content and to the extent of herbicide adsorption. Thus, Napropamide and isomers thereof are usually incorporated into the soil in order to avoid the photo-mediated degradation.

The procedure of incorporation of any herbicide into the soil is not without complications. There are many factors, besides the activity of the incorporated herbicide, which can affect the herbicidal performance. Firstly, each herbicide has its individual optimum depth of incorporation i.e. some herbicides require deep incorporation while some require shallow incorporation. It is very cumbersome to monitor the uniformity, depth and completeness of herbicide incorporation in order to ensure an optimum herbicidal control.

Therefore, there is exists a need in the art for a method, and compositions therefor which avoid the need for Napropamide and isomers thereof to be incorporated without compromising the efficacy thereof.

EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION CAN AMELIORATE ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROBLEMS:
Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can provide a method of administering Napropamide or an isomer thereof to a target locus that can reduce or avoid the need to incorporate said Napropamide or an isomer thereof into the soil.

Further embodiments of the present invention can provide a method of administering Napropamide or an isomer thereof to a target locus that can avoid or eliminate the need to incorporate said Napropamide or an isomer thereof to the soil without compromising the herbicidal efficacy thereof.

Further embodiments of the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof wherein the composition reduces or eliminates the requirement for incorporation into the soil.

Further embodiments of the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof, wherein photodegradation of Napropamide and/or isomers thereof is reduced or eliminated even when the composition is not incorporated into the soil.

Some or all these and other objects of the invention can be achieved by way of the invention described hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof, and at least one spreading agent.

In another aspect, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and at least one spreading agent.

In another aspect, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; at least one co-herbicide; and at least one spreading agent.

In another aspect, the present invention can provide a method for controlling weeds at a locus, the method comprising administering Napropamide or an isomer thereof to the target locus, either concurrently or sequentially, along with at least spreading agent, wherein said Napropamide or isomer thereof and spreading agent are administered to locus without being incorporated into the soil.

In another aspect, the present invention can provide a method for controlling weeds at a locus, the method comprising administering Napropamide or an isomer thereof and at least another co-herbicide to the target locus, either concurrently or sequentially, along with at least spreading agent, wherein said Napropamide or isomer thereof, co-herbicide and spreading agent are administered to locus without being incorporated into the soil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and at least one spreading agent.

It has been surprisingly found by the present inventors that the use of a spreading agent, particularly the use of the spreading agent of the present invention, can reduce or eliminate the need for Napropamide or an isomer thereof to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof. The spreadability enhancing agents are known to spontaneously spread out on a solid surface to form a film and thus enlarge the surface covered by the composition.

The use of spreading agents in crop protection compositions is known in some circumstances. The use of spreading agents is preferred in compositions that are usually sprayed onto the treated plants and are required to spread as rapidly and uniformly as possible on the plants to ensure rapid absorption before the active component is washed off. However, in compositions that are intended to be incorporated within the soil, the use of a spreading agent is not known. It was thus surprising to the present inventors that when such spreading agents are combined with Napropamide or isomers thereof, which were otherwise intended to be incorporated into the soil, the need for incorporating such Napropamide or isomers thereof to be incorporated into the soil can be eliminated. When incorporated within the soil, such herbicides are known to provide more moderate results, due to protection from external conditions like degradation by U.V. rays. The use of adjuvants helping the penetration of the herbicide into the soil or protecting from external factors can be an efficient alternative or complimentary to incorporation.

It was further found that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide and isomers thereof drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required. Therefore, it was concluded that the avoidance of incorporation was achieved, in part, at least due to the presence, simultaneous or sequential, of a spreading agent which was considered surprising.

Furthermore, a spreading agent is conventionally used to decrease the surface tension and increase the spreading, which does not always lead to an improved herbicide performance. An opposite trend of improved weed control with reduced droplet spreading has been demonstrated with glyphosate, imazethapyr (Spinnaker®), nicosulfuron (Accent), primisulfuron-methyl and thifensulfuron-methyl (Harmony® M). Therefore, it was further surprising that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide and isomers thereof drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required.

Accordingly, the present invention can provide in various embodiments a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and at least one spreading agent.

The term “spreading agent” as used herein shall denote a spreadability enhancing component, such a spreadability enhancing component can have the effect of reducing the surface tension of Napropamide or an isomer thereof with which it is mixed. Such mixing can be in a vessel prior to application of Napropamide or isomer thereof or at the soil surface after application to the soil of Napropamide or isomer thereof or may be in the form of a pre-mix composition. The spreadability enhancing agent is intended herein to be used with Napropamide or isomers thereof as an aid to reduce or eliminate the need for incorporating Napropamide or isomers thereof to the soil. The spreading agents of the present invention may be packaged separately from or admixed along with Napropamide or isomers thereof to form a ready composition.

Within the context of the present invention, the singular form “a” also includes the respective plural unless the context gives rise to something different. The term “a spreading agent” can thus also comprise more than one type spreading agent contemplated according to the present invention.

The phrases “at least one” means “one or more”, “at least” followed by a numerical value means “this or a higher numerical value”.

The term “about” or “ca.” in connection with a numerical value or a parameter range limit refers to an uncertainty range in which, in the view of the person skilled in the art, the technical effect of the feature in question is still assured. The term typically means a deviation from the stated numerical value of +/-10%, preferably +/-5%.

The term “incorporation into the soil” as used herein shall denote application of herbicides by way of mechanical incorporation, such as by means of mechanical instruments such as cultivators, harrows or any other such device which results in the incorporation of the herbicide below the surface of the soil. However, soil incorporations achieved by rainfall or irrigation are not excluded. The term herbicide “incorporation” as used herein shall denote the meaning ascribed thereto by a skilled agricultural scientist, including but not limited to, depositing a herbicide at a predetermined depth below the soil surface using methods that are well known in the art. The predetermined depth to which a herbicide is deposited into the soil may depend on various parameters, including the nature of the herbicides involved. For example, Napropamide may be incorporated to a depth of about 2.5 to 5 cm below the soil for superior results.

In an aspect, the spreading agent of the present invention can be a C6 – C24 fatty acid. In another embodiment, the spreading agent can be selected from coconut oil, babassu oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, amaranth oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oil and wild rose oil.

In another aspect, the spreading agent of the present invention can be an organosiloxane surfactant. Such organosiloxane surfactants are known in the art and their specific structure for use in the combination of the invention in general is not critical as long as an organosiloxane surfactant is used. Certain organosiloxane surfactants can have or can confer advantageous properties or characteristics and are therefore preferred in some embodiments of the invention. Such organosiloxane surfactants for use in agrochemical formulations, conventionally known as superspreaders, are preferred adjuvants of the invention and may be used as conventionally available.

In an embodiment, the organosiloxane surfactant can be a trisiloxane alkoxylate of the formula:
R6Me2SiO[MeSi(X)O]ySiMe2R6
wherein:
x and y are independently 0, 1 or 2; and
R6 is C1 – C4 alkyl.

In another embodiment, the organosiloxane surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (i) a polyalkyleneoxide-modified heptamethyltrisiloxane selected from hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; and acetoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; and (ii) poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-methyl- ? -[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl -1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-disiloxanyl]propoxy].

In another embodiment, the organosiloxane surfactant of the present invention may be selected from polyoxyethylene trisiloxane surfactant commercially available under the trade name Silwet® L-77, polyalkyleneoxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane available under the trade name SilEnergy and Polyethermodified trisiloxane available under various tradenames.

In an aspect, the spreading agent of the present invention can be a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate. Preferably, the alkoxylate is an ethoxylate.

In an embodiment, the linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate can be a C9 – C11 alcohol ethoxylate, which is linear or branched.

In another aspect, the spreading agent of the present invention can be a blend of a C6 – C24 fatty acid, an alkanolamine, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons. In this embodiment, the aliphatic hydrocarbon can include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and fatty acids comprising an unbranched aliphatic tail attached to a carboxylic acid functional group. In an embodiment, the alkanolamine can be selected from, but not limited to, ethanolamines, heptaminol, isoetarine, norepinephrine, propanolamine, sphignosine, methanolamine and N-methylethanolamine.

In an embodiment, the spreading agent of the present invention can be an alkyl polyglycoside. In an embodiment, the alkyl polyglycoside can be selected from, but are not limited to, the group consisting of alkoxylated alky polyglycosides; alkenyl polyglycosides; alkyl polyglucoside in which the alkyl group contains 8 to 16 carbon atoms and having an average degree of polymerization of 1.4 – 1.7, 2 ethylhexyl branched C8, linear hexyl C6; and linear C8-C10 alkyl polyglycosides.

Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and a C6 – C24 fatty acid.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and an organosiloxane surfactant.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and an alkyl polyglycoside.

In an aspect, the present invention can provide a combination comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; at least one co-herbicide and at least one spreading agent.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicide can be selected from clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate and trifluralin.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicide can be a combination of a second and a third herbicide. In this embodiment, the co-herbicide can be a combination of herbicides selected from benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor.

Therefore, in an embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising:
(a) Napropamide or an isomer thereof;
(b) at least one co-herbicide selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; and clomazone and metazachlor; and
(c) at least one spreading agent.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising:
(a) Napropamide or an isomer thereof;
(b) at least one co-herbicide selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor; and
(c) at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

The combinations of the present invention may be used for soil incorporation, pre-planting application, pre and post sowing as well as post emergence application, although a significant finding of the present invention has been that soil incorporation is no longer mandatory.

It has surprisingly been found further that Napropamide or an isomer thereof when mixed with select adjuvants of the present invention achieved unexpected and improved control of weeds when applied both pre- and post- sowing without incorporation into the soil.

In an embodiment, the spreading agent of the present invention may be a blend of any of the spreading agents described above.

In an embodiment, the amount of the spreading agent typically employed in combination with Napropamide or an isomer thereof is not particularly critical. In an exemplary embodiment, the spreading agent may be tank mixed with Napropamide or an isomer thereof at a rate of 0.025% to about 1.0%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5% of the end spray dilution.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a combination comprising:
(a) Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and
(b) at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicides of the present invention may be tank mixed or may be pre formulated with the Napropamide or D-Napropamide in combination with the spreading agent. Optionally, the pre formulated combination of Napropamide or D-Napropamide and a co-herbicide may be tank mixed with a spreading agent prior to spraying.
The amount of Napropamide or D-Napropamide that can be applied to the soil or to crops will be in any amount which will give the required control of weeds.
In some embodiments, the preferred rate of application can be from about 2 pounds to 15 pounds Napropamide per hectare (lbs a.i/A), preferably from about 2 to 6 lbs per acre of Napropamide.
A preferred rate of application is from about 0.5 to about 20 L/Ha of Napropamide-M, and most preferably from about 1 to about 8 L/Ha.
In an embodiment, Napropamide-M may be preferably used at a dose of 500-1500 g/Ha, preferably 750-850 g/Ha.
In another embodiment, Napropamide-M may be preferably used in field crops in the range of 450-600 g/Ha.
In another embodiment, Napropamide-M may be used in perennial crops at a dosage of 2000-3000 g/Ha.
In these embodiments, the amount of the spreading agent used is not particularly critical and may be conveniently selected by a skilled artisan such that the final concentration of the spreading agent is about 0.025% to about 1.0% of the end spray dilution.
In an aspect, the combination of the present invention is in the form of a composition.
In this aspect, the composition may be formed at the time of, or immediately before, the field application.
Still in another aspect, the composition may be a pre-formulated composition.
In any aspect or embodiment described hereinafter, the term “composition” shall be intended to include both the compositions formed at the time of, or immediately before the intended application or a pre-formulated composition.
Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and at least one spreading agent.

In an aspect, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an aspect, the spreading agent of the present composition can be a C6 – C24 fatty acid. In another embodiment, the spreading agent can be selected from coconut oil, babassu oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, amaranth oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oil and wild rose oil.

In another aspect, the spreading agent of the present composition can be an organosiloxane surfactant. Such organosiloxane surfactants for use in agrochemical formulations, conventionally known as superspreaders, are preferred adjuvants of the invention and may be used as conventionally available.

In an embodiment, the organosiloxane surfactant can be a trisiloxane alkoxylate of the formula:
R6Me2SiO[MeSi(X)O]ySiMe2R6
wherein:
x and y are independently 0, 1 or 2; and
R6 is C1 – C4 alkyl.

In another embodiment, the organosiloxane surfactant is selected from the group consisting of (i) a polyalkyleneoxide-modified heptamethyltrisiloxane selected from hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; and acetoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-heptamethyltrisiloxane; and (ii) poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-methyl- ? -[3-[1,3,3,3-tetramethyl -1-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-disiloxanyl]propoxy].

In another embodiment, the organosiloxane surfactant of the present invention may be selected from polyoxyethylene trisiloxane surfactant commercially available under the trade name Silwet® L-77, polyalkyleneoxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane available under the trade name SilEnergy and Polyethermodified trisiloxane available under various tradenames.

In an aspect, the spreading agent of the present composition can be a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate. Preferably, the alkoxylate is an ethoxylate.

In an embodiment, the linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate can be a C9 – C11 alcohol ethoxylate, which is linear or branched.

In another aspect, the spreading agent of the present composition can be a blend of a C6 – C24 fatty acid, an alkanolamine, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons. In this embodiment, the aliphatic hydrocarbon can include alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and fatty acids comprising an unbranched aliphatic tail attached to a carboxylic acid functional group. In an embodiment, the alkanolamine can be selected from, but not limited to, ethanolamines, heptaminol, isoetarine, norepinephrine, propanolamine, sphignosine, methanolamine and N-methylethanolamine.

In an embodiment, the spreading agent of the present composition can be an alkyl polyglycoside. In an embodiment, the alkyl polyglycoside can be selected from, but are not limited to, the group consisting of alkoxylated alky polyglycosides; alkenyl polyglycosides; alkyl polyglucoside in which the alkyl group contains 8 to 16 carbon atoms and having an average degree of polymerization of 1.4 – 1.7, 2 ethylhexyl branched C8, linear hexyl C6; and linear C8-C10 alkyl polyglycosides.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and a C6 – C24 fatty acid.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and an organosiloxane surfactant.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and an alkyl polyglycoside.

In an aspect, the present invention can provide a composition comprising Napropamide or an isomer thereof; at least one co-herbicide and at least one spreading agent.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention can include a co-herbicide. The co-herbicide can be selected from clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate and trifluralin.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicide can be a combination of a second and a third herbicide. In this embodiment, the co-herbicide can be a combination of herbicides selected from benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor.

Therefore, in an embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising:
(d) Napropamide or an isomer thereof;
(e) at least one co-herbicide selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; and clomazone and metazachlor; and
(f) at least one spreading agent.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising:
(d) Napropamide or an isomer thereof;
(e) at least one co-herbicide selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor; and
(f) at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the spreading agent of the present invention may be present as a component in the compositions of the present invention. In this embodiment, the spreading agent may be used at a concentration of at least about 5% based on the total composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a composition comprising:
(c) Napropamide or an isomer thereof; and
(d) at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the herbicidal composition of the present invention may optionally contain other agrochemically ancillary ingredients may be used to formulate such pre formulated compositions and may employ wetter, adhesives, antifoaming agents and other agriculturally acceptable additives. These ancillary ingredients and the resultant formulations are not critical in themselves and may be prepared according to the recipes that would be conventionally evident to a person skilled in the art. The recipe for preparing such compositions per se is not critical according to the present invention as long as prevalent regulatory restrictions are kept in mind.

In an embodiment, the napropamide or isomer thereof and combinations thereof contemplated according to the present invention may be pre-formulated and may be in the form of Water Dispersible Granules (WDG), Wettable Powders, Suspension Concentrates, Emulsifiable Concentrate, Suspoemulsions, Capsule Suspensions etc. However, the choice of any preferred formulation type is not particularly limiting.

The herbicidal composition and method of the present invention can offer some particular advantages over the compositions known in the prior art. The novel combination of adjuvants with Napropamide or D-Napropamide can greatly improve spreadability of the herbicide and decrease the volume of herbicide required. Added co-herbicides were found to broaden the spectrum of weed control as well as lend extended residual herbicidal efficacy.

In an aspect, the combination of the present invention is in the form of a multi-compartment package or a kit of parts.
The term “kit of parts” used hereinafter shall be intended to include a bicompartment or a multicompartment package that houses one or more components of the combination of the present invention, being either isolated from each other or together in a mixture.
In an embodiment, the kit of parts of the present invention comprises an instruction manual.

In an embodiment, the instruction manual instructs an user to combine or admix one or more components of the combination at the point of, or just immediately before, the intended application of the combination.

In another embodiment, the instruction manual instructs an user to sequentially apply the one or more components of the combination at the locus where such herbicidal control is desired.

For example, in an embodiment, the combination of the present invention can be packaged as a kit-of-parts. In an embodiment a kit-of-parts may contain various components of the combination of the present invention that can be mixed as instructed prior to spraying.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention can provide a multi-pack herbicidal product for controlling weeds at a locus without being incorporated into the soil, said product comprising:
(a) a first container comprising napropamide, an isomer thereof or a composition thereof; and
(b) a second container comprising at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the multi-pack herbicidal product of this aspect can further comprise an instruction manual instructing an user to admix the contents of said first and second containers and administering the admixture to the locus without incorporation into the soil.

In an embodiment, the multi-pack product may comprise a co-herbicide.

Thus, in this embodiment, the present invention can provide a multi-pack herbicidal product for controlling weeds at a locus without being incorporated into the soil, said product comprising:
(a) a first container comprising napropamide, an isomer thereof or a composition thereof;
(b) a second container comprising at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof; and
(c) a third container comprising at least one co-herbicide selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; and pethoxamid and quinmerac; clomazone and metazachlor, or a composition thereof.

In an embodiment, the multi-pack herbicidal product can further comprise an instruction manual instructing an user to admix the contents of said first, second and third containers and administering the admixture to the locus without incorporation into the soil.

In another aspect, the present invention can provide a method for controlling weeds at a locus. The method can comprise administering Napropamide or an isomer thereof to the target locus, either concurrently or sequentially, along with at least spreading agent, wherein said Napropamide or isomer thereof and spreading agent are administered to locus without being incorporated into the soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide a method for controlling weeds at a locus comprising application of Napropamide or an isomer thereof, concurrently along with a spreading agent, without being incorporated into the soil.

In another embodiment, the present invention can provide a method for controlling weeds at a locus comprising application of Napropamide or an isomer thereof, sequentially followed by a spreading agent or agents thereof, without being incorporated into the soil.

It has been surprisingly found by the present inventors that the use of a spreading agent, particularly the use of the spreading agent of the present invention, can reduce or eliminate the need for Napropamide or an isomer thereof to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof. It was surprising to the present inventors that when such spreading agents were combined with Napropamide or isomers thereof, which were otherwise intended to be incorporated into the soil, the need for incorporating such Napropamide or isomers thereof into the soil was reduced or eliminated. It was further found that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide and isomers thereof drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required.

In an embodiment, the spreading agent can be selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof. The spreading agent preferred in this embodiment can be as described hereinabove in any aspect or embodiment.

Thus, in this embodiment, the present invention can provide a method comprising administering Napropamide or an isomer thereof to the target locus, either concurrently or sequentially, along with at least spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof, wherein said Napropamide or isomer thereof and spreading agent are administered to locus without being incorporated into the soil.

In another embodiment, napropamide or isomer thereof and said spreading agent can be administered to the locus without being incorporated into the soil in the presence of a co-herbicide.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicide is selected from clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate and trifluralin.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicide can be a combination of a second and a third herbicide. In this embodiment, the co-herbicide is a combination of herbicides selected from benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor.

Thus, in this embodiment, the present invention can provide a method comprising administering (a) Napropamide or an isomer thereof to the target locus, either concurrently or sequentially, along with (b) at least co-herbicide selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor; and (c) at least one spreading agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof, wherein said Napropamide or isomer thereof, said co-herbicide and spreading agent are administered to locus without being incorporated into the soil.

The composition of the present invention may be sprayed, or the method of the present invention comprises spraying the required components, at a locus which contains target weeds such as but not limited to chickweed, speedwell, poppy, field bindweed, hairy fleabane, nettleleaf goosefoot, common groundsel, horseweed, common lambsqaurters, little mallow, burning nettle, sow thistles, carpetweed, fat hen, blackberry nightshade, small flowered mallow, nettles, deadnettle, knotweed, amaranthus, Barley, foxtail, barnyard grass, bluegrass, annual brome, brome, cheatgrass, canarygrass, common crabgrass, cudweed, purple cupgrass, southwestern fiddleneck, filaree, foxtail, goose grass, Johnsongrass , jungle rice, prostrate lambsquarters, common lettuce, prickly mallow, little oat, wild panicum, Texas panicum, fall pigweed, redroot, pineapple weed, purslane, horse ryegrass, Italian sandbur, sowthistle, annual sprangletop, stinkgrass, witchgrass, Field forget-me-not, Mayweeds, Willowherbs, Volunteer cereals.
In another embodiment, the herbicidal method and composition of present invention can be effective against weeds selected from Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Ranunculus repens, Senecio vulgaris, Papaver rohoeas, Veronica persica, Matricaria sp., Fallopia Convolvulus, Veronica arvensis, Veronica hederofolia, Stellaria media, Polygonum convolvulus, Triticum aestivum, Stellaria Media , Hordeum vulgare L.

In another aspect, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce or eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil, said spreading agent being applied concurrently or sequentially with said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same.

In an embodiment, said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or a composition comprising the same is applied to the soil at the locus followed by a spreading agent or agents.

In another embodiment, said spreading agent or agents is applied to the soil at the locus followed by said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or a composition comprising the same.

In an embodiment, when the two components of the combination are applied sequentially, the time within which the second component is to be applied is not particularly critical from the application time of the first component, and may be conveniently selected by a skilled artisan.

In an embodiment, the use of a spreading agent to reduce or eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil is such that said spreading agent can be applied concurrently with said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same.

Thus, the surprising finding of the present invention can be that the use of a spreading agent, particularly the use of the spreading agent of the present invention, can reduce or eliminate the need for Napropamide or an isomer thereof or a composition comprising the same to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof. It was surprising to the present inventors that when such spreading agents were combined with Napropamide or isomers thereof, which were otherwise intended to be incorporated into the soil, the need for incorporating such Napropamide or isomers thereof into the soil was reduced or eliminated. It was further found that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide and isomers thereof drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required.

In an embodiment, the spreading agent that can be used can be selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof. The spreading agent preferred in this embodiment can be as described hereinabove in any aspect or embodiment.

Thus, in this embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce or eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil, said spreading agent being applied concurrently or sequentially with said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same, and being selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce or eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same, is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil, in the presence of a co-herbicide.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicide can be selected from clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate and trifluralin.

In an embodiment, the co-herbicide can be a combination of a second and a third herbicide. In this embodiment, the co-herbicide is a combination of herbicides selected from benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor.

Thus, in this embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce or eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil, in the presence of a co-herbicide;
(a) wherein the co-herbicide can be selected from the group consisting of clomazone, benfluralin, dimefuron, metribuzin, dazomet, metam, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metazachlor, diflufenican; quinmerac; pethoxamid; glufosinate; pendimethalin; flufenacet; benfluraline; dimethachlor; benazolin; carbetamide; clethodim; cycloxydim; sethoxydim; clopyralid; cyanazine; simazine; diclofop; fenoxaprop-P; fluazifop-P; haloxyfop-P; propaquizafop; quizalafop; dimefuron; flumetsulam; propyzamide; pyridate; trifluralin; benfluralin and clomazone; dimethachlor and clomazone; metazachlor and quinmerac; flufenacet and diflufenican; quinmerac and metazachlor; clomazone and S-metolachlor; pethoxamid and quinmerac; and clomazone and metazachlor; and
(b) wherein said spreading agent can be applied concurrently or sequentially with said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same, and be selected from the group consisting of (i) a C6 – C24 fatty acid; (ii) an organosiloxane surfactant; (iii) a linear or branched C6 – C24 alcohol alkoxylate; (iv) a blend of an alkanolamine, a C6 – C24 fatty acid, a polyhydric alcohol ethoxylate and aliphatic hydrocarbons; (v) an alkyl polyglycoside; and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce or eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil, in the presence of a co-herbicide. The locus can contain the target weeds such as but not limited to chickweed, speedwell, poppy, field bindweed, hairy fleabane, nettleleaf goosefoot, common groundsel, horseweed, common lambsqaurters, little mallow, burning nettle, sow thistles, carpetweed, fat hen, blackberry nightshade, small flowered mallow, nettles, deadnettle, knotweed, amaranthus, Barley, foxtail, barnyard grass, bluegrass, annual brome, brome, cheatgrass, canarygrass, common crabgrass, cudweed, purple cupgrass, southwestern fiddleneck, filaree, foxtail, goose grass, Johnsongrass, jungle rice, prostrate lambsquarters, common lettuce, prickly mallow, little oat, wild panicum, Texas panicum, fall pigweed, redroot, pineapple weed, purslane, horse ryegrass, Italian sandbur, sowthistle, annual sprangletop, stinkgrass, witchgrass, Field forget-me-not, Mayweeds, Willowherbs, Volunteer cereals.

In another embodiment, the locus can contain weeds selected from Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Ranunculus repens, Senecio vulgaris, Papaver rohoeas, Veronica persica, Matricaria sp., Fallopia Convolvulus, Veronica arvensis, Veronica hederofolia, Stellaria media, Polygonum convolvulus, Triticum aestivum, Stellaria Media, Hordeum vulgare L.

In an embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to eliminate the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil such that there is no loss of activity when such Napropamide or an isomer thereof is not incorporated into the soil in the presence of a spreading agent of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil wherein at least 2% to 50% loss of activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof is reduced.

In another embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus containing Veronica persica without incorporation into the soil wherein about 17% loss of activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof is reduced.

In another embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus containing Stellaria media without incorporation into the soil wherein about 19% loss of activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof is reduced.

In another embodiment, the present invention can provide the use of a spreading agent to reduce the loss of herbicidal activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same when said Napropamide or an isomer thereof or of a composition comprising the same is applied to soil at a locus without incorporation into the soil wherein about 15 to 20% loss of activity of Napropamide or an isomer thereof is reduced.

In any preferred aspects or embodiments described hereinabove, the isomer of napropamide can be napropamide-M.

The invention will now be explained in more detail in the following examples that illustrate, but are not intended to limit, the invention.

EXAMPLES:

Field trials were conducted on various weeds at various stages of application to determine the efficacy of various spreading agents of the invention in combination with napropamide or napropamide-M.

Example 1:
Napropamide was tank mixed with four different spreading agents and field trials were carried out at pre-sowing stage. The target weed was Alopecurus myosuroides (Weed code ALOMY) and the average weed population was 135 plants per m2. The experiments were conducted for autumn assessment period. The percentage efficacy observed in each experiment was reported as the average of three trials. The active ingredient used in each trial was the commercially available Napropamide 450 g/L SC formulation @ 2.8 L/Ha. The trial results were noted as below:

S No. Test composition Incorporation into soil Percentage efficacy
1 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha Yes 32.5
2 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Polyalkyleneoxide modified heptamethyltrisiloxane No 32.5
3 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Surfactant blend of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Hexahydric Alcohol Ethoxylates and C18 - C20 Fatty Acids No 57.50
4 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether mono[3-[methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl] ether No 55
5 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Alcohols, C9-11, branched and linear, ethoxylated No 47.5

The percentage efficacy of napropamide in the presence of a spreading agent according to the invention, even without incorporation, was at least similar to or significantly better than the percentage efficacy of napropamide alone when incorporated into the soil. Thus, the use of a spreading agent of the present invention eliminated the need for napropamide to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof.

Example 2:

Napropamide was tank mixed with three different spreading agents and field trials were carried out at pre-sowing stage. The target weed was Veronica persica (weed code VERPE) and the average weed population was 42 plants per m2. The experiments were conducted for autumn assessment period. The percentage efficacy of each experiment was reported as the average of two trials. The active ingredient used in each trial was the commercially available Napropamide 450 g/L SC formulation @ 2.8 L/Ha. The trial results were noted as below:

S No. Test composition Incorporation into soil Percentage efficacy
1 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha Yes 84.8
2 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha No 72.5
3 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Surfactant blend of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Hexahydric Alcohol Ethoxylates and C18 - C20 Fatty Acids No 91.3
4 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether mono[3-[methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl] ether No 97.5
5 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Alcohols, C9-11, branched and linear, ethoxylated No 95

It was observed that the efficacy of napropamide reduced by about 15% when it was not incorporated. The use of the spreading agent of the invention not only regained the lost efficacy but also synergistically supplemented the efficacy of napropamide even without incorporation.

It was thus concluded that the use of a spreading agent of the present invention eliminated the need for Napropamide to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof. It was further found that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required. Therefore, it was concluded that the avoidance of incorporation was achieved, in part, at least due to the presence, simultaneous or sequential, of a spreading agent.

Example 3:

Napropamide was tank mixed with one spreading agent of the invention and field trials were carried out at pre-sowing stage. The target weed was Papaver rhoeas (weed code PAPRH) and the average weed population was 53 plants per m2. The experiments were conducted for autumn assessment period. The percentage efficacy of each experiment was reported as the average of two trials. The active ingredient used in each trial was the commercially available Napropamide 450 g/L SC formulation @ 2.8 L/Ha. The trial results were noted as below:

S No. Test composition Trial 1 Trial 2
Incorporation into soil Percentage efficacy Incorporation into soil Percentage efficacy
1 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha Yes 95.0 Yes 88.8
2 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha No 90.0 No 86.0
3 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Polyalkyleneoxide modified heptamethyltrisiloxane No 95.0 No 88.8

It was observed that the efficacy of napropamide reduced when it was not incorporated. The use of the polyalkyleneoxide modified heptamethyltrisiloxane spreading agent of the invention fully regained the lost efficacy even without incorporation.

It was thus concluded that the use of a spreading agent of the present invention eliminates the need for Napropamide to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof. It was further found that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required. Therefore, it was concluded that the avoidance of incorporation was achieved, in part, at least due to the presence, simultaneous or sequential, of a spreading agent.

Example 4:

Napropamide was tank mixed with three different spreading agents and field trials were carried out at pre-sowing stage. The target weed was Stellaria media (weed code STEME) and the average weed population was 15 plants per m2. The experiments were conducted for autumn assessment period. The percentage efficacy of each experiment was reported as the average of two trials. The active ingredient used in each trial was the commercially available Napropamide 450 g/L SC formulation @ 2.8 L/Ha. The trial results were noted as below:

S No. Test composition Incorporation into soil Percentage efficacy
1 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha Yes 78.8
2 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha No 66.3
3 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Surfactant blend of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Hexahydric Alcohol Ethoxylates and C18 - C20 Fatty Acids No 82.3
4 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether mono[3-[methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl] ether No 85.0
5 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Alcohols, C9-11, branched and linear, ethoxylated No 78.8

It was observed that the efficacy of napropamide reduced by about 15% when it was not incorporated. The use of the spreading agent of the invention not only regained the lost efficacy but also synergistically supplemented the efficacy of napropamide even without incorporation.

It was thus concluded that the use of a spreading agent of the present invention eliminated the need for Napropamide to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof. It was further found that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required. Therefore, it was concluded that the avoidance of incorporation was achieved, in part, at least due to the presence, simultaneous or sequential, of a spreading agent.

Example 5:

Napropamide was tank mixed with three different spreading agents and field trials were carried out at pre-sowing stage as per experiment 4 above. The total weed count (TTTTT) was now targeted instead of STEME. The experiments were conducted for autumn assessment period. The percentage efficacy of each experiment was reported as the average of four trials. The active ingredient used in each trial was the commercially available Napropamide 450 g/L SC formulation @ 2.8 L/Ha. The trial results were noted as below:

S No. Test composition Incorporation into soil Percentage efficacy
1 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha Yes 80.0
2 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha No 68.8
3 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Surfactant blend of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Hexahydric Alcohol Ethoxylates and C18 - C20 Fatty Acids No 81.0
4 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether mono[3-[methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl] ether No 88.3
5 Napropamide 450 g/L @ 2.8 L/Ha + Alcohols, C9-11, branched and linear, ethoxylated No 80.0

It was observed that the efficacy of napropamide reduced when it was not incorporated. The use of the spreading agent of the invention not only regained the lost efficacy but also synergistically supplemented the efficacy of napropamide even without incorporation.

It was thus concluded that the use of a spreading agent of the present invention eliminated the need for Napropamide to be incorporated into the soil without diminishing the activity thereof. It was further found that the herbicidal activity of Napropamide drastically fell in the absence of a spreading agent when they were intentionally not incorporated, and in order to regain or supplement their normal efficacy, incorporation into the soil was required. Therefore, it was concluded that the avoidance of incorporation was achieved, in part, at least due to the presence, simultaneous or sequential, of a spreading agent.