TITLE
Herbicidal / Weedicidal Composition
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a synergistic herbicidal and weedicidal 5 composition containing
Quizalofop-ethyl and Imazethapyr and a process for preparing the said synergistic herbicidal
composition.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
10 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
compositions 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.
15
The currently available herbicide is limited for controlling a particular type of weeds as the
weedicides are selective. Thus there is a need for developing a herbicidal combination
formulation which controls a broad spectrum of weeds.
20 The present invention is the result of continuation efforts of the inventors to develop a herbicidal
composition for controlling grassy as well as broad leaf weeds in soybean, peas and other pulse
crops.
The present invention resides in the novel formulation of Quizalofop ethyl and other related
25 chemical compounds such as Imazethapyr. Said compounds are already known for their
herbicidal potency. However, it has now been found by the inventors of the present invention
that the combination of said herbicidal/weedicidal compounds displays a synergism when applied
in a specific manner.
30 The compounds which have been combined to form the synergistic herbicidal/weedicidal
compositions of the present invention are already known in the art as herbicides. One such
compound is 2-(2-chloro-4-methanesulfonylbenzoy)-1,3-cyclohexanedione. This compound is
disclosed in European Patent Publication No. 1,37,963, published on 04-04-1985. It is also
disclosed and claimed in U.S. application Ser. No. 6,34,408. Yet another compound used in the
35 synergistic compositions of this invention is 2-chloro-4-N-isopropylacetanilide, commonly known
3
as Propachor. Chinese patent 99114323 claims a “Caodashuai" weedicide which possesses
spectrum-broadening and synergistic action at a reduced dosage.
It has been observed by the inventors of the present invention that the combination of
quizalofop-ethyl (5-15%) and Imazethapyr (10–40%) 5 when formulated in the form of an
emulsifiable concentrate, suspo-emulsion and wettable dispersible granules and applied in
combination with a non-ionic surfactant exhibited synergism and activity widened to control both
grassy and broad leaf weeds. Owing to the physico-chemical properties of Quizalofop-ethyl and
Imazethapyr the wettable granule formulation could be formulated to provide easy to use and
10 stable formulation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a formulation/composition which employs synergism in the
control of undesirable vegetation comprising a mixture of the following components:
15 (a) a herbicidally effective amount of Quizalofop ethyl selected from the group of
Aryloxyphenoxy propionate ; and
(b) a herbicidally effective amount of Imazethapyr selected from the group of Imidazolinone.
It has been further identified that the novel combination formulation/composition comprises:
20 - 5-15% by weight Quizalofop ethyl;
- 10-20% by weight Imazethapyr; and
- Optionally one or more excipients selected from the group consisting of wetting agent,
dispersing agent, binder, disintegrating agent, emulsifiers, stabilizers, anticoagulating
agent, anti-freeze agent, anti-foaming agent, pH buffer, penetrating agent and inerts.
25
The composition is prepared in the form of emulsifiable concentrate, suspo-emulsion and
wettable granule.
Said compounds are already known for their herbicidal potency. However, it has now been
30 identified by the inventors of the present invention that the combination of said herbicidal
compounds displays a synergism when applied in a specific manner.
The present invention also provides a unique process for manufacturing the homogeneous
formulation by combining the said compounds in a liquid and granular composition.
35
4
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent form the following
detailed description of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one of the embodiment, the present invention provides 5 a novel combination
formulation/composition which employs synergism in the control of undesirable vegetation. The
composition comprises the following components:
(a) a herbicidally effective amount of Quizalofop-ethyl ; and
(b) a herbicidally effective amount of Imazethapyr.
10
In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides a formulation/
composition comprising:
- Quizalofop-ethyl in an amount of 5-15% by weight;
- Imazethpyr in an amount of 10-40% by weight;
15 - along with one or more excipients selected from wetting agent in an amount of 2-6% by
weight, dispersing agent in an amount of 3-7% by weight, binder in an amount of 7-30%
by weight, disintegrating agent in an amount of 3-7% by weight, emulsifiers in an
amount of 5-12% by weight, stabilizers in an amount of 0.5-2% by weight, anticoagulating
agents and anti-freeze agents in an amount of 5-8% by weight, anti-foaming
20 agents in an amount of 0.3-1% by weight, pH buffer in an amount of 5-10% by weight,
and inerts in an amount of 20-50% by weight, either alone or in combination thereof.
The composition is prepared in the form of emulsifiable concentrate, suspo-emulsion and
wettable granule.
25 The wetting agent is selected from anionic or non ionic surfactants or a combination of both.
The anionic surfactants is selected from the group consisting of salts of alkylbenzene
sulphonates, alpha olefin sulphonates, alkyl phenol ethoxylates, sodium salts of alkyl sulphates,
alkyl sulphosuccinates. Preferred anionic surfactant is calcium salt of dodecyl benzene
sulphonate and sodium lauryl sulphate.
30 Non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of nonyl phenol ethoxylate, octyl
phenol ethoxylate, styrenated phenol ethoxylate, and vegetable oil ethoxylates. Preferred nonionic
surfactant is nonyl phenol ethoxylate.
5
The dispersing agents is selected from the group consisting of poly carboxylates, alkyl
naphthalene sulphonates, phenol sulphonic acid condensates, lingo-sulphonates, N-methyl-Noleyl
taurate and Acrylic polymer. Preferred dispersing agent is Acrylic polymer.
The binding agent is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl pyrolidone, polysaccharides,
partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate or dissacharides. The preferred 5 binding agent is polyvinyl
pyrollidone.
The disintegrating agents is selected from the group consisting of ionic compounds such as
inorganic salts and nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonium sulphate, urea, mono-di
and triammonium phosphate or combination of water soluble organic acid and alkali carbonates.
10 The inert carriers selected from the group consisting of demineralised water (DM Water), solvent
CIX, starch, calcite, kaolin, montmorillonite or attapulugite clay, china clay and diatomaceous
earth. The preferred inert for emulsifiable concentrate formulation is Solvent CIX, suspoemulsion
is DM Water and wettable granule formulation is starch and china clay.
15 The terms "synergism" and "synergistic" are used herein to convey the result observed when a
combination of herbicides demonstrates potency in excess of that which the combination would
be expected to produce on the basis of the potencies of each herbicide applied individually.
The term "herbicide" is used herein to denote a compound which controls or modifies the growth
20 of plants. The term "herbicidally effective amount" is used to indicate the quantity of such a
compound or combination of such compounds which is capable of producing a controlling or
modifying effect. Controlling or modifying effects include all deviations from natural
development, for example: killing, retardation, leaf burn, dwarfing and the like. The term
"plants" is used to include all post-emergent vegetation, ranging from seedlings to established
25 vegetation.
The combination of the herbicides Quizalofop ethyl and Imazethapyr is unique since the end
product is the result of two systemic herbicides chosen from the groups of herbicides having
different modes of action. Quizalofop ethyl is selected from a group of herbicides
30 Aryloxyphenoxy propionate which are selective, systemic, grass herbicides characterized by
absorption by leaves and which rapidly trans-locate to the growing points of leaves and stems.
This group of herbicides inhibits acetyl CoA carboxylase in grassy weed plants leading to death
of unwanted plant.
6
The other herbicide Imazethapyr is selected from a group of herbicides Imidazolinone which too
are selective, in action but have a different mode of action. It reduces the level of amino acids,
isoleucine, leucine and valine, through the inhibition of aceto-hydroxyacid synthase, an enzyme
common to the biosynthetic pathway for these amino acids. This inhibition causes a disruption in
protein synthesis which, in turn, leads to interference in DNA synthesis 5 and cell growth, finally
leading to death of target weeds. Interestingly, this Imazethapyr acted on both types of weed
grassy as well as broad leaved weeds.
The invention, which is the combination of Quizalofop ethyl and Imazethapyr, is a composition in
10 the form of an emulsifiable concentrate, a suspo emulsion and a granular composition. The
synergistic effect of the invention and consequently its enhanced efficacy compared to the
efficacy of its individual constituents Quizalofop ethyl and Imazethapyr, is primarily attributable
to the process of achieving a uniform homogeneous mixture of Quizalofop ethyl and
Imazethapyr.
15
Accordingly, another embodiment of the invention provides a unique process of manufacturing a
granule homogeneous composition. The pulverized mass was transferred to a dough mixer and a
solution of non ionic surfactant in isopropanol-water was sprayed to form dough suitable for
extrusion. The dough was extruded from a basket extruder and dried at suitable temperature
20 (50-70°C).
Another embodiment of the invention provides a product obtained from said unique process
which exhibits enhanced efficacy over and above the efficacy of the individual herbicides which
constitute the invention.
25 Accordingly, the primary embodiment of the invention is a unique process of manufacturing a
liquid homogeneous composition comprising Quizalofop ethyl and Imazethapyr.
Another embodiment of the invention is a unique process of manufacturing a liquid
homogeneous composition comprising Quizalofop ethyl and Imazethapyr. The process also
involves the use of a special surfactant which enables direct adhesion of the composition on the
30 surface of weeds.
According to the embodiment of the present invention, the emulsifiable concentrate formulation
is prepared by using the toxicants in the aforesaid concentration ranges (5-15%) and is
dissolved in combination of polar and non-polar aromatic solvents (15-30%). Emulsifiers (5-
12%) containing anionic (calcium or amine salts of linear and branched alkyl benzene
7
sulphonates) and non-ionic (ethoxylates of nonyl-phenol, castor oil, octyl-phenol, tristyrenated
phenol, tweens) are added so that the formulation exhibits good emulsion stability. Stabilizers
(0.5-2%) such as epoxidised vegetable oil or dibutyl or octyl-phthalates or epichlohydrin are
added to provide long term stability to the formulation.
According to the another embodiment of the present invention, 5 the suspo-emulsion were
prepared by adding Imazethapyr (10-40%) to an aqueous solution of wetting agents 1-5%
(NaLABSA, sodium lauryl sulphate, non ionic ethoxylates, etc), dispersing agents (1-5%)
(tristyrenated phenol ethoxylates potassium or amine salt, acrylic polymer, nonyl phenol
phosphate esters), anti-coagulating agents and anti-freeze agents ( glycols) 5-8%, anti foaming
10 agents 0.3-1%(silicone based) under high shear mixer and micronizing in a horizontal
pressurized bead mill to a particle size D90 less than 7 micron analysed on Malvern master sizer.
To this were added the emulsifiable concentrate of quizalofop ethyl (5-15%) to form a stable
homogeneous suspension. To make it stable over a long time the viscoelastic products (0.1 –
0.3%) such as xantham gum, polyvinyl alcohol, natural gums were added.
15 According to the embodiment of the present invention, the wettable granules were prepared by
making dough of Imazethapyr (10-40%), quizalofop ethyl (5-15%), inerts 30-40% (lactose,
china clay, di-atomeceous earth, ammonium sulphate), 5-10% wetting agent (NaLABSA, sodium
lauryl sulphate, non ionic ethoxylates, etc), 5 – 10% dispersing agent (lignosulphonates,
alphaolefine sulphonates, etc.), 5-15% disintegrating agent inorganic salts, and pH buffer 5-10%
20 a combination of organic acid and inorganic base and required quantity of iso-propyl alcohol –
water mixture to form a dough suitable for granulation. The dough formed was extruded in a
basket extruder having sieve aperture 0.8 - 1.0 mm. The extruded granules were dried on fluid
bed drier.
The known formulation of Imazethapyr 10% SL is used by the farmer at dose 300ml/acre to
25 control leaf weeds. The quizalofop ethyl 5%EC formulation is used by the farmer at dose 300ml/
acre to control narrow leaf weeds. It has been observed that the combination product of the
present invention has better efficacy to control both weeds narrow and broad leaf at dose
100ml-250ml/acre.
30 The best results of the herbicidal composition were observed when it was tank mixed with a non
ionic surfactant selected from a group of fatty alcohol ethoxylated having HLB 10 -14. The use of
surfactant at tank mix stage resulted in the uniform spreading, penetration and coverage of the
herbicide and yielded effective control of the broad leaf and narrow leaf weeds.
8
The present invention will now be explained with the help of the following examples and
experiment, however; the scope of the invention should not be limited to said examples and
experiments. It is to be understood that the above described embodiments are merely illustrative
principles of the present invention and that many variations may be devised by those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, 5 therefore, intended that
such variations be included with the scope of the claims.
Formulation Examples 1: Process for preparation of emulsifiable concentrate of
Quizalofop ethyl 5% + Imazethapyr 10%
10 The emulsifiable concentrate formulation of quizalofop ethyl and imazethapyr were prepared by
dissolving Imazethapyr in solvent such as N- methyl pyrollidone, dimethyl sulfoxide. To the
above stirred solution was added solvent having high aromaticity and epoxidised soya bean oil.
Quizalofop ethyl was added followed by a combination of anionic and non-ionic emulsifier.
Stirring was continued till complete homogenization was attained.
15 Table – 1
Component Amount
Quizalofop ethyl tech. 5.2 parts by weight
Imazethapyr tech. 10.2 parts
N-methyl pyrollidone 5.0 parts
Dimethyl sulfoxide 15.0 parts
Solvent CIX (Aromatic hydrocarbon containing
9 carbon atoms. CAS No. : 64742-95-6)
55.6 parts
Blend of anionic and non-ionic emulsifier 8 parts
Epoxidised soya bean oil 1.0 part
Formulation Examples 2: Process for preparation of Wettable granules of Quizalofop
ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20%
In a pre-mixer suitable for mixing powders was taken 21.2 parts by weight of china clay, 13.0
20 parts of starch, 9.0 parts of ammonium sulphate, 5.5 parts of sodium carbonate, 1.0 parts of
citric acid, 1.0 parts of polyvinyl pyrollidone, 3.0 parts of alkyl naphthalene sulphonate, 4.0 parts
of sodium lignosulphonate, 8.0 parts of alkyl sulphate, diatomaceous earth 3.0 parts, 20.8 parts
of imazethapyr tech and were mixed. To the pre mixed mass was sprayed 10.5 parts of
quizalofop ethyl and homogenized. Sufficient amount of water was added to form a dough
25 suitable for extrusion. The dough was extruded through basket extruder having 0.8 – 1.2 mm
aperture and extruded granules were dried in fluidized bed drier.
Table – 2.
9
Component Amount
Quizalofop ethyl tech. 10.5 parts by weight
Imazethapyr tech. 20.8 parts
Sodium Alkyl sulphate 8.0 parts
Sodium lignosulphonate 4.0 parts
Alkyl naphthalene sulphonate 3.0 parts
Polyvinylpyrollidone 1.0 parts
Sodium carbonate 5.5 parts
Citric acid 1.0 parts
Ammonium sulphate 9.0 parts
Di atomeceous earth 3.0 parts
Starch 13.0 parts
Lavigated china clay 21.2 parts
Formulation Examples 3: Process for preparation of Suspo-emulsion of Quizalofop
ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20%
In a vessel fitted with high shear mixer is added 16.6 parts by weight of demineralized water,
0.3 parts silicone defoamer, 2.5 parts phosphate ester 5 of styrenated phenol ethoxylate
potassium salt, 2.0 parts of nonyl phenol ethoxylate, 3.0 parts of soyabean oil. The material is
mixed at high shear mixer and 10.6 parts of quizalofop ethyl tech. is added slowly to form an oil
in water emulsion of quizalofop ethyl.
10 In a pre-mixer is taken 24.2 parts by weight of demineralised water , 0.3 parts of silicone
defoamer,0.5 parts trisiloxane ethoxylate, 5.0 parts of propylene glycol, 2.0 parts alkyl phenol
ethoxylate, 2.5 parts acrylic polymer and 20.5 parts of imazethapyr tech. is added slowly. The
homogenized mass is pulverized to a particle size D90= less than 7 microns. To this mass is
added 10 parts of 2% aq. Solution of xanthan gum. Further 35 parts of above prepared oil in
15 water emulsion of quizalofop ethyl is added to form a stable suspo-emulsion.
Oil in water emulsion of Quizalofop ethyl
Component Amount
Quizalofop ethyl tech. 10.6 parts by weight
Soybeans oil 3.0 parts
Phosphate ester TSPK 2.5 parts
Nonyl phenol ethoxylate 2.0 parts
Silicone defoamer 0.3 parts
10
DM Water 16.6 parts
Suspension concentrate of Imazethapyr
Component Amount
Imazethapyr tech. 20.5 parts by weight
Acrylic polymer 2.5 parts
Alkyl phenol ethoxylate 2.0 parts
Propylene glycol 5.0 parts
Tri siloxane ethoxylate 0.5 parts
Silicone defoamer 0.3 parts
DM Water 24.2 parts
Xanthan gum 2% aq. Soln. 10.0 parts
Experiment 1: Bio-efficacy & Phytotoxicity of Quizaofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr
20% WG against Mixed 5 Weed flora of Soybean
The Bio-efficacy & Phytotoxicity were conducted in Hasanapur, Tal- Tivasa, Dist- Amaravati of
Maharashtra.
Crop Stage at the time of experimentation: 17 Days
Stage of Weed flora (Leaf Stage & Height): Narrow Leaf weeds: 2-4 leaf, 1-4 cm
10 Broad Leaf Weeds: - 1-2 leaf, 1-4 cm
Date of Sowing: 4/07/2015
Date of Treatment: 21/07/2015
Name of Weed Flora:
Narrow Leaf weeds: Cynadon dactylon, Echinochola spp., and Digiteria spp.
15 Broad Leaf Weeds: Parthenium sp., Euphorbia geniculata, Cynnotis sp., Ageratum conyzoidas,
Xanthium strumarium, Commelina benghalensis, and Digera arvensis
Sedges: Cyperus rotundus
The following treatments were conducted are as follows:
S.
No. Treatments
Treatment
No.
1 Quizalofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @125g/acre +Surfactant@225 ml/acre T-1
2 Quizalofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @150 g/acre+Surfactant@225 ml/acre T-2
3
Quizalofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @125 g/acre + Ammonium Sulphate
@300 g/acre+Surfactant@225 ml/acre
T-3
11
The table belwo provides the results of the various treatments mentioned above. The data was
collected as Number of weeds/sq.m (Mean of three places/treatment)
Narrow Leaf Broad Leaf Sedges
Treatments Pre 7 DAT* 15 DAT Pre 7 DAT 15 DAT Pre 7 DAT 15 DAT
T-1 65.33 0 0 53.66 5.66 0.00 5.33 5.33 5.33
T-2 29.66 0 0 76.66 11.66 0.00 2.66 2.66 2.66
T-3 17.33 0 0 56.33 3.66 0.00 3.33 3.33 3.33
T-4 27.33 0 0 69.33 16.33 0.00 1.66 1.66 1.66
T-5 33.33 0 0 92.33 11.66 0.00 2.33 2.33 2.33
T-6 41.33 0 0 103.66 103.66 103.66 3.66 3.66 3.66
T-7 29.33 32.33 32.33 106.66 113.33 113.33 6.33 6.33 6.33
*DAT: Days After Treatment
5
The results above provide that the T4 i.e. the composition of Quizalofop ethyl 10% +
Imazethapyr @ 20% WG @ 150 g/acre + Ammonium sulphate @ 300 g/acre + Surfactant @
225 ml/acre gave the best control over other treatments because-
 Provided the faster killing of weeds over other treatments
10  Less Growth suppression (Yellowing) over other treatments
 Less number of new weeds germination over other treatment
T1 and T2 shown the crop yellowing and stunted growth up to 15 days while T3 and T5 provides
less yellowing and stunted growth of crop.
New germination of weeds flora are seen at 15 DAT in all treatments
15
Experiment 2: Efficacy & Phyto-toxicity of Quizaofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20%
WG against Mixed Weed flora of Soybean
The Bio-efficacy & Phyto-toxicity were conducted in Village Berkheda (Doraha) Thesil Shyampur
Crop Stage at the time of experimentation: 22 day old crop
20 Stage of Weed flora (Leaf Stage & Height): Narrow Leaf weeds: 2-4 leaf stage, 1-4inch
Broad Leaf Weeds: 2-5 leaf stage, 1-5 inch
Date of Sowing: 24 June 015
4
Quizaofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @150 g/acre + Ammonium
Sulphate@300 g/acre+Surfactant@225 ml/acre
T-4
5 Imazethapyr 70% WDG @ 50 g /acre T-5
6 Quizalofop Ethyl 5%EC@ 300 ml/acre T-6
7 Control T-7
12
Date of Treatment: 16 July 2015
Name of Weed Flora:
Narrow leaf weeds: Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli,Dinebra sp. Elusine Indica,
Hemarthria sp.
Broad leaf weeds: Commelina 5 benghalensis, Cynnotis sp.
Spray Solution: 120 liter / acre
Methodology: Taken the recommended quantity as per treatment and sprayed with the help of
flood jet nozzle thru knap sack pump
Observations: Marked 1 sq.m area at 3 places/ treatment and counted the weeds as per
10 observation table and written the mean value of weeds in below table
Treatments details:
The observation were taken on 7 day after sowing. It was observed that in all the treatments
given, sever yellowing in T1 to T5 to the main crop as compared with Control plot and T6.
15 Further the growth of all narrow leaf weeds was checked which showed yellowing and slight
violet in color, which clearly separates the Soybean from weeds in all the treatments. Some
yellowing and suppression in growth observed in Cyprus rotundus in T1 to T5. Broad leaf weeds
shown significant effects includes yellowing and stunting of growth in T1 to T5.
20 Table: Number of weeds/sq.m (Mean of three places/treatment)
Number of weeds/Sq.mt ( Mean of 3 places /treatment) and % mortality
NARROW LEAF WEEDS BROAD LEAF WEEDS SEDGES WEEDS
S.
No. Treatments
Treatment
No.
1
Quizalofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @125 g/acre+Surfactant@225
ml/acre
T-1
2
Quizalofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @150 g/acre+Surfactant@225
ml/acre
T-2
3
Quizalofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @125 g/acre +Ammonium
Sulphate @300 g/acre+ Surfactant @225 ml/acre
T-3
4
Quizaofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @150 g/acre +Ammonium
Sulphate@300 g/acre+Surfactant@225 ml/acre
T-4
5 Imazethapyr 70% WDG @ 50 g /acre T-5
6 Quizalofop Ethyl 5%EC@ 300 ml/acre T-6
7 Control T-7
13
Tr.
Pre Spray
7 DAS
% Mortality
**15 DAS
% mortality
Pre Spray
7 DAS
% Mortality
15 DAS
% Mortality
Pre Spray
7 DAS
% Mortality
15 DAS
% Mortality
T-1 133 104 22 84 37 27 11 60 8 70 4 4 0 4 0
T-2 123 39 68 27 78 152 56 63 40 74 44 44 0 44 0
T-3
137 92 33 84 39 196 48 76 48 76 20 20 0 20 0
T-4
248 80 68 44 82 336 88 74 68 80 0 0 0 0 0
T-5
220 140 36 92 58 288 56 81 56 81 4 4 0 0 0
T-6 223 67 70 38 83 118 118 0 118 0 4 4 0 4 0
T-7
Con
trol
268 268 0 268 0 128 128 0 128 0 172 172 0 172 0
NOTE: ** The left over weeds were Hemarthria sp, which is a perennial grassy weed
The best results were observed in T4 i.e. Quizaofop ethyl 10% + Imazethapyr 20% WG @150
g/acre +Ammonium Sulphate@300 g/acre+Surfactant@225 ml/acre in regards of narrow, broad
and sedges which also confirms with the data table above.
5
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Owing to the unique process of manufacture, the liquid composition increases the amount of
crop yield significantly which is attributable to its homogeneity. Further, the presence of the
special surfactant ensure direct adhesion of the composition on the weed which quickens the
10 rate of weed death and saves loss of valuable nutrients from the soil.

We claim:
1. A herbicidal and weedicidal composition comprising:
(a) Quizalofop-ethyl in an amount of 5-15% by weight,
(b) Imazethpyr in an amount of 10-40% by weight,
(c) one or more excipients se 5 lected from:
- wetting agent in an amount of 2-6% by weight,
- dispersing agent in an amount of 3-7% by weight,
- binder in an amount of 7-30% by weight,
- emulsifiers in an amount of 5-12% by weight,
10 - disintegrating agent in an amount of 3-7% by weight,
- stabilizers in an amount of 0.5-2% by weight,
- anti-coagulating agents and anti-freeze agents in an amount of 5-8% by
weight,
- anti-foaming agents in an amount of 0.3-1% by weight,
15 - pH buffer in an amount of 5-10% by weight, and
- inerts in an amount of 20-50% by weight.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is prepared in the form
of emulsifiable concentrate, suspo-emulsion and wettable granule.
20
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wetting agent is selected from
anionic or non-ionic surfactants or a combination thereof.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the anionic surfactants is selected from
25 the group consisting of salts of alkyl benzene sulphonates, alpha olefin sulphonates, alkyl
phenol ethoxylates, sodium salts of alkyl sulphates and alkyl sulphosuccinates.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein anionic surfactant is calcium salt of
dodecyl benzene sulphonate.
30
6. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl
sulphate
15
7. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the non-ionic surfactants is selected from
the group consisting of nonyl phenol ethoxylate, octyl phenol ethoxylate, styrenated
phenol ethoxylate, and vegetable oil ethoxylates.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the non-5 ionic is nonyl phenol ethoxylate.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispersing agents is selected from
the group consisting of polycarboxylates, alkylnaphthalene sulphonates, phenol sulphonic
acid condensates, lingo-sulphonates and N-methyl-N-oleyl taurate.
10
10. The composition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dispersing agents is acrylic polymer
11. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the binding agent is selected from the
group consisting of polyvinyl pyrollidone, polysaccharides, partially hydrolysed polyvinyl
15 acetate or disaccharides.
12. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the binding agent is polyvinyl
pyrollidone.
20 13. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the disintegrating agents is selected from
the group consisting of ionic compounds such as inorganic salts and nitrogen containing
compounds such as ammonium sulphate, urea, mono-di and triammonium phosphate or
combination of water soluble organic acid and alkali carbonates.
25 14. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inert carriers are selected from the
group consisting of demineralised water (DM Water), solvent CIX, starch, calcite, kaolin,
montmorillonite or attapulugite clay, china clay and diatomaceous earth.
15. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inert carrier for emulsifiable
30 concentrate is Solvent CIX.
16. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inert carrier for suspo-emulsion is
DM Water.
16
17. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inert carrier for wettable granule is
starch and china clay.
18. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the 5 composition is in the form of
emulsifiable concentrate, suspo-emulsion and wettable granule.
19. A method of manufacturing the emulsifiable concentrate formulation comprising:
- dissolving Imazethapyr in solvent such as N- methyl pyrollidone, dimethyl sulfoxide,
- stirring the solution and adding solvent having high aromaticity,
10 - adding Quizalofop ethyl followed by a combination of anionic and non-ionic
emulsifier, and
- stirring the solution till complete homogenization is attained.
20. A method of manufacturing the emulsifiable concentrate formulation as claimed in claim
15 19, wherein the emulsifiers are selected from the group consisting of anionic emulsifiers
such as calcium or amine salts of linear and branched alkyl benzene sulphontes and nonionic
emulsifiers such as ethoxylates of nonyl-phenol, castor oil, octyl-phenol,
tristyrenated phenol and tweens.
20 21. A method of manufacturing the suspo-emulsion comprising:
- adding Imazethapyr (10-40%) to an aqueous solution of wetting agents, dispersing
agents, anti-coagulating agents, anti-freeze agents, anti-foaming agents, penetrating
agent and pH buffer, and
- micronizing in a horizontal pressurized bead mill to a particle size D90 less than 7
25 micron,
- adding the emulsifiable concentrate of quizalofop ethyl (5-15%) to form a stable
homogeneous suspension, and
- adding stabilizers such as viscoelastic products such as xantham gum, polyvinyl
alcohol, natural gums.
30
22. A method of manufacturing the wettable granules comprising:
- making dough of Imazethapyr (10-40%),quizalofop ethyl (5-15%), inerts, wetting
agent, dispersing agent, disintegrating agent, an organic acid and inorganic base and
required quantity of water,
35 - extruding the dough in a basket extruder having sieve aperture 0.8-1.0 mm,
17
- drying extruded granules on fluid bed drier at a temperature of 50-70°C.