DESC:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a herbicide composition. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing a herbicide composition and a method for controlling weeds using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Pyroxasulfone has been classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) into K3 Legacy HRAC code and its mode of action is inhibiting biosynthesis of very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis in plants. Pyroxasulfone can control a large number of annual weeds, particularly grasses, this also includes herbicide-resistant weeds such as Lolium multiflorum (Italian ryegrass) and Alopecurus aequalis (water foxtail) (grasses) and Amaranthus spp. (broadleaf weeds).

Pyroxasulfone is an isoxazoline herbicide belonging to the group of pyrazolium. Pyroxasulfone is chemically known as 3-[5-(difluoromethoxy)-1-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfonyl]-4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-1,2-oxazole. It is a pre-emergence herbicide that inhibits the biosynthesis of very long chain fatty acids. It can be used to effectively control grass and broad-leaved weeds in corn, soybean, and wheat fields. Pyroxasulfone has high pre-emergence activity and longer residual activity than similar products, with residual activity still being high, i.e., 2 months after application. Pyroxasulfone shows good selectivity for corn, soybean, wheat, turf, cotton, potato, onion, and other crops. The herbicide pyroxasulfone was widely introduced in 2012, and since then cases of evolved resistance in weeds such as annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) and tall waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] have started to emerge.

Furthermore, it has been found that certain herbicide compositions exhibit the desired herbicidal activity and are able to control harmful/unwanted plants or weeds in a more efficacious manner. Various compositions of herbicides are known in the art, however, there is still a need to develop solid formulations of herbicidal compositions which can effectively deliver herbicides to plants/crops and improve their biological response in controlling weed population. There is, therefore, a need in the art for development of a pre-emergence herbicidal composition formulated with high stability and efficient herbicidal activity.

In solid granular formulations, active ingredients are formulated along with inert/inactive ingredients such as binders, fillers, disintegrating agents, and other surfactants which are generally present in a greater amount than the active ingredient itself. Active ingredients, sometimes, find it difficult to leave such a solid granular system as the active ingredient is absorbed too deeply into the inert ingredients of the system. Therefore, a solid formulation overcoming the aforementioned problem is a need of the art. One such solid formulation known to solve the aforementioned problem is water dispersible granules (WG or WDG). Water dispersible granules are formulations consisting of granules to be applied after disintegration and have uniform dispersion upon dilution in water. WGs are becoming popular because they are easy to handle, non-dusty, have better stability, and other processing benefits.

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have accordingly provided a granular herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone to overcome the difficulties witnessed in agricultural practices.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:
It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a stable agrochemical composition for efficacious weed control.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a stable agrochemical composition comprising a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water dispersible granular composition comprising a VLCFA inhibitor herbicide.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide having efficient retention of the actives and good suspensibility.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone, wherein the composition possesses efficient herbicidal activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a stable agrochemical composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide for efficacious weed control.

In an aspect, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising a herbicide selected from the group of very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitors, an anionic surfactant and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone as the isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone as the isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparation of the stable water dispersible granular agrochemical composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling weeds, the method comprising applying to the plants or a locus thereof, a stable agrochemical composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide.

The present invention also provides a method for effectively controlling weed growth and proliferation, the method comprising applying a water dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone as the VLCFA herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1, at a locus of a crop plant.

The present invention also provides the use of the water dispersible granular composition according to the present invention as an herbicide for effectively controlling weed growth and proliferation.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit. The kit comprises a plurality of components comprising at least one of the ingredients of the stable water dispersible granular composition of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present disclosure now will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying examples, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This description is not intended to be a detailed catalogue of all the different ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all the features that may be added to the instant disclosure. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. Thus, the disclosure contemplates that in some embodiments of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein can be excluded or omitted. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant disclosure. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the disclosure, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 10% or ± 5% of the stated value.

Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90-100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc., as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.

The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The term “control” relates to a weed, includes control of the weed, as well as protecting a plant, a portion of the plant, or a plant seed from attack or invasion by said weed.

The expression of various quantities in terms of “%” or “% w/w” means the percentage by weight of the total composition unless otherwise specified.

The term “herbicide” as used herein denotes a compound which controls or modifies the growth of undesired weeds/plants.

The term “herbicidally effective amount” indicates the quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds which is capable of controlling or modifying effect on the growth of harmful plants/undesired vegetation/weeds. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, leaf burn, albinism, dwarfism, etc.

The term “plants” refer to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage and fruits. The term “locus” refers to an area of planted crops or a location where the weeds occur or grows or can occur or grow and is intended to include soil, medium of growth other than soil.

As used herein, the term “pre-emergence” refers to the time point before seedlings emerge from the ground. When any herbicide is applied at pre-emergence stage, it prevents establishment of the germinated weed seedlings.

As used herein, the term “post-emergence” refers to the time point after seedlings emerge from the ground. When any herbicide is applied at post-emergence stage, it prevents growth of the germinated weed seedlings.

The terms “g a.i./ha” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” applied “per hectare” of the crop field.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides preferred combinations, compositions and methods thereof. The methods of the invention include a method of controlling weeds at a locus by applying to the locus the combination or the composition, or a method of increasing yield in a crop by application of the combination or composition, or a method of improving the plant health by application at the locus of the plant the combination or the composition. The embodiments described herein describe the preferred embodiments of all these possible combinations, compositions and methods of the invention.

The term “locus” as used herein shall denote the vicinity of a desired crop in which weed control, typically selective weed control is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein the weed infestation has either emerged or is yet to emerge. The term crop shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus.

As used herein, the term “phytotoxicity” refers to any adverse effect or reaction on plant growth, physiology, or metabolism caused by any chemical substance, fertilizer, herbicide, heavy metal etc.

As used herein, the terms “formulation” and “composition” may be used interchangeably and refer to a mixture of two or more compounds, elements, molecules, etc. In some aspect, the terms formulation and composition may be used to refer to a mixture of one or more active ingredients with a carrier or other excipients.

As used herein, the term “modified styrene acrylic polymer” is an acrylic-based polymer modified with styrene, which helps to improve the properties of the polymer.

Each of the aspects described above may have one or more embodiments. Each of the embodiments described hereinafter may apply to one or all of the aspects described hereinabove. These embodiments are intended to be read as being preferred features of one or all the aspects described hereinabove. Each of the embodiments described hereinafter applies to each of the aspects described hereinabove individually.

The inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly found that during developing a water dispersible granular formulation comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, the stability of the water dispersible granular formulation in terms of efficient retention of the actives and good suspensibility can be maintained using a combination of an anionic surfactant and a polymer in a specific ratio. The combination of the anionic surfactant and the polymer in a particular ratio facilitates the formation of a stable agrochemical composition. The selected combination of the anionic surfactant and the polymer in a selective weight ratio is found to retain the efficacy of the isoxazoline herbicide in the formulation accompanied by efficient suspensibility and dispersibility of the active ingredient.

Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable agrochemical composition.

Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable herbicidal composition.

Accordingly in an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable herbicide composition comprising a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor, for efficacious weed control.

In an embodiment, the VLCFA inhibitor is selected from the group comprising isoxazolines, a-chloroacetamides, benzyl ethers, a-thioacetamides, a-oxyacetamides, oxiranes, thiocarbamates, benzofuranes and azolyl-carboxamides, or combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the VLCFA inhibitor is an isooxazoline herbicide.

In an embodiment, the isoxazoline herbicide is selected from pyroxasulfone, and fenoxasulfone, or combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the VLCFA inhibitor is pyroxasulfone from the isoxazoline class of herbicide.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a herbicide composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, for efficacious weed control.

As used throughout the disclosure, the isoxazoline herbicide or other active ingredients, include their salts, esters, ethers, polymorphs including solvates and hydrates. A salt includes salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the active ingredient, and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and include derivatives of the disclosed compounds in which the parent compound is modified by making inorganic and organic, non-toxic, acid or base addition salts thereof. The salts can be synthesized from the parent compound by conventional chemical methods.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 1% w/v to about 90% w/w of the isoxazoline herbicide, based on total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 10% w/w to about 90% w/w of the isoxazoline herbicide, based on total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 20% w/w to about 90% w/w of the isoxazoline herbicide, based on total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stable agrochemical composition comprises from about 30% w/w to about 90% w/w of the isoxazoline herbicide, based on total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stable agrochemical composition comprises from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w of the isoxazoline herbicide, based on total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the stable agrochemical composition comprises about 85% w/w of the isoxazoline herbicide, based on total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the stable agrochemical composition comprises about 85% w/w of pyroxasulfone, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising: a herbicide selected from the group of shoot-growth inhibitors or very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitors; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising: an isoxazoline herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising: an isoxazoline herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is pyroxasulfone.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising: an isoxazoline herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is fenoxasulfone.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising: pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising: fenoxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer.

In an embodiment, the polymer is a modified styrene acrylic polymer; and surfactants are polymers with surfactant properties [e.g., acrylate copolymers, such as 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid and alkyl methacrylamide, alkyl methacrylate or alkyl acrylate, poly(allylamine)-supported phases, poly(ethyleneimine), etc.].

In an embodiment, the anionic surfactant is a dispersing agent and is selected from the group comprising lignosulfonate blend, anionic/lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, aluminium lignosulfonate, modified kraft lignosulfonates, sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensates, sodium salt of phenol formaldehyde condensates, sodium polycarboxylates, or combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant is an anionic/lignosulfonate blend.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 90% w/w of the anionic surfactant, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 70% w/w of the anionic surfactant, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the anionic surfactant, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the anionic surfactant, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w of the anionic surfactant, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w of the anionic surfactant, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w of the anionic surfactant, based on total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the herbicide composition comprises about 2% w/w of the anionic/lignosulfonate blend, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 90% w/w of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 70% w/w of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicide composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w of the polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the herbicide composition comprises about 2% w/w of the modified styrene acrylic polymer, based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of the VLCFA inhibitor herbicide is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w and the concentration of the polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of the VLCFA inhibitor herbicide is ranging from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w and the concentration of the polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of the VLCFA inhibitor herbicide is ranging from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of the isoxazoline herbicide is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w and the concentration of the polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of the isoxazoline herbicide is ranging from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w and the concentration of the polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of the isoxazoline herbicide is ranging from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of pyroxasulfone is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the anionic surfactant is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w and the concentration of the polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of pyroxasulfone is ranging from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of pyroxasulfone is ranging from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is ranging from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of pyroxasulfone is about 85% w/w, the concentration of the anionic/lignosulfonate blend is about 2% w/w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is about 2% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicidal composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the concentration of pyroxasulfone is about 85% w/w, the concentration of the lignosulfonate blend is about 2% w/w, and the concentration of the modified styrene acrylic polymer is about 2% w/w, each component based on total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising;
(a) a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant; and
(c) a polymer;
wherein a weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising;
(a) a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant; and
(c) a polymer;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising;
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant; and
(c) a polymer,
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising;
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant; and
(c) a polymer;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer; wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising pyroxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is about 1:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising fenoxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising fenoxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbicide composition comprising fenoxasulfone; an anionic surfactant; and a polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is about 1:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer, either in a form of a tank mix or a pre-formulated (pre-mix) composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer, in the form of a pre-formulated (pre-mix) composition.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a pre-mix formulation comprising pyroxasulfone.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(a) a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(a) a very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) inhibitor herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to 5:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(e) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(f) an anionic surfactant;
(g) a polymer; and
(h) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(a) pyroxasulfone;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 0.5:10 to about 10:0.5.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(a) pyroxasulfone;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising;
(a) fenoxasulfone;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
wherein the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant and the polymer is ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising filler(s), surfactant(s), pH-regulating agent(s), preservative(s), antifoaming agent(s), colorant(s), binder(s), solvent(s), other formulation aids, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, filler(s) are selected from the group comprising magnesium aluminium silicates, precipitated silica, kaolin, China clay, bentonite clay, attapulgite clay, inorganic salts like sodium sulphate, ammonium sulphate, or combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the surfactant(s) comprise anionic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants. The anionic surfactants are selected the group comprising alkyl and aryl sulfates, including sodium alkyl sulfates, polyoxyalkylene alkylether sulfate, polyoxyalkylene alkylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyalkylene styrylphenyl ether sulfate, alkylphosphates, polyoxyalkylene alkyl phosphates, polyoxyalkylene phenylether phosphate, polyoxyalkylphenol phosphates, poly-carboxylates, fatty acids and salts thereof, alkyl glycinates, acyl glutamates, acyl sarcosinates, alkyl sulfoacetates, acylated peptides, alkyl ether carboxylates, acyl lactylates, docusate sodium, and mixtures thereof. The non-ionic surfactants are selected from the group comprising ethoxylated fatty acids, alcohol ethoxylates, tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters (examples include polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters widely known as polysorbates), or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the pH regulating agent(s) and stabilizer(s) are selected from the group comprising organic or mineral acids, bases, neutralizing agents, or buffering agents. Typical agents include the following acids and their sodium salts: sorbic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, and propionic acid, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), titanium oxide, zinc oxide, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, suitable preservative(s) are for example benzothiazoles, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, 1,2-phenyl-isothiazolin-3-one, inter chloroxylenol paraoxybenzoate butyl, benzoic acid, or combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment, antifoaming agent(s) may be selected from polydimethoxysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane emulsion, alkyl poly acrylates, castor oil, fatty acids, fatty acids esters, fatty acids sulfate, fatty alcohol, fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohol sulfate, foot olive oil, mono & di glyceride, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, poly propylene glycol, silicones oil, vegetable fats, vegetable fats sulfate, vegetable oil, vegetable oil sulfate, vegetable wax, vegetable wax sulfate, agents based on silicon or magnesium stearate, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, colorant(s) may be selected from iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs, such as alizarin dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs, or metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs, and trace elements, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, and zinc, or combinations thereof.

Another embodiment involves addition of a binder(s) which may be selected from but not limited to molasses, granulated sugar, alginates, karaya gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, polysaccharide gum, mucilage, xanthan gum or combination thereof. In another embodiment, the binder may be selected from silicates such as magnesium aluminium silicate, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, celluloses, including ethylcelluloses and methylcelluloses, hydroxymethyl celluloses, hydroxypropylcelluloses, hydroxymethylpropyl-celluloses, polyvinylpyrolidones, dextrins, malto-dextrins, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabics, shellacs, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonates, acrylic copolymers, starches, polyvinylacrylates, zeins, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylimide polymers and copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylimide monomers, alginate, ethylcellulose, polychloroprene and syrups or mixtures thereof; polymers and copolymers of vinyl acetate, methyl cellulose, vinylidene chloride, acrylic, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polysaccharide; polymers and copolymers of vinylidene chloride and vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers; combinations of polyvinyl alcohol and sucrose; plasticizers such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyglycols, or combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment, examples of suitable solvent(s) is water.

In an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present from about 0.1% w/w to about 99% w/w of total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the water dispersible granular herbicide composition of the present invention further comprises at least one additional herbicide.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer;
(d) at least one additional herbicide; and
(e) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;

In an embodiment, the additional herbicide is selected from the group comprising aliphatic acid herbicides, amide herbicides, aromatic acid herbicides, benzofuran herbicides, benzonitrile herbicides, benzophenone herbicides, benzothiadiazinone herbicides, benzyl ether herbicides, botanical herbicides, carbamate herbicides, cyclohexanedione oxime herbicides, dinitroaniline herbicides, dinitrophenol herbicides, diphenyl ether herbicides, diphenyl heterocycle herbicides, dithiocarbamate herbicides, fumigant herbicides, halogenated alkanoic acid herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, inorganic herbicides, isoxazole herbicides, isoxazolidinone herbicides, isoxazoline herbicides, N-phenyl heterocycle herbicides, N-phenylimide herbicides, N-phenyloxadiazolone herbicides, N-phenyltriazolinone herbicides, organochlorine herbicides, organophosphorous herbicides, oxirane herbicides, oxyacetamide herbicides, phenol herbicides, phenoxy herbicides, phenylcarboxylic acid herbicides, phenyl ether herbicides, phenylthiourea herbicides, pyrazole herbicides, pyridazine herbicides, pyridazinone herbicides, pyridine herbicides, pyrimidinediamine herbicides, pyrimidinyloxybenzylamine herbicides, quaternary ammonium herbicides, quinone herbicides, alpha-thioacetamide herbicides, thiocarbamate herbicides, thiocarbonate herbicides, triazine herbicides, triazinone herbicides, triazole herbicides, triazolone herbicides, triazolopyrimidine herbicides, triketone herbicides, uracil herbicides, urea herbicides, unclassified herbicide, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the additional herbicide is further selected from the group comprising phosphinic acid herbicides, sulfonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone herbicides, anilide herbicides, acetamide herbicides, aryloxyphenoxypropionic herbicides, benzoylpyrazole herbicides, chloroacetamide herbicides, glycine derivative herbicides, aryloxyphenoxypropionic herbicides, phenyl ether herbicides, N-phenylimide herbicides, imidazolinone herbicides, N-phenyltriazolinone herbicides, alkylazine herbicides, phenoxyacetic herbicides, pyridyloxycarboxylic acid herbicides, benzoic acid herbicides, triketone herbicides, chlorotriazine herbicides, quaternary ammonium herbicides, phenylurea herbicides, phenylpyrazoline herbicides, or combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granule composition may further be combined with additional herbicides. The present invention may be premixed, tank mixed, formulated or applied in tandem with the said additional herbicides. They may be co-applied at the same time or applied simultaneously to form a mixture at the site of application. They may be applied sequentially, immediately or with a gap of a suitable period to bring in the desired effects.

Examples of the additional herbicides or weedicides include Inhibitors of Photosynthesis at PS II, Inhibitors of Acetolactate Synthase, Inhibitors of Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase, Inhibitors of Glutamine Synthetase, Inhibitors of Homogentisate Solanesyltransferase, Inhibitors of Acetyl CoA Carboxylase, Inhibitors of Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid Synthesis, Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Thioesterase, PS l Electron Diversion, Inhibitors of Hydroxyphenyl Pyruvate Dioxygenase, Inhibitors of Phytoene Desaturase, Inhibitors of Deoxy-D-Xyulose Phosphate Synthase, Inhibitors of Solanesyl Diphosphate Synthase, Inhibitors of Lycopene Cyclase, Inhibitors of Cellulose Synthesis, Inhibitors of Serine Threonine Protein Phosphatase, Inhibitors of Dihydropteroate Synthase, Inhibitors of Enolpyruvyl Shikimate Phosphate Synthase, Inhibitors of Microtubule Assembly, Inhibitors of Microtubule Assembly, Auxin Mimics, Uncouplers, Auxin Transport Inhibitors. Specific examples include 2,4-D, acetochlor, aclonifen, amicarbazone, 4-aminopieolinic acid-based herbicides, such as halauxifen, halauxifen-methyl, 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-5fluoropyridine-2-carboxylic acid or an agriculturally acceptable ester or salt thereof.

In an another embodiment the additional herbicide can be selected from amidosulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, aminotriazole, ammonium thiocyanate, anilofos, asulam, azimsulfnron, atrazine, beflubutamid, benazolin, benfuresate, bensulfuron-methyl, bentazon-sodium, benzofenap, bifenox, bispyribacsodium, bromobutide, bromacil, bromoxynil, butachlor, butafenacil, butralin, butroxydim, carbetamide, cafenstrole, carfentrazone, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlormequat, clopyralid, chlorsulfuron, chlortoluron, cinidon-ethyl, clethodim, clodinafop-propargyl, clomeprop, clomazone, cloransulam-methyl, cyanazine, cyclopyrimorate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cyhalofop-butyl, daimuron, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichlorprop-P, diclofop-methyl, diclosulam, pyroxasulfone, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dimethachlor, diquat, diuron, 5-ethyl dipropylcarbamothioate (EPTC), esprocarb, ethoxysulfuron, etobenzanid, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxapropethyl+isoxadifen-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fenoxasulfone, fenquinotrione, fentrazamide, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop, fluazifop-P-butyl, flucarbazone, flucarbazone-sodium, flucetosulfuron (LGC-42153), flufenacet, flumetsulam, flumioxazin, flupyrsulfuron, flurochloridone, fluroxypyr, fluroxypyr-meptyl, flurtamone, glufosinate, glufosinate-ammonium, glyphosate, halosulfuron-methyl, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-R-methyl, hexazinone, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, imazosulfuron, indanofan, indaziflam, iodosulfuron, iodosulfuron-ethyl-sodium, iofensulfuron, ioxynil, ipfencarbazone, isoproturon, isoxaben, isoxaflutole, lactofen, linuron, MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop-P, mefenacet, mesosulfuron, mesosulfuron-ethyl sodium, mesotrione, metamifop, metazochlor, metazosulfuron, metosulam, metribuzin, metsulfuron, metsulfuronmethyl, molinate, MSMA, napropamide, napropamide-M, orfurazon, orthosulfamuron, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxazichlomefone, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, pendimethalin, penoxsulam, pentoxazone, pethoxamid, picloram, picolinafen, pinoxaden, pretilachlor, primisulfuron, profluazol, profoxydim, propanil, propaquizafop, propyrisulfuron, propoxycarbazone, propyzamide, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, pyraclonil, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrasulfotole, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, pyrazolynate, pyribenzoxim (LGC-40863), pyributicarb, pyridate, pyriftalid, pyrimisulfan, Pyrithiobac sodium, pyroxsulam, pyroxasulfone, quinclorac, quinmerac, quizalofop-ethyl-D, quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-P-tefuryl, rimsulfuron, sethoxydim, simazine, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, sulfosate, sulfosulfuron, tebuthiuron, tefuryltrione, tepraloxidim, terbacil, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, thenylchlor, thiazopyr, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, thiobencarb, topramezone, tralkoxydim, triafamone, triasulfuron, tribenuron, tribenuron-methyl, triafamone, triclopyr, and trifluralin, and agriculturally acceptable salts, choline salts, esters and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the additional pesticide includes benzofenap, cyhalofop (e.g., cyhalofop-butyl), daimuron, pentoxazone, esprocarb, pyrazosulfuron, butachlor, pretilachlor, metazosulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bromobutide, benfuresate, mesotrione, sulcotrione, oxazichlomefone, triafamone, cyclopyrimorate, pyrimisulfan, propyrisulfuron, pyraclonil, ipfencarbazone, iofensulfuron, fenoxasulfone, fenquinotrione, napropamide-M, imazamox, imazapic, imazethapyr, pyroxsulam, and agriculturally acceptable salts or esters thereof, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:100 to about 100:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:50 to about 50:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:30 to about 30:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:10 to about 10:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the additional herbicide ranges from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

In an embodiment, the water dispersible granular herbicide composition of the present invention further comprises at least two additional herbicides.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a water dispersible granular herbicide composition comprising:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer;
(d) at least two additional herbicides; and
(e) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:100:100 to about 100:1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:50:50 to about 50:1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the two additional herbicide ranges from about 1:30:30 to about 30:1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the two additional herbicide ranges from about 1:10:10 to about 10:1:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of pyroxasulfone and the two additional herbicides ranges from about 1:5:5 to about 5:1:1.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water dispersible granular herbicide composition while not being limited to any particular size, the granules of the present invention typically have an average granule size in the range from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, preferably from about 3 mm to about 7 mm, and more preferably from about 5 mm to about 10 mm, although sizes outside of this range can be used.

In an embodiment, the D50 value is not less than about 2 microns and D90 value is not less than about 5 microns.

According to an embodiment, the various components of the WDG herbicidal composition are used individually or already partially or completely mixed with one another to prepare the water dispersible granule composition. It is also possible for the component to be separately packaged and used as a component in a kit of parts. In one embodiment, the kits may include one or more of the components that are used to prepare a granule composition. For examples, the kits may include active ingredients and/or surfactant blend. One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated.

One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag and/or canister. In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separate from one another, i.e., they are not pre-formulated. As such, a kit may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags and/or canisters, each container containing a separate component of the herbicidal combination.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising a stable agrochemical composition is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of components, including at least one of the ingredients of the stable herbicide composition of the present disclosure. The kit-of-parts may be accompanied by a set of instructions in form of a manual, guide, booklet, pamphlet, and so forth.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the kit includes at least one, or all of components needed to prepare the stable herbicide composition. For example, the kit may include pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant and a polymer. In both forms, an individual component of the kit may be applied separate from or together with the other components of the kit or as a component of a combination composition.

According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
and optionally further comprises:
instructions for use.

According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:
(a) pyroxasulfone;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient;
and optionally further comprises:
instructions for use.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the herbicide composition preferably retains its physical integrity during handling and spreading, and, upon broadcasting, typically releases the active ingredients when contacting wet soil, irrigation water, or rainfall hits the broadcasting granules.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for the preparation of a water dispersible granule composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for the preparation of a water dispersible granule composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing a herbicidal composition, the process comprising:
(a) blending the isoxazoline herbicide, the anionic surfactant, the polymer and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to form a mixture;
(b) milling the mixture of step (a) to a fine powder;
(c) mixing the powder in another blender to achieve homogenously milled powder;
(d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion; and
(e) extruding the dough through a low compaction extruder to obtain wet extruded granules and drying them at a suitable temperature to obtain the herbicidal composition.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for the preparation of a water dispersible granular composition, the process comprising:
(a) blending pyroxasulfone, the anionic/lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, docusate sodium for about 30 minutes to form a mixture;
(b) milling the mixture of step (a) to a fine powder;
(c) mixing the powder in another blender for about 30 minutes to achieve homogenously milled powder;
(d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion; and
(e) extruding the dough through a low compaction extruder to obtain wet extruded granules and drying them at a suitable temperature to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for the preparation of a water dispersible granular composition, the process comprising:
(a) blending pyroxasulfone, the anionic/lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, docusate sodium for about 30 minutes to form a mixture;
(b) milling the mixture of step (a) to a fine powder;
(c) mixing the powder in another blender for about 30 minutes to achieve homogenously milled powder;
(d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion;
(e) extruding the dough through a low compaction extruder to obtain wet extruded granules and drying them at a suitable temperature to obtain dry granules; and
(f) sieving the dry granules to separate over and under size granules to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of the stable agrochemical composition for controlling weeds, wherein the stable agrochemical composition comprises an isoxazoline herbicide.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of the stable agrochemical composition for controlling weeds, wherein the stable agrochemical composition comprises an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of the water dispersible granular composition for controlling weeds, wherein the stable agrochemical composition comprises an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, said method comprising applying to a plants or a locus thereof, a water dispersible granular composition comprising an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling weeds, said method comprising applying to the plant or locus thereof, a water dispersible granular composition comprising pyroxasulfone, an anionic surfactant and a polymer.

In another embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure is used to control weeds in various agricultural crops. Non-limiting examples of weeds controlled by the composition of the present disclosure include:
Brassicaceae weeds: Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, Sinapis arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Brassica juncea, Brassica campestris, Descurainia pinnata, Rorippa islandica, Rorippa sylvestris, Thlaspi arvense, Myagrum rugosum, Lepidium virginicum, Coronopus didymus, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of weeds controlled by the composition of the present disclosure include:
Poaceae weeds: Dinebra retroflexa, Cynodon dactylon, Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli, Setaria viridis, Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria ilosa ate, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria insularis, Eleusine indica, Poa annua, Alospecurus aequalis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum vulgare, Agropyron repens, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum, Bromus secalinus, Bromus tectorum, Hordeum jubatum, Aegilops cylindrica, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris minor, Apera spicaventi, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Panicum texanum, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria reptains Brachiaria platyphylla, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Brachiaria mutica, Cenchrus echinatus, Cenchrus pauciflorus, Eriochloa villosa, Pennisetum setosum, Chloris gayana, Chloris barbata, Eragrostis ilosa, Rhynchelitrum repens, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Ischaemum rugosum, Oryza sativa, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum maritimum, Pennisetum clandestinum, Pennisetum setosum, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure is used to control weeds in various agricultural crops.

In another embodiment, the various (target) agricultural crops include, but not limited to, corn, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oat, sorghum, cotton, soybean, peanut, buckwheat, beet, rapeseed, sunflower, sugar cane, tobacco, etc.; vegetables: solanaceous vegetables such as eggplant, tomato, pimento, pepper, potato, etc., cucurbit vegetables such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, water melon, melon, squash, etc., cruciferous vegetables such as radish, white turnip, horseradish, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, leaf mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., asteraceous vegetables such as burdock, crown daisy, artichoke, lettuce, etc, liliaceous vegetables such as green onion, onion, garlic, and asparagus, ammiaceous vegetables such as carrot, parsley, celery, parsnip, etc., chenopodiaceous vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, etc., lamiaceous vegetables such as Perilla frutescens, mint, basil, etc, strawberry, sweet potato, Dioscorea japonica, colocasia, etc., flowers, foliage plants, turf grasses, fruits: pome fruits such apple, pear, quince, etc, stone fleshy fruits such as peach, plum, nectarine, Prunus mume, cherry fruit, apricot, prune, etc., citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, rime, grapefruit, etc., nuts such as chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almond, pistachio, cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, etc. berries such as blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, etc., grape, kaki fruit, olive, plum, banana, coffee, date palm, coconuts, etc. , trees other than fruit trees; tea, mulberry, flowering plant, trees such as ash, birch, dogwood, Eucalyptus, Ginkgo biloba, lilac, maple, Quercus, poplar, Judas tree, Liquidambar formosana, plane tree, zelkova, Japanese arborvitae, fir wood, hemlock, juniper, Pinus, Picea, and Taxus cuspidate, etc.

In an embodiment, the herbicidal compositions are applied at pre-emergence stage of the weeds.

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a composition for controlling weeds comprising pyroxasulfone and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved, and other advantageous results attained. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in full, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments may be combined together for better understanding of the disclosure, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In another embodiment, alternative or multiple embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each embodiment can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other embodiments of the disclosure. One or more embodiments of the disclosure can be included in, or deleted from, the disclosure for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.

It will be understood that the specification and examples are illustrative but not limitative of the present disclosure and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments can be practiced that are also within the scope of the present invention. The following examples illustrate the invention, but by no means intend to limit the scope of the claims.

EXAMPLES:
The disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the following examples.

Example 1: Pyroxasulfone water dispersible granule (WDG) composition (Formulation 1)
Table 1: Formulation 1
Sr. No. Ingredients Concentration (% w/w)
1 Pyroxasulfone 85
2 Docusate sodium 4
3 Modified styrene acrylic polymer 2
4 Anionic/lignosulfonate blend 2
5 Polydimethylsiloxane emulsion 0.2
6 Sodium lignosulfonate Q.S.
7 Total 100

Process:
Pyroxasulfone, anionic/lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, docusate sodium were blended together for about 30 minutes to form a mixture. The mixture was milled into a fine powder and the powder was blended for about 30 minutes to achieve homogenously milled powder. A dough was prepared using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion. The dough was extruded through a low compaction extruder to obtain wet extruded granules, which were dried at a suitable temperature to obtain the water dispersible granular composition.

Example 2: Stability studies
The water dispersible granule composition as disclosed in formulation 1 was evaluated for its stability. The stability of the said composition was determined under accelerated heat stability (AHS) conditions for about 14 days at about 54°C. The stability was also evaluated at 20 months real time shelf-life study. This has been disclosed in Table 2.
Table 2: Stability Study
Sr. No. Test parameters Test procedure Specification Results
Ambient AHS (14 days) Real time (20 months)
1 Description Visual Beige to brown granules free from visible extraneous matter and hard lumps. Beige granules free from visible extraneous matter and hard lumps.
2 Active Ingredient - Pyroxasulfone (825 - 875 g/kg) or (82.5 – 87.5 % w/w) 85.99 85.32 85.14
3 pH (1% aqueous dispersion) CIPAC MT 75.3 7.0 to 9.0 7.80 7.95 7.92
4 Suspensibility CIPAC MT 184 Minimum 70% active should be in suspension after 30 minutes, in water D at 30 ± 2°C 91.60 88.05 85.42
5 Wet Sieve Test CIPAC MT 185 Maximum 0.5 % of formulation may be retained on 75 µm sieve 0.20 0.20 0.22
6 Wettability CIPAC MT 53.3 Formulation wetting in 60 seconds without swirling 5 sec 5 sec 7 sec

There was no significant change either in the physical or chemical property of the composition, i.e., packaging inspection, appearance (colour, physical state, and odour), pH, active ingredient content, wet sieve test, suspensibility, wettability, dispersibility, particle size distribution, and persistent foaming after accelerated storage for a period of 14 days at 54±2°C. Pyroxasulfone 850 g/kg WG (Equivalent to Pyroxasulfone 85% w/w WG) was “stable, under the condition of the accelerated storage,” when stored at a temperature of 54±2°C for a period of 14 days.

Example 3: Optimization of Docusate Sodium in the WDG Composition
The compositions of formulation 2, 3 and 4 were evaluated with different amounts of docusate sodium to determine the suspensibility at ambient and AHS conditions (about 54±2°C) and have been disclosed in Table 3.

Table 3: Optimization of amount of Docusate sodium
Sr. No. Ingredients Amount (% w/w)
Formulation 2 Formulation 3 Formulation 4
1 Pyroxasulfone 87.70 87.70 87.70
2 Docusate sodium 3.00 4.00 5.00
3 Modified styrene acrylic polymer 2.00 2.00 2.00
4 Polydimethylsiloxane emulsion 0.20 0.20 0.20
5 Anionic/lignosulfonate blend 3.00 3.00 3.00
6 Sodium lignosulfonate 4.10 3.10 2.10
Total 100 100 100
Suspensibility (%)
Ambient 78.58 56.89 73.91
AHS (14 days) 68.28 52.04 62.99

From the results of Table 3, it was observed that formulation 2 had docusate sodium in an amount of about 3% w/w and exhibited 78.58% suspensibility at ambient conditions and 68.28% suspensibility at AHS conditions.

Example 4: Anionic Surfactant Screening
The compositions of formulations 5 and 6 were evaluated with presence and absence of anionic surfactant, to determine the suspensibility at ambient and AHS conditions (about 54±2°C) and has been disclosed in Table 4.

Table 4: Anionic Surfactant Screening
Sr. No. Ingredients Amount (% w/w)
Formulation 5 Formulation 6
1 Pyroxasulfone 86.80 86.80
2 Docusate sodium 4.00 4.00
3 Modified styrene acrylic polymer 2.00 2.00
4 Polydimethylsiloxane emulsion 0.20 0.20
5 Anionic/lignosulfonate blend 0.00 2.00
6 Sodium lignosulfonate 7.00 5.00
Total 100 100
Suspensibility (%)
Ambient 61.2 83.15
AHS (14 days) 69.42 85.04

From the results of Table 4, it was observed that formulation 6 comprising anionic/lignosulfonate blend exhibited more than 80% suspensibility at ambient and AHS conditions.

Example 5: Screening of different surfactant systems
The compositions of formulations 7 and 8 were evaluated with different surfactant systems, to determine the suspensibility at ambient and AHS conditions (about 54±2°C) and has been disclosed in Table 5.

Table 5: Screening of different Surfactant Systems
Sr. No. Formulation 7 Formulation 8
Ingredients Amount (% w/w) Ingredients Amount (% w/w)
1 Pyroxasulfone 86.80 Pyroxasulfone 86.80
2 Sodium lignosulfonate 6.00 Sodium lignosulfonate 7.00
3 Anionic emulsifier 2.70 Anionic/lignosulfonate blend 2.00
4 Kaolin clay 4.50 Docusate sodium 4.00
5 - - Polydimethylsiloxane emulsion 0.20
6 Total 100.00 Total 100.00
Suspensibility (%)
Ambient 19.52 Ambient 88.31
AHS (14 days) - AHS (14 days) 76.8

From the results of Table 5, it was observed that formulation 8 exhibited more than 75% suspensibility at ambient and AHS conditions.
,CLAIMS:
1. A herbicidal composition comprising:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the isoxazoline herbicide is selected from pyroxasulfone, fenoxasulfone, or combinations thereof.

3. The composition as claimed 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising lignosulfonate blend, anionic/lignosulfonate blend, sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, aluminium lignosulfonate, modified kraft lignosulfonates, sodium naphathalene formaldehyde condensates, sodium salt of phenol formaldehyde condensates, sodium polycarboxaltes, or combinations thereof.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymer is a modified styrene acrylic polymer.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant and the polymer are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising filler(s), surfactant(s), pH-regulating agent(s), preservative(s), antifoaming agent(s), colorant(s), binder(s), solvent(s), other formulation aids, or combinations thereof.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w isoxazoline herbicide of total weight of the composition.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w anionic surfactant and from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w polymer of total weight of the composition.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w agrochemically acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in a form of water-dispersible granules.

11. A water-dispersible granular composition comprising:
(a) pyroxasulfone;
(b) anionic/lignosulfonate blend;
(c) modified styrene acrylic polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 11, wherein the anionic/lignosulfonate blend and the modified styrene acrylic polymer are present in a weight ratio of about 1:1.

13. A process for preparing a herbicidal composition, the process comprising:
(a) blending an isoxazoline herbicide, an anionic surfactant, a polymer and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to form a mixture;
(b) milling the mixture of step (a) to a fine powder;
(c) mixing the powder in another blender to achieve homogenously milled powder;
(d) preparing a dough using the milled powder and a mixture of water and an aqueous polydimethylsiloxane emulsion; and
(e) extruding the dough through a low compaction extruder to obtain wet extruded granules and drying them at a suitable temperature to obtain the herbicidal composition.

14. Use of a herbicidal composition for controlling weeds, the composition comprising:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

15. A method for controlling weeds by applying an effective amount of a herbicidal composition to a plant or a locus thereof, the composition comprising:
(a) an isoxazoline herbicide;
(b) an anionic surfactant;
(c) a polymer; and
(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.