FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition and more particularly to a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising Boscalid and Azoxystrobin and a process of preparing the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fungicides are compounds, of natural or synthetic origin, which act to protect plants against damage caused by fungi. Current methods of agriculture rely heavily on the use of fungicides. In fact, some crops cannot be grown usefully without the use of fungicides. Using fungicides allows a grower to increase the yield and the quality of the crop, and consequently, increase the value of the crop. In most situations, the increase in value of the crop is worth at least three times the cost of the use of the fungicide.
One such fungicide which finds widespread use in agriculture is Boscalid. Disclosed in European Patent EP545099, it is also known by the name 2-chloro-N-(4'-chlorobiphenyl-2-yl) nicotinamide. Boscalid is represented by the following structural formula.

Its fungicidal activity is described in The Pesticide Manual, Seventeenth Edition, 2015. Boscalid provides control of powdery mildews, Alternaria, Botrytis, Sclerotinia, Mycoshpaerella and Monilinia on fruit, turf, cereals, rape, peanuts and potatoes. The standard composition of Boscalid available in the art is 500 g/L suspension concentrate (SC) and 70% water dispersible granules (WDG). However, there are disadvantages associated with the use of Boscalid regarding the activity spectrum. In order to overcome the drawback pertaining to the activity spectrum, US Patent US7923452 discloses combination of Boscalid with Pyrimethanil.
Azoxystrobin is the common name for methyl (2E)-2-{2-[6-(2-cyanophenoxy) pyrimidin-4-yloxy] phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate. Azoxystrobin is known from European Patent EP382375 B1 and has molecular formula C22H17N3O5 and belongs to strobilurin group of fungicides. Azoxystrobin can be described by the following structural formula.

Its fungicidal activity is described in The Pesticide Manual, Seventeenth Edition, 2015. Azoxystrobin controls a variety of pathogens at application rates between 100 and 375 grams/hectare (g/ha). The standard composition of Azoxystrobin available in the art is 23% SC.
However, no one fungicide is useful in all situations and repeated usage of a single fungicide frequently leads to the development of resistance to that and related fungicides. Consequently, research is being conducted to produce fungicides and combinations of fungicides that are safer, that have better performance, that require lower dosages, that are easier to use, and that cost less.
The use of fungicide combinations is a widespread and documented practice in the agricultural community. Fungicidal combinations offer significant advantages over individual applications including improved and extended fungal control, reduced fungicide application rates and costs, shorter contact times for improved results, less stringent use restrictions, improved selectivity, improved spectrum of fungi controlled, reduced cost and reduced residue problems. Hitherto, there have been no studies to determine the most-efficacious and synergistic ratios of Boscalid with Azoxystrobin, at which ratio these fungicides synergistically complement each other's fungicidal properties not seen at other ratios.
Thus there exists a need in the art for a composition comprising Boscalid with Azoxystrobin at a ratio which shows superior and effective control on fungal infections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition (i.e. combination) comprising (a) Boscalid; and (b) Azoxystrobin.
It is an object of this invention to provide synergistic compositions comprising said fungicidal compounds. It is a further object of this invention to provide processes that use these synergistic compositions. The synergistic compositions are capable of preventing or curing, or both, disease caused by fungi. In addition, the synergistic compositions have improved efficacy against the wide range of diseases along with reduced crop protection cost and reduced environmental load.
Surprisingly, the inventors of the present disclosure have found that the fungicidal activity of Boscalid can be significantly enhanced when combined with Azoxystrobin.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a fungicidal composition comprising a combination of Boscalid with Azoxystrobin useful in combating fungal infections and increasing the plant yield and vigour.
In accordance with an embodiment, the fungicidal composition comprises Boscalid with Azoxystrobin in a synergistic ratio for efficacious fungal control. In another embodiment, the composition may further comprise a fungicide selected from the group of azoles and dithiocarbamates.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a synergistic formulation containing the aforementioned synergistic composition and at least one excipient or additive.
In accordance with an embodiment, the synergistic fungicidal composition comprises (a) Boscalid in an amount in the range from 1 to 40% and (b) Azoxystrobin in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 35%, and the ratio of Boscalid to Azoxystrobin is preferably 25:20.
In accordance with an embodiment, the synergistic fungicidal composition of the present invention may be in the form of a suspension concentrate (SC), soluble liquid (SL), water dispersible granules (WDG), emulsion concentrate (EC), Microemulsion (ME) or suspoemulsion (SE).
In accordance with an embodiment, the synergistic fungicidal composition comprises additives selected from the group consisting of further actives, solvent/co-solvent, emulsifier, anti-freezing agent, dispersing cum wetting agent, defoamer, biocide, thickener, water and combinations thereof.
In accordance with an embodiment, the synergistic fungicidal composition also comprises active ingredients selected from the group of azoles or dithiocarbamate fungicides.
In accordance with an embodiment, the synergistic fungicidal composition comprises an azole fungicide selected from difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, hexaconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, penconazole, tebuconazole.
In accordance with an embodiment, the synergistic fungicidal composition comprises a dithiocarbamate fungicide selected from mancozeb, maneb, zineb, propineb, metiram.
In accordance with an embodiment, the solvent/co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of C9 aromatic solvents, cyclohexanone, n-methyl pyrrolidone, butanol and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 1-10%, preferably 3%.
In accordance with an embodiment, the emulsifier consists of a blend of anionic and nonionic surfactants, and present in an amount in the range from 1-5%, preferably 3%.
In accordance with an embodiment, the anti-freezing agent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, di-ethylene glycol (DEG), mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 1-8%, preferably 5%.
In accordance with an embodiment, the dispersing cum wetting agent is selected from the group consisting of mixture of non-ionic surfactants and amine salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated, acrylic copolymer, ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate ester and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 2.00 to 10.00%, preferably 6%.
In accordance with an embodiment, the defoamer or anti-foaming agent is dimethyl polysiloxane emulsion and present in an amount in the range from 0.01 to 0.50%, preferably 0.20%.
In accordance with an embodiment, the biocide is selected from Proxel GXL or formaldehyde and present in an amount in the range from 0.01 to 0.50%, preferably 0.20%.
In accordance with an embodiment, the thickener in the synergistic fungicidal composition is Xanthan gum and present in an amount in the range from 0.10 to 0.50%, preferably 0.30%.
In accordance with an embodiment, the synergistic fungicidal composition of the present invention is non-phytotoxic and relatively safer to human beings, animals and abiotic factors.
In accordance with yet another aspect, there is provided a process for preparing a synergistic fungicidal formulation comprising Boscalid and Azoxystrobin.
The synergistic fungicidal combination of the present invention is found to be non-phytotoxic and useful in protecting a wide range of crops like fruits, vegetables, cereals, flowers etc. and against major diseases. They are particularly important for controlling a multitude of fungi on various cultivated plants, such as bananas, cotton, vegetable species (for example cucumbers, beans, tomatoes and cucurbits), barley, coffee, potatoes, corn, fruit species, rice, soybeans, grapevines, wheat, sugar cane and also on a large number of seeds.
They are especially suitable for controlling the Alternaria spp., Aphanomyces spp., Blumeria graminis (powdery mildew), Botrytis cinerea (grey mould), Cercospora spp., Cochliobolus spp., Fusarium and Verticillium spp., Mycosphaerella spp., Phytophthora infestans, Plasmopara viticola, Podosphaera leucotricha, Puccinia spp., Pyricularia oryzae, Corticium sasakii Sarocladium oryzae, S. attenuatum, Entyloma oryzae, Rhizoctonia spp., Erysiphe (syn. Uncinula) necator, Venturia spp. (scab) and more crop diseases.
The composition achieves improved biological activity by enhancing overall control of fungus over a shorter period of time. Additional benefits of using the fungicidal combination of the present investigation includes reduced risk of occupational hazard, lower cost of application, better cost:benefit ratio to the end user, reduced fuel and labour cost, saving in applicator’s time and reduced wear of equipment and loss caused by mechanical damage to the crop and soil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1: Preparation of Boscalid emulsion (EW) formulation.
Figure 2: Preparation of the synergistic fungicidal composition comprising Azoxystrobin and Boscalid in the form of a Suspoemulsion formulation (SE).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Discussed below are some representative embodiments of the present invention. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative methods. The illustrative examples are described in this section in connection with the embodiments and methods provided. The invention according to its various aspects is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the appended claims read in view of this specification and appropriate equivalents.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The expression of various quantities in terms of “% w/w” or “%” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.
The term "agrochemically effective amount" is that quantity of active agent, applied in any amount which will provide the required control of fungal pathogens and diseases. The particular amount is dependent upon many factors including, for example, the crop, type of fungus and disease sought to be controlled and environmental conditions. The selection of the proper quantity of active agent to be applied, however, is within the expertise of one skilled in the art. Further, the term “active ingredient” (A.I.) or “active agent” used herein refers to that component of the composition responsible for control of fungus or fungal disease. The term “excipient” or “additive” mean essentially the same thing and can be used interchangeably.
The present invention relates to fungicidal mixtures comprising Boscalid and Azoxystrobin in a synergistically effective amount.
The phenomena exhibited by a mixture of two or more agents to mutually affect each other and display an activity that is greater than the sum of their individual activities is designated as synergism.
Moreover, the invention relates to a method for controlling harmful fungi using mixtures of Boscalid and Azoxystrobin, to the use of Boscalid and Azoxystrobin for preparing such mixtures, to fungicidal compositions comprising these mixtures and also to seed comprising these mixtures.
The synergistic fungicidal composition, comprises (a) Boscalid in an amount in the range from 1.0 to 40% and (b) Azoxystrobin in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 35%, and the ratio between Boscalid and Azoxystrobin is preferably 25:20.
The mixtures according to the invention or Boscalid and Azoxystrobin can be converted into the customary formulations, for example solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dusts, powders, pastes and granules. The use form depends on the particular intended purpose; in each case, it should ensure a fine and even distribution of the compound according to the invention.
The present invention relates to a novel agrochemical formulation comprising at least two active ingredients and the use thereof. The composition may further comprise other active ingredients selected from the group consisting of Fungicides, Insecticides, Herbicides, Plant Growth Regulators. In preferred embodiment the further active is a fungicide, wherein the fungicide is selected from the group of azoles and dithiocarbamates.
Non limiting examples of azole fungicides that may be added to the composition of present invention include difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, hexaconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, penconazole, tebuconazole. Non limiting examples of dithiocarbamate fungicides that may be added to the composition of present invention include mancozeb, maneb, zineb, propineb, metiram.
The synergistic fungicidal composition, further comprises additives selected from the group consisting of solvents/co-solvents, emulsifiers, anti-freezing agent, dispersing cum wetting agent, defoamer, biocide, thickener, water and combinations thereof, and the composition is in the form of a Suspoemulsion (SE).
Suspoemulsion (SE) formulations are used to combine two active ingredients into one formulation. They are a combination of suspension concentrate (SC) and concentrated aqueous emulsion (EW) technologies. The advantages are that it is possible to formulate multiple active ingredients together, broadening the spectrum of activity and eliminating the disadvantage of tank-mix incompatibility.
The development of Suspoemulsion needs careful consideration at the formulation stage as the correct balance of dispersing and emulsifying agents need to be added to the suspension concentrate and the oil-in-water emulsion to ensure stability and avoid problems such as heteroflocculation.
Surfactants (emulsifier, dispersing and wetting agents) are the basic components in water based suspoemulsion, they play several roles in the development, the properties and the long term stability of these formulations.
Emulsifiers, dispersing and wetting agents provide wetting and dispersion of the solid particles of the active ingredient into the water continuous phase by reduction of the Oil/Water interfacial tension; steric and/or electrostatic stabilization of the micronized droplets to avoid flocculation, aggregation or coalescence; wet milling aid; long term stabilization of micronized particles; and improvement of the compatibility of the suspension with the emulsion at a concentrated or diluted state.
Surfactants also serve to avoid flocculation or aggregation between solid dispersed particles and liquid active droplets. They can have the double role of dispersing agent and emulsifier.
SELECTION OF COMPONENTS
Suitable for use as surfactants/emulsifying agents are alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of lignosulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid, phenolsulfonic acid, dibutylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, alkylarylsulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkylsulfonates, fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty acids and sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, furthermore condensates of sulfonated naphthalene and naphthalene derivatives with formaldehyde, condensates of naphthalene or of naphthalenesulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde, polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether, ethoxylated isooctylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol, alkylphenyl polyglycol ethers, tributylphenyl polyglycol ether, tristearylphenyl polyglycol ether, alkylaryl polyether alcohols, alcohol and fatty alcohol ethylene oxide condensates, ethoxylated castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene, lauryl alcohol polyglycol ether acetal, sorbitol esters, lignosulfite waste liquors and methylcellulose.
Solvents often used include aromatic hydrocarbons, paraffinic hydrocarbons, cyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexanone and isophorone and ester solvents. Other components of the solvent, also referred to as co-solvent like dimethylsulfoxide, short chain alcohols such as 2-ethylhexanol and n-butanol, n- alkylpyrrolidones are often used. The solvent/co-solvent is present in an amount in the range from 1-10%, preferably 3%.
An anti-freezing agent is generally added to fungicidal compositions, to prevent the aqueous compositions from freezing. Suitable anti-freezing agents useful herein, but not limited to, include propylene glycol, Diethylene glycol (DEG), Monoethylene glycol (MEG) and combinations thereof. The anti-freezing agent is present in an amount in the range from 1-8%, preferably 5%.
A dispersing cum wetting agent is another important component of a suspoemulsion as it facilitates the formation of a suspension of a water insoluble substrate in water. Non-limiting examples of dispersing cum wetting agents that can be used in the present invention include non-ionic surfactants and amine salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated, acrylic copolymer, ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate ester, each of which can be used individually or in combination, in an amount in the range from 2-10%, preferably 6%.
A defoamer, also called as anti-foaming agent, is generally added to a fungicidal composition as foam formation prevents the efficient filling of a container. Preferably, the defoamer is dimethyl polysiloxane emulsion and is present in an amount in the range from 0.01-0.50% and more preferably in an amount of 0.20%.
The synergistic fungicidal composition may contain a biocide selected from the group consisting of Proxel GXL, formaldehyde and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 0.01-0.50%, preferably 0.20%. Proxel GXL is a broad spectrum biocide for the preservation of industrial water-based products, such as the composition of the present invention, against spoilage from bacteria, yeasts and fungi.
It is necessary to add a thickener to a fungicidal composition to reduce the tendency of the fungicidal composition to disperse when sprayed, and decrease the likelihood of it being rinsed off the crops. Preferably, the synergistic fungicidal composition comprises xanthan gum as thickener in an amount in the range from 0.10-0.50%, preferably 0.30%.
The formulations described in the present invention have higher or no flash point; have reduced skin penetration and hence relatively safer for farmers as compared to other conventional formulations available in the market. Also the inventive formulations have reduced solvent concentration making them environmentally safer.
Also as compared to marketed formulations of individual actives, the dose in the inventive formulations is reduced and compositions described in the present invention are comparatively safer to human beings, animals and abiotic factors.
It has been surprisingly found that the synergistic fungicidal composition of present invention provides a wide spectrum control of fungal pests and diseases and achieving effective and economical control of undesired fungal pests and diseases.
The embodiments of the present invention are more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrations only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis and all reagents used in the examples were obtained or are available from the chemical suppliers.
EXAMPLE
The unit of each value below is “% w/w” i. e. the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified. The compositions illustrated in Table 1 are formulated as a Suspoemulsion (SE).
Table 1: Synergistic fungicidal compositions
Sr. No. Component Function Quantity
1 Boscalid Technical (Basis of 100.0%) A.I. 1 - 40%
2 Azoxystrobin Technical (Basis of 100.0%) A.I. 0.1 - 35%
3 CIX/Cyclohexanone/NMP/Butanol Solvents/ Co-solvent 1-10%
4 Blend of Anionic & Non-ionic emulsifying agents Emulsifier 1-5%
5 Propylene glycol/DEG/MEG Anti-freeze Agent 1-8%
6 Mixture of non-ionic surfactants & Amine salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated /Acrylic Copolymer/ ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate ester Dispersing cum Wetting Agent 2-10%
7 Dimethyl Polysiloxane emulsion Defoamer 0.01-0.5%
8 Proxel GXL/ Formaldehyde Biocide 0.01-0.5%
9 Xanthan Gum Thickener 0.1-0.5%
10 D.M. Water Q.S. to make 100%
A.I. = Active Ingredient
Q.S. = Quantity Sufficient
The aforementioned fungicidal compositions can be formulated as a suspoemulsion (SE) by the process described below.
Process for preparing synergistic fungicidal composition in the form of suspoemulsion (SE):
The novel fungicidal compositions are prepared by the process described hereinafter. The process for manufacture of 100 kg batch size of fungicidal composition comprising Boscalid and Azoxystrobin is provided. The amounts of active ingredients presented may be greater than the values calculated taking into account the percentage purity of the active ingredients, to compensate for losses of said ingredients during the manufacturing process. It was observed that following said procedure on industrial scale the final yield of A.I. will be similar or same as to standardized values.
Boscalid Technical mixed with solvent and emulsifier and water added and mixed homogeneously by high shear mixer to prepare an emulsion (Figure 1). The dispersing cum wetting agent were first diluted in D.M. Water, and solubilized by high shear mixing then added Anti-freeze Agent, Azoxystrobin technical, defoamer and mixed to make homogeneous mass (Figure 2). The above mixed mass was ground in Bead Mill. Grinding carried out until a mean particle size of 3-5(D-90) microns was obtained. After the grinding, 2% water solution of xanthan gum added under stirring. After homogeneous mixing, the batch was checked for quality parameters for conformity to laid down specifications and the material packed as per requirement after quality approval.
Bio-efficacy of synergistic fungicidal composition against fungi in grapes
Field tests of the compositions according to the present invention were conducted at various controlled trial sites in Eastern and South India. The performance of the fungicidal composition prepared as described in above example was compared against the known compositions of Azoxystrobin 23% SC, Difenoconazole 25% EC and Propineb 70% WP, which were evaluated against disease spectrum in grapes crop and also the vigour/yield of the crop was tested. The required amount of fungicides were weighed and diluted with water to get the stated concentration of the active compound and application was made using power operated knapsack type sprayer fitted pressure regulator and a vertical bar with two hollow cone nozzle using a spray fluid of 500 L/ha. Experimental design was in randomized blocks with five replication and each plot was measured an area of 100 sq. mts (15 vines each plot). The intensity for disease severity was analysed at 3, 7 and 14 days. Percent disease index (PDI) was calculated by using formula adopted by Horsfall and Heuberger, 1942 as follows
PDI = Sum of all disease Ratings____________________ x 100
Total no. of leaves/fruits assessed x Maximum Disease rating

The per cent disease control (PDC) was calculated by the following formula
PDC = PDI in control – PDI in treatment______ x 100
PDI in Control
Table 2: Treatment Details for evaluation of bio-efficacy of synergistic fungicidal composition against fungi on grapes crop
Treatments Dose Disease Intensity Yield
Powdery Mildew (PDI) Die Back (PDI) Fruit Rot (%)
10 Days after 1st Spray 10 days after 2nd spray 10 Days after 1st Spray 10 days after 2nd spray 1st Picking 2nd Picking
Azoxystrobin 10% and Boscalid 25% SE 625 mL 11.33
(19.67)* 12.67
(20.85)* 11.10
(19.46)* 12.58
(20.77)* 8.00
(16.43)* 10.33
(18.75)* 8.02
Azoxystrobin 15% and Boscalid 25% SE 625 mL 8.67
(17.12)* 10.00
(18.43)* 8.88
(17.34)* 10.36
(18.78)* 5.00
(12.92)* 7.67
(16.08)* 9.17
Azoxystrobin 20% and Boscalid 25% SE 625 mL 5.33
( 13.35)* 5.67
(13.78)* 5.92
(14.08)* 6.67
(14.96)* 3.00
(9.97)* 4.33
(12.01)* 10.23
Azoxystrobin 25% and Boscalid 25% SE 625 mL 6.00
(14.18)* 7.33
(15.71)* 7.18
(15.54)* 8.67
(17.12)* 4.67
(12.48)* 7.00
(15.34)* 9.62
Azoxystrobin 30% and Boscalid 25% SE 625 mL 7.67
(16.08)* 8.67
(17.12)* 8.67
(17.12)* 10.33
(18.75)* 6.67
(14.97)* 9.00
(17.46)* 9.08
Azoxystrobin 23% SC 500 mL 14.67
(22.52)* 18.33
(25.35)* 9.62
(18.07)* 10.36
(18.78)* 12.67
(20.85)* 14.00
(21.97)* 7.79
Difenoconazole 25% EC 250 mL 18.67
(25.60)* 20.00
(26.57)* 10.36
(18.78)* 11.00
(19.37)* 16.33
(23.83)* 17.00
(24.35)* 7.63
Propineb 70% WP 2.5 Kg 22.67
(28.43)* 28.67
(32.37)* 14.80
(22.63)* 16.33
(23.83)* 15.67
(23.32)* 18.30
(25.33)* 5.28
Control -- 41.33
(40.01)* 46.00
(42.71)* 18.50
(25.47)* 19.98
(26.55)* 45.00
(42.13)* 46.67
(43.09)* 3.96
SE. m ± 0.62 1.66 0.22 0.27 0.63 0.92 0.39
CD at 5 % 1.65 5.39 0.70 0.86 1.89 2.77 1.16
CD 5% = Critical Difference SE. m ± = Standard error of mean
*Values in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
The composition of the present invention clearly exhibits a superior effect as compared to other known fungicidal products available in the market, with maximum yield observed in case of a SE composition comprising Boscalid 25% and Azoxystrobin 20%.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
1. A synergistic fungicidal composition, comprising (a) Boscalid, (b) Azoxystrobin, and (c) additives.
2. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein (a) Boscalid is present in an amount in the range from 1 to 40% and (b) Azoxystrobin is present in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 35%, and the ratio of Boscalid to Azoxystrobin is preferably 25:20.
3. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claims 1 to 2, wherein the composition is in the form of a suspension concentrate (SC), soluble liquid (SL), water dispersible granules (WDG), emulsion concentrate (EC), Microemulsion (ME) or suspoemulsion (SE).
4. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the additives are selected from the group consisting of further actives, solvent/co-solvent, emulsifier, anti-freezing agent, dispersing cum wetting agent, defoamer, biocide, thickener, water and combinations thereof.
5. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the further active ingredient is selected from the group of azoles or dithiocarbamate fungicides.
6. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the further active ingredient is an azole fungicide selected from difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, hexaconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, penconazole, tebuconazole.
7. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the further active ingredient is a dithiocarbamate fungicide selected from mancozeb, maneb, zineb, propineb, metiram.
8. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the solvent/co-solvent is selected from the group consisting of C9 aromatic solvents, cyclohexanone, n-methyl pyrrolidone, butanol and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 1-10%, preferably 3%.
9. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the emulsifier consists of a blend of anionic and nonionic surfactants, and present in an amount in the range from 1-5%, preferably 3%.
10. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the anti-freezing agent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, di-ethylene glycol (DEG), mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 1-8%, preferably 5%.
11. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the dispersing cum wetting agent is selected from the group consisting of mixture of non-ionic surfactants and amine salt of phosphate tristyryl phenol ethylated, acrylic copolymer, ethoxylated polyarylphenol phosphate ester and combinations thereof, and present in an amount in the range from 2.00 to 10.00%, preferably 6%.
12. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the defoamer or anti-foaming agent is dimethyl polysiloxane emulsion and present in an amount in the range from 0.01 to 0.50%, preferably 0.20%.
13. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the biocide is selected from Proxel GXL or formaldehyde and present in an amount in the range from 0.01 to 0.50%, preferably 0.20%.
14. The synergistic fungicidal composition, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the thickener is Xanthan gum and present in an amount in the range from 0.10 to 0.50%, preferably 0.30%.
15. The synergistic fungicidal composition as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 14, wherein said composition is non-phytotoxic and relatively safer to human beings, animals and abiotic factors.