, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a synergistic herbicidal formulation including a combination of quizalofop ethyl and oxyfluorfen. Specifically it pertains to a herbicidal composition for narrow and broad leaf weeds in onion, including a combination of an effective amount of quizalofop ethyl and an effective amount of oxyfluorfen with at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops in India for thousand of year. It is mainly used for cuisine and culinary purpose. They are best cultivated in fertile soils that are well-drained. Sandy loams are good as they are low in sulphur, while clayey soils usually have high sulphur content and produce pungent bulbs.
[0004] Due to their slow growth, small stature, shallow roots, and lack of dense foliage, onions cannot withstand the ill effects of weeds. Frequent irrigation further provides a congenial condition for weed growth. Weeds compete for nutrients, space, light and create a favorable environment for disease and insect development too. Hence, high reduction in bulb yield of onion was observed due to weeds’ infection. They also harbor certain diseases and pests that attack onion and lead to indirect losses.
[0005] Also the herbicide resistant weed species has become a serious problem in the field because of repeated use of either a single herbicide or combination of herbicides with similar modes of action. This can be managed by using a combination of herbicide with different groups and mode of actions having synergistic effect. Thus, there is a pressing need for the synthesis of herbicidal formulations that can effectively control the weeds in onion fields.
[0006] The dominant weed flora found in onion crop includes Chenopodium album, Melilotus albus, Eragrostis cillansis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Anagallis arvensis, Cyperus rotundus, Sperogul aarvensis etc.
[0007] Quizalofop-ethyl with CAS registration number 76578-14-8 has IUPAC name ethyl 2-[4-(6-chloro-2-quinoxalinyloxy)phenoxy]propionate. It acts as herbicide by inhibiting acetyl CoA carboxylase enzyme. This herbicide kills narrow leaf weeds by inhibiting above mentioned enzyme.
[0008] Oxyfluorfen with CAS registration number 42874-03-3 has IUPAC name 2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene. It acts as herbicide by inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). This herbicide kills broadleaf weeds and sedges by destroying cell membranes within leaves and shoots.
[0009] Panse et al (Journal of Crop and Weed, 2014, 10, 163-166) discloses a study in which the efficacy of different herbicides against weed flora in Onion crop was determined. It includes combined application of Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC and Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC at the time of transplanting and at 30 DAT against wide verities of weeds in onion crop. Though, Panse et al disclose advantages achievable upon combined spray of quizalofop and oxyfluorfen, the amount of both herbicides was much higher.
[0010] Kalhapure et al (Indian Journal of Weed Science, 2014, 46, 142-145) disclose the pre-plant application of pendimethalin 0.750 kg/ha followed by post-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 0.250 kg/ha mixed with quizalofop-ethyl 0.050 kg/ha resulting in effective control of various broad-leaf and grassy-weeds and recorded lower weed density, weed biomass, weed index and higher weed control efficiency. However, Kalhapure et al fail to disclose the specific formulation of quizalofop-ethyl and Oxyfluorfen and synergistic effects obtainable by such combination.
[0011] WO2000027203 discloses the proposed formulation which can be used as herbicidal composition comprising combination of Quizalofop and Oxyfluorfen which is suitable for selectively controlling weeds in various crops. Though, WO2000027203 discloses quizalofop as one of the co-herbicide, which can be combined with other herbicides, it fails to disclose the specific combination of quizalofop-ethyl and Oxyfluorfen and synergistic effects obtainable by such a combination.
[0012] US publication number 20060058192 discloses a synergistic herbicidal composition comprising a combination of active herbicidal ingredients which can selectively control weeds in crops of useful plants. US20060058192 discloses oxyfluorfen as one of the compound used in synergistic combination with pyribenzoxim, along with a herbicide antagonist compound. It fails to disclose, teach, motivate or suggest a person skilled in the art about synergistic effect obtainable by combination of Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen.
[0013] Conventionally, for the control of Narrow leaf weeds, Quizalofop ethyl @ 50 g a.i./ha or Propaquizafop @ 50 g a.i./ha and for the control of Broad leaf weeds, Oxyfluorfen @ 100 g a.i./ha are being used as tank mix. For the effective control of both (narrow & broad) types of weeds, two herbicides of different group and mode of actions are to be added in the tank. But the dose variation of any herbicide in tank may give phytotoxicity to crop, resulting to significant yield loss to farmers.
[0014] Several herbicidal compositions including a combination of quizalofop-ethyl and Oxyfluorfen are known in the art which can be used to fight with different variety of weeds infesting onion crops. However, such compositions suffer from the drawback that these compositions utilize very high concentration of Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen, resulting in phytotoxicity to the onion crop, decreasing the overall yield. See Panse et al., referred to hereinabove, that discloses utilization of a combination of Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC and Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC. Further, these herbicidal compositions not only increase the cost but also cause considerable economic loss due to their high cost per unit dose. This problem is not only faced in India but is also a matter of concern in many other parts of the world. This has led to constant efforts towards devising synergistic herbicidal compositions which are low cost, broad spectrum as well as environment friendly.
[0015] Several other approaches were also tried to lower the doses of quizalofop-ethyl and Oxyfluorfen without jeopardizing herbicidal efficacy of the composition. See Kalhapure et al., referred to hereinabove, that discloses the pre-plant application of pendimethalin 0.750 kg/ha followed by post-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 0.250 kg/ha mixed with quizalofop-ethyl 0.050 kg/ha. Apparently, it necessitated pre-plant application of a third herbicide to achieve desired efficacy.
[0016] There is therefore a need in the art to develop a new formulation which is free from the existing drawbacks of the formulations used as herbicide. Further agricultural field is in need of formulation having excellent herbicidal activity towards target weeds, low toxicity towards non-target plants, lower undesirable effect on the environment, having lower manufacturing and market costs as compared to existing marketed formulations, having herbicidal activity against broad-spectrum weeds.
[0017] Thus the present disclosure satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[0018] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0019] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0020] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0022] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation including a combination of Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen in specific weight percentages along with at least one agro chemically acceptable excipient.
[0024] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a process for the preparation of said herbicidal composition.
[0025] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal composition effective against a wide variety of weeds in onion fields.
[0026] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation capable of providing high yield of onion crops.
[0027] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation capable of exhibiting long lasting effect.
[0028] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation capable of exhibiting improved profitability for farmers.
[0029] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation having low toxicity towards non-target plants.
[0030] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation that is safe and cost-effective.
[0031] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation having lower manufacturing and market costs as compared to existing marketed formulations.
[0032] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation which obviates the disadvantages associated with known art.
[0033] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a synergistic herbicidal formulation which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0034] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a process that is technically and commercially feasible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present disclosure provides a synergistic herbicidal formulation including a combination of:
(a) Quizalofop ethyl in an amount 4 % by weight of the formulation;
(b) Oxyfluorfen in an amount 6 % by weight of the formulation; and
(c) at least one agro chemically acceptable excipient.
[0036] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the formulation can be in the form of water dispersible granules (WG), suspension concentrates (SC), wettable powders (WP), elmusifiable concentrates (EC), granules, gel, suspo emulsions (SE), mixed formulation of capsule suspension and suspension concentrates (ZC) and the like and preferably, elmusifiable concentrates (EC), suspo emulsions (SE) and mixed formulation of capsule suspension and suspension concentrates (ZC).
[0037] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the mode of application of herbicidal composition can be applied by using at least one technique selected from the group consisting of spraying, rubbing, dusting, pouring, mist blowing, soil mixing, dipping, drip irrigation and other irrigations.
[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the formulation comprising Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen in specific weight percentages exhibits an excellent herbicidal activity against narrow and broad leaf weeds.
[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the formulation comprising Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen in specific weight percentages exhibits an excellent herbicidal activity against narrow and broad leaf weeds in onion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more comprehensively with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[0041] The present disclosure provides a synergistic herbicidal formulation including a combination of:
(a) Quizalofop ethyl in an appropriate amount by weight of the formulation;
(b) Oxyfluorfen in an appropriate amount by weight of the formulation; and
(c) at least one agro chemically acceptable excipient.
[0042] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions may be included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.
[0043] As used herein, the term “plant” refers to any plant or part thereof including aerial and subterranean parts of the plant. It is contemplated that the parts of the plant may be, for example, flowers, fruits or vegetables, shoots, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruiting bodies, seeds, also roots, and that the parts of the plant may or may not be attached to the remainder of the plant
[0044] As used herein, the term “weed” refers to unwanted plant harmful to plant.
[0045] As used herein, the term “herbicide” refers to as employed in the specification and claims of the application is confined to the means, which adversely affects the existence, growth of the target weed.
[0046] As used herein, the term “effective amount” is that quantity of active agent, applied in an amount which will provide the required control of weed on commercial crops. The particular amount is dependent upon many factors including, for example, type of formulations, the crop, weed sought to be controlled and environmental conditions.
[0047] As used herein, the term “control” as employed in the specification and claims of the application is to be construed as meaning herbicidal or protecting plants from weed.
[0048] As used herein, the term “WP” refers to a wettable powder, which can be a powder formulation to be applied as a suspension after dispersion in water.
[0049] As used herein, the term “SE” refers to Suspo emulsion, which is a fluid heterogeneous formulation consisting of active ingredients in the form of solid particles and fine globules in continuous water phase.
[0050] As used herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules which can be defined herein as herbicide formulation consisting of granules to be applied after disintegration and dispersion in demineralized water.
[0051] As used herein, “SC” refers to suspension concentrates which is defined herein as a stable suspension of solid herbicides in a fluid usually intended for dilution with water before use.
[0052] As used herein, “WP” refers to a wettable powder, which can be a powder formulation to be applied as a suspension after dispersion in water.
[0053] As used herein, “EC” refers to an emulsifiable concentrate, which can be a liquid homogenous formulation to be applied as an emulsion after dilution in water.
[0054] As used herein, “SE” refers to suspo-emulsion which is a formulation containing both solid and liquid active ingredients dispersed in an aqueous phase.
[0055] As used herein, “ZC” refers to a stable mixed formulation of capsule suspension and suspension concentrates, in fluid, normally intended for dilution with water before use.
[0056] As used herein, the term “agrochemical excipient” refers to an ingredient, additive, component or supplement, liquid or solid, suitable for incorporation in agricultural compositions.
[0057] As used in the description herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0058] As used herein, the term “combination” refers to materials added together with or without substantial mixing towards achieving homogeneity.
[0059] As used herein, the term “mix” refers to adding materials together and achieving homogeneity, and the term “mixture” refers to mixed materials achieving homogeneity.
[0060] As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, and “including” are meant to be non- limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end of result can be added. The above terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.
[0061] The terms “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used here, “percent,” “%,” and the like are intended to be synonymous with “weight percent,” “wt-%,” etc.
[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the formulation includes an appropriate amount of Quizalofop ethyl by weight of the composition.
[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the formulation further includes an appropriate amount of Oxyfluorfen by weight of the composition.
[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the formulation is capable of exhibiting synergistic herbicidal activity at much lesser amounts of Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen as compared to the amounts when used alone.
[0065] Surprisingly, it has been found that the herbicidal formulation of the present disclosure exhibits superior weed control activity at much lower levels of the combined specific concentrations of the active agents employed than that may be achieved when the active ingredients are applied alone. Further, composition(s) of the present disclosure are found to be highly efficacious and without occurrence of phytotoxicity as compared to known herbicidal comppsitions.
[0066] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a synergistic herbicidal formulation including a combination of:
(a) Quizalofop ethyl in an amount 4 % by weight of the formulation;
(b) Oxyfluorfen in an amount 6 % by weight of the formulation; and
(c) at least one agro chemically acceptable excipient.
[0067] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the formulation includes at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient selected from the group consisting of wetting agents, emulsifying agents, fillers, diluents, thickening agents, solvents, coating agents, dispersing agents, preservatives, antifoaming agent and stabilizers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the additional agrochemically acceptable excipients can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0068] In another embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient can be used in an appropriate range of the total weight of the present formulation.
[0069] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wetting agents can be selected from the group consisting of sulfosuccinates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulfated esters, phosphate esters, sulfated alcohol and alkyl benzene sulfonates and the like as known to a person skilled in the art.
[0070] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispersing agents can be selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylates, naphthalene sulfonate condensates, phenol sulfonic acid condensates, lignosulfonates, methyl oleyl taurates, polyvinyl alcohols and the like as known to a person skilled in the art.
[0071] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the emulsifiers can be of the anionic, cationic or non-ionic type. The emulsifiers can be selected from a group consisting of ethoxylated and ethopropoxylated alcohols and nonyl phenols, ethoxylated tristeryl phenol, sodium lauryl sulphate, ethoxylated tristeryl phenol phosphates, ethoxylated and ethopropoxylated castor oil, calcium alkyl benzene sulfonates, proprietary blended emulsifiers and the like as known to a person skilled in the art.
[0072] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fillers can be selected from a group consisting of diatomaceous earth, China clay, kaolin, bentonite, precipitated silica, attapulgite, perlite and/or the mixture thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any other filler can also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0073] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the diluents can be selected from the group consisting of tone calcite, mica, soap powder, dolomite and lactose and the like as known to a person skilled in the art.
[0074] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the anti-foaming agent can be selected from silicon emulsion based anti foam agents, trisiloxane ethoxylates, etc.
[0075] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickening agent can be selected from a group consisting of natural gums, resins, carboxy methyl cellulose and the like as known to a person skilled in the art.
[0076] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal formulation can be in the form of solid or liquid.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition can be formulated, but not limited to water dispersible granules (WG), suspension concentrates (SC), wettable powders (WP), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), granules, gel, suspo emulsions (SE), mixed formulation of capsule suspension and suspension concentrates (ZC) and the like thereof. In the most preferred embodiment, the composition can be formulated as emulsifiable concentrates (EC).
[0078] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the herbicidal formulation can be prepared by various processes depending upon the composition types as known to a person skilled in the art.
[0079] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the mode of application of synergistic herbicidal formulation can be by using at least one technique selected from the group consisting of spraying, rubbing, dusting, pouring, mist blowing, soil mixing, dipping, drip irrigation and other irrigations. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any other mode of application can also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0080] In another preferred embodiment of the disclosure the formulation can be used for controlling weeds which grow near to a particular plants, very especially in crop plants, in agricultural, in horticulture and in forests.
[0081] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the synergistic herbicidal formulation can be applied advantageously for narrow and broad leaf weed control in onion.
[0082] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of synergistic herbicidal formulation depends upon many factors including but not limited to type of formulations, the crop, weed sought to be controlled and environmental conditions.
[0083] While certain embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been described by way of illustration and not limitations.

EXAMPLES
Bio-efficacy of Quizalofop ethyl 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC against Narrow leaf weeds and Broad leaf weeds in Onion Crop
[0084] Investigations were undertaken to prepare different formulations, containing variable active ingredients of Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen along with different surfactants, emulsifiers etc. and these formulations were evaluated in the field to find out the efficacy against both types of weeds. Formulation, which was found most effective against both types of weed and shown synergistic action, was selected for further evaluation.
[0085] Finally, a pre-mix combination of Quizalofop ethyl 40 g a.i./ha + Oxyfluorfen 60 g a.i./ha was found highly effective against both types of weeds. Quizalofop ethyl 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC was further evaluated at the research farm and also at farmer’s fields and the details of the trials are as presented in Table 1 though 6 below. In the tables 1 through 6 presented hereinbelow, BT indicates Before Treatment, DAT indicates Days After Treatment, Figures in parenthesis ( ) are transformed values to vx+0.5 and Figures in parenthesis { } are percent control over untreated control.
Table 1 – Trial Parameters
Parameter Research Farm Farmer’s Fields (Maharashtra)
Number of Trials 01 03
Plot Size 15 sq. m/ treatment 53.33 sq. m/ treatment
Time of Application 15 days after transplanting 15, 17, 20 and 22 days after transplanting

Table 2 - Effect of different treatments on weed flora of Onion at 13 DAT at Research Station
S.N. Treatments Dose/ha Mean no. of weeds/0.25 Sq.m. at three places in each treatment
a.i. (g) Formulation (ml) Narrow Leaf Weeds Broad Leaf Weeds
BT 13 DAT BT 13 DAT
1. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 40 + 60 = 100 1000 18.33
(4.39) 0.00
(1.00)
{100%} 22.66
(4.86) 1.00
(1.38)
{94.82%}
2. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 45 + 67.5 =112.5 1125 17.66
(4.31) 0.00
(1.00)
{100%} 23.66
(4.96) 0.66
(1.27)
{96.53%}
3. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 50 + 75 = 125 1250 16.40
(4.17) 0.00
(0.94)
{100%} 19.66
(4.53) 1.33
(1.52)
{93.11%}
4. Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC 50 1000 18.33
(4.38) 5.00
(2.41)
{80.52%} 21.66
(4.75) 24.50
(5.04)
{-26.74%}
5. Oxyfluorfen 23.5 % EC 100 425 17.33
(4.27) 18.40
(4.39)
{28.32%} 19.33
(4.50) 5.30
(2.50)
{72.58%}
6. Control (Untreated) 17.00
(4.23) 25.67
(5.16) 21.33
(4.72) 19.33
(4.49)
SEm± (0.16) (0.15) (0.12) (0.13)
CD 5% N/S (0.48) (N/S) (0.42)

Table 3 - Effect of different treatments on weed flora of Onion at 13 DAT at Farmer’s Field
S.N. Treatments Dose/ha Mean no. of weeds/0.25 Sq.m. at three places in each treatment
a.i. (g) Formulation (ml) Narrow Leaf Weeds Broad Leaf Weeds
BT 13
DAT BT 13
DAT
1. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 40 + 60 = 100 1000 73.66
(8.63) 0.00
(0.80)
{100%} 4.33
(2.30) 1.10
(1.44)
{82.17%}
2. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 45 + 67.5 =112.5 1125 70.33
(8.44) 0.00
(1.00)
{100%} 5.66
(2.57) 0.00
(1.00)
{100%}
3. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 50 + 75 = 125 1250 65.33
(8.14) 0.00
(0.95)
{100%} 3.33
(2.06) 0.90
(1.37)
{100%}
4. Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC 50 1000 69.70
(8.40) 6.10
(2.66)
{90.30%} 4.66
(2.36) 6.40
(2.71)
{-3.72%}
5. Oxyfluorfen 23.5 % EC 100 425 68.80
(8.33) 61.50
(7.90)
{2.22%} 6.33
(2.68) 3.17
(2.03)
{48.62%}
6. Control (Untreated) 61.33
(7.89) 62.90
(7.99) 5.33
(2.46) 6.17
(2.66)
SEm± (0.20) (0.06) (1.99) (0.13)
CD 5% (N/S) (0.20) (N/S) (0.41)

Table 4 - Effect of different treatments on weed flora of Onion at 12 DAT at Farmer’s field
S.N. Treatments Dose/ha Mean no. of weeds/0.25 Sq.m. at three places in each treatment
a.i. (g) Formulation (ml) Narrow Leaf Weeds Broad Leaf Weeds
BT 12
DAT BT 12
DAT
1. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 40 + 60 = 100 1000 20.80
(4.66) 0.00
(1.00)
{100%} 35.33
(6.02) 3.00
(1.99)
{87.83%}
2. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 45 + 67.5 =112.5 1125 23.66
(4.95) 0.00
(0.75)
{100%} 37.66
(6.20) 2.10
(1.76)
{91.48%}
3. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 50 + 75 = 125 1250 20.66
(4.65) 0.00
(0.75)
{100%} 29.33
(5.50) 1.90
(1.70)
{92.29%}
4. Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC 50 1000 21.33
(4.72)
5.90
(2.62)
{77.59%} 33.66
(5.88) 27.33
(5.31)
{-10.82%}
5. Oxyfluorfen 23.5 % EC 100 425 20.20
(4.60) 18.66
(4.42)
{29.13%} 34.33
(5.92) 4.60
(2.36)
{81.34%}
6. Control (Untreated) 19.70
(4.54) 26.33
(5.22) 36.33
(6.10) 24.66
(5.06)
SEm± (0.12) (0.10) (0.16) (1.10)
CD 5% (N/S) (0.34) N/S (3.22)

Table 5 - Effect of different treatments on weed flora of Onion at 15 DAT at Farmer’s field
S.N. Treatments Dose/ha Mean no. of weeds/0.25 Sq.m. at three places in each treatment
a.i. (g) Formulation (ml) Narrow Leaf Weeds Broad Leaf Weeds
BT 12
DAT BT 12
DAT
1. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 40 + 60 = 100 1000 9.10
(3.17) 1.00
(1.41)
{92.24%} 7.00
(2.82) 0.80
(1.34)
{91.83%}
2. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 45 + 67.5 =112.5 1125 12.00
(3.59) 0.00
(1.00)
{100%} 8.90
(3.13) 0.00
(1.00)
(100%)
3. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 50 + 75 = 125 1250 11.90
(3.58) 0.00
(0.83)
{100%} 10.10
(3.32) 0.00
(0.90)
{100%}
4. Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC 50 1000 9.10
(3.17) 2.50
(1.87)
{80.62%} 8.20
(3.03) 10.70
(3.41)
{-9.18%}
5. Oxyfluorfen 23.5 % EC 100 425 10.20
(3.34) 12.10
(3.61)
{6.20%} 9.90
(3.30) 2.90
(1.97)
{70.40%}
6. Control (Untreated) 10.80
(3.43) 12.90
(3.72) 8.80
(3.13) 9.80
(3.28)
SEm± (0.10) (0.04) (0.08) (0.04)
CD 5% N/S (0.14) N/S (0.13)

Table 6 - Mean percent weed control of Narrow and broad leaf weeds in different treatments
S.N. Treatments Dose/ha % control of weeds
a.i. (g) Formulation (ml) Narrow leaf Broad leaf
1. Quizalofop ethyl 5 % EC 50 1000 77.59% to 90.30%
(82.25%) No control
2. Oxyfluorfen 23.5 % EC 100 425 2.00% to 29.13%
(16.46%) 48.62% to 81.34%
(68.23%)
3. Quizalofop 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC 40 + 60 1000 92.24% to 100%
(98.06%) 82.17% to 94.82%
(89.16%)

[0086] Following important observations were made based on the data presented in table 1 to 6 – (A) Quizalofop ethyl 40 g a.i./ha + Oxyfluorfen 60 g a.i./ha at 1000 ml/ha recorded 100% control of Narrow leaf weeds and 94.82% control of Broad leaf weeds at research farm. (B) At farmer’s fields in Maharashtra, Quizalofop ethyl 40 g a.i./ha + Oxyfluorfen 60 g a.i./ha at 1000 ml/ha recorded 100% control of Narrow leaf weeds in trial no. 2 & 3 and 92.24% control in trial no. 4. (C) This combination also recorded 82.17% control of Broad leaf weeds in trial no. 1, 87.83% control in trial no. 2 and 91.83% control in trial no. 3. (D) Quizalofop ethyl 5% EC individually at 50 g a.i. could control only Narrow leaf weeds upto 80.52% after 13 days after treatment at research farm and Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC @ 100 g a.i/ha recorded only 72.58% control of only Broad leaf weeds at research farm. Similar results were observed at farmer’s field. (E) The data indicate that individually Quizalofop ethyl 5% EC could only control Narrow leaf weeds and Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC could control only Broad leaf weeds and due to synergistic action, both herbicides at lower doses gave better control of both types of weeds. (F) Quizalofop ethyl belongs to Aryloxyphenoxypropinate group and Oxyfluorfen belongs to Diphenyl ether. The combination of 2 groups of herbicides have been found to have synergistic effect against the weeds control and thus, this combination has given 90% control of Narrow leaf weeds and Broad leaf weeds at the tested concentration levels. The combination of Quizalofop + Oxyfluorfen also did not show any type of phytotoxicity to Onion crop.
[0087] Based on the observations from filed trials, as presented in tables 1 through 4 above, it is apparent that a herbicidal formulation including a combination of (a) Quizalofop ethyl in an amount 4% by weight of the formulation and (b) Oxyfluorfen in an amount 6% by weight of the formulation exhibits synergistic activity, superior to any previously known combinations, in terms of controlling both Broad leaf weeds and narrow leaf weeds in onion crops.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0088] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation including a combination of Quizalofop ethyl and Oxyfluorfen, in specific weight percentages along with at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.
[0089] The present disclosure provides for a process for the preparation of said herbicidal formulation.
[0090] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation effective against a wide variety of weeds in onion fields.
[0091] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation capable of providing high yield of onion crops.
[0092] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation capable of exhibiting long lasting effect.
[0093] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation capable of exhibiting improved profitability for farmers.
[0094] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation having low toxicity towards non-target plants.
[0095] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation that is safe and cost-effective.
[0096] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation having lower manufacturing and market costs as compared to existing marketed formulations.
[0097] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation which obviates the disadvantages associated with known art.
[0098] The present disclosure provides for a synergistic herbicidal formulation which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0099] The present disclosure provides for a process that is technically and commercially feasible.

Claims:We Claim:
1.A synergistic herbicidal formulation comprising a combination of:
(a) Quizalofop ethyl in an amount 4% by weight of the formulation;
(b) Oxyfluorfen in an amount 6% by weight of the formulation; and
(c) at least one agro chemically acceptable excipient.
2.The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the agricultural acceptable excipient is a wetting agent selected from the group consisting of sulfosuccinates, naphthalene sulfonates, sulphated esters, phosphate esters, sulfated alcohol, alkyl benzene sulfonates and mixtures thereof.
3. The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the agricultural acceptable excipient is a dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylates, naphthalene sulfonate condensates, phenol sulfonic acid condensates, lignosulfonates, methyl oleyl taurates, polyvinyl alcohols and mixtures thereof.
4.The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the agricultural acceptable excipient is an emulsifier selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated and ethopropoxylated alcohols and nonyl phenols, ethoxylated tristeryl phenol, sodium lauryl sulphate, ethoxylated tristeryl phenol phosphates, ethoxylated and ethopropoxylated castor oil, calcium alkyl benzene sulfonates, proprietary blended emulsifiers and mixtures thereof.
5.The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the agricultural acceptable excipient is an anti foaming agent selected from the group consisting of silicon emulsion based anti foam agents, trisiloxane ethoxylates and mixtures thereof.
6. The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the agricultural acceptable excipient is a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of natural gums, resins, carboxy methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof.
7.The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the herbicidal formulation is in the form of liquid.
8.The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation is in the form of emulsifiable concentrates (EC), wettable powders (WP), suspoemulsions (SE), microemulsions, capsulated suspension, water dispersible granules (WG), ZC composition, pellets, seed dressings or emulsions for seed treatment, broadcast granules, gel, emulsion in water or oil dispersions or combination thereof.
9.The herbicidal formulation of claim 1, wherein the formulation is in the form of emulsifiable concentrate (EC).
10.The herbicidal formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation is applied to a plant by spraying, rubbing, dusting, pouring, mist blowing, soil mixing, dipping or drip irrigation.
11.The herbicidal formulation as claimed in claim 1, exhibits herbicidal activity against narrow and broad leaf weeds.
12.The herbicidal formulation as claimed in claim 1, exhibits herbicidal activity against narrow and broad leaf weeds in onion.