AU2018335125B2 - Use of Isotianil against Panama disease - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of Isotianil (formula (I)) (I) for controlling Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of controlling Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family by treating them with Isotianil (I).

Description

Use of Isotianil against Panama disease

The present invention relates to the use of Isotianil (IST) (formula (I))

0 CI CI

S-N CN

for controlling Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of controlling Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family by treating them with Isotianil or formulations containing Isotianil (formula (I)).

Furthermore, the present invention relates to mixtures of Isotianil with at least one further active ingredient selected from fungicides, bactericides, acaricides, nematicides, herbicides, insecticides, safeners, host defence inducers, soil-improvement products or products for reducing plant stress, for example Myconate, in order to widen the spectrum of action or to prevent the development of resistance, for example, for the treatment of Panama disease.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to mixtures of Isotianil with at least one further active ingredient selected from Fosetyl-Al, and mono- and dibasic sodium, potassium and ammonium phosphites (e.g., Phostrol) for controlling Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family.

The compound of formula (I) is known from WO 99/024 413, WO 2006/098128, JP 2007-84566

and WO 96/29871, inter alia.

Invention

Panama disease is an aggressive plant disease of the roots of banana plants caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, in particular Fusarium oxysporum fsp.cubense (Foc), race 1 and

race 4. It is the most destructive disease in bananas. E.g. during the 1950s, Panama disease wiped

out most commercial Gros Michel banana production, the at this time leading banana variety. Today new strains of Panama disease threaten again the production of today's most popular cultivar, the

Cavendish type.

The Fusarium fungus enters the plant's roots and spreads through the plant's xylem vessels. The fungus disrupts the plant's vascular system, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and wilt, and the plant dies sooner or later.

The pathogen affects banana crops worldwide with so far 4 races. It's "Race 1" has spread to the

Philippines, and Indonesia, where nowadays the even more aggressive "Tropical Race 4" is spreading already. "Race 1" is on the rise in Africa and Australia as well. It has yet to arrive in Latin America, but it is only a question of time when Panama disease is also devastating banana plantations in this region. This causes tremendous financial damage and endangers the existence of

the related banana farmers.

So far the Fusarium pathogen is resistant to fungicides and there is no chemical solution available.

In WO 2010/037482, Isotianil derivatives are described for controlling microbial and animal pathogens in plants of the Musaceae family, exemplified only by Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella

fijiensis).

It has now been found that Isotianil and mixtures of Isotianil with at least one further active

ingredient are particularly suitable for controlling Panama disease on plants of the Musaceae family.

A first subject matter of the invention is therefore the use Isotianil for controlling Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family.

A further subject matter of the invention is therefore the use of Isotianil for controlling Panama

disease in plants of the genus Musa.

A further subject matter of the invention is a method of controlling Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family, characterized in that the plants of the Musaceae family are treated with Isotianil.

Another subject matter of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein Isotianil is used in combination with at least one further active ingredient selected from fungicides,

bactericides, acaricides, nematicides, herbicides, insecticides, safeners, host defence inducers, soil

improvement products or products for reducing plant stress, for example Myconate, in order to widen the spectrum of action or to prevent the development of resistance, for example.

A preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein Fusarium oxysporumfsp.cubense race 1 or race 4 causes the Panama disease.

Another preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein Isotianil or Isotanil in a combination with at least one further active ingredient is applied, wherein the further a.i. is preferably selected from Fosetyl-Al, and mono- and dibasic sodium, potassium and ammonium phosphites, and more preferred Fosetyl-Al.

Another further preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein the method of use is by drip application, preferably every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, with 2.5 to 0.5 g Fosetyl-A/plant and 0.035 to 0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with 2.0 to 1.0 g Fosetyl-A1/plant and 0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 2.0 to 1.0 g Fosetyl Al/plant and 0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant and most preferred with 1.6 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.024 g IST/plant.

Another further preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein Isotianil is used in combination with Fosetyl-Al in a ratio in wt% of 1 to 60 to 1 to 75.

Another further preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein the method of use is by drip application, preferably every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, with 0.45 to 0.1 g Fosetyl-A/plant and 0.04 to 0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with 0.4 to 0.15 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.04 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 0.35 to 0.25 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.035 to 0.025 g IST/plant and most preferred with 0.28 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.028 g IST/plant.

Another further preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein Isotianil is used in combination with Fosetyl-Al in a ratio in wt% of Ito 5 to I to 15.

Another further preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein the method of use is by drip application, preferably every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, with 0.035 to 0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with 0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant and most preferred with 0.024 g IST/plant.

Another further preferred embodiment of the instant invention is the use and the methods cited above, wherein the method of use is by drip application, preferably every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, with 0.04 to 0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with 0.04 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 0.035 to 0.025 g IST/plant and most preferred with 0.028 g IST/plant.

Definitions

The Musaceae family consists, inter alia, of the following species: Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, Musa acuminata Colla with the varieties "Dwarf Cavendish", "Giant Cavendish" and "Gros Michel", Musa cavendishii Lamb. ex Paxt., Musa malaccensis Ridl., Musa angcorensis

Gagnep., Musa aurantiaca, Musa balbisiana, Musa seminifera Lour., Musa banksii F. Muell., Musa

basjoo, Musa cheesmanii, Musa flaviflora Simmonds, Musa griersonii, Musa itinerans, Musa laterita, Musa mannii, Musa nagensium, Musa ochracea, Musa ornata Roxb., Musa siamea, Musa sikkimensis, Musa thomsonii Noltie, Musa velutina Wendl. & Drude, Musa alinsanaya, Musa beccarii, Musa boman, Musa borneensis, Musa bukensis, Musa campestris, Musa coccinea

Andrews, Musa uranoscopos Lour, Musa exotica Valmayor, Musa fitzalanii, Musa flavida, Musa

gracilis, Musa hirta Becc., Musa insularimontana Hayata, Musa jackeyi, Musa johnsii, Musa lawitiensis, Musa lolodensis, Musa maclayi, Musa monticola, Musa muluensis, Musa paracoccinea, Musa peekelii, Musa pigmaea Hotta, Musa rubra, Musa salaccensis, Musa splendida A. Chev., Musa suratii, Musa textilis: Abaci, Japanese hardy or fibre banana, Musa troglodytarum, Musa

tuberculata, Musa violascens, Musa ingens, Musa paradisiaca sapientm, Musa paradisiaca normali, and crosses of these species.

Examples of fungi of the genus Fusarium which cause the Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family are Fusarium spp, for example Fusarium pallidoroseum, Fusarium solani anamorph Nectria haematococca, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme teleomorph: Gibberella fujikuroi,

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), in particular Foc race 1 and 4, more particular Foc race 4.

According to the present invention, Isotianil or Isotianil mixtures as described above are particularly useful in combating fungi of the genus Fusarium which cause the Panama disease in plants of the Musaceae family, which are Fusarium spp, for example Fusarium pallidoroseum, Fusarium solani

anamorph Nectria haematococca, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme teleomorph:

Gibberella fujikuroi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, in particular Foc race 1 and 4, most particular Foc race 4.

Isotianil may, if appropriate, be present in the form of mixtures of various isomeric forms which are possible, in particular stereoisomers, such as optical isomers.

Isotianil can therefore be employed for protecting plants against attack or delaying the

attack/symptoms by the abovementioned pathogens within a certain post-treatment period. The period within which protection is afforded generally extends from 1 to 30 days, preferably 1 to 14 days, after the treatment of the plants with the active substances. Depending on the form of application, the accessibility of the active substances to the plant can be controlled in a targeted manner.

The good plant tolerance of Isotianil at the concentrations required for controlling plant diseases

according to the present invention permits a treatment of aerial and subterranean plant parts, of

vegetative propagation material, and of the soil.

In accordance with the invention, all plants of the Musaceae family may be treated. Plants of the Musaceae family are, in the present context, understood as meaning all plant parts and plant populations, such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants (including naturally occurring

crop plants). Crop plants may be plants of the Musaceae family which can be obtained by traditional

breeding and optimization methods or else by biotechnological and recombinant methods, or combinations of these methods, including the transgenic plants of the Musaceae family and including the plant varieties capable or not of being protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, such as, for example, Gros Michel, Cavendish, Dwarf Cavendish, Dwarf Chinese, Enano, Caturra, Giant Cavendish, Gran

Enano, Grande Naine, Williams Hybrid, Valery, Robusta, Poyo, Lacatan, Pisang masak hijau, Monte cristo, Bout rond. Plant parts are intended to mean all aerial and subterranean parts and

organs of the plants, such as herb, pseudostem, shoot, leaf, bract, leaf sheaths, petiole, lamina, flower and root, examples which may be mentioned being leaves, needles, stalks, stems, flowers, fruiting bodies, fruit, banana hand, bunches and seeds, and also roots, tubers, rhizomes, offshoots,

suckers, secondary growth. The plant parts also include crop material and vegetative and generative propagation material, for example cuttings, tubers, rhizomes, slips and seeds.

As has already been mentioned above, all plants of the Musaceae family can be treated in accordance with the invention. In a preferred embodiment, plant species and plant varieties, and their parts, which are found in the wild or which are obtained by conventional biological breeding methods, such

as hybridization, meristem cultures, micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, direct organogenesis

or protoplast fusion, are treated. In a further preferred embodiment, transgenic plants of the Musaceae family and plant varieties of the Musaceae family which have been obtained by recombinant methods, if appropriate in combination with traditional methods (genetically modified organisms), are treated, such as, for example, transformation by means of Agrobacterium or particle

bombardment of embryogenic cells, and micropropagation. Plants of the Musaceae family include all

plant parts as mentioned above.

It is especially preferred to treat, in accordance with the invention, plants of the Musaceae family of those plant varieties which are in each case commercially available or in use. Plant varieties are understood as meaning plants with new properties ("traits") which have been obtained by conventional breeding, by mutagenesis or else by recombinant DNA techniques. They may be varieties, breeds, biotypes and genotypes.

In a preferred embodiment, plants of the Musaceae family treated according to the present invention

as described above are varieties of Gros Michel, Cavendish and Dwarf Cavendish, preferably of

Cavendish.

The treatment method according to the invention can be used for the treatment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), for example plants or seeds. Genetically modified plants (or transgenic

plants) are plants in which a heterologous gene has been integrated stably into the genome.

Essentially, the term "heterologous gene" refers to a gene which is provided or assembled outside the plant and which, upon introduction into the nuclear genome, the chloroplast genome or the mitochondrial genome of the transformed plant, confers novel or improved agronomical or other properties by expressing a protein or polypeptide of interest, or by downregulating or switching off

another gene, or other genes, present in the plant (for example by means of antisense technology, cosuppression technology or RNAi technology [RNA interference]). A heterologous gene which is present in the genome is also referred to as a transgene. A transgene which is defined by its specific presence in the plant genome is referred to as transformation event, or transgenic event.

Depending on the plant species or plant varieties, their location and their growth conditions (soils,

climate, vegetation period, nutrition), the treatment according to the invention may also result in

superadditive ("synergistic") effects. For example, the following effects are possible, which extend beyond the effects which are actually to be expected: reduced application rates and/or a widened spectrum of action and/or an increased efficacy of the active substances and compositions which can be employed in accordance with the invention, better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low

temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or water or soil salinity, improved flowering

performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher yields, larger fruit, greater plant height, more intensive green colour of the leaf, earlier flowering, better quality and/or higher nutritional value of the harvested crops, higher sugar concentration in the fruits, better storability and/or processability of the harvested crops.

At certain application rates, Isotianil can also exert a strengthening effect on plants. They are

therefore suitable for mobilizing the plant defence system against attack by microbial and animal pathogens. This may be one of the reasons for the increased efficacy of the combinations according to the invention, for example against fungi. Plant-strengthening (resistance-inducing) substances in the present context are also to be understood as meaning those substances or substance combinations which are capable of stimulating the plant defence system such that the treated plants, when subsequently inoculated with microbial and animal pathogens, have a considerable degree of resistance to these microbial and animal pathogens. The substances according to the invention can therefore be employed for protecting plants against attack by the abovementioned pathogens within a certain post-treatment period.

Plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family which are preferably treated in accordance with

the invention include all plants which contain hereditary material which confers especially advantageous, useful traits to these plants (no matter whether this has been achieved by breeding and/or biotechnology).

Plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family which are also preferably treated in accordance

with the invention are resistant to one or more biotic stress factors, i.e. these plants have an improved defence against animal and microbial pathogens such as nematodes, insects, mites, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses and/or viroids. Those which must be mentioned by preference in this context are Musaceae which are resistant to phytopathogenic fungi or viruses.

Plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family which can also be treated in accordance with the

invention are those plants which are resistant to one or more abiotic stress factors. The abiotic stress conditions may include for example drought, low-temperature and high-temperature conditions, osmotic stress, water-logging, increased soil salinity, increased exposure to minerals, ozone conditions, intensive light conditions, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, limited availability of phosphorus nutrients, or shade avoidance.

Plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family which can also be treated in accordance with the

invention are those plants in which vaccines or therapeutic proteins are expressed heterologously. These include, for example, hepatitis B antigen.

Plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family which can also be treated in accordance with the

invention are those plants which are characterized by improved yield characteristics. In these plants, an increased yield may be caused by, for example, improved plant physiology, improved plant

growth and improved plant development, such as water utilization efficacy, water holding efficacy, improved nitrogen utilization, increased carbon assimilation, improved photosynthesis, improved seed vigour, and accelerated maturation. The yield may furthermore be influenced by improved plant architecture (under stress and nonstress conditions), among which early flowering, control of flowering for the production of hybrid seed, seedling vigour, plant size, internode number and distance, root growth, seed size, fruit size, pod size, pod number or ear number, number of seeds per pod or ear, seed biomass, increased seed filling, reduced seed shedding, reduced pod shatter, and standing power. Further yield-related traits include seed composition such as carbohydrate content, protein content, oil content and oil composition, nutritional value, reduction of antinutritional compounds, improved processability and improved storability.

Plants of the Musaceae family that may be treated according to the invention are hybrid plants that already express the characteristics of heterosis or hybrid vigour which results generally in higher yield, vigour, health and resistance towards biotic and abiotic stress factors. Such plants are typically made by crossing an inbred male-sterile parent line (the female parent) with another inbred male-fertile parent line (the male parent). Hybrid seed is typically harvested from the male-sterile plants and sold to growers. Male-sterile plants can sometimes (e.g. in corn) be produced by detasseling (i.e. the mechanical removal of the male reproductive organs or male flowers) but, more typically, male sterility is the result of genetic determinants in the plant genome. In that case, and especially when seed is the desired product to be harvested from the hybrid plants, it is typically useful to ensure that male fertility in hybrid plants that contain the genetic determinants responsible for male sterility is fully restored. This can be accomplished by ensuring that the male parents have appropriate fertility restorer genes which are capable of restoring the male fertility in hybrid plants that contain the genetic determinants responsible for male sterility. Genetic determinants for male sterility may be located in the cytoplasm. Examples of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) were for instance described for Brassica species. However, genetic determinants for male sterility can also be located in the nuclear genome. Male-sterile plants can also be obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering. A particularly useful means of obtaining male-sterile plants is described in WO 89/10396 in which, for example, a ribonuclease such as a barnase is selectively expressed in the tapetum cells in the stamens. Fertility can then be restored by expression in the tapetum cells of a ribonuclease inhibitor such as barstar.

Plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family (obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering) which may be treated according to the invention are herbicide-tolerant plants, i.e. plants made tolerant to one or more given herbicides. Such plants can be obtained either by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such herbicide tolerance.

Herbicide-tolerant plants are for example glyphosate-tolerant plants, i.e. plants made tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate or salts thereof. For example, glyphosate-tolerant plants can be obtained by transforming the plant with a gene encoding the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS). Examples of such EPSPS genes are the AroA gene (mutant CT7) of the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, the CP4 gene of the bacterium Agrobacterium sp., the genes encoding a Petunia EPSPS, a Tomato EPSPS, or an Eleusine EPSPS. It can also be a mutated EPSPS. Glyphosate-tolerant plants can also be obtained by expressing a gene that encodes a glyphosate oxido-reductase enzyme. Glyphosate-tolerant plants can also be obtained by expressing a gene that encodes a glyphosate acetyltransferase enzyme. Glyphosate-tolerant plants can also be obtained by selecting plants containing naturally occurring mutations of the abovementioned genes.

Other herbicide-resistant plants are for example plants that are made tolerant to herbicides inhibiting the enzyme glutamine synthase, such as bialaphos, phosphinothricin or glufosinate. Such plants can be obtained by expressing an enzyme detoxifying the herbicide or a mutant of the glutamine synthase enzyme that is resistant to inhibition. One such efficient detoxifying enzyme is, for example, an enzyme encoding a phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (such as, for example, the bar or pat protein from Streptomyces species). Plants expressing an exogenous phosphinothricin acetyltransferase have been described.

Further herbicide-tolerant plants are also plants that are made tolerant to the herbicides inhibiting the enzyme hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases are enzymes that catalyse the reaction in which para-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) is transformed into homogentisate. Plants tolerant to HPPD inhibitors can be transformed with a gene encoding a naturally occurring resistant HPPD enzyme, or a gene encoding a mutated HPPD enzyme. Tolerance to HPPD inhibitors can also be obtained by transforming plants with genes encoding certain enzymes enabling the formation of homogentisate despite the inhibition of the native HPPD enzyme by the HPPD inhibitor. The tolerance of plants to HPPD inhibitors can also be improved by transforming plants with a gene encoding an enzyme prephenate dehydrogenase in addition to a gene encoding an HPPD-tolerant enzyme.

Further herbicide-resistant plants are plants that are made tolerant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. Known ALS inhibitors include, for example, sulphonylurea, imidazolinone, triazolopyrimidines, pyrimidinyloxy(thio)benzoates and/or sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone herbicides. Different mutations in the ALS enzyme (also known as acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS)) are known to confer tolerance to different herbicides and groups of herbicides. The production of sulphonylurea-tolerant plants and imidazolinone-tolerant plants is described in international publication WO 1996/033270. Further sulphonylurea- and imidazolinone-tolerant plants are also described in for example WO 2007/024782.

Other plants which are tolerant to imidazolinone and/or sulphonylurea can be obtained by induced mutagenesis, selection in cell cultures in the presence of the herbicide, or by mutation breeding.

Plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family (obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering) which may also be treated according to the invention are insect-resistant transgenic plants, i.e. plants made resistant to attack by certain target insects. Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such insect resistance.

An "insect-resistant transgenic plant", as used herein, includes any plant containing at least one transgene comprising a coding sequence encoding:

1) an insecticidal crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or an insecticidal portion thereof, such as the insecticidal crystal proteins described online at: http://www.lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/Home/Neil Crickmore/Bt/, or insecticidalportions thereof, e.g., proteins of the Cry protein classes CrylAb, CrylAc, Cry1F, Cry2Ab, Cry3Ae or Cry3Bb, or insecticidal portions thereof; or

2) a crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or a portion thereof which is insecticidal in the presence of a second other crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or a portion thereof, such as the binary toxin made up of the Cy34 and Cy35 crystal proteins; or

3) a hybrid insecticidal protein comprising parts of two different insecticidal crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, such as a hybrid of the proteins of 1) above or a hybrid of the proteins of 2) above, e.g., the Cry1A.105 protein produced by corn event MON98034 (WO 2007/027777); or

4) a protein of any one of points 1) to 3) above wherein some, particularly I to 10, amino acids have been replaced by another amino acid to obtain a higher insecticidal activity to a target insect species, and/or to expand the range of target insect species affected, and/or because of changes introduced into the encoding DNA during cloning or transformation, such as the Cry3Bbl protein in corn events MON863 or MON88017, or the Cry3A protein in corn event MIR 604;

5) an insecticidal secreted protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus cereus, or an insecticidal portion thereof, such as the vegetative insecticidal (VIP) proteins listed at: http://www.lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/Home/NeilCrickmore/Bt/vip.html, e.g., proteins from the

VIP3Aa protein class; or

6) a secreted protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus cereus which is insecticidal in the presence of a second secreted protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or B. cereus, such as the

binary toxin made up of the VIP1A and VIP2A proteins; or

7) a hybrid insecticidal protein comprising parts of different secreted proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus cereus, such as a hybrid of the proteins of 1) or a hybrid of the proteins of 2) above; or

8) a protein of any one of points 1) to 3) above wherein some, particularly I to 10, amino acids have been replaced by another amino acid to obtain a higher insecticidal activity to a target

insect species, and/or to expand the range of target insect species affected, and/or because of

changes introduced into the encoding DNA during cloning or transformation (while still encoding an insecticidal protein), such as the VIP3Aa protein in cotton event COT 102.

Of course, an insect-resistant transgenic plant, as used herein, also includes any plant comprising a combination of genes encoding the proteins of any one of the above classes 1 to 8. In one

embodiment, an insect-resistant plant contains more than one transgene encoding a protein of any

one of the above classes 1 to 8, in order to expand the range of target insect species affected or to delay insect resistance development to the plants by using different proteins insecticidal to the same target insect species but having a different mode of action, such as binding to different receptor binding sites in the insect.

Plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family (obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as

genetic engineering) which may also be treated according to the invention are tolerant to abiotic stress factors. Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such stress resistance. Particularly useful stress tolerance plants

include:

a. Plants which contain a transgene capable of reducing the expression and/or the activity of

the poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) gene in the plant cells or plants.

b. Plants which contain a stress tolerance-enhancing transgene capable of reducing the expression and/or the activity of the PARG-encoding genes of the plants or plant cells.

c. Plants which contain a stress tolerance-enhancing transgene coding for a plant-functional enzyme of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage biosynthesis pathway including nicotinamidase, nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase, nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenyltransferase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase or nicotin amide phosphoribosyltransferase.

Application forms

The treatment according to the invention of the plants of the Musaceae family and plant parts and of the

propagation material with Isotianil is carried out directly or by acting on their environment, habitat or store by the customary treatment methods, for example by dripping, spraying, atomizing, nebulizing, scattering, painting on, injecting.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, Isotianil or its formulations is used for

application for the treatment of vegetative propagation material, or for rhizome or foliar application, or

dripping application, especially preferred dripping application, preferably dripping application every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, preferably with 2.5 to 0.5 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.035 to 0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with 2.0 to 1.0 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 2.0 to 1.0 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant, and most

preferred with 1.6 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.024 g IST/plant.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, Isotianil or its formulations is used for application for the treatment of vegetative propagation material, or for rhizome or foliar application, or dripping application, especially preferred dripping application, preferably dripping application every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, preferably with 0.45 to 0.1 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.04 to

0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with 0.4 to 0.15 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.04 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 0.35 to 0.25 g Fosetyl-AI/plant and 0.035 to 0.025 g IST/plant and most preferred with 0.28 g Fosetyl-Al/plant and 0.028 g IST/plant.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, Isotianil or its formulations is used for application in the form of granules (for Fosetyl-Al), for the treatment of soil.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, Isotianil as only a.i. or its

formulations is used for the treatment of vegetative propagation material, or for rhizome or foliar application, or dripping application, especially preferred dripping application, preferably every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, with preferably 0.035 to 0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with

0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 0.03 to 0.02 g IST/plant and most preferred with

0.024 g IST/plant.

In another especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, Isotianil as only a.i. or its formulations is used for the treatment of vegetative propagation material, or for rhizome or foliar application, or dripping application, especially preferred dripping application, preferably every 30 days, more preferably every 14 days, with preferably 0.04 to 0.015 g IST/plant, more preferred with 0.04 to 0.02 g IST/plant, even more preferred with 0.035 to 0.025 g IST/plant and most preferred with 0.028 g IST/plant

In a preferred embodiment, first treatment is carried out 15 days before planting irrespective of the following treatment intervals.

Depending on its respective physical and/or chemical properties, Isotianil can be converted into the customary formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, pastes, granules, sachets, aerosols, microencapsulations in polymeric substances, and ULV cold- and hot fogging formulations.

These formulations are prepared in a known manner, for example by mixing Isotianil with extenders, that is to say liquid solvents, pressurized liquefied gases and/or solid carriers, optionally with the use of surfactants, that is emulsifiers and/or dispersants and/or foam formers. If water is used as the extender, it is possible for example also to use organic solvents as cosolvents. Liquid solvents which are suitable in the main are: aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatics or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions, alcohols such as butanol or glycol, and their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, and water, and also mineral, animal and vegetable oils such as, for example, palm oil or other plant seed oils. Liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers are understood as meaning those liquids which are gaseous at normal temperature and under normal pressure, for example aerosol propellants such as halohydrocarbons and butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Suitable solid carriers are: for example ground natural minerals such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic minerals such as highly disperse silica, alumina and silicates. Suitable solid carriers for granules are: for example crushed and fractionated natural rocks such as calcite, pumice, marble, sepiolite, dolomite, and synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals, and granules of organic material such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks. Emulsifiers and/or foam formers which are suitable are: for example nonionic, cationic and anionic emulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, and protein hydrolysates.

Suitable dispersants are: for example, lignosulphite waste liquors and methylcellulose.

Adhesives such as carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules or latices, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and natural phospholipids such as cephalins and lecithins, and synthetic phospholipids, may be used in the formulations. Further additives may be mineral and vegetable oils.

It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide,

Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs, such as alizarin, azo and metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs, and trace nutrients, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

In general, the formulations contain between 5 and 95% by weight of active substance, preferably between 10 and 70% by weight of active substance, more preferred between 15 and 30% by weight of active substance, and most preferred 20% by weight of active substance.

The control of microbial and animal pathogens by treating the vegetative propagation material of plants has been known for a long time and is the subject of continuous improvements. However, the treatment of vegetative propagation material involves a series of problems which cannot always be solved in a satisfactory manner. Thus, it is desirable to develop methods for protecting the vegetative propagation material and the germinating plant which do away with, or at least markedly reduce, the

additional application of plant protection products after planting or after emergence of the plants. It is furthermore desirable to optimize the amount of the active substance employed such that the vegetative propagation material and the germinating plant are protected the best possible from attack by microbial pathogens without, however, damaging the plant itself by the active substance employed. In particular, methods for the treatment of vegetative propagation material should also

take into consideration the intrinsic properties of transgenic plants in order to achieve an optimal protection of the vegetative propagation material and the germinating plant while keeping the application rate of plant protection products as low as possible.

The present invention therefore relates in particular also to a method of protecting vegetative propagation material and germinating plants from attack by microbial and animal pathogens, by

treating the seed and the vegetative propagation material with a composition according to the invention.

The invention also relates to the use of the compositions according to the invention for the treatment of vegetative propagation material for protecting the vegetative propagation material and the germinating plant from microbial and animal pathogens.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that, owing to the special systemic properties of the compositions according to the invention, the treatment of the vegetative propagation material with these compositions protects not only the vegetative propagation material itself, but also the plants

which it gives rise to after planting, from microbial and animal pathogens. In this manner, the

immediate treatment of the crop at the time of planting, or shortly thereafter, can be dispensed with.

Another advantage is that the compositions according to the invention can be employed in particular also in transgenic vegetative propagation material.

The compositions according to the invention are suitable for protecting vegetative propagation

material of any plant variety which is employed in agriculture, in the greenhouse, in forests or in

horticulture. In particular, this is vegetative propagation material of Musaceae.

Within the scope of the present invention, the composition according to the invention is applied to the vegetative propagation material either alone or in a suitable formulation. Preferably, the vegetative propagation material is treated in a state in which it is sufficiently stable such that no damage occurs

during the treatment. In general, the vegetative propagation material can be treated at any point in

time between harvesting and planting out. Usually, vegetative propagation material is used which has been separated from the plant and freed from cobs, shells, stalks, coats, hairs or fruit flesh.

When treating the vegetative propagation material, care must be taken in general that the amount of the composition according to the invention, and/or of further additives, applied to the vegetative

propagation material is chosen such that the germination of the vegetative propagation material is

not adversely affected, or that the plant which it gives rise to is not damaged. This must be considered in particular in the case of active substances which, at certain application rates, may have phytotoxic effects.

The compositions according to the invention can be applied directly, that is to say without containing

further components and without having been diluted. As a rule, it is preferable to apply the

compositions to the vegetative propagation material in the form of a suitable formulation. Suitable formulations and methods for the treatment of seed and of vegetative propagation material are known to the skilled worker.

The compounds which can be used in accordance with the invention and which are selected from

among compounds according to formula (I) can be converted into the customary formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams and ULV formulations.

These formulations are prepared in the known manner by mixing the compounds selected from among the compounds of the formula (I) with customary additives, such as, for example, customary extenders and also solvents or diluents, colorants, wetters, dispersants, emulsifiers, antifoams, preservatives, secondary thickeners, adhesives, gibberellins, mineral and vegetable oils, and also water.

Colorants which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all colorants which are customary for such purposes. In this context, both pigments, which are sparingly soluble in water, and dyes, which are soluble in water, may be used. Examples which may be mentioned are the colorants known by the names Rhodamin B, C.I. Pigment Red 112 and C.I. Solvent Red 1.

Wetters which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all substances which are customary for formulating agrochemical active substances and which promote wetting. Alkylnaphthalenesulphonates, such as diisopropyl- or diisobutylnaphthalenesulphonates, may preferably be used.

Suitable dispersants and/or emulsifiers which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all nonionic, anionic and cationic dispersants which are conventionally used for the formulation of agrochemical active substances. The following may be used by preference: nonionic or anionic dispersants or mixtures of nonionic or anionic dispersants. Suitable nonionic dispersants which may be mentioned are, in particular, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block polymers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers and tristyrylphenol polyglycol ethers and their phosphated or sulphated derivatives. Suitable anionic dispersants are, in particular, lignosulphonates, salts of polyacrylic acid, and arylsulphonate/formaldehyde condensates.

Antifoams which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all foam-inhibitor substances which are conventionally used for the formulation of agrochemical active substances. Silicone antifoams and magnesium stearate may be used by preference.

Preservatives which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all substances which can be employed for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. Examples which may be mentioned are dichlorophene and benzyl alcohol hemiformal.

Secondary thickeners which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all substances which can be employed for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. Cellulose derivatives, acrylic acid derivatives, xanthan, modified clays and highly

disperse silica are preferably suitable.

Adhesives which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the

invention are all customary binders which can be used in mordants. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol and tylose may be mentioned by preference.

Gibberellins which may be present in the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are preferably Gibberellin Al, Gibberellin A3 (gibberellic acid), Gibberellin A4, Gibberellin A7. Especially preferred is gibberellic acid.

The gibberellins are known (cf. R. Wegler "Chemie der Pflanzenschutz- und

Schadlingsbekampfngsmittel" [Chemistry of plant protection and pesticide agents], volume 2, Springer Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York, 1970, pages 401 - 412).

The formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention can be employed, for the

treatment of various types of seed, either directly or after previously having been diluted with water.

Thus, the concentrates or the preparations obtainable therefrom by dilution with water can be employed for dressing the seed of Musaceae. The formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention, or their diluted preparations, can also be employed for treating the vegetative propagation material of transgenic plants. Here, additional synergistic effects may also occur in

combination with the substances formed by expression.

The application rate of the formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention can be varied within a substantial range. It depends on the respective active substance content in the formulations, and on the vegetative propagation material. As a rule, the application rates of active substance preferably are between 0.001 and 50 g per kilogram of vegetative propagation material,

more preferred between 0.01 and 15 g per kilogram of vegetative propagation material.

Mixtures

A compound selected from among the compounds according to formula (I) can be employed as such or, in formulations, also in a mixture with known fungicides, bactericides, acaricides, nematicides, herbicides, insecticides, safeners, soil-improvement products or products for reducing plant stress,

for example Myconate, in order to widen the spectrum of action or to prevent the development of resistance, for example. In many cases, this engenders synergistic effects, that is to say the efficacy of the mixture exceeds the efficacy of the individual components.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a mixture of Isotianil with at least one further

active ingredient selected from Fosetyl-Al, and mono- and dibasic sodium, potassium and ammonium phosphites (e.g., Phostrol), more preferred Fosetyl-Al; wherein the ratio in wt% from Isotianil to the

mixing partner is preferably from 1 to 20 to 1 to 100, more preferred from 1 to 40 to 1 to 80, even more preferred from 1 to 60 to 1 to 75.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a mixture of Isotianil with at least one further active ingredient selected from Fosetyl-Al, and mono- and dibasic sodium, potassium and

ammonium phosphites (e.g., Phostrol), more preferred Fosetyl-Al; wherein the ratio in wto from

Isotianil to the mixing partner is preferably from 1to 1 to 1 to 50, more preferred from 1 to 3 to 1 to 30, even more preferred from Ito 5 to I to 15.

In accordance with the invention, the term "mixture" means various combinations of at least two of

the abovementioned active substances which are possible, such as, for example, ready mixes, tank

mixes (which is understood as meaning spray slurries prepared from the formulations of the individual active substances by combining and diluting prior to the application) or combinations of these (for example, a binary ready mix of two of the abovementioned active substances is made into a tank mix by using a formulation of the third individual substance). According to the invention, the

individual active substances may also be employed sequentially, i.e. one after the other, at a

reasonable interval of a few hours or days, in the case of the treatment of seed for example also by applying a plurality of layers which contain different active substances. Preferably, it is immaterial in which order the individual active substances can be employed.

The compounds according to formula (I) can be employed as such, in the form of their formulations

or the use forms prepared therefrom, such as ready-to-use solutions, suspensions, wettable powders, pastes, soluble powders, dusts and granules. They are applied in the customary manner, for example by pouring, spraying, atomizing, scattering, dusting, foaming, painting on and the like. It is furthermore possible to apply the compounds according to formula (I) by the ultra-low-volume method or to inject the active substance preparation, or the active substance itself, into the soil. The

vegetative propagation material of the plants may also be treated.

When employing a compound selected from among the compounds according to formula (I), the application rates may be varied within a substantial range, depending on the type of application. In the treatment of plant parts, the application rates of active substance are preferably between 0.1 and 10 000 g/ha, more preferred between 10 and 1000 g/ha. In the treatment of vegetative propagation material, the application rates of active substance are preferably between 0.001 and 50 g per kilogram of vegetative propagation material, more preferred between 0.01 and 10 g per kilogram of vegetative propagation material. In the treatment of the soil, the application rates of active substance are preferably between 0.1 and 10000g/ha, more preferred between 1 and 5000g/ha.

The examples which follow are intended to illustrate the invention, but without imposing any limitation.

Examples:

Example 1

Isotianil and Fosetyl AL efficacy against Fusarium oxysporum Race 4

This example illustrates the efficacy of compositions containing Isotianil against Fusarium

oxysporum Race 4 in bananas of the Cavendish type.

The trial was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (10 plants/treatment) with

a) Untreated,

b) Aliette 80WG 2g/plant (FEA 1.6g ai/plant), c) Isotianil SC200g/L 0.12ml/plant (IST 0,024g ai/plant) and d) Aliette8OWG+Isotianil SC200 - 2g+0.12ml/plant (1.6+0.024g ai/plant). The applications were carried out in Soil drenching at monthly interval

Results Fusarium Disease infection as affected by different fungicides application

Treatment Rate/plant Method / freq. No. of Days on % Infection % Control of application infected Symptom Plants Appearance

b) 2 grams soil drenching / 7 112 70 30

monthly

c) 0.12 mL soil drenching / 5 112 50 50 monthly

d) 2 grams + soil drenching / 1 245 10 90

0.12 mL monthly

a) - - 10 90 100 0

Trial 1: Initial trial result shows that Aliette at 2 grams + Isotianil 0.12ml/plant applied as preventive as soil drench at monthly interval gave 90% protection from fusarium infection. While Isotianil at 0.12ml and Aliette at 2 grams/plant applied as solo controls the infection at 30% and 50% respectively. In this conditions a synergy could be measured between the two compounds (Colby

formula - Efficacy Abbott calculated: 65%). Moreover, symptom occurrence on treated plants was

delayed by 22 days (Aliette and Isotianil solo) and 155 days ( Aliette + Isotianil) over the UTC.

Example 2

Isotianil and Isotianil+Fosetyl AL efficacy against Fusarium oxysporum Race 1

This example illustrates the efficacy of compositions containing Isotianil against Fusarium

oxysporum Race 1 in banana Variety Gros Michel.

The trial was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three blocks and eight replicates per block - Total treatments with e) Untreated, f) Aliette 80WG 2g/plant (FEA 1.6g ai/plant), g) Isotianil SC200g/L 0.12ml/plant (IST 0,024g ai/plant) and

h) Aliette 80WG+Isotianil SC200 - 2g+0.12ml/plant (1.8+0.024g ai/plant).

The applications were carried out in Soil drenching starting in nursery 15 days before planting and continuing at plantation time followed by monthly intervals (applications at the base of the plant and in 40cm surroundings). The assessments realized were % Infected plants and Severity of infection in

trunks at the end of the trial period (Severity Scale levels 0 = No symptoms to 4 = Plant dead).

Results from one trial in Costa Rica 2015/2016

Treatment Rate Rate % Incidence % Incidence % Severity

per plant a.i./plant 90 days 180 days in 3 plants

after planting after planting cutted (high

(% efficacy (% efficacy trunk)

Abbott) Abbott) e) 81.7 100 2.3 f) 2g/Plant 1,6g 60(27) 93.3 (6.7) 3.1 g) 0,12ml/plant 0,024g 46.7(43) 70(30) 2.2 h) 2g+0,12ml/pl 1,6g+ 0(100) 13.3 (87.7) 0.7 ant 0,024g

Trial 2: Final trial result shows that Aliette at 2 grams + Isotianil 0.12ml/plant applied as preventive as soil drench at monthly interval gave 100% protection from fusarium infection 90 days after plantation. While Isotianil at 0.12ml and aliette at 2 grams/plant applied as solo controls the infection at 43% and 27% respectively. In these conditions a synergy could be measured between the

two compounds (Colby formula - Efficacy Abbott calculated: 58%). Moreover, despite the lower persistency of single compounds the mixture shows a high level of control 180days after plantation and reduces the severity of infection in the highest stem levels.

Example 3

Glasshouse test - Isotianil+Fosetyl AL efficacy against Fusarium oxysporum Race 4

This example illustrates the efficacy of a composition containing Isotianil against Fusarium oxysporum Race 4 on banana plants Cavendish Variety Grande Naine.

The trial in Glasshouse with 30 plants per treatment (3 replicates of 10 plants each). The two

months banana plants were transplanted in infested soil. Compounds were drenched 6 days before replanting (protective application). A second application was carried out 4 weeks after the first

application. The applications were carried out with j) Aliette 80WG 2g/plant (FEA 1.6g ai/plant) and

k) Aliette80WG+Isotianil SC200 - 2g+0.12ml/plant (1.8+0.024g ai/plant) in comparison to i) untreated contaminated plants.

Scoring was realized six weeks after inoculation according a internal scale on plant discolouration

(typical symptom for Fusarium oxysporum). Scale levels 0 = No symptoms to 6 = Total plant

necrosis)

Results

Treatment Rate Rate Scoring (0-6) Scoring (0-6)

per plant a.i./plant 3 replicates Average

i) 6-6-6 6

j) 2g/Plant 1,6g 5.6-5.3-5.1 5.3

k) 2g+0,12ml/plant 1,6g+ 1.5-1.7-1.8 1.7

0,024g

Trial 3: Final trial result 6 weeks after inoculation shows significant differences in Protective

protection between

i) Untreated Contaminated (Average 3 reps = 6), j) Aliette 2g/plant (TIC1 Average 3 reps = 5.3) and

k) Aliette+Isotianil 2g+0.12ml/plant (Trt T4C1 Average 3 reps = Score 1.7). The mixture Fosetyl AL+Isotianil provides a good protection against Foc in these very strong infection conditions when Aliette was not as active showing the interest of mixing it with Isotianil.

Example 4 - Soil application - 2 ratio tested application

Isotianil and Fosetyl AL efficacy (ratio 60:1 and ratio 10:1) against Fusarium oxysporum Race 4 applied in drench

This example illustrates the efficacy of two compositions containing fosetyl AL+ Isotianil applied

in drench against Fusarium oxysporum Race 4 on banana plantation.

The trials were carried out in plantation (3 Replicates/treatment - Total 20 Plants assessed/Plot) in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) on variety Cavendish, with Untreated, Fosetyl AL+Isotianil (SP102000028595 WG77% - Ratio 10:1) - 0,4g/Plant (0,3+0,03g ai/plant), Fosetyl+Isotianil (SP102000033663 WG76,5% - ratio 60:1) - 0,4g/Plant (0,3+0,005g/plant) . The

rates of the 2 formulation were calculated to bring similar amount of Fosetyl AL and variable amount of Isotianil. All FEA+IST applications were carried out in drench application at monthly

interval with 500ml water volume per plant.

Initial trial results in 2 sites show that the use of FEA+IST in drench application method, whatever

the ratio 10:1 or 60:1, delays significantly the evolution of Fusarium oxysporum cubensis race 4.

This delay of evolution of the disease is translated in the preservation of production potential in treated plots.

Results from two trials:

Treatment Rate Rate Triall Trial 2 per plant a.i./plant %Incidence %Incidence Infected plants after Infected plants last application after last 54DAT3 (M) application 29DAT3 (M)

1-Untreated 30 (a) 65,9 (a) 10-Ratio 10:1 0,4g/Plant 0,28+0,028g 12,1 (bc) 41,7 (b) ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL WG77% 13-Ratio 60:1 0,4g/Plant 0,3+0,005g 12,9 (bc) 28,9 (b) ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL WG76,25%

Treatment Rate Rate Triall Trial2 per plant a.i./plant Yield Yield % of UTC % of UTC (UTC= (UTC= 12,4T/Ha) 5,3T/Ha) 182DAT3 (M) 178DAT3 (M)

1-Untreated 100 100 10-Ratio 10:1 0,4g/Plant 0,28+0,028g 178,1 164,2 ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL WG77% 13-Ratio 60:1 0,4g/Plant 0,3+0,005g 168 209,4 ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL WG76,25%

Example 5 - Foliar application - 2 Ratio Tested

Isotianil and Fosetyl AL efficacy (ratio 60:1 and ratio 10:1) against Fusarium oxysporum Race 4applied in foliar spray

This example illustrates the efficacy of two compositions containing fosetyl AL+ Isotianil applied

in foliar spray against Fusarium oxysporum Race 4 on banana plantation.

The trials were carried out in plantation (3 Replicates/treatment - Total 20 Plants assessed/Plot) in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) on variety Cavendish, with Untreated, Fosetyl AL+Isotianil (SP102000028595 WG77% - Ratio 10:1) - 2g/Plant (1,4+0,14g ai/plant),

Fosetyl+Isotianil (SP102000033663 WG76,5% - ratio 60:1) - 2g/Plant (1,5+0,025g/plant) . All FEA+IST applications were carried out in foliar application at monthly interval with 50ml water volume per plant.

Initial trial results in the 2 sites show that the use of FEA+IST by foliar spray, whatever the ratio

10:1 or 60:1 delays significantly the evolution of Fusariumoxysporum cubensis race 4. This delay of evolution of the disease is translated in the preservation of production potential in treated plots.

Results from two trials:

Treatment Rate Rate Triall Trial 2 per plant a.i./plant %Incidence %Incidence Infected plants Infected plants after last application after last application 54DAT6 (M) 29DAT6 (M)

1-Untreated 30 (a) 65,9 (a) 2-Ratio 10:1 2g/Plant 1,4+0,14g 9,6 (b) 16,7 (b) ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL WG77% 3-Ratio 60:1 2g/Plant 1,5+0,025g 11,7 (b) 32,3 (b) ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL

Doumentl5-31/07/2023

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WG76,25%

Treatment Rate Rate Trial] Trial2 per plant a.i./plant Yield Yield %ofUTC %ofUTC (UTC (UTC= 12,4T/Ha) 5,3T/Ha) 182DAT6 (M) 178DAT6 (M)

1-Untreated 100 100 2-Ratio 10:1 2g/Plant 1,4+0,14g 157,7 282,5 ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL WG77% 3-Ratio 60:1 2g/Plant 1,5+0,025g 190,1 174,4 ALIETTE +ISOTIANIL WG76,25%

Conclusion for the protection of banana plantations against Fusariumoxysporum responsible of Fusarium wilt The five examples reported confirm the interest of using Isotianil based compounds to limit the development of Fusarium oxysporum Race 4 in banana plants. The mixture between Isotianil and Fosetyl AL show even better protection in field plantations. The 2 ratio tested in drench application and in foliar spray show a significant reduction of disease infestation and will allow in certain conditions to delay the development of Panama disease in banana plantation. The advantage for the producer is translated in a better survival of plantation with less infected plants and yield increase.

Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (16)

24660744.1:DCC-3/08/2023 - 27 Claims

1. Use of Isotianil (formula (I))

0 CI CI N S-N CN

for controlling Panama disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum in a plant of the Musaceae family, wherein the Isotianil is used in combination with Fosetyl-Al.

2. The use according to claim 1 wherein the Fusarium oxysporum is Fusarium oxysporumf sp. cubense.

3. The use according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the Fusarium oxysporum is Fusarium oxysporumf sp. cubense race 1.

4. The use according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the Fusarium oxysporum is Fusarium oxysporumf sp. cubense race 4.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plant of the Musaceae family is selected from the Cavendish or Gros Michel variety.

6. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the Isotianil is used in combination with Fosetyl-Al in a ratio in wt % of from 1 to 60 to 1 to 75.

7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Isotianil is used in combination with Fosetyl-Al in a ratio in wt% of from 1 to 5 to 1 to 15.

8. A method of controlling Panama disease caused by Fusariumoxysporum in plants of the Musaceae family, wherein the method comprises application of a combination of

24660744.1:DCC-3/08/2023

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Isotianil (I) and Fosetyl-Al as active ingredients (a.i.) to a plant of the Musaceae family.

9. The method of claim8 comprising a first application of the combination and one or more subsequent applications of the combination.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first application is carried out 15 days before planting.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first application and the subsequent applications are carried out at 30 day intervals.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first application and the subsequent applications are carried out at 14 day intervals.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the amount of a.i. per plant per treatment is from 2.5 to 0.5 g Fosetyl-Al and from 0.035 to 0.015 g Isotianil.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the amount of a.i. per plant per treatment is from 0.45 to 0.1 g Fosetyl-Al and from 0.04 to 0.015 g Isotianil.

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the ratio in wt % of Isotianil to Fosetyl-Al is from 1 to 60 to 1 to 75.

16. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the application is a drip application.