HK1128199B - Plant growth regulating and fungicidal compositions - Google Patents

Description

Plant growth regulator and fungicidal composition

The present invention relates to novel compositions for regulating plant growth and controlling phytopathogenic fungi. The invention further relates to the use of said compositions for regulating plant growth, in particular inhibiting plant growth for increasing yield, and for controlling phytopathogenic fungi.

Paclobutrazol ((2RS, 3RS) -1- (4-chlorophenyl) -4, 4-dimethyl-2- (1H-1, 2, 4-triazol-1-yl) -pentan-3-ol) is a plant growth regulator. It is used to produce more robust and mechanically resistant plants. Thus, it can be used to reduce lodging and increase yield of useful plants.

Other examples of known plant growth regulators include prohexadione (3, 5-dioxo-4- (1-oxopropyl) cyclohexanecarboxylate) and chlormequat chloride (2-chloro-N, N, N-trimethylethammonium). Triazole fungicides, including difenoconazole (1- [2- [ 2-chloro-4- (4-chlorophenoxy) phenyl ] -4-methyl-1, 3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl ] -1H-1, 2, 4-triazole), are steroid demethylation inhibitors (inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis) and are useful as fungicides effective in the control of a number of diseases caused by Ascomycetes (Ascomycetes), Basidiomycetes (Basidiomycetes) and Deuteromycetes (Deuteromycetes).

It has now surprisingly been found that the plant growth regulation properties of paclobutrazol and certain other plant growth regulating compounds can be significantly improved when combined with a triazole fungicide selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, tebuconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole and epoxiconazole.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a composition capable of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof, comprising as plant growth regulating active ingredient a mixture of component (a) and component (B), wherein component (a) is paclobutrazol and component (B) is selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, tebuconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole and epoxiconazole, wherein component (a) and component (B) are present in the composition in amounts capable of producing a synergistic effect.

The present invention still further provides a composition capable of controlling phytopathogenic fungi on a plant or propagation material thereof comprising as fungicidally active ingredient a mixture of component (a) and component (B), wherein component (a) is paclobutrazol and component (B) is selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, tebuconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole and epoxiconazole, wherein component (a) and component (B) are present in the composition in amounts which produce a synergistic effect.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises as plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) difenoconazole, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts to produce a synergistic effect. In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of paclobutrazol and difenoconazole as the plant growth regulating active ingredient in an amount to produce a synergistic effect. In a further embodiment of the invention, component (a) is paclobutrazol in free form.

In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) metconazole as the plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts which produce a synergistic effect.

In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) ipconazole as the plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts that produce a synergistic effect.

In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises as plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) tebuconazole, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts that produce a synergistic effect.

In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) prothioconazole as the plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in an amount to produce a synergistic effect.

In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises as plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) cyproconazole, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts which produce a synergistic effect.

In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) propiconazole as the plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts that produce a synergistic effect.

In a still further embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of (a) paclobutrazol and (B) epoxiconazole as the plant growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient, wherein (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts which produce a synergistic effect.

The present invention still further provides a composition capable of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof and/or controlling phytopathogenic fungi on a plant or propagation material thereof comprising as growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient a mixture of component (a) and component (B), wherein component (a) is prohexadione and component (B) is selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, tebuconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole and epoxiconazole, wherein component (a) and component (B) are present in said composition in amounts which produce a synergistic effect. In a particular embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture of prohexadione and metconazole as plant growth regulating active ingredients in amounts which produce a synergistic effect. In a further embodiment of the invention, the prohexadione is used as a calcium salt.

The present invention still further provides a composition capable of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof and/or controlling phytopathogenic fungi on a plant or propagation material thereof, comprising as growth regulating and/or fungicidal active ingredient a mixture of component (a) and component (B), wherein component (a) is chlormequat chloride and component (B) is selected from the group consisting of difenoconazole, ipconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole and epoxiconazole, wherein component (a) and component (B) are present in the composition in amounts which produce a synergistic effect. In a further embodiment of the invention chlormequat chloride is used as the chloride salt.

In a further embodiment of the invention, component (B) is used in free form.

The compositions of the invention are particularly notable for growth-regulating properties, which can lead to an increase in the yield and quality of cultivated plants and/or harvested crops.

The compositions of the present invention inhibit vegetative growth of both monocots and dicots. Inhibiting vegetative growth of farmed plants allows more plants to be sown in the crop area. Thereby allowing higher throughput per unit area. A further mechanism for yield increase with growth regulators is that nutrients can promote flower formation and fruit set to a higher degree, while inhibiting vegetative growth.

It is sometimes desirable and advantageous to inhibit vegetative growth of monocotyledonous plants, such as grasses or cultivated plants, such as cereals. This growth inhibition is of economic interest, especially for grass, because the mowing frequency in gardens, parks, sports grounds or shoulders can be reduced. Furthermore, it is also desirable to inhibit the growth of herbaceous and woody plants on the shoulders and near the conveyor lines (transmission lines), or generally in areas where vigorous growth is not desired.

The use of growth regulators to suppress the height of cereals and rape is also important, as shortening the stalks reduces or completely eliminates the risk of lodging before harvesting. In addition, the growth regulator can strengthen the stems of the cereal crops, which also resists lodging.

However, in addition to the actual surprising synergistic effect relating to the regulation of plant growth, the compositions of the invention can also have further surprising advantageous properties, which can also be described in a broader sense as synergistic activity.

Examples of said advantageous properties that may be mentioned are: synergistic fungicidal activity, e.g. the application rate of triazole fungicide and growth regulator is reduced, while the fungicidal action remains equally good; broadening the spectrum of fungicidal activity against other plant pathogens such as resistant strains; reducing the application rate of the active ingredient; more favorable degradation ability; improved toxicological and/or ecotoxicological effects.

Component (A) and component (B) are described in The "handbook of pesticides" [ The Pesticide Manual-AWorld Complex; a thirteenth edition; an editor: c.d.s.tomlin; the British crop protection Council ]. Wherein paclobutrazol is described as accession number 612, prohexadione as accession number 664, chlormequat chloride as accession number 137, difenoconazole as accession number 247, ipconazole as accession number 468, metconazole as accession number 525, tebuconazole as accession number 761, prothioconazole as accession number 685, cyproconazole as accession number 207, propiconazole as accession number 675, and epoxiconazole as accession number 298.

Component (a) and component (B) may exist in different stereoisomeric forms. The present invention encompasses mixtures comprising all of these stereoisomeric forms or mixtures comprising all of these stereoisomeric forms in any ratio.

Accordingly, the present invention provides paclobutrazol, difenoconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, tebuconazole, prothioconazole, cyproconazole, propiconazole and epoxiconazole which can be used in their free form or as salts thereof or as metal complexes thereof.

The salts of paclobutrazol and/or difenoconazole mentioned may be prepared by reacting the respective free forms paclobutrazol and/or difenoconazole with an acid.

Those acids which can be used for the preparation of the salts of paclobutrazol and/or difenoconazole may be mentioned: hydrohalic acids, such as hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid or hydroiodic acid; sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and organic acids, such as acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, thiocyanic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, oxalic acid, formic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, p-aminosalicylic acid, 2-phenoxybenzoic acid, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, and 1, 2-naphthalene-disulfonic acid. The metal complexes consist of organic molecules and inorganic or organic metal salts, for example halides, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, acetates, trifluoroacetates, trichloroacetates, propionates, tartrates, sulfonates, salicylates, benzoates and the like of elements of the main group II, such as calcium and magnesium, and elements of the main groups III and IV, such as aluminum, tin or lead, and elements of the subgroups I to VIII, such as chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc and the like. The subgroup elements of the fourth period are preferably used. The metal may have any of a variety of valences present. The metal complexes may be mononuclear or polynuclear, i.e. they may contain one or more organic molecular components as ligands.

The present invention still further provides a composition as described above, wherein said composition regulates plant growth by inhibiting the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof.

Throughout the specification, the expression "composition" means various mixtures or combinations of component (a) and component (B), for example in a single "i.e. mixed" form, in a combined spray mix form, e.g. "tank mix", combined from separate single active ingredient component formulations, and when applied in a sequential manner the single active ingredients are used in combination, i.e. applied sequentially at suitably short intervals, e.g. hours or days. The order in which component (A) and component (B) are applied is not critical to the practice of the invention.

The compositions of the present invention may also include other insecticides.

The compositions according to the invention are effective against harmful microorganisms, such as those which cause phytopathogenic diseases, in particular against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria.

The compositions according to the invention are particularly effective against phytopathogenic fungi of the following classes: ascomycetes (Ascomycetes) (e.g. nigrospora (Venturia), sphaerotheca (Podosphaera), Erysiphe (Erysiphe), sclerotinia (Monilinia), sphaerotheca (Mycosphaerella), uncinularia (Uncinula)); basidiomycetes (Basidiomycetes) (e.g. camelina (Hemileia), Rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia), Phakopsora (Phakopsora), Puccinia (Puccinia), smut (uselago) such as (Ustilago nuda), anabaena (Tilletia)); incomplete fungi (fungitofectin) (also known as Deuteromycetes), such as Botrytis (Botrytis), Helminthosporium (Helminthosporium), Rhinochlorosporium (Rhynchosporium), Fusarium (Fusarium), Septoria (Septoria), Cercospora (Cercospora), Alternaria (Alternaria), Pyricularia (Pyricularia) and Pseudocercospora (Pseudocercospora)); oomycota (Oomycota) (e.g.Phytophthora (Phytophthora), Peronospora (Peronospora), Pseudoperonospora (Pseudoperonospora), Puccinia (Albugo), Aureobasidium (Bremia), Pythium (Pythium), Pseudoperonospora, Plasmopara).

Throughout the specification, the term "plant" includes plants of the following species: a grape vine; cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye or oats; beets, such as sugar or fodder beets; fruits such as pome, stone or seedless fruits, for example apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, cherries, strawberries, raspberries or blackberries; leguminous plants, such as beans, lentils, peas or soybeans; oil plants, such as rape, mustard, poppy, olives, sunflowers, coconut, castor oil plants, cocoa beans or groundnuts; cucurbits, such as edible cucurbits (marrows), cucumbers or melons; fiber plants, such as cotton, flax, hemp or jute; citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits or mandarins; vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, cucurbits or paprika; lauraceae (lauraceae), such as avocado, cinnamon or camphor; corn; tobacco; a nut; coffee; sugar cane; tea; a vine plant; hop grass; durian; bananas; natural rubber plants; turf or ornamental plants, such as flowers, shrubs, broad-leaved trees or evergreens, such as conifers.

More specifically, the "plants" of interest for the present invention are cereals; soybean; rice; rape; kernel and fruit; stoning fruits; peanut; coffee; tea; strawberry; turf; vine plants and vegetables, such as tomato, potato, cucurbits and lettuce.

The term "plant" also includes genetically modified plants, including those plants that have been rendered resistant to herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or have been modified in some other way to improve yield, drought tolerance, or quality. The genetically modified plants may have been modified by recombinant nucleic acid techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

The term "locus" of a plant as used herein is intended to include a place where a plant is growing, where the plant propagation material of the plant is sown or where the plant propagation material of the plant is to be placed in the soil. An example of such a location is a field where crop plants are growing.

It is to be understood that the term "plant propagation material" means both reproductive parts of plants, such as seeds, which can be used to propagate progeny, and vegetative propagation material, such as cuttings or tubers, e.g., potatoes. Mention may be made, for example, of seeds (in the narrower sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants. Germinated plants and young plants to be transplanted from the soil after germination or after emergence may also be mentioned. The young plants may also be protected by a total or partial maceration treatment prior to transplantation.

In a particular embodiment, "plant propagation material" refers to seeds.

The composition disclosed by the invention can be used for effectively preventing and treating powdery mildew; rust disease; genus sigatoka; early blight and mildew; particularly against Septoria (Septoria), Puccinia (Puccinia), Erysiphe (Erysiphe), Pyrenophora (Pyrenophora), Fusarium (Fusarium) and/or Tapesia in cereals; phakopsora in soybean (Phakopsora); camelina rust (hemleia) in coffee; the genus polychete (Phragmidium) in rose; alternaria (Alternaria) in potatoes, tomatoes and cucurbits; sclerotinia (sclerotiotinia) in turf, vegetables, sunflower and rape; black rot; red fire (red fire) disease, powdery mildew, gray mold, and dead branch disease in sprawling plants; botrytis cinerea (botrytis cinerea) in fruits; streptosclerotium in fruits (Monilinia spp.).

The compositions of the invention are particularly useful for controlling the following plant diseases:

alternaria in fruits and vegetables,

ascochyta in legume crops,

botrytis cinerea (Botrytis cinerea) in strawberries, tomatoes, sunflowers, legume crops, vegetables and grapes,

cercospora arachidicola (Cercospora arachidicola) in peanuts,

coenospora graminicola (Cochliobolus sativus) in cereals,

colletotrichum (Colletotrichum) in legume crops,

erysiphe (Erysiphe) in cereals,

erysiphe cichororaceae (Erysiphe cichororaceae) and Sphaerotheca fuliginosa (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) in cucurbits,

fusarium (Fusarium) in cereals and maize,

gaeumannomyces graminis (C) in cereals and lawns graminis)，

Helminthosporium (Helminthosporium) in maize, rice and potatoes,

rust bacteria of camelina coffea (Hemileia vastatrix) on coffee,

microdochium (Microdochium) in wheat and rye,

phakopsora (Phakopsora) in soybean,

puccinia (Puccinia) in cereals, broadleaf crops and perennial plants (perennial plants),

pseudocercospora (pseudocercospora) in cereals,

short-tipped Puccinia (Phragmidium mcronatum) in roses,

the genus Sphaera (Podosphaera) in the fruit,

pyrenophora in barley (Pyrenophora),

pyricularia oryzae (Pyricularia oryzae) in rice,

ramularia collo-cygni in barley,

rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia) in cotton, soybean, cereals, corn, potato, rice and turf,

rhinochlororium coccineum (Rhynchophorum coccalis) in barley and rye,

sclerotinia (Sclerotinia) in turf, lettuce, vegetables and rape,

septoria (Septoria) in cereals, soybeans and vegetables,

ustilago sericea (Sphacelotheca reilliana) in corn

Tilletia (Tilletia) in grains,

rhizoctonia solani (Uncinula necator), Mycoplasma bidwellii (Guignardia bidwellii) and Phomopsis viticola (Phomopsis viticola) in sprawling plants,

ustilaginoides occulta (Urocystis occulta) in rye,

ustilago (such as Ustilago nuda) in cereals and maize,

venturia (Venturia) in fruits,

streptosclerotium (Monilinia) on fruits,

mycosphaerella fijiensis on bananas.

The compositions of the present invention have a systematic fungicidal effect and can be used as foliar, soil and seed treatment fungicides.

By using the composition according to the invention, it is possible to inhibit or destroy phytopathogenic microorganisms which occur in different useful plants in plants or parts of plants (fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, tubers, roots) and at the same time to protect the parts of the plants which subsequently grow from attack by phytopathogenic microorganisms.

The compositions of the invention are particularly interesting for controlling a large number of fungi, especially the grapevine, in various useful plants or their seeds; cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye or oats; beets, such as sugar or fodder beets; fruits, such as pomes, stone fruits; leguminous plants, such as beans, lentils, peas or soybeans; oil crops, such as oilseed rape, mustard, poppy, olive, sunflower; fibrous plants, such as cotton; vegetables, such as lettuce, cabbage, tomato, potato; lauraceae, such as avocado; coffee; bananas; turf or ornamentals;

the compositions of the invention may be applied by treating the fungi, plants, their locus or propagation material thereof with the compositions of the invention. The application can be made to the soil before the emergence of the plants, before or after planting. The application may be foliar spray at various times during the growth of the crop with one or two post-emergence early or late applications.

The compositions of the invention may be applied before or after the useful plants or propagation material thereof have been infected with the fungus.

The amount of the composition of the present invention to be applied depends on various factors such as the object to be treated, e.g., plants, soil or seeds; type of treatment, such as spraying, dusting or seed coating; treatment purposes, such as prophylactic or therapeutic disease control; in the case of disease control, the type of fungus to be controlled or the time of application.

The weight ratio of component (A) to component (B) is selected to provide synergistic activity. Typically, the weight ratio of component (a) to component (B) is from 1000:1 to 1:1000, preferably from 100:1 to 1:100, more preferably from 10:1 to 1:10, more preferably from 6:1 to 1:6, for example paclobutrazol: difenoconazole is equal to 1: 2.

From the viewpoint of the growth regulating property of the composition of the component (A) and the component (B), the synergy of the composition of the present invention is higher than the sum of the growth regulating properties of the component (A) and the component (B).

When applied to plants, component (a) is applied in a proportion of 5 to 2000g a.i./ha, in particular 10 to 1000g a.i./ha, such as 37.5, 50, 62.5, 75, 100 or 200g a.i./ha, supplemented with component (B) in a proportion of 1 to 5000g a.i./ha, in particular 2 to 2000g a.i./ha, such as 75, 100, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1000, 1500g a.i./ha.

In agricultural practice, the amount of application of the composition of the invention depends on the type of effect desired, generally ranging from 20 to 4000g of total composition per hectare, preferably from 20 to 1000g of total composition per hectare.

When the composition of the present invention is used for treating seeds, it is generally sufficient that the proportion of component (A) is from 0.001 to 50g per kg of seeds, preferably from 0.01 to 10g per kg of seeds, and from 0.001 to 50g of component (B) per kg of seeds, preferably from 0.01 to 10g per kg of seeds.

The compositions of the invention may be used in any conventional form, for example in the form of: double packaging, dry seed treatment powder (DS), seed treatment Emulsion (ES), seed treatment suspension (FS), seed treatment Liquid (LS), seed treatment water dispersible powder (WS), seed treatment microcapsule suspension (CF), seed treatment Gel (GF), Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC), Suspension Concentrate (SC), Suspoemulsion (SE), microcapsule suspension (CS), water dispersible granule (WG), emulsifiable concentrate (EG), water-in-oil Emulsion (EO), oil-in-water Emulsion (EW), Microemulsion (ME), oil based dispersion (OD), oil suspension (OF), oil solution (OL), soluble Solution (SL), ultra low volume Suspension (SU), ultra low volume liquid (UL), parent drug (TK), dispersible solution (DC), Wettable Powder (WP) or any technically useful formulation in combination with a pesticidally acceptable adjuvant.

These compositions can be prepared in a conventional manner, for example by mixing the active ingredients with suitable inert formulation auxiliaries (diluents, solvents, extenders and optionally other formulation ingredients such as surfactants, biocides, antifreeze agents, binders, thickeners and compounds which provide an auxiliary effect). Conventional sustained release formulations may also be used in which a long lasting effect is desired. In particular, formulations for application in spray form, such as water-dispersible agents (e.g., EC, SC, DC, OD, SE, EW, EO and the like), wettable powders and granules, may include surfactants such as wetting and dispersing agents and other compounds that provide auxiliary effects, such as condensation products of formaldehyde and naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, lignosulfonates, fatty alkyl sulfates, and ethoxylated alkyl phenols and ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

The seed coating is applied to the seed in a manner known per se, using the composition according to the invention and a diluent in a suitable seed coating formulation, for example as an aqueous suspension or dry powder type with better seed adhesion. Such seed coating formulations are known in the art. The seed coating may be in the form of a capsule, e.g. as a slow release capsule or microcapsule comprising a single active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

In general, the formulations comprise from 0.01 to 90% by weight of active ingredient, from 0 to 20% of agriculturally acceptable surfactants and from 10 to 99.99% of solid or liquid formulation inerts and adjuvants, the active agent consisting of at least component (a) and component (B) and optionally further active agents, especially microbicides or preservatives or the like. Concentrated compositions typically comprise from about 2 to 80%, preferably from about 5 to 70% by weight of active agent. The preparations of the application type may, for example, comprise 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 5% by weight, of active agent. However, commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates, as end users typically use dilute formulations.

The present invention still further provides a method of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof, comprising applying to the plant, its locus or propagation material thereof a composition as described above. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises as plant growth regulating active ingredient a mixture of paclobutrazol and difenoconazole in an amount to produce a synergistic effect.

The present invention still further provides a method of modulating plant growth to increase yield comprising applying to a plant, locus thereof or propagation material thereof a composition as described above. Preferably, the composition comprises as a plant growth regulating active ingredient a mixture of paclobutrazol and difenoconazole in an amount to produce a synergistic effect.

The present invention still further provides a method of controlling phytopathogenic diseases on plants or propagation material thereof comprising applying to the plants, the locus thereof or propagation material thereof a composition as described above. In particular embodiments, the composition is applied to the plant or locus thereof. In a still further embodiment, the composition is applied to the propagation material of the plant.

The present invention still further provides a method as described above, wherein the plant or propagation material is a cereal or oilseed rape plant or propagation material.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a composition as described above in a method of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the growth of said plant or said propagation material is inhibited. In a further embodiment of the invention, the plant or the propagation material is a cereal or oilseed rape plant or propagation material.

In a still further aspect, there is provided the use of a composition as described above for the prevention and/or treatment of phytopathogenic fungal growth and/or infestation on a plant or propagation material thereof. In a further embodiment of the invention, the plant or the propagation material is a cereal or oilseed rape plant or propagation material.

The following examples serve to illustrate the invention, "active ingredient" means a mixture of component (a) and component (B) in a specific mixing ratio.

Formulation examples

Wettable powder (a) (b)

Active ingredient A) B) 1:3(a), 1:2(B) 25% to 50%

5 percent of sodium lignosulfonate

3% of sodium lauryl sulfate

Sodium diisobutylnaphthalenesulfonate-6%

Phenol polyglycol ether-2%

(7-8mol ethylene oxide)

High-dispersion silicic acid 5% to 10%

62 percent of kaolin 27 percent

The active ingredient is mixed thoroughly with the auxiliaries and the mixture is ground thoroughly in a suitable mill to give wettable powders which can be diluted with water to give suspensions of the desired concentration.

Dry seed treatment powder a) b)

Active ingredient A) B) 1:3(a), 1:2(B) 25% to 50%

5 percent of light mineral oil

High-dispersion silicic acid 5% to 5%

65 percent to 40 percent of kaolin

Talc-

The active ingredient is thoroughly mixed with the adjuvants and the mixture is thoroughly ground in a suitable grinder to obtain a powder which is directly usable for seed treatment.

Emulsifiable concentrate

The active ingredient (A) and B) are 1:6 and 10%

Octyl phenol polyglycol ether 3%

(4-5mol ethylene oxide)

Calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate 3%

Castor oil polyglycol ether (35mol ethylene oxide) 4%

Cyclohexanone 30%

Xylene mixture 50%

From this concentrate, emulsions of any desired degree of allenolysis which can be used for plant protection can be obtained by dilution with water.

Powder preparation a) b)

Active ingredient A) B) 1:6(a), 1:2(B) 5% 6%

95% of talcum

Kaolin-94 percent

Mineral filler-

I.e. powders, are obtained by mixing the active ingredient with the carrier and grinding the mixture in a suitable grinder. The powder may also be used as a dry coating for seeds.

Extruded granules

Active ingredient (A) B) 2:1) 15%

Sodium lignosulfonate 2%

1 percent of carboxymethyl cellulose

82 percent of kaolin

The active ingredient is mixed with the auxiliaries and milled, the mixture being moistened with water. The mixture was extruded and then dried in a stream of air.

Coated granules

The active ingredient (A) and B) are 1:10 and 8 percent

Polyethylene glycol (molecular weight (mol.wt.)200) 3%

89 percent of kaolin

In the compounding box, the finely ground active ingredient was applied uniformly to the kaolin moistened with polyethylene glycol. In this way dust-free coated granules are obtained.

Suspending agent

The active ingredient (A) and B) are 1:8 and 40 percent

10 percent of propylene glycol

Nonylphenol polyglycol ether (15mol of ethylene oxide) 6%

Sodium lignosulfonate 10%

1 percent of carboxymethyl cellulose

Silicone oil (as a 75% aqueous emulsion) 1%

32 percent of water

The finely ground active ingredient is intimately mixed with the auxiliaries to give a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution can be obtained by dilution with water. With this dilution, living plants and plant propagation material can be treated and protected against infestation by microorganisms by spraying, pouring or immersion.

Seed treatment suspending agent

The active ingredient (A) and B) are 1:8 and 40 percent

Propylene glycol 5%

Butanol copolymer PO/EO 2%

Trisstyrenated phenol 2% with 10-20 moles EO

0.5% of 1, 2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (in the form of a 20% aqueous solution)

Calcium salt of monoazo pigment 5%

Silicone oil (as a 75% aqueous emulsion) 0.2%

45.3 percent of water

The finely ground active ingredient is intimately mixed with the auxiliaries to give a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution can be obtained by dilution with water. With this dilution, living plants and plant propagation material can be treated and protected against infestation by microorganisms by spraying, pouring or immersion.

Sustained release microcapsule suspension

28 parts of a combination of the compounds of component A) and of the compounds of component B), or of each of the individual combinations of these compounds, are mixed with 2 parts of an aromatic solvent and 7 parts of a tolylene diisocyanate/polymethylene-polyphenylisocyanate mixture (8: 1). The composition was emulsified in a mixture of 1.2 parts polyvinyl alcohol, 0.05 parts defoamer and 51.6 parts water until the desired particle size was obtained. To this emulsion, a mixture of 2.8 parts of 1, 6-diaminohexane in 5.3 parts of water is added. The mixture was stirred until the polymerization was complete.

0.25 parts of a thickener and 3 parts of a dispersant were added to stabilize the resulting microcapsule suspension. The microcapsule suspension comprises 28% of active ingredient. The medium microcapsule diameter is 8-15 microns.

The formulations obtained are applied to the seeds in the form of aqueous suspensions in an apparatus suitable for this purpose.

Biological examples

Synergistic effects exist as long as the effect of the active ingredient combination, such as plant growth regulating or fungicidal properties, is greater than the sum of the effects of the individual components.

The expected action E of a given active ingredient composition follows the so-called COLBY formula and can be calculated as follows (COLBY, S.R. ", Calculating the synergistic and antagonistic responses of a herbicide composition" ("Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicidal combinations"), Weeds, Vol.15, p.20-22; 1967):

x ═ percent, given amount of active ingredient, action of active ingredient A)

Y ═ percent, given amount of active ingredient, active ingredient B) act.

The expected combined action according to COLBY, active ingredients a) + B) is:

if the actually observed activity (O) is greater than the expected combined effect (E), then the activity of the composition is superadditive, i.e. there is a synergistic effect. In mathematical terms, the synergistic factor SF corresponds to the quotient of O/E.

Example B-1: plant growth regulation ("PGR"): before emergence of seedlings

The compositions were sprayed with the proportions mentioned (see table of results) on bare soil with a Vertical length sprayer (Vertical bottom sprayer) before planting, after which they were introduced into the soil and the plants were sown. After 14 days, the plants were evaluated for growth progress in comparison to the untreated control.

Example B-2: plant growth regulation ("PGR"): after emergence of seedlings

In the greenhouse, plants were sown and grown until the 12 th stage of the growth period (2 leaves were spread). The compound/compound mixture was then sprayed on top of the blades using a vertical long tube sprayer. After 14 days of application, the plants were evaluated for growth progress in comparison to the untreated control.

Example C-1: fungicidal action against Botrytis cinerea (Botrytis cinerea) -mycoses Long test

Conidia of the fungus from cryopreservation were mixed directly into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48-72 hours.

Example C-2: fungicidal action against Septoria tritici (Septoria tritici) on wheat By using

a) Fungal growth test

Conidia of the fungus from cryopreservation were mixed directly into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 72 hours.

b) Protective treatment

The 2-week-old wheat plants cv. riband were treated with the formulated test compound (0.2% active ingredient) in a spray booth. One day after administration, the spores were suspended by washing (10X 10)⁵Conidia/ml) were sprayed on the test plants to inoculate wheat plants. After 1 day incubation at 23 ℃ and 95% relative humidity, the plants were stored in a greenhouse at 23 ℃ and 60% relative humidity for 16 days. 18 days after inoculation, disease incidence was assessed.

Example C-3: fungicidal agents against Pyricularia oryzae (Pyricularia oryzae) on rice Function of

a) Fungal growth test

Conidia of the fungus from cryopreservation were mixed directly into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 72 hours.

b) Protective treatment

The rice leaf fragments were placed on agar in a multi-well plate (24-well format) and sprayed with the test solution. After drying, the leaf discs were inoculated with a fungal spore suspension. After appropriate incubation, the activity of the compounds at 96 hours after inoculation was evaluated as preventive fungicidal activity.

Example C-4: fungicidal action against Alternaria (Alternaria)

a) Fungal growth test

a1) Alternaria solani (Alternaria solani) (early blight)

Conidia from a new growth population of fungi were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

a2) Alternaria brassicae (Alternaria brassicca) (black spot of rape):

conidia from a new growth population of fungi were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 72 hours.

a3) Alternaria brassicae (Alternaria brassicola) (silique mould))：

Conidia from a new growth population of fungi were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

b) Protective treatment

Alternaria solani potato early blight (early blight)

The 4-week-old tomato plants cv. rot Gnom were treated with formulated test compound (0.02% active ingredient) in a spray booth. After 2 days of administration, the spores were suspended by washing (2X 10)⁵Conidia/ml) were sprayed on the test plants to inoculate the tomato plants. Disease incidence was assessed after 3 days incubation at 20 ℃ and 95% relative humidity in a growth chamber.

Example C-5: preventing and treating sclerotinia (Pyrenopeziza brassicae) (same name) Cylindrosporium concentricum, rape leaf spot of rape)) -fungicidal action-fungal growth test

Conidia from a new growth population of fungi were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

Example C-6: fungicidal against Venturia inaegualis (Venturia inaegualis) on apples Function of

a) Fungal growth test

Conidia of the fungus from cryopreservation were mixed directly into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 144 hours.

b) Protective treatment

Mclntosh 4-week-old apple seedlings were treated with formulated test compound (0.02% active ingredient) in a spray booth. 1 day after application, the spores were suspended by washing (4X 10)⁵Conidia/ml) was sprayed on the test plants to inoculate the apple plants. After incubation for 4 days at 21 ℃ and 95% relative humidity, the plants were kept in a greenhouse at 21 ℃ and 60% relative humidity for 4 days. After another incubation at 21 ℃ and 95% relative humidity for 4 days, the incidence of disease was assessed.

Example C-7: fungicidal action against Pythium ultimum Fungal growth test

Fungal mycelium fragments prepared from fresh liquid cultures were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

Example C-8: fungicidal action against Leptosphaeria spp Bacterial growth assay

a1) Pyrococcus glumae(Leptosphaeria nodorum) (glume blight)：

Conidia of the fungus from cryopreservation were mixed directly into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

a2)Leptosphaeria maculans (same name, Phoma nikowii (Phoma lingam), Ten Heiyphaceae black shank)：

Conidia from a new growth population of fungi were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

Example C-9: preventing and treating pseudocercospora herpotrichoides var. Fungicidal action of acuformis (eye marks/grains) -fungal growth test

Conidia of the fungus from cryopreservation were mixed directly into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 72 hours.

Example C-10: control of Puccinia recondita (brown rust) on wheat Fungicidal action of the disease (Brown ruist))

a) Protective treatment of blade segments

Wheat leaf fragments were placed on agar in multi-well plates (24-well format) and sprayed with the test solution. After drying, the leaf discs were inoculated with a fungal spore suspension. After appropriate incubation, the activity of the compounds at 9 days after inoculation was evaluated as preventive fungicidal activity.

b) Protective treatment of plants

Wheat seedlings cv. arina 1 week old were treated with formulated test compound (0.02% active ingredient) in a spray booth. 1 day after application, the spores were suspended by washing (1X 10)⁵Summer spores/ml) were sprayed on the test plants to inoculate the wheat plants. After 2 days of incubation at 20 ℃ and 95% relative humidity, the plants were stored in a greenhouse at 20 ℃ and 60% mesh relative humidity for 8 days. Disease incidence was assessed 10 days after inoculation.

Example C-11: fungicidal agents against Septoria nodorum (Septoria nodorum) on wheat Function of

a) Protective treatment of blades

Wheat leaf fragments were placed on agar in multi-well plates (24-well format) and sprayed with the test solution. After drying, the leaf discs were inoculated with a fungal spore suspension. After appropriate incubation, the activity of the compounds at 96 hours after inoculation was evaluated as preventive fungicidal activity.

b) Protective treatment of plants

Wheat seedlings cv. arina 1 week old were treated with formulated test compound (0.02% active ingredient) in a spray booth. 1 day after application, the spores were suspended by washing (5X 10)⁵Meristem of the rootSpores/ml) was sprayed on the test plants to inoculate the wheat plants. After 1 day incubation at 20 ℃ and 95% relative humidity, the plants were stored in a greenhouse at 20 ℃ and 60% relative humidity for 10 days. Disease incidence was assessed 11 days after inoculation.

Example C-12: preventing and treating grape powdery mildew of Uncinula necator (Uncinula) on grape Fungicidal-protective treatment of necator) (powdery mildew)

Grape seedlings cv. gutedel 5 weeks old were treated with formulated test compound (0.02% active ingredient) in a spray booth. After 1 day of application, the grape plants were inoculated by shaking the plants infected with grape powdery mildew above the test plants. Disease incidence was assessed after incubation for 7 days at 26 ℃ and 60% relative humidity under light management of 14/10 hours (light/dark).

Example C-13: preventing and treating Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (cotton rot) Fungicidal action-fungal growth test of (1):

fungal mycelium fragments prepared from fresh liquid cultures were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

Example C-14: fungicidal composition for controlling Rhizoctonia solani (damping-off) Effect-fungal growth test:

fragments of fungal mycelium from cryopreservation were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compound into a microtiter plate (96-well format), the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores is added. The assay plates were incubated at 24 ℃ and growth inhibition was determined photometrically after 48 hours.

Examples C to 15: control of Phakopsora pachyrhizi (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) (soybean on soybean) Rust) fungicidal-protective treatment:

after 4 weeks in the spray chamber, the soybean leaves were treated with the active ingredient. Leaf disks were cut from the first leaf with the trilobes and placed on agar in multi-well plates before or after spraying. Then, one day after treatment, the leaf disks were inoculated with phakopsora pachyrhizi (asian soybean rust (ASR)). 10 days after inoculation, the leaves were evaluated.

Example C-16: fungicidal action against puccinia recondita (brown rust) -protective treatment:

wheat leaf pieces were placed on agar in multiwell plates (24 well format) and sprayed with test solution (0.02% active ingredient). After drying, the leaf discs were inoculated with a fungal spore suspension. After appropriate incubation, the activity of the compounds at 9 days after inoculation was evaluated as preventive fungicidal activity.

In examples C-1 to C-16, the compositions of the present invention showed good fungicidal activity.

Claims (13)

1. A composition capable of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof comprising as plant growth regulating active ingredient a mixture of component (a) and component (B), wherein component (a) is paclobutrazol and component (B) is difenoconazole, wherein said (a) and (B) are present in the composition in amounts which produce a synergistic effect and the weight ratio of component (a) to component (B) is from 100:1 to 1: 100.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of component (a) to component (B) is from 10:1 to 1: 10.

3. A method of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof, which comprises applying to the plant, its locus or propagation material thereof a composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the composition is applied to the plant or locus thereof.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the composition is applied to the propagation material of the plant.

6. The method of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the plant or propagation material is a cereal or oilseed rape plant or propagation material.

7. A method of modulating plant growth to provide increased yield, the method comprising applying to a plant, its locus or propagation material thereof a composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the composition is applied to the plant or locus thereof.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the composition is applied to the propagation material of the plant.

10. The method of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the plant or propagation material is a cereal or oilseed rape plant or propagation material.

11. Use of a composition according to claim 1 or 2 in a method of regulating the growth of a plant or propagation material thereof.

12. The use of claim 11, wherein the growth of the plant or the plant propagation material is inhibited.

13. The use of claim 11 or 12, wherein the plant or the propagation material is a cereal or oilseed rape plant or propagation material.