AU2015234288B2

AU2015234288B2 - A synergistic insecticidal composition

Info

Publication number: AU2015234288B2
Application number: AU2015234288A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James Timothy Bristow
Original assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Co Ltd
Current assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-29
Filing date: 2015-09-29
Publication date: 2017-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-29
Also published as: TWI714636B; TW201717762A; CN112314619A; AU2015234288A1; AU2015101421A4; WO2017054688A1; CN108347938A

Abstract

The present invention provides a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising three components (A) buprofezin, (B) thiamethoxam and (C) lambda-cyhalothrin. There is also provided a process for preparing the insecticidal composition. The present invention is also related to a method to prevent, control and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings by applying the synergistic insecticidal composition comprising three components (A) buprofezin, (B) thiamethoxam and (C) lambda cyhalothrin.

Description

A SYNERGISTIC INSECTICIDAL COMPOSITION

The present invention relates to a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising three active components. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the insecticidal composition and to a method to prevent, control and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings by applying the synergistic insecticidal composition.

BACKGROUND

Insect infestations represent a major threat to economically important agricultural crops. The yield of plants, for example, fruit, leguminous plants, cucurbitaceae, fibre plants, citrus, vegetables sugarcane, are adversely impacted by insect attack.

Chemical control is an important way for preventing and controlling pests in agriculture. However, current agents show unsatisfactory effects to certain kinds of pests. Furthermore, many pests have developed resistance to commonly used pesticides due to a long term use of the pesticides. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new methods and pesticides and/or composition containing them to control these pests. Moreover, the environmental and economic requirements imposed on modern-day insecticides are continually increasing, with regard, for example, to the spectrum of action, toxicity, selectivity, application rate, formation of residues, and favorable preparation ability. Since there may be problems, for example, with resistances developing to known active compounds, a constant task is to develop new insecticide agents which in some areas at least have advantages over their known counterparts.

Thiamethoxam is the common name for 3-[(2-chloro-5-thiazolyl)methyl]tetrahydro-5-methyl-N-nitro-4H-1,3,5-oxadiazin-4-imine and has the following chemical formula I:

Thiamethoxam is known to have insecticidal activity and is available commercially.

However, experience with the single active straight formulation of insecticides worldwide indicates there is a high risk of development of resistant insect subpopulations. Resistance has been reported worldwide in an increasing number of insects active in field crops, fruit, vegetables, and so on.

Pyrethroids are known insecticides and are synthesized derivatives of naturally occurring pyrethrins, which are taken from pyrethrum, the oleoresin extract of dried chrysanthemum flowers. Ketoalcoholic esters of chrystanthemic and pyrethroic acid account for the insectidial properties of pyethrins. These acids are lipophilic and penetrate insects and paralyze their nervous system (Reigart, et al., 1999). The insecticidal action of pyrethroid is widely known to be effective against a variety of insect pests in many major crops such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, maize, cotton, soybean, grapes and even on public and animal health sectors. The activity of pyrethroids is both contact and stomach action as a broad spectrum insecticides. Examples of synthetic pyrethroids are deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, cyfluthrin, fenpropathrin, allethrin, cyphenothrin, flucythrinate, flumethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, prallethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, sumithrin, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin and transluthrin.

Buprofezin is a well-known, readily available pesticide and methods to produce it are known in the art, for example, see U.S. Patent 4,159,328. It is a probable chitin synthesis and prostaglandin inhibitor. It inhibits moulting of nymphs and larvae, eventually leading to death.

Enhancements of insecticidal agents and compositions have been achieved to improve control of insect pests and application practice to target crops as single or mixed pesticides. The judicious use of adopting strip application or spot application on areas with high insect incidence only and soil application to avoid direct contact with natural enemies and the use of selective and non-persistent agents increase environmental safety and lower incidence of insect resistance. In addition, the adoption of the rotational application of insect control agents with different modes of action contributes to good pest management. Having an insecticidal composition with a high synergistic action with no cross resistance to existing insecticide agents and with a low environmental impact is desirable. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a composition, which is potent to insect attack, with physico compatible formulations stable in during storage, safely pack and in ready-to-use formulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising three components (A) buprofezin, (B) thiamethoxam and (C) lambda-cyhalothrin.

The present invention also provides a method to control insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings by applying a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising the above components (A), (B) and (C) on the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.

The present invention also provides a process for making a synergistic insecticidal composition containing three components (A) buprofezin, (B) thiamethoxam and (C) lambda-cyhalothrin.

The present invention also provides the use of a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising the above components (A), (B) and (C) to prevent, control and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding. "Plant" as used herein, refers to all plant and plant populations such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants. "Plant parts" as used herein, refers to all parts and organs of plants, such as shoots, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruit bodies, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and rhizomes. Harvested materials, and vegetative and generative propagation materials, for example, cuttings, tubers, meristem tissues, rhizomes, offsets, seeds, single and multiple plant cells and any other plant tissues, are also included.

The word “surroundings” refers to the place on which the plants are growing, the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants will be sown. “At least one” designates a number of the respective compounds of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more, preferably 1, 2, or 3.

The term “%” generally indicates weight-% if not indicated otherwise.

It has now surprisingly been found that when applying an insecticidal composition comprising three components, namely (A) buprofezin, (B) thiamethoxam and (C) lambda-cyhalothrin on the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings, for example soybean, dry bean, cotton, vegetable, fruit, citrus and sugarcane, an excellent performance in preventing, controlling and treating insect infestations may be observed. That is, a synergistic insecticidal composition can be achieved which is highly effective for the protection of the aforementioned crops from insect attack.

The synergistic insecticidal composition is found to be highly active against a wide range of pests, i.e., aphids, armyworms, beetles, bollworm, budworms, pickleworm, burrowing bugs, borers, caterpillars, citrus orthezia, Great Southern White, leafhoppers, leafminers, loopers, millipedes, broad mites, moths, spider mites, spittlebug, stink bugs, termite, thrips, weevils, whiteflies, worms, psylla. The present compositions are particularly effective against aphids, beetles, bollworm, borers, leafhoppers, moths, spittlebug, stink bugs, termite, thrips, weevils, whiteflies, psylla.

The present invention also demonstrates reduced application cost, increased crop yield and reduced environmental risk. It also essentially prevents the development of and/or delays the dominance of resistant strains of pests, has a broader spectrum of activity and reduces risk of developing resistance.

The present invention also provides a process for using the synergistic insecticidal composition containing the three components buprofezin, thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin for crop protection. The advantage of the process relates to the propagation of part of plants and especially the seeds, as coated with and/or containing the present synergistic composition.

In use of the present invention, the components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied to the plants or plant materials in any desired sequence, any combination, consecutively or simultaneously.

The components (A), (B) and (C) may be present in the composition or applied in any amounts relative to each other, to provide the synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is in the range of from about 15:1 to about 1:1 or about 12:1 to about 1:1 or about 8:1 to about 1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of the components (A) to (B) in the composition is about 2:1, 3:1 or 5:1. In particular, the weight ratio of the components (A) and (C) in the composition is in the range of from about 15:1 to about 1:1 or about 12:1 to about 1:1 or about 8:1 to about 1:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of the components (A) to (C) in the composition is about 4:1, 5:1, 6:1.

The component (A) buprofezin is typically present in the composition of the present invention in an amount of 20% to about 40%, or in an amount of about 20%, 25%, 30% or 40%.

The component (B) thiamethoxam is typically present in the composition of the present invention in an amount of from about 4% to about 15% by weight of the composition, or in an amount of 4.5%, 6.5%, 9% or 15%.

The component (C) lambda-cyhalothrin is typically present in the composition of the present invention in an amount of from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the composition, or 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% or 15%.

The components (A), (B) and (C) together may be present in the composition in any suitable amount, and are generally present in a total amount of from about 5% to about 90% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 10% to about 80% by weight of the composition more preferably from about 15% to about 70% by weight of the composition.

Preferably each combination is a composition comprising components (A), (B) and (C), and optionally one or more auxiliaries. The auxiliaries employed in the composition will depend upon the type of formulation and/or the manner in which the formulation is to be applied by the end user. Formulations incorporating the composition of the present invention are described hereinafter. Suitable auxiliaries which may be comprised in the composition according to the invention are all customary formulation adjuvants or components, such as extenders, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, antifreezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickeners, solid adherents and inert fillers. Such auxiliaries are known in the art and are commercially available. Their use in the formulation of the compositions of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

The composition may further comprise one or more inert fillers. Such inert fillers are known in the art and available commercially. Suitable fillers in a form of a solid include, for example, natural ground minerals, such as kaolins, aluminas, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite, and diatomaceous earth, or synthetic ground minerals, such as highly dispersed silicic acid, aluminum oxide, silicates, and calcium phosphates and calcium hydrogen phosphates. Suitable inert fillers for granules include, for example, crushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite, and dolomite, or synthetic granules of inorganic and organic ground materials, as well as granules of organic material, such as sawdust, coconut husks, corn cobs, and tobacco stalks.

The composition optionally includes one or more surfactants which are preferably non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic in nature and surfactant mixtures which have good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties, depending on the nature of the active compound to be formulated. Suitable surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available. Suitable anionic surfactants can be both so-called water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds. Soaps which may be used are the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or substituted or unsubstituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acid (C10-C22), for example the sodium or potassium salt of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures. The surfactant can be an emulsifier, dispersant or wetting agent of ionic or nonionic type. Examples which may be used are salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenylsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acids, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols, especially alkylphenols, sulphosuccinic ester salts, taurine derivatives, especially alkyltaurates, or phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated phenols or alcohols. The presence of at least one surfactant is generally required when the active compound and/or the inert carrier and/or auxiliary/adjuvant are insoluble in water and the vehicle for the final application of the composition is water.

The composition optionally further comprises one or more polymeric stabilizers. The suitable polymeric stabilizers that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polyisoprene, copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins, polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes or polyamides. Suitable stabilizers are known in the art and commercially available.

The surfactants and polymeric stabilizers mentioned above are generally believed to impart stability to the composition, in turn allowing the composition to be formulated, stored, transported and applied.

Suitable anti-foams include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Suitable anti-foam agents are known in the art and are available commercially. Particularly preferred antifoam agents are mixtures of polydimethylsiloxanes and perfluroalkylphosphonic acids, such as the silicone anti-foam agents available from GE or Compton.

Suitable organic solvents are selected from all customary organic solvents which thoroughly dissolve the active compounds employed. Again, suitable organic solvents for the active components (A), (B) and (C) are known in the art. The following may be mentioned as being preferred: N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone, cyclohexyl-1-pyrrolidone; or SOLVESSO™200, a mixture of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Suitable solvents are commercially available.

Suitable preservatives include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions of this type and again are well known in the art. Suitable examples that may be mentioned include PREVENTOL® (from Bayer AG) and PROXEL® (from Bayer AG).

Suitable antioxidants are all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions, as is known in the art. Preference is given to butylated hydroxytoluene.

Suitable thickeners include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. For example xanthan gum, PVOH, cellulose and its derivatives, clay hydrated silicates, magnesium aluminum silicates or a mixture thereof. Again, such thickeners are known in the art and are available commercially.

The composition may further comprise one or more solid adherents. Such adherents are known in the art and available commercially. They include organic adhesives, including tackifiers, such as celluloses of substituted celluloses, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules, or lattices, and inorganic adhesives such as gypsum, silica or cement.

In addition, depending upon the formulation, the composition according to the invention may also comprise water.

The compositions of the present invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use for prevent and control insects example, but not limited to: aphids, armyworms, beetles, bollworm, budworms, pickleworm, burrowing bugs, borers, caterpillars, citrus orthezia, Great Southern White, leafhoppers, leafminers, loopers, millipedes, broad mites, moths, spider mites, spittlebug, stink bugs, termite, thrips, weevils, whiteflies, worms, psylla; preferably aphids, beetles, bollworm, borers, leafhoppers, moths, spittlebug, stink bugs, termite, thrips, weevils, whiteflies, psylla; more preferably Agriotes spp., Alabama spp., Anthonomus spp., Anticarsia spp., Aphis spp., Aracanthus spp., Bemicia spp., Brevicoryne spp., Caliothrips spp., Capitophorus spp., Diabrotica spp., Diaphorina spp., Dilobopterus spp., Ecdytolopha spp., Elasmopalpus spp., Empoasca spp., Enneothrips spp., Eriosoma spp., Eutinobothrus spp., Frankliniella spp., Helicoverpa spp., Heliothis spp., Heterotermes spp., Horcias spp., Lepidosaphes spp., Liogenys spp., Mahanarva spp., Myzus spp., Neoleucinodes spp., Nezara spp., Oncometopia spp., Orthezia spp., Parlatoria spp., Pectinophora spp., Procornitermes spp., Selenaspidus spp., Sternechus spp., Thrips spp., Tuta spp.; particularly Agriotes spp., Alabama argillacea, Anthonomus grandis, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii, Aracanthus mourei, Bemicia tabaci, Bemisia tabaci, Brevicoryne brassicae, Caliothrips brasiliensis, Capitophorus fragaefolli, Captophorus fragaefolii, Diabrotica speciosa, Diaphorina citri, Dilobopterus costalimai, Ecdytolopha urantiana, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Empoasca kraemeri, Empoasca spp., Enneothrips flavens, Eriosoma lanigerum, Eutinobothrus brasiliensis, Frankliniella schultzei, Flelicoverpa zea, Heliothis virescens, Fleterotermes tenuis, Florcias nobilellus, Lepidosaphes ulmi, Liogenys fuscus, Mahanarva fimbriolata, Myzus persicae, Neoleucinodes elegantalis, Nezara viridula, Oncometopia facialis, Orthezia praelonga, Parlatoria cinerea, Pectinophora gossypiella, Procornitermes triacifer, Selenaspidus articulates, Sternechus subsignatus, Thrips palmi, Thrips tabaci, Tuta absoluta.

The compositions of the present invention exhibit surprisingly high effectiveness in controlling insect infestations caused by:

Diaphorina citri, Dilobopterus costalimai, Ecdytolopha aurantiana, Oncometopia facialis, Orthezia praelonga, Parlatoria cinerea, Selenaspidus articulates on citrus, like orange, lemon;

Agriotes spp., Alabama argillacea, Anthonomus grandis, Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, Eutinobothrus brasiliensis, Frankliniella schultzei, Heliothis virescens, Horcias nobilellus, Pectinophora gossypiella, Thrips tabaci on cotton;

Anticarsia gemmatalis, Aphis craccivora, Bemisia tabaci, Caliothrips brasiliensis, Diabrotica speciosa, Empoasca kraemeri, Enneothrips flavens, Nezara viridula, Thrips palmidry on dry bean;

Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, Capitophorus fragaefolli, Captophorus fragaefolii, Diabrotica speciosa, Empoasca spp., Eriosoma lanigerum, Frankliniella schultzei, Flelicoverpa zea, Lepidosaphes ulmi, Myzus persicae, Neoleucinodes elegantalis on fruit, for example, papayas and red pepper;

Anticarsia gemmatalis, Aracanthus mourei, Bemicia tabaci, Diabrotica speciosa, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Enneothrips flavens, Liogenys fuscus, Nezara viridula, Procornitermes triacifer, Sternechus subsignatus on soybean;

Fleterotermes tenuis, Mahanarva fimbriolata, Procornitermes triacifer on sugarcane;

Bemisia tabaci, Brevicoryne brassicae, Flelicoverpa zea, Neoleucinodes elegantalis on vegetables, for example, eggplant, cabbages, tomatoes, potatoes; and

Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, Capitophorus fragaefolli, Captophorus fragaefolii, Diabrotica speciosa, Empoasca spp., Eriosoma lanigerum, Frankliniella schultzei, Flelicoverpa zea, Lepidosaphes ulmi, Myzus persicae, Neoleucinodes elegantalis on cucurbitaceae, for example cucumbers, melons, watermelon).

The compositions according to the present invention are suitable for plants of the crops: cereals (wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn, rice, sorghum, triticale and related crops); fruit, such as pomes, stone fruit and soft fruit, such as apples, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, papayas, almonds, pistachio, cherries, and berries, for example strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, bell pepper, red pepper; leguminous plants (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, dry beans); oil plants (rape, mustard, sunflowers); cucurbitaceae (marrows, cucumbers, melons, watermelon); fibre plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute); citrus, such as calamondin, citrus citron, citrus hybrids (includes chironja, tangelo, tangor), grapefruit, kumquat, lemon, lime, mandarin (tangerine), sour orange, sweet orange, pummelo, and satsuma mandarin; vegetables (eggplant, spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika); coffee; sugarcane; as well as ornamentals (flowers, such as rose, shrubs, broad-leaved trees and evergreens, such as conifers).

The compositions of the present invention may be applied on citrus, fibre plants, fruits, leguminous plants, cucurbitaceae, sugarcane and vegetables. Also, the compositions of the present invention may be applied on papayas, red pepper, soybeans, dry beans, cucumbers, melons, watermelon, cotton, orange, eggplant, cabbages, tomatoes, potatoes, and sugarcane.

In one embodiment compositions of the present invention are particularly effective in controlling:

Diaphorina citri, Dilobopterus costalimai, Ecdytolopha aurantiana, Oncometopia facialis, Orthezia praelonga, Parlatoria cinerea, Selenaspidus articulatus, on citrus, like orange, lemon;

Heterotermes tenuis, Mahanarva fimbriolata, Procornitermes triacifer on sugarcane;

Bemisia tabaci, Brevicoryne brassicae, Helicoverpa zea, Neoleucinodes elegantalis on vegetables, for example, eggplant, cabbages, tomatoes, potatoes; and

Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci, Capitophorus fragaefolli, Captophorus fragaefolii, Diabrotica speciosa, Empoasca spp., Eriosoma lanigerum, Frankliniella schultzei, Helicoverpa zea, Lepidosaphes ulmi, Myzus persicae, Neoleucinodes elegantalis on cucurbitaceae, for example cucumbers, melons, watermelon); the plants, their plant parts and/or surroundings being treated by applying a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising three components (A) buprofezin, (B) thiamethoxam and (C) lambda-cyhalothrin, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) to (B) in the composition is about 2:1 to about 3:1; and wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) to (C) in the composition is from about 4:1 to 6:1.

The compositions of the present invention can be applied to the foliage or or seed or fruit of the plant or their surroundings.

The present invention also relates to the use of an insecticidal composition as described herein for preventing, controlling and/or treating insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings.

The composition of the present invention may contain or be mixed with other pesticides, such as fungicides, other herbicides and nematicides, growth factor enhancers and fertilizers.

The rates of application (use) of the composition of the present invention may vary, for example, according to type of use, type of crop, the specific active compounds in the combination, type of plants, but is such that the active compounds in the combination are applied in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as insects or pest control). The application rate of the composition for a given set of conditions can readily be determined by trials.

The components (A), (B) and (C), and any other pesticides, may be applied and used in pure form, as a solid active compound, for example, in a specific particle size, or preferably together with at least one of the auxiliary or adjuvant components, as is customary in formulation technology, such as extenders, for example solvents or solid carriers, or surface-active compounds (surfactants), as described in more detail above. Generally, the components (A), (B) and (C) are in the form of a formulation composition with one or more of the aforementioned customary formulation auxiliaries.

Examples of formulation types for pre-mix compositions are: a water-soluble concentrate (SL), an emulstifiable concentrate (EC), an emulsion (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil-based suspension concentrate (OD), a flowable suspension (FS), a water-dispersible granule (WG), a water-soluble granule (SG), a water-dispersible powder (WP), a water soluble powder (SP), a granule (GR), an encapsulated granule (CG), a fine granule (FG), a macrogranule (GG), an aqueous suspo-emulsion (SE), a microencapsulated suspension (CS), a microgranule (MG) or preferably a suspension concentrate (SC), a water-dispersible granule (WG) and an emulsifiable concentrate (EC).

Using such formulations, either straight (that is undiluted) or diluted with a suitable solvent, especially water, plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings can be treated and protected against insects by spraying, pouring or immersing. Formulations can be diluted with water having the rate of from about 50 to about 1500 g total active ingredients per hectare, preferably from about 50 to about 1000 g total active ingredients per hectare, more preferably from about 50 to about 500g total active ingredients per hectare, most preferably from about 150 to about 250 g total active ingredients per hectare.

Preferably, from about 1 -1000 g/ha of the component (A), from about 1 -200 g/ha of the component (B), and from about 1 - 200 g/ha of the component (C); more preferably from about 50 - 500 g/ha of the component (A), from about 5-100 g/ha of the component (B), and from about 5- 100 g/ha of the component (C); most preferably from about 50 - 200 g/ha of the component (A), from about 20 - 75 g/ha of component (B), and from about 10-75 g/ha of the component (C).

The compositions or components (A), (B) and (C) can be applied using any methods known in the art. These methods include coating, spraying, dipping, soaking, injection, irrigation, etc.

The active components (A), (B) and (C) can be applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings where control is desired either simultaneously or in succession at short intervals, for example on the same day. The components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied to the plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds), or their surroundings in any order. Each component may be applied just once or a plurality of times. Preferably, each of the components (A), (B) and (C) is applied a plurality of times, in particular from 2 to 5 times, more preferably 1-3 times per season.

The active components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied in any suitable form, as described above. Typically, the active components will be applied as formulations, that is compositions comprising one or more of the active components together with further carriers, surfactants or other application-promoting adjuvants customarily employed in formulation technology.

In the event components (A), (B) and (C) are applied simultaneously, they may be applied as a composition containing components (A), (B) and (C), in which case components (A), (B) and (C) can be obtained from a separate formulation source and mixed together (known as a tank-mix, ready-to-apply, spray broth, or slurry), optionally with other pesticides, or components (A), (B) and (C) can be obtained as a single formulation mixture source (known as a pre-mix, concentrate, formulated compound (or product)), and optionally mixed together with other pesticides.

The compositions according to the invention are especially well tolerated by plants and are environmentally friendly.

Each composition according to the invention is especially advantageous for the treatment of plants.

The following examples are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation of the invention.

FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Water-dispersible granules (WG) were prepared by mixing finely ground active ingredients with auxiliaries (0.5% SUPRALATE® (sodium lauryl sulfate, Witco Inc., Greenwich), 5% REAX®88B (sodium lignosulfonate, Westvaco Corp), Potassium carbonate (balance to 100%)) and then extruded and dried in an airflow drier.

For example,

Buprofezin 45%

Thiamethoxam 9.75%

Lambda-cyhalothrin 7.5% SUPRALATE® (sodium lauryl sulfate, Witco Inc., Greenwich) 0.5% REAX®88B (sodium lignosulfonate, Westvaco Corp) 5%

Potassium carbonate 32.25%

Aqueous suspension concentrates (SC) were prepared by mixing finely ground active ingredients with auxiliaries (100 g Propylene glycol, 50 g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, 10 g Sodium lignosulfonate, 10 g Carboxymethylcellulose, 10 g Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water), 1 g Xanthan gum, 1 g NIPACIDE BIT 20, Water (Balance to 1L).

For example,

Buprofezin 250 g

Thiamethoxam 150g

Lambda-cyhalothrin 150g

Propylene glycol 100g

Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50 g

Sodium lignosulfonate 10 g

Carboxymethylcellulose 10 g

Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in 10 g water)

Xanthan gum 1 g NIPACIDE BIT 20 1g

Water Balance to 1L

Emulsifiable concentrates (EC) were prepared by mixing active ingredients with auxiliaries (50 g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, 1 g Silicone oil, 300 g N-methylpyrrolidone, SOLVESSO 200 (Balance to 1L).

For example,

Buprofezin 200 g

Thiamethoxam 90 g

Lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g

Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50 g

Silicone oil 1 g N-methylpyrrolidone 300 g

SOLVESSO 200 Balance to 1L

Biological Examples A synergistic effect exists with a combination of two or more active compounds when the activity of a composition comprising two or more active compounds is greater than the sum of the activities of each active compounds applied individually. The expected activity for a given combination of two active compounds can be calculated by the so called “Colby equation” (see S.R. Colby, “Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations”, Weeds 1967,15, 20-22): whereby: A = the activity percentage of compound A when active compound A is empolyed at an application rate of m g/ha; B = the activity percentage of compound B when active compound B is empolyed at an application rate of n g/ha; E-ι = the percentage of estimated activity when compounds A and B are empolyed together at an application rate of m g/ha and n g/ha; then: Ε·ι=Α+Β-(ΑχΒ/100).

If the actual activity observed for the combination of compounds A and B is greater than that calculated (E-ι), then the activity of the combination is superadditive. In other words, synergism is present.

The expected activity for a given combination of three active compounds can be calculated by the “Colby equation” (S.R. Colby, Weeds 15, 20-22,1967), i.e., E=(A+B+C)- (AxB+AxC+BxC)/100 + AxBxC/10000

Whereby A = the percent efficacy of compound A when compound A is employed at a dose of m (g/ha); B =the percent efficacy of compound B when compound B is employed at a dose of n (g/ha); C= the percent efficacy of compound C when compound C is employed at a dose of p (g/ha); E2 = the percent estimated efficacy when compounds A and B and C are employed together at a dose of m (g/ha), n (g/ha) and p (g/ha), respectively.

If the actual activity observed for the combination of compounds A, B and C is greater than that calculated (E2), then the activity of the combination is superadditive. In other words, synergism is present.

Field Test 1 - Orange - Psyllid (Diaphorina citri), Aphid (Dilobopterus costalimai), Beetle (Ecdytolopha aurantiana)

Psyllid (Diaphorina citri), aphid (Dilobopterus costalimai), beetle (Ecdytolopha aurantiana) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insects were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young orange plants. The formulations were diluted and applied. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of insect was examined. (Table A)

Table A:

Field Test 2 - Orange - Leafhopper (Oncometopia facialis), Moth (Orthezia praelonga), Scale (Parlatoria cinerea), Scale (Selenaspidus articulatus)

Leafhopper (Oncometopia facialis), larvae of moth (Orthezia praelonga) and scales (Parlatoria cinerea and Selenaspidus articulatus) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insects were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young orange plants. The formulations were diluted and applied. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of insect was examined. (Table B)

Table B:

Field Test 3 - Cotton - Beetle (Agriotes spp.), Boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis), cotton bug (Horcias nobilellus), cotton root borer (Eutinobothrus brasiliensis)

Beetle (Agriotes spp.), boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis), cotton bug (Horcias nobilellus), cotton root borer (Eutinobothrus brasiliensis) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insects were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young cotton plants. Formulations were diluted with water and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of bug was examined. (Table C)

Table C:

Field Test 4 - Cotton - Moth (Alabama argillacea), Moth (Heliothis virescens), pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella)

Larvae of moth (Alabama argillacea and Heliothis virescens), and pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young cotton plants. The Formulations Examples were diluted with water and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of mite was examined. (Table D)

Table D.

Field Test 5 - Cotton - Thrips (Frankliniella schultzei), Thrips (Thrips tabaci), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

Thrips (Frankliniella schultzei), thrips (Thrips tabaci), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young cotton plants. The Formulations Examples were diluted with water and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of mite was examined. (Table E)

Table E.

Field Test 6 - Dry bean - Aphid (Aphis craccivora), Cucurbit Beetle (Diabrotica speciosa), Leafhopper (Empoasca kraemeri)

Aphid (Aphis craccivora), cucurbit beetle (Diabrotica speciosa), leafhopper (Empoasca kraemeri) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young dry bean plants. Formulations were diluted with water and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of insect was examined. (Table F)

Table F:

Field Test 7 - Dry bean - Moth (Anticarsia gemmatalis), Stink bugs (Nezara viridula), Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

Larvae of moth (Anticarsia gemmatalis), stink bugs (Nezara viridula), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young dry bean plants. Formulations Examples were diluted with water and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of insect was examined. (Table G)

Table G:

Field Test 8 - Dry bean - Thrips (Caliothrips brasiliensis), Thrips (Enneothrips flavens), Thrips (Thrips palmi)

Thrips (Caliothrips brasiliensis, Enneothrips flavens, Thrips palmi) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young dry bean plants. Formulations Examples were diluted with water and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population of worm was examined. (Table H)

Table H:

Field Test 9 - Papaya - Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Capitophorus fragaefolli, Eriosoma lanigerum, Myzus persicae)

Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Capitophorus fragaefolli, Eriosoma lanigerum, Myzus persicae) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young papaya plants. The Formulations Examples were diluted and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table I)

Table I:

Field Test 10 - Red pepper - Beetle (Diabrotica speciosa), Leafhopper (Empoasca spp.), Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi), Thrips (Frankliniella schultzei), Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

Beetle (Diabrotica speciosa), leafhopper (Empoasca spp.), scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi), thrips (Frankliniella schultzei), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young red pepper plants. The Formulations Examples were diluted and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table J)

Table J:

Field Test 11 - Papaya - Moth (Helicoverpa zea, Neoleucinodes elegantalis, Tuta absoluta)

Larvae of moth (Helicoverpa zea, Neoleucinodes elegantalis, Tuta absoluta) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young papaya plants. Formulations were diluted and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table K)

Table K:

Field Test 12 - Soybean - Beetle (Aracanthus mourei), Beetle (Liogenys fuscus), Cucurbit Beetle (Diabrotica speciosa)

Beetle (Aracanthus mourei), beetle (Liogenys fuscus), cucurbit beetle (Diabrotica speciosa) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young soybean plants. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table L)

Table L:

Field Test 13 - Soybean - Moth (Anticarsia gemmatalis), Moth (Elasmopalpus lignosellus), Whitefly (Bemicia tabaci)

Larvae of moth (Anticarsia gemmatalis and Elasmopalpus lignosellus), and whitefly (Bemicia tabaci) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young soybean plants. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table M)

Table M:

Field Test 14 - Soybean - Stink bugs (Nezara viridula), Termite (Procornitermes triacifer), Thrips (Enneothrips flavens), Weevils (Sternechus subsignatus)

Stink bugs (Nezara viridula), termite (Procornitermes triacifer), thrips (Enneothrips flavens), weevils (Sternechus subsignatus) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young soybean plants. Formulations were diluted and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table N)

Table N:

Field Test 15 - Sugarcane - spittlebug (Mahanarva fimbriolata), Termite (Heterotermes tenuis), Termite (Procornitermes triacifer), Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae)

Spittlebug (Mahanarva fimbriolata), termite (Heterotermes tenuis), termite (Procornitermes triacifer), aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young sugarcane plants. Formulations were diluted and then applied on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table 0)

Table Ο:

Field Test 16 - Sugarcane - Moth (Helicoverpa zea), Moth (Neoleucinodes elegantalis), Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

Larvae of moth (Helicoverpa zea and Neoleucinodes elegantalis), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on different healthy young sugarcane plants. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table P)

Table P:

All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A synergistic insecticidal composition comprising three components (A) buprofezin, (B) thiamethoxam and (C) lambda-cyhalothrin, wherein the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is in the range of from about 15:1 to about 1:1 and the weight ratio of the components (A) and (C) in the composition is from about 15:1 to about 1:1.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is in the range of from about 12:1 to about 1:1.
3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (C) in the composition is in the range of from about 12:1 to about 1:1.
4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is in the range of from about 8:1 to about 1:1.
5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the weight ratio of components (A) and (C) in the composition is in the range of from about 8:1 to about 1:1.
6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is about 2:1, 3:1 or 5:1.
7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (C) in the composition is about 4:1, 5:1 or 6:1.
8. The composition of any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more auxiliaries selected from extenders, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickeners, solid adherents and inert fillers.
9. Use of the composition of any one of the preceding claims for preventing, controlling and/or treating insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings.
10. The use of claim 9, wherein the insects are selected from the group consisting of aphids, armyworms, beetles, bollworm, budworms, pickleworm, burrowing bugs, borers, caterpillars, citrus orthezia, Great Southern White, leafhoppers, leafminers, loopers, millipedes, broad mites, moths, spider mites, spittlebug, stink bugs, termite, thrips, weevils, whiteflies, worms, and psylla.
11. The use of claim 9 or 10, wherein the plants, plant parts or their surroundings are selected from citrus, fibre plants, fruits, leguminous plants, cucurbitaceae, sugarcane and vegetables.
12. A method for preventing, controlling and/or treating insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings, comprising applying to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings the composition of any one of claims 1 to 8.