BR112016019766B1 - USE OF ETHYL HYDROGENOPHOSPHONATE AND ITS SALTS TO CONTROL CERTAIN DISEASES IN MUSACEAE FAMILY PLANTS - Google Patents

Abstract

use of ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and its salts to control certain diseases in plants of the musaceae family. the present invention is related to the use of ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts to control fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants or plant varieties of the musaceae family, in particular bananas and plantains. the present invention is further related to the corresponding methods of controlling fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants or plant varieties of the musaceae family.

Description

[001] The present invention is related to the use of ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts to control Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family, in particular, bananas and bananas. -Earth. The present invention is further related to corresponding methods of controlling Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family.

[002] Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense is a fungal plant pathogen that causes banana banana disease (Musa spp.), also known as fusarium wilt.

[003] Panama disease is a very destructive plant disease. It is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and was first reported in Australia in 1876. By 1950 it had spread to virtually every banana-growing region in the world.

[004] Panama Mallet affects a wide variety of banana cultivars; however, the damage it caused to a single cultivar in initial export plantations is well known. Before 1960, total trust was placed in the 'Gros Michel' cultivar and it supplied almost the entire export trade. It has proven susceptible to Panama disease, and the use of infected rhizomes to establish new plantations has caused heavy and severe losses. The 'Dwarf Cavendish' and 'Grand Nain' (Chiquita Banana) cultivars gained popularity after the previous mass-produced 'Gros Michel' cultivar became commercially unviable due to Panama disease.

[005] There are some options that are inefficient to control Panama mallet, as fungicides are largely ineffective. Chemical sterilization of the soil with methyl bromide significantly reduced the incidence of the disease, but it was considered efficient only for three years, after which the pathogen recolonized the fumigated areas. Injection of plants infested with the fungicide carbendazim appears to provide some control, but inconclusive results have been reported.

[006] It was reported that several fungicides and mixtures of fungicides controlled other fungal diseases in banana plants, such as Black Sigatoka and Yellow Sigatoka caused by the fungi Mycosphaerella fijiensis and Mycosphaerella musicola, respectively.

[007] The document WO 2010/037482 discloses the use of certain compounds, such as isotianil, to control microbial and animal pathogens in plants of the Musaceae family, in particular in bananas and plantains.

[008] EP 2 100 506 A2 suggests the use of fluopiram, optionally in combination with fosetyl or fosetyl-Al, to control Mycosphaerella fijiensis in bananas.

[009] The document AU 749429 B2 is related to a method of treatment or prevention of brown eye spot on banana trees; the method comprises applying an efficient and non-phytotoxic dose of a monoalkyl hydrogen phosphonate salt with a mono-, di- or trivalent metal cation, such as fosetyl-Al. Specifically, the treatment of Mycosphaerella musicola responsible for yellow spot (also Sigatoka Yellow) in banana plants is described.

[010] The document FR 2 732 191 A1 discloses the use of fosetyl-Al, alone or in combination with other fungicides, such as bromuconazole, against black Sigatoka in banana trees.

[011] EP 2 601 839 A1 discloses the use of certain synergistic mixtures comprising a phosphorous acid derivative and zoxamide, optionally comprising cymoxanil. The cited mixtures are described as being useful fungicides against various fungi, inter alia, against Fusarium oxysporum.

[012] Davis et al. investigated the effects of the phosphonate anion on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, see Plant Pathology 1994, 43, 200-205 and in Australasian Plant Pathology 1996, 25, 31-35.

[013] The document US 6,358,938 B presents the synergistic fungal compositions that can be applied in plantations, such as aboricultural plantations. The synergistic fungal compositions cited comprise propamocarb and at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of fosetyl-Al, metal phosphites, phosphorous acid, alkali metal salts of phosphorous acid and alkaline earth metal salts of phosphorous acid.

[014] WO 2008/068308 A2 discloses post-harvest treatment of bananas with a composition comprising a polyene antifungal agent (preferably natamycin) and a phosphite containing the compound, such as, for example, ethyl aluminum phosphite.

[015] The document WO 2009/077613 A2 is related to a process for the treatment of bananas and plantain; the process comprises the step of applying a composition comprising a polyene antifungal agent, for example natamycin and at least one phosphite containing compound to plants, in which application of the composition preferentially prevents or inhibits fungal growth in plants cited and in which the cited fungus is preferably selected from the group consisting of Mycosphaerella musicola, Mycosphaerella fijensis, Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria solani and Alternaria alternata.

[016] Several distinct groups of plants that produce edible fruits have been developed from the Musa species. In English, fruits that are sweet and used for dessert are often called "bananas" while the more starchy varieties used for cooking are called "land bananas", but these terms have no botanical meaning. To date, the largest group of bananas cultivated and to date the most widely distributed is derived from Musa, particularly Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana, alone or in various hybrid combinations.

[017] When the Linnaean binomial system was abandoned for cultivated bananas, an alternative genome-based system for the nomenclature of edible bananas was developed. The plant previously known by the name Musa cavendishii became Musa (Group AAA) "Dwarf Cavendish". The "new" name clearly shows that the "Dwarf Cavendish" is triploid, with three sets of chromosomes, all derived from the Musa acuminata, which is designated by the letter "A". When Muse Balbisiana is involved, the letter "B" is used to indicate its genome. Thus, the cultivar "Rajapuri" can be called Musa (Group AAB) "Rajapuri". "Rajapuri" is also a triploid with two sets of chromosomes from Musa acuminata and one from Musa balbisiana. In the genome of edible bananas, combinations such as AA, BB, ABB, BBB and even AAAB can be found.

[018] The following races of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense have been described, which, for example, infest different banana cultivars:

[019] Race 1 can infest cultivars in the Musa (group AAA) "Gros Michel" and made the 20th century epidemic. It can also infest Musa (AAB group) "Pomo" and its subgroups, Musa (AAB group) "Silk" and Musa (ABB group) "Pisang Awak".

[020] Race 2 can infest the Musa (ABB group) "Bluggoe" and its close relatives.

[021] Race 3 can infest Heliconia spp.

[022] Race 4 (also known as tropical race 4 (TR4)) can infest the Muse (group AAA) "Dwarf Cavendish", as well as race 1 and race 2 hosts.

[023] The authors of Plant Pathology 2010, 59, 348-357 analyzed the genomic variation of the conversion elongation factor 1a (REF-1a) and the intergenic spacer (IGS) region of the nuclear ribosomal operon of Fusarium oxysporum f isolates . sp. cubense, from different banana production areas, representing groups within known races, comprising 20 Vegetative Compatibility Groups (VCG). Based on two single nucleotide polymorphisms present in the IGS region, a PCR-based diagnostic tool was developed to specifically detect VCG 01213 isolates, also called tropical race 4 (TR4).

[024] The Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science Vol. 7, No. 4, 244-249 reports on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) in West Sumatera identifying different isolates with the Vegetative Compatibility Group test.

[025] Race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense or tropical race 4 (TR4), is currently a major concern in global banana production that becomes increasingly problematic for banana and plantain cultivars .

[026] Therefore, a method - preferably improved - to control Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, in particular to control race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, is much sought after. The mentioned method should preferably be curative, thus providing a way to control and reduce Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants infested with the mentioned fungus.

[027] The present invention is mainly related to the use of (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) to a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts to control Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family.

[028] According to the present invention, (i) the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are preferably applied on selected plants or plant varieties to from the genus Musa spp., preferably plants or plant varieties selected from banana and plantain cultivars.

[029] Compared to the use of, for example, potassium phosphonate, the use of (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate, according to the present invention, shows higher efficacy for controlling Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, in particular for controlling tropical race 4 (TR4), in plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family and/or improved compatibility with respect to plants or plant varieties from the Musaceae family.

[030] The present invention is preferably related to the use of (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) to a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts to control race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, in particular, tropical race 4 (TR4).

[031] In the context of the present invention, race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, or tropical race 4 (TR4), is mainly related to Vegetative Compatibility Groups 01213, 01213/16, 01216, 0121 or 01219, more preferably Vegetative Compatibility Groups 01213, 01213/16 or 01216.

[032] Preferably, the ethyl hydrogenphosphonate and/or its salts used according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of fosetyl, fosetyl-Na and fosetyl-Al.

[033] Preferably, the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate salt used according to the present invention is fosetyl-Al.

[034] Fosetyl-aluminium or fosetyl-Al is a known fungicidal compound. Its chemical name is aluminum tris (ethyl O-phosphonate) or aluminum ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (CAS number 39148-24-8), and its chemical structure is as follows:

[035] Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense is a saprophyte soil pathogen that feeds on dead and decayed organic matter. When Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infects a healthy plant, once in the xylem, the mycelium produces microconidia that are able to enter the sap flow and are then transported upwards, where they flow to the sap stops. Finally, the plant transpires more than it can carry, the stomata closes, the leaves wither and the plant dies. After the plant dies, the fungus invades all tissues, spores and infects nearby plants.

[036] An infection caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense triggers the host plant's self-defense mechanisms. Signs of the disease may be most noticeable as a dark spot where the stele joins the cortex. As the disease develops, large parts of the xylem turn a reddish-brown color. Externally, the older leaves begin to turn yellow, and there is often a longitudinal splitting of the underside of the leaf's outer coverings on the pseudostem. The leaves begin to wither and may curl at the base of the petiole. As the disease progresses, the younger leaves are affected, turn yellow and wrinkled, and the entire cover begins to consist of dead or dying leaves.

[037] Plants in the Musaceae family have a large herbaceous growth habitat with overlapping basal coats that form a pseudostem that makes some members appear to be trees. Musa is the important agricultural genus in the Musaceae family; it includes bananas and plantains. There are about 70 species of Muse. Although they reach heights as tall as trees, banana and plantain banana trees are not made of wood and their apparent "trunk" is the base of the enormous leafy stalks.

[038] Although the fruit of the wild banana Musa balbisiana has large, hard seeds, they have been eliminated from the seedless banana of modern cuisine. Therefore, banana trees are propagated asexually from the branches. As these rhizomes are usually symptom free, even when the plant is infected with F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, they are common means by which this pathogen is spread. It can also be spread on soil and running water on implements or farm machinery.

[039] "Banana" is the common name for an edible fruit produced by various types of herbaceous angiosperms of the Musa genus. The fruit is of variable size, color, and firmness, but is generally long and curved, with a soft, starch-rich pulp covered with a skin that may be yellow, purple, or red when ripe. Fruits grow in bunches that hang from the top of the plant. Almost all parthenocarpic (seedless) edible bananas come from two wild species - Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. The scientific names of the most cultivated bananas are Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa x paradisiaca for Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana hybrid, depending on their genomic constitution.

[040] Red bananas, also known as Red Dacca bananas in Australia, are a variety of bananas with a reddish purple skin. Its official designation is Musa acuminata (group AAA) "Red Dacca". It is well known in English as Red Dacca, Red Banana, Claret Banana, Cavendish Banana, "Red Cuban Banana", Jamaican Red Banana and Cavendish Red Banana. They are smaller and plumper than the regular Cavendish banana.

[041] In the context of the present invention "control" refers to - prevention (preventive measures), that is, protection of plants and plant variety of the Musaceae family from infection by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, - cure (curative measures ), that is, the cure of plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family already infected with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, but without presenting any symptoms of Panama disease, - eradication (eradicating measures), that is, healing of plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family already infected with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense which presents the symptoms of Panama disease,

[042] In conjunction with the present invention, "control" represents a reduction of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infestation in plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family, in particular, of the genus Musa spp., compared to non-plants treated, preferably the infestation is reduced by up to 20% or more, more preferably up to 25% or more, even more preferably up to 30% or more, most preferably up to 40% or more.

[043] In conjunction with the present invention, "cure" and "eradication" represent a reduction of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infestation in plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family, in particular, of the genus Musa spp., in compared to untreated plants, preferably the infestation is reduced by up to 20% or more, more preferably up to 25% or more, even more preferably up to 30% or more, more preferably up to 40% or more.

[044] In conjunction with the present invention, "prevention" represents a significant reduction of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infestation in plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family, in particular, of the genus Musa spp., compared to plants untreated, preferably the infestation is reduced by up to 30% or more, more preferably up to 60% or more, even more preferably up to 75% or more, most preferably up to 90% or more.

[045] In several cases, almost all recovery of plants or varieties infested with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense of the Musaceae family was observed after three or four applications of liquid application in the leaf axilla and injection application in the pseudostem. Applications are preferably carried out at 2-week intervals. Applications are performed on plants aged from two to four (2-4) months or at BBCH stage 1060 - 1090.

[046] Preferably, (i) the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are applied to plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family once every 2 ( two weeks.

[047] Alternatively, (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are preferably applied to plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family once each 4 (four) weeks.

[048] Preferably, (i) the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are applied twice or more per plant or plant variety according to the growth cycle , preferably two or more times per plant or plant variety before the plant or plant variety has reached its fruiting stage.

[049] Preferably, (i) the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are applied three to ten times per plant or plant variety according to the cycle of growth, preferably three to ten times per plant or plant variety before the plant or plant variety has reached its fruiting stage.

[050] More preferably, applications are carried out preferably at 2-week intervals on plants aged two to four (2-4) months or at BBCH stage 1060 - 1090. Applications continue preferably until the fruiting stage of the plant is achieved (mainly to maintain plant health).

[051] "BBCH stage" refers to the growth stages of plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family as defined by the BBCH Codes in "Growth stages of mono- and dicotyledonous plants". 2nd. edition, 2001, edited by Uwe Meier of the Federal Biological Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry. BBCH codes are a well-established system for uniform coding of the growth stages of all mono- and dicotyledonous plant species.

[052] It has been found in our own investigations that a 100% reduction in Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infestation, ie complete control of Panama's disease, can be achieved when using ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are applied to the plant or plant variety through soaking, in particular, soaking the soil and soaking the leaf axilla (leaf axilla saturation).

[053] Preferably, (i) the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are preferably applied by drenching, preferably drenching the soil and/or drenching the armpit. sheet.

[054] Leaf armpit soaking is preferably performed using a 20 mm Phillips automatic drencher (Code: PAD28, PAD69C), manufactured by NJ Phillips Pty. Limited, Australia, an extended lance or a drencher by spots that mainly depends on the plant size or plant variety to be soaked. Preferably, the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts used in accordance with the present invention are applied to three or more different locations on the plant or plant variety to be treated, preferably to five or more different locations.

[055] It was further observed that plants and plant varieties treated with the initial symptoms of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infestation recovered faster than those treated during the later stages of the disease. Therefore, early detection and treatment of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense infestation is preferred.

[056] Preferably, the total amount of ethyl hydrogenphosphonate and its salts per application is in the range of 250 to 6000 g/ha, preferably in the range of 500 to 4000 g/ha.

[057] Preferably, the total amount of ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and its salts per application is in the range of 0.8 g to 4 g/plant, preferably 1 to 3 g/plant.

[058] In case a mixture of two or more fungicides is used according to the present invention, the mixture of the two or more fungicides is preferably free of zoxamide, free of cymoxanil and free of isothianil.

[059] In case a formulation comprising two or more fungicides is used according to the present invention, the cited formulation of the two or more fungicides is preferably free of zoxamide, free of cymoxanil and free of isothianil.

[060] In a preferred embodiment, according to the present invention, no additional fungicide is used, that is, the only fungicide used is ethyl hydrogenphosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts. In a more preferred embodiment according to the present invention, fosetyl-Al is used as the sole fungicide.

[061] In another preferred embodiment, according to the present invention, fosetyl-Al is used as the only fungicide, in which fosetyl-Al is applied three or more times and in which the total amount of fosetyl-A in each application is in the range of 800 to 3500 g/ha.

[062] The stages of external symptoms of an infestation of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense are as follows: Initial infection - yellowing of older leaves or a longitudinal division of the lower portion of outer leaf coverings in the pseudostem; Moderate infection - wilting and folding of leaves at base of petiole; Advanced infection - younger leaves contract until all cover consists of dead or dying leaves.

[063] The present invention is also related to a method of control of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants of the Musaceae family, characterized by the aforementioned plants of the Musaceae family being treated with (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts.

[064] In a preferred representation, the method, according to the present invention, is characterized by treatment with (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts be run on two to four month old plants or at a BBCH 1060 - 1090 stage.

[065] In other preferred embodiments, the method according to the present invention is characterized by the same characteristics and aspects as described above for the use of (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation that comprises ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts according to the present invention.

[066] According to the present invention, all plants of the Musaceae family can be treated. Plants of the Musaceae family are, in the present context, understood as all plant parts and plant populations, such as desired and unwanted wild plants or crop plants (including naturally occurring crop plants). Crop plants can be plants of the Musaceae family that can be obtained by traditional production and optimization methods or by biotechnological and recombinant methods or combinations of these methods, including transgenic plants of the Musaceae family and including plant varieties capable or not of being protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, such as, preferably, Gros Michel, Cavendish, Cavendish-dwarf, Chinese-dwarf, Enano, Caturra, Cavendish-Giant, Gran Enano, Grand Nain, Williams Hybrid, Valery, Robusta, Poyo, Lacatan, Pisang masak hijau, Monte Cristo, Banana with a rounded tip.

[067] The Musaceae family includes the following species: Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, Musa acuminata Colla with the varieties "Cavendish-dwarf", "Cavendish-giant" and "Gros Michel", Musa cavendishii Lamb. ex Paxt., Musa malaccensis Ridl., Musa angcorensis Gagnep., Musa aurantiaca, Musa balbisiana, Musa seminifera Lour., Musa banksii F. Muell., Musa basjoo (Japanese fiber banana, robusta banana), Musa cheesmanii, Musa flaviflora Simmonds , Musa griersonii, Musa itinerans, Musa laterita, Musa mannii, Musa nagensium, Musa ochracea, Musa ornata Roxb., Musa siamea, Musa sikkimensis, Musa thomsonii Noltie, Musa velutina Wendl. and Drude (Banana rosa), Musa alinsanaya, Musa beccarii, Musa boman, Musa borneensis, Musa bukensis, Musa campestris, Musa coccinea Andrews, Musa uranoscopos Lour, Musa exotica Valmayor, Musa fitzalanii, Musa flavida, Musa gracilis, Musa hirta. , Musa insularimontana Hayata, Musa jackeyi, Musa johnsii, Musa lawitiensis, Musa lolodensis, Musa maclayi, Musa monticola, Musa muluensis, Musa paracoccinea, Musa peekelii, Musa pigmaea Hotta, Musa rubra, Musa salaccensis, Musa salaccensis, Musa splendida. suratii, Musa textilis: Abaca, Japanese stiff banana or fiber, Musa troglodytarum, Musa tuberculata, Musa violascens, Musa ingens, Musa paradisiaca sapient, Musa paradisiaca normali and crosses of these species.

[068] Plant parts cover all aerial and underground parts and plant organs, such as grass, pseudostem, bud, leaf, bract, leaf cover, petiole, blade, flower and root, examples that can be cited being leaves, stalks, stems, flowers, fruit bodies, fruits, bunches, bunches and seeds of bananas, as well as roots, tubercles and rhizomes, shoots and secondary growth. Plant parts also include harvest material and vegetative and generative propagation material.

[069] Plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family that can also be treated according to the invention are those plants that are characterized by improved yield characteristics.

[070] Plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family (obtained by botanical biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering) that can be treated according to the invention may be herbicide tolerant plants, that is, plants that have become tolerant to a or more herbicides. Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation or by selecting plants that contain a mutation that conveys this tolerance to the herbicide.

[071] Plants and plant varieties of the Musaceae family that are preferentially treated according to the invention include all plants that contain hereditary material that confers useful traits, especially advantageous to these plants (no matter if they were achieved by generation and/or biotechnology).

[072] Plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family (obtained by botanical biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering) that can also be treated according to the invention may be insect-resistant transgenic plants, that is, plants that have become resistant to the attack of certain insects. Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation or by selecting plants that contain a mutation that transmits this resistance to insects.

[073] Plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family (obtained by botanical biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering) that can also be treated according to the invention may be tolerant to abiotic stress factors. Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation or by selecting plants that contain a mutation that conveys this resistance to stress.

[074] Abiotic stress conditions can include, for example, dry, low and high temperature conditions, osmotic stress, waterlogging, increased soil salinity, increased exposure to minerals, ozone conditions, bright light conditions, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients or limited availability of phosphorus nutrients.

[075] The treatment, according to the present invention, of plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family and its parts is carried out directly or by the action of their environment, habitat or warehouse by the usual treatment methods, for example, diving, spraying , spraying, nebulizing, spreading, brushing and injecting.

[076] In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts is used according to the present invention in solid form, preferably in the form of a powder or in the form of granules, more preferably in the form of a wettable powder or wettable granules.

[077] The corresponding formulations for use according to the present invention are aqueous formulations obtained from the aforementioned powders or granules, particularly and preferably from wettable powder or granules.

[078] Ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts used in accordance with the present invention can be converted into formulations suitable for use in accordance with the present invention, as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foam pastes, granules, sachets, aerosol microencapsulations in polymeric substances and ULV hot and cold mist formulations.

[079] These formulations are prepared in a known manner by mixing ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts with usual additives, such as usual extenders, solvents or thinners, dyes, humectants, dispersants, emulsifiers, defoamers, preservatives, secondary thickeners, adhesives, gibberellins, mineral oils, vegetable oils and/or water.

[080] If water is used as an extender, it is possible, for example, to also use one or more organic solvents as co-solvents. Suitable liquid solvents for the most part are: aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons or chlorinated aliphatics such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions , alcohols such as butanol or glycol and their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide and water, in addition to mineral, animal and vegetable oils, such as , for example, palm oil or other plant seed oils. Liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers encompass liquids that are gaseous at normal temperature and under normal pressure, for example, aerosol propellants such as halohydrocarbons, butane, propane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Suitable solid carriers are, for example, crushed natural minerals such as kaolin, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth and crushed synthetic minerals such as highly dispersed silica, alumina and silicates. Suitable solid carriers for granules are, for example, crushed and fractioned natural rocks such as calcite, pumice, marble, sepiolite, dolomite and synthetic granules of inorganic and organic flours, in addition to granules of organic material such as saw dust, coconut husks, corn cobs and tobacco stalks. Suitable emulsifiers and/or foamers are: for example nonionic, cationic and anionic emulsifiers such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, eg polyglycol, alkylaryl ethers, alkylsulphonates, alkylsulphates, arylsulfonates and protein hydrolysates. Dispersants are, for example, lignin sulphite residue liquors and methylcellulose.

[081] Adhesives such as carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules or latex such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and natural phospholipids such as cephalins and lecithins and synthetic phospholipids can be used in formulations. Extra additives can be mineral and vegetable oils.

[082] It is possible to use dyes such as inorganic pigments, eg iron oxide, titanium oxide, Prussian Blue and organic dyes such as alizarin dyes, azo dyes and phthalocyanine metal dyes and trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

[083] In general, the formulations contain a total amount of 0.1 to 95% by weight of ethyl hydrogen phosphonate (fosetyl) and/or its salts, preferably between 0.5 and 90% by weight.

[084] The dyes that can be present in the formulations that can be used, according to the invention, are all the dyes that are customary for these purposes. In this context, both pigments, which are sparingly soluble in water and dyes which are soluble in water, can be used. Examples which may be cited are the dyes known by the names Rhodamine B, C.I. Pigment Red 112 and C.I. Solvent Red 1.

[085] The humectants that may be present in the formulations that can be used, according to the invention, are all substances that are usual for the formulation of agrochemical active substances and that promote wetting. Alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, such as diisopropyl- or diisobutylnaphthalene sulfonates, can preferably be used.

[086] Suitable dispersants and/or emulsifiers that may be present in the formulations that can be used according to the invention are all non-ionic, anionic and cationic dispersants conventionally used in the formulation of agrochemical active substances. The following elements can preferably be used: nonionic or anionic dispersants or mixtures of nonionic or anionic dispersants. Suitable nonionic dispersants which may be cited are in particular ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block polymers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers and tristerylphenol polyglycol ethers and their phosphated or sulfated derivatives. Suitable anionic dispersants are, in particular, lignosulfonates, polyacrylic acid salts and arylsulfonate/formaldehyde condensates.

[087] Defoamers that may be present in the formulations that can be used according to the invention are all foam-inhibiting substances that are conventionally used in the formulation of agrochemical active substances. Silicone defoamers and magnesium stearate can be used with preference.

[088] The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention.Examples:

[089] The effects of applying fosetyl-Al to plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family to control race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense ("Tropical Race") fosetyl-Al (used as commercially available product Aliette ® 80 WP (WP = wettable powder), containing 80% by weight of fosetyl-Al) was mixed with water and applied at the rate of 2 g of product per mat. or plant.

[090] For comparison with fosetyl-Al batches, in each case one batch was left untreated. Tests were created in random full-block design.Example 1:

[091] The following experiments were performed on "Cavendish" banana trees in Compostela Valley in the Philippines.

[092] At the beginning of these experiments, each batch consisted of 15 "Cavendish" banana trees, each in BBCH growth stage 1060 - 1090.

[093] For soil waterlogged applications, fosetyl-Al was formulated with water so that 500 ml of the resulting formulation consisted of 2 g of fosetyl-Al.

[094] For leaf axilla soaking applications, fosetyl-Al was formulated with water so that 50 ml of the resulting formulation consisted of 2 g of fosetyl-Al.

[095] For leaf armpit soaking applications, initially a Phillips automatic drainer was used and after the plants had grown taller (BBCH growth stage 1060 - 1090), an extended spear was used.

[096] After the formulation procedure, the resulting formulation was applied to banana trees using soil soaking (pouring from a calibrated container) or by soaking the leaf armpit using quantities and in the time indicated in the Table 1.

[097] *: Soaking application to the leaf axilla was performed by applying the fosetyl-Al formulation to the five oldest leaf axils per plant in an amount of 10ml per leaf axilla, starting from the older functional leaves to the younger ones.

Results and conclusions:

[098] Visible complete recovery of the infected plants was achieved 4 weeks after the first application of fosetyl-Al. No significant difference in the control of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense could be observed between the weekly, fortnightly and monthly application intervals. Therefore, a monthly application interval is sufficient and recommended.Example 2:

* nenhum tratamento em lotes de controle não tratado[106] O "tempo antes dos sintomas de PD" indica o tempo em dias após a plantação até os primeiros sintomas do mal-do-Panamá que foram observados no respectivo lote.Exemplo 3:[107] Os seguintes experimentos foram executados para investigar a recuperação de bananeiras a partir da raça 4 de Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, isto é o efeito curativo de fosetil-Al (usado como Aliette® 80 WP) em bananeiras infestadas.[108] Os experimentos foram executados em bananeiras "Cavendish" nas Filipinas, New Corella, Davao del Norte. No início dos testes todas as plantas estavam em um estágio inicial de infestação.[109] A Tabela 3 mostra os resultados observados para tratamento curativo com fosetil-Al em um estágio inicial da infestação.

[110] *: O encharcamento da axila da folha foi executado conforme descrito no Exemplo 1[111] A recuperação do lote de plantas não tratadas foi de 0%.[112] Em todos os casos, duas aplicações foram suficientes para observar a recuperação total[099] The following experiments were performed on "Grand Nain" banana trees in the Philippines.[100] "Grand Nain" seedlings were used as planting material. Seedlings were planted in areas infected with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense and then planted following standard planting procedures at standard distance.[101] Each batch consisted of ten banana trees, each plant in BBCH growth stage 1060 - 1090.[102] Fosetyl-Al (used as Aliette® 80 WP) was diluted with water so that 250 ml of the resulting solution comprised 2 g of formulated product of fosetyl-Al. This amount of solution was applied to the plant/mat. The aforementioned formulation was applied during planting of all treated seedlings (excluding untreated control plants) using soil waterlogging.[103] Thereafter, other applications of the aforementioned fosetyl-Al formulation were carried out at four-week intervals in all treatments, in each case with soil waterlogging.[104] The occurrence of Panama disease symptoms was monitored weekly. The percentage of infection was calculated as [number of infected plants in the respective lot] * 100 [total number of plants in the cited lot][105] Table 2 shows the results observed six months after planting.

* no treatment in untreated control plots[106] The "time before PD symptoms" indicates the time in days after planting until the first symptoms of Panama's disease that were observed in the respective plot.Example 3:[ 107] The following experiments were performed to investigate the recovery of bananas from Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 4, ie the curative effect of fosetyl-Al (used as Aliette® 80 WP) on infested bananas.[108 ] The experiments were carried out on "Cavendish" banana trees in the Philippines, New Corella, Davao del Norte. At the start of testing all plants were at an early stage of infestation.[109] Table 3 shows the results observed for curative treatment with fosetyl-Al at an early stage of infestation.

[110] *: Leaf armpit waterlogging was performed as described in Example 1[111] Batch recovery of untreated plants was 0%.[112] In all cases, two applications were enough to observe full recovery

Claims (12)

1. Use of (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts as the only active ingredient characterized by being to control Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense in plants or plant varieties of the Musaceae family. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that the plants or plant varieties are selected from the genus Musa spp., preferably plants or plant varieties are selected from banana and plantain cultivars. 3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is for controlling race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ethyl hydrogenphosphonate and/or its salts are selected from the group consisting of fosetyl, fosetyl-Na and fosetyl-Al. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ethyl hydrogen phosphonate salt is fosetyl-Al. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are applied by soaking, preferably by soaking of the soil and/or waterlogging of the leaf axilla. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts is applied twice or more per plant per growth cycle, preferably two or more times per plant before the plant has reached its fruiting stage. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts are applied three to ten times per plant per growth cycle, preferably three to ten times per plant before the plant has reached its fruiting stage. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the total amount of ethyl hydrogenphosphonate and its salts per application is in the range of 250 to 6000 g/ha, preferably in the range of 500 to 4000 g/ha. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the total amount of ethyl hydrogenphosphonate and its salts per application per plant is in the range of 0.8 g to 4 g/plant, preferably 1 to 3 g/plant. 11. Use according to claims 1 to 10, characterized in that fosetyl-Al is the only fungicide and in which fosetyl-Al is applied three or more times and in which the total amount of fosetyl-A in each application is in the range from 800 to 3500 g/ha. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that (i) ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts or (ii) a formulation comprising ethyl hydrogen phosphonate and/or its salts is carried out on two to four month old plants or in a BBCH stage 1060 - 1090.