CN108289445B

CN108289445B - Use of aclonifen and herbicide combinations containing aclonifen in tuberous root crop plants

Info

Publication number: CN108289445B
Application number: CN201680059507.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·埃尔舍瑞夫
Original assignee: Bayer CropScience AG
Current assignee: Bayer CropScience AG
Priority date: 2015-08-12
Filing date: 2016-08-08
Publication date: 2021-02-05
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-08
Also published as: WO2017025501A1; BR112018002851A2; BR112018002851B1; CN108289445A

Abstract

The present invention relates primarily to the use of aclonifen, specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen, or compositions comprising aclonifen or specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen, for controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, preferably cassava. The invention also relates to the use of aclonifen, specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen, or compositions comprising aclonifen or specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen as plant growth regulators for tuberous root crop plants, preferably as plant growth regulators for cassava. Furthermore, the present invention relates to corresponding methods for controlling harmful plants in root crop plants, and to corresponding methods for regulating plant growth in root crop plants.

Description

Use of aclonifen and herbicide combinations containing aclonifen in tuberous root crop plants

The present invention relates primarily to the use of aclonifen, specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen, or compositions comprising aclonifen or specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen, for controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, preferably cassava. The invention also relates to the use of aclonifen, specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen, or compositions comprising aclonifen or specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen as plant growth regulators for tuberous root crop plants, preferably as plant growth regulators for cassava. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding method of controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, and to a corresponding method of regulating plant growth in tuberous root crop plants.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta cratetz) is a major source of carbohydrates for hundreds of millions of people, mainly distributed in africa, and also to some extent in asia and latin america. In africa, cassava production is generally low, largely due to the effects of weed competition or the growth of uncontrolled or insufficiently controlled weeds. Weeding by hoeing remains a common practice for cassava farmers.

Evaluation of commercially available herbicides for weed control in cassava was reported on pages 269-275 of the 11th conference record for ISRTC-AB (Proceedings of the 11th ISRTC-AB, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Congo, 4-8October 2010, pages 269-275) held by Kingo Sungku Republic of Kingo, from 10 months to 8 days 2010. The treatment involves the use of pre-emergent herbicides such as chloracetanilide (chloroacetanilide), prometryn (prometryn) or S-metolachlor (S-metolachlor).

The following herbicides for weed control in cassava are mentioned in Crop recommendation #17of the department of Agriculture of Babados (Crop recommendation #17of the minimum of Agriculture of Barbados): paraquat (optionally mixed with diquat), glyphosate (glyphosate), sulfosate (sulfosate), pendimethalin (pendimethalin), metolachlor (metolachlor), fluazifop-butyl, sethoxydim (sethoxydim) or propaquizafop (propaquizafop).

CN102428919A teaches a post-emergence cassava field herbicide with mesotrione (mesotrione) as an active ingredient.

CN103392724A proposes the use of a ternary herbicide composition as a cassava field herbicide, which contains as active ingredients halosulfuron-methyl (halosulfuron), oxyfluorfen (oxyfluorfen) and an amide herbicide selected from butachlor (butachlor), propisochlor (propiochlor) and metolachlor (metolachlor).

GB 1,028,976 discloses a method of treating plants having storage organs (such as cassava, potato or yam) which comprises spraying the plants with a substituted benzoic acid herbicide at a specific time frame prior to harvest. Among these, herbicides such as (optionally further substituted) dichlorobenzoic acid, trichlorobenzoic acid or tetrachlorobenzoic acid are preferred.

African Crop Science, 1994, 519-530(African Crop Science Journal 1994, 519-530) reports weeds and their control in cassava. Among these, the following herbicides were mainly tested: bromogluron (metobrooron), fluometuron (fluometuron), prometryn (prometryn) (optionally in combination with ametryne), terbutryn (terbutryn), paraquat and diuron (diuron).

Planata Daninha, 2010, 28(4), 807-816 describes the application of different herbicides to weeds in cassava. Among these are, inter alia, reports of the effect of herbicides, such as diuron, metribuzin, isoxaflutole, atrazine, ametryn, and several combinations comprising said herbicides, for two cassava cultivars growing in balana (paral, Brazil) in Brazil.

Herbicidal crop protection agents (herbicides) known hitherto for controlling harmful or unwanted plants in tuberous root crop plants have some disadvantages in their application: (a) for some particular harmful plants, they have no herbicidal activity or insufficient herbicidal activity, (b) the spectrum of harmful plants which can be controlled with herbicides is not broad enough, and/or (c) the selectivity of the herbicide for and compatibility with tuberous crop plants is too low; thereby causing undesirable damage and/or undesirable yield reduction to the root crop.

In general, herbicides currently used in tuberous root crop plants, whose herbicidal activity (aspects (a) and (b) above) and/or selectivity/compatibility (aspect (c) above) remain to be improved.

For the above reasons, there is still a need for alternative, highly active herbicides or herbicidal compositions for selective application to control harmful or unwanted plants in tuberous root crop plants.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that aclonifen, specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen, or compositions comprising aclonifen or specific herbicide combinations containing aclonifen exhibit the desired herbicidal activity and are capable of selectively controlling harmful or unwanted plants in tuberous root crop plants.

The present invention relates generally to the use of aclonifen or compositions comprising (i) aclonifen

For controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants,

and/or

-as a plant growth regulator in tuberous root crop plants.

The invention also relates to the use of a combination of herbicides (herbicide combination) or of a composition comprising a combination of herbicides (herbicide combination),

for controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants,

and/or

-as a plant growth regulator in tuberous root crop plants,

wherein the herbicide combination comprises or consists of (i) aclonifen and (ii) isoxaflutole.

The present invention further relates to the use of a composition as defined in the context of the present invention, additionally comprising one or more further components selected from formulation auxiliaries, additives customary in crop protection and other agrochemically active compounds (i.e. agrochemically active compounds other than aclonifen or other than components (i) and (ii) as defined above, i.e. agrochemical active compounds other than (i) aclonifen and (ii) isoxaflutole).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, aclonifen is the only herbicide used. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the compositions used in the context of the present invention, aclonifen is the only herbicide present, i.e. no other herbicidal active ingredient is present in the composition.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, aclonifen is the only agrochemical active compound used. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the composition used in the context of the present invention, aclonifen is the only agrochemically active compound present, i.e. no other agrochemically active compound is present in the composition.

When the herbicide combination used in the context of the present invention consists of the herbicides (i) aclonifen and (ii) isoxaflutole, this means that in this case the herbicide combination used in the context of the present invention or the composition comprising said herbicide combination used in the context of the present invention does not contain any other (i.e. no additional) herbicidal active ingredient, and preferably does not contain any other agrochemical active compound.

The terms "further herbicidal active ingredients" and "further agrochemically active compounds" mean, respectively, The herbicides and agrochemically active compounds (pesticides) listed in The "Pesticide Manual", 16 th edition, The British Crop Protection Council (The British Crop Protection Council) and The Royal chemical society (The Royal soc. of Chemistry), 2012, in addition to aclonifen or in addition to aclonifen and isoxaflutole.

The aclonifen used according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) used according to the invention or the composition used according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), not only exhibit excellent herbicidal activity in controlling harmful or unwanted vegetation in tuberous root crop plants, but also exhibit compatibility with tuberous root crops, i.e. the herbicides do not cause significant damage and/or undesirable yield reduction to tuberous root crops.

It has further been found that the selectivity of the herbicides used in the prior art can be improved. The aclonifen used according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) used according to the invention or the composition used according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), enables good to excellent (total) weed control to be achieved at an agriculturally acceptable level of damage to the tuberous root crop plants. Furthermore, in comparison to many herbicides used in the prior art, less harmful and/or less severe damage types are observed and the affected tuberous root crop plants are largely or completely recovered from said damage types when using the aclonifen used according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) used according to the invention or the composition used according to the invention, preferably comprising the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii).

Furthermore, the aclonifen used according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) used according to the invention or the composition used according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), can be used as a plant growth regulator for tuberous root crop plants, preferably as a plant growth regulator for cassava, in order to increase the harvest yield (in particular the weight of the tuberous roots) of the tuberous root crop plants and/or to accelerate the plant growth (in particular the growth of the leaves of the tuberous root crop plants), in each case compared with tuberous root crop plants which have not been treated with a herbicide (untreated control group).

The present invention preferably relates to the use of aclonifen for use according to the invention, a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) for use according to the invention or a composition for use according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), wherein the tuberous root crop plant is selected from the group consisting of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Manihot (Manihot esculenta) and yam (plant species in the Dioscorea (Dioscorea)), more preferably wherein the tuberous root crop plant is cassava.

The herbicides (i) and optionally (ii) used in the context of the present invention are known per se and are described, inter alia, in the "handbook of pesticides", 16 th edition, the british crop protection commission and the royal chemical society, 2012 and in the literature cited therein. The herbicides (i) and (ii) used in the context of the present invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

Herbicides (i) and (ii) used in the context of the present invention and as defined herein, combinations comprising herbicides (i) and (ii) and certain compositions comprising herbicides (i) and (ii) or herbicidal combinations used in the context of the present invention are known per se. Herbicides (i) and (ii) used in the context of the present invention, herbicide combinations and certain compositions comprising herbicide combinations used in the context of the present invention are commercially available.

Root tubers (also known as root tubers) are perennial organs that store nutrients during periods when the plant is unable to actively grow, growing roots, thereby enabling the plant to survive from this year to the next year.

Tubers should not be confused with tuberous roots. Tubers are modified stems, while tuberous roots are modified roots.

The tuberous root is a modified lateral root, which is enlarged to serve as a storage organ. The enlarged area of the tuberous or reservoir root may be created at the end or middle of the root, or involve the entire root. Thus, it differs from tubers in the origin of growth (origin), but is similar in function and appearance to tubers. Examples of plants having a pronounced tuberous root include sweet potato, cassava, yam, and dahlia (dahlia).

Cassava, also known as manioc (manioc), yuca, bailing or kamoteng kahoy (in philippines), tabelchu (in northeast india), mogo (in africa), tapioca starch (manioca), tapioca root (tapeoca-root), cassava root (kappa) (mainly in india) and tapioca root (manioc root) (a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae (euphorbiae) native to south america) is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as an annual crop due to its tuberous roots of edible starch (the major source of carbohydrates). When cassava is dried to a powdery (or pearly) extract, the cassava is called tapioca; its fermented sheet form is called garri (garri).

Cassava is the third largest source of food carbohydrates in tropical regions next to rice and corn. In developing countries. Cassava is a major staple food, providing a basic diet for more than half of the 10 million population. . It is one of the most drought tolerant crops and can grow on poor soils. Nigeria is the largest cassava producing country in the world, and thailand is the largest export country of dry cassava.

Cassava grew poorly in weed fields and therefore produced fewer, smaller storage roots.

Yam is a common name for some plant species in the genus dioscorea (family dioscoreaceae) that form edible tubers. In africa, asia, latin america, the caribbean, and oceania, they are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starch tubers. There are many yam cultivars. Although some varieties of sweet potato are also called yams in some parts of the united states and canada, it is not part of the dioscoreaceae family.

Yams are monocotyledonous plants, related to lilies and grasses. The size of yam tubers native to africa and asia varies from small potato sizes to over 60 kilograms. There are over 600 varieties of yam, and 95% of these crops grow in africa.

According to the present invention, the expression "composition" includes compositions comprising a combination of herbicides as defined herein (i) and (ii) and can be used in various acceptable or agronomically typical forms and formulations, for example in a single "pre-mix" form.

In the herbicide combinations used in the context of the present invention and in the compositions comprising them used in the context of the present invention, the herbicides (i) and (ii) used can be a combined spray mixture consisting of separate preparations of the single active compounds, for example a "tank mix", or the compositions can be used in combination of the single active ingredients when applied in a sequential manner, i.e. within a reasonably short time, for example within a few hours (preferably less than 24 hours), one after the other.

In the herbicide combinations used in the context of the present invention, the herbicides (i) and (ii) used include all (stereo) isomers and mixtures thereof.

In the context of the present specification, if the abbreviated format of the common name of the active compounds is used, this includes in each case all customary derivatives (e.g. esters and salts) and isomers, in particular one or more commercially available forms. If the generic name denotes esters or salts, it also comprises in each case all other customary derivatives, for example other esters and salts, free acids and neutral compounds, and also isomers, in particular optical isomers, in particular one or more of the commercially available forms. A given compound name denotes at least one compound encompassed by the generic name, usually the preferred compound.

Salts of the compounds used in the context of the present invention may be used in the following form: in the form of the respective alkali metal salt, alkaline earth metal salt or ammonium salt, preferably in the form of the respective alkali metal salt, more preferably in the form of the respective sodium or potassium salt, most preferably in the form of the respective sodium salt.

Aclonifen (IUPAC name: 2-chloro-6-nitro-3-phenoxyaniline, CAS registry number 74070-46-5) is known and described, for example, in EP 007482A 1 or U.S. Pat. No. 3, 4,394,159.

Isoxaflutole (IUPAC name: 5-cyclopropyl-1, 2-oxazol-4-yl) (. alpha.,. alpha. -trifluoro-2-methanesulfonyl-p-tolyl) methanone, CAS registry No. 141112-29-0) is described, for example, in EP 0527036A 1.

According to the invention, the herbicide combinations as defined herein or the compositions used according to the invention (preferably combinations comprising herbicides (i) and (ii)) comprise a herbicidally effective amount of aclonifen or said herbicide combinations and may comprise further components, for example different types of agrochemical active compounds and/or formulation auxiliaries and/or additives customary in crop protection, or they may be used together with these components.

According to the present invention, the herbicide combinations as defined herein or the compositions comprising them as defined herein may be applied in a batch application (split application) over time. Another possibility is that the individual herbicides (i) and (ii) or herbicide combinations are applied in portions (sequential application), for example post-emergence after pre-emergence application, or after early post-emergence application, in the middle or late post-emergence period.

Preferably, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein is applied simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. In the following, the almost simultaneous application of the herbicides (i) and (ii) isoxaflutole as defined herein means that both the herbicide (i) aclonifen and the herbicide (ii) isoxaflutole are applied within 24 hours, preferably within 12 hours, more preferably within 6 hours, even more preferably within 3 hours.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein are used together (i.e. at the same time). Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a composition comprising herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein is used.

In a preferred embodiment, the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) for use according to the invention or the composition for use according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), is applied only once per season. It has been found that once per season application of the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) for use according to the invention or the composition for use according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), is sufficient to achieve the effects described in the context of the invention, in particular with respect to herbicidal activity (aspects (a) and (b) above) and/or selectivity/compatibility (aspect (c) above).

In a preferred embodiment, the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) for use according to the invention or the composition for use according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), is applied once, twice or three times per Gregorian calendar year, i.e. once, twice or three times per year according to the Gregorian calendar.

In a preferred embodiment, the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) for use according to the invention or the composition for use according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), is applied once per Gregorian calendar year, i.e. once per year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar.

In a preferred embodiment, the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) for use according to the invention or the composition for use according to the invention, preferably comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii), is applied once within about 12 months, i.e. once within about 12 months.

When using combinations of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein or compositions comprising combinations of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein, the observed effect is manifested as a more effective herbicidal action, control of hitherto non-controllable species (activity blank), an extended application period and/or a reduced number of required single applications, and thus a more advantageous weed control system from an economic and ecological point of view for the user.

As mentioned above, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein or the composition comprising the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein may be applied pre-emergence and/or post-emergence.

Preferably, the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein or the composition comprising the combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein is used in a pre-emergence application.

Preferably, the total amount (by weight) of component (i), i.e. aclonifen, is higher than the amount of component (ii), isoxaflutole, in the herbicide combinations used according to the invention and in the compositions comprising the herbicide combinations used according to the invention.

Thus, in the herbicide combinations used according to the invention and in the compositions comprising the herbicide combinations used according to the invention, the weight ratio of the total amount of (i) aclonifen to the total amount of (ii) isoxaflutole is preferably >1 (greater than 1:1), more preferably >2, i.e. greater than 2:1, even more preferably >3, i.e. greater than 3: 1.

The weight ratio of the total amount of (i) aclonifen to the total amount of (ii) isoxaflutole in the herbicide combinations according to the invention and/or in the compositions comprising herbicide combinations used according to the invention is preferably in the range from 2:1 to 15:1, more preferably in the range from 3:1 to 12: 1.

The weight ratio of the total amount of (i) aclonifen to the total amount of (ii) isoxaflutole in the herbicide combinations used according to the invention and/or in the compositions comprising herbicide combinations used according to the invention is particularly preferably in the range from 4:1 to 12:1, most preferably in the range from 5:1 to 8: 1.

As defined herein, preferred application rates [ expressed in g ai./ha, i.e. grams of active ingredient per hectare ] of the herbicide used in the context of the present invention (i) aclonifen and optionally (ii) isoxaflutole are as follows:

if aclonifen is the sole herbicidal active ingredient or the sole agrochemical active compound used in the context of the present invention, aclonifen is preferably applied in a ratio of from 100 to 3000g ai./ha, more preferably in a ratio of from 200 to 2500g ai./ha, particularly preferably in a ratio of from 400 to 2000g ai./ha, most preferably in a ratio of from 500 to 1800g ai./ha.

If a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) or a composition comprising a combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein is used in the context of the present invention, preferred amounts of (i) aclonifen and (ii) isoxaflutole are as follows:

(i) the aclonifen is preferably applied in a ratio of from 100 to 1000g a.i./ha, more preferably in a ratio of from 200 to 900g g a.i./ha, particularly preferably in a ratio of from 400 to 800g a.i./ha, and most preferably in a ratio of from 500 to 700g a.i./ha, and

(ii) isoxaflutole is preferably applied at a ratio of 10 to 250g a.i./ha, more preferably at a ratio of 25 to 200g a.i./ha, particularly preferably at a ratio of 40 to 150g a.i./ha, and most preferably at a ratio of 50 to 125g a.i./ha.

The combination of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein is more preferably applied in more preferred proportions as defined above (as defined after the term "more preferred") and especially preferably applied in especially preferred proportions as defined above (as defined after the term "especially preferred").

Furthermore, combinations of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined herein can be used with other agrochemically active compounds (e.g. safeners, fungicides, insecticides, other herbicides and other plant growth regulators), or with formulation adjuvants and additives customary in crop protection. Additives are, for example, fertilizers and colorants. In each case preference is given to the application rates or application rate ranges mentioned above for aclonifen and isoxaflutole, and also to the weight ratio mentioned above for aclonifen and isoxaflutole.

Among the reported cassava fields of Columbia, the most important and harmful weed species are (African Crop Science Journal 1994, 519-530): fern (Pteridium aquilinum l.kuhn), cogongrass (Imperata cylindracea l.beaauv.), sweet grass (Melinis nigra beaauv.), Sida acuta (Sida acuta Burm F.), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus rotundus L.), arthrodia (comullina diffusa Burm F.), subspecies difussus j.k.morton, Ageratum conyzoides (agranum conyzoides L.), and purslane (Portulaca oleraceae L.), Cyperus rotundus (purpurea nutgrass), calamus fortunei (louse indicus), calamus fortunei (louse ex curvata (louse) and solanum niveum (rael), sorghe (sorghe l.kuhn), and solanum niveum (Johnson).

Broadleaf species are the most common weeds in all regions in nigeria, accounting for an average of 71-78% of all species recorded. Only 17-19% of the weed species present are grasses and 4-7% are sedges. Throughout the survey area, there are five weed species, namely, Ageratum conyzoides (L.), allium sativum (L. r. br. ex Roth), Mimosa brasiliensis (Mimosa invisa Mart), Digitaria sanguinalis Willd, and Panicum paniculatum (Jacq).

In the southwestern nigeria, annual weeds, especially broadleaf weeds, were observed to be the most common in cassava, and the most common species were Euphorbia hirta (Euphorbia hirta L.) and Talinum triangulate Willd.

African Crop Science Journal 1994, Vol.2, No. 4, pp.519-530 summarizes the ten weed species most common in cassava fields of Umuahia in south Nigeria:

ageratum conyzoides, simpleleaf clubmoss herb (calogononium maculaides), alternanthera sessilis, borreiia occidentalis, euglena erecta (comelina erecta), eupatorium odoratum (Chromolaena odorata), Mimosa brasiliensis (Mimosa viva), matcha head (comelina benghansis), meadowfoam (Tridax procumbens), Brachiaria fexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria anserina (Digitaria anscreens), chrysosporium (synedra), Panicum capitatum (Panicum maximum), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus rotundus), Cyperus sativus (Cyperus esculentus).

Other relevant weed species present in cassava fields in nigeria are (grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds): imperata cylindrica (Imperata cylindrica), Cynodon dactylon (Cynodon dactylon), Euphorbia fischeriana (Pennisetum polystachyon), Mariscus alternifolius, scarlet caterpiller (Euphora heterophylla), and Panax paniculata (Talinum triangulare).

A related parasitic weed species present in cassava fields (e.g. in nigeria) is south dodder (Cuscuta australis).

The aclonifen as defined herein, the herbicide combinations as defined herein or the compositions according to the invention as defined herein have outstanding herbicidal activity against a broad spectrum of economically important harmful monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, in particular in cassava.

In the context of the present invention, "control" means that the growth of one or more harmful plants is significantly reduced compared to untreated harmful plants. Preferably, the growth of the harmful plant or plants is substantially reduced (60-79%), more preferably the growth of the harmful plant or plants is mostly or completely inhibited (80-100%), especially the growth of the harmful plant or plants is almost completely or completely inhibited (90-100%).

Preferably, the present invention relates to the use of the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the herbicide combinations for use according to the invention or the compositions for use according to the invention, each as defined in the context of the present invention, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from the following weed species: agastache rugosa (agastache spp.), the genus pilinus (calogononium spp.), the genus nelumbo (Alternanthera spp.), the genus lotus (Alternanthera spp.), the genus Borreria (Boreilia spp.), the genus Commelina (Commelina spp.), the genus Eupatorium (Chromolaena spp.), the genus Mimosa (Mimosa spp.), the genus Lupulus (Tridax spp.), the genus Brachiaria (Brachiaria spp.), the genus Mesothia (Phyllostachys spp.), the genus Microsetum (Platosoma spp.), the genus Digitaria (Digitaria spp.), the genus Chrysanthemum (Synechocystis spp.), the genus Panicum (Pasteurella spp.), the genus Europe spp., the genus Cymbopogon (Cymbopogon spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothrix spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothrix spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Cydontus spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyritus spp., Melothyrium spp., the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyrifera (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothiap, the genus Melothiap spp.), the genus Melothiap (Melothiap, the genus of Melothiap, Purslane species (Portulaca spp.), cymbopogon species (Rottboellia spp.), Sorghum species (Sorghum spp.), ipomoea species (Ipomea spp.), Megassum species (Dactylocerus spp.), Symphytum species (Spigelia spp.), Symphytum species (Boerhaaspa spp.), Aspilia species, Aneilia species, Imperata species (Hypyrenia spp.), Miscanthus species (Andropon spp.), Paspalum species (Paspalum spp.), Rhododendron species (Rhynchophyllum spp.), Desmopsis species (Eleustis spp.), Clerodendrus spp.), Rhizopus species (Eleustis spp.), Setaria (Setaria spp.), Setaria (Seythrophyta spp.), Sekistroemia spp.), Setaria species (Seythrophyta spp.), Setaria spp.), Gottyporus species (Gottyporus spp.), Gottyporus sp., Gottypus spp.), Gottyporus species (Gottyporus spp.), Gottypus spp.), Gottypertensip species (Gottypus spp.), Gottypus spp.) Vernonia spp, California spp, Pacific, Pacific, California spp, Phyllostachian Sprenia spp, Phyllostachian spp, Passiflora spp, Phyllostachian Spiro spp, Phyllostachian spp, Phyllostachys spp, and Oenos spp, Boerhavia spp, Couezajiu spp, Euphorbia globosa spp, Oplissenus spp and Fimbristylis spp.

In a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the herbicide combinations for use according to the invention or the compositions for use according to the invention, each as defined in the context of the present invention, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from the following weed species: agastache rugosa (agastache spp.), the genus pilinus (calogononium spp.), the genus nelumbo (Alternanthera spp.), the genus lotus (Alternanthera spp.), the genus Borreria (Boreilia spp.), the genus Commelina (Commelina spp.), the genus Eupatorium (Chromolaena spp.), the genus Mimosa (Mimosa spp.), the genus Lupulus (Tridax spp.), the genus Brachiaria (Brachiaria spp.), the genus Mesothia (Phyllostachys spp.), the genus Microsetum (Platosoma spp.), the genus Digitaria (Digitaria spp.), the genus Chrysanthemum (Synechocystis spp.), the genus Panicum (Pasteurella spp.), the genus Europe spp., the genus Cymbopogon (Cymbopogon spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothrix spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothrix spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Cydontus spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyritus spp., Melothyrium spp., the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyrifera (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothiap, the genus Melothiap spp.), the genus Melothiap (Melothiap, the genus of Melothiap, Purslane species (Portulaca spp.), cymbopogon species (Rottboellia spp.), Sorghum species (Sorghum spp.), ipomoea species (Ipomea spp.), Megassum species (Dactylocerus spp.), Symphytum species (Spigelia spp.), Symphytum species (Boerhaaspa spp.), Aspilia species, Aneilia species, Imperata species (Hypyrenia spp.), Miscanthus species (Andropon spp.), Paspalum species (Paspalum spp.), Rhododendron species (Rhynchophyllum spp.), Desmopsis species (Eleustis spp.), Clerodendrus spp.), Rhizopus species (Eleustis spp.), Setaria (Setaria spp.), Setaria (Seythrophyta spp.), Sekistroemia spp.), Setaria species (Seythrophyta spp.), Setaria spp.), Gottyporus species (Gottyporus spp.), Gottyporus sp., Gottypus spp.), Gottyporus species (Gottyporus spp.), Gottypus spp.), Gottypertensip species (Gottypus spp.), Gottypus spp.) Vernonia spp, and Cleome spp.

In particular, the use of the aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or the compositions to be used according to the invention, each as defined in the context of the present invention, for controlling one, several or all harmful plants selected from the following weed species: agastache rugosa (agastache spp.), the genus pilinus (calogononium spp.), the genus nelumbo (Alternanthera spp.), the genus lotus (Alternanthera spp.), the genus Borreria (Boreilia spp.), the genus Commelina (Commelina spp.), the genus Eupatorium (Chromolaena spp.), the genus Mimosa (Mimosa spp.), the genus Lupulus (Tridax spp.), the genus Brachiaria (Brachiaria spp.), the genus Mesothia (Phyllostachys spp.), the genus Microsetum (Platosoma spp.), the genus Digitaria (Digitaria spp.), the genus Chrysanthemum (Synechocystis spp.), the genus Panicum (Pasteurella spp.), the genus Europe spp., the genus Cymbopogon (Cymbopogon spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothrix spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothrix spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Cydontus spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyritus spp., Melothyrium spp., the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyrifera (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothiap, the genus Melothiap spp.), the genus Melothiap (Melothiap, the genus of Melothiap, Purslane species (Portulaca spp.), cymbopogon species (Rottboellia spp.), Sorghum species (Sorghum spp.), ipomoea species (ipomoea spp.), cogongrass species (Dactylocentrenium spp.), gylcoccus species (Spigelia spp.), Meadowrue species (Boerhaavp), Achillea species (Desmodium spp.), Gomphrena species (Gomphrena spp.), Acacia species (Terpsis spp.), Hypsizum species (Acanthus spp.), Hyptis spp.), Tribulus species (Cenchorusspp.), Veratrix spp., Veratria spp.) and Vernonia species (Vernonia spp.).

More particularly, the use of the aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or the compositions to be used according to the invention, each as defined in the context of the present invention, for controlling one, several or all harmful plants selected from the following weed species: agastache rugosa (agastache spp.), the genus pilinus (calogononium spp.), the genus nelumbo (Alternanthera spp.), the genus lotus (Alternanthera spp.), the genus Borreria (Boreilia spp.), the genus Commelina (Commelina spp.), the genus Eupatorium (Chromolaena spp.), the genus Mimosa (Mimosa spp.), the genus Lupulus (Tridax spp.), the genus Brachiaria (Brachiaria spp.), the genus Mesothia (Phyllostachys spp.), the genus Microsetum (Platosoma spp.), the genus Digitaria (Digitaria spp.), the genus Chrysanthemum (Synechocystis spp.), the genus Panicum (Pasteurella spp.), the genus Europe spp., the genus Cymbopogon (Cymbopogon spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothrix spp.), the genus Rhododendron (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothrix spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Cydontus spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyritus spp., Melothyrium spp., the genus Melothyrium spp., Melothyrifera (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrip spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothyrium spp.), the genus Melothyrip (Melothiap, the genus Melothiap spp.), the genus Melothiap (Melothiap, the genus of Melothiap, Portulaca species (Portulaca spp.), Pistacia species (Rottboellia spp.), Sorghum species (Sorghum spp.), Phaseolus species (Ipomoea spp.), Dryobalanops species (Dactylocentrium spp.), Symphytum species (Spigelia spp.), and Mesemperzia species (Boerhaaspa spp.).

In particular, examples which may be mentioned are some representative monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed flora which can be controlled by the combinations according to the invention.

In a more specific aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the aclonifen for use according to the present invention, the herbicide combinations for use according to the present invention or the compositions for use according to the present invention, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from: ageratum conyzoides (Agrimonium conyzoides), simpleleaf clubmoss herb (Calopogonium microcoides), Alternanthera sessilis (Alternanthera sessilis), Boreiia octovalvis, Commelina erecta (Commelina erecta), Eupatorium odoratum (Chromolaena odorata), Murraya paniculata (Mimosa inviosa), Pyrola petiola (Combrella longifolia), Tridax procumbens (Tridax procumbens), Brachiaria delfeife, Plastoma africana, Pterococcus dana (Digitaria adscens), Digitaria japonica (Digitannia), Chrysanthemum indicum (Symphytum), Hypericum sabdarianum (Synedrella noflora), Panicum paniculata (Pacificum), Pterococcus comatus (Cyperus), Cyperus sativus (Cyperus), Cyperus esculentus purpurea (Melales purpurea), Euphorbia Sida (Melales pilosus), Euphorbia officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Euphorbia officinalis (Melaleuca indica), Euphorbia officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Euphorbia canaria, Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca indica), Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca indica (Melaleuca indica), Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca indica (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca officinalis (, Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), Pilus coicis (Rottboellia exaltata), Pilus coicis (Rottboellia cochinchinensis), Sorghum halepense (Sorghum halepense), Ipomoea trifoliata (Ipomoea triloba), Dactyla variegata (Dactylotium aegyptium), Brachiara lata, Spigelia anthemia anthelmia, Boerhaavia erecta, Aspilia africana, Aneilia beniniensis, Hippocastium involucrate (Hyporhizoma lutea), Antenorhabdariella asiatica (Androphyton galbana), Erysipelothria dubia (Paecium conyurtatum), Paspalum orbiculatum (Pachylurea), Rhodophyta (Rhynchophyllum), Pelteobagrus nilla (Andrographis), Setaria viridis indica (Securiosa), Securina indica (Setaria indica), Setaria viridis (Setaria), Sessima viridis (Setaria), Setaria (Setaria), Securina), Setaria viridis (Setaria, Semanotryptospira, Semane (Semane), Semanotaria viride), Semane (Semane), Semanotaria viride (Semane), Semane (Semanotaria viride), Semane (Semane), Semane (Semane), Semanotaria viride), Semane (Semane), Semane (Semane), Semanotaria viride (Semanotaria viride), Semane (Semane), Semanotaria viride, Corchorus olitorius (Corchorus olitorius), Ficus hirsuta (Mitracarpus villosus), Melaneta scandens, Canarium album (Centrosema pubescens), Callicarpa glabra (Emilia cocininea), Croton tiglium (Croton hirtus), Phyllanthus amarus (Phyllanthus amarus), Corchorus trifoliatus (Corchorus triloba), Callicarpa (Passiflora foetida), Ipomoea batatas (Ipomoea volvulus linn.), carpet grass (Axonopsis compostosus), Eupatorium odoratum (Oligonadoria corans), Acalonium (Acalonium cornmonum), Schwenkia, Phyllanthus purpurea (Solenostemona), Monogynostemonus trichocaulus (Mesorhiza), Melilotus officinalis (Achillea), Melilotus officinalis (Ochrotus officinalis), Melilotus officinalis (Ochrotus obliquus (Ochrotus), Melilotus obliquus officinalis (Occidula) and Melilotus), Melilotus) and Melilotus (Occidula) A), Melilotus) Linteus (Occidula) and Melilotus) A), Melilotus) A), Melilotus) and Melilotus (Occidula (.

In a more preferred aspect, the present invention relates to the use of aclonifen as defined herein, a herbicide combination as defined herein or a composition comprising aclonifen or a combination of herbicides as defined herein, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from: ageratum conyzoides (Agrimonmicrocodes), common clubmoss herb (Calopogonium microcides), Alternanthera sessilis (Alternanthera sessilis), Boreiia occidentalis, Brugia erecta (Commelina erecta), Eupatorium odoratum (Chromolaena odorata), Murraya paniculata (Mimosa inviosa), Humulus chinensis (Commelina benghalensis), Tridax procumbens (Tridax procumbens), Brachiaria delfei, Plastoma africana, Atractylis elata (Digitaria assipens), Digitaria japonica (Digitannia hortensis), Symphytum chinensis (Dilutescens), Ardisia punctata (Synedra nodula), Panicum paniculata (Pacificum), Pterium palmatum (Cyperus), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus), Cyperus sylvestris (Cyperus), Euphorbia sylvestris (Meldonia officinalis), Euphorbia chamomilla officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Euphorbia chamomilla indica (Melaleuca officinalis), Euphorbia officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca, Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), Pilus cylindrica (Rottboellia exaltata), Pilus cylindrica (Rottboellia cochinchinensis), Sorghum halepense (Sorghum halepense), Ipomoea trifoliata (Ipomoea triloba), Imperata cylindrica (Dactylocyanium aegyptium), Brachiara lata, Spigelia anthelmia, Boerhavia erecta, Aspilia africana, Aneilia beniniensis, Hypericum paniculatum (Hyporhivorate), Mangifera indica (Andropon gayanus), Erodium bipinnata (Pachyrum conugatum), Paspalum rotundum (Paspalum orbilatum), ramose scouring rush (Rhynchenytrium repens), cricket grass (Eleusine indica), Setaria heminella (Setaria barbata), Setaria megalophylla (Setaria megaphylla), Triumfetta cordifolia, Sarcocephalum cochinchinensis (Stachytarphytum), Desmodium scorpionii (Desmodium scorpionus), Amaranthus argenteus (Gomphrena celerosioides), Terrosia brasiliensis (Tephrosia breviata), Vernonia spinosa (Acanthospermum hispidum), Hyphance fragrans (Hyptis suaveolens), Cenchrus biflorus, Hypericum carthamoides (Urana lobeta), Vernonia ambugua, Cleophyma virosa (Clenomes flava and southern aucuba).

In particular, the aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or the compositions to be used according to the invention, each as defined in the context of the invention, are used for controlling one, several or all harmful plants selected from the group consisting of: herba seu radix Cirsii Japonici (Agrimonyzoides), semen Pharbitidis (Calopodophyllum maculanoides), herba Nelumbinis (Alternanthera sessilis), Boreiia octovalvis, Orychophyllum erectum (Commelina erecta), herba Lycopi (Chromolaena odorata), herba Mimosae Braziensis (Mimosa inviosa), heads of firewood (Commelina benthamensis), flos Lupuli (Tridax procumbens), Brachiaria delfei, Plastoma africana, Digitaria gigantea (Digitaria italica), Digitaria gigantea (Digitaria gigantea), Rhododendron pulicatum (Composita), Hypericum japonicum (Symphytum), Hypericum (Symphytum officinale), Panicum japonicum (Pacifolium paniculatum), Hypericum (Cyperus), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus), Cyperus chinensis (Cyperus rotundus), Portulaca oleracea (purslane), Portulaca oleracea (Labiatum sylvestris), Portulaca (Veronica officinalis (Labiatum officinalis), Portulaca) and Portulaca officinalis (Labiatum sativum officinalis), Portulaca) and Nostolonifera (Labiatum officinalis (Labiatum sylvestris (Labiatum), Portulaca (Labiatum sylvestris (Labiatum), Portulaca) and Labiatum sylvestris (Labiatum sylvestris (Labiatum) are), Portula, Magleva elata (Dactylococcus aegyptium), Brachiara lata, Spigelia anthemia, Boerhaavia erecta (Boerhaavia erecta), Desmodium scorpioides (Desmodium scorpiosus), Amaranthus argenteus (Gomphrena celerioides), Terpsia breolara, Acanthospermum echinacea (Acanthospermum hispidum), Hyptis suaveolens (Hyptis suaveolens), Cenchrus biflorus, Hypericum perforatum (Urena lobata), Vernonia mongolicum (Vernonia ambigua), Chrysanthemum morifolium (Cleome viscosa) and Cuscuta chinensis (Cuticus australis).

More particularly, the aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or the compositions to be used according to the invention, each as defined in the context of the invention, are used for controlling one, several or all harmful plants selected from the group consisting of: herba seu radix Cirsii Japonici (Agrimonia conyzoides), semen Pharbitidis (Calopogonium microcorides), herba Nelumbinis (Alternanthera sessilis), Boreiia octovalvis, Oryctolagi japonica (Commelina erecta), herba Lycopi (Chromolaena odorata), herba Miscanae (Mimosa inviosa), heads of firewood (Comelina benthamensis), flos Lupuli (Tridax procumbens), Brachiaria delfei, Plastoma africana, Digitaria pratense (Digitaria assipens), Digitaria japonica (Digitaria japonica), Ardisia japonica (Symphytum vularia), Hypericum (Synedria nodiflora), Panicum paniculatum (Pacificum), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus), Cyperus sativus (Cyperus), Cyperus esculentus chinensis (Cyperus), Portulaca officinalis (Melaleria indica), Portulaca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Portulaca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis), Melaleuca indica), Melaleuca officinalis (Melaleuca officinalis, Three-lobed yam (Ipomoea triloba), heptatalum (Ipomoea mauritina), cord grass (dactyloteium aegyptium), Brachiara lata, Spigelia anthelmia, upright yellow hearts (boerhaava erecta), and south dodder seed (Cuscuta australis).

Before germination, if the aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or if the compositions to be used according to the invention are applied to the soil surface, each as defined in the context of the present invention, the weed seedlings are completely prevented from emerging, or the weeds grow until they reach the cotyledon stage, then stop growing, and finally, three to four weeks later, they die completely.

After emergence, if the herbicide combinations used according to the invention or if the compositions used according to the invention are applied to the green parts of the plants, each as defined in the context of the present invention, the growth also stops sharply within a very short time after the treatment and the weed plants remain in the growth phase at the point in time of application or die completely after a period of time, so that in this way the weed competition which is harmful to the crop plants is eliminated at a very early point in time and in a lasting manner.

The aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or the compositions to be used according to the invention are characterized by a fast onset and a long-lasting herbicidal action, each as defined in the context of the present invention.

In particular, when the aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or the compositions to be used according to the invention, each as defined in the context of the present invention, are applied, the application rate can be reduced, a broader spectrum of broadleaf and gramineous weeds can be controlled, the herbicidal action can take place more rapidly, the duration of action can be longer, the harmful plants can be better controlled with only one or few applications, and the application period can be extended.

The above characteristics and advantages are beneficial to weed control practices, keeping crops free from undesired competing plants, and thus ensuring and/or improving yield from a qualitative and quantitative point of view. From the said properties, these novel combinations clearly exceed the state of the art.

Although the aclonifen to be used according to the invention, the herbicide combinations to be used according to the invention or the compositions to be used according to the invention each have an excellent herbicidal activity against monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds, as defined in the context of the present invention, the crop plants are damaged only to a minor extent, if at all.

Furthermore, some compositions according to the present invention have excellent growth regulating properties for crop plants. They are involved in the metabolism of plants in a regulated manner and can thus be used to stimulate a direct effect on plant constituents and to promote harvesting by, for example, initiating dehydration and stunting growth. Furthermore, they are suitable for the general control and inhibition of undesired vegetative growth without damaging the plants. In most monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crops, it is very important to inhibit vegetative growth, since this reduces or completely avoids yield losses due to lodging.

Due to their herbicidal properties and plant growth regulating properties, the compositions of the invention can be used for controlling harmful plants in genetically modified crop plants or in crop plants obtained by mutation/selection. Typically, these crop plants are distinguished by specific, advantageous properties, such as resistance to herbicidal compositions, or resistance to plant diseases or pathogens of plant diseases (e.g., specific insects or microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, or viruses). Other specific characteristics relate to, for example, the quantity, quality, storability, composition, and specific ingredients of the harvest. Thus, for example, transgenic plants are known to be those with increased starch content or altered starch quality, or in which the harvest has a different fatty acid composition.

Root crop plants may also be genetically modified or obtained by mutation selection. For example, WO 97/44473A1 relates to the transformation and production of cassava plants (protoplasts). WO 92/05259A1 describes transgenic plants, in particular cassava plants, having an improved carbohydrate content.

The invention also relates to a method of controlling undesirable vegetation (e.g. harmful plants) in root crop plants, which comprises applying to the plants (e.g. harmful plants), parts of these plants, plant seeds or the area in which the plants are growing (e.g. the area of cultivation), for example by a pre-emergence method, a post-emergence method or a pre-and post-emergence method, each as defined in the context of the present invention, aclonifen, the herbicide combinations used according to the present invention or the compositions used according to the present invention.

Thus, in another aspect, the invention relates to a method for:

-controlling the growth of undesired plants,

and/or

-control of harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants,

and/or

-regulating plant growth in root crop plants,

the method comprises the following steps: the aclonifen for use according to the invention, the herbicide combinations for use according to the invention or the compositions for use according to the invention, each as defined above, are applied to the tuberous root crop plants, to the parts of the tuberous root crop plants, to the seeds of the tuberous root crop plants, to the area where the tuberous root crop plants grow or to the area where the tuberous root crop plants are intended to grow.

Preferably, in the method of the invention as defined above, the root crop plant is selected from sweet potato, cassava and yam (plant species in the genus dioscorea), more preferably the root crop plant is cassava.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to the invention as defined above, wherein one, several or all harmful plants as described above are controlled.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of the invention as defined above, wherein the root crop plants have been genetically modified, preferably the root crop plants are transgenic plants or obtained by mutation/selection.

As already mentioned above, the herbicide combinations as defined in the context of the present invention can be used not only as mixed preparations (if appropriate together with other agrochemical active compounds, additives and/or customary formulation auxiliaries), which are applied in a customary manner as aqueous diluents; the herbicide combinations as defined in the context of the present invention can also be used as so-called tank mixes by diluting with water the separately formulated components, or parts of the separately formulated components together.

The herbicide combinations as defined in the context of the present invention and the compositions comprising the herbicide combinations as defined in the context of the present invention may be formulated in various ways, depending on the prevailing biological and/or chemico-physical parameters. The following are examples of formulations that are generally feasible: wettable Powders (WP), water-soluble concentrates, Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC), aqueous Solutions (SL), Emulsions (EW) such as oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, sprayable solutions or sprayable emulsions, Suspension Concentrates (SC), Oil Dispersions (OD), oil-or water-based dispersions, suspoemulsions, Dusts (DP), seed dressing materials, granules for soil application or for spreading, or water-dispersible granules (WG), ULV formulations, microcapsules or waxes.

In principle, the individual dosage forms are known and described, for example, in: Winnacker-Kuchler, "Chemische technology", Vol.7, C.Hauser Verlag Munich, 4 th edition, 1986; van Valkenburg, "Pesticide Formulations," Marcel dekker n.y., 1973; martens, "Spray Drying Handbook", 3 rd edition, 1979, g.

The required formulation auxiliaries, such as inerts, surfactants, solvents and other additives, are also known and described, for example, in: the method for the production of the water-soluble polymer material by Watkins,"Handbook of Instrument Dust reagents and Cariers", 2 nd edition, Darland boots, Caldwell N.J.; olphen, "Introduction to Clay Colloid Chemistry"; 2 nd edition, j.wiley&Sons, n.y.marsden, "solutions Guide", 2 nd edition, Interscience, n.y.1950; McCutcheon's, "Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual", MC publishing.corp., Ridgewood n.j.; sisley and Wood, "Encyclopedia of Surface Active Agents", chem.pub.Co.Inc., N.Y.1964;

[Surface-active ethylene oxide adducts]verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart 1976, Winnacker-Kuchler, "Chemische technology", Vol.7, C.Hauser Verlag Munich, 4 th edition, 1986.

Based on these formulations, it is also possible to prepare combinations containing other agrochemical active substances (e.g. other herbicides not belonging to components (i) and (ii) as defined in the context of the present invention), fungicides or insecticides, and also safeners, fertilizers and/or growth regulators, for example in the form of premixes or tank mixes.

Wettable powders (sprayable powders) are products which can be uniformly dispersed in water and which, in addition to the active compound, contain a diluent or inert substance and an ionic or nonionic surfactant (wetting agent, dispersant), for example polyethoxylated alkylphenols, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols or polyethoxylated fatty amines, alkylsulfonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, sodium lignosulfonates, sodium 2,2 '-dinaphthylmethane-6, 6' -disulfonates, sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate or sodium oleoylmethyltaurates.

The emulsifiable concentrate was prepared by the following method: the active compound is dissolved in an organic solvent, such as butanol, cyclohexanone, dimethylformamide, xylene or high-boiling aromatics or hydrocarbons, and one or more ionic or nonionic surfactants (emulsifiers) are added. Examples of emulsifiers that can be used are: calcium salts of alkylaryl sulfonic acids such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; or nonionic emulsifiers, for example fatty acid polyglycol esters, alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, propylene oxide/ethylene oxide condensates, alkyl polyethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters or polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters.

Dusts are obtained by grinding the active compounds with finely divided solid substances, for example talc, natural clays such as kaolin, bentonite and pyrophyllite, or diatomaceous earth.

Suspension Concentrates (SC) may be water-based or oil-based. They can be prepared, for example, by wet grinding with the aid of commercially available ball mills and, if appropriate, with the addition of further surfactants, such as, for example, those already mentioned above in the case of the other formulations.

Emulsions, such as oil-in-water Emulsions (EW), can be prepared, for example, with the aid of stirrers, colloid mills and/or static mixers, using aqueous organic solvents and, if appropriate, further surfactants, such as those already mentioned above in the case of the other formulations.

Granules can be prepared by spraying the active compound onto an absorbent granulated inert material or by applying active compound concentrates to the surface of a carrier, for example sand, kaolin or a granular inert material, with the aid of binders, for example polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate or mineral oil. The appropriate active compounds can also be granulated in the manner customary for the preparation of fertilizer granules, if desired mixed with fertilizers. Generally, water dispersible granules are prepared by the following conventional method: for example, spray drying, fluid bed granulation, pan granulation, mixing using high speed mixers, and extrusion without solid inert materials. For the preparation of disc granules, fluidized bed granules, extruded granules and Spray granules see, for example, "Spray-Drying Handbook" 3 rd edition 1979, g.goodwin ltd., London; J.E.Brown, "Agglomeration", Chemical and Engineering 1967, page 147 and hereafter; "Perry's Chemical Engineer's Handbook", 5 th edition, McGraw-Hill, New York 1973, pages 8-57.

For further details regarding the formulation of crop protection products, see, for example, G.C. Klingmam, "Weed Control as a Science", John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1961, pages 81-96 and J.D. Freyer, S.A. Evans, "Wed Control Handbook", 5 th edition, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1968, pages 101-103.

Typically, agrochemical formulations comprise 1 to 95% by weight of active compound, depending on the dosage form, typically at the following concentrations:

the concentration of the active compound in the wettable powder is, for example, about 10 to 95% by weight, the remainder to 100% by weight consisting of customary formulation constituents. In the case of emulsifiable concentrates, the concentration of active compounds can amount, for example, to 5 to 80% by weight. In most cases, formulations in powder form contain 5 to 20% by weight of active compound, and sprayable solutions contain about 0.2 to 25% by weight of active compound. In the case of granules, for example dispersible granules, the content of active compound depends in part on whether the active compound is present in liquid or solid form, and which granulation auxiliaries and fillers are used. Generally, in the case of water-dispersible granules, the content amounts to 10 to 90% by weight.

Furthermore, the abovementioned active compound preparations may, if appropriate, comprise customary binders, wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, preservatives, antifreeze agents, solvents, fillers, colorants, carriers, antifoams, volatility inhibitors and pH or viscosity regulators.

The herbicidal action of the herbicide combinations according to the invention can be improved, for example, by surfactants, preferably by wetting agents selected from fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers. Preferably, the fatty alcohol polyglycol ether contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol radical and 2 to 20 ethylene oxide units in the polyglycol ether moiety. The fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers may be nonionic or ionic, for example in the form of fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates, which may be in the form of alkali metal salts (e.g. sodium or potassium salts) or ammonium saltsCan also be used in the form of alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts, e.g. C₁₂/C₁₄Sodium salt of fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether (sodium salt of fatty alcohol)

LRO, Clariant); see, for example, EP-A-0476555, EP-A-0048436, EP-A-0336151 or US-A-4,400,196 and Proc. EWRS Symp. "fans influencing physiological Activity and selection", 227-23 2 (1988). Nonionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers are, for example, (C) having 2 to 20, preferably 3 to 15, ethylene oxide units₁₀-C₁₈) -, preferably (C)₁₀-C₁₄) Fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers (e.g. isotridecanol polyglycol ether), e.g. from

Series, e.g.

X-030、

X-060、

X-080 or

X-150 (both from Clariant GmbH).

The present invention also encompasses combinations of herbicides (i) and (ii) as defined above with the above-mentioned wetting agents selected from fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers which preferably contain 10 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol group and 2 to 20 ethylene oxide units in the polyglycol ether moiety and which may be present in nonionic or ionic form (for example in the form of the fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfate). Preferably C₁₂/C₁₄Sodium salt of fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether (sodium salt of fatty alcohol)

LRO，Clariant); and isotridecanol polyglycol ethers having 3 to 15 ethylene oxide units, e.g. from the Genapol X series, e.g.

X-030、

X-060、

X-080 or

X-150 (all from Clariant GmbH). It is also known that fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, such as nonionic or ionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers (e.g. fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates), are also suitable as penetrants and activity enhancers for many other herbicides, in particular herbicides from the group of imidazolinones (see, for example, EP- ｃA-0502014).

Furthermore, it is known that fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, such as nonionic or ionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers (e.g. fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates), are also suitable as penetrants and synergists for many other herbicides, in particular herbicides from the group of imidazolinones (see, for example, EP- ｃA-0502014).

Vegetable oils may also be used to enhance the herbicidal effectiveness of the herbicide combinations of the present invention. The term vegetable oil is understood to mean oils from oil plant species, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, safflower oil or castor oil, in particular rapeseed oil and transesterification products thereof, such as alkyl esters, for example rapeseed methyl ester or rapeseed ethyl ester.

The vegetable oil is preferably C₁₀-C₂₂-, preferably C₁₂-C₂₀-esters of fatty acids. C₁₀-C₂₂Fatty acid esters as e.g. unsaturated or saturated C₁₀-C₂₂Esters of fatty acids, in particular of fatty acids having an even number of carbon atoms, e.g. erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, in particular C₁₈-fatsEsters of acids such as stearic, oleic, linoleic or linolenic acid.

Preferred is C₁-C₂₀-alkyl-C₁₀-C₂₂The fatty acid esters are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-ethylhexyl and dodecyl esters. Preferred are ethylene glycol and glycerol-C₁₀-C₂₂Fatty acid ester C₁₀-C₂₂-a homogeneous or mixture of ethylene glycol and glycerol esters of fatty acids, said C₁₀-C₂₂Fatty acids, in particular those having an even number of carbon atoms, such as erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, in particular C₁₈Fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid.

The vegetable oils may be present in the herbicidal compositions of the invention, for example in the form of commercially available oil-containing formulation additives, in particular those based on rapeseed oil, such as

(Victorian Chemical Company, Australia, hereinafter Hasten, Main component: rapeseed oil Ethyl ester),

B (Novance, France, hereinafter ActirobB, main component: rapeseed oil methyl ester),

(Bayer AG, Germany, hereinafter Rako-Binol, main constituents: rapeseed oil),

(Stefes, Germany, hereinafter Renol, vegetable oil component: rapeseed oil methyl ester) or Stefes

(Stefes, Germany, hereinafter referred to as Mero, main ingredient: rapeseed oil methyl ester).

In another embodiment, the invention encompasses herbicide combinations as defined in the context of the inventionCombinations of the above with vegetable oils. Thus, in another embodiment, the present invention encompasses the use of a composition comprising the herbicide combinations as defined in the context of the present invention containing the above-mentioned vegetable oils, for example rapeseed oil, preferably in the form of commercially available oil-containing formulation additives, in particular those based on rapeseed oil, for example

(Bayer AG, Germany, hereinafter Rako-Binol, main constituents: rapeseed oil),

For use, the formulations in the form as marketed are optionally diluted in a customary manner, for example with water in the case of wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, dispersants and water-dispersible granules. Formulations in the form of dusts, soil granules, granules for spreading and sprayable solutions are usually not further diluted with other inert substances before use.

The active compounds can be applied to the plants, to parts of plants, to seeds of plants or to the cultivated area (soil in the field), preferably to the green plants and parts of plants, and, if appropriate, also to the soil in the field.

The compositions comprising the herbicide combinations used in the context of the present invention have the advantage of being easy to apply and, advantageously, the amounts of the components are already present in the correct ratio to one another. Furthermore, the adjuvants in the formulation can be optimally matched to each other.

Examples

1. Products for use

The following commercially available herbicides and herbicide combinations (all products available from Bayer crop science) were tested:

the product P1 contains 600g/L of aclonifen

The product P2 contains 500g/L of aclonifen and 75g/L of isoxaflutole

2. Biological assay

Cassava plants were tested on a test Farm in Nigeria (Research Farm).

Table 1 shows the respective total weed control rates of the tested products P1 and P2 at 6 weeks post-treatment, before emergence. In each case, the total weed control takes into account the control of broadleaf species, grasses and sedges.

In particular, the control of the following weeds was evaluated: acaliphata ciliate, Celosia (Celosia trigyna), Corchorus trifolius (Corchorus triloba), Mucuna linnaeus (indigo naturalis), Eupatorium odoratum (Elliota), Phyllanthus amarus (Phyllanthus amarus), Mitracarpus glauca (Mitracarpus villosus), Spigelia anthelmia, Iris florida (Tridax procumbens), Talinum triangunya (Talinum triangularus), Triumfetta cordifolia (Acmella), Acmella brachyana (Acmella brachysum), California (Occidula vulgaris (Pacifolia), Califolia (Occidula, Achillea), Califolia europaea (Occidula), Califolia (Occidula vulgaris), Califolia (Occidula officinalis), Califolia (Occidula), Califolia (Occidula officinalis), Pacifolia (Occidula officinalis), Califolia (Occidula), Pacifolia (Occidula), Califolia), Pacifolia (Occidula (L), Califolia), Pacifolia (Occidula), Pacifia (Occidula), Pacifia (Occidula (L), Pacifs), Pacifia), phyllostachys sieboldii (Oplismenus burmann), Setaria viridis (Setaria barbata) and Paspalum vaginatum (Paspalum serobiculatum).

Very good to excellent efficacy is observed in particular for the control of the following weeds: acelypha ciliate, Cotalus chinensis (Certosoma pubis), Petalus purpurea (Solenostemon monostachychyus), Melastoma leucadendrum (Heterotheca rotundifolia), Setaria semilotalpa (Setaria barbata), Corchorus olitorius (Corchorus olitorius), Corchorus trifolius (Corchorus triloba), Hypericum muricatum (Urena lobata), Acanthospermum erythraeum (Acanthospermum hispidum), Mitracarpus viscidus (Mitracarpus viscus), Eupatorium officinalis (Euryphus serophyllum), Comamopsis (Compellia longifolia), Trichosanthes argentum (Gomphrena celosides), Tephrosissima brevialis, Dicliptera viridis (Setaria), Schizophyllum japonicum (Amanthus), Schizophyllum califorrestii (Melothrix), Schizophyllum commune (Melothrix), Melothrix officinalis (Melothria officinalis), Melothrix (Melothrix), Melothrix officinalis (Melothria officinalis), Melothrix).

Table 2 shows the plant growth regulating effect of the products P1 and P2 (herbicide compositions used according to the invention) on cassava crop plants after harvesting, compared to hoe-ploughed herbicidal cassava crop plants (as reference). Plant growth regulation was measured as fresh root cassava yield, expressed in percentage in each case compared to the fresh root cassava yield (defined as 100%) of the hogged herbicidal cassava crop plants referred to.

Table 1: total weed control in pre-emergence plots using products P1 and P2, respectively, at 6 weeks post-emergence

Product(s)	Amount of product applied	Total weed control in%
			P1	2.5L/ha	72
P2	1.0L/ha	78

Table 2: plant growth regulating effects of products P1 and P2 on tuberous root crop plants, respectively, expressed as fresh root yield

In further field trials in nigeria at several different sites the following effects were observed.

In field trials, product P2 had no negative effect on the cassava population, on the vigorous growth of the cassava and on the above-ground level of the cassava plants.

The field plots treated with product P2 provided total weed control efficacy of 75-100% against weeds and broad leaves for up to 82 days, depending on the location and weeds present at each location.

Product P2 showed good (80-90%) to excellent (90-100%) control of Ageratum conyzoides, cranberry beans (calogononium maculaides), petunia beans (centrospora pubescens), chromolea odorata, corylus tricularia, Desmodium scorpirus, Phyllanthus amarus, Solanum sp, ocimum basilicum (specfic octooides) and cordyceps sinensis (spigellia anthelmia).

Product P2 provided good to excellent control of major weeds in different locations, especially Acalypha ciliata, Ageratum conyzoides, Boerhavia erecta, poppy (brachyania deflexa), meadow (comulina bengalensis), Cyperus rotundus (Cyperus rotundus), Digitaria sanguinalis (digita horizotalis), orangutan (Euphobia heterophylla), pteris spp (Fimbristylis sp), calamus fortunei (Rottboellia cochinchinensis), echinacea (Tridax procumbens) and Vernonia mongolium (Vernonia ambigua).

In some locations, longzhuguo (passsiflora foetida) and heptatala (Ipomoea mauritina) are the most difficult weeds to control. Product P2 provided > 90% control of these two difficult to control weeds, especially under good soil preparation conditions prior to crop planting.

Claims

1. Use of aclonifen or compositions comprising (i) aclonifen

For controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants,

and/or

-as a plant growth regulator in tuberous root crop plants,

wherein the root crop plant is cassava.

2. Use according to claim 1, wherein herbicide combinations or compositions comprising herbicide combinations are used,

-control of harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants,

and/or

As plant growth regulators in tuberous root crop plants,

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein aclonifen is applied in a ratio of 100 to 3000g ai./ha.

4. Use according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of (i) aclonifen to the total amount of (ii) isoxaflutole in the herbicide combination or in a composition comprising the herbicide combination is in the range of from 2:1 to 15: 1.

5. Use according to claim 4, wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of (i) aclonifen to the total amount of (ii) isoxaflutole is in the range of from 3:1 to 12: 1.

6. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition used further comprises one or more additional components selected from formulation auxiliaries, additives customary in crop protection and additional agrochemically active compounds.

7. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from the following weed species: agastache rugosa, Vicia, Nelumbo, Lotus, Toxicodendron, eupatorium, Mimosa, Ludwigia, Ardisia, Mesona, Euphorbia, Ceramium, digitaria, Chrysanthemum, Cochlospermum, Panicum, Cyperus, Imperata, Cynodon, Euphorbia, Pimpinella, Calophyllum, Euphorbia, Pteridium, Aconitum, Portulaca, Alternaria, sorghum, Phaeocharum, Lepidium, Symplocos, Aspilium, Aneilima, Imperata, Passiflora, Desmodium, Cyperus, Passiflora, Desmodium, Calophyllum, Sphaeria, Pseudolarix, Achillea, Califolia, Leucophyllum, Leucosphaea, and Leucosphaea, Vernonia species, pieris species, gomphrena species, centipede species, jute species, ipomoea species, geissa species, halodendron species, talaronia species, incarvillea species, croton species, phyllanthus species, passionflower species, carpet plant species, oldenlandia species, Schwenckia species, acalypha species, coleus species, celosia species, magnolia species, Heterotis species, echinacea species, lonicera species, fine-leaved centre species, pistachio species, coicis species and fimbriate species.

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from the following weed species: agastache rugosa, Vicia, Nelumbo, Lotus, Toxicodendron, eupatorium, Mimosa, Ludwigia, brachiaria, Mesona, digitaria, Chrysanthemum, Cochlospermum, Panicum, Cyperus, Imperata, Cynanchum, Euphorbia, Achillea, Pteridium, Rhodomyrtus, Portulaca, sorghum, Ipomoea, Drynariae, Symplocos, Aconitum, Achillea, Acronychia, Passiflora, Achillea, Asplenium, Aspirina, Anleia, Echinopus, Echinochloa, Paspalum, Desmodium, Rhodomela, Calophyllum, Apocynum, Achillea, Hibiscus, and Adhatina, Vatica species, vernonia species, and Clerodendron species.

9. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from: ageratum conyzoides, cirsium parvum, nelumbo nucifera, borreiia occidentalis, eupatorium odoratum, mimosa bracteata, matcha, meadowfoam, meadowsweet, brachia delfexa, Platostoma africanum, large crabgrass, giant millet, cyperus rotundus, cyperus esculentus, cynanchum komarovii, pennisetum dolichioides, pennisetum purpureum, marianus alternifolius, scarlet caterpiller, euphorbia hirta, paniculate ginseng, fern, sugarmeadowsweet, melastoma dodecandrica, melastoma glauca, arthrolium, purslane, calamus latifolius, sorghum halepense, ipomoellenia elegana, potamogetalis, brachia latifolia, Spigelia anthemistemona, eleaf negra, aspera africana, aleibolium, echinacea, setaria italica, setaria, set, Vernonia mongolica, vernonia chrysanthemi, cuscuta chinensis, corchorus capsulatus, chaulmoogra, melathera scandens, talaroides, tassel, croton pilosus, phyllanthus amarus, trema trifolium, garcinia mangostana, sweet potato with bract, carpesium arvense, hedyotis umbellata, Acalypha ciliata, Schwenckia amelicana, galosma purpurea, celosia interrogans, majoram, stauntonvine, jambolan button, sildenafida, pistachio flavipes, ocissimum basilicum, phyllostachys gracilistylus, pedicularis hyacinosa, cyperus rotundus, and shortleaf centipede.

10. The use according to claim 9, wherein one, several or all harmful plants are selected from the group consisting of ageratum conyzoides, phaseolus angularis, nelumbo nucifera, Boreilia octopus, Eupatorium odoratum, mimosa brazilian, Leptospermum fortunei, Iris floribunda, Brachiaria delfexa, Platosoma africanum, Eleutherococcus, digitaria, Chrysosplenium armatum, Panicum paniculatum, Cyperus rotundus, Imperata alba, Cynodon dactyloides, pennisetum purpureum, Mariscus alternatus, Ceratophyllum, Euphorbia hirta, Panax ginseng, fern, Caragana, Sida montana, Melastoma leuca officinalis, Agrimonia pilosula, Aspira arvensis, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea, desmodium scorpionii, amaranthus argenteus, tephora brectolata, bractect fruit, cinnamomum japonicum, Cenchrus biflorus, rose mallow, vernonia mongolica, daylily, and semen cuscutae.

11. A method for:

-controlling the growth of undesired plants,

and/or

-control of harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants,

and/or

-regulating plant growth in root crop plants,

the method comprises the following steps: applying aclonifen, a herbicide combination or a composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 to the tuberous root crop plants, to the locus of the tuberous root crop plants, to the seeds of the tuberous root crop plants, to the area where the tuberous root crop plants are growing or to the area where the tuberous root crop plants are intended to grow,

wherein the root crop plant is cassava.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein one, several or all harmful plants as defined in any of claims 7 to 10 are controlled.

13. A method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the root crop plant has been genetically modified.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the root crop plant is a transgenic plant or obtained by mutation/selection.