EP4658078A1

EP4658078A1 - Herbicide composition

Info

Publication number: EP4658078A1
Application number: EP25703859.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juan Andrés ORIA DE RUEDA SALGUEIRO; Ana Isabel MAGIDE HERRERO
Original assignee: Talher SA
Current assignee: Talher SA
Priority date: 2024-02-16
Filing date: 2025-02-05
Publication date: 2025-12-10
Also published as: WO2025172136A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a herbicide composition comprising at least: - gum turpentine oil and - sunflower oil, more specifically, a composition comprising: - gum turpentine oil in a proportion comprised between 7 % and 90 %, preferably between 7 % and 33 %, and more preferably between 7 % and 10 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition, or comprising: - sunflower oil in a proportion comprised between 10 % and 93 %, preferably between 67 % and 93 %, and more preferably between 90 % and 93 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

Description

HERBICIDE COMPOSITION

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention falls within the field of herbicides.

STATE OF THE ART

What we currently know as conventional agriculture began to be developed in the United States in the 1950s. This type of agriculture tends to maximise production with the addition of all types of chemicals (fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and others) to monocultures.

All developed countries have adopted this type of agricultural technique, that, however, is causing serious long-term problems for the environment and consumers of the products.

The massive use of chemicals causes contamination of soil and water (and even air) depending on each chemical substance. The well-known glyphosate (ROUNDHUP) is a widely used herbicide and in 2015 the World Health Organization had already warned about its effect on humans. It is a herbicide that is easily absorbed into the water supply and food supply. Several studies have shown that glyphosate appears in 30-90 % of our food and drinking water. Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), its degradation product, is detected more frequently, and is present in more than 80 % of wastewater samples collected from municipal treatment plants. The data from the United States Geological Survey is alarming, as it shows that glyphosate is present in more than half of all its surface water, soil and sediments. Therefore, the exposure to which society is subjected seems obvious. Glyphosate is associated with increasing rates of gluten intolerance, in addition to negatively affecting our intestine’s microbiome.

Furthermore, studies in mice showed that glyphosate promotes anxiety and depressive behaviours. Furthermore, American researchers from the University of Kansas have discovered the mechanism by which certain weeds (Amaranthus palmeri) are capable of creating resistance to glyphosate.

To that end, research has recently begun into products that are not harmful to the environment, and are produced sustainably and ecologically. Various investigations have been carried out in the field of herbicides, although with few practical results.

The Allelopathy Association defines this mechanism as "any process involving secondary metabolites produced by plants, algae, bacteria, and fungi, that influence the growth and development of agricultural and biological systems." It should be noted that the effects of allelopathy can be both beneficial and harmful.

Taking into account this definition we can consider that 3 factors are necessary for the effect of allelopathy as such to occur:

- Release of allelopathic compounds (allelochemical)

- The absorption of said compound by a receiving organism

- The compound in question produces an effect on the normal growth of the receptor.

Allelochemicals can be various substances, and those with the greatest potential for herbicides are terpenes, coumarins, benzoquinones and alkaloids.

These substances have harmful effects on the correct physiological functioning of the affected plant, such as effects on photosynthesis, respiration or enzymatic activity.

The release mechanisms of allelochemicals are poorly understood, although four main pathways have been established: volatilisation, leachates, decomposition of parts of the plant and root exudation.

Various species used in agriculture have allelopathic effects. This has been known since Greek times and is one of the key factors for making good crop rotations.

It has been shown that cultivating certain species has inhibitory effects on weeds, among which it is worth noting beet (Beta vulgaris), wheat (Triticum vulgare), oats (Avena sativa), corn (Zea mays), lupins (Lupinus spp.), peas (Pisum sativum), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), hairy vetch (vetch villosa) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus).

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) has been one of the most studied species. The almost complete absence of weeds in its crops suggests that it has a strong allelopathic power. It has been proven that 50 % sunflower extract significantly decreases weed germination, in addition to inhibiting the growth of those that manage to germinate (Puente, I. M.; Torres, G. S.; Fajardo, G. C.; Rodriguez, G. M. and Corona, P. C. 2003).

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) also has strong allelopathic effects. Its remains can be used as herbicides in corn crops (mulch or spray), being especially harmful against Cyperus rotundus, in addition to reducing the presence of other weeds.

The family Juglandaceae to which the English walnut belongs (Juglans regia), produces an allelochemical (juglone) that has inhibitory effects on other species (especially trees). In another study, the leaves and shell of the walnut (the pericarp) have been shown to contain juglone, especially the latter.

The remains of the sweet potato crop (Ipomoea batatas) have been shown to have a dual effect, beneficial for melon (Cucumis melo), pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.), corn, sorghum, cucumber (Cucumber sativa) and radish (Raphanus sativus), while it has inhibitory effects on the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and milkweed (Euphorbia heterophylla), spreading amaranth (Amaranthus crassipes), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and jungle rice (Echinochloa colona).

Rye (Secale cereale) is a resistant crop that has been widely used in cold areas to control weeds. Rye waste mulch has inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of weeds such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Solanum ptycanthum, Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria spp., Echinochloa crus-galli and Setaria spp. due to the high benzoxazinoid content.

Wild plants with allelopathic effect

Many plant species are being studied for their allelopathic potential for possible herbicide production. The potential of each plant will depend, in addition to the phytotoxicity of its allelochemicals, on its ease of harvesting or ease of cultivation. The essential oils contained in plants often have allelochemical effects. These types of plants are very common and well-known in the Mediterranean environment. A clear example is the family Labiatae. It has been proven that Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Majorana hortensis (marjoram), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Salvia officinalis (sage) and Thymus vulgaris (thyme) have an inhibitory effect on the germination and growth of various agricultural crop plants. This effect seems to be correlated with the amount of monoterpenes. Arm inante et al., 2006 emphasises that the greatest allelopathic effect occurred through the volatilisation of allelochemicals. According to Teixeira (2014), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) have similar allelopathic effects on lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Another plant of this type are the trees of the genus Eucalyptus, widely planted for their forestry and ornamental value. The leaves of the river red eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) have inhibitory effects on herbs of the genus Phalaris. This is what happens with blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) on lettuce. The analyses carried out indicate that the active substances are mainly phenolic acids (coumaric, ferulic, gallic, hydroxybenzoics, syringic and vanillic acids). Essential oils can be fumigated in vapour form and their inhibitory effect on certain species has been proven. In comparison, Eucalyptus citriodora it has a more powerful allelopathic effect than E. globulus on Phaseolus aureus, Lens esculentum, Hordeum vulgare and Avena sativa. It has been proven that the inhibitory effect of E. globulus is more powerful than that of pines like Pinus pinaster or Pinus radiata, especially affecting in the Northwest of the peninsula the genus Festuca. In addition to its herbicidal properties, eucalyptus trees also have insecticidal, antifungal, acaricide, nematocide and antimicrobial substances.

As mentioned above, the allelopathic effect of pines is less than that of eucalyptus. However, this genus arouses interest in one of the most important wastes of the wood industry: the bark. It has been proven that the bark of Pinus sylvestris as a mulch slightly controls weeds (Malva sylvestris, Poa annua, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Conyza canadenis, Anagallis arvensis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria viridis and Portulaca oleracea) in fruit crops. Pinus pinaster behaves more aggressively as it completely eliminates weeds in raspberry crops with a 25 cm thick mulch (Romero, Fernandez, & Rigueiro, 1995).

In Mediterranean countries, plants of the genus Cistus (rockroses), frugal plants and containing essential oils are very common. It seems appropriate to note the allelopathic effect of these species given the poor development of grass among rockroses. The case of the gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer) has been well studied. It is known that allelochemicals (phenols) enter the soil through leaf litter and can remain there for up to 10 months (Alias Gallego, J. C., Valares Masa, C., Sosa Diaz, T., & Chaves Lobon, N., 2008; Alias, J. C., Sosa, T., Valares, C., Escudero, J. C., & Chaves, N., 2012). Large amounts of a-pinene (>4.7 %) have been found in the composition of its essential oils. Its effect was tested on Amaranthus hybridus, Portulaca oleracea, Chenopodium album, Conyza canadensis and Parietaria judaica', completely inhibiting the germination of A. hybridus and reducing it in the case of C. canadensis and P. judaica. The effect was minor on P. oleracea, while it had no effect on C. album (Verdeguer, Blazquez, & Boira, 2012). Its allelochemical effect may pose a problem for the regeneration of Mediterranean forest species (Phillyreo angustifoliae-Arbutetum unedonis association), although it disappears after the passage of the fire. The time of highest concentration of phenols in the leaves is summer, while the highest concentration of diterpenes is in winter (Alias, Sosa, Valares, Escudero, & Chaves, 2012); temperature being the most influential factor. Since there is no direct relationship between the concentration of a compound and the maximum inhibition, this is believed to be due to the synergistic effects of several compounds. The rest of the rockrose species have not been studied much, and there may be great potential in some of them. For example, Cistus albidus has a higher concentration of terpenes than C. ladanifer, while Cistus laurifolius is the one with the lowest concentration of the three (Tiezzi, A, Ovidi, E & Karpinski, T.M., 2022).

The tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a species native to Asia that has spread throughout the world due to its invasive capacity. It seems that allelopathy has something to do with this fact. Due to its wide distribution it has been quite well studied. Thus, it has been proven that the highest concentration of the allelochemical is found in the bark of the roots. Ailanthone (allelochemical) is water-soluble and has little persistence in the soil, so it seems that it passes thereto through root exudates. This author highlights the powerful phytotoxicity of this plant on the germination and growth of other species.

Allelopathic effect of fungi

Certain species of fungi produce what is known as a "brule” or "clearing," which are grass-free areas around the symbiont tree of the truffle. The species that produce this effect are: Tuber melanosporum (black truffle), Tuber aestivum (summer truffle), Tuber indicum (Chinese black truffle) and Schleroderma spp. Brules in other truffle species (Tuber) are rare. Mycorrhizal roots and their diverse symbionts can produce numerous volatile aromatic substances (phenolic components) called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compound) in the scientific literature.

The trees with which truffles appear most frequently are oaks (Quercus spp.), hazel (Corylus spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), lindens (Tilia spp.), beech (Fag us spp.) and rockroses (Cistus spp.).

Recently this type of fungi has begun to be studied, discovering interesting behaviours. Among the causes of brules, competition for nutrients, production of secondary metabolites and parasitism must be mentioned as possible causes. The production of phytotoxic metabolites is clear in the fruiting bodies, although its relevance seems to be minimal in inhibiting the growth of other plants. These allelochemicals are present in the soil, so they are surely produced on a large scale by the mycelium, although it has not yet been proven. The same author was able to verify it at a later date. It is also worth highlighting the increase in saprophytes such as Penicillium diversum, Penicilium restrictum and Acremonium breve in Tuber aestivum brules which can have a significant effect on the formation of clearings.

In fact, it has been proven that certain allelopathic substances are produced by bacteria through biotransformation of non-volatile compounds. In the case of Tuber borchii, the predominant bacteria are a- and [3-Proteobacteria. The effect that other fungi present in truffle plantations (T. melanosporum) have on non-host plants can be lethal, especially on the roots of weeds Anthoxanthum odoratum and Leontodon faraxacoides (Plattner & Ha l, 1995).

Most important allelopathic compounds of the genus Tuber.

For years, the use of vinegar has been widespread to eliminate herbs or weeds that appear where they are not wanted. This natural alternative has been seen to be harmful when used regularly by modifying the structure of the soil, but it can also be harmful to the environment and even the health of the person applying it. If the vinegar has more than 10 % acetic acid concentration, it can cause personal injury such as bums to the skin and eyes. If it reaches a concentration of 20 or 30 %, which is the typical concentration of that which is sold for use in orchards or gardens, it becomes corrosive and can even cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. The repercussions on the environment are the damage that can occur to auxiliary fauna that lives in adventitious or spontaneous plants.

Another method used with some frequency has been the use of boiling water; this method can damage nearby decorative elements. Furthermore, it has other disadvantages such as energy consumption and the application difficulty due to the cooking time required by the boiling water.

Research has focused on the allelopathic capacity of some plants to eliminate competition. The isolation of the compounds that produce allelopathy can be of great importance for agriculture and the environment in general, given that the biotransformation of these compounds is simple and harmless to organisms.

The applicant is also aware of the following documents:

Document JPH07258012A entitled “herbicide and herbicidal method” relates to a weeding method of dropping directly spraying the herbicide and herbicide made as an essential component of the mineral oil in the paddy field under the flooding. The mineral oil used can be spindle oil, heavy white oil, light white oil, mineral spirit, mineral turpentine, naphthenic oils, paraffinic oils, agrochemicals machines oil, and the like.

Article Chemoecology (2017) 27: 1-24; D01 10.1007/s00049-016-0225- “Allelopathy in agro-ecosystems: a critical review of wheat allelopathy-concepts and implications” by Farhena Aslam et al. is a review, wherein state of the art until 2017 is discussed. The knowledge on wheat allelopathy, prospects, and challenges regarding exploitation of wheat allelopathy in agro-ecosysterns, physiological and ecological mechanisms underlying wheat allelopathy, effect of wheat allelopathy on soil microorganisms, implications for rhizosphere ecology, and genetic bases of wheat allelopathy. Wheat allelopathy is analyzed with regard to plant protection, environmental safety, and resistance breeding.

CN117044734A refers to a natural plant source composite slow-release emulsion herbicide. This herbicide comprises as active ingredients: turpentine, caprylic acid and pelargonic acid.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The use of natural botanical products to control weeds is of marked social interest.

The aim is to solve the problem that arises in the maintenance services of green areas with the control of weeds using products that do not pose a problem for the environment. Furthermore, these are substances that are easy to obtain on the market and a decrease in their supply that could pose a problem in the production of the herbicide is not expected. Therefore, it is the object of the invention to obtain a broad-spectrum herbicide, that controls and eliminates weeds naturally on earthy and/or paved areas using substances that are not harmful to the environment, and are produced sustainably and ecologically.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a herbicide composition comprising at least:

- gum turpentine oil and

- sunflower oil.

Gum turpentine oil can come from any species of conifer that contains resin, and preferably, will come from species of the genus Pinus, preferably Pinus pinaster, and more preferably Pinus pinaster subspecies mesogeensis.

Gum turpentine oil is the volatile fraction in the distillation of the natural resin of pinaceae, for example, of a pinaceae of the genus Pinus.

According to particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- gum turpentine oil in a proportion comprised between 7 % and 90 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- gum turpentine oil in a proportion comprised between 7 % and 90 %, preferably between 7 % and 33 %, and more preferably between 7 % and 10 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- sunflower oil in a proportion comprised between 10 % and 93 %, preferably between 67 % and 93 %, and more preferably between 90 % and 93 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- gum turpentine oil in a proportion comprised between 7 % and 90 % by weight relative to the total weight of the composition and

- sunflower oil in a proportion comprised between 10 % and 93 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- gum turpentine oil in a proportion comprised between 7 % and 30 % by weight relative to the total weight of the composition and

- sunflower oil in a proportion by weight comprised between 10 % and 93 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition only comprises:

- sunflower oil in a proportion by weight comprised between 93 % and 70 % by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- turpentine oil and

- sunflower oil in a proportion by weight of 1/3 turpentine oil and 2/3 sunflower oil with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- turpentine oil and

- sunflower oil in a proportion by weight of 1/6 turpentine oil and 5/6 sunflower oil with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to additional particular embodiments, the composition comprises:

- turpentine oil and

- sunflower oil in a proportion by weight of 1/12 turpentine oil and 11/12 sunflower oil with respect to the total weight of the composition.

In the composition of the invention, sunflower oil is preferably refined sunflower oil.

In any of the embodiments of the present invention, the sunflower oil is preferably refined sunflower oil, and more preferably sunflower oil with a maximum acidity of 0.2%.

The use of refined sunflower oil with a maximum acidity of 0.2%, maximises the effect of turpentine.

The density of sunflower oil, and particularly, refined sunflower oil, allows for better ground coverage, facilitates homogeneous spraying of the product and allows it to be dispersed over the treated area, penetrating the soil and maintaining its effectiveness, forming a thin, stable film that holds the product in place even when it rains after application due to its formidable adhesion and impermeability.

Among the additional substances that the composition may comprise, the following can be mentioned:

- Substances from plants:

- ailanthus powder extract (Ailanthus altissima),

- rosemary powder extract (Rosmarinus officinalis),

- Lavandula x hybrida powder extract (Lavandula x intermedia),

- 80 % Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin,

- crushed pine bark (Pinus pinaster),

- crushed rockrose branches (Cistus ladanifer),

- Substances from fungi:

- extract of the carpophores of the fungus Pisolithus mctorius.

- extract of the carpophores of the fungus Tuber aestivum.

- Chemical synthesis substances:

- isoamyl alcohol.

One or more of these substances may be present. Some of them are commercial, such as ailanthus powder extract (Ailanthus altissima), rosemary powder extract (Rosmarinus officinalis), lavandula x hybrida powder extract (Lavandula x intermedia), 80 % Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin,

For example, the composition may comprise:

- between 10 and 50 % by weight of Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

According to other alternatives, the composition may comprise:

- between 8 to 50 % by weight of isoamyl alcohol, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

These compositions were applied in the following manner: they were applied only once on the ground, the amount provided is one litre per square metre and is sprayed homogeneously over the square metre.

The compositions of the invention do not contain water. The way they are applied is always the same: spraying only once and analysing what happens over time.

The composition of the invention is used as a herbicide, and particularly against herbaceous plants, both broadleaf and grasses (Angiospermae and Poaceae).

Examples

The turpentine used in the examples was derived from Pinus pinaster, subspecies mesogeensis.

Example 1A

In the first half of 2019, various tests were carried out and the effects of various natural substances on weeds were observed. The lack of rainfall in the spring of that year scorched the vegetation in several of the study plots and produced a control of them at times, but it still allowed us to observe the effects of several of the substances used as natural herbicides.

For the first tests, a solution of allelopathic substances in water was added in the study plots, establishing control plots of the same vegetation to serve as a comparison.

Parallel to the treatments, research began into the active phytotoxic molecules that could be responsible for the results obtained and it was considered feasible to begin the process of practical application of simple substances with a more intense herbicidal effect.

The substances tested were:

- ailanthus powder extract (Ailanthus altissima),

- rosemary powder extract (Rosmarinus officinalis),

- Lavandula x hybrida powder extract (Lavandula x intermedia),

- 80 % Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin,

- crushed pine bark (Pinus pinaster),

- crushed rockrose branches (Cistus ladanifer),

- Substances from fungi:

- extract of the carpophores of the fungus Pisolithus mctorius.

- extract of the carpophores of the fungus Tuber aestivum.

Results: The effects observed in the different plots varied according to their different formulations and concentrations.

It was observed that each of the substances used had a herbicidal effect, although variable in relation to plant families.

Some, such as rosemary powder (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Lavandula x hybrida powder (Lavandula x intermedia) had a marked effect by notably reducing the germination and development of plants of the Compositae family (Asteraceae), which would be equivalent to having a herbicidal effect on broadleaved plants that frequently appear in garden lawns (Bellis perennis, Taraxacum dens-leonis, among others).

A product according to example 1 , which comprises 500 g of dry extract of rosemary powder in 12 litres of water, sprayed over 100 square metres had an effect of reducing the development of adventitious plants as a whole by 35 %.

Eucalyptus essential oil 80 % of commercial origin had a notable effect on grass-type weeds, dipsacaceae and legumes, to the point that a simple treatment altered the development of these plants, interrupting or hindering their flowering. Eucalyptus essential oil achieved a 75 % reduction in adventitious vegetation by adding 500 cc of essential oil in 12 litres of water over 9 square metres.

Crushed pine bark (Pinus pinaster) is effective mixed with 80 % Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin.

The ailanthus powder extract (Ailanthus altissima) had less effect than other substances tested. It is possible that this was because this woody species has a strong allelopathic effect through the roots while at the level of the branches of the crown the effect is much smaller.

A product according to example 1 , comprising 500 g of dry ailanthus extract (Ailanthus altissima) in 12 litres of water sprayed over 100 square metres reduced the development of adventitious plants as a whole by 25 %.

A product according to example 1 , which comprises a mixture of

- Lavandula x hybrida powder extract (Lavandula x intermedia),

- and 80 % Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin gave rise to the solution with the greatest herbicidal effect, with a 56 % decrease on applied plants. Three hundred grams of Lavandula x hybrida (Lavandula x intermedia) powdered extract were added with 250 cc of 80 % Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin in 12 litres of water, over 100 square metres. The dry rockrose extract, Cistus, 500 g in 12 litres of water, sprayed over 100 square metres reduced the development of adventitious plants as a whole by 50 %, drying earlier when summer arrived and it was observed that they did not develop their flowers.

The extract of the carpophores of the fungus Pisolithus tinctorius had a very marked effect on grasses in the plots and tree pits where it was added. To analyse its effect, a solution in water of 100 g/litre was applied to the fruiting body of the fungus. The effect at 8 weeks was clear since the grasses dried. This fungus is of the truffle type but not underground and it is possible to collect a large quantity in the month of September. The phytotoxic active substances of this fungus are pisolactone and ergosterol.

Furthermore, this fungus has antibacterial value, because in the Petri dishes for cultivating this fungus, bacterial infections do not occur, which normally happens on study plates.

The extract of the carpophores of the fungus Tuber aestivum had a multiple effect against grasses and broadleaf plants to the point of being the substance with the fastest and clearest effect. However, it is very expensive, while the active aromatic substances, which include several strongly phytotoxic metabolites can be obtained at a commercial synthesis level, by way of a food aroma.

The following three active molecules are those with the greatest herbicidal effect on a wide range of plant families and are produced naturally and spontaneously in the soil of Spanish holm oak forests with limestone or neutral soil:

- > 2-methyl butanol.

- > 3-methyl butanol.

- > 2-methyl butanal.

Example 1 B

Tests were carried out for %FCC (% Fractional canopy cover) which in the forestry sector means the % of surface area of the land of the study plot covered by the vertical spraying of the existing vegetation on the plot.

A trial (Palencia 2019) conducted with a turpentine-only herbicide in a field containing the species mentioned in Table A. The results shown on the dates indicated in the same Table A, in other words, the results after 1 month and after 4 months, show that 0% of FCCs was not reached, in other words, at no time was all grass removed from the study area:

Table A:

PALENCIA 01 -Dec-19

The amount of turpentine applied was 1 litre per square metre.

Example 2

Further tests were performed with compositions comprising gum turpentine oil and sunflower oil.

Tests for %FCC (% Fractional canopy cover) were performed as in the case of example 1 B.

On 16 November, tests were initiated with the following products:

- Product 1 : 50% 80% Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin - 50% gum turpentine oil.

- Product 2: 50% gum turpentine oil - 50% isoamyl alcohol. - Product 3: 100% isoamyl alcohol.

The grass species present at the start were: gramineous (Bromus diandrus, Bromus hordaceus, Poa bulbosa var. vivipara, Hordeum murinum, Dactylis glomerata, Cynodum dactylon) and others (Medicago sativa, Diplotaxis erucoides, Brassica nigra, Senecio vulgaris, Crepis taraxacifolia, Plantago lanceolata, Malva sylvestris, Stellaria media and Scabiosa atropurpurea)

Compositions with turpentine oil do not contain water. The tested compositions according to this example 2, therefore do not contain water.

The results shown in Table B were that 0% was reached in only one case, and there was subsequent regrowth with no significant differences in the specific and morphological composition of the herbaceous vegetation after application of the product, suggesting that the substance used temporarily removes the presence of this vegetation, but does not affect its morphological characteristics.

Table B

Tests with the following products also started on 16 November (Palencia 20_12_21 and Gijon 27_10_22):

New tests were carried out with the compositions corresponding to the products referred to as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9:

The proportions used in Palencia and in Gijon were:

- Product 4: 1/3 gum turpentine oil - 2/3 sunflower oil.

- Product 5: 1/6 gum turpentine oil - 5/6 sunflower oil.

- Product 6: 1/12 gum turpentine oil - 11/12 sunflower oil.

- Product 7: 1/6 gum turpentine oil - 116 sunflower oil - 2/3 isoamyl alcohol.

- Product 8: 1/6 isoamyl alcohol - 5/6 Water.

- Product 9: 1/12 isoamyl alcohol - 11/12 Water.

Combinations of gum turpentine oil and sunflower oil cannot be diluted in water since gum is insoluble in water; when the product is mixed with water, the gum separates from the rest. The grass species present in Palencia at the start were: gramineas (Bromus diandrus, Bromus hordaceus, Poa bulbosa var. vivipara, Hordeum murinum, Dactylis glomerata, Cynodum dactylon) and others (Medicago sativa, Diplotaxis erucoides, Brassica nigra, Senecio vulgaris, Crepis taraxacifolia, Plantago lanceolata, Malva sylvestris, Stellaria media and Scabiosa atropurpurea)

The grass species present in Gijon at the start were: Gramineas (Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Cynodon dactylon, Lolium perenne, Arrhenatherum bulbosum, Brachipodium pinnatum) and others (Malva sylvestris, Pieris echioides, Malva mostacha, Taraxacum dens leonis, Bellis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago media and Plantago major)

The results of these trials for products 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in Palencia over 4 months are shown in table C:

Table C:

It was also observed that when sunflower oil was introduced, 0% FCC was reached and there was much less regrowth than with other herbicides, in other words, the effect of the herbicide is maintained for a longer period of time. In the case of the trials in Gijon, despite the rain during the entire test and the high humidity and saturation of the soil, regrowth was very low.

Although product 7, which is a mixture of turpentine+sunflower oil+alcohol, has good results, it is a much more environmentally aggressive product.

Product 8 and 9, which is alcohol + water, gives worse results than products 4, 5 or 6.

The results of the tests carried out in Gijon for products 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are shown in Table E: Table E

The result of product 7 is effective, but it is a more aggressive product.

Products 4, 5 and 6 take longer to take effect due to the humidity in which the test was conducted.

Results

The first tests were carried out exclusively with gum turpentine oil during the last months of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, obtaining very positive effects on all weeds, this substance began to be used as the main substance of the mixture to be achieved, trying to obtain an effective product in terms of results and having costs that were acceptable, while continuing to verify that there were no side effects for people and animals.

During the years 2020 and 2021 it was difficult to maintain the continuity and control of the trials and it was at the end of 2021 when the research resumed normally.

These products were tested in areas with different weather conditions. On 27th October 2022, tests began in the gardens of Gijon.

It is observed how the greater the amount of gum turpentine oil applied, the faster the results are obtained, but the results are maintained over time and also how isoamyl alcohol loses effectiveness in places where humidity increases and there are great amounts of rain. In all cases, after a time, the vegetation that reappears on the ground is the same as that which existed at the beginning and visually there are no changes in its characteristics.

Bibliography:

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Claims

1 . A herbicide composition comprising at least:

- gum turpentine oil and

- sunflower oil.

2. The composition according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. The composition according to claim 1 , comprising:

4. The composition according to claim 1 , comprising:

5. The composition according to claim 1 , comprising:

6. The composition according to claim 1 , comprising:

7. The composition according to claim 1 , consisting of: - turpentine oil and

8. The composition according to claim 1 , consisting of:

- turpentine oil and

9. The composition according to claim 1 , consisting of:

- turpentine oil and

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising one or more substances selected from:

- ailanthus powder extract (Ailanthus altissima),

- rosemary powder extract (Rosmarinus officinalis),

- commercial Lavandula x hybrida powder extract (Lavandula x intermedia),

- 80 % Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin,

- crushed pine bark (Pinus pinaster),

- crushed rockrose branches (Cistus ladanifer)

- extract of the carpophores of the fungus Pisolithus mctorius,

- extract of the carpophores of the fungus Tuber aestivum, and

- isoamyl alcohol.

11. The composition according to claim 10, comprising between 10 % and 50 % by weight of Eucalyptus essential oil of commercial origin, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

12. The composition according to claim 10, comprising between 8 % and 50 % by weight of isoamyl alcohol, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

13. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sunflower oil is refined sunflower oil, preferably with a maximum acidity of 0.2%.

14. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the turpentine is derived from Pinus pinaster, preferably the subspecies mesogeensis.

15. A use of the composition defined in one of claims 1 to 14 as a herbicide against herbaceous plants, both broadleaf and grasses (Angiosperamae and Poaceae).