GB2547023A

GB2547023A - Herbicidal combination

Info

Publication number: GB2547023A
Application number: GB1602077.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Misselbrook John
Original assignee: Agform Ltd
Current assignee: Agform Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-05
Filing date: 2016-02-05
Publication date: 2017-08-09
Also published as: WO2017134446A1; GB201602077D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a herbicidal combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet. Preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturon:diflufenican is from 50:1 to 0.1:1. The isoproturon and the flufenacet may be provided in separate compositions or in a single composition. The combination can comprise a herbicidally-acceptable diluent or carrier and/or a surfactant. A method of controlling growth of one or more weeds at a locus is also claimed, which comprises applying the combination to the locus by pre- or post- emergence application. The weed can be Alopecurus Myosuroides. The method may be for the control of one or more weeds in an autumn-sown cereal crop. A method of providing the combination may comprise mixing a source of isoproturon and diflufenican with a source of diflufenican and flufenacet. The use of the combination to control a weed is also claimed.

Description

HERBICIDAL COMBINATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a herbicidal combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet. The present invention also relates to methods of using this combination and the use of the combination to control weeds, particularly Aiopecurus myosuroides, commonly known as black-grass,

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Weeds are plants considered undesirable in a particular situation, for example, a plant unwanted in a human-controlled setting, such as in farm fieids, gardens, lawns and parks. One particular weed which is undesirable in farm fields, for example, is Aiopecurus myosuroides, also known as black-grass, slender meadow foxtail, twitch grass and black twitch. Aiopecurus myosuroides is an annual grass, often found on cultivated and waste land, and can grow up to 80 cm high, often growing in tufts. Aiopecurus myosuroides may be, for example, a weed of cereal crops as it produces a large amount of seed which is shed before the crop is cut. It can occur at very high densities competing with the crop and seriously reducing the yield of crops such as wheat and barley if not controlled.

There are known non-chemical methods which provide a degree of control, such as crop rotations, ploughing, delayed-autumn drilling, competitive crops, spring cropping and fallowing.

Alternatively, it is weil known that herbicides may be used to control the growth of weeds. EP 0211518 relates to herbicidal compositions comprising diflufenican in combination with a urea herbicide. Such a combination is said to have a greater than expected activity against certain weed species when applied pre- or post-emergence. EP 0531118 relates to compositions comprising flurtamone and diflufenican and their use in controlling the growth of weeds, for example Avena fatua, Aiopecurus myosuroides, Galium aparine and Lolium multifiorum.

However, weeds, for example, Alopecurus myosuroides, develop resistance to a range of herbicides used to control them.

It is one object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a commercially useful alternative thereto.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a combination and method which provides improved or comparable control of weeds such as Alopecurus myosuroides compared to known formulations and methods.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination and method which provides reduced or comparable phytotoxicity of plants such as the crop to be protected, compared to known formulations and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a herbicidal combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet.

Isoproturon (3-(4-isopropylphenyi)-1,1-dimethylurea or 3-p-cumenyi- 1,1-dimethylurea) is a well-known selective, systemic herbicide used in the control of annual grasses and broadleaved weeds in cereals. Diflufenican (N-(2,4~difluorophenyl)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-3-pyridinecarboxamide) is a well-known contact, selective herbicide used in the control of broad leaved weeds in, for example, cereals. Flufenacet (N-(4-Fluorophenyl)-N-isopropyl-2-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]oxy}acetamide) is a well-known herbicide used in the control of grasses, for example.

The present inventors have surprisingly found that improved or comparable control of the growth of weeds, such as Alopecurus myosuroides, can be achieved using a herbicidal combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the combined herbicidal activity of isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet, for the control of weed species is greater than expected, without an unacceptable increase in crop phytotoxicity, applied pre- or post-emergence (e.g. as a pre- or post- emergence aqueous spray), i.e. the herbicidal activity of isoproturon, diflufenican and fiufenacet showed an unexpected degree of synergism, as defined by Limpei, L.E., P.H. Schuidtand D. Lament, 1962, 1. Proc. NEWCC 16, 48-53, using the formula: E = X + Y - (XY/100) where E = the expected percent inhibition of growth by a mixture of three herbicides isoproturon, diflufenican and fiufenacet at defined doses. X = the percent inhibition of growth by herbicides isoproturon and diflufenican at a defined dose. Y = the percent inhibition of growth by herbicides diflufenican and fiufenacet at a defined dose.

When the observed percentage of inhibition by the mixture is greater than the expected value E using the formula above, the combination is synergistic.

The surprising synergism on Alopecurus myosuroides gives improved reliability in controlling this serious competitive weed of many crop species, leading to a considerable reduction in the amount of active ingredient required for weed control. A high level of control of weeds such as Alopecurus myosuroides is desirable to prevent: 1) yield loss, through competition and/or difficulties with harvest, 2) crop contamination leading to storage and cleaning difficulties, and 3) unacceptable weed seed return to the soil.

The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect or embodiment as defined herein may be combined with any other aspect(s) or embodiment(s) unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous. in a further aspect the present invention provides a method of controlling the growth of one or more weed(s) at a locus, comprising applying to the locus the combination of any of the preceding claims by pre- or post- emergence application.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of providing the combination as described herein, wherein the isoproturon and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition, the method comprising mixing a source of isoproturon with a source of flufenacet.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of providing the combination as described herein, wherein the isoproturon, diflufenican and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition, the method comprising mixing a source of isoproturon and difiufenican with a source of diflufenican and flufenacet.

In a further aspect the present invention provides the use of the combination as described herein to control a weed.

Other preferred embodiments of the formulation, method and use according to the invention appear throughout the specification and in particular in the examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present invention shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The meaning and scope of the terms should be clear, however, in the event of any latent ambiguity, definitions provided herein take precedent over any dictionary or extrinsic definition.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, unless specified to the contrary, the following terms have the meaning indicated:

The term pre-emergence application’ means application to the soil in which the weed seeds or seedlings are present before emergence of the weeds above the surface of the soil.

The term post-emergence application’ means application to the aerial or exposed portions of the weeds which have emerged above the surface of the soil.

The term ‘foliar activity’ means herbicide activity produced by application to the aerial or exposed portions of the weeds which have emerged above the surface of the soil.

The term ‘residua! activity’ means herbicidal activity produced by application to the soil in which weed seeds or seedlings are present before emergence of the weeds above the surface of the soil, whereby seedlings present at the rime of application or which germinate subsequent to application from seeds present in the soil, are controlled.

The term "herbicidal combination" is used in a broad sense, to include not only combinations which are ready for use as herbicides but also concentrates which must be diluted before use. Preferably, the combinations contain from 0.05 to 90% by weight of isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet.

Unless otherwise stated, the percentages and ratios appearing in this specification are by weight.

In one embodiment, there is provided a herbicidal combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet.

Preferably, the herbicidal combination is suitable for controlling the growth of weeds, including broad-leafed weeds, such as Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus retroflexus,

Bidens pilosa, Chenopodium album, Galium aparine, Ipomea spp. e.g ipomea purpurea, Lamium purpureum, Matricaria inodara, Sesbania exaita, Sinapis arvensis, Solanum nigrum, Steilaria media, Veronica hederifolia, Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, and Xanthium strumarium; and grass weeds, such as Aiopecurus myosuroides, A vena fatua, Digitaria Sanguinalis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Eleusine indica, Lolium multifiorum, Setaria viridis and Sorghum halepense; and sedges, for example Cyperus esculentus, Cypeurs iria and Cyperus rotund us, and Eleocharis acicularis. More preferably, the herbicidal combination is suitable for controlling the growth of grass weeds. More preferably still, the herbicidal combination is suitable for controlling the growth of Aiopecurus myosuroides.

Preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturomdiflufenican is from 50:1 to 0.1:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturon:diflufenican is from 25:1 to 0.5:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturon:diflufenican is from 15:1 to 0.75:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturon:diflufenican is from 10:1 to 1:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturorrdiflufenican is from 5:1 to 1.25:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturorrdiflufenican is from 3:1 to 1.5:1. Most preferably, the weight ratio of isoproturoirdiflufenican is from 2.5:1 to 2:1.

Preferably, the weight ratio of flufenacetdifiufenican is from 50:1 to 0.1:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of flufenacetdifiufenican is from 25:1 to 0.5:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of flufenacetdifiufenican is from 15:1 to 0.75:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of flufenacetdifiufenican is from 10:1 to 1:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of flufenacetdifiufenican is from 5:1 to 1.25:1. More preferably, the weight ratio of flufenacetdifiufenican is from 3:1 to 1.5:1. Most preferably, the weight ratio of flufenacetdifiufenican is from 2.5:1 to 2:1.

Preferably, the isoproturon and the flufenacet are provided in separate compositions. More preferably, diflufenican is provided in each of the separate compositions. Alternatively, preferably, the isoproturon and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition, i.e. the combination is in the form of at least one composition comprising both isoproturon and flufenacet. Alternatively, preferably, the isoproturon, diflufenican and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition, i.e. the combination is in the form of one composition comprising all of isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet.

As will be appreciated, providing the isoproturon and the flufenacet in separate compositions allows the isoproturon and the flufenacet to be administered sequentially. It also allows the isoproturon and the flufenacet to be administered simultaneously, for example where the user mixes the separate compositions in a tank prior to administration. Providing the isoproturon and the flufenacet in a single composition allows for the simultaneous administration of isoproturon and flufenacet. Providing the isoproturon, diflufenican and the flufenacet in a single composition allows for the simultaneous administration of isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet.

Preferably, there is provided a combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet, for simultaneous, separate or sequential application of the isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet to a locus. More preferably, the combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet is suitable for simultaneous application of the isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet to a locus.

Preferably, the combination further comprises a herbicidally-acceptable diluent or carrier and/or a surfactant. Preferably the diluent is water. Preferably, the active ingredients isoproturon and/or diflufenican and/or flufenacet are homogeneously dispersed in other components cited hereinafter, such as a diluent or carrier and/or surface-active agents.

The herbicidal combination may contain solid and liquid carriers and surface-active agents (e.g. wetters, dispersants or emulsifiers alone or in combination). Surface-active agents that may be present in the herbicidal combinations of the present invention may be of the ionic or non-ionic types, for example suiphoricinoleates, quaternary ammonium derivatives, products based on condensates of ethylene oxide with nonyi- or octyi-phenols, or carboxylic acid esters of anhydrosorbitols which have been rendered soluble by etherificarion of the free hydroxy groups by condensation with ethylene oxide, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of sulphuric acid esters and sulphonic acids such as dinonyl- and dioctyl-sodium sulphono-succinates and alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of high molecular weight sulphonic acid derivatives such as sodium and calcium lignosulphonates. Examples of suitable solid diluents or carriers are aluminium silicate, talc, calcined magnesia, kieselguhr, tricalcium phosphate, powdered cork, absorbent carbon black and days such as kaolin and bentonite. Examples of suitable liquid diluents include water, acetophenone, cyclohexanone, isophorone, toluene, xylene, and mineral, animal, and vegetabie oils (these diluents may be used alone or in combination).

Preferably, the herbicidal combination further comprises, if desired, conventional adjuvants such as adhesives, protective colloids, thickeners, penetrating agents, stabilisers, sequestering agents, anti-caking agents, colouring agents and corrosion inhibitors. These adjuvants may also serve as carriers or diluents.

Preferably, the combination further comprises one or more polymers. More preferably, the combination further comprises a comb polymer and/or a block copolymer. More preferably still, the combination further comprises a polyetheralkanolamine comb polymer and/or a propylene-oxide/ethylene oxide block copolymer. Such polymers are known in the art. The polyetheralkanolamine comb polymer may be, for example, Jeffsperse X3204, available from Huntsman International LLC.

Preferably, the combination further comprises one or more metal alkylaryl sulphonates, more preferably a metal dodecyl aryl suiphonate and/or a metal n-butyl aryl sulphonate, more preferably a metal dodecyl benzene sulphonate and/or a metal n-butyl naphthalene sulphonate, most preferably a sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate and/or a sodium n-butyl naphthalene sulphonate.

Preferably, the combination further comprises a metal dialkyl succinate, more preferably a metal diaikyi suiphosuccinate, more preferably a metal dioctyl sulphosuccinate, most preferably sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate.

Preferably, the combination further comprises a dialkylpolysiloxane fluid emulsion, most preferably a dimethylpolysiloxane fluid emulsion.

Preferably, the combination further comprises an alkyl trioi, more preferably a C?,5 alkyl triol, more preferably a propane trioi, most preferably propane-1,2,3-trio! (glycerol).

Preferably, the combination further comprises one or more polysaccharide, more preferably the combination further comprises a xanthan gum.

Preferably, the combination further comprises a silicate, more preferably hectorite clay (Nac,s(Mg,U)3Si,O10(OH)£).

Preferably, the combination further comprises a biocide, more preferably a fungicide, more preferably a benzoisothiadiazolinone, most preferably 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.

Preferably, the combination further comprises water as a diluent.

In one preferred embodiment, herbicidal combinations according to the present invention are wettable powders or water dispersible granules. More preferably, the herbicidal combination is an aqueous suspension concentrate. Alternatively, preferably, the herbicidal combination is an aqueous suspension.

The wettable powders (or powders for spraying) preferably comprise from 20 to 95 weight % of the combination, and may preferably comprise, in addition to the solid vehicle, from 0 to 5 weight % of a wetting agent, from 3 to 10 weight % of a dispersant agent and if necessary, from 0 to 10 weight % of one or more stabilisers and/or other additives such as penetrating agents, adhesives or anti-caking agents and colourings.

When the combination is an aqueous suspension concentrate, which may be applied by spraying, the combination may be prepared in such a way as to obtain a stable fluid product (by fine grinding) which does not settle out. in one embodiment, preferably, the combination comprises from 10 to 75 weight % of isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet, from 0.5 to 15 weight % of surface acting agents, from 0.1 to 10 weight % of thixotropic agents, from 0 to 10 weight % of suitable additives such as antifoams, corrosion inhibitors, stabilisers, and water or an organic liquid in which the active ingredients is sparingly soluble or insoluble. Some organic solid substances or inorganic salts can be dissolved in order to assist in preventing sedimentation or as antifreeze for the water.

Preferably, the herbicidal combination further comprises one or more other pesticidaily active compounds and, if desired one or more compatible pesticidaily acceptable diluents and carriers.

For example, the herbicidal combination may preferably comprise one or more further herbicide(s). Preferably, the one or more further herbicide(s) may be selected from: atrazine, bronioxynil, butafenacil, buturon, cafenstroie, chlomethoxyfen, chlorflurenoi-methyl,chlornitrofen, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, chiorphthalim.ehlorthal-dimethyl, cinidon-ethyl, clomeprop, daimuron, desmedipham, dichlobenil, dielosulam, difenoxuron, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dinoterb, dipropetryn, diuron, flumetsulam, fiumioxazin, fiumipropyn, flupoxani, fluridone, flurtamone, fluthiacet-methyi, haloxyfop, ioxynil, isomethiozin, isoxaben, isoxaflutole, isoxapyrifop, karbutilate, lenacil, inefenacet, methabenzthiazuron, methazole, metosulam, naproanilide, neburon, nitralin, norflurazon, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxazielomefone, penoxsulam, pentoxazone, perfluidone, phenisopam, phenmedipham, pieolinafen, prodiamine, prometryn, propazine, propyzamide, pyrafiufen-ethyl, pyrazoiynate, pyrazoxyfen, pyribenzoxini, pyroxsulam, quinciorac, quinoelamine, saflufenacil, siduron, simazine, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, thidiazimin, thiencarbazone-methyl, tralkoxydim and trietazine.

In one embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling the growth of one or more weed(s) at a locus, comprising applying to the locus the combination as described herein by pre- or post- emergence application. Preferably, the combination as described herein is applied by pre-emergence application. Preferably, the weed is Aiopecurus myosuroides.

Preferably, the application rates of isoproturon and diflufenican are from 100 to 400 g/ha of isoproturon and 75 to 150 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 5.33:1 to 0.67:1 by weight. More preferably, the application rates of isoproturon and diflufenican are from 150 to 350 g/ha of isoproturon and 85 to 145 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 4.12:1 to 1.03:1 by weight. More preferably, the application rates of isoproturon and diflufenican are from 200 to 300 g/ha of isoproturon and 90 to 130 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 3.33:1 to 1.54:1 by weight. Most preferably, the application rates of isoproturon and diflufenican are from 225 to 275 g/ha of isoproturon and 95 to 125 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 2.89:1 to 1.8:1 by weight.

Preferably, the application rates of flufenacet and diflufenican are from 100 to 400 g/ha of fiufenacet and 75 to 150 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 5.33:1 to 0.67:1 by weight. More preferably, the application rates of fiufenacet and diflufenican are from 150 to 350 g/ha of fiufenacet and 85 to 145 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 4.12:1 to 1.03:1 by weight. More preferably, the application rates of fiufenacet and diflufenican are from 200 to 300 g/ha of fiufenacet and 90 to 130 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 3.33:1 to 1.54:1 by weight. Most preferably, the application rates of fiufenacet and diflufenican are from 215 to 265 g/ha of flufenacet and 95 to 125 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 2.79:1 to 1.72:1 by weight.

The herbicidal combinations may be used as herbicides in a broad range of dose rates isoproturon:difiufenican:f!ufenacet, depending on the crop to be treated, the weeds present and their population, the compositions used, the timing of the treatment, the climatic and edaphic conditions, and the dose ratio of isoproturon:diflufenican:flufenacet required to obtain a satisfactory level of weed control (which is not necessarily totally weed-free).

When applied to a crop-growing area, the rate of application should be sufficient to control the growth of weeds without causing substantial permanent damage to the crop.

The method of the invention may be used to control a very wide spectrum of annual broad-leafed weeds and grass weeds in crops including, for example, peas and cereal crops, e.g. wheat, barley and rye, without significant permanent damage to the crop. The combination described herein offers both foliar and residual activity and consequently can be employed over a long period of crop development, i.e. from pre-weed pre-crop emergence to postweed post-crop emergence. Preferably, the method is for the control of one or more weed(s) (e.g. Alopecurus myosuroides) in an autumn-sown cereal crop. More preferably, the method is for the control of weed(s) (Aiopecurus myosuroides) in winter wheat and/or winter bariey.

The method described herein may be used to control the growth of one or more weed(s), especially Aiopecurus myosuroides, by pre- or post-emergence application in established orchards and other tree-growing areas, for example forests, woods and parks, and plantations e.g. sugar cane, oil palm and rubber plantations. For this purpose the combination may be applied in a directional or non-directional fashion (e.g. by directional or non-directional spraying) to the weed(s) or to the soil in which they are expected to appear, before or after planting of the trees or plantations at application rates from 250 to 1000 g/ha of isoproturon, from 200 to 500 g/ha of diflufenican, and 250 to 1000 g/ha of flufenacet.

The method described herein may be used to control the growth of weeds, especially Aiopecurus myosuroides, at loci which are not crop-growing areas but in which the control of weeds is nevertheless desirable. Examples of such non-crop-growing areas include airfields, industrial sites, railways, roadside verges, the verges of rivers, irrigation and other waterways, scrublands and fallow or uncultivated land, in particular where it is desired to control the growth of weeds in order to reduce fire risks. When used for such purposes in which a total herbicidal effect is frequently desired, the active compounds are normally applied at dosage rates higher than those used in crop-growing areas as hereinbefore described. The precise dosage will depend upon the nature of the vegetation treated and the effect sought. Pre- or post-emergence application, and preferably pre-emergence application, in a directional or non-directional fashion (e.g. by directional or non-directional spraying) at application rates from 500 to 2000 g/ha of isoproturon, from 250 to 1000 g/ha of diflufenican, and 500 to 2000 g/ha of flufenacet are particularly suitable for this purpose.

Preferably, the method comprises applying the combination to the locus in the form of a single composition comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet. The active agents isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet are therefore applied simultaneously.

Alternatively, preferably, the method comprises applying the combination to the locus in the form of separate compositions, simultaneously, separately or sequentially, more preferably simultaneously. Preferably, when the first separate composition comprises a source of isoproturon and diflufenican and the second separate composition comprises a source of diflufenican and flufenacet, the two compositions are applied simultaneously and separately, or separately and sequentially. When the compositions are applied sequentially, it is understood that either composition may be applied followed by the other composition(s) within two days, more preferably one day, more preferably 12 hours, more preferably 8 hours, more preferably 5 hours, more preferably 3 hours, more preferably 2 hours, most preferably within 1 hour.

In one embodiment, there is provided a method of providing the combination as described herein, wherein the isoproturon and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition, the method comprising mixing a source of isoproturon with a source of flufenacet.

In one embodiment, there is provided a method of providing the combination as described herein, wherein the isoproturon, diflufenican and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition, the method comprising mixing a source of isoproturon and diflufenican with a source of diflufenican and flufenacet. More preferably, the method comprises mixing a source of isoproturon and diflufenican with a source of diflufenican and flufenacet in a mixing tank, in one embodiment, the source of isoproturon and diflufenican preferably comprises or consists of Biutron, available from Agform Limited and/or the source of diflufenican and flufenacet preferably comprises or consists of Pincer, available from Agform Limited. Preferably, the source of isoproturon and diflufenican comprises or consists of Biutron and the source of diflufenican and flufenacet comprises or consists of Pincer, wherein the Biutron to Pincer are mixed at a volume to volume ratio of about 1.0:0.6.

Alternatively, there is provided a method of providing the combination as described herein, wherein the isoproturon, diflufenican and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition, the method comprising mixing a source of isoproturon with a separate source of diflufenican and a separate source of and flufenacet.

In one embodiment, there is provided the use of the combination as described herein to control a weed. Preferably, the weed is Aiopecurus myosuroides.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an”, "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

The foregoing detailed description has been provided by way of explanation and illustration, and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Many variations in the presently preferred embodiments illustrated herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and remain within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

These and other aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1: is a bar chart showing black-grass pre-emergence control using Formulations 1, 2 and 3 at three sites (Lines 119, Suffolk 255 and Wisbech 229).

The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the present invention.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will now be described in relation to several examples.

The following three compositions were prepared:

Comparative Formulation 1 (Blutron): Isoproturon/Diflufenican 250/50 g/l

Comparative Formulation 2 (Ptncer): Fiufenacet/Diflufenican 400/100 g/l

Inventive Formulation 3 (Blutron and Pincer)

Formulation 3 was prepared by mixing one litre of Formulation 1 and 0.6 litres of Formulation 2 in a mixing tank.

Testing Procedure

Pre-emergence treatments of a crop, winter wheat, was then carried out at three sites in the UK:

Example 1 - Site 1 (Lincs-119)

Four treatments of the crop were carried out. All treatments comprised the same Nitrogen Input, Insecticides, Fungicides and PGR (Plant Growth Regulator) as site standards. The weather conditions were also noted (daily rainfall, max and min air temp, mean daily soil temp throughout duration of treatment from nearest weather station) (consistent across the four treatments).

Additionaily, the treatments comprised:

Treatment 1 = Untreated control (none of Formulations 1,2 or 3 applied to crop);

Treatment 2 = 1.0 litre per hectare of Comparative Formulation 1, provided once as preemergence treatment;

Treatment 3 = 0.8 litres per hectare of Comparative Formulation 2, provided once as preemergence treatment;

Treatment 4 = 1.6 litres per hectare of Inventive Formulation 3, provided once as preemergence treatment.

Percentage control of the growth of Alopecurus myosuroides was visually evaluated by counting the number of Alopecurus myosuroides plants four weeks after pre-emergence application in each of the areas treated by Treatments 2, 3 and 4, relative to the number of Alopecurus myosuroides plants counted in the area treated by treatment 1 (control). The results are shown in Figure 1.

Using the formula given in description, the expected percent inhibition of growth by the mixture of three herbicides isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet at defined doses at Site 1 is 71.6%. The observed percent inhibition of growth by the mixture of three herbicides isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet at defined doses was 80%.

The results at site 1 dearly demonstrate an unexpected degree of synergism obtained using the inventive combination of the present invention (Formulation 3).

Example 2 - Site 2 (Suffolk-255)

The same four treatments as described in Example 1 were carried out at a second site. The results are shown in Figure 1.

Using the formula given in description, the expected percent inhibition of growth by the mixture of three herbicides isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet at defined doses at Site 2 is 84.8%. The observed percent inhibition of growth by the mixture of three herbicides isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet at defined doses was 93%.

Example 3 - Site 3 (Wisbech-229)

The same four treatments as described in Example 1 were carried out at a third site. The results are shown in Figure 1.

Using the formula given in description, the expected percent inhibition of growth by the mixture of three herbicides isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet at defined doses at Site 3 is 91.86%. The observed percent inhibition of growth by the mixture of three herbicides isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet at defined doses was 95%.

The results at site 1 clearly demonstrate an unexpected degree of synergism obtained using the inventive combination of the present invention (Formulation 3).

It will be understood that the results of Examples 1 to 3 and presented in Figure 1 were all obtained in field trials. Such trials generally represent a more rigorous test of herbicidal properties than tests in the greenhouse, where test plants are protected from the variable conditions to which they are inevitably subject in the open field. Because of the variability of conditions in field tests, it is generally more difficult to secure a clear showing of synergism than in greenhouse testing. Nevertheless, herbicidal mixtures which demonstrate synergism in greenhouse testing must, if they are to be of commercial utility, be capable of demonstrating synergism under field conditions, i.e. under the conditions which will prevail when they are used by a farmer. The results obtained in the foregoing Examples therefore represent a particularly clear demonstration of synergism under practical conditions.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A herbicidal combination comprising isoproturon, diflufenican and flufenacet.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of isoproturon:dif!ufenican is from 50:1 to 0.1:1.

3. The combination of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of isoproturon:difiufenican is from 3:1 to 1.5:1.

4. The combination of any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of flufenacetdiflufenican is from 50:1 to 0.1:1.

5. The combination of any of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of flufenacetdiflufenican is from 3:1 to 1.5:1.

6. The combination of any of the preceding claims, wherein the isoproturon and the flufenacet are provided in separate compositions.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein diflufenican is provided in each of the separate compositions.

8. The combination of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the isoproturon and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the isoproturon, diflufenican and the flufenacet are provided in a single composition.

10. The combination of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a herbicidally-acceptable diluent or carrier and/or a surfactant.

11. A method of controlling the growth of one or more weed(s) at a locus, comprising applying to the locus the combination of any of the preceding claims by pre- or postemergence application.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the weed is ASopecurus myosuroides.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the application rates of isoproturon and diflufenican are from 100 to 400 g/ha of isoproturon and 75 to 150 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 5,33:1 to 0,67:1 by weight.

14. The method of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the application rates of flufenacet and diflufenican are from 100 to 400 g/ha of flufenacet and 75 to 150 g/ha of diflufenican, in a proportion of from 5.33:1 to 0.67:1 by weight.

15. The method according to any of claims 11 to 14 for the control of one or more weed(s) in an autumn-sown cereal crop.

16. A method of providing the combination according to claim 8, comprising mixing a source of isoproturon with a source of flufenacet.

17. A method of providing the combination according to claim 9, comprising mixing a source of isoproturon and diflufenican with a source of diflufenican and flufenacet.

18. Use of the combination of any of claims 1 to 10 to control a weed.

19. The use of claim 18, wherein the weed is Alopecurus myosuroides,

20. A combination substantially as herein described with reference to the Examples.

21. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the Examples.

22. A use substantially as herein described with reference to the Examples.