GB2622588A

GB2622588A - Method for controlling unwanted plant growth in cereal crops

Info

Publication number: GB2622588A
Application number: GB2213733.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Bristow James
Original assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Co Ltd
Current assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-20
Filing date: 2022-09-20
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: GB202213733D0

Abstract

Method for controlling the growth of unwanted plants in crops of wheat and barley plants, the method comprising applying to the unwanted plants and/or the locus of the wheat or barley plants: mesotrione and mefenpyr. The 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-4H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid may be present in the free acid form, as a salt, or as an ester. The mesotrione may be present as free acid, a salt or a metal chelate. An adjuvant (e.g. modified refined vegetable oil, an organosilicon) may be present. Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied together, simultaneously, or separately. The actives may be used within suspension concentrate or emulsifiable concentrate systems. Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be used post-emergence of the wheat or barley. The unwanted plants may be of the families Asteraceae or Brassicaceae. Also claimed is the use of mefenpyr to reduce the phytotoxicity of mesotrione on barley or wheat plants. Method for increasing the yield of barley and wheat crops, method comprising applying to the plants and/or their locus mesotrione and mefenpyr.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132213733.5 RTM Date:28 February 2023 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Callisto Meristo Solvesso Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING UNWANTED PLANT GROWTH IN CEREAL

CROPS

The present invention relates to a method for controlling unwanted plant growth in cereal crops, in particular wheat and barley.

The control of the growth of unwanted plants in cereal crops, in particular wheat and barley is a constant concern for farmers. The selective control of such unwanted plant growth without causing significant damage to the crop plants is a major priority. A problem arising in crops, such as wheat and barley, is the fip development by the unwanted plants of resistance to existing herbicide treatments.

For example, plants in the Brassicaceae and Cruciferae families have been found to have developed resistance to the herbicide glyphosate when administered in conventional doses. Similar trends have been found with plants developing resistance to the herbicide 2,4-D. This gives rise to an increasing problem in the control of unwanted plants in cereal crops, without adversely affecting the crop and its yield.

There is therefore a need for an improved technique for controlling unwanted plant growth in cereal crops, in particular crops of wheat and barley. It would be advantageous if the technique could provide the ability to control the growth of unwanted plants in the cereal crops, without adversely affecting the crop plants themselves and without a reduction in the yield of the crops. It would be a particular advantage if the technique could improve the yield of the crops, as well as reducing or eliminating unwanted plant growth.

Mesotrione is a known and commercially available herbicide. Mesotrione has the chemical name 2-[4-(Methylsulfony0-2-nitrobenzoyl]cyclohexane-1,3-dione and has the chemical formula: Mesotrione acts to inhibit the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenas (HPPD) enzyme and is known for use in the selective control of unwanted plants, in particular broadleaf weeds, in crops of maize and corn. The application of mesotrione pre-emergence and/or post-emergence is known. However, while the action of mesotrione is generally selective towards the target weeds, application of the active compound can result in damage to the cereal crop plants, in turn resulting in reduced crop yields.

Therefore, it would be advantageous if a technique could be provided to improve the selective control of weeds in cereal crops, in particular wheat and barley, and reduce damage to the crop plants themselves, in turn increasing the crop yield.

It has now been found that the selectivity of mesotrione in cereal crops, in particular wheat and barley, can be significantly improved when mesotrione is employed in combination with a safener, in particular mefenpyr. It has also been found that the combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr can increase the yield of the aforementioned crops, when compared with the untreated plants.

US 2011/0269626 discloses a method for controlling weeds in turf. The method employs a combination of a herbicidally effective amount of a HPPD inhibitor and a safener. Mesotrione is mentioned as one HPPD inhibitor that may be used. The safeners are selected from cyprosulfamide and a compound of formula IV: US 2011/0269626 contains working examples comparing the action of combinations of mesotrione and a range of safeners in controlling unwanted plant growth in turf. The examples include data showing the effects of a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr on turfgrass, in particular that the combination exhibits a high level of phytotoxicity to the turfgrass plants.

WO 2018/234957 discloses copper chelates of mesotrione and their use. In one embodiment, it is suggested that formulations comprising the mesotrione copper chelate may also comprise a safener. Mefenpyr is suggested as one of several different safeners that may be used. Examples are provided of formulations containing benoxacor as the selected safener.

Surprisingly, it has been found that a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr provides a high level of control of unwanted plant growth in cereal crops, in particular wheat and barley, while exhibiting a very low level or no phytotoxicity to the crop plants. The treatment is particularly effective when applied post-emergence of the cereal crop plants.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, there is provided a method for controlling the growth of unwanted plants in crops of wheat and barley plants, the method comprising applying to the unwanted plants and/or the locus of the wheat or barley 20 plants: mesotrione, and mefenpyr.

It has been found that mefenpyr is effective as a safener for barley and wheat plants when treated with mesotrione. In particular, the phytotoxic effects of mesotrione on the barley and wheat plants are significantly reduced when mefenpyr is employed. This in turn results in significantly less damage to the barley and wheat plants. However, effective control of unwanted plant growth by mesotrione is maintained. Surprisingly, it has also been found that the combination 113 of mefenpyr and mesotrione can result in increased yields of barley and wheat plants, compared with untreated plants.

It is a significant and surprising finding that mefenpyr is effective as a safener for mesotrione when applied to crops of barley and wheat, especially post-emergence. Generally, compounds that have been identified as safeners are specific in terms of the plants on which the compounds provide a safening effect and the agrochemical active ingredients against which the plant is protected.

Taylor, V.L., et al., 'Protective responses induced by herbicide safeners in wheat', Environ. Exp. Bot., April 2013, 88, pages 93 to 99 explores a range of safeners and their effect on wheat plants. It is disclosed that cloquintocet mexyl, mefenpyr diethyl and fenchlorazole ethyl have been identified and used as post-emergence safeners for wheat plants when using aryloxyphenoxypropionate (AOPP) herbicides There is no disclosure of safeners for use with HPPD inhibitors.

The present invention employs mesotrione. Mesotrione may be employed in its free acid form. Alternatively, mesotrione may be employed in the form of a salt or chelated form of mesotrione. Reference to mesotrione also includes all geometric isomers that arise from enolic tautomers, as well as optical and stereoisomers, whether isolated or present in racemic mixtures.

S

In one embodiment, mesotrione is employed in its acid form. In an alternative embodiment, mesotrione is employed as a salt or a metal chelate.

Suitable salts of mesotrione include salts of ions which are known and accepted for the formation of salts for agricultural or horticultural use. Such salts may be formed, for example, using amines, or comprise cations selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and quaternary ammonium ions.

Metal chelates of mesotrione are known in the art, for example from WO 2018/234957 and US 5,912,207. In one embodiment, the metal chelates of mesotrione have the general structure: where M is a divalent or trivalent metal ion. Copper is one preferred divalent metal ion.

Mesotrione is available commercially in a range of formulations. Examples include Callisto, Meristo and Tenacity, all suspension concentrate formulations available from Syngenta, UK.

The present invention further employs mefenpyr. Mefenpyr has the chemical name 1-(2,4-dichloropheny1)-4,5-dihydro-5-methy1-1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid and the formula: Cl

OH

Mefenpyr may be employed in the form of the free acid. Alternatively, mefenpyr may be employed in the form of a salt or ester thereof. For example, the present invention may employed an alkyl ester of mefenpyr, preferably a Ci to C4 alkyl ester. The ester may be a mono-ester or a di-ester, for example the diethyl ester having the following formula:

CI H3C

Formulations containing mefenpyr are known in the art and are commercially available. Formulations containing mefenpyr may be prepared using techniques known in the art.

As described above, in the present invention mesotrione and mefenpyr are used to treat crops of barley and wheat plants post-emergence. Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied in any suitable relative amounts to provide the required control of the unwanted plant growth while providing sufficient safening action to the barley and wheat plants.

Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be employed in a weight ratio of from 1:10, preferably from 1:8, more preferably from 1:6, still more preferably from 1:5, more preferably still from 1:4, especially from 1:3, more especially from 1:2, still more especially from 1:1.75, more especially still from 1:5, such as from 1:1.25.

Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be employed in a weight ratio of up to 10:1, preferably up to 8:1, more preferably up to 6:1, still more preferably up to 5:1, more preferably still up to 4:1. Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be employed in a weight ratio of from 1:10 to 10:1, preferably from 1:8 to 8:1, more preferably from 1:6 to 6:1, still more preferably from 1:5 to 5:1, more preferably still from 1:4 to 4:1, especially from 1:3 to 4:1.

In one preferred embodiment, mesotrione is employed in a weight excess to mefenpyr. Preferably, the weight ratio of mesotrione and mefenpyr is greater than 1:1 to 10:1, more preferably greater than 1:1 to 8:1, more preferably still greater than 1:1 to 6:1, still more preferably greater than 1:1 to 5:1, especially greater than 1:1 to 4:1, such as greater than 1:1 to 3:1 or greater than 1:1 to 2:1.

In a further preferred embodiment, mefenpyr is employed in a weight excess to mesotrione. Preferably, the weight ratio of mefenpyr and mesotrione is greater than 1:1 to 10:1, more preferably greater than 1:1 to 8:1, more preferably still greater than 1:1 to 6:1, still more preferably greater than 1:1 to 5:1, especially greater than 1:1 to 4:1, such as greater than 1:1 to 3:1 or greater than 1:1 to 2:1, especially greater than 1:1 to 1.5:1.

In a still further preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of mesotrione and mefenpyr is 1:1.

In one embodiment, mesotrione and mefenpyr are employed in combination with an adjuvant. Suitable adjuvants include organosilicon compounds, modified refined vegetable oils and mixtures thereof. Examples of preferred organosilicon compounds include polysiloxanes, especially polyalkylsiloxanes, for example poly(dialkylsiloxanes) in which the alkyl groups have from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms, more preferably still poly(dimethylsiloxanes). Examples of preferred modified refined vegetable oils include alkyl esters of vegetable oils, especially Ci to C4 alkyl esters, more preferably Ci or C2 alkyl esters, especially methyl esters. The modified vegetable oil is preferably a modified soybean oil. In one preferred embodiment, the adjuvant comprises a mixture of an organosilicon compound and a modified refined vegetable oil, especially a mixture of poly(dimethylsiloxane) and a methyl ester of soybean oil. Suitable adjuvants are known in the art and are commercially available, including the product Rizospray Extremo, available from Rizobacter, Argentina.

In the present invention, mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied to the barley and wheat plants and/or their locus together and/or separately. Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied to the plants and/or their locus at the same time, that is simultaneously, and/or at different times, for example consecutively. For example, mesotrione may be applied to the plants or their locus at the same time, either by way of a single formulation containing both mesotrione and mefenpyr or by way of separate formulations, each of mesotrione and mefenpyr being in its own formulation. Each of mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied to the plants and/or their locus in a single application or a plurality of applications.

In one embodiment, mesotrione and mefenpyr are employed by way of separate formulations. This allows each of meostrione and mefenpyr to be formulated individually. For example, a combination of commercially available formulations of mesotrione and mefenpyr may be employed.

Alternatively, mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied to the plants and/or their locus by way of a single formulation containing both components.

Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be employed in any suitable formulation.

Suitable formulations and their preparation are known in the art. In particular, the compositions comprising one or both of mesotrione and mefenpyr may further comprise one or more auxiliaries selected from extenders, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickening agents, solid adherents, fillers, wetting agents, dispersing agents, lubricants, anticaking agents and diluents. Such auxiliaries are known in the art and are commercially available. Their use in the formulation of the compositions of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

Suitable formulations for applying one or a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr include water-soluble concentrates (SL), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), emulsions, oil in water (EVV), micro-emulsions (ME), suspension concentrates (SC), oil-based suspension concentrates (OD), flowable suspensions (FS), water-dispersible granules (WG), water-soluble granules (SG), wettable powders (WP), water soluble powders (SP), granules (GR), encapsulated granules (CG), fine granules (FG), macrogranules (GG), aqueous suspo-emulsions (SE), capsule suspensions (CS) and microgranules (MG). Preferred formulations include suspension concentrates (SC) and emulsifiable concentrates (EC).

Depending upon the formulation, the composition may comprise one or more inert fillers. Such inert fillers are known in the art and available commercially.

Suitable fillers include, for example, natural ground minerals, such as kaolins, aluminas, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite, and diatomaceous earth, or synthetic ground minerals, such as highly dispersed silicic acid, aluminum oxide, silicates, and calcium phosphates and calcium hydrogen phosphates, and mixtures thereof. Suitable inert fillers for granules include, for example, crushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite, and dolomite, or synthetic granules of inorganic and organic ground materials, as well as granules of organic material, such as sawdust, coconut husks, corn cobs, and tobacco stalks, and mixtures thereof.

The composition may optionally include one or more surfactants which are preferably non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic in nature and surfactant mixtures which have good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties, depending upon the active compound/compounds being formulated. Suitable surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available.

Suitable anionic surfactants can be both so-called water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds. Soaps which may be used include the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or substituted or unsubstituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acid (Cm to C22), for example the sodium or potassium salt of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures.

The surfactant may comprise an emulsifier, dispersant or wetting agent of an ionic or nonionic type. Examples of such agents include salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenylsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acids, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols, especially alkylphenols, sulphosuccinic ester salts, taurine derivatives, especially alkyltaurates, and phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated phenols or alcohols.

The presence of at least one surfactant is generally required when the active compound and/or the inert carrier and/or auxiliary/adjuvant are insoluble in water and the vehicle for the final application of the composition is water.

The composition may optionally further comprise one or more polymeric stabilizers. Suitable polymeric stabilizers that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polyisoprene, copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins, polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes or polyamides. Suitable stabilizers are known in the art and commercially available The surfactants and polymeric stabilizers mentioned above are generally believed to impart stability to the composition, in turn allowing the composition to be formulated, stored, transported and applied.

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

Suitable solvents for use in the compositions may be selected from all customary organic solvents which thoroughly dissolve the active compounds employed. Again, suitable organic solvents for mesotrione and mefenpyr are known in the art. The following may be mentioned as being preferred: N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone, cyclohexy1-1-pyrrolidone; and a mixture of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons (available commercially as SOLVESSO TM 200). Suitable solvents are commercially available.

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

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

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

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

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

The formulated composition may for example be applied in spray form, for example employing appropriate dilutions using a diluent, in particular water.

Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied to the barley and wheat plants and/or their locus at any time during the growth of the plants. For example, mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied pre-emergence, that is to the locus of the plants before they have been planted or after planting but before emergence of the plants above the ground, or post-emergence. The present invention has been found to be particularly effective in the treatment and protection of barley and wheat plants post-emergence. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the barley and wheat plants post-emergence. The application may be pre-or post-emergence of the unwanted plant growth. Again, it is preferred that mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the barley and wheat plants and/or their locus post-emergence of the unwanted plant growth.

Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied to the plants and/or their locus using any suitable technique. One particularly suitable technique is spraying. Techniques for applying the components and suitable equipment therefor are known in the art.

Mesotrione and mefenpyr may be applied to the plants and/or their locus in any suitable amounts to achieve the desired control of unwanted plant growth, while reducing or eliminating the phytotoxic effects on the barley and wheat plants.

Mesotrione may be applied at an application rate of from 30 g/Ha, preferably from 40 g/Ha, more preferably from 50 g/Ha, still more preferably from g/Ha, more preferably still from 70 g/Ha. Mesotrione may be applied at an application rate of up to 800 g/Ha, preferably up to 750 g/Ha, more preferably up to 600 g/Ha, still more preferably up to 550 g/Ha, more preferably still up to 500 g/Ha, especially up to 400 g/Ha, more especially up to 350 g/Ha, still more especially up to 300 g/Ha, more especially still up to 250 g/Ha, such as up to 200 g/Ha. Mesotrione may be applied at an application rate of from 30 to 600 g/Ha, preferably from 40 to 500 g/Ha, more preferably from 50 to 400 g/Ha, still more preferably from 60 to 300 g/Ha, more preferably still from 70 to 200 g/Ha. In one preferred embodiment, mesotrione is employed at an application rate of from 50 to 200 g/Ha, preferably from 60 to 180 g/Ha, more preferably from 70 to 160 g/Ha.

Mefenpyr may be applied at an application rate of from 10 g/Ha, preferably from 15 g/Ha, more preferably from 20 g/Ha, still more preferably from 25 g/Ha, more preferably still from 30 g/Ha. Mefenpyr may be applied at an application rate of up to 800 g/Ha, preferably up to 750 g/Ha, more preferably up to 600 g/Ha, still more preferably up to 550 g/Ha, more preferably still up to 500 g/Ha, especially up to 400 g/Ha, more especially up to 350 g/Ha, still more especially up to 300 g/Ha, more especially still up to 250 g/Ha, such as up to 200 g/Ha. Mefenpyr may be applied at an application rate of from 10 to 600 g/Ha, preferably from 15 to 500 g/Ha, more preferably from 20 to 400 g/Ha, still more preferably from 25 to 300 g/Ha, more preferably still from 30 to 200 g/Ha. In one preferred embodiment, mefenpyr is employed at an application rate of from 20 to 200 g/Ha, preferably from 25 to 190 g/Ha, more preferably from 30 to 180 g/Ha.

The combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr may be used to control a range of unwanted plants in crops of barley and wheat. The combination is particularly advantageous in the control of the growth of plants in the Asteraceae, and Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) families. Species of plants that may be controlled include Abut/Ion spp., Amaranthus spp., Bowlesia spp., Capsella spp., Chenopodium spp., Conyza spp., Datura spp., Digitaria spp., Lamium spp., Lepidium spp., Polygonum spp., Rumex spp., Senecio spp., Solanum spp., Stellaria spp., and Xanthium spp. Examples of plants that may be controlled include Abut/Ion theophrasti, Bowlesia incana, Amaranthus powellii, Amaranthus retroflexus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Cheno podium album, Conyza canadensis, Datura stramonium, Digiteria sanguinalis, Lam/urn amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum, Corono pus didymus (Lepidium didymum), Polygonum persicaria, Rumex crispus, Senecio vulgaris, Solanum nigrum, Steliana media and Xanthium strumari urn.

As described hereinbefore, mesotrione and mefenpyr are employed to control unwanted plant growth in crops of barley and triticum. The treatment may be employed on any barley plants of the genus Hordeum, especially Hordeum vulgare (winter barley). The treatment may be employed on any wheat plants in the genus Triticum, especially Triticum aestivum, but also including such species and subspecies as Triticum boeoticum, Triticum Urartu, Triticum monococcum, Triticum dicoccoides, Triticum dicoccum, Triticum ispahanicum, Triticum karamysche vii, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum polonicum, Triticum turanicum, Triticum carthlicum, Triticum araraticum, Triticum timopheevii, Triticum spelta, Triticum macha, Triticum vavilovii, Triticum compactum and Triticum sphaerococcum.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr in the control of unwanted plant growth in crops of barley and wheat.

As discussed above, the combination of mesotrione and menfenpyr is preferably used in the post-emergence control of unwanted plant growth in crops of barley and wheat.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of mefenpyr to reduce the phytotoxicity of mesotrione on barley and wheat plants.

Again, as discussed above, the menfenpyr is preferably used to reduce the phytotoxicity of mesotrione in the post-emergence treatment of barley and wheat.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method for increasing the yield of barley and wheat crops, the method comprising applying to the barley or wheat plants and/or their locus mesotrione and mefenpyr.

Still further, the present invention provides the use of mesotrione and mefenpyr to increase the yield of crops of barley and wheat.

As discussed above, the combination of mesotrione and menfenpyr is preferably used in the post-emergence treatment of barley and wheat plants.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, for illustration purposes only, by way of the following working examples.

Percentages are percent by weight, unless indicated otherwise.

EXAMPLES

The following formulations were prepared for use in further testing: Mefenpyr-diethyl 200 g/L Suspension Concentrate (SC) Formulation A suspension concentrate (SC) formulation was prepared from the following components: Mefenpyr-ethyl 200g/L Lignosulfonate 30g/L Methacrylic acid copolymer 20g/L Polydimethylsiloxane 5g/L Xanthan gum 2g/L PROXEL® GXL 3g/L Water balance to IL All of the components listed above were mixed uniformly and the resulting mixture was ground with a mill to obtain a suspension concentrate.

Mefenpyr-diethyl 150 o/L Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) Formulation 113 An emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation was prepared by combining and thoroughly mixing the following components: Mefenpyr-diethyl 150g/L Calcium dodecylbenzene s fonate 6091 Ethoxylated vegetable oil 80g/L N-octyl pyrrolidone 300g/L SOLVESSOTm100 balance to 1L Cloouintocet-mexyl 150 p/L Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) Formulation An emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation was prepared by combining and thoroughly mixing the following components: Cloquintocet-mexyl 150g/L Caidum dodecylbenzene sultanate 609/1...

Ethoxylated vegetable oil 80g/L N-octyl pyrrolidone 300g/L SOLVESSOTm100 balance to 1L The following working examples further employed a commercially available suspension concentrate (SC) formulation of meostrione (Callisto 480 SC; ex. Syngenta).

RS-Extremo is a commercially available adjuvant formulation (ex.

Rizobacter) comprising organosilicons and modified refined vegetable oils.

Examples 1 to 6

Wheat plants of the Algarrobo variety were planted in plots 1.7m wide by 10m long. The plants were cultivated and allowed to mature. During cultivation, the plants became infested with Coronopus didymus (Lepidium didymum), Bowlesia incana and Lamium amplexicaule plants.

The mature plants were treated by spraying with a suspension concentrate (SC) formulation of mesotrione or with a combination of suspension concentrate (SC) formulations of mesotrione and mefenpyr at the rates indicated in Table 1 below.

Table 1

Example No. Treatment Formulation Type Active Ingredient Application Rate of Formulation Application Rate of A.I.

(g/L) (cc/Ha) (g/Ha) 1 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 2 Mesotrione Sc 480 300 144 Mefenpyr Sc 200 180 36 3 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 360 72 4 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 540 108 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr Sc 200 720 144 6 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 900 180 The phytotoxic effects of the treatments on the wheat plants was determined by observation at 7, 14, 21 and 35 days after application (DDA). The phytotoxic effects were evaluated according to the scale of the European Weed Research Society (EWRS), as summarised in Table 2 below.

Table 2

Value Effects on the Crop Phytotoxicity (%) 1 Without effect 0 to 1 2 Very light symptoms 1 to 3.5 3 Light symptoms 3.5 to 7 4 Symptoms not reflected in yield 7 to 12.5 Medium damage 12.5 to 20 6 High damage 20 to 30 7 Very high damage 30 to 50 8 Severe damage 50 to 99 9 Complete death 99 to 100 The phytoxic effects of the treatments on the wheat plants as observed are summarised in Table 3 below. The results indicated are the mean of 4 repetitions of each test.

Table 3

Example Treatment Rate Al. Phytotoxicity 7 DDA Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity No. (g/Ha) 14 DDA 21 DDA 35 DDA Control Untreated 1 1 1 1 1 Mesotrione 144 8 7 6.25 4.25 2 Mesotrione + 144 + 36 6.25 5 2 1 Mefenpyr 3 Mesotrione + 144 + 72 4.25 4.5 1 1 Mefenpyr 4 Mesotrione + 144 + 108 3 2 1 1 Mefenpyr Mesotrione + 144 + 144 3 2 1 1 Mefenpyr 6 Mesotrione + 144 + 180 3 2 1 1 Mefenpyr As can be seen from Table 3, the combination of mesotrione with the safener mefenpyr resulted in significantly reduced phytotoxic effects on the wheat crop, compared with the treatment using mesotrione alone. This indicates mefenpyr is an effective safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to winter wheat plants.

The extent of control of the continued growth of the Coronopus didymus, Bowlesia incana and Lam/urn amplexicaule plants obtained as a result of the treatments was determined. The results are set out in Tables 4 to 6 below. The in results indicated are the mean of 4 repetitions of each test.

Table 4 Control of Coronopus didymus Example Treatment Rate Al. Control 7 Control 14 Control 21 Control 35 No. (g/Ha) DDA (%) DDA (%) DDA (%) DDA (%) 1 Mesotrione 144 95.25 94.8 96.8 98.75 2 Mesotrione + 144 + 36 95.5 95.7 96.6 98.75 Mefenpyr 3 Mesotrione + 144 + 72 95 95.3 96.1 99.25 Mefenpyr 4 Mesotrione + 144 + 108 96 95.4 96.2 99 Mefenpyr Mesotrione + 144 + 144 95.5 95.3 97.3 100 Mefenpyr 6 Mesotrione + 144 + 180 95 95.3 97 99 Mefenpyr Table 5 Control of Bowlesia incana Example Treatment Rate Al. Control 7 Control 14 Control 21 Control 35 No. (g/Ha) DDA (%) DDA (%) DDA (%) DDA (%) 1 Mesotrione 144 60.5 82 90 98.5 2 Mesotrione + 144 + 36 57.5 83 90 99.5 Mefenpyr 3 Mesotrione + 144 + 72 61 82 90 99.25 Mefenpyr 4 Mesotrione + 144 + 108 58.75 83 91 99.5 Mefenpyr Mesotrione + 144 + 144 60.5 83 90 99.75 Mefenpyr 6 Mesotrione + 144 + 180 60.5 83 89 99 Mefenpyr Table 6 Control of Lamium amplexicaule Example Treatment Rate Al. Control 7 Control 14 Control 21 Control 35 No. (g/Ha) DDA (%) DDA (%) DDA (%) DDA (%) 1 Mesotrione 144 66 83 93 99.5 2 Mesotrione + 144 + 36 65.5 82 92 99.75 Mefenpyr 3 Mesotrione + 144 + 72 66 82 93 99.25 Mefenpyr 4 Mesotrione + 144 + 108 65 81 95 99.5 Mefenpyr Mesotrione + 144 + 144 65 81 96 99.25 Mefenpyr 6 Mesotrione + 144 + 180 65.5 81 95 99.75 Mefenpyr As can be seen from Tables 4 to 6, the treatments exhibited a high level of control of the three weed species. In the untreated control plots, the coverage of Coronopus didymus plants reached 60%, the coverage of Bowlesia incana plants reached 20% and the coverage of Lamium amplexicaule plants reached 15%.

The wheat was harvested from each plot. The yields obtained from each plot are summarised in Table 7 below. The results indicated are the mean of 4 repetitions of each test.

113 Table 7

Example Treatment Rate Al. Yield No. (g/Ha) (kg/Ha) Control Untreated 6257 1 Mesotrione 144 4454 2 Mesotrione + 144 + 36 5738 Mefenpyr 3 Mesotrione + 144 + 72 5950 Mefenpyr 4 Mesotrione + 144+ 108 6052 Mefenpyr Mesotrione + 144+ 144 6016 Mefenpyr 6 Mesotrione + 144+ 180 6127 Mefenpyr As can be seen from Table 7, the yields of wheat obtained from the plots treated with a combination of mesotrione and the safener mefenpyr were significantly higher than the yields obtained using a treatment of mesotrione alone.

Examples 7 to 12

Wheat plants of the Baguette 802 variety were planted in plots 3m wide by 8m long. The plants were cultivated and allowed to mature.

The mature plants were treated by spraying with a suspension concentrate (SC) formulation of mesotrione or with a combination of suspension concentrate (SC) formulations of mesotrione and mefenpyr at the rates indicated in Table 8 below.

Table 8

(g/L) (cc/Ha) (g/Ha) 7 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 8 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 180 36 9 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 360 72 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 540 108 11 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 720 144 12 Mesotrione SC 480 300 144 Mefenpyr SC 200 900 180 The phytotoxic effects of the treatments on the wheat plants was determined by observation at 7, 14, 21 and 35 days after application (DDA). The phytotoxic effects were evaluated according to the scale of the European Weed Research Society (EWRS), as summarised in Table 2 above.

The phytotoxic effects of the treatments on the wheat plants as observed are summarised in Table 9 below. The results indicated are the mean of 4 repetitions of each test.

Table 9

Example Treatment Rate Al. Phytotoxicity 7 DDA Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity No. (g/Ha) 14 DDA 21 DDA 35 DDA Control Untreated 1 1 1 1 7 Mesotrione 144 8 7 6 4.5 8 Mesotrione + 144 + 36 6 4.75 4 2.5 Mefenpyr 9 Mesotrione + 144 + 72 4 3.75 3 2 Mefenpyr Mesotrione + 144 + 108 1.75 1.5 1 1 Mefenpyr 11 Mesotrione + 144 + 144 1 1 1 1 Mefenpyr 12 Mesotrione + 144 + 180 1 1 1 1 Mefenpyr As can be seen from Table 9, the combination of mesotrione with the safener mefenpyr resulted in significantly reduced phytotoxic effects on the wheat crop, compared with the treatment using mesotrione alone. This indicates mefenpyr is an effective safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to winter wheat plants.

The wheat was harvested from each plot. The yields obtained from each plot are summarised in Table 10 below. The results indicated are the mean of 4 repetitions of each test.

Table 10

Example Treatment Rate Al. Yield No. (g/Ha) (kg/Ha) Control Untreated 3779 7 Mesotrione 144 2648 8 Mesotrione + 144 +36 3421 Mefenpyr 9 Mesotrione + 144 + 72 3632 Mefenpyr Mesotrione + 144+ 108 3977 Mefenpyr 11 Mesotrione + 144+ 144 3208 Mefenpyr 12 Mesotrione + 144 + 180 3718 Mefenpyr As can be seen from Table 10, the yields of wheat obtained from the plots treated with a combination of mesotrione and the safener mefenpyr were significantly higher than the yields obtained using a treatment of mesotrione alone and in some cases exceeded the yields of the untreated (Control) plots.

Example 13

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum; variety ZhenMai No. 10) seeds were planted in pots 0.1m in diameter and the wheat plants cultivated.

The plants were allowed to grow to an average height of about 35cm, at which time each plant was treated with one of the treatments Al to H1 summarised in Table 11 below. The formulations were applied by spraying onto the plants in a sufficient volume to achieve the indicated applications rates of the active ingredients.

Table 11

Treatment Components Amount (g/L) Formulation Type* Application Rate of A. I. (g/Ha) Al Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 B1 Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 48 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 Cl Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 72 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 D1 Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 84 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 El Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 90 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 Fl Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 96 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 G1 Mesotrione 480 Sc 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 120 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 H1 Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Cloquintocet 150 EC 96 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 Notes: *SC = suspension concentrate; EC = emulsion concentrate The phytotoxic effects of the treatments were determined by observation of the plants 14 and 21 days after treatment (DDA). The weight and height of the plants were measured 35 days after treatment (DDA). The results are summarised in Table 12 below. The results are the average of 10 repetitions of the experiments.

Table 12

Treatment Components Application Rate of A.I. Phytotoxicity 14 DDA Phytotoxicity 21 DDA Weight of Plants Height of Plants (g/Ha) 35 DDA 35 DDA (%) (%) (g) (cm) Al Mesotrione 96 0 33.5 40.1 53.3 Rs-Extremo 25 B1 Mesotrione 96 0 0 44.5 55.7 Mefenpyr 48 Rs-Extremo 25 Cl Mesotrione 96 0 0 45.2 54.7 Mefenpyr 72 Rs-Extremo 25 Dl Mesotrione Mefenpyr Rs-Extremo 96 0 0 44.5 54.0 El Mesotrione 96 0 0 43.3 55.9 Mefenpyr 90 Rs-Extremo 25 Fl Mesotrione 96 0 0 45.9 57.1 Mefenpyr 96 Rs-Extremo 25 G1 Mesotrione 96 0 0 48.7 56.3 Mefenpyr 120 Rs-Extremo 25 Hi Mesotrione 96 0 0 40.4 52.0 Cloquintocet 96 Rs-Extremo 25 Control Untreated 45.9 57.2 As can be seen from the data in Table 12, the combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr exhibited a very low phytotoxicity on the wheat plants, with no visible phytotoxic effects. The weight and height of the plants treated with a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr were substantially the same or even greater than the weight and height of the untreated (Control) plants. This is in contrast to the plants treated with mesotrione without the presence of mefenpyr. This indicates mefenpyr is an effective safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to winter wheat plants.

The weight and height of the plants treated with a combination of in mesotrione and cloquintocet were significantly lower than the weight and height of the untreated (Control) plants, indicating that cloquintocet is not an effective safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to winter wheat.

Example 14

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum; variety Ji Mai No. 22) seeds were planted in pots 0.1m in diameter and the wheat plants cultivated.

The plants were allowed to grow to an average height of about 35cm, at which time each plant was treated with one of the treatments Al to H1 summarised in Table 11 above. The formulations were applied by spraying onto the plants in a sufficient volume to achieve the indicated applications rates of the active ingredients.

The phytotoxic effects of the treatments were determined by observation of the plants 14 and 21 days after treatment (DDA). The weight and height of the plants were measured 35 days after treatment (DDA). The results are summarised in Table 13 below. The results are the average of 10 repetitions of the experiments

Table 13

Treatment Components Application Rate of A.I. Phytotoxicity 14 DDA Phytotoxicity 21 DDA Weight of Plants Height of Plants (g/Ha) 35 DDA 35 DDA (%) (%) (g) (cm) Al Mesotrione 96 10.6 35.5 26.2 33.5 Rs-Extremo 25 B1 Mesotrione 96 0 0 33.8 35.8 Mefenpyr 48 Rs-Extremo 25 Cl Mesotrione 96 0 0 35.1 35.8 Mefenpyr 72 Rs-Extremo 25 Dl Mesotrione Mefenpyr Rs-Extremo 96 0 0 33.1 34.7 El Mesotrione 96 0 0 34.6 36.0 Mefenpyr 90 Rs-Extremo 25 Fl Mesotrione 96 0 0 36.0 34.5 Mefenpyr 96 Rs-Extremo 25 G1 Mesotrione 96 0 0 39.2 35.6 Mefenpyr 120 Rs-Extremo 25 Hi Mesotrione 96 0 0 36.2 34.4 Cloquintocet 96 Rs-Extremo 25 Control Untreated 37.2 34.4 As can be seen from the data in Table 13, the combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr exhibited a very low phytotoxicity on the wheat plants, with no visible phytotoxic effects. The weight and height of the plants treated with a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr were substantially the same or even greater than the weight and height of the untreated (Control) plants. This is in contrast to the plants treated with mesotrione without the presence of mefenpyr. This indicates mefenpyr is an effective safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to winter wheat plants.

The weight and height of the plants treated with a combination of in mesotrione and cloquintocet were significantly lower than the weight and height of the plants treated with a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr, indicating that cloquintocet is a significantly poorer safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to winter wheat.

Example 15

Common barley (Hordem vulgara) seeds were planted in pots 0.1m in diameter and the barley plants cultivated.

The plants were allowed to grow to an average height of about 35cm, at which time each plant was treated with one of the treatments Al to G1 summarised in Table 11 above. The formulations were applied by spraying onto the plants in a sufficient volume to achieve the indicated applications rates of the active ingredients.

The phytotoxic effects of the treatments were determined by observation of the plants 14 and 21 days after treatment (DDA). The weight and height of the plants were measured 35 days after treatment (DDA). The results are summarised in Table 14 below. The results are the average of 10 repetitions of the experiments.

Table 14

Treatment Components Application Rate of A.I. Phytotoxicity 14 DDA Phytotoxicity 21 DDA Weight of Plants Height of Plants (g/Ha) 35 DDA 35 DDA (%) (%) (g) (cm) Al Mesotrione 96 0 0 53.3 51.0 Rs-Extremo 25 B1 Mesotrione 96 0 0 53.6 50.6 Mefenpyr 48 Rs-Extremo 25 Cl Mesotrione 96 0 0 55.6 51.2 Mefenpyr 72 Rs-Extremo 25 Dl Mesotrione Mefenpyr Rs-Extremo 96 0 0 57.7 52.6 El Mesotrione 96 0 0 62.4 52.8 Mefenpyr 90 Rs-Extremo 25 Fl Mesotrione 96 0 0 61.6 52.5 Mefenpyr 96 Rs-Extremo 25 G1 Mesotrione 96 0 0 56.5 53.3 Mefenpyr 120 Rs-Extremo 25 Control Untreated 63.0 54.2 As can be seen from the data in Table 14, the combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr exhibited a very low phytotoxicity on the wheat plants, with no visible phytotoxic effects. The weight and height of the plants treated with a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr were substantially the same as the weight and height of the untreated (Control) plants. This is in contrast to the plants treated with mesotrione without the presence of mefenpyr. This indicates mefenpyr is an effective safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to winter wheat plants.

Example 16 (Comparative Example) Winter Oat (Avena sativa) seeds were planted in pots 0.1m in diameter and the oat plants cultivated.

The phytotoxic effects of the treatments were determined by observation of the plants 14 and 21 days after treatment (DDA). The weight and height of the plants were measured 35 days after treatment (DDA). The results are summarised in Table 15 below. The results are the average of 10 repetitions of the experiments.

Table 15

Treatment Components Application Rate of A.I. Phytotoxicity 14 DDA Phytotoxicity 21 DDA Weight of Plants Height of Plants (g/Ha) 35 DDA 35 DDA (%) (%) (g) (cm) Al Mesotrione 96 2.9 0.3 64.4 66.0 Rs-Extremo 25 B1 Mesotrione 96 14.1 11.8 63.7 66.7 Mefenpyr 48 Rs-Extremo 25 Cl Mesotrione 96 9.4 10.3 67.3 68.3 Mefenpyr 72 Rs-Extremo 25 Dl Mesotrione Mefenpyr Rs-Extremo 96 12.1 20.1 66.9 69.1 El Mesotrione 96 17.2 23.7 68.2 67.4 Mefenpyr 90 Rs-Extremo 25 Fl Mesotrione 96 13.9 23.7 67.0 69.1 Mefenpyr 96 Rs-Extremo 25 G1 Mesotrione 96 16.1 23.8 69.3 67.9 Mefenpyr 120 Rs-Extremo 25 Control Untreated 65.0 62.8 As can be seen from the data in Table 15, the combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr exhibited a very high phytotoxicity on the oat plants, with significant and clearly visible phytotoxic effects. This indicates mefenpyr is not an effective safener for mesotrione when applied post-emergence to oat plants.

Example 17

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) plants were cultivated in pots 0.1m in diameter and allowed to mature.

The plants were treated with one of the treatments A2 to G2 summarised in 113 Table 16 below. The formulations were applied by spraying onto the plants in a sufficient volume to achieve the indicated applications rates of the active ingredients.

Table 16

Treatment Components Amount (g/L) Formulation Type* Application Rate of Al.

(g/Ha) A2 Mesotrione 480 SC 72 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 B2 Mesotrione 480 SC 72 Mefenpyr 150 EC 72 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 C2 Mesotrione Rs-Extremo 480 SC EC 96 25 D2 Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 96 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 E2 Mesotrione 480 SC 96 Mefenpyr 150 EC 144 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 F2 Mesotrione 480 SC 144 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 G2 Mesotrione 480 SC 144 Mefenpyr 150 EC 144 Rs-Extremo 100 EC 25 Notes: *SC = suspension concentrate; EC = emulsion concentrate The phytotoxic effects of the treatments were determined by observation of the plants 7, 14, 19 and 28 days after treatment (DDA). The results are summarised in Table 17 below. The results are the average of 10 repetitions of the experiments.

Table 17

Treatment Components Application Rate of A.I. Phytotoxicity 7 DDA Phytotoxicity 14 DDA Phytotoxicity 19 DDA Phytotoxicity 28 DDA (g/Ha) (%) (%) (%) (%) A2 Mesotrione 72 23.0 86.5 96.4 100 Rs-Extremo 25 B2 Mesotrione 72 27.5 81.1 96.2 100 Mefenpyr 72 Rs-Extremo 25 C2 Mesotrione 96 23.0 87.9 95.0 100 Rs-Extremo 25 D2 Mesotrione 96 30.0 84.7 96.9 100 Mefenpyr Rs-Extremo 96 E2 Mesotrione 96 32.0 83.0 95.2 100 Mefenpyr 144 Rs-Extremo 25 F2 Mesotrione 144 22.0 85.0 96.7 100 Rs-Extremo 25 G2 Mesotrione 144 31.0 85.3 97.0 100 Mefenpyr 144 Rs-Extremo 25 As can be seen from the data in Table 17, the combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr is effective in the control of Shepherd's purse infestations. Indeed, the presence of mefenpyr in combination with meostrione significantly increased the herbicidal activity of mesotrione, compared with the use of mesotrione alone.

Example 17

Canada horseweed (Conyza canadensis) plants were cultivated in pots 0.1m in diameter and allowed to mature.

The plants were treated with one of the treatments A2 to G2 summarised in 113 Table 16 above. The formulations were applied by spraying onto the plants in a sufficient volume to achieve the indicated applications rates of the active ingredients.

The phytotoxic effects of the treatments were determined by observation of the plants 7, 14, 19 and 28 days after treatment (DDA) The results are summarised in Table 18 below. The results are the average of 10 repetitions of the experiments.

Table 18

Treatment Components Application Rate of Al. Phytotoxicity 7 DDA Phytotoxicity 14 DDA Phytotoxicity 19 DDA Phytotoxicity 28 DDA (g/Ha) (%) (0A) (0A) (%) A2 Mesotrione 72 20.0 42.5 88.0 98.1 Rs-Extremo 25 B2 Mesotrione 72 20.0 37.5 86.2 97.8 Mefenpyr 72 Rs-Extremo 25 C2 Mesotrione 96 20.0 39.0 87.7 99.2 Rs-Extremo 25 D2 Mesotrione Mefenpyr Rs-Extremo 96 20.0 37.0 90.1 99.1 E2 Mesotrione 96 20.0 42.5 90.2 99.0 Mefenpyr 144 Rs-Extremo 25 F2 Mesotrione 144 20.0 40.5 94.6 99.7 Rs-Extremo 25 G2 Mesotrione 144 20.0 40.0 93.0 99.5 Mefenpyr 144 Rs-Extremo 25 As can be seen from the data in Table 18, the combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr is effective in the control of Canada horseweed infestations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for controlling the growth of unwanted plants in crops of wheat and barley plants, the method comprising applying to the unwanted plants and/or the locus of the wheat or barley plants: mesotrione; and mefenpyr.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein mesotrione is employed in one or more of its free acid form, a salt, and a metal chelate.
3. The method according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein menfenpyr is employed in one or more of its free acid form, a salt, and an ester.
4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are employed in a weight ratio of 1:10 to 10:1.
5. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione is employed in a weight excess to mefenpyr; or mefenpyr is employed in a weight excess to mesotrione; or mesotrione and mefenpyr are employed in a weight ratio of about 1:1.
6. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising applying to the unwanted plants or their locus an adjuvant.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the adjuvant comprises one or more organosilicon compounds, modified refined vegetable oils and mixtures thereof.
8. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the unwanted plants and/or their locus together and/or 113 separately.
9. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the unwanted plants and/or their locus simultaneously and/or consecutively.
10. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the unwanted plants and/or their locus using a single formulation comprising both mesotrione and mefenpyr and/or using a first formulation comprising mesotrione and a second formulation comprising mefenpyr.
11. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the unwanted plants and/or their locus using one or more of a suspension concentrate (SC) formulation and an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation.
12. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the unwanted plants and/or their locus post-emergence of the wheat or barley plants.
13. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mesotrione is employed at an application rate of from 50 to 200 g/Ha.
14. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein mefenpyr is employed at an application rate of from 20 to 200 g/Ha.
15. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the unwanted plants are in one or both of the Asteraceee, and Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) families.
16. Use of a combination of mesotrione and mefenpyr in the control of unwanted plant growth in crops of barley or wheat.
17. The use according to claim 16, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are employed post-emergence of the barley or wheat plants.
18. Use of mefenpyr to reduce the phytotoxicity of mesotrione on barley or wheat plants.
19. The use according to claim 18, wherein the use is post-emergence of the barley or wheat plants.
20. A method for increasing the yield of barley and wheat crops, the method comprising applying to the barley or wheat plants and/or their locus mesotrione and mefenpyr.
21. The method according to claim 20, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are applied to the barley or wheat plants post-emergence.
22. Use of mesotrione and mefenpyr to increase the yield of crops of barley or wheat.
23. The use according to claim 22, wherein mesotrione and mefenpyr are used post-emergence of the barley or wheat plants.