IL265183A

IL265183A - Soil treatment methods and compositions therefor

Info

Publication number: IL265183A
Application number: IL265183A
Authority: IL
Inventors: Jabir Ahmad
Original assignee: Jabir Ahmad
Priority date: 2019-03-05
Filing date: 2019-03-05
Publication date: 2019-05-30
Also published as: IL265183B

Description

SOIL TREATMENT METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS THEREFOR FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention, in some embodiments, relates to agriculture and more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods for treating soil and compositions useful for the treatment of soil.

In agriculture, especially commercial agriculture, monoculture (the practice of growing a single crop plant in a field at one time) is preferred. Monoculture allows for increased efficiency and reduced costs from planting to harvest.

One challenge to monoculture is the growth of weeds. Although in some instances the amount or nature of weeds is a minor nuisance, in some instances weeds can crowd-out and shade the desired crop plants or use the water and nutrients that would otherwise be used by the crop plants. This can lead to low crop yields and increased harvest costs. When the harvested crop is seed, the seeds of weeds can contaminate the crop.

Another challenge of monoculture, especially when the same crop plant is repeatedly grown in the same fields, is the build up of pathogens and pests including insects, especially pathogens that specifically target the crop plant. With time, the crop plants develop more slowly, are sickly and provide a low yield.

One solution for eliminating both weeds and pathogens from a field is fumigation with methyl bromide as a soil sterilant. Specifically, prior to planting of the crop plant, a specially configured tractor injects methyl bromide into the soil and then covers the soil with a sheet of impermeable material, (e.g., polypropylene) for a period of a few days. The methyl bromide that is trapped in the soil by the sheet effectively eliminates weed seeds and pathogens.

Due to the ozone-depleting properties of methyl bromide, fumigation of soil with methyl bromide is no longer done.

Alternatives that have been proposed for use for soil treatment in a manner similar or analogous to methyl bromide have one or more disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention, in some embodiments, relates to methods for treating soil and compositions useful for the treatment of soil.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a composition useful for treating soil, comprising: dichloropropene; and an isoxazole fungicide.

In some embodiments, the composition is a soil fumigant. 1In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 50% and not more than 99.5% by weight dichloropropene.

In some embodiments, the isoxazole fungicide is Hymexazol.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.01% and not more than 1.0% w/w isoxazole fungicide.

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide. In some such embodiments, the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is glyphosate. In some such embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.01% and not more than 1.0% w/w EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is also provided a method for treating soil, comprising: a. providing a composition according to any of the embodiments described herein; and b. applying the composition to soil of a field, thereby treating the soil.

In some embodiments, applying the composition 'b' comprises fumigation of the soil with the composition. In some such embodiments, fumigation of the soil comprises injecting the composition into the soil.

In some embodiments, the amount of the composition applied to the soil is such that 2 the amount of dichloropropene applied is not less than 10 g / m .

In some embodiments, the amount of the composition applied to the soil is such that 2 the amount of dichloropropene applied is not more than 500 g / m .

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there is also provided a method of treating soil, comprising: a. providing two compounds: dichloropropene, and an isoxazole fungicide; b. simultaneously applying the two compounds to soil of a field, thereby treating the soil.

In some embodiments, applying 'b' comprises simultaneously fumigating the soil with the two compounds. In some embodiments, applying 'b' comprises simultaneously injecting the two compounds into the soil. 2In some embodiments, the amount of the dichloropropene applied to the soil is not 2 less than 10 g / m .

In some embodiments, the amount of the dichloropropene applied to the soil is not 2 more than 500 g / m .

In some embodiments, the isoxazole fungicide is Hymexazol.

In some embodiments, the amount of the isoxazole fungicide applied to the soil is not 2 less than 0.012 g / m .

In some embodiments, the amount of the isoxazole fungicide applied to the soil is not 2 more than 0.58 g / m .

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide and applying the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide to soil of the field simultaneously with the application of the two compounds (the dichloropropene and the isoxazole fungicide). In some preferred embodiments, the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide comprises or consists of glyphosate. In some such embodiments, the amount of the EPSP 2 synthase inhibitor herbicide applied to the soil is not less than 0.039 g / m . In some such embodiments, the amount of the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide applied to the soil is not 2 more than 1.9 g / m .

In some embodiments of any of the methods described herein, the method further comprises: subsequent to the applying 'b', covering the treated soil with a cover impermeable to dichloropropene and keeping the treated soil covered for a period of time, thereby reducing escape of applied dichloropropene from the soil by evaporation.

In some embodiments, of any of the methods described herein, the method further comprises: subsequent to the applying 'b', planting a crop plant in the treated soil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Some embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

The figures are for the purpose of illustrative discussion and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.

In the Figures: 3Figure 1A shows strawberry plants that were planted in a field with application of composition according to the teachings to the soil; and Figure 1B shows strawberry plants that were planted in a field without application of composition according to the teachings to the soil.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The invention, in some embodiments, relates to methods for treating soil and compositions useful for the treatment of soil.

The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings of the invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and figures. Upon perusal of the description and figures present herein, one skilled in the art is able to implement the teachings of the invention without undue effort or experimentation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed herein are for descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting.

Herein is disclosed a composition and a method of using the composition for treating soil that for some fields is an effective alternative for fumigation with methyl bromide.

COMPOSITION ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS HEREIN Thus, according to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a composition, comprising: dichloropropene; and an isoxazole fungicide.

In some embodiments, the composition is a composition useful for treating soil. In some embodiments, the composition is a soil fumigant.

Dichloropropene In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 50% and not more than 99.5% w/w dichloropropene. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the dichloropropene 4constitutes a solvent of the composition. In some embodiments, the dichloropropene constitutes substantially all of the solvent in the composition.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 50%, not less than 60%, not less than 80%, not less than 90%, not less than 92% and even not less than 94% w/w dichloropropene.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not more than 99.5%, not more than 99%, not more than 98% and even not more than 97.5% w/w dichloropropene.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 94% and not more than 97.5% w/w dichloropropene.

In some embodiments, the dichloropropene is a racemic mixture of cis- and trans- isomers. In the experimental section is described an embodiment of the composition that comprises 95.8% w/w of a racemic mixture of cis- and trans- isomers of dichloropropene.

In some embodiments, not less than 60%, not less than 70%, not less than 80% not less than 90% and even not less than 95% of the dichloropropene in the composition is the cis-isomer of dichloropropene. Since the cis-isomer is less water soluble and has a higher vapor pressure, in some embodiments a greater amount of the cis isomer makes the dichloropropene less likely to leach into groundwater and thereby renders the composition more environmentally friendly.

Isoxazole fungicide Any suitable isoxazole fungicide may be used in implementing the teachings herein.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises a single isoxazole fungicide. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a combination of at least two different isoxazole fungicides. In some embodiments the composition comprises Hymexazol and at least one additional different isoxazole fungicide. In some embodiments the composition comprises Hymexazol as a single isoxazole fungicide.

A composition according to the teachings comprises any suitable amount of an isoxazole fungicide. In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.01% and not more than 1.0% w/w isoxazole fungicide.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.01%, not less than 0.02%, not less than 0.04% and even not less than 0.06% w/w isoxazole fungicide.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not more than 1.0%, not more than 0.80%, not more than 0.60% and even not more than 0.30% w/w isoxazole fungicide. 5In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.06% and not more than 0.3% w/w isoxazole fungicide. In the experimental section is described an embodiment of the composition that comprises 0.1% w/w of Hymexazol.

EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

In such embodiments, any suitable EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide may be used in implementing the teachings herein. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a single EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a combination of at least two different EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicides. In some embodiments the composition comprises glyphosate and at least one additional different EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide. In some embodiments the composition comprises glyphosate as a single EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

In some embodiments, the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is present in the composition as a free acid.

In some embodiments, the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is present in the composition as a salt. For example in some embodiments, the composition comprises glyphosate as a salt, for example a isopropylamine, dimethylamine, mono-ammonium, monoethanolamine, potassium, sodium, monotrimethylsulfonium (trimesium) or a sulfosate salt.

A composition according to the teachings comprises any suitable amount of an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide. In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.01% and not more than 1.0% w/w EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.05%, not less than 0.1% and even not less than 0.20% w/w EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not more than 3%, not more than 1.8%, not more than 1.2% and even not more than 0.80% w/w EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.20% and not more than 0.80% w/w EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide. In the experimental section is described an embodiment of the composition that comprises 0.37% w/w of glyphosate. 6Stabilizer In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an acid scavenger as a stabilizer for the dichloropropene.

In some embodiments, the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of epichlorohydrin and epoxidized soybean oil.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.1% and not more than 4% w/w stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 0.1%, not less than 0.5% and even not less than 1% w/w stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not more than 4%, not more than 3% and even not more than 2% w/w stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises not less than 1% and not more than 2% w/w stabilizer.

The balance of the composition is any suitable other material. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more adjuvants such as surfactants or co-solvents.

In some embodiments, the composition comprises additional active ingredients for soil treatment or pest / pathogen control.

METHOD FOR APPLYING A COMPOSITION According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a method of treating soil, comprising: a. providing any one of the embodiments of a composition according to the teachings herein; and b. applying the composition to soil of a field, thereby treating the soil.

In some embodiments, the providing a composition comprises acquiring an amount of the pre-prepared composition.

In some embodiments, the providing a composition comprises acquiring an amount of a pre-prepared composition comprising two compounds (i.e., two compounds selected from the group of compounds consisting of dichloropropene, an isoxazole fungicide (preferably, hymexazol), and a, EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide (preferably, glyphosate) ) and, if required by that embodiment, adding the third compounds just prior to the applying, e.g., by 7combining the pre-prepared two-compound composition and the third compound in a fumigation device tank.

In some embodiments, providing a composition comprises acquiring the desired amounts of each one of the two or three compounds making up the composition (i.e., dichloropropene, an isoxazole fungicide and optionally an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide) separately and combining the two or three compounds to provide the composition just prior to the applying, e.g., by mixing the two or three compounds in a fumigation device tank.

In some embodiments, applying the composition to the soil comprises fumigating the soil with the composition. In some embodiments, the fumigation is broadcast fumigation. In some embodiments, the fumigation is bed fumigation. In preferred embodiments, the fumigation comprises injecting the composition into the soil, as is known in the art of fumigation with dichloropropene. Applying a composition by fumigation / injecting is performed in any suitable way, preferably in a manner and/or using devices known for use in fumigation / injecting of dichloropropene to treat soil.

The amount of composition applied to the soil is any suitable amount.

In some embodiments, the amount of composition applied to the soil is such that the 2 2 amount of dichloropropene is not less than 10 g / m , not less than 20 g / m , not less than 30 2 2 2 g / m , not less than 35 g / m and in some embodiments even not less than 40 g / m , In some embodiments, the amount of composition applied to the soil is such that the 2 2 amount of dichloropropene is not more than 500 g / m , not more than 400 g / m , not more 2 2 2 than 300 g / m , not more than 200 g / m , not more than 100 g / m and in some embodiments 2 even not more than 75 g / m .

In the experimental section is described application of an amount of composition such 2 that the amount of dichloropropene applied was 93.2 kg / 2 dunam (46.6g / m ).

METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY APPLYING TWO OR THREE COMPOUNDS According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a method of treating soil, comprising: a. providing two compounds: dichloropropene, an isoxazole fungicide; and b. simultaneously applying the two compounds to soil of a field thereby treating the soil. 8In some preferred embodiments, providing the two compounds comprises acquiring an amount of a pre-prepared composition comprising the two compounds (i.e., the dichloropropene and the isoxazole fungicide) as described herein.

In some embodiments, providing the two compounds comprises acquiring the desired amounts of each one of the two compounds (i.e., the dichloropropene and the isoxazole fungicide) separately and combining the two compounds to provide the composition just prior to the applying, e.g., by mixing the two compounds in a fumigation device tank.

In some embodiments, applying the two compounds to the soil comprises simultaneously fumigating the soil with the two compounds. In some embodiments, the fumigation is broadcast fumigation. In some embodiments, the fumigation is bed fumigation.

In preferred embodiments, the fumigation comprises simultaneouly injecting the two compounds into the soil. Applying a composition by fumigation / injecting is performed in any suitable way, preferably in a manner and/or using devices known for use in fumigation / injecting of dichloropropene to treat soil.

During simultaneous application of the two compounds to the soil, e.g., as a composition according to the teaching hereins, the amount of each one of the two component applied is any suitable amount.

In some embodiments, the amount of dichloropropene applied to the soil is not less 2 2 2 2 than 10 g / m , not less than 20 g / m , not less than 30 g / m , not less than 35 g / m and in 2 some embodiments even not less than 40 g / m , In some embodiments, the amount of dichloropropene applied to the soil is not more 2 2 2 2 than 500 g / m , not more than 400 g / m , not more than 300 g / m , not more than 200 g / m , 2 2 not more than 100 g / m and in some embodiments even not more than 75 g / m .

In the experimental section is described application of 93.2 kg dichloropropene / 2 2 dunam (46.6g / m ).

Any suitable isoxazole fungicide may be applied to soil for implementing the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the isoxazole fungicide comprises a single isoxazole fungicide. In some embodiments, the isoxazole fungicide comprises a combination of at least two different isoxazole fungicides. In some embodiments the isoxazole fungicide comprises Hymexazol and at least one additional different isoxazole fungicide. In some embodiments the isoxazole fungicide comprises Hymexazol as a single isoxazole fungicide.

Any suitable amount of an isoxazole fungicide is applied to the soil. 9In some embodiments, the amount of isoxazole fungicide applied to the soil is not less 2 2 2 than 0.012 g / m , not less than 0.023 g / m , not less than 0.035 g / m , not less than 0.041 g / 2 2 m and in some embodiments even not less than 0.046 g / m , In some embodiments, the amount of isoxazole fungicide applied to the soil is not 2 2 2 more than 0.58 g / m , not more than 0.46 g / m , not more than 0.35 g / m , not more than 2 2 0.23 g / m , not more than 0.12 g / m and in some embodiments even not more than 0.10 g / 2 m .

In the experimental section is described application of 108 g isoxazole fungicide (Hymexazol) / 2 dunam (0.054 g / m2).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a third compound, an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide, and applying the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide as a third compound to the soil of the field simultaneously with the application of the two compounds (dichloropropene and isoxazole fungicide).

In some preferred embodiments, providing the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide comprises acquiring an amount of a pre-prepared composition comprising the two compounds (i.e., the dichloropropene and the isoxazole fungicide) and the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide as described herein.

In some embodiments, providing the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide comprises acquiring a desired amounts of EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide and a composition of the two other compounds (i.e., the dichloropropene and the isoxazole fungicide) and combining the composition with the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide just prior to the applying, e.g., by mixing the composition and the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide in a fumigation device tank.

In some embodiments, providing the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide comprises acquiring a desired amounts of EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide in combination with one of the two other compounds (i.e., the dichloropropene and the isoxazole fungicide) and combining the combination including the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide with the missing one of the two compounds just prior to the applying, e.g., by mixing the combination and the missing one of the two compounds in a fumigation device tank.

Any suitable EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide may be applied to the soil simultaneously with the other two compounds. In some embodiments, a single EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is applied to the soil. In some embodiments, a combination of at least two different EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicides is applied to the soil. In some embodiments 10glyphosate and at least one additional different EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is applied to the soil. In some embodiments glyphosate is the only EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide applied to the soil simultaneously with the other two compounds.

In some embodiments, the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is applied to the soil as a free acid.

In some embodiments, the EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is applied to the soil as a salt, for example a glyphosate salt, for example a isopropylamine, dimethylamine, mono- ammonium, monoethanolamine, potassium, sodium, monotrimethylsulfonium (trimesium) or a sulfosate salt.

Any suitable amount of an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is applied to the soil.

In some embodiments, the amount of EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide applied to the 2 2 2 soil is not less than 0.039 g / m , not less than 0.078 g / m , not less than 0.12 g / m , not less 2 2 than 0.14 g / m and in some embodiments even not less than 0.15 g / m , In some embodiments, the amount of EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide applied to the 2 2 2 soil is not more than 1.9 g / m , not more than 1.55 g / m , not more than 1.16 g / m , not 2 2 more than 0.77 g / m , not more than 0.39 g / m and in some embodiments even not more 2 than 0.30 g / m .

In the experimental section is described application of 360 g EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide (acid equivalent of glyphosate) / 2 dunam (0.18 g / m2).

Covering (Tarping) In the art, it is known to cover a fumigated field, a process called tarping, to prevent escape of the fumigant to the surrounding air.

In some embodiments, the method of the teachings herein further comprises: c. covering the treated soil with a cover impermeable to dichloropropene and keeping the treated soil covered for a period of time, thereby reducing the rate of escape of the applied dichloropropene from the soil.

In some embodiments, the impermeable cover is a fumigation tarp (e.g., Ginegar Ozgard T-Plus commercially available from Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd., Ginegar, Israel.

In some embodiments, the covering of the treated soil is within 1 hour of application of the composition. That said, the soil is preferably covered sooner, in some embodiments within 15 minutes, within 5 minutes and even within 1 minute of application of the composition / compounds. Typically, covering the treated soil is immediately (within 11seconds) after application of the composition / compounds, as known in the art of soil fumigation.

In some embodiments, the period of time during which the treated soil is covered is not less than 1 day, not less than 2 days, not less than 3 days and even not less than 4 days.

In some embodiments, the period of time during which the treated soil is covered is not more than 21 days, not more than 16 days and even not more than 14 days.

Planting In some embodiments, the method of the teachings herein further comprises subsequent to the applying the composition: d. planting a crop plant in the treated soil.

In some embodiments where the soil is not covered after application of the composition / compounds to the soil, the planting is not less than 1 day, not less than 2 days, not less than 3 days, not less than 4 days and even not less than 6 days after application of the composition / compounds. In some such embodiments, the planting is not more than 21 days after application of the composition / compounds.

In some embodiments where the soil is covered after application of the composition / compounds, the planting is not less than 1 day, not less than 2 days, not less than 3 days and even not less than 4 days after the soil is uncovered. In some such embodiments, the planting is not more than 21 days after the soil is uncovered.

In some embodiments, planting comprises planting plants (e.g., seedlings, sapling) of the crop plant in and/or on the treated soil.

Planting a crop plant includes: planting a plant precursor (e.g., seeds, bulbs, tubers, stem tubers, rhizomes, root tubers, corms, roots, taproots, stolons) of the crop plant in and/or on the treated soil, e.g., by sowing, injection seeding, such as with a seed drill.

In some embodiments, the crop plant is selected from the group consisting of: members of the family Solanaceae (tomato, eggplant, potato, tobacco, bell peppers, chili peppers); members of genus allium (onion, garlic, leeks, scallions, shallots, chives); members of the family Brassicaceae (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, rapeseed, radish); members of the family Cucurbitaceae (cucumber, squash, pumpkin, zucchini, gourds, watermelons, melons); 12asparagus; banana and plantain; blueberries; carrots; cotton; corn; grape vines; peanuts; pineapple; raspberry; strawberry; beets and sugar beets; sunflowers; sweet potatoes; flowers (e.g., gardenia, geranium, gladiola, hyacinths, tulips, petunias); orchard replants, (e.g., genus prunus such as almond, peach, plum, apricot, cherry, nectarine, citrus trees); and forest seedlings, e.g., pine trees Irrigation In some embodiments, the field is such that subsequent to the planting, less than 10 mm of rain falls on the treated soil for at least one month after the application of the composition.

In some embodiments, the field is such that subsequent to the planting, the planted crop plants are watered by drip irrigation. In some embodiments, the drip irrigation is such that at least 60% of the water used to water the crop plants is from drip irrigation. In some embodiments, at least 70%, at least 80% and even at least 90% of the water used to water the crop plants is from drip irrigation.

EXPERIMENTAL Materials Three commercial soil treatment compositions were purchased from licensed commercial sources in Israel: Telone® II by Dow AgroSciences (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA); Tachigaren® 30 SL by Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan); and TM Typhoon by Tapazol (Bet Shemesh, Israel).

As detailed hereinbelow, the three commercial soil treatment compositions were combined to provide an embodiment of a composition according to the teachings herein.

Telone ® II Dichloropropene composition Dichloropropene (1,3-Dichloroprop-1-ene, CAS Nr. 542-75-6) is a compound used in agriculture as a preplant fumigant and nematocide. Dichloropropene has two isomers. cis-dichloropropene (CAS Nr. 10061-01-5) has a boiling point of 104ºC, a water solubility of 2.18 mg/L at 25ºC and a vapor pressure of 34.3 mm Hg at 25ºC. 13trans-dichloropropene (CAS Nr. 10061-02-6) has a boiling point of 112.6ºC, a water solubility of 2.32 mg/L at 25ºC and a vapor pressure of 23.0 mm Hg at 25ºC.

There exist commercial dichloropropene compositions that are a racemic mixture of the trans and cis isomers as well as commercial compositions that include predominantly or exclusively cis isomer. Dichloropropene is typically marketed for agricultural use with between 1% and 2% w/w stabilizer such as epichlorohydrin or epoxidized soybean oil.

Typically, dichloropropene is used in agriculture as a fumigant by direct injection into the ground to a depth of 25 to 37 cm at a dosage of between 5g / m2 – 100 g/m2, depending on the soil and crop.

Telone® II Soil Fumigant is a commercially-available preplant soil fumigant composition by Dow AgroSciences LLC (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA). Telone® II contains 97% by weight racemic mixture of dichloropropene.

Tachigaren® 30 SL Hymexazol composition Hymexazol (5-methyl-1,2-oxazol-3-one, CAS Nr. 10004-44-1) is an isoxazole that works as a systemic fungicide used in agriculture to control diseases caused by pathogens such as Fusaruim, Aphanomyces and Pythium.

Tachigaren® 30 SL is a commercially-available fungicide composition manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) that includes 360g Hymexazol in 1 liter solution (30% by weight Hymexazol in an inert water-soluble solvent).

For agricultural use, Tachigaren® 30 SL is typically diluted with water to make a solution and then the solution is applied as a soil drench after sowing or at the first sign of disease.

The dilution is typically 1 ml – 2 ml of Tachigaren® 30 SL to 1 liter water so that the solution is between 0.1% and 0.2% Tachigaren® 30 SL (0.36 g - 0.72 g Hymexazol) / 1 liter solution and the dosage is typically 3 liters of solution (1 g - 2 g of Hymexazol) per square meter of soil.

TM Typhoon glyphosate solution Glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, CAS Nr. 1071-83-6) is a broad-spectrum herbicide that works as an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide used in agriculture to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds. 14Glyphosate compositions typically include glyphosate as a salt together with a surfactant as a leaf wetting agent to enhance penetration of the glyphosate into the leaves of a plant.

TM Typhoon by Tapazol (Bet Shemesh, Israel) is a commercially-available solution of 480g per liter of the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate which is equivalent to 360g per liter free glyphosate per liter.

TM For use, Typhoon is diluted in water and applied by aerial or ground-based sprayingat a dosage of between 0.036 and 0.18 g / m2 onto a field prior to or after sowing but prior to irrigation.

Preparation of an embodiment of a composition according to the teachings herein A standard 100 liter tank of an agricultural fumigation device was charged with: 79 liter Telone® II; TM 1 liter Typhoon ; and 300 milliliter Tachigaren® 30SL.

The resulting approximately 97kg of the embodiment of liquid composition according to the teachings herein in the fumigation tank comprised: 480g isopropanol salt of glyphosate (equivalent to 360g / 0.37% w/w glyphosate); 108g / 0.1% w/w Hymexazol; and 93.2 kg / 95.8% w/w racemic dichloropropene.

Embodiment of the implementation of the method according to the teachings herein A first field and a second field in the vicinity of Kfar Hess, Israel, both of 2 dunam, were ploughed, irrigated so that the soil was sufficiently moist to a depth of 45 cm and harrowed to smooth the surface and break up clods.. "Sufficiently moist" was determined as known in the art, see for example as described on the label of Telone® II.

A tractor equipped with standard equipment for fumigation / tarping with dichloropropene was used for stripwise broadcast fumigation of the first field. The embodiment of the composition as described above was injected into a strip of the soil to a depth of around 35 cm in the usual way and the tarping unit immediately (within a few seconds) sealed the soil with a sheet of Ginegar Ozgard T-Plus. After a strip of soil was fumigated and sealed with a sheet, an adjacent parallel strip of the field was fumigated and sealed so that the sealing sheets overlapped and welded using a hot-air blower. 15The entire produced 80.3 liter of composition as described above were applied to 2 dunam of the field.

The soil was left covered with the sheets for 4 days.

After 4 days, the sheets were removed.

Furrows suitable for strawberry plants were made on the first and second fields in the usual way, with a 1.83 meter furrow-to-furrow distance.

Drip irrigation pipes were laid along the top of each furrow.

Small strawberry plants were planted on each furrow, each strawberry plant next to an emitter of an irrigation pipe, each plant separated from neigboring plants on the furrow by 1 meter.

The strawberry plants in both fields received identical amounts of water and fertilizer.

After one month, the strawberry plants that grew on the first field that was fumigated with an embodiment of a composition according to the teachings herein (see Figure 1A) developed significantly better than the strawberry plants that grew in the second field that was not fumigated (see Figure 1B).

As used herein, the term "field" includes any area of soil used for growing plants for agricultural purposes.

As used herein, the term "crop plant" includes any plant purposefully grown in a field.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. In case of conflict, the specification, including definitions, takes precedence.

As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “including”, "having" and grammatical variants thereof are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, when a numerical value is preceded by the term "about", the term "about" is intended to indicate +/-10%.

As used herein, a phrase in the form “A and/or B” means a selection from the group consisting of (A), (B) or (A and B). As used herein, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B and C” means a selection from the group consisting of (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) or (A and B and C). 16It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention.

Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting. 17

Claims

265183/3 CLAIMS:

1. A composition useful for treating soil, comprising: dichloropropene; and an isoxazole fungicide, comprising not less than 50% and not more than 99.5% by weight dichloropropene.

2. The composition of claim 1, comprising not less than 60% by weight dichloropropene.

3. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising not less than 80% by weight dichloropropene.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said isoxazole fungicide is Hymexazol.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising not less than 0.01% and not more than 1.0% w/w isoxazole fungicide.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein said EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is glyphosate.

8. The composition of any one of claims 6 to 7, comprising not less than 0.01% and not more than 1.0% w/w EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide.

9. A method for treating soil, comprising: a. providing a composition of any one of claims 1 to 8; and b. applying said composition to soil of a field, thereby treating the soil.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said applying said composition 'b' comprises fumigation of said soil with said composition. 18265183/3

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said fumigation of said soil comprises injecting said composition into said soil.

12. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein an amount of said composition applied to said soil is such that the amount of dichloropropene applied is not less than 10 g / 2 m .

13. The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein an amount of said composition applied to said soil is such that the amount of dichloropropene applied is not more than 500 2 g / m .

14. A method of treating soil, comprising: a. providing two compounds: dichloropropene, and an isoxazole fungicide; b. simultaneously applying said two compounds to soil of a field, thereby treating said soil.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said applying 'b' comprises simultaneously fumigating said soil with said two compounds.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said applying 'b' comprises simultaneously injecting said two compounds into said soil.

17. The method of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein an amount of said 2 dichloropropene applied to said soil is not less than 10 g / m .

18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein an amount of said 2 dichloropropene applied to said soil is not more than 500 g / m .

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said isoxazole fungicide is Hymexazol. 19265183/3

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein an amount of said isoxazole 2 fungicide applied to said soil is not less than 0.012 g / m .

21. The method of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein an amount of said isoxazole 2 fungicide applied to said soil is not more than 0.58 g / m .

22. The method of any one of claims 14 to 21, further comprising providing an EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide and applying said EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide to soil of said field simultaneously with said application of said two compounds.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein an amount of said EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide 2 applied to said soil is not less than 0.039 g / m .

24. The method of any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein an amount of said EPSP synthase 2 inhibitor herbicide applied to said soil is not more than 1.9 g / m .

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein said EPSP synthase inhibitor herbicide is glyphosate.

26. The method of any one of claims 9 to 25, further comprising: subsequent to said applying 'b', covering said treated soil with a cover impermeable to dichloropropene and keeping said treated soil covered for a period of time not less than 1 day, thereby reducing the rate of escape of applied dichloropropene from said soil .

27. The method of any one of claims 9 to 26, further comprising: subsequent to said applying 'b', planting a crop plant in said treated soil. _____________________________ Dr. Erez Gur, Patent Attorney (197) 20