NZ624284B2

NZ624284B2 - Methods of controlling weeds with thaxtomin and thaxtomin compositions in combination with a beneficial herbicide

Info

Publication number: NZ624284B2
Application number: NZ624284A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Scott Inman; Shawn Semones
Original assignee: Novozymes Bioag A/S
Priority date: 2011-10-31
Filing date: 2012-10-30
Publication date: 2016-01-06

Abstract

Methods and composition for controlling weeds by contacting weeds or an environment susceptible to growth by a weed population with one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides such as pronamide are disclosed. One or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides are applied to weed contaminated environments or environments susceptible to weed contamination in a predetermined amount for controlling, reducing and/or killing weeds. vironments or environments susceptible to weed contamination in a predetermined amount for controlling, reducing and/or killing weeds.

Description

Methods of Controlling Weeds with Thaxtomin and Thaxtomin Compositions in Combination with a Beneficial Herbicide BACKGROUND Technical Field This disclosure relates to treating weeds with one or more thaxtomins in combination with one or more herbicides. The methods are useful for application to terrestrial environments in need of treatment to control, minimize and/or eliminate weeds.

Background Many important terrestrial environments contain a substantial population of weeds which inhibit or prevent the growth of desired plants. These weeds are a nuisance in human-controlled environments. Weeds contribute to diminished plant growth and yields, especially among crop plants, in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, utilizing limited nutrients and/or resources in the soil, restricting access to light, and/or transmitting plant diseases through the harboring and spreading of plant pathogens. Further still, weeds contribute to an appearance that many observers find unattractive.

Currently used methods of controlling weed growth include treating weeds with herbicides. The most common herbicides are chemical herbicides and include pre- emergent and post-emergent herbicides. Examples of common chemical herbicides include pendimethalin; 3,4-Dimethyl-2,6-dinitro-N-pentanyl-aniline; N-(1-ethylpropyl)- 2,6-dinitro-3,4-xylidine; pronamide; propyzamide; 3,5-Dichloro-N-(1 ,1 - dimethylpropynyl)benzamide; 3,5-Dichloro-N-(1 ,1-dimethylpropynyl)benzamide; N- (1, 1-Dimethylpropynyl)-3,5-dichlorobenzamide; S-ethyl ethylth iocyclohexanecarbamate; trifluralin; 2 ,6-Dinitro-N,N-dipropyl (trifluoromethyl)aniline; glyphosate; N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine; and derivatives thereof.

Natural and organic herbicides are also used for weed control. Examples of (i.e., natural herbicides include, but are not limited to, using corn meal gluten, acetic acid citrus oil), and vinegar), heat treatments (e.g., steam of flame), D-limonene (i.e., monocerin, a fungal metabolite. See, for example, Monocerin, a Phytotoxin from Exserohilum turcicum, Agric. Biol. Chem., Vol. 46, 2681-83, 1982. Thaxtomin A, and other structurally similar compounds, have also been mentioned for controlling weeds.

See, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0167930 which discloses using Thaxtomin A and other structurally similar compounds as natural herbicides to control the germination and growth of weeds in cereal, turf grass Timothy grass, and pasture grass cultures.

Thaxtomins are a known group of phytotoxins; however, although thaxtomin A and analogues thereof demonstrate many of the biological properties desirable in potential herbicides, they are known to lack the systemic phytotoxicity critical to deliver Herbicidal reliable weed control in the field at low herbicide rates. See, for example, Properties of the Thaxtomin Group of Phytotoxins, J. Agric. Food Chem., Vol. 49, No. 5, 2001.

Weeds continue to be problematic to the farmer, landscaper, and homeowner alike. Continuous retreatment of environments with the exclusive use of chemical compounds increases the overall cost of treatment, and increases the potential for toxic accumulation of the herbicide in the environment. Thus, there is a continuing need for new herbicides as well as methods for using and making existing herbicides and formulations more effective at lower application rates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the inventors have found that the use of one or more thaxtomins, or analogues thereof, in combination with chemical herbicides improves the weed control spectrum, enhances crop safety, and reduces chemical herbicide usage without reducing weed control efficacy. The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, a method of treating weeds comprising contacting the weeds with one or more thaxtomins, or analogues thereof, and one or more herbicides. In one embodiment, the method of treating weeds comprises contacting the weeds with an effective amount of one or more thaxtomins, or analogues thereof, and an effective amount one or more herbicides. In a particular embodiment, the weeds are pre-emergent weeds. In one embodiment, the one or more herbicides may include pronamide (known also as propyzamide), cycloate, trifluralin, or combinations thereof.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling a weed population in an environment, comprising contacting a weed population in an environment or an environment susceptible to growth by a weed population with one or more thaxtomins and the herbicide pronamide, wherein the one or more thaxtomins and the herbicide pronamide are applied in an amount effective to control the weed population in the environment.

AH26(1 01202971 ):LNB AH26(10128526 I):DPS In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a composition when used for controlling a weed population, said composition comprising one or more thaxtomins, and the herbicide pronamide, wherein the one or more thaxtomins and the herbicide pronamide are present in an amount effective to control the weed population in an environment.

In another aspect, the invention of the present invention includes a method of controlling the growth of weeds comprising contacting the weeds with one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides. In one embodiment, the method of controlling the growth of weeds comprises contacting the weeds with an effective amount of one or AH26(101202971 ):LNB AFI26( 10128526 I V DPS more thaxtomins, or analogues thereof, and an effective amount one or more herbicides.

In a particular embodiment, the weeds are pre-emergent weeds. In one embodiment, the one or more herbicides may include pronamide (known also as propyzamide), cycloate, trifluralin, or combinations thereof.

In yet another aspect, the invention of the present invention includes a method of killing weeds comprising contacting weeds with thaxtomin A and one or more herbicides.

In one embodiment, the method of killing weeds comprises contacting the weeds with an effective amount of one or more thaxtomins, or analogues thereof, and an effective amount one or more herbicides. In a particular embodiment, the weeds are pre- emergent weeds. In one embodiment, the one or more herbicides may include pronamide (known also as propyzamide), cycloate, trifluralin, or combinations thereof.

In still yet another aspect, the invention of the present invention includes a method of controlling weeds by applying to a soil one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides. In one embodiment, the method of controlling weeds comprises contacting the soil with an effective amount of one or more thaxtomins, or analogues thereof, and an effective amount one or more herbicides. In a particular embodiment, the weeds are pre-emergent weeds. In one embodiment, the one or more herbicides may include pronamide (known also as propyzamide), cycloate, trifluralin, or combinations thereof.

In still another aspect, the invention of the present invention includes a method of controlling weeds by applying one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides to an area in need of weed control. In one embodiment, the method of controlling weeds comprises applying an effective amount of one or more thaxtomins, or analogues thereof, and an effective amount one or more herbicides. In a particular embodiment, the weeds are pre-emergent weeds. In one embodiment, the one or more herbicides may include pronamide (known also as propyzamide), cycloate, trifluralin, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the one or more thaxtomins has the following composition: wherein R 1 is methyl or H, R 2 is hydroxy or H, R 3 is methyl or H, R 4 is hydroxy or H, R 5 is hydroxy or H, R 6 is hydroxy or H, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, R 1 is methyl, R2 is hydroxy, R 3 is methyl, R 4 is H, R 5 is hydroxy and R 6 is H.

Definitions As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein "weed(s)" refers to plants which inhibit or prevent the growth of desired plants and/or diminish plant yields (e.g., by utilizing limited nutrients and/or resources in the soil, restricting access to light, and/or transmitting plant diseases through the harboring and spreading of plant pathogens). The term "weed(s)" is intended to include weeds at all growth stages (e.g., pre-emergent weeds).

As used herein, the term "pre-emergent weed" is intended to refer to a weed or weeds that has not emerged from the soil. 1 5 As used herein the word "treat," "treating" or "treatment" refers to using the one or more thaxtomins in combination with the one or more herbicides of the present disclosure prophylactically to prevent, eliminate, inhibit, and/or kill undesirable weeds in an environment intended to be absent of weeds, or to ameliorate an existing weed population. A number of different treatments are now possible, which control, reduce and/or eliminate weeds.

As used herein, the term ’control," "controls," "controlled," or "controlling" is intended to mean prevent, reduce, or eliminate.

As used herein, the term "herbicide" is intended to refer to one or more agents, compounds and/or compositions having herbicidal and/or herbistatic activity.

As used herein, the term "herbicidal" is intended to mean the killing of weeds.

As used herein, the term "herbistatic" is intended to mean inhibiting the growth of weeds, which can be reversible under certain conditions.

As used herein "lower alkyl" refers to branched or straight chain acyclic alkyl group including one to about eighteen carbon atoms. Exemplary alkyl groups include, inter a/ia, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, iso-amyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, and the like.

As used herein "hydroxy" refers to --OH.

As used herein "H" refers to a hydrogen atom.

As used herein "ppm" refers to parts-per-million. It is to be understood that 1 ppm is approximately 1 mg/L and that ppm and mg/L may be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the units "ai/acre" will be understood throughout this disclosure to be an expression of active ingredient per acre.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Thaxtomins are the causative Streptomyces scab/es, S. acidiscabies, and S. turgidiscabies agents of scab disease on a variety of underground potato. A class of phytotoxins, thaxtomin, has been identified therefrom which are involved in the pathogenesis.

Thaxtomins have been found to have herbicidal and herbistatic activity. It has further been found that thaxtomin activity is enhanced when applied in combination with an herbicide.

Suitable thaxtomins for use in accordance with this disclosure include one or more purified, synthetic, or recombinant thaxtomins, or a combination thereof.

Thaxtomins include any of the type from a family of cyclic dipeptides, such as 4- nitroindolyl-containing 2,5-dioxopiperazines commonly known as the thaxtomins.

Suitable thaxtomins include agents described as cyclic dipeptides having the basic structure cyclo-(Ln itrotryptophyl-L-phenylalanyl. In embodiments, suitable diketopiperazine moieties may be N-methylated, and include congeners carrying phenylalanyl a- and ring-carbon hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples of suitable thaxtomins for use in accordance with the present disclosure include thaxtomin A, thaxtomin A ortho isomer, thaxtomin B, and C-14 deoxythaxtomin B (thaxtomin D).

Combinations of thaxtomins and derivatives thereof are also suitable for use in accordance with the present disclosure.

In embodiments, purified thaxtomin and analogues thereof are suitable The chemical herbicides for use in accordance with the present disclosure. compositions include: In embodiments, R 1 is methyl or H.

In embodiments, R 2 is hydroxy or H.

In embodiments, R3 is methyl or H.

In embodiments, R4 is hydroxy or H.

In embodiments, R 5 is hydroxy or H.

In embodiments, R 6, hydroxy or H.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is methyl, R 4 is H, R 5 is hydroxy and R 6 is H.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is methyl, R 4 is hydroxy, R 5 is H and R 6 is H.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is H, R 3 is H, R4 is H, R 5 is H and R 6 is H.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is methyl, R4 is H, R 5 is H and R 6 is H.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 3 is methyl, R 4 is H, R 5 is H and R 6 is H. 2 is H, R In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is H, R4 is H, R 5 is H and R6 is H.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is methyl, R4 is H, R 5 is H and R 6 is hydroxy.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is methyl, R 4 is H, R 5 is hydroxy and R 6 is hydroxy.

In embodiments, R 1 is methyl, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is H, R 4 is H, R 5 is hydroxy and R6 is H. is hydroxy and In embodiments, R 1 is H, R 2 is hydroxy, R 3 is methyl, R 4 is H, R 5 R6 is H.

In embodiments, R 1 is H, R 2 is H, R3 is H, R 4 is H, R5 is H and R 6 is H.

In embodiments, purified thaxtomin A is a suitable herbicide for use in accordance with the present disclosure. Thaxtomin A is a yellow compound composed of 4-nitroindolyl-containing 2,5-dioxopiperazine and is the predominant thaxtomin and Streptomyces produced by Streptomyces scabies, Streptomyces acidiscabies, turgidiscabies, with phenylalanyl rn-ring and a-C hydroxyl additions. The chemical composition comprises: The mode of action of thaxtomin on weeds is not completely known. However, not wishing to be bound by the present disclosure it is believed thaxtomins when contacted with weeds inhibit cellulose biosynthesis.

In embodiments, unpurified supernatant from cell cultures such as cell cultures of Streptomyces scabies, Streptomyces acidiscabies, and Streptornyces turgidiscabies containing one or more thaxtomin(s) is suitable for use in accordance with the present disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily envision that supernatant is readily obtainable from cell cultures, such as through centrifugation and collection of the remaining liquid portion.

In embodiments, compositions for use in accordance with the present disclosure contain one or more thaxtomins in an effective amount in combination with one or more herbicides to prevent, reduce or eliminate weed populations. As used herein "effective amount" refers to an amount of a compound or composition having thaxtomin constituents and herbicide constituents, applied together or sequentially, in accordance with the present disclosure, which is sufficient to control weeds (such as prevent weeds, reduce weeds, and/or eliminate weeds) in the treated environment, such as, soil, field, grass, turf and/or aquatic conditions, etc. The positive benefit can be cosmetic in nature, or health-related, or a combination of the two. In embodiments, the positive benefit is achieved by contacting a contaminated environment with a combination of one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides, and/or one or more thaxtomin constituents and one or more herbicides, to improve weed control. Treatments include contacting environments populated by weeds with an amount of thaxtomin and one or more herbicides effective to be herbicidal and/or herbistatic.

The particular thaxtomin concentration applied generally depends on the purpose for which the composition is to be applied. For example, the dosage and frequency of application can vary depending upon the type and severity of the weeds populating a particular area and the concentration of the one or more herbicides being used in combination with the thaxtomin. In embodiments, one or more thaxtomins are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the thaxtomin concentration is applied in an amount of about 0.5 ppm to 500 ppm. In embodiments, one or more thaxtomins are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the thaxtomin concentration is in an amount of 1 ppm to 200 ppm. In embodiments, one or more thaxtomins are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the thaxtomin concentration is in an amount of 1 ppm to 100 ppm. In another embodiment, the one or more thaxtomins are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the thaxtomin concentration is in an amount of 25 ppm to 90 ppm. In yet another embodiments, the one or more thaxtomins are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the thaxtomin concentration is in an amount 50 ppm. In yet another embodiments, the one or more thaxtomins are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the thaxtomin concentration is in an amount 77 ppm. In yet another embodiments, the one or more thaxtomins are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the thaxtomin concentration is in an amount 86 ppm.

In embodiments, thaxtomins may be combined with a solvent vehicle to make a formulation for the treatment of weeds in which the major active ingredients are one or more thaxtomins in combination with one or more herbicides. In embodiments, the active ingredients are provided in serums, and aqueous solutions. The amount of thaxtomin mixed with the solvent will vary depending on a number of factors, including, for example, the activity of thaxtomin, the type of thaxtomin selected, the ultimate form of the product and the particular disclosed solvent employed. Solvents useful for preparing the present thaxtomin compositions include any solvent capable solubilizing one or more thaxtomins. Non-limiting examples of such solvents include water and/or aqueous solutions including one or more herbicides.

In embodiments, thaxtomins may be combined with dry excipients to make a formulation for the treatment of weeds in which an ingredient is one or more thaxtomins.

In embodiments, the active ingredients are provided in dry form. The thaxtomin constituent will constitute from 1 to 95 weight percent of the thaxtomin dry formulation.

Herbicides Suitable herbicides for use in accordance with this disclosure include one or chemical herbicides, bioherbicides, organic herbicides, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the one or more herbicides are a pre-plant incorporated herbicide, a pre- emergent herbicide, a post-emergent herbicide, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable herbicides include bentazon, acifluorfen, chlorimuron, lactofen, clomazone, fluazifop, glufosinate, glyphosate, sethoxydim, imazethapyr, imazamox, fomesafe, flumiclorac, imazaquin, clethodim, pendimethalin; 3,4-Dimethyl-2,6-dinitro-N- pentanyl-aniline; N-(1-ethylpropyl)-2,6-dinitro-3,4-xylidine; pronamide; propyzamide; 3,5-Dichloro-N-(1 , 1 -dimethylpropynyl)benzamide; 3,5-Dichloro-N-(1 ,1 -dimethyl propynyl)benzamide; N-(1, 1 -Dim ethyl propynyl)-3,5-d ichl orobenzam ide; S-ethyl N- ethylth iocyclohexanecarbamate; trifluralin; 2,6- Din itro-N,N-dipropyl (trifluoromethyl)aniline; glyphosate; N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine; and derivatives thereof. In one embodiment, the one or more herbicides for use in accordance with this disclosure include pronamide (commercially referred to as Kerbﬁ); propyzamide; 3,5- Dichloro-N-(1 ,1-dimethylpropynyl)benzamide; 3,5-Dichloro-N-(1 ,1 -dimethyl propynyl)benzamide; N-(1, 1 -Dim ethyl propynyl)-3,5-dichlorobenzamide; cycloate, S-ethyl N-ethylthiocyclohexanecarbamate (commercially referred to as Ro-Neetﬁ); triflu ralin; 2,6-Din itro-N,N-dipropyl(trifluoromethyl)an line; glyphosate; N- (phosphonomethyl)glycine; and derivatives thereof. In an even more particular embodiment, the one or more herbicides for use in accordance with this disclosure include pronamide, cycloate, trifluralin, and combinations thereof. Commercial products containing each of these compounds are readily available.

Herbicide concentration in the composition will generally correspond to the labeled use rate for a particular herbicide. Likewise, the particular herbicide concentration applied generally depends on the purpose for which the composition is to be applied. For example, the dosage and frequency of application can vary depending upon the type and severity of the weeds populating a particular area and the concentration of the one or more thaxtomins used in combination with the herbicide. In embodiments, one or more herbicides are applied to weeds and/or terrestrial and/or aquatic areas such that the herbicide concentration is in an amount of 0.5 ppm to 200 ppm. In another embodiment, one or more herbicides are applied to weeds, and/or terrestrial areas, and/or aquatic areas such that the herbicide concentration is applied in an amount of about 50 ppm to 120 ppm.

Methods The one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides may be used according to the methods provided herein. The methods include applying a predetermined amount of one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides to an area and/or environments populated with weeds to control, minimize and/or eliminate undesirable weeds. Non- limiting examples of weeds, as described herein, include grassy, sedge, and broadleaf weeds. In particular, non-limiting examples of weeds as described herein may include weeds from the genera Chenopod/um sp., Abution sp., Helianthus sp., Ambrosia sp., Amaranthus sp., Convolvu/us sp., Brass/ca sp., Taraxacum sp., So/anum sp., Ma/va sp., Setaria sp., Bromus tsp., Poe sp., Lolium sp., Festuca sp., Echinoch/oa sp., Capsella sp., Senec/o sp., Cicerbita sp., Son chus sp., S/nap/s sp., Erod/um sp., Med/ca go sp., Ur/tica sp., Plantago sp., Polygonum sp., Koch/a, sp., Cyperus sp., Eleusine sp., Cardam/ne sp., Portulaca sp., Spergula sp., lpomoea sp., Matricar/a sp., Cerast/um sp., Eragnost/s sp., Lam/urn sp., and Tr/anthema sp.. Even more particularly, non-limiting examples of weeds as described herein may include S/napis arvens/s, Common groundsel -- Senecio vu/garis, Mallow -- Ma/va sp., Common Mallow -- Ma/va neglecta, Red Stem Filaree -- Erod/um c/ctar/um, Sow Thistle -- Sonchus sp., Shepherd’s Purse -- Capsella bursa-pastoris, California Burclover -- Med/ca go po/ymorpha, Western Ragweed -- Ambrosia ps/lostachya, Common Ragweed - Ambrosia artem/s//fo//a, Burning Nettle -- Ur/t/ca urens, Buckhorn Plantain -- P/antago lanceo/ata, Knotweed -- Po/ygonum sp., Kochia -- Koch/a sp., Kochia -- Koch/a scoparia, Field Bindweed -- Convo/vu/us arvensis, Yellow Nutsedge -- Cyperus escu/entus, Livid Amaranth -- Amaranthus l/v/dus, Red root Pigweed -- Amaranthus retroflexus, Goosegrass -- Elus/ne /nd/ca, Common Purslane -- Small-Flowered Bittercress -- Cardam/ne pan/flora, Portu/aca oleracea, Corn Spurry -- Spergula arvens/s, Hairy Nightshade -- Solanum sarracho/des, Ivy-Leaved Morning Glory -- lponoea hederacea, Rayless Mayweed -- Matr/caria disco/dee, Common Lamb’s Quarters -- Chenopod/um album, Chickweed -- Cerastium sp., Mexican Lovegrass -- Eragnost/s Mexicana, Henbit -- Lam/urn amp/exicaule, Garden Pigweed -- Tr/anthema decandra, and Common Barnyard Grass - - Ech/noch/oa crus-galli.

The one or more thaxtomins and/or one or more herbicides may be in solution and/or solvated and made available to kill, control and/or minimize weeds. In embodiments, the one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides are in solution, and therefore available to penetrate the weeds and/or soil to make contact with the PCTIUS2012/062615 weeds in a bio-effective form. In one embodiment, the area in need of control comprises a terrestrial environment or aquatic environment an aqueous environment such as (e.g., salt water environments, fresh water environments, and/or brackish water environments, etc. (e.g., pools, aquariums, ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, creeks, estuaries, tidal basins, bays, oceans, etc.)).

In a particular embodiment, the area in need of control is a terrestrial environment. Non-limiting examples of terrestrial environments include soil environments, grass environments, and/or turf environments. Soil environments, as described herein, generally describe environments wherein the environment is a planting medium that is substantially soil. Non-limiting examples of soil environments may include, but are not meant to be limited by, crop fields corn fields, soybean fields, (e.g., wheat fields, barley fields, triticale fields, rye fields, sorghum fields, sugar cane fields, fruit fields, vegetable fields, potato fields, ornamental flower fields, etc.), home or residential gardens (e.g., ornamental flower gardens, vegetable gardens, fruit gardens, etc.), and greenhouse and/or potted environments. Grass environments, as described herein, may include, but is not intended to be limited by, grassy pastures, lawns, etc.

Turf environments, as described herein, may include, but is not intended to be limited by, golf courses, athletic fields, etc.

In an embodiment, the method comprises treating weeds comprising contacting weeds with of one or more thaxtomins in combination with one or more herbicides. In one embodiment, the method of treating weeds controls the growth of weeds. In still another embodiment, the method of treating weeds kills weeds. In still yet another embodiment, the weeds to be treated according to the method are pre-emergent weeds.

In a particular embodiment of the method for treating weeds, the one or more herbicides are selected from the group consisting of pronamide, cycloate, trifluralin, and combinations thereof.

According to the method, the one or more thaxtomins may contact the weed before or after the one or more herbicides. In another embodiment, the one or more thaxtomins contact the weed simultaneously with the one or more herbicides (e.g., one or more thaxtomins and the one or more herbicides are in solution together, the one or more thaxtomins and the one or more herbicides are applied separately but at the same time, etc.). In still another embodiment, the weeds are contacted with one or more thaxtomins as described herein and one or more herbicides before the weeds have emerged from the soil (i.e., pre-emergence). In another embodiment, the weeds are PCT/US201 2/062615 contacted with one or more thaxtomins as described herein and one or more herbicides after the weeds have emerged. In still another embodiment, the weeds are contacted with one or more thaxtomins as described herein and one or more herbicides before and after the weeds have emerged. According to the method, the contacting as described herein may be repeated. In one embodiment, the contacting is repeated daily (e.g., every day or every 24 hours), weekly (e.g., every 7 days or every 168 hours), every 2 weeks, every 4 weeks, every month, every two months, every 3 months, every 4 months, every 5 months, every 6 months, every 7 months, every 8 months, every 9 months, every 10 months, every 11 months, every 12 months, and/or every year. The contacting may occur according to any method known to those skilled in the art (e.g., applying, spraying, drenching, etc.). The combination of the one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides are applied until the treatment goals are obtained. However, the duration of the treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition. For example, treatments can last several days to weeks depending on whether the goal of treatment is to control, reduce, inhibit, and/or eliminate weed populations.

In still another embodiment the method comprises controlling the growth of weeds comprising contacting a soil with one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides. In one embodiment, the one or more herbicides are selected from the group consisting of pronamide, cycloate, trifluralin, and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the weeds to be treated are pre-emergent weeds.

According to the method, the one or more thaxtomins may contact the soil before or after the one or more herbicides. In another embodiment, the one or more thaxtomins contact the soil simultaneously with the one or more herbicides (e.g., the one or more thaxtomins and the one or more herbicides are in solution together, the one or more thaxtomins and the one or more herbicides are applied separately but at the same time, etc.). In still another embodiment, the soil is contacted with one or more thaxtomins as described herein and one or more herbicides before the weeds have emerged from the soil (i.e., pre-emergence). In another embodiment, the soil is contacted with one or more thaxtomins as described herein and one or more herbicides after the weeds have emerged. In still another embodiment, the soil is contacted with one or more thaxtomins as described herein and one or more herbicides before and after the weeds have emerged from the soil. According to the method, the contacting as described herein every day may be repeated. In one embodiment, the contacting is repeated daily (e.g., or every 24 hours), weekly (e.g., every 7 days or every 168 hours), every 2 weeks, every 4 weeks, every month, every two months, every 3 months, every 4 months, every 5 months, every 6 months, every 7 months, every 8 months, every 9 months, every 10 months, every 11 months, every 12 months, and/or every year. The contacting may occur according to any method known to those skilled in the art (e.g., applying, spraying, drenching, etc.). The combination of the one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides are applied until the treatment goals are obtained. However, the duration of the treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition. For example, treatments can last several days to weeks depending on whether the goal of treatment is to control, reduce, inhibit, and/or eliminate weed populations.

In another embodiment, the method comprises contacting terrestrial areas containing weeds with one or more thaxtomins in combination with one or more herbicides to improve weed control. In embodiments, areas in need of treatment or weed control such as terrestrial environments, including soil environments, grass environments, and/or turf environments, and/or aquatic environments, are treated by applying to these areas, one or more thaxtomin compositions in combination with one or more herbicides. The combination of the one or more thaxtomins and one or more herbicides are applied until the treatment goals are obtained. However, the duration of the treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition. For example, treatments can last several days to weeks depending on whether the goal of treatment is to control, reduce, inhibit, and/or eliminate weed populations.

EXAMPLES The following non-limiting examples further illustrate compositions, methods, and treatments in accordance with the present disclosure. It should be noted that the disclosure is not limited to the specific details embodied in the examples.

In the Examples and Tables provided infra, weeds will be referred to by their corresponding weed code. Table 1 provides the weed code, common name, and genus/species correspondence for the weeds tested.

Table 1. Weed Code, Common Name, and Genus/Species Correspondence.

Weed Code Common Name Genus/Species 1. SINAR Wild Mustard Sinapisarvensis 2. SENVU Common groundsel Senecio vulgaris Malvasp. 3. MALSS Mallow 4. MALNE Common Mallow Ma/va neg/ecta PCTIUS2012/062615 . EROCI Redstem Filaree Erodium cictarium 6. SONSS Sow Thistle Sonchus sp. 7. CAPBP Shepherd’s Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris 8. MEDPO California Burciover Medicago polymorpha 9. AMBPS Western Ragweed Ambrosia psiostachya . AMBEL Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia 11. URTUR Burning Nettle Uritica urens 12. PLALA Buckhorn Plantain Plantago lanceolata 13. POLSS Knotweed Polygonum sp. 14. KCHSS Kochia Kochia sp.

. KCHSC Kochia Kochia scoparia 16. CONAR Field Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis 17. CYPES Yellow Nutsedge Cyperus esculentus 18. AMALI Livid Amaranth Amaranthus lividus 19. AMARE Redroot Pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus . ELEIN Goosegrass Elusine indica 21. CARPA Small-Flowered Bittercress Cardamine parviflora 22. POROL Common Purslane Portulaca oleracea 23. SPRAR Corn Spurry Spergula arvensis 24. SOLSA Hairy Nightshade Solanum sarrachoides . IPOHE Ivy-Leaved Morning Glory /ponoea hederacea 26. MATMT Rayless Mayweed Matricaria discoidea 27. CHEAL Common Lamb’s Quarters Chenopodium album 28. CERSS Chickweed Cerastium sp. 29. ERAMX Mexican Lovegrass Era gnostis Mexicana LMAM . Hen bit Lamium amplexicaule 31. TRTDE Garden Pigweed Trianthema decandra 32. ECHCG Common Barnyard Grass Echinochloa crus-galli EXAMPLE I This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a thaxtomin bioherbicide alone and in combination with Kerbﬁ for control of broadleaf weed species in seeded lettuce along the Central California Coast. This study consisted of eight (8) treatments applied to a soil surface at a single application time (i.e., ’Time A").

Treatment applications were performed using a CO 2 backpack sprayer with a spray boom incorporating 2 XR TeeJetﬁ flat spray nozzles at 40 psi directed at the soil surface. Water incorporation was applied to the randomized plots by an 8 nozzle water boom.

The following treatments were applied and correspond to Tables 2-15: Treatment 1. Untreated check/control (designated as Treatment 2. Thaxtomin at 50 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; Treatment 3. Thaxtomin at 50 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 150 g ai/acre; Treatment 4. Thaxtomin at 50 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 200 g ai/acre; Treatment 5. Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at a rate of 4.0 lb/acre; Treatment 6. Thaxtomin at 50 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre in combination with Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at 3.0 lb/acre; Treatment 7. Thaxtomin at 50 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 150 g ai/acre in combination with Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at 2.0 lb/acre; and Treatment 8. Thaxtomin at 50 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 200 g ai/acre in combination with Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at 1.0 lb/acre.

Results are provided in Tables 2-15.

Table 2. Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at 2 weeks.

Trt. No. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 18.00a 7.50a 18.00a 1 -- -- 141.75a 188.75a 2 100 g ai/a A 5.25 c 0.75 b 0.00 b 0.00 c 3.50 c 3 150 g ai/a A 0.75 c 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 0.00 c 0.00 c 4 200 g ai/a A 0.25 c 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 4.0 lb/a A 36.50 b 83.50 b 6.75 b 1.25 b 11.75 b 0.00 c 6 100 g ai/a A 0.50 c 0.00 c 0.50 b 0.00 b 3.0 lb/a 0.00 c 7 150 g al/a A 0.00 c 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 2.0 lb./a - 200 g al/a A 0.25 c 0.25 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 0.00 c 1.0 lb/a Time "A" indicates application of treatments to the soil surface before the weed(s) has emerged.

Table 3. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 2 weeks.

SONSS Trt. No. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI 1 -- 0.00 -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 g al/a A 97.53 97.22 95.83 100.00 100.00 3 150 g al/a A 99.47 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 4 200 g al/a A 99.82 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 4.0 lb/a A 74.25 55.76 62.50 83.33 34.72 6 100 g al/a A 99.65 100.00 97.22 100.00 100.00 3.0 lb/a 7 150gai/a A 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 99.82 99.87 100.00 100.00 100.00 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 3 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 4.

Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at 4 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 1 -- -- 187.50 a 270.25a 24.00 a 11.75a 33.00a 2 100 g al/a A 18.75 c 5.25 c 1.75 b 0.00 b 0.25 C 150 g al/a A 12.25 c 0.25 b 0.00 C 3 0.00 c 0.50 b 4 200 g al/a A 6.75 c 0.00 c 1.00 b 0.25 b 0.25 C 18.50 b 4.0 lb/a A 39.25 b 145.25 b 8.00 b 1.50 b 6 100 g al/a A 4.00 c 0.25 c 1.75 b 0.00 b 0.25 C 3.0 lb/a 0.25 c 7 150 g al/a A 3.00 c 0.00 c 0.75 b 0.00 b 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 3.25 c 0.25 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 0.00 c 1.0 lb/a Trt. Rate Time CAPBP MEDPO AMBPS URTUR 1 -- -- 136.75 a 9.00 a 3.75 a 9.00 a 0.00 b 2 100 g al/a A 0.00 b 0.50 b 0.00 b 3 150 g al/a A 2.75 b 1.50 b 0.00 b 0.00 b 4 200 g al/a A 0.00 b 0.25 b 0.00 b 0.00 b 4.0 lb/a A 0.75b 2.00b 1.50b 0.00b 0.25 b 6 100 g al/a A 0.50 b 3.00 b 0.00 b 3.0 lb/a 0.00 b 7 150 gal/a A 0.00 b 1.25 b 0.00b 2.0 lb/a 0.25 b 0.00 b 0.00 b 8 200 g al/a A 0.00 b 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 4 are the same as those for Table 2.

PCTJUS2012/062615 Table 5. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 4 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 1 -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 g al/a A 90.00 92.71 100.00 99.24 98.06 3 150 g al/a A 93.47 100.00 97.92 97.87 100.00 4 200 g al/a A 96.40 100.00 95.83 97.87 99.24 4.0 lb/a A 79.07 46.25 66.67 87.23 43.94 6 100 g al/a A 97.87 99.91 92.71 100.00 99.24 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 98.40 100.00 96.88 100.00 99.24 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 98.27 99.91 100.00 100.00 100.00 lb/a Trt. Rate Time CAPBP MEDPO AMBPS URTUR 1 -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 A 100.00 al/a 100.00 94.44 100.00 3 150 g al/a A 97.99 100.00 100.00 83.33 4 200gai/a A 100.00 97.22 100.00 100.00 4.0 lb/a A 99.45 77.78 60.00 100.00 6 100 g al/a A 99.63 66.67 100.00 97.22 3.0 lb/a 7 150gai/a A 100.00 86.11 100.00 100.00 2.0 lb/a 8 200g al/a A 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.22 1.0lb/a Timings for Table 5 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 6. Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at 6 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 1 -- 34.75 a -- 193.25 a 287.50 a 25.25 a 12.00 a 2 100 gal/a A 2.75 b 0.50 c 21.25 bc 5.25 c 0.00 b 3 150 g al/a A 13.75 c 0.00 c 1.25 b 0.50 b 0.00 c 0.25 c 4 200 g al/a A 7.75 c 0.00 c 1.00 b 0.25 b 4.0 lb/a A 39.25 b 155.75 b 8.75 b 1.50 b 19.25 b 0.50 c 6 100 g al/a A 5.00 c 0.25 c 2.50 b 0.00 b 3.0 lb/a 0.25 c 7 150 g al/a A 4.25 c 0.00 c 0.75 b 0.00 b 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 0.25 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 0.00 C 6.00 c 1.0 lb/a AMBPS URTUR PLALA Trt. Rate Time CAPBP MEDPO 1 -- -- 162.25 a 18.00 a 5.25 a 40.00 a 3.50 a 2 100 gal/a A 1.75 b 2.50 b 0.00 c 2.00 b 1.00 b 150 gal/a A 0.25 b 0.75 b 3 3.50 b 1.75 b 0.00 C 4 200 g al/a A 0.75 b 0.50 b 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.25 b 4.0 lb/a A 7.25 b 4.50 b 2.75 b 1.00 b 0.00 b 6 100 g al/a A 2.50 b 3.75 b 0.00 c 0.75 b 0.00 b 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 0.00 b 1.25 b 0.00 c 0.50 b 0.00 b 2.0 lb/a 0.25 b 8 200 g al/a A 0.00 b 0.25 b 0.00 c 0.00 b 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 6 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 7. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 6 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 1 -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 98.56 2 100 al/a A 89.00 98.17 89.11 150 g al/a A 92.88 100.00 95305 95.83 100.00 97.92 99.28 4 200 g al/a A 95.99 100.00 96.04 A 79.69 45.83 65.35 87.50 44.60 4.0 lb/a 6 100 al/a A 97.41 99.91 90.10 100.00 98.56 3.0 lb/a 7 97.03 100.00 99.28 150 g al/a A 97.80 100.00 2.0 lb/a 100.00 100.00 100.00 8 200 g ai/a A 96.90 99.91 1.0 lb/a URTUR PLALA Trt. Rate Time CAPBP MEDPO AMBPS 0.00 1 -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 gal/a A 98.92 86.11 100.00 95.00 71.43 78.57 3 150 g al/a A 97.84 90.28 100.00 99.38 100.00 100.00 92.86 4 200 g al/a A 99.54 97.22 100.00 4.0 lb/a A 95.53 75.00 47.62 97.50 98.13 100.00 6 100 g al/a A 98.46 79.17 100.00 3.0 lb/a 100.00 98.75 100.00 7 150 g al/a A 100.00 93.06 2.0 lb/a 92.86 200 g al/a A 100.00 98.61 100.00 100.00 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 7 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 8. Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at weeks.

MALSS EROCI SONSS CAPBP Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU I ii;i 1 -- -- 201.25a 301.00a 28.25a 17.00a 38.75a 179.00a 2 100 gal/a A 1.00 b 1.75 c 10.50 b .25 bc 9.75 c 5.75 b 3 150 gaila A 16.00bc 1.25c 3.50b 1.25b 1.75c 9.00b 4 1.25 c 5.00 b 200 g al/a A 9.50 c 0.50 c 2.00 b 1.00 b 4.0 lb/a A 40.50 b 162.25 b 11.00 b 3.50 b 22.50 b 16.75 b 6 100 gal/a A 6.75 c 4.00 c 5.00 b 1.25 b 2.50 c 9.50 b 3.0 lb/a 7 1.75 b 1.00 c 3.50 b 150 gal/a A 6.75 c 1.75 c 3.25 b 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 9.25 c 1.00 c 2.00 b 0.50 b 1.25 c 2.25 b 1.0 lb/a Trt. Rate URTUR PLALA POLSS Time MEDPO AMBPS 1 -- 12.00 a 57.50 a 18.25 a 8.00 a -- 28.50 a 3.25 bc 2 100 g al/a A 8.75 b 3.25 c 7.50 b 6.75 b 150 g al/a 2.75 b 6.75 b 5.00 b 3 A 5.25 b 2.50 c 4 200 g al/a A 5.00 b 1.25 c 2.50 b 2.25 c 1.75 C 4.0 lb/a A 6.50 b 8.00 b 4.00 b 0.00 c 2.00 C 100 gal/a A 7.00 b 3.25 c 1.00 c 1.50 c 6 5.00 b 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 6.00 b 1.75 c 2.50 b 0.25 C 2.75 bc 2.0 lb/a 1.75 c 8 200 g al/a A 2.50 b 1.00 c 1.75 b 0.25 c 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 8 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 9. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 10 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 1 -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -- 0.00 94.12 95.48 2 100 g al/a A 87.45 96.76 79.65 150 g al/a A 92.05 87.61 92.65 95.48 3 99.58 4 200 g al/a A 95.28 99.83 92.92 94.12 96.77 41.94 4.0 lb/a A 79.88 46.10 61.06 79.41 100 g al/a A 98.67 82.30 92.65 93.55 6 96.65 3.0 lb/a 97.42 7 150 g al/a A 96.65 99.42 88.50 89.71 2.0 lb/a 96.77 8 200 g al/a A 95.40 99.67 92.92 97.06 1.0 lb/a PLALA POLSS Trt. Rate Time CAPBP MEDPO AMBPS URTUR 0.00 0.00 1 -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 72.92 86.96 63.01 59.38 2 100 g al/a A 94.13 69.30 37.50 150 gal/a A 94.97 81.58 79.17 95.22 63.01 PCT/US201 2/062615 4 200 g al/a A 97.21 82.46 89.58 95.65 87.67 78.13 4.0 lb/a A 90.64 77.19 93.04 100.00 75.00 33.33 6 100gai/a A 94.69 75.44 72.92 91.30 94.52 81.25 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 98.04 78.95 85.42 95.65 98.63 65.63 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 98.74 91.23 91.67 96.96 98.63 78.13 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 9 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 10. Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at 14 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS CAPBP 1 -- -- 204.00 a 309.75 a 30.25 a 19.25 a 41.25 a 191.75 a 100 gal/a A 30.25 bc 13.50 c 6.75 b 1.50 b 4.00 c 18.00 b 3 150 gal/a A 20.00 bc 1.50 b 3.25 c 11.25 b 3.00 c 3.50 b 4 200 g al/a A 11.25 c 2.75 c 2.75 b 1.75 b 1.50 c 8.25 b 4.0 lb/a A 41.25 b 170.75 b 12.00 b 4.25 b 25.25 b 23.50 b 6 100 g al/a A 7.50 c 1.75 b 4.25 c 17.75 b 8.25 c 6.50 b 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 7.25 c 4.25 c 3.75 b 2.75 b 1.50 c 6.25 b 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 11.25 c 2.75 c 2.225 b 0.50 b 2.25 c 5.00 b 1.0 lb/a Trt. Rate Time MEDPO AMBPS URTUR PLALA POLSS 1 -- -- 37.75 a 14.25 a 71.75 a 24.25 a 15.75 a 2 100 gal/a A 11.25 b 7.75 b 12.75 b 4.25 bc 13.25 b 3 150gai/a A 10.00b 4.00bc 8.25b 10.00b 7.50b 4 200 g al/a A 7.75 b 2.00 c 5.50 b 5.00 c 4.25 b 4.0 lb/a A 11.25 b 11.25 a 6.75 b 1.75 c 9.00 b 6 100 g al/a A 10.00 b 7.00 b 8.75 b 3.00 c 5.50 b 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 8.75 b 2.50 c 5.75 b 2.25 c 4.50 b 2.0 lb/a __________ __________ ______ 4.75b 8 200gai/a A 4.00b 1.75c 4.25b 1.50c 1.0 lb/a ______ Timings for Table 10 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 11. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 14 weeks.

CAPBP Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 0.00 I -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 92.21 90.30 90.61 2 100 g al/a A 85.17 95.64 77.69 150 g al/a A 90.20 99.03 88.43 92.21 92.12 94.13 PCT[US2012/062615 200 gal/a A 94.49 99.11 90.91 90.91 96.36 95.70 4.0 lb/a A 79.78 87.74 44.87 60.33 77.92 38.79 6 100 g ai/a A 96.38 97.34 78.51 90.91 89.70 90.74 3.0 lb/a 150 g al/a A 96.45 98.63 87.60 85.71 96.36 96.74 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g ai/a A 94.49 99.11 92.56 97.40 1 94.55 97.39 1.0 lb/a Irt. Rate Time MEDPO AMPS PLALA POLSS URTUR 1 -- 0.00 -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 g al/a A 66.23 70.18 81.53 53.61 50.79 150 gal/a 3 A 73.51 71.93 88.50 58.76 52.38 4 200 g aila A 79.47 92.33 79.38 73.02 85.96 4.0 lb/a A 70.20 21.05 90.59 92.78 42.86 6 100 g al/a A 73.51 87.80 87.63 50.88 65.08 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 76.82 82.46 91.99 90.72 71.43 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 89.40 87.72 94.08 93.81 69.84 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 11 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 12. Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR SEN VU MALSS EROCI SONSS CAPBP MEDPO 1 -- -- 204.75 a 311.00 a 19.50 a 41.50 a 192.25 a 41.50 a .50 a 2 100 g ai/a A 31.75 bc 14.25 c 7.75 b 2.25 b 4.25 c 18.50 b 14.50 b 3 150 gal/a A 12.75 b 11.50 b 21.25 bc 3.25 c 4.00 b 1.75 b 3.50 c 4 200 g al/a A 11.25 bc 3.50 c 3.00 b 1.75 b 1.50 c 8.50 b 8.50 b 4.0 lb/a A 41.25 b 172.50 b 13.00 b 4.25 b 25.50 b 25.00 b 13.75 b 19.75 b 11.00 b 6 100 gal/a A 8.00 c 8.75 c 7.00 b 1.75 b 4.25 c 3.0 lb/a 7 150 g ai/a 2.00 c 6.25 b 10.00 b A 7.25 c 4.75 c 4.50 b 2.75 b 2.0 lb/a 2.25 c 4.25 b 8 200 g al/a A 11.50 c 2.75 c 2.25 b 0.50 b 5.50 b 1.0 lb/a Trt Rate Time AMBPS URTUR PLALA POLSS KCHSS CONAR I -- 77.50 a 27.50 a 18.25 a 1.00 a 2.25a -- 15.75 a 2.50 a 2 100 g ai/a A 5.25 cd 16.75 b 13.25 b 8.50 b 0.50 a 2.50 a 3 150 g al/a A 4.00 cd 9.75 b 12.00 b 8.50 b 0.25 a 4.25 b 0.25 a 1.50 a 4 200 g al/a A 2.00 d 7.00 c 6.00 c 9.25 b 1.00 a 1.25 a 4.0 lb/a A 12.00 b 8.00 c 1.75 c 1.00 a 2.00 a 6 100 gal/a A 7.50 c 10.00 c 3.00 c 5.75 b 3.0 lb/a 7 7.75 c 2.25 c 5.50 b 0.75 a 1.25 a 150 g al/a A 3.50 cd 2.0 lb/a 1.75 c 5.25 b 0.00 a 0.50 a 8 200 g al/a A 1.75 d 5.75 c 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 12 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 13. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 20 weeks.

CAPBP MEDPO Trt. Rate Time SINAR SENVU MALSS EROCI SONSS 0.00 0.00 1 -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 g al/a A 84.49 95.42 74.59 88.46 89.76 90.38 65.06 93.37 72.29 3 150 gal/a A 89.62 98.95 86.89 91.03 91.57 90.16 91.03 96.39 95.58 79.52 4 200 gal/a A 94.51 98.87 66.87 4.0 lb/a A 79.85 44.53 57.38 78.21 38.55 87.00 89.73 73.49 6 100 gal/a A 96.09 97.19 77.05 1.03 89.76 3.0 lb/a 95.18 96.75 75.90 7 150 g al/a A 96.46 98.47 85.25 85.90 2.0 lb/a 99.12 92.62 97.44 94.58 97.14 89.76 8 200 g al/a A 94.38 1.0 lb/a POLSS KCHSS CONAR Trt. Rate Time AMBPS URTUR PLALA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 I -- -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 gal/a A 66.67 78.39 51.82 53.42 50.00 87.42 53.42 75.00 0.00 3 150 g al/a A 74.60 56.36 33.33 A 87.30 90.97 78.18 76.71 75.00 4 200 g al/a 44.44 4.0 lb/a A 23.81 89.68 93.64 49.32 0.00 68.49 0.00 11.11 6 100 gal/a A 52.38 87.10 89.09 3.0 lb/a 44.44 77.78 90.00 91.82 69.86 25.00 7 150 gal/a A 2.0 lb/a 100.00 77.78 200 gal/a A 88.89 92.58 93.64 71.23 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 13 are the same as those for Table 2.

Total Weed Count. Average total broadleaf weed count listed by date per Table 14. treatment.

Week 20 Week 6 Week 10 Week 14 Trt. No. Rate Time Week 2 Week 4 983.25 a 1 -- -- 374.00 a 685.00 a 793.75 a 889.50 a 960.00 a 2 100 g al/a A 9.50 c 26.50 c 37.00 c 83.50 c 123.25 c 140.00 C 3 150 g al/a A 0.75 c 17.25 c 22.25 c 55.00 cd 82.25 Cd 95.00 cd 4 200 gal/a A 0.25 c 11.00 c 32.00 cd 52.75 d 59.00 d 8.50 c 4.0 lb/a A 139.75 b 216.75 b 241.50 b 277.00 b 317.00 b 328.50 b 89.75 Cd 6 100 g al/a A 1.00 c 10.00 c 15.25 c 46.75 cd 80.25 cd 3.0 lb/a 7 150 gal/a A 7.00 c 31.25 cd 49.50 d 58.50 d 0.00 c 5.25 c 2.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 3.75 6.75 23.50 d 40.25 d 44.00 d 0.50 C C C 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 14 are the same as those for Table 2.

Table 15. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by date per treatment.

Trt. No. Rate Time Week 2 Week 4 Week 6 Week 10 Week 14 Week 20 1 -- 0.00 0.00 -- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 100 g al/a A 97.46 96.13 95.34 90.61 87.16 85.76 3 150 g al/a A 99.80 97.48 97.20 93.82 91.43 90.34 94.00 4 200 g al/a A 99.93 98.76 98.61 96.40 94.51 4.0 lb/a A 62.63 68.36 69.57 68.86 66.98 66.59 90.87 6 100 g al/a A 99.73 98.54 98.08 94.74 91.64 3.0 lb/a 94.05 7 150 g al/a A 100.00 99.23 99.12 96.49 94.84 2.0 lb/a 95.71 95.53 8 200 g al/a A 99.87 99.45 99.15 97.36 1.0 lb/a Timings for Table 15 are the same as those for Table 2.

Evaluations consisted of a stand count and weed Counts identified by species evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20. Tables 14 and 15 reflect the average total weed count and average percent control for all weeds when soils were subjected to treatments according to the timing indicated at weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20 respectively (provided in Tables 2-13). Tables 14 and 15 indicate that treatments 2-8 provided improvement over the control. Tables 14 and 15 also indicate that treatments 6-8 (thaxtomin + Kerbﬁ) provide improvement in controlling weeds over treatment 5 (Kerbﬁ 4 lb/a alone) at weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20.

Tables 14 and 15 also indicate that treatment 6 (thaxtomin 100 g ai/a + Kerbﬁ 3 lb/a) provided improved weed control over treatment 2 (thaxtomin 100 g ai/a) at weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20 and treatment 3 (thaxtomin 150 g ai/i) at weeks 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20.

Tables 14 and 15 further show that treatment 7 (thaxtomin 150 g ai/a + Kerbﬁ 2 lb/a) provided improved weed control over treatments 2, 3, and treatment 4 (thaxtomin 200 g ai/a) at weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20. Finally, Tables 14 and 15 indicate that treatment 8 (thaxtomin 200 g ai/a + Kerbﬁ 1 lb/a) provided improved weed control over treatments 2 and 3 at weeks 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20 and treatment 4 at weeks 4, 6, 10, 14, and 20.

EXAMPLE 2 This study was conducted in Florida (USA) and consisted of eight (8) treatments made at a single application time (i.e., "Time A’). The trial was conducted identify the benefits of the chemical standard herbicide (Kerbﬁ - Pronamide by Dow AgroSciences) when combined with thaxtomin for improved weed control efficacy and weed spectrum to decrease the application rate of Kerbﬁ in an attempt to decrease the plant restrictions for Kerbﬁ applications.

Treatment applications were made with a CO 2 powered backpack sprayer using 11015 flat fan nozzles applying 628.5 gallons per acre at 80 psi. The treatments consisted of an untreated check, Kerbﬁ, thaxtomin and Kerbﬁ combinations with thaxtomin treatments. The following treatments were applied and correspond to Tables 16-19: Treatment 1. Untreated check/control (designated as Treatment 2. Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at a rate of 2.5 lb/acre; Treatment 3. Thaxtomin at 86 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; Treatment 4. Thaxtomin at 86 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 150 g ai/acre; Treatment 5. Thaxtomin at 86 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 200 g ai/acre; Thaxtomin at 86 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre Treatment 6. in combination with Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at 2.0 lb/acre; Treatment 7. Thaxtomin at 86 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 150 g ai/acre in combination with Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at 1.0 lb/acre; and Treatment 8. Thaxtomin at 86 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 200 g ai/acre in combination with Kerbﬁ applied as a spray at 0.5 lb/acre.

Weed control evaluations were carried out by species and evaluated at 20 days after planting (DAP), 34 DAP, 50 DAP, and 71 DAP respectively. Results are provided in Tables 16-19.

Table 16. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 20 DAP.

Trt. No. Rate Time AMALI ELEIN 1 -- -- 0.00b 0.00b 100.00 a 2 2.5 lb/a A 100.00 a lOOgai/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 4 lSOgai/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 200gai/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 6 lOOgai/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 2.0 lb/a 7 150gai/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 1.0 lb/a ______ 200gai/a A -r6 0.00 a 100.00 a 0.5 lb/a Time "A" indicates application of treatments to the soil surface before the weed(s) has emerged.

Table 17. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 34 DAP.

AMALI ELEIN CARPA AMBEL Trt. No. Rate Time 1 -- 0.00 c 0.00 b -- 0.00 c 0.00 c 2 2.5 lb/a A 88.8 b 95.0 b 81.3 b 58.8 a A 87.5 b 91.3 a 80.0 a 3 100 g ai/a 95.0 b 4 150 g ai/a A 98.8 a 97.5 ab 96.3 a 97.5 a 100.0 a 200 g ai/a A 98.8 a 100.0 a 100.0 a 100 g ai/a A 98.8 a 98.8 ab 93.8 a 92.0 a 2.0 lb/a 7 150 g ai/a A 100.0 a 100.0 a 96.3 a 93.8 a 1.0 lb/a 100.0 a 75.0 a 8 200 g ai/a A 100.0 a 100.0 a 0.5 lb/a Timings for Table 17 are the same as those for Table 16.

Table 18. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 50 DAP.

AMBEL Trt. No. Rate Time AMALI ELEIN CARPA 1 -- -- 0.00 c 0.00 c 0.00 c 0.00 c 77.5 b 57.5 b 2 2.5 lb/a A 66.3 b 88.8 b 91.3 a 3 100 gal/a A 73.8 b 94.5 a 86.3 ab 4 150 gal/a A 91.3 a 96.5 a 93.8 a 95.8 a 200 g al/a A 98.0 a 98.0 a 98.0 a 98.5 a 100 g al/a A 6 87.0 a 96.5 a 95.5 a 89.5 a 2.0 lb/a 7 150 g al/a A 97.3 a 97.5 a 97.3 a 94.0 a 1.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 95.3 a 98.0 a 97.3 a 96.0 a 0.5 lb/a Timings for Table 18 are the same as those for Table 16.

Table 19. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 71 DAP.

Trt. No. Rate Time AMALI ELEIN CARPA AMBEL 1 - -- 0.00 c 0.00 c 0.00 C 0.00 c 2 2.5 lb/a A 87.5 b 67.5 b 50.0 b 56.3 b 3 100 gal/a A 66.3 b 93.8 a 81.3 a 83.8 a 4 150 g al/a A 83.8 a 95.0 a 92.5 a 88.8 a 200 g al/a A 92.5 a 93.8 a 93.8 a 95.0 a 6 100 gal/a A 81.3 a 95.0 a 87.5 a 80.0 a 2.0 lb/a 7 150 gal/a A 91.3 a 95.0 a 92.5 a 86.3 a 1.0 lb/a 8 200 g al/a A 90.0 a 95.0 a 92.5 a 92.5 a 0.5 lb/a Timings for Table 19 are the same as those for Table 16.

Tables 16-19 indicate that treatments 6-8 (combinations of Kerbﬁ applied at lower rates with the same rates of thaxtomin in treatments 2-5) improved the weed control compared to treatment 2 (Kerbﬁ at the higher rate of 2.5 lb/a). Overall, treatment 5 (thaxtomin 200 g al/A) slightly outperformed or equaled the performance of treatments 6-8 for controlling weeds over the weed spectrum present in this trial.

EXAMPLE 3 Thaxtomin was applied alone and in combination as a pre-emergence application with Kerbﬁ 50-W (Pronamide) to evaluate weed control and synergies at different rates and application timings while improving weed control efficacy and weeds controlled in combination if they were not controlled alone. Eight (8) treatments were applied at four distinct application times (i.e., "A", "B", "C", and "D"). The treatments consisted of the following applications of an untreated control/check, thaxtomin alone at various concentrations, Kerbﬁ 50-W (Pronamide) herbicide from Dow AgroSciences LLC at various concentrations, and combinations of thaxtomin and Kerbﬁ 50-W herbicide at various concentrations.

PCTIIJS2012/062615 Experimental treatments were applied at pre-emergence, before crop emergence, at crop emergence, and at 2-leaf stage. Treatment applications were performed using a CO 2 backpack sprayer with a spray boom incorporating 2 XR TeeJetﬁ flat spray nozzles at 40 psi directed at the soil surface. Water incorporation was applied to the randomized plots by an 8 nozzle water boom.

The following treatments were applied and correspond to Tables 20-29: Treatment 1. Untreated check/control (designated as Treatment 2. Thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; Treatment 3. Kerbﬁ 50-W applied as a spray at a rate of 4.0 lb/acre at pre- emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre at prior to emergence; Treatment 4. Kerbﬁ 50-W applied as a spray at a rate of 4.0 lb/acre at pre- emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre at emergence; Kerbﬁ 50-W applied as a spray at a rate of 4.0 lb/acre at pre- Treatment 5. emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g a i/acre at the 2-leaf stage; Treatment 6. Thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 25g ai/acre with Kerbﬁ 50-W applied as a spray at a rate of 4.0 lb/acre at pre-emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre at emergence; Treatment 7. Thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 50g ai/acre with Kerbﬁ 50-W applied as a spray at a rate of 4.0 lb/acre at pre-emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a spray at a rate of 100 g ai/acre at emergence; and Kerbﬁ 50-W applied as a spray at a rate of 4.0 lb/acre.

Treatment 8.

Evaluations consisted of a stand count and weed counts identified by species and evaluated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks from the date of "Time A." Results are provided in Tables 20-29.

Table 20. Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at 2 weeks.

POROL CAPBP SENVU AMARE Trt. Rate Time SINAR 172.00 a 89.75 a 58.50 b 191.00 a 1 -- -- 29.25 a PCTJUS2012/062615 2 100 g aila A 1.75 b 0.50 b 0.00 c 8.75 b 1.75 b 3 4.0 lb/a A 1.00b 0.00b 1.50c 0.25b 0.50b lOOgai/a B 4.0 lb/a A 1.00 b 0.00 b 0.50 c 0.75 b 0.50 b lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 3.25 b 0.00 b 40.75 bc 2.00 b 0.00 b lOOgai/a D 6 25 g al/a A 0.00 b 0.00 b 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 7 50 g al/a A 0.25 b 0.00 b 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.00 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 7.75 b 0.00 b 127.75 a 12.50 b 0.00 b Trt. Rate Time SPRAR SOLSA KCHSC MALNE IPOHE 1 -- -- 4.75a 28.25a 18.75a 4.75a 1.75a 2 100 g al/a A 0.25 a 8.75 b 7.75 b 4.25 a 0.00 b 3 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 a 0.25 c 2.25 b 0.00 b 0.00 b lOOgai/a B 4 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 a 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.00 c 0.00 b lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 a 0.50 c 0.00 b 0.75 bc 0.00 b lOOgai/a D 6 25 g al/a A 0.00 a 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.75 bc 0.00 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 7 50 g al/a A 0.00 a 0.00 c 0.00 b 0.00 c 0.00 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 a 0.25 c 0.00 b 2.00 bc 0.00 b Time "A" indicates application of treatments to the soil surface before the weed(s) has emerged.

Time "B" indicates application of treatments to the soil surface before the crop of interest (Lactuca sat/va) emerged. Time "C" indicates application of treatments to the soil surface at the time the crop of interest (Lactuca sativa) emerged. Time "D" indicated treatments to the soil surface at the time when the crop of interest (Lactuca sat/va) reached the 2-leaf stage.

Table 21. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 2 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR CAPBP SEN VU AMARE POROL 1 -- -- 0.00 g 0.00 c 0.00 e 0.00 g 0.00 d 2 100 g ai/a A 94.02 d 99.44 b 100.00 a 95.42 e 98.98 c 3 4.0 lb/a A 96.58 c 100.00 a 97.44 c 99.87 b 99.71 b lOOgai/a B 4.0 lb/a A 96.58 e 100.00 a 99.15 b 99.61 c 99.71 b lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a 100.00 a A 88.89 a 100.00 a 30.34 d 98.95 d lUOgai/a D 6 25 g al/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 7 50 g al/a A 99.15 b 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 4.0 lb/a A 100 gal/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 73.50 f 100.00 a 0.00 e 93.46 f 100.00 a Trt. Rate Time SPRAR SOLSA KCHSC MALNE IPOHE 1 -- -- 0.00 C 0.00 e 0.00 c 0.00 f 0.00 b 2 100 al/a A 94.74b 58.67b 10.53e 100.00 a 69.03d 3 4.0 lb/a A 100.00 a 99.12 b 100.00 a 52.63 d 100.00 a lOOgai/a B 4 4.0 lb/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 100.00 a 98.23 c 100.00 a 84.21 b 100.00 a lOOgai/a D 6 25 g al/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 84.21 b 100.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 7 50 g al/a A 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 100.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 8 4.0 lb/a A 100.00 a 99.12 b 100.00 a 57.89 c 100.00 a Timings for Table 21 are the same as those for Table 20.

Table 22.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR CAPBP SENVU AMARE POROL SPRAR SOLSA No . __ _____ 1 -- -- 29.50 a 101.25 194.50 180.00 6.00 a 31.25 a 63.50 b a a 2 100 g A 3.25 b 15.00 a 1.75 b 17.75 b 7.75 b 2.00 a 15.25 b al/a 2.75 3 4.0 lb/a A 1.00 b 25.25 a 6.50 b 6.00 b 1.00 b 0.00 a C 100 B al/a 1.25 c 4 4.0 lb/a A 1.75 b 9.50 a 9.50 b 1.75 b 0.75 b 0.00 a 100 C al/a 4.0 lb/a 6.75 b 0.25 b 0.00 a 0.50 C A 3.75 b 10.50 a 64.75 b 100 0 al/a g al/a A 15.75 a 4.75 b 3.25 b 0.00 b 0.00 a 1.25 c 6 0.50 b 4.0 lb/a A 100 C al/a 7 50 g al/a A 0.25 b 5.75 a 1.25 b 0.50 b 0.50 b 0.00 a 0.25 C 4.0 lb/a A 100 C ai/a 8 4.0 lb/a A 8.25 b 14.00 a 153.50 18.50 b 0.00 b 0.00 a 1.50 c Trt Rate Time KCHSC MALNE IPOHE MATMT CHEAL CERSS 1 -- -- 23.50 a 5.25 ab 1.75 a 6.00 b 14.75 a 2.50 a 2 100 g 4.75 b 4.50 a A 30.75 a 11.75 a 0.00 b 1.75 bc al/a 3 4.0 lb/a A 0.75 b 6.75 ab 1.75 c 8.25 ab 1.25 a 0.00 b 100 B al/a 4 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 b 5.00 ab 0.00 b 0.50 c 10.00 ab 0.50 a al/a 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 b 3.25 b 0.00 b 0.75 c 2.75 b 1.00 a 100 0 al/a 1.50 a 6 25 g al/a A 0.25 b 5.00 ab 0.00 b 2.75 bc 8.00 ab 4.0 lb/a A 100 C al/a 7 50 g al/a A 0.75 b 3.75 b 0.00 b 0.50 c 4.75 b 0.50 a 4.0 lb/a A 100 C al/a 8 1 4.0 lb/a I A 1 0.00 b 1 3.50b 1 0.00 b 1 10.00 a 1 6.00 b 1 1.00 a Timings for Table 22 are the same as those for Table 20.

Table 23. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 4 weeks.

Trt Rate Time SINAR CAPBP SENVU AMARE POROL SPRAR SOLSA No . __ _____ 1 -- -- 0.00 h 0.00 h 0.00 f 0.00 h 0.00 q 0.00 c 0.00 g 66.67 b 51.20 f 2 100 g A 88.98 85.19 e 97.24 b 90.87 f 95.69 f al/a e 96.92 d 99.44 e 100.00 91.20 e 3 4.0 lb/a A 96.61 c 75.06 g 89.76 d 100 B al/a 4 4.0 lb/a A 94.07 90.62 b 85.04 e 99.10 b 99.58 d 100.00 96.00 c 100 C d al/a 98.40 b 4.0 lb/a A 87.29 f 89.63 c 0.00 f 96.53 e 99.86 b 100.00 100 0 a al/a 98.31 84.44 f 92.52 c 98.33 c 100.00 100.00 96.00 c 6 25 g al/a A 4.0lb/a A b a a 100 C al/a 99.72 c 100.00 99.20 a 7 50 g al/a A 99.15 94.32 a 98.03 a 99.74 a 4.0lbla A a 100 C al/a 100.00 100.00 95.20 d 8 4.0 lb/a A 72.03 86.17 d 0.00 f 90.49 g CHEAL CERSS Trt Rate Time KCHSC MALNE IPOHE MATMT 0.00 g 0.00 e 1 -- -- 0.00 d 0.00 e 0.00 b 0.00 e 2 100 g A 0.00 d 0.00 e 100.00 70.83 c 67.80 b 0.00 e al/a a 44.07 e 50.00 c 3 4.0 lb/a A 96.81 c 0.00 e 100.00 70.83 c 100 B a al/a 91.67a 32.20f 80.00a 4 4.0lb/a A 100.00a 4.76d 100.00 100 C a al/a 100.00 84.50 b 81.36 a 60.00 b 4.0 lb/a A 100.00 a 38.10 a 100 D a al/a 54.17 d 45.76 d 40.00 d 6 25 g al/a A 98.94 b 4.76 d 100.00 4.0 lb/a A a 100 C al/a 100.00 91.67 a 67.80 b 80.00 a 7 50 gal/a A 96.81 c 28.57 c 4.0 lb/a A a 100 C 100.00 0.00 e 59.32 c 60.00 b 8 4.0 lb/a A 100.00 a 33.33 b Timings for Table 23 are the same as those for Table 20.

Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at Table 24. Weed Count. 6 weeks.

AMARE Trt. Rate Time SINAR CAPBP SENVU 74.50 b 206.50 a 1 -- -- 29.75 a 116.00 a .25 b 2.50 C 19.50 b 2 100 g al/a A 3.50 b 8.00 b 4.0 lb/a A 1.50 b 32.75 b 8.00 c lOOgai/a 4.25b 4 4.0lb/a A 1.75b 14.75b 12.00c bOOgai/a C 14.00 b 69.00 b 7.75 b 4.0 lb/a A 4.00 b lOOgai/a D 4.50 b 19.75 b 6.00 c 6 25 g ai/a A 0.75 b 4.0 lb/a A 100 gal/a 7 50 g al/a A 0.75 b 7.50 b 1.75 c 1.25 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 8.50 b 19.75 b 163.25 a 20.75 b Trt. Rate Time POROL SPRAR SOLSA KCHSC 1 -- -- 190.00a 6.75a 35.50 27.25a 2 100 g al/a A 10.00 b 2.00 a 16.00 33.50 a 3 4.0lb/a A 1.50b 0.00a 3.25 1.25b lOOgai/a B 4 4.0 lb/a A 1.25 b 0.00 a 1.50 0.25 b lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 0.50 b 0.75 b 0.00 a 0.50 lOOgai/a D 6 25 gal/a A 1.25 b 0.00 a 1.75 0.50 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 7 50 g ai/a A 0.75 b 0.00 a 0.75 1.00 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 8 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 b 0.00 a 2.00 0.00 b Trt. Rate Time MALNE IPOHE MATMT CHEAL 18.50a I -- -- 6.75ab 1.75a 11.00a 2 100 g al/a 3.25 b 12.50 a A 12.25 a 0.00 b 3 4.0 lb/a A 7.50 ab 0.00 b 5.25 b 14.75 a lOOgai/a B 18.25 a 4 4.0 lb/a A 5.75 ab 0.00 b 2.00 b lOOgai/a C 6.75 a 4.0 lb/a A 4.25 b 0.00 b 2.50 b lOOgai/a D g al/a A 6.25 ab 5.75 b 18.75 a 6 0.00 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 7 A 5.25 ab 0.00 b 1.75 b 12.25 a 50 g al/a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 4.00 b 0.00 b 14.75 a 8.50 a Trt. Rate Time CERSS MEDPO POLSS SONSS 1 -- -- 4.25 a 2.25 a 1.00 a 0.50 a 2.00 a 0.00 a 2 100 g al/a A 5.25 a 0.50 a 1.75a 1.50 a 0.00 a 0.25a 3 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a B 0.25a 4 4.0lb/a A 1.75a 1.50a 0.00a 100 gal/a C 4.0 lb/a A 1.25 a 0.50 a 0.00 a 0.00 a lOOgai/a 0 6 25 g al/a A 1.75 a 0.75 a 0.00 a 0.50 a 4.0 lb/a A 100 gaila C 0.00 a 7 50 g ai/a A 1.25 a 0.25 a 0.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 1.75a 8 4.0lb/a A 1.25a 1.75a 0.00a Timings for Table 24 are the same as those for Table 20.

Table 25. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 6 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR CAPBP SENVU AMARE 1 -- -- 0.00 g 0.00 g 0.00 g 0.00 h 96.64 b 90.56 f 2 100 g al/a A 88.24 d 82.54 e A 94.96 b 71.77 f 89.26 d 96.13 e 3 4.0 lb/a lOOgai/a B 4 4.0 lb/a A 94.12 c 87.28 c 83.89 e 97.94 b lOOgai/a 4.0 lb/a A 86.55 e 87.93 b 7.38 f 96.25 d lOOgai/a 0 91.95 c 97.82 c 6 25 g al/a A 97.48 a 82.97 d 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 97.65 a 99.39 a 7 50 g al/a A 97.48 a 93.53 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 71.43 f 82.97 d 0.00 g 89.95 g Trt. Rate Time POROL SPRAR SOLSA KCHSC 1 -- -- 0.00 f 0.00 c 0.00 h 0.00 f 54.93 g 0.00 f 2 100 g al/a A 94.74 e 70.37 b 100.00 a 90.85f 95.41 e 3 4.0 lb/a A 99.21 d lOOgai/a B 100.00 a 95.77 c 99.08 b 4 4.0 lb/a A 99.34 c lOOgai/a C 98.17 c 4.0 lb/a A 99.61 b 100.00 a 98.59 a lOOgai/a 0 98.17 c 6 25 g al/a A 99.34 c 100.00 a 95.07 d 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 100.00 a 97.89 b 96.33 d 7 50 g al/a A 99.61 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 100.00 a 100.00 a 94.37 e 100.00 a 8 4.0 lb/a A MATMT CHEAL Trt. Rate Time MALNE IPOHE 1 -- -- 0.00 f 0.00 b 0.00 g 0.00 g 2 100 g al/a A 0.00 f 100.00 a 70.45 d 32.43 d 3 4.0 lb/a A 0.00 f 100.00 a 52.27 e 20.27 e lOOgai/a B 4.0 lb/a A 14.81 d 100.00 a 81.82 b 1.35f lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 37.04 b 100.00 a 77.27 c 63.51 a lOOgai/a D 6 25 g al/a A 7.41 e 100.00 a 47.73 f 0.00 g 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 7 50 g al/a A 22.22 c 100.00 a 84.09 a 33.78 c 4.0 lb/a A 100 gal/a C 54.05 b 8 4.0 lb/a A 40.74 a 100.00 a 0.00 g Trt. SONSS Rate Time CERSS MEDPO POLSS 1 -- 0.00 c -- 0.00 c 0.00 f 0.00 b 2 100 g al/a A 77.78 b 0.00 b 100.00 a 0.00 c 3 4.0 lb/a A 58.82 b 33.33 d 100.00 a 50.00 b lOOgai/a B 100.00 a 50.00 b 4 4.0 lb/a A 58.82 b 33.33 d lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 70.59 a 77.78 b 100.00 a 100.00 a lOOgai/a D 6 25 g al/a A 58.82 b 66.67 c 100.00 a 0.00 C 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 100.00 a 7 50 g al/a A 70.59 a 88.89 a 100.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 8 4.0 lb/a A 70.59 a 22.22 e 100.00 a 0.00 c Timings for Table 25 are the same as those for Table 20.

Table 26. Weed Count. Average broadleaf weed counts listed by species per treatment at 8 weeks.

Trt. Rate Time SINAR CAPBP SENVU AMARE 1 -- -- 29.75a 119.00a 78.25b 208.00a .00 b 2 100 g al/a A 3.50 b 21.50 b 3.00 c 3 4.0 lb/a A 1.50 b 34.50 b 8.00 c 9.50 b lOOgai/a B 4.50 b 4 4.0 lb/a A 2.00 b 16.50 b 13.00 c lOOgai/a C .50 b 71.25 b 8.25 b 4.0 lb/a A 4.25 b _____ lOOgai/a D 21.25 b 6.50 c 5.25 b 6 25 g al/a A 0.75 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 7 2.25 c 1.25 b 50 g al/a A 0.75 b 8.75 b 4.0 lb/a A 100 gal/a C 166.25 a 20.75 b 8 4.0 lb/a A 8.50 b 22.00 b Trt. SPRAR SOLSA KCHSC Rate Time POROL 1 -- -- 193.75 a 6.75 a 36.00 a 28.00 a 2 100 g al/a A 10.75 b 2.00 a 16.25 b 33.75 a 3.25 c 1.25 b 3 4.0 lb/a A 2.25 b 0.00 a lOOgai/a B 4 4.0 lb/a A 1.25b 0.00 a 1.50 c 0.50b lOOgai/a C 0.75 b 4.0 lb/a A 1.00 b 0.00 a 0.50 c lOOgai/a D 0.75 b 6 25 g al/a A 1.50 b 0.00 a 2.00 c 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 0.75 c 1.25 b 7 50 g al/a A 1.25 b 0.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 2.00 c 0.00 b 8 4.0 lb/a A 0.25 b 0.00 a MATMT CHEAL Trt. Rate Time MALNE IPOHE 1.75a 13.25a 19.75a 1 -- -- 7.50ab 2 100 g al/a A 13.00 a 0.00 b 3.50 b 12.50 a .75 b 16.00 a 3 4.0 lb/a A 8.50 ab 0.00 b lOOgai/a B 4.25 b 19.25 a 4 4.0 lb/a A 6.25 ab 0.00 b lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 5.50 b 0.00 b 3.00 b 7.75 a lOOgai/a D 19.75 a 6 25 al/a A 7.00 ab 0.00 b 6.00 b 4.0 lb/a lOOgai/a C 12.50 a 7 50 g al/a A 5.25 b 0.00 b 2.00 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 9.50a 8 4.0 lb/a A 4.50b 0.00b 15.50b POLSS SONSS Trt. Rate Time CERSS MEDPO 1.00 a 0.50 a 1 -- -- 5.25 a 2.25 a A 5.75 a 0.50 a 2.00 a 0.00 a 2 100 g al/a 0.00 a 0.25 a 4.0 lb/a A 2.00 a 1.50 a lOOgai/a B 4 4.0 lb/a A 2.75a 1.50a 0.00a 0.25a lOOgai/a C 0.00 a 4.0 lb/a A 1.75 a 0.50 a 0.00 a lOOgai/a D 0.50 a 6 25 g ai/a A 2.50 a 0.75 a 0.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 7 50 gal/a A 1.50 a 0.25 a 0.00 a 0.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0lb/a A 1.75a 1.75a 0.00a 1.75a Timings for Table 26 are the same as those for Table 20.

Table 27.

Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 8 weeks.

AMARE Trt. Rate Time SINAR CAPBP SEN VU 1 -- 0.00 g 0.00 h -- 0.00 g 0.00 h 2 100 g ai/a A 88.24 d 81.93 e 96.17 b 90.38 f 95.43 e 3 4.0 lb/a A 94.96 b 71.01 g 89.78 d lOOgai/a B 97.84 b 4 4.0 lb/a A 93.28 c 86.13 c 83.39 e lOOgai/a C 4.0 lb/a A 85.71 e 86.97 b 8.95 f 96.03 d lOOgai/a D 82.14 d 91.69 c 97.48 c 6 25 g aita A 97.48 a 4.0 lb/a lOOgai/a C 7 A 97.48 a 92.65 a 97.12 a 99.40 a 50 g ai/a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 71.43 f 81.51 f 0.00 g 90.02 g SOLSA KCHSC Trt. Rate Time POROL SPRAR 0.00 e 1 -- -- 0.00 g 0.00 c 0.00 g 2 100 g ai/a A 94.45 f 70.37 b 54.86 f 0.00 e 95.54 d 3 4.0 lb/a A 98.84 e 100.00 a 90.97 e lOOgai/a B 95.83 c 98.21 b 4 4.0 lb/a A 99.35 c 100.00 a lOOgai/a C 98.61 a 97.32 c 4.0 lb/a A 99.48 b 100.00 a lOOgai/a D 97.32 g ai/a A 99.23 d 100.00 a 94.44 d C 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 95.54 d 7 A 99.35 c 100.00 a 97.92 b 50 g al/a ______ 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a =C 4.0 lb/a A 99.87 a 100.00 a 94.44 d 100.00 a Trt. Rate Time MALNE IPOHE MATMT CHEAL 1 -- -- 0.00 f 0.00 b 0.00 g 0.00 f 100.00 a 73.58 C 36.71 C 2 100 g al/a A 0.00 f 4.0 lb/a A 100.00 a 56.60 e 18.99 d 3 0.00 f lOOgai/a B 2.53 e 4 4.0 lb/a A 16.67 d 100.00 a 67.92 d lOOgai/a C 100.00 a 77.36 b 60.76 a 4.0 lb/a A 26.67 c lOOgai/a D 6 25 g ai/a A 6.67 e 100.00 a 54.72 f 0.00 f 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a 36.71 c 7 50 g al/a A 30.00 b 100.00 a 84.91 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 51.90 b 8 4.0 lb/a A 40.00 a 100.00 a 0.00 g SONSS Trt. Rate Time CERSS MEDPO POLSS 0.00 c I -- -- 0.00 f 0.00 f 0.00 b 77.78 b 0.00 b 100.00 a 2 100 g al/a A 0.00 f 50.00 b 3 4.0 lb/a A 61.90 c 33.33 d 100.00 a lOOgai/a B 100.00 a 50.00 b 4 4.0 lb/a A 47.62 e 33.33 d lOOgai/a C A 66.67 b 77.78 b 100.00 a 100.00 a 4.0 lb/a lOOgai/a 0 A 52.38 d 66.67 c 100.00 a 0.00 c 6 25 g al/a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 100.00 a 7 50 g al/a A 71.43 a 88.89 a 100.00 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 0.00 c 4.0 lb/a A 66.67 b 22.22 e 100.00 a Timings for Table 27 are the same as those for Table 20.

Average total broadleaf weed count listed by date per Table 28. Total Weed Count. treatment.

Week 8 Trt. No. Rate Time Week 2 Week 4 Week 6 732.25 a 750.75 a 1 -- -- 598.75 a 659.75 a lOOgai/a A 33.75b 116.25b 143.00b 148.00b 94.25 b 4.0 lb/a A 5.75 b 61.25 b 87.25 b lOOgaiIa B 4 4.0 lb/a A 2.75 b 40.50 b 65.25 b 73.50 b lOOgai/a 4.0 lb/a A 47.25 b 94.25 b 111.75 b 120.00 b lOUgai/a D 6 25 g al/a A 0.75 b 43.00 b 68.25 b 74.50 b 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 7 50 g ai/a A 0.25 b 18.75 b 34.50 b 37.75 b 4.0 lb/a A ______ lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 150.25 b 216.25 b 246.25 b 254.50 b Timings for Table 28 are the same as those for Table 20.

Table 29.

Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by date per treatment.

Trt. No. Rate Time Week2 Week 4 Week 6 Week 8 1 -- -- 0.00 h 0.00 h 0.00 h 0.00 h 2 100 g al/a A 94.36 e 82.38 f 80.47 f 80.29 f 3 4.0 lb/a A 99.04 d 90.72 d 88.08 d 87.45 d lOOgai/a B 4 4.0 lb/a A 99.54 c 93.86 b 91.09 b 90.21 b lOOgai/a 4.0 lb/a A 92.11 f 85.71 e 84.74 e 84.02 e lOOgai/a 0 6 25 g al/a A 99.87 b 93.48 c 90.68 c 90.08 c 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 50 g al/a A 99.96 a 97.16 a 95.29 a 94.97 a 4.0 lb/a A lOOgai/a C 8 4.0 lb/a A 74.91 q 67.22 g 66.37 g 66.10 g Timings for Table 29 are the same as those for Table 20.

Tables 28 and 29 reflect the average total weed count and average percent control for all weeds at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 respectively (provided in Tables 20-27) when soils were subjected to treatments according to the application rates and timings.

Tables 28 and 29 indicate that treatments 2-8 provided improvement over the control.

Tables 28 and 29 also indicate that treatments 2 (thaxtomin 100 g ai/a alone at a single application timing) through 7 (thaxtomin + Kerbﬁ 50-W at various application timings) provide improvement in controlling weeds over treatment 8 (Kerbﬁ 50-W 4 lb/a alone) at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Tables 28 and 29 also indicate that treatments 3, 4, 6, and 7 (thaxtomin + Kerbﬁ 50-W at various application timings) provided improved weed control over treatment 2 PCTIUS2012/062615 (thaxtomin 100 g al/a) at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Treatment 5 provided improved weed control over treatment 2 at weeks 4, 6, and 8.

EXAMPLE 4 Thaxtomin was applied alone and in combination as a pre-emergence application with Ro-Neetﬁ to evaluate weed control and synergies at different rates and application timings while improving weed control efficacy and weeds controlled in combination if they were not controlled alone.

The trial was set up in Hughson, California in a randomized complete block. The (i.e., "A", study consisted of eight (8) treatments applied at five distinct application times "B", "C", "D", and "E"). Treatment applications were performed using a CO 2 backpack sprayer with a spray boom incorporating 2 XR TeeJetﬁ flat spray nozzles at 30 psi directed at the soil surface. Drenching applications were performed using a watering can.

The following treatments were applied and correspond to Tables 30-33: Treatment 1. Untreated check/control (designated as Treatment 2. Ro-Neetﬁ 6E applied as a spray at a rate of 2.0 qt/acre at pre- emergence; Treatment 3. Thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at a rate of 100 g al/acre as a pre- emergence drench; Treatment 4. Ro-Neetﬁ 6E applied as a spray at a rate of 2.0 qt/acre at pre- emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a drench at a rate of 100 g al/acre prior to emergence; Treatment 5. Ro-Neetﬁ 6E applied as a spray at a rate of 2.0 qt/acre at pre- emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a drench at a rate of 100 g al/acre when emergence is approximately 50% or less; Treatment 6. Ro-Neetﬁ 6E applied as a spray at a rate of 2.0 qt/acre at pre- emergence rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a drench at a rate of 100 g ai/acre when emergence is 100%; Treatment 7. Ro-Neetﬁ 6E applied at a rate of 2.0 qt/acre at pre-emergence as a tank mix drench rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at pre-emergence as a tank mix drench at a rate of 25 g al/acre followed by thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a tank mix drench at a rate of 100 g al/acre when emergence is approximately a 50% or less; and Treatment 8. Ro-Neetﬁ 6E applied at a rate of 2.0 qt/acre at pre-emergence as a tank mix drench rotated with thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at pre-emergence as a tank mix drench at a rate of 50 g ai/acre followed by thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied as a tank mix drench at a rate of 100 g ai/acre when emergence is approximately a 50% or less.

Weed control evaluations by species were carried out four times at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks from the date of "Time(s) NB." Timings A and B occurred one day after (i.e., at pre-emergence) the crop of interest (Spinacia oleracea) was direct- seeded. Results are provided in Tables 30-33.

Table 30. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 2 weeks.

Trt. No. Rate Time AMARE SOLSA ERAMX CYPES 1 -- -- 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 c 2 2.0 gt/a A 84.8 b 70.3 b 96.8 b 96.3 a 3 100 g ai/a B 94.3 a 90.0 a 99.3 a 89.3 b 4 2.0 qt/a A 100.0 a 100.0 a 100.0 a 98.5 a lOOgai/a C 2.0 qt/a A 99.0 a 98.0 a 100.0 a 97.8 a lOOgai/a 0 6 2.0 qt/a A 98.0 a 97.0 a 100.0 a 98.5 a lOOgai/a E 7 2.0 qt/a A 100.0 a 99.8 a 100.0 a 98.8 a 25gai/a B lOOgai/a D 8 2.0 qt/a A 97.5 a 96.3 a 100.0 a 99.3 a 50gai/a B lOOgai/a 0 Timing A included a spray treatment of 2.Oqt/a of Ro-Neetﬁ; Timing B included a drench treatment of 100 g ai/A of the thaxtomin; Timing C included a drench treatment of 100 g ai/A of the thaxtomin prior to emergence of the crop of interest (Spinacia oleracca) 3 days after planting; Timing D included a drench treatment of 100 g ai/A of the thaxtomin at 50% emergence of the crop of interest (Spinacia oleracca) 7 days after planting; and Timing E included a drench treatment of 100 g aiIA of the thaxtomin at 100% emergence of the crop of interest (Spinacia oleracea) 9 days after planting.

Table 31. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at week 4.

Trt. No. Rate Time AMARE SOLSA ERAMX CYPES 0.0 c 0.0 c 1 -- -- 0.0 c 0.0 c 2 2.0 gt/a A 50.0 b 15.0 c 55.0 b 80.0 a 91.0 a 43.8 b 3 100 g ai/a B 86.0 a 58.5 b 4 2.0 qt/a A 98.3 a 96.3 a 99.0 a 87.8 a lOOgai/a 2.0 qt/a A 94.5 a 81.0 ab 96.8 a 90.8 a lOOgai/a D 6 2.0 qt/a A 94.0 a 84.3 ab 96.5 a 82.3 a lOOqai/a E 7 2.0 qtla 67.5 b A 83.0 a 95.8 a 88.8 a 25gaiIa B lOOgai/a D 2.0 qtla 94.5 a 8 A 85.3 ab 96.5 a 95.3 a 50gaila B lOOqai/a D Timings for Table 31 are the same as those for Table 30.

Table 32. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at week 6.

Trt. No. Rate Time AMARE SOLSA ERAMX CYPES 1 -- -- 0.0 d 0.0 d 0.0 d 0.0 d 2 2.0 gt/a A 40.8 c 0.0 d 24.5 c 54.8 C 74.3 b 22.8 d 3 100 g al/a B 69.3 b 23.8 c 4 2.0 qt/a A 94.3 a 90.3 a 94.3 a 79.5 a lOOgai/a 2.0 qt/a A 90.5 a 66.3 b 90.0 ab 71.0 abc lOOgai/a D 6 2.0 qt/a A 91.5 a 73.5 b 87.5 ab 55.0 bc lOOgai/a E 7 2.0 qt/a A 86.8 a 72.8 b 83.8 ab 78.5 ab 25gai/a B lOOgai/a 0 92.0 a 84.3 a 8 2.0 qt/a A 91.0 a 78.3 ab 5Ogai/a B lOOgai/a D Timings for Table 32 are the same as those for Table 30.

Table 33. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at week 8.

Trt. No. Rate Time AMARE SOLSA ERAMX CYPES 1 -- -- 0.0 d 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 c 2 2.0 gt/a A 0.0 d 0.0 c 0.0 c 3 100 g ai/a B 0.0 d 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 c 44.0 a 4 2.0 qtla A 78.5 a 60.0 a 76.3 a lOOgai/a C 51.8 a 32.5 ab 2.0 qt/a A 69.3 ab 18.8 bc lOOgai/a 0 2.0 qt/a A 11.8 c 38.3 b 18.0 bc 6 33.5 bcd lOOgai/a E 7 2.0 qt/a A 30.8 cd 15.3 bc 26.3 bc 22.5 abc 25ga1/a B lOOgai/a D 37.0 ab 8 2.0 gt/a A 59.3 abc 36.5 b 53.0 ab 5Ogai/a B lOOgai/a 0 Timings for Table 33 are the same as those for Table 30.

Tables 30-33 indicate that treatments 4-8 (Ro-Neetﬁ + thaxtomin) improved the weed control compared to treatment 2 (Ro-Neetﬁ alone) and treatment 3 (thaxtomin alone) at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8.

EXAMPLE 5 Thaxtomin was applied alone and in combination as a pre-emergence application with trifluralin to evaluate weed control and synergies at different rates and application timings while improving weed control efficacy and weeds controlled in combination if they were not controlled alone.

The trial was set up in Hughson, California in a randomized complete block. The (i.e., ’A", study consisted of eight (8) treatments applied at six distinct application times "B", "C", "D", "E", and ’F’). Treatment applications were performed using a CO 2 backpack sprayer with a spray boom incorporating 2 XR TeeJetﬁ flat spray nozzles at psi directed at the soil surface. Drenching applications were performed using a watering can.

The following treatments were applied applications following the immediate and correspond to transplant of the crop of interest (Brass/ca oleracea cap/tata a/ba) Tables 34-37: Treatment 1. Untreated check/control (designated as Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 Treatment 2. pt/acre at transplant; Treatment 3. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at three (3) days post transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; Treatment 4. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at five (5) days post transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 Treatment 5. pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at seven (7) days post transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; Treatment 6. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mgIL applied at nine (9) days post transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g al/acre; Treatment 7. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at eleven (11) days post transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g al/acre; and Treatment 8. Thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 100 g al/acre; Weed control evaluations were carried out by species and evaluated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks from the date of "Time A." Results are provided in Tables 34-37.

Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by Table 34. Percent Control. species per treatment at 2 weeks.

Trt.No. Rate Time SOLSA POROL ERAMX 1 -- -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 A 75.0 92.0 2 1.25 pt/a 50.5 3 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 99.0 99.5 99.8 4 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 99.0 99.5 99.8 100.0 1.25 pt/a 100 g ai/a A 99.0 99.5 A 97.3 99.8 6 1.25 pt/a 100 g ai/a 98.8 7 1.25 pt/a 100 g ai/a A 89.8 89.5 98.3 8 100 g ai/a A 96.3 98.5 100.0 Timing A included a spray treatment of 1.25 pt/a of trifluraiin at day zero (0)/immediately Timing B following transplant of the crop of interest (Brassica oleracea capita (a a/ba); included a drench treatment of 100 g ai/A of thaxtomin at three (3) days post-transplant Timing C included a drench of the crop of interest (Brass/ca o/eracea capitata a/ba); treatment of 100 g ai/A of thaxtomin at five (5) days post-transplant of the crop of interest (Brass/ca oloracea capitata a/ba); Timing D included a drench treatment of 100 g al/A of thaxtomin at seven (7) days post-transplant of the crop of interest (Brassica o/eracea cap/tata alba); Timing E included a drench treatment of 100 g ai/A of thaxtomin (Brass/ca oleracea cap/tata a/ba); at nine (9) days post-transplant of the crop of interest and Timing F included a drench treatment of 100 g ai/A of thaxtomin at eleven (11) days post-transplant of the crop of interest (Brass/ca o/eracea cap/tata a/ba).

Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by Table 35. Percent Control. species per treatment at 4 weeks.

Time SOLSA POROL ERAMX Trt. No. Rate 0.0 0.0 1 -- -- 0.0 2 1.25 pt/a A 34.8 62.5 82.5 3 1.25 pt/a 100 g al/a A 91.8 96.0 96.5 89.0 96.3 4 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 86.8 1.25 pt/a 100 g ai/a A 94.3 93.5 96.3 6 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 92.0 92.3 97.5 7 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 81.3 80.5 93.8 100 g al/a A 88.8 83.0 93.8 Timings for Table 35 are the same as those for Table 34.

Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by Table 36. Percent Control. species per treatment at 6 weeks.

Trt. No. Rate Time SOLSA POROL ERAMX 1 -- -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 2 1.25 pt/a A 18.8 38.8 63.8 3 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 68.0 70.8 73.5 4 1.25 pt/a 100 g al/a A 73.3 72.5 84.3 79.8 75.8 86.3 1.25 pt/a 100 g al/a A 63.5 85.0 6 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 69.5 7 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 61.5 69.5 82.8 ________ F 67.0 76.5 8 100 g al/a I A 1 74.3 Timings for Table 36 are the same as those for Table 34.

Table 37. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 8 weeks.

Rate Time SOLSA POROL ERAMX Trt. No. 1 -- -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 55.5 2 1.25 pt/a A 14.3 35.0 A 63.8 65.0 69.3 3 1.25 pt/a 100 g al/a 4 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 62.5 67.3 77.5 77.5 1.25 pt/a 100 gal/a A 69.5 68.5 1.25pt/a100gai/a A 59.5 52.0 70.0 70.8 7 1.25 pt/a 100 g ai/a A 46.3 53.8 100 g al/a A 64.5 55.3 66.5 Timings for Table 37 are the same as those for Table 34.

Tables 34-37 indicate that treatments 3-7 (trifluralin + thaxtomin at various timings) improved the weed control compared to treatment 2 (trifluralin alone at a single timing) at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Treatment 8 (thaxtomin alone) also performed well in controlling weeds. At weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, results indicate that comparisons in weed control between treatments 3-7 and treatment 8 was often weed specific.

EXAMPLE 6 Similar to Example 5, thaxtomin was applied alone and in combination as a pre- emergence application with trifluralin to evaluate weed control and synergies at different rates and application timings while improving weed control efficacy and weeds controlled in combination if they were not controlled alone.

The trial was set up in Hughson, California in a randomized complete block. The "A", study consisted of eight (8) treatments applied at five distinct application times (i.e., "B", "C", "D", and "E"). Treatment applications were performed using a CO2 backpack sprayer with a spray boom incorporating 2 XR TeeJetﬁ flat spray nozzles at 30 psi directed at the soil surface. Drenching applications were performed using a watering can. The treatments consisted of the following applications following the immediate transplant of the crop of interest (Brassica oleracea capitata alba) and correspond to Tables 38-41: Treatment 1. Untreated check/control (designated as Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 Treatment 2. pt/acre at transplant; Treatment 3. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at day zero (0) as a drench at a rate of at a rate of 25 g ai/acre; Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 Treatment 4. pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at day zero (0) as a drench at a rate of at a rate of 50 g al/acre; Treatment 5. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at day zero (0) as a drench at a rate of at a rate of 25 g ai/acre followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at four (4) days post-transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; Treatment 6. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at day zero (0) as a drench at a rate of at a rate of 50 g ai/acre followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at four (4) days post-transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g al/acre; Treatment 7. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at day zero (0) as a drench at a rate of at a rate of 25 g al/acre followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mgIL applied at eight (8) days post-transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g ai/acre; and Treatment 8. Trifluralin applied at day zero (0) as a spray at a rate of 1.25 pt/acre at transplant followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at day zero (0) as a drench at a rate of at a rate of 50 g ai/acre followed by an application of thaxtomin at 77 mg/L applied at eight (8) days post-transplant as drench at a rate of 100 g al/acre.

Weed control evaluations were carried out by species and evaluated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks from the date of "Time(s) A/B/C." Timings A, B, and C, (Brass/ca oleracca capitata alba) was occurred at the time the crop of interest transplanted. Results are provided in Tables 38-41.

Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by Table 38. Percent Control. species per treatment at 2 weeks.

Trt. No. Rate Time POROL AMARE LAMAM 1 -- -- 0.0c 0.0c 0.0d 94.3 b 80.0 c 2 1.25 pt/a A 99.0 b 1.25 pt/a A 100.0 a 99.5 a 97.3 ab 25gai/a B 97.3 ab 4 1.25 pt/a A 99.5 ab 100.0 a Sogai/a C 98.0ab 1.25pt/a A 100.0a 99.8a 25gai/a B lOOgai/a D 100.0 a 99.5 a 6 1.25 pt/a A 100.0 a 50gai/a C lOOgai/a 0 7 1.25 pt/a 94.0 b A 99.5 ab 99.0 a 25gai/a B lOOgai/a E 8 1.25 pt/a A 99.5 ab 99.8 a 99.8 a 5Ogai/a lOOgai/a E Timing A included a spray treatment of 1.25 pt/a of trifluralin at day zero (0)/immediately following transplant of the crop of interest (Brass/ca oleracea capitata a/ba); Timing B included a spray treatment of 25 g al/A of thaxtomin at transplant of the crop of interest (Brass/ca oleracea capitata a/ba); Timing C included a drench treatment of 50 g ai/A of thaxtomin at transplant of the crop of interest (Brassica oleracea capitata a/ba); Timing D included a drench treatment of 100 g ai/A of thaxtomin at four (4) days post-transplant of the crop of interest and Timing E included a drench (Brassica o/eracea capitata a/ba); treatment of 100 g ai/A of thaxtomin at eight (8) days post-transplant of the crop of interest (Brassica oleracea capitata a/ba).

Table 39. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 4 weeks.

Trt. No. Rate SOLSA Time URTUR AMARE LAMAM 1 -- -- 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 e 0.0 f 2 1.25 pt/a A 72.3 b 96.3 b 56.8 d 31.8 e 3 1.25 pt/a A 79.5 bc 45.5 de 85.5 ab 96.8 ab 25gai/a 4 1.25 pt/a A 92.8 a 97.3 ab 88.3 ab 66.8 bcd 50gai/a C 1.25 pt/a A 99.5 a 100.0 a 93.8 a 86.5 ab 25gai/a B lOOgai/a 0 6 1.25 pt/a A 99.8 a 100.0 a 94.5 a 91.0 a 5Ogai/a C lOOgai/a D 7 1.25 pt/a A 95.8 a 99.3 ab 74.5 c 51.3 cde 25gai/a B lOOgai/a E A 74.0 abc 8 1.25 pt/a 98.8 a 99.5 ab 86.3 ab S0gai/a C lOOgai/a E Timings for Table 39 are the same as those for Table 38.

Table 40. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment 6 weeks.

Trt. No. URTUR AMARE LAMAM SOLSA Rate Time 1 -- 0.0 d -- 0.0 e 0.0 c 0.0 d 2 1.25 pt/a A 26.3 de 76.3 b 23.8 c 13.8 cd 37.5 c 13.5 cd 3 1.25 pt/a A 54.5 cd 85.3 ab 25gai/a B ______ ______ 4 1.25 pt/a A 61.3 bc 86.0 ab 78.3 ab 37.0 bc ______ 50gai/a C ______ 76.8 a 1.25 pt/a A 95.3 a 99.5 a 90.3 a 25ga1/a B lOOgai/a 0 90.5 a 80.0 a 6 1.25 pt/a A 93.8 a 99.0 a 5ogai/a lOOgai/a D 7 1.25 pt/a A 81.5abc 95.8 a 63.8b 24.0cd 25gai/a B lOOgai/a E 8 1.25 pt/a A 89.5 ab 97.5 a 86.0 a 59.5 ab 5ogai/a lOOgai/a E Timings for Table 40 are the same as those for Table 38.

Table 41. Percent Control. Average percent control of broadleaf weeds listed by species per treatment at 8 weeks.

AMARE LAMAM SOLSA Trt. No. Rate Time URTUR 1 -- -- 0.0 d 0.0 d 0.0 e 0.0 d 18.0 d 2 1.25 pt/a A 18.8 d 68.0 c 8.5 cd 76.5 bc 32.5 d 8.8 cd 3 1.25 pt/a A 50.0 c 25gai/a B 4 1.25pt/a A 59.3bc 81.8abc 71.0bc 30.3bc SOgai/a C 1.25 pt/a A 89.0 a 98.8 a 89.3 a 77.5 a 25gai/a B lOOgai/a D 73.3 a 6 1.25 pt/a A 92.0 a 98.0 a 88.0 a 50gai/a C lOOgai/a D 16.0 cd 7 1.25 pt/a A 78.3 ab 91.8 ab 58.80 2sgai/a B lOOgai/a E 84.3 ab 53.0 ab 8 1.25 pt/a A 87.3 ab 95.5 ab 5ogai/a C lOOgai/a E Timings for Table 41 are the same as those for Table 38.

Results from Tables 38-41 indicate that treatments 3-8 (trifluralin + thaxtomin at various timings) generally improved the weed control compared to treatment 2 (trifluralin alone at a single timing) at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Exceptions include treatments 3-8 performing about the same as treatment 2 in controlling the weed common purslane (POROL) at week 2, treatment 3 performing about the same as treatment 2 in controlling the weed redroot pigweed (AMARE) at week 4, and treatment 3 performing about the same as treatment 2 in controlling the weed hairy nightshade (SOLSA) at weeks 6 and It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

WE

Claims

CLAIM : A method of controlling a weed population in an environment, comprising contacting a weed population in an environment or an environment susceptible to growth by a weed population with one or more thaxtomins and the herbicide pronamide, wherein the one or more thaxtomins and the herbicide pronamide are applied in an amount effective to control the weed population in the environment.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the one or more thaxtomins include compounds selected from the group consisting of thaxtomin A, thaxtomin B, thaxtomin D, and combinations thereof.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the one or more thaxtomins comprise thaxtomin A.
4. A method in accordance with any one of claims 1-3, wherein the contacting occurs before the weed population has emerged.
5. A method in accordance with any one of claims 1-3, wherein the contacting occurs after the weed population has emerged.
6. A method in accordance with any one of claims 1-3, wherein method is applied at least twice and the contacting occurs before and after the weed population has emerged.
7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the environment is a soil.
S. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the environment is a turf.
9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the environment is a field.
10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the environment is a grass.
11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the environment is aquatic.
12. The method of any of claims 1-11, wherein the one or more thaxtomins has the following composition: c RI AH26(1 0120297 l):LNB A1126(10128526 1):1)PS is hydroxy or H, R 5 wherein R 1 is methyl or H, R2 is hydroxy or H, R3 is methyl or H, R4 is hydroxy or H, R 6 is hydroxy or H, and combinations thereof. R 1 is methyl, R2 is hydroxy, R3 is methyl, R4
13. The method according to claim 12 wherein R6 is H. is H, R 5 is hydroxy and
14. A composition when used for controlling a weed population, said composition comprising one or more thaxtomins, and the herbicide pronamide, wherein the one or more thaxtomins and the herbicide pronamide are present in an amount effective to control the weed population in an environment.
15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the one or more thaxtomins has the following composition: NO2 jJ1\! J2 is methyl or H, R4 is hydroxy or H, R5 wherein R 1 is methyl or H, R2 is hydroxy or H, R 3 is hydroxy or H, R6 is hydroxy or H, and combinations thereof. R 3 is methyl, R1 is H,
16. The composition of claim 15, wherein R is methyl, R2 is hydroxy, R5 is hydroxy and R6 is H.
17. The composition of claim 14, wherein the one or more thaxtomins include compounds selected from the group consisting of thaxtomin A, thaxtomin B, thaxtomin D, and combinations thereof. Novozymes BioAg A/S By the Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON & FERGUSON AH26( 10120297_I ):LNB AF126( 10128526 I ):I)PS