WO2013135617A1

WO2013135617A1 - Methods and compositions for pest management

Info

Publication number: WO2013135617A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/054849
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jorge Cisneros; Alexander Mark Heming; Benedikt KURTZ
Original assignee: Syngenta Participations Ag
Priority date: 2012-03-16
Filing date: 2013-03-11
Publication date: 2013-09-19

Abstract

A foliar aqueous insecticide composition can comprise an arthropodicide and polymer latex having an acid value greater than 20 and a minimum film forming temperature of less than 10°C. Adding such polymer latex to agricultural compositions helps protect beneficial arthropods from the effects of insecticides or miticides present therein.

Description

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PEST MANAGEMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pesticidal compositions. The compositions of the invention are useful in methods whereby undesired arthropods are affected but beneficial arthropods are not affected.

Background of the Invention

Arthropod pests cause significant economic damage in the field of agriculture. In response, solutions have been developed to deter or eradicate arthropods including pesticides, plants expressing resistant traits, and the use of natural predators. Natural predators include animals such as hedgehogs and birds, although a large group of natural predators are other arthropods such as insects and mites. These beneficial arthropods generally cause no or minimal crop damage while having a repellent or lethal effect on undesired arthropod pests.

Beneficial arthropods are a key component of integrated pest management systems. Such systems reduce or eliminate the use of chemical agents, instead relying on planning of plant varieties, regulation of growing conditions and close monitoring to minimise the need for chemical controls. When preventative or curative action is required against an arthropod pest, an appropriate beneficial arthropod can be released which will reduce or eliminate the pest.

Even in less actively controlled systems, a variety of arthropods can be present whereby a grower may wish to eliminate an arthropod pest using, e.g., a chemical insecticide, whilst minimising the impact on the population of beneficial arthropods in the immediate area. But the fact that the beneficial arthropods share certain biological similarities with agricultural arthropod pests presents a challenge.

One feature to consider is that arthropod pests attack a plant by biting, chewing, sucking, or burrowing into the plant tissue, whereas a beneficial arthropod will most typically only use a plant as a physical support.

Another group of arthropods which benefit a grower are pollinators, these have more intimate contact with plant materials and to avoid any potential risk to e.g. honeybees, chemical insecticides can be applied using protective protocols. If application timing cannot be adjusted, Johansen discloses that plastic and latex-resin additives such as Polyox WSR 301 (a water-soluble resin), Cellosize QP 4400 (medium MW cellulosic polymer), and UCAR Latex 680 (acrylic emulsion) act as safeners for insecticidal sprays (Johansen, C, Spray Additives for Insecticidal Selectivity to Injurious vs. Beneficial Insects, Environ. Entomol. 1 : 51 -54 (1972). It is speculated that this is due to a coating effect which reduces contact for foraging honeybees with insecticidal residues on the plants.

Another solution to the challenge of chemically attacking insect pests while minimising damage to beneficial insects has been proposed by Brown et al. They disclose a screening protocol to evaluate the sensitivity of insect pests and beneficial insects to various chemical insecticides (Brown, K.C., et. al., Effects of insecticides on Invertebrate Predators and Their Cereal Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Prey: Laboratory Experiments, Environ. Entomol. 12: 1747-1750 (1983)). It is suggested that one can use such data to select chemical insecticides depending on the specific pest problem and the prevailing beneficial insects. However, such screening takes time and resources, and the resultant information only guides a grower to use certain chemical insecticides during particular infestations, bearing in mind the prevailing life stage of beneficial insects - in other words a complicated and inflexible solution which severely limits the value of chemical insecticides to the grower.

The lack of commercially-attractive solutions forces a grower who wants to use a chemical insecticide to choose between killing many different kinds of arthropods, including beneficial arthropods, or allowing the arthropod pests to damage a crop. There remains a need for new and inventive solutions to the challenge of selective arthropod control.

Summary and Description of the Invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide methods and compositions for improved pest management.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a foliar aqueous insecticide composition is provided which comprises an agricultural arthropodicide and a polymer latex having an acid value greater than 20 and a minimum film forming temperature of less than 10°C. The ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer solids in the polymer latex is from 1 :500 to 2: 1 .

The agricultural arthropodicide can be present in an amount from 1 -20 % by weight and the polymer latex is present in an amount of polymer solids from 20-50 % by weight. The ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer latex can be 1 :450, 1 :400, 1 :350, 1 :300, 1 :250, 1 :200, 1 :150, 1 :140, 1 :130, 1 :120, 1 :1 10, 1 :100, 1 :90, 1 :80, 1 :70, 1 :60, 1 :50, 1 :40, 1 :30, 1 :20, 1 :10 or 1 :5.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the arthropodicide is an avermectin such as abamectin or emamectin benzoate.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the arthropodicide is a neonicotinoid insecticide such as thiamethoxam.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the arthropodicide is a pyrethroid insecticide such as lambda cyhalothrin.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the arthropodicide is a diamide insecticide.

In embodiments of the invention the polymer latex could be at least one of NeoCryl™ A- 2082 and Revacryl™ 5467.

The invention further provides a method of protecting beneficial arthropods from an insecticide and/or miticide, wherein one simultaneously applies to a plant an insecticide and a polymer latex having an acid value greater than 20 and a minimum film forming temperature of less than 10°C, with a ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer solids in the polymer latex from 1 :500 to 1 :1 . Preferably, the plant has at least two true leaves at the time of application.

Pesticidal agents referred to herein using their common name are known, for example, from "The Pesticide Manual", 15th Ed., British Crop Protection Council 2009.

The term "chemical insecticide" or "insecticide" as used herein means a compound that controls or modifies the growth of arthropods, including insects. The term

arthropodicidally or insecticidally "effective amount" means the quantity of such a compound that is capable of killing, controlling, or infecting arthropods or insects, retarding the growth or reproduction of arthropods or insects, reducing an arthropod or insect population, and/or reducing damage to plants caused by arthropods or insects.

As a skilled person will appreciate, the term "arthropod" is suited to descriptions of the present invention which relates to not only insects but also other organisms falling within the phylum arthropoda which are relevant in agriculture, such as phytopathogenic mites and/or ticks. However, "insect" and in particular "insecticide" are commonly used terms in the field of agriculture hence there may be occurrences where the terms are used interchangeably. It is nonetheless intended that the scope of the invention is understood to encompass agriculturally-relevant arthropods generally. The term "beneficial" arthropod or insect as used herein refers to any arthropod or insect which has at least one life stage which has a negative impact on arthropod or insect agricultural pests and/or which pollinate crop plants. The term specifically includes arthropods classed as so-called parasitoids due to their tendency to lay eggs on or in an arthropod host. Thus beneficials include pollinators, parasitoids and predators, examples include but are not limited to: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Encarsia formosa,

Eretmocerus eremicus, Eretmocerus mundus, Feltiella acarisuga, Macrophus pygmeus, Nesidiocoris tenuis, aphid midge, centipedes, ground beetles such as Pterostichus melanarius, Agonum dorsale, and Nebria brevicollis, lady beetles such as Adalia bipunctata and Coccinella septempunctata, lacewings such as Chrysoperia carnea, hoverflies such as Syrphus spp., Phytoseiulus persimilis, pirate bugs such as Orius insidiosus, Orius laevigatus, Orius majusculus, predatory mites such as Amblydromalus limonicus, Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius barkeri, Amblyseius californicus,

Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius montdorensis, Amblyseius swirskii, Phytoseiulus persimilis, predatory midges such as Aphidoletes aphidimyza, rove beetle, tachnid flies, and wasps such as Dacnusa sibirica, Diglyphus isaea, Trichogramma brassicae as well as ichneumonid wasps, chalcid wasps and braconid wasps such as Aphidius colemani, Aphidius ervi, Aphidius matrcariae.

The term "locus" as used herein means fields in or on which plants are growing, or where seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or where seed will be placed into the soil. It includes soil, seeds, and seedlings, as well as established vegetation.

The term "plants" refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits. However, as will be clear from the description of the invention, the claimed composition is intended solely for foliar use. It is contemplated that, in the management of a crop, a grower would use one or more other agronomic chemicals in addition to the safened pesticidal compounds of the present invention. Examples of agronomic chemicals include pesticides, such as acaricides, bactericides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, as well as plant nutrients and plant fertilizers.

Suitable examples of plant nutrients or plant fertilizers are calcium sulfate (CaS0₄), calcium nitrate (Ca(N0₃)₂.4H₂0), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), potassium nitrate (KN0₃), magnesium sulfate (MgS0₄), potassium hydrogen phosphate (KH₂P0₄), manganese sulfate (MnS0₄), copper sulfate (CuS0₄), zinc sulfate (ZnS0₄), nickel chloride (NiCI₂), cobalt sulfate (CoS0₄), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium chloride (NaCI), boric acid (H₃BO₃) and metal salts thereof (Na₂Mo0₄). The nutrients may be present in an amount of 5% to 50% by weight, preferably of 10% to 25% by weight or of 15% to 20% by weight each. Preferred additional nutrients are urea ((Nh^CO), melamine (C₃H₆N6), potassium oxide (K₂0), and inorganic nitrates. The most preferred additional plant nutrient is potassium oxide. Where the preferred additional nutrient is urea, it is present in an amount of generally 1 % to 20% by weight, preferably 2% to 10% by weight or of 3% to 7% by weight.

Crops of useful plants in which the composition according to the invention can be used include perennial and annual crops, such as berry plants for example blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries; cereals for example barley, maize (corn), millet, oats, rice, rye, sorghum, triticale and wheat; fibre plants for example cotton, flax, hemp, jute and sisal; field crops for example sugar and fodder beet, coffee, hops, mustard, oilseed rape (canola), poppy, sugar cane, sunflower, tea and tobacco; fruit trees for example apple, apricot, avocado, banana, cherry, citrus, nectarine, peach, pear and plum; grasses for example Bermuda grass, bluegrass, bentgrass, centipede grass, fescue, ryegrass, St. Augustine grass and Zoysia grass; herbs such as basil, borage, chives, coriander, lavender, lovage, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme; legumes for example beans, lentils, peas and soya beans; nuts for example almond, cashew, ground nut, hazelnut, peanut, pecan, pistachio and walnut; palms for example oil palm; ornamentals for example flowers, shrubs and trees; other trees, for example cacao, coconut, olive and rubber; vegetables for example asparagus, aubergine, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, garlic, lettuce, marrow, melon, okra, onion, pepper, potato, pumpkin, rhubarb, spinach and tomato; and vines for example grapes.

Crops are to be understood as being those which are naturally occurring, obtained by conventional methods of breeding, or obtained by genetic engineering. They include crops which contain so-called output traits (e.g. improved storage stability, higher nutritional value and improved flavour).

Crops are to be understood as also including those crops which have been rendered tolerant to herbicides like bromoxynil or classes of herbicides such as ALS-, EPSPS-, GS-, HPPD- and PPO-inhibitors. An example of a crop that has been rendered tolerant to imidazolinones, e.g. imazamox, by conventional methods of breeding is Clearfield® summer canola. Examples of crops that have been rendered tolerant to herbicides by genetic engineering methods include e.g. glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant maize varieties commercially available under the trade names RoundupReady®, Herculex I® and LibertyLink®.

Crops are also to be understood as being those which naturally are or have been rendered resistant to harmful insects. This includes plants transformed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques, for example, to be capable of synthesising one or more selectively acting toxins, such as are known, for example, from toxin-producing bacteria. Examples of toxins which can be expressed include δ-endotoxins, vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vip), insecticidal proteins of bacteria colonising nematodes, and toxins produced by scorpions, arachnids, wasps and fungi.

An example of a crop that has been modified to express the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin is the Bt maize KnockOut® (Syngenta Seeds). An example of a crop comprising more than one gene that codes for insecticidal resistance and thus expresses more than one toxin is VipCot® (Syngenta Seeds). Crops or seed material thereof can also be resistant to multiple types of pests (so-called stacked transgenic events when created by genetic modification). For example, a plant can have the ability to express an insecticidal protein while at the same time being herbicide tolerant, for example Herculex I® (Dow

AgroSciences, Pioneer Hi-Bred International).

Insects from the following orders may be controlled: Blattaria, e.g. Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana, Leucophaea maderae and Blattella germanica; Chilopoda, e.g. Geophilus carpophagus and Scutigera spp; Coleoptera, e.g., Anobium punctatum, Rhizopertha dominica, Bruchidius obtectus, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Hylotrupes bajulus, Agelastica alni, Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Phaedon cochleariae;

Collembola, e.g., Onychiurus armatus; Dermaptera, e.g., Forficula auricularia; Diabrotica spp, Psylliodes chrysocephala, Epilachna varivestis, Atomaria spp, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Anthonomus spp, Sitophilus spp, Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Cosmopolites sordidus, Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis, Hypera postica, Dermestes spp, Trogoderma spp, Anthrenus spp, Attagenus spp, Lyctus spp, Meligethes aeneus, Ptinus spp, Niptus hololeucus, Gibbium psylloides, Tribolium spp, Tenebrio molitor, Agriotes spp,

Conoderus spp, Melolontha melolontha, Amphimallon solstitialis and Costelytra zealandica; Diplopoda, e.g., Blaniulus guttulatus; Diptera, e.g., Aedes spp, Anopheles spp, Culex spp, Drosophila melanogaster, Musca spp, Fannia spp, Calliphora erythrocephala, Lucilia spp, Chrysomyia spp, Cuterebra spp, Gastrophilus spp,

Hyppobosca spp, Stomoxys spp, Oestrus spp, Hypoderma spp, Tabanus spp, Tannia spp, Bibio hortulanus, Oscinella frit, Phorbia spp, Pegomyia hyoscyami, Ceratitis capitata, Dacus oleae, Tipula paludosa, Hylemyia spp and Liriomyza spp; Heteroptera, e.g., Eurygaster spp, Dysdercus intermedius, Piesma quadrata, Cimex lectularius, Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma spp; Homoptera, e.g., Aleurodes brassicae, Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Cryptomyzus ribis, Aphis fabae, Aphis pomi, Eriosoma lanigerum, Hyalopterus arundinis, Phylloxera vastatrix, Pemphigus spp, Macrosiphum avenae, Myzus spp, Phorodon humuli,

Rhopalosiphum padi, Empoasca spp, Euscelis bilobatus, Nephotettix cincticeps, Lecanium corni, Saissetia oleae, Laodelphax striatellus, Nilaparvata lugens, Aonidiella aurantii, Aspidiotus hederae, Pseudococcus spp and Psylla spp; Hymenoptera, e.g., Diprion spp, Hoplocampa spp, Lasius spp, Monomorium pharaonis and Vespa spp; Isopoda, e.g., Oniscus asellus, Armadillidium vulgare and Porcellio scaber; Isoptera, e.g., Reticulitermes spp; Lepidoptera, e.g., Pectinophora gossypiella, Bupalus piniarius, Cheimatobia brumata, Lithocolletis blancardella, Hyponomeuta padella, Plutella xylostella, Malacosoma neustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Lymantria spp, Bucculatrix thurberiella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Agrotis spp, Euxoa spp, Feltia spp, Earias insulana, Heliothis spp, Mamestra brassicae, Panolis flammea, Spodoptera spp, Trichoplusia ni, Carpocapsa pomonella, Pieris spp, Chilo spp, Pyrausta nubilalis, Ephestia kuehniella, Galleria mellonella, Tineola bisselliella, Tinea pellionella, Hofmannophila

pseudospretella, Cacoecia podana, Capua reticulana, Choristoneura fumiferana, Clysia ambiguella, Homona magnanima, Tortrix viridana and Cnaphalocerus spp; Orthoptera, e.g., Acheta domesticus, Gryllotalpa spp, Locusta migratoria migratorioides, Melanoplus spp and Schistocerca gregaria; Phthiraptera, e.g., Pediculus humanus corporis,

Haematopinus spp, Linognathus spp, Trichodectes spp and Damalinia spp;

Siphonaptera, e.g., Xenopsylla cheopis and Ceratophyllus spp; Symphyla, e.g.,

Scutigerella immaculata; Thysanoptera, e.g., Hercinothrips femoralis, Thrips tabaci, Thrips palmi and Frankliniella accidentalis; Thysanura, e.g., Lepisma saccharina.

Members of the class of arachnids may be controlled, for example Scorpio maurus,

Latrodectus mactans, Acarus siro, Argas spp, Ornithodoros spp, Dermanyssus gallinae, Eriophyes ribis, Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Boophilus spp, Rhipicephalus spp, Amblyomma spp, Hyalomma spp, Ixodes spp, Psoroptes spp, Chorioptes spp, Sarcoptes spp, Tarsonemus spp, Bryobia praetiosa, Panonychus spp, Tetranychus spp,

Hemitarsonemus spp and Brevipalpus spp.

Examples of insecticides which might be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2- methyl-N-(thietan-3-yl)benzamide, 4-[(5R)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H- isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-(thietan-3-yl)benzamide, 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5- (trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-(cis-1 -oxo-thietan-3-yl)benzamide, 4-[(5R)- 5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-(cis-1 -oxo-thietan- 3-yl)benzamide, 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2- methyl-N-(trans-1 -oxo-thietan-3-yl)benzamide, 4-[(5R)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5- (trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-(trans-1 -oxo-thietan-3-yl)benzamide, 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-N-(1 , 1 -dioxothietan-3- yl)-2-methyl-benzamide, 4-[(5R)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3- yl]-N-(1 , 1 -dioxothietan-3-yl)-2-methyl-benzamide, 4-[(5S)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5- (trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-[2-oxo-2-(2_!2,2- trifluoroethylamino)ethyl]benzamide, 4-[(5R)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)- 4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-N-[2-oxo-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)ethyl]benzamide, 5- [(5S)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)benzonitrile, 5-[(5R)-5-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-isoxazol-3-yl]-2- (1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl)benzonitrile, abamectin, acephate, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, acetoprole, acrinathrin, alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, aldrin, allethrin, allyxycarb, alphamethrin, aminocarb, amitraz, anisopliae, azadirachtin, azamethiphos, azinphos- ethyl, azinphos-methyl, azocyclotin, Bacillus thuringiensis, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, bensultap, beta-cyfluthrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, binapacryl, bioallethrin, bioallethrin (S)- cyclopentenyl isomer, bioethanomethrin, biopermethrin, bioresmethrin, bromfenvinfos, bromophos, bromophos-ethyl, bufencarb, buprofezin, bistrifluron, butacarb, butathiofos, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, byfenthrin, cadusafos, calcium polysulphide,

camphechlor, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbophenothion, carbosulfan, cartap, chlordane, chlorantraniliprole, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenvinphos, chlorfluazuron, chlormephos, chloropicrin, chlorpyrifos, chromafenozide, clothianidin, cis-cypermethrin, cis-resmethrin, cis-permethrin, clocythrin, cloethocarb, clofentezine, coumaphos, cryolite, cyanofenphos, cyanophos, cyantraniliprole, cycloprothrin, cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cyhexatin, alpha- cyophenothrin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, cyromazine, dazomet, DDT, decamethrin, deltamethrin, demeton, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methylsulphone, deoxabenzofos, diafenthiuron, dialifos, diazacarb, diazinon, dichlofenthion, dichlorvos, dicrotophos, diflubenzuron, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, dimetilan, dinobuton, dinocap, dinoseb, dinotefuran, diofenolan, dioxabenzofos, disulfoton, eflusilanat, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, empenthrin, endosulfan, EPN, epofenonane, esfenvalerate, ethiofencarb, ethion, ethiprole, ethoate, ethoprophos, etofenprox, etoxazole, etrimfos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenazaquin, fenbutatin oxide, fenfluthrin, fenitrothion, fenobucarb, fenothiocarb, fenoxycarb, fenpropathrin, fenpyrithrin, fenpyroximate, fensulfothion, fenthion, fenvalerate, fipronil, flonicamid, fluacrypyrim, fluazuron, flubendiamide, flubrocythrinate, flucycloxuron, flucythrinate, flufenoxuron, flufenprox, flumethrin, flupyrazofos, fluvalinate, fonofos, formetanate, formothion, fosmethilan, fosthiazate, fubfenprox, fufenozide, furathiocarb, gamma-cyhalothrin, halofenozide, heptachlor, heptenophas, heptenophos,

hexaflumuron, hexythiazox, hydramethylnon, hydrogen cyanide, hydroprene, imicyafos, imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, imiprothrin, indoxacarb, iodfenphos, iprobenfos,

I PSP sazofos, isofenphos, isoprocarb, isopropyl, isoprothiolane, isoxathion, ivermectin, kadethrin, kinoprenejambda-cyhalothrin, lepimectin, lindane, lufenuron, malathion, mecarbam, mephosfolan, mercurous chloride, metaflumizone, metam, metam-sodium, metarthizium, methacrifos, methamidophos, methidathion, methiocarb, methomyl, methoprene, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, metholcarb, metofluthrin, mevinphos, milbemectin, monocrotophos, naled, nicotine, nitenpyram, nithiazine, novaluron, novi- flumuron, omethoate, O-salicylate, oxamyl, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, parathion-methyl, penfluron, permethrin,

pentachlorophenol, petroleum oils, phenothrin, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, phosphine, phosphocarb, phoxim, pirimicarb, pirimiphos, pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos-methyl, poxim, prallethrin, profenofos, profluthrin, promecarb, propaphos, propargite, propetamphos, propoxur, prothiofos, prothoate, protrifenbute, pymetrozine, pyraclofos, pyrafluprole, pyrethrin, pyrethrum, pyridaben, pyridafenthion, pyridathion, pyrifluquinazon, pyrimidifen, pyriprole, pyriproxyfen, quinalphos, quinomethionate, resmethrin, rotenone,silafluofen, sebufos, sodium fluoride, sodium hexafluorosilicate, spinosad, spinetoram, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, sulfotep, sulfuryl fluoride, sulprofos, tar oils, tau-fluvalinate, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, tebupirimfos, teflubenzuron, tefluthrin, temephos, terallethrin, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, tetradifon, tetramethrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, thiocylam, thiodicarb, thiofanox, thiometon, thiosultap-sodium, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, triazophos, trichlorphon, triflumuron, trimethacarb, triprene, tolfenpyrad,vamidothion, Verticillium lacanii, vaniliprole, and xylylcarb,

Pesticides can be grouped together according to their chemical class or mode of action. For example, groups include avermectins which includes abamectin and emamectin benzoate, neonicotinoids which includes acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam, pyrethroids which includes cyfluthrins, cyhalothrins, cypermethrins, deltamethrin, fenfluthrin, permethrin and tefluthrin and diamides which includes chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole and flubendiamide.

The pesticidal agent can be formulated into compositions in various ways using formulation adjuvants, such as carriers, solvents and surface-active substances. The inventive formulations will be in an aqueous form, e.g. emulsifiable concentrates, micro- emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, oil-flowables, aqueous dispersions, oily dispersions, suspo-emulsions, capsule suspensions, soluble liquids, water-soluble concentrates (with water or a water-miscible organic solvent as carrier), gels, or other forms e.g. from the Manual on Development and Use of FAO and WHO Specifications for Pesticides, United Nations, First Edition, Second Revision (2010). Such formulations can either be used directly or diluted prior to use. The dilutions can be made, for example, with water, liquid fertilisers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oil and/or solvents. The component of the invention whose presence is shown herein to protect beneficial insects without having a detrimental effect on activity of the pesticidal agent against pests is a film-forming, polymer latex. A polymer latex is defined as a colloidal dispersion of polymer particles in an aqueous medium (Grady, M. C. 2004. Latex Technology. Kirk- Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology). The polymer latex must be capable of film-forming at the ambient temperature of the environment where used, specifically it must have a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) below 10°C. The MFFT will be understood by one skilled in the art to be closely related to the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the polymer in the latex, but due to the plasticising effect of the presence of water or additives such as surfactants or organic liquids is often lower. MFFT is usually quoted by polymer latex manufacturers in the specification of their products following measurements made by drying the latex at different temperatures.

Polymer latexes suitable for the invention include natural latexes consisting of naturally occurring rubbers often containing complex mixtures of polymerised neoprene and isoprene and synthetic latexes produced by radical (co)polymerisation of olefins derived from natural or crude oils, acrylic, methacrylic, acrylamide, methacrylamide, maleic or styrenic monomers, vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, vinyl halides or by condensation

(co)polymerisation to produce polyurethanes, polyureas, polyesters or polyamides. The polymer latex is preferably an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic styrene copolymer. When the polymer latex is an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic styrene copolymer it preferably has an acid value of greater than 20 and a MFFT of less than 10°C. Acid value is understood here to mean the mass of potassium hydroxide in milligrams that is required to neutralise (or bring to a pH of 7) one gram of the polymer latex. The polymer latex is most preferably an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic styrene copolymer with an acid value of 1 10 and MFFT of 0°C such as NeoCryl™ A-2082 (DSM NeoResins,

Waalwijk, NL) or an acrylic styrene copolymer with an acid value of 28 and MFFT of 0°C such as Revacryl™ 5467 (Synthomer, Harlow, UK).

Polymers having a MFFT greater than 10°C (e.g. Neocryl A2099, Mowilith LDM2418, and Mowilith DHF57S) and/or having an acid value less than 20 (Neocryl A1 120) may be useful in different agricultural methods, such as reducing the toxicity of a volatile insecticide, diafenthiuron, to crop plants as described in W010/20477.

The polymer latexes of the invention find utility in a range of industries. But despite previous teachings, none of the above-mentioned group of compounds has been used in combination with a pesticidal agent to produce a product having good action against undesired arthropods and minimal negative impact on beneficial arthropods. It is extremely surprising that inclusion of a polymer latex in compositions comprising pesticides ameliorates the lethal effects to beneficial arthropods which are observed when the pesticidal agents are applied to crops in the absence of the polymer latex. The use of polymer latex to selectively reduce the toxicity of pesticidal agents thus forms a further aspect of the invention.

The inventive compositions may preferably be concentrated formulated products. The insecticide and the polymer latex can be manufactured and formulated separately and subsequently combined and diluted prior to spraying (for example as a tank mix). As a concentrate the inventive composition generally comprises the insecticide from 1 to 20 % by weight and the polymer solids of the latex from 20 to 50% by weight. While commercial products may preferably be formulated as concentrates, the end user will normally employ dilute formulations.

The rates of application of formulated products will vary within wide limits depending on the nature of the soil, the method of application (drench or spray, etc.), the timing of application both with regard to the day/night cycle and the stage in plant development, the crop plant, the pest to be controlled, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors.

Foliar pesticidal agents targeting undesired arthropods in conjunction with the present invention can be applied at a rate of from 5 grams of active ingredient per hectare (g ai/Ha) to 100g ai/Ha, for example at 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, 32, 35, 38, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100g ai/Ha in an aqueous spray volume of from 50 I/Ha to 1000 I/Ha, for example at 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1000 I/Ha.

Where the agricultural arthropodicide is abamectin, it will most often be applied at a rate from 8 to 30 g/ha, for example 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 g/Ha.

Where the agricultural arthropodicide is emamectin, it will most often be applied at a rate from 8 to 40 g/ha, for example 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30„ 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40 g/Ha.

When practicing the present invention, the polymer latex can be applied at a rate of from 100g to 2500g of polymer solids per hectare, for example 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250 or 2500 g/Ha.

The present invention teaches that the ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer solids from 1 :500 to 1 : 1 . For example, 1 :450, 1 :400, 1 :350, 1 :300, 1 :250, 1 :200, 1 : 150, 1 :140, 1 :130, 1 : 120, 1 : 1 10, 1 : 100, 1 :90, 1 :80, 1 :70, 1 :60, 1 :50, 1 :40, 1 :30, 1 :20, 1 : 10 or 1 :5. The agricultural arthropodicide and polymer latex could be provided in a single product or separately. If separately, the end user will likely mix them together during dilution. The resultant dilution could have polymer latex at a concentration of polymer solids of from 0.02 to 2% by weight of the spray dilution.

As will be appreciated by skilled persons, the amount of agricultural arthropodicide will depend on the agent used, the type of pest population including resistance levels, the severity of the pest problem, and may be shaped by regulatory guidelines on minimum and maximum allowable levels. The local population of beneficial arthropods will be considered. The amount of polymer solids to include will also vary on a number of factors such as agent used, the type, growth stage, and planting density of plants to be treated, and other. For example, a skilled person will appreciate the subsequent examples were carried out on relatively small plants, enabling a lower amount of polymer solids than might be recommended on large, mature crops. The following data are provided by way of example and not limitation.

Example 1 : Abamectin and Aphidius colemani

Phaseolus vulgaris var. Fulvio (french bean) plants were reduced to one leaf. With leaves held in a horizontal position, a track sprayer was used to treat the plants at a rate corresponding to 200 I/Ha. The treatments consisted of a control, which was water alone, and abamectin (VERTI MEC® 018SC from Syngenta) at 4, 10, 20 and 40 parts per million with as-supplied NeoCryl™ A-2082 and Revacryl™ 5467 at 0.25% or 0.5% by weight of the spray dilution. Once dry, leaf discs were collected from the plants and placed treated side up in petri dishes containing 1 % water agar.

Five (5) Aphidius colemani (parasitic wasp, Syngenta Bioline) adults were added and the dishes closed with a plastic lid having a small hole. As food supply a cotton roll soaked in 20% sugar solution was inserted through the hole in the lid. The dishes were inverted and incubated in a climate chamber at 21 °C, 75% relative humidity, 16 hour light/8 hour dark cycle.

Six replicates were provided for each treatment and concentration level. The number of living and dead Aphidius colemani were counted two and four days after infestation. At the day two evaluation the food supply was replenished.

Results are shown in Tablel . Table 1

Pesticide Pesticide Latex Latex Corr. Corr.

Rate Rate (% mortality mortality

(ppm) w/w) % % 4 DAI

2 DAI

None-control - None-control - 0 7

Abamectin 4 None - 37 75

Abamectin 10 None - 43 75

Abamectin 20 None - 57 96

Abamectin 40 None - 67 93

None - NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.5 0 0

None - Revacryl™ 5467 0.5 3 0

Abamectin 4 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.25 0 36

Abamectin 10 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.25 23 32

Abamectin 20 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.25 30 57

Abamectin 40 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.25 53 89

Abamectin 4 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.5 3 21

Abamectin 10 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.5 0 7

Abamectin 20 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.5 3 21

Abamectin 40 NeoCryl™ A-2082 0.5 13 32

Abamectin 4 Revacryl™ 5467 0.25 10 14

Abamectin 10 Revacryl™ 5467 0.25 10 46

Abamectin 20 Revacryl™ 5467 0.25 30 82

Abamectin 40 Revacryl™ 5467 0.25 43 93

Abamectin 4 Revacryl™ 5467 0.5 3 0

Abamectin 10 Revacryl™ 5467 0.5 3 1 1

Abamectin 20 Revacryl™ 5467 0.5 27 50

Abamectin 40 Revacryl™ 5467 0.5 23 75 Example 2: Emamectin benzoate and Aphidius colemani

Using the method and controls described in Example 1 emamectin benzoate (PROCLAIM® 05SG from Syngenta) at 10, 20, 40 and 80 parts per million with as- supplied NeoCryl™ A-2082 at 0.5% by weight of the spray dilution. The results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

Example 3: Thiamethoxam and Aphidius colemani

Using the method and controls of Example 1 , thiamethoxam (PLATIN UM® 240SC from Syngenta) at 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 parts per million was applied with NeoCryl™ A-2082 at 0.5% by weight of the spray. The results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3

Example 4: Emamectin Benzoate and Orius laevigatus

Phaseolus vulgaris var. Fulvio (french bean) plants were reduced to one leaf. With the leaves held in a horizontal position, a track sprayer was used to treat the plants at a rate corresponding to 200 I/Ha. The treatments consisted of a control, which was water alone, and emamectin benzoate (PROCLAIM® 05SG from Syngenta) at 3.1 , 6.3, 12.5 and 25 parts per million with as-supplied NeoCryl™ A-2082 at 0.5% by weight of the spray dilution. Once dry, leaf discs were collected from the plants and placed treated side up in petri dishes containing 1 % water agar.

A folded piece of paper forming a roof was added for shelter, and a suitable amount of Ephestia eggs were added as a food supply. Five (5) Orius laevigatus (predatory bug, Syngenta Bioline) adults were added and the dishes closed with a cotton filter and perforated plastic lid. The dishes were incubated in a climate chamber at 25°C, 75% relative humidity, 16 hour light/8 hour dark cycle.

Six replicates were provided for each treatment and concentration level. The number of living and dead Orius laevigatus were counted two and four days after infestation. At the day two evaluation the food supply was replenished.

The results are shown in Table 4.

Table 4

Example 5: Thiamethoxam and Orius laevigatus

Using the method and controls described in Example 4, thiamethoxam (PLATINUM® 240SC from Syngenta) at 3.1 , 6.3, 12.5 and 25 parts per million was applied with NeoCryl™ A-2082 at 0.5% by weight of the spray dilution. The results are shown in Table 5.

Table 5

Example 6: Lambda Cyhalothrin and Orius laevigatus

Using the method and controls of Example 4, lambda cyhalothrin (KARATE ZEON® 100CS from Syngenta) at 0.2, 0.8, 3.1 and 12.5 parts per million was applied with NeoCryl™ A-2082 at 0.5% by weight of the spray dilution. The results are shown in Table 6. Table 6

Example 7: Abamectin and Orius spp

Orius (Syngenta Bioline) were released in a greenhouse containing pepper plants (variety L'amuyo, Syngenta Seeds) spaced 0.3m between plants and 1 m between rows. The pest insects Frankliniella spp were present.

When the Orius were well established and the flower numbers were optimal, a precount of the existing number of adults and nymphs was made by selecting 25 flowers per treatment area and counting all Orius. A per flower average was calculated.

For each test plot a foliar spray was applied at a volume of 800 liters/hectare. There was an unsprayed control. The test groups all had abamectin at a rate of 1 .44 grams/100 liters. The spray liquid for one test group also had a tank mix of 0.125% v/v Neocryl™ A- 2082, another group 0.25% v/v Neocryl™ A-2082, and a final group 0.5%v/v Neocryl™ A-2082. At a series of time points after the sprays were made (days after application, DAA) counts on a 25 flower basis were made. The results are shown in Table 7.

Table 7

The data show the usefulness of polymer latex addition to abamectin for foliar application. There was less of an immediate decrease in beneficial insect populations after spraying and the population recovered faster and to a greater degree than in the plants treated with abamectin alone.

Claims

1 . A foliar aqueous insecticide composition, comprising

i) an agricultural arthropodicide; and

ii) a polymer latex having an acid value greater than 20 and a minimum film forming temperature of less than 10°C, wherein the ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer solids in the polymer latex is from 1 :500 to 2: 1 .

2. A foliar aqueous insecticide composition according to claim 1 , wherein the agricultural arthropodicide in present in an amount from 1 -20 % by weight and the polymer latex is present in an amount of polymer solids from 20-50 % by weight.

3. A foliar aqueous insecticide composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer latex is 1 :450, 1 :400, 1 :350, 1 :300, 1 :250, 1 :200, 1 :150, 1 : 140, 1 : 130, 1 : 120, 1 : 1 10, 1 : 100, 1 :90, 1 :80, 1 :70, 1 :60, 1 :50, 1 :40, 1 :30, 1 :20, 1 : 10 or 1 :5.

4. A foliar aqueous insecticide composition according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer latex is from 1 :50 to 1 : 100.

5. An insecticide composition according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the arthropodicide is an avermectin.

6. An insecticide composition according to claim 5, wherein the avermectin is abamectin or emamectin benzoate.

7. An insecticide composition according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the arthropodicide is a neonicotinoid insecticide.

8. An insecticide composition according to claim 7, wherein the neonicotinoid insecticide is thiamethoxam.

9. An insecticide composition according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the arthropodicide is a pyrethroid insecticide.

10. An insecticide composition according to claim 9, wherein the pyrethroid insecticide is lambda cyhalothrin.

1 1 . An insecticide composition according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the

arthropodicide is a diamide insecticide.

12. An insecticide composition according to any of claims 1 -1 1 , wherein the polymer latex is at least one of NeoCryl™ A-2082 and Revacryl™ 5467.

13. A method of protecting beneficial arthropods from an insecticide and/or miticide, comprising simultaneously applying to a plant an insecticide and a polymer latex having an acid value greater than 20 and a minimum film forming temperature of less than 10°C, wherein the ratio of agricultural arthropodicide to polymer solids in the polymer latex is from 1 :500 to 1 : 1 .

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant has at least two true leaves at the time of application.