WO2015154596A1

WO2015154596A1 - Synergistic insecticidal composition comprising neonicotinoid insecticides and pyrethroid insecticides

Info

Publication number: WO2015154596A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/073738
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Timothy Bristow; Yifan Wu
Original assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Company Limited
Priority date: 2014-04-09
Filing date: 2015-03-06
Publication date: 2015-10-15

Abstract

The present invention related to a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticides and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticides. The present invention also related to a method to prevent and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding by applying a synergistic insecticidalcomposition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticides and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticides.

Description

SYNERGISTIC INSECTICIDAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING NEONICOTINOID INSECTICIDES AND PYRETHROID INSECTICIDES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide and the process for preparing the synergistic insecticidal composition. The present invention isalso related to a method to prevent and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding by applying a synergistic insecticidalcomposition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide.

BACKGROUND

Insect infestations represent a major threat to economically important agricultural crops, like cereals, fruits and vegetables. The yield of plants, for example, cereals, grape, apple, olives and tomato are adversely impacted by insect attack. The most common damaging insects in grapes are the Grape thrips, Drepanothripsreuteri, Western flower thrips, Flower thrips, Frankliniellaoccidentalis, and European grape vine moth, Lobesiabotrana, thatcause a reduction of berry size and sugar content. They create halo-spotting on the fruit when they oviposit in berries during flower bloom and up to fruit set. Scarring and cracking of berries may be so severe as to make fruit for table grapes unmarketable. Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide a composition for controlling insects and protection from insect damage to enhance agricultural produce and increase of plant yield. Agricultural chemicals and their formulations have been developed and are in use for effective management of insect pests. The combination of two compatible insecticide mixtures exhibits a better pest management due to their synergistic effect.

Neonicotinoid insecticides are a well-known class of insecticideswith a broad spectrum of insect control. They are developed as insecticides with reduced toxicity compared to previously used organophosphate and carbamates that provide similar broad spectrum control to numerous crop-damaging pests. The neonicotinoids are now the widely used insecticide in the world and registered in more than 120 countries. Examples of neonicotinoids are imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, sulfoxaflor and nitenpyram.

However, experience with the single active straight formulation insecticidesworldwide indicates there is a high risk of development of resistant insect subpopulations. The excessive use of mineral fertilizers and high chemical inputs has caused soil degradation, ground water pollution and higher risk of insecticide resistance. Resistance has been reported worldwide in an increasing number of insects of field crops, fruit, vegetable, and so on. As suggested, mixingthe neonicotinoid insecticides with other insecticide class can reduce selection pressure towards resistance.

Synthetic pyrethroids are synthesized derivatives of naturally occurring pyrethrins, which are taken from pyrethrum, the oleoresin extract of dried chrysanthemum flowers. Ketoalcoholic esters of chrystanthemic and pyrethroic acid account for the insectidial properties of pyethrins. These acids are lipophilic and penetrate insects and paralyze their nervous system (Reigart, et al., 1999) . The insecticidal action of pyrethroid is widely known to be effective to a variety of insect pests in many major crops such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, maize, cotton, soybean, grapes and even on public and animal health sectors. The activity of pyrethroids are both contact and stomach action as a broad spectrum insecticides. Examples of synthetic pyrethroids are deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, cyfluthrin, fenpropathrin, allethrin, cyphenothrin, flucythrinate, flumethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, prallethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, sumithrin, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin and transluthrin.

Enhancements on insecticidal agents and compositions have been developed to improved control of insect pests and application practice to target crops as single or mixed pesticides. The judicious use of adopting strip application, spot application on areas with high insect incidence only and soil application to avoid direct contact with natural enemies and the use of selective and non-persistent agents increase environmental safety and lower incidence of insect resistance. In addition, the adoption of rotational application of insect control agents with different modes of action contributes to good pest management. Having an insecticidal composition with high synergistic action with no cross resistance to existing insecticide agents and with low environmental impact is desirable. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a synergisticcomposition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide, which is potent to insect attack, with physico compatible formulations stable in during storage, safely pack and in ready-to-use formulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a synergisticinsecticidal composition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide. The present invention is also related to a method to controlinsect infestations in plants, plant partsand/or surrounding by applying a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticideon the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding. The present invention is also directed to a process for making a synergistic insecticidal composition containing (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide. The present invention is also related to a use of a synergistic insecticidalcomposition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticides and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticides to prevent and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.

The invention also relates to a plant treated with a composition hereinbefore defined, either before infestation by an insect or treated to combat an existing insect infestation.

"Plant" as used herein, refers to all plant and plant populations such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants.

"Plant parts" as used herein, refers to all parts and organs of plants, such as shoot, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruit bodies, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and rhizomes. Harvested materials, and vegetative and generative propagation materials, for example, cutting, tubers, meristem tissue, rhizomes, offsets, seeds, single and multiple plant cells and any other plant tissues, are also included.

The word “surrounding” refers to the place on which the plants are growing, the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants will be sown.

“At least one” designates a number of the respective compounds of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more, preferably 1, 2, or 3.

It has now surprisingly been found that when applying a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide on the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding, particularly on grape, apple, tomato, cotton, maize, rape, cereals, vegetables, potato, soybean, olives, hazelnut, chicpeas, lentils, pistachio, rice, tobacco, onion, sugarbeet, citrus, coffee and sunflower, an excellent performance in preventing and treating insect infestations may be observed. The synergistic insecticidal composition is highly effective for the protection of the aforementioned crops from the insect attack. The synergistic insecticidal composition is found to be highly active against a wide range of chewing, boring and sucking pests, i.e., aphids, thrips, whitefly, lepidopterous larvae, leaf miners, cutworms bollworm complex, boll weevil, rape weevil, saddle gall midge, soil insects, termites, etc. The present invention also demonstrates reduced application cost, increase crop yield and reduced environmental risk. It also delays the dominance of the resistant strains of pests, has a broader spectrum of activity and reduces risk of developing resistance.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide process for preparing the synergistic insecticidal composition containing a neonicotinoidcompound and a pyrethroidcompound. The advantage of the process relates to the propagation part of plants and especially the seeds, as coated with and/or containing the synergistic composition of the components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide. The components (A) and (B) may be applied in any desired sequence, any combination, consecutively or simultaneously.

The component (A) neonicotinoid insecticides may be present in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from 1％ to 75％ by weight of the composition, preferably from 1％ to 50％ by weight of the composition, more preferably from 20％ to 35％ by weight of the composition.

The component (A) neonicotinoid insecticides may be any insecticide active neonicotinoid compounds, for example with such compounds being known in the art and commercially available. Thecomponent (A) is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, sulfoxaflor and nitenpyram.

The component (B) pyrethroid insecticides may be present in the composition in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from 1％ to 70％ by weight of the composition, preferably from 2％ to 50％ by weight of the composition, more preferably from 5％ to 15％ by weight of the composition.

The component (B) pyrethroid insecticides may be any insecticidal active pyrethroid compounds, for example with such compounds being known in the art and available commercially. Thepyrethroid compound is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, cyfluthrin, fenpropathrin, allethrin, cyphenothrin, flucythrinate, flumethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, prallethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, sumithrin, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrinand transluthrin.

The components (A) and (B) may be present in the composition or applied in any amounts relative to each other, to provide the enhanced or synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition independently is preferably in the range of from 25: 1 to 1: 25, 20: 1 to 1: 20, or 15: 1 to 1: 15, more preferably from 10: 1 to 1: 10, 5: 1 to 1: 5 or 4: 1 to 1: 4. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the components (A) to (B) in the composition is 4: 1.

The components (A) and (B) together may be present in the composition in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from 2％ to 95％ by weight of the composition, preferably from 10％ to 60％by weight of the composition more preferably from 20％ to 40％ by weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each combination is a composition comprising, components (A) and (B) , and optionally one or more auxiliaries. The auxiliaries employed in the composition will depend upon the type of formulation and/or the manner in which the formulation is to be applied by the end user. Formulations incorporating the composition of the present invention are described hereinafter. Suitable auxiliaries which may be comprised in the composition according to the invention are all customary formulation adjuvants or components, such as extender, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickeners, solid adherents and inert fillers.

Such auxiliaries are known in the art and are commercially available. Their use in the formulation of the compositions of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

The insecticidal composition may further comprise one or more inert fillers. Such inert fillers are known in the art and available commercially. Suitable fillers in a form of a solid include, for example, natural ground minerals, such as kaolins, aluminas, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite, and diatomaceous earth, or synthetic ground minerals, such as highly dispersed silicic acid, aluminum oxide, silicates, and calcium phosphates and calcium hydrogen phosphates. Suitable inert fillers for granules include, for example, crushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite, and dolomite, or synthetic granules of inorganic and organic ground materials, as well as granules of organic material, such as sawdust, coconut husks, corn cobs, and tobacco stalks.

The insecticidal composition optionally includes one or more surfactants which are preferably non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic in nature and surfactant mixtures which have good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties, depending on the nature of the active compound to be formulated. Suitable surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available. Suitable anionic surfactants can be both so-called water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds. Soaps which may be used are the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or substituted or unsubstituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acid (C₁₀-C₂₂) , for example the sodium or potassium salt of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures. The surfactant can be an emulsifier, dispersant or wetting agent of ionic or nonionic type. Examples which may be used are salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenylsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acids, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols, especially alkylphenols, sulphosuccinic ester salts, taurine derivatives, especially alkyltaurates, or phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated phenols or alcohols. The presence of at least one surfactant is generally required when the active compound and/or the inert carrier and/or auxiliary/adjuvant are insoluble in water and the vehicle for the final application of the composition is water.

The insecticidal composition optionally further comprises one or more polymeric stabilizer. The suitable polymeric stabilizers that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polyisoprene, copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins, polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes or polyamides. Suitable stabilizers are known in the art and commercially available.

The surfactants and polymeric stabilizers mentioned above are generally believed to impart stability to the composition, in turn allowing the composition to be formulated, stored, transported and applied.

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

Suitable organic solvents are selected from all customary organic solvents which thoroughly dissolve the active compounds employed. Again, suitable organic solvents for the active components (A) and (B) are known in the art. The following may be mentioned as being preferred: N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-octylpyrrolidone, cyclohexyl-1-pyrrolidone； or SOLVESSO^TM200, a mixture of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Suitable solvents are commercially available.

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

(from Bayer AG) and

(from Bayer AG) .

Suitable antioxidants are all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions, as is known in the art. Preference is given to butylatedhydroxytoluene.

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the compositions according to the present invention comprise the following combinations of components:

(A) imidacloprid and (B) lambda-cyhalothrin；

(A) imidacloprid and (B) cypermethrin； or

(A) imidacloprid and (B) bifenthrin.

According to a preferred embodiment, the insecticidalcomposition according to the present invention comprises components (A) imidacloprid and (B) lambda-cyhalothrin.

Each composition of the present invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use for control insect pestsexample, but not limited to:

·Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Flower thrips/Western flower thrips) , Drepanothripsreuteri (Grapthrips) , Erythroneura comes (Leafhoppers) , Platynotastultana (Leafrollers) , Tetranychusurticae, Tetranychuspacificus, Eotetranychuswillamettei (Mites) , Lobesiabotrana (European great vine moth) on grape；

·Aphis gossipyi (Aphids) , Haplodiplosismarginata (Saddle gall midge) , Aeolus sp., Anchastus spp., Melanotus spp. (Wireworms) on wheat and barley；

·Diabroticavirgifera (Corn Rootworm) , Ostrinianubilalis (European Corn Borer) , Spodopterafrugiperda (Armyworm) , Elasmopalpuslignosellus (Cornstalk borer) , Chaetochnemapulicaria (Flea beetle) , Aphis gossipyi (Aphids) , Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Flower thrips) , Limonius spp. (Wireworm) , Agrotisipsilon, Peridromasaucia (Cutworm) on maize；

·Diabroticaspeciosan (Cucurbit beetle) , Phyllophagacuyabana (White grub) , Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) , Nezaraviridula (Southern green stink bug) , Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Thrips) , Oruga de lasleguminosas (Anticarsiagemmatalis) on soybean；

·Empoascafabae (Leafhoppers) , Archipsargyrospila (Leafrollers) , Aceria Sheldon (Citrus budmites) on citrus；

·Cydiapomonella (Codling moth) on apple；

·Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) , Caliothripsphaseoli, Frankinielasp (Thrips) , Aphis gossypii (Aphids) , Helicoverpa sp. (Bollworm complex) , Anthonomusgrandis (Boll weevil) , Alabama argillacea (Cotton leafworm) on cotton；

·Nilaparvatalugens (Brown plant hopper) , Nephotettixvirescens (Green leafhopper) , Aphis gossipyi (Aphids) , Stenchaetothripsbiformis (Thrips) , Chilosuppressalis (Stem borer) , Lissorhoptrusoryzophilus (Water weevil) , Sogatellafurcifera (White backed plant hopper) on rice；

·Diabroticaspeciosa (Colorado leaf beetle) , Myzuspersicae (Green peach aphids) on potato；

·Myzuspersicae (Green peach aphid) , Aphis gossipyi (Aphids) Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Thrips) Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) on tomato；

·Leucopteracoffeella (Coffee leafminer) , Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) , Frankiniella sp. (Thrips) on coffee.

The composition in the present invention exhibits surprisingly high effectiveness in controlling insect infestations caused by Frankiniellaoccidentalis, Drepanothripsreuteri, Aphis gossipyi, BemisiatabaciandLobesiabotranaon grapes.

The composition according to the present invention is suitable for plants of the crops: cereals (wheat, barley, rye, oats, maize, rice, sorghum, triticale and related crops) ； fruit, such as pomes, stone fruit and soft fruit, such as apples, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, and berries, for example strawberries, raspberries and blackberries； leguminous plants (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans) ； oil plants (rape, mustard, sunflowers) ； cucurbitaceae (marrows, cucumbers, melons) ； fibre plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute) ； citrus, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and mandarins； vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika) ； coffee； as well as ornamentals (flowers, such as rose, shrubs, broad-leaved trees and evergreens, such as conifers) .

In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention is applied on cereals, fruit, leguminous plants, fibre plants, citrus fruit, vegetables and coffee. In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention is applied on grape, apple, wheat, maize, soybean, citrus, cotton, rice, potato, tomato and coffee, more preferably apple, grape, tomato and rice. In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention is applied on apple, grape, tomato and rice. In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention is applied on grape.

The composition synergistic insecticidalcomprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide is particularly effective in controlling ofFrankiniellaoccidentalis, Drepanothripsreuteriand Lobesiabotrana present in grapes, their plant parts and/or surrounding.

It is particularly effective in controlling Frankiniellaoccidentalis, Drepanothripsreuteriand Lobesiabotranapresent in grapes, their plant parts and/or surrounding by applying a synergisticinsecticidal composition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least onepyrethroid insecticide, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) to (B) in the composition is 4: 1.

It is particularly effective in controlling Frankiniellaoccidentalis, Drepanothripsreuteriand Lobesiabotranapresent in grapes, their plant parts and/or surroundingby applying a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising components (A) imidacloprid and (B) lambda-cyhalothrin, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is 4: 1.

It is particularly effective in controlling Frankiniellaoccidentalis, Drepanothripsreuteriand Lobesiabotranapresent in grapes, their plant parts and/or surrounding by applying a synergisticinsecticidal composition comprising components (A) imidacloprid and (B) lambda-cyhalothrin, wherein the weight of the component (A) is 30％ by weight of the composition and； wherein the component (B) is 7.5％ by weight of the composition.

The composition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide is used to control insect infestations in plants and plant parts. The composition comprising components (A) imidaclopridand (B) lambda-cyhalothrin is used to control Frankiniellaoccidentalis, Drepanothripsreuteriand Lobesiabotranaof grape.

Each of the compositions can be applied to the foliage or fruit of the plant.

The composition of the present invention may contain or be mixed with other pesticides, such as other fungicides, insecticides and nematicides, growth factor and fertilizers.

The rates of application (use) of the composition of the present invention may vary, for example, according to type of use, type of crop, the specific active compounds in the combination, type of plants, but is such that the active compounds in the combination in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as insects or pest control) . The application rate of the composition for a given set of conditions can readily be determined by trials.

The components (A) and (B) , and any other pesticides, may be applied and used in pure form, as a solid active compound, for example, in a specific particle size, or preferably together with at least one of the auxiliary or adjuvant components, as is customary in formulation technology, such as extenders, for example solvents or solid carriers, or surface-active compounds (surfactants) , as described in more detail above. Generally, the components (A) and (B) are in the form of a formulation composition with one or more of the aforementioned customary formulation auxiliaries.

Examples of formulation types for pre-mix compositions are:

a water-soluble concentrate (SL) , an emulstifiable concentrate (EC) , an emulsion (EW) , a micro-emulsion (ME) , an oil-based suspension concentrate (OD) , a flowable suspension (FS) , a water-dispersible granule (WG) , a water-soluble granule (SG) , a water-dispersible powder (WP) , a water soluble powder (SP) , a granule (GR) , an encapsulated granule (CG) , a fine granule (FG) , a macrogranule (GG) , an aqueous suspo-emulsion (SE) , a microencapsulated suspension (CS) , a microgranule (MG) or preferably a suspension concentrate (SC) .

Using such formulations, either straight (that is undiluted) or diluted with a suitable solvent, especially water, plants, plant parts and/or the surrounding can be treated and protected against insects by spraying, pouring or immersing. Generally, formulation can be diluted with water having the rate of 20-500 mL or 20-150 mL or 30 mL of composition in 100 L of water. In some embodiments, the composition is suspension concentrate. For suspension concentrate formulation, the composition can be diluted with water having the rate of 20-500 mL of composition in 100 L of water. For suspension concentrate formulation applied on grape, the composition can be diluted with water having aconcentration of 20-150 mL of composition in 100 L of water, more preferably 30 mL of the composition in 100 L of water.

The composition can be applied with the methods known in the art. These methods include coating, spraying, dipping, soaking, injection, irrigation etc.

The active components (A) and (B) can be applied to the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding where control is desired either simultaneously or in succession at short intervals, for example on the same day. The components (A) and (B) may be applied to the plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds) , or surrounding in any order. Each component may be applied just once or a plurality of times. Preferably, each of the components (A) and (B) are applied a plurality of times, in particular from 2 to 5 times, more preferably 3 times.

The active components (A) and (B) may be applied in any suitable form, as described above. Typically, the active components will be applied as formulations, that is compositions comprising one or more of the active components together with further carriers, surfactants or other application-promoting adjuvants customarily employed in formulation technology.

In the event components (A) and (B) are applied simultaneously in the present invention, they may be applied as a composition containing components (A) and (B) , in which case components (A) and (B) can be obtained from a separate formulation source and mixed together (known as a tank-mix, ready-to-apply, spray broth, or slurry) , optionally with other pesticides, or components (A) and (B) can be obtained as a single formulation mixture source (known as a pre-mix, concentrate, formulated compound (or product) ) , and optionally mixed together with other pesticides.

The compositions according to the invention are distinguished by the fact that they are especially well tolerated by plants and are environmentally friendly.

Each composition according to the invention is especially advantageous for the treatment of plants.

The following examples are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation of the invention.

FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Example 1

An aqueous suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition:

The finely ground imidacloprid and lambda-cyhalothrinwere intimately mixed with the adjuvants, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water. As an alternative, a suspension of imidaclopridand lambda-cyhalothrinand auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation with appropriate treatment characteristics.

Example 2

The finely ground imidacloprid and cypermethrinwere intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water. As an alternative, a suspension of imidaclopridand cypermethrinand auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation and with the appropriate treatment characteristics.

Example 3

The finely ground imidaclopridand bifenthrinwere intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water. As an alternative, a suspension of imidaclopridand bifenthrinand auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation and with the appropriate treatment characteristics.

Example 4

An emulsifiable concentrate was prepared having the following composition:

Example 5

A suspo-emulsion was prepared having the following composition:

Imidacloprid was mixed with N-methyl pyrrolidone and the emulsifiers OR/36 and polymeric stabilizer polyurethanes to get an oil phase. The finely ground lambda-cyhalothrinwas intimately mixed with the other auxiliaries (including water) , giving a water phase. As an alternative, a suspension of the lambda-cyhalothrinand auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a water phase. The oil phase was added to water phase under continuous agitation for an optimum amount of time.

Example 6

A water-dispersible powder was prepared having the following composition:

Example 7

A water-dispersible granule was prepared having the following composition:

With the water-dispersible granule, an aqueous suspension of required concentration was obtained through dilution of the water dispersible granule with an appropriate amount of water.

Biological Examples

Field Test 1 -Grape

Young grapeplants on vineyard with considerable insect infestationwere sprayed with imidacloprid350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for fruit damage.

The results of the assessment are set out in Table A below.

Table A:

Field Test 2 –Apple

Young apple trees with considerable insect infestation were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for fruit damage.

Table B:

Field Test 3 –Wheat

Young wheat plants were grown in an area with considerable insect infestation. Plants were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for grain damage.

Table C:

Field Test 4 –Maize

Young maize plants were grown in an area with considerable insect infestation. Plants were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for grain damage.

Table D:

Field Test 5 –Soybean

Young soybean plants were grown in an area with considerable insect infestation. Plants were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for grain damage.

Table E:

Field Test 6 –Orange

Young orange trees with considerable insect infestation were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for fruit damage.

Table F:

Field Test 7 –Cotton

Young cotton plants were grown in an area with considerable insect infestation. Plants were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for boll damage.

Table G:

Field Test 8 –Rice

Paddy rice was grown in an area with considerable insect infestation. Rice paddies were sprayed with Plants were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Rice plants were examined for grain damage.

Table H:

Field Test 9 –Potato

Young potato plants were grown in an area with considerable insect infestation. Plants were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for leaf damage.

Table I:

Field Test 10 –Coffee

Young coffee trees with considerable insect infestation were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for berry damage.

Table J:

Field Test 10 –Tomato

Young tomatoplants with considerable insect infestation were sprayed with imidacloprid 350 g/L SC (280 g ai/ha) , lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (40 g ai/ha) , bifenthrin 100 g/L EC (18 g ai/ha) , cypermethrin 200 g/L EC (160 g ai/ha) and Examples 1 to 7 (11.25 g ai/100 liters of water) (sprayed until ran off) set out above when 2-3 adults or larvae per leaflet are detected. Plants were examined for leave damage.

Table K:

All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

Claims

An insecticidal composition comprising components:

(A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticide； and

(B) at least one pyrethroid insecticide.
The insecticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the neonicotinoid insecticide is selected from the group consisting of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, sulfoxaflor and nitenpyram.
The insecticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the pyrethroid insecticide is selected from the group consisting ofdeltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, cyfluthrin, fenpropathrin, allethrin, cyphenothrin, flucythrinate, flumethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, prallethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, sumithrin, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin and transluthrin.
The insecticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein thecomponent (A) is in an amount of from 1％to 75 ％by weight of the composition.
The insecticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (B) is in an amount of from 1％to 70 ％by weight of the composition.
The insecticidalcomposition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a weight ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) is from 10:1 to 1:10, 5:1 to 1:5 or 4:1 to 1:4.
The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, the components (A) and (B) of the composition are:

(A) imidacloprid and (B) lambda-cyhalothrin；

(A) imidacloprid and (B) cypermethrin； or

(A) imidacloprid and (B) bifenthrin.
The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition can be diluted with water when the composition is applying to plants, plant parts and/or surrounding having the concentration of 20-500 mL of the composition in 100 L of water.
The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is in a form of water-soluble concentrates (SL) , emulsifiable concentrates (EC) , emulsions (EW) , oil-based suspension concentrates (OD) , flowable suspensions (FS) , water-dispersible granules (WG) , water-soluble granules (SG) , water-dispersible powders (WP) , water soluble powders (SP) , granules (GR) , encapsulated granules (CG) , fine granules (FG) , macrogranules (GG) , aqueous suspo-emulsions (SE) , microencapsulated suspensions (CS) , microgranules (MG) or preferably suspension concentrates (SC) .
The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, the composition is applied to plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.
The insecticidal composition according to claim 10, the plants are selected from the group consisting of cereals, fruit, leguminous plants, fibre plants, citrus fruit, vegetables and coffee.
The insecticidal composition according to claim 11, the plants are selected from a group of grape, apple, wheat, maize, soybean, citrus, cotton, rice, potato, tomato and coffee, more preferably apple, grape, tomato and rice.
The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, the composition is used forpreventing and/or treating insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.
The insecticidal composition according claim 13, wherein the insect infestations are caused by:

Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Flower thrips/Western flower thrips) ,

Drepanothripsreuteri (Grapthrips) , Erythroneura comes (Leafhoppers) ,

Platynotastultana (Leafrollers) , Tetranychusurticae, Tetranychuspacificus,

Eotetranychuswillamettei (Mites) , Lobesiabotrana (European great vine moth) on grape；

Aphis gossipyi (Aphids) , Haplodiplosismarginata (Saddle gall midge) , Aeolus sp., Anchastus spp., Melanotus spp. (Wireworms) on wheat and barley；

Diabroticavirgifera (Corn Rootworm) , Ostrinianubilalis (European Corn Borer) ,

Spodopterafrugiperda (Armyworm) , Elasmopalpuslignosellus (Cornstalk borer) ,

Chaetochnemapulicaria (Flea beetle) , Aphis gossipyi (Aphids) ,

Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Flower thrips) , Limonius spp. (Wireworm) ,

Agrotisipsilon, Peridromasaucia (Cutworm) on maize；

Diabroticaspeciosan (Cucurbit beetle) , Phyllophagacuyabana (White grub) ,

Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) , Nezaraviridula (Southern green stink bug) ,

Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Thrips) , Oruga de

lasleguminosas (Anticarsiagemmatalis) on soybean；

Empoascafabae (Leafhoppers) , Archipsargyrospila (Leafrollers) , Aceria Sheldon (Citrus budmites) on citrus；

Cydiapomonella (Codling moth) on apple；

Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) , Caliothripsphaseoli, Frankinielasp (Thrips) , Aphis gossypii (Aphids) , Helicoverpa sp. (Bollworm complex) , Anthonomusgrandis (Boll weevil) , Alabama argillacea (Cotton leafworm) on cotton；

Nilaparvatalugens (Brown plant hopper) , Nephotettixvirescens (Green leafhopper) , Aphis gossipyi

(Aphiods) , Stenchaetothripsbiformis (Thrips) , Chilosuppressalis (Stem borer) ,

Lissorhoptrusoryzophilus (Water weevil) , Sogatellafurcifera (White backed plant hopper) on rice；

Diabroticaspeciosa (Colorado leaf beetle) , Myzuspersicae (Green peach aphids) on potato； and

Myzuspersicae (Green peach aphid) , Aphis

gossipyi (Aphids) , Frankiniellaoccidentalis (Thrips) , Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) on tomato；

Leucopteracoffeella (Coffee leafminer) , Bemisiatabaci (Whitefly) , Frankiniella sp. (Thrips) on coffee.
The insecticidal composition according claim 13, the insect infestations are caused by Frankiniellaoccidentalis, Drepanothripsreuteri, Aphis gossipyi, BemisiatabaciandLobesiabotranaon grapes.
A method to prevent and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surroundingby applying a synergistic insecticidalcomposition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticides and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticides.
A use of a synergistic insecticidalcomposition comprising components (A) at least one neonicotinoid insecticides and (B) at least one pyrethroid insecticides to prevent and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant partsand/or surrounding.