WO2022248850A1

WO2022248850A1 - A method of controlling insects

Info

Publication number: WO2022248850A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/051305
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nobuo Chidi SERGIO; Wolffenbuttel Carloto BRUNO; Ritesh Dipak PAGARE
Original assignee: UPL Corporation Limited; Upl Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-25
Filing date: 2022-05-25
Publication date: 2022-12-01
Also published as: CN117813009A; AR125968A1; DOP2023000258A; CO2023016048A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of controlling insects. The present invention also relates to synergistic insecticidal combination and composition comprising said combination for controlling insects.

Description

Title: A method of controlling insects

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a method of controlling insects. The present invention also relates to a synergistic insecticidal combination and composition comprising said combination for controlling insects.

Background of invention

Methods of controlling or eradicating insect pests are desirable in many instances, more so when the crops are of commercial interest. Insects are very destructive to the crop and can cause significant damage and loss of yield.

Stink bugs are most common insect pests that can cause serious damage to vegetables, nuts, and commodity crops such as soybean, corn and cotton. They are generally hard to control, and their populations can surpass damage threshold. There are many species of stink bugs, all have shield-shaped bodies and most produce a strong, disagreeable odour when handled.

Euschistus heros (stink bug), belonging to neotropical species widespread in all South America, which can cause serious damage to several host plants such as soybean, beans, cotton, sunflower and other plant species.

Euschistus heros, is widely prevalent and distributed in Brazil, from the Northeast (West of the state of Bahia) to the Southern Region, including the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and particularly relevant in Paraguay as well. Because of their high population density and high number of generations (4) per year, multiple chemical control sprays are needed every growing season.

Euschistus heros is generally hard and difficult to control, and its populations can surpass damage threshold by sucking different parts of the host plants such as pods of soybean. The control of Euschistus heros populations has become a significant issue for soybean and cotton growers due to the limited number of registered, effective mode of actions (active ingredients chemical group s/sub -groups) to control such target insect and due to the capability of Euschistus heros to develop resistance to several active ingredients. The number of resistance cases reported for different active ingredient groups such as organophosphates (IRAC IB), cyclodiene organochlorines (IRAC 2A), synthetic pyrethroids (IRAC 3A) and neonicotinoids (IRAC 4) are continually increasing and a new method for controlling this pest is a dire need in the art.

Many insecticidal agents and compositions are commercially available for these purposes. Systemic insecticides are specifically those that target insects. Some of the most commonly used systemic insecticides are neonicotinoids. Combination of insecticides are used to broaden the spectrum of control, reduce the number of applications, reduce dosage, thereby reducing environmental impact, decreasing chances of development of resistance.

Insecticide active ingredient groups commonly used to control Euschistus heros include pyrethroids-neonicotinoids mixtures and organophosphates. Yet, there are increasing problems with insecticide resistance across all registered chemistries. Considering the restricted number of effective insecticides with different modes of action (MoA) against Euschistus heros , there is a continuing need to find new methods of controlling these insect populations.

Further, physico-chemical stability of agrochemical compositions is the biggest concern while formulating. Selecting suitable surfactants is critical to achieve physically and chemically stable formulation with appropriate shelf life. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop a formulation which is stable over long periods of time, does not deteriorate under severe storage conditions, being less phytotoxic to plants and are environmentally friendlier than conventional formulations. Thus, a need remains in the art to predominantly control the insect infestation at a locus which is an unfulfilled need in the art. There also exists the need for stable formulations as pest control agents which provides knock-down activity with prolonged control, that is, fast action with long lasting action. Stink bug on soybean is the main pest of this crop in Brazil and is a great problem for the growers. The present invention addresses this problem and other needs existing in the art.

Summary of invention

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, a synergistic combination, compositions comprising said combinations and methods for controlling insects, reducing the damage caused to plants and/or plant parts by insects and for reducing the losses in harvested crops.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical combination of a systemic or a non-systemic insecticide, or a salt, an ester, an isomer thereof and at least one contact insecticide, or a salt, an ester, an isomer thereof, for controlling insects.

In another aspect the present invention provides an insecticide composition comprising

(a) an insecticide combination of at least one systemic or non-systemic insecticide and at least one contact insecticide; and

(b) at least one non-ionic surfactant.

(b) at least two non-ionic surfactants. In yet another aspect the present invention provides the use of present insecticide compositions for controlling Euschistus heros.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of controlling Euschistus heros , the method comprising applying an insecticidally effective amount of present combinations/compositions to the infested locus.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method for controlling Euschistus heros comprising contacting the plant, parts of it, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with insecticide composition comprising combination of at least one systemic or non-systemic insecticide and at least one contact insecticide.

In another aspect the present disclosure provides a method of increasing the yield of the crop comprising applying the insecticidal composition of the present disclosure to a crop, or to plant propagation material or to the surface of agricultural produce.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit. The kit comprises a plurality of components, each of which components may include at least one, or more, of the ingredients of the insecticidal combination/composition of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of invention

The following description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for limiting the scope of the invention.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," "contains", "containing," "characterized by" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated.

Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided. For example, “0.1-80%” includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, etc. up to 80%. The term “% by weight” (percent by weight) or % w/w as used herein, unless otherwise defined, relates to the relative weight of the respective component based on the total weight of the composition. “About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ± 10% or ± 5% of the stated value.

As used herein the term "plant" or “crop” refers to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, and plant seeds. This term also encompasses plant crops such as fruits.

The term “plant” may further include the propagation material thereof, which may include all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolons, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil. The term "plant" is further to be understood as including plants which have been modified by either conventional breeding, or mutagenesis or genetic engineering, or by a combination thereof.

The term "plant propagation material" refers to all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material or propagule, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, roots, grains, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, shoots, sprouts and other parts of plants. Seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil, may also be included. These plant propagation materials may be treated prophylactically with a plant protection compound either at or before planting or transplanting.

The term “locus” as used herein denotes the vicinity or area designated for growth of a desired crop susceptible to or likely to be susceptible to infestation by insects, and in which control of the insect is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein insect infestation has either occurred or is most likely to occur or is yet to occur. The term “insecticidally effective amount” means the amount of the composition needed to achieve an observable adverse effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, insect pest mortality, insect pest weight loss, insect pest reduced plant defoliation, and other behavioural and physical changes of an insect pest after feeding and exposure for an appropriate length of time.

The term “adverse effect’” includes one or more of a deviation from natural development of the insect, killing of the insect, structural damage to the insect and/or growth retardation.

The term "invertebrate pest" includes arthropods, gastropods, nematodes and helminths of economic importance as pests.

As used herein, an "agriculturally acceptable salt" means a salt which is known and accepted for use in agricultural use.

The term "agriculturally acceptable amount of active" refers to an amount of an active that kills or inhibits the pest on which control is desired, in an amount not significantly toxic to the plant being treated. The common names of active ingredients as mentioned in this specification are known from the "handbook of insecticides" 13th edition, British crop protection commission (2003) and also available at www.alanwood.net/pesticides.

The term "insects" includes all organisms in the class "Insecta”. Insecticidal refers to the ability of a substance to increase mortality and/or inhibit the growth rate of insects. As used herein, the term "contacting" includes both direct contact (applying the compositions directly on the animal pest or plant - typically to the foliage, stem or roots of the plant) and indirect contact (applying the active compounds/compositions to the locus, i.e., habitat, breeding ground, plant, seed, soil, area, material or environment in which a pest is growing or may grow, of the animal pest or plant).

The term "control" or "controlling" insects refers to inhibition of insects, through a toxic effect, the ability of insect pests to survive, grow, feed, and/or reproduce, or to limit insect-related damage or loss in crop plants. To "control" insects may or may not mean killing the insects, although it preferably means reducing insect population by killing the insects.

The present disclosure relates to a combination of insecticides and compositions comprising said combination and their use for controlling the targeted insects. The disclosure also relates to a method for preparing the composition as well as a method for controlling insect pests using present insecticide combination and compositions comprising the same.

The present insecticide combinations and compositions are useful for protecting plants and plant parts, for controlling insect infestation, for increasing harvest yields, and/or for improving the quality of the harvested material.

Surprisingly it is found by the present inventors that combination of two insecticides having different mode of action (MO A) that is a contact insecticide and a systemic or a non-systemic insecticide effectively controls the target insect, particularly stink bugs. The present invention is also directed to a method with low amount of insecticide for management of stink bugs on soybean. Further the present inventors developed the stable composition of present insecticide combinations which is useful for controlling the pests. In an aspect the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:

(a) at least one contact insecticide or a salt, an ester, an isomer thereof;

(b) at least one systemic or non-systemic insecticide or a salt, an ester, an isomer thereof; and

(c) at least one non-ionic surfactant.

In an embodiment the present agrochemical composition is a stable composition comprising at least one contact insecticide, at least one systemic and non-systemic insecticide and at least two non-ionic surfactants.

In an embodiment, the contact insecticide is a pyrethroid insecticide. In an embodiment the pyrethroid insecticide is selected from the group consisting of flupropathrin, allethrin (d-cis-trans, d-trans), beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin-threo cyclopentyl isomer, flubenthrin (bioethanenomethrin), biothrin, bioresmethrin, dichlorometrythrin (chloreporthrin), cis-cypermethrin, cis- resmethrin, cis-permethrin, cyhalothrin (clocythrin), cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, prallethrin (lR-isomer), S- fenvalerate, etofenprox, pentafluorothrin, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, fluvalinate, cyhalothrin, trifluoroether, flumethrin, cyhalothrin, esfenvalerate (1R- isomer), etofenvalerate, esfen, fenvalerate flumethrin, benzofenapyr (fubfenprox), gamma-cyfluthrin, sumicidin, kadethrin, lambda-cyfluthrin, metofluthrin, permethrin (cis, transfer), phenothrin (lR-trans isomer), propargyl, proferfluthrin, protifenbute, pyresmethrin, bifenthrin, RU15525, silafluothrin, tau-fluvalinate, tefluthrin, cyclopentene allethrin, tetramethrin (-lR-isomer), tetrabromthrin, transfluthrin, pyrethrin, eflusilat, their salts, esters or isomers and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the pyrethroid insecticide is selected from bifenthrin, allethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin and cyfluthrin. In an embodiment the pyrethroid insecticide is bifenthrin.

In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a pyrethroid insecticide from about 1 % to about 70% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a pyrethroid insecticide from about 1% to about 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a pyrethroid insecticide from about 1% to about 25 % w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment the systemic insecticide is a neonicotinide insecticide or an organophosphates insecticide. The neonicotinide insecticide is selected from clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, nitenpyram, acetamiprid, nithiazine, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, hexahydro-l,3,5-triazine, nicotine, or their salts or isomers, and combination thereof. The organophosphates insecticide is selected from the group consisting of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, fenitrothion, malathion, methamidophos, monocrotophos, acephate, parathion- methyl, profenofos, terbufos, or their salts, esters or isomers and combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a neonicotinide insecticide from about 1% to about 70% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment the non-systemic insecticide is a phenylpyrazole insecticide. In an embodiment the phenyl pyrazole insecticide is 5-amino-l-[2,6-dichloro-4- trilluoromethyl) phenyl]-4- [(ethyl)-sulfinyl]-lH-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile (ethiprole). In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a phenylpyrazole insecticide from about 1% to about 70% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a phenylpyrazole insecticide from about 5% to about 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition. In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a phenylpyrazole insecticide from about 5% to about 40% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the present stable composition comprises a phenylpyrazole insecticide from about 5% to about 30% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alkoxylate, alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid alkoxylate and EO/PO copolymers. Examples of EO/PO copolymer are Polyalkylene oxide block copolymer, Alcohol block copolymer, Polyalkoxylated butyl ether, EO-PO-EO block Polymer 80% EO, Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment the non-ionic surfactant is an alcohol alkoxylate. The alcohol alkoxylates can be selected from the group comprising ethoxylated and alkoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated alcohol, alkyl and nonyl- phenol ethoxylates, ethoxylated sorbitan esters, castor oil ethoxylate or combination thereof. Examples of alcohol ethoxylates are Alcohols C6-12 ethoxylated, Alcohols C8-10 ethoxylated, Alcohols C9-11 ethoxylated, Alcohols C9-ii-iso-, C10- rich, ethoxylated, Alcohols C9-11 ethoxylated, Alcohols Cn-14 linear and branched, C13 rich, Ethoxylated isotridecyl alcohol (12EO)Alcohols, Cn-14-iso-, C13 rich, ethoxylated, Isotridecyl Alcohol Ethoxylated and Propoxylated, Polyoxyethylene (3) isodecyl alcohol ether, C9-11 Alcohol Ethoxylate 2.5 EO or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from alkyl and nonyl-phenol ethoxylates, ethoxylated alcohol, C12-C15 ethoxylated alcohol, preferably Alkosynt® IT products for examples ethoxylated isotridecyl alcohol 12 EO (ALKOSYNT ® IT 120), ethoxylated isotridecyl alcohol (3-10 EO), polyalkylene oxide block copolymers of a simple primary alcohol (e.g. ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymers of butanol) such as Atlas™ G-5000/ Ultraric 5000.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises non-ionic surfactants from about 0.1% to about 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises non-ionic surfactants in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 30% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stable composition comprises non-ionic surfactants in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 25% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

The stable insecticidal compositions of the present invention may further comprise one or more agrochemically acceptable additives or extenders and can be selected from dispersants, surfactants, wetting agents, fillers, anticaking agents, pH- regulating agents, preservatives, biocides, antifoaming agents, colorants and other formulation aids.

In an embodiment suitable surfactants or dispersants may be selected from the group of polymethyl methacrylate -polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer, block copolymer of polyethylene glycol and polyhydroxystearic acid and hydrophilic methyl methacrylate graft copolymer, polyethylene glycol ethers of linear alcohols, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters, acrylate copolymer (Agrilan 755), methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate-polyethylene glycol copolymer, Tersperse 2500, Morwet D-425, Termul™ 5429 or Tergitol™ XJ, XD or XH; polyisobutene succinic anhydride-polyethylene glycol such as Atlox™ 4914; polyhydroxystearate polyethers such as Atlox™ 4912, or Atlox™ 4913 (Polymethyl methacrylate - polyethylene glycol graft co-polymer) and the like.

In an embodiment present insecticidal composition may further comprise one or more agrochemically acceptable carriers/excipients.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising:

(a) at least one pyrethroid insecticide;

(b) at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide;

(c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and

(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

(a) at least one pyrethroid insecticide;

(b) at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide;

(c) at least two non-ionic surfactants; and

(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

The agrochemically acceptable carriers/excipients can be selected from stabilizers, emetic agents, disintegrating agents, antifoaming agents, wetting agents, dispersing agents, binding agents, dye(s), fillers, carriers, surfactants and optionally solid and/or liquid auxiliaries and/or adjuvants such as wetters, adhesives, dispersants or emulsifiers, carriers that may be solid or liquid, antifreeze agent, anticaking agents, pH-regulating agents, preservatives, biocides, and if required other formulation aids. Dispersing agents can be selected from the group, but are not limited to, comprising salts of polystyrene sulphonic acids, salts of polyvinyl sulphonic acids, salts of naphthalenesulphonic acid/formaldehyde condensates, salts of condensates of naphthalenesulphonic acid, phenolsulphonic acid and formaldehyde, and salts of lignosulphonic acid and the like.

Wetting agents that can be added to the formulations include but are not limited to: polyarylalkoxylated phosphate esters and their potassium salts (e.g., Soprophor® FLK; Stepfac TSP PE- K. Other suitable wetting agents include sodium dioctylsulfosuccinates (e.g., Geropon® SDS; Aerosol® OT; and ethoxylated alcohols (e.g., Trideth-6; Rhodasurf® BC 610; Tersperse® 4894).

Suitable antifreeze agents that can be added to the composition are liquid polyols, for example ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or glycerol.

Examples of antifoaming or defoamers are employed to stop any unwanted foam generated while manufacturing highly concentrated liquid biocide dispersion composition. The preferred antifoaming agent is selected from the group consisting of silicone-based compounds, alcohols, glycol ethers, mineral spirits, acetylene diols, silicone emulsion, polysiloxanes, organosiloxanes, siloxane glycols, reaction products of silicon dioxide and organosiloxane polymer, polydimethylsiloxanes or polyalkylene glycols alone or in combination. Defoamers that are suitable include SAG-10; SAG-IOOOAP; SAG-1529; SAG-1538; SAG-1571; SAG-1572; SAG- 1575; SAG-2001; SAG-220; SAG-290; SAG-30; SAG-30E; SAG-330; SAG-47; SAG-5440; SAG-7133 and SAG-770.

Examples of thickening agents based on anionic heteropolysaccharides from the xanthan gum group are inter alia the Rhodopol 23®, Rhodopol G®, Rhodopol 50 MD®, Rhodicare T®, Kelzan®, Kelzan S® and Satiaxane CX91®. Preservatives/biocide used may be benzisothiazolinone (Proxel® GXL) or phonols, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l,3-diol (Bioban™ BP 30), 5-chloro-2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one & 2 methyl-4-isothiazolin -3 one (Kathon CG/ICP),Glutaraldehyde (Ucarcide™ 50), Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT)/Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) (Isocil® Ultra 1.5), 2.2-dibromo-3- nitrilopropioamide (Reputain 20), Natamycin & Nisin, Bronopol/CMIT/MIT (Mergal® 721K3).

Suitable colorants (for example in red, blue and green) are, preferably, pigments, which are sparingly soluble in water, and dyes, which are water-soluble. Examples are inorganic coloring agents (for example iron oxide, titanium oxide, and iron hexacyanoferrate) and organic coloring agents (for example alizarin, azo and phthalocyanin coloring agents).

In embodiments, the compositions may further comprise a solvent selected from water, aromatic solvents, a glycol, methyl oleate, aliphatic solvents, and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment the present insecticide composition is stable and significantly controls the insects.

In an embodiment, the stable insecticide composition comprises from about 1 % to about 50% w/w at least one pyrethroid insecticide, 1 % to about 75% w/w at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide and at least one non-ionic surfactant from about 0.1 to 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the stable insecticide composition comprises from about 1 % to about 50% w/w at least one pyrethroid insecticide, 1 % to about 50% w/w at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide and at least one non-ionic surfactant from about 0.1 to 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stable insecticide composition comprises from about 1 % to about 50% w/w at least one pyrethroid insecticide, 1 % to about 50% w/w at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide and at least two non-ionic surfactants, each non-ionic surfactant is present from about 0.1 to 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the stable insecticide composition comprises ethiprole from about 1 % to about 50% w/w, bifenthrin from about 1 % to about 50% w/w and at least two non-ionic surfactants, each non-ionic surfactant is present from about 0.1 to 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the stable insecticide composition comprises alcohol ethoxylate and EO/PO copolymer as non-ionic surfactants.

In an embodiment the present stable composition comprises non-ionic surfactants from about 0.1 to 50% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment the present stable composition comprises non-ionic surfactants from about 0.1 to 40% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment the present stable composition comprises non-ionic surfactants from about 0.1 to 30% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment the present stable composition comprises non-ionic surfactants from about 0.1 to 20% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

The compositions that can be used in the present invention include both solid and liquid based compositions. The compositions of the present invention can be formulated in a manner which suits the specific application. The formulation may be solid or liquid formulations. Non-limiting examples of suitable liquid formulations may be emulsion concentrates (EC), suspension concentrates (SC), capsule suspensions (CS), oil dispersion (OD); suitable solid formulations may be water dispersible granules (WDG) and wettable powders (WP), dusts and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is a liquid composition.

In another preferred embodiment, the composition is suspension concentrate (SC). In another preferred embodiment, the composition is an oil dispersion (OD).

In an embodiment the present invention provides a suspension concentrate comprising

(a) at least one pyrethroid insecticide;

(b) at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide;

(c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and

(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

(a) ethiprole;

(b) bifenthrin;

(c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and

(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

(a) ethiprole;

(b) bifenthrin;

(c) at least two non-ionic surfactants; and

(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable ingredient. In an embodiment the suspension concentrate comprises

(a) about 0.1% to about 50% w/w ethiprole; (b) about 0.1% to about 50% w/w bifenthrin;

(c) about 0.1% to about 50% w/w ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer and about 0.1% to about 50% w/w alcohol ethoxylates; and

(d) at least one agrochemically acceptable ingredient.

In another embodiment the present invention provides process for preparation of present insecticide compositions, particularly liquid compositions.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 400 g ai/L. In an embodiment, ethiprole is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 300 g ai/L.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 200 g ai/L. In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 200 g ai/L.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 150 g ai/L.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 100 g ai/L.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 80 g ai/L.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 750 g ai/L. In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 70 g ai/L.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 60 g ai/L.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is present in the composition in an amount of about 1 to 50 g ai/L. In an embodiment the process for preparing a liquid composition comprises: a) preparing a suspension comprising one or more excipients suspended in water; b) preparing a mixture by mixing a pyrethroid insecticides and phenylpyrazole insecticide; c) adding a mixture of step (a) into a mixture of step (b) under vigorous stirring to obtain a slurry; d) subjecting the slurry to milling process in a mill; and e) stirring the mixture for homogenization to obtain the desired composition.

In an embodiment the present invention provides a process for preparing a suspension concentrate composition comprising: a) preparing a suspension comprising one or more excipients suspended in water; b) preparing a mixture by mixing 5-amino-l-[2,6-dichloro-4-trilluoromethyl) phenyl]-4- [(ethyl)-sulfmyl]-lH-pyrazole-3carbonitrile and bifenthrin; c) adding a mixture of step (a) into a mixture of step (b) under vigorous stirring to obtain a slurry; d) subjecting the slurry to milling process; and e) stirring the obtained mixture to obtain desired composition.

In an embodiment, the stable suspension concentrate formulation has a particle size distribution D50 of less than about 10 microns. In an embodiment, the stable suspension concentrate formulation has a particle size distribution D50 of less than about 5 microns.

In an embodiment, the stable suspension concentrate formulation has a particle size distribution D90 of less than about 20 microns. In an embodiment, the stable suspension concentrate formulation has a particle size distribution D50 of less than about 15 microns. The agrochemical compositions thus obtained have a superior suspensibility, better dispersibility and no sedimentation. In an embodiment the present suspension concentrate is stable for upto 18 months at room temperature. The properties of the insecticide composition disclosed herein remain stable during storage. For example, there is substantially no sedimentation in the composition following storage at temperatures of -5°C , -10°C, 0°C , 25°C, and/or 54°C. In an embodiment, there is substantially no sedimentation of the composition following storage for 18 months at 25°C. Furthermore, the present compositions remained stable during ambient and accelerated heat stability (AF1S) at 54°C for 14 days and 28 days and have significant efficacy against the control of Euschistus hero.

The present compositions may further comprise additional insecticide which may be selected from dimpropyridaz, isocycloseram, spidoxamat, fenmezoditiaz, indazapyroxamet, fluchlordiniliprole, trifluenfuronate, nicofluprole, flupyrimin, fluazaindolizine, oxazosulfyl tioxazafen, cyclobutrifluram, flupentiofenox, cyproflanilide or combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides use of an insecticidal composition comprising at least one pyrethroid insecticide, at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide and at least one non-ionic surfactant, as a pesticide.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides use of suspension concentrate comprising at least one pyrethroid insecticide, at least one phenylpyrazole insecticide and at least one non-ionic surfactant, as a pesticide.

According to another embodiment, the agrochemical compositions/formulation of the present disclosure is found to be highly active against a wide variety of chewing, boring and sucking insects in crops. In an embodiment, the crops can be selected from but not limited to cereals, such as wheat, oats, barley, spelt, triticale, rye, maize, millet, rice, crops such as sugarcane, soybean, sunflower, rape, canola, tobacco, sugar beet, fodder beet; tuber crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes etc., crops such as asparagus, hops etc.,; fruit plants such as apples, pears, stone- fruits such as for example peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums, apricots, citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, limes, lemons, kumquats, mandarins, satsumas; nuts such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, pecan nuts, tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, pineapple, dates, bananas etc., grapes, vegetables such as endives, lambs, lettuce, fennel, globe and loose-leaf salad, chard, spinach, chicory, cauliflower, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, kale (winter kale or curly kale), kohlrabi, Brussel sprouts, red cabbage, white cabbage and savoy, fruiting vegetables such as aubergines, cucumbers, paprika, marrow, tomatoes, courgettes, sweetcorn, root vegetables such as celeriac, turnip, carrots, swedes, radishes, horse radish, beetroot, salsify, celery, pulses such as peas, beans etc., bulb vegetables such as leeks, onions etc., oil crops such as mustard, poppy, olives, sunflowers, coconut, castor oil plants, cocoa beans, groundnuts; fibre crops such as cotton, jute, flex, hemp, crops such as tea, coffee, rubber, ornamentals including shrubs and flowering plants, vines, rangeland and pastures.

In an embodiment the present method is provided for controlling insects in soybean crop.

In an embodiment, the insect pest may be selected from Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Hemipteran, or Homopteran species.

In an embodiment, Lepidopteran pest species which negatively impact agriculture include, but are not limited to, Achoeajanata, Adoxophyes spp., Adoxophyes orana, Agrotis spp. (cutworms), Agrotis ipsilon (black cutworm), Alabama argillacea (cotton leafworm), Amorbia cuneana, Amyelosis transitella (navel orangeworm), Anacamptodes defectaria, Anarsia lineatella (peach twig borer), Anomis sabulifera (jute looper), Anticarsia gemmatalis (velvetbean caterpillar), Archips argyrospila (fruittree leafroller), Archips rosana (rose leaf roller), Argyrotaenia spp. (tortricid moths), Argyrotaenia citrana (orange tortrix), Autographa gamma, Bonagota cranaodes, Borbo cinnara (rice leaf folder), Bucculatrix thurberiella (cotton leafperforator), Caloptilia spp. (leaf miners), Capua reticulana, Carposina niponensis (peach fruit moth), Chilo spp., Chlumetia transversa (mango shoot borer), Choristoneura rosaceana (obliquebanded leafroller), Chrysodeixis spp., Cnaphalocerus medinalis (grass leafroller), Colias spp., Conpomorpha cramerella, Cossus cossus (carpenter moth), Crambus spp. (Sod webworms), Cydia funebrana (plum fruit moth), Cydia molesta (oriental fruit moth), Cydia nignicana (pea moth), Cydia pomonella (codling moth), Dama diducta, Diaphania spp. (stem borers), Diatraea spp. (stalk borers), Diatraea saccharalis (sugarcane borer), Diatraea graniosella (southwester corn borer), Earias spp. (bollworms), Earias insulata (Egyptian bollworm), Earias vitella (rough northern bollworm), Ecdytopopha aurantianum, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (lesser cornstalk borer), Epiphysias postruttana (light brown apple moth), Ephestia spp. (flour moths), Ephestia cautella (almond moth), Ephestia elutella (tobbaco moth), Ephestia kuehniella (Mediterranean flour moth), Epimeces spp., Epinotia aporema, Erionota thrax (banana skipper), Eupoecilia ambiguella (grape berry moth), Euxoa auxiliaris (army cutworm), Feltia spp. (cutworms), Gortyna spp. (stemborers), Grapholita molesta (oriental fruit moth), Hedylepta indicata (bean leaf webber), Helicoverpa spp. (noctuid moths), Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), Helicoverpa zea (bollworm/corn earworm), Heliothis spp. (noctuid moths), Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm), Hellula undalis (cabbage webworm), Indarbela spp. (root borers), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), Leucinodes orbonalis (eggplant fruit borer), Leucoptera malifoliella, Lithocollectis spp., Lobesia botrana (grape fruit moth), Loxagrotis spp. (noctuid moths), Loxagrotis albicosta (western bean cutworm), Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Lyonetia clerkella (apple leaf miner), Mahasena corbetti (oil palm bagworm), Malacosoma spp. (tent caterpillars), Mamestra brassicae (cabbage armyworm), Maruca testulalis (bean pod borer), Metisa plana (bagworm), Mythimna unipuncta (true armyworm), Neoleucinodes elegantalis (small tomato borer), Nymphula depunctalis (rice caseworm), Operophthera brumata (winter moth), Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer), Oxydia vesulia, Pandemis cerasana (common currant tortrix), Pandemis heparana (brown apple tortrix), Papilio demodocus, Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm), Peridroma spp. (cutworms), Peridroma saucia (variegated cutworm), Perileucoptera coffeella (white coffee leafminer), Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth), Phyllocnisitis citrella, Phyllonorycter spp. (leafminers), Pieris rapae (imported cabbageworm), Plathypena scabra, Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth), Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth), Polychrosis viteana (grape berry moth), Prays endocarpa, Prays oleae (olive moth), Pseudaletia spp. (noctuid moths), Pseudaletia unipunctata (armyworm), Pseudoplusia includens (soybean looper), Rachiplusia nu, Scirpophaga incertulas, Sesamia spp. (stemborers), Sesamia inferens (pink rice stem borer), Sesamia nonagrioides, Setora nitens, Sitotroga cerealella (Angoumois grain moth), Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera cosmioides (lepidoptera), Spodoptera spp. (armyworms), Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm), Spodoptera fugiperda (fall armyworm), Spodoptera oridania eridania (southern armyworm), Spodoptera littoralis e Diaphania nitidalis , Synanthedon spp. (root borers), Thecla basilides, Thermisia gemmatalis, Tineola bisselliella (webbing clothes moth), Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper), Tuta absoluta, Yponomeuta spp., Zeuzera coffeae (red branch borer) and Zeuzera pyrina (leopard moth).

In yet another embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Orthoptera, such as Anabrus simplex (Mormon cricket), Gryllotalpidae (mole crickets), Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus spp. (grasshoppers), Microcentrum retinerve (angularwinged katydid), Pterophylla spp. (kaydids), chistocerca gregaria, Scudderia furcata (forktailed bush katydid) and Valanga nigricorni. In yet another embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Thysanoptera, such as Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips), Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips), Frankliniella shultzei Frankliniella williamsi (corn thrips), Heliothrips haemorrhaidalis (greenhouse thrips), Riphiphorothrips cruentatus, Scirtothrips spp., Scirtothrips citri (citrus thrips), Scirtothrips dorsalis (yellow tea thrips), Taeniothrips rhopalantennalis and Thrips spp., Diloboderus abderus (coleoptera) and Diabrotica speciosa (coleoptera).

In an embodiment Coleopteran insect pests may be selected from but not limited to Acanthoscelides spp. (weevils), Acanthoscelides obtectus (common bean weevil), Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer), Agriotes spp. (wireworms), Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle), Anthonomus spp. (weevils), Anthonomus grandis (boll weevil), Aphidius spp., Apion spp. (weevils), Apogonia spp. (grubs), Ataenius spretulus (Black Turgrass Ataenius), Atomaria linearis (pygmy mangold beetle), Aulacophore spp., Bothynoderes punctiventris (beet root weevil), Bruchus spp. (weevils), Bruchus pisorum (pea weevil), Cacoesia spp., Callosobruchus maculatus (southern cow pea weevil), Carpophilus hemipteras (dried fruit beetle), Cassida vittata, Cerosterna spp, Cerotoma spp. (chrysomeids), Cerotoma trifurcata (bean leaf beetle), Ceutorhynchus spp. (weevils), Ceutorhynchus assimilis (cabbage seedpod weevil), Ceutorhynchus napi (cabbage curculio), Chaetocnema spp. (chrysomelids), Colaspis spp. (soil beetles), Conoderus scalaris, Conoderus stigmosus, Conotrachelus nenuphar (plum curculio), Cotinus nitidis (Green June beetle), Crioceris asparagi (asparagus beetle), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (rusty grain beetle), Cryptolestes pusillus (flat grain beetle), Cryptolestes turcicus (Turkish grain beetle), Ctenicera spp. (wireworms), Curculio spp. (weevils), Cyclocephala spp. (grubs), Cylindrocpturus adspersus (sunflower stem weevil), Deporaus marginatus (mango leaf-cutting weevil), Dermestes lardarius (la rder beetle), Dermestes maculates (hide beetle), Diloboderus abderus (coleoptera), Diabrotica speciosa (coleoptera), Diabrotica spp. (chrysolemids), Epilachna varivestis (Mexican bean beetle), Faustinus cubae, Hylobius pales (pales weevil), Hypera spp. (weevils), Hypera postica (alfalfa weevil), Hyperdoes spp. (Hyperodes weevil), Hypothenemus hampei (coffee berry beetle), Ips spp. (engravers), Lasioderma serricorne (cigarette beetle), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Liogenys futscus, Liogenys suturalis, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice water weevil), Lyctus spp. (wood beetles/powder post beetles), Maecolaspis joliveti, Megascelis spp., Melanotus communis, Meligethes spp., Meligethes aeneus (blossom beetle), Melolontha melolontha (common European cockchafer), Oberea brevis, Oberea linearis, Oryctes rhinoceros (date palm beetle), Oryzaephilus mercator (merchant grain beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (sawtoothed grain beetle), Otiorhynchus spp. (weevils), Oulema melanopus (cereal leaf beetle), Oulema oryzae, Pantomorus spp. (weevils), Phyllophaga spp. (May/June beetle), Phyllophaga cuyabana, Phyllotreta spp. (chrysomelids), Phynchites spp., Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle), Prostephanus truncates (larger grain borer), Rhizopertha dominica (lesser grain borer), Rhizotrogus spp. (Eurpoean chafer), Rhynchophorus spp. (weevils), Scolytus spp. (wood beetles), Shenophorus spp. (Billbug), Sitona lineatus (pea leaf weevil), Sitophilus spp. (grain weevils), Sitophilus granaries (granary weevil), Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil), Stegobium paniceum (drugstore beetle), Tribolium spp. (flour beetles), Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle), Tribolium confusum (confused flour beetle), Trogoderma variabile (warehouse beetle) and Zabrus tenebioides.

In an embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Hemiptera, such as Acrosternum hilare (green stink bug), Blissus leucopterus (chinch bug), Calocoris norvegicus (potato mind), Cimex hemipterus (tropical bed bug), Cimex lectularius (bed bug), Diaphorina citrie Tibraca limbativentris (hemiptera), Dagbertus fasciatus, Dichelops furcatus, Dichelops melacanthus, Dysdercus suturellus (cotton Stainer), Edessa meditabunda, Eurygaster maura (cereal bug), Euschistus heros, Euschistus servus (brown stink bug), Helopeltis antonii, Helopeltis theivora (tea blight plantbug), Lagynotomus spp. (stink bugs), Leptocorisa oratorius, Leptocorisa varicornis, Lygus spp. (plant bugs), Lygus hesperus (western tarnished plant bug), Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Neurocolpus longirostris, Nezara viridula (southern green stink bug), Paratrioza cockerelli, Phytocoris spp. (plant bugs), Phytocoris californicus, Phytocoris relativus, Piezodorus guildinii, Poecilocapsus lineatus (fourlined plant bug), Psallus vaccinicola, Pseudacysta perseae, Scaptocoris castanea and Triatoma spp. (bloodsucking conenose bugs/kissing bugs). In an embodiment, the insect pests are of the order Homoptera, such as Acrythosiphon pisum (pea aphid), Adelges spp. (adelgids), Aleurodes proletella (cabbage whitefly), Aleurodicus disperses, Aleurothrixus floccosus (woolly whitefly), Aluacaspis spp., Amrasca bigutella bigutella, Aphrophora spp. (leafhoppers), Aonidiella aurantii (California red scale), Aphis spp. (aphids), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid), Aphis pomi (apple aphid), Aulacorthum solani (foxglove aphid), Bemisia spp. (whiteflies), Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisiatabaci (sweet potato whitefly), Brachycolus noxius (Russian aphid), Brachycorynella asparagi (asparagus aphid), Brevennia rehi, Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), Ceroplastes spp. (scales), Ceroplastes rubens (red bawax scale), Chionaspis spp. (scales), Chrysomphalus spp. (scales), Coccus spp. (scales), Dalbulius maidis (homoptera), substituir Mahanarva fimbriolata, por Mahanarva sp., Dysaphis plantaginea (rosy apple aphid), Empoasca spp. (leafhoppers), Eriosoma lanigerum (woolly apple aphid), Icerya purchasi (cottony cushion scale), Idioscopus nitidulus (mango leafhopper), Laodelphax striatellus (smaller brown planthopper), Lepidosaphes spp., Macrosiphum spp., Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid), Macrosiphum granarium (English grain aphid), Macrosiphum rosae (rose aphid), Macrosteles quadrilineatus (aster leafhopper), Mahanarva frimbiolata, Metopolophium dirhodum (rose grain aphid), Mictis longicomis, Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Nephotettix spp. (leafhoppers), Nephotettix cinctipes (green leafhopper), Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), Parlatoria pergandii (chaff scale), Parlatoria ziziphi (ebony scale), Peregrinus maidis (com delphacid), Philaenus spp. (spittlebugs), Phylloxera vitifoliae (grape phylloxera), Physokermes piceae (spruce bud scale), Planococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus spp. (mealybugs), Pseudococcus brevipes (pine apple mealybug), Quadraspidiotus pemiciosus (San Jose scale), Rhapalosiphum spp. (aphids), Rhapalosiphum maida (com leaf aphid), Rhapalosiphum padi (oat bird-cherry aphid), Saissetia spp. (scales), Saissetia oleae (black scale), Schizaphis graminum (greenbug), Sitobion avenae (English grain aphid), Sogatella furcifera (white-backed planthopper), Therioaphis spp. (aphids), Toumeyella spp. (scales), Toxoptera spp. (aphids), Trialeurodes spp. (whiteflies), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly), Trialeurodes abutiloneus (bandedwing whitefly), Unaspis spp. (scales), Unaspis yanonensis (arrowhead scale) and Zulia entreriana.

In an embodiment, the preferred target insect to be controlled is from the family of Pentatonidae particularly stink bugs.

Preferably the insect pest is Euschistus her os.

In an embodiment, the present invention is effective against any and all developmental stages, such as egg, larva, pupa, and adult, preferred insect pest controlled is adults and pre-adults of stink bug.

In an embodiment the present combinations/compositions, methods provide an excellent control of nymphs and adults of Euschistus heros.

The pests may be controlled by contacting the target pest, its food supply, habitat, breeding ground or its locus with a pesticidally effective amount of the inventive compositions.

According to an aspect the present combinations/compositions are useful for controlling pests particularly stink bugs.

In an embodiment the present combinations/compositions are useful for controlling adult and stink bug insects at the nymph stage particularly in soybean plants.

In an embodiment, compositions according to the disclosure are applied to any and all developmental stages, such as egg, larva, pupa, and adult for prevention or control of insect pests. The pests may be controlled by contacting the target pest, its food supply, habitat, breeding ground or its locus with an insecticidally effective amount of the compositions described herein. According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of controlling or preventing unwanted pests on plants or propagation material thereof, said method comprising applying an agrochemically effective amount of the present combinations/compositions to the pests or to the plants or to their locus. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of predominantly controlling insect infestation at a locus, said method comprising administering to the locus the present combinations/compositions.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of increasing yield in a crop by application of the present insecticide combination/compositions as described herein.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, said method comprising the step of simultaneously or sequentially applying the components of the present compositions. In embodiment the present combination components are applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession. According to another embodiment the present invention provides a method of controlling or preventing stink bugs on plants or propagation material thereof, said method comprising applying an agrochemically effective amount of present combinations/compositions to the pests or to the plants or to their locus. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of predominantly controlling target insect infestation at a locus, said method comprising administering to the locus the present combinations/compositions.

Thus, in this embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling insect infestation at a locus, said method comprising contacting the target insect with the present combinations/compositions.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention may be carried out by applying the present combinations/compositions at the locus of the infestation.

Preferably, a method of treating the plants or their locus with the combination of the present invention comprises administering to the soil, applying to the plant or parts of the plant or seed with an effective amount of present combinations/compositions. The administration is preferably by application either when first signs of infestation are seen or when insect pests begin to reappear.

Accordingly, in an aspect the present invention provides a method of controlling insects comprising applying the insecticidal combination of the present disclosure to a crop or to an infested locus of a crop or to plant propagation material or to the surface of agricultural produce.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling or preventing unwanted pests on plants or propagation material thereof, said method comprising applying an agrochemically effective amount of the present combinations to the pests or to the plants or to their locus.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of predominantly controlling insect infestation at a locus, said method comprising administering the present combinations to the locus. In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of increasing yield in a crop by application of the present method using the present insecticide combination as described herein.

In another aspect of the present invention provides a method of improving the crop health by application of the insecticide combination. The present invention thus provides a complete strategy towards managing and controlling targeted insects for agricultural sustainability as well as rising crop yield rates.

In an embodiment the present method is effective for controlling stink bug.

In an embodiment the present method is effective for controlling stink bug insects at the nymph stage particularly in soybean plants.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling stink bugs comprising applying an agrochemically effective amount of the present combination of at least one contact pesticide and at least one non-systemic or systemic pesticide to the pests or to the plants or to their locus.

In an embodiment, the contact pesticide belongs to Group 3: Sodium channel modulators as mentioned by Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) mode of action classification. In an embodiment, the non-systemic pesticide belongs to Group 2: GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists as mentioned by IRAC mode of action classification.

In an embodiment the present method is effective for controlling insects, Euschistus her os.

Preferably, the method of controlling the insects comprises applying/administering to a crop, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof with an insecticidally effective amount of present combinations/compositions, wherein the method is for controlling and/or preventing infestation of crop by insects preferably Euschistus heros. The administration is preferably by application either when first signs of infestation are seen, or when insect pests begin to reappear.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling Euschistus heros comprising contacting the plant, or the soil in which the plant is growing, with a present insecticide composition comprising a combination of at least one contact pesticide and at least one non-systemic pesticide.

In an embodiment, the present method of controlling Euschistus heros comprises applying an insecticidal combination of ethiprole as non-systemic insecticide and bifenthrin as contact insecticide at the locus.

In a further aspect the invention provides a method of controlling and/or preventing infestation of Euschistus heros in soybean comprising applying to a crop of soybean plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a composition comprising a combination of ethiprole as non-systemic insecticide and bifenthrin as contact insecticide.

The invention also provides a method for the protection of plant propagation material, preferably seeds, and the seedlings' roots and shoots from Euschistus heros which comprises contacting the plant propagation material as e.g. the seeds before sowing and/or after pregermination with combinations/compositions of present invention.

In an embodiment, the present invention may be carried out by application of ethiprole and bifenthrin simultaneously or separately or sequentially at the plants or parts thereof or at the locus.

In an embodiment, the present invention may be carried out by application of the composition comprising ethiprole and bifenthrin in a ratio by weight of between about 1 to 1000 and about 1000 to 1 , between about 1 to 500 and about 500 to 1, between about 1 to 300 and about 300 to 1, between about 1 to 200 and about 200 to lbetween about 1 to 100 and about 100 to 1, between about 1 to 50 and 50 to 1 or about 1 to 25 and 25 to 1 , between about 1 to 10 and 10 to 1, between about 1 to 5 and 5 to 1.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is used in an amount of from about 1 to 400 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is used in an amount of from about 1 to 300 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is used in an amount of from about 1 to 200 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is used in an amount of from about 1 to 150 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is used in an amount of from about 1 to 100 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, ethiprole is used in an amount of from about 1 to 50 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 1 to 200 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 1 to 150 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 1 to 100 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 10 to 100 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 10 to 80 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 10 to 60 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 10 to 40 g ai. /ha.

In an embodiment, bifenthrin is used in an amount of from about 10 to 20 g ai. /ha.

The combinations of the invention or the pesticidal compositions comprising them may be used to protect growing plants and crops from attack or infestation by animal pests, especially from stink bugs, in particular from Euschistus , more particularly from E. her os, by contacting the plant/crop with a pesticidally effective amount of the composition of the invention.

In an embodiment the method of present invention significantly controls target insects within a period of 0 to 15 days. In another embodiment the present method significantly controls target insects within a period of 0 to 10 days. Thus, in an embodiment, the method of the present invention may be carried out by applying the composition to the locus of the infestation.

The method of the present disclosure can be carried out by application of the compositions to the soil or foliar applications at a preferred rate of application from about 50 to about 200 L/Ha. In an embodiment the application rate is preferably from about 100 to about 150 L/Ha.

The method of the present disclosure can be carried out by application of the compositions to the soil at a preferred rate of application from about 0.10 to about 10 L/Ha.

In an embodiment the application rate of present composition is in the range from about 0.1 to about 5 L/Ha. In an embodiment, the application rate is in the range from about 0.1 to 4L/Ha. In an embodiment, the application rate is in the range from about 0.1 to 3L/Ha. In an embodiment, the application rate is in the range from about 0.1 to 2L/Ha. In an embodiment, the application rate is in the range from about 0.1 to lL/Ha.

Typically, the application rate of the composition is 0.25 L/ha. Preferably the application rate of the composition is 0.5 L/ha. Preferably the application rate of the composition is 0.75 L/ha.

Typically, the present composition comprising ethiprole and bifenthrin represented an excellent tool for controlling nymphs and adults of Euschistus heros, preferably at doses 0.5 and 0.75 L/ha.

Suitable application methods include inter alia soil treatment, seed treatment, in furrow application, and foliar application. Soil treatment methods include drenching the soil, drip irrigation (drip application onto the soil), dipping roots, tubers or bulbs, or soil injection. Seed treatment techniques include seed dressing, seed coating, seed dusting, seed soaking, and seed pelleting. In furrow applications typically include the steps of making a furrow in cultivated land, seeding the furrow with seeds, applying the composition to the furrow, and closing the furrow. Foliar application refers to the application of the composition to plant foliage, e.g. through spray equipment. For foliar applications, it can be advantageous to modify the behaviour of the pests by use of pheromones in combination with the compounds of the present invention. Suitable pheromones for specific crops and pests are known to a skilled person.

Typically, the composition according to the invention are applied from a predosage device, a knapsack sprayer, a spray tank, a spray plane, or an irrigation system. Usually, the agrochemical composition is made up with water, buffer, and/or further auxiliaries to the desired application concentration and the ready-to-use spray liquor or the agrochemical composition according to the invention is thus obtained.

In an embodiment, the method of the present invention may be carried out by applying the combination either sequentially or together, either in the form of a tank mix or a pre- formulated (pre-mix) composition.

In an embodiment the present method comprises applying a premix formulation of ethiprole and bifenthrin. In an embodiment the pre-mix formulation is in the form of suspension concentrate (SC).

The method of application comprises contacting the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with present pesticidal composition comprising ethiprole and bifenthrin.

The administration is preferably by application either when first signs of infestation are seen or when insect pests begin to reappear. In an aspect, the present invention provides a method of improving yield of a plant, said method comprising application of compositions of present invention at the locus of the plant, such that the said combination controls harmful insects.

In another aspect, the present invention can provide a multi-pack insecticidal product for controlling insects at a locus, said product comprising:

(a) a first container comprising a composition of ethiprole;

(b) a second container comprising a composition of bifenthrin;

(c) an instruction manual instructing an user to mix the contents of said first and second containers and administering the compositions to the locus.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the various components of the agrochemical composition can be used individually or already partially or completely mixed with one another to prepare the composition according to the invention. It is also possible for them to be packaged and used further as combination composition such as a kit of parts.

In one embodiment of the invention, the kits may include one or more, including all, components that may be used to prepare the agrochemical composition. One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined together and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag or canister.

In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separately, i. e., not pre-formulated. As such, kits may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags or canisters, each container containing a separate component for the agrochemical composition.

In both forms, a component of the kit may be applied separately from or together with the further components or as a component of a combination composition according to the invention for preparing the agrochemical composition according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stable agrochemical composition comprising combination of ethiprole and bifenthrin insecticide may be provided in the form of a kit with single pack or multi pack.

The composition described above is insecticidally active and is stable. It has been found that the selected combination of surfactant in the agrochemical composition of the present invention provides excellent stability over time and at various temperatures. The present agrochemical composition obtained has a superior suspensibility, better dispersibility and no sedimentation.

All the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

The method of the present invention can offer some particular advantages over the prior art. The novel method of the present invention helps improves yields and promotes plant health and has no phytotoxicity.

The invention shall now be described with reference to the following specific examples. It should be noted that the examples appended below illustrate rather than limit the invention and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Suspension concentrate formulation

Process: In a vessel calculated quantities of excipients were added in water and then the calculated quantity of active ingredients (Bifenthrin and Ethiprole) were added to the mixture under vigorous stirring. The pre-mixture slurry was allowed for agitation up to 30 minutes. The slurry was subjected to milling process in a mill followed by addition of other excipients if required and allowed to stir for 40-45 min for proper and homogenization to obtain desired formulation.

Example 2 Bio efficacy data of present composition comprising ethiprole and bifenthrin:

Field trials were conducted to study the effect of the combination of ethiprole and bifenthrin on the control of stink bugs {Euschistus heros). The study was carried on soybean plants. After application the plants were re infested with 10 stink bugs ( Euschistus heros) in adult stage. The control (%) of Euschistus heros at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after infestation was recorded. The efficacy results of trial represented in tables below.

Table 1

Table 2

The insect control obtained from the application of 50 g/ha ethiprole plus 20 g/ha of bifenthrin is substantially higher than the control obtained with 20 g/ha of bifenthrin with isolated application. Tables 1 and 2 above show the results.

The percentage control seen with the combination of ethiprole and bifenthrin was synergistic. Preferably the suspension concentrate formulation of the present combination, at 1 day and 3 days after application provided excellent control of the soybean stink bug (E. heros).

Example 3 Efficacy trial data:

The efficacy of present composition comprising ethiprole and bifenthrin was evaluated against Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus heros. The spray volume was 150 L/ha. The results of percentage control of insects are given in below table.

It is evident from the above results that the present composition provides synergistic control against nymphs and adults of Euschistus heros. Example 4

Physico-chemical study data

The composition of Example- 1 was taken for physico-chemical testing to ascertain stability of the composition. The composition appeared light Pink to beige coloured suspension liquid. No sedimentation was observed in the composition uptp 18 months. Viscosity of the composition of Example-1 was found to be within 600 to 800 cps. Composition of Example- 1 was taken for Accelerated Heat Stability (AHS) wherein the sample was kept at 54°C for 14 days and 28 days. Active content of both ethiprole and bifenthrin was found to be within the acceptable limit when tested after 14 days and 28 days. Composition of Example- 1 showed excellent suspensibility and no sedimentation. Therefore, it was concluded that the composition of Example- 1 remained stable in ambient as well as AHS which assured overall stability of the composition upto 18 months. The results of stability test provided in below table.

Table 3

*NA- not done 5

Claims

Claims:

1. A method comprising controlling insect pest with the application of an insecticide composition comprising a combination of a systemic or a non- systemic insecticide and a contact insecticide.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said contact insecticide is a pyrethroid insecticide selected from the group consisting of flupropathrin, allethrin (d-cis-trans, d-trans), beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin-threo cyclopentyl isomer, flubenthrin (bioethanenomethrin), biothrin, bioresmethrin, dichlorometrythrin (chloreporthrin), cis-cypermethrin, cis-resmethrin, cis- permethrin, cyhalothrin (clocythrin), cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, prallethrin (lR-isomer), S- fenvalerate, etofenprox, pentafluorothrin, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, fluvalinate, cyhalothrin, trifluoroether, flumethrin, cyhalothrin, esfenvalerate (lR-isomer), etofenvalerate, esfen, fenvalerate flumethrin, benzofenapyr (fubfenprox), gamma-cyfluthrin, sumicidin, kadethrin, lambda- cyfluthrin, metofluthrin, permethrin (cis, transfer), phenothrin (lR-trans isomer), propargyl, proferfluthrin, protifenbute, pyresmethrin, bifenthrin, silafluothrin, tau-fluvalinate, tefluthrin, cyclopentene allethrin, tetramethrin (- lR-isomer), tetrabromthrin, transfluthrin, pyrethrin, eflusilat, their salts or isomers and combinations thereof. 3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said systemic insecticide is a neonicotinide insecticide selected from clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, nitenpyram, acetamiprid, nithiazine, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, hexahydro-l,

3,5-triazine, nicotine, their salts or isomers and said non-systemic insecticide is a phenylpyrazole insecticide, salts or isomers thereof.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said phenylpyrazole insecticide is ethiprole.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said combination comprises ethiprole and bifenthrin.

6. A method of controlling or preventing insect pests on plants or propagation materials thereof, said method comprising applying an agrochemically effective amount of insecticide composition containing a combination of ethiprole and bifenthrin, on a plant or a part thereof or at the locus or on the surface of plant propagation material.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said composition comprises ethiprole in an amount of about 0.1% to about 80% by weight of total composition and bifenthrin in an amount of about 0.1% to about 80% by weight of total composition.

8. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein said insecticide composition is applied at an application rate from about 0.1 to 5L/ha.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the insect pest is of the order of Hemiptera.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the insect pest is stink bug.

11. A stable insecticide composition comprising i) at least one systemic or non-systemic insecticide; ii) at least one contact insecticide; iii) one or more non-ionic surfactant

12. The composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said contact insecticide is selected from the group consisting of flupropathrin, allethrin (d-cis-trans, d- trans), beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin-threo cyclopentyl isomer, flubenthrin (bioethanenomethrin), biothrin, bioresmethrin, dichlorometrythrin (chloreporthrin), cis-cypermethrin, cis-resmethrin, cis-permethrin, cyhalothrin (clocythrin), cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, prallethrin (lR-isomer), S-fenvalerate, etofenprox, pentafluorothrin, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, fluvalinate, cyhalothrin, trifluoroether, flumethrin, cyhalothrin, esfenvalerate (lR-isomer), etofenvalerate, esfen, fenvalerate flumethrin, benzofenapyr (fubfenprox), gamma-cyfluthrin, sumicidin, kadethrin, lambda-cyfluthrin, metofluthrin, permethrin (cis, transfer), phenothrin (lR-trans isomer), propargyl, proferfluthrin, protifenbute, pyresmethrin, bifenthrin, RU15525, silafluothrin, tau-fluvalinate, tefluthrin, cyclopentene allethrin, tetramethrin (-lR-isomer), tetrabromthrin, transfluthrin, pyrethrin, eflusilat, and combinations thereof.

13. The composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said non-systemic insecticide is a phenylpyrazole insecticide.

14. The composition as claimed in claim 13 wherein said phenylpyrazole insecticide is ethiprole.

15. The composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and nonyl-phenol ethoxylates, alcohol alkoxylates, C12-C15 ethoxylated alcohol, alkyl phenol alkoxylate, alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid alkoxylate, EO/PO copolymers or combinations thereof.

16. The composition as claimed in claim 11 further comprising one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients selected from dispersants, surfactants, wetting agents, fillers, anticaking agents, pH-regulating agents, preservatives, biocides, antifoaming agents, colorants and other formulation aids.

17. The composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w non-ionic surfactant of the total weight of the composition.

18. The composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said composition is in the form of suspension concentrate (SC).

19. A suspension concentrate composition comprising: i) ethiprole; ii) bifenthrin; and iii) one or more non-ionic surfactant.

20. The composition as claimed in claim 19 wherein said non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl and nonyl-phenol ethoxylates, alcohol alkoxylates, C12-C15 ethoxylated alcohol, alkyl phenol alkoxylate, alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid alkoxylate, EO/PO copolymers, block copolymeric surfactants derived from alkylene oxides such as ethylene oxide/propylene oxide, aliphatic amines or fatty acids with ethylene oxides and/or propylene oxides, ethoxylated alkyl phenols or ethoxylated aryl or polyaryl phenols and/or copolymers thereof or combinations thereof.

21. The composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said composition has particle size distribution D50 of less than about 10 microns.

22. The composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said composition has particle size distribution D90 of less than about 20 microns.

23. Use of a composition as claimed in claim 11 as an insecticide composition for controlling insects.

24. A process for preparing a suspension concentrate composition comprising: a) preparing a suspension comprising one or more excipients suspended in water; b) preparing a mixture by mixing a pyrethroid insecticides and phenylpyrazole insecticide; c) adding a mixture of step (a) into a mixture of step (b) under vigorous stirring to obtain a slurry; d) subjecting the slurry to milling process in a mill; and e) stirring the mixture for homogenization to obtain desired composition.

25. A kit-of-parts comprising: a) a first container comprising inseciticide composition containing a combination of pyrethroid insecticides and phenylpyrazole insecticide optionally agrochemically acceptable ingredients; and b) an instruction manual instructing user to use and apply said composition for controlling pests.