WO2023126621A1

WO2023126621A1 - Method of controlling weeds

Info

Publication number: WO2023126621A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/053340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Fabri; Vicente Amadeo Gongora; Rafael Henrique Alves PEREIRA; Ayrton Berger Neto
Original assignee: UPL Corporation Limited; Upl Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-31
Filing date: 2022-12-21
Publication date: 2023-07-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of controlling non-crop weeds. The present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds in water bodies and in non-crop land.

Description

Title: Method of controlling weeds

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method of controlling non-crop weeds. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds in water bodies and in non-crop land. The present invention relates to a defoliant composition for controlling non-crop weeds. The present invention further relates to the use of a defoliant for controlling non-crop weeds.

Background of the invention

Weeds growing in non-crop areas such as roadsides, driveways, pavements, railway tracks, storage areas, public work-yards, pastures, parking lots and transmission lines are known to cause problems ranging from fire hazards, reducing drainage as well as accessibility. Similarly, water and its management are vital to crop yield and in maintaining the aquatic flora and fauna. Weed control in irrigation, drainage channels, and in water, is an essential part of crop management in many parts of the world. There are problems associated with aquatic weeds in freshwater ecosystems and weeds in terrestrial non-agro ecosystems.

Aquatic weeds including, Eichhornia crrassipes, Ipomoea aquatica, Typha angustata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Salvinia molesta, Nelumbo nucifera, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Hydrilla verticillata, Vallisneria spiralis, Chara spp., Nitelia spp., Potamogeton spp. are of primary concern that hamper use of water. Several irrigation and hydroelectric projects have been known to suffer with massive growth of aquatic weeds. Weeds enhance rates of evaporation many folds through evapotranspiration than that of open surface, thus cause a great loss of water. Water hyacinth makes water unfit due to eutrophication and slows down the flow rate of water besides causing many health associated problems.

Weed growth in non-crop land is controlled by tedious cultural methods like mowing or persistent herbicide use. For total vegetation control, non-selective, post-emergent herbicides can be used after weed emergence, alternatively soil sterilants can be used for long-term vegetation control. In areas where total weed control is not necessary several herbicides are available for control of broadleaf or grassy weeds in non-crop areas. Weed management in water bodies is a particularly complex problem in multiple-use waters, which make up an increasingly large proportion of water bodies worldwide.

The application of herbicides to control weeds, sometimes causes majority of the compound to accumulate in the environment, in soil, water, atmosphere or in the crop harvested. Several chemical substances employed in controlling weeds as well as other pests are released into the terrestrial and aquatic environments and in the atmosphere. These substances can be transported and transformed by different processes, the by-products of such processes can cause adverse effects on humans, as well as damages to the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Due to widespread use of herbicides over the years, there has been an accumulation of these residues in the environment, which is causing alarming contaminations in the ecosystems and negative damages to the biota. Herbicides represent a high toxicity to target species, but it can be also toxic, at different levels, to non-target species, such as human beings. Herbicides can cause deleterious effects on organisms and human health, both by their direct and indirect action. Therefore, there is a need for a defoliant and a method to control weeds in non-crop areas and in aquatic bodies, with an aim to reduce toxicity issues and bioaccumulation of toxic residues.

Defoliants are generally applied to crop plants when the crop is about to reach the harvesting stage. They are applied either as solid formulations (e.g. dust or powder, granules) or liquid formulations (e.g. suspension concentrate, emulsifiable concentrate etc). The problem with using solid formulations is dustability, low pourability, difficulty in packaging, health hazards due to inhalation and skin irritation. Dust defoliants are bulky, difficult to apply uniformly, dependent on dew for retention and activation on the plant, and highly susceptible to drift. It is difficult to make available the effective amount of active ingredients onto the foliar parts in the presence of wind and other ecological factors.

Magnesium chlorate is a known defoliant. Currently, it is available as magnesium chlorate hexahydrate and as magnesium chloride-sodium chlorate, which are mixed in an aqueous solution, to form magnesium chlorate hexahydrate. Magnesium chlorate is an effective defoliant and is preferred where foliage is tough and where more leaf surface activity is required. Magnesium chlorate is applied in the form of solid powder and as liquid spray defoliants. PCT Publication No. WO2018/146566 discloses a liquid composition consisting of a metal chlorate for defoliation of crop plants. However, a fool proof method of controlling weeds in water bodies that hinder aquatic growth and movement of aquatic flora and fauna has not been taught in prior art literature, due to the complexity in inhibiting such weed growth.

The present inventors have taken a leap from the conventional methods of weed control in non-crop areas and have provided a method of controlling non-crop weeds using magnesium chlorate, including weeds growing in non-agricultural areas and in water bodies.

Object

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling non-crop weeds using a liquid composition comprising a defoliant. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of controlling non-crop weeds using a liquid composition comprising a defoliant and an adjuvant.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide the use of a defoliant for controlling non-crop weeds.

Summary

In accordance with the objects of the present invention, a method of controlling non-crop weeds is provided comprising applying at a locus an effective amount of a defoliant to obtain complete or partial reduction of terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

The present invention relates to a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying at a locus an effective amount of a metal chlorate and optionally an adjuvant to obtain complete or partial reduction in weed growth.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying at a locus an effective amount of magnesium chlorate to obtain complete or partial reduction in weed growth.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying at a locus an effective amount of a defoliant combination comprising magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to obtain complete or partial reduction in weed growth.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying at a locus an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate and one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients to obtain complete or partial reduction in weed growth.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying at a locus an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to obtain complete or partial reduction in weed growth.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling aquatic weeds comprising applying at a locus an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to obtain complete or partial reduction in weed growth.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to a defoliant combination comprising magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to obtain complete or partial reduction in non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth. In an aspect, the present invention relates to a composition comprising magnesium chlorate and one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients to obtain complete or partial reduction in non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of magnesium chlorate for controlling complete or partial reduction in non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant combination comprising magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant for controlling non- crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate and one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients for controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

Detailed description of drawings:

Figure 1 describes the evaluation of the efficacy of the present method against the non-crop weed Urochloa decumbens in non-agricultural areas. The defoliation of weeds was observed for treated weeds at an application rate of 1 , 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 L/ha in drawings 1 A to 1 F, respectively and for an untreated control as well in each treatment. The observations were made at 7 DAA and 14 DAA for each application rate.

Figure 2 describes the evaluation of the efficacy of the present method against water hyacinth at application rate of 8 L/ha. The observation was made 7 days after application of the defoliant composition.

Figure 3 describes the describes the evaluation of the efficacy of the present method against Eichhornia crassipes at concentrations of 0.12%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% of the defoliant composition in drawings 3A to 3D, respectively. The observation was made 7 days after application of the defoliant composition.

Detailed description

For the purposes of the following detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials/ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". The term "about" used to qualify the amounts of active components shall be interpreted to mean "approximately" or "reasonably close to" and any statistically insignificant variations therefrom.

As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e. , to mean including but not limited to.

In any aspect or embodiment described hereinbelow, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of”. In these aspects or embodiment, the combination or composition described includes or comprises or consists of or consists essentially of or consists substantially of the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

The term herbicide, as used herein, shall mean an active ingredient that kills, controls or otherwise adversely modifies the growth of undesired plants.

As used herein, a herbicidally effective amount is an amount of active ingredient that causes a “herbicidal effect,” or a “defoliating effect” i.e., an adversely modifying effect on weeds and includes deviations from natural development, killing, regulation, desiccation, retardation stunting, dwarfing and the like.

The terms “plants” and “vegetation” include, but are not limited to, germinant seeds, emerging seedlings, plants emerging from vegetative propagules, and established vegetation.

The terms “non-crop weeds”, "undesirable vegetation", "harmful plants", "unwanted plants", “non-crop weeds”, "weeds" and "weed species", as used herein, are synonyms.

The terms “aquatic weeds”, "undesirable vegetation", "harmful plants", "unwanted plants", "weeds" and "weed species", as used herein, are synonyms.

The term “non-crop area” refers to all areas where a crop, or any intentionally planted vegetation, is not grown.

The term “locus” as used herein shall denote the vicinity wherein weed infestation has either emerged or is yet to emerge. The locus shall include vicinity of non-crop terrestrial weeds and aquatic weeds. The vicinity of terrestrial weeds includes roads, highways, electric stations, driveways, industrial areas, eolic or solar stations, pavements, railway tracks, storage areas, public work-yards, parking lots and transmission lines.

The locus of aquatic weeds comprises the area or the vicinity of aquatic weeds including water bodies such as oceans, seas, lakes, wetlands, marshes, rivers, streams, estuaries, ponds, rivulets, canals and such other water bodies. Further, locus also includes harbours, water reservoirs, tanks and swimming pools.

The term “crop” shall include a multitude of desired crop plants or an individual crop plant growing at a locus.

As used herein, a body of water includes, but is not limited to ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, canals, and reservoirs, treated surfaces of drainage canals, irrigation canals, and water containment structures.

As used herein, applying an herbicide or herbicidal composition means delivering it directly to the non-agricultural land or to the area adjacent to the targeted vegetation (i.e., the locus thereof) or to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as at the locus of undesired vegetation or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

Each of the aspects described above may have one or more embodiments.

Each of the embodiments described hereinafter may apply to one or all aspects described hereinabove. These embodiments are intended to be read as being preferred features of one or all aspects described hereinabove. Each of the embodiments described hereinafter applies to each of the aspects described hereinabove individually.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an agrochemical to the area where control of weeds is desired, such as at the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

It has been unexpectedly found by the present inventors that metal chlorate, more particularly, magnesium chlorate as a defoliant or as a desiccant, when applied to an area or a locus thereof of non-crop weeds, was effective in the defoliation of weeds in such non-crop areas, including aquatic weeds and weeds in non-agricultural areas. The metal chlorate provided effective defoliation at a particular locus, without causing adverse environmental issues to the surrounding flora. The present invention therefore provides an advantageous method of defoliation of terrestrial and aquatic weeds in non-crop areas, including non-agricultural lands and in water bodies.

The present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying a defoliant to an area or locus where control of said weeds is desired, areas including the soil surface or the water surface, sub-surface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant comprising a metal chlorate to an area or locus where control of non-crop weeds is desired.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant at a locus, wherein said defoliant is a metal chlorate.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant at a locus, wherein said defoliant is a metal chlorate.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant at a locus, wherein the said defoliant is a metal chlorate.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant comprising a metal chlorate at a locus to the area above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the defoliant or defoliating agent or desiccant is a metal chlorate.

In an embodiment, the metal chlorate defoliant is selected from the group comprising sodium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, calcium chlorate, calcium-magnesium chlorate and potassium chlorate.

In an embodiment, the metal chlorate defoliant is sodium chlorate.

In an embodiment, the metal chlorate defoliant is calcium chlorate.

In an embodiment, the metal chlorate defoliant is calcium-magnesium chlorate.

In a preferred embodiment, the metal chlorate defoliant is magnesium chlorate.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of magnesium chlorate to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial weeds comprising applying an effective amount of magnesium chlorate to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of magnesium chlorate to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying a defoliating combination comprising an effective amount of a metal chlorate and an adjuvant to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying a defoliating combination comprising an effective amount of magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial weeds comprising applying a defoliating combination comprising an effective amount of magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop aquatic weeds comprising applying a defoliating combination comprising an effective amount of magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment of the present invention the adjuvant comprises one or more mono alkyl esters of fatty acids.

In an embodiment of the present invention the compositions can comprise one or more mono alkyl esters of fatty acids selected from the group consisting of wheat germ methyl ester, wheat germ ethyl ester, wheat germ propyl ester, corn oil methyl ester, soybean oil methyl ester, soybean oil ethyl ester, soybean oil propyl ester, coconut oil methyl ester, coconut oil ethyl ester, coconut oil propyl ester, cotton seed oil methyl ester, cotton seed oil ethyl ester, cotton seed oil propyl ester, corn oil ethyl ester, corn oil propyl ester, sunflower oil methyl ester, sunflower oil ethyl ester, sunflower oil propyl ester, safflower oil methyl ester, safflower oil ethyl ester, safflower oil propyl ester, rapeseed oil methyl ester, rapeseed oil ethyl ester, rapeseed oil propyl ester, mustard oil methyl ester, mustard oil ethyl ester, mustard oil propyl ester, castor oil methyl ester, castor oil ethyl ester, castor oil propyl ester, sesame oil methyl ester, sesame oil ethyl ester, sesame oil propyl ester, pine oil methyl ester, pine oil ethyl ester, pine oil propyl ester, linseed oil methyl ester, linseed oil ethyl ester, linseed oil propyl ester, jatropha methyl ester, jatropha ethyl ester, jatropha propyl ester, algae methyl ester, algae ethyl ester, algae propyl ester, tallow methyl ester, tallow ethyl ester, tallow propyl ester, methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, propyl palmitate, methyl stearate, ethyl stearate, propyl stearate, methyl oleate, ethyl oleate, propyl oleate, methyl linoleate, ethyl linoleate, and propyl linoleate.

In an embodiment the vegetable oil is alkylated vegetable oil.

In an embodiment, the alkylated vegetable oil is a methylated vegetable oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the methylated vegetable oil is selected from methylated corn oil, methylated linseed oil, methylated soybean oil, methylated rapeseed oil, methylated cotton seed oil and methylated sunflower oil.

In another embodiment, the alkylated vegetable oil is present in an amount from about 0.1 w/v to about 30% w/v by weight, preferably from about 1 % w/v to about 20% w/v by weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the alkylated ester is present in an amount from about 0.1 w/v to about 30% w/v by weight, preferably from about 1 % w/v to about 20% w/v by weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the methyl ester is present in an amount of 0.1 % w/v to 10% w/v by weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the metal chlorate and the adjuvant is ranging from 1 :5 to 5:1.

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the metal chlorate and the adjuvant is 5:1 .

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the metal chlorate and the adjuvant is 4:1 .

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the magnesium chlorate and the adjuvant is ranging from 1 :5 to 5:1 .

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of magnesium chlorate and the adjuvant is 5:1 .

In an embodiment, the weight ratio of magnesium chlorate and the adjuvant is 4:1 . In an embodiment, the metal chlorate is formulated as a liquid defoliant composition.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention is in the form of a concentrate.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention is in the form of an aqueous solution.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention is in the form of a soluble concentrate.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for preparation of a composition comprising a metal chlorate.

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

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising: a metal chlorate, optionally an adjuvant and one or more excipients.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising: a metal chlorate, an adjuvant and one or more excipients.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising magnesium chlorate, optionally a methyl ester and one or more excipients.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising magnesium chlorate, a methyl ester and one or more excipients.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the kits may include one or more, including all, components that may be used to prepare the defoliant combination or composition, e.g., kits may include active ingredients and/or dispersing agents. 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 an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a defoliant composition comprising;

(i) a metal chlorate as the defoliating agent, and

(ii) one or more excipients.

(i) sodium chlorate as the defoliating agent, and

(ii) one or more excipients.

(i) calcium chlorate as the defoliating agent, and

(ii) one or more excipients.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a defoliant composition comprising;

(i) magnesium chlorate as the defoliating agent, and

(ii) one or more excipients.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a liquid composition comprising (a) a metal chlorate; (b) a stabilizer; and (c) at least one buffering agent.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a liquid composition comprising (a) magnesium chlorate; (b) hexamethylenetetramine (hexamine); and (c) optionally at least one buffering agent. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a soluble concentrate comprising (a) a metal chlorate; (b) a stabilizer; and (c) at least one buffering agent.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a soluble concentrate comprising (a) magnesium chlorate; (b) hexamethylenetetramine (hexamine); and (c) optionally at least one buffering agent.

In an embodiment, the buffering agent is selected from, but not limited to, barium acetate, magnesium acetate, calcium acetate, copper (II) acetate, zinc acetate, sodium acetate, ammonium acetate, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the buffering agent is ammonium acetate.

In an embodiment, the buffering agent is sodium acetate.

In an embodiment, the buffering agent is a combination of ammonium acetate and sodium acetate.

In an embodiment, the buffering agent is added to the composition to maintain the pH of the composition, typically to a pH value between 4 to 6.

In an embodiment, the composition of the present invention may further contain agriculturally acceptable adjuvants, carriers, diluents, emulsifiers, fillers, anti-foaming agents, thickening agents, anti-freezing agents, freezing agents etc. The compositions may be either solid or liquids. They can be solids, such as, for example, dusts, granules, water-dispersible granules, microcapsules or wettable powders, or liquids, such as, for example, emulsifiable concentrates, solutions, emulsions or suspensions, ZC formulations. They can also be provided as a pre-mix or tank mixes.

Suitable agricultural adjuvants and carriers may include, but are not limited to, crop oil concentrates; methylated seed oils, emulsified methylated seed oil, nonylphenol ethoxylate; benzylco coalkyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium salt; blend of petroleum hydrocarbon, alkyl esters, organic acid, and anionic surfactant; C₉-Cn alkylpolyglycoside; phosphated alcohol ethoxylate; natural primary alcohol (Ci₂-Ci₆) ethoxylate; di-sec-butylphenol EO-PO block copolymer; polysiloxane-methyl cap; nonylphenol ethoxylate, urea ammonium nitrate; tridecyl alcohol (synthetic) ethoxylate (8EO); tallow amine ethoxylate ; PEG(400) dioleate-99, alkyl sulfates, such as diethanol ammonium lauryl sulfate; alkylarylsulfonate salts, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol- C ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecyl alcohol-Ci₆ ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; alkyl-naphthalene-sulfonate salts, such as sodium dibutyl naphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; salts of mono and dialkyl phosphate esters; vegetable or seed oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed/canola oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils, and in certain embodiments, methyl esters.

Suitable liquid carriers that may be employed in a composition of the present invention may include water or organic solvents. The organic solvents include, but are not limited to, petroleum fractions or hydrocarbons such as mineral oil, aromatic solvents, paraffinic oils, and the like; vegetable oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like; esters of the above vegetable oils; esters of mono alcohols or dihydric, trihydric, or other lower polyalcohols (4-6 hydroxy containing), such as 2-ethyl hexyl stearate, n-butyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol dioleate, di-octyl succinate, di-butyl adipate, di-octyl phthalate and the like; esters of mono, di and polycarboxylic acids and the like. Organic solvents include, but are not limited to toluene, xylene, petroleum naphtha, crop oil, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, amyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerine, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, N,N-dimethyl alkylamides, dimethyl sulfoxide.

Solid carriers that may be employed in the compositions of the present invention may include but are not limited to attapulgite, pyrophyllite clay, silica, kaolin clay, kieselguhr, chalk, diatomaceous earth, lime, calcium carbonate, bentonite clay, Fuller's earth, talc, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, walnut shell flour, lignin, cellulose etc.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a liquid composition for defoliation of noncrop weeds comprising:

(i) a metal chlorate; and

(ii) a reduced quantity of an alkali metal halide.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the metal chlorate is present in a concentration ranging from about 1% w/v to about 70% w/v of the total weight of the defoliant composition. In an embodiment of the present invention, the metal chlorate is present in a concentration ranging from about 10% w/v to about 60% w/v of the total weight of the defoliant composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metal chlorate is present in a concentration ranging from about 10% w/v to about 40% w/v of the total weight of the defoliant composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metal chlorate is in a concentration of 30% w/v of the total weight of the defoliant composition.

In an embodiment, the metal chlorate defoliant is magnesium chlorate.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, magnesium chlorate is present in a concentration ranging from about 10% w/v to about 40% w/v of the total weight of the defoliant composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, magnesium chlorate is in a concentration of 30% w/v of the total weight of the defoliant composition.

(i) magnesium chlorate; and

(ii) a reduced quantity of an alkali metal halide.

The term “reduced quantity of alkali metal halide” as used herein denotes a quantity of the alkali metal halide that is less than 30% w/v by total weight of the composition, preferably less than 20% w/v by total weight of the composition, more preferably less than 10% w/v of weight of the composition, and most preferably less than 7.5% w/v by total weight of the composition.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid composition for defoliation of non-crop weeds comprises from about 0.1 % w/v to about 95% w/v and preferably from about 10% w/v to about 80%w/v of the metal chlorate by total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the defoliant composition of the present invention comprises a reduced quantity of sodium halide.

In an embodiment, the defoliant composition of the present invention comprises a reduced quantity of sodium chloride. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid defoliant composition for defoliation of non-crop weeds comprises from about 0.1 % w/v to about 30% w/v and preferably from about 1 % w/v to about 20% w/v of sodium chloride of the total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, sodium chloride is present in an amount from about 2% w/v to about 10% w/v of the total weight of the liquid defoliant composition.

In an embodiment, the methods and compositions of the present invention may also be used in the complete or partial control of weeds in water bodies, wherein they may be emerged, floating, immersed, and submersed aquatic plants and/or shoreline grasses.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 500 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising the metal chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising the metal chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising the metal chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 1000 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 500 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 200 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling non-crop weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 200 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling non-crop weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling non-crop weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha and an adjuvant in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 5 L/ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha and an adjuvant in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 5 L/ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha and an adjuvant in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 3 L/ha. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha and an adjuvant in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 3 L/ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha and a methyl ester in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 3 L/ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, wherein 50% to 100% weed control is obtained.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising metal chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, wherein 50% to 100% weed control is obtained.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, wherein 50% to 100% weed control is obtained.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, wherein 50% to 100% weed control is obtained. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the soil surface, below the soil surface, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, wherein 50% to 100% weed control is obtained.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying a defoliant composition comprising an effective amount of magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop terrestrial weeds comprising applying a defoliant composition comprising an effective amount of magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling non-crop aquatic weeds comprising applying a defoliant composition comprising an effective amount of magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant to the area where control of undesired vegetation is desired, such as on the soil surface or above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil, or is water injected.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying at a locus an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate, wherein the amount of metal chlorate is ranging from 100 g a.i./ha to 20,000 g a.i./ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying at a locus an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate, wherein the amount of metal chlorate is ranging from 500 g a.i./ha to 15,000 g a.i./ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying at a locus an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate, wherein the amount of metal chlorate is ranging from 500 g a.i./ha to 10,000 g a.i./ha. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying at a locus an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate, wherein the amount of magnesium chlorate is ranging from 500 g a.i./ha to 10,000 g a.i./ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds comprises applying at a locus an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate, wherein the amount of magnesium chlorate is ranging from 1000 g a.i./ha to 10,000 g a.i./ha.

The aquatic weeds are selected from the group comprising common duckweed (Lemna minor), limnophila (Limnophila sessiliflora), frog's bit (Limnobium spongia), mosquito fern (Azo Ila caroliniana), water fern (Salvinia minima and S. molesta), salvinia (Salvinia spp.), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and common water meal ( Woffia Columbiana) the immersed plants include but are not limited to spatterdock (Nuphar luteum), water-lily (Nymphaea spp.), alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), cattail (Typha spp.), creeping water primrose (Ludwigia peploides), parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), smartweed (Polygonum spp.), spike rush (Eleocharis spp.), water purslane (Ludwigia palustris), water pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellate), floating heart (Nymphoides spp.), bulrush (Schoenoplectus spp.), lance leaf pickerelweed (Pontederia spp.), arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.) and watershield (Brasenia schreberi); the submersed plants include but are not limited to bladder wart (Utricularia spp.), baby's tears (Micranthemum spp.), common coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), common elodea (Elodea canadensis), Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), naiad (Najas spp.), pond weed (Potamogeton spp.) and more specifically curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and Illinois pondweed (P. illinoensis), horned pondweed (Zannichellia palustris), bacopa (Bacopa spp.), watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spp.) including Eurasian watermilfoil (M. spicatum), tape grass or American eel grass ( Vallisneria americana), and variable leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum); and the shoreline grasses barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and southern watergrass (Hydrochloa caroliniensis). Particularly preferred plant types for control in accordance with the methods described herein include hydrilla, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly leaf pondweed, alligator weed, yellow nutsedge, barnyard grass, early watergrass, Echinochloa species, saramolla grass, and Chinese sprangle top.

In an embodiment, the bodies of water to be treated using the methods described herein will typically be fresh- water bodies such as ponds, lakes, wet-lands, reservoirs, rivers, streams, canals, ditches or irrigation canals, although other bodies of water may also be treated in accordance with the methods. The methods described herein may be used in bodies of water that include rice paddies or rice fields and any water containment system including, but not limited to, water storage, water cooling, water heating, and the like.

In an embodiment, the methods and composition of the present invention is used in the complete or partial control of weeds in water bodies.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of weeds in water bodies comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of weeds in water bodies comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of weeds in water bodies comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 200 L/ha, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of weeds in water bodies comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of weeds in water bodies comprises applying a liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, above the water surface, at the water surface, subsurface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydro-soil.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of aquatic weeds comprises applying at a locus an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate, wherein the amount of magnesium chlorate is ranging from 500 g a.i./ha to 10,000 g a.i./ha.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for complete or partial control of aquatic weeds comprises applying at a locus an effective amount of the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate, wherein the amount of magnesium chlorate is ranging from 1000 g a.i./ha to 10,000 g a.i./ha.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of Urochloa spp. in non- agricultural areas comprises applying the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of Urochloa sp. in non- agricultural areas comprises applying the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of Urochloa sp. weeds in non-agricultural areas comprises applying the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of Urochloa decumbens weeds in non-agricultural areas comprises applying the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of Urochloa decumbens weeds in non-agricultural areas comprises applying the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of Urochloa decumbens weeds in non-agricultural areas comprises applying the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Eichhornia crassipes comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Eichhornia crassipes comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Eichhornia crassipes comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds. In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Pistia stratiotes comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Pistia stratiotes comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Pistia stratiotes comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Salvinia molesta comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Salvinia molesta comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of the aquatic weeds Salvinia molesta comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition at a rate of 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the locus of such weeds.

In an embodiment, the methods and compositions of the present invention may also be used in the complete or partial control of non-crop terrestrial weeds.

In an embodiment, the methods and composition of the present invention is used in the control of terrestrial weeds growing in non-crop areas such as roadsides, highways, electric stations, driveways, industrial areas, eolic or solar stations, pavements, railway tracks, storage areas, public work-yards, parking lots and transmission lines.

In an embodiment, the method for complete or partial control of weeds growing in non-crop areas such as roadsides, highways, electric stations, driveways, industrial areas, eolic or solar stations, pavements, railway tracks, storage areas, public work-yards, parking lots and transmission lines comprising applying the liquid defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate at a rate of 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of such weed The non-crop terrestrial weeds in non-agricultural areas are selected from the group comprising Parthenium hysterophorus L., Ageratum conyzoides, Ageratum houstonianum, Bidens Pilosa, Erigeron canadensis, Chromolaena adenophorum Spreng., Cirsium arvense, Ipomea, Cynodon dactylon, Achyranthus, Lantana camara, Hackelia uncinate, Imperata cylindrica, Polygonum alatum, Oxalis latifolia, Echinochloa colona, Polygonum barbatum, Urtica dioca, Rumex obtusifolius, Solanum xanthocarpum, Datura stramonianum, Xanthium strumarium, Alternethera philoxeroides, Galium aparine, Urochloa spp. Urochloa decumbens (signal grass), Urochloa fusca, Urochloa panicoides, and other species of Alloteropsis, Brachiaria, Ixophorus, Oplismenus, Panicum, and Rupichloa.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of magnesium chlorate for controlling complete or partial reduction in non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant combination comprising magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant for controlling non- crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate and one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients for controlling non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weed growth.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition for controlling aquatic weeds, said method comprising applying magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of aquatic weeds.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition for controlling aquatic weeds, said method comprising applying magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the locus of aquatic weeds.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition for controlling aquatic weeds, said method comprising applying magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the locus of aquatic weeds.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition for controlling non crop terrestrial weeds, said method comprising applying magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 300 L/ha, at the locus of non-crop terrestrial weeds.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition for controlling non crop terrestrial weeds, said method comprising applying magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha, at the locus of non-crop terrestrial weeds.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of a defoliant composition for controlling non crop terrestrial weeds, said method comprising applying magnesium chlorate in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha, at the locus of non- crop terrestrial weeds.

The present invention thus provides a method of controlling growth of non-crop terrestrial and aquatic weeds, thus reducing the deleterious effects on the food chain, on organisms and human health. The present method of applying the defoliant composition comprising magnesium chlorate to control weeds in non-crop areas and in aquatic bodies, successfully reduces toxicity issues and bioaccumulation of toxic residues.

It will be understood that the specification and examples are illustrative but not limitative of the present disclosure and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments can be practiced that are also within the scope of the present invention. The following examples illustrate the invention, but by no means intend to limit the scope of the claims.

EXAMPLES

The disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the following examples:

Examples:

Example 1 : Defoliant composition (Soluble concentrate)

Table 1 :

Example 2: Evaluation of inhibition of non-crop aquatic weeds The efficacy of the present method was determined by evaluating its efficacy against non-crop weed Urochloa decumbens, which is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types and habitat conditions. This perennial grass vigorously colonizes disturbed environments and often forms dense stands in the understory of secondary forests and open woodlands, along waterways and on floodplains. The composition as prepared in Example 1 was used at an application rate of 1 , 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 L/ha. An untreated control sample was also maintained. The defoliation activity of the composition was observed at 7 days after application (7 DAA’) and at 14 days after application (14 DAA) of the composition. The flow rate was kept at 200l/ha. A substantial defoliation of the weeds was observed at 7 DAA and 14 DAA at each of the application rates as depicted in respective drawings 1 A to 1 F.

Example 3: Evaluation of inhibition of aquatic weeds

The efficacy of the present method was determined by evaluating its efficacy against non-crop weeds water hyacinth. The composition as prepared in Example 1 was used at an application rate of 8L/ha. A substantial defoliation of the weeds was observed at 7 DAA when treated with the present defoliant composition compared to the untreated weeds as observed in Figure 2.

Example 4: Evaluation of inhibition of Eichhornia crassipes

The efficacy of the present method was determined by evaluating its efficacy against Eichhornia crassipes at concentrations of 0.12% w/v, 0.25% w/v, 0.5% w/v and 1% w/v of the defoliant composition as disclosed in Example 1 . The observation was made 7 days after application of the defoliant composition. A substantial defoliation of the weeds treated with the present defoliant composition was observed at 7 DAA compared to the untreated control, i.e. the untreated weeds at 7 DAA as observed in Figure 3.

Example 5: % control of Pontederia crassipes using the present defoliant composition

Pontederia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth is an invasive weed and is known to completely cover lakes and wetlands, outcompeting native aquatic species, reducing oxygen levels for fish, and creating ideal habitat for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Therefore, there is a need to control such species without causing damage and toxic bio-accumulation in the aquatic flora and fauna.

Weed control using magnesium chlorate against Pontederia crassipes (Eichhornia crassipes) was evaluated. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse and results were observed at 7 DAA (days after application). The defoliant composition as described in Example 1 was used. The said defoliant composition comprised 30% w/v of magnesium chlorate. The treatments were performed as discussed in Table 2 below. Table 2:

The % control of the aquatic weed Pontederia crassipes was found to be good at just 7 DAA of the present composition.

Example 6: % control of Pontederia crassipes using the present defoliant composition and an adjuvant

Weed control using magnesium chlorate against Pontederia crassipes (Eichhornia crassipes) was evaluated. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse and results were observed at 7 DAA (days after application). The defoliant composition as described in Example 1 was used. The defoliant composition was used along with an adjuvant, i.e. methyl ester. The said defoliant composition consists of 30% w/v magnesium chlorate. The adjuvant composition consists of 72% w/v methyl ester formulated as an emulsion concentrate. The treatments were performed as discussed in Table 3 below.

Table 3:

The % control of the aquatic weed Pontederia crassipes was found to be good at just 7 DAA of the present composition and an adjuvant.

Claims

We claim,

1 . A method of controlling non-crop weeds comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant comprising a metal chlorate to an area or locus where control of non-crop weeds is desired.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the non-crop weeds are terrestrial and aquatic weeds.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the metal chlorate is selected from the group comprising sodium chlorate, magnesium chlorate, calcium chlorate, and potassium chlorate.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the metal chlorate defoliant is magnesium chlorate.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the metal chlorate is formulated in a liquid defoliant composition.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5, comprising applying an effective amount of a defoliant composition comprising a metal chlorate to an area or a locus where control of said weeds is desired.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the defoliant composition comprises magnesium chlorate.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein magnesium chlorate is in a concentration ranging from 5%w/v to 50% w/v of the composition.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein magnesium chlorate is in a concentration of 30% w/v of the composition.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the effective amount of magnesium chlorate is ranging from 500 g a.i./ha to 10,000 g a.i./ha.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the effective amount of the defoliant composition is ranging from 1 L/ha to 100 L/ha.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the locus comprises the soil surface or the water surface, sub-surface, or at the bottom of the water body, just above the hydrosoil.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the defoliant comprises magnesium chlorate and an adjuvant.

28 The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the adjuvant comprises one or more mono alkyl esters of fatty acids. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the weight ratio of the metal chlorate adjuvant is ranging from 1 :5 to 5:1 . The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the weight ratio of the metal chlorate adjuvant is 5:1. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the effective amount of the defoliant composition is ranging from 1 L/ha to 50 L/ha and the adjuvant is in an amount ranging from 1 L/ha to 5 L/ha. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the aquatic weeds are selected from the group comprising duckweed (Lemna minor), limnophila (Limnophila sessiliflora), frog's bit (Limnobium spongia), mosquito fern (Azo Ila caroliniana), water fern (Salvinia minima and S. molesta), salvinia (Salvinia spp.) , water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and common water meal (Woffia Columbiana) the immersed plants include but are not limited to spatterdock (Nuphar luteum), water-lily (Nymphaea spp.), alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), cattail (Typha spp.), creeping water primrose (Ludwigia peploides), parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), smartweed (Polygonum spp.), spike rush (Eleocharis spp.), water purslane (Ludwigia palustris), water pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellate), floating heart (Nymphoides spp.), bulrush (Schoenoplectus spp.), lance leaf pickerelweed (Pontederia spp.), arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.) and watershield (Brasenia schreberi); the submersed plants include but are not limited to bladder wart (Utricularia spp.), baby's tears (Micranthemum spp.), common coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), common elodea (Elodea canadensis), Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), naiad (Najas spp.), pond weed (Potamogeton spp.) and more specifically curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and Illinois pondweed (P. illinoensis), horned pondweed (Zannichellia palustris), bacopa (Bacopa spp.), watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spp.) including Eurasian watermilfoil (M. spicatum), tape grass or American eel grass ( Vallisneria americana), and variable leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum); and the shoreline grasses barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and southern watergrass (Hydrochloa caroliniensis.