WO2024028797A1 - A synergistic ternary fungicidal composition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition comprising combination of azoxystrobin, isoprothiolane and tebuconazole. The composition of the present disclosure can find utility in protecting crop plants such as paddy, potato, cucurbit, chilli, grapes, apple and the likes. The disclosed composition is a ready to apply, non-phytotoxic and synergistic fungicidal composition.

Description

A SYNERGISTIC TERNARY FUNGICIDAL COMPOSITION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of agrochemical compositions. The present disclosure pertains to a synergistic composition and formulations thereof capable of protecting crops from harmful effects of pathogenic fungi. The composition is valuable especially in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic fungi on paddy crop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] It is well accepted that agricultural production must be increased considerably in the foreseeable future to meet the food and feed demands of rising human population and increasing livestock production. Biotic factors such as, weeds, fungus, insect pests, pathogens and viruses are the major limiting factors to achieve desired productivity of crops. Every year, these pests destroy approximately 20 to 40% of agricultural crops and even more than that under epidemic conditions.

[0004] The use of pesticides to control pests in crops is a widespread practice that has gained high degree of commercial success as it increases the crop yield by controlling pests and related diseases of the cultivated crops. To prevent or control the pests and related diseases, the pesticides are generally applied by different types of foliar applications.

[0005] Hundreds of millions of people world-wide depend on rice as a staple food and a crop failure by any reason may pose a real threat of starvation. Rice blast and Rice sheath blight are two main diseases of rice that poses a great threat for crop failure.

[0006] The fungus that causes Rice blast is called Magnaporthe oryzae (formerly Magnaporthe grisea). It is an ascomycete because it produces sexual spores (ascospores) in structures called asci, and is classified in the newly erected family Magnaporthaceae. Leaf and collar Blast in rice is caused by this fungus. It can affect all parts of rice crop that are above the ground: leaf, collar, node, neck, parts of panicle and sometimes leaf sheath too .Rice blast is one of the most destructive diseases of rice. It can kill seedlings or plants up to the tillering stage. At later growth stages, a severe leaf Blast infection reduces leaf area for grain fill, reducing grain yield. Leaf Blast can kill rice plants at seedling stage and cause yield losses in cases of severe infection. Silicon fertilizers (e.g. calcium silicate) can be applied to soils that are silicon deficient to reduce Blast, however, because of its high cost, silicon should be applied efficiently. Systemic fungicides like triazoles and strobilurins can be used judiciously for controlling Blast. A fungicide application at heading can be effective in controlling the disease.

[0007] Rice sheath blight is also one of the most common and potential rice diseases worldwide. It causes major limitations on rice production in India and other countries of Asia, causing significant loss in rice quality and grain yield. Yield losses of up to 50% have been reported under most conducive environments. It is a soil-borne disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. The fungus belongs to the phylum Basidiomycota, family Ceratobasidiaceae.

[0008] Early symptoms of sheath blightusually develop on the leaf sheaths at or just above the water line as circular, oval or ellipsoid water-soaked spots which are greenish-grey in color. As the disease progresses, they enlarge and tend to coalesce forming larger lesions with grayish-white centers surrounded by tan to dark brown irregular borders. Infection may spread to leaf blades causing irregular lesions with dark green, brown or yellow-orange margins. These damaged tissues interrupt the normal flow of water and nutrients to the plant tissues above (leaves and panicles). The disease may move up the plant and infect the flag leaves and panicles under severe conditions. The fungus can spread into the culms from early sheath infections and weaken the infected culms, resulting in the lodging and collapse of tillers. The damage caused by sheath blight ranges from partial infection of the lower sheaths with little impact on grain filling to the premature death of plants and lodging with a significant reduction in grain yield and quality.

[0009] Different pesticides are traditionally used alone or in combination to address or prevent a number of pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies, and also to enhance the plant growth of large varieties of crops. It includes fungicides, insecticides, inoculants, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and fertilizer enhancers.

[00010] The most commonly used fungicides includes, captan, carboxin, difenoconazole, fludioxonil, imazalil, mefenoxam, tebuconazole, thiabendazole, thiram, triadimenol, isoprothiolane, thiophanate methyl, pyroclostrobin, azoxystrobin, mancozeb etc. These fungicides are used in different type of formulations like dry powder and as well as in liquid form. [00011] W02007009775 and WO2007147548 describe various combinations comprising azoxystrobin and tebuconazole along with one or more customary formulation auxiliaries.

[00012] WO2010078852 describes an aqueous suspoemulsion, comprises, one of an active compound of group (i) having azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metaminostrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin and one of an active compound of group (ii) having tebuconazole or various other triazole fungicides.

[00013] WO2015062358 describes a method of increasing the yield of a plant involves applying plants or surrounding with a composition that includes components (A) strobilurin fungicides and (B) triazole fungicides.

[00014] CN102763656 describes a composition comprises fungicide A and fungicide B, wherein the fungicide A is the tebuconazole and the fungicide B is any one of kresoxim- methyl, azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, prochloraz, triflumizole and fludioxonil.

[00015] CN103598188 describes a composition comprises azoxystrobin and a triazole fungicide. The weight ratio of the azoxystrobin to the triazole fungicide is 1 :60-60: 1, and particularly the weight ratio of the azoxystrobin to the triazole fungicide is 1 :1-3 :2.

[00016] CN103798248 describes a fungicidal composition containing azoxystrobin and tebuconazole.

[00017] CN 101518257 and CN107183035 describe fungicidal composition containing active constituent tebuconazole and isoprothiolane.

[00018] WO2010/095151 describes a water dispersible granular composition comprising at least one solid agrochemically active substance; at least one sorptive filler; at least one first agrochemically acceptable excipient; at least one liquid or low melting agrochemically active substance; and, at least one second agrochemically acceptable excipient. Agrochemically active substance described is selected from the group comprising at least one of biocides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, acaricides, nematicides, pheromones, plant growth regulators and/or repellents.

[00019] WO2019/064284 describes synergistic pesticidal composition comprising a pesticidal active ingredient and a C₆-C₁₀ unsaturated aliphatic acid or an agriculturally compatible salt thereof. A list of large number of pesticidal active ingredient is disclosed in this application.

[00020] WO2019/186356 describes a fungicidal combination comprising at least one azole fungicide, including, an imidazole fungicide or a triazole fungicide and a second agrochemically active fungicide. [00021] WO2019/186359 describes a fungicidal combination comprising at least one azole fungicide, including an imidazole fungicide or a triazole fungicide, and at least one multisite contact fungicide and at least a third systemic fungicide.

[00022] Repeated and exclusive application of individual pesticide compounds leads to development of natural or adapted resistance against the active compounds. Therefore, there is a need for pest control agents that help in preventing resistance induced by pesticides.

[00023] Journal Plant Disease, 87(7), 784-788(2003) describes that development of azoxystrobin resistance in Magnaporthe oryzae from perennial ryegrass has been reported in certain locations in the United States. If a fungus such as Magnaporthe oryzae becomes resistant to a fungicide, then it is always a possibility that its growth may develop resistant to many other fungicides in that particular drug class. The basic way of approach to challenge the development of resistance is to develop a combination of more than one fungicide with different modes of action.

[00024] None of the current approaches/reports seems to satisfy the existing needs and they suffer from a number of limitations such as poor efficacy, high toxicity, resistance development, poor shelf-life, high cost of manufacturing etc.

[00025] There is therefore an unmet need in the art to develop a new and improved fungicidal composition and formulation to combat fungal diseases in crops that may overcome one or more limitations associated with existing compositions and formulations. The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.

[00026] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[00027] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[00028] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fungicidal composition that may overcome the limitations associated with the conventional fungicidal compositions

[00029] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition that is capable of protecting plants, particularly, paddy crop from the attack of fungal pathogens.

[00030] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition capable of protecting seeds, seedling and/or growing plants from harmful effects of seed- borne and soil-borne pathogenic fungi.

[00031] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition that exhibits synergistic activity /functional reciprocity.

[00032] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal composition that prevents development of resistance against them.

[00033] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fungicidal compositionthat is safe, easy to prepare and is economical.

[00034] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method of preparation of the fungicidal composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00035] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of agrochemical compositions. Particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a synergistic composition and formulations thereof capable of protecting crops from harmful effects of pathogenic fungi. The composition is valuable especially in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic fungi on paddy crop.

[00036] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 12% by weight of the composition; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 10% to 30% by weight of the composition; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 1% to 12% by weight of the composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 45% to 88% by weight of composition. In an embodiment, the at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from any or a combination of an emulsifying agent, a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, a rheology modifier, anti-freezing agent, a binding agent, a biocide, a diluent and a filler. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of an emulsifiable concentrate, a micro-emulsion, a suspo-emulsion, a dustable powder, a wettable powder, a water dispersible granule, a granule and a suspension concentrate.

[00037] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a liquid formulation including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 12% to 26% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; one or more emulsifying or dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 40% by weight of the formulation; an inert filler or solubilizer (such as solvent) in an amount ranging from 18% to 75% by weight of the formulation and optionally other agrochemically acceptable excipients suitable for preparation of the liquid formulation.

[00038] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a solid formulation including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 12% to 26% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; and one or more other agrochemically acceptable excipients in an amount ranging from 57% to 80% by weight of the formulation.

[00039] In an embodiment, the composition is suitable for protecting crop plants from various fungal diseases including paddy, potato, wheat, cucurbits, tomato, soybean, sugarcane, brinjal, chilli, grapes, apple, cabbage and cauliflower and the likes.

[00040] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00041] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[00042] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more comprehensively with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[00043] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions may be included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

[00044] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00045] As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, and “including” are meant to be non- limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end of result can be added. The above terms encompass the terms “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’.

[00046] As used herein, the terms “composition”, “blend”, or “mixture” are all intended to be used interchangeably.

[00047] The terms “weight percent”, “vol-%”, “percent by weight”, “% by weight”, and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as used here, “percent”, “%”, and the like are intended to be synonymous with “weight percent”, “vol-%”, etc.

[00048] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. [00049] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The numerical values of various parameters given in the specification are at approximations and slightly higher or slightly lower values of these parameters fall within the ambit and the scope of the invention.

[00050] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[00051] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject-matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[00052] The compositions and methods of the appended claims are not limited in scope by the specific compositions and methods described herein, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claims and any compositions and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Various modifications of the compositions and methods in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, while only certain representative compositions and method steps disclosed herein are specifically described, other combinations of the compositions and method steps also are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims, even if not specifically recited.

[00053] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00054] The term “fungicide” as utilized herein is intended to cover compounds active against phytopathogenic fungi that may belong to a wide range of compound classes. Examples of compound classes to which the suitable fungicidally active compound may belong include: triazole derivatives, strobilurins, carbamates (including thio- and dithiocarbamates), benzimidazoles (thiabendazole), /V-trihalomcthylthio compounds, substituted benzenes, carboxamides, phenylamides and phenylpyrroles, and mixtures thereof.

[00055] The term “crops” includes, but not limited to, paddy, potato, wheat, cucurbits, tomato, soybean, sugarcane, brinjal, chilli, grapes, apple, cabbage and cauliflower crops.

[00056] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of agrochemical compositions. Particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a synergistic composition and formulations thereof capable of protecting crops from harmful effects of pathogenic fungi. The composition is particularly suitable in the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic fungi on paddy crop.

[00057] The present application is on the premise of surprising observation of synergism between components of the composition of the present disclosure offering significant advantages over usage of individual ingredients while providing improved and extended fungal control, reduced dosage amount and frequency of application, being economical, quick in response, easy to apply, better selectivity and leaving negligible residue after use. The synergistic effect is unexpected and surprising. In-fact, the composition of the present disclosure exhibits synergistic activity and provide significant protection against one or more seed-borne and soil-borne fungal diseases such as, but not limited to, sheath blight and Blast such as leaf Blast, neck Blast and collar Blast, occurring anytime during the growth of the crop plants.

[00058] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a synergistic fungicidal composition including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 12% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 10% to 30% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 1% to 12% by weight of the formulation; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 45% to 88% by weight of composition.

[00059] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a liquid formulation including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 12% to 26% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; one or more emulsifying or dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 40% by weight of the formulation; an inert filler or solubilizer (such as solvent) in an amount ranging from 18% to 75% by weight of the formulation and/or optionally other agrochemically acceptable excipients suitable for specific type of formulation. [00060] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a solid formulation including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 12% to 26% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; and one or more other agrochemically acceptable excipients in an amount ranging from 57% to 80% by weight of the formulation.

[00061] In an embodiment, the at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from any or a combination of a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an emulsifying agent, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, a biocide, a rheology modifier, anti-freezing agent, a binding agent, a diluent and/or a filler.

[00062] In an embodiment, emulsifying agent(s) includes but not limited to, one or more of those selected from nonionic or anionic emulsifying agents. Examples of such emulsifying agents which may be mentioned include polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylenealkylether, polyethyleneglycol fatty ester, sorbitan fatty ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty ester, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, tristyryl phenol ethoxylated, polyoxyethylene castor oil, glycerine, Tween-20, propylene glycol, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, sulfosuccinates, taurine derivatives, sarcosine derivatives, phosphoric esters, alkylbenzenesulfonates (such as calciumdodecyl benzene sulfonate) and the like. A two- component mixture consisting of calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and tristyrylphenol ethoxylated are particularly preferred. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other emulsifying agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00063] In an embodiment, surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), tackifier(s) and dispersing agent(s) includes but not limited to, ionic and non-ionic products, solutions of organo- modified polyacrylates, sodium lauryl sulphate, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylate, alkylsulfonates, phosphoric acid ester, modified polyethers, polyurethanes, alkyl aryl sulfonate, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, polycarboxylates, phenol sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, dialkylsulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfates, acetylene glycols, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, fatty alcohol alkoxylate (ANTAROX 245 S®, Solvay), polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenylether sulfate, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ester, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, polyoxyethylenesorbitan alkylate, polyoxyethylenestyrylphenyl ether polymer, polyoxyalkylene glycol, acrylic polymers, C12-C15 ethoxylated alcohols (ANTAROX B600®, Solvay), alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of aromatic sulfonic acids such as ligninsoulfonic acid (Borresperse® types, Borregard, Norway), phenolsulfonic acid, naphthalene sulfonic acid (Morwet® types, Akzo Nobel, U.S.A.), dibutyl naphthalene sulfonic acid (Nekal® types, BASF, Germany), condensates of naphthalene or of naphthalene sulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde such as naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, Sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde polycondensate as sodium salt, fatty alcohol sulfates, sodium dodecyl sulfate, fatty alcohol ethoxylate and sulfated hexa-, hepta- and octa-decanol ates, sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, hetero polysaccharide and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), tackifier(s) and dispersing agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00064] In an embodiment, anti-foaming agent(s) includes but not limited to, polydimethylsiloxane, magnesium stearate, silicone emulsions (such as e.g. Silikon® SRE, Wacker, Germany or Rhodorsil®, Rhodia, France), long chain alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, salts of fatty acids, fluoro organic compounds, silicone oils, mineral oils, polyether siloxane copolymer containing fumed silica, silicone defoamers, non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), arylalkyl modified polysiloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanes, polyethylene glycol, glycerin and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other anti-foaming agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00065] In an embodiment, rheology modifier(s) includes but not limited to, natural and man-made modifiers, such as, for example, natural gums (xanthan gum, gum arabic, gun ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, guar gum, locust bean gum etc.), attagel, agar, alginic acid, alginate salt, chitin, pectin, casein, dextran, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicas, fumed silica, fumed aluminium oxide, colloidal silicon dioxides, hydrogenated castor oils, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, sodium poly acrylate, welan gum, lignosulfonates, hydroxy methyl cellulose, dextrin, hetero polysaccharides, organic and inorganic clays, montmorillonite, bentonite clays, oxidized waxes, carboxy methylcellulose, carrageen, fucoidan, laminaran, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane), HMPE (hydrophobically modified polyethers), HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali-swellable emulsion), polyacrylates, polyamides, 2-aminoethyl starch, 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose, cellulose sulfate salt, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyrrolidinones, alkali metal salts of the maleic anhydride copolymers, alkali metal salts of poly(meth)acrylate, starch, Kelzan® (CP Kelco, U.S.A.), Rhodopol® 23 (Rhodia, France), Veegum® (R.T. Vanderbilt, U.S.A.) and Attaclay® (Engelhard Corp., NJ; USA) and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other rheology modifier(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00066] In an embodiment, anti-freezing agent(s) includes but not limited to, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3 -butanediol, 1,4- butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 3-methyl-l,5-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, trimethylol propane, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, xylenol, bisphenols such as bisphenol A or the like, ether alcohols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, urea, tetraethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethylether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, butoxy ethanol, butylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol, octaglycerol and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other anti-freezing agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00067] In an embodiment, binding agent(s) includes but not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols and cellulose ethers (Tylose®, Shin-Etsu, Japan) and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other binding agent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00068] In an embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure comprises a biocide which is usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions for preservation and stabilization of the formulation. Preferred biocides are selected from sodium benzoate, l,2-benzisothiazoline-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one, potassium sorbate and parahydroxy benzoates or a suitable mixtures thereof. Bactericides may also be added for preservation and stabilization of the composition. Examples for suitable bactericides are those based on dichlorophene and benzylalcohol hemi formal (Proxel® from ICI; Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Rohm & Haas) and isothiazolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones (Acticide® MBS from Thor Chemie) However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other biocide(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00069] In an embodiment, diluents(s) or solvent(s) includes but not limited to, water, aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. toluene, xylene, naphthalene, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes or their derivatives), solvent C9, aliphatic hydrocarbons, kerosene, diesel oil, soya methyl ester, furthermore coal tar oils and oils of vegetable or animal origin, aromatic solvents (e.g. solvesso products like Solvesso-200), paraffins (e.g. mineral fractions), alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, butanol, pentanol, 2-ethylhexanol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol), ketones (e.g. cyclohexanone, gamma-butyrolactone), pyrrolidones (e.g. NMP, NOP), DMSO, acetates (e.g. glycol diacetate, benzylacetate etc), glycols, fatty acid dimethyl ami des, fatty acids and fatty acid esters and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other diluents(s) or solvent(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00070] In an embodiment, filler(s) includes but not limited to, kaolin, clays, talc, chalk, glass fiber, highly disperse or precipitated silica, fume silica, silicates, diatomite, calcite, talcum, carbonates such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, water, wood flour, cellulose, pulverized wood, diatomaceous earth, montmorillonite and highly dispersed silicic acid and a suitable mixture thereof. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that any other filler(s) can be utilized to serve the intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00071] In one embodiment, the composition is formulated into a solid, a semi-solid and a liquid formulation. In one embodiment, the composition is a liquid formulation. In one embodiment, the composition is a solid formulation.

[00072] The compositions detailed herein can be manufactured in one or several dosage forms. In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into any of a dustable powder, a wettable powder, a water dispersible granule, a granule, a suspension concentrate, an emulsifiable concentrate, micro- emulsion or a suspo-emulsion. In an embodiment, the above formulations can be prepared by any suitable conventional method, as known to or appreciated by a person skilled in the art to serve its intended purpose without departing from the scope of the invention. Particularly suitable and beneficial is an emulsifiable concentrate formulation. [00073] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into a emulsifiable concentrate including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 12% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 10% to 30% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 1% to 12% by weight of the formulation; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 45% to 88% by weight of composition.

[00074] In an embodiment, the composition is formulated into an emulsifiable concentrate including: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 12% to 26% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation;one or more emulsifying or dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 40% by weight of the formulation; an inert filler or solubilizer (such as solvent) in an amount ranging from 18% to 75% by weight of the formulation and optionally any other suitable agrochemically acceptable excipients.

[00075] In an embodiment, the solid or liquid composition comprises azoxystrobin, isoprothiolane, tebuconazole in a mass ratio of 1 :3 : 1.

[00076] In an embodiment, the solid or liquid both compositions may find utility in protecting various crop plants from different fungal diseases. Few of the crops and respective fungal disease are: Paddy (sheath blight, leaf blast and neck blast), Potato (early blight and late blight), Wheat (yellow rust), Cucurbits downy mildew and powdery mildew), Tomato (early blight and late blight), soybean (cercopsora leaf blight and sclerotinia stem rot), Sugarcane (pokkah boeng), Brinjal (alternaria leaf spot and fruit rot), Chilli (fruit rot and alternaria leaf spot), Grapes (downy mildew and powdery mildew), Apple (black rot, bitter rot and white rot), Cabbage (alternaria leaf spot, downy mildew and powdery mildew) and Cauliflower (alternaria leaf spot, downy mildew and powdery mildew), but not limited thereto.

[00077] In one embodiment, the composition is a ready-to-use stable formulation. In an embodiment, composition/formulation of the present disclosure is stable for at least 24 months at ambient temperature.

[00078] In an embodiment, fungicidal composition of the present disclosure can be applied by any known method, including but not limited to spraying, atomizing, dusting, broadcasting and watering. However, any or a combination of method of application, as known to or appreciated by a person skilled in the art, can be utilized to serve its intended purpose. In an embodiment, the composition is applied by spraying, preferably, foliar spraying.

[00079] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the application rate of the composition disclosed herein may be in an amount ranging from 500 gm/ha to 5000 gm/ha, preferably, 1000 to 2500 gm/ha, in order to protect the paddy crop from pathogenic fungi. However, the application rate and the method of application may vary, as it is dependent on various factors such as type of the crop, pathogen to be controlled, intensity of the inoculum of pathogen, method of application and climatic/environmental conditions.

[00080] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of controlling and eliminating fungal disease from crop plants, said method comprising: applying an effective amount of the synergistic fungicidal composition of the present disclosure to a plant susceptible to attack by fungi. In an embodiment, the step of applying an effective amount of the composition to the crop plants comprises applying by foliar spraying, by spraying, by broadcasting or by any other suitable means, preferably by foliar spraying. In an embodiment, said crop plants are selected from the group consisting of paddy, potato, cucurbits, chilli, grapes, and apple. In an embodiment, the composition is applied to the paddy crop in an amount ranging from 500 to 5000 gm per hectare, preferably 1000 to 2500 gm per hectare.

[00081] The following examples are provided to more specifically set forth and define the present invention. It is recognized that changes may be made to the specific parameters and ranges disclosed herein and that there may be a number of different ways known in the art to change the disclosed variables, and whereas it is understood that only the preferred embodiments of these elements are disclosed herein, as set forth in the specification and drawings, the invention should not be so limited and should be construed in terms of the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

EXAMPLES

[00082] The invention is now being illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[00083] Several formulations were prepared and tested for their suitability, compositions whereof are provided in the Table 1 below:

*Quantity is based on purity of active ingredient (e.g. 6.13g of Azoxystrobin with 98.0% w/w purity is equivalent to 6.0 g of pure Azoxystrobin).

Example 9: Process for the preparation of Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulation:

[00084] Desired amount (recited herein-above in Table 1, Example 2) of benzyl acetate and solvesso 200 were charged in a vessel followed by addition of desired amount of azoxystrobin, isoprothiolane and tebuconazole. The mixture was stirred at room temperature (~35°C) till the technical got miscible in the solvent. Now desired amount of tristyrylphenol ethaoxylated and calcium dodecyl benzene sulfonate were charged in the same vessel. Again the mixture was stirred at room temperature (~35°C) till all ingredients got miscible in the solvent. In-process sample was checked. The product was filtered to get clear final emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation without any extraneous matter.

Example 10: Process for the preparation of water dispersible granule (WDG):

[00085] Desired amount (recited herein-above in Table 1, Example 5) of fumed silica and isoprothiolane were charged in a premix blender and blended till a uniformly blended mixture was obtained. Then desired amount of kaolin, azoxystrobin, tebuconazole, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate, sodium dodecyl sulphate, polydimethylsiloxanes and polyvinylpyrolidone were charged in the same blender, and further blended till a uniformly blended mixture was obtained. The mixture was ground utilizing an air jet mill for which the feed rate was adjusted according to the desired particle size. After the grinding process, the mixture was blended in the post blender till uniformly blended mixture was obtained. In- process sample was check and then the mass was transferred to a sigma blender to get a uniform dough. The dough was extruded in an extruder through desire sized jar to get required granules. The WDG product was then dried in a fluidized bed dryer (FBD).

Example 11: Process for the preparation of suspension concentrate (SC):

[00086] Desired amount (recited herein-above in Table 1, Example 6) of soya methyl ester was charged in a vessel followed by charging of tri styrylphenol ethaoxylated, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, bentonite clay under stirring. Then azoxystrobin, tebuconazole and isoprothiolane were charged under stirring. The mixture was stirred till uniformly mixed mixture was obtained. The mixture was ground utilizing bead mill for which the feed rate was adjusted according to the desired particle size maintaining temperature between 15°C to 20°C. The in-process sample was checked. The product was filtered to get final SC formulation without any extraneous matter. Bio-efficacy study (in-house):

[00087] The synergistic fungicidal composition of the present disclosure, prepared in accordance with Example 2 (EC formulation) was used for conducting field trial at a given concentrations, and efficacy was compared with a) two way possible tank mix combinations i.e., Isoprothiolane 40% EC + Azoxystrobin 23% SC (Tank Mix), Isoprothiolane 40% EC + Tebuconazole 25.9% EC (Tank Mix), Azoxystrobin 23% SC + Tebuconazole 25.9% EC (Tank mix) and Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC (Premix) and b) individual active ingredient formulations i.e. Isoprothiolane 40% EC, Azoxystrobin 23% SC and Tebuconazole 25.9% EC, against sheath blight, leaf blast, neck blast and grain discoloration of Paddy (rice).

Field experiment methodology:

[00088] The field trials were conducted in commercial cultivated paddy field under hotspot of naturally occurring Sheath Blight, Leaf Blast and Neck Blast diseases in the trial field. The trial sites were located at: a) [FIELD TRIAL- 1] At two Locations i.e. Village-Rasulpur, Distt-Karnal (Haryana), Crop variety: PR-114; Time period from June 2021 to October 2021. and

Village-Pujam, Nilokheri, Karnal (Haryana), Crop variety: PB-1; Time period from Time period from June 2021 to October 2021. b) [FIELD TRIAL-2] At two Locations i.e. Village-Bhatagaon, Kurud Distt-Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh), Crop variety: Sawarna; Time period from July 2021 to Nov 2021. and

Village-Baroda, Patan Di stt- Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Crop variety: Mahamaya; Time period from July 2021 to October 2021. c) [FIELD TRIAL-3] Village- Singra, Distt-Shamli (Uttar Pradesh), Crop variety: PR- 113; Time period from June 2021 to October 2021. d) [FIELD TRIAL-4] Village-Lehian Jagir, Devigarh Distt-Patiala (Punjab), Crop variety: PB-1; Time period from June 2021 to October 2021.

Experimental Design and Treatments:

[00089] The trials were conducted on different varieties of paddy crop using normal research methodology under in Sheath blight, Leaf Blast and Neck Blast disease sick fields. Treatments were randomized in block wise having plot area of 5.0 x 5.0 sq. m. and replicated thrice. The experimental plots were one meter apart to prevent cross-contamination of treatments and other research activities. Soil type for each trial is sandy loam. Battery operated Knapsack sprayer with hollow cone nozzle is used for application. The timely observations from the trial field were recorded, using standard methodology of observations.

Observations:

[00090] The appearance of the visible symptoms of the disease was recorded as percent disease progression per hill on visual basis after 1^st spray and subsequent observation were recorded after 7 and 14 days of each spray. For Neck Blast, observation were recorded for number of tillers per hill, number of neck Blast effected tillers per hill and percent neck Blast for 10 randomly selected hills per each replication. For recording the observations ten hills from each plot were graded on (0 - 9) disease scoring scale for sheath blightand Blast disease and recorded neck Blast and grain discoloration after final spray.

[00091] Percent disease index (PDI) was calculated using the following formula:

The PDI values were transformed by angular transformation and analyzed statistically.

[00092] The percent disease control DC (%) was calculated by the following formula:

[00093] Below examples (7 to 10) summarizes the impact of individual or combined fungicide treatments against key invasive fungal diseases in paddy crop.

[00094] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 1.1 of Example 12) that for sheath blight, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3^rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (93%), T2 (90%) and Tl(82%), followed by T6 (73%). For leaf blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after 2^nd application was recorded in treatment T3 (96%), T2 (94%) and T1 (89%), followed by T6 (81%), T5 (80%), and T4 (77%). For Neck blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after final application was recorded in treatment T3 (89%), T2 (86%) and T1 (76%). For all sheath blight, leaf blast and Neck blast, significantly lower PDC was recorded in all the treatments from T4 to T10 as compared to treatments with T1 to T3. Grain discoloration PDC was also recorded much better in T3 (96%), T2 (94%) and T1 (85%) as compared to other treatments.

[00095] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 1.2 of Example 12) that at the time of initiation of field trial there was no sheath blight or blast disease in any treatment, which indicates the uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1^st application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (22.59%), T8 (16.30%) and T4 (15.93%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (1.11%) and T2 (2.59%). PDI recorded in treatments from T4 to T10 were significantly higher than the PDI of T2 to T3. At 14 days after 2^nd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (41.85%), T8 (26.30%), T4 (24.44%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (1.48%) and T2 (2.96%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3 ^rd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (51.48%), T8 (34.07%) and T4 (28.89%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (4.81%) and T2 (7.04%). At 14 days after 3^rd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in untreated plot T10 (67.78%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. Similar bio-efficacy trend were also recorded for leaf blast, Neck blast and grain discoloration, which confirms that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of all the treatments.

[00096] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 2.1 Example 13) that for sheath blight, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3^rd application was recorded in treatment T2 (91%), T3 (90%) and Tl(79%), followed by T6 (72%). For leaf blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after 2^nd application was recorded in treatment T3 (95%), T2 (93%) and T1 (86%), followed by T5 (75%), T4 (73%), and T6 (71%). For Neck blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after final application was recorded in treatment T3 (87%), T2 (84%) and T1 (73%). For all sheath blight, leaf blast and Neck blast, significantly lower PDC was recorded in all the treatments from T4 to T10 as compared to treatments of T1 to T3. Grain discoloration PDC was also recorded much better in T3 (94%), T2 (92%) and T1 (82%) as compared to other treatments.

[00097] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 2.2 of Example 13) that at the time of initiation of field trial there was no sheath blight or blast disease in any treatment, which indicates uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1^st application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (20.74%), T8 (14.07%) and T4 (12.59%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (0.74%) and T2 (1.85%). PDI recorded in treatments from T4 to T10 were significantly higher than the PDI of T2 and T3. At 14 days after 2^nd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (35.19%), T4 (21.48%), T8 (21.11%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (2.96%) and T2 (3.70%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3 ^rd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (45.93%), T8 (29.26%) and T4 (27.04%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T2 (5.19%) and T3 (5.56%). At 14 days after 3^rd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in untreated plot T10 (67.78%). PDI recorded in T4 to T10 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. Similar bio-efficacy trend were also recorded for leaf blast, Neck blast and grain discoloration, which confirms that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of the treatments.

[00098] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 3.1 of Example 14) that for sheath blight, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3^rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (91%), T2 (90%) and T1 (72%), followed by T6 (72%). For sheath blight, significantly lower PDC was recorded in all the treatments from T4 to T10 as compared to treatments in T1 to T3. Grain discoloration PDC was also recorded much better in T3 (93%), T2 (92%) and T1 (80%) as compared to other treatments.

[00099] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 3.2 of Example 14) that at the time of initiation of field trial there was no sheath blight or blast disease in any treatment, which indicates uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1^st application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (17.41%), T8 (12.22%) and T4 (11.85%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (1.85%) and T2 (2.22%). PDI recorded in treatments from T4 to T10 were significantly higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 2^nd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (31.85%), T8 (22.59%), T9 (21.11%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (2.59%) and T2 (3.33%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3^rd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in T7 (48.52%), T8 (35.19%) and T9 (34.07%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T2 (5.19%) and T3 (6.30%). At 14 days after 3^rd application, the highest Sheath blight PDI was recorded in untreated plot T10 (60.74%). At 14 days after 3^rd application, the highest grain discoloration PDI was recorded in T10 (51.11) followed by T8 (35.93%), T9 (33 70%) and T7 (24.24%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (6.67%) and T2 (8.15%). PDI recorded in T4 to T10 were much higher than the PDI of Tl to T3. These results confirm that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of the treatments.

[000100] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 4.1 of Example 15) that for leaf blast, the highest percent disease control (PDC) at 14 days after 3^rd application was recorded in treatment T3 (92%), T2 (90%) and T1 (79%), followed by T5 (79%), T6 (75%), and T4 (74%). For Neck blast, the highest PDC at 14 days after final application was recorded in treatment T3 (96%), T2 (94%) and T1 (79%). For both leaf blast and Neck blast, significantly lower PDC was recorded in all the treatments from T4 to T10 as compared to treatments in T1 to T3. Grain discoloration PDC was also recorded much better in T3 (97%), T2 (96%) and T1 (82%) as compared to other treatments.

[000101] It could be noted from the observed results (Table 4.2 of Example 15) that at the time of initiation of field trial there was no blast disease in any treatment, which indicates uniformity of trial plot across all the treatments. At 14 days after 1^st application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T9 (11.48%), T7 (8.52%) and T4 (7.78%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T8 (2.22%), T3 (2.59%) and T2 (3.33%). At 14 days after 2^nd application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T8 (19.26%), T9 (17.78%), T7 (11.48%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (3.33%) and T2 (3.70%). PDI recorded in T4 to T9 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. At 14 days after 3^rd application, the highest leaf blast PDI was recorded in T9 (25.19%) and T8 (24.07%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T3 (4.44%) and T2 (5.56%). At 14 days after 3^rd application, the highest Neck blast PDI was recorded in T9 (39.63%) and T8 (35.93%) and lowest PDI was recorded in T2 (2.59%) and T3 (2.59%). PDI recorded in T4 to T10 were much higher than the PDI of T1 to T3. Similar bio-efficacy trend were also recorded for grain discoloration, which confirms that the fungicide treatments in T1 to T3 were significantly superior over rest of all the treatments.

[000102] Individual plot wise crop yield was also recorded and treatment wise yield was calculated and converted into yield per hectare (q/ha) at harvest and the data was statistically analysed. It could be noted (from the observed results presented in Table 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1) that the final crop yield of paddy observed in treatment T1 to T3 were significantly superior over other treatments T4 to T9. [000103] Fungicide ready combinations were sprayed at different doses to check phytotoxicity effects like leaf injury on tip/surface, yellowing, chlorosis, necrosis, stunting and burning on paddy crop, observed results wherefrom are presented in Example 16 The observations on these phytotoxicity parameters were observed on before spray and 5, 7, 10 and 15 days after application/spray. Results revealed that there is no phytotoxicity observed in using the composition of the present invention even at higher dose in paddy.

[000104] Accordingly, by the practice of the present invention, it could be noted that the fungicide ready combination of the present disclosure is having unrecognized characteristics. The mixture of azoxystrobin, tebuconazole and isoprothiolane exhibits exceptional synergetic effect on overall control of sheath blight, leaf blast and neck blast in paddy, and restrict the grain discoloration resulting in dramatic improvement in the crop yield.

[000105] Overall, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising three fungicide compounds, which at particular w/w ratios, and in various doses exhibits an unexpected and surprising synergism in its ability to prevent and/or control the pathogenic fungi pests. Of particular importance is that the composition, while being detrimental to the growth of pathogenic fungi pests, has synergistic effect on paddy crops, which is required for improving plant growth and good crop yield.

[000106] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific steps of the preferred process, it will be highly appreciated that many steps can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred steps without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred steps of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosures herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

ADVANTAGES

[000107] The present disclosure provides a synergistic fungicidal composition that overcomes the limitations associated with the conventional fungicidal compositions.

[000108] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that exhibits significant protection against various fungal pathogens of crops, particularly, paddy crop.

[000109] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that can prevent/control a wide range of seed-borne and soil-borne diseases caused by fungal pathogens. [000110] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that exhibits extended protection against diseases that attack foliage and stems of growing plants.

[000111] The present disclosure provides a synergistic composition that protects a paddy crop from fungal pathogens without affecting the crop. [000112] The present disclosure provides a fungicidal compositionthat is safe, easy to prepare and use (ready-to-apply formulation) and is economical.

[000113] The present disclosure provides a fungicidal compositionthat increases the crop yield.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A synergistic fungicidal composition comprising: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 1% to 12%by weight of the composition; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 10% to 30%by weight of the composition; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 1% to 12% by weight of the composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in an amount ranging from 45% to 88% by weight of composition, wherein the composition is formulated into a solid formulation or a liquid formulation.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid formulation or the liquid composition comprises azoxystrobin, isoprothiolane and tebuconazole in a mass ratio of 1:3:1.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from any or a combination of: a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, a biocide, a rheology modifier, an anti-freezing agent, a binding agent, a diluent and a filler.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated into an emulsifiable concentrate comprising: azoxystrobin in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; isoprothiolane in an amount ranging from 12% to 26% by weight of the formulation; tebuconazole in an amount ranging from 4.0% to 8.5% by weight of the formulation; one or more emulsifying or dispersing agent in an amount ranging from 5% to 40% by weight of the formulation; an inert filler or solubilizer in an amount ranging from 18% to 75% by weight of the formulation and optionally other agrochemically acceptable excipients.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein w/w concentration of the azoxystrobin in the composition is 6%, w/w concentration of the isoprothiolane in the composition is 18%, and w/w concentration of the derivative of tebuconazole is 6%.

6. The composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is formulated into any of: a dustable powder, a wettable powder, a water dispersible granule, a granule, a suspension concentrate, an emulsifier concentrate, a suspo- emulsion and a micro-emulsion.

7. An emulsifiable concentrate formulation comprising a composition as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 5.