WO2024073018A1 - Biodegradable microparticles for reducing the volatility of bixolozone - Google Patents

Biodegradable microparticles for reducing the volatility of bixolozone Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024073018A1
WO2024073018A1 PCT/US2023/034067 US2023034067W WO2024073018A1 WO 2024073018 A1 WO2024073018 A1 WO 2024073018A1 US 2023034067 W US2023034067 W US 2023034067W WO 2024073018 A1 WO2024073018 A1 WO 2024073018A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
composition
bixlozone
oil
methyl
esters
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/034067
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Charles MANZI-NSHUTI
Sergiy Peleshanko
Ubiratan F. DE SOUSA
Janice Jianzhao Wang
Original Assignee
Fmc Corporation
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Publication of WO2024073018A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024073018A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/02—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing liquids as carriers, diluents or solvents
    • A01N25/04—Dispersions, emulsions, suspoemulsions, suspension concentrates or gels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/08—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing solids as carriers or diluents
    • A01N25/10—Macromolecular compounds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/26—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests in coated particulate form
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N43/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
    • A01N43/72—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with nitrogen atoms and oxygen or sulfur atoms as ring hetero atoms
    • A01N43/80—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with nitrogen atoms and oxygen or sulfur atoms as ring hetero atoms five-membered rings with one nitrogen atom and either one oxygen atom or one sulfur atom in positions 1,2

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of agrochemical compositions and formulations.
  • microencapsulated formulations comprise polymer shells that recently have been described as microplastics.
  • the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has submitted a restriction proposal for microplastic particles that are intentionally added to mixtures (such as cosmetics, detergents, agricultural products, medical devices, paints, etc.) used by consumers or professional applicators.
  • formulations and seed treatments comprising microencapsulated active ingredients in which the microcapsules are identified as containing microplastics may face regulatory discontinuation.
  • This invention provides an oil-dispersion composition
  • particles comprising i) bixlozone; ii) at least one vegetable oil; iii) one or more dispersants selected from non-ionic dispersants and anionic dispersants; and iv) optionally one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, antifoam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts.
  • the invention also provides a method for preparing an oil-dispersion composition comprising the steps of;
  • step C) optionally mixing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts with the oil dispersion obtained in step B .
  • additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts
  • the invention also provides a method for reducing the volatility of bixlozone comprising;
  • Step 3 optionally mixing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts with the oil dispersion obtained in Step 2).
  • additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts
  • the invention also provides a method for controlling unwanted vegetation comprising the steps of; a) providing a oil-dispersion composition as defined above; b) diluting the composition with a diluent; and c) applying a herbicidally effective amount of the diluted composition obtained in step b) above to a locus where such control is desired.
  • compositions containing bixlozone comprising biodegradable materials to address the concerns of microplastics compared to existing encapsulated compositions, methods and materials for making and using the compositions.
  • the compositions disclosed herein may also provide improved efficacy and stability, decreased volatility compared to commercially available encapsulated formulations of clomazone, and/or increased loading levels.
  • the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains,” “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated.
  • a mixture, composition or method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such mixture, composition or method.
  • transitional phrase “consisting of’ excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified. If in the claim, such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase “consisting of’ appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.
  • the transitional phrase “consisting essentially of’ is used to define a mixture, composition or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.
  • the indefinite articles “a” and “an” preceding an element or component of the invention are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e. occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore “a” or “an” should be read to include one, one or more, or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.
  • the term “optionally” in connection with an ingredient or method in the present formulation alternatively means “present or absent”.
  • the “optional” component is “present” or “absent” independent of the presence or absence of other formulating ingredients or steps unless otherwise noted or recited.Unless stated otherwise, all percentages, parts, ratios, etc., are by weight.
  • the herbicidal composition of this invention comprises a liquid formulation.
  • liquid is meant that the composition takes the form of a liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
  • single liquid-phase composition and derivative terms such as “single liquidphase herbicide composition” refer to compositions consisting of a single liquid phase.
  • the term “single liquid-phase composition” therefore excludes compositions comprising a plurality of liquid phases such as emulsions.
  • the term “single liquid-phase composition” does not exclude compositions comprising one or more solid phases in addition to the single liquid phase, such as suspensions and dispersions of solid particles.
  • liquid composition is also used herein as short-hand for “single liquid-phase composition”.
  • the herbicidal composition of this invention may comprise a solid formulation.
  • solid is meant that the composition takes the form of a solid at standard temperature and pressure, including powders and granules.
  • the term “herbicide” refers to a compositional mixture that is produced, sold, or used in a field to kill or otherwise inhibit unwanted plants such as, but not limited to, deleterious or annoying weeds, broadleaf plants, grasses, and sedges; and can be used for crop protection, edifice protection or turf protection.
  • the term “herbicide” includes the end-use herbicidal product. This composition may be a pure compound, a solution of chemical compounds, a mixture of chemical compounds, an emulsion, a suspension, a solid-liquid mixture, or a liquid-liquid mixture.
  • the term “herbicide” also refers to the product that passes through the commercial channels from the manufacturer to the ultimate end user who can either apply the herbicide to the affected field as sold or mix it with other excipients.
  • weed means and includes any plant that grows where not wanted.
  • herbicidally effective amount means an amount necessary to produce an observable herbicidal effect on unwanted plant growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, growth inhibition, reproduction inhibition, inhibition of proliferation, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of unwanted plants.
  • herbicidally active ingredient means the active ingredient in the herbicide that causes the herbicide to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate any weed.
  • Other ingredients of the herbicide that are not herbicidally active ingredients are excipients that aid in forming, storing, or delivering herbicidally active ingredient to the target. Examples of excipients in the present embodiment include an organic (e.g.
  • non-aqueous liquid carrier in which an herbicidally active ingredient is dissolved, dispersed or suspended, and various formulation ingredients such as surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts.
  • formulation ingredients such as surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts.
  • herbicidal composition refers to an herbicide, and in addition, to any composition that comprises an herbicidally active ingredient in admixture with one or more additional components.
  • This composition may be for example a homogeneous solution, an emulsion, a solid suspended or otherwise dispersed in a liquid, or a solid such as a powder or granule.
  • herbicidal composition also refers to a product intended for use in manufacturing, or any product intended for formulation or repackaging into other agricultural products.
  • microcapsule refers to a roughly spherical microscopic particle comprising a polymeric shell and an encapsulated material located within the shell.
  • shell refers to a hollow microscopic particle that has a roughly spherical shape.
  • the function of a shell, as used in a microcapsule, is to keep the encapsulated material found within the shell generally separate from the material outside of the microcapsule.
  • the shell is diffusible and/or degradable so that under appropriate conditions it will allow diffusion into or out of the microcapsule to occur.
  • core of a microcapsule refers to the encapsulated composition located within the shell.
  • volatility control or “bixlozone volatility control” refer to the results of volatility tests conducted according to the method described hereinbelow, with the reference composition being an emulsion concentrate comprising bixlozone.
  • the reference composition i.e. standard
  • the reference (i.e. standard) composition is Command® 4EC (FMC Corporation). That is, Command® 4EC has 0% volatility control.
  • a theoretical formulation that allowed no clomazone to evaporate would have 100% volatility control.
  • Bixlozone is a herbicide recently introduced by FMC with the CAS name of 2-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone with the following structure
  • bixlozone is sold commercially as (a formulated material as) “Overwatch” and is has also been referred to as “DCPMI”, “F9600”, “2,4-DC” and “dichloroclomazone”.
  • the term “bixlozone” as used herein means a composition comprising at least 90% by weight pure 2- (2,4-dichlorophenyl) methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolinone.
  • bixlozone may be technical grade bixlozone with purity range of 90 to 95% by weight.
  • the bixlozone may be a composition comprising more than 95% by weight pure 2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolinone.
  • pure bixlozone means 100% pure 2-(2,4- dichlorophenyl) methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolinone.
  • composition values in the analytical portion of the description of each formulation adjust for purity levels of the bixlozone in the organic formulation.
  • higher purity grade clomazone reagents may be used to yield higher loading levels of clomazone in microcapsules, and ultimately in the herbicide.
  • Bixlozone works as a herbicides by inhibiting the biosynthesis of carotenoids in the plant.
  • a plant affected by clomazone exhibits progressive whitening with increased dosage and is typically applied to the soil for control of weeds in crops of beans, cabbage, cucumbers, cotton, melons, mint, peas, peppers, rice, wheat, soybeans, squash, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, tobacco and tuberous vegetables. It is also selective against perennial weeds, including grasses and broadleaves.
  • Embodiment 1A The composition of the Summary of the Invention wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax or a biodegradable polymer.
  • Embodiment 2A The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax.
  • Embodiment 3 A The composition of Embodiment 2A wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax and silica.
  • Embodiment 4A The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer.
  • Embodiment 5A The composition of Embodiment 4A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer.
  • Embodiment 6A The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises ethylcellulose.
  • Embodiment 7A The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a linear polyester diol.
  • Embodiment 8A The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of
  • Embodiment 9A The composition of Embodiment 8A wherein the at least one vegetable oil is castor oil.
  • Embodiment 10A The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 12A wherein the dispersant comprises a salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate.
  • Embodiment 11 A The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 10A wherein the dispersant comprises a salt of dodedecylbenzenesulfonate.
  • Embodiment 12A The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 14A further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, antimicrobial agents, antifreeze agents and inorganic salts.
  • additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, antimicrobial agents, antifreeze agents and inorganic salts.
  • Embodiment 12A The composition of Embodiment 12A wherein the dispersant is a low HLB polymeric dispersant.
  • Embodiment 12A2 The composition of Embodiment 12A1 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of Atlox 4912, Atlox 4914, Atlox 4916, Tersperse 2510 and Tersperse 2520.
  • Embodiment 12A3 The composition of Embodiment 12A2 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of Atlox 4912 and Tersperse 2510.
  • Embodiment 12A4 The composition of Embodiment 12A2 wherein the dispersant is Atlox 4912.
  • Embodiment 12A The composition of Embodiment 12A1 wherein the dispersant is Tersperse 2510.
  • Embodiment 12A6 The composition of Embodiment 12A2 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of Atlox 4914 and Tersperse 2520.
  • Embodiment 12A7 The composition of Embodiment 12A6 wherein the dispersant is Atlox 4914.
  • Embodiment 12A8 The composition of Embodiment 12A6 wherein the dispersant is Tersperse 2520.
  • Embodiment 13 A The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 12A further comprising a herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone.
  • Embodiment 14A The composition of Embodiment 13 A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than a bixlozone is selected from the group consisting of acetochlor; aclonifen; alachlor; ametryn; dimethachlor; dimethanamide; dimethenamid-P; carfentrazone ethyl; ethalfluralin; linuron; metazachlor; napropamide; napropamide-M; metolachlor; S-metolachlor; pendimethalin; propanil; butachlor; delachlor; diethatyl; ethachlor; pretilachlor; propachlor; propisochlor; prynachlor; terbuchlor; thenylchlor; xylachlor; diphenamid; naptalam; pethoxamid; pretilachlor; benzofluor; cambendichlor; chloramben; dicamba; bispyribac; pyrithio
  • Embodiment 15A The composition of Embodiment 14A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone is selected from the group consisting of acetochlor; aclonifen; alachlor; ametryn; dimethachlor; dimethanamide; dimethenamid-P; carfentrazone ethyl; ethalfluralin; linuron; metazachlor; napropamide; metribuzin; napropamide-M; metolachlor; S-metolachlor; pendimethalin; propanil; agriculturally acceptable esters thereof or mixtures of two or more thereof.
  • Embodiment 16A The composition of Embodiment 15A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone is selected from the group consisting of napropamide, linuron and metribuzin.
  • Embodiment 17A The composition of any of Embodiments 13A through 16A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone is not encapsulated.
  • Embodiment 18 A The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 20A wherein the microcapsules are dispersed in a nonaqueous carrier and at least one additional herbicide is dissolved in the non-aqueous carrier.
  • Embodiment 19B The method for preparing an oil dispersion composition of the Summary of the Invention, wherein the composition comprises the composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 18A.
  • Embodiment 20B The method for preparing the composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 18A comprising
  • additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts with the oil dispersion.
  • Embodiment 2 IB The method of Embodiment 20B comprising milling the suspension to obtain particles comprising having a desired size distribution.
  • Embodiment 22B The method of Embodiment 20B or 2 IB comprising preparing microcapsules comprising bixlozone encapsulated in an encapsulant comprising wax or a biodegradable polymer.
  • Embodiment 23B The method of Embodiment 22B wherein the encapsulant comprises wax.
  • Embodiment 24B The method of Embodiment 22B wherein the encapsulant comprises wax and silica.
  • Embodiment 25B The method of Embodiment 24B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer.
  • Embodiment 26B The method of Embodiment 24B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer.
  • Embodiment 27B The method of Embodiment 26B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises ethylcellulose.
  • Embodiment 28B The method of Embodiment 26B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a linear polyester diol.
  • Embodiment 29B The method of any of Embodiments 20B through 28B comprising encapsulating an additional herbicide other than bixlozone in the microcapsules.
  • Embodiment 30B The method of any of Embodiments 20B through 29B comprising suspending the microcapsules in a non-aqueous carrier and dissolving at least one additional herbicide in the non-aqueous carrier.
  • Embodiment 31C The method for reducing the volatility of bixlozone in a composition according to the Summary of the Invention, comprising preparing a composition as defined in the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 18A.
  • Embodiment 32C The method of Embodiment 31C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of bixlozone of at least 5 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of bixlozone.
  • Embodiment 33C The method of Embodiment 32C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of the compound bixlozone of at least 20 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of the bixlozone.
  • Embodiment 34C The method of Embodiment 33C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of bixlozone of at least 30 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of bixlozone.
  • Embodiment 35C The method of Embodiment 34C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of bixlozone of at least 40 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of bixlozone.
  • Embodiment 36C The method of any of Embodiments 31C through 35C comprising preparing a suspension of the non-encapsulated bixlozone in a non-aqueous carrier comprising a dispersant; and milling the suspension to obtain particles comprising bixlozone having a desired size distribution.
  • Embodiment 37C The method of any of Embodiments 31C through 36C comprising preparing microcapsules comprising bixlozone in an encapsulant comprising wax or a biodegradable polymer.
  • Embodiment 38C The method of Embodiment 37C wherein the encapsulant comprises wax.
  • Embodiment 39C The method of Embodiment 38C wherein the encapsulant comprises wax and silica.
  • Embodiment 40C The method of Embodiment 38 wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer.
  • Embodiment 41C The method of Embodiment 41 wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer.
  • Embodiment 42C The method of Embodiment 38C wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises ethylcellulose.
  • Embodiment 43C The method of Embodiment 38C wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a linear polyester diol.
  • Embodiment 44C The method of any of Embodiments 38C through 43C comprising encapsulating an additional herbicide other than bixlozone in the microcapsules.
  • Embodiment 45C The method of any of Embodiments 38C through 44C comprising suspending the microcapsules in a non-aqueous carrier and dissolving at least one additional herbicide in the non-aqueous carrier.
  • Embodiment 46D The method for controlling unwanted vegetation as described in the Summary of the Invention comprising the steps of; a) providing an oil-dispersion composition as described in any one of Embodiments 1A through 45C; b) diluting the composition with a diluent; and c) applying a herbicidally effective amount of the diluted composition obtained in step b) above to a locus where such control is desired.
  • Embodiment 47D The method of Embodiment 46D wherein thevegetation comprises at least one herbicide resistant or tolerant weed species.
  • Embodiment 48D The method of any one Embodiments 45D through 46D, wherein the vegetation comprises a weed selected from a broad leaf weed, and a grass weed.
  • Embodiment 49D The method of Embodiment 48D wherein the vegetation is selected from Abutilon theophrasti (ABUTH), Acalypha virginica (ACCVI), Alopecurus myosuroides (ALOMY), Amaranthus retroflexus (AMARE), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (AMBEL), Anagallis arvensis (ANGAR), Apera spica-venti (APESV), Arrhenatherum elatius (ARREB), Calystegia septum (CAGSE), Capsella bursa- pastoris (CAPBP), Centaurea cyanus (CENCY), Chenopodium album (CHEAL), Chenopodium hybridum (CHEHY), Chenopodium polyspermum (CHEPO), Convolvulus arvensis (CONAR), Cynodon dactylon (CYNDA), Datura stramonium (DATST), Daucus carota (DAUCA), Descurainia sophia (DESSO
  • Embodiment 50D The method of any of embodiments 46D through 49D wherein the composition is applied at a stage selected from pre-emergence, post-emergence, and combinations thereof.
  • Embodiment 5 ID The method of any of Embodiments 46D through 50D, wherein the crop is selected from wheat, corn or soy.
  • the composition of the present invention comprises a non-aqueous liquid carrier.
  • non-aqueous liquid carrier means that one or more solvents other than water (e.g., organic solvents) are used as the liquid carrier in the liquid composition. This does not mean to say that the liquid carrier must necessarily be completely free of water. Trace amounts of water may be present in the components that are used to prepare the non-aqueous liquid carrier. For instance, trace amounts of water may be introduced into the liquid carrier by organic solvents, surfactants or salts that are used to prepare the liquid herbicidal composition. While the term “non-aqueous liquid carrier” is clear in this technical field (e.g.
  • ODs, ECs and SLs employ a non-aqueous liquid carrier), notably the term can be taken to mean that the liquid composition comprises water in an amount of 5 weight % or less of the composition, preferably 3 weight % or less, preferably 2.5 weight % or less, more preferably 2 weight %, most preferably 1 weight % or less, or 0.5 weight % or less, or there is no water in the composition.
  • the compound of Formula 1 is dispersed, suspended or otherwise contained in the nonaqueous liquid earner.
  • Typical solvents are described in Marsden, Solvents Guide, 2nd Ed., Interscience, New York, 1950.
  • the non-aqueous liquid carrier preferably contains one or more aprotic organic solvents as the major constituent of the liquid carrier.
  • the amount of aprotic solvent in the liquid carrier is 50 weight % or more, the ability of the inorganic salt to chemically stabilize the sulfonylurea is greatly improved.
  • the one or more aprotic solvents make up 60 weight % or more, 70 weight % or more, 80 weight % or more and most preferably 90 weight % or more of the liquid carrier (up to about 100 weight % of the liquid carrier).
  • Suitable aprotic organic solvents for use in the present invention include, for example:
  • hydrocarbons which may be unsubstituted or substituted, for example (la) aromatic hydrocarbons, for example mono- or polyalkyl-substituted benzenes, such as toluene, xylenes, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, or mono- or polyalkyl-substituted naphthalenes, such as 1 -methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene or dimethylnaphthalene, or other benzene-derived aromatic hydrocarbons, such as indane or Tetralin®, or mixtures thereof, (lb) aliphatic hydrocarbons, for example straight-chain or branched aliphatics, for example of the formula C n H2n + 2> suc h as pentane, hexane, octane, 2-methylbutane or 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, or cyclic, optionally alkyl-substituted aliphatics
  • fatty acid esters for example of natural origin, for example natural oils, such as animal oils or vegetable oils, or of synthetic origin, for example the Edenor® series, for example Edenor® MEPa or Edenor® MESU, or the Agnique® ME series or Agnique® AE series (Cognis), the Salim® ME series (Salim), the Radia® series, for example Radia® 30167 (ICI), the Prilube® series, for example Prilube® 1530 (Petrofina), the Stepan® C series (Stepan) or the Witconol® 23 series (Witco).
  • the fatty acid esters are preferably esters of C1Q-C22 fatty acids, preferably C 12-C20 fatty acids.
  • the C JQ-C ⁇ fatty acid esters are, for example, esters of unsaturated or saturated C
  • fatty acid esters such as C1Q-C22 fatty acid esters
  • examples of fatty acid esters include glycerol and glycol esters of fatty acids such as C1Q-C22 fatty acids, or transesterification products thereof, for example fatty acid alkyl esters such as C10-C22 fatty acid C1-C20 alkyl esters, which can be obtained, for example, by transesterification of the abovementioned glycerol or glycol fatty acid esters such as C1Q-C22 fatty acid esters with C1-C20 alkanols (for example methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol, 2-ethylhexanol and dodecanol).
  • C1Q-C22 fatty acid esters include glycerol and glycol esters of fatty acids such as C1Q-C22 fatty acids, or transesterification products thereof, for example fatty acid alkyl esters such as C10-C22 fatty
  • Preferred fatty acid alkyl esters such as C ⁇ Q- C22 fatty acid Gj-CAp alkyl esters are methyl esters, ethyl esters, propyl esters, butyl esters, 2- ethylhexyl esters and dodecyl esters.
  • Preferred glycol and glycerol fatty acid esters such as C ⁇ Q- C22 fatty acid esters are the uniform or mixed glycol esters and glycerol esters of C Q-C22 fatty acids, notably such fatty acids having an even number of carbon atoms, for example crude acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid and particularly Cjg fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid.
  • animal oils and vegetable oils are generally known and commercially available.
  • the term “animal oils” is to be understood as meaning oils of animal origin such as whale oil, cod-liver oil, musk oil or mink oil
  • vegetable oils is to be understood as meaning oils of oleaginous plant species, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, thistle oil, walnut oil, arachis (peanut) oil, tung oil, sesame oil, olive oil or castor oil, in particular soybean oil or rapeseed oil, where the vegetable oils also include their transesterification products, for example alkyl esters, such as soybean oil methyl ester or rapeseed oil ethyl ester.
  • Vegetable oils are preferred and may comprise esters of C 1Q-C22 fatty acid esters as described above.
  • the vegetable oils can be contained in the mixtures for example in the form of commercially available vegetable oils, in particular rapeseed oils, such as rapeseed oil methyl ester, for example Phytorob® B (Novance, France), Edenor® MESU and the Agnique® ME series (Cognis, Germany) the Radia® series (ICI), the Prilube® series (Petrofina), or biodiesel or in the form of commercially available plant-oil-containing formulation additives, in particular those based on rapeseed oils, such as rapeseed oil methyl esters, for example Hasten® (Victoria Chemical Company, Australia), Actirob® B (Novance, France), Rako-Binol® (Bayer AG, Germany), Renol® (Stefes, Germany) or Mero® (Stefes, Germany).
  • rapeseed oils
  • Examples of synthetic acid esters are, for example, those derived from fatty acids having an odd number of carbon atoms, such as C ]
  • Preferred organic solvents arc hydrocarbons, in particular aromatic hydrocarbons and/or aliphatic hydrocarbons and fatty acid esters, such as vegetable oils, such as triglycerides of fatty acids having 10 to 22 carbon atoms, which may be saturated or else unsaturated, straight-chain or branched and which may or may not carry further functional groups, such as corn oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, thistle oil or castor oil, and their trans-esterification products, such as fatty acid alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof.
  • vegetable oils such as triglycerides of fatty acids having 10 to 22 carbon atoms, which may be saturated or else unsaturated, straight-chain or branched and which may or may not carry further functional groups, such as corn oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, thistle oil or castor
  • Preferred solvents for use in the present invention include: linear or branched €5-630 paraffin oils, for example hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, their mixtures, or mixtures thereof with higher boiling homologs, such as hepta-, octa-, nona-decane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, pentacosane, and the branched chain isomers thereof; aromatic or cycloaliphatic solvents, which may be unsubstituted or substituted, C 7 -C
  • Esters which can be used in the composition of the invention are thus, for example, benzyl acetate, caproic acid ethyl ester, isobomyl acetate, pelargonic acid ethyl ester, benzoic acid methyl or ethyl ester, salicylic acid methyl, propyl, or butyl ester, diesters of phthalic acid with saturated aliphatic or alicyclic Cj-C ⁇ alcohols, such as phthalic acid dimethyl ester, dibutyl ester, diisooctyl ester; liquid amides of C -C3 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with Cg-Cjg carboxylic acids; or mixtures thereof.
  • the liquid carrier of the single liquid-phase composition of the present invention comprises one or more fatty acid esters of C4-C4 alkanols.
  • the C4-C4 alkanol-derived portions of the fatty acid esters can be unbranched (i.e. straightchain) or branched, but are typically unbranched.
  • the fatty acid esters are fatty acids esterified with C4-C2 alkanols and more preferably Cq alkanol (i.e. methanol).
  • the fatty acid alkanol esters in a composition of the present invention can be derived from a mixture of alcohols (e.g., methanol and ethanol).
  • the fatty acid portions of the fatty acid esters consist of a carboxylate moiety bound to a hydrocarbon chain, which can be unbranched or branched, but is typically unbranched in natural sources.
  • the hydrocarbon chain can be saturated or unsaturated; typically the hydrocarbon chain is saturated (i.e. alkyl) or contains 1 or 2 carbon-carbon double bonds (i.e. alkenyl).
  • Fatty acid esters formed from fatty acids containing an odd number of carbon atoms i.e. even number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain
  • fatty acids obtained from natural sources typically contain an even number of carbon atoms, and therefore esters of fatty acids containing an even number of carbon atoms are preferred for reason of commercial availability and cost.
  • Fatty acid compositions obtained from natural sources typically consist of fatty acids having a range of chain lengths and different degrees of unsaturation.
  • Fatty acid ester compositions derived from such fatty acid mixtures are generally useful in the compositions of the present invention without need to first separate the fatty acid esters.
  • Fatty acids contain at least 4 carbon atoms and are limited to about 22 carbon atoms from natural sources. Although esters of lower fatty acids (e.g., containing as few a 4 carbon atoms) are useful for the present compositions, esters of fatty acids having at least 8, more preferably at least 10, carbon atoms are preferred because of favorable physical properties (e.g., low volatility). Esters of lower fatty acids can be mixed with esters of higher fatty acids to decrease polarity, water solubility and volatility. As fatty acids obtained from natural sources typically contain 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more typically 10 to 22 carbon atoms, esters of these fatty acids are preferred for reason of commercial availability and cost.
  • the C 1Q-C22 fatty acid esters with an even number of carbon atoms are, for example, erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
  • the one or more fatty esters in the compositions of the present invention comprise at least about 80%, more preferably at least 90%, by weight of esters of fatty acids containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 20 carbon atoms and more preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms.
  • Fatty acid compositions obtained from natural sources typically consist of fatty acids having a range of chain lengths and different degrees of unsaturation.
  • Fatty acid ester compositions derived from such fatty acid mixtures can be useful in the compositions of the present invention without need to first separate the fatty acid esters.
  • Suitable fatty acid ester compositions obtained from plants include seed and fruit oils of sunflower, rapeseed, olive, com, soybean, cotton and linseed.
  • the one or more fatty acid esters comprise fatty acid methyl esters derived from seed oils of sunflower, soybean, cotton or linseed.
  • the one or more fatty acid esters comprise fatty acid methyl esters derived from soybean oil (also known as methylated soybean oil or methyl soy ate).
  • Fatty acid esters of alkanols and methods for their preparation are well known in the art.
  • “biodiesel” typically comprises fatty acid esters of ethanol or more commonly methanol.
  • Two principal routes used to prepare fatty acid alkanol esters are transesterification starling with another fatty acid ester (often a naturally occurring ester with glycerol) and direct esterification starting with the fatty acid.
  • a variety of methods are known for these routes.
  • direct esterification can be accomplished by contacting a fatty acid with an alkanol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid.
  • Transesterification can be accomplished by contacting a starting fatty acid ester with the alcohol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid but more commonly a strong base such as sodium hydroxide.
  • Alkylated seed oils are the transesterification products of seed oils with an alkanol.
  • methylated soybean oil also known as methyl soyate
  • Methyl soyate thus comprises methyl esters of fatty acids in the approximate molar ratio that the fatty acids occur esterified with glycerol in soybean seed oil.
  • Alkylated seed oils such as methyl soyate can be distilled or otherwise processed to modify the proportion of methyl fatty acid esters.
  • compositions of the present invention are generally in the form of oil dispersions or non-aqueous suspension concentrates.
  • liquid diluents include, for example, aprotic polar solvents, such as ethers, esters of C j-Cq-alkanoic acids which may be mono-, di- or polyfunctional, such as their mono-, di- or triesters, for example with Cj-Cqg-alkyl alcohols, ketones with a low tendency to tautomerize, such as cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, isophorone and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetates such as hexyl acetate, heptyl acetate and octyl acetate, phosphoric acid esters, amides, nitriles or sulfones, for example tris-2-ethylhexyl phosphate, diisobutyl adipate, Rhodiasolv® RPDE (Rhodia), cyclohexanone, Jeffsol® PC (Huntsman), y-butyrol
  • Protic solvents include for example, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, alcohols such as methanol, cyclohexanol, decanol, benzyl and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, amines and carboxylic acids.
  • alcohols such as methanol, cyclohexanol, decanol, benzyl and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, amines and carboxylic acids.
  • polar solvents are best avoided as liquid carriers.
  • the total amount of protic organic solvent such as alcohols is preferably kept to 20 weight % or less based on the weight of the liquid composition.
  • the total amount of protic organic solvent is 15 weight % or less, 10 weight % or less, 5 weight % or less, 2 weight % or less, or 1 weight % or less of the composition.
  • the amounts described herein refer to the sum amount of all the protic solvents present in the composition.
  • liquid carrier of the present compositions do not include substantial amounts of liquid diluents other than the hydrocarbons and/or fatty acid esters of C -C4 alkanols described above.
  • the non-aqueous liquid carrier is present in an amount such that it can act as a liquid carrier for the other components that are present in the composition.
  • the non-aqueous liquid carrier comprises an organic solvent in an amount of at least 5 weight % based on the weight of the composition.
  • a low amount of organic solvent is possible when other components in the composition are also liquids (e.g., liquid herbicide and/or liquid emulsifier).
  • the non-aqueous liquid carrier comprises an organic solvent in an amount of 95 weight % or less of the composition.
  • the non-aqueous liquid carrier comprises an organic solvent in an amount in a range from a lower limit of least 10 weight %, 15 weight %, weight %, 25 weight %, 30 weight %, or 40 weight % of the composition to an upper limit of 90 weight %, 85 weight %, 80 weight %, 75 weight %, or 60 weight % or less of the composition.
  • Any of the disclosed lower weight % limits can be combined with any of the disclosed upper weight % limits to define further suitable weight % ranges of the amount of the organic solvent in the nonaqueous liquid carrier in compositions of this invention.
  • Exemplary ranges of the amount of the organic solvent in the composition include 5 to 95 weight %, 10 to 90 weight %, 20 to 80 weight %, 30 to 60 weight %, 40 to 60 weight %, 10 to 75 weight % and 20 to 60 weight %.
  • the amounts described herein refer to the sum amount of all the organic solvents present in the composition.
  • compositions of the present invention can contain one or more additional formulating ingredients in a total amount by weight of 0 to about 50%.
  • the composition of the invention may comprise one or more additional co-formulants such as surfactants (e.g., emulsifiers and/or dispersants), thickeners and thixotropic agents, wetting agents, anti-drift agents, adhesives, penetrants, preservatives, antifreeze agents, antioxidants, solubilizers, fillers, carriers, colorants, antifoams, fertilizers, evaporation inhibitors and agents which modify pH and viscosity.
  • the liquid composition comprises at least one co-formulant that is an adjuvant, such as one of those listed in the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 12th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2014, or any earlier edition thereof.
  • adjuvants include, but are not limited to, paraffin oil, horticultural spray oils (e.g., summer oil), methylated rape seed oil, methylated soybean oil, highly refined vegetable oil and the like, polyol fatty acid esters, poly ethoxylated esters, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl polysaccharides and blends, amine ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, polyethylene glycol esters, alkylpolyglucosides and their derivatives (e.g., esters), organosilicone based surfactants, ethylene vinyl acetate terpolymers, ethoxylated alkyl aryl phosphate esters and the like.
  • paraffin oil e.g., summer oil
  • methylated rape seed oil methylated soybean oil
  • highly refined vegetable oil and the like polyol fatty acid esters
  • poly ethoxylated esters ethoxylated
  • the liquid composition of the invention includes one or more surfactants, for example, to enable the forming of an emulsion if the compositions are to be diluted with water.
  • surfactants can be cationic, anionic or non-ionic, but are preferably anionic or non-ionic.
  • the properties of these surfactants include dispersants and wetting agents.
  • the surfactants can be nonionic or ionic (e.g., anionic) and can include polymeric moieties such as polyoxyethylation.
  • Typical surfactants are described in McCutcheon ’s Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, Allured Publ. Corp., Ridgewood, New lersey, as well as Sisely and Wood, Encyclopedia of Surface Active Agents, Chemical Publ. Co., Inc., New York, 1964.
  • surfactants include polyethoxylated alcohols, polyethoxylated alkylphenols, polyethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated sorbitol fatty acid esters, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, organosilicones, M/V-dialkyltauratcs.
  • lignin sulfonates naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates
  • poly carboxylates glycerol esters
  • polyoxy- ethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymers polyoxy- ethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymers
  • alkylpolyglycosides where the number of glucose units, referred to as degree of polymerization (D.P.), can range from 1 to 3 and the alkyl units can range from Cg to Cj4 (see Pure and Applied Chemistry 72, 1255-1264).
  • Preferred nonionic surfactants for use in this invention include: polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, saturated and unsaturated aliphatic alcohols having 8 to 24 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, which is derived from the corresponding fatty acids or from petrochemical products, and having 1 to 100, preferably 2 to 50.
  • ethylene oxide units it being possible for the free hydroxyl group to be alkoxylated, which arc commercially available, for example, as Genapol® X and Genapol® O series (Clariant), Crovol® M series (Croda) or as Lutensol® series (BASF); polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, arylalkylphenols, such as, for example, 2,4,6-tris(l- phenylethyl)phenol (tristyrylphenol) having an average degree of ethoxylation of between 10 and 80, preferably from 16 to 40, such as, for example, Soprophor® BSU (Rhodia) or HOE S 3474 (Clariant); polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, alkylphenols having one or more alkyl radicals, such as, for example, nonylphenol or tri-sec-butylphenol, and a degree of ethoxylation of between 2 and 40, preferably from
  • Preferred ionic surfactants for use in this invention include: polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, surfactants which are ionically modified, for example by conversion of the terminal free hydroxyl function of the polyethylene oxide block into a sulfate or phosphate ester (for example as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts), such as, for example, Genapol® LRO or dispersant 3618 (Clariant), Emulphor® (BASF) or Crafol® AP (Cognis); alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of alkylarylsulfonic acids having a straight-chain or branched alkyl chain, such as phenylsulfonate CA or phenylsulfonate CAL (Clariant), Atlox® 3377BM (Croda), or the Empiphos® TM series (Huntsman); polyelectrolytes, such as lignosulfonates, condensates of
  • OMS organo-modified siloxanes
  • the surfactant may comprise lignosulfonates.
  • the amount of the one or more lignosulfonates in the compositions of the present invention can range from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight, but for reasons of cost the amount is typically no more than about 10%, preferably no more than about 8%, more preferably no more than about 6% and most preferably no more than about 5% of the composition by weight.
  • the one or more lignosulfonates amount to at least about 0.5% of the composition by weight, although lesser amounts down to about 0.1% can be used. More typically the one or more lignosulfonates amount to at least about 1% of the composition and even more typically at least about 2% of the composition by weight.
  • Lignin the basic building block of the lignosulfonates of this invention is formed in woody plants and is a complex natural polymer regarding structure and homogeneity.
  • Lignosulfonates are sulfonated plant lignins and are commercially well-known co-products of the paper industry.
  • the lignosulfonates useful in the present compositions can be prepared by a chemical modification of the basic lignin building block using a sulfite pulping process or a kraft pulping (also known as sulfate pulping) process including subsequent sulfonation. These pulping processes are well known in the paper industry.
  • Crude lignosulfonate preparations typically contain in addition to sulfonated lignin other plant derived chemicals such as sugars, sugar acids and resins, as well as inorganic chemicals. Although such crude lignosulfonate preparations can be used for the compositions of the present invention, preferably the crude preparations are first refined to provide higher purity of ligno sulfonate.
  • Lignosulfonates within the context of the present disclosure and claims also include lignosulfonates that have been extensively chemically modified.
  • lignosulfonates that have been extensively chemically modified are oxylignins in which the lignin has been oxidized in a process reducing the number of sulfonic acid and methoxyl groups and causing rearrangements increasing the number of phenolic and carboxylic acid groups.
  • An example of an oxylignin is Vanisperse A marketed by Borregaard LignoTech. Lignosulfonates vary according to cation, degree of sulfonation and average molecular weight.
  • the lignosulfonates of the present invention can contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium or ammonium cations or mixtures thereof, but preferably contain sodium.
  • the degree of sulfonation is defined as the number of sulfonate groups per 1000-unit molecular weight of lignosulfonate and in commercially available products typically ranges from about 0.5 to about 4.7.
  • the lignosulfonates in the compositions of the present invention preferably contain a degree of sulfonation ranging from about 0.5 to about 3.0. Lignosulfonates containing a degree of sulfonation from about 0.5 to about 3.0 can be prepared by controlled sulfonation in the kraft pulping process.
  • the degree of sulfonation using the kraft pulping process is 2.9 for REAX 88A, 0.8 for REAX 85A and 1.2 for REAX 907, which are described further below.
  • Average molecular weight of commercially available lignosulfonates typically ranges from about 2,000 to about 15,100.
  • the lignosulfonates of the present invention preferably have an average molecular weight above about 2,900.
  • Examples of commercially available refined lignosulfonate products useful in the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, REAX 88A (sodium salt of a chemically modified low molecular weight kraft lignin polymer solubilized by five sulfonate groups, marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.), REAX 85A (sodium salt of a chemically modified high molecular weight kraft lignin polymer, marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.), REAX 907 (sodium salt of a chemically modified high molecular weight kraft lignin polymer, marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.), REAX 100M (sodium salt of a chemically modified low molecular weight kraft lignin polymer marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.) and Kraftspearse® DD-5 (sodium salt of a chemically modified high molecular weight kraft lignin polymer, marketed by MeadWestvac
  • anionic surfactants for this purpose are sulfonates such as calcium dodecyl benzenesulfonate.
  • nonionic surfactants are polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitan esters such as POE (20) sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitol esters such as POE (40) sorbitol hexaoleate.
  • POE (20) sorbitan trioleate is commercially available under the tradename TWEEN 85 marketed by Uniqema.
  • POE (40) sorbitol hexaoleate is commercially available under the tradenames Atlas G1086 and CirrasolTM G-1086 marketed by Uniqema.
  • Other particularly suitable nonionic surfactants include polyethoxylated poly (12-hydroxy stearic acid) having a degree of ethoxylation of between 10 and 80, preferably from 25 to 40.
  • a combination of a POE sorbitan ester with a POE sorbitol ester allows optimizing the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value of the surfactant to obtain the highest quality emulsion (smallest suspended droplets) when the composition is added to water.
  • High quality of emulsions typically leads to optimal herbicidal performance.
  • more than one surfactant may be used.
  • a surfactant combination may comprise one or more nonionic surfactant in combination with one or more anionic surfactant.
  • composition of the present invention comprising one or more nonionic surfactants selected from polyethoxylated poly (12-hydroxystearic acid), polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitan esters such as POE (20) sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitol esters such as POE (40) sorbitol hexaoleate and mixtures thereof.
  • nonionic surfactants selected from polyethoxylated poly (12-hydroxystearic acid), polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitan esters such as POE (20) sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitol esters such as POE (40) sorbitol hexaoleate and mixtures thereof.
  • a notable combination of surfactants comprises a nonionic polymeric surfactant comprising a polyethoxylated poly (12-hydroxystearic acid), a nonionic polymeric surfactant comprising polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitol hexaoleate and an anionic surfactant comprising a calcium linear alkyl(such as C ⁇ benzene.
  • the surfactant is preferably included in an amount of at least 1 weight % with respect to the total weight of the composition.
  • the surfactant is preferably included in the composition in an amount of 60 weight % or less. More preferably, the surfactant comprises an amount in a range from a lower limit of at least 2 weight %, 5 weight %, 10 weight %, 15 weight %, or 20 weight % to an upper limit of 50 weight %, 40 weight %, or 30 weight % of the total liquid composition. Any of the disclosed lower weight % limits can be combined with any of the disclosed upper weight % limits to define further suitable weight % ranges for the purposes of this invention.
  • Exemplary ranges of the amount of surfactant in the liquid composition include 1 to 60 weight %, 2 to 50 weight %, 5 to 40 weight %, 10 to 30 weight %, 5 to 50 weight % and 2 to 40 weight %. Where more than one surfactant is used the preferred ranges refer to the total amount of surfactant present in the liquid composition.
  • the present compositions can also contain one or more solid diluents in suspension in the liquid carrier.
  • the solid diluents can be water-soluble or water-insoluble. Typical solid diluents are described in Watkins et al., Handbook of Insecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers, 2nd Ed., Dorland Books, Caldwell, New Jersey.
  • water-soluble solid diluents include salts such as alkali metal phosphates (e.g., sodium dihydrogen phosphate), alkaline earth phosphates, sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc, sodium and potassium chloride, and sodium benzoate, and sugars and sugar derivatives such as sorbitol, lactose and sucrose.
  • alkali metal phosphates e.g., sodium dihydrogen phosphate
  • alkaline earth phosphates e.g., sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc, sodium and potassium chloride, and sodium benzoate
  • sugars and sugar derivatives such as sorbitol, lactose and sucrose.
  • waterinsoluble solid diluents include, but are not limited to, clays, synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, calcium and magnesium silicates, titanium dioxide, aluminum, calcium and zinc oxide, calcium and magnesium carbonate, sodium, potassium, calcium and barium sulfate, and
  • Certain solid diluents such as clays have been discovered to provide significant resistance to separation of suspended or dispersed solid particles in the present composition, which otherwise would result in formation of a bleed layer (i.e. layer not containing suspended or dispersed solid particles). Furthermore it has been discovered that these solid diluents can impart a reversible gel structure to the composition.
  • a reversible gel provides high viscosity to the composition at low shear (e.g., when the composition is stored in a container), but low viscosity facilitating pouring results when high shear is applied (e.g., when a container of the composition is shaken).
  • a benefit of reversible gel structure is that formation of a bleed layer and sedimentation of particles to the bottom of the container are significantly reduced.
  • a composition of this invention containing at least about 0.1% clay by weight will form a reversible gel. More than 10% clay can be useful, but for reason of cost, no more than about 10% is preferred. More preferred is a range of from 0.1 to 5%, and most preferred is a range of from 0.5 to 3%.
  • Examples of clays useful in the present composition include magnesium aluminum silicates such as attapulgite (e.g., Attagel® 50 from BASF Corp.) and other aluminum silicates such as montmorillonite (e.g., Barden® clay from the Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Co.
  • formulation ingredients can be used in the present invention such as rheology modifiers, wetting agents, dyes, defoamers, drying agents, and the like. These ingredients are known to one skilled in the art and can be found described, for example, in McCutcheon ’s 2001, Volume 2: Functional Materials published by MC Publishing Company.
  • composition of the invention can be prepared by known processes, for example by mixing the components and milling the suspended solids or dissolving the solids.
  • Any soluble agrochemically active compounds used can also be dissolved in the premix.
  • solid compounds of Formula 1, any other insoluble agrochemically active compounds used and the inorganic salts can be suspended in the mixture.
  • Another aspect of the present embodiment is a method for the control of unwanted plants comprising applying a pesticidally effective amount of the compositions of the present embodiment to an area where such control is desired.
  • pesticidally effective amount means an amount necessary to produce an observable pesticidal effect on unwanted plant growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, growth inhibition, reproduction inhibition, inhibition of proliferation, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of unwanted plants.
  • One or more agriculturally active agents can be combined with bixlozone in this embodiment. It is preferred that the one or more agriculturally active agents that can be combined with bixlozone, using the method of this embodiment, are herbicides.
  • the water-dispersible powder containing one or more agriculturally active agents comprises one or more active agents; and one or more of a wetting agent, for example, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate (STEPWET® DF-90 available from Stepan Company), or sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde polymer (MOR WET® D-425 POWDER available from Akzo Nobel); a dispersant, for example, sodium lignosulfonate (POLYFON® O available from MeadWestvaco Corporation), naphthalene sulfonate condensate (AGNIQUE® NSC available from Cognis Corporation), sodium 2- [methyloleoylamino]ethane-l -sulfonate (GER
  • a method for controlling unwanted vegetation in which an herbicidally effective amount of the encapsulated compound of Formula 1 as defined herein, including any of embodiments 1A through 5 ID, is applied to a locus where such control is desired.
  • the method comprises applying an herbicidally effective amount of the encapsulated compound of Formula 1 as defined herein to a locus where weeds are present.
  • this invention also relates to the use of a composition as defined herein, including any of embodiments 1A through 5 ID, for controlling unwanted vegetation.
  • the weeds present may be one or more of barnyard grass, broadleaf signalgrass, crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass, panicum, Johnsongrass, cupgrass, field sandbur, Bermuda grass, red rice, itch grass, velvetleaf, spurred anoda, common ragweed, Jimsonweed, lambsquarter, Pennsylvania smartweed, prickly sida, purslane, redweed, Venice mallow, cocklebur, dayflower, Florida beggarweed, Florida pusley, Kochia, redvine, tropic croton, wild poinsettia, balloonvine, black nightshade, curly dock, joint vetch, shattercane, and morning glory.
  • the one or more weeds above to be controlled may be in crops of beans, cabbage, cucumbers, cotton, melons, mint, peas, peppers, rice, soybeans, squash, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, tobacco and tuberous vegetables.
  • the above herbicidal compositions may be applied alone or in a tank mix combination by ground equipment using a finished spray volume of 100 to 400 L/ha (10 to 40 gal/acre).
  • the herbicide comprising the herbicidal composition is suitable for applications using nozzles suitable for broadcast boom or banded application of the herbicide. Nozzle screens and strainers should be no finer than 300 microns (50 mesh).
  • the herbicide comprising the herbicidal composition may be used as a preemergent soil- surface-applied treatment from 30 days before planting to just prior to crop emergence. If field conditions indicate the need for additional seedbed preparation, the use of equipment which will move the herbicide no deeper than 4 to 5 cm (1.5 inches to 2 inches) is acceptable.
  • the minimal broadcast rate for balloonvine, black nightshade, curly dock, joint vetch, and morning glory is 1.4 kg/ha (1.25 Ib/acre) of the herbicidally active ingredient clomazone.
  • compositions and formulations comprising bixlozone described herein can be combined with any other suitable additional or secondary agricultural active ingredients, or other suitable additional agricultural compositions such as liquid fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, safeners and plant growth regulators.
  • suitable additional or secondary agricultural active ingredients such as liquid fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, safeners and plant growth regulators.
  • the compositions, formulations, and methods comprising bixlozone can be applied simultaneously or sequentially with the additional or secondary agricultural active ingredients.
  • a composition comprising bixlozone can be combined with the additional agricultural active ingredient(s) in a single formulation, such as in a ready-to-use formulation that may be typically mixed with water to a prepare a final spray mixture for application.
  • compositions or formulations comprising bixlozone can be combined with a separate composition comprising the additional agricultural active ingredient(s) in the form of a combination package, such as a twin pack, for mixing prior to application.
  • a compositions and formulations comprising bixlozone of the present disclosure can be combined with the additional agricultural active ingredient(s) in the form of a tank mix.
  • the active compounds can be supplied (either separately or pre-mixed) in any appropriate formulation type, for example an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), a suspension concentrate (SC), a suspo-emulsion (SE), a capsule suspension (CS), a water dispersible granule (WG), an emulsifiable granule (EG), a water in oil emulsion (EO), an oil in water emulsion (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil dispersion (OD), an oil miscible flowable (OF), an oil miscible liquid (OL), a soluble concentrate (SL), an ultra-low volume suspension (SU), an ultra-low volume liquid (UL), a dispersible concentrate (DC), a wettable powder (WP) or any other technically feasible formulation in combination with agriculturally acceptable adjuvants.
  • EC emulsifiable concentrate
  • SC suspension concentrate
  • SE suspo-emulsion
  • CS capsule suspension
  • WG water dispersible
  • liquid fertilizer refers to a fertilizer in a fluid or liquid form containing various ratios of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (for example, but not limited to, 10% nitrogen, 34% phosphorous and 0% potassium) and micronutrients, commonly known as starter fertilizers that are high in phosphorus and promote rapid and vigorous root growth.
  • Liquid fertilizers are commonly aqueous- based. As used herein, the term “aqueousbased” indicates that the predominant solvent or vehicle is water.
  • the compositions described herein can be mixed with a liquid fertilizer to create a concentrated aqueous emulsion (EW) formulation, which may be further diluted with water, in a tank mix and then be applied to target crops or weeds.
  • EW concentrated aqueous emulsion
  • the compositions, formulations, and methods of the invention can be applied simultaneously with, or sequentially with, other suitable additional or secondary agricultural active ingredients, or other suitable additional agricultural compositions such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, safeners and plant growth regulators.
  • Suitable herbicide are selected from acetochlor, acifluorfen and its sodium salt, aclonifen, acrolein (2 propenal), alachlor, alloxydim, ametryn, amicarbazone, amidosulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor and its esters (e.g., methyl, ethyl) and salts (e.g., sodium, potassium), aminopyralid, amitrole, ammonium sulfamate, anilofos, asulam, atrazine, azimsulfuron, bixlozone, beflubutamid, beflubutamid-M, benazolin, benazolin ethyl, bencarbazone, benfluralin, benfuresate, benquinotrione, bensulfuron methyl, bensulide, bentazone, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, bicyclopyrone, bifenox, bilanafo
  • herbicides also include bioherbicides such as Altemaria destruens Simmons, Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc., Drechsiera monoceras (MTB-951), Myrothecium verrucaria (Albertini & Schweinitz) Ditmar: Fries, Phytophthora palmivora (Butl.) Butl. and Puccinia thlaspeos Schub.
  • bioherbicides such as Altemaria destruens Simmons, Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc., Drechsiera monoceras (MTB-951), Myrothecium verrucaria (Albertini & Schweinitz) Ditmar: Fries, Phytophthora palmivora (Butl.) Butl. and Puccinia thlaspeos Schub.
  • Preferred for better control of undesired vegetation e.g., lower use rate such as from enhanced effects, broader spectrum of weeds controlled, or enhanced crop safety
  • a herbicide selected from the group consisting of atrazine, azimsulfuron, S-beflubutamid, benzisothiazolinone, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron-methyl, clomazone, clopyralid potassium, cloransulam-methyl, 2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone, 2-[(2,5- dichlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone, ethametsulfuron-methyl, flumetsulam, 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-[(2-hydroxy-6-o
  • Suitable safeners include: (1) compounds of the type of dichlorophenylpyrazoline-3- carboxylic acid such as ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(ethoxy-carbonyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrazoline- 3-carbox- ylate and related compounds, as described in WO 91/07874; (2) derivatives of dichlorophenylpyrazolecarboxylic acid, preferably compounds such as ethyl l-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5- isopropylpyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(l,l-dimethylethyl)pyrazole-3- carboxylate, ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-pheny
  • active compounds of the type of the oxyimino compounds such as, for example, “oxabetrinil” ((Z)-l,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethoxyimino- (phenyl)acetonitrile), “fluxofenim” (l-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-l -ethanone O-(l,3- dioxolan-2-ylmethyl) oxime, and “cyometrinil” or “CGA43089” ((Z)-cyanomethoxyimino- (phenyl)acetonitrile); (12) active compounds of the type of the thiazolecarboxylic esters, which are known as seed dressings, such as, for example, “flurazole” (benzyl 2-chloro-4-trifhioromethyl- l
  • Sieved soil was spread on a deep tray, to have a fairly uniform layer that was about 2-mm thick.
  • the clomazone formulation was applied by spraying this surface at a rate of 1.0 kg clomazone using an overhead track sprayer calibrated to deliver 20 gallons of water per acre (187 L/ha).
  • the soil was transferred to a glass jar, where it was mixed by briefly rolling and shaking the jar. The soil was kept in the jar for a short period (less than one hour) until it was placed in the columns.
  • Volatility Apparatus Volatility was determined in an apparatus where the soil was held in glass chromatography columns with air entering from a manifold through the bottom of each tube. The manifold divided the airflow and equalized the pressure on the flow through each individual column. Nine chromatography columns were connected to each manifold, taking care to make sure the length of tubing and other restrictions to the flow were equal for each column. The columns were glass chromatography columns that contained a coarse frit at the bottom. The frit kept the soil in the column and dispersed the air stream that was coming in through the bottom of the column. The upward airflow provided a slight lift on the soil particles and thus counteracted any tendency towards clogging of the airflow, especially against the frit.
  • the frit was the main source of resistance to air flow in the system. Thus, the flow of air through each column was measured under constant pressure, when the columns were empty. Columns with equivalent flow rates (i.e. , equivalent frit resistance) were matched up to connect to each manifold. Each manifold and its attached nine columns constituted one replicate of the experimental design. There were four equivalent sets of manifolds and columns, each set contained in its own rack. Column Preparation. Treated soil was generally placed in each column, enough to fill about 2/3 of the column volume. This amount allowed the sample of treated soil to be split between four replicates. Polyurethane foam plugs designed to fit inside a tube, were inserted into the top of the chromatography column. This leaves a gap between the top of the soil and the foam plug.
  • the sample generally collected on the foam plug was extracted from the plug with methanol in order to quantitate the amount collected.
  • the plug was removed from the column and placed in a 20-cc plastic syringe, in order to extract it. Methanol was drawn up in the syringe, and through the plug, three times so as to thoroughly extract the clomazone from the foam. The total amount of clomazone captured was calculated as the product of the clomazone concentration in the methanol multiplied by the original volume of methanol used for the extraction.
  • the present invention stems from the surprising and unexpected discovery that an oil dispersion of bixlozone in oil (methyl ester oil) achieved 10 - 20 % reduction in volatility control relative to a bixlozone EC formulation. Furthermore, by coating bixlozone particles with a biodegradable material, the volatility reduction for the herbicide improves further to 30 - 50% relative to the control bixlozone EC formulation.
  • Bixlozone particles dispersed in oil as the continuous phase were coated with ethyl cellulose, polyester polyol or wax.
  • the biodegradable coating material ethyl cellulose, wax or polyester polyol
  • the oil dispersion of bixlozone was stirred at 300 - 1000 RPM and the temperature of the process was set to 50 - 75 °C.
  • the coating forming solution was then slowly charged into the bixlozone OD mixture while the Stirling was still ongoing.
  • the combined solution mixture was then cooled down to 10 - 20 °C.
  • rheology modifiers and a surfactant package consisting of emulsifiers and dispersants was added. Further stirring was done to ensure that final formulation mixture was homogeneous.
  • the volatility control data for the bixlozone particles coated with a linear polyester diol derived from caprolactone monomer (Capa 2402) in oil as the continuous phase is provided in Table 5. Volatility control of the three samples is improved by 35 - 42% over the control bixlozone EC formulation. The temperature of the process (55 - 65 °C) did not impact the volatility data. The results showed that the addition of a coating of Capa 2402 on bixlozone particles improve volatility control for bixlozone herbicide.
  • the data for volatility control for the bixlozone particles coated with a wax (Deurex H72P) in oil as the continuous phase is provided in Table 6. Volatility control of the three samples is improved by 40 - 49% over the control bixlozone EC formulation.
  • the samples listed in Table 5 use different rheology modifiers (different silicas, hydrophobic and hydrophilic or clay) and good performance in the volatility test is recorded for all of them.

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Abstract

This invention relates to biodegradable systems suitable for controlled release of an active ingredient agent or for volatility reduction of bixlozone. The biodegradable system consists of a herbicide active ingredient dispersed in oil. Alternatively, the herbicide active ingredient dispersed in oil is coated with a biodegradable material (i.e. wax or biodegradable polymer).

Description

TITLE
BIODEGRADABLE MICROPARTICLES FOR REDUCING THE VOLATILITY OF BIXOLOZONE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of agrochemical compositions and formulations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Commercial microencapsulated formulations comprise polymer shells that recently have been described as microplastics. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has submitted a restriction proposal for microplastic particles that are intentionally added to mixtures (such as cosmetics, detergents, agricultural products, medical devices, paints, etc.) used by consumers or professional applicators. Formulations and seed treatments comprising microencapsulated active ingredients in which the microcapsules are identified as containing microplastics may face regulatory discontinuation.
Accordingly, it is desirable to develop formulations of active ingredients herbicides that exhibit good volatility control in more environmentally-friendly compositions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an oil-dispersion composition comprising particles comprising i) bixlozone; ii) at least one vegetable oil; iii) one or more dispersants selected from non-ionic dispersants and anionic dispersants; and iv) optionally one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, antifoam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts.
The invention also provides a method for preparing an oil-dispersion composition comprising the steps of;
A) providing bixlozone;
B) dispersing bixlozone in at least one vegetable oil or mineral oil in the presence of one or more dispersant selected from non-ionic dispersants and anionic dispersants to provide an oil dispersion; and
C) optionally mixing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts with the oil dispersion obtained in step B .
The invention also provides a method for reducing the volatility of bixlozone comprising;
1) providing bixlozone; 2) dispersing bixlozone in at least one vegetable oil in the presence of one or more dispersants selected from non-ionic dispersants and anionic dispersants to provide an oil dispersion; and
3) optionally mixing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts with the oil dispersion obtained in Step 2).
The invention also provides a method for controlling unwanted vegetation comprising the steps of; a) providing a oil-dispersion composition as defined above; b) diluting the composition with a diluent; and c) applying a herbicidally effective amount of the diluted composition obtained in step b) above to a locus where such control is desired.
The present invention provides compositions containing bixlozone comprising biodegradable materials to address the concerns of microplastics compared to existing encapsulated compositions, methods and materials for making and using the compositions. The compositions disclosed herein may also provide improved efficacy and stability, decreased volatility compared to commercially available encapsulated formulations of clomazone, and/or increased loading levels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains,” “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a mixture, composition or method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such mixture, composition or method.
The transitional phrase “consisting of’ excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified. If in the claim, such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase “consisting of’ appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of’ is used to define a mixture, composition or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term “consisting essentially of’ occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of’. The use of “consisting essentially of’ herein allows the applicant, as lexicographer, to define the invention being claimed by excluding any material, step, feature . . . that is considered by the applicant to be non-critical to the claimed invention, but which may be known in the prior art and, otherwise, can be included in the invention being claimed whether or not such material, step, feature or method is specifically described in the specification. Exclusion of any material, step, feature or method by the applicant may be for the sole purpose of excluding elements of the prior art that affect the novelty and, therefore, the patentability of the invention being claimed. As such, the use of “consisting essentially of’ herein does not require explicit support from the specification to exclude any element of the prior art from the invention being claimed if inclusion of said element is detrimental to patentability of the invention claimed.
Where applicants have defined an invention or a portion thereof with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description should be interpreted to also describe such an invention using the terms “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of.”
Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
Also, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” preceding an element or component of the invention are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e. occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore “a” or “an” should be read to include one, one or more, or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular. The term “optionally” in connection with an ingredient or method in the present formulation alternatively means “present or absent”. The “optional” component is “present” or “absent” independent of the presence or absence of other formulating ingredients or steps unless otherwise noted or recited.Unless stated otherwise, all percentages, parts, ratios, etc., are by weight. When an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as either a range, preferred range or a range defined as being from a list of lower limits or lower preferable values to a list of upper limits or upper preferable values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing any or all ranges formed from any pair of any lower range limit or preferred value and any upper range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether ranges are separately disclosed. Where a range of numerical values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure includes the specific value or end-point referred to.
The herbicidal composition of this invention comprises a liquid formulation. By “liquid” is meant that the composition takes the form of a liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
The term “single liquid-phase composition” and derivative terms such as “single liquidphase herbicide composition” refer to compositions consisting of a single liquid phase. The term “single liquid-phase composition” therefore excludes compositions comprising a plurality of liquid phases such as emulsions. The term “single liquid-phase composition” does not exclude compositions comprising one or more solid phases in addition to the single liquid phase, such as suspensions and dispersions of solid particles. The term “liquid composition” is also used herein as short-hand for “single liquid-phase composition”.
The herbicidal composition of this invention may comprise a solid formulation. By “solid” is meant that the composition takes the form of a solid at standard temperature and pressure, including powders and granules.
As used in this application and unless otherwise indicated the term “herbicide” refers to a compositional mixture that is produced, sold, or used in a field to kill or otherwise inhibit unwanted plants such as, but not limited to, deleterious or annoying weeds, broadleaf plants, grasses, and sedges; and can be used for crop protection, edifice protection or turf protection. The term “herbicide” includes the end-use herbicidal product. This composition may be a pure compound, a solution of chemical compounds, a mixture of chemical compounds, an emulsion, a suspension, a solid-liquid mixture, or a liquid-liquid mixture. The term “herbicide” also refers to the product that passes through the commercial channels from the manufacturer to the ultimate end user who can either apply the herbicide to the affected field as sold or mix it with other excipients.
The term “weed” means and includes any plant that grows where not wanted.
The term “herbicidally effective amount” means an amount necessary to produce an observable herbicidal effect on unwanted plant growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, growth inhibition, reproduction inhibition, inhibition of proliferation, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of unwanted plants.
The term “herbicidally active ingredient” means the active ingredient in the herbicide that causes the herbicide to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate any weed. Other ingredients of the herbicide that are not herbicidally active ingredients are excipients that aid in forming, storing, or delivering herbicidally active ingredient to the target. Examples of excipients in the present embodiment include an organic (e.g. non-aqueous) liquid carrier in which an herbicidally active ingredient is dissolved, dispersed or suspended, and various formulation ingredients such as surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts.
The definition of the term “herbicidal composition” refers to an herbicide, and in addition, to any composition that comprises an herbicidally active ingredient in admixture with one or more additional components. This composition may be for example a homogeneous solution, an emulsion, a solid suspended or otherwise dispersed in a liquid, or a solid such as a powder or granule. Further, the definition of the term “herbicidal composition” also refers to a product intended for use in manufacturing, or any product intended for formulation or repackaging into other agricultural products.
The term “microcapsule” refers to a roughly spherical microscopic particle comprising a polymeric shell and an encapsulated material located within the shell.
The term “shell” refers to a hollow microscopic particle that has a roughly spherical shape. The function of a shell, as used in a microcapsule, is to keep the encapsulated material found within the shell generally separate from the material outside of the microcapsule. The shell is diffusible and/or degradable so that under appropriate conditions it will allow diffusion into or out of the microcapsule to occur.
The term “core” of a microcapsule refers to the encapsulated composition located within the shell.
The terms “volatility control” or “bixlozone volatility control” refer to the results of volatility tests conducted according to the method described hereinbelow, with the reference composition being an emulsion concentrate comprising bixlozone. For clomazone volatility testing, the reference (i.e. standard) composition is Command® 4EC (FMC Corporation). That is, Command® 4EC has 0% volatility control. A theoretical formulation that allowed no clomazone to evaporate would have 100% volatility control.
Bixlozone is a herbicide recently introduced by FMC with the CAS name of 2-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone with the following structure
Figure imgf000006_0001
For convenience, bixlozone is sold commercially as (a formulated material as) “Overwatch” and is has also been referred to as “DCPMI”, “F9600”, “2,4-DC” and “dichloroclomazone”. The term “bixlozone” as used herein means a composition comprising at least 90% by weight pure 2- (2,4-dichlorophenyl) methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolinone. In one embodiment bixlozone may be technical grade bixlozone with purity range of 90 to 95% by weight. In another embodiment, the bixlozone may be a composition comprising more than 95% by weight pure 2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolinone. The term “pure bixlozone” means 100% pure 2-(2,4- dichlorophenyl) methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolinone.
The calculated composition values in the analytical portion of the description of each formulation adjust for purity levels of the bixlozone in the organic formulation. However, higher purity grade clomazone reagents may be used to yield higher loading levels of clomazone in microcapsules, and ultimately in the herbicide.
Bixlozone works as a herbicides by inhibiting the biosynthesis of carotenoids in the plant. A plant affected by clomazone exhibits progressive whitening with increased dosage and is typically applied to the soil for control of weeds in crops of beans, cabbage, cucumbers, cotton, melons, mint, peas, peppers, rice, wheat, soybeans, squash, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, tobacco and tuberous vegetables. It is also selective against perennial weeds, including grasses and broadleaves.
Embodiments of the present invention include the following which can be combined in any way:
Embodiment 1A. The composition of the Summary of the Invention wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax or a biodegradable polymer.
Embodiment 2A. The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax.
Embodiment 3 A. The composition of Embodiment 2A wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax and silica.
Embodiment 4A. The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer.
Embodiment 5A. The composition of Embodiment 4A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer.
Embodiment 6A. The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises ethylcellulose.
Embodiment 7A The composition of Embodiment 1 A wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a linear polyester diol.
Embodiment 8A. The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of
Embodiments 1 through 7A wherein one vegetable oil is selected from methyl soyate.
Embodiment 9A. The composition of Embodiment 8A wherein the at least one vegetable oil is castor oil. Embodiment 10A. The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 12A wherein the dispersant comprises a salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate.
Embodiment 11 A. The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 10A wherein the dispersant comprises a salt of dodedecylbenzenesulfonate.
Embodiment 12A. The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 14A further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, antimicrobial agents, antifreeze agents and inorganic salts.
Embodiment 12A1. The composition of Embodiment 12A wherein the dispersant is a low HLB polymeric dispersant.
Embodiment 12A2. The composition of Embodiment 12A1 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of Atlox 4912, Atlox 4914, Atlox 4916, Tersperse 2510 and Tersperse 2520.
Embodiment 12A3. The composition of Embodiment 12A2 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of Atlox 4912 and Tersperse 2510.
Embodiment 12A4. The composition of Embodiment 12A2 wherein the dispersant is Atlox 4912.
Embodiment 12A5. The composition of Embodiment 12A1 wherein the dispersant is Tersperse 2510.
Embodiment 12A6. The composition of Embodiment 12A2 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of Atlox 4914 and Tersperse 2520.
Embodiment 12A7. The composition of Embodiment 12A6 wherein the dispersant is Atlox 4914.
Embodiment 12A8. The composition of Embodiment 12A6 wherein the dispersant is Tersperse 2520.
Embodiment 13 A. The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 12A further comprising a herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone.
Embodiment 14A. The composition of Embodiment 13 A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than a bixlozone is selected from the group consisting of acetochlor; aclonifen; alachlor; ametryn; dimethachlor; dimethanamide; dimethenamid-P; carfentrazone ethyl; ethalfluralin; linuron; metazachlor; napropamide; napropamide-M; metolachlor; S-metolachlor; pendimethalin; propanil; butachlor; delachlor; diethatyl; ethachlor; pretilachlor; propachlor; propisochlor; prynachlor; terbuchlor; thenylchlor; xylachlor; diphenamid; naptalam; pethoxamid; pretilachlor; benzofluor; cambendichlor; chloramben; dicamba; bispyribac; pyrithiobac; mesotrione; sulcotrione; tefuryltrione; tembotrione; benfuresate; asulam; barban; alloxydim; isoxaflutole; dinitramine; dipropalin; pendimethalin; acifluorfen; etnipromid; fluoronitrofen; fomesafen; imazamethabenz; bromobonil; methiozolin; monisouron; pyroxasulfone; topramezone; bromofenoxim; clomeprop; 2-(2,4- dichlorophenoxy)ethanol benzoate (2,4-DEB); et-nipromid; clacyfos; (4- chlorophenoxy) acetic acid (4-CPA); 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); 4-(2,4- dichlorophenoxy)butanoic acid (2,4-DB); 4-(3,4-Dichlorophenoxy)butanoic acid (3,4- DB); cloprop; 2-(4- chlorophenoxy )propanoic acid (4-CPP); dichlorprop; chlorazifop; clodinafop; clofop; cyhalofop; kuicaoxi; metamifop; propaquizafop; quizalofop; difenzoquat; halosulfuron; fluazolate; brompyrazon; clopyralid; diflufenican; atrazine; chlorazine; cyanazine; cyprazine; trietazine; indaziflam; ametryn; methoprotryne; simetryn; terbutryn; ethiozin; hexazinone; metribuzin; amicarbazone; bencarbazone; carfentrazone; sulfentrazone; thiencarbazone; cloransulam; isoproturon; methiuron; metobromuron; metoxuron; tetrafluron; thidiazuron; amidosulfuron; cyclosulfamuron; ethoxysulfuron; flucetosulfuron; metsulfuron; prosulfuron; thifensulfuron; tebuthiuron; acrolein; flurtamone; fluthiacet-methyl; and agriculturally acceptable esters thereof; or mixtures of two or more thereof.
Embodiment 15A. The composition of Embodiment 14A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone is selected from the group consisting of acetochlor; aclonifen; alachlor; ametryn; dimethachlor; dimethanamide; dimethenamid-P; carfentrazone ethyl; ethalfluralin; linuron; metazachlor; napropamide; metribuzin; napropamide-M; metolachlor; S-metolachlor; pendimethalin; propanil; agriculturally acceptable esters thereof or mixtures of two or more thereof.
Embodiment 16A. The composition of Embodiment 15A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone is selected from the group consisting of napropamide, linuron and metribuzin.
Embodiment 17A. The composition of any of Embodiments 13A through 16A wherein the herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone is not encapsulated.
Embodiment 18 A. The composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 20A wherein the microcapsules are dispersed in a nonaqueous carrier and at least one additional herbicide is dissolved in the non-aqueous carrier. Embodiment 19B. The method for preparing an oil dispersion composition of the Summary of the Invention, wherein the composition comprises the composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 18A.
Embodiment 20B. The method for preparing the composition of the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 18A comprising
A) providing bixlozone;
B) dispersing the bixlozone in at least one vegetable oil in the presence of one or more dispersant selected from non-ionic dispersant anionic dispersants to provide an oil dispersion; and
C) optionally mixing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts with the oil dispersion.
Embodiment 2 IB. The method of Embodiment 20B comprising milling the suspension to obtain particles comprising having a desired size distribution.
Embodiment 22B. The method of Embodiment 20B or 2 IB comprising preparing microcapsules comprising bixlozone encapsulated in an encapsulant comprising wax or a biodegradable polymer.
Embodiment 23B. The method of Embodiment 22B wherein the encapsulant comprises wax.
Embodiment 24B . The method of Embodiment 22B wherein the encapsulant comprises wax and silica.
Embodiment 25B. The method of Embodiment 24B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer.
Embodiment 26B. The method of Embodiment 24B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer.
Embodiment 27B. The method of Embodiment 26B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises ethylcellulose.
Embodiment 28B . The method of Embodiment 26B wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a linear polyester diol.
Embodiment 29B. The method of any of Embodiments 20B through 28B comprising encapsulating an additional herbicide other than bixlozone in the microcapsules.
Embodiment 30B. The method of any of Embodiments 20B through 29B comprising suspending the microcapsules in a non-aqueous carrier and dissolving at least one additional herbicide in the non-aqueous carrier. Embodiment 31C. The method for reducing the volatility of bixlozone in a composition according to the Summary of the Invention, comprising preparing a composition as defined in the Summary of the Invention or any of Embodiments 1A through 18A.
Embodiment 32C. The method of Embodiment 31C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of bixlozone of at least 5 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of bixlozone.
Embodiment 33C. The method of Embodiment 32C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of the compound bixlozone of at least 20 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of the bixlozone.
Embodiment 34C. The method of Embodiment 33C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of bixlozone of at least 30 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of bixlozone.
Embodiment 35C. The method of Embodiment 34C wherein the composition exhibits volatility control of bixlozone of at least 40 % compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of bixlozone.
Embodiment 36C. The method of any of Embodiments 31C through 35C comprising preparing a suspension of the non-encapsulated bixlozone in a non-aqueous carrier comprising a dispersant; and milling the suspension to obtain particles comprising bixlozone having a desired size distribution.
Embodiment 37C. The method of any of Embodiments 31C through 36C comprising preparing microcapsules comprising bixlozone in an encapsulant comprising wax or a biodegradable polymer.
Embodiment 38C. The method of Embodiment 37C wherein the encapsulant comprises wax.
Embodiment 39C. The method of Embodiment 38C wherein the encapsulant comprises wax and silica.
Embodiment 40C. The method of Embodiment 38 wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer.
Embodiment 41C. The method of Embodiment 41 wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer.
Embodiment 42C. The method of Embodiment 38C wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises ethylcellulose.
Embodiment 43C. The method of Embodiment 38C wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a linear polyester diol.
Embodiment 44C. The method of any of Embodiments 38C through 43C comprising encapsulating an additional herbicide other than bixlozone in the microcapsules. Embodiment 45C. The method of any of Embodiments 38C through 44C comprising suspending the microcapsules in a non-aqueous carrier and dissolving at least one additional herbicide in the non-aqueous carrier.
Embodiment 46D. The method for controlling unwanted vegetation as described in the Summary of the Invention comprising the steps of; a) providing an oil-dispersion composition as described in any one of Embodiments 1A through 45C; b) diluting the composition with a diluent; and c) applying a herbicidally effective amount of the diluted composition obtained in step b) above to a locus where such control is desired.
Embodiment 47D. The method of Embodiment 46D wherein thevegetation comprises at least one herbicide resistant or tolerant weed species.
Embodiment 48D. The method of any one Embodiments 45D through 46D, wherein the vegetation comprises a weed selected from a broad leaf weed, and a grass weed.
Embodiment 49D. The method of Embodiment 48D wherein the vegetation is selected from Abutilon theophrasti (ABUTH), Acalypha virginica (ACCVI), Alopecurus myosuroides (ALOMY), Amaranthus retroflexus (AMARE), Ambrosia artemisiifolia (AMBEL), Anagallis arvensis (ANGAR), Apera spica-venti (APESV), Arrhenatherum elatius (ARREB), Calystegia septum (CAGSE), Capsella bursa- pastoris (CAPBP), Centaurea cyanus (CENCY), Chenopodium album (CHEAL), Chenopodium hybridum (CHEHY), Chenopodium polyspermum (CHEPO), Convolvulus arvensis (CONAR), Cynodon dactylon (CYNDA), Datura stramonium (DATST), Daucus carota (DAUCA), Descurainia sophia (DESSO), Digitaria sanguinalis (DIGSA), Echinochloa crus-galli (ECHCG), Fumaria officinalis (FUMOF), Galium aparine (GALAP), Galinsoga quadriradiata (GASCI), Geranium dissectum (GERDI), Geranium mole (GERMO), Geranium pusilium (GERPU), Hibiscus trionum (HIBTR), Lamium amplexicaule (LAMAM), Lamium purpureum (LAMPU), Buglossoides arvensis (LIT AR), Lolium perenne (LOLMU), Lolium perenne (LOLPE), Matricaria chamomilla (MATCH), Tripleurospermum inodorum (MATIN), Mercurialis annua (MERAN), Panicum dichotomiflorum (PANDI), Panicum miliaceum (PANMI), Papaver rhoeas (PAPRH), Poa annua (POAAN), Polygonum aviculare (POLAV), Fallopia convolvulus (POLCO), Persicaria hydropiper (POLHY), Persicaria lapathifolia (POLLA), Persicaria maculosa (POLPE), Portulaca oleracea (POROL), Potentilla tridentate (PTLTR), Senecio vulgaris (SENVU), Setaria pumila (SETPU), Setaria viridis (SETVI), Solanum nigrum (SOLNI), Sorghum halepense (SORHA), Stellaria media (STEME), Trifolium incarnatum (TRFIN), Veronica arvensis (VERAR), Veronica hederifolia (VERHE), Veronica persica (VERPE), Viola arvensis (VIOAR), and Xanthium strumarium (XANST), and combinations thereof.
Embodiment 50D. The method of any of embodiments 46D through 49D wherein the composition is applied at a stage selected from pre-emergence, post-emergence, and combinations thereof.
Embodiment 5 ID. The method of any of Embodiments 46D through 50D, wherein the crop is selected from wheat, corn or soy.
Non-Aqueous Liquid Carrier
The composition of the present invention comprises a non-aqueous liquid carrier. The term “non-aqueous liquid carrier” means that one or more solvents other than water (e.g., organic solvents) are used as the liquid carrier in the liquid composition. This does not mean to say that the liquid carrier must necessarily be completely free of water. Trace amounts of water may be present in the components that are used to prepare the non-aqueous liquid carrier. For instance, trace amounts of water may be introduced into the liquid carrier by organic solvents, surfactants or salts that are used to prepare the liquid herbicidal composition. While the term “non-aqueous liquid carrier" is clear in this technical field (e.g. ODs, ECs and SLs employ a non-aqueous liquid carrier), notably the term can be taken to mean that the liquid composition comprises water in an amount of 5 weight % or less of the composition, preferably 3 weight % or less, preferably 2.5 weight % or less, more preferably 2 weight %, most preferably 1 weight % or less, or 0.5 weight % or less, or there is no water in the composition.
The compound of Formula 1 is dispersed, suspended or otherwise contained in the nonaqueous liquid earner. Typical solvents are described in Marsden, Solvents Guide, 2nd Ed., Interscience, New York, 1950. The non-aqueous liquid carrier preferably contains one or more aprotic organic solvents as the major constituent of the liquid carrier. When the amount of aprotic solvent in the liquid carrier is 50 weight % or more, the ability of the inorganic salt to chemically stabilize the sulfonylurea is greatly improved. Preferably, the one or more aprotic solvents make up 60 weight % or more, 70 weight % or more, 80 weight % or more and most preferably 90 weight % or more of the liquid carrier (up to about 100 weight % of the liquid carrier). Suitable aprotic organic solvents for use in the present invention include, for example:
(1) hydrocarbons, which may be unsubstituted or substituted, for example (la) aromatic hydrocarbons, for example mono- or polyalkyl-substituted benzenes, such as toluene, xylenes, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, or mono- or polyalkyl-substituted naphthalenes, such as 1 -methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene or dimethylnaphthalene, or other benzene-derived aromatic hydrocarbons, such as indane or Tetralin®, or mixtures thereof, (lb) aliphatic hydrocarbons, for example straight-chain or branched aliphatics, for example of the formula CnH2n+2> such as pentane, hexane, octane, 2-methylbutane or 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, or cyclic, optionally alkyl-substituted aliphatics, such as cyclohexane or methylcyclopentane, or mixtures thereof, such as solvents of the Exxsol® D series, Isopar® series or Bayol® series, for example Bayol® 82 (ExxonMobil Chemicals), or the Isane® IP series or Hydroseal® G series (TotalFinaElf), as well as straight-chain, branched or cyclic unsaturated aliphatics including terpenes such as turpentine and its constituents (e.g., pinene, camphene) as well as compounds derivable therefrom such as isobornyl acetate (exo-l,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl acetate), [0138] (1c) mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as solvents of the Solvesso® series, for example Solvesso® 100, Solvesso® 150 or Solvesso® 200 (ExxonMobil Chemicals), of the Solvarex®/Solvaro® series (TotalFinaElf) or the Caromax® series, for example Caromax® 28 (Petrochem Carless), or [0139] (Id) halogenated hydrocarbons, such as halogenated aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzene or methylene chloride.
(2) fatty acid esters, for example of natural origin, for example natural oils, such as animal oils or vegetable oils, or of synthetic origin, for example the Edenor® series, for example Edenor® MEPa or Edenor® MESU, or the Agnique® ME series or Agnique® AE series (Cognis), the Salim® ME series (Salim), the Radia® series, for example Radia® 30167 (ICI), the Prilube® series, for example Prilube® 1530 (Petrofina), the Stepan® C series (Stepan) or the Witconol® 23 series (Witco). The fatty acid esters are preferably esters of C1Q-C22 fatty acids, preferably C 12-C20 fatty acids. The C JQ-C^ fatty acid esters are, for example, esters of unsaturated or saturated C |Q- C22 fatty acids, notably those having an even number of carbon atoms, for example erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and particularly C|g fatty acids, such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid.
Examples of fatty acid esters such as C1Q-C22 fatty acid esters include glycerol and glycol esters of fatty acids such as C1Q-C22 fatty acids, or transesterification products thereof, for example fatty acid alkyl esters such as C10-C22 fatty acid C1-C20 alkyl esters, which can be obtained, for example, by transesterification of the abovementioned glycerol or glycol fatty acid esters such as C1Q-C22 fatty acid esters with C1-C20 alkanols (for example methanol, ethanol, propanol or butanol, 2-ethylhexanol and dodecanol). Preferred fatty acid alkyl esters such as C^Q- C22 fatty acid Gj-CAp alkyl esters are methyl esters, ethyl esters, propyl esters, butyl esters, 2- ethylhexyl esters and dodecyl esters. Preferred glycol and glycerol fatty acid esters such as C^Q- C22 fatty acid esters are the uniform or mixed glycol esters and glycerol esters of C Q-C22 fatty acids, notably such fatty acids having an even number of carbon atoms, for example crude acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid and particularly Cjg fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid.
Animal oils and vegetable oils are generally known and commercially available. As used herein, the term “animal oils” is to be understood as meaning oils of animal origin such as whale oil, cod-liver oil, musk oil or mink oil, and the term “vegetable oils” is to be understood as meaning oils of oleaginous plant species, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil, thistle oil, walnut oil, arachis (peanut) oil, tung oil, sesame oil, olive oil or castor oil, in particular soybean oil or rapeseed oil, where the vegetable oils also include their transesterification products, for example alkyl esters, such as soybean oil methyl ester or rapeseed oil ethyl ester.
Vegetable oils are preferred and may comprise esters of C 1Q-C22 fatty acid esters as described above. The vegetable oils can be contained in the mixtures for example in the form of commercially available vegetable oils, in particular rapeseed oils, such as rapeseed oil methyl ester, for example Phytorob® B (Novance, France), Edenor® MESU and the Agnique® ME series (Cognis, Germany) the Radia® series (ICI), the Prilube® series (Petrofina), or biodiesel or in the form of commercially available plant-oil-containing formulation additives, in particular those based on rapeseed oils, such as rapeseed oil methyl esters, for example Hasten® (Victoria Chemical Company, Australia), Actirob® B (Novance, France), Rako-Binol® (Bayer AG, Germany), Renol® (Stefes, Germany) or Mero® (Stefes, Germany).
Examples of synthetic acid esters are, for example, those derived from fatty acids having an odd number of carbon atoms, such as C ] | -C21 -fatty acid esters.
Preferred organic solvents arc hydrocarbons, in particular aromatic hydrocarbons and/or aliphatic hydrocarbons and fatty acid esters, such as vegetable oils, such as triglycerides of fatty acids having 10 to 22 carbon atoms, which may be saturated or else unsaturated, straight-chain or branched and which may or may not carry further functional groups, such as corn oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, thistle oil or castor oil, and their trans-esterification products, such as fatty acid alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred solvents for use in the present invention include: linear or branched €5-630 paraffin oils, for example hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tridecane, tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane, their mixtures, or mixtures thereof with higher boiling homologs, such as hepta-, octa-, nona-decane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, pentacosane, and the branched chain isomers thereof; aromatic or cycloaliphatic solvents, which may be unsubstituted or substituted, C7-C |g hydrocarbon compounds such as mono- or polyalkyl-substituted benzenes, or mono- or poly alkyl- substituted naphthalenes; vegetable oils such as liquid triglycerides, for example olive oil, kapok oil, castor oil, papaya oil, camellia oil, palm oil, sesame oil, corn oil, rice bran oil, peanut oil, walnut oil, coconut oil, cotton seed oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, tung oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, or also transesterification products thereof, e.g., alkyl esters, such as rapeseed oil methyl ester or rapeseed oil ethyl ester; animal oil, such as whale oil, cod-liver oil, or mink oil; liquid esters of Cj-C^ monoalcohols or polyols, for example butanol, n-octanol, i-octanol, dodecanol, cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, cyclooctanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or benzyl alcohol, with C2-C 1Q carboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, such as caproic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, succinic acid and glutaric acid; or with aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, toluic acid, salicylic acid and phthalic acid. Esters which can be used in the composition of the invention are thus, for example, benzyl acetate, caproic acid ethyl ester, isobomyl acetate, pelargonic acid ethyl ester, benzoic acid methyl or ethyl ester, salicylic acid methyl, propyl, or butyl ester, diesters of phthalic acid with saturated aliphatic or alicyclic Cj-C^ alcohols, such as phthalic acid dimethyl ester, dibutyl ester, diisooctyl ester; liquid amides of C -C3 amines, alkylamines or alkanolamines with Cg-Cjg carboxylic acids; or mixtures thereof.
Preferably, the liquid carrier of the single liquid-phase composition of the present invention comprises one or more fatty acid esters of C4-C4 alkanols.
The C4-C4 alkanol-derived portions of the fatty acid esters can be unbranched (i.e. straightchain) or branched, but are typically unbranched. For reasons including favorable physical properties, commercial availability and cost, preferably the fatty acid esters are fatty acids esterified with C4-C2 alkanols and more preferably Cq alkanol (i.e. methanol). The fatty acid alkanol esters in a composition of the present invention can be derived from a mixture of alcohols (e.g., methanol and ethanol).
The fatty acid portions of the fatty acid esters consist of a carboxylate moiety bound to a hydrocarbon chain, which can be unbranched or branched, but is typically unbranched in natural sources. The hydrocarbon chain can be saturated or unsaturated; typically the hydrocarbon chain is saturated (i.e. alkyl) or contains 1 or 2 carbon-carbon double bonds (i.e. alkenyl). Fatty acid esters formed from fatty acids containing an odd number of carbon atoms (i.e. even number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain) are useful in the compositions of the present invention as well as fatty acid esters formed from fatty acids containing an even number of carbon atoms (i.e. odd number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain). However, fatty acids obtained from natural sources typically contain an even number of carbon atoms, and therefore esters of fatty acids containing an even number of carbon atoms are preferred for reason of commercial availability and cost. Fatty acid compositions obtained from natural sources (e.g., seed oils) typically consist of fatty acids having a range of chain lengths and different degrees of unsaturation. Fatty acid ester compositions derived from such fatty acid mixtures are generally useful in the compositions of the present invention without need to first separate the fatty acid esters.
Fatty acids contain at least 4 carbon atoms and are limited to about 22 carbon atoms from natural sources. Although esters of lower fatty acids (e.g., containing as few a 4 carbon atoms) are useful for the present compositions, esters of fatty acids having at least 8, more preferably at least 10, carbon atoms are preferred because of favorable physical properties (e.g., low volatility). Esters of lower fatty acids can be mixed with esters of higher fatty acids to decrease polarity, water solubility and volatility. As fatty acids obtained from natural sources typically contain 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more typically 10 to 22 carbon atoms, esters of these fatty acids are preferred for reason of commercial availability and cost. The C 1Q-C22 fatty acid esters with an even number of carbon atoms are, for example, erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Preferably the one or more fatty esters in the compositions of the present invention comprise at least about 80%, more preferably at least 90%, by weight of esters of fatty acids containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 20 carbon atoms and more preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms.
Fatty acid compositions obtained from natural sources (e.g., seed oils) typically consist of fatty acids having a range of chain lengths and different degrees of unsaturation. Fatty acid ester compositions derived from such fatty acid mixtures can be useful in the compositions of the present invention without need to first separate the fatty acid esters. Suitable fatty acid ester compositions obtained from plants include seed and fruit oils of sunflower, rapeseed, olive, com, soybean, cotton and linseed. Of note is a composition of the invention wherein the one or more fatty acid esters comprise fatty acid methyl esters derived from seed oils of sunflower, soybean, cotton or linseed. Of particular note is a composition of the invention wherein the one or more fatty acid esters comprise fatty acid methyl esters derived from soybean oil (also known as methylated soybean oil or methyl soy ate).
Fatty acid esters of alkanols and methods for their preparation are well known in the art. For example, “biodiesel” typically comprises fatty acid esters of ethanol or more commonly methanol. Two principal routes used to prepare fatty acid alkanol esters are transesterification starling with another fatty acid ester (often a naturally occurring ester with glycerol) and direct esterification starting with the fatty acid. A variety of methods are known for these routes. For example, direct esterification can be accomplished by contacting a fatty acid with an alkanol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid. Transesterification can be accomplished by contacting a starting fatty acid ester with the alcohol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid but more commonly a strong base such as sodium hydroxide.
Alkylated seed oils are the transesterification products of seed oils with an alkanol. For example methylated soybean oil, also known as methyl soyate, comprises methyl esters produced by the transesterification of soybean oil with methanol. Methyl soyate thus comprises methyl esters of fatty acids in the approximate molar ratio that the fatty acids occur esterified with glycerol in soybean seed oil. Alkylated seed oils such as methyl soyate can be distilled or otherwise processed to modify the proportion of methyl fatty acid esters. In mixtures with fatty acid esters of C -C4 alkanols, sulfonylureas remain mostly undissolved, and thus the single liquid-phase compositions of the present invention are generally in the form of oil dispersions or non-aqueous suspension concentrates.
Other liquid diluents include, for example, aprotic polar solvents, such as ethers, esters of C j-Cq-alkanoic acids which may be mono-, di- or polyfunctional, such as their mono-, di- or triesters, for example with Cj-Cqg-alkyl alcohols, ketones with a low tendency to tautomerize, such as cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, isophorone and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetates such as hexyl acetate, heptyl acetate and octyl acetate, phosphoric acid esters, amides, nitriles or sulfones, for example tris-2-ethylhexyl phosphate, diisobutyl adipate, Rhodiasolv® RPDE (Rhodia), cyclohexanone, Jeffsol® PC (Huntsman), y-butyrolactone, pyrrolidone-based solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone or N-butylpyrrolidone, triacetin, A,A-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, propylene carbonate, dibasic esters, tributylphosphatam or the Hostarex® PO series (Clariant).
Protic solvents include for example, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, alcohols such as methanol, cyclohexanol, decanol, benzyl and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, amines and carboxylic acids. To maintain sulfonylureas in the present compositions undissolved as dispersions of solid particles, substantial amounts of polar solvents are best avoided as liquid carriers. The total amount of protic organic solvent such as alcohols, is preferably kept to 20 weight % or less based on the weight of the liquid composition. More preferably, the total amount of protic organic solvent is 15 weight % or less, 10 weight % or less, 5 weight % or less, 2 weight % or less, or 1 weight % or less of the composition. When more than one protic solvent is present in the composition then the amounts described herein refer to the sum amount of all the protic solvents present in the composition.
Typically the liquid carrier of the present compositions do not include substantial amounts of liquid diluents other than the hydrocarbons and/or fatty acid esters of C -C4 alkanols described above.
The non-aqueous liquid carrier is present in an amount such that it can act as a liquid carrier for the other components that are present in the composition. Preferably, the non-aqueous liquid carrier comprises an organic solvent in an amount of at least 5 weight % based on the weight of the composition. A low amount of organic solvent is possible when other components in the composition are also liquids (e.g., liquid herbicide and/or liquid emulsifier). Preferably the non-aqueous liquid carrier comprises an organic solvent in an amount of 95 weight % or less of the composition. More preferably, the non-aqueous liquid carrier comprises an organic solvent in an amount in a range from a lower limit of least 10 weight %, 15 weight %, weight %, 25 weight %, 30 weight %, or 40 weight % of the composition to an upper limit of 90 weight %, 85 weight %, 80 weight %, 75 weight %, or 60 weight % or less of the composition. Any of the disclosed lower weight % limits can be combined with any of the disclosed upper weight % limits to define further suitable weight % ranges of the amount of the organic solvent in the nonaqueous liquid carrier in compositions of this invention. Exemplary ranges of the amount of the organic solvent in the composition include 5 to 95 weight %, 10 to 90 weight %, 20 to 80 weight %, 30 to 60 weight %, 40 to 60 weight %, 10 to 75 weight % and 20 to 60 weight %. When more than one organic solvent is present in the composition then the amounts described herein refer to the sum amount of all the organic solvents present in the composition.
The compositions of the present invention can contain one or more additional formulating ingredients in a total amount by weight of 0 to about 50%.
The composition of the invention may comprise one or more additional co-formulants such as surfactants (e.g., emulsifiers and/or dispersants), thickeners and thixotropic agents, wetting agents, anti-drift agents, adhesives, penetrants, preservatives, antifreeze agents, antioxidants, solubilizers, fillers, carriers, colorants, antifoams, fertilizers, evaporation inhibitors and agents which modify pH and viscosity. In one embodiment of the invention the liquid composition comprises at least one co-formulant that is an adjuvant, such as one of those listed in the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 12th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2014, or any earlier edition thereof. Examples of commonly used adjuvants include, but are not limited to, paraffin oil, horticultural spray oils (e.g., summer oil), methylated rape seed oil, methylated soybean oil, highly refined vegetable oil and the like, polyol fatty acid esters, poly ethoxylated esters, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl polysaccharides and blends, amine ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, polyethylene glycol esters, alkylpolyglucosides and their derivatives (e.g., esters), organosilicone based surfactants, ethylene vinyl acetate terpolymers, ethoxylated alkyl aryl phosphate esters and the like.
Preferably, the liquid composition of the invention includes one or more surfactants, for example, to enable the forming of an emulsion if the compositions are to be diluted with water. These surfactants can be cationic, anionic or non-ionic, but are preferably anionic or non-ionic.
The properties of these surfactants include dispersants and wetting agents. The surfactants can be nonionic or ionic (e.g., anionic) and can include polymeric moieties such as polyoxyethylation. Typical surfactants are described in McCutcheon ’s Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, Allured Publ. Corp., Ridgewood, New lersey, as well as Sisely and Wood, Encyclopedia of Surface Active Agents, Chemical Publ. Co., Inc., New York, 1964. Examples of surfactants include polyethoxylated alcohols, polyethoxylated alkylphenols, polyethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated sorbitol fatty acid esters, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, organosilicones, M/V-dialkyltauratcs. lignin sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, poly carboxylates, glycerol esters, polyoxy- ethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymers, and alkylpolyglycosides where the number of glucose units, referred to as degree of polymerization (D.P.), can range from 1 to 3 and the alkyl units can range from Cg to Cj4 (see Pure and Applied Chemistry 72, 1255-1264).
Preferred nonionic surfactants for use in this invention include: polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, saturated and unsaturated aliphatic alcohols having 8 to 24 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical, which is derived from the corresponding fatty acids or from petrochemical products, and having 1 to 100, preferably 2 to 50. ethylene oxide units (EO), it being possible for the free hydroxyl group to be alkoxylated, which arc commercially available, for example, as Genapol® X and Genapol® O series (Clariant), Crovol® M series (Croda) or as Lutensol® series (BASF); polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, arylalkylphenols, such as, for example, 2,4,6-tris(l- phenylethyl)phenol (tristyrylphenol) having an average degree of ethoxylation of between 10 and 80, preferably from 16 to 40, such as, for example, Soprophor® BSU (Rhodia) or HOE S 3474 (Clariant); polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, alkylphenols having one or more alkyl radicals, such as, for example, nonylphenol or tri-sec-butylphenol, and a degree of ethoxylation of between 2 and 40, preferably from 4 to 15, such as, for example, Arkopal® N series or Sapogenat® T series (Clariant); polyalkoxylated, preferably poly ethoxylated, hydroxyfatty acids or glycerides that contain hydroxyfatty acids, such as polymeric surfactants comprising polyethoxylated poly(12-hydroxystearic acid) (pHSA) such as Atlox™ 4914 (Croda), ricinine or castor oil, having a degree of ethoxylation of between 10 and 80, preferably from 25 to 40, such as, for example, the Emulsogen® EL series (Clariant) or the Agnique® CSO series (Cognis); polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, sorbitan esters, such as, for example, Atplus® 309 F (Uniqema) or the Alkamuls® series (Rhodia); polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, amines, such as, for example, Genamin® series (Clariant), Imbentin® CAM series (Kolb) or Lutensol® FA series (BASF); di- and tri-block copolymers, for example from, alkylene oxides, for example from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, having average molar masses between 200 and 10 000, preferably from 1000 to 4000 g/mol, the proportion by mass of the polyethoxylated block varying between 10 and 80%, such as, for example, the Genapol® PF series (Clariant), the Pluronic® series (BASF), or the Synperonic® PE series (Uniqema).
Preferred ionic surfactants for use in this invention include: polyalkoxylated, preferably polyethoxylated, surfactants which are ionically modified, for example by conversion of the terminal free hydroxyl function of the polyethylene oxide block into a sulfate or phosphate ester (for example as alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts), such as, for example, Genapol® LRO or dispersant 3618 (Clariant), Emulphor® (BASF) or Crafol® AP (Cognis); alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of alkylarylsulfonic acids having a straight-chain or branched alkyl chain, such as phenylsulfonate CA or phenylsulfonate CAL (Clariant), Atlox® 3377BM (Croda), or the Empiphos® TM series (Huntsman); polyelectrolytes, such as lignosulfonates, condensates of naphthalenesulfonate and formaldehyde, polystyrenesulfonate or sulfonated unsaturated or aromatic polymers (polystyrenes, polybutadienes or poly terpenes), such as the Tamol® series (BASF), Morwet® D425 (Witco), the Kraftsperse® (Westvaco) or the Borresperse® series (Borregard).
Surfactants that can also be used in the present invention include organo-modified siloxanes (OMS) such as those disclosed in the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 12th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2014, or any earlier edition thereof, as well as those disclosed in W02008/155108, as well as the polyether-polysiloxane copolymers described in GB 2496643, including those available from Evonik Industries under the trade names Break-Thru 9902™, Break-Thru 9903™, Break-Thru 5503™, Break-Thru 9907™ and Break-Thru 9908™.
The surfactant may comprise lignosulfonates. The amount of the one or more lignosulfonates in the compositions of the present invention can range from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight, but for reasons of cost the amount is typically no more than about 10%, preferably no more than about 8%, more preferably no more than about 6% and most preferably no more than about 5% of the composition by weight. Typically the one or more lignosulfonates amount to at least about 0.5% of the composition by weight, although lesser amounts down to about 0.1% can be used. More typically the one or more lignosulfonates amount to at least about 1% of the composition and even more typically at least about 2% of the composition by weight.
Lignin, the basic building block of the lignosulfonates of this invention is formed in woody plants and is a complex natural polymer regarding structure and homogeneity. Lignosulfonates are sulfonated plant lignins and are commercially well-known co-products of the paper industry. The lignosulfonates useful in the present compositions can be prepared by a chemical modification of the basic lignin building block using a sulfite pulping process or a kraft pulping (also known as sulfate pulping) process including subsequent sulfonation. These pulping processes are well known in the paper industry. The sulfite pulping process and the kraft pulping process are described in literature published by Lignotech (e.g., “Specialty Chemicals for Pesticide Formulations”, October, 1998) and MeadWestvaco Corp, (e.g., “From the Forests to the Fields”, June, 1998). Crude lignosulfonate preparations typically contain in addition to sulfonated lignin other plant derived chemicals such as sugars, sugar acids and resins, as well as inorganic chemicals. Although such crude lignosulfonate preparations can be used for the compositions of the present invention, preferably the crude preparations are first refined to provide higher purity of ligno sulfonate. Lignosulfonates within the context of the present disclosure and claims also include lignosulfonates that have been extensively chemically modified. Examples of lignosulfonates that have been extensively chemically modified are oxylignins in which the lignin has been oxidized in a process reducing the number of sulfonic acid and methoxyl groups and causing rearrangements increasing the number of phenolic and carboxylic acid groups. An example of an oxylignin is Vanisperse A marketed by Borregaard LignoTech. Lignosulfonates vary according to cation, degree of sulfonation and average molecular weight. The lignosulfonates of the present invention can contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium or ammonium cations or mixtures thereof, but preferably contain sodium. The degree of sulfonation is defined as the number of sulfonate groups per 1000-unit molecular weight of lignosulfonate and in commercially available products typically ranges from about 0.5 to about 4.7. The lignosulfonates in the compositions of the present invention preferably contain a degree of sulfonation ranging from about 0.5 to about 3.0. Lignosulfonates containing a degree of sulfonation from about 0.5 to about 3.0 can be prepared by controlled sulfonation in the kraft pulping process. For example, the degree of sulfonation using the kraft pulping process is 2.9 for REAX 88A, 0.8 for REAX 85A and 1.2 for REAX 907, which are described further below. Average molecular weight of commercially available lignosulfonates typically ranges from about 2,000 to about 15,100. The lignosulfonates of the present invention preferably have an average molecular weight above about 2,900.
Examples of commercially available refined lignosulfonate products useful in the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, REAX 88A (sodium salt of a chemically modified low molecular weight kraft lignin polymer solubilized by five sulfonate groups, marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.), REAX 85A (sodium salt of a chemically modified high molecular weight kraft lignin polymer, marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.), REAX 907 (sodium salt of a chemically modified high molecular weight kraft lignin polymer, marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.), REAX 100M (sodium salt of a chemically modified low molecular weight kraft lignin polymer marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.) and Kraftspearse® DD-5 (sodium salt of a chemically modified high molecular weight kraft lignin polymer, marketed by MeadWestvaco Corp.).
Examples of particularly suitable anionic surfactants for this purpose are sulfonates such as calcium dodecyl benzenesulfonate. Examples of particularly suitable nonionic surfactants are polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitan esters such as POE (20) sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitol esters such as POE (40) sorbitol hexaoleate. POE (20) sorbitan trioleate is commercially available under the tradename TWEEN 85 marketed by Uniqema. POE (40) sorbitol hexaoleate is commercially available under the tradenames Atlas G1086 and Cirrasol™ G-1086 marketed by Uniqema. Other particularly suitable nonionic surfactants include polyethoxylated poly (12-hydroxy stearic acid) having a degree of ethoxylation of between 10 and 80, preferably from 25 to 40. A combination of a POE sorbitan ester with a POE sorbitol ester allows optimizing the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value of the surfactant to obtain the highest quality emulsion (smallest suspended droplets) when the composition is added to water. High quality of emulsions typically leads to optimal herbicidal performance. In some embodiments, more than one surfactant may be used. For example, a surfactant combination may comprise one or more nonionic surfactant in combination with one or more anionic surfactant.
Notable is a composition of the present invention comprising one or more nonionic surfactants selected from polyethoxylated poly (12-hydroxystearic acid), polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitan esters such as POE (20) sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitol esters such as POE (40) sorbitol hexaoleate and mixtures thereof.
A notable combination of surfactants comprises a nonionic polymeric surfactant comprising a polyethoxylated poly (12-hydroxystearic acid), a nonionic polymeric surfactant comprising polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitol hexaoleate and an anionic surfactant comprising a calcium linear alkyl(such as C ^benzene.
If the liquid composition of the invention comprises one or more surfactants, then the surfactant is preferably included in an amount of at least 1 weight % with respect to the total weight of the composition. The surfactant is preferably included in the composition in an amount of 60 weight % or less. More preferably, the surfactant comprises an amount in a range from a lower limit of at least 2 weight %, 5 weight %, 10 weight %, 15 weight %, or 20 weight % to an upper limit of 50 weight %, 40 weight %, or 30 weight % of the total liquid composition. Any of the disclosed lower weight % limits can be combined with any of the disclosed upper weight % limits to define further suitable weight % ranges for the purposes of this invention. Exemplary ranges of the amount of surfactant in the liquid composition include 1 to 60 weight %, 2 to 50 weight %, 5 to 40 weight %, 10 to 30 weight %, 5 to 50 weight % and 2 to 40 weight %. Where more than one surfactant is used the preferred ranges refer to the total amount of surfactant present in the liquid composition.
The present compositions can also contain one or more solid diluents in suspension in the liquid carrier. The solid diluents can be water-soluble or water-insoluble. Typical solid diluents are described in Watkins et al., Handbook of Insecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers, 2nd Ed., Dorland Books, Caldwell, New Jersey. Examples of water-soluble solid diluents include salts such as alkali metal phosphates (e.g., sodium dihydrogen phosphate), alkaline earth phosphates, sulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc, sodium and potassium chloride, and sodium benzoate, and sugars and sugar derivatives such as sorbitol, lactose and sucrose. Examples of waterinsoluble solid diluents include, but are not limited to, clays, synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, calcium and magnesium silicates, titanium dioxide, aluminum, calcium and zinc oxide, calcium and magnesium carbonate, sodium, potassium, calcium and barium sulfate, and charcoal.
Certain solid diluents such as clays have been discovered to provide significant resistance to separation of suspended or dispersed solid particles in the present composition, which otherwise would result in formation of a bleed layer (i.e. layer not containing suspended or dispersed solid particles). Furthermore it has been discovered that these solid diluents can impart a reversible gel structure to the composition. A reversible gel provides high viscosity to the composition at low shear (e.g., when the composition is stored in a container), but low viscosity facilitating pouring results when high shear is applied (e.g., when a container of the composition is shaken). A benefit of reversible gel structure is that formation of a bleed layer and sedimentation of particles to the bottom of the container are significantly reduced. Typically, a composition of this invention containing at least about 0.1% clay by weight will form a reversible gel. More than 10% clay can be useful, but for reason of cost, no more than about 10% is preferred. More preferred is a range of from 0.1 to 5%, and most preferred is a range of from 0.5 to 3%. Examples of clays useful in the present composition include magnesium aluminum silicates such as attapulgite (e.g., Attagel® 50 from BASF Corp.) and other aluminum silicates such as montmorillonite (e.g., Barden® clay from the Kentucky-Tennessee Clay Co. and Bentone® clay from Elementis Specialties). Typical solid clays useful as diluents are described in Watkins et al., Handbook of Insecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers, 2nd Ed., Dorland Books, Caldwell, New Jersey.
Other formulation ingredients can be used in the present invention such as rheology modifiers, wetting agents, dyes, defoamers, drying agents, and the like. These ingredients are known to one skilled in the art and can be found described, for example, in McCutcheon ’s 2001, Volume 2: Functional Materials published by MC Publishing Company.
The composition of the invention can be prepared by known processes, for example by mixing the components and milling the suspended solids or dissolving the solids. Thus, it is possible, for example, to prepare a premix by dissolving soluble auxiliaries and additives in the non-aqueous liquid carrier. Any soluble agrochemically active compounds used can also be dissolved in the premix. Once the dissolution process has ended, solid compounds of Formula 1, any other insoluble agrochemically active compounds used and the inorganic salts can be suspended in the mixture.
Another aspect of the present embodiment is a method for the control of unwanted plants comprising applying a pesticidally effective amount of the compositions of the present embodiment to an area where such control is desired. The term “pesticidally effective amount” means an amount necessary to produce an observable pesticidal effect on unwanted plant growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, growth inhibition, reproduction inhibition, inhibition of proliferation, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of unwanted plants.
One or more agriculturally active agents can be combined with bixlozone in this embodiment. It is preferred that the one or more agriculturally active agents that can be combined with bixlozone, using the method of this embodiment, are herbicides. The water-dispersible powder containing one or more agriculturally active agents comprises one or more active agents; and one or more of a wetting agent, for example, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate (STEPWET® DF-90 available from Stepan Company), or sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde polymer (MOR WET® D-425 POWDER available from Akzo Nobel); a dispersant, for example, sodium lignosulfonate (POLYFON® O available from MeadWestvaco Corporation), naphthalene sulfonate condensate (AGNIQUE® NSC available from Cognis Corporation), sodium 2- [methyloleoylamino]ethane-l -sulfonate (GEROPON® T77 available from Rhodia Novecare), naphthalenesulfonic acid polymer with formaldehyde sodium salt (VULTAMOL® NH 7519 available from BASF Corporation or Atlox™ 4862 available from Crodia Crop Care), or modified sodium lignosulfonate (Ufoxane® 3A available from Borregaard Lignothech); a defoamer, for example, AGNIQUE® SOAP L (available from Cognis Corporation); and a carrier, for example, precipitated silica (for example, HiSil™ ABS from PPG Industries), ammonium sulfate or continental clay or mixtures thereof.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling unwanted vegetation (e.g. weeds) is provided in which an herbicidally effective amount of the encapsulated compound of Formula 1 as defined herein, including any of embodiments 1A through 5 ID, is applied to a locus where such control is desired. For example, the method comprises applying an herbicidally effective amount of the encapsulated compound of Formula 1 as defined herein to a locus where weeds are present. Accordingly, this invention also relates to the use of a composition as defined herein, including any of embodiments 1A through 5 ID, for controlling unwanted vegetation.
In embodiments related to the method or use above, the weeds present may be one or more of barnyard grass, broadleaf signalgrass, crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass, panicum, Johnsongrass, cupgrass, field sandbur, Bermuda grass, red rice, itch grass, velvetleaf, spurred anoda, common ragweed, Jimsonweed, lambsquarter, Pennsylvania smartweed, prickly sida, purslane, redweed, Venice mallow, cocklebur, dayflower, Florida beggarweed, Florida pusley, Kochia, redvine, tropic croton, wild poinsettia, balloonvine, black nightshade, curly dock, joint vetch, shattercane, and morning glory. The one or more weeds above to be controlled may be in crops of beans, cabbage, cucumbers, cotton, melons, mint, peas, peppers, rice, soybeans, squash, sugarcane, sweet potatoes, tobacco and tuberous vegetables. The above herbicidal compositions may be applied alone or in a tank mix combination by ground equipment using a finished spray volume of 100 to 400 L/ha (10 to 40 gal/acre). The herbicide comprising the herbicidal composition is suitable for applications using nozzles suitable for broadcast boom or banded application of the herbicide. Nozzle screens and strainers should be no finer than 300 microns (50 mesh). The herbicide comprising the herbicidal composition may be used as a preemergent soil- surface-applied treatment from 30 days before planting to just prior to crop emergence. If field conditions indicate the need for additional seedbed preparation, the use of equipment which will move the herbicide no deeper than 4 to 5 cm (1.5 inches to 2 inches) is acceptable.
The minimal broadcast rate for balloonvine, black nightshade, curly dock, joint vetch, and morning glory is 1.4 kg/ha (1.25 Ib/acre) of the herbicidally active ingredient clomazone.
As used herein the term “in combination with” means that the compositions and formulations comprising bixlozone described herein can be combined with any other suitable additional or secondary agricultural active ingredients, or other suitable additional agricultural compositions such as liquid fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, safeners and plant growth regulators. The compositions, formulations, and methods comprising bixlozone can be applied simultaneously or sequentially with the additional or secondary agricultural active ingredients. For example, a composition comprising bixlozone can be combined with the additional agricultural active ingredient(s) in a single formulation, such as in a ready-to-use formulation that may be typically mixed with water to a prepare a final spray mixture for application. Alternatively, a composition or formulation comprising bixlozone can be combined with a separate composition comprising the additional agricultural active ingredient(s) in the form of a combination package, such as a twin pack, for mixing prior to application. The compositions and formulations comprising bixlozone of the present disclosure can be combined with the additional agricultural active ingredient(s) in the form of a tank mix. Additionally, the active compounds can be supplied (either separately or pre-mixed) in any appropriate formulation type, for example an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), a suspension concentrate (SC), a suspo-emulsion (SE), a capsule suspension (CS), a water dispersible granule (WG), an emulsifiable granule (EG), a water in oil emulsion (EO), an oil in water emulsion (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil dispersion (OD), an oil miscible flowable (OF), an oil miscible liquid (OL), a soluble concentrate (SL), an ultra-low volume suspension (SU), an ultra-low volume liquid (UL), a dispersible concentrate (DC), a wettable powder (WP) or any other technically feasible formulation in combination with agriculturally acceptable adjuvants.
The compositions, formulations, and methods can also be applied simultaneously or sequentially with liquid fertilizers. The term “liquid fertilizer” refers to a fertilizer in a fluid or liquid form containing various ratios of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (for example, but not limited to, 10% nitrogen, 34% phosphorous and 0% potassium) and micronutrients, commonly known as starter fertilizers that are high in phosphorus and promote rapid and vigorous root growth. Liquid fertilizers are commonly aqueous- based. As used herein, the term “aqueousbased” indicates that the predominant solvent or vehicle is water. Specifically, in one embodiment, the compositions described herein can be mixed with a liquid fertilizer to create a concentrated aqueous emulsion (EW) formulation, which may be further diluted with water, in a tank mix and then be applied to target crops or weeds. The compositions, formulations, and methods of the invention can be applied simultaneously with, or sequentially with, other suitable additional or secondary agricultural active ingredients, or other suitable additional agricultural compositions such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, safeners and plant growth regulators. Suitable herbicide are selected from acetochlor, acifluorfen and its sodium salt, aclonifen, acrolein (2 propenal), alachlor, alloxydim, ametryn, amicarbazone, amidosulfuron, aminocyclopyrachlor and its esters (e.g., methyl, ethyl) and salts (e.g., sodium, potassium), aminopyralid, amitrole, ammonium sulfamate, anilofos, asulam, atrazine, azimsulfuron, bixlozone, beflubutamid, beflubutamid-M, benazolin, benazolin ethyl, bencarbazone, benfluralin, benfuresate, benquinotrione, bensulfuron methyl, bensulide, bentazone, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, bicyclopyrone, bifenox, bilanafos, bipyrazone, bispyribac and its sodium salt, broclozone, bromacil, bromobutide, bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, bromoxynil octanoate, butachlor, butafenacil, butamifos, butralin, butroxydim, butylate, cafenstrole, carbetamide, carfentrazone ethyl, catechin, chlomethoxyfen, chloramben, chlorbromuron, chlorflurenol-methyl, chloridazon, chlorimuron ethyl, chlorotoluron, chlorpropham, chlorsulfuron, chlorthal dimethyl, chlorthiamid, cinidon-ethyl, cinmethylin, cinosulfuron, clacyfos, clefoxydim, clethodim, clodinafop-propargyl, clomazone, clomeprop, clopyralid, clopyralid olamine, cloransulam-methyl, cumyluron, cyanazine, cycloate, cyclopyranil, cyclopyrimorate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cyhalofop-butyl, cypyrafluone, 2,4 D and its butotyl, butyl, isoctyl and isopropyl esters and its dimethylammonium, diolamine and trolamine salts, daimuron, dalapon, dalapon sodium, dazomet, 2,4 DB and its dimethylammonium, potassium and sodium salts, desmedipham, desmetryn, dicamba and its diglycolammonium, dimethylammonium, potassium and sodium salts, dichlobenil, dichlorprop, diclofop methyl, diclosulam, difenzoquat metilsulfate, diflufenican, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dimesulfazet, dimepiperate, dimesulfazet, dimethachlor, dimethametryn, dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, dimethipin, dimethylarsinic acid and its sodium salt, dinitramine, dinoterb, dioxopyritrione, diphenamid, diquat dibromide, dithiopyr, diuron, DNOC, endothal, EPTC, epyrifenacil, esprocarb, ethalfluralin, ethametsulfuron methyl, ethiozin, ethofumesate, ethoxyfen, ethoxysulfuron, etobenzanid, fenoxaprop ethyl, fenoxaprop P-ethyl, fenoxasulfone, fenpyrazone, fenquinotrione, fentrazamide, fenuron, fenuron TCA, flamprop methyl, flamprop M isopropyl, flamprop M methyl, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop butyl, fluazifop P butyl, fluazolate, flucarbazone, flucetosulfuron, fluchloralin, fluchloraminopyr, flufenacet, flufenoximacil, flufenpyr, flufenpyr- ethyl, flumetsulam, flumiclorac pentyl, flumioxazin, fluometuron, fluoroglycofen ethyl, flupoxam, flupyrsulfuron methyl and its sodium salt, flurenol, flurenol-butyl, fluridone, flurochloridone, fluroxypyr, flurtamone, flusulfinam, fluthiacet methyl, fomesafen, foramsulfuron, fosamine ammonium, glufosinate, glufosinate ammonium, L-glufosinate-ammonium, glufosinate-P, glyphosate and its salts such as ammonium, isopropylammonium, potassium, sodium (including sesquisodium) and trimesium (alternatively named sulfosate), halauxifen, halauxifen-methyl, halosulfuron methyl, haloxyfop etotyl, haloxyfop-methyl, hexazinone, hydantocidin, icafolin, imazamethabenz methyl, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazaquin ammonium, imazethapyr, imazethapyr ammonium, imazosulfuron, indanofan, indaziflam, indolauxipyr, iofensulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl, ioxynil, ioxynil octanoate, ioxynil sodium, ipfencarbazone, iptriazopyrid, isoproturon, isouron, isoxaben, isoxaflutole, isoxachlortole, lactofen, lancotrione, lenacil, linuron, maleic hydrazide, MCPA and its salts (e.g., MCPA-dimethylammonium, MCPA- potassium and MCPA-sodium, esters (e.g., MCPA-2 ethylhexyl, MCPA-butotyl) and thioesters (e.g., MCPA-thioethyl), MCPB and its salts (e.g., MCPB-sodium) and esters (e.g., MCPB-ethyl), mecoprop, mecoprop P, mefenacet, mefluidide, mesosulfuron-methyl, mesotrione, metam sodium, metamifop, metamitron, metazachlor, metazosulfuron, methabenzthiazuron, methylarsonic acid and its calcium, monoammonium, monosodium and disodium salts, methyldymron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, metosulam, metoxuron, metproxybicyclone, metribuzin, metsulfuron methyl, molinate, monolinuron, naproanilide, napropamide, napropamide-M, naptalam, neburon, nicosulfuron, norflurazon, orbencarb, orthosulfamuron, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxasulfuron, oxaziclomefone, oxyfluorfen, paraquat dichloride, pebulate, pelargonic acid, pendimethalin, penoxsulam, pentanochlor, pentoxazone, perfluidone, pethoxamid, pethoxyamid, phenmedipham, picloram, picloram potassium, picolinafen, pinoxaden, piperophos, pretilachlor, primisulfuron methyl, prodiamine, profoxydim, prometon, prometryn, propachlor, propanil, propaquizafop, propazine, propham, propisochlor, propoxycarbazone, propyrisulfuron, propyzamide, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, pyraclonil, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyraquinate, pyrasulfotole, pyrazogyl, pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, pyrazosulfuron ethyl, pyribenzoxim, pyributicarb, pyridate, pyriflubenzoxim, pyriftalid, pyriminobac methyl, pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac, pyrithiobac sodium, pyroxasulfone, pyroxsulam, quinclorac, quinmerac, quinoclamine, quizalofop ethyl, quizalofop P ethyl, quizalofop P tefuryl, rimisoxafen, rimsulfuron, saflufenacil, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simetryn, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron methyl, sulfosulfuron, 2,3,6-TBA, TCA, TCA sodium, tebutam, tebuthiuron, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, tetflupyrolimet, thenylchlor, thiazopyr, thiencarbazone, thifensulfuron methyl, thiobencarb, tiafenacil, tiocarbazil, tolpyralate, topramezone, tralkoxydim, tri allate, triafamone, triasulfuron, triaziflam, tribenuron methyl, triclopyr, triclopyr butotyl, triclopyr- triethylammonium, tridiphane, trietazine, trifloxysulfuron, trifludimoxazin, trifluralin, triflu sulfuron methyl, tripyrasulfone, tritosulfuron, vernolate, 3-(2-chloro-3,6-difluorophenyl)-4- hydroxy-l-methyl-l,5-naphthyridin-2(lH)-one, 6-chloro-4-(2,7-dimethyl-l-naphthalenyl)-5- hydroxy-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone, 5-chloro-3-[(2-hydroxy-6-oxo-l-cyclohexen-l- yl)carbonyl]-l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2(lH)-quinoxalinone, 2-chloro-N-(l -methyl- lH-tetrazol-5- yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide, 7-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridinyl)-5-(2,2- difluoroethyl)-8-hydroxypyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-6(5H)-one), 4-(2,6-diethyl-4-methylphenyl)-5- hydroxy-2,6-dimethyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone), 5-[[(2,6-difhiorophenyl)methoxy]methyl]-4.5- dihydro-5-methyl-3-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)isoxazole (previously methioxolin), 4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 6- [(2-hydroxy-6-oxo- 1 -cyclohexen- 1 -yl)carbonyl] -2-methyl- 1 ,2,4-triazine-3 ,5(2H,4H)-dione, methyl 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-fluoro-2- pyridinecarboxylate, 2-methyl-3-(methylsulfonyl)-N-(l-methyl-lH-tetrazol-5-yl)-4-
(trifluoromethyl)benzamide and 2-methyl-N-(4-methyl-l,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-3-(methylsulfinyl)- 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide. Other herbicides also include bioherbicides such as Altemaria destruens Simmons, Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc., Drechsiera monoceras (MTB-951), Myrothecium verrucaria (Albertini & Schweinitz) Ditmar: Fries, Phytophthora palmivora (Butl.) Butl. and Puccinia thlaspeos Schub.
Preferred for better control of undesired vegetation (e.g., lower use rate such as from enhanced effects, broader spectrum of weeds controlled, or enhanced crop safety) or for preventing the development of resistant weeds are mixtures of a compound of this invention with a herbicide selected from the group consisting of atrazine, azimsulfuron, S-beflubutamid, benzisothiazolinone, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron-methyl, clomazone, clopyralid potassium, cloransulam-methyl, 2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone, 2-[(2,5- dichlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone, ethametsulfuron-methyl, flumetsulam, 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-[(2-hydroxy-6-oxo-l-cyclohexen-l-yl)carbonyl]-2-methyl-l,2,4-triazine- 3,5-(2H,4H)-dione, flupyrsulfuron methyl, fluthiacet-methyl, fomesafen, imazethapyr, lenacil, mesotrione, metribuzin, metsulfuron-methyl, pethoxamid, picloram, pyroxasulfone, quinclorac, rimsulfuron, S-metolachlor, sulfentrazone, thifensulfuron-methyl, triflusulfuron methyl and tribenuron methyl.
Suitable safeners include: (1) compounds of the type of dichlorophenylpyrazoline-3- carboxylic acid such as ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(ethoxy-carbonyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrazoline- 3-carbox- ylate and related compounds, as described in WO 91/07874; (2) derivatives of dichlorophenylpyrazolecarboxylic acid, preferably compounds such as ethyl l-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5- isopropylpyrazole-3-carboxylate, ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(l,l-dimethylethyl)pyrazole-3- carboxylate, ethyl l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-phenylpyrazole-3-carboxylate and related compounds, as described in EP-A-333 131 and EP-A-269 806; (3) compounds of the type of the triazolecarboxylic acids, preferably compounds such as fenchlorazole, i.e. ethyl l-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-5-trichloro-methyl-(lH)-l,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylate, and related compounds (see EP-A-174 562 and EP-A-346 620); (4) compounds of the type of the 5-benzyl- or 5-phenyl- 2-isoxazoline-3 -carboxylic acid, or the 5,5-diphenyl-2-isoxazoline-3-carboxylic acid, preferably compounds such as ethyl 5-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-2-isoxazoline-3-carboxylate or ethyl 5-phenyl-2- isoxazoline-3-carboxylate and related compounds, as described in WO 91/08202, or ethyl 5,5- diphenyl-2-isoxazolinecarboxylate or n-propyl ester or ethyl 5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-phenyl-2- isoxazoline-3-carboxylate, as described in WO-A-95/07897; (5) compounds of the type of the 8- quinolineoxyacetic acid, preferably 1 -methylhex- 1-yl (5-chloro-8-quinolineoxy)acetate, 1,3- dimethylbut-l-yl (5-chloro-8-quinolineoxy)acetate, 4-allyloxybutyl (5-chloro-8- quinolineoxy)acetate, l-allyloxyprop-2-yl (5-chloro-8-quinolineoxy)acetate, ethyl (5-chloro-8- quinolineoxy)acetate, methyl (5-chloro-8-quinolineoxy)acetate, allyl (5-chloro-8- quinolineoxy)acetate, 2-(2-propylideneiminooxy)-l -ethyl (5-chloro-8-quinolineoxy)acetate, 2- oxoprbp-l-yl (5-chloro-8-quinolineoxy)acetate and related compounds, as described in EP-A-86 750, EP-A-94 349 and EP-A-191 736 or EP-A-0 492 366; (6) compounds of the type of the (5- chloro-8-quinolineoxy)malonic acid, preferably compounds such as diethyl (5-chloro-8- quinolineoxy)malonate, diallyl (5-chloro-8-quinolineoxy)malonate, methyl ethyl (5-chloro-8- quinoline-oxy)malonate and related compounds, as described in EP-A-0 582 198; (7) active compounds of the type of the phenoxyacetic or -propionic acid derivatives or the aromatic carboxylic acids, such as, for example, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (esters), 4-chloro-2- methylphenoxy-propionic esters, MCPA or 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (esters); (8) active compounds of the type of the pyrimidines, such as “fenclorim”; (9) active compounds of the type of the dichloroacetamides, which are frequently used as pre-emergence safeners (soilacting safeners), such as, for example, “dichlormid” (N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide), “R- 29148” (3-dichloroacetyl-2,2,5-trimethyl-l,3-oxazolidone), “benoxacor” (4-dichloroacetyl-3,4- dihydro-3 -methy 1-2H- 1 ,4-benzoxazine) , “PPG- 1292” (N-ally 1-N -[(1,3 -dioxolan-2- yl)methyl] dichloroacetamide), “DK-24” (N-allyl-N-
[(allylaminocarbonyl)methyl]dichloroacetamide), “AD-67” or “MON 4660” (3 -dichloroacetyl- 1- oxa-3-azaspiro[4,5]decane), “dicyclonon” or “BAS 145138” or “LAB 145138” ((3-dichloroacetyl- 2,5.5-tri-methyl-l,3-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane) and “furilazol” or “MON 13900” ((RS)-3- dichloroacetyl-5-(2-furyl)-2,2-dimethyloxazolidone); (10) active compounds of the type of the dichloroacetone derivatives, such as, for example, “MG 191” (CAS-Reg. No. 96420-72-3) (2- dichloromethyl-2-methyl-l,3-dioxolane); (11) active compounds of the type of the oxyimino compounds, such as, for example, “oxabetrinil” ((Z)-l,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethoxyimino- (phenyl)acetonitrile), “fluxofenim” (l-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-l -ethanone O-(l,3- dioxolan-2-ylmethyl) oxime, and “cyometrinil” or “CGA43089” ((Z)-cyanomethoxyimino- (phenyl)acetonitrile); (12) active compounds of the type of the thiazolecarboxylic esters, which are known as seed dressings, such as, for example, “flurazole” (benzyl 2-chloro-4-trifhioromethyl- l,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate); (13) active compounds of the type of the naphthalenedicarboxylic acid derivatives, such as, for example, “naphthalic anhydride” (1,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic anhydride); (14) active compounds of the type of the chromanacetic acid derivatives, such as, for example, “CL 304415” (CAS-Reg. No. 31541-57-8) (2-(4-carboxychroman4-yl)acetic acid); (15) active compounds which, in addition to a herbicidal action against harmful plants, also have safener action on crop plants such as, for example, “dimepiperate” or “MY-93” (S -1 -methyl- 1- phenylethyl piperidine- 1 -thiocarboxylate), “daimuron” or “SK 23” (l-(l-methyl-l-phenylethyl)- 3-p-tolyl-urea), “cumyluron” or “JC-940” (3-(2-chlorophenylmethyl)-l-(l-methyl-l-phenyl- ethyl)urea, see JP-A-60087254), “methoxyphenone” or “NK, 049” (3,3'-dimethyl-4- methoxybenzophenone), “CSB” (l-bromo-4-(chloromethylsulfonyl)benzene) (CAS-Reg No. 54091-06-4). Preferably the safener is selected from cloquintocet, cloquintocet-mexyl, fenclorim and mefenpyr-diethyl.
General procedure for Laboratory Volatility Testing of Formulations of Clomazone as a Standard
Sieved soil was spread on a deep tray, to have a fairly uniform layer that was about 2-mm thick. The clomazone formulation was applied by spraying this surface at a rate of 1.0 kg clomazone using an overhead track sprayer calibrated to deliver 20 gallons of water per acre (187 L/ha). Immediately after treatment, the soil was transferred to a glass jar, where it was mixed by briefly rolling and shaking the jar. The soil was kept in the jar for a short period (less than one hour) until it was placed in the columns.
Volatility Apparatus. Volatility was determined in an apparatus where the soil was held in glass chromatography columns with air entering from a manifold through the bottom of each tube. The manifold divided the airflow and equalized the pressure on the flow through each individual column. Nine chromatography columns were connected to each manifold, taking care to make sure the length of tubing and other restrictions to the flow were equal for each column. The columns were glass chromatography columns that contained a coarse frit at the bottom. The frit kept the soil in the column and dispersed the air stream that was coming in through the bottom of the column. The upward airflow provided a slight lift on the soil particles and thus counteracted any tendency towards clogging of the airflow, especially against the frit. The frit was the main source of resistance to air flow in the system. Thus, the flow of air through each column was measured under constant pressure, when the columns were empty. Columns with equivalent flow rates (i.e. , equivalent frit resistance) were matched up to connect to each manifold. Each manifold and its attached nine columns constituted one replicate of the experimental design. There were four equivalent sets of manifolds and columns, each set contained in its own rack. Column Preparation. Treated soil was generally placed in each column, enough to fill about 2/3 of the column volume. This amount allowed the sample of treated soil to be split between four replicates. Polyurethane foam plugs designed to fit inside a tube, were inserted into the top of the chromatography column. This leaves a gap between the top of the soil and the foam plug. These plugs have a large surface area and are very effective at quantitatively trapping organic molecules such as clomazone. In preliminary trials when two plugs were used in series to trap the clomazone, essentially all the clomazone was trapped in the first plug, so only one plug was used in each column.
To fill the columns, soil was poured in through a protective paper sleeve that prevented the treated soil from contaminating the sides of the column. This prevented contamination of the sample collection plug. Air flow was started as soon after soil treatment as the columns could be set up; generally, this took about one hour.
Sample collection was conducted in the dark in a constant temperature growth chamber set at 25°C. By bubbling the air through water, using a fitted-glass gas dispersion tube, the air flowing into the columns was humidified. This increased air humidity and decreased the rate of soil drying. Once airflow began the flow through each column was measured to assure proper system function and to confirm that the valuation between columns within a replicate was small. The airflow was measured again just before sample collection was terminated, to make sure there had not been any major changes. Termination of the airflow after 18 hours ended the collection of clomazone.
Extraction of Sample. The sample generally collected on the foam plug was extracted from the plug with methanol in order to quantitate the amount collected. The plug was removed from the column and placed in a 20-cc plastic syringe, in order to extract it. Methanol was drawn up in the syringe, and through the plug, three times so as to thoroughly extract the clomazone from the foam. The total amount of clomazone captured was calculated as the product of the clomazone concentration in the methanol multiplied by the original volume of methanol used for the extraction.
Sample Preparation and Analysis. Samples were analyzed using antibodies specifically recognizing the clomazone molecule in a HPLC MS and standardized immunoassay. The immunoassay methodology is as described in a publication by Dargar et al. (Dargar, R. V., Tymonko, J. M., and VanDerWerf, P., “Clomazone Measurement by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,” J. Agric. Food Chem. Vol. 39, 1991, pp. 813-819.). This reference describes all the solutions used in this assay. It also describes how the antibodies were generated. Volatility testing for bixlozone compositions was similar to that described above for clomazone, except that bixlozone was applied to the soil.
The present invention stems from the surprising and unexpected discovery that an oil dispersion of bixlozone in oil (methyl ester oil) achieved 10 - 20 % reduction in volatility control relative to a bixlozone EC formulation. Furthermore, by coating bixlozone particles with a biodegradable material, the volatility reduction for the herbicide improves further to 30 - 50% relative to the control bixlozone EC formulation.
EXAMPLE 1
Volatility testing for baseline bixlozone-containing formulations
The volatility of emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and capsule suspension (CS) formulations of bixlozone was evaluated. Table 1 provides the description of the samples and the volatility results relative to Command 48 EC standard used as the reference sample. Command 3ME achieved volatility control of about 74% relative to the reference sample. Bixlozone CS formulation achieves a volatility reduction of above 90% relative to the reference sample, bixlozone EC formulation achieves a reduction in volatility of about 60%.
TABLE 1. Volatility control for reference samples: Command 48EC standard, Command 3ME, bixlozone CS and bixlozone EC
Figure imgf000033_0001
Note: Reported values for volatility control relative to Command 48EC Standard are averages of at least 5 determinations.
EXAMPLE 2
Volatility for non-encapsulated bixlozone formulations The volatility control of non-encapsulated bixlozone formulations was evaluated against the reference bixlozone EC formulation. The volatility data is tabulated in Table 3. The waterbased suspension concentrate formulation of bixlozone gave poor performance relative to the reference EC formulation (-16%). Milling technical bixlozone in oil improved the volatility control: The oil dispersion (OD) formulations achieved 10 - 20% improvement in volatility control relative to the reference bixlozone EC formulation. Also, as shown in Table 3, this data also revealed that there is a correlation between the surface area of the bixlozone particles and the volatility control achieved for the OD formulations: the technical milled for only 5 min (lower surface area, higher particle size) achieved a volatility reduction of about 20% while the volatility reduction decreases to 10% if milling is prolonged and continued for an additional 25 min (higher surface area & lower particle size).
TABLE 3. Volatility control for non-encapsulated bixlozone formulations
Figure imgf000034_0001
Note: OD = oil dispersion
EXAMPLE 4
Volatility for bixlozone particles coated with ethyl cellulose, polyester polyol, or wax in oil
Bixlozone particles dispersed in oil as the continuous phase were coated with ethyl cellulose, polyester polyol or wax. In a typical process, the biodegradable coating material (ethyl cellulose, wax or polyester polyol) was dissolved in oil at 50 - 80 °C. In a different reaction beaker, the oil dispersion of bixlozone was stirred at 300 - 1000 RPM and the temperature of the process was set to 50 - 75 °C. The coating forming solution was then slowly charged into the bixlozone OD mixture while the Stirling was still ongoing. The combined solution mixture was then cooled down to 10 - 20 °C. Finally, rheology modifiers and a surfactant package consisting of emulsifiers and dispersants was added. Further stirring was done to ensure that final formulation mixture was homogeneous.
The data for volatility control for the bixlozone particles coated with ethyl cellulose (Ethocel Standard 4) in oil as the continuous phase is provided in Table 4. Volatility control of the three samples is improved by 35 - 37% over the control bixlozone EC formulation. This data also showed that improvement in volatility control is not due to the change in the rheology modifier package. Indeed, comparable improvements in volatility control is achieved for the samples using Bentone 1000 alone or blends of Bentone 1000 and silica (Aerosil R974 or Aerosil 200).
TABLE 4. Volatility control for OD formulations of bixlozone-coated with ethyl cellulose
Figure imgf000035_0001
The volatility control data for the bixlozone particles coated with a linear polyester diol derived from caprolactone monomer (Capa 2402) in oil as the continuous phase is provided in Table 5. Volatility control of the three samples is improved by 35 - 42% over the control bixlozone EC formulation. The temperature of the process (55 - 65 °C) did not impact the volatility data. The results showed that the addition of a coating of Capa 2402 on bixlozone particles improve volatility control for bixlozone herbicide.
TABLE 5. Volatility control for OD formulations of bixlozone-coated with CAPA 2402
Figure imgf000035_0002
Figure imgf000036_0001
The data for volatility control for the bixlozone particles coated with a wax (Deurex H72P) in oil as the continuous phase is provided in Table 6. Volatility control of the three samples is improved by 40 - 49% over the control bixlozone EC formulation. The samples listed in Table 5 use different rheology modifiers (different silicas, hydrophobic and hydrophilic or clay) and good performance in the volatility test is recorded for all of them.
TABLE 6. Volatility control for OD formulations of bizlozonc-coatcd with wax
Figure imgf000036_0002

Claims

CLAIMS An oil-dispersion composition comprising particles comprising i) bixlozone; ii) at least one vegetable oil; iii) one or more dispersants selected from non-ionic dispersants and anionic dispersants; and iv) optionally one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax or a biodegradable polymer. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the bixlozone is encapsulated in a microcapsule comprising wax and silica. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a polylactic acid homopolymer or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer. The composition of Claim 2 wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises ethylcellulose. The composition of Claim 1 wherein the biodegradable polymer comprises a linear polyester diol. The composition of any of Claims 1 through 7 wherein the at least one vegetable oil comprises methyl soyate. The composition of any of Claims 1 through 7 wherein the at least one vegetable oil comprises castor oil. The composition of Claim 9 wherein the dispersant comprises a salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate. The composition of Claim 9 wherein the dispersant comprises a salt of dodedecylbenzenesulfonate. The composition of Claim 11 wherein the dispersant is a low HLB polymeric dispersant. The composition of Claim 11 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of Atlox 4912, Atlox 4914, Atlox 4916, Tersperse 2510 and Tersperse 2520. The composition of Claim 1 further comprising a herbicidally active ingredient other than bixlozone. A method for preparing the composition of Claim 1 or Claim 2 comprising
A) combining: bixlozone; one or more dispersants selected from non-ionic dispersants and anionic dispersants; and at least one vegetable oil;
B) dispersing the bixlozone in the at least one vegetable oil in the presence of the dispersant to provide an oil dispersion; and
C) optionally mixing one or more additives selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, anti-foam agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, inert fillers, pH balancing agents, binders, thickeners, anti-microbial agents and inorganic salts with the oil dispersion. The method of Claim 15 further comprising the step of encapsulating bixlozone prior to combining it with the vegetable oil and the dispersant. The method of Claim 16 comprising encapsulating an additional herbicide other than bixlozone in the microcapsules. A method for reducing the volatility of bixlozone comprising applying a composition as defined in Claim 1.
. The method of Claim 18 wherein the volatility is reduced at least 5% compared to an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of bixlozone. . A method for controlling unwanted vegetation comprising the steps of; a) providing an oil-dispersion composition as described in Claim 1; b) diluting the composition with a diluent; and c) applying a herbicidally effective amount of the diluted composition obtained in step b) above to a locus where such control is desired. . The method of Claim 20 wherein the vegetation is a weed selected from a broad leaf weed, and a grass weed.
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