STABLE SYNERGISTIC PESTICIDAL COMPOSITION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stable synergistic pesticidal composition capable of protecting plant propagation materials such seeds, seedlings; and plants/crops from harmful effects of seed-borne, soil borne pathogenic fungi and/or insect pests. More particular, the present invention relates to stable synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment comprising (A) compound of Formula I, chemically known as methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2- [2-[[(E)-l-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymet hyl]phenyl]acetate or its agro chemically acceptable salts and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Combination of different pesticides with diverse mode of action for broad spectrum insect control is known in the art. However, repeated use of insecticides often lead to resistance development. Insecticide resistance is a heritable change in pest populations that are susceptible to a particular insecticide, or group of insecticides. In practice, insecticide resistant insects are insects that cannot be repeatedly and properly controlled by the registered rate of an insecticide. Pest populations may not be affected by multiple applications of insecticide at normal rate if the insecticide resistance level is high.

Combination of insecticides and fungicides are used to broaden the spectrum of control of insect and fungal pests, reduce dosages, thereby reducing their environmental impact, and reducing the likelihood of development of resistance. The combination of insecticides and fungicides improves the control of insects and fungal disease. Seed damage from insect and fungal pests is another major concern for agriculturalist/farmers. There are various diseases, such as seed rot etc. which reduces germination rates and significantly reduce yields. Treating crops with combination of insecticides and fungicides helps reduce the damage caused by soil pests. Another advantage of treating crops or certain plant propagation materials is that higher yields can be obtained by improving germination rates, increasing the plant stand count, improved plant health.

The control of phytopath ogenic fungi along with insects is of great economic importance since fungal growth on plants or on parts of plants retards foliage, fruit or seed production, and the overall quality and yield of a cultivated crop. The term "seed treatment" generally refers to application of a material to a seed prior to or during the time it is planted in soil to improve the handling characteristics of the seed, protect the seed prior to germination, support the germination and/or support the growth of the resulting plant. Seed treatment is the application of a pesticidal formulation prior to planting in order to provide protection and improve the establishment of healthy crops. Some seed treatments are employed solely for the purpose of improving the handling characteristics or other physical characteristics of seeds, and include no agricultural active ingredients.

Seed treatment helps in ensuring optimal emergence during early development so that a crop has the best chance of reaching its genetic yield potential. Seed treatments eliminate the need for farmers to spray throughout the early stages of plant development, saving them time and money. Plant protection solutions can be used more efficiently by applying them to seeds, rather than spraying the field or crop, resulting in at least 95% reduction in chemical consumption and a lower environmental impact.

Pesticide active compounds are commonly used in the form of a diluted aqueous composition because they can achieve good interactions with the target organisms, such as plants, fungi and insects. However, most active pesticide compounds used as pesticides are only sparingly or even insoluble in water. The low solubility of such compounds poses the challenges and difficulties in formulating pesticide compounds into stable formulations that are easy to store for a long periods of time and still have high stability and effective activity until final use. The FS (Flowable concentrate for seed treatment) formulations are a modification of suspension concentrates (SC) with supplemental additives for adhesion to the seed surface. FS formulations is the most popular type of seed treatment formulations nowadays, because it is concentrated water based formulation and are safe to use.

Typical problems with existing seed treatment solutions are arising as variable control level of seed borne and soil borne diseases in legumes crops particularly collar rot and dry rot in groundnut and other legume crops. Alternately, seed treatment chemical compositions in the art could be effective but unable to give prolonged protection to seed and seedling as well as growing plants from seed borne and soil borne diseases and insect pests. However, certain active ingredients can protect seeds and seedlings considerably longer when applied at the higher dose but increased dose rate would cause adverse impact on beneficial soil microorganism, particularly, rhizobium spp. in legume crops, which are responsible for nitrogen fixation and to improve soil fertility. Another difficulty in relation to the use of pesticides for seed treatments is that the repeated and exclusive application of an individual pesticide compound leads in many cases to a rapid selection of pests which have developed natural or adapted resistance against the active compound. Therefore, there is a need for pest control agents that help in preventing resistance induced by pesticides. There are known in the art various combination of benzimidazole fungicide, strobilurin fungicide and neonicotinoid insecticides. However, these ternary pesticidal compositions for seed treatment have issues in respect of ineffective pesticidal control, ineffective germination rates, decreased stability, decreased plant/crop yield and phytotoxicity apart from stability issues.

Benzimidazole fungicide are a group of broad-spectrum, systemic fungicides which have been used to control various fungi by interacting with -tubulin and stopping hyphal growth. Compounds that contain a benzimidazole moiety as a key feature of their structure and which have been used as fungicides. Benzimidazole fungicide can control many ascomycetes and basidiomycetes, but not oomycetes. Amongst these benzimidazole fungicides, Thiophanate methyl has shown to have better fungicidal activity and efficacy.

Thiophanate methyl was first disclosed in US4020095A. Thiophanate Methyl is a systemic benzimidazole fungicide used to control soil-borne diseases in ornamental plants. Thiophanate methyl has protective and curative action and is used against a wide range of fungal pathogens in post-harvest treatment and seed treatment.

Thiophanate methyl is chemically known as dimethyl 4,4'-(o-phenylene)bis(3-thioallophanate). It has the chemical structure as below:

Thiophanate methyl

Neonicotinoid insecticides being broad spectrum insecticides are a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. Neonicotinoids are neurotoxins that target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor acting as agonists. Neonicotinoids also affects the CNS (central nervous system) of the insects as it binds agonistically to the post-synaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that results in the spontaneous discharge of nerve impulses and eventual failure of the neuron to propagate any signal. Although they are effective as contact insecticides, it is the ability of these chemicals to translocate from the soil into leaves as systemic insecticides that has been one of the primary reasons for their popularity. Neonicotinoids are used to protect a variety of vegetables, fruits, and major crops like corn, cotton, potato, rice, etc. against sucking insects like aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leaf- and plant hoppers.

Amongst these neonicotinoid insecticides, Thiamethoxam has been shown to have better pesticidal efficacy.

Thiamethoxam is chemically known as 3-[(2-chloro-l,3-thiazol-5-yl)methyl]-5-methyl-N- nitro-l,3,5-oxadiazinan-4-imine. It has the chemical structure as below:

Thiamethoxam

Thiamethoxam is effective against aphids, thrips, beetles, centipedes, millipedes, sawflies, leaf miners, stem borers and termites. Thiamethoxam is mainly used for control against sucking and chewing insects in vegetables, ornamentals, field crops, deciduous fruits, citrus, cotton and rice. It possesses contact and stomach activity. Its systemic properties have resulted in its use against foliar feeding insects via seed treatment, soil application or through irrigation systems. It is also registered for direct foliar application.

Strobilurin fungicides are now more properly referred to as Qol fungicides. Qol fungicides are excellent as preventive fungicides, because they all effectively kill germinating spores. All Qol fungicides share a common biochemical mode of action: they all interfere with energy production in the fungal cell. They block electron transfer at the site of quinol oxidation (the Qo site) in the cytochrome bcl complex, thus preventing ATP formation. These fungicides control an unusually wide array of fungal diseases, including diseases caused by water molds, downy mildews, powdery mildews, leaf spotting and blighting fungi, fruit rotters, and rusts. They are used on a wide variety of crops, including cereals, field crops, fruits, tree nuts, vegetables, turfgrasses, and ornamentals.

Various strobilurin fungicides are known in the art They are also categorised as systemic and translaminar strobilurin fungicides. Each of the strobilurin fungicide has different effective activity against fungal pests. Out of the known strobilurin fungicides, the Compound of Formula I i.e methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3-

(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl] acetate, has shown to have better fungal pest control in comparison to other strobilurin fungicides.

The compound of Formula I is represented by the following chemical structure:

Compound of Formula I

The compound i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate shall be referred to as compound of Formula I in the entire specification and shall be meant to refer to this compound which has the IUPAC name and structure as mentioned herein above.

There are certain limitations in formulating a seed treatment composition. Seed treatment formulations usually contain multiple active ingredients and/or high loading levels. Additionally, the active ingredient has to be accurately and evenly spread over the seed surface and must remain there throughout storage, drilling and while the seed starts to germinate. To successfully develop these types of formulations, superior formulation additives including surfactants/dispersants used in the formulation and the particle size of the formulation are essential. The high performance requirement and complexity of seed treatment means formulating is the focal challenge.

Furthermore, in developing a ternary formulation for seed treatment, formulators face issues related to the stability of composition and product handling. Thus, to prepare a formulation having desired suspensibility and dispersibility of active ingredients selecting appropriate auxiliary agents such as emulsions, stabilizers, dispersing agents, surfactants and particle size is critical.

There are many combinations of insecticides and fungicides known in the art for the control of seed-borne, soil borne pathogenic fungi and/or insect pests. For example, IN201831001958discloses a seed treatment composition comprising of fipronil; azoxystrobin; benzimidazole fungicide; and one active agent selected from a neonicotinoid insecticide or a multi-site fungicide or both, wherein the combination is admixed in the ratio of (1-80): (1-80): (1-80): (1-80).

IN4017/MUM/2015 teaches pesticidal compositions for seed treatment, comprising of Carboxin, at least one insecticide and at least one fungicide wherein insecticide may be selected from Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid, Fipronil and fungicide may be selected from Pyraclostrobin, Azoxystrobin, Thiophanate Methyl and Metalaxyl-M.

Reference can also be made to IN201711030783, wherein it discloses a synergistic binary seed treatment composition comprising Thiamethoxam and Thiophanate-methyl. The synergistic seed treatment composition disclosed in this patent application comprises Thiamethoxam present in an amount ranging from 5-20% and Thiophanate-methyl present in an amount ranging from 40-60%.

W02006/06954 discloses a synergistic composition of neonicotinoid insecticides and strobilurins fungicides and use of said active substance combinations in the form of pesticides and seed dressings agents. This reference also describes method for controlling pests and protecting seeds and seeds treated by means of said combination.

There is however a need for improvement of these combinations. Single and binary active combinations used over a long period of time has resulted in resistance. Already available commercial seed treatment formulation comprising a combination of Thiophanate methyl, Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam has problems like heteroflocculation and sedimentation upon storage apart from germination, growth, yield and stability issues. These prior flowable concentrate (FS) formulations have a major drawback of particle aggregation/ coagulation i.e. clogging of pores which makes it difficult to dispense the product out of the container and hence there is reduced stability and shelf life. Thus, there is a need in the art of a stable and efficacious synergistic ternary FS formulation for effective control of pests. Different formulations developed over the years for seed treatment have one or more of the following drawbacks: low formulation stability, low seed flowability, high levels of dust-off of the pesticide and other coating ingredients from the seed prior to planting, and poor plantability and others.

Thus, there is a need of a pesticidal composition comprising of specific pesticides with suitable adjuvants including surfactants/dispersants and particle size which can overcome some of the aforementioned existing problems and can be prepared easily without much complex manufacturing process. Further, there is a need for a process comprising use of these suitable adjuvants that can interfere with particle agglomeration providing a stable synergistic pesticidal composition which exhibits phytotonic, fungicidal and insecticidal properties and has curative along with protective action. Thus, there is a need for a synergistic pesticidal composition which exhibits broad spectrum control of pests and is storage stable during its entire shelf-life.

Therefore there is still a need in the art for a ready to use flowable concentrate seed treatment composition comprising a combination of fungicide and insecticide active compounds having advantageous activity profile, high stability and a synergistically improved action, which allows for reduced application rate in comparison with individual application of the active compounds and has no adverse effect on root nodulation rhizobium bacterium in legume crops.

The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.

The present invention composition is synergistic, efficacious, environmentally friendly, simple to formulate, stable, safe to use and has longer shelf life.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a novel and effective stable synergistic pesticidal composition for treatment of plant propagation materials like seeds having high efficacy and high selectivity.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide improved combinations of insecticide and fungicides for broad spectrum control of pests.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an easy to formulate novel and stable synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment. It is another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel process for preparing stable synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and synergistic pesticidal composition that is stable, does not sediment upon storage, avoids heteroflocculation and thus has enhanced shelf life.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and stable synergistic pesticidal composition with a particle size of D90 i.e., less than 5 microns.

It is another objective of the present invention is to provide a flowable concentrate (FS) formulation that allows moisture from soil to penetrate into the seed coating film.

It is another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel and stable synergistic pesticidal formulation with reduced particle size.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and a stable synergistic pesticidal composition for controlling insect pests and fungal diseases.

It is another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that has both preventive and curative action in addition to phytotonic action; and is active against all life stages of major plant pathogens.

It is another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that protects crop and the environmental damage.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that improves germination rate, increased plant stand countand plant health, which results in higher yields.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that improves quality and quantity of the targeted crops and plants.

[It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that is ideal for pest resistance management and disease control. It is another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that is safe for environmental, has broad spectrum bio-efficacy, and has no phytotoxicity.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that is stable over wide range temperatures and environmental changes.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition with enhanced efficacy and penetration capacity.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a novel and effective synergistic pesticidal composition that promotes plant health and improves crop yield.

Furthermore, the synergistic pesticidal composition has a phytotonic effect, which results in improved grain size and yield; and has improved stability and shelf life.

The composition of the present invention provides the following advantages:

1. Effective in protecting a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, flowers, and seeds, against major plant diseases.

2. Better control of plant/crop pest in a shorter period of time.

3. Improves germination rate, increased plant stand count, reduced risk of occupational hazard, lower cost of application, better cost-benefit ratio to the end user, reduced fuel and labour cost, time savings for the applicator, and reduced wear of equipment and loss caused by mechanical damage to the crop and soil.

4. Stable and prolonged shelf life of the composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a stable synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment comprising (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agro chemically acceptable salts and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts.

More particular, the present invention relates to stable synergistic pesticidal composition comprising (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxamor its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weight of the composition.

The composition of present invention further relates to a flowable concentrate formulation or FS formulation with particle size of less than 5 microns and process thereof for preparing such composition. The present invention further relates to the said synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment exhibiting control of various seed & soil borne diseases and insect pests comprising Styrene Acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients.

More particular, the present invention relates to stable synergistic pesticidal composition comprising

(A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weight of the composition, wherein the particle size (D90) of the composition is less than 5 microns.

In one other aspect/embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidal composition comprises of:

(A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weight of the composition and D) Styrene Acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend in the range of 0.1-5% by weight of the composition; and

F) one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients

In another embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidal composition comprises of: (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weight of the composition and D) Styrene Acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend in the range of 0.1-5% by weight of the composition; and F) one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients, wherein the particle size (D90) of the composition is less than 5 microns.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the stable synergistic pesticidal composition comprises particle size of D90, which is less than 5 microns.

In yet another embodiment, Styrene Acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend acts as an aqueous dispersant and crystal growth inhibitor.

In still another embodiment, the acrylic copolymeric blend is polymethyl methacrylatepolyethylene glycol graft copolymer and the non-ionic polymeric surfactant is polyoxyethylene alkyl ether (NPE-free).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process of preparing a stable composition for seed treatment comprising adding (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weight of the composition and D) Styrene Acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend in the range of 0.1-5% by weight of the composition, with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients, to obtain the final stable synergistic composition of particle size D90 below 5 microns.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of protecting a plant propagation material, a plant, parts of a plant and/or plant organs that grow at a later point in time against pathogenic damage or pest damage by applying to the plant propagation material a composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, pesticidal composition further comprises agrochemically acceptable excipients which are selected from the group comprising surfactants/dispersing agents, polymers, anti-freezing agent, wetting agents, anti-foaming agents, colorants, pigments, binders/structuring agents, biocides/anti-microbial agent, thickener, crystal growth inhibitors, buffering agent, fillers, quick coating agent or sticking agents, preservatives adjuvants and solvents or a combination thereof. More generally, the active materials can be combined with any solid or liquid additive, which complies with usual formulation techniques.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidal composition controls various pests in field crops, vegetables, oil seed and pulses, horticulture & forestry, veterinary, etc.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention suitable targets for seed treatment are various crop seeds, fruit species, vegetables, spices and ornamental seed, cereals, for example corn/maize (sweet and field), durum wheat, bengal gram, soybean, Groundnut, wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, bananas, rice, cotton, sunflower, potatoes, pasture, alfalfa, grasses, turf, sorghum, rapeseed, Brassica spp., sugar beet, egg-plants, tomato, lettuce, iceberg lettuce, pepper, cucumber, squash, melon, bean, dry-beans, peas, leek, garlic, onion, cabbage, carrot, tuber such as sugar cane, tobacco, coffee, turf and forage, cruciferous, cucurbits, grapevines, pepper, fodder beet, oil seed rape, pansy, impatiens, petunia and geranium.

The combination of the present invention are effective against phytopathogenic fungi, especially occurring in plants, including seed borne fungi and belong to the following classes such as those selected from Ascomycetes (e.g. Penicillium, Gaeumannomyces graminis); Basidiomycetes (e g. the genus Hemileia, Rhizoctonia, Puccinia); Fungi imperfecti (e. g. Botrytis, Helminthosporium, Rhynchosporium, Fusarium, Septoria, Cercospora, Alternaria, Pyricularia and Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides); Oomycetes (e. g. Phytophthora, Peronospora, Bremia, Pythium, Plasmopara); Zygomycetes (e.g., Rhizopus spp.). The combination of the present invention is especially effective against Alternaria spp., Ascochyta spp., Aspergillus spp., Claviceps purpurea, Cochliobolus spp., Colletotrichum spp., Diplodia maydis, Erysiphe graminis, Fusarium spp. (such as Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium subglutinans), Gaeumannomyces graminis, Giberella fujikuroi, Giberella zeae, Helminthosporium spp. (such as Helminthosporium graminearum, Helminthosporium oryzae, Helminthosporium solani), Monographella nivalis, Penicillium spp., Puccinia spp., Pyrenophora spp. (such as Pyrenophoragraminea), Peronosclerospora spp., Peronspora spp., Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Phythium spp., Phoma spp., Phomopsis spp., Rhizoctonia spp. (such as Rhizoctonia cerealis, Rhizoctonia solani), Septoria spp., Pseudocercosporella spp., Tilletia spp., Rhizopus spp., Thielaviopsis basicola, Typhula spp., Ustilago spp., Sphacelotheca spp. (e.g. Spacelotheca reilliani), Thanatephorus cucumeris, and Verticillium spp.

The present composition may be used to control insect pests such as those from the order Lepidoptera, for example, Acleris spp., Adoxophyes spp., Aegeria spp., Agrotis spp., Alabama argillaceae, Amylois spp., Anticarsia gemmatalis, Archips spp., Argyrotaenia spp., Autographa spp., Busseola fusca, Cadra cautella, Carposina nipponensis, Chilo spp., Choristoneura spp., Clysia ambiguella, Cnaphalocrocis spp., Cnephasia spp., Cochylis spp., Coleophora spp., Crocidolomia spp., Cryptophlebia leucotreta, Crysodeixis includens, Cydia spp., Diatraea spp., Diparopsis castanea, Earias spp., Elasmopalpus spp., Ephestia spp., Eucosma spp., Eupoecilia ambiguella, Euproctis spp., Euxoa spp., Grapholita spp., Hedya nubiferana, Heliothis spp., Hellula undalis, Hyphantria cunea, Keiferia lycopersicella, Leucoptera scitella, Lithocollethis spp., Lobesia botrana, Lymantria spp., Lyonetia spp., Malacosoma spp., Mamestra brassicae, Manduca sexta, Operophtera spp., Ostrinia nubilalis, Pammene spp., Pandemis spp., Panolis flammea, Pectinophora gossypiella, Phthorimaea operculella, Pieris rapae, Pieris spp., Plutella xylostella, Prays spp., Scirpophaga spp., Sesamia spp., Sparganothis spp., Spodoptera spp., Synanthedon spp., Thaumetopoea spp., Tortrix spp., Trichoplusia ni and Yponomeuta spp.; from the order Coleoptera, for example, Agriotes spp., Anthonomus spp., Atomaria linearis, Ceutorhynchus spp., Chaetocnema tibialis, Cosmopolites spp., Curculio spp., Dermestes spp., Diabrotica spp., Epilachna spp., Eremnus spp., Gonocephalum spp., Heteronychus spp., Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Lissorhoptrus spp., Melolontha spp., Orycaephilus spp., Otiorhynchus spp., Phlyctinus spp., Phyllotreta spp., Popillia spp., Protostrophus spp., Psylliodes spp., Rhizopertha spp., Scarabeidae, Sitophilus spp., Sitotroga spp., Tenebrio spp., Tribolium spp. and Trogoderma spp.; from the order Orthoptera, for example, Blatta spp., Blattella spp., Gryllotalpa spp., Leucophaea maderae, Locusta spp., Periplaneta spp. and Schistocerca spp.; from the order Isoptera, for example, Reticulitermes spp.; from the order Psocoptera, for example, uposcelis spp.; from the order Anoplura, for example, Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp., Pediculus spp., Pemphigus spp. and Phylloxera spp.; from the order Mallophaga, for example, Damalinea spp. and Trichodectes spp.; from the order Thysanoptera, for example, Frankliniella spp., Hercinothrips spp., Taeniothrips spp., Thrips palmi, Thrips tabaci and Scirtothrips aurantii; from the order Heteroptera, for example, Dichelops melacanthus, Distantiella theobroma, Dysdercus spp., Euchistus spp., Eurygaster spp., Leptocorisa spp., Nezara spp., Piesma spp., Rhodnius spp., Sahlbergella singularis, Scotinophara spp. and Triatoma spp.; from the order Homoptera, for example, Aleurothrixus floccosus, Aleyrodes brassicae, Aonidiella spp., Aphididae, Aphis spp., Aspidiotus spp., Bemisia tabaci, Ceroplaster spp., Chrysomphalus aonidium, Chrysomphalus dictyospermi, Coccus hesperidum, Empoasca spp., Eriosoma larigerum, Erythroneura spp., Gascardia spp., Laodelphax spp., Lecanium comi, Lepidosaphes spp., Macrosiphus spp., Myzus spp., Nephotettix spp., Nilaparvata spp., Paratoria spp., Pemphigus spp., Pianococcus spp., Pseudaulacaspis spp., Pseudococcus spp., Psylla spp., Pulvinaria aethiopica, Quadraspidiotus spp., Rhopalosiphum spp., Saissetia spp., Scaphoideus spp., Schizaphis spp., Sitobion spp., Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Trioza erytreae and Unaspis citri; from the order Hymenoptera, for example, Acromyrmex, Athalia rosae, Atta spp., Cephus spp., Diprion spp., Diprionidae, Gilpinia polytoma, Hoplocampa spp., Lasius spp., Monomorium pharaonis, Neodiprion spp., Solenopsis spp. and Vespa spp.; from the order Diptera, for example, Antherigona soccata, Bibio hortulanus, , Ceratitis spp., Chrysomyia spp., Culex spp., Cuterebra spp., Dacus spp., Delia spp., Drosophila melanogaster, , Liriomyza spp., , Melanagromyza spp., , Orseolia spp., Oscinella frit, Pegomyia hyoscyami, Phorbia spp., Rhagoletis pomonella, Sciara spp.,; from the order Acarina, for example, Acarus siro, Aceria sheldoni, Aculus schlechtendali, Amblyomma spp., Argas spp., , Brevipalpus spp., Bryobia praetiosa, Calipitrimerus spp., Chorioptes spp., Dermanyssus gallinae, Eotetranychus carpini, Eriophyes spp., Hyalomma spp., Olygonychus pratensis, Omithodoros spp., Panonychus spp., Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Psoroptes spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Rhizoglyphus spp., Sarcoptes spp., Tarsonemus spp. and Tetranychus spp.; and from the class Nematoda, for example, the species of Meloidogyne spp. (for example, Meloidogyne incoginita and Meloidogyne javanica), Heterodera spp. (for example, Heterodera glycines, Heterodera schachtii, Heterodora avenae and Heterodora trifolii), Globodera spp. (for example, Globodera rostochiensis), Radopholus spp. (for example, Radopholus similes), Rotylenchulus spp., Pratylenchus spp. (for example, Pratylenchus neglectans and Pratylenchus penetrans), Aphelenchoides spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Paratrichodorus spp., Longidorus spp., Nacobbus spp., Subanguina spp. Belonlaimus spp., Criconemella spp., Criconemoides spp. Ditylenchus spp., Dolichodorus spp., Hemicriconemoides spp., Hemicycliophora spp., Hirschmaniella spp., Hypsoperine spp., Macroposthonia spp., Melinius spp., Punctodera spp., Quinisulcius spp., Scutellonema spp., Xiphinema spp., and Tylenchorhynchus spp. In an embodiment of the present invention, the present pesticidal composition can be applied as a foliar spray, soil drenching, seed dressing, application as paste of the targeted plants/ trees, broadcasting, spraying, rubbing, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting, pouring, mist blowing, soil mixing, foaming, painting, spreading-on, drenching, dipping or drip irrigation.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidal composition is formulated as Flowable concentrate for seed treatment (FS).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the invention further provides the process for preparation of the said composition wherein, the preferred composition is Flowable concentrate for seed treatment (FS).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Discussed below are some representative embodiments of the present invention. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative methods.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by someone ordinarily skilled in the art to which the present subject matter belongs.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. Variations or modifications to the composition of this invention, within the scope of the invention, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure herein. Such variations or modifications are well within the spirit of this invention.

The expression of various quantities in terms of “% w/w” or “%” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total formulation or composition unless otherwise specified.

The term “active ingredient” (a.i.) or “active agent” used herein refers to that component of the composition responsible for control and killing of pest.

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

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

The term “synergistic”, as used herein, refers to the combined action of two or more active agents blended together and administered conjointly that is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

“Bioactive amounts” as mentioned herein means that amount which, when applied for treatment of crops, is sufficient to give effect in such treatment.

The term "plant propagation material" refers to the parts of the plant, such as seeds, which can be used for the propagation of the plant and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers (for example, potatoes). There may be mentioned, e.g., the seeds (in the strict sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, parts of plants. Germinated plants or young plants, which may be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil.

The term “seed treatment” comprises all suitable seed treatment techniques known in the art, such as, but not limited to, seed dressing, seed coating, seed dusting, seed soaking, seed film coating, seed multilayer coating, seed encrusting, seed dripping, and seed pelleting.

As used herein, the "shoots and foliage" of a plant are to be understood to be the shoots, stems, branches, leaves and other appendages of the stems and branches of the plant after the seed has sprouted, but not including the roots of the plant. It is preferable that the shoots and foliage of a plant be understood to be those non-root parts of the plant that have grown from the seed and are located a distance of at least one inch away from the seed from which they emerged (outside the region of the seed), and more preferably, to be the non-root parts of the plant that are at or above the surface of the soil. As used herein, the "region of the seed" is to be understood to be that region within about one inch of the seed.

In an embodiment, the treatment may occur before sowing of the plant propagation material so that the sown material has been pre-treated with the combination. In particular, seed coating or seed pelleting are preferred in the treatment of the combinations according to the invention. As a result of the treatment, the active ingredients in the combination are adhered on to the seed and therefore available for pest and/or disease control.

The term “control” means to inhibit the ability of pests to survive, grow, feed and/or reproduce, or to limit the pests related damage or loss in crop plants. To “control” pests may or may not mean killing the insects although, it preferably means killing the pests.

The term “Plant stand count” means the number of live plants per acre prior to the occurrence of an insurable cause of loss.

The term “health of a plant” or “plant health” is defined as a condition of the plant and/or its products. As a result of the improved health; yield, plant vigour, quality and tolerance to abiotic or biotic stress is increased. As a result, the health of a plant is increased even in the absence of pest pressure.

In another embodiment, the present invention, provides a stable synergistic pesticidal composition for treatment of plant propagation materials such seeds, seedlings; and plants/ or crops; preferably seeds.

In another embodiment, the treatment may occur before plant propagation material is sown, so that the sown material has been pre-treated with the pesticidal composition. Seed coating or seed pelleting is particularly preferred for treatment with the pesticidal composition. As a result of the treatment, the active ingredients of the composition adheres the seed and therefore available for pest and/or disease control.

Furthermore, both in the presence and absence of biotic or abiotic stress factors, the health of a plant improves after treatment with the pesticidal composition. The above identified indicators for the health condition of a plant may be interdependent or they may result from each other. An increase in plant vigor for example result in an increased yield and/or tolerance to abiotic or biotic stress. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the yield of the treated plants is significantly improved.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the yield of the plants treated according to the method of the invention, is increased synergistically.

The “increased yield” of a plant, in particular for an agricultural, silvicultural and/or horticultural plant means that the yield of a product of the respective plant is increased by a measurable amount over the yield of the same product of the plant produced under the same conditions, but without the application of the present invention composition.

Increased yield can be characterized, among others, by the following improved properties of the plant like increased plant weight, increased plant height, increased biomass such as higher overall fresh weight (FW), increased number of flowers per plant, higher grain yield, more tillers or side shoots (branches), larger leaves, increased shoot growth, increased protein content, increased oil content, increased starch content, increased pigment content, increased leaf index. According to the present invention, the yield is increased as compared to the untreated control plants or plants treated with pesticides compositions other than the composition of the present invention.

The term “benefit: cost” refers to a ratio used in a cost-benefit analysis to summarize the overall relationship between the relative costs and benefits of a proposed composition. If a treatment has a benefit-cost ratio greater than 1.0, the treatment is expected to deliver a positive and better outcome.

A further indicator for the condition of the plant is the plant vigour. The plant vigour manifests in several aspects such as the general visual appearance. Improved plant vigour can be characterized, among others, by the following improved properties of the plant: improved vitality of the plant, improved plant growth, improved plant development, improved visual appearance, improved plant stand (less plant verse/lodging), improved emergence, enhanced root growth and/or more developed root system, enhanced nodulation, in particular rhizobia nodulation, bigger leaf blade, bigger size, increased plant weight, increased plant height, increased tiller number, increased number of side shoots, increased number of flowers per plant, increased shoot growth, increased root growth (extensive root system), increased yield when grown on poor soils or unfavourable climate, enhanced photosynthetic activity (e.g. based on increased stomatai conductance and/or increased CO2 assimilation rate), increased stomatai conductance, increased CO2 assimilation rate, enhanced pigment content (e.g. chlorophyll content), earlier flowering, earlier fruiting, earlier and improved germination, earlier grain maturity, improved self-defence mechanisms, improved stress tolerance and resistance of the plants against biotic and abiotic stress factors such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, insects, heat stress, cold stress, drought stress, UV stress and/or salt stress, less non-productive tillers, less dead basal leaves, less input needed (such as fertilizers or water), greener leaves, complete maturation under shortened vegetation periods, less fertilizers needed, less seeds needed, easier harvesting, faster and more uniform ripening, longer shelf-life, longer panicles, delay of senescence, stronger and/or more productive tillers, better extractability of ingredients, improved quality of seeds (for being seeded in the following seasons for seed production), better nitrogen uptake, improved reproduction, reduced production of ethylene and/or the inhibition of its reception by the plant.

Treatment of plants or crops with the pesticidal composition of the present invention, improves the plant vigour. In another embodiment of the invention, the plant vigour of the plants treated with the composition of the present invention increases synergistically.

The improvement of the plant vigour according to the present invention particularly means that the improvement of any one or several or all of the above mentioned plant characteristics are improved.

Another indicator for the condition of the plant is the “quality” of a plant and/or its products.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the quality of the treated plant is increased.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the quality of the plants treated according to the method of the invention, is increased synergistically.

According to the present invention, enhanced quality means that certain plant characteristics such as the content or composition of certain ingredients, are increased or improved by a measurable or noticeable amount over the same factor of the plant produced under the same conditions. Improved properties of the plant or its product, can characterise improved quality like increased nutrient content, increased protein content, increased content of fatty acids, increased metabolite content, increased carotenoid content, increased sugar content, increased amount of essential amino acids, improved nutrient composition, improved protein composition, improved composition of fatty acids, improved metabolite composition, improved carotenoid composition, improved sugar composition, improved amino acids composition, improved or optimal fruit colour, improved leaf colour, higher storage capacity, higher process ability of the harvested products.

Another indicator for the condition of the plant is the plant’s tolerance or resistance to biotic and/or abiotic stress factors. Biotic and abiotic stress, especially over long periods of time can have harmful effects on plants. Biotic stress is caused by living organisms while abiotic stress is caused for example by environmental extremes.

One indicator for the condition of the plant is the yield. “Yield” is to be understood as any plant product of economic value that is produced by the plant such as grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, wood (e.g. in the case of silviculture plants) or even flowers (e g. in the case of gardening plants, ornamentals). The plant products may in addition be further utilized and/or processed after harvesting.

The present invention provides a stable synergistic pesticidal composition comprising (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agro chemically acceptable salts and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stable synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment, comprises(A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2- methoxyimino-2- [2- [ [(E)- 1 - [3 - (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weight of the composition.

In one other aspect/embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidal composition comprises: (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxamor its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weightof the compositionand D) Styrene Acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend in the range of 0.1-5% by weight of the composition; and F) one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods for treating an unsown seed to protect the seed and/or shoots and/or foliage of a plant grown from the seed from damage by a pest, the method comprising contacting the unsown seed with a composition comprising (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 4 to 10% by weight of the composition; and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 1 to 9.5% by weight of the composition; and (C) Thiamethoxamor its agrochemically acceptable salts in the range of 20 to 35% by weightof the composition.

The composition of present invention controls the soil borne fungi and insect pests. The composition of the present invention controlled seed borne diseases such as seed rot among others. The current disclosure therefore provides advantageous methods of controlling soil borne fungal and insect pests, preferably on soybean, okra and groundnut. The present method also provides a broader spectrum of controlling such pests and helps in resistance management, thus improving germination rate and producing plants with improved vigour and a broader spectrum of control at lower use rates.

According to the present disclosure, the treatments achieve high yield and an excellent cost benefit ratio. Further, treatment with present composition does not have any adverse effect on the growth of soybean, okra and groundnut crops or on germination of these crops. Nevertheless, the present treatments do not produce any phytotoxicity effect to soybean, okra , groundnut crops and it is safe to use the composition of present invention in soybean, okra and groundnut crops for control of seed diseases and insect pests.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the particle size of the composition is D90 i.e., less than 5 microns.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agrochemically acceptable salts is present as 6% w/w of the total weight of the composition. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts is present as 9.5% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts is present as 24% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In one other aspect/embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidal composition is formulated as 2-6 ml/kg seed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pesticidal composition is formulated as 6 ml/kg seed.

The present invention provides a novel synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment and process for its preparation, wherein the composition comprises bioactive amounts of (A) compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate or its agro chemically acceptable salts and (B) Thiophanate Methyl or its agrochemically acceptable salts; and (C) Thiamethoxam or its agrochemically acceptable salts, along with acrylic copolymeric surfactant blend and one another non-ionic polymeric surfactant along with one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients.

Surprisingly it has been found that the present synergistic pesticidal composition facilitates broad spectrum control of both insects and fungi at the same time, saves crop damage, is cost- effective and has improved efficacy, stability, shelf life, provide improved plant vigour and yield. The broad spectrum of the present pesticidal composition also provides a solution for preventing the development of resistance.

In addition, the inventors of the present invention are successful in formulating a stable composition for seed treatment comprising combination of acrylic copolymer blend and a nonionic surfactant that remains stable throughout the shelf life of the composition with particle size of D90 i.e., below 5 microns. Thus, by using a combination of suitable dispersing agents, surfactants with active ingredients and reducing the particle size, it is possible to decrease the rate of sedimentation, keeping the composition homogeneous during storage.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition can be applied as a foliar spray, soil drenching, seed dressing, application as paste of the targeted plants/ trees, broadcasting, spraying, rubbing, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting, pouring, mist blowing, soil mixing, foaming, painting, spreading-on, drenching, dipping or drip irrigation.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention composition is formulated as a Flowable concentrate (FS) for seed treatment.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for protecting plant propagation materials, preferably seeds, from attack by pests, by treatingwith effective amount of the pesticidal composition of the first aspect, preferably before planting or sowing the seed.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition may be formulated or mixed in the seed treatment equipment or combined on the seed by coating with other seed treating agents. The agents to be mixed with the composition of the present invention may be for the control of pests, modification of growth together with nutrition, or for the control of plant diseases.

In accordance with an embodiment of present invention, the composition is useful for effectively controlling the soil borne pests, improve the germination rate and also enhances the vigor/yield of the plant.

The synergistic composition of the present invention is particularly suited for the treatment of plant propagation materials, so that materials like seeds has a degree of protection during its germination and growth.

The composition of the present invention controls insects pests from the following orders: Lepidoptera, for example Agrotis ypsilon, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Chilo partellus, Cnaphalocrosis medinalis, Cydia pomonella,Pythium Diaphania nitidalis, , Earias insulana, Elasmopalpus lignoselhis, Heliothis armigera, Heliothis virescens, Heliothis zea, Hellula undalis, Hyphantria cunea, Hyponomeuta malinellus, Leucoptera coffeella, Leucoptera scitella, Ostrinia nubilalis, Panolis flammea, Pectinophora gossypiella, Peridroma saucia, Phalera bucephala, Phthorimaea operculella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Pieris bras-sicae, Plutella xylostella, Sitotroga cerealella, Sesamia inferans, Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera littoralis, Spodoptera litura, Thaumatopoea pityocampa, Tortrix viridana, Trichoplusia ni; beetles (Coleoptera), for example Agrilus sinuatus, Agriotes lineatus, Agriotes obscu-rus, Amphimallus solstitialis, Anisandrus dispar, Anthonomus grandis, Anthonomus pomorum, Aphthona euphoridae, Apogonia aerea, Athous haemorrhoidalis, Atomaria linearis, Blasto-phagus piniperda, Blitophaga undata, Brahmina coriacea , Bruchus rufimanus, Bruchus pisorum, Bruchus lends, Byctiscus betulae, Cassida nebulosa, Cerotoma trifurcata, Cetonia aurata, Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis, Ceuthorrhynchus napi, Chaetocnema tibialis, Conoderus vespertinus, Crioceris asparagi, Ctenicera ssp., Diabrotica longicornis, Diabrotica semipunctata, Diabrotica punctata Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica virgifera, Epila-chna varivestis, Epitrix hirtipennis, Eutinobothrus brasiliensis, White grub species, Holotrichia consanguinea , Holotrichia serrata, Holotrichia longipennis, Hylobius abietis, Hypera brunneipennis, Hypera postica, Ips typographus, Lema bilineata, Lema melanopus, Lepidiota stigma, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Limonius califomicus, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Melanotus communis, Meligethes aeneus, Melolontha hippocastani, Melolontha melolontha, Oberea (Obereopsis) brevis, Oulema oryzae, Ortiorrhynchus sulcatus, Otiorrhynchus ovatus, Phaedon cochleariae, Phyllobius pyri, Phyllotreta chrysocephala, Phyllophaga sp., Phyllopertha hordeola, Phyllotreta nemorum, Phyllotreta striolata, Popillia japonica, Sitona lineatus and Sito-philus gran aria;Wies, (Diptera), e.g. Atherigona orientalis, Atherigona soccata, Athalia lugen proximo, Dacus cucurbi-tae, Dacus oleae, Glossina palpalis, Haematobia irritans, Haplodiplosis equestris, Hippelates spp., Hylemyia platura, Hypoderma lineata, Leptoconops torrens, Leaf miner, Liriomyza sativae, Liriomyza trifolii, Lucilia caprina, Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, Lycoria pectoralis, Mansonia titillanus, Mayedola destructor, Oscinella frit, Phorbia brassicae, Prosimulium mixtum, Rhagoletis cerasi, Sarcophaga sp., Simulium vittatum, Stomoxys calcitrans, Tabanus bovinus, Tabanus atratus, Tabanus lineola, and Tabanus similis, Tipula oleracea, and Tipula paludosa /thrips (Thysanoptera), e.g. Dichromothrips corbetd, Dichromothrips ssp , Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella tritici, Scirtothrips citri, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Thrips oryzae, Thrips palmi and Thrips tabac;, termites (Isoptera), e.g. Calotermes flavicollis, Coptotermes formosanus, Heterotermes aureus, Leucotermes flavipes, Microtermes spp., Odontotermes, Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes virginicus, Reticulitermes lucifugus and Termes natalensis; true bugs (Hemiptera), e.g. Acrostemum hilare, Amrasca biguttula biguttula, Amrasca devastans, Blissus leucopterus, Dysdercus cingulatus, Eurygaster integriceps, Euschistus impicdventris, Leptoglossus phyllopus, Lygus hneolaris, Lygus pratensis, Nezara viridu-la, Piesma quadrata, Solubea insularis , Thyanta perditor, Acyrthosiphon onobrychis, Adelges laricis, Aphidula nasturdi, Aphis fabae, Aphis forbesi, Aphis pomi, Aphis gossypii, Aphis crassivora, Aphis grossulariae, Aphis schneideri, Aphis spiraecola, Aphis sambuci, Acyrtho-siphon pisum, Aulacorthum solani, Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, Brachycaudus cardui, Brachy-caudus helichrysi, Brachycaudus persicae, Brachycaudus prunicola, Brevicoryne brassicae, Capitophorus horni, Cerosipha gossypii, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, Cryptomyzus ribis, Dreyfusia nordmannianae , Dreyfusia piceae, Dysaphis radicola, Dysaulacorthum pseudosolani, Dysaphis plantaginea, Dysaphis pyri, Empoasca fabae, Hyalopterus pruni, Hyperomyzus lactucae, Macrosiphum avenae, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Ma-crosiphon rosae, Megoura viciae, Melanaphis pyrarius, Metopolophium dirhodum, Myzus persicae, Myzus ascalonicus, Myzus cerasi, Myzus varians, Nasonovia ribis-nigri, Nilaparvata lugens, Pemphigus bursarius, Perkinsiella saccharicida, Phorodon humuli, Psylla mail, Psylla piri, Rhopalomyzus ascalonicus, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosi-phum padi, Rhopalosiphum insertum, Sappaphis mala, Sappaphis mail, Schizaphis graminum, Schizoneura lanuginosa, Sitobion avenae, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Toxoptera aurantiia d, Viteus vitifolii, Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus, Reduvius senilis, Triatoma spp., and Arilus critatus, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Amrasca biguttula, Empoasca spp., Myzus spp., Nephotettix spp., Nilaparvata spp., Pianococcus spp., Pseudococcus spp., Psylla spp., Rhopalosiphum spp., Sitobion spp., Amritodus atkinsoni, Idioscopus spp., ants, bees, wasp;, sawflies (Hymenoptera), e.g. Athalia rosae, Atta cephalotes, Atta capiguara, Atta cephalotes, Atta laevigata, Atta robusta, Atta sexdens, Atta texana, Crematogaster spp., Hoplocampa minuta,Hoplocampa testudinea, Monomorium pha-raonis, Solenopsis geminata, Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis richteri, Solenopsis xyloni, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, Pogonomyrmex californicus, Pheidole megacephala, Dasy-mutilla occidentalis, Bombus spp. Vespula squamosa, Paravespula vulgaris, Paraves-pula pennsylvanica, Paravespula germanica, Dolichovespula maculata, Vespa crabro, Polistes rubiginosa, Camponotus floridanus, and Linepithema humile, crickets, grasshoppers, locusts (Orthoptera), e.g. Acheta domestica, Gryllotalpa gryllo-talpa, Locusta migratoria, Melanoplus bivittatus, Melanoplus femurrubrum, Melanoplus mexicanus, Melanoplus sanguinipes, Melanoplus spretus, Nomadacris septemfasciata, Schistocerca americana, Schistocerca gregaria, Dociostaurus maroccanus, Tachycines asynamorus, Oedaleus senegalensis, Zonozerus variegatus, Hieroglyphus daganensis, Kraussaria angulifera, Calliptamus italicus, Chortoicetes terminifera, and Locustana pardalina, plant parasitic nematodes such as root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica; cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis, Heterodera avenae,' seed gall nematodes, Anguina funesta, Anguina tritici and other Anguina species; stem and foliar nematodes, Aphelenchoides besseyi, sting nematodes, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, white fly and other plant parasitic nematode species. The compositions of the present invention provide control of diseases caused by a broad spectrum of fungal plant pathogens in the Basidiomycete, Ascomycete, Oomycete and Deuteromycete classes. They are effective in controlling broad spectrum of plant diseases, particularly foliar pathogens of ornamental, vegetable, field, cereal, and fruit crops. These pathogens include:

Oomycetes, including Phytophthora diseases such as Phytophthora infestans, Phytophthora megasperma, Phytophthora parasitica, Phytophthora cinnamoni, Phytophthora capsici,' Pythium diseases such as Pythium aphani dermatum, Pythium seedling blight; and diseases in the Peronosporaceae family, Such as Plasmopara viticoia, Peronospora sp. (including Peronospora tabacina and Peronospora parasitica), Pseudop eronospora sp. (including Pseudoperonospora cubensis), and Premia lactucae,'

Ascomycetes, including Alternaria diseases such as Alternaria Solani and Alternaria brasicae, Guignardia diseases such as Guignardia bidwel. Venturia diseases such as Venturia inaequalis, Septoria diseases such as Septaria nodorum and Septoria triticr, powdery mildew diseases such as Erysiphe sp. (including Erysiphe graminis and Erysiphe polygoni), Uncinula necatur, Sphaerotheca filigena, and Podosphaera leucotricha, Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides, Botrytis diseases such as Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia fructicola, Sclerotinia diseases such as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Magnaporthe grisea, Phomopsis viti cola, Helminthosporium diseases such as Helminthosporium tritici repentis, Pyrenophora teres,' anthracnose diseases such as Glomerella or Colletotrichum sp. (Such as Colletotrichum graminicola),' and Gaeumannomyces graminis,'

Basidiomycetes, including rust diseases caused by Puccinia sp. (such as Puccinia recondita, Puccinia striformis, Puccinia hordei, Puccinia graminis, and Puccinia arachidis),' Hemileia vastatrix,' and Phakopsora pachyrhizi,'

Other pathogens including Rhizoctonia spp (such as Rhizoctonia solani),' Fusarium diseases such as Fusarium roseum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Verticilium dahliae, Sclerotium rolfsi. Rynchosporium secalis, Cercosporidium personatum, Cercospora arachidicola and Cercospora beticola, and other genera and species closely related to these pathogens. According to the preferred embodiment, composition of the present invention is used to control Fusarium root rot, Phytophthora root rot, Rhizoctonia seedling blight and Pythium seedling blight

The composition of the invention can be used to any and all phases of pest development, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The pests can be controlled by contacting the target pest, its food supply, habitat, breeding ground or its locus with a bioactive amount of the present composition.

The novel composition of the present invention offers excellent curative, preventative, phytotonic and systemic pesticidal properties for seeds, cultivated plants and crops. As has been mentioned, said composition can be used to inhibit or destroy the pathogens that occur on seeds, plants or parts of plants (fruit, blossoms, leaves, stems, tubers, roots) of different crops or useful plants, while at the same time those parts of plants which grow later are also protected from attack by such pathogens. The composition of the present invention has added advantage of being highly active against soil diseases that commonly arise during the early stages of plant development.

The stable synergistic composition of the present invention, provides a process for treating seeds, wherein the said seed is selected from the group comprising of cereals (wheat, barley, rye), maize, sorghum, sunflower, cotton, rice, peas, rape, okra, potato, groundnut, chili and market garden crops. Seed treatment is a promising method for the protection of seeds against pests (fungi and insects) suitable for crop seeds further selected from selected from the group of corn (sweet and field), soybean, oats, alfalfa, sorghum, rapeseed, sugar beet, Brassica spp., tomato, bean, carrot, tobacco; and flower seed, for example, pansy, impatiens, petunia and geranium.

The composition of the present invention also allows preventative or curative control of diseases caused by a broad spectrum of fungal plant pathogens, by applying an effective amount of the composition either pre-or post-infection.

Plant disease control is ordinarily accomplished by applying an effective amount of a stable synergistic composition of the present invention either pre-or post-infection, to the portion of the plant to be protected such as the roots, stems, foliage, fruit, seeds, tubers or bulbs, or to the media (soil or sand) in which the plants to be protected are growing. The composition can also be applied to the seed to protect the seed and seedling. Composition of the present invention is effective for management of mixed infestation of various insects and fungal diseases on crops, and plants.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the agrochemically acceptable excipients of the composition of present invention are selected from the group comprising surfactants/dispersing agents, polymers, anti-freezing agent, wetting agents, anti-foaming agents, colorants, pigments, binders/structuring agents, biocides/anti-microbial agent, thickener, crystal growth inhibitors, buffering agent, fillers, quick coating agent or sticking agents, preservatives adjuvants and solvents or a combination thereof.

In still another embodiment, styrene acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend act as crystal growth inhibitors and dispersant.

Suitable agro chemically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to carriers such as crop oil concentrates; methylated seed oils; emulsified methylated seed oils; nonylphenolethoxylate; benzylcocoalkyldimethyl quaternary ammonium salt; blend of petroleum hydrocarbon, alkyl esters, organic acid, and anionic surfactant; C9-C11 alkylpolyglycoside; phosphated alcohol ethoxylate; natural primary alcohol (C12-C16) ethoxylate; di-sec-butylphenol EO-PO block copolymer; polysiloxane-methyl cap; nonylphenol ethoxylate, urea ammonium nitrate; tridecyl alcohol (synthetic) 5 ethoxylate (8EO); tallow amine ethoxylate ; PEG(400) dioleate-99, alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; alkylarylsulfonate salts, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenolalkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol-Cis ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tri decyl alcohol-C16 ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; alkyl-naphthalene-sulfonate salts, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; salts of mono and dialkyl phosphate esters; vegetable or seed oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed/canola oil, olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, tung oil and the like; and esters of the above vegetable oils, and in certain embodiments, methyl esters.

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

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

Thickeners that may be employed in the compositions of the present disclosure include but are not limited to silicates such metal silicates, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, polyvinylalcohol, sodium alginate, sodium poly acrylate, xanthan gum, welan gum, gum arabic, montmorillonite, lignosulfonates, hydroxy methyl cellulose, dextrin, starch, and combinations thereof.

Anti-freezing agent as used herein can be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycols, methoxypolyethylene glycols, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycols, polybutylene glycols, glycerin, ethylene glycol and combinations thereof.

Anti-foaming agents that may be employed in the compositions of the present disclosure include but are not limited to silicone oils, or mineral oils, Fatty acid ester; biocides such as sodium benzoate, 1 ,2-benzisothiazoline -3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2- methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, potassium sorbate, and parahydroxy benzoates, silicon emulsion based anti-foam agents, Siloxane polyalkyleneoxide, trisiloxane ethoxylates and combinations thereof. A wetting agent is a substance that when added to a liquid increases the spreading or penetration power of the liquid by reducing the interfacial tension between the liquid and the surface on which it is spreading. Wetting agents are used for two main functions in agrochemical formulations: during processing and manufacture to increase the rate of wetting of powders in water to make concentrates for soluble liquids or suspension concentrates; and during mixing of a product with water in a spray tank or other vessel to reduce the wetting time of wettable powders and to improve the penetration of water into water-dispersible granules. Examples of wetting agents include but not limited to sodium lauryl sulphate; sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate; Tri styrylphenol ethoxylate non-ionic emulsifier/ mixture of non-ionic surfactants & alkoxylated Alcohol/Block copolymer, alkyl phenol ethoxylates; and aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates and the salts thereof and mixtures thereof, which are standard in agriculture or combinations thereof.

Pigments that may be employed in the compositions of the present disclosure may include but are not limited to pigment blue 15:4, pigment blue 15:3, pigment blue 15:2, pigment blue 15: 1 , pigment blue 80, pigment yellow 1 , pigment yellow 13, pigment red 112, pigment red 48:2, pigment red 48:1 , pigment red 57: 1 , pigment red 53:1 , pigment orange 43, pigment orange 34, pigment orange 5, pigment green 36, pigment green 7, pigment white 6, pigment brown 25, basic violet 10, basic violet 49, violet 23, acid red 51 , acid red 52, acid red 14, acid blue 9, acid yellow 23, basic red 10, and basic red 108or combinations thereof.

Polymers that may be employed in the compositions of the present disclosure include but are not limited to polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, gel-forming carraagheenans, water- soluble gelatine and casein, superabsorbent polymers such polyacrylamides and polyacrylates based polymers, semi-synthetic or fully-synthetic peptide/protein-based superabsorbent polymers such as collagen-based synthetic polymers, elastin-like polypeptides, polyaspartic acid, polyaspartates, polyglutamic acid, polyglutamate, Semi-synthetic or fully-synthetic polysaccharide: carboxymethyl starch , sulfoethyl starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, sulfoethyl cellulos, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, chitosan; crosslinked polysaccharides such as CMS cross-linked with multi-functional carboxylic acids or multi-functional epoxides, polysaccharides obtained by graft polymerizing a monomer onto a polysaccharide, wherein the monomer is selected from acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl- propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), vinyl sulfonic acid, ethyl acrylate, and potassium acrylate or combinations thereof. Surfactants/dispersing agents that are used as dispersants have the ability to adsorb strongly onto a particle surface and provide a charged or steric barrier to re-aggregation of particles. The most commonly used surfactants are anionic, non-ionic, or mixtures of the two types. Examples of dispersants used herein include but not limited to sodium lignosulphonates; sodium naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensates; tri styryl phenol ethoxylate phosphate esters; aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates; alky ethoxylates; EO-PO block copolymers; acrylic graft Copolymer and graft copolymers; Polyarylphenyl ether phosphate, tristyryl phenol ethoxylated, Polyarylphenyl ether phosphate amine salt /Acrylic Copolymer/ Ethoxylated Tristryl phenol Sulphate, Naphthalene sulfonic acid, sodium salt condensate with formaldehyde, Ethoxylated oleyl cetyl alcohol, Polyalkelene glycol ether, Ethoxylated Fatty alcohol or combinations thereof.

Microorganisms cause spoilage of formulated products. Therefore, biocides/anti-microbial agents are used to eliminate or reduce their effect. Examples of such agents include, but are not limited to: propionic acid and its sodium salt; sorbic acid and its sodium or potassium salts; benzoic acid and its sodium salt; p-hydroxy benzoic acid sodium salt; methyl p-hydroxy benzoate; and biocide such as sodium benzoate, l,2-benzisothiazoline-3-one, 2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, potassium sorbate, parahydroxy benzoates or combinations thereof.

The solvent for the formulation of the present invention may include water, water-soluble alcohols and dihydroxy alcohol ethers. The water-soluble alcohol which can be used in the present invention may be lower alcohols or water-soluble macromolecular alcohols. The term "lower alcohol", as used herein, represents an alcohol having 1-4 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, tert-butanol, etc. Macromolecular alcohol is not limited, as long as it may be dissolved in water in a suitable amount range, e g., polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, glucitol, etc. The examples of suitable dihydroxy alcohol ethers used in the present invention may be dihydroxy alcohol alkyl ethers or dihydroxy alcohol aryl ethers. The examples of dihydroxy alcohol alkyl ether include ethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, etc. The examples of dihydroxy alcohol aryl ethers include ethylene glycol phenyl ether, diethylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol phenyl ether, and the like. Any of the above-mentioned solvent can be used either alone or in combination thereof.

Filler is added to the composition to improve the handling and storage characteristics of the composition. Fillers also add mass and/or volume to the active ingredient in order to facilitate precise measurement of the doses. Suitable fillers that may be used in the composition of the present invention include, but not limited to, Silicon Dioxide, bentonite clay, china clay, silica, kaolin, talc, starch, diatomaceous earth or combinations thereof.

An adjuvant used in the present invention is any material that is added to an agrochemical formulation to enhance or modify the performance of the formulation. An adjuvant used in the present invention to make it a safer to ecological environmental, having low toxicity and having no phytotoxicity effects on any part of the plant. Examples of such adjuvants used herein include but not limited to Silicone Ethoxylated Oil, Polyvinyl Pyrrolidon, Poly vinyl Alcohol, Blend of poly terpene resin or combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the particle size of the composition i.e., D90 is less than 5 microns.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is high benefit: cost ratio.

In one embodiment, the compositions according to the present invention acts synergistically to control fungi and insect pests in various crops.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, yield and germination rate of the treated plant and crop is improved.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the yield and germination rate of the plants treated according to the method of the invention, increases synergistically

The composition of the present invention also provides control of diseases caused by a broad spectrum of fungal plant pathogens and insect pests preventatively or curatively by applying an effective amount of the composition for seed treatment.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a plant material treated with the present compositions, such that at least a portion of the applied compositions is adhered to the plant material. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a seed treated with the present compositions, such that at least a portion of the applied compositions is adhered to the seed.

In an embodiment, the seed is selected from soybean seed, orange seed, raspberries seed, broccoli seed, prune seed, corn seed, peach seed, mango seed, celery seed, conifer seed, tangerine seed, kiwifruit seed, gooseberry seed, plum seed, pumpkin seed, beet seed, starfruit seed, bean seed, carrot seed, asparagus seed, apple seed, crabapple seed, and swiss chard seed.

In an embodiment, FS formulation of present compositions is used for seed treatment of soybean, ground nut and okra/bhindi.

The composition of the present invention can also comprise or may be applied together and/or sequentially with further active compounds. These further compounds can be selected from fertilizers or micronutrient donors or microorganisms or other preparations that influence plant growth, such as inoculants (e.g. a strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria), and plant inducers.

Examples

Having described the basic aspects of the present invention, the following non-limiting examples illustrate specific embodiment thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications may be made in the invention without changing the essence of invention. The composition and process of present invention is exemplified by the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1:

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, process for preparing the synergistic pesticidal composition for seed treatment comprising the following steps:

Take half quantity DM (demineralised) water. Add required quantity acrylic copol ym eric surfactant blend along with Styrene Acrylic based copolymer, ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend and Propylene glycol. Mix it well with homogenizer for about 30 minutes.

Charge required quantity (bioactive amounts) of compound of Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2 methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l- [3(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]a cetate technical, Thiophanate methyl technical, Thiamethoxam Technical and pigment/colorant. Mix it well and make homogenized slurry with homogenizer

Milled slurry in bead milled to achieve particle size D90 below 5 microns.

After milling add Xanthum gum solution, silicone based anti-foaming agent, biocideand remaining excipients, DM water

Final composition obtained and analysed and check all parameters A stable Flowable Suspension Concentrate (FS) formulation of Compound of Formula I i.e. methyl(2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate, Thiophanate methyl and Thiamethoxam according to the present invention was prepared as follows:

Example 2:

Example 3:

Formula I i.e. methyl (2E)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-l-[3- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylideneamino]oxymethyl]phenyl]ace tate technical 6% w/w + Thiophanate methyl 9.5%w/w + Thiamethoxam 24% w/w FS

Process

Process: Required quantity of water, biocide, and defoamer followed by addition of gum powder are homogenized with stirring to obtain a gum solution (Gum Solution should be made 12-18 hour prior to use). Required quantity of DM water, wetting agent, dispersing agent, crystal growth inhibitor& suspending agents, colourant/dye was added into the charged vessel followed by homogenization for a period of ranging between 45 - 60 minutes using high shear homogeniser to obtain a homogenized slurry. Technicals/active ingredients and other remaining adjuvants excluding ‘antifreeze & thickeners’ were added into the homogenized slurry to obtain a uniform slurry. Half of the quantity of required antifoam agent was added into the slurry. The uniform slurry mixture was then passed through appropriate particle size reduction equipment (Dyno-Mill) until the granule material of the desired particle size was achieved. Remaining half of the quantity of required antifoam agent along with the antifreeze agent was added to the granule material as obtained. Gum solution as obtained in the first step was then added to obtain the flowable suspension concentrate form.

BIO-EFFICACY DATA:

Evaluation of synergistic effect of pesticidal composition of the present invention

A synergistic effect of two or more products exists whenever the action of an active ingredient combination is greater than the sum of the actions of the individual components. Synergism was calculated by using Colby’s method (Weeds, vol. 15 No. 1 (Jan 1967), pp. 20-2.

The synergistic action expected for a given composition of three active components can be calculated as follows:

(XY+YZ+XZ) (XYZ)

E = (X + Y + Z) - - + -

100 10000

Where:

E represents expected percentage of pesticidal control for the combination of the two or three actives ingredients at defined doses (for example equal to x, y and z, respectively).

X is the percentage of pesticidal control observed by the compound (Compound of Formula I) at a defined dose (equal to x).

Y is the percentage of pesticidal control observed by the compound (Thiophanate methyl) at a defined dose (equal to y).

Z is the percentage of pesticidal control observed by the compound (Thiamethoxam) at a defined dose (equal to z). When the percentage of pesticidal control observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage, there is a synergism effect.

Observed control (%) Ratio = -

Expected control (%)

Ratio of O/E > 1, synergism observed

Experiment for synergistic activity of composition of present invention: Example 4- Details of experiment on soybean crop:

Field experiment for synergistic activity of compound of Formula I, Thiophanate methyl and Thiam ethoxam for the control of seedling rot disease and whitefly pest in soybean crop was conducted at farmer field, Sonipat (Haryana).

To evaluate the synergistic effect, soybean (Variety: JS 2069) crop was sown in 4 m x 5 m plots maintaining 30 cm x 30 cm plant distance with three replications and in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The treatments were applied as seed treatments in the form of FS formulation @ 5 ml/kg seed. Each active component was applied at two doses in different ternary and binary combinations Solo components were also taken for comparison The treatment details of compositions areas under:

The treatments T1 to T26 were used as seed treatment whereas no treatment was done for T27 control treatment. On the day of soybean crop sowing, the soybean seeds per treatment were treated with the required quantity of respective active component and water @ 10 ml/kg seed in plastic pots. After closing the opening of pot, the pot with seeds were rotated side-ways and up and down to ensure uniform coating. After drying treated soybean seeds in shade for about one hour, sown in well prepared experimental plots. Observations for seedling rot (causal organism Pythium spp.) were recorded at 30 days after crop sowing by observing 100 random plants per plot and based on diseased and healthy plants per cent disease incidence was calculated. The observations for whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) population at 45 days after crop sowing were recorded on three leaves per plant on 10 random plants per plot. The per cent reduction in disease incidence and whitefly population was calculated over control. Based on the per cent reduction in disease incidence and whitefly population the Expected control was calculated and compared with Observed control. The results of the trial have been presented here under in Table 1.

Table 1: Synergistic effect of composition of the present invention (Composition comprising Compound of Formula I + Thiophanate methyl + Thiamethoxam) against seedling rot disease and whitefly in soybean crop 27 | Untreated control | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |

It is clearly evident from the data shown in above Table 1 for per cent seedling rot disease control and per cent whitefly pest control in soybean crop that the ternary combination composition of the present invention comprising Compound of Formula I, Thiophanate methyl and Thiamethoxam T1 to T8 are synergistic for both disease and pest control with > 1 Colby’s Ratio. The binary combination of two fungicides (Compound of Formula 1+ Thiophanate methyl) T9 to T12 is compatible but synergistic effect shown is low for the control of seedling rot disease, but not effective to control whitefly pest being fungicides. The binary combination of one fungicide and one insecticide (Compound of Formula I + Thiamethoxam and Thiophanate methyl + Thiamethoxam) T13 to T20 are less effective to control seedling rot disease and for whitefly pest control as compared to ternary combination of Compound of Formula I + Thiophanate methyl + Thiamethoxam T1 to T8.

Example 5 - Details of experiment on okra crop:

Field experiment for synergistic activity of Composition comprising Compound of Formula I, Thiophanate methyl and Thiamethoxam for the control of damping off disease and leafhopper pest in okra crop was conducted at farmer field, Sonipat (Haryana).

To evaluate the synergistic effect, okra (Variety S-51) crop was sown in 4 m x 5 m plots at 30 cm x 30 cm plant distance with three replications and in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The treatments were applied as seed treatments in the form of FS formulation @ 6 ml/kg seed. Each active component was applied at two doses in different ternary and binary combinations, Solo component was also taken for comparison. The treatment details of various compositions areas under:

The treatments T1 to T26 were used as seed treatment whereas no treatment was done for T27 control treatment. On the day of okra crop sowing, the okra seeds per treatment were treated with the required quantity of respective active component and water @ 10 ml/kg seed in plastic pots. After closing the opening of pot, the pot with seeds were rotated side-ways and up and down to ensure uniform coating. After drying treated okra seeds in shade for about one hour, sown in well prepared experimental plots. Observation for damping off (causal organism Rhizoctonia solani) was recorded at 30 days after crop sowing by observing 100 random plants per plot and based on diseased and healthy plants per cent disease incidence was calculated. The observations for leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) population at 45 days after crop sowing was recorded on three leaves per plant on 10 random plants per plot. The per cent reduction in disease incidence and leafhopper population was calculated over control. Based on the per cent reduction in disease incidence and leafhopper population the Expected control was calculated and compared with Observed control. The results of the trial are presented here under in Table 2: Table 2: Synergistic effect of composition of the present invention (Composition comprising Compound of Formula I + Thiophanate methyl + Thiamethoxam) against damping off disease and leafhopper in okra (Bhindi) crop

It is clearly evident from the data shown in above Table 2 for per cent damping off disease control and per cent leafhopper pest control in okra crop that the ternary composition of the present invention comprising Compound of Formula I, Thiophanate methyl and Thiamethoxam T1 to T8 are synergistic for both disease and pest control with > 1 Colby’s Ratio. The binary combination of two fungicides (Compound of Formula 1+ Thiophanate methyl) T9 to T12 is compatible but synergistic effect shown is low for the control of damping off disease, but not effective to control leafhopper pest being fungicides. The binary combination of one fungicide and one insecticide (Compound of Formula I + Thiamethoxam and Thiophanate methyl + Thiamethoxam) T13 to T20 are less effective to control damping off disease and for leafhopper pest control as compared to ternary combination of Compound of Formula I + Thiophanate methyl + Thiamethoxam T1 to T8.

Experiment for Bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention:

For the ternary and binary combination based on Compound of Formula I, Thiophanate Methyl and Thiamethoxam evaluation under field conditions, the basic test composition as Compound of Formula 16% FS, Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% FS and Thiamethoxam 24% FS wereused by the inventor. For ternary composition, Compound of Formula 16% FS + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% FS + Thiamethoxam 24% FS was used and for binary combination one fungicide and one insecticide, Compound of Formula I 6% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS and Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS were used. The binary composition of Compound of Formula I 6% and Thiophanate methyl 9.5% was not included in the trials since both belongs to same fungicide group and the objective to control disease and insect pest simultaneously will not be fulfilled. The solo formulations of Compound of Formula I 6% FS and Thiophanate methyl 9.5% FS were also used for comparison. The solo formulation of Thiamethoxam 30% FS and other binary combination formulations Thiophanate Methyl 450 g/1 + Pyraclostrobin 50 g/1 FS and Penflufen 13.28% + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% FSavailable in the market were used for comparison.

Example 6: Evaluation of the composition of the present invention on soybean

The synergistic composition of the present invention i.e. composition comprising Compound of Formula I 6% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS was evaluated on soybean crop variety JS 2069 at a farmer field, Sonipat. The seed treatment was done on the day of crop sowing following Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications maintaining a distance of 30 cm x 30 cm between plants and rows.

The observations were recorded for the following objectives.

Objectives:

Bio-efficacy evaluation based on seed germination percent

Bio-efficacy evaluation against seedling rot disease on soybean crop

Bio-efficacy evaluation against whitefly on soybean crop

Bio-efficacy evaluation based on per cent reduction in seedling rot disease control

Bio-efficacy evaluation based on percent reduction in whitefly population

Bio-efficacy evaluation based on crop yield and plant height

Phytotoxicity evaluation on soybean crop

Impact of treatments on natural enemies (spiders and coccinellids) in soybean crop

Economics of treatments based on Cost: Benefit Ratio

Treatment details of various compositions are as under:

Methodology:

The treatments T1 to T14 and T16 were used as seed treatment whereas no treatment was done for T15 control treatment. On the day of soybean crop sowing, the soybean seeds per treatment were treated with the required quantity of respective active component and water @ 10 ml/kg seed in plastic pots. After closing the opening of pot, the pot with seeds were rotated side-ways and up and down to ensure uniform coating. After drying treated soybean seeds in shade for about one hour, sown in well prepared experimental plots.

Observation for crop germination was recorded 15 days after crop sowing. The observations for seedling rot disease (causal organism Pythium spp) were recorded at 15, 30 and 45 days after crop sowing based on diseased and healthy plants per plot and per cent disease incidence was calculated. The observations for whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) population at 30, 45 and 60 days after crop sowing was recorded on three leaves per plant on 10 random plants per plot. The per cent reduction in disease incidence and whitefly population was calculated over control. The plant height was recorded at 30 and 60 days after crop sowing. The crop yield was recorded at crop harvest. The observations for natural enemies in crop ecosystem at 30 and 45 days after crop sowing and phytotoxicity to soybean crop at 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after crop sowing were also recorded. Based on treatment application cost, market price of produce and net profit, the Cost: Benefit Ratio was calculated for the economics of ternary combination treatments. The data were subjected to statistically analysis of variance. Results are presented in Table 3, 4, 5. 6 and 7.

Results:

Table 3: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS against seedling rot of soybean crop

Figures in parentheses are angular transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 4: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS against whitefly of soybean crop

Figures in parentheses are square root transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 5: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS based on crop germination, plant height and yield of soybean

Figures in parentheses are angular/ square root transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 6: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS for effect on natural enemies on soybean crop Figures in parentheses are square root transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 7: Phytotoxicity evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS on soybean crop

From the example, it can be clearly seen that the composition of the present invention is superior for controlling the seedling rot disease (caused by Pythium spp) at 15, 30 and 45 days after crop sowing (Table 3) and for controlling whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) at 30, 45 and 60 days after crop sowing (Table 4) in soybean crop as compared to the binary composition and solo component comprising Compound of Formula 16% FS, Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% FS and Thiamethoxam 24% FS at different dosage levels. Other registered formulated products available in the market, Thiophanate Methyl 450 g/1 + Pyraclostrobin 50 g/1 FS and Penflufen 13.28% + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% FS evaluated were next in order of effectiveness after ternary combination products. The crop germination percentage at 15 days after crop sowing and plant height at 30 and 60 days after crop sowing increased significantly in ternary combination product as compared to other binary and solo treatments. The yield of soybean crop also improved in thetemary composition of Compound of Formula I 6% FS, Thiophanate methyl 9.5% FS and Thiamethoxam 24% FS as compared to binary and solo components (Table 5). One of the reasons of higher crop germination percentage, plant height and crop yield may be due to better control of seed borne and/or soil borne diseases and insect pest. The Cost: Benefit Ratio revealed that ternary combination Compound of Formula 16% FS + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% FS + Thiamethoxam 24% FS@ 6 and 8 g/kg seed were most economical with higher Cost: Benefit Ratio as compared to other binary and solo treatments (Table 5) No adverse effect of all the treatments was observed on the prevailing natural enemies (spiders and coccinellids) in soybean crop ecosystem at 30 and 45 days after crop sowing (Table 6).

The disclosed composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% FS + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% FS + Thiamethoxam 24% FS@ 5, 6, 8 and 16 ml/kg seed further showed no phytotoxicity in the soybean crop even after 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after crop sowing (Table 7).

Example 7: Evaluation of the composition of the present invention on okra

The synergistic composition of the present invention comprising Compound of Formula I 6% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS was evaluated on okra crop variety S-51 at a farmer field, Sonipat. The seed treatment was done on the day of crop sowing following Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications maintaining a distance of 30 cm x 30 cm between plants and rows.

The observations were recorded for the following objectives.

Objectives: Bio-efficacy evaluation based on crop germination

Bio-efficacy evaluation against damping off disease on okra crop

Bio-efficacy evaluation against leafhopper on okra crop

Bio-efficacy evaluation based on per cent reduction in damping off disease control

Bio-efficacy evaluation based on percent reduction in leafhopper population Bio-efficacy evaluation based on crop yield and plant height

Phytotoxicity evaluation on okra crop

Impact of treatments on natural enemies (spiders and coccinellids) in okra crop

Economics of treatments based on Cost; Benefit Ratio.

Treatment details of various compositions are as under:

Methodology:

The treatments T1 to T14 and T16 were used as seed treatment whereas no treatment was done for T15 control treatment. On the day of okra crop sowing, the okra seeds per treatment were treated with the required quantity of respective active component and water @ 10 ml/kg seed in plastic pots. After closing the opening of pot, the pot with seeds were rotated side-ways and up and down to ensure uniform coating. After drying treated okra seeds in shade for about one hour, sown in well prepared experimental plots.

Observation for crop germination was recorded 15 days after crop sowing. The observations for damping off (causal organism Rhizoctonia solani) was recorded at 15, 30 and 45 days after crop sowing based on diseased and healthy plants per plot and per cent disease incidence was calculated. The observations for leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) population at 30, 45 and 60 days after crop sowing was recorded on three leaves per plant on 10 random plants per plot. The per cent reduction in disease incidence and leafhopper population was calculated over control. The plant height was recorded at 30 and 60 days after crop sowing. The crop yield was recorded at each harvest. The observations for natural enemies in crop ecosystem at 30 and 45 days after crop sowing and phytotoxicity to okra crop at 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after crop sowing were also recorded. Based on treatment application cost, market price of produce and net profit, the Cost: Benefit Ratio was calculated for the economics of ternary combination treatments. The data were subjected to statistically analysis of variance. Results are presented in Table 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Results:

Table 8: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS against damping off of okra (Bhindi) crop

Figures in parentheses are angular transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 9: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS against leafhopper of okra crop

Figures in parentheses are square root transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 10: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS based on crop germination, plant heightand fruit yield of okra

Figures in parentheses are angular/ square root transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 11: Field bio-efficacy evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula I 6% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS for effect on natural enemies on okra crop

Figures in parentheses are square root transformed values DAS - Days after crop sowing

Table 12: Phytotoxicity evaluation of composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS on okra crop

From the example, it can be clearly seen that the combination of the present invention comprising Compound of Formula I 6% + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS is superior for controlling the damping off disease (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) at 15, 30 and 45 days after crop sowing (Table 8) and for controlling leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) at 30, 45 and 60 days after crop sowing (Table 9) in okra crop, as compared to the binary composition comprising Compound of Formula 16% FS and Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% FS with Thiamethoxam 24% FS at different dosage levels and solo formulations of Compound of Formula 16% FS, Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% FS and Thiamethoxam 30% FS. Other registered binary formulated products available in the market, Thiophanate Methyl 450 g/1 + Pyraclostrobin 50 g/1 FS and Penflufen 13.28% + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% FS evaluated were next in order of effectiveness after ternary combination products. The crop germination percentage at 15 days after crop sowing and plant height at 30 and 60 days after crop sowing increased significantly in ternary combination product as compared to other binary and solo treatments. The yield of okra crop also improved in theternary combination of Compound of Formula I 6% + Thiophanate methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS as compared to binary and solo components (Table 10). One of the reasons of higher crop germination percentage, plant height and crop yield is due to better control of seed borne and/or soil borne diseases and insect pest. The Cost: Benefit Ratio revealed that ternary combination Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS@ 6 and 8 ml/kg seed were most economical with higher Cost: Benefit Ratio as compared to other binary and solo treatments (Table 10). No adverse effect of all the treatments was observed on the prevailing natural enemies (spiders and coccinellids) in okra crop ecosystem at 30 and 45 days after crop sowing (Table 11).

The disclosed composition of present invention comprisingCompound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS@ 5, 6, 8 and 16 ml/kg seed further showed no phytotoxicity in the okra crop even after 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after crop sowing (Table 12).

It is evident from the above tables of examples that the combination composition of the present inventioncomprisingCompound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS resulted in good soybean and okra crop germination percentage and higher plant height, and control of seedling rot disease and whitefly in soybean and damping off disease and leafhopper in okra crop with higher respective yields as compared to the reference standard products (binary compositions and solo products). The Cost: Benefit Ratio also showed that ternary composition of present invention comprising Compound of Formula 16% + Thiophanate Methyl 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 24% FS@ 6 and 8 ml/kg seed was most economical with higher Cost: Benefit Ratio as compared to other binary and solo treatments. Further, the composition of present invention is resulted synergistic.

From the above, results of experiments indicate that the synergistic composition of present invention is highly effective in controlling disease and insect pest and increasing production of soybean and okra at lower doses of the products in the combination, thus the invention is cost effective and safer to the environment.

SATBILITY DATA:

Example 8:

Effect of Particle Size and crystal growth inhibitor as dispersing agent on the Stability of the composition of the present invention

(FS composition of Compound of Formula I, Thiophanate methyl and Thiamethoxam withstvrene acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend)

Particle size was determined by laser diffraction of dilution of thick viscous liquid in water. After 2 weeks of storage at 54°C, the composition of present invention was homogenous, with no layer separation at top and no sedimentation at bottom.

Example-9 (FS composition of Compound of Formula I, Thiophanate methyl and Thiamethoxam without Styrene Acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend)

Particle size was determined by laser diffraction of dilution of thick viscous liquid in water. After 2 week storage at 54°C, the mixture was highly viscous, with heavy layer separation at top and heavy sedimentation at bottom. This shows that composition of present invention has increased stability as compared with composition having same actives i.e. Compound of Formula I, Thiophanate methyl and Thiamethoxam without styrene acrylic based copolymer and ethoxylated tristyryl phenol ammonium sulfate blend. From the foregoing data, it is evident that the composition of present invention is stable, synergistically efficacious in terms of disease control and improves the germination and yield of the seed crops. Thus, from the above, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

It is to be understood that the present invention is susceptible to modifications, changes and adaptations by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, changes, adaptations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.