U.S. patent application number 14/826381 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for seed treatment compositions and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is BASF SE. Invention is credited to Matthias BRATZ, Rafel ISRAELS, Katharine KLAMCZYNSKI, Ulf SCHLOTTERBECK, Dirk VOESTE.
Application Number | 20150342182 14/826381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40351221 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150342182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ISRAELS; Rafel ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
Seed Treatment Compositions and Methods
Abstract
The invention relates to seed treatment compositions comprising
active ingredient, polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulphate, and copolymer having
polyalkoxy ether side chains. The polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether
phosphate and/or the polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulphate in
combination with the copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains
are used as dispersant, especially to provide a dispersion of
suspended active ingredient. The present invention also relates to
methods of treating seed with such a composition.
Inventors: |
ISRAELS; Rafel; (Koeln,
DE) ; KLAMCZYNSKI; Katharine; (Boehl-Iggelheim,
DE) ; BRATZ; Matthias; (Maxdorf, DE) ;
SCHLOTTERBECK; Ulf; (Mannheim, DE) ; VOESTE;
Dirk; (Limburgerhof, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BASF SE |
Ludwigshafen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
40351221 |
Appl. No.: |
14/826381 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12672751 |
Feb 9, 2010 |
9137984 |
|
|
PCT/EP2008/060672 |
Aug 14, 2008 |
|
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14826381 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/266.23 ;
514/383; 514/407; 514/520 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 43/56 20130101;
A01N 25/30 20130101; A01N 47/02 20130101; A01N 37/44 20130101; A01N
43/653 20130101; A01N 53/00 20130101; A01N 47/24 20130101; A01N
25/00 20130101; A01N 25/04 20130101; A01N 43/653 20130101; A01N
25/00 20130101; A01N 25/04 20130101; A01N 47/02 20130101; A01N
25/00 20130101; A01N 25/04 20130101; A01N 47/24 20130101; A01N
25/00 20130101; A01N 25/04 20130101; A01N 53/00 20130101; A01N
25/00 20130101; A01N 25/04 20130101; A01N 25/30 20130101; A01N
43/653 20130101; A01N 47/02 20130101; A01N 47/24 20130101; A01N
53/00 20130101; A01N 43/653 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N
47/02 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N 47/24 20130101; A01N
2300/00 20130101; A01N 53/00 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01N 25/04 20060101
A01N025/04; A01N 37/44 20060101 A01N037/44; A01N 43/56 20060101
A01N043/56; A01N 43/653 20060101 A01N043/653 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 16, 2007 |
EP |
07114462.0 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A seed treatment composition comprising: active ingredient;
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether sulfate; and copolymer having polyalkoxy ether
side chains.
22. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the
polyarylphenol group is a tristyrylphenol group.
23. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the polyalkoxy
ether moiety comprises 5 to 60 alkylene oxide units.
24. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the polyalkoxy
ether moiety is a poly(ethylene oxide) moiety.
25. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulfate is the compound having
CAS-No. 119432-41-6 or the polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether
phosphate is the compound having CAS-No. 176776-21-9.
26. The composition according to claim 21, comprising at least 0.1%
by weight of polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulfate and at most 50% by weight
of polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy' ether sulfate.
27. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the copolymer
comprises (i) monomer units of at least one ester of an
ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, wherein the carboxylic
acid ester has an alkoxylate residue of the general formula (II):
(R.sup.1).sub.n--X--(CHR.sup.2CH.sub.2O).sub.w--(CHR.sup.3CH.sub.2O).sub.-
x--(CHR.sup.4(CH.sub.2).sub.yO).sub.z-- (II), in which R.sup.1 is
hydrogen or an aliphatic hydrocarbon residue with 1 to 40 carbon
atoms; R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 are, independently of one another,
hydrogen or C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; w, x, z correspond,
independently of one another, to a value of 0 to 100, the sum of w,
x and z being greater than 0; y corresponds to a value of 1 to 20;
X is N or O, n being 1 if X is O; or n being 2 if X is N; and (ii)
monomer units of at least one additional copolymerizable
comonomer.
28. The composition according to claim 27, wherein the
ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid is acrylic and/or
methacrylic acid.
29. The composition according to claim 27, wherein the alkoxylate
residue of the general formula (II) is an ethoxylate residue of the
formula (IIa) R.sup.1--O--(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.z-- (IIa) in which
R.sup.1 is defined as in claim 27; and z corresponds to a value of
1 to 100.
30. The composition according to claim 27, wherein the
copolymerizable comonomer is methyl acrylate and/or methyl
methacrylate.
31. The composition according to claim 27, wherein the copolymer
has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 5 kDa.
32. The composition according to claim 27, wherein the copolymer is
the compound having CAS-No. 111 740-36-4.
33. The composition according to claim 27, comprising at least 0.1%
by weight of copolymer and at most 20% by weight of copolymer.
34. The composition according to claim 21, wherein the weight ratio
of polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether sulfate to copolymer is at least 0.1:1 and at most
10:1.
35. The composition according to claim 21, further comprising at
least one auxiliary agent selected from the group consisting of
seed coating agents, solid matrix materials, penetration enhancers,
and colorants.
36. The composition according to claim 35, wherein the seed coating
agent is a binder.
37. The composition according to claim 36, wherein the binder
comprises an adhesive polymer.
38. The composition according to claim 21, further comprising an
antifreeze agent.
39. The composition according to claim 21, which is an aqueous
suspension concentrate.
40. A method of treating seed, which comprises applying an
effective amount of a composition of claim 21 to a lot of seeds.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/672,751, filed Feb. 9, 2010, which is a
National Phase Application of International Application No.
PCT/EP2008/060672, filed Aug. 14, 2008, which claims priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to European Patent Application No. 07114462.0,
filed Aug. 16, 2007.
[0002] The invention relates to seed treatment compositions and
methods of treating seed. The invention also relates to the use of
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphates and/or polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether sulfates as well as of copolymers having
polyalkoxy ether side chains in seed treatment compositions.
[0003] Seed treatment is the process of applying active ingredients
to seeds in order to support the germination and/or the growth of a
large variety of crops. Typical examples include the application of
pesticides such as fungicides, insecticides and plant growth
regulators, as well as other active ingredients such as
fertilizers.
[0004] Being an alternative to traditional broadcast spraying of
pesticides, seed treatment compositions must fulfil a number of
special requirements which include their applicability to seeds in
commercial equipment, the adhesion of the active ingredients to the
treated seeds, and good flowability of the treated seeds. Of
course, the treated seeds must still be capable of germination.
[0005] A number of compositions widely used for seed treatment are
dispersions. Such compositions require one or more dispersants to
lower the viscosity and to stabilize the dispersion against
agglomeration and crystal growth.
[0006] WO 2005/036963 describes suspension concentrates comprising
an azole and/or a strobilurine, a penetration promoter from the
alkanol alkoxylate group, a dispersant, water, and optionally
further auxiliaries. The dispersant is a polymerisate of
2-methyl-2-propenoic acid methyl ether and
.alpha.-(2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)-w-methoxy-poly-(oxy-1,2-ethandiyl)
or a tristyrylphenolethoxylate and/or a propylene oxide-ethylene
oxide block copolymer with a molecular weight from 8.000 to 10.000.
The compositions are said to be useful for treating plants, seed
and soil.
[0007] Although the use of dispersants in seed treatment
compositions is well-known in the art, the commonly used
dispersants tend to provide seed treatment compositions which are
not entirely satisfactory. It is especially the combination of
seed-specific and general requirements for seed treatment
compositions that remains hard to achieve.
[0008] An object of the present invention was to provide a seed
treatment composition that is capable of forming a stable
dispersion and suitable for seed treatment.
[0009] Surprisingly, it has now been found that a combination of a
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or a polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether sulfate with a copolymer having polyalkoxy ether
side chains forms an excellent dispersing system for a large number
of agrochemicals in seed treatment compositions.
[0010] The invention therefore relates to seed treatment
compositions comprising active ingredient, polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether
sulphate, and copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains.
Particular embodiments of the compositions are defined in the
claims and disclosed herein.
[0011] The compositions of the present invention show a stable
particle size of dispersed, in particular suspended, active
ingredient(s).
[0012] As used herein, a "composition" comprises at least one
active ingredient and at least one auxiliary agent.
[0013] As used herein, ingredients comprise active ingredients and
auxiliary agents.
[0014] In the present invention, an "active ingredient" is a
compound which directly exerts a biologically relevant effect,
preferably a pesticidal effect as described herein.
[0015] The term "auxiliary agent" refers to a compound or
combination of compounds which do not exert a biologically relevant
effect of their own, but support the effects of the active
ingredient(s). When auxiliary agents are used, their choice will
depend on the active ingredients and on the procedures selected for
seed treatment.
[0016] Usually, the compositions thus comprise an active ingredient
component ("A") and an auxiliary agent component ("B"). The active
ingredient component ("A") of the composition comprises one or more
than one active ingredient(s). The auxiliary agent component ("B")
comprises one or more auxiliary agent(s).
[0017] As used herein, the term "at least one" refers to 1, 2, 3,
or more members from a group and includes mixtures of 2, 3, or more
different members from the group.
[0018] Unless indicated otherwise, all amounts in % by weight refer
to the weight of the total composition (or formulation).
[0019] In general, the compositions comprise from 0.005% by weight
to 95% by weight, preferably from 0.01% by weight to 90% by weight,
in particular from 0.1 or 0.5% by weight to 50% by weight, of the
active ingredient component "A", the balance being formed by
component "B". In this context, the active ingredients are employed
in a purity of 90% to 100%, preferably 95% to 100% (according to
NMR spectrum).
[0020] According to the invention, the active ingredient is
especially selected from plant protection active agents
(pesticides). Such an agent has the purpose or effect of preventing
infection of a plant by any pest or of repelling, deterring or
destroying the pest or of reducing in another way the damage caused
by it. Plant pests can belong to different groups of organisms; the
higher animals, in particular insects and acarids, include numerous
important pests, as do nematodes and snails; vertebrates, such as
mammals and birds, are today of secondary importance in
industrialized countries. Numerous groups of microbes, including
fungi, bacteria, inclusive of mycoplasmas, viruses and viroids,
comprise pests, and even weeds, which compete with useful plants
for limited habitat and other resources, can be classed as pests in
the broad sense. Pesticides comprise in particular aphicides,
acaricides, desiccants, bactericides, chemosterilants, defoliants,
antifeedants, fungicides, herbicides, herbicide safeners, insect
attractants, insecticides, insect repellents, molluscicides,
nematicides, mating disrupters, plant activators, plant growth
regulators, rodenticides, mammal repellents, synergists, bird
repellents and virucides.
[0021] The following list of pesticides which can be used according
to the invention, is intended to illustrate the possible active
ingredients, but not to impose any limitation:
A. Insecticides and Acaricides
[0022] A.1. Organo(thio)phosphates: acephate, azamethiphos,
azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl,
chlorfenvinphos, diazinon, dichlorvos, dicrotophos, dimethoate,
disulfoton, ethion, fenitrothion, fenthion, isoxathion, malathion,
methamidophos, methidathion, methyl-parathion, mevinphos,
monocrotophos, oxydemeton-methyl, paraoxon, parathion, phenthoate,
phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, phorate, phoxim,
pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, prothiofos, sulprophos,
tetrachlorvinphos, terbufos, triazophos, trichlorfon; A.2.
Carbamates: alanycarb, aldicarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, carbaryl,
carbofuran, carbosulfan, fenoxycarb, furathiocarb, methiocarb,
methomyl, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, triazamate;
A.3. Pyrethroids: allethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin,
cyphenothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin,
zeta-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox,
fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, imiprothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin,
gamma-cyhalothrin, permethrin, prallethrin, pyrethrin I and II,
resmethrin, silafluofen, tau-fluvalinate, tefluthrin, tetramethrin,
tralomethrin, transfluthrin, profluthrin, dimefluthrin; A.4. Growth
regulators: a) chitin synthesis inhibitors: benzoylureas:
chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron,
hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron;
buprofezin, diofenolan, hexythiazox, etoxazole, clofentazine; b)
ecdysone antagonists: halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide,
azadirachtin; c) juvenoids: pyriproxyfen, methoprene, fenoxycarb;
d) lipid biosynthesis inhibitors: spirodiclofen, spiromesifen,
spirotetramat; A.5. Nicotinic receptor agonists/antagonists
compounds: clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam,
nitenpyram, acetamiprid, thiacloprid; the thiazol compound of
formula (.GAMMA..sup.1)
##STR00001##
A.6. GABA antagonist compounds: acetoprole, endosulfan, ethiprole,
fipronil, vaniliprole, pyrafluprole, pyriprole, the phenylpyrazole
compound of formula (.GAMMA..sup.2)
##STR00002##
A.7. Macrocyclic lactone insecticides: abamectin, emamectin,
milbemectin, lepimectin, spinosad, the compound of formula
(.GAMMA..sup.3) (CAS No. 187166-40-1)
##STR00003##
A.8. METI I compounds: fenazaquin, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad,
tolfenpyrad, flufenerim; A.9. METI II and III compounds:
acequinocyl, fluacyprim, hydramethylnon; A.10. Uncoupler compounds:
chlorfenapyr; A.11. Oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor compounds:
cyhexatin, diafenthiuron, fenbutatin oxide, propargite; A.12.
Moulting disruptor compounds: cyromazine; A.13. Mixed Function
Oxidase inhibitor compounds: piperonyl butoxide; A.14. Sodium
channel blocker compounds: indoxacarb, metaflumizone; A.15.
Various: benclothiaz, bifenazate, cartap, flonicamid, pyridalyl,
pymetrozine, sulfur, thiocyclam, flubendiamide, cyenopyrafen,
flupyrazofos, cyflumetofen, amidoflumet, the aminoquinazolinone
compound of formula (.GAMMA..sup.4)
##STR00004##
[0023]
N--R'-2,2-dihalo-1-R''cyclo-propanecarboxamide-2-(2,6-dichloro-.alp-
ha.,.alpha.,.alpha.-tri-fluoro-p-tolyl)hydrazone or
N--R'-2,2-di(R''')propionamide-2-(2,6-dichloro-.alpha.,.alpha.,.alpha.-tr-
ifluoro-p-tolyl)-hydrazone, wherein R' is methyl or ethyl, halo is
chloro or bromo, R'' is hydrogen or methyl and R''' is methyl or
ethyl, anthranilamide compounds of formula (.GAMMA..sup.5)
##STR00005##
wherein A.sup.1 is CH.sub.3, Cl, Br, I, X is C--H, C-Cl, C--F or N,
Y' is F, Cl, or Br, Y'' is H, F, Cl, CF.sub.3, B.sup.1 is hydrogen,
Cl, Br, I, CN, B.sup.2 is Cl, Br, CF.sub.3, OCH.sub.2CF.sub.3,
OCF.sub.2H, and R.sup.B is hydrogen, CH.sub.3 or
CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, and malononitrile compounds as described in JP
2002 284608, WO 02/89579, WO 02/90320, WO 02/90321, WO 04/06677, WO
04/20399, JP 2004 99597, WO 05/68423, WO 05/68432, or WO 05/63694,
especially the malononitrile compounds
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.sub.2H,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.5CF.sub.2H,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CF.sub.3).sub.2F,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.sub-
.3,
CF.sub.2H(CF.sub.2).sub.3CH.sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF-
.sub.2H,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.sub-
.3,
CF.sub.3(CF.sub.2).sub.2CH.sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.-
sub.2H, and
CF.sub.3CF.sub.2CH.sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.sub.2H.
[0024] The commercially available compounds of the group A may be
found in The Pesticide Manual, 13.sup.th Edition, British Crop
Protection Council (2003) among other publications. Thioamides of
formula (.GAMMA..sup.2) and their preparation have been described
in WO 98/28279. Lepimectin is known from Agro Project, PJB
Publications Ltd, November 2004. Benclothiaz and its preparation
have been described in EP-A1 454621. Methidathion and Paraoxon and
their preparation have been described in Farm Chemicals Handbook,
Volume 88, Meister Publishing Company, 2001. Acetoprole and its
preparation have been described in WO 98/28277. Metaflumizone and
its preparation have been described in EP-A1 462 456. Flupyrazofos
has been described in Pesticide Science 54, 1988, p.237-243 and in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,779. Pyrafluprole and its preparation have been
described in JP 2002193709 and in WO 01/00614. Pyriprole and its
preparation have been described in WO 98/45274 and in U.S. Pat. No.
6,335,357. Amidoflumet and its preparation have been described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,890 and in JP 21010907. Flufenerim and its
preparation have been described in WO 03/007717 and in WO
03/007718. Cyflumetofen and its preparation have been described in
WO 04/080180.
[0025] Anthranilamides of formula (.GAMMA..sup.5) and their
preparation have been described in WO 01/70671; WO 02/48137; WO
03/24222, WO 03/15518, WO 04/67528; WO 04/33468; and WO 05/118552.
The malononitrile compounds
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.s-
ub.2H,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.5CF.sub.2-
H,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CF.sub.3).sub.2F,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.sub-
.3,
CF.sub.2H(CF.sub.2).sub.3CH.sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF-
.sub.2H,
CF.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.sub-
.3,
CF.sub.3(CF.sub.2).sub.2CH.sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.-
sub.2H, and
CF.sub.3CF.sub.2CH.sub.2C(CN).sub.2CH.sub.2(CF.sub.2).sub.3CF.sub.2H
have been described in WO 05/63694.
B. Fungicides:
[0026] B.1. Strobilurins such as azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin,
enestroburin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin,
picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, orysastrobin,
methyl
(2-chloro-5-[1-(3-methylbenzyloxyimino)ethyl]benzyl)carbamate,
methyl
(2-chloro-5-[1-(6-methylpyridin-2-ylmethoxyimino)ethyl]benzyl)carbamate,
methyl
2-(ortho-((2,5-dimethylphenyloxymethylene)phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylat-
e; B.2. Carboxamides such as [0027] carboxanilides: benalaxyl,
benodanil, boscalid, carboxin, mepronil, fenfuram, fenhexamid,
flutolanil, furametpyr, metalaxyl, ofurace, oxadixyl, oxycarboxin,
penthiopyrad, thifluzamide, tiadinil,
N-(4'-bromobiphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-methylthiazole-5-carboxamide-
,
N-(4'-trifluoromethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-methylthiazole-5--
carboxamide,
N-(4'-chloro-3'-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-4-difluoromethyl-2-methylthiazole-5--
carboxamide,
N-(3',4'-dichloro-4-fluorobiphenyl-2-yl)-3-difluoromethyl-1-methylpyrazol-
e-4-carboxamide,
N-(2-cyanophenyl)-3,4-dichloroisothiazole-5-carboxamide; [0028]
carboxylic acid morpholides: dimethomorph, flumorph; [0029]
benzamides: flumetover, fluopicolide (picobenzamid), zoxamide;
[0030] other carboxamides: carpropamid, diclocymet, mandipropamid,
N-(2-(4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)prop-2-ynyloxy]-3-methoxyphenypethyl)-2-methan-
esulfonylamino-3-methylbutyramide,
N-(2-(4-[3-(4-chlorophenyl)prop-2-ynyloxy]-3-methoxyphenypethyl)-2-ethane-
sulfonylamino-3-methylbutyramide; B.3. Azoles such as [0031]
triazoles: bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole,
difenoconazole, diniconazole, enilconazole, epoxiconazole,
fenbuconazole, flusilazole, fluquinconazole, flutriafol,
hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole,
myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole,
simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimenol,
triadimefon, triticonazole; [0032] imidazoles: cyazofamid,
imazalil, pefurazoate, prochloraz, triflumizole; [0033]
benzimidazoles: benomyl, carbendazim, fuberidazole, thiabendazole;
[0034] others: ethaboxam, etridiazole, hymexazole; B.4. Nitrogenous
heterocyclyl compounds such as [0035] pyridines: fluazinam,
pyrifenox,
3-[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,3-dimethylisoxazolidin-3-yl]-pyridine;
[0036] pyrimidines: bupirimate, cyprodinil, ferimzone, fenarimol,
mepanipyrim, nuarimol, pyrimethanil; [0037] piperazines: triforine;
[0038] pyrroles: fludioxonil, fenpiclonil; [0039] morpholines:
aldimorph, dodemorph, fenpropimorph, tridemorph; [0040]
dicarboximides: iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin; [0041] others:
acibenzolar-S-methyl, anilazine, captan, captafol, dazomet,
diclomezine, fenoxanil, folpet, fenpropidin, famoxadone,
fenamidone, octhilinone, probenazole, proquinazid, pyroquilon,
quinoxyfen, tricyclazole,
5-chloro-7-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)-6-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]tria-
zolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propylchromen-4-one,
N,N-dimethyl-3-(3-bromo-6-fluoro-2-methylindole-1-sulfonyl)-[1,2,4]triazo-
le-1-sulfonamide; B.5. Carbamates and dithiocarbamates such as
[0042] dithiocarbamates: ferbam, mancozeb, maneb, metiram, metam,
propineb, thiram, zineb, ziram; [0043] carbamates: diethofencarb,
flubenthiavalicarb, iprovalicarb, propamocarb, methyl
3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2-isopropoxycarbonylamino-3-methylbutyrylamino)prop-
ionate, 4-fluorophenyl
N-(1-(1-(4-cyanophenyl)ethanesulfonyl)but-2-yl)carbamate; B.6.
Other fungicides such as [0044] guanidines: dodine, iminoctadine,
guazatine; [0045] antibiotics: kasugamycin, polyoxins,
streptomycin, validamycin A; [0046] organometallic compounds:
fentin salts; [0047] sulfur-containing heterocyclyl compounds:
isoprothiolane, dithianon; [0048] organophosphorus compounds:
edifenphos, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminum, iprobenfos, pyrazophos,
tolclofos-methyl, phosphorous acid and its salts; [0049]
organochlorine compounds: thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil,
dichlofluanid, tolylfluanid, flusulfamide, phthalide,
hexachlorbenzene, pencycuron, quintozene; [0050] nitrophenyl
derivatives: binapacryl, dinocap, dinobuton; [0051] inorganic
active compounds: Bordeaux mixture, copper acetate, copper
hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, sulfur; [0052]
others: spiroxamine, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, metrafenone.
C. Herbicides:
[0053] C.1 Lipid biosynthesis inhibitors such as chlorazifop,
clodinafop, clofop, cyhalofop, diclofop, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-p,
fenthiaprop, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-P,
isoxapyrifop, metamifop, propaquizafop, quizalofop, quizalofop-P,
trifop, alloxydim, butroxydim, clethodim, cloproxydim, cycloxydim,
profoxydim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim, tralkoxydim, butylate,
cycloate, diallate, dimepiperate, EPTC, esprocarb, ethiolate,
isopolinate, methiobencarb, molinate, orbencarb, pebulate,
prosulfocarb, sulfallate, thiobencarb, tiocarbazil, triallate,
vernolate, benfuresate, ethofumesate and bensulide; C.2 ALS
inhibitors such as amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron,
chlorimuron, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron,
ethametsulfuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flupyrsulfuron,
foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron,
mesosulfuron, metsulfuron, nicosulfuron, oxasulfuron,
primisulfuron, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, rimsulfuron,
sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron,
tribenuron, trifloxysulfuron, triflusulfuron, tritosulfuron,
imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin,
imazethapyr, cloransulam, diclosulam, florasulam, flumetsulam,
metosulam, penoxsulam, bispyribac, pyriminobac, propoxycarbazone,
flucarbazone, pyribenzoxim, pyriftalid and pyrithiobac; C.3
Photosynthesis inhibitors such as atraton, atrazine, ametryne,
aziprotryne, cyanazine, cyanatryn, chlorazine, cyprazine,
desmetryne, dimethametryne, dipropetryn, eglinazine, ipazine,
mesoprazine, methometon, methoprotryne, procyazine, proglinazine,
prometon, prometryne, propazine, sebuthylazine, secbumeton,
simazine, simeton, simetryne, terbumeton, terbuthylazine,
terbutryne, trietazine, ametridione, amibuzin, hexazinone,
isomethiozin, metamitron, metribuzin, bromacil, isocil, lenacil,
terbacil, brompyrazon, chloridazon, dimidazon, desmedipham,
phenisopham, phenmedipham, phenmedipham-ethyl, benzthiazuron,
buthiuron, ethidimuron, isouron, methabenzthiazuron, monoisouron,
tebuthiuron, thiazafluron, anisuron, buturon, chlorbromuron,
chloreturon, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, difenoxuron, dimefuron,
diuron, fenuron, fluometuron, fluothiuron, isoproturon, linuron,
methiuron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metoxuron, monolinuron,
monuron, neburon, parafluron, phenobenzuron, siduron, tetrafluron,
thidiazuron, cyperquat, diethamquat, difenzoquat, diquat,
morfamquat, paraquat, bromobonil, bromoxynil, chloroxynil,
iodobonil, ioxynil, amicarbazone, bromofenoxim, flumezin,
methazole, bentazone, propanil, pentanochlor, pyridate, and
pyridafol; C.4 Protoporphyrinogen-IX oxidase inhibitors such as
acifluorfen, bifenox, chlomethoxyfen, chlornitrofen, ethoxyfen,
fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen, fluoronitrofen, fomesafen,
furyloxyfen, halosafen, lactofen, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen,
oxyfluorfen, fluazolate, pyraflufen, cinidon-ethyl, flumiclorac,
flumioxazin, flumipropyn, fluthiacet, thidiazimin, oxadiazon,
oxadiargyl, azafenidin, carfentrazone, sulfentrazone, pentoxazone,
benzfendizone, butafenacil, pyraclonil, profluazol, flufenpyr,
flupropacil, nipyraclofen and etnipromid; C.5 Bleacher herbicides
such as metflurazon, norflurazon, flufenican, diflufenican,
picolinafen, beflubutamid, fluridone, flurochloridone, flurtamone,
mesotrione, sulcotrione, isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, benzofenap,
pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, benzobicyclon, amitrole, clomazone,
aclonifen,
4-(3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyrimidine,
and also 3-heterocyclyl-substituted benzoyl derivatives of the
formula II (see in WO 96/26202, WO 97/41116, WO 97/41117 and WO
97/41118)
##STR00006##
in which the variables R.sup.8 to R.sup.13 are as defined below:
R.sup.8, R.sup.19 are hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.6-haloalkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkoxy,
C.sub.1-C.sub.6-haloalkoxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkylthio,
C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkylsulfinyl or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkylsulfonyl;
R.sup.9 is a heterocyclic radical selected from the group
consisting of such as thiazol-2-yl, thiazol-4-yl, thiazol-5-yl,
isoxazol-3-yl, isoxazol-4-yl, isoxazol-5-yl,
4,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl, 4,5-dihydroisoxazol-4-yl and
4,5-dihydroisoxazol-5-yl, where the nine radicals mentioned may be
unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted, e.g. mono-, di-, tri- or
tetrasubstituted, by halogen, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-haloalkyl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-haloalkoxy or C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkylthio; R.sup.11
is hydrogen, halogen or C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl; R.sup.12 is
C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl; R.sup.13 is hydrogen or
C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl. C.7 EPSP synthase inhibitors such as
glyphosate; C.8 glutamine synthase inhibitors such as glufosinate
and bilanaphos; C.9 DHP synthase inhibitors such as asulam; C.10
Mitose inhibitors such as benfluralin, butralin, dinitramine,
ethalfluralin, fluchloralin, isopropalin, methalpropalin, nitralin,
oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine, profluralin, trifluralin,
amiprofos-methyl, butamifos, dithiopyr, thiazopyr, propyzamide,
tebutam, chlorthal, carbetamide, chlorbufam, chlorpropham and
propham; C.11 VLCFA inhibitors such as acetochlor, alachlor,
butachlor, butenachlor, delachlor, diethatyl, dimethachlor,
dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, metazachlor, metolachlor,
S-metolachlor, pretilachlor, propachlor, propisochlor, prynachlor,
terbuchlor, thenylchlor, xylachlor, allidochlor, CDEA, epronaz,
diphenamid, napropamide, naproanilide, pethoxamid, flufenacet,
mefenacet, fentrazamide, anilofos, piperophos, cafenstrole,
indanofan and tridiphane; C.12 Cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors
such as dichlobenil, chlorthiamid, isoxaben and flupoxam; C.13
Decoupler herbicides such as dinofenate, dinoprop, dinosam,
dinoseb, dinoterb, DNOC, etinofen and medinoterb; C.14 Auxin
herbicides such as clomeprop, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, MCPA, MCPA thioethyl,
dichlorprop, dichlorprop-P, mecoprop, mecoprop-P, 2,4-DB, MCPB,
chloramben, dicamba, 2,3,6-TBA, tricamba, quinclorac, quinmerac,
clopyralid, fluroxypyr, picloram, triclopyr and benazolin; C.15
Auxin transport inhibitors such as naptalam, diflufenzopyr; C.16
Benzoylprop, flamprop, flamprop-M, bromobutide, chlorflurenol,
cinmethylin, methyldymron, etobenzanid, fosamine, metam,
pyributicarb, oxaziclomefone, dazomet, triaziflam and methyl
bromide.
D. Safeners:
[0054] Benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, dichlormid,
dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole,
fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic
anhydride, 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(dichloroacetyl)-1,3-oxazolidine
(R-29148), 4-(dichloroacetyl)-1-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane (AD-67;
MON 4660) and oxabetrinil
[0055] Preferred insecticides are selected from:
acetamiprid, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenthrin,
carbofuran, carbosulfan, clothianidin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin,
cypermethrin, deltamethrin, diflubenzuron, dinotefuran, etofenprox,
fenbutatin-oxide, fenpropathrin, fipronil, flucythrinate,
imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, nitenpyram, pheromones, spinosad,
teflubenzuron, tefluthrin, terbufos, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam,
thiodicarb, tralomethrin, triazamate, zeta-cypermethrin,
spirotetramat, flupyrazofos, NC 512, tolfenpyrad, flubendiamide,
bistrifluron, benclothiaz, DPX-E2Y45, HGW86, pyrafluprole,
pyriprole, F-7663, F-2704, amidoflumet, flufenerim, cyflumetofen.
Particular preference is given to clothianidin, fipronil,
imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.
[0056] Preferred fungicides are selected from:
metalaxyl, oxadixyl, guazatine, pyrimethanil, streptomycin,
difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, fluquiconazole, flutriafol,
hymexazole, imazalil, metconazole, prochloraz, prothioconazole,
tebuconazole, thiabendazole, triadimenol, triticonazole, iprodion,
maneb, mancozeb, metiram, thiram, benomyl, boscalid, carbendazim,
carboxin, dazomet, silthiofam, copper fungicides, fludioxonil,
sulfur, dazomet, azoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, orysastrobin,
pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, captan dimethomorph. Particular
preference is given to pyraclostrobin, triticonazole and
fluquinconazole.
[0057] A particular embodiment of the invention relates to seed
treatment compositions comprising pyraclostrobin and
triticonazole.
[0058] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the seed
treatment composition may comprise one or more repellents for
warm-blooded animals, e.g. birds, dogs and hedgehogs, for example
nonanoic acid vanillyl amide. The amount of repellent will
preferably range from 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total
weight of the composition.
[0059] Polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphates and
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulfates are known per se. A
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulfate, for instance, is sold
under the tradename Soprophor.RTM. 4D384 or TERSPERSE 2218.RTM.
(CAS registry number: 119432-41-6); a polyarylphenol polyalkoxy
ether phosphate, for instance, is sold under the tradename
Soprophor.RTM. FLK (CAS registry number: 176776-21-9).
[0060] Preferably, the polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphates
and sulfates are tristyrylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulfates and
posphates having the formula (I):
##STR00007##
wherein each R independently represents hydrogen or C.sub.1-C.sub.4
alkyl; Alk represents C.sub.2-C.sub.6 alkylene; n has a value from
5 to 60; and X is --SO.sub.3H.sub.2 or --PO.sub.3H; or an
agriculturally acceptable base addition salt thereof.
[0061] The phosphate or the sulfate can be used in its protonated
(fee acid) form. Preferably, it is a base addition salt comprising
an agriculturally acceptable cation such as an alkali metal cation,
preferably a lithium, sodium and potassium cation; an alkaline
earth metal cation, preferably a calcium, magnesium and barium
cation; a transition metal cation, preferably a manganese, copper,
zinc and iron cation; the ammonium cation; a positively ionized
amine, preferably an ammonium cation carrying one to four C.sub.1-4
alkyl substituents or one phenyl or benzyl substituent in addition
to zero to three C.sub.1 alkyl substituents, more preferably the
diisopropylammonium, tetramethylammonium, trimethylbenzylammonium
and tetrabutylammonium cation; a phosphonium cation; a sulfonium
cation, preferably a tri(C.sub.1-4-alkyl)sulfonium cation; and a
sulfoxonium cation, preferably a tri(C.sub.1-4-alkyl)sulfoxonium
cation. Here the term "C.sub.1-4 alkyl" is used to refer to a
saturated linear or branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 4
carbon atoms, e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, methylethyl, butyl,
1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl or dimethylethyl. Particular
preference is given to metal cations and the ammonium cation.
[0062] The alkoxylation results from the reaction with one or more
than one suitable alkylene oxide(s) generally exhibiting 2 to 6 and
preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms. These include in particular
1,2-ethylene oxide (EO), 1,2-propylene oxide (PO), 1,2-butylene
oxide (BO), 1,2-pentylene oxide (PeO) or 1,2-hexylene oxide (HO).
Particular preference is given to 1,2-ethylene oxide (EO).
[0063] The degree of alkoxylation resulting in each case depends on
the amounts of alkylene oxide(s) used for the reaction and on the
reaction conditions. In this connection, it is generally a
statistical mean value since the number of alkylene oxide units per
polyarylphenol molecule resulting from the reaction varies.
[0064] The degree of alkoxylation, i.e. the mean chain length of
the polyether chains (i.e., the value of n) can be controlled by
the molar ratio of polyarylphenol to alkylene oxide and the
reaction conditions used for preparing the polyalkoxlates. The
polyalkoxy ether moieties usually have more than 5, preferably more
than 10, and in particular more than 15 alkylene oxide units.
Usually, it has not more than 60, preferably not more than 50 and
in particular not more than 40 alkylene oxide units. Preference is
given to polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphates and
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulfates which have 5 to 30,
preferably 10 to 20 and in particular 14 to 18 alkylene oxide
units.
[0065] According to a particular embodiment, the seed treatment
composition comprises at least 0.1% by weight, preferably at least
0.5% by weight and in particular at least 1% by weight of
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or sulfate.
[0066] According to a further particular embodiment, the seed
treatment composition comprises at most 50% by weight, preferably
at most 20% by weight and in particular at most 5% by weight of
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or sulfate.
[0067] According to one aspect, the weight ratio of polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether
sulfate to solid active ingredient(s) is at least 1:1, preferably
at least 5:1, and in particular at least 10:1.
[0068] According to another aspect, the weight ratio of
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether sulfate to solid active ingredient(s) is at most
500:1, preferably at most 100:1, and in particular at most
50:1.
[0069] Copolymers having polyalkoxy ether side chains are also
known per se. A copolymer based on methacrylic esters, for
instance, is sold under the tradename Atlox.RTM. 4913 or
TERSPERSE.RTM. 2500 (CAS registry number: 111740-364).
[0070] The copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains usually
comprises one monomer unit to which the polyalkoxy ether side chain
is attached and, optionally, one or more additional monomer units
of copolymerizable comonomers.
[0071] According to a particular embodiment of the present
invention, the copolymer comprises [0072] (i) monomer units of at
least one ester of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid,
wherein the carboxylic acid ester has an alkoxylate residue of the
general formula (II):
[0072]
(R.sup.1).sub.n--X--(CHR.sup.2CH.sub.2O).sub.w--(CHR.sup.3CH.sub.-
2O).sub.x--(CHR.sup.4(CH.sub.2).sub.yO).sub.z-- (II), [0073] in
which [0074] R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an aliphatic hydrocarbon
residue with 1 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably linear or branched,
saturated or unsaturated C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl; [0075] R.sup.2,
R.sup.3, R.sup.4 are, independently of one another, hydrogen or
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl; [0076] w, x, z correspond, independently of
one another, to a value of 0 to 100, the sum of w, x and z being
greater than 0; [0077] y corresponds to a value of 1 to 20; and
[0078] X is N or O, [0079] n being 1 if X is O; or n being 2 if X
is N; and [0080] (ii) monomer units of at least one additional
copolymerizable comonomer.
[0081] The term "monomer unit" means, in the context of the present
disclosure, a monomer which has been incorporated in the copolymer,
where the monomer which has been incorporated in the copolymer,
i.e. the monomer unit, in comparison with the actual monomer
charged to the polymerization reaction, is not only structurally
changed by the polymerization reaction but, in addition, can also
exhibit further modifications. Thus, in particular, the monomer
units of the carboxylic acid esters can be derived by
esterification from the monomers charged to the reaction.
[0082] The carboxylic acid esters exhibit, as alcohol part,
alkoxylates of linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated,
primary, secondary or tertiary alcohols or amines of formula (II).
These alkoxylates correspond to the polyalkoxy ether side chains of
the copolymer.
[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, X is oxygen (alcohol
alkoxylates).
[0084] Particular embodiments of alkoxylates of the formula (II)
ensue if z corresponds to a value of 1 to 100 and w and x are zero
(alkoxylates, such as ethoxylates (R.sup.4=H; y=1) or propoxylates
(R.sup.4=CH.sub.3; y=1)); if w is zero and x and z correspond,
independently of one another, to a value of 1 to 100 (EO/PO block
alkoxylates with, for example, an EO-PO block arrangement (y=1;
R.sup.3=CH.sub.3; R.sup.4=H) or a PO-EO block arrangement (y=1;
R.sup.3=H; R.sup.4=CH.sub.3)); if w, x and z correspond,
independently of one another, to a value of from 1 to 100 (EO/PO/EO
block alkoxylates with, for example, an EO-PO-EO block arrangement
(y=1; R.sup.2=H; R.sup.3=CH.sub.3; R.sup.4=H) or a PO-EO-PO block
arrangement (y=1; R.sup.2=CH.sub.3; R.sup.3=H;
R.sup.4=CH.sub.3)).
[0085] Alcohol residues of the formula (II) in which R.sup.1 is an
alkyl residue with preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms (if X.dbd.O), or
in which one R.sup.1 is an alkyl residue with preferably 1 to 6
carbon atoms and the other is hydrogen (if X.dbd.N) have proved in
particular to be suitable according to the invention.
[0086] Ethoxylate residues of the formula (IIa)
R.sup.1--O--(C.sub.2H.sub.4O).sub.z-- (IIa)
in which [0087] R.sup.1 has the above meaning and preferably is
linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl;
and [0088] z corresponds to a value of 1 to 100 and preferably lies
between 1 and 30, are very particularly suitable.
[0089] Consequently, R.sup.1 represents in particular one of the
following alkyl residues: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl.
[0090] The alkoxylation results from the reaction with suitable
alkylene oxides, which generally exhibit 2 to 15 and preferably 2
to 6 carbon atoms. Mention may in particular be made here of
1,2-ethylene oxide (EO), 1,2-propylene oxide (PO), 1,2-butylene
oxide (BO), 1,2-pentylene oxide (PeO) and 1,2-hexylene oxide
(HO).
[0091] The degree of alkoxylation resulting in each case depends on
the amounts of alkylene oxide(s) used for the reaction and on the
reaction conditions. In this connection, it is generally a
statistical mean value since the number of alkylene oxide units of
the alcohol alkoxylate residues resulting from the reaction
varies.
[0092] The degree of alkoxylation, i.e. the mean chain length of
the polyether chains of suitable alkoxylate residues, can be
controlled by the molar quantitative proportion of alcohol or amine
to alkylene oxide used for preparing the alkoxylates. Alkoxylates
with approximately 1 to 50, preferably approximately 1 to 20, in
particular 1 to 10 alkylene oxide units (sum of w, x, z), in
particular ethylene oxide units, are preferred.
[0093] Preferably, the ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid
esters have 4 to 8 and in particular 4 to 6 carbon atoms in the
carboxylic acid part.
[0094] Mention may in particular be made of (meth)acrylic acid
esters. Among these carboxylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters
are particularly preferred.
[0095] It should be mentioned at this point that the expression
"(meth)acrylic" represents both "acrylic" and "methacrylic".
[0096] Copolymers according to the invention can comprise several
kinds of monomer units (i), e.g. carboxylic acid esters with
different carboxylic acids and/or different alkoxylate residues.
According to a particular embodiment, the monomer units (i) present
in the copolymer derive from one carboxylic acid and in particular
one of the carboxylic acids described herein as preferred.
Copolymers with monomer units (i) essentially composed of monomer
units of (meth)acrylic acid esters and in particular methacrylic
acid esters are particularly suitable.
[0097] Accordingly, the copolymers include in particular monomer
units (i) of the formula (IIIa) and/or of the formula (IIIb)
##STR00008##
in which [0098] R is one of the alkoxylate residues described
herein; and [0099] b can be the same or different and is the mean
number of the monomer units of the formula (IIIa) or (IIIb) in the
copolymer and corresponds preferably to a number ranging from 1 to
100, advantageously ranging from 5 to 50 and in particular ranging
from 11 to 25.
[0100] In formula (IIIa) or (IIIb), R is advantageously an
alkoxylate residue of the formula (II) and in particular of the
formula (IIa).
[0101] In principle, all copolymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated
comonomers with at least one double bond, in particular
monoethylenically unsaturated comonomers, are suitable as monomer
units (ii).
[0102] Particularly preferred as component (ii) are comonomers of
the general formula (IV):
Y--C(O)CR.sup.5=CHR.sup.6 (IV)
in which [0103] Y is chosen from --OM, --OR', NH.sub.2, --NHR.sup.7
or N(R.sup.7).sub.2, in which the R.sup.7 residues can be identical
or different and are chosen from hydrogen, linear or branched
C.sub.1-C.sub.40-alkyl, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl,
2-methoxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, methoxypropyl and
ethoxypropyl; [0104] M is a cation selected from alkali metal,
alkaline earth metal and transition metal cations, in particular
Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, Mg.sup.++, Ca.sup.++ and Zn.sup.++,
NH.sub.4.sup.+ and quaternary ammonium cations, in particular
alkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium and
tetraalkylammonium; and [0105] R.sup.5, R.sup.6 independently of
one another, are chosen from hydrogen, linear or branched
C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkyl, methoxy, ethoxy, 2-hydroxyethoxy,
2-methoxyethoxy and 2-ethoxyethyl.
[0106] Preference is given to the salts, esters and amides of
acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, with R.sup.7 being selected from
hydrogen and linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6-alkyl, preferably
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, and in particular methyl.
[0107] Furthermore, allyl esters of linear C.sub.1-C.sub.40,
branched C.sub.3-C.sub.40 or carbocyclic C.sub.3-C.sub.40
carboxylic acids, vinyl halides or allyl halides, preferably vinyl
chloride and allyl chloride, vinylformamide, vinylmethylacetamide,
vinylamine; vinyl- or allyl-substituted heterocyclic compounds,
preferably vinylpyridine, vinyloxazoline and allylpyridine, are
also suitable.
[0108] Comonomers which can likewise be used as monomer units (ii)
are olefins, i.e. in principle all unsaturated hydrocarbons with at
least one ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable double bond.
Olefins with a terminal double bond are advantageous.
Monoethylenically unsaturated olefins are preferred.
Monoethylenically unsaturated olefins with a terminal double bond
are particularly preferred.
[0109] Preferred olefins have 4 to 40, in particular 4 and
preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms. According to a particular
embodiment, the olefins have 8 or 18 or 20 to 24 carbon atoms.
[0110] Suitable olefins include, for example, but-1-ene, but-2-ene,
butadiene, 2-methylprop-1-ene (isobutene), pent-1-ene, isoprene,
2-methylbut-1-ene, 3-methylbut-1-ene, hex-1-ene, cyclohexadiene,
2-methylpent-1-ene, 3-methylpent-1-ene, 4-methylpent-1-ene,
2-ethylbut-1-ene, 4,4-dimethylbut-1-ene, 2,4-dimethylbut-1-ene,
2,3-dimethylpent-1-ene, 3,3-dimethylpent-1-ene,
2,4-dimethylpent-1-ene, 3,4-dimethylpent-1-ene,
4,4-dimethylpent-1-ene, oct-1-ene, 2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene,
2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene, diisobutene, in particular one which
exists technically as an isomeric mixture of essentially
2,4,4-trimethylpent-1-ene and 2,4,4-trimethylpent-2-ene, e.g. in a
ratio of approx. 80 weight % to approx. 20 weight %,
4,4-dimethylhex-1-ene, 2-ethylhex-1-ene, oligo- and polyisobutenes
with a molecular weight of less than 2 000, oligopropenes with a
molecular weight of less than 1 000, dec-1-ene, dodec-1-ene,
tetradec-1-ene, hexadec-1-ene, heptadec-1-ene, octadec-1-ene,
C.sub.18-1-olefin, C.sub.20-1-olefin, C.sub.22-1-olefin,
C.sub.24-1-olefin, C.sub.20- to C.sub.24-1-Olefin, C.sub.24- to
C.sub.28-1-olefin, C.sub.30-1-olefin, C.sub.35-1-olefin, styrene,
alkyl-substituted styrenes, such as .alpha.-methylstyrene,
tert-butylstyrene or vinyltoluene, cyclic olefins, such as
cyclooctene, and mixtures of these monomers.
[0111] Ethylene, propylene and vinylidene chloride are also
suitable in principle as comonomers for the monomer units (ii).
[0112] Additional suitable monomer units (ii) are vinyl ethers, the
alcohol part of which has 1 to 30 and preferably 1 to 20 carbon
atoms. Mention may in particular be made here of
C.sub.1-C.sub.30-alkyl vinyl ethers in which the alkyl residues can
be linear, branched or cyclic and substituted or unsubstituted.
Examples of suitable alkyl vinyl ethers are methyl vinyl ether,
ethyl vinyl ether, propyl vinyl ether, isopropyl vinyl ether, butyl
vinyl ether and dodecyl vinyl ether.
[0113] Further suitable monomer units (ii) are N-vinylamides. These
include in particular noncyclic representatives, such as
N-vinylformamide and N-vinylacetamide, as well as N-vinyllactam.
N-Vinyllactams according to the invention are cyclic amides, of
which those with 4 to 6 carbon atoms are particularly important.
These N-vinyllactams can also exhibit 1, 2 or 3 identical or
different alkyl residues with preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms on the
ring. The N-vinyllactams include in particular N-vinylpyrrolidone,
N-vinylcaprolactam or the corresponding N-vinyllactams substituted
with a methyl or ethyl group.
[0114] Comonomers for the monomer units (ii) which may in
particular be mentioned are:
methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate,
isobutyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, decyl
acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl
methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, t-butyl
methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, decyl methacrylate, methyl
ethacrylate, ethyl ethacrylate, n-butyl ethacrylate, isobutyl
ethacrylate, t-butyl ethacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl ethacrylate, decyl
ethacrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl acrylate,
2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate,
hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl
ethacrylate, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate, 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate,
2-methoxyethyl ethacrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate,
2-ethoxyethyl ethacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, glyceryl
monoacrylate, glyceryl monomethacrylate and unsaturated sulfonic
acids, such as, for example, acrylamidopropanesulfonic acid;
acrylamide, methacrylamide, ethacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide,
N,N-dimethylacrylamide, Nethylacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide,
N-butylacrylamide, N-t-butylacrylamide, N-octylacrylamide,
N-t-octylacrylamide, N-octadecylacrylamide, N-phenylacrylamide,
N-methylmethacrylamide, N-ethylmethacrylamide,
N-dodecylmethacrylamide, 1-vinylimidazole,
1-vinyl-2-methylvinylimidazole, N,N-dimethylaminomethyl
(meth)acrylate, N,N-diethylaminomethyl (meth)acrylate,
N,N-dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-diethylaminoethyl
(meth)acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylate,
N,N-diethylaminobutyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminohexyl
(meth)acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminooctyl (meth)acrylate,
N,N-dimethylaminododecyl (meth)acrylate,
N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide,
N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]acrylamide,
N-[3-(dimethylamino)butyl]methacrylamide,
N-[8-(dimethylamino)octyl]methacrylamide,
N-[12-(dimethylamino)dodecyl]methacrylamide,
N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide,
N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]acrylamide; diallyldimethylammonium
chloride, vinylformamide, vinylmethylacetamide, vinylamine; methyl
vinyl ketone, vinylpyridine, vinylimidazole, vinylfuran, styrene,
styrenesulfonate, allyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.
[0115] Particularly preferred among these are methyl acrylate,
methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl
acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, t-butyl acrylate, t-butyl
methacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate,
2-ethylhexyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, stearyl methacrylate,
N-t-butylacrylamide, N-octylacrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate,
hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl
methacrylate, styrene, unsaturated sulfonic acids, such as, for
example, acrylamidopropanesulfonic acid, vinylformamide,
vinylmethylacetamide, vinylamine, 1-vinylimidazole,
1-vinyl-2-methylimidazole, N,N-dimethylaminomethyl methacrylate and
N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide;
3-methyl-1-vinylimidazolium chloride, 3-methyl-1-vinylimidazolium
methyl sulfate, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate,
N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide quaternized with methyl
chloride, methyl sulfate or diethyl sulfate.
[0116] Comonomers or corresponding monomer units with a basic
nitrogen atom can be quaternized.
[0117] The basic comonomers can also be cationized by being
neutralized with inorganic acids, such as, e.g., sulfuric acid,
hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydriodic acid, phosphoric
acid or nitric acid, or with organic acids, such as, e.g., formic
acid, acetic acid, lactic acid or citric acid.
[0118] According to a particular embodiment, the copolymers
comprise monomer units of at least one ester of acrylic and/or
methacrylic acid, wherein the carboxylic acid esters have
alkoxylate residues of the general formula (II) or (IIa), as
defined herein, and monomer units of an acrylate and/or
methacrylate, especially methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate,
as defined herein.
[0119] According to one embodiment, copolymers according to the
invention comprise one kind of monomer unit (ii), e.g. a monomer
unit selected from the group of salts and esters of acrylic acid or
methacrylic acid. According to an additional embodiment, copolymers
according to the invention comprise two or more kinds of monomer
units (ii), e.g. two or more kinds of monomer units selected from
the group of salts and esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid,
or one kind of monomer unit selected from the group of salts and
esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and at least one further
kind of monomer unit selected from the other copolymerizable
monomer units disclosed above.
[0120] According to a particular embodiment, the proportion of
monomer units (i) preferably amounts to 10 mol % to 99 mol %,
advantageously 40 mol % to 95 mol % and in particular 60 mol % to
90 mol % and the proportion of monomer units (ii) preferably
amounts to 90 mol % to 1 mol %, advantageously 60 mol % to 5 mol %
and in particular 40 mol % to 10 mol %.
[0121] In this connection, the fact should be borne in mind that,
at relatively low molecular weights, a deviation from the given
values can occur due to an increase in the number of specific end
monomer units.
[0122] The weight-average molecular weight of the copolymerizates
according to the invention lies between 5 000 and 800 000 g/mol,
preferably between 7 500 and 600 000 g/mol, particularly preferably
between 10 000 and 400 000 g/mol.
[0123] The copolymers according to the invention are preferably not
crosslinked.
[0124] The copolymers can be prepared by copolymerization of
suitable monomers corresponding to the monomer units (i) and (ii).
To this end, the monomers or comonomers can be polymerized using
free-radical initiators or else by the action of high-energy
radiation, which should be understood as also including the action
of high-energy electrons (cf., e.g., EP 9 169 A1, EP 9 170 A1 and
EP 276 464).
[0125] The polymerization can be carried out, for example, as
solution polymerization, bulk polymerization, emulsion
polymerization, inverse emulsion polymerization, suspension
polymerization, inverse suspension polymerization or precipitation
polymerization, without the methods which can be used being limited
thereto.
[0126] In bulk polymerization, it is possible to proceed such that
the monomers of the group (i) and the monomers of the group (ii)
are mixed with one another and, after addition of a polymerization
initiator, the mixture is fully polymerized. The polymerization can
also be carried out semibatch-wise by first introducing a portion,
e.g. 10%, of the mixture of monomers or comonomers of the groups
(i) and (ii) to be polymerized and initiator, by heating the
mixture to polymerization temperature and, after the polymerization
has started, by adding the remainder of the mixture to be
polymerized according to the progress of the polymerization. The
copolymerizates can also be obtained by introducing the monomers of
the group (i) into a reactor, heating to polymerization
temperature, adding at least one monomer of the group (ii) and
polymerization initiator, either all at once, stepwise or,
preferably, continuously, and polymerizing. The polymerization can
in the process be carried out with the assistance of protective
colloids, as described in the art.
[0127] If desired, the above described polymerization can also be
carried out in a solvent. Suitable solvents are, for example,
alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol,
n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol, n-hexanol and cyclohexanol,
and glycols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and butylene
glycol, and the methyl or ethyl ethers of dihydric alcohols,
diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerol and dioxane. It is
preferred to use solvents which are inert with respect to the
carboxylic acid esters used.
[0128] The polymerization can also be carried out in water as
solvent. In this case, a mixture is first present which is more or
less soluble in water depending on the amount of the monomers of
the groups (i) and (ii) added. In order to dissolve water-insoluble
products which may be formed during the polymerization, it is
possible to add, for example, organic solvents such as monohydric
alcohols with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, acetone or dimethylformamide.
However, it is also possible in the polymerization in water to
proceed in such a way that the water-insoluble polymerizates are
converted to a finely divided dispersion by addition of
conventional emulsifiers or protective colloids, e.g. polyvinyl
alcohol.
[0129] Examples of emulsifiers which are used are ionic or nonionic
surfactants with HLBs ranging from 3 to 13. Reference is made to
the publication by W. C. Griffin, J. Soc. Cosmetic Chem., Volume 5,
249 (1954), for the definition of the HLB.
[0130] The amount of surfactants, based on the polymerizate,
generally amounts to 0.1 to 10 weight %. When water is used as
solvent, solutions or dispersions of the polymerizates are
obtained. If solutions of the polymerizate in an organic solvent or
in mixtures of an organic solvent and water are prepared, 5 to 2
000, preferably 10 to 500, parts by weight of the organic solvent
or of the solvent mixture are generally used per 100 parts by
weight of the polymerizate.
[0131] The copolymers which can be used according to the invention
can be obtained in particular by copolymerization [0132] (1) of at
least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or of at
least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid derivative, in
particular a carboxylic acid ester, and [0133] (2) of at least one
additional copolymerizable comonomer, and, if required, partial or
complete solvolysis and/or derivatization, in particular
esterification or transesterification, of the carboxylic acids
and/or carboxylic acid derivatives.
[0134] In particular, a copolymer CP' resulting from the
copolymerization can, if necessary, be subjected to one or more of
the following additional process steps: [0135] (4) an at least
partial solvolysis of derivatized carboxylic acid groups; [0136]
(5) an esterification of carboxylic acid groups; [0137] (6) an at
least partial neutralization of carboxylic acid groups.
[0138] The relative amounts of monomers and comonomers to be chosen
for the purpose of the copolymerization can be inferred from the
above remarks on the proportions of monomer units (i) and (ii).
[0139] The polymerization of monomers and comonomers which leads
directly to the desired copolymer CP is preferred according to the
invention.
[0140] The kind of monomers or comonomers to be used does not,
though, depend only on the monomer units to be formed. Rather, it
is in many cases advisable to polymerize monomers or comonomers
which, subsequent to the polymerization reaction, are converted to
the desired monomer units. This course of procedure may be
conditioned by the reaction and process technology.
[0141] In particular, the monomers which can be used for the
monomer units (i) can differ from the monomer units involved in the
formation of the copolymer CP. Thus, carboxylic acids or specific
carboxylic acid derivatives can be polymerized first. The monomer
units (i') thus formed, of the copolymer CP', are subsequently as a
rule subjected to one or more of the process steps (4), (5) and/or
(6), finally resulting in the copolymer CP or a salt thereof. In
this sense, it is also possible to polymerize carboxylic acid
esters with short-chain, readily hydrolyzable ester groups, such as
alkyl esters with preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl part,
their alcohol part subsequently being split off and replaced with
another alcohol.
[0142] The copolymer CP' obtainable by copolymerization can
accordingly comprise carboxyl groups and/or derivatized carboxyl
groups, e.g. ester groups, which are subsequently, if desired,
converted in a polymer-analogous reaction, generally with formation
of the carboxylic acid esters. Preferred polymer-analogous
reactions are (4) solvolyses, such as hydrolyses and alcoholyses,
of carboxylic acid derivatives, and (5) esterifications of carboxyl
groups.
[0143] According to one embodiment, copolymers CP to be used
according to the invention can be obtained by (i) choosing at least
one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and copolymerizing it
with the usual monomers or comonomers, and by reacting at least a
portion of the carboxyl groups of the resulting copolymerization
product CP' with suitable alcohols with formation of esters.
[0144] The polymer-analogous reaction subsequent to the
polymerization can be carried out in the presence of a solvent, for
example acetone or tetrahydrofuran. However, it is preferable for
the copolymer CP' to be reacted directly with the derivatizing
agent, e.g. an alcohol corresponding to the abovementioned formula
(II). The amount of reactants to be employed depends on the degree
of derivatization to be achieved.
[0145] If the derivatization is an esterification reaction, this is
carried out in the usual way, viz. generally at elevated
temperature, e.g. 50 to 200.degree. C. and preferably at 80 to
150.degree. C., if appropriate in the presence of a conventional
catalyst, e.g. p-toluenesulfonic acid. Normal reaction times range
from 0.5 to 20 and in particular 1 to 10 hours. The reaction of
anhydride groups present in the polymer is preferred. This can be
carried out, if appropriate, without solvent or in a solvent. If a
solvent is used, those organic fluids which are inert to anhydride
groups and which dissolve or swell not only the starting material
but also the reaction product, viz. the at least partially
esterified copolymer, are particularly suitable. Mention may be
made in this connection of toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, aliphatic
hydrocarbons and ketones, such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone.
After the esterification, the solvent, if present, is removed from
the reaction mixture, for example by distillation.
[0146] In order to form salts, the polymerizates can, before or
after polymerization, be partially or completely neutralized with
bases in order thus, for example, to adjust the water solubility or
water dispersibility to a desired extent.
[0147] Use may be made, as neutralizing agents for acid groups, of,
for example, inorganic bases, such as sodium carbonate, alkali
metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide,
alkaline earth metal hydroxides and ammonia, or organic bases, such
as alkylamines, dialkylamines, trialkylamines, aminoalcohols,
especially isopropylamine, ethylamine, diisopropylamine,
diethylamine, triisopropylamine, triethylamine,
2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine,
triethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, tri(2-hydroxy-1-propyl)amine,
2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol or
2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, and diamines, such as, for
example, lysine.
[0148] According to a particular embodiment, the seed treatment
composition comprises at least 0.1% by weight, preferably at least
0.2% by weight, and in particular at least 1% by weight of the
copolymer.
[0149] According to a further particular embodiment, the seed
treatment composition comprises at most 20% by weight, preferably
at most 10% by weight, and in particular at most 3% by weight of
the copolymer.
[0150] According to one aspect, the weight ratio of the copolymer
to solid active ingredient(s) 0.01:1, preferably at least 0.05:1,
and in particular at least 0.1:1.
[0151] According to another aspect, the weight ratio of the
copolymer to the solid ingredient(s) is at most 4:1, preferably at
most 1:1, and in particular at most 0.5:1.
[0152] Further, the weight ratio of polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether
phosphate and/or polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether sulfate to
copolymer is usually at least 0.1:1, preferably at least 0.2:1, and
in particular at least 0.5:1.
[0153] On the other hand, the weight ratio of polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether
sulfate to copolymer is usually at most 10:1, preferably at most
5:1, and in particular at most 2:1.
[0154] In the compositions of the present invention, the
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or sulfate and the
copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains are used as
dispersant, especially to provide a dispersion of suspended active
ingredient(s).
[0155] The present invention thus also relates to the use of a
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or sulfate in
combination with a copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains as
dispersant in seed treatment compositions. The polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or sulfate are as defined herein.
Also, the copolymer having polyalkoxy ether side chains is as
defined herein.
[0156] The composition of the invention is a seed treatment
composition. A seed treatment composition according to the present
invention comprises at least one auxiliary agent that is
specifically suited for the seed treatment, i.e. an auxiliary agent
which in particular promotes adhesion of the active ingredient to
and/or penetration into the seeds and/or otherwise improves
stability and/or manageability of the composition or the seeds
treated therewith. Thus, the seed treatment composition the present
invention comprises at least one seed treatment auxiliary agent(s),
and optionally one or more further auxiliary agents.
[0157] In particular, seed treatment auxiliary agents are selected
from the group consisting of agents suitable for seed coating
materials, agents suitable for solid matrix priming materials,
penetration enhancers suitable for promoting seed imbibition,
colorants, antifreezes, and gelling agents.
[0158] According to a preferred embodiment, the seed coating
material comprises a binder (or sticker). Optionally, the coating
material also comprises one or more additional seed treatment
auxiliary agents selected from the group consisting of fillers and
plasticizers.
[0159] Binders (or stickers) are all customary binders (or
stickers) which can be employed in seed treatment compositions.
Binders (or stickers) that are useful in the present invention
preferably comprise an adhesive polymer that may be natural or
partly or wholly synthetic and is without phytotoxic effect on the
seed to be coated. Preferably, the binder (or sticker) is
biodegradable.
[0160] The binder (or sticker) may be selected from polyesters,
polyether esters, polyanhydrides, polyester urethanes, polyester
amides; polyvinyl acetates; polyvinyl acetate copolymers; polyvinyl
alcohols and tylose; polyvinyl alcohol copolymers;
polyvinylpyrolidones; polysaccharides, including starches, modified
starches and starch derivatives, dextrins, maltodextrins,
alginates, chitosanes and celluloses, cellulose esters, cellulose
ethers and cellulose ether esters including ethylcelluloses,
methylcelluloses, hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxypropylcelluloses
and carboxymethylcellulose; fats; oils; proteins, including casein,
gelatin and zeins; gum arabics; shellacs; vinylidene chloride and
vinylidene chloride copolymers; lignosulfonates, in particular
calcium lignosulfonates; polyacrylates, polymethacrylates and
acrylic copolymers; polyvinylacrylates; polyethylene oxide;
polybutenes, polyisobutenes, polystyrene, polyethyleneamines,
polyethylenamides; acrylamide polymers and copolymers;
polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylamide monomers; and
polychloroprene.
[0161] In a particular embodiment of the invention the seed
treatment composition contains at least one polyester, which, in
particular, is selected from polylactides, partially aromatic
polyesters (copolymers of terephthalic acid, adipic acid and
aliphatic diols), polyglycolides, polyhydroxyalkanoates and
polytartrates.
[0162] The amount of binder (or sticker) in the composition can
vary, but, if present, will be in the range of about 0.01 to about
25% of the total weight, more preferably from about 1 to about 15%,
and even more preferably from about 5% to about 10%.
[0163] As mentioned above, the coating material can optionally also
comprise a filler. The filler can be an absorbent or an inert
filler, such as are known in the art, and may include wood flours,
cereal flours, tree bark mill, wood meal and nut shell meal,
sugars, in particular polysaccharides, activated carbon, fine-grain
inorganic solids, silica gels, silicates, clays, chalk,
diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,
dolomite, magnesium oxide, calcium sulfate and the like. Clays and
inorganic solids which may be used include calcium bentonite,
kaolin, china clay, talc, perlite, mica, vermiculite, silicates,
quartz powder, montmorillonite, attapulgite, bole, loess,
limestone, lime and mixtures thereof. Sugars which may be useful
include dextrin and maltodextrin. Cereal flours include wheat
flour, oat flour and barley flour. The filler may also comprise
fertilizer substances such as, for example, ammonium sulfate,
ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas and mixtures
thereof.
[0164] The filler is selected so that it will provide a proper
microclimate for the seed, for example the filler is used to
increase the loading rate of the active ingredients and to adjust
the control-release of the active ingredients. The filler can aid
in the production or process of coating the seed. The amount of
filler can vary, but generally the weight of the filler components,
if present, will be in the range of about 0.05 to about 75% of the
total weight, more preferably about 0.1 to about 50%, and even more
preferably about 0.5% to 15%.
[0165] It is preferred that the binder (or sticker) be selected so
that it can serve as a matrix for the active ingredient(s). While
the binders disclosed above may all be useful as a matrix, it is
preferred that a continuous solid phase of one or more binder
compounds is formed throughout which is distributed as a
discontinuous phase the active ingredient(s). Optionally, a filler
and/or other components can also be present in the matrix. The term
"matrix" is to be understood to include what may be viewed as a
matrix system, a reservoir system or a microencapsulated system. In
general, a matrix system consists of the active ingredient(s) and a
filler uniformly dispersed within a polymer, while a reservoir
system consists of a separate phase comprising the active
ingredient(s) that is physically dispersed within a surrounding,
rate-limiting, polymeric phase. Microencapsulation includes the
coating of small particles or droplets of liquid, but also to
dispersions in a solid matrix.
[0166] Especially if the active ingredient(s) used in the coating
is an oily type composition and little or no inert filler is
present, it may be useful to hasten the drying process by drying
the composition. This optional step may be accomplished by means
well known in the art and can include the addition of fillers such
as calcium carbonate, kaolin or bentonite clay, perlite,
diatomaceous earth, or any absorbent material that is added
preferably concurrently with the active ingredient(s) coating layer
to absorb the oil or excess moisture. The amount of absorbent
necessary to effectively provide a dry coating will be in the range
of about 0.5 to about 10% of the weight of the seed.
[0167] Optionally, the coating material comprises a plasticizer.
Plasticizers are typically used to make the film that is formed by
the coating layer more flexible, to improve adhesion and
spreadability, and to improve the speed of processing. Improved
film flexibility is important to minimize chipping, breakage or
flaking during storage, handling or sowing processes. Many
plasticizers may be used; however, useful plasticizers include
polyethylene glycol, oligomeric polyalkylene glycols, glycerol,
alkylbenzylphthalates, in particular butylbenzylphthalate, glycol
benzoates and related compounds. The range of plasticizer, if
present, in the coating layer will be in the range of from about
0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight.
[0168] Agents suitable for solid matrix priming materials which are
useful in the present invention include polyacrylamide, starch,
clay, silica, alumina, soil, sand, polyurea, polyacrylate, or any
other material capable of absorbing or adsorbing the active
ingredient(s) and releasing the active ingredient(s) into or onto
the seed. It is useful to make sure that active ingredient(s) and
the solid matrix material are compatible with each other. For
example, the solid matrix material should be chosen so that it can
release the active ingredient(s) at a reasonable rate, for example
over a period of minutes, hours, or days.
[0169] Penetration enhancers suitable for promoting seed imbibition
include agriculturally acceptable surface active compounds. The
amount of penetration enhancers will usually not exceed 20% by
weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably,
the amount of penetration enhancers, if present, will be in the
range from 2% to 20% by weight.
[0170] Colorants according to the invention are all dyes and
pigments which are customary for such purposes. In this context,
both pigments, which are sparingly soluble in water, and dyes,
which are soluble in water, may be used. Examples which may be
mentioned are the colorants, dyes and pigments known under the
names Rhodamin B, C. I. Pigment Red 112 and C. I. Solvent Red 1,
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 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, Acid Red 51, Acid Red 52,
Acid Red 14, Acid Blue 9, Acid Yellow 23, Basic Red 10, Basic Red
108. The amount of colorants, if present, will usually not exceed
20% by weight of the composition and preferably ranges from 1 to
15% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. It is
generally preferred if the colorants are also active as repellents
for warm-blooded animals, e. g. iron oxide, TiO.sub.2, Prussian
blue, anthraquinone dyes, azo dyes and metal phtalocyanine
dyes.
[0171] Antifreezes which can be employed especially for aqueous
compositions are in principle all those substances which lead to a
depression of the melting point of water. Suitable antifreezes
comprise alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanols,
glycol, glycerine, diethylenglycol and the like. Typically, the
amount of antifreeze will not exceed 20% by weight and, if present,
frequently ranges from 1 to 15% by weight, based on the total
weight of the composition.
[0172] Gelling agents which are suitable are all substances which
can be employed for such purposes in agrochemical compositions, for
example cellulose derivatives, polyacrylic acid derivatives,
xanthan, modified clays, in particular organically modified
phyllosilicates and highly-dispersed silicates. A particularly
suitable gelling agent is carrageen (Satiagel.RTM.). Usually, the
amount of gelling agentwill not exceed 5% by weight of the
composition and, if present, preferably ranges from 0.5 to 5% by
weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0173] Further auxiliary agents that may be present in the seed
treatment composition include solvents, wetters, dispersants,
emulsifiers, surfactants, thickeners, protective colloids,
antifoams, and preservatives.
[0174] Water is a preferred solvent. According to a particular
embodiment, the compositions of the present invention comprise at
least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight and in
particular at least 30% by weight of water. On the other hand, the
compositions of the present invention usually comprise at most 99%
by weight, preferably at most 90% by weight and in particular at
most 80% by weight of water.
[0175] Further examples of suitable solvents are organic solvents
such as aromatic solvents (for example Solvesso products, xylene),
paraffins (for example mineral oil fractions), alcohols (for
example methanol, butanol, pentanol, benzyl alcohol), ketones (for
example cyclohexanone, gamma-butyrolactone), pyrrolidones (NMP,
NOP), acetates (glycol diacetate), glycols, fatty acid
dimethylamides, fatty acids and fatty acid esters. In principle,
solvent mixtures may also be used. However, according to a
particular embodiment, the compositions of the present invention
contain less than 15% by weight and preferably less than 6% by
weight of said organic solvents.
[0176] Surface active compounds are all those surfactants which are
suitable for formulating agrochemical actives, in particular for
active ingredient(s), and which may be nonionic, cationic, anionic
or amphoteric. According to their action, surfactants--sometimes
referred to as "additives"--may be divided into wetters,
dispersants, emulsifiers or protective colloids; however, these
particular groups may overlap and cannot be divided strictly.
[0177] Because the compositions of the present invention comprise a
polyarylphenol polyalkoxy ether phosphate and/or a polyarylphenol
polyalkoxy ether sulfate and a copolymer having polyalkoxy ether
side chains, usually no further dispersants need to be added to the
composition. Typically, the amount of further dispersants will not
exceed 10% by weight. Preferably, it does not exceed 5% by weight
and in particular 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the
composition. According to a particular embodiment, the compositions
of the present invention do not contain significant amounts of
further dispersants, i.e. they contain no further dispersant or the
amount is below 0.5% by weight and preferably below 0.1% by weight,
based on the total weight of the composition. Also, the amount of
further surfactants having an HLB value of more than 5 will
typically not exceed 10% by weight. Preferably, it does not exceed
5% by weight and in particular 1% by weight. According to a
particular embodiment, the compositions of the present invention do
not contain significant amounts of such further surfactants, i.e.
they contain no such further surfactant or the amount is below 0.5%
by weight and preferably below 0.1% by weight, based on the total
weight of the composition.
[0178] Suitable wetters are all those substances which promote
wetting and which are conventionally used for formulating
agrochemical active ingredients. Alkylnaphthalenesulfonates such as
diisopropyl- or diisobutylnaphthalenesulfonates can be used
preferably.
[0179] Dispersants and/or emulsifiers which are suitable are all
nonionic, anionic and cationic dispersants or emulsifiers
conventionally used for formulating agrochemical active
ingredients. The following can preferably be used: nonionic or
anionic dispersants and/or emulsifiers or mixtures of nonionic or
anionic dispersants and/or emulsifiers.
[0180] Suitable nonionic dispersants and/or emulsifiers which may
be employed are, in particular, ethylene oxide/alkylene oxide block
copolymers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers and tristryrylphenol
polyglycol ethers, for example polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether,
ethoxylated isooctylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol, alkylphenol
polyglycol ether, tributylphenyl polyglycol ether, tristearylphenyl
polyglycol ether, alkylarylpolyether alcohols, alcohol and fatty
alcohol ethylene oxide condensates, ethoxylated castor oil,
polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, ethoxylated polyoxypropylene, lauryl
alcohol polyglycol ether acetal, sorbitol esters and methyl
cellulose.
[0181] Suitable anionic dispersants and/or emulsifiers which may be
employed are, in particular, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and
ammonium salts of ligninsulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid,
phenolsulfonic acid, dibutylnaphthalenesulfonic acid,
alkylarylsulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkylsulfonates, fatty alcohol
sulfates, fatty acids and sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers,
furthermore arylsulfonate/formaldehyde condensates, for example
condensates of sulfonated naphthalene and naphthalene derivatives
with formaldehyde, condensates of naphthalene or of
naphthalenesulfonic acid with phenol and formaldehyde,
ligninsulfonates, lignin-sulfite waste liquors, phosphated or
sulfated derivatives of methylcellulose, and salts of polyacrylic
acid.
[0182] Thickeners are typically water-soluble polymers which
exhibit suitable plastic properties in an aqueous medium. Examples
include gum arabic, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, guar gum, locust
bean gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, alginate salt, casein, dextran,
pectine, argar, 2-hydroxyethyl starch, 2-aminoethyl starch,
2-hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose
salt, cellulose sulfate salt. Xanthan gum is preferred. Usually,
the amount of thickener will not exceed 20% by weight and, if
present, frequently ranges from 1 to 15% by weight, based on the
total weight of the composition.
[0183] Protective colloids are typically water soluble, amphiphilic
polymers. Examples include proteins and denatured proteins such as
casein, polysaccharides such as water soluble starch derivatives
and cellulose derivatives, in particular hydrophobic modified
starch and celluloses, furthermore polycarboxylates such as
polyacrylic acid and acrylic acid copolymers, polyvinylalcohol,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, polyvinyl
amines, polyethylene imines and polyalkylene ethers. Usually, the
amount of protective colloid will not exceed 3% by weight of the
composition and, if present, preferably ranges from 0.1 to 2% by
weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
[0184] Antifoams which can be employed are all those substances
which inhibit the development of foam and which are conventionally
used for formulating agrochemical active ingredients. Silicone
antifoams, i.e. aqueous silicon emulsions (e.g. Silikon.RTM. SRE by
Wacker or Rhodorsil.RTM. by Rhodia), long chain alcohols, fatty
acids and salts thereof, e.g. and magnesium stearate are
particularly suitable. Usually, the amount of antifoam will not
exceed 3% by weight of the composition and, if present, preferably
ranges from 0.1 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the
composition.
[0185] Preservatives which can be employed are all preservatives
used for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. Examples which
may be mentioned are dichlorophene, isothiazolenes and
isothiazolones such as 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one,
2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one-hydrochloride,
5-chloro-2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3(2H)-isothiazolone,
5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one,
5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one,
5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one-hydrochloride,
4,5-dichloro-2-cyclohexyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one,
4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one,
2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one-calcium
chloride complex, 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and benzyl alcohol
hemiformal. Usually, the amount of preservatives will not exceed 2%
by weight of the composition and, if present, preferably ranges
from 0.01 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the
composition.
[0186] The skilled person is essentially familiar with agricultural
compositions of active ingredients (see, for instance, Ullmann's
Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Fungicides Chapter 4, 5th ed.
on CD-ROM, Wiley-VCH, 1997 and Mollet, H., Grubemann, A.,
Formulation technology, Wiley VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim (Federal
Republic of Germany), 2001, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety). Examples include water-soluble
concentrates (SL, LS), dispersible concentrates (DC), emulsifiable
concentrates (EC), emulsions (EW, EO, ES), suspensions (SC, OD,
FS), water-dispersible granules (WG, SG), water-dispersible or
water-soluble powders (WP, SP, SS, WS), dusts or dustable powders
(DP, DS), granules (GR, FG, GG, MG), ULV solutions (UL) and gel
formualtions (GF). For seed treatment purposes, such compositions
may be applied as such or after addition of a suitable liquid, in
particular water, in order to dissolve, emulsify, disperse, supend
or dilute the composition. The type of the ready-to-use preparation
applied to the seeds thus depends on the type of composition used
and the method used for treating the seeds.
[0187] The compositions can be prepared in the known manner, for
example by extending the active ingredient component with one ore
more auxiliary agents (see e.g. for review U.S. Pat. No. 3,060,084,
EPA 707 445 (for liquid concentrates), Browning, "Agglomeration",
Chemical Engineering, Dec. 4, 1967, 147-48, Perry's Chemical
Engineer's Handbook, 4th Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1963, pages
8-57 and et seq. WO 91/13546, U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,714, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,144,050, U.S. Pat. No. 3,920,442, U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,587,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,701, U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,030, GB 2,095,558,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,299,566, Klingman, Weed Control as a Science, John
Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1961, Hance et al., Weed Control
Handbook, 8th Ed., Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1989
and Mollet, H., Grubemann, A., Formulation technology, Wiley VCH
Verlag GmbH, Weinheim (Germany), 2001, 2. D. A. Knowles, Chemistry
and Technology of Agrochemical Formulations, Kluwer Academic
Publishers, Dordrecht, 1998 (ISBN 0-7514-0443-8), all of which
being incorporated by reference in its entirety).
[0188] The following formulations simply illustrate said
compositions:
A Dispersible Concentrates (DC)
[0189] 20 parts by weight of the active ingredient(s) are dissolved
in 70 parts by weight of cyclohexanone with addition of 10 parts by
weight of dispersant(s), whereby a formulation with 20% (w/w) of
the active ingredient(s) is obtained. Dilution with water gives a
dispersion.
B Suspensions (SC, OD, FS)
[0190] In an agitated ball mill, 20 parts by weight of the active
ingredient(s) are comminuted with addition of 10 parts by weight of
dispersant(s) and optionally wetter(s) and 70 parts by weight of
water or of an organic solvent to give a fine active compound(s)
suspension, whereby a formulation with 20% (w/w) of the active
ingredient(s) is obtained. Dilution with water gives a stable
suspension of the active ingredient(s).
C Water-Dispersible Granules (WG, SG)
[0191] 50 parts by weight of the active ingredient(s) are ground
finely with addition of 50 parts by weight of dispersant(s) and
optionally wetter(s) and made as water-dispersible or water-soluble
granules by means of technical appliances (for example extrusion,
spray tower, fluidized bed), whereby a formulation with 50% (w/w)
of the active ingredient(s) is obtained. Dilution with water gives
a stable dispersion or solution of the active compound(s).
D Water-Dispersible Powders (WP, WS)
[0192] 75 parts by weight of the active ingredient(s) are ground in
a rotor-stator mill with addition of 25 parts by weight of
dispersant(s) and optionally wetter(s), and silica gel, whereby a
formulation with 75% (w/w) of the active ingredient(s) is obtained.
Dilution with water gives a stable dispersion or solution of the
the active ingredient(s).
E Gel Formulation (GF)
[0193] In an agitated ball mill, 20 parts by weight of the active
ingredient(s) are comminuted with addition of 10 parts by weight of
dispersant(s), 1 part by weight of a gelling agent and 70 parts by
weight of water or of an organic solvent to give a fine active
compound(s) suspension, whereby a formulation with 20% (w/w) of the
active ingredient(s) is obtained. Dilution with water gives a
stable suspension of the active ingredient(s).
[0194] Formulations A-E can be diluted with water before
application or directly applied.
[0195] According to a particular embodiment of present invention,
the seed treatment composition is a liquid or is applied as a
liquid. Preference is given to a suspension and especially an
aqueous suspension. The suspended particles are active
ingredient(s) or auxiliary agents having a melting point above
30.degree. C.
[0196] For the seed treatment according to the present invention,
powders or granules, such as water-dispersible powders or granules,
and suspensions are preferred. Further, gel formulations are
preferred.
[0197] According to the present invention, the following
formulations are particularly preferred: flowable concentrates
(especially FS). Also preferred are gel formulations (especially
GF). These formulations can be applied to the seed diluted or
undiluted.
[0198] According to a particular embodiment, the invention relates
to a FS formulation. Typcially, an FS formulation may comprise
1-800 g/l of the active ingredient(s), 1-200 g/I poylarylphenol
poyalkoxy ether sulfate and/or phosphate, 1-200 g/l of a copolymer
having polyalkoxy ether side chains, 0 to 200 g/I antifreezing
agent, 0 to 400 g/l of binder, 0 to 200 g/l of a colorant and up to
1 liter of a solvent, preferably water.
[0199] According to a further particular embodiment, the seed
treatment composition of the present invention is a seed coating
formulation.
[0200] Such seed coating formulations comprise the active
ingredient(s), the dispersants and at least one binder (or sticker)
and optionally at least one further auxiliary agent that is
selected from the group consisting of fillers and plasticizers.
[0201] Seed coating formulations comprising binders, fillers and/or
plasticizers are well-known in the art. Seed coating formulations
are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,939,356, 5,882,713,
5,876,739, 5,849,320, 5,834,447, 5,791,084, 5,661,103, 5,622,003,
5,580,544, 5,328,942, 5,300,127, 4,735,015, 4,634,587, 4,383,391,
4,372,080, 4,339,456, 4,272,417 and 4,245,432, among others.
[0202] The amount of the active ingredient(s) that is included in
the coating formulation will vary depending upon the type of seed,
but the coating formulation will contain an amount of the active
ingredient(s) that is pesticidally effective. In general, the
amount of the active ingredient(s) in the coating formulation will
range from about 0.005 to about 75% of the total weight. A more
preferred range for the active ingredient(s) is from about 0.01 to
about 40%; more preferred is from about 0.05 to about 20%.
[0203] The exact amount of the active ingredient(s) that is
included in the coating formulation is easily determined by one
skilled in the art and will vary depending upon the size and other
characteristics (surface structure etc.) of the seed to be coated.
The active ingredient(s) of the coating formulation must not
inhibit germination of the seed and should be efficacious in
protecting the seed and/or the plant during that time in the target
pest's life cycle in which it causes injury to the seed or plant.
In general, the coating will be efficacious for approximately 0 to
120 days, preferably for approximately 0 to 60 days, after
sowing.
[0204] The coating formulations formed with the active
ingredient(s) are capable of effecting a slow rate of release of
the active ingredient(s) by diffusion or movement through the
matrix into the seed or to the surrounding medium.
[0205] The present invention also relates to the use of a
composition as defined herein for treating seed.
[0206] The present invention also relates to a method of treating
seed with a composition described herein, which comprises applying
an effective amount of a composition as disclosed herein to a lot
of seeds.
[0207] The term "batch" or "lot" means a group of seeds that are
undergoing the seed treatment. The amount and weight of the seeds
can vary depending on the treatment.
[0208] The term "loading" refers to the actual amount of an active
ingredient that is adhered onto each seed, based on bulk amount of
seed.
[0209] As used herein, the term "seed" denotes any resting stage of
a plant that is physically detached from the vegetative stage of a
plant and/or may be stored for prolonged periods of time and/or can
be used to re-grow another plant individual of the same species.
Here, the term "resting" refers to a state wherein the plant
retains viability, within reasonable limits, in spite of the
absence of light, water and/or nutrients essential for the
vegetative (i.e. non-seed) state. In particular, the term refers to
true seeds but does not embraces plant propagules such as suckers,
corms, bulbs, fruit, tubers, grains, cuttings and cut shoots.
[0210] As used herein, the term "plant" means an entire plant or
parts thereof. The term "entire plant" refers to a complete plant
individual in its vegetative, i.e. non-seed stage, characterized by
the presence of an arrangement of roots, shoots and foliage,
depending on the developmental stage of the plant also flowers
and/or fruits, all of which are physically connected to form an
individual which is, under reasonable conditions, viable without
the need for artificial measures. The term may also refer to an
entire plant harvested as such.
[0211] The term "plant parts" refers to roots, shoots, foliage,
flowers or other parts of the vegetative stage of the plant, which,
when dislodged and disconnected from the rest, are incapable of
survival, unless supported by artificial measures or able to
re-grow the missing parts to form an entire plant. As used herein,
fruits are also considered as plant parts.
[0212] As used herein, the term "root" refers to parts of a plant
which are normally, in order to fulfill their physiological
functions, located beneath the soil surface. Preferably, the term
denotes the parts of a plant which are below the seed and have
directly emerged from the latter, or from other roots, but not from
shoots or foliage.
[0213] 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.
[0214] As used herein, "fruits" are considered to be the parts of a
plant which contain seeds and/or serve to spread seeds, and/or
which may be removed from a plant without impairing its
viability.
[0215] According to the present invention, the seed treatment
comprises applying a composition of the invention to a seed.
Although the present method can be applied to a seed in any
physiological state, it is preferred that the seed be in a
sufficiently durable state that it incurs no significant damage
during the treatment process. Typically, the seed is a seed that
has been harvested from the field; removed from the plant; and/or
separated from the fruit and any cob, pod, stalk, outer husk, and
surrounding pulp or other non-seed plant material. The seed is
preferably also biologically stable to the extent that the
treatment would cause no biological damage to the seed. In one
embodiment, for example, the treatment can be applied to seed that
has been harvested, cleaned and dried to a moisture content below
about 15% by weight. In an alternative embodiment, the seed can be
one that has been dried and then primed with water and/or another
material and then re-dried before or during the treatment with a
composition of the invention.
[0216] The term seed treatment comprises all suitable seed
treatment and especially seed dressing techniques known in the art,
such as seed coating (e.g. seed pelleting), seed dusting and seed
imbibition (e.g. seed soaking). Here, "seed treatment" refers to
all methods that bring seeds and a composition of the invention
into contact with each other, and "seed dressing" to methods of
seed treatment which provide the seeds with an amount of the active
ingredient, i.e. which generate a seed comprising the active
ingredient. In principle, the treatment can be applied to the seed
at any time from the harvest of the seed to the sowing of the seed.
The seed can be treated immediately before, or during, the planting
of the seed, for example using the "hopper-box" or "planter-box"
method. However, the treatment may also be carried out several
weeks or months, for example up to 12 months, before planting the
seed, for example in the form of a seed dressing treatment, without
a substantially reduced efficacy being observed.
[0217] Expediently, the treatment is applied to unsown seed. As
used herein, the term "unsown seed" is meant to include seed at any
period from the harvest of the seed to the sowing of the seed in
the ground for the purpose of germination and growth of the
plant.
[0218] When it is said that unsown seed is "treated", such
treatment is not meant to include those practices in which the
pesticide is applied to the soil, rather than directly to the
seed.
[0219] By applying the treatment to the seed prior to the sowing of
the seed the operation is simplified. In this manner, seeds can be
treated, for example, at a central location and then dispersed for
planting. This permits the person who plants the seeds to avoid the
handling and use of the active ingredient and to merely handle and
plant the treated seeds in a manner that is conventional for
regular untreated seeds, which reduces human exposure.
[0220] Specifically, the seed treatment follows a procedure in
which the seed is exposed to the specifically desired amount of a
preparation comprising the active ingredient(s). The preparation
may be a composition of the present invention that is applied as
such or after previously diluting it, e.g. with water; for
instance, it may be expedient to dilute seed treatment compositions
2-10 fold leading to concentrations in the ready-to-use
compositions of 0.01 to 60% by weight active compound by weight,
preferably 0.1 to 40% by weight. In some instances, it may be
expedient to add the dispersants of the present invention to a
composition that has no or insufficient amounts of dispersant. Upon
addition of the dispersants and otional dilution with water the
resulting composition will form a dispersion.
[0221] Thus, the active ingredient concentrations in ready-to-use
preparation can be varied within substantial ranges. In general,
they are in the range from 0.01 and 80% by weight, frequently in
the range from 0.1 to 50% by weight, preferably in the range from
0.5 and 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the
preparation. The active ingredients can also successfully be used
in concentrated form, it being possible to apply, to the seed,
preparations with more than 80% by weight of active ingredient, or
even the active ingredient without additions. The amount of
additives will generally not exceed 30% by weight, preferably 20%
by weight, and is, in particular, in the range of from 0.1 to 20%
by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the
preparation.
[0222] Usually, a device which is suitable for seed treatment, for
example a mixer for solid or solid/liquid components, is employed
until the preparation is distributed uniformly on the seed. Thus,
the preparation can be applied to seeds by any standard seed
treatment methodology, including but not limited to mixing in a
container (e.g., a bottle, bag or tumbler), mechanical application,
tumbling, spraying, and immersion. If appropriate, this is followed
by drying.
[0223] Particular embodiments of the present invention comprise
seed coating and imbibition (e.g. soaking). "Coating" denotes any
process that endows the outer surfaces of the seeds partially or
completely with a layer or layers of non-plant material, and
"imbibition" any process that results in penetration of the active
ingredient(s) into the germinable parts of the seed and/or its
natural sheath, (inner) husk, hull, shell, pod and/or integument.
The invention therefore also relates to a treatment of seeds which
comprises providing seeds with a coating that comprises the active
ingredient(s), and to a treatment of seeds which comprises
imbibition of seeds with the active ingredient(s).
[0224] Coating is particularly effective in accommodating high
loads of the active ingredient(s), as may be required to treat
typically refractory pests, while at the same time preventing
unacceptable phytotoxicity due to the increased load of the active
ingredient(s).
[0225] Coating may be applied to the seeds using conventional
coating techniques and machines, such as fluidized bed techniques,
the roller mill method, rotostatic seed treaters, and drum coaters.
Other methods such as the spouted beds technique may also be
useful. The seeds may be pre-sized before coating. After coating,
the seeds are typically dried and then transferred to a sizing
machine for sizing.
[0226] Such procedures are known in the art. Seed coating methods
and apparatus for their application are disclosed in, for example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,918,413, 5,891,246, 5,554,445, 5,389,399,
5,107,787, 5,080,925, 4,759,945 and 4,465,017.
[0227] In another particular embodiment, the solid the active
ingredient(s), for instance as a solid fine particulate
formulation, e.g. a powder or dust, can be mixed directly with
seeds. Optionally, a sticking agent can be used to adhere the
solid, e.g. the powder, to the seed surface. For example, a
quantity of seed can be mixed with a sticking agent (which
increases adhesion of the particles on the surface of the seed) and
optionally agitated to encourage uniform coating of the seed with
the sticking agent. For example, the seed can be mixed with a
sufficient amount of sticking agent, which leads to a partial or
complete coating of the seed with sticking agent. The seed
pretreated in this way is then mixed with a solid formulation
containing the active ingredient(s) to achieve adhesion of the
solid formulation on the surface of the seed material. The mixture
can be agitated, for example by tumbling, to encourage contact of
the sticking agent with the active ingredient(s), thereby causing
the solid the active ingredient(s) to stick to the seed.
[0228] Another particular method of treating seed with the active
ingredient(s) is imbibition. For example, seed can be combined for
a period of time with an aqueous solution comprising from about 1%
by weight to about 75% by weight of the active ingredient(s) in a
solvent such as water. Preferably the concentration of the solution
is from about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight, more preferably
from about 10% by weight to about 25% by weight. During the period
that the seed is combined with the solution, the seed takes up
(imbibes) at least a portion of the active ingredient(s).
Optionally, the mixture of seed and solution can be agitated, for
example by shaking, rolling, tumbling, or other means. After the
imbibition process, the seed can be separated from the solution and
optionally dried in a suitable manner, for example by patting or
air-drying.
[0229] In yet another particular embodiment of the present
invention, the active ingredient(s) can be introduced onto or into
a seed by use of solid matrix priming. For example, a quantity of
the active ingredient(s) thereof can be mixed with a solid matrix
material, and then the seed can be placed into contact with the
solid matrix material for a period to allow the active
ingredient(s) to be introduced to the seed. The seed can then
optionally be separated from the solid matrix material and stored
or used, or, preferably, the mixture of solid matrix material plus
seed can be stored or planted/sown directly.
[0230] In each embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that
the composition of the invention is applied to a seed in an
effective amount, that is, an amount sufficient to provide
sufficient active ingredient, e.g. for protection against pests, to
the seed and the plant that grows from the seed. A seed treatment
according to the present invention is therefore for protecting not
only the seed but also the plant that grows from the seed.
[0231] As used herein, "protection" is achieved if the percent of
feeding damage to the seed and/or the plant at 10 days after
infestation (DAI) with the pest is significantly reduced for
treated seeds or plants grown from treated seeds as compared to
untreated seeds or plants grown from untreated seeds. In order to
be effective, the active ingredient is generally employed in an
amount of from 0.1 to 500 g, preferably 0.5 to 200 g, and in
particular 0.75 to 100 g, per 100 kilograms of seed.
[0232] According to the present invention one purpose of said seed
treatment is to control a pest. Such a seed treatment thus involves
a pesticidal effect or a pesticidal activity providing protection
against damage done by the pest to a seed and/or a plant grown from
the seed. Seed treatment can especially be used to protect seeds
and seedlings from early season disease and insect pests affecting
crop emergencvee and growth.
[0233] As used herein, the terms "pesticidal effect" and
"pesticidal activity" mean any direct or indirect action on the
target pest that results in reduction of feeding damage on the
treated seeds as well as on the fruits, roots, shoots and/or
foliage of plants grown from treated seeds as compared untreated
seeds or to plants grown from untreated seeds, respectively. The
terms "active against a (first or second) pest" also have the same
meaning. Such direct or indirect actions include killing of the
pest, repelling the pest from the plant seeds, fruits, roots,
shoots and/or foliage, inhibiting feeding of the pest on, or the
laying of its eggs on, the plant seeds, fruits, roots, shoots
and/or foliage, and inhibiting or preventing reproduction of the
pest.
[0234] Pests in particular include soil-borne and soil-dwelling,
shoot and foliage pests.
[0235] Particular fungi to be controlled include the following:
[0236] Albugo spp. (white rust) on ornamentals, vegetables (e. g.
A. candida) and sunflowers (e. g. A. tragopogonis); Alternaria spp.
(Alternaria leaf spot) on vegetables, rape (A. brassicola or
brassicae), sugar beets (A. tenuis), fruits, rice, soybeans,
potatoes (e. g. A. solani or A. alternata), tomatoes (e. g. A.
solani or A. alternate) and wheat; Aphanomyces spp. on sugar beets
and vegetables; Ascochyta spp. on cereals and vegetables, e. g. A.
tritici (anthracnose) on wheat and A. hordei on barley; Bipolaris
and Drechslera spp. (teleomorph: Cochliobolus spp.) on corn (e. g.
D. maydis), cereals (e. g. B. sorokiniana: spot blotch), rice (e.
g. B. oryzae) and turfs; Blumeria (formerly Erysiphe) graminis
(powdery mildew) on cereals (e. g. on wheat or barley); Botrytis
cinerea (teleomorph: Botryotinia fuckeliana: grey mold) on fruits
and berries (e. g. strawberries), vegetables (e. g. lettuce,
carrots, celery and cabbages), rape, flowers, vines, forestry
plants and wheat; Bremia lactucae (downy mildew) on lettuce;
Ceratocystis (syn. Ophiostoma) spp. (rot or wilt) on broad-leaved
trees and evergreens, e. g. C. u/mi (Dutch elm disease) on elms;
Cercospora spp. (Cercospora leaf spots) on corn, rice, sugar beets
(e. g. C. beticola), sugar cane, vegetables, coffee, soybeans (e.
g. C. sojina or C. kikuchii) and rice; Cladosporium spp. on
tomatoes (e. g. C. fulvum: leaf mold) and cereals, e. g. C.
herbarum (black ear) on wheat; Claviceps purpurea (ergot) on
cereals; Cochliobolus (anamorph: Helminthosporium of Bipolaris)
spp. (leaf spots) on corn (C. carbonum), cereals (e. g. C. sativus,
anamorph: B. sorokiniana) and rice (e. g. C. miyabeanus, anamorph:
H. oryzae); Colletotrichum (teleomorph: Glomerella) spp.
(anthracnose) on cotton (e. g. C. gossypii), corn (e. g. C.
graminicola), soft fruits, potatoes (e. g. C. coccodes: black dot),
beans (e. g. C. lindemuthianum) and soybeans (e. g. C. truncatum or
C. gloeosporioides); Corticium spp., e. g. C. sasakii (sheath
blight) on rice; Corynespora cassficola (leaf spots) on soybeans
and ornamentals; Cycloconium spp., e. g. C. oleaginum on olive
trees; Cylindrocarpon spp. (e. g. fruit tree canker or young vine
decline, teleomorph: Nectria or Neonectria spp.) on fruit trees,
vines (e. g. C. liriodendri, teleomorph: Neonectria liriodendri:
Black Foot Disease) and ornamentals; Dematophora (teleomorph:
Rosellinia) necatrix (root and stem rot) on soybeans; Diaporthe
spp., e. g. D. phaseolorum (damping off) on soybeans; Drechslera
(syn. Helminthosporium, teleomorph: Pyrenophora) spp. on corn,
cereals, such as barley (e. g. D. teres, net blotch) and wheat (e.
g. D. triticirepentis: tan spot), rice and turf; Esca (dieback,
apoplexy) on vines, caused by Formitiporia (syn. Phellinus)
punctata, F. mediterranea, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (earlier
Phaeoacremonium chlamydosporum), Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and/or
Botryosphaeria obtusa; Elsinoe spp. on pome fruits (E. pyri), soft
fruits (E. veneta: anthracnose) and vines (E. ampelina:
anthracnose); Entyloma oryzae (leaf smut) on rice; Epicoccum spp.
(black mold) on wheat; Erysiphe spp. (powdery mildew) on sugar
beets (E. betae), vegetables (e. g. E. pisi), such as cucurbits (e.
g. E. cichoracearum), cabbages, rape (e. g. E. cruciferarum);
Eutypalata (Eutypa canker or dieback, anamorph: Cytosporina late,
syn. Libertella blepharis) on fruit trees, vines and ornamental
woods; Exserohilum (syn. Helminthosporium) spp. on corn (e. g. E.
turcicum); Fusarium (teleomorph: Gibberella) spp. (wilt, root or
stem rot) on various plants, such as F. graminearum or F. culmorum
(root rot, scab or head blight) on cereals (e. g. wheat or barley),
F. oxysporum on tomatoes, F. solani on soybeans and F.
verticillioides on corn; Gaeumannomyces graminis (take-all) on
cereals (e. g. wheat or barley) and corn; Gibberella spp. on
cereals (e. g. G. zeae) and rice (e. g. G. fujikuroi: Bakanae
disease); Glomerella cingulata on vines, pome fruits and other
plants and G. gossypii on cotton; Grainstaining complex on rice;
Guignardia bidwellii (black rot) on vines; Gymnosporangium spp. on
rosaceous plants and junipers, e. g. G. sabinae (rust) on pears;
Helminthosporium spp. (syn. Drechslera, teleomorph: Cochliobolus)
on corn, cereals and rice; Hemileia spp., e. g. H. vastatrix
(coffee leaf rust) on coffee; Isariopsis clavispora (syn.
Cladosporium vitis) on vines; Macrophomina phaseolina (syn.
phaseoli) (root and stem rot) on soybeans and cotton; Microdochium
(syn. Fusarium) nivale (pink snow mold) on cereals (e. g. wheat or
barley); Microsphaera diffusa (powdery mildew) on soybeans;
Monilinia spp., e. g. M. laxa, M. fructicola and M. fructigena
(bloom and twig blight, brown rot) on stone fruits and other
rosaceous plants; Mycosphaerella spp. on cereals, bananas, soft
fruits and ground nuts, such as e. g. M. graminicola (anamorph:
Septoria tritici, Septoria blotch) on wheat or M. fijiensis (black
Sigatoka disease) on bananas; Peronospora spp. (downy mildew) on
cabbage (e. g. P. brassicae), rape (e. g. P. parasitica), onions
(e. g. P. destructor), tobacco (P. tabacina) and soybeans (e. g. P.
manshurica); Phakopsora pachyrhizi and P. meibomiae (soybean rust)
on soybeans; Phialophora spp. e. g. on vines (e. g. P. tracheiphila
and P. tetraspora) and soybeans (e. g. P. gregata: stem rot); Phoma
lingam (root and stem rot) on rape and cabbage and P. betae (root
rot, leaf spot and damping-off) on sugar beets; Phomopsis spp. on
sunflowers, vines (e. g. P. viticola: can and leaf spot) and
soybeans (e. g. stem rot: P. phaseoli, teleomorph: Diaporthe
phaseolorum); Physoderma maydis (brown spots) on corn; Phytophthora
spp. (wilt, root, leaf, fruit and stem root) on various plants,
such as paprika and cucurbits (e. g. P. capsici), soybeans (e. g.
P. megasperma, syn. P. sojae), potatoes and tomatoes (e. g. P.
infestans: late blight) and broad-leaved trees (e. g. P. ramorum:
sudden oak death); Plasmodiophora brassicae (club root) on cabbage,
rape, radish and other plants; Plasmopara spp., e. g. P. viticola
(grapevine downy mildew) on vines and P. halstedii on sunflowers;
Podosphaera spp. (powdery mildew) on rosaceous plants, hop, pome
and soft fruits, e. g. P. leucotricha on apples; Polymyxa spp., e.
g. on cereals, such as barley and wheat (P. graminis) and sugar
beets (P. betae) and thereby transmitted viral diseases;
Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (eyespot, teleomorph: Tapesia
yallundae) on cereals, e. g. wheat or barley; Pseudoperonospora
(downy mildew) on various plants, e. g. P. cubensis on cucurbits or
P. humili on hop; Pseudopezicula tracheiphila (red fire disease or
`rotbrenner`, anamorph: Phialophora) on vines; Puccinia spp.
(rusts) on various plants, e. g. P. triticina (brown or leaf rust),
P. striiformis (stripe or yellow rust), P. hordei (dwarf rust), P.
graminis (stem or black rust) or P. recondita (brown or leaf rust)
on cereals, such as e. g. wheat, barley or rye, and asparagus (e.
g. P. asparagi); Pyrenophora (anamorph: Drechslera)
tritici-repentis (tan spot) on wheat or P. teres (net blotch) on
barley; Pyricularia spp., e. g. P. oryzae (teleomorph: Magnaporthe
grisea, rice blast) on rice and P. grisea on turf and cereals;
Pythium spp. (damping-off) on turf, rice, corn, wheat, cotton,
rape, sunflowers, soybeans, sugar beets, vegetables and various
other plants (e. g. P. ultimum or P. aphanidermatum); Ramularia
spp., e. g. R. collo-cygni (Ramularia leaf spots, Physiological
leaf spots) on barley and R. beticola on sugar beets; Rhizoctonia
spp. on cotton, rice, potatoes, turf, corn, rape, potatoes, sugar
beets, vegetables and various other plants, e. g. R. solani (root
and stem rot) on soybeans, R. solani (sheath blight) on rice or R.
cerealis (Rhizoctonia spring blight) on wheat or barley; Rhizopus
stolonifer (black mold, soft rot) on strawberries, carrots,
cabbage, vines and tomatoes; Rhynchosporium secalis (scald) on
barley, rye and triticale; Sarocladium oryzae and S. attenuatum
(sheath rot) on rice; Sclerotinia spp. (stem rot or white mold) on
vegetables and field crops, such as rape, sunflowers (e. g. S.
sclerotiorum) and soybeans (e. g. S. rolfsii or S. sclerotiorum);
Septoria spp. on various plants, e. g. S. glycines (brown spot) on
soybeans, S. tritici (Septoria blotch) on wheat and S. (syn.
Stagonospora) nodorum (Stagonospora blotch) on cereals; Uncinula
(syn. Erysiphe) necator (powdery mildew, anamorph: Oidium tuckeri)
on vines; Setospaeria spp. (leaf blight) on corn (e. g. S.
turcicum, syn. Helminthosporium turcicum) and turf; Sphacelotheca
spp. (smut) on corn, (e. g. S. reiliana: head smut), sorghum and
sugar cane; Sphaerotheca fuliginea (powdery mildew) on cucurbits;
Spongospora subterranea (powdery scab) on potatoes and thereby
transmitted viral diseases; Stagonospora spp. on cereals, e. g. S.
nodorum (Stagonospora blotch, teleomorph: Leptosphaeria [syn.
Phaeosphaeria] nodorum) on wheat; Synchytrium endobioticum on
potatoes (potato wart disease); Taphrina spp., e. g. T. deformans
(leaf curl disease) on peaches and T. pruni (plum pocket) on plums;
Thielaviopsis spp. (black root rot) on tobacco, pome fruits,
vegetables, soybeans and cotton, e. g. T. basicola (syn. Chalara
elegans); Tilletia spp. (common bunt or stinking smut) on cereals,
such as e. g. T. tritici (syn. T. caries, wheat bunt) and T.
controversa (dwarf bunt) on wheat; Typhula incarnata (grey snow
mold) on barley or wheat; Urocystis spp., e. g. U. occulta (stem
smut) on rye; Uromyces spp. (rust) on vegetables, such as beans (e.
g. U. appendiculatus, syn. U. phaseoli) and sugar beets (e. g. U.
betae); Ustilago spp. (loose smut) on cereals (e. g. U. nuda and U.
avaenae), corn (e. g. U. maydis: corn smut) and sugar cane;
Venturia spp. (scab) on apples (e. g. V. inaequalis) and pears; and
Verticillium spp. (wilt) on various plants, such as fruits and
ornamentals, vines, soft fruits, vegetables and field crops, e. g.
V. dahliae on strawberries, rape, potatoes and tomatoes.
[0237] Particular insects to be controlled include the
following:
lepidopterans (Lepidoptera), for example Agrotis ipsilon, Agrotis
segetum, Alabama argillacea, Anticarsia gemmatalis, Argyresthia
conjugella, Autographa gamma, Bupalus piniarius, Cacoecia murinana,
Capua reticulana, Cheimatobia brumata, Choristoneura fumiferana,
Choristoneura occidentalis, Cirphis unipuncta, Cydia pomonella,
Dendrolimus pini, Diaphania nitidalis, Diatraea grandiosella,
Earias insulana, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, Eupoecilia ambiguella,
Evetria bouliana, Feltia subterranea, Galleria mellonella,
Grapholitha funebrana, Grapholitha molesta, Heliothis armigera,
Heliothis virescens, Heliothis zea, Hellula undalis, Hibernia
defoliaria, Hyphantria cunea, Hyponomeuta malinellus, Keiferia
lycopersicella, Lambdina fiscellaria, Laphygma exigua, Leucoptera
coffeella, Leucoptera scitella, Lithocolletis blancardella, Lobesia
botrana, Loxostege sticticalis, Lymantria dispar, Lymantria
monacha, Lyonetia clerkella, Malacosoma neustria, Mamestra
brassicae, Orgyia pseudotsugata, Ostrinia nubilalis, Panolis
flammea, Pectinophora gossypiella, Peridroma saucia, Phalera
bucephala, Phthorimaea operculella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Pieris
brassicae, Plathypena scabra, Plutella xylostella, Pseudoplusia
includens, Rhyacionia frustrana, Scrobipalpula absoluta, Sitotroga
cerealella, Sparganothis pilleriana, Spodoptera frugiperda,
Spodoptera littoralis, Spodoptera litura, Thaumatopoea pityocampa,
Tortrix viridana, Trichoplusia ni and Zeiraphera canadensis;
[0238] beetles (Coleoptera), for example Agrilus sinuatus, Agriotes
lineatus, Agriotes obscurus, Amphimallus solstitialis, Anisandrus
dispar, Anthonomus grandis, Anthonomus pomorum, Aphthona
euphoridae, Athous haemorrhoidalis, Atomaria linearis, Blastophagus
piniperda, Blitophaga undata, Bruchus rufimanus, Bruchus pisorum,
Bruchus lentis, Byctiscus betulae, Cassida nebulosa, Cerotoma
trifurcata, Cetonia aurata, Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis,
Ceuthorrhynchus napi, Chaetocnema tibialis, Conoderus vespertinus,
Crioceris asparagi, Ctenicera ssp., Diabrotica longicomis,
Diabrotica semipunctata, Diabrotica 12-punctata Diabrotica
speciosa, Diabrotica virgifera, Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix
hirtipennis, Eutinobothrus brasiliensis, Hylobius abietis, Hypera
brunneipennis, Hypera postica, Ips typographus, Lema bilineata,
Lema melanopus, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Limonius califomicus,
Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Melanotus communis, Meligethes aeneus,
Melolontha hippocastani, Melolontha melolontha, Oulema oryzae,
Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Otiorrhynchus ovatus, Phaedon cochleariae,
Phyllobius pyri, Phyllotreta chrysocephala, Phyllophaga sp.,
Phyllopertha horticola, Phyllotreta nemorum, Phyllotreta striolata,
Popillia japonica, Sitona lineatus and Sitophilus granaria;
[0239] flies, mosquitoes (Diptera), e.g. Aedes aegypti, Aedes
albopictus, Aedes vexans, Anastrepha ludens, Anopheles
maculipennis, Anopheles crucians, Anopheles albimanus, Anopheles
gambiae, Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles leucosphyrus, Anopheles
minimus, Anopheles quadri maculatus, Calliphora vicina, Ceratitis
capitata, Chrysomya bezziana, Chrysomya hominivorax, Chrysomya
macellaria, Chrysops discalis, Chrysops silacea, Chrysops
atlanticus, Cochliomyia hominivorax, Contarinia sorghicola
Cordylobia anthropophaga, Culicoides furens, Culex pipiens, Culex
nigripalpus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis, Culiseta
inornata, Culiseta melanura, Dacus cucurbitae, Dacus oleae,
Dasineura brassicae, Delia antique, Delia coarctata, Delia platura,
Delia radicum, Dermatobia hominis, Fannia canicularis, Geomyza
Tripunctata, Gasterophilus intestinalis, Glossina morsitans,
Glossina palpalis, Glossina fuscipes, Glossina tachinoides,
Haematobia irritans, Haplodiplosis equestris, Hippelates spp.,
Hylemyia platura, Hypoderma lineata, Leptoconops torrens, Liriomyza
sativae, Liriomyza trifolii, Lucilia caprina, Lucilia cuprina,
Lucilia sericata, Lycoria pectoralis, Mansonia titillanus,
Mayetiola destructor, Musca autumnalis, Musca domestica, Muscina
stabulans, Oestrus ovis, Opomyza forum, Oscinella frit, Pegomya
hysocyami, Phorbia antiqua, Phorbia brassicae, Phorbia coarctata,
Phlebotomus argentipes, Psorophora columbiae, Psila rosae,
Psorophora discolor, Prosimulium mixtum, Rhagoletis cerasi,
Rhagoletis pomonella, Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis, Sarcophaga spp.,
Simulium vittatum, Stomoxys calcitrans, Tabanus bovinus, Tabanus
atratus, Tabanus lineola, and Tabanus similis, Tipula oleracea, and
Tipula paludosa;
thrips (Thysanoptera), e.g. Dichromothrips corbetti, Dichromothrips
ssp., Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella occidentalis,
Frankliniella tritici, Scirtothrips citri, Thrips oryzae, Thrips
palmi and Thrips tabaci, termites (Isoptera), e.g. Calotermes
flavicollis, Leucotermes flavipes, Heterotermes aureus,
Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes virginicus, Reticulitermes
lucifugus, Reticulitermes santonensis, Reticulitermes grassei,
Termes natalensis, and Coptotermes formosanus; cockroaches
(Blattaria-Blattodea), e.g. Blattella germanica, Blattella
asahinae, Periplaneta americana, Periplaneta japonica, Periplaneta
brunnea, Periplaneta fuligginosa, Periplaneta australasiae, and
Blatta orientalis; bugs, aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, scale
insects, cicadas (Hemiptera), e.g. Acrosternum hilare, Blissus
leucopterus, Cyrtopeltis notatus, Dysdercus cingulatus, Dysdercus
intermedius, Eurygaster integriceps, Euschistus impictiventris,
Leptoglossus phyllopus, Lygus lineolaris, Lygus pratensis, Nezara
viridula, Piesma quadrata, Solubea insularis, Thyanta perditor,
Acyrthosiphon onobrychis, Adelges laricis, Aphidula nasturtii,
Aphis fabae, Aphis forbesi, Aphis pomi, Aphis gossypii, Aphis
grossulariae, Aphis schneideri, Aphis spiraecola, Aphis sambuci,
Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aulacorthum solani, Bemisia argentifolii,
Brachycaudus cardui, Brachycaudus helichtysi, 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,
Macrosiphon 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 mali, Psylla pin, Rhopalomyzus ascalonicus, Rhopalosiphum
maidis, Rhopalosiphum padi, Rhopalosiphum insertum, Sappaphis mala,
Sappaphis mali, Schizaphis graminum, Schizoneura lanuginosa,
Sitobion avenae, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Toxoptera aurantiiand,
Viteus vitifolii, Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus, Reduvius
senilis, Triatoma spp., and Arilus critatus; ants, bees, wasps,
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, Lasius niger, Monomorium pharaonis,
Solenopsis geminata, Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis richten,
Solenopsis xyloni, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, Pogonomyrmex califomicus,
Pheidole megacephala, Dasymutilla occidentalis, Bombus spp.,
Vespula squamosa, Paravespula vulgaris, Paravespula pennsylvanica,
Paravespula germanica, Dolichovespula maculata, Vespa crabro,
Polistes rubiginosa, Camponotus floridanus, and Linepithema humile;
crickets, grasshoppers, locusts (Orthoptera), e.g. Acheta
domestica, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, 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; arachnoidea, such as
arachnids (Acarina), e.g. of the families Argasidae, Ixodidae and
Sarcoptidae, such as Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma variegatum,
Ambryomma maculatum, Argas persicus, Boophilus annulatus, Boophilus
decoloratus, Boophilus microplus, Dermacentor silvarum, Dermacentor
andersoni, Dermacentor variabilis, Hyalomma truncatum, Ixodes
ricinus, Ixodes rubicundus, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes holocyclus,
Ixodes pacificus, Ornithodorus moubata, Ornithodorus hermsi,
Ornithodorus turicata, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Otobius megnini,
Dermanyssus gallinae, Psoroptes ovis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus,
Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Sarcoptes
scabiei, and Eriophyidae spp. such as Aculus schlechtendali,
Phyllocoptrata oleivora and Eriophyes sheldoni; Tarsonemidae spp.
such as Phytonemus pallidus and Polyphagotarsonemus latus;
Tenuipalpidae spp. such as Brevipalpus phoenicis; Tetranychidae
spp. such as Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Tetranychus kanzawai,
Tetranychus pacificus, Tetranychus telarius and Tetranychus
urticae, Panonychus ulmi, Panonychus citri, and Oligonychus
pratensis; Araneida, e.g. Latrodectus mactans, and Loxosceles
reclusa; fleas (Siphonaptera), e.g. Ctenocephalides felis,
Ctenocephalides canis, Xenopsylla cheopis, Pulex irritans, Tunga
penetrans, and Nosopsyllus fasciatus, silverfish, firebrat
(Thysanura), e.g. Lepisma saccharina and Thermobia domestica,
centipedes (Chilopoda), e.g. Scutigera coleoptrata, millipedes
(Diplopoda), e.g. Narceus spp., Earwigs (Dermaptera), e.g.
forficula auricularia, lice (Phthiraptera), e.g. Pediculus humanus
capitis, Pediculus humanus corporis, Pthirus pubis, Haematopinus
eurysternus, Haematopinus suis, Linognathus vituli, Bovicola bovis,
Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus and Solenopotes
capillatus. Collembola (springtails), e.g. Onychiurus ssp.
[0240] The compositions of the present invention are also suitable
for controlling Nematodes: plant parasitic nematodes such as root
knot nematodes, Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne incognita,
Meloidogyne javanica, and other Meloidogyne species; cyst-forming
nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and other Globodera species;
Heterodera avenae, Heterodera glycines, Heterodera schachtii,
Heterodera trifolii, and other Heterodera species; Seed gall
nematodes, Anguina species; Stem and foliar nematodes,
Aphelenchoides species; Sting nematodes, Belonolaimus longicaudatus
and other Belonolaimus species; Pine nematodes, Bursaphelenchus
xylophilus and other Bursaphelenchus species; Ring nematodes,
Criconema species, Criconemella species, Criconemoides species,
Mesocriconema species; Stem and bulb nematodes, Ditylenchus
destructor, Ditylenchus dipsaci and other Ditylenchus species; Awl
nematodes, Dolichodorus species; Spiral nematodes, Heliocotylenchus
multicinctus and other Helicotylenchus species; Sheath and
sheathoid nematodes, Hemicycliophora species and Hemicriconemoides
species; Hirshmanniella species; Lance nematodes, Hoploaimus
species; false rootknot nematodes, Nacobbus species; Needle
nematodes, Longidorus elongatus and other Longidorus species;
Lesion nematodes, Pratylenchus neglectus, Pratylenchus penetrans,
Pratylenchus curvitatus, Pratylenchus goodeyi and other
Pratylenchus species; Burrowing nematodes, Radopholus similis and
other Radopholus species; Reniform nematodes, Rotylenchus robustus
and other Rotylenchus species; Scutellonema species; Stubby root
nematodes, Trichodorus primitivus and other Trichodorus species,
Paratrichodorus species; Stunt nematodes, Tylenchorhynchus
claytoni, Tylenchorhynchus dubius and other Tylenchorhynchus
species; Citrus nematodes, Tylenchulus species; Dagger nematodes,
Xiphinema species; and other plant parasitic nematode species.
[0241] The compositions of the present invention are also useful
for controlling arachnids (Arachnoidea), such as acarians
(Acarina), e.g. of the families Argasidae, Ixodidae and
Sarcoptidae, such as Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma variegatum,
Argas persicus, Boophilus annulatus, Boophilus decoloratus,
Boophilus microplus, Dermacentor silvarum, Hyalomma truncatum,
Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes rubicundus, Ornithodorus moubata, Otobius
megnini, Dermanyssus gallinae, Psoroptes ovis, Rhipicephalus
appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus evertsi, Sarcoptes scabiei, and
Eriophyidae spp. such as Aculus schlechtendali, Phyllocoptrata
oleivora and Eriophyes sheldoni; Tarsonemidae spp. such as
Phytonemus pallidus and Polyphagotarsonemus latus; Tenuipalpidae
spp. such as Brevipalpus phoenicis; Tetranychidae spp. such as
Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Tetranychus kanzawai, Tetranychus
pacificus, Tetranychus telarius and Tetranychus urticae, Panonychus
ulmi, Panonychus citri, and oligonychus pratensis.
[0242] The present invention also provides a seed that has been
treated by the method described herein. It also provides a seed
obtainable by the method described herein.
[0243] Further, the present invention also provides a seed that has
been treated with the seed treatment composition described herein,
and in particular that is coated with the composition or contains
it. It also provides a seed obtainable by using the composition
described herein.
[0244] According to a particular embodiment, the seeds treated with
the composition of the present invention have a loading of active
ingredient(s) of 0.1 to 500 g, preferably 0.5 to 200 g, and in
particular 0.75 to 100 g, per 100 kilograms of seed.
[0245] The term "coated with and/or contains" here signifies that
the active ingredient(s) is for the most part on the surface of the
seed at the time of application, although a greater or lesser part
of the active ingredient(s) may penetrate into the seed, depending
on the method of application. When the said seed is (re)planted, it
may absorb the active ingredient(s).
[0246] According to one embodiment, such a seed comprising the
active ingredient(s) has a coating, wherein the coating comprises
the active ingredient(s). According to a further embodiment, such a
seed comprising the active ingredient(s) is a seed whose germinable
part and/or natural sheath, shell, pod and/or integument
comprise(s) the active ingredient(s). Also, the active
ingredient(s) can be present in both the coating and the germinable
part and/or natural sheath, shell, pod and/or integument of the
seed.
[0247] Preferably, such seeds comprise an effective amount of the
active ingredient(s). Accordingly, the seeds are coated,
impregnated or coated and impregnated in such a manner that pest
damage during germination and emergence is reduced.
[0248] The seeds treated with the composition of the present
invention may also be enveloped with a film overcoating to protect
the coating containing the active ingredient(s). Such overcoatings
are known in the art and may be applied using conventional
fluidized bed and drum film coating techniques.
[0249] The seeds of the present invention can be used for the
propagation of plants. The seeds can be stored, handled,
planted/sowed and tilled.
EXAMPLES
[0250] The invention will be illustrated by the following examples,
which should not be construed as limiting the invention.
Example 1 to 7
[0251] Suspension concentrates were produced by mixing all
ingredients (except xanthan gum) and milling these suspensions in
two steps, first on a mechanical mill and then in a bead mill to a
particle size characterised by having D.sub.90<6 .mu.m as
determined by laser-diffraction. Finally, the xanthan gum was added
in the form of a 2%-solution in water.
TABLE-US-00001 1 2 2a 3 3a 4 5 6 7 epoxiconazole 200 -- -- -- -- --
-- -- alpha-cypermethrin -- 500 500 -- -- -- -- -- triticonazole --
-- -- 200 200 25 pigment red 48:2 45 pyraclostrobin -- -- -- -- --
200 -- -- fipronil -- -- -- -- -- -- 600 -- fluquinconazole -- --
-- -- -- -- -- 100 PE10500 -- -- -- -- 20 Soprophor 4D384 10 20 40
10 20 10 5 10 Atlox 4913 33 66.7 33 30 30 15 30 glycerol 100 60 60
100 100 138 100 60 150 xanthan gum 2% in water 130 60 60 100 100
130 150 40 40 water 610 400 447 630 650 670 550 470 640 D90 fresh
[.mu.m] 3.6 3.5 3.2 2.5 2.2 3.2 4.0 2.2 3.3 D90 after 2W50 [.mu.m]
3.6 4.8 6.1 3.3 4.2 -- -- -- -- D90 after 8W40 [.mu.m] -- -- -- --
-- 3.3 4.8 2.4 3.4 Serum [%] 6 -- 9 21 49 2 13 6.5 10.4
[0252] The formulations according to examples 1 to 7 illustrate the
compositions of the invention. The formulations of examples 2a and
3a are for comparative purposes.
* * * * *