U.S. patent application number 16/695464 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for pyroxasulfone and glutamine synthesis inhibitor compositions for weed control.
The applicant listed for this patent is Valent U.S.A., Corporation. Invention is credited to Dawn Refsell.
Application Number | 20200093137 16/695464 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56008912 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200093137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Refsell; Dawn |
March 26, 2020 |
PYROXASULFONE AND GLUTAMINE SYNTHESIS INHIBITOR COMPOSITIONS FOR
WEED CONTROL
Abstract
The present invention is directed to compositions containing
herbicidal mixtures of pyroxasulfone and glutamine synthesis
inhibitors. The present invention is further directed to methods of
increasing the activity of a glutamine synthesis inhibitor with the
compositions of the present invention.
Inventors: |
Refsell; Dawn; (Lathrop,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Valent U.S.A., Corporation |
Walnut Creek |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56008912 |
Appl. No.: |
16/695464 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15667717 |
Aug 3, 2017 |
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16695464 |
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14946995 |
Nov 20, 2015 |
9750259 |
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15667717 |
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62083512 |
Nov 24, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 57/20 20130101;
A01N 43/38 20130101; A01N 43/80 20130101; A01N 57/20 20130101; A01N
39/04 20130101; A01N 39/04 20130101; A01N 57/20 20130101; A01N
43/80 20130101; A01N 43/38 20130101; A01N 57/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01N 57/20 20060101
A01N057/20; A01N 43/38 20060101 A01N043/38; A01N 43/80 20060101
A01N043/80 |
Claims
1. An agricultural composition comprising pyroxasulfone and a
glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally acceptable
salts thereof, in a ratio of from about 1:0.5 to about 1:20.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the ratio of pyroxasulfone
and a glutamine synthesis inhibitor is from about 1:3 to about
1:8.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the ratio of pyroxasulfone
and a glutamine synthesis inhibitor is from about 1:4 to about
1:7.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the glutamine synthesis
inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of glufosinate, an
agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and bialaphos.
5. The composition of claim 4 wherein the glutamine synthesis
inhibitor is glufosinate or an agriculturally acceptable salt
thereof.
6. The composition of claim 1 further comprising
flumiclorac-pentyl.
7. A method of increasing the activity of a glutamine synthesis
inhibitor comprising applying an agricultural composition
comprising pyroxasulfone and a glutamine synthesis inhibitor in a
ratio of from about 1:0.5 to about 1:20 to an area in need of weed
control.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the pyroxasulfone is applied at a
rate of from about 50 to about 150 grams per hectare.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the pyroxasulfone is applied at a
rate of from about 70 to about 110 grams per hectare.
10. The method of claim 7 wherein the pyroxasulfone is applied at a
rate of from about 80 to about 100 grams per hectare.
11. The method of claim 7 wherein the glutamine synthesis inhibitor
is applied at a rate of from about 100 to about 1000 grams per
hectare.
12. The method of claim 7 wherein the glutamine synthesis inhibitor
is applied at a rate of from about 300 to about 700 grams per
hectare.
13. The method of claim 7 wherein the glutamine synthesis inhibitor
is applied at a rate of from about 450 to about 600 grams per
hectare.
14. The method of claim 7 wherein the glutamine synthesis inhibitor
is glufosinate.
15. The method of claim 7 further comprising applying
flumiclorac-pentyl to the area in need of weed control.
16. The method of claim 7 wherein the weed controlled is selected
from the group consisting of Horseweed (Conyza Canadensis), Large
Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus
palmen), Broadleaf Signalgrass (Brachiaria plathylla), Common
Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus
esculentus), Eclipta (Eclipta prostrate), Lamb's quarters
(Chenopodium), Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), and Giant Foxtail
(Setaria faberi).
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the weed controlled is Palmer
Amaranth.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the weed controlled is
Horseweed.
19. The method of claim 7 wherein the pyroxasulfone and glutamine
synthesis inhibitor, or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, are
applied concurrently or sequentially to the area in need of weed
control.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the glutamine synthesis
inhibitor is glufosinate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to agricultural compositions
useful for controlling weeds, and methods of use thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Unwanted plants, such as weeds, reduce the amount of
resources available to crop plants and can have a negative effect
on crop plant yield. Commonly unwanted plants in crop plant
environments include broadleaf plants and grasses.
[0003] Herbicides are used to kill unwanted plants, such as weeds,
in crop plant environments. Herbicides are expensive, and their use
may result in unintentional consequences such as groundwater
contamination, environmental damage, herbicide-resistant weeds, and
human and mammalian health concerns. It is therefore desirable to
minimize the amount of herbicides applied to a crop-growing
environment or any area in need of weed control.
[0004] Unwanted plants, such as weeds, may greatly reduce yields of
crop plants. For example, a Horseweed infestation reportedly was
responsible for an 80% reduction in soybean yields. Bruce, J. A.,
and J. J. Kells, Horseweed (Conyza Canadensis) control in
no-tillage soybeans (Glycine max) with preplant and preemergence
herbcides, Weed Technol. 4:642-647 (1990). Therefore, controlling
weeds, and especially grasses and Horseweed, is a major concern of
crop growers.
[0005] Further, Horseweed and other grasses are becoming resistant
to the widely used herbicide glyphosate. As early as 2000,
glyphosate resistant Horseweed was reported in Delaware. Glyphosate
resistant Horseweed has since been reported in numerous states.
Accordingly, there is a need for new products that can provide
effective kill rates of glyphosate resistant Horseweed.
[0006] Weeds are also becoming resistant to herbicides that inhibit
acetolactate synthase (ALS) and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO).
Horseweed has also been reported to be resistant to 2,4-D and
dicamba. Accordingly, there is a need for new technology to control
weeds that are resistant to commercially available herbicides.
[0007] In most fields throughout the Midwest and Mid-South, in-crop
burndown applications are the only options for controlling
Horseweed due to weather and timeliness of applications. Repeated
applications of these chemistries have contributed to expanding
resistance and lack of control. Repeated applications of single
effective active ingredients will only continue to select for
resistant populations of weeds, thus leaving no alternatives for
weed control other than mechanical. Mechanical removal of weeds
requires extensive use of resources and is not an option for
no-till or highly erodible land.
[0008] No-till farming has been increasing in popularity because it
has many benefits, including decreased labor time and decreased
soil erosion. However, one of the downsides of no-till farming is
that weeds are harder to control in these areas because they are
not subjected to tilling. Accordingly, there is an increasing need
for alternative ways to handle weed infestation.
[0009] Pyroxasulfone (3-[[[5-(difluoromethoxy)-1-methyl-3
(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methyl]sulfonyl]-4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimeth-
ylisoxazole) is an herbicide that has residual weed control.
Pyroxasulfone, however, does not have post emergence weed control.
Pyroxasulfone is commercially available in a mixture with
flumioxazin (Fierce.RTM., available from Valent U.S.A.
Corporation).
[0010] Glufosinate
(DL-4-[hydroxy](methyl)phosphinoyl]-DL-homoalaninate) and its salts
such as DL-glufosinate-ammonium are known to have herbicidal
activity and are commercially available, e.g. Basta.TM. and
Liberty.TM. (available from Bayer CropSciences). Glufosinate is a
phosphinic acid that inhibits the activity of glutamine synthetase
which results in ammonium accumulation in the plants. The ammonia
destroys the cells which inhibits photosynthesis. Bialaphos is
another glutamine synthesis inhibitor that is naturally produced by
a soil microorganism.
[0011] When applied alone, glufosinate often yields unsatisfactory
weed control. Several applications and/or high dosage rates are
required for high efficacy. Further, glufosinate has little effect
of some broadleaf species and rhizomatous grasses. In an effort to
overcome these shortcomings, glufosinate is frequently applied with
at least one additional herbicide, such as 2,4-D, dicamba,
triazines such as atrazine or metribuzin, chloroacetanilides such
as metholachloror dimethenamid (including dimethenamid-P), linuron
and/or pendimethalin. However, the effectiveness of such
combinations is often not satisfactory and high application rates
are still required to achieve acceptable control of grass weeds and
broadleaves. Moreover, the reliability of such combinations depends
strongly on the weathering conditions and certain difficult to
control weed species may escape. In addition, the herbicidal
activity of these compositions persists only for a short time,
which allows effective burndown only within a small timeframe prior
to planting a crop. Moreover, the persistence of the herbicidal
activity strongly depends upon the weathering conditions.
[0012] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0065579
discloses thousands of mixtures of herbicides, one of which is a
mixture of glufosinate and pyroxasulfone in a ratio range of from
2000:1 to 1:10. However, this publication fails to provide guidance
within this broad range of acceptable amounts of glufosinate or
pyroxasulfone. Further, this publication does not teach or suggest
narrower ratios that would produce acceptable results. In addition,
this publication fails to suggest the synergy that Applicants
discovered between glutamine synthesis inhibitors and
pyroxasulfone.
[0013] In summary, there is a need for a composition that reduces
the amount of herbicides necessary to obtain sufficient weed
control while minimizing the harm to crop plants. As more weeds
become resistant to herbicides, alternative compositions with high
weed control are desired. Further, as no-till farming continues to
increase in popularity, there is a greater need for effective
herbicides. A composition with effective weed control and lower
dosage rate will lead to increased crop plant yields, and decreased
environmental, human, and mammalian health concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to
agricultural compositions comprising pyroxasulfone and a glutamine
synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof,
in a ratio of from about 1:0.5 to about 1:20.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to
methods for increasing the activity of a glutamine synthesis
inhibitor comprising applying the agricultural compositions of the
present invention to an area in need of weed control.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It was surprisingly discovered that pyroxasulfone can
significantly increase the burndown activity of glutamine synthesis
inhibitors when applied to weeds by as much as 3-fold compared to a
glutamine synthesis inhibitor applied alone. This finding was
unexpected because pyroxasulfone applied by itself has no post
emergent control.
[0017] Compositions of the present invention containing a mixture
of pyroxasulfone and at least one glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or
an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, will provide the end
user with consistent herbicidal activity. The compositions will
also provide residual weed and grass control.
[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to
agricultural compositions comprising pyroxasulfone and a glutamine
synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof,
in a ratio of from about 1:0.5 to about 1:20. In a preferred
embodiment, the compositions contain from about 1:1 to about 1:10
of pyroxasulfone:glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an
agriculturally acceptable salt thereof In a more preferred
embodiment, the compositions contain from about 1:3 to about 1:8 of
pyroxasulfone:glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally
acceptable salt thereof. In an even more preferred embodiment, the
compositions contain from about 1:4 to about 1:7 of
pyroxasulfone:glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally
acceptable salt thereof In a most preferred embodiment, the
compositions contain from about 1:5 to about 1:6.6 of
pyroxasulfone:glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally
acceptable salt thereof.
[0019] The glutamine synthesis inhibitor of the present invention
can be selected from any herbicide that is classified by the
Herbicide Resistance Action Committee ("HRAC") as group H or the
Weed Science Society of America ("WSSA") as group 14. In another
embodiment, the glutamine synthesis inhibitor in compositions of
the present invention is glufosinate, an agriculturally acceptable
salt thereof, or bialaphos. In a preferred embodiment, the
glutamine synthesis inhibitor is glufosinate. In a more preferred
embodiment, the glutamine synthesis inhibitor is the ammonium salt
of glufosinate.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the compositions of the present
invention also contain an herbicide classified by HRAC as group E
or the WWSA as group 14 (inhibitors of protoporphyrinogen oxidase).
In a preferred embodiment, this herbicide is flumiclorac or
flumiclorac-pentyl. Flumiclorac (2-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1,3,4,5,6,
7-hexahydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)phenoxy]acetic acid) is a
dicarboximide herbicide that has preemergence activity.
[0021] In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to
methods for increasing the activity of a glutamine synthesis
inhibitor comprising applying an agricultural composition
comprising pyroxasulfone and a glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an
agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, in a ratio of about 0.05 to
about 1:20, or from about 1:1 to about 1:10 to an area in need of
weed control. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions that are
applied to the area in need of weed control contain from about 1:3
to about 1:8 of pyroxasulfone:glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an
agriculturally acceptable salt thereof In a more preferred
embodiment, the compositions that are applied to the area in need
of weed control contain from about 1:4 to about 1:7 of
pyroxasulfone:glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally
acceptable salt thereof. In a most preferred embodiment, the
compositions that are applied to the area in need of weed control
contain from about 1:5 to about 1:6.6 of pyroxasulfone:glutamine
synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt
thereof
[0022] In an embodiment, from about 50 to about 150 grams per
hectare of pyroxasulfone is applied to the area in need of weed
control. In a preferred embodiment, from about 70 to about 110
grams per hectare of pyroxasulfone is applied to the area in need
of weed control. In a more preferred embodiment, from about 80 to
about 100 grams per hectare of pyroxasulfone is applied to the area
in need of weed control. In a most preferred embodiment, about 90
grams per hectare of pyroxasulfone is applied to the area in need
of weed control.
[0023] In an embodiment, from about 100 to about 1,000 grams per
hectare of glutamine synthesis inhibitor is applied to the area in
need of weed control. In a preferred embodiment, from about 300 to
about 700 grams per hectare of glutamine synthesis inhibitor is
applied to the area in need of weed control. In a more preferred
embodiment, from about 400 to about 650 grams per hectare of
glutamine synthesis inhibitor is applied to the area in need of
weed control. In a most preferred embodiment, from about 450 to
about 600 grams per hectare of glutamine synthesis inhibitor is
applied to the area in need of weed control.
[0024] In an embodiment, from about 100 to about 1,000 grams per
hectare of glufosinate, or an agriculturally acceptable salt
thereof, is applied to the area in need of weed control. In a
preferred embodiment, from about 300 to about 700 grams per hectare
of glufosinate, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, is
applied to the area in need of weed control. In a more preferred
embodiment, from about 400 to about 650 grams per hectare of
glufosinate, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, is
applied to the area in need of weed control. In a most preferred
embodiment, from about 450 to about 600 grams per hectare of
glufosinate, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, is
applied to the area in need of weed control.
[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, flumiclorac-pentyl
is also applied to the area in need of weed control. In an
embodiment, from about 14 to about 116 grams per hectare of
flumiclorac-pentyl is applied to the area in need of weed control.
In a preferred embodiment, from about 14 to about 90 grams per
hectare of flumiclorac-pentyl is applied to the area in need of
weed control. In a most preferred embodiment, from about 14.5 to
about 73 grams per hectare of flumiclorac-pentyl is applied to the
area in need of weed control.
[0026] In a further embodiment, the weed controlled by the
compositions of the present invention is at least one of Horseweed
(Conyza Canadensis), Large Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis),
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmen), Broadleaf Signalgrass
(Brachiaria platyhylla), Common Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa
crus-galli), Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), Eclipta (Eclipta
prostrate), Lamb's quarters (Chenopodium), Velvetleaf (Abutilon
theophrasti), and Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi). In a preferred
embodiment, the weed controlled is Palmer Amaranth. In another
preferred embodiment, the weed controlled is Horseweed.
[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the pyroxasulfone and
glutamine synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt
thereof, are applied concurrently to the area in need of weed
control. In another embodiment, the pyroxasulfone and glutamine
synthesis inhibitor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof,
are applied sequentially to the area in need of weed control.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the glutamine synthesis inhibitor
of the present invention is glufosinate. In another preferred
embodiment, the glutamine synthesis inhibitor of the present
invention is the ammonium salt of glufosinate.
[0029] Applicants' mixtures can be applied by any convenient means.
Those skilled in the art are familiar with the modes of application
that include foliar applications such as spraying, chemigation (a
process of applying the mixture through the irrigation system), by
granular application, or by impregnating the mixture on
fertilizer.
[0030] Applicants' mixtures can be prepared as concentrate
formulations or as ready-to-use formulations. The mixtures can be
tank mixed.
[0031] The herbicide mixtures of the present invention may be
formulated to contain adjuvants, such as solvents, anti-caking
agents, stabilizers, defoamers, slip agents, humectants,
dispersants, wetting agents, thickening agents, emulsifiers, and
preservatives which increase the long lasting activity of the
actives. Other components that enhance the biological activity of
these ingredients may optionally be included.
[0032] Methylated seed oil ("MSO") is an adjuvant that improves
leaf cuticle penetration of an agricultural active, such as a plant
growth regulator, fungicide or herbicide. MSO can be used in the
mixtures of the present invention, but is not required or
responsible for the synergy of the combination the herbicides of
the present invention. Other oil based adjuvants with similar
qualities could also be used, such as crop oil concentrates.
[0033] Mixtures of the present invention can be formulated to
contain a liquid solvent. Examples of solvents include water or oil
concentrates.
[0034] Applicants' mixtures can also include one or more additional
herbicides.
[0035] The mixtures of the present invention can be applied to any
environment in need of weed control. The environment in need of
weed control may include any area that is desired to have a reduced
number of weeds or to be free of weeds. For example, the herbicide
combination can be applied to an area used to grow crop plants,
such as a field, orchard, or vineyard. For example, Applicants'
compositions and methods can be applied to areas where soybeans,
corn, peanuts, and cotton are growing. In a preferred embodiment,
the mixture is applied in an area where a broadleaf crop (soybean,
cotton, peanut, orchard, vineyard, forages) is growing. The
mixtures of the present invention can also be applied to
non-agricultural areas in need of weed control such as a lawns,
golf courses, or parks.
[0036] Applicants' compositions and methods can be applied
successfully to crop plants and weeds that are resistant to
glyphosate, glufosinate, or other herbicides. The composition and
methods can also be applied to areas where genetically modified
crops ("GMOs") or non-GMO crops are growing. The term "GMO crops"
as used herein refers to crops that are genetically modified.
[0037] When used in this application, Horseweed refers to Conyza
Canadensis, Large Crabgrass refers to Digitaria sanguinalis, Palmer
Amaranth refers to Amaranthus palmeri, Broadleaf Signalgrass refers
to Brachiaria platyhylla, Common Barnyardgrass refers to
Echinochloa crus-galli, Yellow Nutsedge refers to Cyperus
esculentus, Eclipta refers to Eclipta prostrata. Although the
composition of the present invention has proven synergy when
applied to Horseweed and Palmer amaranth, the synergistic
composition could be applied to any number of other weeds or
undesired plants for effective control and is not limited to the
examples. These could include Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida),
Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), and Velvetleaf (Abutilon
theophrasti).
[0038] Throughout the application, the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0039] As used herein, all numerical values relating to amounts,
weight percentages and the like are defined as "about" or
"approximately" each particular value, plus or minus 10%. For
example, the phrase "at least 5.0% by weight" is to be understood
as "at least 4.5% to 5.5% by weight." Therefore, amounts within 10%
of the claimed values are encompassed by the scope of the
claims.
[0040] As used herein, "post emergence" refers to an herbicide
treatment that is applied to an area after the weeds have
germinated and emerged from the ground or growing medium.
[0041] As used herein, "burndown" refers to when an herbicide is
used to reduce weed presence at the time of treatment. Burndown is
often used in minimum or no-till fields because the weeds cannot be
managed by tilling the soil. The burndown application may be used
post-harvest and/or prior to crop emergence. Burndown is especially
useful against weeds that emerge between growing seasons.
[0042] As used herein, synergy means that when combined, the
claimed composition achieves a result that is greater than the
expected result.
[0043] These representative embodiments are in no way limiting and
are described solely to illustrate some aspects of the
invention.
[0044] Further, the following example is offered by way of
illustration only and not by way of limitation.
EXAMPLE
Example 1
[0045] The following field test was conducted. Roundup Ready
soybeans (Glycine max) were used in the test as the crop plant. All
of the treatments contained MSO concentrate oil at 1% v/v.
[0046] When the test began, the test plot had weeds that were less
than 24 inches tall. Treatments were administered at the
concentrations as follows. Glufosinate-ammonium was administered at
593 grams/hectare. Pyroxasulfone was administered at 90
grams/hectare throughout the experiment.
[0047] On 14 DAT, readings were taken to determine the survival of
Palmer Amaranth. On 21 DAT, readings were taken to determine the
residual control of Palmer Amaranth and Horseweed. Survival ratings
were taken by counting the number of alive and dead plants at the
time of the reading. All data was analyzed using Bartlett's test
and with p value of 0.5 for determining significance of the
results. The results of this study can be seen below in "Table 1.
The Effect of Glufosinate and Pyroxasulfone on Weeds."
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 The Effect of Glufosinate and Pyroxasulfone
on Weeds Rate (grams Residual of active Palmer control of per
amaranth Palmer Horseweed Herbicide hectare) (<2'' tall)
amaranth (bolted) 1 glufosinate 593 90 93 75 2 pyroxasulfone 90 5
99 0 3 glufosinate 593 99 99 97 pyroxasulfone 90 4 glufosinate 593
99 99 99 pyroxasulfone 90 flumiclorac- 73 pentyl
[0048] The results illustrate that a composition of glufosinate and
pyroxasulfone is synergistic. Pyroxasulfone alone provides only 5%
control of Palmer Amaranth, however, when combined with
glufosinate, the combination provided a 99% kill rate. Glufosinate
alone could only achieve a 90% kill rate. For Horseweed,
pyroxasulfone provides no (zero percent) residual control of
Horseweed. In contrast, the combination of pyroxasulfone and
glufosinate provided a 97% kill rate.
* * * * *