The invention relates to synergistic compositions comprising: PA0 (a) a 4-benzoylisoxazole of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and n are as defined in the specification; and (b) a dinitroaniline herbicide; PA0 and to the use of these compounds as herbicides.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to new herbicidal compositions comprising a mixture 
of 4-benzoylisoxazoles and herbicidal 2,6-dinitroaniline compounds. It 
also relates to the use of the mixture per se and to a method of 
controlling weeds. 
DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART 
2,6-Dinitroaniline herbicides (hereinafter referred to for convenience as 
nitroaniline herbicides) are well known in the art and include benfluralin 
[N-butyl-N-ethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzenamine], butralin 
[N-sec-butyl-4-tert-butyl-2,6-dinitroaniline], dinitramine 
[N.sup.1,N.sup.1 
-diethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-trifluoromethyl-m-phenylenediamine], 
ethalfluralin[N-ethyl-N-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluorometh 
yl)benzenamine], fluchloralin 
[N-(2-chloroethyl)-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline], 
isopropalin [4-isopropyl-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline], pendimethalin 
[N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine], profluralin 
[N-cyclopropylmethyl-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine], 
and trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine]. 
Each of these compounds is descibed in for example "The Pesticide Manual", 
Ninth Edition, edited by C. R. Worthing and published by the British Crop 
Protection Council, 1991. 
Herbicidal 4-benzoylisoxazoles are disclosed in the literature, for example 
see European Patent Publication Nos. 0418175, 0487357, 0527036 and 
0560482. 
As a result of research and experimentation it has been found that the use 
of a nitroaniline herbicide, in combination with certain 
4-benzoylisoxazole derivatives, extends the spectrum of herbicidal 
activity without loss of crop selectivity. Therefore the said combinations 
represents an important technological advance. The term "combination" as 
used in this specification refers to the "combination" of a 
4-benzoylisoxazole herbicide and a nitroaniline herbicide. 
Surprisingly, in addition to this, it has been found that the combined 
herbicidal activity of certain 4-benzoylisoxazoles with certain 
nitroaniline herbicides for the control of certain weed species e.g. 
Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria spp and Amaranthus retroflexus, and is 
greater than expected, without an unacceptable increase in crop 
phytotoxicity, applied pre- emergence (e.g. as a pre- emergence aqueous 
spray), i.e. the herbicidal activity of the 4-benzoylisoxazole with a 
nitroaniline herbicide showed an unexpected degree of synergism, as 
defined by P. M. L. Tammes, Netherland Journal of Plant Pathology, 70 
(1964), pp 73-80 in a paper entitled "Isoboles, a graphic representation 
of synergism in pesticides". 
In addition, the herbicidal activity of the 4-benzoylisoxazole with a 
nitroaniline herbicide show synergism as defined by Limpel, L. B., P. H. 
Schuldt and D. Lamont, 1962, 1. Proc. NEWCC 15, 48-53, using the formula: 
##EQU1## 
where E=the expected percent inhibition of growth by a mixture of two 
herbicides A and B at defined doses. 
X=the percent inhibition of growth by herbicide A at a defined dose. 
Y=the percent inhibition of growth by herbicide B at a defined dose. 
When the observed percentage of inhibition by the mixture is greater than 
the expected value E using the formula above the combination is 
synergistic. 
This remarkable synergistic effect gives improved reliability in 
controlling these competitive weeds of many crop species, leading to a 
considerable reduction in the mount of active ingredient required for weed 
control. 
A high level of control of these weeds is desirable to prevent: 
1) yield loss, through competition and/or difficulties with harvest, 
2) crop contamination leading to storage and cleaning difficulties, and 
3) unacceptable weed seed return to the soil. 
Additionally the invention seeks to provide a herbicidal composition which 
allows lower dose rates of nitroaniline herbicide to be applied to We 
environment without reducing (and preferably increasing) the level of weed 
control. 
Also, pendimethalin is known as a selective herbicide which can be applied 
pre-emergence after seeding in cereals, maize and rice. It is however 
known that in very wet conditions, the performance of pendimethalin in 
controlling certain weed species can be significantly reduced; see for 
example "Crop Protection Chemical Reference, 7th Edition, 1991, Published 
by Chemical and Pharmaceutical Press, Pages 328-352. Also, under the 
"Special Precautions" mentioned in the general information on the 
commercial formulation of pendimethalin "Prowl" (Registered Trade mark), 
it is stated that excessively wet conditions can reduce weed control). In 
one aspect the present invention seeks to provide mixtures of 
pendimethalin with 4-benzoylisoxazole herbicide which provide improved 
control of weed Species under such conditions and using reduced dose rates 
of pendimethalin. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a method for controlling the growth of weeds 
(i.e. undesired vegetation) at a locus which comprises applying to the 
locus 
(a) a herbicidally effective mount of a 4-benzoylisoxazole of formula (I): 
##STR2## 
wherein R is hydrogen or --CO.sub.2 R.sup.3 ; 
R.sup.1 is cyclopropyl; 
R.sup.2 is selected from halogen, --S(O).sub.p Me and C.sub.1-6 alkyl or 
haloalkyl, 
n is two or three; p is zero, one or two; and 
R.sup.3 is C.sub.1-4 alkyl; and 
(b) a herbicidally effective mount of a dinitroaniline herbicide. 
Preferably the dinitroaniline herbicide is a compound of the formula II: 
##STR3## 
wherein: R.sup.21 represents: 
straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl having up to 12 carbon atoms 
which may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms or cycloalkyl 
groups; 
R.sup.22 represents hydrogen or a group R.sup.21 as defined above. R.sup.21 
and R.sup.22 being the same or different; 
R.sup.23 represents: 
hydrogen or halogen; 
straight or branched chain alkyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may 
be substituted by one or more halogen atoms; or 
an unsubstituted amino group; 
R.sup.24 represents: 
halogen; 
straight or branched chain alkyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may 
be substituted by one or more halogen atom; 
straight or branched chain alkylsulphonyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms 
which may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms; 
or sulphamoyl. 
For this purpose, the nitroaniline herbicide and 4-benzoylisoxazole are 
normally used in the form of herbicidal compositions (i.e. in association 
with compatible diluents or carriers and/or surface-active agents suitable 
for use in herbicidal compositions), for example as hereinafter described. 
Preferred compounds of formula II include those wherein R.sup.21 is 
selected from the group consisting of ethyl, propyl, butyl, 1-ethylpropyl, 
2-methyl-1-propenyl, cyclopropylmethyl and 2-chloroethyl. 
Preferred compounds of formula II include those wherein R.sup.22 is 
selected from hydrogen, ethyl and propyl. 
Preferred compounds of formula II include those wherein R.sup.23 is 
selected from hydrogen, methyl and unsubstituted amino. 
Preferred compounds of formula II include those wherein R.sup.24 is 
selected from methyl, tert-butyl, isopropyl and trifluoromethyl. 
Especially preferred compounds of formula II are: 
N-butyl-N-ethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine; 
N-sec-butyl-tert-butyl-2,6-dinitroaniline; 
N.sup.1,N.sup.1 -diethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-trifluoromethyl-m-phenylenediamine; 
N-ethyl-N-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine; 
N-(2-chloroethyl)-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline; 
4-isopropyl-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline; 
N-cyclopropylmethyl-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine; 
2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzeneamine and 
N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzeneamine, the last two of 
which are known respectively as trifluralin and pendimethalin and are 
particularly preferred, pendimethalin being most preferred. 
In formula (I) above, compounds in which n is three and the groups 
(R.sup.2).sub.n occupy the 2,3 and 4-position of the benzoyl ring; or in 
which n is two and the groups (R.sup.2).sub.n occupy the 2- and 
4-positions of the benzoyl ring are preferred. 
In formula (I) above, preferably R.sup.2 is selected from chlorine, 
bromine,--S(O).sub.p Me and trifluoromethyl. 
In formula (I) above, preferably one of the groups R.sup.2 is --S(O).sub.p 
Me. 
Compounds of formula (I) in which R is hydrogen are also preferred. 
Compounds of formula (I) of particular interest include the following: 
A 5-cyclopropyl-4-(2-methylsulphonyl-4-trifluoromethyl)benzoylisoxazole; 
B 5-cyclopropyl-4-(4-methylsulphonyl-2-trifluoromethyl)benzoylisoxazole; 
C 4-(2-chloro-4-methylsulphonyl)benzoyl-5-cyclopropylisoxazole; 
D 4-(4-chloro-2-methylsulphonyl)benzoyl-5-cyclopropylisoxazole; 
E 4-(4-bromo-2-methylsulphonyl)benzoyl-5-cyclopropylisoxazole; 
F ethyl 
3-[5-cyclopropyl-4-(3,4-dichloro-2methylsulphenyl)benzoylisoxazole]carboxy 
late; and 
G 5-cyclopropyl-4-(3,4-dichloro-2-methylsulphonyl)benzoylisoxazole. 
The letters A to G are assigned to these compounds for reference and 
identification hereafter. 
Compounds A, B and D are preferred, with A being particularly preferred. 
The mounts of the nitroaniline herbicide and 4-benzoylisoxazole applied 
vary depending on the weeds present and their population, the compositions 
used, the timing of the application, the climatic and edaphic conditions, 
and (when used to control the growth of weeds in crop growing areas) the 
crop to be treated. In general, taking these factors into account, 
application rates from 0.5 g to 512 g of 4-benzoylisoxazole and from 8 g 
to 3000 g of the nitroaniline herbicide per hectare give good results. 
However, it will be understood that higher or lower application rates may 
be used, depending upon the problem of weed control encountered. 
For the selective control of weeds at a locus of weed infestation which is 
an area used, or to be used, for growing of crops application rates from 5 
g to 512 g of 4-benzoylisoxazole and from 150 g to 3000 g of the 
nitroaniline herbicide per hectare are particularly suitable, preferably 
from 20 g to 200 g of 4-benzoylisoxazole and from 150 g to 2000 g of the 
nitroaniline herbicide per hectare, most preferably from 25 g to 150 g of 
4-benzoylisoxazole and from 250 g to 500 g of the nitroaniline herbicide 
per hectare. 
When applied to a crop-growing area, the rate of application should be 
sufficient to control the growth of weeds without causing substantial 
permanent damage to the crop. 
By the term `pre-emergence application` is meant application to the soft in 
which the weed seeds or seedlings are present before emergence of the 
crop. One example of a pre-emergence application is known as `pre-plant 
incorporated` (PPI), where the herbicide is incorporated into the soil 
before planting the crop. Another is where the herbicide is applied to the 
soil surface after sowing the crop. By the term `post-emergence 
application` is meant application to the aerial or exposed portions of the 
weeds which have emerged above the surface of the soil. By the term 
`foliar activity` is meant herbicidal activity produced by application to 
the aerial or exposed portions of the weeds which have emerged above the 
surface of the soil. By the term `residual activity` is meant herbicidal 
activity produced by application to the soil in which weed seeds or 
seedlings are present before emergence of the weeds above the surface of 
the soil, whereby seedlings present at the time of application or which 
germinate subsequent to application from seeds present in the soft, are 
controlled. 
In the present invention, PPI or pre-emergence applications are preferred, 
and pre-emergence application of the 4-benzoylisoxazole and nitroaniline 
herbicide is most preferred. 
Preferably the combination of 4-benzoylisoxazole and nitroaniline herbicide 
is applied to an area used, or to be used, for the growing of a crop, for 
example maize, sugarcane or plantation crops. Preferably the crop is 
maize. 
In accordance with the usual practice, a tank mix may be prepared prior to 
use by combining separate formulations of the individual herbicidal 
components.

The following non-limiting experiments illustrate the present invention. 
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE A 
Seed of the various species of broad-leaf or grass weeds were sown in 
unsterilised clay loam soil in 7 centimeter by 7 centimeter plastic plant 
pots. The pots were watered and allowed to drain, The soil surface was 
then sprayed with ranges of concentrations of either the individual 
herbicide or mixtures of two herbicides in various proportions, dissolved 
in a 50:50 by volume solution of acetone and water, using a track sprayer 
set to deliver the equivalent of 290 l/ha. The herbicides were used as 
unformulated technical materials. 
Treated pots were placed at random in four replicate blocks per treatment 
for each plant species. The pots were held, in a glasshouse, standing on 
moist capillary matting, under lights and with overhead watering twice 
daily. 
Two weeks after treatment the percent reduction in plant growth, compared 
to an untreated control, was assessed. 
Mean percent reduction in plant growth was calculated for each treatment. 
Dose/mean response was plotted on Log concentration/Probability graph 
paper, and lines fitted by eye. For herbicide mixtures a dose/response 
line for the first herbicide was drawn for each dose rate of the second 
herbicide and a dose/response line for the second herbicide was drawn for 
each dose rate of the first herbicide. The doses representing a 90% 
reduction in plant growth (LD90 values) were read from these lines and 
plotted on graphs whose axes were dose rates of the two herbicides. The 
line joining these points is an Isobole i.e. a line joining points 
(mixtures) of equal activity, as described by P. M. L. Tammes, Neth. J. 
Plant Path. 70 (1964): 73-80. A line was also drawn joining the LD90 
values of the individual components of the mixture, This line represents 
the theoretical isobole if the effect of the two components is additive 
i.e. there is no interaction between them. Isoboles falling below this 
line indicate synergy between the components while lines lying above it 
indicate antagonism. 
In the tables that follow `dose` represents the dose rate in grammes per 
hectare of the active ingredient used; and the figures for the weed 
control are percentages reduction in growth when compared with the 
untreated controls. 
Results: 
TABLE A1 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Echinochloa crus-galli with 
various mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd. Dose 0 8 16 32 64 128 256 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 77.42 
0.5 0 1.67 0 1.67 5.83 21.17 54.08 
1 1.67 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 13.5 40.58 
2 1.67 5 1.67 8.5 7.5 2.08 -- 
4 2.5 0.83 2.5 5 6.42 41.92 61.42 
8 16.33 30.92 7 37.42 
27.17 72.42 90.25 
16 51.92 59.25 60.83 
77.5 82.42 90.58 99.92 
32 76.83 95.67 91.58 
88.5 97.83 85 98.17 
64 97 99.08 98.17 
99.92 
98.67 97.75 97.58 
128 98.67 100 99.17 
99.92 
100 99 99.92 
______________________________________ 
TABLE A2 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Setaria faberi with various 
mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd. Dose 0 8 16 32 64 128 256 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 2.92 33.08 
37 60.75 86 94.83 
0.5 3.25 14.83 47.25 
30.58 
63.08 94.5 93.5 
1 6.33 17.42 41.5 35.5 48.5 66 85.67 
2 2.17 4.75 28.5 22.75 
19.42 81.83 -- 
4 23.17 12.75 10.17 
39.5 59.5 79.83 90.67 
8 18.42 39 45.25 
40.58 
69.92 87.83 93.5 
16 39.58 27.5 50.67 
62.83 
70.83 86.42 97.08 
32 64.5 33.17 67.83 
68.92 
77.42 91.75 96.5 
64 76.42 90.5 83.08 
88.67 
89.25 94.67 98.33 
128 90.17 95.5 83.25 
86.33 
91.75 98.83 98.33 
______________________________________ 
TABLE A3 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Setaria viridis with various 
mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd. Dose 0 8 16 32 64 128 256 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 8.33 31.42 
62.5 82.83 91 97.67 
0.5 0 29.83 38.08 
63.08 
86.92 93.83 97 
1 2.83 7.83 42.75 
67 89.42 85.5 95.17 
2 0 9.17 37.42 
52.17 
85.67 91.92 -- 
4 3.08 31.17 23.92 
67.42 
92.17 88.33 94.5 
8 8.33 17.42 44.75 
72.5 87 89.58 96 
16 28.25 12.25 70.5 77.25 
89.5 94.92 98.75 
32 54 63.42 79.5 95.08 
95.17 96.75 98 
64 84.75 79.75 82.67 
95.58 
99.08 99.92 100 
128 94.75 89.33 95.58 
95.17 
98.42 99.25 99.92 
______________________________________ 
TABLE A4 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Amaranthus retroflexus with 
various mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd. Dose 0 31.25 62.5 125 250 500 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 10 2.5 7.5 12.5 53.75 
1 0 47.5 52.5 39.75 72.5 48.75 
2 46.25 27.5 53.75 62.5 62.5 63.75 
4 57.5 66.25 60 75 77.5 73.75 
8 80 72.75 85 93.75 78.75 92.5 
16 78.5 71.25 88.75 90 95 90 
32 93.75 98.75 96 92.5 92.5 97.25 
64 98.75 98.25 98.75 98.75 100 96.25 
______________________________________ 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
FIG. 1 is an LD90 isobole plot calculated from observed values 
(-.box-solid.-) and a corresponding plot of expected additive values 
(dashed line) for a range of mixtures of Compound A with pendimethalin 
against the weed species Echinochloa crus-galli, produced from the results 
shown in Table A1; 
FIG. 2 is an LD90 isobole plot calculated from observed values 
(-.box-solid.-) and a corresponding plot of expected additive values 
(dashed line) for a range of mixtures of Compound A with pendimethalin 
against the weed species Setaria faberi, produced from the results shown 
in Table A2; 
FIG. 3 is an LD90 isobole plot calculated from observed values 
(-.box-solid.-) and a corresponding plot of expected additive values 
(dashed line) for a range of mixtures of Compound A with pendimethalin 
against the weed species Setaria viridis, produced from the results shown 
in Table A3; 
FIG. 4 is an ID90 isobole plot calculated from observed values 
(-.box-solid.-) and a corresponding plot of expected additive values 
(dashed line) for a range of mixtures of Compound A with pendimethalin 
against the weed species Amaranthus retroflexus, produced from the results 
shown in Table A4. 
The results above clearly demonstrate the excellent and unexpected degree 
of synergism obtained with the combination of the invention. 
The isoboles produced from the above data, shown hereinafter in FIGS. 1-4 
were clearly type III curves (Tammes op. cit., Page 75, FIG. 2) 
characteristic of synergism. 
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE B 
The experiments were carded out pre-emergence of the weed species at 
(i) a research farm in Brazil with Compound B (formulated as a wettable 
powder) and pendimethalin, (formulated as a suspension concentrate); and 
(ii) in research farms in the Mid West corn belt of the United States with 
compound A (formulated as a wettable powder) and pendimethalin (formulated 
as a emulsifiable concentrate), 
A solution of the two active ingredients (a.i.) was mixed for one hour and 
applied at a spray volume of 231 liters/hectare to a 3 meter by 5 meter 
test plot comprising the weed species which were sown 2 days earlier, 3 
replicates were performed. A control plot was sprayed with a solution not 
containing test compound, Visual assessment of phytotoxicity was made 
after 36 or 40 days from sowing each weed species based on a comparison 
with the control plot. 
The tables below show the observed percentage control of the weed species 
by each combination, with the figure in brackets representing the 
predicted value using the Limpel formula, The dose rates are in grammes 
per hectare. 
TABLE B1 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Amaranthus retroflexus with 
various mixtures of Compound B and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd Dose (g/ha) 0 350 
______________________________________ 
B 0 -- 28 
37.5 38 82(55) 
______________________________________ 
TABLE B2 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Panicum muticum with various 
mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd Dose (g/ha) 0 350 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 5 
37.5 65 88(67) 
______________________________________ 
TABLE B3 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Setaria viridis with various 
mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd Dose (g/ha) 0 350 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 27 
37.5 63 99(73) 
______________________________________ 
TABLE B4 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Setaria faberi with various 
mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd Dose (g/ha) 0 350 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 32 
37.5 85 99(90) 
______________________________________ 
TABLE B4 
______________________________________ 
Pre-Emergence treatment of Setaria faberi with various 
mixtures of Compound A and pendimethalin 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd Dose (g/ha) 0 350 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- 25 
37.5 62 99(72) 
______________________________________ 
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE C 
The experiments were carried out pre-emergence of the weed species at a 
research farm locations in the Mid-West corn belt in United States of 
America with to determine the selectivity of the combination in maize 
using Compound A (formulated as a wettable powder) and pendimethalin 
(formulated as a 96% emulsifiable concentrate). 
Various mixtures of compound A and pendimethalin were weighed out and 
dissolved in water to give a solution containing the appropriate 
concentrations and ratios of active ingredients. 
The solution was mixed for one hour and applied at a spray volume of 231 
liters/hectare to a 3 meter by 5 meter test plot comprising the maize seed 
which were sown 2 days earlier. 3 replicates were performed. The 
experiments were performed using seven varieties of maize. A control plot 
was sprayed with a solution not containing test compound. Visual 
assessment of phytotoxicity was made 40 days after sowing the maize seeds 
based on a comparison with the control plot. 
TABLE C1 
______________________________________ 
Field trial showing the biological interaction between 
Compound A and pendimethalin on maize 
Pendimethalin 
Cpd Dose 0 560 1120 
______________________________________ 
A 0 -- -- -- 
78 0 0 0 
105 0 0 0 
______________________________________ 
According to a further feature of the present invention there are provided 
herbicidal compositions comprising 
(a) a 4-benzoylisoxazole derivative of formula I as defined above; and 
(b) a nitroaniline herbicide; 
in association with, and preferably homogeneously dispersed in a 
herbicidally acceptable diluent or carrier and/or surface active agent. 
The term "herbicidal composition" is used in a broad sense, to include not 
only compositions which are ready for use as herbicides but also 
concentrates which must be diluted before use. Preferably, the 
compositions contain from 0.05 to 90% by weight of 4-benzoylisoxazole and 
nitroaniline herbicide, 
Unless otherwise stated, the percentages and ratios appearing in this 
specification are by weight. 
Generally a composition in which the ratio of (a):(b) is from 1:6000 to 
64:1 wt/wt of (a); (b) is used, proportions from 1:600 to 3.41:1 wt/wt 
being preferred, with proportions from 1:100 to 1.33:1 wt/wt particularly 
preferred and proportions of from 1:20 to 1:1.33 wt/wt especially 
preferred. 
The herbicidal composition may contain solid and liquid carriers and 
surface-active agents (e.g. wetters, dispersants or emulsifiers alone or 
in combination). Surface-active agents that may be present in the 
herbicidal compositions of the present invention may be of the ionic or 
non-ionic types, for example sulphoricinoleates, quaternary ammonium 
derivatives, products based on condensates of ethylene oxide with nonyl- 
or octyl-phenols, or carboxylic acid esters of anhydrosorbitols which have 
been rendered soluble by etherification of the free hydroxy groups by 
condensation with ethylene oxide, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of 
sulphuric acid esters and sulphonic acids such as dinonyl- and 
dioctyl-sodium sulphono-succinates and alkali and alkaline earth metal 
salts of high molecular weight sulphonic acid derivatives such as sodium 
and calcium lignosulphonates. Examples of suitable solid diluents or 
carriers are aluminium silicate, talc, calcined magnesia, kieselguhr, 
tricalcium phosphate, powdered cork, absorbent carbon black and clays such 
as kaolin and bentonite. Examples of suitable liquid diluents include 
water, acetophenone, cyclohexanone, isophorone, toluene, xylene, and 
mineral, animal, and vegetable oils (these diluents may be used alone or 
in combination). 
Herbicidal compositions according to the present invention may also 
contain, if desired, conventional adjuvants such as adhesives, protective 
colloids, thickeners, penetrating agents, stabilisers, sequestering 
agents, anti-caking agents, colouring agents and corrosion inhibitors. 
These adjuvants may also serve as carriers or diluents. 
The wettable powders (or powders for spraying) usually contain from 20 to 
95% of 4-benzoylisoxazole and nitroaniline herbicide, and they usually 
contain, in addition to the solid vehicle, from 0 to 5% of a wetting 
agent, from 3 to 10% of a dispersant agent and if necessary, from 0 to 10% 
of one or more stabilisers and/or other additives such as penetrating 
agents, adhesives or anti-caking agents and colourings. 
The aqueous suspension concentrates, which are applicable by spraying, are 
prepared in such a way as to obtain a stable fluid product (by fine 
grinding) which does not settle out and they usually contain from 10 to 
75% of 4-benzoylisoxazole and nitroaniline herbicide, from 0.5 to 15% of 
surface acting agents, from 0.1 to 10% of thixotropic agents, from 0 to 
10% of suitable additives such as antifoams, corrosion inhibitors, 
stabilisers, and water or an organic liquid in which the active substance 
is sparingly soluble or insoluble. Some organic solid substances or 
inorganic salts can be dissolved in order to assist in preventing 
sedimentation or as antifreeze for the water. 
Preferred herbicidal compositions according to the present invention are 
wettable powders and water-dispersible granules. 
Herbicidal compositions according to the present invention may also 
comprise a 4-benzoylisoxazole and a nitroaniline in association with, and 
preferably homogeneously dispersed in, one or more other pesticidally 
active compounds and, if desired one or more compatible pesticidally 
acceptable diluents and carriers. Preferred herbicidal compositions 
according to the present invention are those which comprise a 
4-benzoylisoxazole and a nitroaniline herbicide in association with other 
herbicides. 
The compositions of the invention may be made up as an article of 
manufacture comprising a 4-benzoylisoxazole and a nitroaniline herbicide 
and optionally other pesticidally active compounds as hereinbefore 
described, and as is preferred, a herbicidal composition as hereinbefore 
described and preferably a herbicidal concentrate which must be diluted 
before use, comprising the 4-benzoylisoxazole and nitroaniline within a 
container for the aforesaid 4-benzoylisoxazole and nitroaniline or a said 
herbicidal composition and instructions physically associated with the 
aforesaid container, setting out the manner in which the aforesaid 
4-benzoylisoxazole and nitroaniline or herbicidal composition contained 
therein, is to be used to control the growth of weeds. The containers will 
normally be of the types conventionally used for the storage of chemical 
substances and concentrated herbicidal compositions, which are solids or 
liquids at normal ambient temperatures, for example cans and drams of 
plastics materials or metal (which may be internally-lacquered), bottles 
of glass and plastics materials; and when the contents of the container is 
a solid, for example a granular herbicidal composition, boxes, for example 
of cardboard, plastics material, metal or sacks. The containers will 
normally be of sufficient capacity, to contain amounts of the active 
ingredients or herbicidal compositions sufficient to treat at least one 
hectare of ground, to control the growth of weeds therein but will not 
exceed a size which is convenient for conventional methods of handling. 
Instructions will be physically associated with the container, for example 
by being printed directly thereon or on a label or tag affixed thereto. 
The directions will normally indicate that the contents of the container, 
after dilution if necessary, are to be applied to control the growth of 
weeds at rates of application from 0.5 to 512 g of 4-benzoylisoxazole and 
from 8 to 3000 g of nitroaniline herbicide per hectare in the manner and 
for the purpose hereinbefore described. 
The processes described in European Patent Publication Nos. 0418175, 
0487357, 0527036 and 0560482 may be used to prepare the compounds of 
formula (I). 
According to a further feature of the present invention, there is provided 
a product comprising (a) 4-benzoylisoxazole of formula I above and (b) a 
nitroaniline herbicide, as a combined preparation for simultaneous, 
separate or sequential use in controlling the growth of weeds at a locus. 
While the invention has been described in terms of various preferred 
embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that various 
modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without 
departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the 
scope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of the 
following claims, including equivalents thereof.