Abstract:
At present, many herbicidal compositions have been developed and used, but they are not necessarily sufficient to control undesired plants such as weeds to be controlled in some cases, and a herbicidal composition having high activity has been desired. 
     A herbicidal composition comprising flazasulfuron or its salt, and at least one herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of imazapic, hexazinone, mesotrione and their salts, and a method for controlling undesired plants using it.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/768,318, which is a national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2014/053949, filed Feb. 19, 2014, which claims priority of JP 2013-033556, filed Feb. 22, 2013. The entire disclosures of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/768,318, International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2014/053949, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-033556 are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition and a method for controlling undesired plants. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0003]    Patent Document 1 discloses a herbicidal composition comprising at least one acetolactate synthase inhibitor, at least one 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase-inhibitor and at least one saturated or unsaturated fatty acid. 
         [0004]    Patent Document 2 discloses a composition comprising at least one sulfonylurea herbicide, diuron and hexazinone. 
         [0005]    However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 failed to specifically disclose a remarkable synergistic effect by combination of flazasulfuron or its salt and at least one herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of imazapic, hexazinone, mesotrione and their salts. 
       PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS 
     Patent Documents 
       [0006]    Patent Document 1: WO2008/142391 
         [0007]    Patent Document 2: WO2009/054823 
       DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0008]    At present, many herbicidal compositions have been developed and used, but they are not necessarily sufficient to control undesired plants such as weeds to be controlled in some cases, and a herbicidal composition having high activity has been desired. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0009]    The present inventors have conducted extensive studies and as a result, found that a herbicidal composition having high activity can be obtained by combination of specific compounds, and accomplished the present invention. 
         [0010]    That is, the present invention provides the following (1) to (4). 
         [0011]    (1) A herbicidal composition comprising as active ingredients (A) flazasulfuron or its salt (hereinafter referred to as compound A) and (B) at least one herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of imazapic, hexazinone, mesotrione and their salts (hereinafter referred to as compound B). 
         [0012]    (2) The composition according to (1), wherein the mixing ratio of compound A to compound B is from 1:0.2 to 1:50 by the weight ratio. 
         [0013]    (3) A method for controlling undesired plants or inhibiting their growth, which comprises applying a herbicidally effective amount of compound A and a herbicidally effective amount of compound B to the undesired plants or to a place where they grow. 
         [0014]    (4) The method according to (3), wherein compound A is applied in an amount of from 10 to 100 g/ha, and compound B is applied in an amount of from 20 to 500 g/ha. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0015]    According to the present invention, a herbicidal composition having high activity can be obtained. 
         [0016]    When the herbicidal activity in a case where two active ingredients are combined, is larger than the simple sum of the respective herbicidal activities of the two active ingredients (the expected activity), it is called a synergistic effect. The activity expected by the combination of two active ingredients can be calculated as follows (Colby S. R., “Weed”, vol. 15, p. 20-22, 1967). 
         [0000]        E =(α+β)−(αβ)/100
 
         [0000]    where α: growth inhibition rate when treated with x (g/ha) of herbicide X, 
         [0017]    β: growth inhibition rate when treated with y (g/ha) of herbicide Y, 
         [0018]    E: growth inhibition rate expected when treated with x (g/ha) of herbicide X and y (g/ha) of herbicide Y. 
         [0019]    That is, when the actual growth inhibition rate (measured value) is larger than the growth inhibition rate by the above calculation (calculated value), the activity by the combination can be regarded as showing a synergistic effect. The herbicidal composition of the present invention shows a synergistic effect when calculated by the above formula. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Compound A and compound B sometimes form salts or have isomers, and they are included in the present invention so long as they are agriculturally acceptable. 
         [0021]    The mixing ratio of compound A to compound B cannot generally be defined, as it varies depending upon various conditions such as the type of the formulation, the weather conditions, and the type and the growth stage of the undesired plants, and is, for example, from 1:0.2 to 1:50, preferably from 1:0.8 to 1:40, further preferably from 1:1 to 1:30 by the weight ratio. 
         [0022]    The herbicidally effective amounts of compounds A and B cannot generally be defined, as they vary depending upon various conditions such as the mixing ratio of compound A to B, the type of the formulation, the weather conditions, and the type and the growth stage of the undesired plants. However, for example, compound A is applied in an amount of from 10 to 100 g/ha, preferably from 10 to 50 g/ha, and compound B is applied in an amount of from 20 to 500 g/ha, preferably from 40 to 400 g/ha, further preferably from 50 to 300 g/ha. 
         [0023]    The herbicidal composition of the present invention may be applied to undesired plants or may be applied to a place where they grow. Further, it may be applied at any time either before or after the emergence of the undesired plants. Further, the herbicidal composition of the present invention may take various application forms such as soil application, foliar application, irrigation application, and submerged application, and it can be applied to agricultural fields such as upland fields, orchards and paddy fields, and non-cropland such as ridges of fields, fallow fields, play grounds, golf courses, vacant lands, forests, factory sites, railway sides and roadsides. 
         [0024]    The herbicidal composition of the present invention can control a wide range of undesired plants such as annual weeds and perennial weeds. The undesired plants to be controlled by the herbicidal composition of the present invention may, for example, be specifically cyperaceae such as green kyllinga ( Kyllinga brevifolia  Rottb. var.  leiolepis ), sedge ( Cyperus  spp.) (such as purple nutsedge ( Cyperus rotundus  L.), smallflower umbrella sedge ( Cyperus difformis  L.), yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus  L.) or amur  cyperus  ( Cyperus microiria  Steud.)); gramineae such as barnyardgrass ( Echinochloa crus - galli  L.,  Echinochloa oryzicola  vasing.), crabgrass ( Digitaria  spp.) (such as summergrass ( Digitaria ciliaris  (Retz.) Koel), large crabgrass ( Diqitaria sanquinalis  L.), violet crabgrass ( Diqitaria violascens  Link) or  Diqitaria horizontalis  Willd.), green foxtail ( Setaria viridis  (L)), giant foxtail ( Setaria faberi  Herrm.), goosegrass ( Eleusine indica  L.),  sorghum  ( Sorghum  spp.) (such as johnsongrass ( Sorghum halepense  (L.) Pers.) or shattercane ( Sorghum bicolor  (L.) Moench.)), oat ( Avena  spp.) (such as wild oat ( Avena fatua  L.)), annual bluegrass ( Poa annua  L.), panic grass ( Panicum  spp.) (such as guinea grass ( Panicum maximum  Jacq.) or fall  panicum  ( Panicum dichotomiflorum  (L.) Michx.)), signal grass ( Brachiaria  spp.) (such as plantain signal grass ( Brachiaria plantaqinea  (LINK) Hitchc.), palisade signal grass ( Brachiaria decumbens  Stapf) or mauritius signal grass ( Brachiaria mutica  (Forssk.) Stapf)),  paspalum  ( Paspalum  spp.), itchgrass ( Rottboellia cochinchinensis  (LOUR.) W. D. CLAYTON) or bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon  Pers.); scrophulariaceae such as persian speedwell ( Veronica persica  Poir.) or corn speedwell ( Veronica arvensis  L.); compositae such as beggar ticks ( Bidens  spp.) (such as hairy beggarticks ( Bidens pilosa  L.), devils berggarticks ( Bidens frondosa  L.),  Bidens biternata  (Lour.) Merr. et Sherif or beggarticks ( Bidens subalternans  DC.)), hairy fleabane ( Conyza bonariensis  (L.) Cronq.), horseweed ( Erigeron canadensis  L.), dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale  Weber), common cocklebur ( Xanthium strumarium  L.) or common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia  L.); leguminosae such as rattlepod or rattlebox ( Crotalaria  spp.) (such as sunn-hemp ( Crotalaria juncea  L.)), poison bean ( Sesbania  spp.) (such as rostrate  sesbania  ( Sesbania rostrata  Bremek. &amp; Oberm.) or  sesbania  pea ( Sesbania cannabina  (Retz.) Pers.)), white clover ( Trifolium repens  L) or common  lespedeza  ( Lespedeza striata  (Thunb.) Hook. et. Arn.); caryophyllaceae such as sticky chickweed ( Cerastium glomeratum  Thuill.) or common chickweed ( Stellaria media  L.); euphorbiaceae such as garden spurge ( Euphorbia hirta  L.), threeseeded copperleaf ( Acalypha australis  L.) or fireplant ( Euphorbia heterophylla  L.); plantaginaceae such as asiatic plantain ( Plantago asiatica  L.); oxalidaceae such as creeping woodsorrel ( Oxalis corniculate  L.); apiaceae such as lawn pennywort ( Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides  Lam.); violaceae such as violet ( Viola mandshurica  W. Becker); iridaceae such as blue-eyedgrass ( Sisyrinchium rosulatum  Bicknell); geraniaceae such as caroling geranium ( Geranium carolinianum  L.); labiatae such as purple deadnettle ( Lamium purpureum  L.) or henbit ( Lamium amplexicaule  L.); malvaceae such as velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti  MEDIC.) or prickly  sida  ( Sida spinosa  L.); convolvulaceae such as ivy-leaved morningglory ( Ipomoea hederacea  (L.) Jacq.), common morningglory ( Ipomoea purpurea  ROTH), cypressvine morningglory ( Ipomoea quamoclit  L.),  Ipomoea grandifolia  (DAMMERMANN) O&#39;DONNELL, hairy  merremia  ( Merremia aegyptia  (L.) URBAN) or field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis  L.); chenopodiaceae such as common lambsquarters ( Chenopodium album  L.); portulacaceae such as common purslane ( Portulaca oleracea  L.); amaranthaceae such as pigweed ( Amaranthus  spp.) (such as prostrate pigweed ( Amaranthus blitoides  S. Wats.), livid amaranth ( Amaranthus lividus  L.), purple amaranth ( Amaranthus blitum  L.), smooth pigweed ( Amaranthus hybridus  L.,  Amaranthus patulus  Bertol.), powell amaranth ( Amaranthus powellii  S. Wats.), slender amaranth ( Amaranthus viridis  L.), palmer amaranth ( Amaranthus palmeri  S. Wats.), redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus  L.), tall waterhemp ( Amaranthus tuberculatus  (Moq.) Sauer.), common waterhemp ( Amaranthus tamariscinus  Nutt.), thorny amaranth ( Amaranthus spinosus  L.), ataco ( Amaranthus quitensis  Kunth.) or  Amaranthus rudis  Sauer.); solanaceae such as black nightshade ( Solanum nigrum  L.); polygonaceae such as spotted knotweed ( Polygonum lapathifolium  L.) or green smartweed ( Polygonum scabrum  MOENCH); cruciferae such as flexuous bittercress ( Cardamine flexuosa  WITH.); cucuribitaceae such as burcucumber ( Sicyos anqulatus  L.); or commelinaceae such as common dayflower ( Commelina communis  L.). 
         [0025]    The herbicidal composition of the present invention is very useful in practical application. For example, the herbicidal composition of the present invention has a remarkable synergistic effect, and has a favorable herbicidal activity even if the doses of the respective compounds A and B are small, and accordingly the impact on the surrounding environment can be suppressed. 
         [0026]    Further, the herbicidal composition of the present invention is capable of controlling cyperaceae such as purple nutsedge ( Cyperus rotundus  L.) or yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus  L.); gramineae such as barnyardgrass ( Echinochloa crus - galli  L.,  Echinochloa oryzicola  vasing.), summergrass ( Digitaria ciliaris  (Retz.) Koel), large crabgrass ( Digitaria sanguinalis  L.), shattercane ( Sorghum bicolor  (L.) Moench.), wild oat ( Avena fatua  L.), guinea grass ( Panicum maximum  Jacq.), signal grass ( Brachiaria  spp.) or bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon  Pers.); scrophulariaceae such as persian speedwell ( Veronica persica  Poir.); compositae such as hairy beggarticks ( Bidens pilosa  L.) or common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia  L.); leguminosae such as sunn-hemp ( Crotalaria juncea  L.), rostrate  sesbania  ( Sesbania rostrata  Bremek. &amp; Oberm.) or common  lespedeza  ( Lespedeza striata  (Thunb.) Hook. et Arn.); euphorbiaceae such as fireplant ( Euphorbia heterophylla  L.); malvaceae such as velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti  MEDIC.); convolvulaceae such as ivy-leaved morningglory ( Ipomoea hederacea  (L.) Jacq.) or field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis  L.); or amaranthaceae such as redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus  L.), which are problematic as noxious weeds in agricultural fields such as upland fields and orchards, and non-cropland such as golf courses, railway sides and roadsides, in a wide application timing including before and after the emergence. Further, it has a long lasting residual effect. 
         [0027]    Further, since it comprises a combination of herbicides differing in the mode of action, it can control weeds having decreased sensitivity to many herbicides. 
         [0028]    In consideration of the application site of the herbicidal composition or the type or growth state of the undesired plants, the herbicidal composition of the present invention may be mixed with or may be used in combination with other herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, plant hormones, insecticides, fertilizers, phytotoxicity-reducing agents, etc., in addition to the above active ingredients, without departing from the intention and the scope of the present invention, whereby more excellent effects and activities may sometimes be obtained. 
         [0029]    Such other herbicides may, for example, be (1) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects by disturbing hormone activities of plants, (2) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects by inhibiting photosynthesis of plants, (3) those which are believed to be converted to free radicals by themselves to form active oxygen in the plant body and show rapid herbicidal efficacy, (4) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects by inhibiting chlorophyll biosynthesis of plants and abnormally accumulating a photosensitizing peroxide substance in the plant body, (5) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects characterized by bleaching activities by inhibiting chromogenesis of plants such as carotenoids, (6) those which exhibit strong herbicidal effects specifically to gramineous plants, (7) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects by inhibiting an amino acid biosynthesis of plants, (8) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects by inhibiting cell mitoses of plants, (9) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects by inhibiting protein biosynthesis or lipid biosynthesis of plants, and (10) those which are believed to exhibit herbicidal effects by being parasitic on plants. 
         [0030]    The herbicidal composition of the present invention may be prepared by mixing compound A and compound B, as active ingredients, with various agricultural additives in accordance with conventional formulation methods for agricultural chemicals, and applied in various formulations such as dusts, granules, water dispersible granules, wettable powders, tablets, pills, capsules (including a formulation packaged by a water soluble film), water-based suspensions, oil-based suspensions, microemulsions, suspoemulsions, water soluble powders, emulsifiable concentrates, soluble concentrates or pastes. It may be formed into any formulation which is commonly used in this field, so long as the object of the present invention is thereby met. 
         [0031]    At the time of the formulation, compound A and compound B may be mixed together for the formulation, or they may be separately formulated. 
         [0032]    The additives to be used for the formulation include, for example, a solid carrier such as kaolinite, sericite, diatomaceous earth, slaked lime, calcium carbonate, talc, white carbon, kaoline, bentonite, clay, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, mirabilite, zeolite or starch; a solvent such as water, toluene, xylene, solvent naphtha, dioxane, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or an alcohol; an anionic surfactant such as a salt of fatty acid, a benzoate, a polycarboxylate, a salt of alkylsulfuric acid ester, an alkyl sulfate, an alkylaryl sulfate, an alkyl diglycol ether sulfate, a salt of alcohol sulfuric acid ester, an alkyl sulfonate, an alkylaryl sulfonate, an aryl sulfonate, a lignin sulfonate, an alkyldiphenylether disulfonate, a polystyrene sulfonate, a salt of alkylphosphoric acid ester, an alkylaryl phosphate, a styrylaryl phosphate, a salt of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfate, a salt of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, a salt of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl phosphoric acid ester, a salt of polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphoric acid ester, a naphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde or a salt of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde; a nonionic surfactant such as a sorbitan fatty acid ester, a glycerin fatty acid ester, a fatty acid polyglyceride, a fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ether, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, an oxyalkylene block polymer, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, a polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ether, polyethylene glycol, a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil or a polyoxypropylene fatty acid ester; and a vegetable oil or mineral oil such as olive oil, kapok oil, castor oil, palm oil,  camellia  oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, corn oil, rice bran oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, tung oil or liquid paraffins. These additives may suitably be selected for use alone or in combination as a mixture of two or more of them, so long as the object of the present invention is met. Further, additives other than the above-mentioned may be suitably selected for use among those known in this field. For example, various additives commonly used, such as a filler, a thickener, an anti-settling agent, an anti-freezing agent, a dispersion stabilizer, a safener, an anti-mold agent, a bubble agent, a disintegrator and a binder, may be used. The mix ratio by weight of the active ingredients to such various additives in the herbicidal composition of the present invention may be from 0.001:99.999 to 95:5, preferably from about 0.005:99.995 to about 90:10. 
         [0033]    As a method of applying the herbicidal composition of the present invention, a proper method can be employed among various methods depending upon various conditions such as the application site, the type of the formulation, and the type and the growth stage of the undesired plants to be controlled, and for example, the following methods may be mentioned. 
         [0034]    1. Compound A and Compound B are mixed and formulated together, and the formulation is applied as it is. 
         [0035]    2. Compound A and Compound B are mixed and formulated together, and the formulation is diluted to a predetermined concentration with e.g. water, and as the case requires, a spreader (such as a surfactant, a vegetable oil or a mineral oil) is added for application. 
         [0036]    3. Compound A and Compound B are separately formulated, and the formulations are applied as they are. 
         [0037]    4. Compound A and compound B are separately formulated, and as the case requires, the formulations are diluted to predetermined concentrations with e.g. water, and as the case requires, a spreader (such as a surfactant, a vegetable oil or a mineral oil) is added, and the formulations are applied. 
         [0038]    5. Compound A and compound B are separately formulated, and the formulations are mixed when diluted to a predetermined concentration with e.g. water, and as the case requires, a spreader (such as a surfactant, a vegetable oil or a mineral oil) is added for application. 
         [0039]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is by no means restricted thereto. 
         [0040]    [1] A herbicidal composition comprising as active ingredients compound A and compound B. 
         [0041]    [2] The herbicidal composition according to [1], wherein the mixing ratio of compound A to compound B is from 1:0.2 to 1:50 by the weight ratio. 
         [0042]    [3] A method for controlling undesired plants or inhibiting their growth, which comprises applying a herbicidally effective amount of compound A and a herbicidally effective amount of compound B to the undesired plants or to a place where they grow. 
         [0043]    [4] The method according to [3], wherein compound A is applied in an amount of from 10 to 100 g/ha, and compound B is applied in an amount of from 20 to 500 g/ha. 
         [0044]    [5] The method according to [3] or [4], wherein the undesired plants are cyperaceae, gramineae, scrophulariaceae, compositae, leguminosae, euphorbiaceae, malvaceae, convolvulaceae or amaranthaceae. 
         [0045]    [6] The method according to [5], wherein the undesired plants are gramineae, scrophulariaceae, compositae, leguminosae, malvaceae or convolvulaceae. 
         [0046]    [7] The composition according to [1], wherein compound B is at least one member selected from the group consisting of imazapic, hexazinone and their salts. 
         [0047]    [8] The composition according to [1], wherein compound B is at least one member selected from the group consisting of imazapic, mesotrione and their salts. 
         [0048]    [9] The composition according to [1], wherein compound B is imazapic. 
         [0049]    [10] The composition according to [1], which contains flazasulfuron and imazapic in a mixing ratio of from 1:1 to 1:15 by the weight ratio. 
         [0050]    [11] The composition according to [1], wherein compound B is hexazinone. 
         [0051]    [12] The composition according to [1], which contains flazasulfuron and hexazinone in a mixing ratio of from 1:2 to 1:30 by the weight ratio. 
         [0052]    [13] The composition according to [1], wherein compound B is mesotrione. 
         [0053]    [14] The composition according to [1], which contains flazasulfuron and mesotrione in a mixing ratio of from 1:1 to 1:20 by the weight ratio. 
         [0054]    [15] The method according to [3], wherein flazasulfuron is applied in an amount of from 10 to 50 g/ha, and imazapic is applied in an amount of from 50 to 150 g/ha. 
         [0055]    [16] The method according to [15], wherein the undesired plants which are to be controlled or of which growth is to be inhibited, are gramineae scrophulariaceae, compositae, leguminosae, malvaceae or convolvulaceae. 
         [0056]    [17] The method according to [16], wherein the undesired plants are summergrass ( Digitaria ciliaris  (Retz.) Koel), large crabgrass ( Digitaria sanguinalis  L.), wild oat ( Avena fatua  L.), persian speedwell ( Veronica persica  Poir.), common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia  L.), common  lespedeza  ( Lespedeza striata  (Thunb.) Hook. et Arn.), velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti  MEDIC.) or field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis  L.). 
         [0057]    [18] The method according to [3], wherein flazasulfuron is applied in an amount of from 10 to 50 g/ha, and hexazinone is applied in an amount of from 100 to 300 g/ha. 
         [0058]    [19] The method according to [18], wherein the undesired plants are gramineae, scrophulariaceae, malvaceae or convolvulaceae. 
         [0059]    [20] The method according to [19], wherein the undesired plants are barnyardgrass ( Echinochloa crus - galli  L.,  Echinochloa oryzicola  vasing.), shattercane ( Sorghum bicolor  (L.) Moench.), persian speedwell ( Veronica persica  Poir.), velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti  MEDIC.), ivy-leaved morningglory ( Ipomoea hederacea  (L.) Jacq.) or field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis  L.). 
         [0060]    [21] The method according to [3], wherein flazasulfuron is applied in an amount of from 10 to 50 g/ha, and mesotrione is applied in an amount of from 50 to 200 g/ha. 
         [0061]    [22] The method according to [21], wherein the undesired plants are gramineae, leguminosae or convolvulaceae. 
         [0062]    [23] The method according to [22], wherein the undesired plants are wild oat ( Avena fatua  L.), guinea grass ( Panicum maximum  Jacq.), rostrate  sesbania  ( Sesbania rostrata  Bremek. &amp; Oberm.) or field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis  L.). 
         [0063]    [24] The composition according to [1], which contains flazasulfuron and mesotrione in a mixing ratio of from 1:3 to 1:20 by the weight ratio. 
         [0064]    [25] The method according to [3], wherein flazasulfuron is applied in an amount of from 10 to 30 g/ha, and mesotrione is applied in an amount of from 90 to 200 g/ha. 
       EXAMPLES 
       [0065]    Now, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to Test Examples. However, the present invention is by no means restricted to such specific Test Examples. 
         [0066]    In Test Examples, water dispersible granules containing flazasulfuron as an active ingredient (tradename: SHIBAGEN DF, manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.) was used as flazasulfuron, a wettable powder containing imazapic (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) prepared by a conventional method was used as imazapic, a wettable powder containing hexazinone (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) prepared by a conventional method was used as hexazinone, and a flowable containing mesotrione as an active ingredient (tradename: Callisto, manufactured by Syngenta) was used as mesotrione. 
       Test Example 1 
       [0067]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of summergrass ( Digitaria ciliaris  (Retz.) Koeler) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and imazapic were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0068]    On the 14th day after treatment, the state of growth of the summergrass was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate in accordance with the following evaluation standard. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) (calculated value) calculated by the Colby&#39;s formula are shown in Table 1. 
         [0000]      Growth inhibition rate (%)=0(equivalent to the non-treated area) to 100(complete kill) 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) 
               
               
                   
                 of summergrass 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  10 
                 15 
                 — 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 150 
                 50 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 10 + 150 
                 80 
                 58 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 2 
       [0069]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of ivy-leaved morningglory ( Ipomoea hederacea  (L.) Jacq.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and hexazinone were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0070]    On the 22nd day after treatment, the state of growth of the ivy-leaved morningglory was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 2. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 ivy-leaved morningglory 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                 10 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 40 
                 — 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
                 100 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 30 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 300 
                 40 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 10 + 300 
                 85 
                 40 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
                 30 + 200 
                 78 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 50 + 100 
                 70 
                 40 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 3 
       [0071]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of wild oat ( Avena fatua  L.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron, mesotrione and imazapic were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0072]    On the 22nd day after treatment, the state of growth of the wild oat was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 3. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 wild oat 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                 30 
                 40 
                   
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
                 50 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 50 
                 40 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 40 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 60 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 50  
                 75 
                 40 
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
                 30 + 100 
                 75 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 30 + 200 
                 80 
                 40 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 50  
                 75 
                 64 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 30 + 100 
                 85 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                 30 + 150 
                 85 
                 76 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 4 
       [0073]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of guinea grass ( Panicum maximum  Jacq.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and mesotrione were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0074]    On the 22nd day after treatment, the state of growth of the guinea grass was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 4. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 guinea grass 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  10 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
                 200 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 10 + 200 
                 70 
                 0 
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 5 
       [0075]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis  L.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and hexazinone were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0076]    On the 22nd day after treatment, the state of growth of the field bindweed was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 5. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 field bindweed 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  30 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
                 300 
                 15 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 300 
                 75 
                 15 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 6 
       [0077]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of shattercane ( Sorghum bicolor  (L.) Moench.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and hexazinone were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0078]    On the 22nd day after treatment, the state of growth of the shattercane was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 6. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) 
               
               
                   
                 of shattercane 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  30 
                 60 
                 — 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
                 100 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 100 
                 85 
                 60 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 7 
       [0079]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of rostrate  sesbania  ( Sesbania rostrata  Bremek. &amp; Oberm.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and mesotrione were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0080]    On the 22nd day after treatment, the state of growth of the rostrate  sesbania  was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 7. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) 
               
               
                   
                 of rostrate  sesbania   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                 50 
                 35 
                 — 
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
                 50 
                 15 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 50 + 50 
                 60 
                 45 
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 8 
       [0081]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of persian speedwell ( Veronica persica  Poir.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and imazapic were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0082]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the persian speedwell was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 8. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) 
               
               
                   
                 of persian speedwell 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                 50 
                 20 
                 — 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 50 
                 50 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 50 + 50 
                 98 
                 60 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 9 
       [0083]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of barnyardgrass ( Echinochloa crus - galli  L) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and hexazinone were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0084]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the barnyardgrass was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 9. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 barnyardgrass 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  30 
                 90 
                 — 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
                 100 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 100 
                 98 
                 90 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 10 
       [0085]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of persian speedwell ( Veronica persica  Poiret.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and hexazinone were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0086]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the persian speedwell was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 10. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 persian speedwell 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  30 
                 15 
                 — 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
                 100 
                 85 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 100 
                 100 
                 87 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 11 
       [0087]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia  L.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and imazapic were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0088]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the common ragweed was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 11. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 common ragweed 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  10 
                 80 
                 — 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 150 
                 60 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 10 + 150 
                 98 
                 92 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 12 
       [0089]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of common  lespedeza  ( Lespedeza striata  (Thunb.) Hook. et Arn.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and imazapic were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0090]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the common  lespedeza  was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 12. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 common  lespedeza   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                 30 
                 90 
                 — 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 50 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 50 
                 98 
                 90 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 13 
       [0091]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti  MEDIC.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and imazapic were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0092]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the velvetleaf was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 13. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 velvetleaf 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                 30 
                 75 
                 — 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 50 
                 30 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 50 
                 93 
                 83 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 14 
       [0093]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of velvetleaf ( Abutilon theophrasti  MEDIC.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron and hexazinone were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0094]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the velvetleaf was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 14. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 14 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 velvetleaf 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  30 
                 20 
                 — 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
                 200 
                 30 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 200 
                 80 
                 44 
               
               
                 Hexazinone 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Test Example 15 
       [0095]    Upland field soil was put into a 1/160,000 ha pot, and seeds of field bindweed ( Convolvulus arvensis  L.) were sown. On the next day, predetermined amounts of flazasulfuron, mesotrione and imazapic were diluted with water (in an amount corresponding to 300 L/ha), and applied for soil treatment by a small sprayer. 
         [0096]    On the 21st day after treatment, the state of growth of the field bindweed was visually observed to determine the growth inhibition rate. The growth inhibition rate (%) (measured value) and the growth inhibition rate (%) calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1 are shown in Table 15. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 15 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Growth inhibition rate (%) of 
               
               
                   
                 field bindweed 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Compound 
                 Dose (g/ha) 
                 Measured value 
                 Calculated value 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Flazasulfuron 
                  30 
                 0 
                 — 
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
                 200 
                 60 
                 — 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
                 150 
                 15 
                 — 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 200 
                 75 
                 60 
               
               
                 Mesotrione 
               
               
                 Flazasulfuron + 
                 30 + 150 
                 60 
                 15 
               
               
                 Imazapic 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0097]    The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-033556 filed on Feb. 22, 2013 including specification, claims and summary is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.