Patent Description:
Crop protectant compositions can be formulated in many different ways, with the possibility of the characteristics of the active ingredients and the nature of the formulation giving rise to problems in terms of stability, efficacy, and applicability of the formulations. Moreover, certain formulations are more advantageous on economic and environmental grounds than others.

Water-based formulations generally have the advantage that they require a low fraction of organic solvents, or none at all. On the other hand, the distribution of the constituents in such formulations is often inadequate unless appropriate combinations of auxiliaries are used. The performance properties of such formulations frequently depend on a large number of variable parameters, making it impossible simply to select components of known systems and to combine them with the active ingredients intended for new formulation, if the resultant formulation is to be biologically active, stable on storage, and ideal from the applications standpoint.

Rainfastness is the ability of a pesticide (pesticide formulation) to withstand rainfall and retain biological efficacy to a higher degree. For most pesticides, rain immediately after an application will remove most of the pesticide residues from the leave surface. A product remaining to a higher portion on the leave surfaces after a rain event allows for more of the pesticide to penetrate into the leave and providing weed control activity.

A pesticide is considered "rainfast" after application if it has adequately dried, physically retained on the leave surface or has been absorbed by plant tissues so that it remains effective after rainfall or irrigation.

The degree of rainfastness depends on many factors. The most important is the rain. All pesticide products need a certain amount of drying time between application and rainfall.

Some pesticide products are designed with adjuvants, materials added to the formulation to increase the effectiveness. Some adjuvants improve rainfastness by enhancing the capacity of the active ingredient to penetrate into the leave or to bind to the plant/leave surface and are still sufficient selective in herbicide tolerant crops.

Post-emergent herbicides are applied on weeds that have already emerged, one example is glyphosate. Traditional formulations of glyphosate required a dry period of <NUM> to <NUM> hours after application. Rain or irrigation within that period would reduce effectiveness and require a second application.

Standard formulations, therefore, are rarely suitable for meeting particular requirements, and it is necessary involve a great deal of experimental work to develop an appropriate formulation. Many herbicidal formulations containing water-soluble active crop protectant ingredients have been described.

Examples of herbicidal formulations comprising glufosinate and certain surfactants are known from <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses aqueous pesticidal agents based on active substance-containing dispersions in combination with water-soluble active substances and contain alkyl ether sulfates combined with ethoxylated fatty alcohols and sulfosuccinic monoesters as surfactants.

<CIT> mentions liquid herbicidal compositions comprising glufosinate-ammonium and an alkyl polyglycoside, optionally in combination with certain other surfactants.

<CIT> relates to low-foam concentrated liquid aqueous preparations of plant protecting agents which contain sulfato- or sulfonato-containing surfactants as wetting agents and certain other surfactants as defoamers.

<CIT> discloses improved dry and water soluble glyphosate formulations.

<CIT> teaches liquid concentrate herbicidal emulsion compositions comprising a water-soluble herbicide, an oil-soluble herbicide, a stabilizing amount of water-soluble chlorides, and one or more surfactants.

<CIT> and <CIT> relate to concentrated aqueous preparations for crop protection comprising certain types of surfactants and ammonium salts or aluminum silicates.

<CIT> discloses stable, concentrated compositions comprising a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient, an alkyl ether sulfate, an organic solvent and an alkyl polyglucoside.

<CIT> discloses low-foam aqueous formulations for crop protection containing anionic surfactants and specific silicone-based defoamers.

<CIT> relates to aqueous concentrate composition comprising an agrochemical, one or more foam-inducing surfactants and an antifoam agent wherein the antifoam agent is incorporated into the composition as a solution in an organic solvent.

<NPL> investigated the rainfastness of poly(vinyl alcohol) deposits on Vicia faba leaf surfaces.

<CIT> discloses improved compositions comprising <NUM>,<NUM>-D, petroleum oils with a specific viscosity and different sulfonates.

<CIT> relates to certain acrylic acid morpholides showing excellent fungicidal effects even after the rainfall after spraying, superior to those of known compounds.

<CIT> and <CIT> relate to surfactants providing enhanced efficacy and/or rainfastness to pesticide formulations.

<CIT> provides a pesticide composition comprising a copolymer of acrylic acid, poly(alkylene glycol) (meth)acrylate, and alkyl (meth)acrylate with high rainfastness and/or retention of the pesticide.

<CIT> teaches liquid herbicidal compositions comprising glufosinate in combination with certain types of surfactants and a low content of organic solvents which possess improved herbicidal activities, high low-temperature stability and rain resistance.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose herbicidal formulations comprising an ether sulfate and a polyvinyl alcohol.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> each describe herbicidal formulations with improved activity and/or rainfastness.

In view of these known formulations, the object of the present invention was to provide combinations with one or more water-soluble active herbicidal ingredients having improved properties, in particular improved rainfastness and/or herbicidal properties.

It was found that combinations of polyvinyl alcohol and compositions of water-soluble active herbicidal ingredients containing certain surfactants have such improved properties, in particular improved rainfastness and/or herbicidal properties, wherein said combinations preferably additionally comprise certain esters.

The invention therefore primarily relates to combinations comprising or consisting of.

It has been found that the combinations according to the present invention exhibit improved properties, in particular improved rainfastness and/or herbicidal properties, due to the combination of constituents (I) and (II) as defined in the context of the present invention.

Such a combination can be in form of a kit-of-parts, a co-pack (suitable or recommended for tank-mixing) or a tank-mix. A co-pack in the context of the present invention preferably is a twin-pack or a tri-pack.

In the context of the present invention the polyvinyl alcohols used as constituent (I) with constituent (II) in a combination according of the present invention preferably are partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetates with a degree of hydrolysis in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM> mol. -%, more preferably with a degree of hydrolysis in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM> mol. -%, and even more preferably with a degree of hydrolysis in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM> mol.

The degree of polymerization of the polyvinyl alcohols used as constituent (I) preferably is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and even more preferably in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The viscosity of a <NUM> wt. -% aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohols used as constituent (I) [measured at <NUM> according to DIN <NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM> (issued <NUM>-<NUM>) (Measurement of viscosity by means of the rolling ball viscometer] preferably is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mPas, more preferably is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mPas and even more preferably is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mPas.

Such polyvinyl alcohols are commercially available, for example the POVAL® product range from Kuraray.

Generally and preferably, the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention are liquid at <NUM> and <NUM> mbar.

The water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients of constituent (a) of the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention and the other herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients and herbicide safeners of the optional constituent (h) of combinations of the present invention, preferably of the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, and the common names used herein are commonly known; see, for example, "<NPL>; these include the known stereoisomers (in particular racemic and enantiomeric pure isomers) and derivatives such as salts or esters, and particularly the commercially customary forms.

In the context of the present invention water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients (type (a) active ingredients) have a water solubility at <NUM> and <NUM> mbar (typically at a pH in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, depending on the form) of at least <NUM>/l or higher, preferably of at least <NUM>/l or higher, more preferably of at least <NUM>/l or higher.

To allow a high concentration of one or more water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients (type (a) active ingredients) in the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention are preferably used in form of their salts since these generally speaking show higher water solubility.

The compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention comprise as constituent (a) one or more water-soluble active crop protectant ingredients selected from the group consisting of glufosinate [<NUM>-amino-<NUM>-[hydroxy(methyl)phosphinoyl]butanoic acid] and salts thereof, glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and salts thereof, MCPA [(<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methylphenoxy)acetic acid] and salts thereof, dicamba [<NUM>,<NUM>-dichloro-<NUM>-methoxybenzoic acid] and salts thereof, <NUM>,<NUM>-D [<NUM>,<NUM>-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] and salts thereof and dichlorprop [<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-dichlorophenoxy)propanoic acid] and the salts thereof.

The compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention preferably comprise as constituent (a) one or more water-soluble active crop protectant ingredients selected from the group consisting of glufosinate-ammonium, glufosinate-sodium, L-glufosinate-ammonium, L-glufosinate-sodium, glyphosate-diammonium, glyphosate-dimethylammonium, glyphosate-isopropylammonium, glyphosate-monoammonium, glyphosate-potassium, glyphosate-dipotassium, glyphosate-sesquisodium (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine sodium salt (<NUM>:<NUM>)), glyphosate-trimesium, MCPA-dimethylammonium, MCPA-diolamine, MCPA-olamine, MCPA-potassium, MCPA-sodium, MCPA-trolamine, dicamba-biproamine, dicamba-diglycolamine, dicamba-dimethylammonium, dicamba-diolamine, dicamba-isopropylammonium, dicamba-olamine, dicamba-potassium, dicamba-sodium, dicamba-trolamine, dicamba-choline, dicamba-BAPMA (N,N-bis-(<NUM>-aminopropyl)methylamine salt), <NUM>,<NUM>-D-ammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-choline, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-BAPMA (N,N-bis-(<NUM>-aminopropyl)methylamine salt), <NUM>,<NUM>-D-diethylammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-dimethylammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-diolamine, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-dodecylammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-heptylammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-isopropylammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-lithium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-potassium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-sodium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-tetradecylammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-triethylammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-tris(<NUM>-hydroxypropyl)ammonium, <NUM>,<NUM>-D-trolamine, dichlorprop-dimethylammonium, dichlorprop-ethylammonium, dichlorprop-potassium, and dichlorprop-sodium.

Particularly preferably, constituent (a) of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention comprises or consists of glufosinate-ammonium, glufosinate-sodium, L-glufosinate-ammonium, L-glufosinate-sodium, glyphosate-potassium, glyphosate-ammonium, glyphosate-dimethylammonium, glyphosate-isopropylammonium, glyphosate-trimesium (sulfosate), dicamba-diglycolamine, dicamba-BAPMA, and <NUM>,<NUM>-D-choline.

Constituent (b) of the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention is a group of surfactants known from the prior art to allow good stability and/or activity of compositions comprising water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients (type (a) active ingredients).

The C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether sulfates of constituent (b) of the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention preferably correspond to the formula CH<NUM>(CH<NUM>)m(OCH<NUM>CH<NUM>)nOSO<NUM>M, wherein M is a cation, m denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM> and n is <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

Preferably, M is selected from Na+, K+ or NH<NUM>+, m denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM> and n is <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

More preferably, M is selected from Na+, K+ or NH<NUM>+, m denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM> and n is <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

More preferred fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether sulfates as constituent (b) are C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether sulfates (i.e. n is <NUM>).

The C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglycosides of constituent (b) as defined in the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present inventions preferably are C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides, more preferably Cs-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides.

C<NUM>-C<NUM> Alkylpolyglycosides, in particular C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides, suitable as constituent (b) are known in the art and commercially available, e.g. alkylpolysaccharides and mixtures thereof such as those, for example, from the ®Atplus series (Croda) with or without addition of inorganic salts such as ammonium sulfate, alkylpolyglycosides in the form of the Agnique PG® grades from BASF, an example being ®Agnique PG <NUM> (fatty alcohol C<NUM>-C<NUM> glucosides), ®Agnique PG <NUM> (fatty alcohol C<NUM>-C<NUM> glucosides), alkylpolyglycoside/alkylpolysaccharide mixtures based on C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol such as ®Glucopon <NUM> DK and ®Glucopon <NUM> CSUP (BASF).

The C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alkyl amine ethoxylates of constituent (b) of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention preferably correspond to the formula H(OCH<NUM>CH<NUM>)pN(R<NUM>)(CH<NUM>CH<NUM>O)qH, wherein R<NUM> denotes a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, p denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM> and q denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Preferably, R<NUM> denotes a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, p denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM> and q denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

More preferably, R<NUM> denotes a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, p denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM> and q denotes an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

More preferably, constituent (b) of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention comprises or consists of one or more C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether sulfate salts and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides with a degree of polymerization of less than <NUM>, and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl amine ethoxylates with <NUM> to <NUM> ethylene oxide (EO) units.

Particularly preferably, constituent (b) of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention comprises or consists of one or more C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether sulfate sodium-, potassium-, ammonium-salts (preferably sodium salts) and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides with a degree of polymerization of less than <NUM>, and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl amine ethoxylates with <NUM> to <NUM> ethylene oxide (EO) units [preferably <NUM>-isotridecyloxypropanamine, ethoxylated (<NPL>; systematic name: Poly(oxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-ethanediyl),. '-[[[<NUM>-(tridecyloxy)propyl]imino]di-<NUM>,<NUM>-ethanediyl]bis[. -hydroxy-, branched)].

In a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein glufosinate-ammonium is (part of) constituent (a), the preferred constituent (b) comprises or consists of one or more C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether sulfate salts and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides as defined above, preferably as defined as one of the preferred or more preferred embodiments.

In a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein one of the above-mentioned glyphosate-salts is (part of) constituent (a), the preferred constituent (b) comprises or consists of one C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl amine ethoxylates with <NUM> to <NUM> ethylene oxide (EO) units as defined above, preferably as defined as one of the preferred or more preferred embodiments.

The advantage of the C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether sulfates as (part of) constituent (b) of the present invention is that the amount of constituent (c) that is achievable to be incorporated into a composition according to the present invention is higher, thus allowing further improved rainfastness and/or herbicidal activity of said composition.

Preferably, the combination according to the present invention or constituent (II) comprises one or more further constituents selected from the group consisting of constituents (c) to (h):.

The (preferred) constituents (c) to (h) optionally present in a combination according to the present invention are the same as the (preferred) constituents (c) to (h) described in detail hereinafter for compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention. Preferably, constituents (d) to (h) are part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, and in a preferred embodiment, constituents (c) to (h) are part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention.

Constituent (c), preferably as part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, is a group of esters defined by constituents (c1), (c2) and (c3) having the following structures.

Constituent (c1) in the context of the present invention has the following structure:
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM> and R<NUM> each denote the respective group defined herein.

Constituent (c2) in the context of the present invention has the following structure:
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM>, R<NUM> and x each have the respective meaning defined herein.

Constituent (c3) in the context of the present invention has the following structure:
<CHM>
wherein each R<NUM> denotes the respective group defined herein.

The esters used as constituent (c), preferably as part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, can be produced by any method known in the art, for example esterification of the respective acid or acid halide moiety and the respective alcohol R<NUM>OH, R<NUM>OH, R<NUM>OH, or R<NUM>OH. Many esters of constituent (c) of the compositions according to the present are commercially available.

Preferred alkyl groups in the context of the constituents (c1), (c2) and (c3) of constituent (c), preferably as part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, i.e. R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> respectively, are linear and branched alkyl groups, and preferably are selected from the group consisting of <NUM>-butyl, <NUM>-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, <NUM>-pentyl, <NUM>-pentyl, isopentyl, <NUM>-hexyl, <NUM>-hexyl, isohexyl, <NUM>-heptyl, <NUM>-heptyl, isoheptyl, <NUM>-octyl, <NUM>-octyl, isooctyl, <NUM>-ethylhexyl, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylhexyl, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylpentyl, <NUM>-nonyl, <NUM>-nonyl, isononyl, <NUM>-decyl, <NUM>-decyl, isodecyl, <NUM>-propylheptyl, <NUM>-dodecyl, <NUM>-dodecyl, and isododecyl. More preferred alkyl groups R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> in the context of the constituents (c1), (c2) and (c3) according to the present invention are branched alkyl groups, each preferably selected from the group consisting of <NUM>-hexyl, isohexyl, <NUM>-heptyl, isoheptyl, <NUM>-octyl, isooctyl, <NUM>-ethylhexyl, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylhexyl, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylpentyl, <NUM>-nonyl, isononyl, <NUM>-decyl, isodecyl, <NUM>-dodecyl, and isododecyl.

Preferably, constituent (c), preferably as part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, comprises or consists of one or more esters selected from the group consisting of (c1) to (c3):.

More preferably, constituent (c), preferably as part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, comprises or consists of one or more esters selected from the group consisting of (c1) to (c3):.

Even more preferably, constituent (c), preferably as part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, comprises or consists of one or more esters selected from the group consisting of (c1) to (c3):.

Preferably, from a practical perspective and for reasons of (synthetic and/or commercial) availability, in compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, in constituent (c2) preferably R<NUM> and R<NUM> both denote the same alkyl group, and in constituent (c3) all three R<NUM> denote the same alkyl group.

In own experiments the following constituents (c) gave particularly improved properties for the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention. Therefore, preferably constituent (c), preferably as part of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, comprises or consists of one or more esters selected from the group consisting of.

It was for example found that in case of glyphosate salts as constituent (a), the improved properties mentioned above of the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention were observed when constituent (c) comprised or consisted of constituent (c2). For example, particularly improved rainfastness was observed when bis(<NUM>-ethylhexyl) adipate was used as constituent (c2).

It was for example also found that in case of glufosinate salts as constituent (a), the improved properties mentioned above of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention were observed when constituent (c) comprised or consisted of constituents (c1) or (c3). For example, particularly improved rainfastness was observed when isononyl isononanoate and/or <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylhexyl <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylhexanoate was used as constituent (c1) or when tris(<NUM>-ethylhexyl) phosphate was used as constituent (c3).

Preferred according to the present invention are compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, wherein the ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a) to the total amount of constituent (b) is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, and preferably is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Preferably, in the combination according to the present invention or in compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention the ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a) to the total amount of constituent (c) is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, and preferably is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Preferred are combinations according to the present invention, wherein in the combination comprises the ratio of the total amount by weight of polyvinyl alcohols of constituent (I) to the total amount of constituent (c) is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in each case based on the total weight of the combination.

The optimum ratio ranges of constituent (a) to constituents (b) and (c) in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention depend to some extent on the water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredient used and on the amount thereof included in the composition.

For example, in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein glufosinate-ammonium is (part of) constituent (a), the preferred ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a).

More preferably, in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein glufosinate-ammonium is (part of) constituent (a), the ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a).

For example, in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein one of the above-mentioned glyphosate-salts is (part of) constituent (a), the preferred ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a).

More preferably, in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein one of the above-mentioned glyphosate-salts is (part of) constituent (a), the ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a).

In a preferred embodiment, the combination according to the present invention is a tank-mix obtainable or obtained by mixing a combination as defined herein, preferably in one of the preferred embodiments, and water as constituent (III), wherein the ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (III) to the total amount of the combination as defined herein, preferably as defined in one of the preferred embodiments, in the tank-mix is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Suitable organic solvents of constituent (d) of compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention are different from constituent (c) and preferably are water-miscible organic solvents, examples being.

Preference is given here to largely water-miscible organic solvents. Preferably, constituent (d) comprises or consists of propylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol and/or propylene glycol, and preferably comprises or consists of <NUM>-methoxy-<NUM>-propanol and/or dipropylene glycol.

Preferably, a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention contains constituent (d) in a total amount <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The total amount of constituent (d) in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention however inter alia depends on the water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredient(s) present as (part of) constituent (a), i.e. the type (a) active ingredients.

For example, in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein glufosinate-ammonium is (part of) constituent (a), the preferred total amount by weight of constituent (d) is in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, preferably in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the composition. These amounts in particular apply for the case that glufosinate-ammonium is (part of) constituent (a) and constituent (d) comprises or consists of propylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol and/or propylene glycol, and preferably comprises or consists of <NUM>-methoxy-<NUM>-propanol and/or dipropylene glycol.

For example, in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention wherein a glyphosate-salt is (part of) constituent (a), the preferred total amount by weight of constituent (d) is in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, preferably <NUM>% by weight (i.e. free of organic solvents of constituent (d)), in each case based on the total weight of the composition.

The organic solvents of constituent (d) of the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention should only to be used in amounts such that the aqueous phase is stable, preferably in the form of a thermodynamically stable aqueous solution.

The compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention may optionally comprise as constituent (f) other surfactants (anionic, cationic or zwitterionic and/or nonionic surface-active compounds (surfactants)) not belonging the group of constituent (b) of the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention which are able to further contribute to improved stability, further improved plant availability or further improved activity of the water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients (type (a) active ingredients).

As constituent (g), the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention can comprise customary formulation adjuvants, examples being inert materials, such as stickers, wetters, dispersants, emulsifiers, penetrants, preservatives, inorganic salts, stabilizers, frost protectants, fillers, carriers and colorants, evaporation inhibitors and pH modifiers (buffers, acids, and bases), viscosity modifiers (e.g., thickeners) or defoamers. The addition of inorganic salts, preferably ammonium salts such as ammonium chloride or ammonium sulfate, may be of advantage, particularly in combination with certain surfactants or with polyvinyl alcohol (see hereinafter).

Due to the presence of constituent (b), it is often advantageous to include a defoamer as (part of) constituent (g) of the present invention. Suitable defoamers include all customary defoamers, preferably silicone-based defoamers, such as silicone oils, for example. The silicone oils can also be used as emulsions.

Defoamers from the group of the linear polydimethylsiloxanes contain as their chemical backbone a compound of the formula HO-[Si(CH<NUM>)<NUM>-O-]n-H, in which the end groups are modified, by etherification for example, or in general are attached to the groups -Si(CH<NUM>)<NUM>. Preferred defoamers are those from the group of the linear polydimethylsiloxanes, preferably containing silica, in particular those mentioned in <CIT>. Silica embraces forms/modifications such as polysilicic acids, meta-silicic acid, ortho-silicic acid, silica gel, silicic acid gels, kieselguhr, precipitated SiO<NUM>, etc..

Preferred according to the present invention are compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, wherein constituent (d) comprises or consists of propylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol and/or propylene glycol, and preferably comprises <NUM>-methoxy-<NUM>-propanol,
and/or.

Preferred according to the present invention are compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, wherein constituent (d) comprises <NUM>-methoxy-<NUM>-propanol, and wherein the composition preferably comprises polydimethylsiloxane oil with silica gel as defoaming agent (as (part of) constituent (g)),
and
constituent (f) comprises or consists of alkyl sulfosuccinate salts (diesters and monoesters), preferably comprises or consists of C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl sulfosuccinate monoester salts, more preferably comprises or consists of laureth-<NUM> sulfosuccinate salts, in particular disodium laureth-<NUM> sulfosuccinate.

As constituent (h), the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention can comprise other herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients (i.e. different from constituent (a)) and/or herbicide safeners. Preferably, such other herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients are have a low water solubility at <NUM> and <NUM> mbar, preferably at pH <NUM>, of <NUM>/l or lower, more preferably of <NUM>/l or lower. Preferred herbicide safeners of constituent (h) are cyprosulfamide, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr-diethyl, benoxacor, flurazol and cloquintozet-mexyl.

In case the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention comprise other herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients (i.e. different from constituent (a)) having a low water solubility as constituent (h), it is preferred to include one or more stabilizers as part of constituent (f) or (g).

Such a stabilizer can be a dispersant or a suspending agent, e. from the group of ionic polymers, like Sodium naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensates or Kraft-lignosulfonate sodium salt, like Morwet D245 (Akzo Nobel) or Kraftsperse <NUM> (Ingevity), or from the group of non-ionic polymers, like Polyethoxylated polymethacrylates, like Atlox <NUM> (Croda).

Such a stabilizer can be a dispersant or suspending agent, e. g, fom the group of ionic surfactants, like Dialkyl naphthalene sulfate sodium, like Oparyl MT800 (Bozetto), or non-ionic surfactants, like Tristyryl phenol alkoxylates, like Soprophor <NUM>/P (Solvay) or block-co-polymers of ethylene/propylene oxides, like Pluronic PE <NUM> (BASF).

Such a stabilizer can be from the group of the aluminum silicates and can be a mineral fiber, such as a fiberlike magnesium and aluminum silicate attapulgite, preferably ®Attagel <NUM> (BASF) or ®Clarsol ATC (from CECA, Düsseldorf, Germany). Also suitable are ®Bentone EW (from Elementis), which likewise comprise hectorites as their base material.

The constituents used to prepare and obtain the compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention are known and many of these constituents are commercially available.

The compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention are prepared by conventional methods, by mixing and homogenizing the active ingredient (a) in solid or already dissolved form, and all other constituents, with stirring where appropriate.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a combination according to the present invention as defined herein, which comprises mixing constituents (I) to (II), and preferably water as constituent (III), and optionally further constituents of said combination mentioned in the context of the present invention.

In case constituents (f), (g) and/or (h) as defined herein are present in a composition used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention, and e.g. are poorly water soluble, it may be beneficial to include a milling step, e.g. using a colloid mill or stirred bead mill.

The compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention preferably exhibit good storage properties (i.e. storage stability, including low-temperature stability), high bioavailability and hence activity of the water-soluble active crop protectant ingredients, i.e. of constituent(s) (a).

The compositions used as constituent (II) in the context of the present invention are especially suitable for use in crop protection for controlling unwanted plant growth both on uncultivated land and in crops tolerant to the herbicide(s) of constituent (a) used in the context of the present invention.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of controlling unwanted plant growth, which comprises applying an effective amount of a combination according to the present invention as defined herein to plants, parts of plants or the cultivation area.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a combination according to the present invention as defined herein for controlling unwanted plant growth.

Unless indicated otherwise, all amounts indicated in the following are in percent by weight (wt.

Abbreviations and products used (including trade names):.

The growth stages of the different weed species are indicated according to the BBCH monograph "<NPL>). The respective BBCH stages are indicated for the different weed species hereinafter.

In the following Tables <NUM> to <NUM>, for reasons of comparability of the test results, the amounts in percent indicated for the respective test compounds are by weight and refer to the absolute amount of the respective test compound used, i.e. any diluents (like e.g. water) present in the commercial product with the trade names indicated above are not reflected in said amounts. For example, if Ammonyx M (a <NUM>% strength aqueous solution of Myristamine Oxide) was used, an amount of <NUM>% indicated in a Table is the amount of Myristamine Oxide (and corresponds to an amount of <NUM>% of the commercial product Ammonyx M).

Greenhouse rainfastness trials: Chenopodium album (CHEAL) and Lolium multiflorum (LOLMU) plants were grown in <NUM> pots in the greenhouse until they reached an adequate developmental stage, provided in the different results tables and applied after selection for uniform plants. / ha GFA SL196 formulation and mixtures with different test compounds and the GFA SL196 formulation in a rate of <NUM> a. /ha and <NUM> wt. -% of test compounds were applied in a linear track sprayer outfitted with <NUM> flat fan nozzles at a water application rate of <NUM>/ha. Six sets of plants containing <NUM> replications of each of the weed species were treated with the different test mixtures and the reference containing the GFA SL196 formulation. The first set did not receive irrigation after treatment, whereas the <NUM> remaining sets received an irrigation of <NUM>/m<NUM> at <NUM> after the initial herbicide treatment. The irrigation was applied on a linear track sprayer outfitted with <NUM> flat fan spray nozzles in a row at <NUM> Bar water pressure providing <NUM> of rain for each set of plants. Fourteen days after application (<NUM> DAA) the different weed species were visually rated on a percentage scale in relation to the untreated control (<NUM>% = all plants dead; <NUM>% = green plant biomass reduced by <NUM>%, and <NUM>% = no discernible difference = like control plot) (see Table <NUM> and Table <NUM> for Chenopodium alba).

In the second rainfastness trial the conditions were similar with exception that the application rate of GFA was reduced to <NUM> a. The concentration of selected test compounds was reduced to <NUM> wt. -% and <NUM> wt. -%, respectively (Table <NUM> Chenopodium alba).

In a further rainfastness trial, glyphosate (used as <NUM> a. /ha GIPA) was tested in mixture with POVAL <NUM>-<NUM> in an amount of <NUM> wt. -% (Table <NUM> Chenopodium alba).

Compounds that were tested in the greenhouse before, were tested in the field, with <NUM> a. /ha of GFA, alone as well as in various combinations to evaluate efficacy under field conditions. Applications were made to seeded weeds in a replicated randomized complete block design. Test compounds were added to the GFA SL196 formulation at a rate of <NUM>% wt. -% and <NUM>% wt. -%, respectively. The plots were sprayed using a <NUM>/ha application volume with a hand held spray boom. Fourteen days after application (<NUM> DAA) the different weed species were visually rated on a percentage scale in relation to the untreated control (<NUM>% = all plants dead; <NUM>% = green plant biomass reduced by <NUM>%, and <NUM>% = no discernible difference = like control plot) (see Table 05a, Table 05b, Table <NUM>).

The effects on the following weeds were assessed (depending on presence in the respective field): Abutilon theophrasti (ABUTH), Chenopodium album (CHEAL), Avena fatua (AVEFA), Bassia scoparia (KCHSC) and Triticum aestivum (TRZAS).

/ha GFA as GFA 196SL formulation alone and in combination with <NUM> wt. -% POVAL <NUM>-<NUM> were applied to wheat (TRZAS) plants at growth stage BBCH <NUM>. The plots were sprayed with an application volume of <NUM>/ha with a hand held spray boom. Approximately <NUM>/m<NUM> of water was irrigated <NUM> after application on half the treatments. Fourteen days after application (<NUM> DAA) the different weed species were visually rated on a percentage scale in relation to the untreated control (<NUM>% = all plants dead; <NUM>% = green plant biomass reduced by <NUM>%, and <NUM>% = no discernible difference = like control plot) (see Table <NUM>).

In the following preferred embodiments of constituent (II) used in combinations according to the present invention are described.

Embodiment <NUM>: Constituent (II) used in a combination according to the present invention preferably is a composition comprising or consisting of.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to Embodiment <NUM>, comprising.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to Embodiment <NUM> or Embodiment <NUM>, comprising.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, comprising as constituent (a) one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of glufosinate and salts thereof, glyphosate and salts thereof.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein constituent (a) comprises or consists of one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of glufosinate-ammonium, glufosinate-sodium, L-glufosinate-ammonium, L-glufosinate-sodium glyphosate-potassium, glyphosate-ammonium, glyphosate-dimethylammonium, glyphosate-isopropylammonium, glyphosate-trimesium (sulfosate), dicamba-diglycolamine, dicamba-BAPMA and <NUM>,<NUM>-D-choline.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein constituent (b) comprises or consists of one or more C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether sulfate salts and/or Cs-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides with a degree of polymerization of less than <NUM>, and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl amine ethoxylates with <NUM> to <NUM> ethylene oxide (EO) units.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein constituent (b) comprises or consists of one or more C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol diethylene glycol ether sulfate sodium-, potassium-, ammonium-salts and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglucosides with a degree of polymerization of less than <NUM>, and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl amine ethoxylates with <NUM> to <NUM> ethylene oxide (EO) units.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, additionally comprising constituent (c), wherein constituent (c) comprises or consists of one or more esters selected from the group consisting of (c1) to (c3):.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to Embodiment <NUM>, wherein constituent (c) comprises or consists of one or more esters selected from the group consisting of (c1) to (c3):.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the total amount of constituent (a) to the total amount of constituent (c) is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in each case based on the total weight of the composition.

Embodiment <NUM> is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the composition comprises constituent (c) in a total amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, preferably in a total amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the composition.

Embodiment12 is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a) to the total amount of constituent (b) is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, and preferably is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in each case based on the total weight of the composition.

Embodiment13 is a composition according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>, wherein the ratio by weight of the total amount of constituent (a) to the total amount of constituent (c) is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in each case based on the total weight of the composition.

Claim 1:
Combination comprising or consisting of
(I) one or more polyvinyl alcohols,
(II) a composition comprising or consisting of
(a) one or more water-soluble herbicidal active crop protectant ingredients (type (a) active ingredients),
(b) one or more C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ether sulfates and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglycosides, and/or C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alkyl amine ethoxylates,
wherein constituent (a) of constituent (II) comprises or consist of one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of glufosinate and salts thereof, glyphosate and salts thereof, MCPA and salts thereof, dicamba and salts thereof, <NUM>,<NUM>-D and salts thereof and dichlorprop and the salts thereof, and
wherein the ratio of the total amount of constituent (I) to the total amount of constituent (II) is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, based on the total weight of the combination.