Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a composition for plant pest control containing a particular tetrazolinone compound and a particular amide compound.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid pesticidal composition comprising metyltetraprole, wherein the liquid pesticidal composition has an excellent storage stability at low temperatures as well as an excellent emulsion stability when mixed with water.

The present invention provides a liquid pesticidal composition described below.

It is made possible to provide a liquid pesticidal composition comprising metyltetraprole, wherein the liquid pesticidal composition has an excellent storage stability at low temperatures as well as an excellent emulsion stability when mixed with water.

A liquid pesticidal composition according to the present invention (hereinafter, also simply called "liquid pesticidal composition") comprises:.

The term "liquid" herein refers to being fluid at <NUM>. Preferably, the liquid pesticidal composition is a liquid in which at least the pesticidal active ingredient, among its ingredients, is completely or nearly completely dissolved in the solvent. More preferably, the liquid pesticidal composition is a liquid in which at least the pesticidal active ingredient and the surfactant, among its ingredients, are completely or nearly completely dissolved in the solvent. Further preferably, the liquid pesticidal composition is a liquid in which all of its ingredients are completely or nearly completely dissolved in the solvent.

The liquid pesticidal composition can be suitably used as a liquid pesticidal formulation called an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) in the pesticidal field.

In the following, a detailed description will be given of ingredients that the liquid pesticidal composition according to the present invention contains or may contain.

The liquid pesticidal composition contains metyltetraprole. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid pesticidal composition having an excellent storage stability at low temperatures as well as an excellent emulsion stability when mixed with water, even though it contains metyltetraprole which is poorly soluble in water.

Metyltetraprole is a compound represented by the following formula (A):
[Chemical <NUM>]
with a chemical name of
"<NUM>-[<NUM>-({[<NUM>-(<NUM>-chlorophenyl)-<NUM>-pyrazol-<NUM>-yl]oxy}methyl)-<NUM>-methylphenyl]-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM> ,<NUM>-dihydro-<NUM>-tetrazol-<NUM>-one.

With the total amount of the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%, the content of metyltetraprole in the liquid pesticidal composition is preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, more preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, yet further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%. Other preferable ranges of this content are, for example, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, and from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%.

Adjusting the content of metyltetraprole to the above range is preferable for appropriately increasing the content of metyltetraprole in the liquid pesticidal composition, while ensuring that the liquid pesticidal composition has an excellent storage stability at low temperatures as well as an excellent emulsion stability when mixed with water.

The liquid pesticidal composition contains a first solvent that is ε-caprolactone.

With the total amount of the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%, the content of the first solvent in the liquid pesticidal composition is preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, more preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, yet further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, particularly preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%. Other preferable ranges of this content are, for example, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, and from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%.

The content of the first solvent relative to the content of metyltetraprole is usually from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, more preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, further preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, yet further preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, particularly preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass. Other preferable ranges of the ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the first solvent to the content of metyltetraprole are from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, and from <NUM> times by mass and <NUM> times by mass.

Adjusting the ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the first solvent to the content of metyltetraprole to the above range is preferable for ensuring that the liquid pesticidal composition has an excellent storage stability at low temperatures as well as an excellent emulsion stability when mixed with water, provided that the ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the second solvent to the content of metyltetraprole is adjusted to a specific range.

The liquid pesticidal composition contains one, two, or more second solvents. The second solvent is a solvent having a water solubility at <NUM> of <NUM> mass% or less.

As the second solvent, a commercially available solvent may be used. Examples of the commercially available product for use as the second solvent include, in trade names, Agnique AMD810 (mixture of N,N-dimethyloctanamide and N,N-dimethyldecanamide, manufactured by BASF), Agnique AMD10 (N,N-dimethyldecanamide, manufactured by BASF), Agnique AMD12 (N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, manufactured by BASF), Rhodiasolv ADMA810 (mixture of N,N-dimethyloctanamide and N,N-dimethyldecanamide, manufactured by Solvay Nicca), Rhodiasolv ADMA-<NUM> (N,N-dimethyldecanamide, manufactured by Solvay Nicca), Hallcomid M-<NUM>-<NUM> (mixture of N,N-dimethyloctanamide and N,N-dimethyldecanamide, manufactured by Stepan), Hallcomid M-<NUM> (N,N-dimethyldecanamide, manufactured by Stepan), Hallcomid M-<NUM> (N,N-dimethyldodecanamide, manufactured by Stepan), Hallcomid M-<NUM> (N,N-dimethyloctadecanamide, manufactured by Stepan), Hallcomid <NUM> (N,N-dimethyl-<NUM>-deceneamide, manufactured by Stepan), Genagen <NUM> (fatty acid dimethylamide, manufactured by Clariant), Genagen <NUM> (fatty acid dimethylamide, manufactured by Clariant), Rhodiasolv Iris (mixture of dimethyl <NUM>-methylglutarate, dimethyl <NUM>-ethylsuccinate, and dimethyl adipate, manufactured by Solvay), PURASOLV EHL (<NUM>-ethylhexyl-L-lactate, manufactured by Corbion purac), AGSOLEX <NUM> (N-octyl-pyrrolidone, manufactured by Ashland), AGSOLEX <NUM> (N-dodecyl-pyrrolidone, manufactured by Ashland), Stepan C-<NUM> (methyl caprylate, manufactured by Stepan), Stepan C-<NUM> (mixture of methyl laurate and methyl myristate, manufactured by Stepan), Stepan C-<NUM> (mixture of methyl palmitate and methyl oleate, manufactured by Stepan), Dowanol PPh (propylene glycol phenyl ether, manufactured by Dow Chemical), Nisseki Hisol SAS-<NUM> (mixture of <NUM>-phenyl-<NUM>-xylylethane and <NUM>-phenyl-<NUM>-ethylphenylethane, manufactured by JX Nippon Oil & Energy), SOLVESSO <NUM> (containing C9-C10 dialkyl- and trialkylbenzene as its main aromatic hydrocarbon, manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemical), SOLVESSO <NUM> (containing C10-C11 alkyl benzene as its main aromatic hydrocarbon, manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemical), SOLVESSO 150ND (containing C10-C11 alkyl benzene as its main aromatic hydrocarbon, manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemical), SOLVESSO <NUM> (containing C10-C13 alkyl naphthalene as its main aromatic hydrocarbon, manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemical), and SOLVESSO 200ND (containing C10-C13 alkyl naphthalene as its main aromatic hydrocarbon, manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemical).

For ensuring that the liquid pesticidal composition has a favorable storage stability at low temperatures as well as a favorable emulsion stability when mixed with water, it is preferable that the second solvent comprise an aromatic hydrocarbon. Preferably, the aromatic hydrocarbon comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of alkyl benzenes and alkyl naphthalenes, more preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of C9-C12 alkyl benzenes and C10-C15 alkyl naphthalenes. The second solvent may consist of an aromatic hydrocarbon.

For ensuring that the liquid pesticidal composition has a favorable storage stability at low temperatures as well as a favorable emulsion stability when mixed with water, it is also preferable that the second solvent comprise the above-described aromatic hydrocarbon and an amide. Preferably, the amide is N,N-dimethylalkanamide with a C6-C18 alkyl chain. The N,N-dimethylalkanamide with a C6-C18 alkyl chain may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of N,N-dimethyloctanamide and N,N-dimethyldecanamide. The second solvent may consist of the aromatic hydrocarbon and the amide.

The water solubility of the second solvent at <NUM> is <NUM> mass% or less, and, for example, it may be <NUM> mass% or less, even <NUM> mass% or less. It is preferable for the liquid pesticidal composition to contain a second solvent having a water solubility within this range, because such a liquid pesticidal composition when used as an emulsifiable concentrate can readily form an emulsion when mixed with water. The water solubility of the second solvent at <NUM> is usually <NUM> mass% or more, and it may be <NUM>-<NUM> mass% or more.

Herein, the water solubility at <NUM> refers to the solubility in water at a temperature of <NUM> and pH7. For example, a water solubility at <NUM> of <NUM> mass% means that the solubility in <NUM> of water at a temperature of <NUM> and pH7 is <NUM>×<NUM>-<NUM> g.

As the water solubility of the second solvent, a value found in the database (Solubility Database) of International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) or National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) may be used. When a corresponding value is not found in the database, the water solubility of the second solvent may be measured by determining the saturation solubility in water at a temperature of <NUM> and pH7 by high-performance liquid chromatography.

With the total amount of the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%, the content of the second solvent in the liquid pesticidal composition is preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, more preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, yet further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, especially preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, particularly preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%. Other preferable ranges of this content are, for example, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, and from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%.

The content of the second solvent relative to the content of metyltetraprole is usually from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, more preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, further preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, yet further preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, particularly preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass. Other preferable ranges of the ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the second solvent to the content of metyltetraprole is preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, and from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass.

When the liquid pesticidal composition contains two or more second solvents, the above-described content of the second solvent is a total content of these two or more second solvents. The same is true for other ingredients that the liquid pesticidal composition contains or may contain; when a given ingredient comprises two or more types of the same ingredient, the content of that given ingredient is a total content of these two or more types, unless otherwise specified.

Adjusting the ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the second solvent to the content of metyltetraprole to the above range is preferable for ensuring that the liquid pesticidal composition has an excellent storage stability at low temperatures as well as an excellent emulsion stability when mixed with water, provided that the ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the first solvent to the content of metyltetraprole is adjusted to the above-described range.

For ensuring that the liquid pesticidal composition has a favorable storage stability at low temperatures as well as a favorable emulsion stability when mixed with water, the liquid pesticidal composition preferably has the below-described mass ratio of the content of the first solvent to the content of metyltetraprole (hereinafter, also called "(First solvent)/Metyltetraprole") and the below-described mass ratio of the content of the second solvent to the content of metyltetraprole (hereinafter, also called "(Second solvent)/Metyltetraprole"):.

The liquid pesticidal composition contains one, two, or more surfactants. Examples of the surfactant include a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant. The liquid pesticidal composition may contain one, two, or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant.

Examples of the nonionic surfactant include:.

Examples of the anionic surfactant include:.

Each of the above sulfonic acid salts and the above sulfuric acid ester salts may be a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a calcium salt, an ammonium salt, and the like.

Examples of the cationic surfactant include:.

Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include N-laurylalanine, N,N,N-trimethylaminopropionic acid, N,N,N-trihydroxyethylaminopropionic acid, N-hexyl-N,N-dimethylaminoacetic acid, <NUM>-(<NUM>-carboxyethyl) pyrimidinium betaine, and lecithin.

As the surfactant, a commercially available surfactant may be used.

Examples of a commercially available nonionic surfactant include, in trade names, Toximul <NUM> (polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymer, manufactured by Stepan), Atlas G5000 (butyl block copolymer, manufactured by Croda), Atlas G5002L (butyl block copolymer, manufactured by Croda), Antarox B/<NUM> (polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymer, manufactured by Solvay), Pegnol <NUM>-O (polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, manufactured by TOHO Chemical Industry), Pegnol <NUM>-S (polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, manufactured by TOHO Chemical Industry), Pegnol ST-<NUM> (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, manufactured by TOHO Chemical Industry), ATPLUS245 (polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, manufactured by Croda), Synperonic AB6 (polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, HLB:<NUM>, manufactured by Croda), Brij O3 (polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, HLB:<NUM>, manufactured by Croda), Genapol X060 (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, manufactured by Clariant), Genapol X150 (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, manufactured by Clariant), Emulsogen TS200 (polyoxyethylene tristyryl phenyl ether, manufactured by Clariant), Emulsogen TS290 (polyoxyethylene tristyryl phenyl ether, manufactured by Clariant), Emulsogen TS540 (polyoxyethylene tristyryl phenyl ether, manufactured by Clariant), Emulsogen TS600 (polyoxyethylene tristyryl phenyl ether, manufactured by Clariant), Emulsogen EL360 (polyoxyethylene castor oil, manufactured by Clariant), Emulsogen EL400 (polyoxyethylene castor oil, manufactured by Clariant), Emulsogen EL540 (polyoxyethylene castor oil, manufactured by Clariant), Solpol T26 (polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether, manufactured by TOHO Chemical Industry), Alkamuls OR/<NUM> (polyoxyethylene castor oil, manufactured by Solvay), NIKKOL HCO-<NUM> (polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals), Geronol TE/<NUM> (mixture of polyoxyethylene castor oil and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene monobutyl ether, manufactured by Solvay), NIKKOL MGU (glycerol fatty acid ester, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals), NIKKOL DGS-<NUM> (glycerol fatty acid ester, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals), Newcol <NUM> (sorbitan laurate, manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai), and Newcol <NUM> (polyoxyethylene sorbitan laurate, manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai).

Examples of a commercially available anionic surfactant include, in trade names, Rhodacal <NUM> (calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, branched, manufactured by Solvay), Rhodacal <NUM>/B (calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, linear, manufactured by Solvay), Rhodacal LDS-<NUM>/AP (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, linear, manufactured by Solvay), Calsogen <NUM> (calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, manufactured by Clariant), Phenylsulfonat cal (calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, manufactured by Clariant), Geropon CYA/<NUM> (sodium di(<NUM>-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, manufactured by Solvay), and Soprophor DSS/<NUM> (polyoxyethylene distyryl phenyl ether sulfuric acid ester ammonium salt, manufactured by Solvay).

Preferably, the liquid pesticidal composition contains a nonionic surfactant. For example, it is preferable that the liquid pesticidal composition contain one, two, or more nonionic surfactants, or it contain one or more nonionic surfactants and one or more anionic surfactants.

When one or more nonionic surfactants and one or more anionic surfactants are used in combination, the content ratio (mass ratio) is from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, for example.

Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is one or more selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, and polyoxyalkylene vegetable oils.

Preferably, the anionic surfactant is an alkyl aryl sulfonic acid salt.

With the total amount of the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%, the content of the surfactant in the liquid pesticidal composition is preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, more preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, yet further preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, particularly preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%.

The content of the surfactant relative to the content of metyltetraprole is preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, more preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass, further preferably from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass.

With the total amount of the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%, the total content of metyltetraprole, the first solvent, the second solvent, and the surfactant in the liquid pesticidal composition is preferably <NUM> mass% or more, more preferably <NUM> mass% or more, further preferably <NUM> mass% or more. That total content may be <NUM> mass%, may be <NUM> mass% or less, may be <NUM> mass% or less, or may be <NUM> mass% or less.

The liquid pesticidal composition may contain ingredients other than those described above, as needed.

Examples of such other ingredients include an pesticidal active ingredient except metyltetraprole, a solvent other than the first solvent and the second solvent, and a formulation aid.

With the total amount of the pesticidal active ingredient contained in the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%, the content of metyltetraprole relative to the total content of all the pesticidal active ingredients contained in the liquid pesticidal composition may be, for example, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass% or from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%. For example, this content is from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, or from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%.

The pesticidal active ingredient except metyltetraprole is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an insecticidal active ingredient, a fungicidal active ingredient, and a herbicidal active ingredient. As the pesticidal active ingredient except metyltetraprole, the liquid pesticidal composition may contain one or more pesticidal active ingredients selected from the group consisting of an insecticidal active ingredient, a fungicidal active ingredient, and a herbicidal active ingredient. Each of the insecticidal active ingredient, the fungicidal active ingredient, and the herbicidal active ingredient may comprise one, two, or more types of the same ingredient.

The melting point of the pesticidal active ingredient except metyltetraprole is usually <NUM> or more, and, for example, it may be <NUM> or more, even <NUM> or more. This melting point is usually <NUM> or less, and it may be <NUM> or less, or <NUM> or less. The melting point is preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, further preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

As the melting point of the pesticidal active ingredient, a value found in references may be used. When a corresponding value is not found in references, the melting point of the pesticidal active ingredient may be measured as follows: a sample is filled in a capillary tube and heated, and the temperature at which the sample is melted and no solid is observed inside the capillary tube is used as the melting point.

For ensuring that the liquid pesticidal composition has a favorable storage stability at low temperatures as well as a favorable emulsion stability when mixed with water, with the total content of solvents contained in the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%, the total content of the first solvent and the second solvent relative to the total content of all the solvents contained in the liquid pesticidal composition is preferably <NUM> mass% or more, more preferably <NUM> mass% or more, further preferably <NUM> mass% or more, yet further preferably <NUM> mass% or more, especially preferably <NUM> mass% or more, particularly preferably <NUM> mass%.

Examples of the formulation aid include an antifoaming agent and a thickener. Examples of the antifoaming agent include a silicone-based antifoaming agent.

As the antifoaming agent, a commercially available antifoaming agent may be used. Examples of a commercially available antifoaming agent include, in trade names, Antifoam C emulsion (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by Dow Coming Toray), Antifoam A compound (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by Dow Coming Toray), TSA730 (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan), TSA720 (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan), SAG1572 (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan), SAG1538 (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan), KS-<NUM> (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical), and BYK-<NUM> (silicone-based antifoaming agent, manufactured by BYK Japan).

When the liquid pesticidal composition contains an antifoaming agent, the content is usually from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, preferably from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, with the total amount of the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%.

The thickener may be a thickener soluble in an organic solvent or dispersible in an organic solvent. Examples of the thickener soluble in an organic solvent or dispersible in an organic solvent include organic clay, organic bentonite, organic montmorillonite, and organically-modified castor oil derivatives.

As the thickener, a commercially available thickener soluble in an organic solvent or dispersible in an organic solvent may be used. Examples of a commercially available thickener soluble in an organic solvent or dispersible in an organic solvent include, in trade names, BENTONE SD-<NUM> (organic bentonite, manufactured by ELEMENTIS SPECIALTIES), BENTONE SD-<NUM> (organic bentonite, manufactured by ELEMENTIS SPECIALTIES), BENTONE <NUM> (organic bentonite, manufactured by ELEMENTIS SPECIALTIES), BENTONE <NUM> (organic bentonite, manufactured by ELEMENTIS SPECIALTIES), THIXATROL ST (organically-modified castor oil derivative, manufactured by ELEMENTIS SPECIALTIES), THIXCIN R (castor oil derivative, manufactured by ELEMENTIS SPECIALTIES), and THIXATROL 53X (organically-modified castor oil derivative, manufactured by ELEMENTIS SPECIALTIES).

When the liquid pesticidal composition contains a thickener, the content is usually from <NUM> mass% to <NUM> mass%, with the total amount of the liquid pesticidal composition being taken as <NUM> mass%.

The liquid pesticidal composition may be suitably used as a liquid pesticidal formulation called an emulsifiable concentrate in the pesticidal field.

The liquid pesticidal composition may be produced by a typical method of producing an emulsifiable concentrate, and, for example, it may be produced by mixing metyltetraprole, the first solvent, the second solvent, and the surfactant, and an optional ingredient.

The liquid pesticidal composition is applied according to a method that is usually employed for an emulsifiable concentrate, to control pests and/or weeds. More specifically, the liquid pesticidal composition is mixed with water to prepare an emulsion, and the resulting emulsion is applied to a plant or a soil in which a plant is grown.

The emulsion is prepared by mixing with water in a volume usually <NUM> to <NUM> times, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> times, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> times the volume of the emulsifiable concentrate.

Next, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to Examples. The scope of the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

The ingredients specified in Tables <NUM> to <NUM> were mixed in the mass ratio (%) specified in Tables <NUM> to <NUM> and stirred to uniform dissolution, and thus liquid pesticidal compositions were obtained.

In Tables <NUM> to <NUM>, "(First solvent)/Metyltetraprole" refers to the mass ratio of the content of the first solvent to the content of metyltetraprole, and "(Second solvent)/Metyltetraprole" refers to the mass ratio of the content of the second solvent to the content of metyltetraprole.

In an environment at room temperature, <NUM> of the liquid pesticidal composition and three crystals (crystal size, about <NUM>) of metyltetraprole were placed in a glass vessel, immediately followed by storage at <NUM>. Five days after the storage started, changes in the size and the number of crystals were visually examined, and storage stability of the liquid pesticidal composition at low temperatures was evaluated according to the below evaluation criteria. Results are shown in Tables <NUM> to <NUM>. When rated as A or B, it is considered that crystal deposition or growth tends not to occur at low temperatures, leading to an evaluation that the storage stability at low temperatures is excellent.

In an environment at room temperature, <NUM> of CIPAC Standard Water D (hardness, <NUM> ppm) at <NUM> was added to a <NUM>-mL measuring cylinder with a cap, and, from a height of about <NUM> from the water surface, <NUM> of the liquid pesticidal composition was slowly added dropwise. With the cap on, the measuring cylinder was inverted by <NUM>° over <NUM> second and then inverted back to the original position over <NUM> second, and this operation was repeated <NUM> times in total. Then, the measuring cylinder was left to stand in a thermostatic water bath at <NUM> for <NUM> hours. After this, the state inside the measuring cylinder was visually examined, and emulsion stability when mixed with water was evaluated according to the below evaluation criteria. Results are shown in Tables <NUM> to <NUM>. When rated as A, B, or C, it is considered that crystal deposition or growth tends not to occur, leading to an evaluation that the emulsion stability when mixed with water is excellent.

Claim 1:
A liquid pesticidal composition, comprising:
(a) metyltetraprole;
(b) a first solvent that is ε-caprolactone;
(c) a second solvent having a water solubility at <NUM> of <NUM> mass% or less; and
(d) a surfactant,
the content of the first solvent relative to the content of metyltetraprole being from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass,
the content of the second solvent relative to the content of metyltetraprole being from <NUM> times by mass to <NUM> times by mass.