HETEROCYCLIC TRIFLUOROALKENYL COMPOUNDS HAVING A NEMATOCIDAL ACTIVITY, THEIR AGRONOMIC COMPOSITIONS AND USE THEREOF

The present invention relates to new heterocyclic trifluoroalkenyl compounds having formula (I):

Het-S(0) _n -(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(I)

The present invention also relates to agronomic compositions containing said compounds having formula (I) and their use for the control of nematodes in agricultural crops.

STATE OF THE ART

Heterocyclic compounds carrying a fluoroalkenyl chain have been described in literature for use as pesticides and, in particular, as nematocides.

These compounds are composed of three characteristic residues: an aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle, a S(0) _n residue wherein n is an integer ranging from 0 to 2 and a fluoroalkenyl chain having general formula -(CH ₂ ) _m -CX=CF ₂ wherein m can range from 1 to 10 and X is a hydrogen or fluorine atom.

Patent application EP410551 describes thioethers having general formula (A) bearing a thiadia- zole residue and a trifluorobutenyl chain.

(A)

Patent application WO95/24403 describes heterocyclic difluorobutenyl compounds having general formula (B):

Het-S(0) _n -(CH ₂ ) ₂ -CH=CF ₂ (B)

Patent application WO01/02378 discloses thiazole derivatives having general formula (C) bearing a trifluorobutenyl chain:

(C) Patent application WO02/06256 describes heterocyclic compounds having general formula (D) bearing a fluoroalkenyl chain wherein m is an integer ranging from 3 to 10 and X represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen or an alkyl group:

Het-S(0) _n -(CH ₂ ) _m -CX=CF ₂ (D)

All of these compounds, however, are unsatisfactory in terms of nematocidal activity, as they are not able to effectively limit the attack of the parasite and reduce the formation of galls on the root system of the plant.

Furthermore, in various cases, these products have proved to be phytotoxic with respect to important agricultural crops, showing a significant necrosis of the leaves and stem, at the dosages that allow a good nematocidal activity to be obtained.

DESCRIPTION

The Applicant has now surprisingly found new heterocyclic trifluoroalkenyl compounds having a high nematocidal activity also at low dosages, which at the same time are well tolerated by agricultural crops.

A first object of the present invention therefore relates to new heterocyclic trifluoroalkenyl compounds having Formula (I):

Het-S(0) _n -(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(I)

wherein:

Het represents an aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic group, optionally substituted, selected from:

X represents a sulfur or oxygen atom; R represents a hydrogen atom, a C ₁ -C4 alkyl group or a phenyl group;

n represents 1 or 2;

m represents 1 or 2.

Said heterocyclic groups can be optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from halogen, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C4-C7 cycloalkylalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxyl, Ci- C ₆ haloalkoxyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylthio, Ci-C ₆ haloalkylthio, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, C3-C ₆ cycloalkoxycarbonyl, amino, N-Ci-C ₆ alkylamino, N,N-C ₂ -Ci ₂ di- alkylamino, N-Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl-amino, N-C ₃ -C6 cycloalkylamino, N,N-C ₆ -Ci ₂ dicycloal- kylamino, N-C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkoxycarbonyl-amino, Ci-C ₆ alkylaminocarbonyl, C ₃ -C6 cycloalkyla- minocarbonyl, a R ₁ R ₂ NCONR ₃ - group, formyl, carboxyl, cyano, an aryl optionally substituted, a benzyl, a heterocyclic aromatic penta- or hexa-atomic group, optionally benzocondensed or het- erobicyclic, containing at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, possibly oxidized to N-oxide optionally substituted;

Ri, R ₂ , R3, the same or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a C ₁ -C4 alkyl group or a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group.

Examples of halogen are: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine.

Examples of linear or branched Ci-C ₆ alkyls are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso- butyl, sec -butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl 3-methylbutyl, n-hexyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl.

Examples of Ci-C ₆ haloalkyls are: fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, 2,2,2- trifluoroethyl, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropro- pyl, 4,4,4-trichlorobutyl, 4,4-difluoropentyl, 5,5-difluorohexyl.

Examples of linear or branched Ci-C ₆ alkoxyls are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n- butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, n-pentoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, hexyloxy, 3,3- dimethylbutoxy.

Examples of C ₁ -C6 haloalkoxyls are fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, chloro- methoxy, dichloromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetra-fluoroethoxy, 1,1,2,3,3,3- hexafluoropropoxy, 4,4,4-trichlorobutoxy, 4,4-difluoropentoxy, 5,5-difluoro-hexyloxy. Examples of Ci-C ₆ alkylthios are methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, isopropylthio, n-butylthio, isobutylthio, sec-butylthio, tert-butylthio, n-pentylthio, 3-methylbutylthio, n-hexylthio, 3,3- dimethylbutylthio .

Examples of Ci-C^ haloalkylthios are difluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylthio, 1, 1,2,2- tetrafluoro-ethylthio.

Examples of C3-C6 cycloalkyls are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl.

Examples of C ₃ -Cg halocycloalkyls are 2,2-dichloro-cyclopropyl, 2,2-difluorocyclopropyl,

2,2,3, 3-tetrafluorocyclobutyl, 3,3-difluorocyclopentyl, 2-fluorocyclohexyl.

Examples of C4-C7 cycloalkylalkyls are methylcyclopropyl, methylcyclopentyl, ethylcyclopro- pyl, methylcyclohexyl.

Optionally substituted aryl refers to an aryl group that can have one or more substituents, the same or different, preferably selected from the following groups: halogen atoms, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Q- C ₆ haloalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxyl, Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxyl, C3-C6 cycloalkoxyl _, C4-C7 cycloalkylalkoxyl, phenoxyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylthio, Ci-Ce haloalkylthio, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfinyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-C ₆ al- kylamino, C2-C12 dialkylamino, cyano, C2-C7 alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, phenoxycar- bonyl.

Aryl group refers to a phenyl or naphthyl group.

Aromatic heterocyclic group optionally substituted refers to a heterocyclic penta- or hexa-atomic ring, optionally benzocondensed or heterobicyclic, containing at least one heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur that can have one or more substituents, the same or different, preferably selected from the following groups: halogen atoms, C1-C6 alkyls, Ci-C ₆ haloalkyls, Ci-C ₆ alkoxyls, Ci-C ₆ haloalkoxyls, C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkoxyls, C4-C7 cycloalkylalkoxyls, phenoxyls, Ci-Ce thioalkoxyls, Ci-C ₆ thiohaloalkoxyls, C1-C6 alkylsulfinyls, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyls, amino possibly substituted with one or two Ci-C ₆ alkyl groups, cyano, nitro, carboxyl, C2-C5 alkoxycarbonyls, benzyloxycarbonyls, phenoxycarbonyls.

Examples of heterocyclic aromatic groups are: pyridyl, pyridyl N-oxide, pyrimidyl, pyridazyl, pyrazyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxa- zolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzopyrazolyl, benzimidazolyl, ben- zotriazolyl, triazolopyridinyl, triazolopyrimidinyl, thiazolotriazolyl.

Specific examples of compounds having general formula (I) which are interesting for their nema- tocidal activity, are compounds wherein Het, n and m have the meanings indicated in Table 1:

Het-S(0) _n -(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(I)

Table 1

Nr Het n m

1 5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

2 5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3 5 -ethyl- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 1 2

4 5 -ethyl- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5 5-isopropyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

6 5-isopropyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

7 5-propyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

8 5-propyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

9 5-isobutyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

10 5-isobutyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

11 5-cyclopropyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

12 5-cyclopropyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

13 5-cyclohexyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

14 5- cyclohexyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

15 5-trifluoromethyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

16 5-trifluoromethyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

17 5-difluoromethyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

18 5-difluoromethyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2 5-phenyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

5- phenyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5 -chloro- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 1 2

5 -chloro- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5-bromo-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

5-bromo-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5-thienyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

5-thienyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5-isopentyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

5- isopentyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

2,2-dimethylpropyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

2,2-dimethylpropyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

2-methylbutyl- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 1 2

2-methylbutyl- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5 -methylcyclohexyl- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 1 2

5 -methylcyclohexyl- 1 , 3 ,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5-methylcyclopropyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 1 2

5-methylcyclopropyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-methyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-methyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3 -ethyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3 -ethyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-isopropyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-isopropyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-propyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-propyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-isobutyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2 3-isobutyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-cyclopropyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-cyclohexyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3- cyclohexyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-trifluoromethyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-trifluoromethyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-difluoromethyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-difluoromethyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-phenyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3- phenyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-chloro-l,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-chloro-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-bromo-l,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3-bromo-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

3-thienyl- 1 ,2,4-thiadiazole 1 2

3- thienyl-l,2,4-thiadiazole 2 2

5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazole 1 2

5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazole 2 2

3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole 1 2

3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole 2 2

Furan 1 2

Furan 2 2

3,5-di-f-butyl-2,4,6-triazine 1 2

3,5-di-f-butyl-2,4,6-triazine 2 2

3,4-dimethyl-2,5,6-triazine 1 2

3,4-dimethyl-2,5,6-triazine 2 2 73 3,4-diethyl-2,5,6-triazine 1 2

74 3,4-diethyl-2,5,6-triazine 2 2

75 5,5-dimethyl-isoxazoline 1 2

76 5,5-dimethyl-isoxazoline 2 2

77 5-ethyl-5-methyl-isoxazoline 1 2

78 5-ethyl-5-methyl-isoxazoline 2 2

79 5-methyl-isoxazoline 1 2

80 5-methyl-isoxazoline 2 2

81 5,5-diethyl-isoxazoline 1 2

82 5,5-diethyl-isoxazoline 2 2

83 5-ethyl-isoxazoline 1 2

84 5-ethyl-isoxazoline 2 2

85 4-methyl-5,5-dimethyl-isoxazoline 1 2

86 4-methyl-5,5-dimethyl-isoxazoline 2 2

87 5-fluoromethyl-isoxazoline 1 2

88 5-fluoromethyl-isoxazoline 2 2

89 5-cyclopropyl-isoxazoline 1 2

90 5- cyclopropyl-isoxazoline 2 2

Compounds having general formula (I) are preferred:

Het-S (0) _n -(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(I)

wherein:

- Het, optionally substituted, represents one of the following groups: one or more optional substituents of the heterocycle are selected from halogen; Ci-C ₆ alkyl; Ci-C ₆ haloalkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; formyl; optionally substituted aryl; benzyl; aromatic pen- ta- or hexa-atomic heterocyclic group, optionally benzocondensed or heterobicyclic, containing at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen or an optionally substituted N-oxide, preferably selected from oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen;

X represents a sulfur atom;

n represents 1 or 2.

Preferred compounds having general formula (I) are those wherein Het, n, and m have the following meanings:

Particularly preferred are compounds having general formula (I):

Het-S(0) _n -(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(I)

wherein:

Het, optionally substituted, represents one of the following groups: the optional substituent of the heterocycle represents a C1-C6 alkyl group;

- m is equal to 2.

As is evident to skilled persons in the field, the compounds having general formula (I), when n has the value of 1, can be obtained in the form of two optical isomers.

An object of the present invention therefore relates to compounds having general formula (I) in racemic form, isomerically pure or mixtures thereof, possibly obtained during the preparation of compounds having general formula (I) or deriving from an incomplete separation of the same isomer, in any proportion.

The compounds having general formula (I) can be prepared starting from the corresponding thi- oether having formula (II) by oxidation reaction, as indicated in scheme 1.

Scheme 1

Het-S-(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂ Het-S(0)„-(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(Π) (I)

The reaction conditions, as described in WO 02/062770, envisage the use of an oxidizing agent in an appropriate solvent; oxidizing agents that can be used are organic peroxides, such as 4- chloro-perbenzoic acid, peracetic acid or inorganic peroxides such as, for example, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, sodium periodate.

The solvents used are preferably halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane or dichlo- roethane or chloroform, ethers such as dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, amides such as N,N- dimethylformamide or N-methyl-pyrrolidone, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso- propanol or ketones such as acetone or 2-butanone, acetic acid, water or mixtures thereof.

The reaction is carried out at a temperature ranging from 0 to 60°C, for a time ranging from 1 to 72 hours.

The compound having formula (II), when m has the values of 1 and 2, can be prepared as indi- cated in scheme 2, according to the method described in WO 03/037878.

Scheme 2

Het-SH + Z-(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂ > Het-S-(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(III) (IV) (II)

The reaction envisages treatment of the compound having formula (III) with a compound having Formula (IV), wherein Z represents an outgoing group, such as, for example, a halogen selected from CI, Br, I, or a p-toluenesulfonate or trifluoromethanesulfonate group, in the presence of an organic or inorganic base such as, for example, triethylamine, pyridine, sodium acetate, potassium or calcium bicarbonate, sodium or potassium hydroxide, in a suitable solvent such as dichlo- roethane, chloroform or methylene chloride, at a temperature ranging from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the solvent selected.

When the compounds having Formula (III) are not commercial, they can be easily obtained according to methods known in organic chemistry, as described in Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds.

The compounds having Formula (IV), when Z represents a halogen atom, are commercial products. Alternatively, the compounds having Formula (IV), when Z represents a /?-toluenesulfonate or trifluoromethanesulfonate group, can be obtained from the corresponding alcohols (V) according to what is described in Theodora W: Greene "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis" Third Edition pages 198-199, as indicated hereunder in reaction scheme 3.

Scheme 3

HO-(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂ > Z-(CH ₂ ) _m -CF=CF ₂

(V) (IV)

Alternatively, the compound having Formula (II) can be prepared by treatment of a compound having Formula (IV), with Z representing a halogen atom, with the salt having Formula (VII) suitably hydrolyzed to thiol, as indicated in reaction scheme 4.

Scheme 4:

(VI) (VII) (II)

The reaction envisages a hydrolysis in situ of a compound having Formula (VII) in a solvent such as, for example, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, chloroform, toluene or in a mixture thereof with water in the presence or absence of an inorganic base such as sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium bicarbonate, sodium or potassium hydroxide, at room temperature, to give the corresponding thiol and subsequent treatment with a compound having Formula (VI), according to what is described in US 2005/215797. The thiol, obtained by the hydrolysis of (VII), can be possibly isolated and treated with (VI) in a subsequent step.

When the compounds having Formula (VI) are not commercial products, they can be easily obtained according to methods known in organic chemistry, as described in Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds.

As already indicated, the compounds having general formula (I) have a high nematocidal activity and do not show any phytotoxicity with respect to the crops of application. These features make them suitable for use in the agrarian field in defence against nematodes.

A further object of the present invention therefore relates to the use of compounds having Formula (I) for the control of nematodes.

Examples of nematodes that can be effectively limited with the compounds having Formula (I) are Pratylenchus spp, Globodera spp, Heterodera spp, Meloidogyne spp, Aphelenchoides spp, Radopholus Similis, Ditylenchus Dipsaci, Tylenchulus Semipenetrans, Longidorus spp, Xiphinema spp, Trichodorus spp. Bursaphelenchus spp, etc.

The compounds having Formula (I) are capable of exerting a nematocidal action of both a cura- tive and preventive nature and have an extremely low or zero phytotoxicity with respect to the crops treated.

For practical uses in agriculture, it is often preferable to use the compounds of the present inven- tion suitably formulated in agronomic compositions comprising one or more compounds having Formula (I) and agronomically acceptable co-formulants.

A further object of the present invention therefore relates to nematocidal agronomic compositions comprising one or more compounds having Formula (I), a solvent and/or solid, liquid or liquefied diluent, possibly one or more surfactants and other agronomically acceptable co- formulants.

Compositions can be used in the form of dry powders, wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, micro-emulsions, pastes, granulates, solutions, suspensions, fumigants, etc.: the selection of the type of composition depends on the specific use.

The compositions are prepared according to known methods, for example by diluting or dissolving the active substance with a solvent medium and/or solid diluent, possibly in the presence of surfactants.

Kaolin, alumina, silica, talc, bentonite, gypsum, quartz, dolomite, attapulgite, montmorillonite, diatomaceous earth, cellulose, starch, etc., can be used as inert solid diluents, or carriers.

Inert liquid diluents that can be used are water, or organic solvents such as aromatic hydrocarbons (xylols, blends of alkyl benzenes, etc.), aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane, cyclohexane, etc.) halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (chlorobenzene, etc.), alcohols (methanol, propanol, butanol, octanol, etc.), esters (isobutyl acetate, etc.), ketones (acetone, cyclohexanone, acetophenone, iso- phorone, ethylamylketone etc.), or vegetable or mineral oils or mixtures thereof, etc.

Propellant gases such as butane, propane, halogenated hydrocarbons, nitrogen or carbon dioxide can be used as liquefied diluents or liquefied substances that gasify at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Surfactants that can be used are wetting and emulsifying agents of the non-ionic type (polyeth- oxylated alkyl phenols, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, etc.), of the anionic type (alkylbenzene- sulfonates, alkylsulfonates, etc.), of the cationic type (alkyl ammonium quaternary salts, etc.).

Dispersing agents can also be added (for example lignin and its salts, cellulose derivatives, alginates, etc.), stabilizers (for example antioxidants, UV absorbers, etc.).

The concentration of active compound having Formula (I) in the above compositions can vary within a wide range and depends on various factors. It varies in relation to the active compound having Formula (I), the applications for which said compositions are destined, the environmental conditions and the type of formulation adopted. The concentration of active compound having Formula (I) generally ranges from 0.1 to 90% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition, preferably from 0.5 to 90% by weight.

The compounds of the present invention as such or formulated can be used in a mixture with other active ingredients such as, for example, insecticides, acaricides, nematocides other than those having Formula (I), herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, fertilizers and biostimulants, etc. for broadening their spectrum or preventing resistance.

In some cases, the mixtures thus obtained have a synergic effect between the components, which causes the mixture, for example, to exert a higher activity with respect to that of the single elements of which it is composed.

Examples of insecticides, acaricides, nematocides that can be added to the compositions containing one or more compounds having general formula (I) are the following: abamectin, acetam- iprid, acrinathrin, alphacypermethrin, alphamethrin, azadirachtin, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thu- ringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, betacyfluthrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, buprofezin, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos M, clofentezine, cyhalothrin, cyhexatin, cypermethrin, cyromazine, chloropic- rin,clorantranilipide, clotianidin, deltamethrin, diflubenzuron, dimethoat, dazonet, sulfuryl difluoride, dimethyldisulfide, emamectin, esfenvalerate, ethoprophos, etofenprox, etoxazole, fenamiphos, fenazaquin, fenoxycarb, fenpyroximate, fipronil, fluazinam, flufenoxuron, fluvali- nate, fosthiazate, formentanate, flonicamid, formet, viruses, hexythiazox, imidaclopridi, indoxa- carb, lambda-cyhalothrin, lufenuron malathion, metaldehyde, methamidophos, Metharhizium spp, methiocarb, methomyl, methoxyfenozide, milbemectin, metaflumizone, metam sodium, metam potassium, oxamyl, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, phosmet, pirimicarb, pirimiphos M, py- rethrum, pyridaben, pyriproxyfen, piperonyl butoxide, spinosad, spironesifen, spirotetramat, spinetoran, spirodiclofen, tau-fluvalinate, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, teflubenzuron, tefluthrin, thiacloprid, triflumuron, zeta-cypermethrin, (lR-cis)-[5-(phenylmethyl)-3-furanyl]-methyl-3- [(dihydro-2-oxo-3(2H)-furanylidene) methyl] -2,2-dimethyl-cyclo-propanecarboxylate, (3- phenoxyphenyl)-methyl-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-cyclopropanecarbox ylate, l-[(2-chloro-5- thiazolyl)methyl]-5-triazine 2-(lH)-imine, 2-(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-4-[4-(l,l-dimethylethyl)- phenyl] -4,5-dihydro-oxazol, 2-(acetyloxy)-3-dodecyl-l,4-naph-thalenedione, 2-chloro-N-[[[4-(l- phenylethoxy)-phenyl]-amino]-carbonyl]-benzamide, 2-chloro-N-[[[4-(2,2-dichloro- l,l- difluoroethoxy)-phenyl]-amino]-carbonyl]-benzamide, 3-methylphenyl-propylcarbamate, 4-[4- (4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-methylpentyl]-l-fluoro-2-phenoxy-benzene, 4-chloro-2-(l,l-dimethylethyl)- 5-[[2-(2,6-dimethyl-4-phenoxyphenoxy)ethyl]thio]-3-(2H)-pyri dazinone, 4-chloro-2-(2-chloro-2- methylpropyl)-5-[(6-iodo-3-pyridinyl)(2-chloro-2-methylpropy l)-5-[(6-iodo-3-pyridinyl)- methoxy]-3-(2H)pyridazinone, 4-chloro-5-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methoxy]-2-(3,4-di- chlorophenyl)-3(2H)pyridazinone, Bacillus thuringiensis strain EG-2348, [2-benzoyl-l-(l,l- dimethylethyl)-hydrazine] benzoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-oxo-l-oxaspiro [4.5]-dec-3-en-4-yl butanoate, [3-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)-methyl]-2-thiazolidinylidene]- cyanamide, dihydro-2-(nitro-methylene)-2H-l ,3-thiazine-3(4H)-carboxaldehyde, ethyl[2-[[ 1 ,6- dihydro-6-oxo-l-(phenylmethyl)-4-pyrid-azinyl]oxy]ethyl]-car bamate, N-(3,4,4-trifluoro-l-oxo- 3-butenyl)-glycine, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[4-(difluoro-methoxy)-phenyl]-4,5-dihyd ro-4-phenyl- lH-pyrazole-l-carboxamide, N-[(2-chloro-5-thiazolyl)-methyl]-N'-methyl-N"-nitro-guanidi ne, N-methyl-N'-(l-methyl-2-propenyl)-l,2-hydrazinedicarbo-thioa mide, N-methyl-N'-2-propenyl- 1,2-hydrazinedicarbo-thioamide, 0,0-diethyl[2-(dipropylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-ethyl-phosphoro- amidothioate.

Examples of herbicides that can be added to the compositions containing one or more compounds having general formula (I) are the following: acetochlor, acifluorfen, aclonifen, AKH- 7088 ( { methyl (E,Z)- [ [ [ 1 - [2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy] -2-nitrophenyl] -2- methoxyethylidene] amino] acetate}), alachlor, alloxydim, ametryn, amicarbazone, amidosulfu- ron, amitrole, anilofos, asulam, atrazine, azafenidin, azimsulfuron, aziprotryne, BAY MKH 6561 (methyl 2-({ [(4-methyl-5-oxo-3-propoxy-4,5-dihydro- lH-l,2,4-triazol- l-yl)carbonyl] amino }sulfonyl)benzoate sodium salt), beflubutamid, benazolin, benfluralin, benfuresate, bensulfu- ron, bensulide, bentazone, benzfendizone, benzobicyclon, benzofenap, benzthiazuron, bifenox, bilanafos, bispyribac-sodium, bromacil, bromobutide, bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, butachlor, butafenacil, butamifos, butenachlor, butralin, butroxydim, butylate, cafenstrole, carbetamide, carfentrazone-ethyl, chlomethoxyfen, chloramben, chlorbromuron, chlorbufam, chlorflurenol, chloridazon, chlorimuron, chlornitrofen, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, chlorpropham, chlorsulfu- ron, chlorthal, chlorthiamid, cinidon ethyl, cinmethylin, cinosulfuron, clethodim, clodinafop, clomazone, clomeprop, clopyralid, cloransulam-methyl, cumyluron (JC-940), cyanazine, cy- cloate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, cyhalofop-butyl, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, daimuron, dalapon, desmedipham, desmetryn, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-P, diclofop, diclosu- lam, diethatyl, difenoxuron, difenzoquat, diflufenican, diflufenzopyr, dimefuron, dimepiperate, dimethachlor, dimethametryn, dimethenamid, dinitramine, dinoseb, dinoseb acetate, dinoterb, diphenamid, dipropetryn, diquat, dithiopyr, 1-diuron, eglinazine, endothal, EPTC, esprocarb, ethalfluralin, ethametsulfuron-methyl, ethidimuron, ethiozin (SMY 1500), ethofumesate, ethox- yfen-ethyl (HC-252), ethoxysulfuron, etobenzanid (HW 52), fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-P, fentra- zamide, fenuron, flamprop, flamprop-M, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, fluazolate (JV 485), flucarbazone- sodium, fluchloralin, flufenacet, flufenpyr ethyl, flumetsulam, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, flumipropin, fluometuron, fluoroglycofen, fluoronitrofen, flupoxam, flupropanate, flupyrsulfuron, flurenol, fluridone, flurochloridone, fluroxypyr, flurtamone, fluthiacet-methyl, fomesafen, foramsulfuron, fosamine, furyloxyfen, glufosinate, glyphosate, halosulfuron-methyl, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-P-methyl, hexazinone, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, imazosulfuron, indanofan, iodosulfu- ron, ioxynil, isopropalin, isoproturon, isouron, isoxaben, isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, isoxa- pyrifop, KPP-421, lactofen, lenacil, linuron, LS830556 [[[2-methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]-2- oxoethyl]amino]methylphosphonic acid, MCPA 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, MCPA- thioethyl, MCPB (4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butanoic acid), mecoprop, mecoprop-P, mefe- nacet, mesosulfuron, mesotrione, metamitron, metazachlor, methabenzthiazuron, methazole, methoprotryne, methyldymron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, me- tosulam, metoxuron, metribuzin, metsulfuron, molinate, monalide, monolinuron, naproanilide, napropamide, naptalam, NC-330 (methyl 5-[(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl] l- pyridin-2-yl pyrazol-4-carboxylate), neburon, nicosulfuron, nipyraclofen, norflurazon, orben- carb, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxasulfuron, oxaziclomefone, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, pebulate, pendimethalin, penoxsulam, pentanochlor, pentoxazone, pethoxamid, phenmedipham, picloram, picolinafen, piperophos, pretilachlor, primisulfuron, prodiamine, profluazol, proglinazine, prometon, prometryne, propachlor, propanyl, propaquizafop, propazine, propham, propisochlor, propyzamide, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, pyraclonil, pyraflufen-efhyl, pyrazogyl (HSA-961), pyrazolynate, pyrazosulfuron, pyrazoxyfen, pyribenzoxim, pyributicarb, pyridafol, pyridate, pyriftalid, pyriminobac-methyl, pyrithiobac-sodium, pyroxasulfone quinclorac, quin- merac, quizalofop, quizalofop-P, rimsulfuron, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, simetryn, sulcotri- one, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, 2,3,6-TBA, TCA-sodium, tebutam, tebuthiuron, tepraloxydim, terbacil, terbumeton, terbuthyl-azine, terbutryn, thenylchlor, thiazaf- luron, thiazopyr, thidiazimin, thifensulfuron-methyl, thiobencarb, tiocarbazil, tioclorim, tralkoxydim, tri-allate, triasulfuron, triazif am, tribenuron, triclopyr, trietazine, trifloxysulfuron, trifluralin, triflusulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, UBI-C4874 (quizalofop-P), vernolate.

Examples of fungicides that can be added to the compositions containing one or more compounds having general formula (I) are the following: acibenzolar, ametoctradin, amisulbrom, ampropylfos, anilazine, azaconazole, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, benomyl, ben- thiavalicarb, bitertanol, bixafen, blasticidin-S, boscalid, bromuconazole, bupirimate, buthiobate, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid, chinomethionat, chloroneb, chlorotha- lonil, chlozolinate, cyazofamid, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, debacarb, dichlofluanid, dichlone, diclobutrazol, diclomezine, dicloran, diclocymet, diethofencarb, difeno- conazole, diflumetorim, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole, dinocap, di- pyrithione, ditalimfos, dithianon, dodemorph, dodine, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethoxyquin, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenaminosulf, fena- panil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenoxanil, fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fenpyrazamine, fentin, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, fluindapyr ((^5)-3-(difluoromethyl)-N-(7-fluoro-2,3-dihydro- 1 , 1 ,3-trimethyl- lH-inden-4-yl)- 1 -methyl- 1H- pyrazole-4-carboxamide), flumetover, flumorph, fluopicolide, fluopyram, fluoroimide, fluotri- mazole, fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutianil, flutolanil, flutriafol, fluxapyroxad, folpet, fosetyl-aluminium, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, furconazole, fur- conazole-cis, guazatine, hexaconazole, hymexazol, hydroxyquinoline sulfate, imazalil, imiben- conazole, iminoctadine, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, isoprothiolane, iprovalicarb, isopyra- zam, isotianil, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, mancopper, mancozeb, mandipropamid, maneb, mebenil, mepanipyrim, mepronil, meptyldinocap, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, metconazole, meth- furoxam, metiram, metominostrobin, metrafenone, metsulfovax, myclobutanil, natamycin, nico- bifen, nitrothal-isopropyl, nuarimol, ofurace, orysastrobin, oxadixyl, oxpoconazole, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, penflufen, pentachlorofenol and its salts, penthiopyrad, phthalide, picoxystrobin, piperalin, Bordeaux mixture, polyoxins, probenazole, prochloraz, pro- cymidone, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, proquinazid, prothiocarb, prothioconazole, pyracarbolid, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyrazophos, pyribencarb, pyri- fenox, pyrimethanil, pyriofenone, pyroquilon, pyroxyfur, quinacetol, quinazamid, quinconazole, quinoxyfen, quintozene, rabenzazole, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper (I) oxide, copper sulfate, sedaxane, silthiofam, simeconazole, spiroxamine, streptomycin, tebuconazole, tebufloquin, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thiadifluor, thicyofen, thifluzamide, thiophanate, thi- ophanate-methyl, thiram, tiadinil, tioxymid, tolclofos-methyl, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triad- imenol, triarimol, triazbutil, triazoxide, tricyclazole, tridemorf, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, tri- forine, triticonazole, uniconazole, uniconazole-P, validamycin, valifenalate, vinclozolin, zineb, ziram, sulfur, zoxamide.

Examples of bactericides that can be added to the compositions containing one or more com- pounds having general formula (I) are the following: bronopol, dichlorophen, nitrapyrina, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, kasugamycin, octhilinone, furancarboxylic acid, probenazole, streptomycin, tecloftalam, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper (I) oxide, copper sulfate, copper salicylate.

Examples of fertilizers and biostimulants that can be added to the compositions containing one or more compounds having general formula (I) are the following: mixtures of amino acids and/or oligopeptides of an animal and/or vegetable origin, 4-thiazolidinecarboxylic acid, 4- acetylthiazolidine-carboxylic acid, ectoin, phytosterols. A further object of the present invention therefore relates to agronomic compositions comprising at least one compound having Formula (I) and at least a second active ingredient selected from insecticides, acaricides, nematocides other than those having Formula (I), herbicides, fungicides, bactericides, fertilizers and bio stimulants.

The compositions object of the present invention are capable of exerting a nematocidal action that can be of a curative and/or preventive nature and generally have an extremely low or zero phytotoxicity with respect to the crops treated.

A further object of the present invention therefore relates to the use of compositions comprising at least one compound having Formula (I) for the control of nematodes.

When the compositions comprise a compound having Formula (I) and at least a further known active ingredient, the weight ratios in the above compositions, between the compound having Formula (I) and the further known active ingredients, range according to the compounds selected and can normally be within the range of 1 : 100 to 100: 1, preferably from 1: 10 to 10: 1.

The total concentration of active components in the above compositions can vary within a wide range; they generally range from 1% to 99% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition, preferably from 5 to 90% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

The compounds having Formula (I) or the compositions containing them can be applied to the crop via the leaves, or to the soil by means of fertigation, or incorporation into the ground, or through seed care.

A further object of the present invention also relates to a method for the control of nematodes in cultivated areas, which consists in applying effective and non-phytotoxic doses of compositions comprising compounds having Formula (I) and, optionally, one or more known active ingredients compatible therewith, on any part of the plant to be protected.

The compounds according to the present invention can be applied from one to seven days before transplanting the plant to be protected or directly with the already cultivating crop, without providing any symptom of phytotoxicity. This latter aspect makes them particularly interesting from an agronomical point of view, as they can be used at any time of growth of the plant without damaging it.

The quantity of compound to be applied for obtaining the desired effect can vary in relation to different factors such as, for example, the compound used, the crop to be protected, the degree of infestation, the climatic conditions, the characteristics of the soil, the method of application, etc. Doses of compound having Formula (I) ranging from 100 g to 10,000 g per hectare of agricultural crop or, in the case of compositions comprising other known active ingredients, overall doses of active ingredients ranging from 100 g to 20,000 g per hectare of agricultural crop, generally provide a sufficient control.

Doses of compound having Formula (I) ranging from 500 g to 800 g per hectare of agricultural crop are preferably used.

The following illustrative and non-limiting examples are provided for a better understanding of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of 2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylsulfonyl)-5-methyl-l,3,4-thiadia zole [Compound N°21.

a) Preparation of 2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylthio)-5-methyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole Tthioether having general formula (11)1

1.1 ml (7.9 mmoles) of triethylamine were added at room temperature to a suspension under ni- trogen of 0.7 g (5.3 mmoles) of 5-methyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol in 15 ml of chloroform. After 30 minutes, 1 g (5.3 mmoles) of 4-bromo- 1 , 1 ,2-trifluorobutene were then added and the reaction mixture was heated to 50°C for 2 hours.

After control in GC-MS and LC-MS, the mixture was diluted with water and dichloromethane, and the phases were then separated; the aqueous phase was re-extracted twice with dichloro- ethane. The organic phases were joined and washed with water and a saturated solution of sodium chloride.

After anhydrification on sodium sulfate, filtration and evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure, 1.03 g of the desired product were obtained (4.3 mmoles), as a white solid. Yield 82% LC- MS [M+H] = 239.

b) Preparation of 2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenyl-sulfonyl)-5-methyl- L3,4-thiadiazole [Compound N°21.

2.8 g (12.9 mmoles) of 4-chloroperbenzoic acid at 77% were added to 1.03 g (4.3 mmoles) of 2- (3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylthio)-5-methyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole, dissolved in 30 ml of chloroform, maintaining a temperature of about 4-5°C with an ice bath. The mixture was then left under magnetic stirring at room temperature for a night.

After control in LC-MS, the mixture was diluted with water, and the phases were then separated; the aqueous phase was re-extracted twice with dichloromethane. The organic phases were joined and washed with an aqueous solution at 5% of NaHS0 ₃ , a saturated solution of NaHC0 ₃ , water and a saturated solution of NaCl.

After anhydrification on sodium sulfate, filtration and evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure, 5.1 g of yellow oil (15.8 mmoles) were obtained. The raw product thus obtained was treated with ethyl ether, filtered and dried in air, obtaining 0.9 g (33 mmoles) of the desired product as a white solid. Yield 77% LC-MS [M+H] = 272.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of l-Q^^-trifluoro-S-butenylsulfinvD-S-methyl-l^^-thiadiazole [Compound N°ll

2.95 g (9.17 mmoles) of 4-chloroperbenzoic acid at 77% were added to 2 g (8.33 mmoles) of 2- (3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylthio)-5-methyl-l,3,4-thiadiazole, dissolved in 60 ml of chloroform, maintaining a temperature of about 4-5°C with an ice bath. The mixture was then left under magnetic stirring at room temperature for a night.

After control in LC-MS, the mixture was diluted with water, and the phases were then separated; the aqueous phase was re-extracted twice with dichloromethane. The organic phases were joined and washed with an aqueous solution at 5% of NaHS0 ₃ , a saturated solution of NaHC0 ₃ , water and a saturated solution of NaCl.

After anhydrification on sodium sulfate, filtration and evaporation of the solvent at reduced pres- sure, 1.9 g of the desired product (15.9 mmoles) were obtained as a yellow oil. The raw product thus obtained was treated with ethyl ether, filtered and dried in air, obtaining 4.2 g (13.7 mmoles) of the desired product as a yellow oil.

Yield 89.1% LC-MS [M+H] = 256.

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of 2-(3A4-trifluoro-3-butenylsulfonyl)-5-chloro-1 _< 4 hiadiazole [Compound N°221.

a) Preparation of 2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylthio)-5-amino-1.3,4-thiadiazole rthioether having general formula (11)1

20.65 ml (41.3 mmoles) of an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide 2M were added at room temperature to a suspension under nitrogen of 5 g (37.5 mmoles) of 5-amino-l,3,4-thiadiazole- 2-thiol in 27 ml of ethanol. After 30 minutes, 4.32 ml (37.54 mmoles) of 4-bromo- 1 , 1 ,2- trifluorobutene were then added and the reaction mixture was heated to reflux temperature for 4 hours.

After control in GC-MS and LC-MS, the mixture was concentrated, diluted with water and ethyl acetate, and the phases were then separated; the aqueous phase was re-extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were joined and washed with a solution of sodium hydroxide at 2%, then with water and finally with a saturated solution of sodium chloride.

After anhydrification on sodium sulfate, filtration and evaporation of the solvent at reduced pres- sure, 7.88 g of the desired product were obtained (4.3 mmoles), as a white solid. Yield 88% LC- MS [M+H] = 242.

b) Preparation of 2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylthio)-5-chloro- l,3 4-thiadiazole rthioether having general formula (11)1

6 g (24.9 mmoles) of 2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylthio)-5-amino-l,3,4-thiadiazole were added to a solution of 0.6 g of copper powder in 60 ml of hydrochloric acid, under nitrogen and at 0°C.

A solution of 1.89 g of sodium nitrite in 17 ml of water was slowly added dropwise to the suspension thus obtained.

The mixture was left under magnetic stirring at room temperature for 4 hours. After control in GC-MS and LC-MS, the mixture was diluted with water and chloroform, and the phases were then separated; the aqueous phase was re-extracted twice with chloroform. The organic phases were joined and washed with water and a saturated solution of sodium chloride. After anhydrification on sodium sulfate, filtration and evaporation of the solvent at reduced pres- sure, 4.08 g of the desired product were obtained (15.6 mmoles), as a yellow oil.

Yield 62.7% LC-MS [M+H] = 260.

c Preparation of 2-(3.4.4-trifluoro-3-butenyl-sulfonyl)-5-chloro-1.3.4-thiadi azole [Compound N°221.

Operating analogously to Example lb) starting from 3.08 g (11.8 mmoles) of 2-(3,4,4-trifluoro- 3-butenylthio)-5-chloro- l ,3,4-thiadiazole, 3.02 g ( 10.4 mmoles) of the desired product were obtained, after processing of the reaction.

Yield 87.3% LC-MS [M+H] = 292

EXAMPLE 4

Determination of the nematocidal activity against Meloidosvne spp. (application 7 days be- fore transplantation)

The tests, aimed at testing the nematocidal activity of the product under consideration, were carried out using inocula taken from a breeding of Meloidogyne spp. maintained on tomato and tobacco plants in pots and grown in a greenhouse.

In order to perform the experiments, portions of roots having a large number of galls, and ground, in which larvae are present, starting from the second stage of age, were collected from the infested pots.

New pots having a diameter of 15 cm were half- filled with sterile earth. The portions of infested roots, previously cleaned, were positioned on the same in order to correctly evaluate the degree of infestation and ensure that each pot contained the same nematic charge. 200-300 g of infested earth were then added and subsequently covered with a thin layer of sterile earth.

The treatment was effected by pouring, onto the surface of the ground, 100 ml of solution in which the product to be tested was dissolved. Tomato seedlings at a stage of two-three true leaves were transplanted into the pots thus prepared. Different tomato cultivars were adopted, having a different sensitivity to the parasite and with different growth rates. In particular, an ornamental variety (cv Microtom) was used for evaluating the final production, whose seedlings have reduced dimensions and are capable of reaching maturity of the fruit in pots and under greenhouse conditions, in about two months. The evaluation of the product under consideration was effected by treating the pots 7 days before transplantation (according to what is indicated in the label of the commercial reference product NIMITZ ^® (Fluensulfone)).

The product was evaluated considering the possible phytotoxic effects that can jeopardize the development of the plant (a zero-ten scale was used wherein: zero = no symptoms, 10 = plant destroyed) and the effectiveness with respect to nematodes.

The capacity of limiting the parasite was detected, at a distance of 30 and 60 days after transplanting, considering the development of the root system (wherein 100% is the development reached by the comparative healthy root) and the presence of galls on the roots. The presence of galls in the roots was estimated using the infestation scale proposed by Bridge and Page, in which the value zero corresponds to 0% of affected root and the value of 10 corresponds to 100% of infested root.

Table 2 indicates the results relating to the effectiveness of Compounds 1,2 and 22 and Compounds CR1, CR2, CR3 on tomatoes at a dosage of 4,000 g/hectare, effecting the assessment 60 days after the transplantation.

Table 2: Pre-transplantation treatment (7 days before transplantation):

Compound Gall index (scale Height of plant Root development

0-10) (cm)

Infested blank 8.0 61 40

Nr 2 1.0 76 95

Nr 1 1.0 75 95

Nr 22 1.5 73 90 CR1 2.0 71 70

CR2 2.0 60 70

CR3 1.5 70 75

CR1 _^ 5-chloro-2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylsulfonyl)-thiazol e (indicated in WO01/02378, page 17, example 3), also known as the commercial product NIMITZ ^® (Fluensulfone);

CR2=2-(3,4,4-trifluoro-3-butenylthio)-5-methyl-l,3,4-thia diazole (indicated in EP410551, page 5, compound N° 14);

CR3= 2-(4,4-difluoro-3-butenylsulfonyl)-5-methyl-l,3,4-thiadiazol e (indicated in WO95/24403, page 52, compound N°XIIL42).

As can be observed in Table 2, compounds Nr.1 , 2 and 22 of the present invention proved to be more active in the control of nematodes with respect to the products previously described in lit- erature (gall index lower or comparable to that of the reference compounds). It can also be noted that the application of the above compounds led to a higher growth of the plant and/or greater development of the root than that observed with the previously known compounds, representing a significant advantage of the products of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 5

Determination of the nematocidal activity against Meloidosyne spp. (application at the moment of transplantation)

The same experimental procedure as Example 4 was adopted for evaluating the nematocidal activity of the products under examination, except for the fact that this evaluation was effected by applying the product at the moment of transplantation.

Tables 3 and 4 indicate the results relating to the effectiveness of compounds 9, 10, 71, 75, 76 and the reference compound CR1 on tomatoes at a dose of 4,000 g/hectare effecting the survey 60 days after transplantation.

Table 3. Treatment at the moment of transplantation (1 treatment at the moment of transplantation): Compound Gall index Weight of plant Root development

(scale 0-10) (g)

Infested blank 4.0 70 50

Nr 2.0 116 70

Nr 10 2.0 88 75

CR1 1.5 62 60

Table 4. Treatment at the moment of transplantation (1 treatment at the moment of transplantation):

In these two tests with a single treatment at the moment of transplantation, compound Nr 75 proved to be more effective, with a gall index of 1 and a much higher root development than that of the root treated with the compound CR1, an identical result to that of the infested blank.

Although compounds Nr 9, Nr 10, Nr 71 and Nr 76 provided a slightly lower effectiveness than that of the reference product, it can be observed that the weight of the plant and/or the root de- velopment of the plants treated with these products are much higher compared with the same parameters as the reference compound. In particular, it can be observed that for compound Nr 9, the weight of the plant after treatment reaches almost 120 g, i.e. double the weight of the plant treated with the compound CR1.

EXAMPLE 6

Determination of the nematocidal activity against Meloidogyne spp. (application with al- ready cultivating crop)

The same experimental procedure as Example 4 was adopted for evaluating the nematocidal activity of the products under examination, except for the fact that this evaluation was effected by applying the product during the development of the seedlings (according to what is indicated in the label of the commercial reference product VYDATE® (Oxamil)).

Table 5 indicates the results relating to the effectiveness of compounds 1, 2, 6 and the compound CRl on tomatoes at a dose of 4,000 g/hectare effecting the survey 60 days after transplantation. Table 5. Treatment with already cultivating crop (repeated treatment after transplantation):

Compounds Nr 1 and Nr 2 proved to be particularly effective in limiting the very strong attack of nematodes (gall index 8.5).

Furthermore, as compound Nr 6 showed a slightly lower nematocidal activity with respect to the reference compound CRl (also known as ΝΓΜΙΤΖ®) but in any case comparable to that of the commercial product VYDATE®, it can be easily noted that the root of the plant treated with this compound is much more developed with respect to that treated with CRl, indicating that the plant itself is in excellent health in spite of the attack of nematodes.

Table 6 indicates the results relating to phytotoxicity on tomatoes applying compounds 1, 2, 6, 9, 71, 75, 76 and CRl with already cultivating crop:

Table 6 Compound Nr Phytotoxicity (scale 0- 10)

1 0

2 0

6 0

9 0

71 0

75 0

76 0

CRl 3

These results confirm what is indicated in the label of the reference compound CRl (NIMITZ®), i.e. the impossibility of using this product with already cultivating crop.

As can be seen from the experimental data indicated above, on the contrary, the compounds according to the invention can be used at any moment of cultivation, i.e. application 7 days before transplantation, at the moment of transplantation and with already cultivating crop, without damaging the treated plant.