HERBICIDE COMPOSITION FOR CONTROLLING WEEDS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to an herbicide composition and to methods for controlling weeds. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an herbicide composition that is substantially clear and colorless, yet still stable and efficacious in controlling weeds. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The market for herbicide control products is growing, due to factors such as an increase in home food gardening and the desire to keep lawns, flower beds, etc. looking neat and attractive. At the same time, there is increasing consumer demand for herbicide products that are natural and non-toxic. Consumers also prefer herbicide products that contain a limited number of ingredients and/or recognizable ingredients, as communicated by simpler ingredient statements. However, these products are still expected to be efficacious and efficiently control weeds, comparable to traditional chemical herbicide products. There are existing herbicide products that contain natural ingredients, such as plant essential oils. However, these existing products have a number of disadvantages: some products may be unstable at cold temperatures (i.e., about 5ºC to 10ºC) or separate into multiple phases and require a consumer to vigorously shake the product before use. Other products do not provide optimal scent experience, e.g., emit a long-lasting, unpleasant odor, and/or do not provide optimal aesthetics e.g., appear cloudy, or turbid, and/or off color. Still other products may stain or leave a residue on outdoor surfaces when the product is used on driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc. Therefore, there is a need for an effective herbicide composition that contains fewer and/or natural ingredients, is stable at cold temperatures, provides improved aesthetics, and/or provides an improved scent experience. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An herbicide composition comprises (a) from about 5% to about 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition; (b) an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of cornmint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, citronella oil, and combinations thereof; and (c) from about 70% to about 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the herbicide composition has a turbidity of less than about 20 NTU, and a b* value of about 0 to about 5. An herbicide composition comprises (a) from about 5% to about 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the composition; (b) from about 3% to about 10% of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of cornmint oil, peppermint oil, and combinations thereof; (c) from about 0% to about 3%, by weight of the herbicide composition, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, glycerin, propylene carbonate, and combinations thereof; and (d) from about 70% to about 90% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the composition has a turbidity less than about 20 NTU, and a b* value of about 0 to about 5. An herbicide composition comprises (a) from about 5% to about 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition; (b) from about 3% to less than about 8% spearmint oil, by weight of the herbicide composition; (c) from about 0% to about 3%, by weight of the herbicide composition, preferably from about 0.01% to about 3%, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerin, and combinations thereof; and (d) from about 70% to about 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the composition has a turbidity less than about 20 NTU, and a b* value of about 0 to about 5. An herbicide composition comprises (a) from about 5% to about 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition; (b) from about 3% to less than about 5% citronella oil, by weight of the herbicide composition; (c) from about 0% to about 3%, by weight of the herbicide composition, preferably from about 0.01% to about 3%, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerin, and combinations thereof; and (d) from about 70% to about 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the composition has a turbidity less than about 20 NTU, and a b* value of about 0 to about 5. An herbicide composition comprises (a) from about 5% to about 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition; (b) an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of menthol, menthone, citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, limonene, carvone, pinene, and combinations thereof; and (c) from about 70% to about 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the herbicide composition comprises from about 0% to about 3% VOCs by weight; wherein the herbicide composition has a pH of about 2.0 to about 5.0, a turbidity less than about 20 NTU, and a b* value of about 0 to about 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Consumers are looking for effective and natural ways to kill and control a broad spectrum of weeds. However, current natural weed killers are often unstable at cold temperatures and/or provide an unpleasant consumer experience, such as by requiring a consumer to shake the product before use and/or by appearing off color. Described herein is a substantially clear and colorless aqueous herbicide composition comprising one or more plant essential oils and/or one or more components of plant essential oils that is stable yet is still efficacious against weeds and has a low VOC level (i.e., less than about 3% VOCs). In one aspect, “stable” can refer to an herbicide composition that is substantially clear and free from phase separation or precipitation, where no agitation or mixing is required to use the herbicide composition for its application.

Features and benefits of the various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which includes examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad representation of the invention. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description and from practice of the invention. The scope is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

As used herein, articles such as “a” and “an” when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

As used herein, “contacting” refers to treating, applying, spraying, wetting, soaking, dousing, dipping, immersing, sprinkling, wiping, daubing, spreading, splattering, smearing, etc., any weeds, portions of weeds, etc., desired to be killed, removed, destroyed, defoliated, exterminated, eradicated, eliminated, etc., with the herbicide composition described herein.

As used herein, “effective amount” refers to an amount of the herbicide composition, which is effective to noticeably kill, remove, destroy, defoliate, exterminate, eradicate, eliminate, etc., weeds when those weeds are contacted with the herbicide composition.

As used herein, "herbicide” refers to those compositions, compounds, components, ingredients, materials, etc., which are effective to kill, remove, destroy, defoliate, exterminate, eradicate, eliminate, etc., weeds, as well as to retard, regulate, inhibit, prevent, etc., the growth of such weeds.

As used herein, the terms “include”, “includes” and “including” are meant to be nonlimiting. As used herein, the term “natural oils” means oils that are derived from plant or algae matter. Natural oils are not based on kerosene or other fossil fuels.

As used herein, “non-staining” refers to those embodiments of the herbicide composition of the present disclosure which may impart minimal to no discoloration to outdoor surfaces such as slate, concrete, asphalt, pavers, stone, wood and/or metal walkways, etc., when applied in contacting, treating, etc., weeds. In some instances, these non-staining embodiments may impart a slight non-staining residue, film, etc. which may remain after the applied herbicide composition has dried and which may be easily removed after being rinsed, washed, soaked, etc., for example, with water, rain, other aqueous liquids, etc. Some embodiments of the herbicide composition described herein may be non-staining.

As used herein, “substantially free of’ or “substantially free from” refers to either the complete absence of an ingredient or a minimal amount thereof merely as impurity or unintended byproduct of another ingredient. A composition that is “substantially free” of/from a component means that the composition comprises less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25%, less than about 0.1%, less than about 0.05%, or less than about 0.01% by weight of the composition, of the component.

As used herein, “weed” refers to the common meaning of the term as any herbaceous plant, vegetation, foliage, grasses, etc., which is deemed to be undesirable or undesired, for example, as encumbering the ground, as hindering, stifling, overwhelming, etc., the growth of what is deemed desired or more desirable plant, vegetation, foliage, grasses, etc. Weeds for which the herbicide composition are effective against may include one or more of: broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, clover, plantain, chickweed, undesired grasses, moss, other common weeds, etc.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EP A) as organic compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions, with the exception of compounds that have negligible photochemical reactivity. VOCs are generally emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. EPA regulations define a chemical as “VOC- exempt” if it has vapor pressure of less than 0.1 millimeters of mercury (at 20° C). If the vapor pressure is unknown, a chemical is defined as “VOC-exempt” if it a) consists of more than 12 carbon atoms; or b) has a melting point higher than 20° C and does not sublime (i.e., does not change directly from a solid into a gas without melting).

Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated. It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

All weights, measurements and concentrations herein are measured at 25 degrees Celsius (°C) and 50% relative humidity, unless otherwise specified.

Herbicide Composition

The herbicide composition is preferably in the form of a liquid. The herbicide composition is preferably an aqueous composition. Aqueous liquid compositions are convenient to use because these compositions can be readily applied directly to weeds. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 70% to about 90% water, or from about 75% to about to about 85%, or from about 78% to about 83%, all by weight of the herbicide composition.

The herbicide composition may be a micellar dispersion or an oil-in-water emulsion.

The herbicide composition may comprise particles having an intensity mean particle size of from about 2 nm to about 500 nm, alternatively from about 4 nm to about 400 nm, alternatively from about 5 nm to about 100 nm. The herbicide composition may comprise particles having an intensity mean particle size of less than about 1 micron, preferably less than about 500 nm. Mean intensity particle size can be measured according to the Particle Size Test Method described hereafter.

The herbicide composition may be clear, as clarity may connote purity to the user. In some aspects, the herbicide composition may be substantially free of a dye or colorant. The herbicide composition may be provided in the form of a concentrated composition, which is mixed with a diluent, e.g., water, prior to use, or a ready -to-use composition, which can be directly applied to weeds (e.g., as a spray) and need not be diluted by a consumer before use. Ready-to-use compositions may be preferred by some consumers, because ready-to-use compositions do not require dilution by the consumer, which may be messy, inconvenient, and/or require multiple containers. The herbicide composition may contain select ingredients at select levels suitable to be sprayed directly onto weeds.

The herbicide composition may have a relatively high level of clarity (i.e., low turbidity). Some consumers prefer a clear product versus a product that is cloudy or murky (i.e., higher turbidity). The herbicide composition may exhibit a turbidity of less than about 20 NTU, alternatively less than about 15 NTU, alternatively less than about 10 NTU, alternatively less than about 8 NTU. The herbicide composition may exhibit a turbidity of from about 1.5 to about 20 NTU, alternatively from about 1.5 to about 15 NTU, alternatively from about 1.5 to about 10 NTU, alternatively from about 1.5 to about 8 NTU. Turbidity of the compositions is measured with a laboratory turbidity meter as described in the Turbidity Method below.

The herbicide composition may have a reduced yellow color or may be substantially colorless. Some consumers prefer a colorless or substantially colorless product versus a product that has a yellow color. Yellow color may be characteristic of the breakdown of certain active ingredients in the compositions, particularly the breakdown of plant oils, such as commint oil. The reduction of the yellow color may be measured by any colorimetric or spectrometric method known in the art. Suitable colorimetric analytical methods include, for example, the Gardner color scale (according to American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) method ASTM D1544, D6166 and/or American Oil Chemists’ Society (“AOCS”) method AOCS Td-la-64); the CIELAB color scale (according to ASTM D5386-93b); the American Public Health Association (“APHA”) color scale (according to ASTM D1209 or AOCS Td-lb-64); the Saybolt color scale (according to ASTM D156 or D6045); or the Lovibond (red) scale (according to AOCS Cc-13b-45). The CIELAB color scale may be used to quantify the color of an herbicide composition. The CIELAB color scale may also be referred to as L*a*b*, a color scale defined by the International Commission on Illumination (abbreviated CIE) in 1976. The CIELAB color scale expresses color as three values: L* for perceptual lightness, and a* and b* for the four unique colors of human vision: red, green, blue, and yellow, where the b* value represents blue/yellow color. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to any specific colorimetric measurement and the reduction of the yellow color observed may be measured by any suitable colorimetric method.

The herbicide composition may have a b* value of from about 0 to about 5, alternatively from about 0 to about 4, alternatively from about 0 to about 3. The herbicide composition may have a b* value of from about 0.4 to about 5, alternatively from about 0.4 to about 4, alternatively from about 0.4 to about 3. The herbicide composition may comprise less than or equal to about 3% by weight VOCs, or from about 0% to about 3% by weight VOCs. It is desirable to keep the total level of VOCs in the herbicide composition to less than or equal to about 3% by weight. VOCs can be measured according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Method 310 for VOC determination (May 25, 2018).

VOCs may come from one or more ingredients in the composition, including the solvent and/or essential oil. It was found that by changing the level of solvent, particularly isopropyl alcohol, the total level of VOCs in the herbicide composition could be maintained at a level of less than or equal to about 3% while still maintaining a substantially clear and colorless herbicide composition.

The herbicide composition may comprise ingredients listed under section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The compositions disclosed herein may comprise naturally occurring compounds or extracts or derivatives thereof. The compositions disclosed herein may comprise at least one organic, certified organic, US Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) National Organic Program compliant (“NOP-compliant”) ingredient. The compositions disclosed herein may comprise at least one ingredient that is food grade or generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under US law (sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act), including direct food additives affirmed as GRAS. The use of food grade or GRAS ingredients enables the compositions disclosed herein to be used by consumers without rinsing of a treated surface after use.

The herbicide composition may comprise less than about 15 ingredients, preferably less than about 10 ingredients.

The herbicide composition may be stored outside or in a garage where it may be subject to fluctuating temperatures, such as daytime and nighttime temperature changes and/or seasonal temperature changes. The herbicide composition described herein is stable at low temperatures (i.e., from about 5°C to about 10°C). The herbicide composition has a b* value from about 0 to about 5 and/or a turbidity of less than about 20 NTU, preferably even after repeated exposure to low temperatures and/or after recovery to room temperature from cold temperature exposure.

Active Ingredients

The herbicide composition may comprise one or more active ingredients (also referred to herein as actives). The herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.005% to about 15% of the one or more active ingredients, or from about 0.05% to about 12%, or from about 0.5% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 3% to about 8%, or from about 4% to about 7%, all by weight of the herbicide composition.

Suitable active ingredients may include plant oils/essential plant oils (including synthetic analogues). The one or more active ingredients may be natural oils. Nonlimiting examples of active ingredients can include aldehyde C16 (pure), almond oil, alpha-terpineol, verbenone, alpha- cedrene, cinnamic aldehyde, amyl cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, amyl salicylate, anisic aldehyde, cedrol, benzyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, carvacrol, carveol, citral, citronellal, citronellol, dimethyl salicylate, eucalyptol (also known as 1,8-cineole), thuj opsene, isoeugenyl acetate, iso-eugenol, methyl iso-eugenol, galaxolide, geraniol, guaiacol, ionone, menthol (e.g., L-menthol), menthone, carvone (e.g., L-carvone), camphor, p-cymene, bornyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, gamma-terpinene, methyl anthranilate, methyl ionone, methyl salicylate, nerol, alpha-phellandrene, pennyroyal oil, perillaldehyde, 1- or 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol, 1- or 2- phenyl ethyl propionate, piperonal, piperonyl acetate, piperonyl alcohol, D-pulegone, terpinen-4- ol, terpinyl acetate, 4-tert butylcyclohexyl acetate, thymol, trans-anethole, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, castor oil, cedar oil, cinnamon, cinnamon oil, citronella, citronella oil, clove, com oil, cornmint oil, cottonseed oil, garlic, garlic oil, linseed oil, mint, mint oil, thyme, peppermint, peppermint oil, spearmint, spearmint oil, rosemary, sesame, sesame oil, soybean oil, white pepper, licorice oil, wintergreen oil, star anise oil, lilac flower oil, black seed oil, grapefruit seed oil, grapefruit, lemon oil, orange oil, tea tree oil, tagete minuta oil, lavender oil, lippia javancia oil, oil of bergamot, galbanum oil, lovage oil, and combinations thereof.

Nonlimiting examples of essential oils can include thyme (thymol, carvacrol), oregano (carvacrol, terpenes), lemon (limonene, terpinene, phellandrene, pinene, citral), orange flower (linalool, P-pinene, limonene), orange (limonene, citral), anise (anethole, safrol), clove (eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene), rose (geraniol, citronellol), rosemary (borneol, bornyl esters, camphor), geranium (geraniol, citronellol, linalool), lavender (linalyl acetate, linalool), citronella (geraniol, citronellol, citronellal, camphene), eucalyptus (eucalyptol), peppermint (menthol, menthyl esters), spearmint (carvone, limonene, pinene), wintergreen (methyl salicylate), camphor (safrole, acetaldehyde, camphor), bay (eugenol, myrcene, chavicol), cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol), tea tree (terpinen-4-ol, cineole), cedar leaf (a-thujone, P-thujone, fenchone), geranium (Citronellol, Geraniol, guaiadiene), Cornmint (Menthol, Menthone), garlic (dimethyl trisulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl sulfide, diallyl tetrasulfide, 3-vinyl-[4H]-l,2-dithiin), and combinations thereof. The herbicide composition may comprise an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of citronella oil, spearmint oil, commint oil, peppermint oil, and combinations thereof. The herbicide composition may comprise an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of commint oil, peppermint oil, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, herbicide composition may comprise cornmint oil. In some aspects, the herbicide composition may comprise peppermint oil. In some aspects, the herbicide composition may comprise spearmint oil. In some aspects, the herbicide composition may comprise citronella oil. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 3% to about 10%, or from about 5% to about 10%, of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of commint oil, peppermint oil, and combinations thereof, all by weight of the herbicide composition. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 3% to less than about 8% spearmint oil, by weight of the herbicide composition. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 3% to less than about 5% citronella oil, by weight of the herbicide composition.

In some aspects, the herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.005% to about 10% by weight of the herbicide composition, alternatively from about 0.5 to about 9%, alternatively from about 1% to about 8%, of one or more an active ingredients selected from the group consisting of menthol, menthone, citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, limonene, carvone, pinene, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the herbicide composition may comprise an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of menthol, menthone, and combinations thereof.

The herbicide compositions may comprise one or more active ingredients and one or more co-active ingredients. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that weed control efficacy may be improved by combining one or more active ingredients with one or more co-active ingredients. Non-limiting examples of co-active ingredients can include cedarwood oil, cinnamon leaf oil, clove oil, eugenol, garlic oil, geraniol, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, and combinations thereof. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.005% to about 15% of a co-active ingredient, or from about 0.05% to about 12%, or from about 0.5% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 3% to about 8%, or from about 4% to about 7%, all by weight of the herbicide composition. Preferably the level of co-active ingredient in the herbicide composition is equal to or less than the level of active ingredient in the composition. Surfactant

The herbicide composition may be formulated with one or more surfactants. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.01% to about 15%, or from about 0.1% to about 12.5%, or from about 0.5% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 5% of one or more surfactants, all by weight of the herbicide composition.

A sprayed drop of an herbicide composition is preferably able to wet a target surface and spread out or cover a target area to perform its intended function. A surfactant generally reduces the surface tension of the water on the surface of the spray drop by reducing the interfacial tension between the spray drop and target surface, e.g., the surface of the weed. Surfactants also wet and disperse particles of active ingredient(s) in the composition prior to spraying, thereby enabling more uniform coverage and wetting of the target weed upon spraying. Surfactants may also function to emulsify hydrophobic active agents that are not easily solubilized in water, such as oils. Surfactants thus include various agents known to function as emulsifiers or wetting agents. Suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

Anionic surfactants are surfactant compounds that contain a long chain hydrocarbon hydrophobic group in their molecular structure and a hydrophilic group, including salts such as carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate or phosphate groups. The salts may be sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, barium, iron, ammonium and amine salts of such surfactants. Anionic surfactants include the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts of organic sulfuric reaction products having in their molecular structure an alkyl or alkaryl group containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms and a sulfonic or sulfuric acid ester group. Examples of such anionic surfactants include water soluble salts and mixtures of salts of alkyl benzene sulfonates having from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms in the allyl group (e.g., linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, such as dodecylbenzene sulfonate and salts thereof), alkyl sulfates and alkali metal salts thereof (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate), alkyl ether sulfates having from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and about 2 to about 9 moles of ethylene oxide. Aryl groups generally include one or two rings, alkyl groups generally include from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, and ether groups generally comprise from about 1 to about 9 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) and/or propylene oxide (PO), preferably EO.

A preferred anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate or “SLS” (also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate). The herbicide composition may comprise from about 1% to about 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, alternatively from about 3% to about 9%, alternatively from about 5% to about 8.5%, all by weight of the herbicide composition. The herbicide composition may comprise an active ingredient, namely a hydrophobic active ingredient (such as a natural oil), and sodium lauryl sulfate in a ratio of about 1 : 1 to about 1 :5. It has been surprisingly found that if the ratio of hydrophobic active ingredient to sodium lauryl sulfate is too high, there may not be enough sodium lauryl sulfate to emulsify the hydrophobic active ingredient. If the hydrophobic active ingredient is not sufficiently emulsified, then a layer of the hydrophobic ingredient, e.g., oil, may form on top of the composition, causing the composition to appear turbid when shaken. However, if the ratio of hydrophobic active ingredient to sodium lauryl sulfate is too low, then there may be too much free sodium lauryl sulfate, which may precipitate at cold temperatures.

The herbicide composition may comprise commint oil and/or peppermint oil, where the ratio of commint oil and/or peppermint oil to sodium lauryl sulfate may be about 1 : 1 to about 1 :5. The herbicide composition may comprise spearmint oil, where the ratio of spearmint oil to sodium lauryl sulfate may be about 0.75: 1 or less. The herbicide composition may comprise citronella oil, where the ratio of active ingredient to sodium lauryl sulfate may be about 0.5: 1 or less.

Anionic surfactants also include fatty acids and salts thereof. Fatty acids and salts thereof are organic molecules comprising a single carboxylic acid moiety (carboxylate anion in salts) and at least 7 carbon atoms, or from about 11 to about 22 carbon atoms, or from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms. The salts of fatty acids are also known as soaps. Fatty acid and the salts thereof may be linear, branched, saturated, unsaturated, cyclic, or mixtures thereof. Nonlimiting examples of fatty acids and salts thereof include lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, the sodium, calcium, potassium or zinc salts thereof, or mixtures thereof.

Additional suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, olefin sulfonates, alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfates and ether sulfates, alkyl ether carboxylates, paraffinic sulfonates, acyl methyl taurates, sulfoacetates, acyl lactates, and sulfosuccinamides.

Amphoteric surfactants are surface active agents containing at least one anionic group and at least one cationic group and may act as either acids or bases, depending on pH. Some of these compounds are aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, in which the aliphatic substituent(s) may be straight or branched, at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 6 to about 20, or from about 8 to about 18, carbon atoms, and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, phosphonate, phosphate, sulfonate, sulfate.

Zwitterionic surfactants are surface active agents having a positive and negative charge in the same molecule, where the molecule is zwitterionic at all pHs. Zwitterionic surfactants include betaines and sultaines. The zwitterionic surfactants generally contain a quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium, or a tertiary sulfonium moiety. Zwitterionic surfactants contain at least one straight chain or branched aliphatic substituent, which contains from about 6 to 20, or from about 8 to about 18, carbon atoms, and at least one aliphatic substituent containing an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate or phosphonate.

Examples of suitable amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants include the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts of alkyl amphocarboxyglycinates and alkyl amphocarboxypropionates, alkyl amphodipropionates, alkyl monoacetate, alkyl diacetates, alkyl amphoglycinates, and alkyl amphopropionates, where the alkyl group has from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms. Other suitable amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants include alkyliminomonoacetates, alkyliminidiacetates, alkyliminopropionates, alkyliminidipropionates, and alkylamphopropyl sulfonates, where the alkyl group has from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms, as well as alkyl betaines, alkylamidoalkylene betaines, alklyl sultaines, and alkylamidoalkylenehydroxy sulfonates.

The nonionic surfactant(s) may be any of the known nonionic surfactants, examples of which include condensates of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic moiety. Nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated primary or secondary aliphatic alcohols having from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, in either straight or branch chain configuration, with from about 2 to about 40, or from about 2 and about 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Other suitable nonionic surfactants include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms with about 3 to about 30, or about 5 to about 14 moles of ethylene oxide. Nonionic surfactants also include ethoxylated castor oils and silicone surfactants, such as Silwet L-8610, Silwet L-8600, Silwet L-77, Silwet L-7657, Silwet L-7650, Silwet L-7607, Silwet L-7604, Silwet L-7600, and Silwet L-7280.

The herbicide composition may optionally comprise one or more cationic surfactants. Suitable cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium surfactants and amino surfactants that are positively charged at the pH of the herbicide composition. Solvent

The herbicide composition may comprise from about 1% to about 45%, or from about 1% to about 30%, or from about 1% to about 25%, or from about 1% to about 15%, by weight the composition, of one or more solvents. Liquid herbicide compositions may contain one or more solvents and water.

Suitable solvents include alcohols, such as monohydridic or polyhydridic alcohols. Preferred alcohols are low molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols exemplified by ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol, preferably isopropanol. Monohydric alcohols and polyols, such as those containing from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and from 2 to about 6 hydroxy groups (e.g., ethylene glycol, glycerin, and 1,2-propanediol (also referred to as propylene glycol)), may also be used.

Suitable solvents can include esters. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.005% to about 15%, or from about 0.05% to about 12%, or from about 0.5% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 7%, by weight of the composition, of one or more esters. Esters are commonly formed by reacting a carboxylic acid with a molecule comprising one or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of suitable carboxylic acids include acetic acid, formic acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, propanoic acid, propiolic acid, butyric acid, isobutryic acid, caproic acid, adipic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, caprylic acid and fatty acids. Nonlimiting examples of molecules comprising one or more hydroxyl groups include ethanol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, secbutyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, polyglycerol, cyclohexanol, and benzyl alcohol. Examples of suitable esters include isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyl palmitate, isopropyl isothermal, butyl lactate, ethyl lactate, butyl stearate, triethyl citrate, glycerol monooleate, glyceryl dicaprylate, glyceryl dimyristate, glyceryl dioleate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryl monomyristate, glyceryl monooctanoate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate, decyl oleate, glyceryl stearate, isocetyl stearate, octyl stearate, putty stearate, isostearyl neopentonate, PPG myristyl propionate, diglyceryl monooleate, and diglyceryl monostearate. The herbicide composition may comprise ethyl lactate, preferably from about 0.005% to about 15% ethyl lactate, alternatively from about 0.05% to about 12%, alternatively from about 0.5% to about 10%, alternatively from about 1% to about 7%, all by weight of the herbicide composition.

Additional solvents include lipophilic fluids, including siloxanes, other silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, glycerin derivatives such as glycerin ethers, perfluorinated amines, perfluorinated and hydrofluoroether solvents, low-volatility nonfluorinated organic solvents, diol solvents, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable solvents listed under section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) include butyl lactate (including enantiomers thereof), vinegar, 1,2- propylene carbonate, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate (including enantiomers thereof), isopropyl alcohol, and glycerin.

The herbicide composition preferably comprises from about 0.01% to about 3%, by weight of the herbicide composition, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerin, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, alternatively from about 0.5% to about 2.25%, alternatively from about 1% to about 2%, by weight of the herbicide composition, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerin, and combinations thereof. The levels of solvent and/or essential oil in the herbicide composition may be selected such that the total VOC level of the herbicide composition is from about 0 to about 3% by weight.

In some aspects, the herbicide composition may comprise less than about 2.5% glycerin, by weight of the herbicide composition. In some aspects, the herbicide composition is substantially free of glycerin. pH Adjusting Agents

The herbicide composition may comprise a buffer system. The buffer system may comprise one or more pH adjusting agents. Non-limiting examples of pH adjusting agents may include malic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, humic acid, acetic acid, monosodium citrate, sodium citrate, di sodium citrate, trisodium citrate, trisodium citrate dehydrate, trisodium citrate pentahydrate, sodium acetate, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the pH adjusting agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, citric acid, sodium acetate, acetic acid, and combinations thereof.

The herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.01% to about 5% citric acid or a salt thereof, preferably about 0.1% to about 4%, more preferably about 1% to about 3.5%, all by weight of the herbicide composition. Citric acid may be added to the composition as citric acid anhydrous or citric acid monohydrate. Suitable examples of citric acid or a salt thereof include potassium citrate, sodium citrate, monopotassium citrate, tripotassium citrate, tripotassium citrate monohydrate, or dipotassium citrate. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that citric acid may also function as an active ingredient and/or as a chelant. In some aspects, the buffer system may comprise an acid (such as citric acid and/or acetic acid) and its conjugate base (such as a salt of citric acid and/or acetic acid). When the herbicide composition comprises a buffer system, the acid is preferably citric acid or acetic acid and the conjugate base is preferably the sodium salt of the respective acid.

The pH of the herbicide composition may be from about 2.0 to about 5.0, alternatively from about 3.0 to about 4.5, alternatively from about 3.5 to about 4.0.

Preservatives

The herbicide composition may comprise one or more preservatives. As used herein a “preservative” is any substance or compound that is added to protect against decay, decomposition, or spoilage. Preservatives may be natural or synthetic. Preservatives may be antimicrobial preservatives, which inhibit the growth of bacteria or fungi, including mold, or antioxidants. Nonlimiting examples of preservatives include potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, tocopherol (e.g., tocopherol acetate), calcium propionate, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sulfites (sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfite, potassium hydrogen sulfite, etc.), tetrasodium EDTA, and disodium EDTA. The herbicide composition may comprise from about 0.02% to about 4%, by weight of the herbicide composition, of a preservative, alternatively from about 0.1% to about 2%, alternatively from about 0.2% to about 1%, alternatively from about 0.3% to about 0.5%, preferably a preservative selected from the group consisting of potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, tocopherol, and mixtures thereof. In some aspects, the herbicide composition may be substantially free of a preservative.

Packaging and Dispensing

The herbicide compositions described herein may be packaged in any suitable container, including those constructed from paper, cardboard, plastic materials, and any suitable laminates, and the compositions may be dispensed in any number of suitable manners, such as spraying, e.g., pump-spray, trigger-spray, and the like.

The herbicide composition may be packaged in a container or bottle that is at least partially transparent or translucent. In some aspects, the container may comprise a transparent portion, such as a window. The transparent or translucent bottle may have a light transmittance of greater than 25% at wavelength of about 410-800 nm. Bottle materials that may be used include but are not limited to: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamides (PA) and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC); and polystyrene (PS). The transparent portion of the bottle or container may have a transmittance of more than about 25%, or more than about 30%, or more than about 40%, or more than about 50% in the visible part of the spectrum (approx. 410-800 nm). Alternatively, absorbency of the bottle may be measured as less than about 0.6 or by having transmittance greater than about 25%, where % transmittance equals:

For purposes of the disclosure, as long as one wavelength in the visible light range has greater than about 25% transmittance, it is considered to be transparent/translucent.

Method for Making An Herbicide Composition

The present disclosure also relates to a method for making an herbicide composition, where the composition comprises sodium lauryl sulfate and an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of cornmint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, citronella oil, and combinations thereof. The method of making an herbicide composition may comprise the steps of: a. combining sodium lauryl sulfate; a pH adjusting agent, wherein the pH adjusting agent is an acid; an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of commint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, citronella oil, and combinations thereof, and optionally a solvent to form an active ingredient premix; b. separately combining water, optionally a pH adjusting agent, and optionally a preservative to form an aqueous phase; and c. combining the active ingredient premix with the aqueous phase; wherein the herbicide composition has a pH of about 2.0 to 5.0, a turbidity less than about 20 NTU, and a b* value of about 0 to about 5.

Methods for Controlling Weeds

The present invention also relates to methods for controlling undesired weeds. In some aspects, the method for controlling weeds can comprise the steps of: (a) providing an herbicide composition; and (b) contacting the weeds with an effective amount of the herbicide composition. The herbicide composition may be applied (e.g., by spraying as an aqueous liquid) onto a target area in an amount in the range of from about 0.5 to about 40 ml/ft, alternatively from about 0.9 to about 36 ml/ft. The herbicide composition may be used to inhibit the growth and/or development of weeds, such as for example dandelion, crabgrass, clover, ivy, or chickweed. The herbicide composition may be sprayed onto the leaves of target weeds. The herbicide composition may be used to treat existing weeds or may be used prevent weed growth. In the latter case, the herbicide composition may be used as a pre-emergent herbicide.

The herbicide composition may be used to control weeds that grow from a variety of surfaces. For example, the herbicide composition may be sprayed on hard surfaces with openings containing dirt where weeds may be present or may develop, such as asphalt, concrete, interlocking bricks, roads, and highways. The herbicide composition may be applied to lawns, golf course greens, or flower beds, where weeds may be present or may develop.

The herbicide composition may be applied as a single treatment or as multiple treatments, such as application on consecutive days or weeks.

EXAMPLES AND DATA

The following data and examples, including comparative examples, are provided to help illustrate the herbicide compositions described herein. The exemplified compositions are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All parts, percentages, and ratios herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

Example 1 - Effect of Essential Oil on Turbidity and Color

Some consumers may prefer a clear and colorless or substantially colorless herbicide composition. A series of formulas are prepared to understand the impact of different essential oils on the turbidity and color of the formulation. Formulations A-G are made according to the procedure described hereafter. The results in Table 1 show that the type of essential oil impacts the turbidity and color of the formulation, where a clear formulation has a NTU less than 20, while a turbid formulation has a NTU greater than 20, and a substantially colorless formulation has a b* value of about 0 to about 5.

The samples were stored in covered glass jars at 25 °C for approximately 48 hours until measurements were performed. Total VOC is calculated by adding together the weight fraction of non-exempted VOCs in the formulation. Turbidity is measured according to the Turbidity Method described hereafter. Color (b* value) is measured according to the Hunter L.a.b. (CIE) Method described hereafter. Formulations A-G are made according to the following formulas.

Table 1.

¹ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN).

² Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN). ³ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN).

⁴ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN).

⁵ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN).

⁶ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN).

⁷ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN).

Formulations A-G are prepared with 3.0 wt% essential oil and are tested for turbidity and color. It is found that while Formulations A-G are each clear, each formulation having a turbidity of less than 20 NTU, some of Formulations A-G are not substantially colorless. Formulations A- F each have a b* value of less than 1.5 and appeared substantially colorless. However, Formulation G which contains lemongrass oil, an essential oil used in some current herbicides, appears yellow and has a b* value of 10.39. Example 2 - Effect of Essential Oil Concentration on Turbidity, Color, Efficacy, and Temperature Stability

In separate experiments, formulas are prepared to further assess the impact of the level of essential oil on turbidity, color, weed control efficacy, and cold temperature stability. The tables below show total VOC, temperature stability, and weed control efficacy for each formula. Total VOC is calculated by adding together the weight fraction of non-exempted VOCs in the formulation. Turbidity is measured according to the Turbidity Method described hereafter. Color (b* value) is measured according to the Hunter L.a.b. (CIE) Method described hereafter. Weed control efficacy is measured according to the Weed Control Efficacy Test Method described hereafter. Temperature stability is assessed according to the Temperature Stability method described hereafter.

Cornmint Oil

Formulations H-N are prepared with increasing levels of cornmint oil. Formulation H is a reference formulation containing no commint oil. Formulations H, I, and M are tested at a different time and on larger plants; however, the data are shown together for ease of comparison. Formulations H-N are stored in sealed glass jars at 25 °C for approximately 2 - 48 hours before initial measurements. Formulations H-N are made according to the procedure described hereafter.

Formulations H-N are made according to the formulas in Table 2. Turbidity, Color, Efficacy, and Temperature Stability results are shown in Table 3.

Table 2.

¹ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN). Table 3.

It is found that as the concentration of commint oil increases, herbicidal efficacy increases. Formulation H (reference), which contains no cornmint oil, is not stable at cold temperatures as demonstrated by the formation of a white solid at 5°C. Formulation I, which contains 1.0% commint oil is clear and colorless, but unstable at cold temperatures, as demonstrated by the formation of a solid-liquid phase at 5°C. It is believed that if the concentration of oil is not high enough, particularly at cold temperatures, SLS precipitates out of solution and/or the formula forms a solid. SLS precipitation and/or formation of a solid at cold temperatures may be undesirable for sprayable herbicide composition that are stored outdoors or in unheated garages because SLS precipitation and/or formation of a solid may clog or irreversibly damage the spray mechanism, thereby inhibiting proper dispensing of the composition onto weeds. Formulations J, K, L, M, and N are clear, exhibiting a turbidity of less than 6 NTU, and substantially colorless, exhibiting a b* value of less than 2.5. Formulations J, K, L, M, and N are stable at 5°C.

Peppermint Oil

Formulations O-S are prepared with increasing levels of peppermint indian oil according to the procedure described hereafter. Formulations O-S are stored in covered glass jars at 25 °C for approximately 48 hours before initial measurements. While peppermint indian oil is tested, similar turbidity, color, efficacy, and temperature stability results are expected for peppermint organic oil and peppermint yakima oil.

Formulations O-S are made according to the formulas in Table 4. Turbidity, Color, Efficacy, and Temperature Stability results are shown in Table 5.

Table 4.

⁴ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN). Table 5. It is found that as the concentration of peppermint indian oil increases, herbicidal efficacy increases. Formulations O, P, Q, R, and S are clear, exhibiting a turbidity of less than 20 NTU, and substantially colorless, exhibiting a b* value of less than 2. Formulations O, P, Q, R, and S are stable at 5°C.

Spearmint Oil

Formulations T-V are prepared with increasing levels of spearmint oil according to the procedure described hereafter. Formulations T-V are stored in covered glass jars at 25°C for approximately 48 hours before initial measurements.

Formulations T-V are made according to the formulas in Table 6. Turbidity, Color, Efficacy, and Temperature Stability results are shown in Table 7.

Table 6. ⁵ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN).

Table 7. It is found that as the concentration of spearmint oil increases, herbicidal efficacy increases. Formulations T and U are clear, exhibiting a turbidity of less than 7, and substantially colorless, exhibiting a b* value of less than 2. Formulations T and U are stable at 5°C. However, Formulation V, which contains 8.0 wt% spearmint oil, is not clear, exhibiting a turbidity greater than 800 NTU. Formulation V is also unstable at cold temperatures as demonstrated by the turbid appearance and formation of multiple layers at 5°C. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the spearmint oil concentration in Formulation V exceeds the emulsification capacity of the sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant, which is present at 8.25% by weight of the composition. In other words, there is not enough sodium lauryl sulfate to emulsify 8% spearmint oil.

Citronella Oil

Formulations W-X are prepared with increasing levels of citronella oil according to the procedure described hereafter. Formulations W-X are stored in covered glass jars at 25°C for approximately 48 hours before initial measurements.

Formulations W-X are made according to the formulas in Table 8. Turbidity, Color, Efficacy, and Temperature Stability results are shown in Table 9.

Table 8.

⁶ Available from Lebermuth (South Bend, IN). Table 9.

Formulation W, which contains 3.0 wt% citronella oil is clear, exhibiting a turbidity of less than 2.5 NTU, and substantially colorless, exhibiting a b* value of less than 1.5. Formulation W is also stable at 5°C. However, it was found that Formulation X, which contains 5.0 wt% citronella oil, is not clear, exhibiting a turbidity of greater than 800 NTU. Formulation X is also unstable at cold temperatures as demonstrated by the turbid appearance and formation of multiple layers at 5°C. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the citronella oil concentration in Formulation X exceeds the emulsification capacity of the sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant, which is present at 8.25% by weight of the composition. In other words, there is not enough sodium lauryl sulfate to emulsify 5% citronella oil.

Formulations A - X are prepared according to the following procedure.

First, sodium lauryl sulfate and citric acid are combined in an appropriate first container and mixed for 30 seconds at 300 RPM. Then, isopropyl alcohol (up to 1% of the isopropyl alcohol in the finished herbicide composition) is added to the first container and mixed for 1 minute at 300 RPM. Essential oil (hydrophobic active ingredient) is then added to the first container and mixed for 1 minute at 300 RPM. If called for by the formula, the remainder of the isopropyl alcohol is added to the first container and mixed for 1 minute at 300 RPM. The first container is then covered with aluminum foil to prevent evaporation and the contents are mixed for 3 minutes to form an essential oil (active ingredient) premix.

Water is added to an appropriate second container. Then, sodium citrate is added into the second container and mixed at 300 RPM, until the sodium citrate is completely dissolved. Sodium benzoate is then added to the second container and mixed at 300 RPM until the sodium benzoate is completely dissolved to form an aqueous phase containing water, sodium citrate, and sodium benzoate. Next, the essential oil (active ingredient) premix is transferred to the second container and mixed with the aqueous phase for 5 minutes. Additional citric acid is added as needed until a pH of from about 2.0 to about 5.0 is reached.

TEST METHODS

Determination of the Hunter L.a.b. (CIE) b* Value

The formation of yellow color is measured using the Hunter L.a.b. (CIE) method. The b value is determined using a HunterLab ColorFlex EZ ® spectrophotometer (HunterLab, 11491 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Virginia 20190). The methodology that is used is described in detail in the “User’s Manual for ColorFlex EZ Version 2.2.”

The HunterLab ColorFlex EZ ® spectrophotometer uses a xenon flash lamp to illuminate a sample. The light reflected from the sample is then separated into its component wavelengths through a dispersion grating. The relative intensities of the light at different wavelengths along the visible spectrum (400-700 nm) are then analyzed to produce a number result indicative of the color of the sample.

Turbidity Method

A turbidimeter is used to measure the turbidity of herbicide compositions. This instrument measures the turbidity of liquids in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). The method of measuring turbidity is described in detail in the following reference: Hach 2100Q and 2100Qis User Manual, Edition 6, 08/2021, from the Hach Company. If a sample is not homogenous prior to analysis, the sample is inverted until it appears homogenous and is then poured into an analyte vile for measurement.

This method of measurement determines quantitative values of turbidity by evaluating the ratio of a primary nephelometric light scatter signal to a transmitted light scatter signal. This particular method of evaluation provides values between 0-1000 NTU, where increasing NTU values indicate more turbid compositions. In between each test sample, water controls may be measured to ensure proper equipment operation. For example, water may have a turbidity of about 1.11 NTU and isopropyl alcohol may have a turbidity of about 0.15 NTU. It is believed that improved emulsification of active ingredients, particularly hydrophobic active ingredients, yields lower NTU values. Temperature Stability

Temperature stability is measured by filing 24-ounce PET vials with the sample composition. The vials are sealed and stored at 5°C for 12 to 14 hours. The vials are then moved to 25°C for 10 to 12 hours, completing one cold temperature cycle. This is repeated two more times, for a total of three cold temperature cycles. After the final incubation at 5°C (and prior to the vials warming to room temperature), the vials are observed for any visual signs of turbidity or phase separation. After the final incubation at 25°C, the vials are assessed for turbidity and b* value using the Turbidity and Hunter L.a.b. (CIE) method described above.

Weed Control Efficacy Test

Plants: Plant samples are prepared by growing plants from seeds in a greenhouse. Samples are exposed to ambient sunlight. Temperature and relative humidity (RH) are controlled to 25±5°C and 55% ±5% RH.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) plants are grown from seed (Strictly Medicinal Seeds, Williams, OR, or equivalent) in potting soil, such as Happy Frog (Fox Farm Soil & Fertilizer Company, Samoa, CA) or the like, in 2-inch diameter planting cups. Potting soil is visually checked for moisture. If the soil is dry and does not clump, water is added, and the soil is mixed until moistened. Each cup is filled to the top with moistened potting soil. An approximately 0.5 cm deep hole is made in the center of each cup. Three to five seeds are placed in the hole. The seeds are then covered with soil from around the hole and the soil is pressed slightly to ensure the seeds contact the soil. The cups are misted with water and then covered with a plastic dome and watered to maintain a moisture level such that condensation can be seen inside the dome. The cups are kept covered until approximately 80% of the cells are showing germination or up to two weeks. After most seeds have germinated, the cover is removed, and the plants are thinned to one plant per cup. Plants are then watered as needed to maintain visually damp soil. Plants are maintained for approximately five to six weeks until they have at least 5 leaves. On day of testing, plants are misted with water and prepared for evaluation.

Testing:

Plants are removed from the greenhouse prior to efficacy testing. One set of plants is kept as an untreated control. Test plants are sprayed with the sample composition until visually wet (approximately 3 to 10 sprays depending on plant size). A timer is then set, and the treated plant and an untreated control plant is placed in a portable tent enclosure. The plants are kept under artificial fluorescent light at 25±5°C and 50% ±5% RH for the observation period. After 1 hour, 3 hours, and 24 hours, the treated plants and control plants are assessed for leaf color, leaf wilting, and stem wilting. A rating score of 0-5 was used for each attribute relative to the untreated control, where “0” indicates no difference versus control and “5’ indicates the greatest difference versus control. The total rating for each attribute is added together for a total max score of 15. The average of two replicates is reported.

Particle Size Test Method

Particle size is measured by light scattering data techniques. Particle size is determined with a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZSP (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, United Kingdom), or the like. The software used for control of the instrument and for data acquisition is the Malvern Zetasizer Software version 8.01.4906 (Malvern Panalytical). All samples are kept at 25°C, unless otherwise specified.

Samples are measured in BRAND® polystyrene disposable cuvettes (Cat. No. 759070D or equivalent). 1 mL of the sample is added into the cuvette using a disposable transfer pipette (VWR, Cat. No. 414004-004 or equivalent), swirled, and then discarded. Another 1 mL of the sample is added into the cuvette using a disposable transfer pipette. The cap is placed on the cuvette and all sides of the cuvette are wiped with lint-free lens paper. The cuvette is loaded into the instrument in accordance with the manufacture’s specification to ensure light is passing correctly into the sample during the measurement, and the lid is closed.

The instrument is readied in accordance with manufacture’s specification. The particle size measurements are made through the software with the following settings:

1) Under the ‘Measure’ section, the ‘Manual’ option is selected. ‘Measurement Type’ is then set to ‘Size’.

2) The ‘Sample’ section is then selected. In the ‘Material’ subsection: ‘Material’ is chosen to be ‘SDS’; the ‘RI’ is set to 1.461; and the ‘Absorption’ is set to 0.001. In the ‘Dispersant’ subsection: ‘Dispersant’ is selected as ‘Water’; ‘Temperature’ is set to 25.0 deg C; ‘Viscosity’ is set at 0.8872cP; and ‘RI’ is set as 1.330. In the ‘General options’ subsection ‘Mark-Houwink Parameters’ is selected, ‘A Parameter’ is set to 0.428; and ‘K Parameter (cm2/s)’ is set to 7.67e- 05. In the ‘Temperature’ subsection: ‘Temperature’ is set as 25.0 deg C; ‘Equilibration Time (second)’ is set to 120. In the ‘Cell’ subsection: ‘Cell Type’ is selected to be ‘Disposable cuvettes’; and the ‘DTS0012’ option is selected. 3) The ‘Measurement’ section is then selected. The ‘Angle of Detection Measurement Angle’ is selected as ‘ 173o Backscatter (NIBS default)’; ‘Measurement Duration’ is selected as ‘Automatic’; ‘Number of Runs’ is set to 11; ‘Run duration (seconds)’ is set to 10; ‘Number of Measurements’ is set as 3; ‘Delay between Measurements (seconds)’ is set to 0; ‘Append Measurement Number to Sample Name’ is selected; and ‘Allow Results to be Saved Containing Correlation Data Only’ is not selected. In the ‘Advanced’ subsection: ‘Measurement duration, Extend Duration for Large Part’ is set to ‘No’; ‘Measurement settings, Positioning method’ is set to ‘Seek for Optimum Position’; and Automatic attenuation selection is set to ‘Yes’.

4) The ‘Data Processing’ section is then selected, and the following options are selected: ‘Analysis Model’ is selected as ‘General Purpose (Normal Resolution)’. The ‘Size Analysis Parameters’ are set to: ‘Analysis Details’; ‘Name’ is set to ‘Customized’, ‘Description’ is set to ‘Customized Analysis’; ‘Display Range’ is set with the ‘Lower Limit’ set to 0.6 and ‘Upper Limit’ set to 6000; ‘Multimodal - analysis, Resolution’ is selected to ‘Normal’; ‘Size classes, Number of size classes’ is set as 70; ‘Lower Size Limit’ is set as 0.4; ‘Upper Size Limit’ is set as 10,000; ‘Lower Threshold’ is set as 0.05; and ‘Upper Threshold’ is set as 0.01. In the ‘Reports’ subsection: ‘Print Report’ is not selected and in the ‘Export’ subsection: ‘Export’ results is not selected.

Combinations

A. An herbicide composition comprising: from 5% to 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition, preferably from 5% to 10%; an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of cornmint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, citronella oil, and combinations thereof; and from 70% to 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the herbicide composition has a turbidity of less than 20 NTU, and a b* value of 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 4.

B. The herbicide composition according to paragraph A comprising 3% or more of the active ingredient, by weight of the herbicide composition.

C. The herbicide composition according to paragraph A or B, further comprising from 0.01% to 3% isopropyl alcohol, by weight of the herbicide composition.

D. The herbicide composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs, comprising from 3% to 10% cornmint oil, by weight of the herbicide composition. E. The herbicide composition according to paragraph D, wherein the herbicide composition comprises a weight ratio of cornmint oil to sodium lauryl sulfate of 1 : 1 to 1 :5.

F. The herbicide composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the herbicide composition has a pH of 2.0 to about 5.0,

G. An herbicide composition comprising: from 5% to 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the composition, preferably from 5% to 10%; from 3% to 10% of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of commint oil, peppermint oil, and combinations thereof; from 0% to 3%, by weight of the herbicide composition, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, glycerin, propylene carbonate, and combinations thereof; and from 70% to 90% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the composition has a turbidity less than 20 NTU, and a b* value of 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 4.

H. The herbicide composition according to paragraph G, wherein the herbicide composition comprises a weight ratio of active ingredient to sodium lauryl sulfate of 1 : 1 to 1 :5.

I. An herbicide composition comprising: from 5% to 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition, preferably from 5% to 10%; from 3% to less than 8% spearmint oil, by weight of the herbicide composition; from 0.01% to 3%, by weight of the herbicide composition, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerin, and combinations thereof; and from 70% to 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the composition has a turbidity less than 20 NTU, and a b* value of 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 4.

J. An herbicide composition comprising: from 5% to 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition, preferably from 5% to 10%; from 3% to less than 5% citronella oil, by weight of the herbicide composition; from 0.01% to 3%, by weight of the herbicide composition, of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerin, and combinations thereof; and from 70% to 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the composition has a turbidity less than about 20 NTU, and a b* value of 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 4.

K. An herbicide composition comprising: from 5% to 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition, preferably from 5% to 10%; an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of menthol, menthone, citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, limonene, carvone, pinene, and combinations thereof; and from 70% to 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the herbicide composition comprises from 0% to 3% VOCs by weight; wherein the herbicide composition has a pH of 2.0 to 5.0, a turbidity less than 20 NTU, and a b* value of 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 4.

L. The herbicide composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising a pH adjusting agent selected from the group consisting of malic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, humic acid, acetic acid, monosodium citrate, sodium citrate, di sodium citrate, trisodium citrate, trisodium citrate dehydrate, trisodium citrate pentahydrate, sodium acetate, and combinations thereof.

M. The herbicide composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising one or more co-active ingredients selected from the group consisting of cedarwood oil, cinnamon leaf oil, clove oil, eugenol, garlic oil, geraniol, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, and combinations thereof.

N. The herbicide composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the herbicide composition comprises 0% to 3% volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by weight.

O. The herbicide composition according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the herbicide composition is packaged in a transparent or translucent container.

P. An herbicide composition comprising from 5% to 12.5% sodium lauryl sulfate, by weight of the herbicide composition, preferably from 5% to 10%; an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of cornmint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, citronella oil, and combinations thereof; and from 70% to 85% water, by weight of the herbicide composition; wherein the herbicide composition has a turbidity of less than 20 NTU, and a b* value of 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 4; wherein the herbicide composition is contained in a transparent or translucent container.

Q. A method of controlling weeds comprising contacting the weeds with the herbicide composition according to any one of the preceding paragraphs.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.