FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE:

The present disclosure relates to an agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues and a method for controlling growth of target unwanted parasitic plants/weeds using the liquid agrochemical composition thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:

Parasitic plants are among the most troublesome pests in agricultural crops around the world. They settle in the host plant with the help of their certain special organs and penetrate the vascular tissues of the host plant and fulfil their nutritional, water, and mineral requirements from the host plant. Parasitic plants of the Striga, Aleclra. and Orobanche genera (Orobanchaceae) are noxious root parasites on many food crops, causing serious losses in the crop yields in many parts of the world. These are particularly harmful to some crops of major economic interest, such as sorghum, maize, sugar cane, beans, etc.

Control of these parasitic plants is extremely difficult, because they produce a large number of seeds that remain viable in the soil for many years until they detect germination stimulants released from host roots. They have a strong dependence on germination stimulants that are released by the host plants. Knowledge of the structure and bioactivity of these stimulants play an essential role in designing control methods for these weeds/parasitic plants.

A germination stimulant of Striga seeds termed strigol was first isolated in 1966 from cotton root exudates by Cook et al. Following this discovery, several strigol- related compounds have been identified as germination stimulants of parasite seed i in root exudates of various plant species. A group of these lactones were named as strigolactones.

The strigolactones (such as strigol, alectrol, sorgolactone, orobanchol, etc.) are natural compounds extracted from root exudates of various plant species. They were originally described as agents inducing the germination of seeds of parasitic plants of the groups Striga and Orobanche. A new approach called suicide germination, which involves germination of the seeds in the absence of host plants was then developed using strigolactones, in the struggle against parasitic plants. Suicide germination consists in treating agricultural soils, which are likely to be infested with parasitic plants, with strigolactone analogues, the treatment being carried out at a time when the plant to be cultivated is not yet growing in said agricultural soils. Various synthetic analogues of the strigolactones have been prepared since then and have been tested for their germination stimulant activity. Synthetic analogues are easier to obtain than the natural compounds and are therefore, more suitable for application on an industrial scale. By timely application of such synthetic analogues, germination of the dormant seeds of the parasitic plants is falsely signalled or induced and the parasitic plants, without a host plant to infest, ultimately die. Seasonal applications of these germination stimulants in the absence of a host plant would gradually deplete this seed bank.

Certain known synthetic strigolactone analogues are methyl phenlactonoates and Nijmegen- 1 among other. Methyl phenlactonoates, a class of strigolactone analogues have been disclosed in patent publication W02018060865A1. The publication relates to methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3), which is a representative compound of methyl phenlactonoates, for usage in aforesaid agricultural applications. Also, nijmegen-1 is another strigolactone analogue found to be effective as a suicidal germination agent. Therefore, synthetic strigolactone analogues have excellent prospects for use in combating parasitic weeds. Although suicidal germination originated as an attractive and effective method, it is not still considered practically possible, because of the alleged untimely decomposition of the stimulants in the soil as well as the (observed) uncontrollable seed germination. Furthermore, several strigolactone analogues had been developed over the last few decades, but the problem of their efficacy, stability, and synthesis remains unsolved. When developing a composition of synthetic strigolactone analogues, issues were faced pertaining to solubility problems of active ingredients in the composition. This also led to side effects on the host crop as well as instability of the composition in the soil and leaching of the composition. Therefore, there still exists a need to develop efficient and stable composition of synthetic strigolactone analogues for agricultural applications. It is thus required to develop a composition which is user-friendly, highly compatible with strigolactone analogues, and stable at room temperature for a sufficient period of time.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE:

It is a primary objective of the present disclosure to provide an agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide a stable liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a process for preparation of a liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant by applying a liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a stable liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from a methyl phenlactonoate compound of formula I:

Formula I wherein Re is an optionally substituted C6-C24 aryl group or an optionally substituted C6-C24 alkylaryl group; and wherein Rz is selected from a group comprising hydrogen, a monovalent optionally substituted C12 alkyl group, or a bivalent optionally substituted C1-C12 alkylene group, which bonds to the optionally substituted C6-C24 aryl group or an optionally substituted C6-C24 alkylaryl group of Re, forming a ring; and wherein Ra, Rb and Rc, are independent from each other, and represent:

(a) a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, a formyloxy group, a formylamino group or a carbamate group; (b) a substituent Ri, wherein Ri represents Ci-Cs-alkyl, C2-C8- alkenyl, C2-Cs-alkynyl, Cs-Cs-cycloalkyl, or Ci-Cs-alkoxy, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms;

(c) a substituent — OR2, wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom, Ci- Cs-alkyl, C2-Cs-alkenyl, C2-Cs-alkynyl, Ci-Cs-alkylcarbonyl, Ci- Cs-alkylaminocarbonyl or Ci-Cs-alkoxycarbonyl, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms;

(d) a substituent — NR3R4, wherein R3 and R4, independently from each other, represent a hydrogen atom, Ci-Cs-alkyl, Ci-Cs- alkylcarbonyl, Ci-Cs-halogenoalkylcarbonyl, phenyl or benzyl, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms;

(e) a substituent — (O) — R5, wherein R5 represents a hydrogen atom, Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-alkyloxy, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms, — NH2, NHR5 or NR5R5 (where the two substituents R5 may be the same or different), — NR ₅ (0H);

(f) a substituent — S(O)n — Re, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2 and Re represents Ci-Cs-alkyl in which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms, — NH2, — NHRe or NReRe (where the two substituents Re may be the same or different); or

(g) a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered heterocyclic ring comprising up to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms; and wherein Rf represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group or Ci-Cs-alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C2-Cs-alkynyl, or C3-C8- cycloalkyl; or a Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II:

Formula II In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a stable liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from a methyl phenlactonoate

3 (MP3) compound of formula III: or a Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II:

Formula II

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides use of a liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues for controlling growth of target parasitic plants.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, said method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1A: Scheme of the experiment conducted for Striga seed germination bioassays

Figure IB: Effect of various concentrations of EC compositions of the two strigolactone analogs on Striga seed germination

Figure 1C: EC50 of Striga seed germination in response to the various concentrations of the two strigolactone analogues in EC compositions.

Figure 2A: Scheme of the experiment conducted for Striga emergence in pots under greenhouse conditions Figure 2B: EC Compositions of the two SL analogues (at 1.0 pM) was applied for two times in Striga infested pots. Striga emergence was counted after 70 days after rice sowing

Figure 2C: Values of each bar showed average emergence of Striga per plot (n=4) Figure 2D: Average plant height of rice host plant measured at 70 DAS (n=4).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:

The following description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. The terms used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials/ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Thus, before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms used herein.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having”, “containing”, “involving” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. The aspects and embodiments described herein shall also be interpreted to replace the clause “comprising” with either “consisting of’ or with “consisting essentially of’ or with “consisting substantially of’.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±10% or ±5% of the stated value.

Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. As used herein, all numerical values or numerical ranges include integers within such ranges and fractions of the values or the integers within ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90-100%, includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc., and so forth. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of the terms “a”, “an” and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc., as used herein are not meant to denote any particular ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.

All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The expression of various quantities in terms of “%” or “% w/v” or “% w/w” means the percentage by weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, the term “pre-emergence” refers to the time point before seedlings emerge from the ground. When any agrochemical composition is applied at preemergence stage, it prevents establishment of the germinated weed seedlings.

As used herein, the term “post-emergence” refers to the time point after seedlings emerge from the ground. When any agrochemical composition is applied at postemergence stage, it prevents growth of the germinated weed seedlings.

As used herein the term “plant” or “crop” refers to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, or plant seeds. This term also encompasses plant crops such as fruits. The term “plant” may further include the propagation material thereof, which may include all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolons, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.

The term “locus” as used herein denotes the vicinity or area designated for growth of a desired crop, and in which control of the growth and/or spread of undesirable vegetation is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein undesirable vegetation growth has either occurred, is most likely to occur, or is yet to occur. The term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of a plant, such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

The term “agrochemical” used herein is understood to denote an agricultural chemical such as pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators and can be used interchangeably.

The salts referred to herein are agrochemically acceptable salts. As used herein, an “agrochemically acceptable salt” means a salt which is acceptable for use in agrochemical or horticultural use.

The terms “excipient” or “additive” mean inactive substance that forms a part of the composition. The terms “excipient” or “additive” mean essentially the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “improving plant growth” results in an increase in either the yield, as described above, or the vigour of the plant, as described above, or both the yield and the vigour of the plant. Improvement in plant vigour means that certain traits are improved qualitatively or quantitatively when compared with the same trait in a control plant which has been grown under the same conditions in the absence of the method of the invention. Such traits include, but are not limited to, early and/or improved germination, improved emergence, the ability to use less seeds, increased root growth, a more developed root system, increased root nodulation, increased shoot growth, increased tillering, stronger tillers, more productive tillers, increased or improved plant stand, less plant verse (lodging), an increase and/or improvement in plant height, an increase in plant weight (fresh or dry), bigger leaf blades, greener leaf colour, increased pigment content, increased photosynthetic activity, earlier flowering, longer panicles, early grain maturity, increased seed, fruit or pod size, increased pod or ear number, increased seed number per pod or ear, increased seed mass, enhanced seed filling, less dead basal leaves, delay of senescence, improved vitality of the plant, increased levels of amino acids in storage tissues and/or less inputs needed (e.g. less fertiliser, water and/or labour needed). A plant with improved vigour may have an increase in any of the aforementioned traits or any combination or two or more of the aforementioned traits. Improvement in plant growth means that certain traits are improved qualitatively or quantitatively when compared with the same trait in a control plant which has been grown under the same conditions in the absence of the method of the invention. Such traits include, but are not limited to, improved visual appearance of the plant, reduced ethylene (reduced production and/or inhibition of reception), improved quality of harvested material, e.g., seeds, fruits, leaves, vegetables (such improved quality may manifest as improved visual appearance of the harvested material) and the like.

As used herein, the term “suicidal germination” refers to the application of seed germination stimulant, such as strigolactone analogues, in the absence of a host, resulting in germination which is followed by seedlings death and leading to elimination/reduction of seed bank in soil.

As used herein, the term “germination stimulants” or “parasitic weed seed germination stimulants” refer to strigolactones, which are capable of stimulating the seed germination of parasitic weed species, especially Striga and Orobanche species, but are also known to be the “branching factor” that weed species need to recognise and colonise the host plant.

As used herein, the term “host plant” refers to the plant species which are infected by parasitic weed species. As used herein, the term ’’strigolactone analogue” is also referred to as SL analogues or Strigolactone analogues or Strigolactone analogues compound.

Unless otherwise specified, structures shown include all stereoisomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, geometric isomers, and the like, as understood by one ordinarily skilled in the art. As used throughout the disclosure, the strigolactone analogue or other active ingredients, include their salts, esters, ethers, polymorphs including solvates and hydrates. A salt includes salts that retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the active ingredient, and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, and include derivatives of the disclosed compounds in which the parent compound is modified by making inorganic and organic, nontoxic, acid or base addition salts thereof. The salts can be synthesized from the parent compound by conventional chemical methods.

As used herein, specific strigolactone analogue compound of formula III referred to as (E)-methyl 3- (4-methyl-5oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yloxy)-2-phenylacrylate) which is interchangeably referred to as methyl phenlactonoate 3 or MP3.

As used herein, strigolactone analogue compounds of formula II is interchangeably referred to as Nijmegen- 1 or Nijmegen.

As used herein, the compositions are interchangeably referred to as formulations and emulsifiable concentrate is referred to as EC formulation.

As used herein, organic solvent is defined as one or more organic solvents capable of solubilizing at least 5% of strigolactone analogue compounds, expressed as % w/w of the composition, at room temperature (25-35°C)

As used herein, the term “room temperature” or “ambient temperature” refers to temperatures for example from 15-45°C, 15-30°C, and 15-24 °C, 16-21°C, 20-30°C, 30-35°C. Such temperatures may vary by +5°C to -5°C. The inventors of the present disclosure observed that the selection of suitable germination stimulants, application protocol, and appropriate formulation for field application remain challenging barriers for the successful practice of suicidal germination. Therefore, stable liquid agrochemical compositions of synthetic germination stimulants, such as MP3 and Nijmegen- 1 compounds, were developed by inventors to be suitable for the intended purpose. It has been further noted that the physico- stability and the biological activity of the liquid agrochemical composition could be achieved by preparing an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of strigolactone analogues, such as MP3 and Nijmegen- 1.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising strigolactone analogues.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant. According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from a methyl phenlactonoate compound of formula I:

Formula I wherein Re is an optionally substituted C6-C24 aryl group or an optionally substituted C6-C24 alkylaryl group; and wherein Rz is selected from a group comprising hydrogen, a monovalent optionally substituted C12 alkyl group, or a bivalent optionally substituted C1-C12 alkylene group, which bonds to the optionally substituted C6-C24 aryl group or an optionally substituted C6-C24 alkylaryl group of Re, forming a ring; and wherein Ra, Rb and Rc, are independent from each other, and represent:

(a) a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, a formyloxy group, a formylamino group or a carbamate group;

(b) a substituent Ri, wherein Ri represents Ci-Cs-alkyl, C2-C8- alkenyl, C2-Cs-alkynyl, Cs-Cs-cycloalkyl, or Ci-Cs-alkoxy, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms;

(c) a substituent — OR2, wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom, Ci- Cs-alkyl, C2-Cs-alkenyl, C2-Cs-alkynyl, Ci-Cs-alkylcarbonyl, Ci- Cs-alkylaminocarbonyl or Ci-Cs-alkoxycarbonyl, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms;

(d) a substituent — NR3R4, wherein R3 and R4, independently from each other, represent a hydrogen atom, Ci-Cs-alkyl, Ci-Cs- alkylcarbonyl, Ci-Cs-halogenoalkylcarbonyl, phenyl or benzyl, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms;

(e) a substituent — (O) — R5, wherein R5 represents a hydrogen atom, Ci-Cs-alkyl or Ci-Cs-alkyloxy, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms, — NH2, NHR5 or NR5R5 (where the two substituents R5 may be the same or different), — NR ₅ (0H);

(f) a substituent — S(O)n — Re, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2 and Re represents Ci-Cs-alkyl in which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms, — NH2, — NHRe or NReRe (where the two substituents Re may be the same or different); or

(g) a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered heterocyclic ring comprising up to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, in each of which the hydrogen atoms may be partly replaced by other groups or atoms; and wherein Rf represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group or Ci-Cs-alkyl, C2-Cs-alkenyl, C2-Cs-alkynyl, or C3-C8- cycloalkyl; or a Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II:

Formula II

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from a methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III: or a Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II:

Formula II

According to an embodiment, the organic solvent is selected from the group comprising aromatic hydrocarbons, ketonic solvents, amide solvents such as dialkyl decanamides, polycarbonate solvents, lactone-based solvents, pyrrolidine -based solvents, aprotic solvents, alkyl caprylates, vegetable oils, mineral oils and alkylated seed oils, their derivatives and mixtures thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the organic solvent is selected from the group comprising aromatic hydrocarbons such as high solvency naphthalene-depleted Cn aromatic fluid, heavy aromatic naphtha, (polyethyl)benzenes, heavy aromatic solvent naphtha, ketonic solvents such as cyclohexanone and lactone-based solvents such as gamma butyrolactone and gamma valero lactone, epoxidized soybean oil, triethylamine, lactic acid derivatives such as ethyl hexyl lactate and dimethyl lactate.

According to an embodiment, the surfactant is selected from the group comprising non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

According to an embodiment, the surfactant comprises non-ionic surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising polyalkylene oxide block co-polymers, linear or branched polyethoxylated Cio-Cis fatty alcohols, wherein the ethoxyl number (EO) ranges from 5 to 10; polyethoxylated castor oil wherein the ethoxyl number ranges from 15 to 40; poly ethoxylated distyrylphenols having an ethoxylation number between 12-25; polyethoxylated tristyrylphenols having an ethoxylation number between 15 and 40; C 12-C18 mono-, di- and tri-esters of poly ethoxylated sorbitan, wherein the ethoxylation number ranges from 4 to 20; C10-C16 mixtures of alkyl polyglycosides optionally polyethoxylated or polypropoxylated, wherein said alkylpolyglycosides have a different ethoxylation or propoxylation number, comprised between 10 and 25; polyethoxylated-polypropoxylated Cs-Cu aliphatic alcohols; and polyaryl phenolethoxylate wherein the ethoxy 1/propoxyl number is between 15 and 40.

In a preferred embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising tristryl phenol ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid ethoxylates, sorbitan ethoxylates (Polysorbates), alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl amine ethoxylates and alkyl amine oxides.

In a preferred embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising polyoxymethylene sorbitan monolaurate, tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate and ethylene oxide (EO)/propylene oxide (PO) block co-polymers.

According to an embodiment, the surfactant comprises anionic surfactant.

In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant is selected the group comprising alkaline or alkaline-earth salts of alkyl benzene sulphonates, alkylbenzene phosphonates, alkyl ether sulfates and alkaline or alkaline earth salts of alkylsulphates. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising calcium dodecyl sulphonate, tristyrylphenol sulphate, tristyrylphenol phosphate esters, linear benzene sulphonates, calcium salt of alkyl benzene sulfonate and alkyl ether sulphates.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.01% w/w to about 90% w/w of the strigolactone analogue of total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the strigolactone analogue of total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the strigolactone analogue of total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III of total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II of total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 60% w/w of the organic solvent of total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the organic solvent of total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the organic solvent of total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the non-ionic surfactant of total weight of the composition.

In another preferred embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the anionic surfactant of total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 90% w/w of methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III, from about 1% w/w to about 60% w/w of the organic solvent and from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III, from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the organic solvent and from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III, from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the organic solvent and from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 90% w/w of Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II, from about 1% w/w to about 60% w/w of the organic solvent and from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w of Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II, from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w of the organic solvent and from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II, from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the organic solvent and from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the surfactant of total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; c) at least one surfactant; and d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III; b) at least one organic solvent; c) at least one surfactant; and d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II; b) at least one organic solvent; c) at least one surfactant; and d) at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemically acceptable excipients are selected from one or more of emulsifiers, colorants, antifreeze agents, antifoaming agents, antioxidants, solvents, preservatives, glidants, anticaking agents, pH-regulating agents, buffering agents, formulation aids, disintegrants, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, emulsifiers which can be advantageously employed herein can be readily determined by those skilled in the art and include various non-ionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric emulsifiers, or a blend of two or more emulsifiers. Examples of non-ionic emulsifiers useful in preparing the emulsifiable concentrates include the polyalkylene glycol ethers and condensation products of alkyl and aryl phenols, aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic amines or fatty acids with ethylene oxide, propylene oxides such as the ethoxylated alkyl phenols and carboxylic esters solubilized with the polyol or polyoxyalkylene. Cationic emulsifiers include quaternary ammonium compounds and fatty amine salts. Anionic emulsifiers include the oil-soluble salts (e.g., calcium) of alkylaryl sulfonic acids, oil-soluble salts or sulfated polyglycol ethers and appropriate salts of phosphated polyglycol ether.

In an embodiment, colorants may be selected from iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs, such as alizarin dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs or metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs, and trace elements, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

In another embodiment, antifreeze agent(s) added to the composition may be alcohols selected from the group comprising of but not limited to ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3 -butanediol, 1,4- butanediol, 1,4-pentanediol, 3 -methyl- 1,5-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3- butanediol, trimethylol propane, mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, 1,4- cyclohexanedimethanol, xylenol, bisphenols such as bisphenol A or the like. In addition, ether alcohols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene glycols of molecular weight up to about 4000, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, butoxyethanol, butylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol, tetrapentaerythritol, diglycerol, triglycerol, tetraglycerol, pentaglycerol, hexaglycerol, heptaglycerol, octaglycerol.

According to an embodiment, antifoam agent may be selected from polydimethoxysiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, alkyl poly acrylates, castor oil, fatty acids, fatty acids esters, fatty acids sulfate, fatty alcohol, fatty alcohol esters, fatty alcohol sulfate, foot olive oil, mono & di glyceride, paraffin oil, paraffin wax, poly propylene glycol, silicones oil, vegetable fats, vegetable fats sulfate, vegetable oil, vegetable oil sulfate, vegetable wax, vegetable wax sulfate, agents based on silicon or magnesium stearate.

In another embodiment, antioxidants are, for example, amino acids (e.g., glycine, histidine, tyrosine, tryptophan) and derivatives thereof, imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g., urocanic acid), peptides, such as, for example, D,L-carnosine, D- carnosine, L-camosine and derivatives thereof (e.g., anserine), carotenoids, carotenes (e.g., a-carotene, P-carotene, lycopene) and derivatives thereof, lipoic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., dihydrolipoic acid), aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and further thio compounds (e.g., thioglycerol, thiosorbitol, thioglycolic acid, thioredoxin, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and the glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl, lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, y- linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof), and salts thereof, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts), and sulfoximine compounds (e.g., buthionine sulfoximines, homocysteine sulfoximine, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathionine sulfoximine) in very low tolerated doses (e.g., pmol/kg to pmol/kg), also metal chelating agents (e.g., a-hydroxy fatty acids, EDTA, EGTA, phytic acid, lactoferrin), a-hydroxy acids (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acids, bile acid, bile extracts, gallic esters (e.g., propyl, octyl and dodecyl gallate), flavonoids, catechins, bilirubin, biliverdin and derivatives thereof, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives thereof (e.g., y-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof, hydroquinone and derivatives thereof (e.g., arbutin), ubiquinone and ubiquinol, and derivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives thereof (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate, stearate, dipalmitate, acetate, Mg ascorbyl phosphates, sodium and magnesium ascorbate, disodium ascorbyl phosphate and sulfate, potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, chitosan ascorbate), isoascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, tocopherols and derivatives thereof (e.g., tocopheryl acetate, linoleate, oleate and succinate, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12, tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocophersolan), vitamin A and derivatives (e.g., vitamin A palmitate), the coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, disodium rutinyl disulfate, cinnamic acid and derivatives thereof (e.g., ferulic acid, ethyl ferulate, caffeic acid), kojic acid, chitosan glycolate and salicylate, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisol, nordihydroguaiacic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid and derivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, selenium and selenium derivatives (e.g., selenomethionine), stilbenes and stilbene derivatives (e.g., stilbene oxide, transstilbene oxide). According to the disclosure, suitable derivatives (salts, esters, sugars, nucleotides, nucleosides, peptides, and lipids) and mixtures of these specified active ingredients or plant extracts (e.g., tea tree oil, rosemary extract and rosemarinic acid) which comprise these antioxidants can be used. In general, mixtures of the aforementioned antioxidants are possible.

According to an embodiment, examples of suitable solvents are water, oils of vegetable, or derivatives. In principle, solvent mixtures may also be used. In another embodiment, suitable preservatives are for example benzothiazoles, 1,2- benzisothiazolin-3-one, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, l,2-phenyl-isothiazolin-3-one, inter chloroxylenol paraoxybenzoate butyl and benzoic acid & combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid agrochemical composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the agriculturally acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III, from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the organic solvent, from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the surfactant and from about 1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the agriculturally acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a liquid agrochemical composition comprising from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II, from about 1% w/w to about 40% w/w of the organic solvent, from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the surfactant and from about 1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the agriculturally acceptable excipient of total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the agrochemical composition is in a form of a liquid formulation.

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclsoure, the liquid agrochemical composition is in a form of an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III, or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition is present in a form of a stable liquid formulation.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable liquid composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III, or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable liquid composition comprising: a) methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable liquid composition comprising: a) Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

According to an embodiment, the agrochemical composition is present in a form of a stable emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III, or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition is present either in a form of a tank mix or a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition is in a form of a tank mix formulation.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition is in a form of a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.

According to an embodiment, the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition is present either in a form of a tank mix or a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.

According to an embodiment, the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition is in a form of a tank mix formulation.

According to an embodiment, the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition is in a form of a pre-formulated (pre-mix)/ready-mix formulation.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II; and wherein the process comprises dissolving at least one strigolactone analogue in at least one organic solvent followed by mixing with at least one surfactant to obtain the liquid agrochemical composition.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a process for preparation of an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II; and wherein the process comprises dissolving at least one strigolactone analogue in at least one organic solvent followed by mixing with at least one surfactant to obtain the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition.

According to an embodiment, a process for preparation of a liquid agrochemical composition comprises: a) dissolving at least one strigolactone analogue in at least one organic solvent to obtain a mixture; and b) adding at least one surfactant to the mixture to obtain the liquid agrochemical composition. According to an embodiment, a process for preparation of an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprises: a) dissolving at least one strigolactone analogue in at least one organic solvent to obtain a mixture; and b) adding at least one surfactant to the mixture to obtain the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition.

According to an embodiment, the host plant comprises rice, wheat, barley, rye, triticale, sugarcane, soybean, peanut, pulse crops, cotton, rape, sunflower, linseed, sugarbeet, fodder beet, potato, and/or dicotyledonous vegetables.

According to an embodiment, the target parasitic plant is Striga hermonthica, a member of the Orobanchaceae family.

According to an embodiment, the target parasitic plant is Striga seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; for controlling growth of target parasitic plants.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; for controlling growth of target parasitic plants. According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a liquid agrochemical composition for controlling growth of target parasitic plants by inducing/stimulating Striga seed germination.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a liquid agrochemical composition for controlling growth of target parasitic plants by inducing/stimulating Striga seed germination, before sowing crop seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a liquid agrochemical composition for controlling growth of target parasitic plants by inducing/stimulating the development of Striga seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a liquid agrochemical composition for controlling growth of target parasitic plants by reduction in Striga emergence leading to the growth of the host plant.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of a liquid agrochemical composition for controlling target growth of host plants.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plants, the method comprising applying to the soil a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plants, the method comprising applying to the soil a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plants, the method comprising applying to the soil an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises applying to the soil a liquid agrochemical composition for controlling the growth of target parasitic plant, before sowing the host plant seeds.

According to an embodiment, the method comprises applying to the soil an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition for controlling the growth of target parasitic plant, before sowing the host plant seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical composition to the soil, for inducing/stimulating Striga seed germination.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition to the soil, for inducing/stimulating Striga seed germination. According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical composition in an amount that is suitable for inducing/stimulating the development of Striga seeds, before sowing host plant seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition in an amount that is suitable for inducing/stimulating the development of Striga seeds, before sowing host plant seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical composition in an amount that is suitable for growth of Striga plants.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition in an amount that is suitable for growth of Striga plants.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical composition to the soil, for reduction in Striga emergence leading to the growth of the host plant.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition to the soil, for reduction in Striga emergence leading to the growth of the host plant. According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical composition to the soil, for reducing Striga infection in a crop field leading to the growth of the host plant.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition to the soil, for reducing Striga infection in a crop field leading to the growth of the host plant.

According to an embodiment, the method of application includes induction of parasitic weed seed germination by exogenous application of a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II, before sowing host plant seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plant, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical composition comprising: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; wherein the strigolactone analogue is selected from methyl phenlactonoate 3 (MP3) compound of formula III or Nijmegen- 1 compound of formula II for reduction in Striga emergence leading to the growth of the host plant. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method wherein the control of target parasitic plant growth is achieved by inducing the germination of parasitic root plants before sowing host plant seeds.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plants, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical combination in a range of about 10 to about 5000 g/Ha.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plants, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical combination in a range of about 50 to about 4000 g/Ha.

According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of target parasitic plants, the method comprising applying a liquid agrochemical combination in a range of about 100 to about 3000 g/Ha.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the various components of the liquid agrochemical composition can be used individually or already partially or completely mixed with one at least one other to prepare the composition according to the disclosure. It is also possible for them to be packaged and used further as composition such as a kit of parts.

The disclosure also provides a kit comprising a liquid agrochemical composition for controlling growth of target parasitic plant and instructions for use. The instructions for use typically comprise instructions for the application of the liquid agrochemical composition to the soil or target parasitic plant/weed seed thereof.

According to an embodiment, the kit comprises: a) at least one strigolactone analogue; b) at least one organic solvent; and c) at least one surfactant; and optionally further comprises: d) instructions for use.

Typically, the instructions for use comprise instructions directing a user to mix the components of the kit before application of the components of the kit to the soil or target plant/weed seed thereof. Often, the components of the kit are packaged separately. However, the disclosure is not limited to kits in which the components are packaged separately. For example, the components may be packaged together or formulated together.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the kit may include one or more, including all, components that may be used to prepare the liquid agrochemical composition, e.g., kits may include active ingredients and/or compatibility agents. One or more of the components may already be combined together or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined together and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag or canister. In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separately, i.e., not preformulated. As such, kits may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags or canisters, each container containing a separate component for liquid agrochemical composition.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition as described above is stable. It has been found that the surfactant and organic solvent provides excellent stability to the liquid agrochemical over time and at various temperatures.

According to an embodiment, the liquid agrochemical composition remains stable at ambient conditions as well as accelerated heat stability (AHS) conditions with assured overall stability of the composition for up to 2 years. All the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

While the invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments in the following examples, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. It will be understood that all tests and physical properties listed have been determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e., 25°C), unless otherwise stated herein, or unless otherwise stated in the referenced test methods and procedures. It will be understood that the specification and examples are illustrative but not limiting of the present disclosure and that other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments can be practiced that are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLES:

Example 1: Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising MP3 compound

Process:

The required quantity of MP3 compound was dissolved in cyclohexanone, followed by addition of calcium salt of alkyl benzene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyalkylene oxide block co-polymer and aromatic hydrocarbon solvent followed by high shear mixing to get the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition.

Example 2: Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition comprising Nijmegen- 1 compound

The composition was prepared by the same process as disclosed in Example 1.

Example 3: Stability of emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition

Samples of emulsifiable concentrate (EC) composition were prepared as per Examples 1 and 2 and were tested for their stability. The compositions appeared as a homogeneous liquid. The active content of MP3 and Nijmegen- 1 compounds were found to be maintained in ambient as well as in accelerated heat stability (AHS) testing wherein samples were kept at 54°C for 2 weeks, indicating that no degradation is taking place of the active ingredients. Both the compositions exhibited excellent emulsion stability with not more than 0.1% v/v sediment and no creaming. It was, thus, concluded that the composition of Example 1 and Example 2 remained quite stable in ambient as well as AHS with assured overall stability of the composition up to 2 years, as disclosed in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1: Stability of EC composition comprising MP3 compound

Table 2: Stability of EC composition comprising Nijmegen-1 compound Example 4: Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) compositions comprising

MP3 compound

Liquid compositions of MP3 compound employing various excipients had been prepared and are disclosed in Table 3. All compositions were found to be homogeneous liquids, capable of forming stable emulsions on dilution with water. No sedimentation or layer separation of the emulsions were observed for any of the compositions.

Table 3: Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) compositions of MP3 compound

Example 5: Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) compositions comprising Nijmegen- 1 compound

Liquid compositions of Nijmegen- 1 compound employing various excipients had been prepared and are disclosed in Table 4. All compositions were found to be homogeneous liquids, capable of forming stable emulsions on dilution with water. No sedimentation or layer separation of the emulsions were observed for any of the compositions.

Table 4: Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) compositions of Nijmegen-1 compound Example 6: Biological activity of the Emulsifiable concentrate (EC)composition of the strigolactone analogues

Materials and Methods:

The Striga hermonthica seeds were collected from Sudan, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Niger. Seeds of rice (cv IAC-165) were obtained from Africa Rice, Tanzania. Striga Seed Germination in Response to the EC Compositions of SL analogues under Lab Conditions:

The scheme of the experiment conducted for Striga seed germination bioassays has been disclosed in Figure 1A.

The EC-composition of strigolactone analogues MP3 27EC and Nijmegen 34EC showed about 56-59% Striga germination at a concentration of 1.0 pM. This has been disclosed in Figure IB.

Moreover, both EC compositions of strigolactone analogues induced seed germination in various Striga batches collected from Kenya, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Seed collected from Kenya showed about 9-15% Striga seed germination, followed by Burkina Faso batch with 11-13%, and Niger batch with 8-11% germination, as disclosed in Figure 1C. These outcomes indicated that EC compositions of both strigolactone analogues were able to induce germination of various ecotypes of Striga seeds throughout African countries, depending upon seed viability and dormancy.

Data are means +SE (n=4), treatments with various letters differ significantly according to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test (P<0.05).

Striga Emergence in response to the EC Compositions of SL analogues in Pots Under Greenhouse Conditions:

The EC compositions of the two SL analogues (MP3 27EC and Nijmegen 34EC) were further evaluated by applying to Striga infested pot with 1.0 pM concentration under greenhouse conditions, as disclosed in Figures 2A-B.The EC compositions of both analogues showed around 89-99% decrease of Striga emergence, as disclosed in Figure 2C. In addition, a better reduction in Striga emergence led to a better growth of the host plant, indicated by an increase of 61-71% in plant height of the host crop, as disclosed in Figure 2D.

Data are means +SE (n=4). For each SL analogue, treatments with various letters differ significantly (P<0.05). Values in parenthesis are showing the percent increase (+) or decrease (-) over blank treatment. Therefore, it has been concluded that both EC compositions of selected strigolactone analogues demonstrated a considerable reduction in Striga emergence under lab and greenhouse conditions as well as in field experiments. In addition, the inventors of the present disclosure have successfully developed the EC compositions of strigolactone analogues as suicidal germination agents that are stable, handy, and effective against Striga seeds for field application.