1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pesticidal composition comprising elemental sulphur, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The invention particularly relates to a pesticidal composition comprising elemental sulphur in the range of 40% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition; at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide selected from the group consisting of cyantraniliprole, tetraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, tetrachlorantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The pesticidal composition is in the form of granules or liquid suspension. The granules are either water dispersible granules or spheronised granules. Further, the pesticidal composition comprises granules in the size range of 0.1mm to 6mm and disperses to particles in size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The liquid suspension composition of the present invention has particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

The invention further relates to a process of preparing the pesticidal composition.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. The pesticidal efficacy of known compounds are not satisfactory for example in the area of pest control. On account of diverse practises in different regions, pesticides at times are administered at relatively higher dosages which eventually result in developing resistance among the pests thereby leading to soil toxicity and other environmental hazards besides higher economic cost.

The current pesticidal combinations available are old chemistries and repeated use of such chemical combinations have caused problems in insect pest population management like insecticide resistance, pest resurgence, secondary pest outbreak, residue related problems, toxic effect on human beings and reduced yield. There is therefore a need for novel combinations that will broaden the spectrum of activity, provide lower toxicity, non-resistant as well as promote better plant health and yield. Thus, there is an increasing demand on insecticidal compounds with reduced phytotoxicity, reduced dosage, substantial broadening of spectrum and increased safety to humans and environment, to name a few.

Restricting substantial use of chemical pesticides and identifying an insecticidal composition which is effective at low dose, causes no cross-resistance to existing products, reduces toxicity and being environment friendly is very crucial in today’s world which is striving towards chemical free pesticides with reduced dependency on chemicals. Accordingly, there exists a continuous need for new insecticidal combinations to be applied so as to provide an economical and effective solution in terms of insect control, yield, plant growth, broader crop protection spectrum, reduced number of applications, reduce the burden on the environment/farmers, healthy foliage, saves labour cost and is yet cost-effective to the end user.

Diamide insecticides such as anthranilic diamides are a new class of insecticides that provides good control through action on a novel target, the ryanodine receptor. Anthranilic diamides potentially activate this receptor, releasing stored calcium from the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum causing impaired regulation of muscle contraction and thus the cell death. The role and benefits of sulphur as a pesticide has been known for a long time. Sulphur is considered as organic in nature and is mostly available in its elemental form. The benefits of use of sulphur encompasses not only reduced dependency on use of chemicals as an effective mode of pest control but being organic in nature it is also environment friendly, increases crop yield, improves food safety, human, animal or plant health and quality of life. Different formulations such as granules, pellets, and powders are known for providing sulphur in a form for use as a fertilizer or pesticide. The use of sulphur as a fungicide, acaricide and miticide is of special importance and has been long used as an environment friendly mode of farming practice.

Pesticidal composition comprising diamide insecticides and fungicides like dithiocarbamate are known in the art but there is no disclosure of a combination comprising a diamide insecticide and sulphur.

WO20 18224915 relates to a combination of diamide insecticide with at least one fungicidally active compound and another insecticidal compound. It discloses that the pesticidal composition is effective in control of target pest due to the use of three-way combination comprising diamide insecticide, dithiocarbamate and other insecticides. WO2018224914 relates to a combination of diamide insecticide with at least one multisite fungicide compound and at least one second fungicidal compound. It discloses that the pesticidal composition is effective in control of target pest due to the use of three way combination comprising diamide insecticide, dithiocarbamate fungicide and other fungicidal active compounds. These applications are silent on efficacy and the synergy of specific combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides in a pesticidal effective amount.

CN103355343 relates to an agricultural composition containing sulfur and one or two other pesticidal actives present in ratio of 0.1-200: 1 to control a variety of crop diseases and insect pests. It states that the pesticidal actives can be either of acaricide, fungicide, insecticide or combinations thereof, and provides a laundry list of pesticidal actives. CN108911893 relates to a slow release granular composition of fertilizer, pesticide such as pymetrozine and chlorantraniliprole, slow release agent along with dispersant for controlling pest and supplementing nutrition in rice fields. These applications are silent on specific combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides in a pesticidal effective amount.

Thus, no specific pesticidal composition comprising specific combination of sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides is known or available which can be effectively used with broad spectrum pesticidal activity at lower dosage and address the drawback discussed above with the known compositions.

It was found by the present inventors that elemental sulphur when combined with anthranilic diamide insecticide including cyantraniliprole, tetraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, tetrachlorantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole in an effective amount at a specific particle size is synergistic in nature and demonstrates excellent field efficacy. The synergy is also manifested by the fact that the combination is effective even at a very low dose of anthranilic dimaide insecticide.

Sulphur is an essential active ingredient present in the composition and used in higher concentration of about 40% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition in combination with anthranilic diamide insecticide used in concentration as low as 0.1% to 3% w/w of the total composition which provides a more sustainable and ecological approach in agriculture for crop protection and nutrition.

Surprisingly, it was observed that higher loading of sulphur in combination with chemical pesticides help reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides, further reducing toxicity caused to environment and humans, lower chances of resistance in pests/ insects, avoid subsequent use of chemicals, and promote better plant health and yield. In addition to the synergistic effect of the composition of the present invention, the inventors surprisingly determined that the composition comprising elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides in an effective amount in the form of liquid suspension or granules provides excellent pest control and improves yield when the particles in the composition are present in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

The inventors found that the optimal product type to provide such organic, ecological combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides in an effective amount is a liquid suspension or granules which helps to minimize the loss of actives and provides a stable, user friendly formulation. The pesticidal combination in the form of liquid suspension and granule with a particle size in the range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns also enhances the physical nature of the formulation by providing improved suspensibility, dispersibility, improved viscosity, instant dispersion of actives on application via soil or foliar route which provides effective control of target insect pest.

Thus, the inventors of the present invention have developed a stable pesticidal granular or liquid suspension composition comprising elemental sulphur in the range of 40% w/w to 95%w/w of the total composition, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide selected from the group consisting of at least one of cyantraniliprole, tetraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, tetrachlorantraniliprole chlorantraniliprole, in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3 % w/w of the total composition, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein particles are present in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 micron. The pesticidal composition is synergistic in nature and provides crop protection and a nutritional agent at reduced dosage. The composition has granule size in the range of from 0.1mm to 6mm and disperses to particles having size range of 0.1 micron to 50 micron. The pesticidal composition of the present invention not only eliminates the associated drawbacks as noted in the preceding paragraphs, but also provides a superior composition which is otherwise difficult to achieve in a cost-effective manner.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a pesticidal composition, comprising elemental sulphur in the range of 40% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition; at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition is in the form of water dispersible granules or spheronised granules; and, wherein the granule size is in the range of 0.1mm to 6 mm; wherein the granules disperse into particles in the size range of O.lmicron to 50 microns.

The invention relates to a liquid suspension pesticidal composition, comprising: elemental sulphur in the range of 40% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition; at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition; and, at least one agrochemical excipient; and, wherein particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

The invention also relates to a process for preparing the granular pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible, the process comprising: a) milling blend of elemental sulphur and at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain a slurry or wet mix and b) drying the wet mix to obtain the water dispersible granular composition; wherein the granules of the composition comprise of granules in size range of 0.1 to 2.5mm.

The invention also relates to a process for preparing the granular pesticidal composition in the form of spheronised granule, the process comprising: a) milling blend of elemental sulphur and at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain a slurry or wet mix; b) drying the wet mix to obtain the granular composition; wherein the granules of the composition comprise of granules in size range of 0.1 to 2.5mm and c) water is added to the dry powder and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the extruded granules in a size range of 0.1 mm to 6 mm; or agglomerating the wet mix or dry powder obtained in step (b) in an agglomerator to obtain granular composition in a size range of 0.1 mm to 6 mm.

The invention also relates to a process of preparation of the liquid suspension pesticidal composition, the process comprising: homogenizing mixture of elemental sulphur, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that such specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed. Also, unless denoted otherwise percentage of components in a composition are presented as weight percent. Sulphur used in the composition refers to elemental sulphur.

The granules refer mainly to water dispersible granules, extruded granules or spheronised granules. A water dispersible granule is defined as a formulation which disperses or dissolves rapidly when added to water to give a fine particle suspension. As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules.

As described herein, “GR” refer to extruded granules or spheronised granules.

A liquid suspension encompasses, “aqueous suspension” or aqueous dispersion” or “suspension concentrate (SC)” composition. Liquid suspension is defined as composition wherein solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid as a vehicle can be water and/or a water miscible solvent.

The present invention relates to a pesticidal composition comprising elemental sulphur, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The present invention relates to a pesticidal composition, comprising: an elemental sulphur in the range of 40% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition, and at least one agrochemical excipient. The pesticidal composition of the present invention is in the form of granules or liquid suspension.

The granular pesticidal composition is in the form of either water dispersible granules or spheronised granules.

The granular composition has granules in the size range of 0.1mm to 6mm which disperses into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

The liquid suspension composition also has particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40% w/w to 90% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40% w/w to 70% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40% w/w to 60%w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 40%w/w to 50%w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide is selected particularly from the group consisting of cyantraniliprole, tetraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, tetrachlorantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole.

According to an embodiment, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 2% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 1.5% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide is present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 1% w/w of the total composition.

According to further embodiment, the particle size of the liquid suspension composition is in the range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. According to further embodiment, the particle size of the liquid suspension composition is in the range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. According to further embodiment, the particle size of the liquid suspension composition is in the range of 0.1 micron to 25 microns. According to further embodiment, the particle size of the liquid suspension composition is in the range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns. According to further embodiment, the particle size of the liquid suspension composition is in the range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition is in the form of spheronised granules, wherein the granules are in the size range of 0.1 to 6 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 4 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 2.5 mm. The granules disperse into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition is in the form of water dispersible granules, wherein the granules are in the size range of 0.1 to 2.5 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 2 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 1.5 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 1 mm, preferably in the size range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The granules disperse into particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, preferably in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. According to further embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient comprises at least one of surfactants, binders or binding agents, disintegrating agents, fillers or carriers or diluents, coating agents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, antifoaming agents or defoamers, penetrants, ultraviolet absorbents, UV ray scattering agents, stabilizers, pigments, colorants, structuring agents, chelating or complexing or sesquitering agents,, thickeners, suspending agents or suspension aid agents or anticaking agents or anti-settling agents, viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers, tackifiers, humectants, sticking agents, anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants, water miscible solvents and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agrochemically acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible or spheronised granules further comprises at least one agrochemical excipient which includes disintegrating agent, surfactant, binders or fillers or carriers or diluent, antifoaming agent, ultraviolet absorbents, UV ray scattering agents, anticaking agent or antisettling or suspension aid or suspending agent, penetrating agent, sticking agent, tackifier, pigments, colorants, stabilizers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agrochemically acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the liquid pesticidal composition further comprises at least one agrochemical excipient which includes at least one structuring agent, surfactant, humectants, water miscible solvents, suspending agents or suspension aid or anticaking agent or antisettling, penetrating agent, sticking agents, ultraviolet absorbents, UV ray scattering agents, buffer or pH adjuster or neutralizing agent, stabilizer, antifreezing agent or freeze point depressants, antifoaming agents,. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agrochemically acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 10% w/w to 95% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 80% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 70% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 60% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 50% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 40% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is present in the range of from 5% w/w to 30% w/w of the total composition

According to an embodiment, the surfactants include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents. According to an embodiment, the surfactants which are used in the pesticidal composition include one or more of anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric and polymeric surfactants.

The anionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to a salt of fatty acid, a benzoate, a polycarboxylate, a salt of alkylsulfuric acid ester, alkyl ether sulfates, an alkyl sulfate, an alkylarylsulfate, an alkyl diglycol ether sulfate, a salt of alcohol sulfuric acid ester, an alkyl sulfonate, an alkylaryl sulfonate, an aryl sulfonate, a lignin sulfonate, an alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, a polystyrene sulfonate, a salt of alkylphosphoric acid ester, an alkylaryl phosphate, a styrylaryl phosphate, sulfonate docusates, a salt of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether sulfate, alkyl sarcosinates, alpha olefin sulfonate sodium salt, alkyl benzene sulfonate or its salts, sodium lauroylsarcosinate, sulfosuccinates, polyacrylates, polyacrylates - free acid and sodium salt, salt of polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether sulfuric acid ester, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, a salt of polyoxyethylenealkylaryl phosphoric acid ester, sulfosuccinates -mono and other diesters, phosphate esters, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate-isopropyl and butyl derivatives, alkyl ether sulfates -sodium and ammonium salts; alkyl aryl ether phosphates, ethylene oxides and its derivatives, a salt of polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphoric acid ester, mono-alkyl sulphosuccinates, aromatic hydrocarbon sulphonates, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, ammonium laurylsulphate, ammonium perfluorononanoate, Docusate, Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, Magnesium laurethsulfate, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, Perfluorononanoic acid, carboxylates, Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, Perfluorooctanoic acid, Phospholipid, Potassium lauryl sulfate, Soap, Soap substitute, Sodium alkyl sulfate, Sodium dodecyl sulfate, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium laurate, Sodium laurethsulfate, Sodium lauroylsarcosinate, Sodium myrethsulfate, Sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, alkyl carboxylates, Sodium stearate, alpha olefin sulphonates, naphthalene sulfonate salts, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate fatty acid salts, naphthalene sulfonate condensates-sodium salt, fluoro carboxylate, fatty alcohol sulphates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensates-sodium salt, a naphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde or a salt of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde; or salts, derivatives thereof.

Cationic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to Dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, Alkyl methyl ethoxylated ammonium chlorides or salts, Dodecyl-, Coco-, Hexadecyl-, Octadecyl-, Octadecyl/Behenyl-, Behenyl-, Cocoamidopropyl-, Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride; Coco-, Stearyl-, bis(2- hydroxyethyl)Methyl Ammonium Chloride, Benzalkonium Chloride, Alkyl-, Tetradecyl-, Octadecyl-Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, Dioctyl-, Di(Octyl- Decyl)-, Didecyl-, Dihexadecyl-Distearyl-, Di(Hydrogenated Tallow)-Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Di(Hydrogenated Tallow) Benzyl-, Trioctyl-, Tri(Octyl- Decyl)-, Tridodecyl-, Trihexadecyl-Methyl Ammonium Chloride, Dodecyl Trimethyl-, Dodecyl Dimethyl Benzyl-, Di-(Octyl-Decyl) Dimethyl, Didecyl Dimethyl-Ammonium Bromide, quatemised amine ethoxylates, Behentrimonium chloride, Benzalkonium chloride, Benzethonium chloride, Benzododecinium bromide, Bronidox, quaternary ammonium salts Carbethopendecinium bromide, Cetalkonium chloride, Cetrimonium bromide, Cetrimonium chloride, Cetylpyridinium chloride, Didecyldimethylammonium chloride, Dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium bromide, Dimethyldioctadecyl-ammonium chloride, Domiphen bromide, Lauryl methyl gluceth-10 hydroxypropyldimonium chloride, Octenidine dihydrochloride, Olaflur, N-Oleyl-1, 3-propanediamine, Pahutoxin, Stearalkonium chloride, Tetramethylammonium hydroxide, Thonzonium bromide; salts or derivatives thereof. The non-ionic surfactants include one or more of but not limited to polyol esters, polyol fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated esters, polyethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated alcohols, Ethylene oxide (EO)/ Propylene oxide (PO) copolymers; EO and PO block copolymers, di, tri-block copolymers; block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamers, polysorbates, alkyl polysaccharides such as alkyl polyglycosidesand blends thereof, amine ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester, glycol and glycerol esters, glucosidyl alkyl ethers, sodium tallowate, polyoxyethylene glycol, sorbitan alkyl esters, sorbitan derivatives, fatty acid esters of sorbitan (Spans) and their ethoxylated derivatives (Tweens), and sucrose esters of fatty acids, Cetostearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), Cocamide monoethanolamine (MEA), Decyl glucoside, Decylpolyglucose, Glycerol monostearate, Lauryl glucoside, Maltosides, Monolaurin, Narrow-range ethoxylate, Nonidet P-40, Nonoxynol-9, Nonoxynols, Octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, N-Octyl beta-D-thioglucopyranoside, Octyl glucoside, Oleyl alcohol, PEG- 10 sunflower glycerides, Pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, Polidocanol, Poloxamer, Poloxamer 407, Polyethoxylated tallow amine, Polyglycerol polyricinoleate, Polysorbate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan, Sorbitanmonolaurate, Sorbitanmonostearate, Sorbitantristearate, Stearyl alcohol, Surfactin, glyceryl laureate, lauryl glucoside, nonylphenolpolyethoxyethanols, nonyl phenol polyglycol ether, castor oil ethoxylate, polyglycol ethers, polyadducts of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymer of polyalkylene glycol ether and hydroxystearic acid, tributylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol, octylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol, etho- propoxylatedtristyrlphenols, ethoxylated alcohols, polyoxy ethylene sorbitan, fatty acid polyglyceride, a fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ether, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, an oxyalkylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylenestyrylaryl ether, a polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ether, polyethylene glycol, a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethyleneglycerin fatty acid ester, Alcohol ethoxylates- C6 to 06/18 alcohols, linear and branched, Alcohol alkoxylates- various hydrophobes and EO/PO contents and ratios, Fatty acid esters-mono and diesters; lauric, stearic and oleic; Glycerol esters- with and without EO; lauric, stearic, cocoa and tall oil derived, Ethoxylated glycerine, Sorbitan esters- with and without EO; lauric, stearic and oleic based; mono and trimesters, Castor oil ethoxylates-5 to 200 moles EO; non-hydrogenated and hydrogenated, Block polymers, Amine oxides- ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated; alkyl dimethyl, Fatty amine ethoxylates- coco, tallow, stearyl, oleyl amines, a polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil or a polyoxypropylene fatty acid ester; salts or derivatives thereof.

Amphoteric or Zwitterionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to one or more of betaine, coco and lauryl amidopropyl betaines, Coco Alkyl Dimethyl Amine Oxides, alkyl dimethyl betaines; C8 to Cl 8, Alkyl dipropionates -sodium lauriminodipropionate, Cocoamidopropyl hydroxyl sulfobetaine, imidazolines, phospholipids phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelins, Lauryl Dimethylamine Oxide, alkyl amphoacetates and proprionates, alkyl Ampho(di)acetates, and di-proprionates, lecithin and ethanolamine fatty amides; or salts, derivatives thereof.

Surfactants that are commercially available under the trademark but are not limited to one or more of Atlas G5000, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC®, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol®X, Genapol®OX -080, Genapol® C 100, Emulsogen® EL 200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer 8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS 15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 7961P, Soprophor TSP/461, Soprophor TSP/724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, Cetomacrogol 1000, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton N-101, Triton X- 100, Tween 20, 40, 60, 65, 80, Span20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120, Brij®, Atlox 4912, Atlas G5000, TERMUL 3512, TERMUL 3015, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC®, ECOTERIC® T85, ECOTERIC® T20, TERIC 12A4, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol®X, Genapol®OX -080, Genapol® C 100, Emulsogen® EL 200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer 8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS 15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 7961P, Soprophor TSP/461, Soprophor TSP/724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton™ N-101, IGEPAL CA-630 and Isoceteth-20.

However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The surfactants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment; the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w/w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the water miscible solvents used in the agricultural composition include water miscible solvents. The water miscible solvents include, but are not limited to 1, 4-Dioxane, Ethylene glycol, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3- Propanediol, 1,5-Pentanediol, Propylene glycol, Triethylene glycol, 1,2- Butanediol, 1,3-Butanediol, 1,4-Butanediol, Dimethylformamide, Dimethoxyethane, Dimethyloctanamide, Dimethyldecanamide. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water miscible solvents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 95% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of inorganic water soluble salts e.g. sodium chloride, nitrate salts; water soluble organic compounds such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, gelatin, casein, microcrystalline cellulose, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose calcium, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, a cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL-10 (crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone),, sulfonated styrene-isobutylene- maleic anhydride copolymer, salts of polyacrylates of methacrylates, starch- polyacrylonitrile graft copolymer, sodium or potassium bicarbonates/ carbonates or their mixtures or salts with acids such as citric and fumaric acid or salts, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different disintegrating agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The disintegrating agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w/w of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the hydrophobic agents include one or more of, but not limited to modified starch, hydrophobically modified silicates, bentonite, attapulgite, talc, metal stearates and fluorinated silanes. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different hydrophobic agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the hydrophobic agent is present in the concentration of 0.1% to 50% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the binding agents or binders which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of proteins, lipoproteins, lipids, glycolipid, glycoprotein, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, complex organic substance, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different binding agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The binding agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to further embodiment, the binding agent is present in an amount of 0.1 % to 30% w/w of the composition. According to further embodiment, the binding agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w/w of the composition. According to further embodiment, the binding agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w/w of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the carriers which are used in the agricultural composition include, but are not limited to one or more of solid carriers or fillers or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carriers include mineral carriers, plant carriers, synthetic carriers, water-soluble carriers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The carriers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

The solid carriers include natural minerals like clay such as china clay, acid clay, kaolin such as kaolinite, dickite, nacrite, and halloysite, serpentines such as chrysotile, lizardite, antigorite, and amesite, synthetic and diatomaceous silicas, montmorillonite minerals such as sodium montmorillonite, smectites, such as saponite, hectorite, sauconite, and hyderite, micas, such as pyrophyllite, talc, agalmatolite, muscovite, phengite, sericite, and illite, silicas such as cristobaliteand quartz, such as attapulgite and sepiolite; vermiculite, laponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated aluminas, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, volclay, vermiculites, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, charcoal, silicas, wet process silicas, dry process silicas, calcined products of wet process silicas, surface-modified silicas, mica, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, derivatives thereof; chalks (Omya ®), fuller's earth, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, slaked lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch (Pineflow, available from Matsutani Chemical industry Co., Ltd.), cellulose, plant carriers such as cellulose, chaff, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, and soyabean flour, tobacco powder, a vegetable powder polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(vinylidene chloride), methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, propylene glycol alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymer, casein sodium, sucrose, salt cake, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and malic acid or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available Silicates are Aerosil brands, Sipemat brands as Sipemat ® 50S and CALFLO E, and kaolin 1777. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different solid carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The solid carriers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 98% w/w of the composition. According to further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% w/w of the composition. According to further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w/w of the composition. According to further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w/w of the composition. According to further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the antifoaming agents or defoamers which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of silica, siloxane, silicone dioxide, polydimethyl siloxane, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers, polyethylene glycol, Silicone oils and magnesium stearate or derivatives thereof. Preferred antifoaming agents include silicone emulsions (such as, e.g., Silikon® SRE, Wacker or Rhodorsil® from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, fluoro-organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known antifoaming agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifoaming agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the anti foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the pH- adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents which are used in the agricultural composition include both acids and bases of the organic or inorganic type and mixtures thereof. According to further embodiment, pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents include, but not limited to one or more of organic acids, inorganic acids and alkali metal compounds or salts, derivatives thereof. According to an embodiment, the organic acids include, but not limited to one or more of citric, malic, adipic, fumaric, maleic, succinic, and tartaric acid, or salts, derivatives thereof; and the mono-, di-, or tribasic salts of these acids or derivatives thereof. Alkali metal compounds include, but not limited to one or more of hydroxides of alkali metals such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, carbonates of alkali metals such as sodium carbonate, hydrogen carbonates of alkali metals such as sodium hydrogen carbonate and alkali metal phosphates such as sodium phosphate and mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment, the salts of inorganic acids include, but not limited to one or more of alkali metal salts such as lithium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, lithium sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and the like. Mixtures can also be used to create a pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The pH-adjusters or buffers or neutralizing agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the pH-adjusters or buffers are present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the pH-adjusters or buffers are present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the pH-adjusters or buffers are present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the pH-adjusters or buffers are present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the spreading agents which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of cellulose powder, dextrin, modified starch, crosslinked poly(vinylpyrrolidone), a copolymer of maleic acid with a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, a half ester of a polymer consisting of polyhydric alcohol with dicarboxylic anhydride, a water-soluble salt of polystyrene sulfonic acid, fatty acids, latex, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycol, polyethers, clatharates or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known spreading agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The spreading agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the sticking agents which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of paraffin, a polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, polyvinyl alkyl ether, an alkylphenol-formalin condensate, fatty acids, latex, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycol, polyethers, clatharates, a synthetic resin emulsion or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known sticking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The sticking agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the sticking agent can be present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the sticking agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 15% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the stabilizers which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of peroxide compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, alkyl nitrites such as ethyl nitrite and alkyl glyoxylates such as ethyl glyoxylate, zeolite, antioxidants such as phenol compounds, phosphoric acid compounds and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known stabilizers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The stabilizers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the preservatives which are used in the agricultural composition include but not limited to, one or more of bactericides, anti-fungal agents, biocides, anti-microbial agents, and antioxidant. Non limiting examples of preservatives include one or more of paraben, its esters and salts, propionic acid and its salts, 2,4-hexadienoic acid (sorbic acid) and its salt, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, 2-hydroxybiphenyl ether and its salts, inorganic sulfites and bisulfites, sodium iodate, chlorobutanol, dehydraacetic acid, formic acid, l,6-bis(4- amidino-2-bromophenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, 5-amino- 1, 3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)- 5-methylhexahydropyrimidine, 5-bromo-5-nitro- 1 ,3-dioxane, 2-bromo-2- nitropropane-l,3-diol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(3,4- dichlorophenyl) urea, 4-chloro-m-cresol, 2,4,4 '-trichloro-2 '-hydroxy diphenyl ether, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethyl phenol, l,l'-methylene-bis(3-(l -hydroxy methyl-2, 4- di-oximidazolidin-5-yl)urea), poly(hexamethylenediguanide) hydrochloride, 2- phenoxyethanol, hexamethylenetetramine, l-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-l-azonia- adamantane chloride, 1 (4-chlorophenoxy)- 1 -( lH-imidazol- 1 -yl)-3 ,3-dimethyl-2- butanone, l,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, benzyl alcohol, octopirox, l,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 2,2'-methylenebis(6-bromo-4- chlorophenol), bromochlorophene, dichlorophene, 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol, 2- chloroacetamide, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine acetate, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, l-phenoxypropan-2-ol, N-alkyl(C12- C22)trimethylammonium bromide and chloride, 4, 4-dimethyl- 1,3-oxazolidine, N- hydroxymethyl-N-(l,3-di(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin -4-yl)-N'- hydroxymethylurea, l,6-bis(4-amidinophenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, glutaraldehyde, 5 -ethyl- 1 -aza-3 ,7 -dioxabicyclo(3.3.0)octane, 3 -(4- chlorophenoxy)propane- 1 ,2-diol, Hyamine, alkyl(C8-C 18)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl(C8-C18)dimethylbenzylammonium bromide, alkyl(C8- C18)dimethylbenzylammoniumsaccharinate, benzyl hemiformal, 3-iodo-2- propynyl butylcarbamate, sodium hydroxymethylaminoacetate, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, and derivatives of 2H isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives) such as alkylisothiazolones (for example 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MGG; chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol- 3 -one, CIT), benzoisothiazolones (for example l,2-benzoisothiazol-3(2H)-one, BIT, commercially available as Proxel® types from ICI) or 2-methyl-4,5- trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MTIT), Cl-C4-alkyl para-hydroxybenzoate, an dichlorophene, Proxel® from ICI or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Rohm & Haas, Bacto-100, thimerosal, Sodium Propinoate, Sodium Benzoate, Propyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben Sodum, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Benzoate, Phenyl Mercuric Nitrate, Phenyl Etehyl Alcohol, Sodium, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Bezyla Alcohol, Benzothonium Chloride, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Benzalkonium Chloride, l,2-benzothiazol-3-one, Preventol® (Lanxess®), Butylhydroxytoluene, potassium sorbate, iodine- containing organic compounds such as 3-bromo-2,3-diiodo-2-propenyl ethyl carbonate, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, 2,3,3-triiodo allyl alcohol, and parachlorophenyl-3-iodopropargylformal; benzimidazole compounds and benzthiazole compounds such as 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and 2- thiocyanomethylthiobenzo-thiazole; triazole compounds such as l-(2-(2',4'- dichlorophenyl)- 1 ,3 -dioxolane-2-ylmethyl)- 1 H- 1 ,2,4-triazole, 1 -(2-(2 ',4 '-dichloro phenyl)-4-propyl-l,3-dioxolane-2-ylmethyl)-lH- 1,2, 4-triazole, and a-(2-(4- chlorophenyl) ethyl)-a-( 1,1 -dimethyl ethyl)- 1H- 1,2, 4-triazole- 1 -ethanol; and naturally occurring compounds such as 4-isopropyl tropolone (hinokitiol) and boraxor salts or derivatives thereof. Antioxidants includes but not limited to one or more of imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g. urocanic acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-t- butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), penta erythrityl tetrakis[3- (3,5,-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)] propionate; amine antioxidants such as N,N'-di- 2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine; hydroquinoline antioxidants such as 2,5-di(t- amyl)hydroquinoline; phosphorus-containing antioxidants such as triphenyl phosphate, caro- tenoids, carotenes (e.g. a-carotene, b-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, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl, lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, g-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof), and salts thereof, dilaurylthiodipropionate, distearylthiodipropion- ate, thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts), and sulfoximine compounds (e.g. buthioninesulfoximi- nes, homocysteine sulfoximine, buthionine sulfones, penta-, hexa-, heptathioninesul- foximine) in very low tolerated doses (e.g. pmol/kg to pmol/kg), a-hydroxy acids (e.g. citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acids, gallic esters (e.g. propyl, octyl and dodecyl gallate), unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives, hydroquinone and derivatives thereof (e.g. arbutin), ubiquinone and ubiquinol, and derivatives thereof, ascorbyl palmitate, stearate, di- palmitate, acetate, Mg ascorbyl phosphates, diso- diumascorbyl phosphate and sulfate, potassium ascorbyltocopheryl phosphate, isoascorbic acid and derivatives thereof, the coniferyl benzoate of benzoin resin, rutin, rutinic acid and derivatives thereof, disodium rutinyldisulfate, dibutylhydroxytoluene, 4,4-thiobis-6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol, butylhydroxy anisole, p-octylphenol, mono-(di- or tri-) methyl benzylphenol, 2,6-tert-butyl-4- methylphenol, pentaerythritol-tetrakis 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl)propionate, 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, trans- stilbene oxide). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known preservatives without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preservatives are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the preservative or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w/w of the total composition. According to further embodiment, the preservative or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w/w of the total composition. According to further embodiment, the preservative or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w/w of the total composition. According to further embodiment, the preservative or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the agricultural composition include, but not limited to one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, suspension aids, rheological modifiers or anti settling agents. A structuring agent prevents sedimentation of the active ingredient particles after prolonged storage.

According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the aqueous suspension composition include, but not limited to one or more polymers such as polyacrylics, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides, hydrophobic ally modified cellulose derivatives, co-polymers of cellulose derivatives, carboxyvinyl or polyvinyl pyrrolidones, polyethylenes, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives; clays such as bentonite clays, kaolin, smectite, attapulgites, attaclays with high surface area silica and natural gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, rhamsan gum, locust bean gum, carageenan, welan gum, veegum, gelatin, dextrin, collagen; polyacrylic acids and their sodium salts; the polyglycol ethers of fatty alcohols and polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide condensation products and mixtures thereof and include ethoxylated alkyl phenols (also designated in the art as alkylaryl poly ether alcohols); ethoxylated aliphatic alcohols (or alkyl polyether alcohols); ethoxylated fatty acids (or polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters); ethoxylatedanhydrosorbitol esters (or polyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters), long chain amine and cyclic amine oxides which are nonionic in basic solutions; long chain tertiary phosphine oxides; and long chain dialkyl sulfoxides, fumed silica, mixture of fumed silica and fumed aluminium oxide, swellable polymers, polyamides or its derivatives; polyols such as glycerine, poly(vinyl acetate), sodium polyacrylate, poly(ethylene glycol), phospholipid (for example, cephalin, and the like); stachyose, fructo-oligosaccharides, amylose, pectins, alginates, hydrocolloids and mixtures thereof. Also, celluloses such as hemicellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxy-methyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl propyl cellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose; starches such, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkyl starches, dextrins, maltodextrin, com starch, amine starches, phosphates starches, and dialdehyde starches; plant starches such as com starch and potato starch; other carbohydrates such as pectin, dextrin, amylopectin, xylan, glycogen, agar, gluten, alginic acid, phycocolloids, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known structuring agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred stmcturing agents include one or more of xanthan gum, guar gum, aluminum silicate, methyl cellulose and its derivatives, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, and polyvinyl alcohol. The stmcturing agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the stmcturing agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 4% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 3% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the stmcturing agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 2% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the stmcturing agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the stmcturing agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 0.1% w/w of the composition. According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents or antisettling agent or suspending agents used include one or more of, but not limited to polysaccharides such as starch, mannose, galactose, cellulose derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose; gums such as sagar, carrageenan, alginates, arabic, tragacanth, karaya, ghatti , guar, dextran, starches including pregelatinized and modified starches, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), fumed silica (white carbon), ester gum, a petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearylether, Aerosol® OT-B sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, Silwet® L-77 silicone -polyether copolymer, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkylsulfosuccinates, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anti caking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention anticaking agents or antisettling agent or suspending agents or suspension aids are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the anti-caking agent or antisettling agent or suspending agents or suspension aids is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the anti-caking agent or antisettling agent or suspending agents or suspension aids is present in an amount of 0.01% to 15% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the anti-caking agent or antisettling agent or suspending agents or suspension aids is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the antifreezing agents or freezing point depressants used in the aqueous suspension composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, butyrolactone, N,N-dimethyl-formamide, glycerol, monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, glycol ethers, glycol monoethers such as the methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl ether of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, glycol diethers such as methyl and ethyl diethers of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and dipropyleneglycol.or urea, glycerol, isopropanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, di- or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether or cyclohexanol, carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylose, arabinose, sorbitol, mannitol, trehalose, raffinose or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different antifreezing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifreezing agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the antifreezing agent is present an amount of from 0.1% to 20% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the penetrant which is used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of alcohol, glycol, glycol ether, ester, amine, alkanolamine, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium compound, triglyceride, fatty acid ester, fatty acid ether, N-methyl pyrrolidone, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide, or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propane monooleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propanedioleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylol propanetrioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different penetrants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The penetrants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the penetrant is present an amount of from 0.01% to 10% w/w of the total composition.

According to an embodiment, the ultraviolet absorbent is selected from, but not limited to one or more of 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, 2-ethoxy- 2'-ethyloxazalic acid bisanilide, succinic acid dimethyl- l-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4- hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine polycondensate, benzotriazole compounds such as 2-(2 '-hydroxy-5 '-methylphenyl)benzotriazole and 2-(2 '-hydroxy-4 '-n- octoxyphenyl)benzo triazole; benzophenone compounds such as 2-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzophenone and 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone; salicylic acid compounds such as phenyl salicylate and p-t-butylphenyl salicylate; 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3, 3-diphenyl acrylate, 2-ethoxy-2 '-ethyl oxalic bisanilide, and dimethyl succinate- 1 -(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine poly condensate or derivatives or the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different ultraviolet absorbents, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such ultraviolet absorbents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the UV ray scattering agents include, but not limited to titanium dioxide or the like may be used. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different UV ray scattering agents or mixtures thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such UV ray scattering agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

According to an embodiment, the humectant is selected from, but not limited to one or more of polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers, such as the Synperonic PE series of copolymers available from Uniqema or salts, derivatives thereof. Other humectants are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly (ethylene glycol), poly (propylene glycol), glycerol and the like; polyhydric alcohol or derivatives thereof. Also other humectants include aloe vera gel, alpha hydroxyl acids such as lactic acid, albumin, glyceryl triacetate, honey, calcium chloride, etc. The non-ionic surfactants mentioned above also act as humectants. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known humectants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The humectants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1 % to 30% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 20% w/w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% w/w of the total composition.

It has been surprisingly found that the pesticidal composition of the present invention has enhanced and improved physical properties of dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, provides ease of handling and also reduces the loss of material while handling the product at the time of packaging as well as during field application.

Wettability is the condition or the state of being wettable and can be defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, measured by the force of adhesion between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of the granular composition is measured using the Standard CIPAC Test MT-53 which describes a procedure for the determination of the time of complete wetting of wettable formulations. A weighed amount of the granular composition is dropped on water in a beaker from a specified height and the time for complete wetting was determined. According to another embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or spheronised granules has wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, the pesticidal composition has wettability of less than 1 minute. According to another embodiment, the pesticidal composition has wettability of less than 30 seconds. According to another embodiment, the pesticidal composition has wettability of less than 15 seconds.

The spheronised granular composition is formulated in a manner such that it is imparted with sufficient hardness which prevents the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Shimadzu, Brinell Hardness (AKB-3000 Model), Mecmesin, Agilent, Vinsyst, Ametek and Rockwell. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 100 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 90 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 80 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 70 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 60 Newton. According to an embodiment, the hardness exhibited by the granules is less than 50 Newton.

According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granular composition of the present invention has almost no hardness.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule or liquid suspension passes the wet sieve retention test. The test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible material in formulations that are applied as dispersions in water. The wet sieve retention value of the agrochemical composition in the form of liquid suspension and granules is measured by using the Standard CIPAC Test MT-185 which describes a procedure for the measuring the amount of material retained on the sieve. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water and the suspension formed is transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of the material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule or liquid suspension has a wet sieve retention value on a 75- micron sieve of less than 0.5%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.2%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.1%. The wet sieve retention value of less than 0.5% indicate that the pesticidal composition helps in easy application of the formulation preventing clogging of the nozzles or filter equipment. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of liquid suspension does not sediment or settle on storage and is easily pourable. This property can be measured in terms of viscosity of the fluid which is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or tensile stress.

According to an embodiment, viscosity of the liquid composition is determined as per CIPAC MT-192. A sample is transferred to a standard measuring system. The measurement is carried out under different shear conditions and the apparent viscosities are determined. During the test, the temperature of the liquid is kept constant.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 3000 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 2500 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 2000 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1500 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 1200 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of about less than 500 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 400 cps. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has viscosity at 25° C. of about 10 cps to about 300 cps.

According to an embodiment, the liquid suspension composition of the present invention is easily pourable. The pourability is the measure of percent of residue.

According to an embodiment, the pourability of the pesticidal composition is determined as per CIPAC MT- 148.1 by allowing the liquid suspension to stand for 24-hour and the amount remaining in the container after a standardized pouring procedure is determined. The container is rinsed and the amount then remaining is determined and the maximum residue in percent is calculated. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the pesticidal composition is less than 5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the pesticidal composition is preferably less than 2.5% residue. According to further embodiment, the pourability of the pesticidal composition is more preferably less than 2.0% residue.

Dispersibility of the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible or spheronised granule and liquid suspension is a measure of percent dispersion. Dispersibility is calculated by the minimum percent dispersion. Dispersibility is defined as the ability of the granules to disperse upon addition to a liquid such as water or a solvent. Dispersibility of the granular composition of the present application, was determined as per the standard CIPAC test, MT 174. A known amount of the granular composition was added to a defined volume of water and mixed by stirring to form a suspension. After standing for a short period, the top nine-tenths are drawn off and the remaining tenth dried and determined gravimetrically. The method is virtually a shortened test of suspensibility and is appropriate for establishing the ease with which the granular composition dispersed uniformly in water.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 30%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of at least 99%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a dispersibility of 100%.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule exhibits almost instantaneous dispersion.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of spheronised granule makes the actives available instantaneously and also over a longer period which may extend throughout the crop cycle, providing an immediate and sustained release of actives eventually strengthening and protecting the crop at each and every stage of the crop cycle.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or spheronised granule, liquid suspension exhibits good suspensibility. Suspensibility is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid, of stated height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The water dispersible granules can be tested for suspensibility as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 184 Test for Suspensibility” whereby a suspension of known concentration of the composition in CIPAC Standard Water was prepared and placed in a prescribed measuring cylinder at a constant temperature, and allowed to remain undisturbed for a specified time. The top 9/lOths were drawn off and the remaining 1/lOth was then assayed chemically, gravimetrically, or by solvent extraction, and the suspensibility was calculated.

The suspensibility of the liquid suspension is the amount of active ingredient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid, of stated height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The suspensibility of liquid suspension concentrate is determined as per CIPAC MT- 161 by preparing 250 ml of diluted suspension, allowing it to stand in a measuring cylinder under defined conditions, and removing the top nine-tenths. The remaining tenth is then assayed chemically, gravimetrically or by solvent extraction, and the suspensibility is calculated.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 30%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has suspensibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of at least 99%. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition has a suspensibility of 100%.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible granule or spheronised granule, liquid suspension demonstrates superior stability in terms of suspensibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS). According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates suspensibility of more than 30% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 90% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 80% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 70% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates dispersibility of more than 30% under ATS.

According to an embodiment, the pesticidal composition demonstrates superior stability towards heat, light, temperature and caking. The composition does not form a hard cake and exhibits enhanced stability even at extended storage under higher temperatures which in turn results in superior field performance. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the pesticidal composition is at least 3 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the pesticidal composition is at least 2 years. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the pesticidal composition is at least 1 year. According to further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the pesticidal composition is at least 6 months.

According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to process of preparing composition of the present invention comprising elemental sulphur present in the range of 40% w/w to 95 % w/w of the total composition, at least one antranilic diamide insecticide present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition in the form of water dispersible granules or spheronised granules, liquid suspension wherein the composition has particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. According to another embodiment, the pesticidal composition in the form of water dispersible granules or spheronised granules, is made by various techniques such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, pan granulation, pin agglomerator, spheronizer, freeze drying etc. The granules can also be extruded through the extruded to obtain extruded granules.

According to an embodiment, the process of preparing a water dispersible granular composition involves milling a blend of elemental sulphur and at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide; with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain slurry or a wet mix. The wet mix obtained is then dried, for instance in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer or any suitable granulating equipment, followed by sieving to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain water dispersible granules of the desired size if required. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain water dispersible granular composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to another embodiment, the invention further relates to the process for preparing the spheronised granules which involves milling a blend of elemental sulphur and at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide; with at least one agrochemical excipient to obtain slurry or a wet mix. The wet mix obtained is then dried, for instance in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer or any suitable granulating equipment, followed by sieving to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain granules. The powder or the fine granules is further subjected to agglomeration in an agglomerator to obtain granules of size 0.1 mm to 6mm. The agglomerator can include various equipments such as a disc pelletizer or pan granulator, pin agglomerator, spheronizer, or combinations Water can also be added to powder or fine granules to obtain dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the granules of desired size. The granules can also be formed with hot melt extrusion. The granules obtained from the granulator can also be dried in open air or air-dried, to remove residual moisture, if any. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a process for preparing the liquid suspension composition.

According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a process of preparation of the liquid suspension pesticidal composition, the process comprising: homogenizing mixture of elemental sulphur, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns.

According to an embodiment, the process of preparing the liquid suspension, involves homogenization of one or more of excipients by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. Elemental Sulphur and at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide are added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 5 to 10 minutes until the total mixture becomes homogeneous. Subsequently, the suspension obtained is passed through the wet mill to obtain a desired particle size in the range of 0.1 to 50 microns. Then, requisite quantity of the structuring agent is added to the obtained suspension, under continuous homogenization. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain liquid suspension composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention is at least one of a pesticide compositions, a crop protection composition, a fertilizer composition, a crop strengthener composition, a yield enhancer composition. According to an embodiment, the invention also relates to a method of protecting the crop, controlling insect pest, improving the crop health and growth, enhancing the crop yield, strengthening the plant, increasing crop defense, the method comprising treating at least one of seed, crops, a plant, plant propagation material, locus, parts thereof or to the surrounding soil with effective amount of the pesticidal composition which includes elemental sulphur present in the range of 40 % w/w to 95 % w/w of the total composition, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide present in the range of 0.1% w/w to 3% w/w of the total composition in the form of water dispersible granule or spheronised granules, liquid suspension.

The composition is applied through a variety of methods. Methods of applying to the soil include any suitable method, which ensures that the composition penetrates the soil, for example nursery tray application, in furrow application, soil drenching, soil injection, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, seed treatment, seed painting and such other methods. The composition also is applied in the form of a foliar spray.

The rates of application or the dosage of the composition depends on the type of use, the type of crops, or the specific active ingredients in the composition but is such that the pesticidal active ingredient, is in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as crop protection, crop yield).

A. PREPARATION EXAMPLES:

The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the composition of the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited to these exemplifications.

I. Water dispersible granular composition of Elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides. Example 1: Water dispersible granular composition of 75% Elemental sulphur and 0.6% Cyantraniliprole:

Water dispersible granular composition was prepared by blending 75 parts of elemental sulphur, 0.6 parts of cyantraniliprole, 6 parts of naphthalene sulphonate condensate, 15 parts of bentonite and 3.4 parts of lignin sulfonate to obtain a blend. The blend obtained was mixed with water in a suitable mixing equipment and milled to form a slurry or wet mix.

The wet milled slurry obtained was spray dried at an inlet temperature less than 175°C and outlet temperature less than 90°C to get a granular powder. The composition had the particle size of about 10 microns and granule size of 2 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 90%, suspensibility of 85%, wet sieve retention value of 0.1%, wettability of less than 60 sec. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 85% and suspensibility of about 81% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 2: Water dispersible granular composition of 75% Elemental sulphur and 0.5% Tetraniliprole.

The granules are prepared as per process described in example 1 by blending 75 parts of elemental sulphur, 0.5 parts of tetraniliprole, 8 parts of napthalene sulfonc acid, 5 parts of maltodextrin, 6.5 parts of kaolin and 5 parts of silica. The composition had the particle size of about 13 microns and granule size of 1.5 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 85%, suspensibility of 79%, wet sieve retention value of 0.1%, wettability of less than 40 sec. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 80% and suspensibility of about 74% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 3: Water dispersible granular composition of 80% Elemental sulphur and 0.33% Chlorantraniliprole.

The granules are prepared as per process described in example 1 by blending 80 parts of elemental sulphur, 0.33 parts of chlorantraniliprole, 10 parts of lignin sulfonate, 6 parts of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 3.67 parts of modified silica. The composition had the particle size of about 18 microns and granule size of 1.5 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 79%, suspensibility of 76%, wet sieve retention value of 0.3%, wettability of less than 10 sec. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 70% and suspensibility of about 74% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 4: Water dispersible granular composition of 90% Elemental sulphur and 1.5 % T etrachlorantraniliprole .

The granules are prepared as per process described in example 1 by blending 90 parts of elemental sulphur, 1.5 parts of tetrachlorantraniliprole, 4 parts of polycarboxylate, 2.5 parts of modified starch and 2 parts of phenol sulfonic acid condensate. The composition had the particle size of about 11 microns and granule size of 1.0 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 88%, suspensibility of 83%, wet sieve retention value of 0.04%, wettability of less than 40 sec. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 82% and suspensibility of about 77% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 5: Water dispersible granular composition of 60% Elemental sulphur and 2.5% Cyclaniliprole.

The granules are prepared as per process described in example 1 by blending 60 parts of elemental sulphur, 2.5 parts of cyclaniliprole, 4 part of EO/PO copolymers, 10 part of sodium dodecyl sulphate and 23.5 part of china clay. The composition had the particle size of about 21 microns and granule size of 2.0 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 60%, suspensibility of 55%, wet sieve retention value of 0.4%, wettability of less than 55 sec. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 58% and suspensibility of about 50% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 6: Extruded granular composition of 40% Elemental sulphur and 2.9 % Cyclaniliprole. The extruded granules are prepared by blending 40 part of elemental sulphur, 2.9 part of cycalniliprole, 20.1 part of sodium phenyl sulphonic acid, 16 part of modified starch, 11 part of sodium salt of fatty acid and 10 part of china clay. The blend obtained is dry milled to obtain mixture of desired particle size. Water is added to the blend to form dough and is extruded to obtain extruded granules. The composition had the particle size of about 25 microns and granule size of 5.5 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 85%, suspensibility of 75%, wet sieve retention value of 0.3%, wettability of less than 60 sec. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 79% and suspensibility of about 70% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 7: Extruded granular composition of 75% Elemental sulphur and 1.5 % T etrachlorantaniliprole .

The extruded granules are prepared as per Example 6 by blending 75 part of elemental sulphur, 1.5 part of tetrachlorantaniliprole, 9 part of polaxomer, 6 part of sodium carbonate, 3.5 part bentonite and 5 part sorbitol. The composition had the particle size of about 13 microns and granule size of 4 mm. The composition has a dispersibility of 55%, suspensibility of 40%, wet sieve retention value of 0.5%, wettability of less than 30 sec. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 46% and suspensibility of about 36% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 8: Spheronised granular composition of 90% Elemental sulphur and 0.48% Chlorantraniliprole.

The composition was prepared by blending 90 part of elemental sulphur and 0.48 part of chlorantraniliprole, 6.52 parts of naphthalene sulphonate condensate and 3 part of sodium ligno sulphonate to obtain a blend. The blend obtained was milled to get a powder of less than 50-micron particle size. The powder was mixed with water in a suitable mixing equipment to form a slurry. The slurry obtained was wet ground in suitable wet grinding equipment. The wet milled slurry obtained was spray dried at an inlet temperature less than 180° C. and outlet temperature less than 85° C. to get a granular powder with less moisture. The spray dried powder thus obtained was subjected to agglomeration in a fluid bed dryer, followed by a pin agglomerator and a pan granulator. The speed of the pan granulator was kept at around 35 rpm, to obtain the agricultural granular composition. Water was incorporated at the time of agglomeration. The granules obtained were then further dried in a post fluid bed drier to remove residual moisture, at a temperature around 70°C .

The sample had a granule size of 3.5 mm, particle size of 25micron. The granular composition had wettability of less than 100 second, hardness of 45 N, suspensibility of 53% and dispersibility of 50%. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 45% and suspensibility of about 50% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 9. Spheronised granule of 75% Elemental sulphur and 0.25% Cyclaniliprole.

The composition was prepared as per Example 9 by blending 75 part of elemental sulphur, 0.25 part of cyclaniliprole, 10 parts of lignosulphonate, 3.75 part of kaolin and 11 part of maltodextrin. The composition had a granule size of 4.5mm, particle size of 38-micron, hardness of 60N, suspensibility of 50%, dispersibility of 38%. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 35% and suspensibility of 45% under accelerated storage condition.

Example 10. Spheronised granule of 60% Elemental sulphur and Tetraniliprole 0.4%.

The composition was prepared as per Example 9 by blending 60 part of elemental sulphur, 0.4 part of tetraniliprole, 15 parts of sodium naphthalene suflonate condensate, 3.6 part of silica and 11 part of starch and 10 part of polyvinyl alcohol. The composition had a granule size of 5mm, particle size of 40-micron, hardness of 55N, suspensibility of 50%, dispersibility of 45%. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 41% and suspensibility of 46% under accelerated storage condition. Example 11. Spheronised granule of 55% Elemental sulphur and 1.5% T etrachlorantraniliprole .

The composition as per example 9 by blending 75 part of elemental sulphur, 1.5 part of tetrachlorantraniliprole, 19 part of sodium salt of lignin sulfonate, 2.5 part of starch and 2 part of polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The composition had a granule size of 3.0 mm, particle size of 20 micron, hardness of 38N, suspensibility of 55%, dispersibility of 45. The composition further demonstrated dispersibility of 41% and susensibility of 51% under accelerated storage condition.

II. Liquid suspension compositions of amino acid, their salts, polymers or derivatives or mixtures thereof and elemental sulphur:

Example 12: Liquid Suspension composition of 50% Elemental sulphur and 0.33% of Tetraniliprole.

Liquid suspension composition was prepared by mixing 50 part of Elemental sulphur, 0.33 part of tetraniliprole, 12 part of naptahlene sulfonate condensate, 4.66 Tristyrylphenol Ethoxylate Phosphate Ester, 5.01 parts of ethylene glycol, 24 parts of water and homogenised by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities until the total mixture was homogeneous. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to obtain a suspension with 7 microns particle size. Then, 4 part of guar gum (3%) was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the suspension concentrate. The composition has suspensibility of about 95%, dispersibility of 97%, viscosity of about 550cps, pourability of less than 1.5% and wet sieve retention value of less than 0.1%. The composition has suspensibility of about 89%, dispersibility of 94% and viscosity of about 600cps under accelerated storage condition.

Example 13: Liquid Suspension composition of 59% Elemental sulphur and 1 % of T etrachlorantraniliprole .

The liquid suspension composition is prepared as per Example 12 using 59 part of sulphur, 1 part of tetrachlorantraniliprole, 7 part of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, 4 part of glyceryl monolaureate, 6 part of polyvinyl pyrrolidone,21 part of water and 2 part of rhamsan gum (3%). The composition has particle size of 10-micron, suspensibility of about 87 %, dispersibility of 90%, viscosity of about 800cps, pourability of less than 1.7% and wet sieve retention value of less than 0.1%. The composition has suspensibility of about 80%, dispersibility of 85% and viscosity of about 850cps under accelerated storage condition.

Example 14: Liquid Suspension composition of 40% Elemental sulphur and 2.5% of cyclaniliprole.

The liquid suspension composition is prepared as per Example 12 using 40 part of sulphur, 2.5 part of cyclaniliprole, 6 part of monoethylene glycol, 16 part of lignin sulfonate and 10.5 part of phenol sulphonic acid, 25 part of water. The composition has particle size of 23-micron, suspensibility of about 75 %, dispersibility of 70%, viscosity of about 1500cps, pourability of less than 2.5% and wet sieve retention value of less than 0.5%. The composition has suspensibility of about 69%, dispersibility of 64% and viscosity of about 1550cps under accelerated storage condition.

B. FIELD STUDY:

Field trial 1: To study effect of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides for controlling insect pest in paddy.

The field trials were carried out to study the effect of combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides on insect pests in paddy crop. The trial was laid out during kharif season i.e. June to September in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The test product sample, sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticide, alone and in combination with prescribed dose were applied as soil application at 20 days after transplanting of paddy seedlings in trial plot. The paddy crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Kaithal, Haryana b) Crop : Paddy (var. Pusal 121) c) Experiment season : Kharif d) Trial Design : RBD e) Replications : Three f) Treatment : Eight g) Plot size : 6 m x 10 m h) Date of sowing :21.06.2019 i) Date of Application : 09.07.2019 j) Method of application : Soil application k) Date of Harvesting : 26.09.2019

The observation on stem borer damage caused by Scirpophaga incertulas and leaf folder damage caused by Cnaphalo crosismedinalis were recorded at 50 days after planting of rice from each plot and the percentage control was calculated using following formula:

Control (%) = [Damage in control plot -Damage in treated plot) /Damage in control plot] X 100

The mean data on control against stem borer and leaf folder along with the grain yield was recorded at harvest and is presented in the Table 1. Table 1: Effect of combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides on steam and leaf folder in paddy.

+ Synergistic effect, % C = % control

A=Sulphur; B=Tetraniliprole/Cyclaniliprole/Cyantraniliprole/Chlorantran iliprole

It can be observed from the data presented in table 1 that composition comprising elemental sulphur and at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide in the form of liquid suspension or water dispersible granule prepared as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic in nature and effective in controlling stem borer, leaf folder in paddy. The synergistic composition prepared as per embodiment of the present invention also has improved the yield of crops as compared to individual application of sulphur, anthranilic diamide insecticide and untreated plot.

“Synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R. in an article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” published in Weeds, 1967, 15, p. 20-22. The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows:

E = X + Y -(XY/100)

Where,

E= Expected % effect by mixture of two products X and Y in a defined dose.

X= Observed % effect by product A Y= Observed % effect by product B

The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula (Eq.(2)(Abbott, 1925). SF= Observed effect /Expected effect

Where, SF >1 for Synergistic reaction; SF l for antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for additive reaction.

When the percentage of yield effect observed (E) for the combination is greater than the expected percentage, synergistic effect of the combination can be inferred. When the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage, merely an additive effect may be inferred, and wherein the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage, an antagonistic effect of the combinations can be inferred.

For instance, on comparing treatment T1 (Sulphur 75% + Tetraniliprole 0.5% WG @ 4000g/acre as per embodiment of the present invention), T2 (Sulphur 50% + Tetraniliprole 0.33 % SC @ 6000ml/acre as per embodiment of the present invention) with T10 (Sulphur 80% WG) and T7 (Tetraniliprole 20 % SC @100ml/acre) applied at same dosage, it was noted that treatment T1 and T2 demonstrated control of 78.3% and 76.7% respectively whereas treatment T7 and T10 demonstrated 68.3% and 15% control against stem borer. The percent yield increase as compared to untreated plot withTl and T2 was about 38.8% and 36.11% respectively whereas with T7 and T10 it was about 11.1% and 22.2% respectively. The pest control and efficacy data as presented in table 1 indicates that the combination of sulphur and tetraniliprole in the form of water dispersible granule or liquid suspension is synergistic in nature. Also, on comparing treatment T3 (Sulphur 75% + Cyantraniliprole 0.6% WG @ 4000g/acre as per embodiment of the present invention), T4 (Sulphur 50% + Cyantraniliprole 0.4% SC @ 6000ml/acre as per embodiment of the present invention) with T8(Cyantraniliprole 10% OD @240ml/acre) and T10 (Sulphur 80% WG) applied at same dosage, it was noted that treatments T3, T4 depicted control of 70% and 56.3% respectively against leaf folder and control of about 82% and 85.3% against stem borer. The expected control for combination of sulphur and cyantraniliprole was about 76.2% against stem borer and 62.4% against leaf folder. The percent yield increase as compared to untreated plot with treatments T3 and T4 was about 35% and 33.3% respectively whereas with T8 and T10 it was about 8.3% and 22.2% respectively. Similar trend was observed with other treatments as compared to individual application of actives and the untreated plot. Thus, the combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticide in the form of WDG and SC as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic in nature and provides better control on insect pest and higher crop yield as compared to application of individual actives.

Field trial 2: To study effect of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticides on stemborer in paddy.

The trials were conducted in Kaithal district of Haryana state in India on paddy, to evaluate the effectiveness of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticide spheronised granules as per embodiment of present invention. The treatments were carried out following the randomized block design and keeping all the agronomic practices uniform for all the treatments. The treatments were carried out by broadcasting the compositions on 25-30 days after transplanting of the paddy. The efficacy was evaluated on 50th, and 90 ^th day after transplanting paddy. To avoid intermixing of treatments, about 20 to 30 cm thick false bund boundaries were prepared all around plots having the treatments of granular insecticides. The treatments applied were as indicated in the table below.

The paddy crop in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice. Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Kaithal, Haryana b) Crop : Paddy (var. Pusal 121) c) Experiment season : Kharif d) Trial Design : RBD e) Replications : Three f) Treatment : Eight g) Plot size : 6 m x 10 m h) Date of sowing :19. 06.2019 i) Date of Application : 07.07.2019 j) Method of application : Soil application k) Date of Harvesting : 23.09.2019

Table 2: Effect of combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticide on steam borer in paddy.

A=Sulphur; B=Tetraniliprole/ Cyantraniliprole

It can be observed from the data presented in table 2, that composition comprising elemental sulphur and at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide in the form of granules prepared as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic in nature and effective in controlling stem borer in paddy. The percent of dead hearts and white ear heads is found to be minimum in the plot treated with treatment T1 and T2 respectively as compared to other treatments which indicates that the composition of the present invention is superior in protecting paddy crop against damage caused by stem borer. For instance, treatment T2 had 4.6 % of dead hearts after 50 days of transplanting whereas treatments T4 and T5 depicted dead hearts of about 14.2% and 7.9% respectively. Similarly, percentage of white ear heads with treatments T2, T4 and T5 was about 1.7%, 23.5% and 26% respectively. Thus, it can be noted that the combination of elemental sulphur and anthranilic diamide insecticide in the form of spheronised granule as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic in nature and provides better control on insect pest and higher crop yield as compared to application of individual actives.

Further, the inventors of the present invention also tested the combination of elemental sulphur, at least one anthranilic diamide insecticide on certain crops like groundnut, brinjal. It was observed that the combination of the present invention provides good control on insect pest as compared to application of individual actives. Further such combinations help in improving the crop yield, crop characteristics like straw weight, plant height etc. Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, demonstrate enhanced, efficacious and superior behavior in the fields.

The inventors determined that the combination of finely selected properties namely specific granule size which disperses into particles of specific size range, with good suspensibility, dispersibility and adequate hardness which results in a composition which not only provides immediate but also continuous and sustained release of actives during the entire crop life cycle, when applied to the soil. Thus, providing an effective crop protection and nutritive solution to the crops. The composition of the present invention also provides immediate release of actives strengthening and protecting the crop against pest attack, when applied foliar or to the soil. Because of its ease of application, the composition is highly economical to the end user.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.