PLANT TREATMENT COMPOSITIONS AND

PREPARATION THEREOF

Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to plant treatment compositions and preparation of these plant treatment compositions. The plant treatment compositions are suitable to be applied to plants including crops.

Background of the Invention

Palm Oil’s Global, Life-Sustaining Importance

Oil palms, cultivated widely across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, represent a lucratively important crop for the approximately $94 billion global palm oil industry. The oil palm produces as much as eight times more oil than any other oil crop including canola, sunflower, soy, and rapeseed - but those outsized agricultural yields require significantly less land. High output, easy establishment, and low production costs make the crop highly profitable. More importantly, palm oil has emerged as a key to alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life for populations where it is cultivated. In addition to being the lowest priced cooking oil, palm oil plays a critical role in curbing world hunger and strengthening global food security.

Projected Economic Losses and Food Insecurity

World palm oil production yields in Malaysia and Indonesia grew substantially, with average yield increases of 4% annually, between 1998 and 2008. However, an unexpected decline in growth has been observed since 2009. One of the factors in this dramatic decline is that the oil palm is under attack by various pests and diseases in equatorial regions. In fact, yield reduction caused by pests and diseases may contribute up to a yield loss of 50% to 80%. Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense) has been identified as the primary cause of this decline, and is a major threat to the sustainability of the entire industry. It is estimated that the total area affected by it in 2020 was 443,430 hectares or 65.6 million oil palms. Based on 2023 palm oil prices that translates into economic losses of approximately $554 million per annum in Malaysia alone. Climate change that results in more extreme weather conditions of heat, heavy rainfall, and flooding only exacerbates the rapid spread of the BSR disease. Environmental protection laws now also prohibit burning on lands as a method for land clearing. That has had the adverse consequence of allowing (G. boninense) spores to thrive and proliferate as they are passed along to newly planted generations of palms.

BSR Disease and How It Spreads

The BSR disease is caused by the soil borne fungus G. boninense and can be spread through the soil or by root-to-root contact from an infected palm to a healthy palm. The fungal spores enter the palm through the roots and attack the base of the oil palm tree, causing the lower stems and roots to rot. As the disease progresses, the palm loses its ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, leading to wilting and death of the fronds and consequently a decline in fruit yield. Once the tree is infected by the BSR disease, it may also become more susceptible to other diseases and pests.

Industry-Proposed Treatment Methods are Ineffective

There are many control measures or methods developed or deployed in an attempt to minimize the economic and productivity loss due to the BSR disease. These include removing or destroying infected palms, applying chemical treatments, or trying to protect healthy or young palms from being infected by applying nutrients or biological inputs to improve the defense mechanisms of the oil palms. Unfortunately, despite all attempts and extensive research and development, the industry still has no effective and efficient methods for controlling the devastating BSR disease.

The industry still largely relies on cultural practices such as removing or destroying the infected palms or digging a trench around the palm to expose infected roots to sunlight - hoping that will kill the fungal spores. However, the infected palms left standing in the plantations are still a major threat to surrounding healthy palms. Unless the spores are completely eliminated from infected palms as well as from the soil, the BSR disease will continue to propagate throughout the entire plantation and eventually the entire industry.

Ways to Combat BSR That are Not Feasible or Practical

If we evaluate the current measures developed and recommended by industry experts, the curative approach with chemicals still stands out as the most promising. Chemicals such as fungicides, particularly triazole fungicides, have proven in-vitro efficacy against fungal spores, particularly G. boninense. An example of a trizole fungicide that is widely studied is hexaconazole, which works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. This disruption in the fungal cell membrane causes the fungal cells to leak, which eventually slows their growth. By suppressing the growth of the fungus, hexaconazole can help to slow the spread of G. boninense and reduce the severity of BSR symptoms.

However, there is a serious flaw in that method. In order for the fungicide to be effective in suppressing the disease in infected palms, and prevent healthy palms from infection, the fungicide has to be able to enter the roots of the palms and/or be bioavailable to the fungal spores in the soil. However, fungicides such as hexaconazole 5% suspension concentrate that are available in the marketplace have very low water solubility, and therefore limited phloem mobility and low bioavailability.

That is why a high pressure-injection method for delivering the fungicides to the target sites for controlling the BSR disease has been developed and recommended to the palm oil industry, and today this remains the most researched approach in the industry. However, results have shown that this method is only capable of delivering the fungicides to the bole of the oil palm and not to the roots. That makes it ineffective as a treatment to prevent healthy palms from infection. In addition, the equipment used for this method is quite expensive and requires using 10 liters of water for each palm to pressurize the fungicide into the target site. Considering the large physical scale of oil palm plantations and that BSR occurrence is scattered randomly throughout palm plantations, this approach of allocating so much water per infected palm is simply not practical and therefore rarely or never implemented by plantations.

Another method, soil drenching, is also ineffective and highly inefficient because the fungicides have poor water solubility, so they do not get absorbed into the roots of the palms. Instead they remain in the soil until they are washed away by rain. That wastes the fungicide and contributes to environmental pollution. For example, harmful levels of fungicide have been detected in waterways near plantations where fungicides are applied by soil drench.

Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. US 4,871,392 A describes aqueous suspension concentrate compositions comprising pendimethalin alone or in combination with one or more secondary pesticides. The compositions may optionally include co-formulants such as surfactants, dispersing agents, wetting agents, antifreezing agents, antiforming agents, thickening agents, suspending agents, preservatives and the like that do not solubilize or dissolve the pendimethalin.

U.S. Pub. No. US 2009/325808 Al describes a highly concentrated suspension of slightly water- soluble pesticides which are protected from Ostwald ripening by the use of polymeric surfactants. PCT Pub. No. WO 2009/082939 Al describes highly concentrated suspensions of fungicides which may be obtained by stabilizing an agrochemical active ingredient with one non-ionic dispersing agent and one anionic dispersing agent. Dodine is one of the fungicides that can be formulated in this way.

PCT Pub. No. WO 2014/028256 Al describes emulsifiable concentrate compositions which may be prepared by dissolving HPPD inhibitor herbicides such as mesotrione in an agriculturally acceptable solvent that is stable at ambient conditions.

U.S. Pat. No. US 9,781,921 B2 describes an emulsifiable concentrate formulation comprising at least an agrochemical active ingredient, at least a surfactant emulsifier, optionally a stabilizer and a primary solvent system, in which the primary solvent system comprises a combination of benzyl acetate and a sufficient amount of at least a polar substantially water-miscible co-solvent.

Summary of the Invention

One of the objects of the invention is to prepare a plant treatment composition from one or more plant treatment agents with poor solubility in water (in particular ranging from 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C).

Another object of the invention is to provide a plant treatment composition having particles with an average size that is sufficiently small, e.g., less than 1 pm, less than 0.5 pm or even less than 0.25 pm. These sufficiently small particles are amphimobile and can penetrate plant tissues (such as phloem sieve plates, cuticles, epidermis, plasma membranes and cell walls).

Still another object of the invention is to provide a plant treatment composition having a relatively high loading of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents, thereby substantially eliminating the need for multiple injections over a span of several days or months. It also eliminates the need for preparing a large injection hole or multiple holes on the trunk of the plant.

According to one aspect of the invention, there may be provided a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of at least one charged surfactant and the remainder being water, wherein the plant treatment composition may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm, and wherein the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may have a solubility of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in water. In some embodiments, the plant treatment composition may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of at least one stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of at least one property modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of at least a water-soluble plant treatment agent.

In some embodiments, at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides.

In some embodiments, at least one charged surfactant may be selected from the group comprising cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

In some embodiments, at least one stabilizer may be selected from the group comprising non-ionic surfactants (such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate).

In some embodiments, at least one property modifying agent may be selected from the group comprising colorants, defoaming agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, salts and crosslinkers.

According to another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of at least one amphoteric surfactant and the remainder being water, wherein the plant treatment composition may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm, and wherein the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may have a solubility of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in water.

In some embodiments, the plant treatment composition may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of at least one stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of at least one property modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of at least a water-soluble plant treatment agent.

In some embodiments, at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides.

In some embodiments, at least one amphoteric surfactant may be selected from the group comprising sulfobetaine, sulfatobetaine, hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, sulfoimidazolium, sulfopyridinium, carboxybetaine, carboxyimidazolium, amidosulfobetaine, amidocarboxybetaine, phosphocholine, amine oxide, sulfophosphonium, phosphobetaine and rhamnolipids.

In some embodiments, at least one stabilizer may be selected from the group comprising non-ionic surfactants (such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate).

In some embodiments, at least one property modifying agent may be selected from the group comprising colorants, defoaming agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, salts and crosslinkers.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a method for preparing a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of at least one poorly water- soluble plant treatment agent, 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of at least one charged surfactant, and the remainder being water. The method may comprise the steps of forming an aqueous adjuvant comprising at least one charged surfactant, and adding the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant, so that they can be mixed at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm until a homogeneous composition is obtained, wherein the plant treatment composition may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm, and wherein the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may have a solubility of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in water.

The method may further comprise the step of adding at least one stabilizer before or after the addition of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant. Thereby, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of at least one stabilizer.

The method may further comprise the step of adding at least one property modifying agent before or after the addition of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant. Thereby, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of at least one property modifying agent.

The method may further comprise the step of adding at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent before or after the addition of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant. Thereby, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent.

In some embodiments, at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides.

In some embodiments, at least one charged surfactant may be selected from the group comprising cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

In some embodiments, at least one stabilizer may be selected from the group comprising non-ionic surfactants.

In some embodiments, at least one property modifying agent may be selected from the group comprising colorants, defoaming agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, salts and crosslinkers.

In some embodiments, the mixing may be carried out for 5 minutes to 6 hours.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a method for preparing a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of at least one poorly water- soluble plant treatment agent, 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of at least one amphoteric surfactant, and the remainder being water. The method may comprise the steps of forming an aqueous adjuvant comprising at least one amphoteric surfactant, and adding the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant, so that they can be mixed at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm until a homogeneous composition is obtained, wherein the plant treatment composition may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm, and wherein the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may have a solubility of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in water. The method may further comprise the step of adding at least one stabilizer before or after the addition of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant. Thereby, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of at least one stabilizer.

The method may further comprise the step of adding at least one property modifying agent before or after the addition of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant. Thereby, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of at least one property modifying agent.

The method may further comprise the step of adding at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent before or after the addition of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent to the aqueous adjuvant. Thereby, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent.

In some embodiments, at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides.

In some embodiments, at least one amphoteric surfactant may be selected from the group comprising sulfobetaine, sulfatobetaine, hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, sulfoimidazolium, sulfopyridinium, carboxybetaine, carboxyimidazolium, amidosulfobetaine, amidocarboxybetaine, phosphocholine, amine oxide, sulfophosphonium, phosphobetaine and rhamnolipids.

In some embodiments, at least one stabilizer may be selected from the group comprising non-ionic surfactants (such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate). In some embodiments, at least one property modifying agent may be selected from the group comprising colorants, defoaming agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, salts and crosslinkers.

In some embodiments, the mixing may be carried out for 5 minutes to 6 hours.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a kit comprising a first part being at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, the at least one poorly water- soluble plant treatment agent having a solubility of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in water, and a second part being an aqueous adjuvant comprising at least one charged surfactant, wherein each of the first part and the second part may be contained in a separate container. By mixing the first part and the second part at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm, a plant treatment composition comprising particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm can be obtained, wherein the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of the at least one charged surfactant, and the remainder being water.

In some embodiments, the first part or second part may further comprise at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent. Accordingly, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent.

In some embodiments, the second part may further comprise at least one stabilizer. Accordingly, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of at least one stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the second part may further comprise at least one property modifying agent. Accordingly, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of at least one property modifying agent.

In some embodiments, at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides.

In some embodiments, at least one charged surfactant may be selected from the group comprising cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.

In some embodiments, at least one stabilizer may be selected from the group comprising non-ionic surfactants (such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate).

In some embodiments, at least one property modifying agent may be selected from the group comprising colorants, defoaming agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, salts and crosslinkers.

In some embodiments, the mixing may be carried out for 5 minutes to 6 hours.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a kit comprising a first part being at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, the at least one poorly water- soluble plant treatment agent having a solubility of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in water, and a second part being an aqueous adjuvant comprising at least one amphoteric surfactant, wherein each of the first part and the second part may be contained in a separate container. By mixing the first part and the second part at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm, a plant treatment composition comprising particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm can be obtained, wherein the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of the at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of the at least one amphoteric surfactant, and the remainder being water.

In some embodiments, the first part or second part may further comprise at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent. Accordingly, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of at least one water-soluble plant treatment agent.

In some embodiments, the second part may further comprise at least one stabilizer. Accordingly, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of at least one stabilizer.

In some embodiments, the second part may further comprise at least one property modifying agent. Accordingly, the resulting plant treatment composition may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of at least one property modifying agent.

In some embodiments, at least one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides.

In some embodiments, at least one amphoteric surfactant may be selected from the group comprising sulfobetaine, sulfatobetaine, hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, sulfoimidazolium, sulfopyridinium, carboxybetaine, carboxyimidazolium, amidosulfobetaine, amidocarboxybetaine, phosphocholine, amine oxide, sulfophosphonium, phosphobetaine and rhamnolipids.

In some embodiments, at least one stabilizer may be selected from the group comprising non-ionic surfactants (such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate).

In some embodiments, at least one property modifying agent may be selected from the group comprising colorants, defoaming agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, salts and crosslinkers. In some embodiments, the mixing may be carried out for 5 minutes to 6 hours.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the aspects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the invention and by referring to the accompanying description. It is, however, to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the invention and that it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The invention provides various plant treatment compositions and preparation of these plant treatment compositions.

The invention provided herein is easy to prepare using basic mixing equipment and does not require high heat or high mixing speeds. Apart from being cost efficient, not labour intensive, and having a low carbon footprint, it also has the potential to enable plantations, even small ones, to do their own fungicide preparation. The users can purchase commercially available actives / active ingredients / plant treatment agents and mix them themselves with the aqueous adjuvant (which is the inert component). That dramatically reduces the cost of materials, packaging, transportation, and distribution.

Further, because the invention provided herein enables phloem mobility, the inventors of the invention are confident that it can effectively address other phloem limiting diseases and infestations in plants including food crops. Such devastating infestations and diseases are currently without effective cures - since most pesticides have poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and cannot reach the phloem of the crops for successful treatment. One good example is the Huang Long Bing disease that attacks citrus and causes an estimated $2 billion per year in economic losses. The invention provided herein therefore shows great potential for addressing agricultural diseases and infestations that have so far been untreatable. In that way it can safeguard industries that are economically vital but currently at risk, it can help protect the environment, and it can strengthen food security throughout the world to contribute to the alleviation of global hunger. Before describing various aspects and embodiments of the invention, it should be appreciated that the term “plant treatment agent” or “plant treatment agents” herein may be used to refer to an active ingredient or active ingredients capable of providing one or more of the following:

(a) Combating pathogens and pests in cultures of plants including crops;

(b) Protecting plants including crops against attack by pathogens and pests;

(c) Protecting plant propagation material such as seeds against attack or infestation by pests;

(d) Maintaining plant health;

(e) Improving plant health;

(f) Treating plants including crops;

(g) Enhancing growth of plants including crops; and

(h) Accelerating growth of plants including crops.

Examples of the “plant treatment agent” or “plant treatment agents” may encompass an active ingredient or active ingredients from the following groups:

(a) Fungicides;

(b) Herbicides;

(c) Insecticides;

(d) Antibiotics;

(e) Plant growth regulators;

(f) Bio-pesticides;

(g) Plant nutrients; and

(h) Nematicides.

The term “insecticide” or “insecticides” herein may be used to refer to an active ingredient or active ingredients capable of killing and controlling insect infestation. Examples of the “insecticide” or “insecticides” may further encompass an active ingredient or active ingredients from the following groups:

(a) Larvicides; and

(b) Ovicides.

The term “antibiotic” or “antibiotics” herein may be used to refer to an active ingredient or active ingredients capable of killing and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Examples of the “antibiotic” or “antibiotics” may further encompass an active ingredient or active ingredients from the following groups:

(a) Bactericides; and

(b) Bacteriostats.

The term “bio-pesticide” or “bio-pesticides” herein may be used to refer to a pesticidal active ingredient or pesticidal active ingredients derived from natural materials such as but not limited to animals, plants, bacteria and minerals.

Examples of the “bio-pesticide” or “bio-pesticides” may encompass an active ingredient or active ingredients from the following groups:

(a) Bio-fungicides;

(b) Bio-herbicides;

(c) Bio-insecticides;

(d) Bio-bactericides; and

(e) Bio-nematicides.

Further, the term “poor solubility in water” herein when used in the context of a plant treatment agent may refer to the solubility of the plant treatment agent in a range of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C under atmospheric pressure. However, the term “poor solubility in water” herein is not intended in any way to indicate or refer to “insolubility in water”.

According to one aspect of the invention, there may be provided a plant treatment composition comprising at least a poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent and at least a charged surfactant with water making up the remaining. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the plant treatment composition may comprise either one or more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent and either one or more than one charged surfactant with water making up the remaining.

Additionally, in order to ensure that the plant treatment composition is effective and is capable of providing optimum performance, it may be essential to prepare the plant treatment composition such that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining. Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.5 to 15.0% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 15.0 to 30.0% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 2.0 to 10.5% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 18.0 to 28.0% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 1.60 to 10.70% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 17.70 to 28.80% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining.

One or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, biopesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides. A non-exhaustive list of examples of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides are provided in Table 1, but the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must have a solubility in a range of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C under atmospheric pressure. More preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 0.1 to 500 mg/L. Most preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 1 to 200 mg/L.

Additionally, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must also be relatively pure, i.e., having a purity in the range of 500 to 1000 g/kg, preferably 700 to 1000 g/kg and most preferably 900 to lOOOg/kg. It should be appreciated that the purity herein may refer to “the weight of active molecules per weight of poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent”. Most importantly, it was discovered by the inventors that the plant treatment composition of this invention would not work with poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) which are diluted (i.e., having a purity below the range given above). polysulphide, benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, benodanil, benomyl, benquinox, bentaluron, benthiavalicarb, benthiavali carb -isopropyl, benzamacril, benzamacril isobutyl, benzamorf, benzovindiflupyr, bethoxazin, binapacryl, biphenyl, bismerthiazol, bitertanol, bithionol, bixafen, bordeaux mixture, boscalid, bromuconazole, bupirimate, burgundy mixture, buthiobate, calcium cyanamide, captafol, captan, carbamorph, carbendazim, carboxin, carboxin sulfoxide, carpropamid, chinomethionat, chlobenthiazone, chloraniformethan, chloranil, chlordecone, chlorfenazole, chloroinconazide, chloroneb, chlorothalonil, chloroxylenol, chlorquinox, chlozolinate, cis-propiconazole, citronella oil, climbazole, copper (I) oxide, copper abietate, copper bis(3-phenylsalicylate), copper (II) carbonate, copper naphthenate, copper oxychloride, coumethoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, cufraneb, cuprobam, cyazofamid, cycloheximide, cyflufenamid, cypendazole, cy proconazole, cyprodinil, cyprofuram, debacarb, decafentin, dehydroacetic acid, dibromochloropropane, dichlobentiazox, dichlofluanid, dichlone, dichlorophen, diclobutrazol, diclocymet, diclomezine, dicloran, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, difenzoquat, diflumetorim, dimetachlone, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, dinobuton, dinocap, dinocap 4, dinocap 6, dinocton, dinopenton, dinosulfon, diphenylamine, dipymetitrone, dipyrithione, ditalimfos, dithianon, DNOC (dinitro-ortho-cresol), dodemorph, dodine, drazoxolon, edifenphos, enoxastrobin, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethoxyquin, ethylmercury bromide, etridiazole, famoxadone, fatty acids (generic), fenamidone, fenaminstrobin, fenapanil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenitropan, fenoxanil, fenpiclonil, fenpicoxamid, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fenpyrazamine, fentin acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide, ferbam, ferimzone, florylpicoxamid, fluazinam, flubeneteram, fludioxonil, flufenoxadiazam, flufenoxystrobin, fluindapyr, Hum etyl sulforim, flumorph, fluopicolide, fluopimomide, fluopyram, fluoroimide, fluotrimazole, fluoxapiprolin, fluoxastrobin, fluoxytioconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutianil, flutolanil, flutriafol, fluxapyroxad, folpet, fosetyl, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, furconazole, furmecyclox, furyloxyfen, geraniol, gliotoxin, glyodin, griseofulvin, guazatine, halacrinate, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorophene, hexaconazole, hexylthiofos, huanjunzuo, imazalil, imibenconazole, inezin, inpyrfluxam, ipconazole, ipfentrifluconazole, ipflufenoquin, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isofetamid, isoflucypram, isoprothiolane, isopyrazam, isotianil, izopamfos, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, mancopper, mancozeb, mandestrobin, mandipropamid, maneb, mebenil, mecarbinzid, mefentrifluconazole, mepanipyrim, mepitriflufenpyr, mepronil, meptyldinocap, mercuric oxide, metam, metarylpicoxamid,

capric acid; caprylic acid potassium salt; carbanolate; carbaryl; carbofuran; carbon tetrachloride; carbophenothion; carbosulfan; chinomethionat; chloramidophos; chlorantraniliprole; chlorbenside; chlorbicyclen; chlordane; chlordecone; chlordimeform; chlorethoxyfos; chlorfenapyr; chlorfenethol; chlorfenson; chlorfensulphide; chlorfenvinphos; chlorfluazuron; chlormephos; chlorobenzilate; chloroprallethrin; chloropropylate; chlorphoxim; chlorprazophos; chlorpyrifos; chlorpyrifos-methyl; chlorthion; chlorthiophos; chromafenozide; cispermethrin; citronella oil; cloethocarb; clofentezine; clothianidin; copper acetoarsenite; copper naphthenate; coumithoate; crotamiton; cyanophos; cyantraniliprole; cyclaniliprole; cyclethrin; cycloprate; cycloprothrin; cycloxaprid; cyenopyrafen; cyetpyrafen; cyflumetofen; cyfluthrin; cyhalodiamide; cyhalothrin; cyhexatin; cymiazol; cypermethrin; cyphenothrin; cyproflanilide; DAEP (S-[2-(acetylamino)ethyl] 0,0-dimethyl phosphorodi thioate); dazomet- sodium; DCIP (2,2’ -oxybi s(l chloropropane)); DDD (di chlorodiphenyldi chloroethane); DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane); deltamethrin; demephion; demephion-O; demeton; demeton-O-methyl; demeton-O-methyl sulfone; demeton-S-methyl sulfone; desmethyl- broflanilid; diafenthiuron; dialifos; diazinon; dibromochloropropane; dibutyl phthalate; dichlofenthion; dichlofluanid; diclocymet; dicloromezotiaz; dieldrin; dienochlor; diethyltoluamide; diflovidazin; diflubenzuron; dimefluthrin; dimethrin; dimethylvinphos; dimpropyridaz; dinex; dinex-diclexine; dinobuton; dinocap; Dinocap 4; Dinocap 6; dinopenton; dinosulfon; diofenolan; dioxabenzophos; dioxathion; diphenylamine; disulfoton; dixanthogen; d-limonene; DNOC-ammonium (ammonium 4,6-dinitro-o-tolyl oxide); DNOC-potassium ((4,6-dinitro-o-cresol potassium) salt); DNOC-sodium ((4,6-dinitro-o-cresol sodium) salt); dodecylphenol ethoxylate; dormant oil; empenthrin; endo-brevicomin; endosulfan; endrin; EPN (O-ethyl O-(4-nitrophenyl) phenylphosphonothioate); epofenonane; epsilon-metofluthrin; epsilon-momfluorothrin; esfenval erate; ethion; ethiprole; ethoprophos; ethyl-DDD (1,1- dichloro-2,2-bis(4-ethylphenyl)ethane); etofenprox; etrimfos; exo-brevicomin; farnesol; fatty acids (generic); fenazaflor; fenazaquin; fenbutatin oxide; fenchlorphos; fenethacarb; fenfluthrin; fenitrothion; fenmezoditiaz; fenobucarb; fenothiocarb; fenoxycarb; fenpirithrin; fenpropathrin; fenpyroximate; fenson; fensulfothion; fenthion; fenthion sulfoxide; fenthion-ethyl; fenvalerate; fipronil; flometoquin; fluacrypyrim; flubendiamide; flubenzimine; fluchlordiniliprole; flucofuron; flucycloxuron; flucythrinate; fluenetil; flufenerim; flufenoxuron; flufenprox; flufiprole; fluorbenside; flupentiofenox; flupyrimin; flupyroxystrobin; fluvalinate; fluxametamide; fonofos; formparanate; fosmethilan; fospirate; frontalin; fufenozide; furathiocarb; furethrin; gamma-cyhalothrin; guadipyr; halfenprox; halofenozide; heptachlor; heptafluthrin; heterophos; hexachlorophene; hexadecanoic acid; hexaflumuron; hexythiazox; hydramethylnon; hydroprene; hyquincarb; imidacloprid; imidaclothiz; imiprothrin; indazapyroxamet; indoxacarb; iodofenphos; IPSP (S-[(ethanesulfinyl)methyl] O,O-di(propan- 2-yl) phosphorodithioate); isamidofos; isazofos; isobenzan; isocarbophos; isodrin; isofenphos; isofenphos-methyl; isomalathion; isoprocarb; isoprothiolane; isothioate; isoxathion; kadethrin; kaolin; calcined kaolin; kappa-bifenthrin; kappa-tefluthrin; kelevan; kieselgur; kinoprene; lambda-cyhalothrin; lavandulyl senecioate; lead arsenate; leptophos; lime sulphur; lindane; linoleic acid; lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate; lufenuron; lythidathion; magnesium phosphide; malathion; malonoben; mancozeb; mazidox; M-cumenyl methylcarbamate; mecarbam; mecarphon; menazon; meperfluthrin; mephosfolan; mercurous chloride; metaflumizone; metam; metam-ammonium; metepa; methacrifos; methidathion; methiocarb; methiotepa; methocrotophos; methoprene; methoxychlor; methoxyfenozide; methylacetophos; metofluthrin; metoxadiazone; mexacarbate; mirex; mivorilaner; modoflaner; morphothion; myristyl acetate; myristyl alcohol; naftalofos; nanosilver-silica composite; nerolidol; nicofluprole; nithiazine; nitrilacarb; N-methylneodecanamide; nornicotine; novaluron; noviflumuron; orange oil; oxazosulfyl; P,P’-DDT (l,r-(2,2,2-trichloroethane-l,l-diyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene)); paraffin oil (CAS No. 64741-88-4); paraffin oil (CAS No. 64741-89-5); paraffin oil (CAS No. 64741-97- 5); paraffin oil (CAS No. 64742-54-7); paraffin oil (CAS No. 64742-55-8); paraffin oil (CAS No. 64742-65-0); paraffin oil (CAS No. 72623-86-0); paraffin oil (CAS No. 8012-95-1); paraffin oil (CAS No. 64742-46-7); paraffin oil (CAS No. 8042-47-5); paraffin oil (CAS No. 97862-82-3); parathion-ethyl; parathion-methyl; penfluron; pentachlorophenol; permethrin; phenkapton; phenothrin; phenthoate; phorate; phosalone; phosmet; phosnichlor; phosphane; phoxim; piperonyl sulfoxide; pirimiphos-ethyl; pirimiphos-methyl; plifenate; prallethrin; profenofos; profluthrin; promacyl; promecarb; propaphos; propargite; propetamphos; prothidathion; prothiofos; protrifenbute; pyflubumide; pymetrozine; pyraclofos; pyrafluprole; pyramat; pyridaben; pyridafenthion; pyridalyl; pyrifluquinazon; pyrimidifen; pyriminostrobin; pyriproxyfen; QRD-460 terpenoid blend; quinalphos; quinothion; quintiofos; renofluthrin; resmethrin; S-bioallethrin; semiamitraz hydrochloride; S-hydroprene; silafluofen; silica; S- methoprene; spidoxamat; spinetoram; spirobudifen; spirodiclofen; spiromesifen; spiropidion; spirotetramat; strobane; sucrose octanoate; sulcofuron; sulcofuron-sodium; sulfluramid; sulfotep; sulfoxaflor; sulfuryl fluoride; sulprofos; sumithrin; talc E553B; tall oil, potassium salt; tau-fluvalinate; tebufenozide; tebufenpyrad; tebupirimfos; teflubenzuron; tefluthrin; temephos; terallethrin; terbufos; tetrachlorvinphos; tetradifon; tetramethrin; tetramethylfluthrin;

hexadecenal; 9-tetradecenyl acetate; abamectin; ABE IT56; Aceria malherbae,' Adalia bipiinclala: Agasicles hygroph a: Agrilus hyperici: Agrobacterium radiobacter Strain K1026; Agrobacterium radiobacter Strain K84; Agrotis segetum granulosis virus; alpha-pinene; alphaterpinene; alpha-terpineol; alpha-terpinoline; alternaria destruens; aluminium phosphide; Amblydromalus Hmonicus Amblyseius barkeri: Amblyseius californicus Amblyseius cucumeris Amblyseius degenerans: Amblyseius fallacis Amblyseius monldorensis: Amblyseius ovahs Amblyseius swirskii,' Amitus hesperidum: Amitus spiniferus Ampelomyces quisqualis Strain AQ10; anabasine sulphate; Anagrapha falcifera nucleopolyhedrovirus Anagrus alomus Anagrus epos,' Anagyrus fuscivenlris Anagyrus pseudococci,' Anaphes flavipes,' Anaphes iole Anaphes nitens,' Anastatus tenuipes,' animal tissue hydrolysate; Anthocoris nemoralis,' anthraquinone; Anticarsia gemmatalis nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Anystis agilis,' Aphalara itadori,' Aphelinus abdominalis,' Aphelinus mali,' Aphelinus semiflavus,' Aphidius colemani,' Aphidius ervi,' Aphidius matricariac, Aphidius smithi,' Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Aphthona flava, Aphthona nigriscutis,' Aphytis holoxanthus,' Aphytis lepidosaphes,' Aphytis lignanensis,' Aphytis melinus,' Aphytis mytilaspidis,' Apion fuscirostre,' Apion ulicis,' Aprostocetus hagenowii,' Arctium lappa extract; ARF-18 (auxin response factor- 18); Ascher sonia aleyrodis,' Aspergillus flavus AF36; Atheta coriaria, Aureobasidium pullulans,' Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Avetianella longoi,' Azospirillum brasilense,' Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AH2; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AT-332; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT-45; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI600; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum D747; Bacillus cereus Ar56; Bacillus cereus B4; Bacillus cereus CIL; Bacillus cereus DGA34; Bacillus cereus UW85; Bacillus firmus 1-1582; Bacillus licheniformis Strain FMCH001; Bacillus licheniformis Strain SB3086; Bacillus megateriunr, Bacillus nakamurai F727; Bacillus paralicheniformis Strain FMCH001; Bacillus pumilus Strain QST 2808; Bacillus sphaericus,' Bacillus subtilis Strain FMCH002; Bacillus subtilis Strain GB03; Bacillus subtilis Strain GB34; Bacillus subtilis Strain IAB/BS03; Bacillus subtilis Strain IBE 711; Bacillus subtilis Strain RTI477; Bacillus subtilis var amyloliquefaciens,' Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. japonensis,' Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner subsp. morrisoni,' Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai Strain ABTS- 1857; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai Strain GC-91; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Strain AM65-52; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Strain ABTS 351; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Strain EG 2348; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Strain PB 54; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Strain SA11; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Strain SA12; Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis NB 176; Bacillus velezensis Strain RTI301; balsam fir oil; bamboo tar; Bangasternus orienlalis barium carbonate; Bathyplectes curcuHonis Beauveria bassiana Strain 147; Beauveria bassiana Strain 203; Beauveria bassiana Strain ATCC 74040; Beauveria bassiana Strain GHA; Beauveria bassiana Strain IMI389521; Beauveria bassiana Strain NPP111B005; Beauveria bassiana Strain PPRI 5339; Beauveria brongniartii (Saccardo) Petch, isolate Betel; Beauveria brongniartii (Saccardo) Petch, isolate IMBST 95.031; Beauveria brongniartii (Saccardo) Petch, isolate IMBST 95.041; beet molasses- urea hydrolysate; bilanafos; black pepper oil; blackcurrant bud oil; blad polypeptide; blasticidin- S; Bordeaux mixture; Bracon cushmani: Bracon gelechiae Bracon hebelor: Brassica juncea brassinolide; Brassinolide-ethyl; Brevibacillus brevis,' Burgundy mixture; calcium carbonate; Cales noacki: Calosoma sycophanta,' camphene; Candida oleophila Strain O; Candida sailoana: canola oil; capric acid; caprylic acid potassium salt; capsaicin; Carcinops pumillio carene; carvacrol; carvone; castor oil; cedarwood oil; ceralure; cerevisane; Ceutorhynchus Hlura chalcogran; Cheyletus erudilus: Chilocorus ba eyi Chilocorus bipuslulalus Chilocorus circumdalus: Chilocorus kuw anae: Chilocorus nigrila: Chilocorus nigrilus: Chilocorus stigma, Chlorophyllin, sodium copper; chlortetracycline; Chondrostereum purpureunr, Chrysolina hyperici,' Chrysolina quadrigemina, Chrysoperla carnea, Chrysoperla rufdabris,' cinnamaldehyde; cinnamyl acetate; citronella oil; clayed charcoal; Clitostethus arcuatus,' Clonostachys rosea f. catenulate,' Clonostachys rosea Strain J 1446; codlemone; Coleomegilla maculata, Coleophora parthenica, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. Sp. Cuscutae,' Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. malvae,' Colletotrichum gloeosporioidides f. sp. aeschynomene,' Comperia merceti,' Comperiella bifascita, Coniothyrium minitans,' Copidosoma floridanum,' Copidosoma truncatellunr, copper (I) oxide; copper (II) hydroxide; copper (II) carbonate; copper oxychloride; copper sulphate; Cordyceps Javanica, coronatine; COS-OGA; Cotesia flavipes,' Cotesia glomerata,' Cotesia marginiventris,' Cotesia medicaginis,' Cotesia plutellae,' Cotesia ruficrus,' cottonseed oil; coyote urine; cryolite; Cryphonectria parasitica, Cryptococcus albidus,' Cryptolaemus montrouzieri,' Cybocephalus nipponicus,' Cylindrobasidium laeve,' cytokinin; Dacnusa sibirica, d-carvone; Delphastus catalinae,' Delphastus pusillus,' Deraeocoris brevis,' Diaeretiella rapae,' diallyl disulfide; dicopper carbonate dihydroxide; dicoumarol; Dicyphus hesperus,' Diglyphus isea, dihydroazadirachtin; disparlure; d-limonene; Dysphania ambrosioides,' emamectin Bia; emamectin Bib; emamectin benzoate; Encarsia aurantii,' Encarsia formosa,' Encarsia inaron,' Encarsia opulenta, Encarsia perplexa, Endo-brevicomin,' Entyloma ageratinae, ' Equisetum arvense leaf extract; Eretmocerus eremicus Eretmocerus mundus,' Erwinia amylovora HrpN harpin protein; Erwinia carotovora,' ethylene; eucalyptus oil; eugenol; Euseius gaHicus Euseius slipiilalus Euseius lularensis exo- brevicomin; farnesene; farnesol; fat distillation residues; Feltiella acarisuga: ferric phosphate; fish oil; fox urine; Franklinothrips megalops Franklinothrips orizabensis Franklinothrips vespiformis frontalin; Fusarium oxysporum: Galendromus anneclens: Galendromus helveolus,' Galendromus occidenlalis gamma-terpinene; Geocoris punclipes: geraniol; gibberellins; Gliocladium catenulatum Strain J 1446; gliotoxin; Glyptapanteles Uparidis Goniozus legneri gossyplure; grandlure; Harmonia axyridis: Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus Heterorhabditis bacleriophora: Heterorhabditis downesi Heterorhabditis megidis: Hippodamia convergens,' Hirsutella thompsonii: Hyles euphorbias,' Hypoaspis aculeifer, Hypoaspis miles,' Hyposoter exiguae,' Hyposoter fugitivus,' indolylacetic acid; ipsenol; Isaria fumerosa Apopka Strain 97; jasmone; jojoba oil; kaolin; calcined kaolin; karanjin; kieselgur; kinetin; Lagenidium giganteunr, Larinus planus,' Lavandulyl senecioate,' L-carvone; ledprona; lepimectin; Leptomastix algirica,' Leptomastix dactylopii,' Leucoptera spartifoliella, limestone; linalool; lineatin; linoleic acid; Longitarsus jacobaeae,' looplure; Lydella thompsoni,' Lymantria dispar nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Lysiphlebus testaceipes,' Macrocentrus ancylivorus,' Macrocentrus iridescens,' Macrolophus caliginosus,' Mallada signata, Mamestra brassicas nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Mamestra configurata nucleopolyhedrovirus,' maple lactone; medlure; megatomoic acid; Metaphycus bartletti,' Metaphycus californicus,' Metaphycus flavus,' Metaphycus funicularis,' Metaphycus helvolus,' Metaphycus luteolus,' Metarhizium anisopliae Strain F52; Metarhizium anisopliae Strain FI-1045; Metarhizium anisopliae Strain FI-985; Metarhizium anisopliae Strain ICIPE 30; Metarhizium anisopliae Strain ICIPE 69; Metarhizium anisopliae Strain I MI 330189; Metarhizium brunnewn Strain Cb 15-III; Metarhizium flavoviride Strain F001; Metarhizium pingshaense Strain CF62; Metarhizium pingshaense Strain CF69; Metarhizium pingshaense Strain CF78; Meteorus autographae,' Meteorus laphygmae,' Meteorus pulchricornis,' Meteorus trachynotus,' methyl cyclohexenone; methyl j asm onate; Methyl eugenol; Metschnikowia fructicola Strain NRRL Y-27328; Microctonus aethiopoides,' Microlarinus lareynii,' Microlarinus lypriformis,' Micromus tasmaniae,' Microplitis brassicas,' Microplitisplutellae,Microterys flavus,' milbemectin; milbemycin A3; milbemycin A4; milsana; multistriatin; muscalure; Muscidifurax raptor,' Muscidifurax raptorellus,' mustard seed powder; myristyl acetate; myristyl alcohol; Myrothecium verrucaria, Nabis kinbergii,' Neodiprion lecontei nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Neodiprion sertifer nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Neodryinus typhlocybae,' nepetalactone; nootkatone; nornicotine; Nosema locustae,' nuranone; Oberea erythrocephala, ocimene; octanal; onion oil; orange oil; Orgyia pseudotsugata nucleopolyhedrovirus Origanum vulgare L.,' Orius albidipennis Orius armalus Orius insidiosus Orius laevigalus Orius majusculus oryctalure; oxypurinol; oxytetracy cline hydrochloride; Paecilomyces fumosoroseus Strain FE9901; Paecilomyces lilacinus Strain 251; Paenibacillus polymyxa AC-1; Paenibacillus popiHiae Pantoea agglomerans para-cymene; paraffin oil (CAS No: 8042-47-5); Pasteuria nishizawae Pnl; Pasteuria penetrans,' Pediobius foveolatus,' pelargonic acid; pentacosane; Pentalitomastix plelhorica Pepino mosaic virus CH2 strain mild isolate Abp2; Pepino mosaic virus EU strain mild isolate Abpl; Pepino mosaic virus isolate VC1; Pepino mosaic virus isolate VX1; Pepino mosaic virus strain CH2 isolate 1906; Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, phenazine- 1 -carboxylic acid; phenethyl propionate; Phlebiopsis gigantea Strain 410.3; Phlebiopsis gigantea Strain VRA 1835; Phlebiopsis gigantea Strain VRA 1984; Phragmidium violaceum Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus physcion; Phytophthora palmivora, Phytoseiulus persim is: Pieris rapae grandulosis virus; pine oil; Piperine (black pepper dust); Plodia interpunctella granulosis,' P-menthane-3,8-diol; Pnigalio flavipes,' Podisus maculiventris,' polynactins; precocene II; Pseudaphycus maculipennis,' Pseudomonas alcaligenes,' Pseudomonas aureofaciens Strain Tx-1; Pseudomonas chlororaphis Strain MA342; Pseudomonas fluorescens,' Pseudomonas gladioli,' Pseudomonas sp. Strain DSMZ 13134; Pseudomonas syringae Strain ESC-10; Pseudomonas syringae Strain ESC-11; Pseudozyma flocculosa Strain ATTC 64874; Pseudozyma flocculosa Strain PF-A22 UL; Psyllaephagus pilosus,' Puccinia chondrillina,' Purpureocillium lilacinum Strain pl 11; pyrethrins (cinerin I); pyrethrins (cinerin II); pyrethrins (jasmolin I); pyrethrins (jasmolin II); pyrethrins (mix); pyrethrins (pyrethrin I); pyrethrins (pyrethrin II); Pythium oligandrum Strain B301; Pythium oligandrum Strain DV74; Pythium oligandrum Strain Ml; QRD-460 terpenoid blend; quartz sand; rapeseed oil; red pepper; rescalure; resveratrol; Reynoutria sachalinensis extract; Rheum officinale extract; Rhinocyllus conicus,' Rhizophagus grandis,' rhyncolure; Rhyzobius forestieri,' Rhyzobius lophantae,' Rodolia cardinalis,' rosemary oil; rotenone; Rumina decollata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain LAS02; Salix spp. cortex; sanguinarine; sanguinarine chloride; sarmentine; Sclerotinia sclerotiorunr, Scolothrips sexmaculatus,' sea algae extract; sebacic acid; Serangium parcesetosunr, Serratia entomophila, sheep fat; siglure; silica; Sinorhizobium meliloti,' sodium aluminium silicate; sordidin; soybean lecithin; Spalangia cameroni,' Spalangia endius,' spearmint oil; Sphenoptera jugoslavica, spider venom peptide; spinosad; Spinosyn A; Spinosyn D; Spodoptera exigua nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Spodoptera litura nucleopolyhedrovirus,' Spurgia esulae,' star

One or more charged surfactants may be selected from the group comprising cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. Some examples of cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants are provided in Table 2, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby.

In certain embodiments, two or more surfactants of the same type (such as “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant”, etc.) may be selected and used to prepare the plant treatment composition. Alternatively, two or more surfactants of different types (such as “cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, etc.) may be selected and used to prepare the plant treatment composition. Although not particularly restricted thereto, it should be appreciated that the foregoing “two or more surfactants of different types” do not refer to any combination in which the anionic and cationic surfactants co-exist (such as “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, etc.), as it is well recognised in the art that such combination is unstable. However, if it is possible that cationic and anionic surfactants may co-exist without problems of instability, precipitation and incompatibility, then such a combination or mixture may be used in this invention.

Preferably, one or more amphoteric surfactants may be selected and used to prepare the plant treatment composition. More preferably, one or more amine oxides may be selected and used to prepare the plant treatment composition. Most preferably, one or more of amine oxides having all of the following properties may be selected and used to prepare the plant treatment composition:

(a) Hydrophobic tail length: Less than 14 carbon atoms;

(b) Distance between the positive and negative charges: Less than 0.6 nm or 6.0 A;

(c) pH stability: The magnitude of the positive and negative charges is present concurrently (amphoteric) over a wide pH range of pH 2 to 12; and

(d) Molar mass: Less than 302 g/mol.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition may further comprise at least a stabilizer for stabilizing the plant treatment composition. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that one or more than one stabilizer may present in the plant treatment composition.

Suitable stabilizer(s) for the plant treatment composition may include but not limited to non-ionic surfactants. For instance, the non-ionic surfactants may be selected from the group comprising polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants. Some examples of polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants are provided in Table 3. However, it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby.

Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 3.0 to 15.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition may further comprise at least a property modifying agent. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that one or more than one property modifying agent may present in the plant treatment composition.

Some examples of property modifying agents are provided in Table 4, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby.

Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.23 to 9.23% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 9.80% by weight of one or more property modifying agents.

In certain embodiments, the type of the property modifying agent(s) as selected may affect the preferred amount of the property modifying agent(s) in the plant treatment composition. For instance, if polymer-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 8.50% or more preferably 0.10 to 8.23% by weight of the polymer-based property modifying agent(s). Alternatively, if lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, then it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 1.00% or more preferably 0.13 to 1.00% by weight of the lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s).

Although not mentioned in the foregoing, both of the polymer-based and lignosulfonate-based property modifying agents may co-exist in the plant treatment composition.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition may further comprise at least a water-soluble plant treatment agent. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent may present in the plant treatment composition. Some examples of water- soluble plant treatment agents may include calcium chloride, copper ethylenediaminetetraacetate, salicylic acid, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate, urea, triple superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate and sodium tetraborate, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby. Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents.

Further, the plant treatment composition as obtained may have particles in an average particle size of less than 1 pm. In particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size of less than 0.5 pm or less than 0.25 pm. In more particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm or 0.005 to 0.250 pm.

Additionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may have a poly dispersity index (PDI) of less than 0.5. In particular, the PDI of the composition may range from 0.15 to 0.30. In more particular, the PDI of the composition may range from 0.190 to 0.263.

The plant treatment composition as obtained may also have a stability of at least three months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous. However, the plant treatment composition as obtained may preferably have a stability of at least 24 months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous and is capable of providing optimum performance.

According to another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a plant treatment composition comprising at least a poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent and at least an amphoteric surfactant with the remainder being water. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the plant treatment composition may comprise either one or more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent and either one or more than one amphoteric surfactant with water making up the remaining.

Additionally, in order to ensure that the plant treatment composition is effective and is capable of providing optimum performance, it may be essential to prepare the plant treatment composition such that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with the remainder being water. Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.5 to 15.0% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 15.0 to 30.0% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with the remainder being water. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 2.0 to 10.5% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 18.0 to 28.0% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with the remainder being water. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 1.06 to 10.70% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 17.70 to 28.80% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with the remainder being water.

One or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, biopesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides. A non-exhaustive list of examples of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, bio-pesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides are provided in Table 1, but the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must have a solubility in a range of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C under atmospheric pressure. More preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 0.1 to 500 mg/L. Most preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 1 to 200 mg/L.

Additionally, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must also be relatively pure, i.e., having a purity in the range of 500 to 1000 g/kg, preferably 700 to 1000 g/kg and most preferably 900 to lOOOg/kg. It should be appreciated that the purity herein may refer to “the weight of active molecules per weight of poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent”. Most importantly, it was discovered by the inventors that the plant treatment composition of this invention would not work with poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) which are diluted (i.e., having a purity below the range given above).

One or more amphoteric surfactants may be selected from the group comprising sulfobetaine, sulfatobetaine, hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, sulfoimidazolium, sulfo-pyridinium, carboxybetaine, carboxyimidazolium, amidosulfobetaine, amidocarboxybetaine, phosphocholine, amine oxide, sulfophosphonium and phosphobetaine. Some examples of sulfobetaine, sulfatobetaine, hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, sulfoimidazolium, sulfo-pyridinium, carboxybetaine, carboxyimidazolium, amidosulfobetaine, amidocarboxybetaine, phosphocholine, amine oxide, sulfophosphonium, phosphobetaine and rhamnolipids are provided in Table 5, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby.

More preferably, one or more amine oxides may be selected and used to prepare the plant treatment composition. Most preferably, one or more of amine oxides having all of the following properties may be selected and used to prepare the plant treatment composition: (a) Hydrophobic tail length: Less than 14 carbon atoms;

(b) Distance between the positive and negative charges: Less than 0.6 nm or 6.0 A;

(c) pH stability: The magnitude of the positive and negative charges is present concurrently (amphoteric) over a wide pH range of pH 2 to 12; and

(d) Molar mass: Less than 302 g/mol.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition may further comprise at least a stabilizer for stabilizing the plant treatment composition. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that one or more than one stabilizer may present in the plant treatment composition. Suitable stabilizer(s) for the plant treatment composition may include but not limited to non-ionic surfactants. For instance, the non-ionic surfactants may be selected from the group comprising polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants. Some examples of polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants are provided in Table 3. However, it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby.

Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 3.0 to 15.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition may further comprise at least a property modifying agent. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that one or more than one property modifying agent may present in the plant treatment composition.

Some examples of property modifying agents are provided in Table 4, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby.

Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.23 to 9.23% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 9.80% by weight of one or more property modifying agents.

In certain embodiments, the type of the property modifying agent(s) as selected may affect the preferred amount of the property modifying agent(s) in the plant treatment composition. For instance, if polymer-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 8.50% or more preferably 0.10 to 8.23% by weight of the polymer-based property modifying agent(s). Alternatively, if lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, then it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 1.00% or more preferably 0.13 to 1.00% by weight of the lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s).

Although not mentioned in the foregoing, both of the polymer-based and lignosulfonate-based property modifying agents may co-exist in the plant treatment composition.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition may further comprise at least a water-soluble plant treatment agent. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent may present in the plant treatment composition. Some examples of water- soluble plant treatment agents may include calcium chloride, copper ethylenediaminetetraacetate, salicylic acid, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate, urea, triple superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate and sodium tetraborate, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby. Preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents.

Further, the plant treatment composition as obtained may have particles in an average particle size of less than 1 pm. In particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size of less than 0.5 pm or less than 0.25 pm. In more particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm or 0.005 to 0.250 pm.

Additionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may have a poly dispersity index (PDI) of less than 0.5. In particular, the PDI of the composition may range from 0.15 to 0.30. In more particular, the PDI of the composition may range between 0.190 and 0.263.

The plant treatment composition as obtained may also have a stability of at least three months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous. However, the plant treatment composition as obtained may preferably have a stability of at least 24 months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous and is capable of providing optimum performance.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a method for preparing a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of at least a poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of at least a charged surfactant with water making up the remaining. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the method depicted herein may be used to prepare a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of one or more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of one or more than one charged surfactant with water making up the remaining. More preferably, the method depicted herein may be used to prepare a plant treatment composition comprising 2.0 to 10.5% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 18.0 to 28.0% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining. Most preferably, the method depicted herein may be used to prepare a plant treatment composition may comprise 1.06 to 10.70% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 17.70 to 28.80% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining.

Preferably, the method may require that an aqueous adjuvant comprising one or more charged surfactants be prepared first. In particular, one or more charged surfactants may be selected from the group comprising cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants, some examples of which are provided in Table 2. In the event where more than one charged surfactant may be selected, the charged surfactants may be of the same type or different types, such as “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, etc. Although not particularly restricted thereto, it should be appreciated that the charged surfactants of different types do not refer to any combination in which the anionic and cationic surfactants co-exist (such as “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, etc.), as it is well recognised in the art that such combination is unstable. However, if it is possible that cationic and anionic surfactants may co-exist without problems of instability, precipitation and incompatibility, then such a combination or mixture may be used in this invention.

Preferably, one or more amphoteric surfactants may be selected. More preferably, one or more amine oxides may be selected. Most preferably, one or more of amine oxides having all of the following properties may be selected:

(a) Hydrophobic tail length: Less than 14 carbon atoms;

(b) Distance between the positive and negative charges: Less than 0.6 nm or 6.0 A;

(c) pH stability: The magnitude of the positive and negative charges is present concurrently (amphoteric) over a wide pH range of pH 2 to 12; and

(d) Molar mass: Less than 302 g/mol.

Once selected, the charged surfactant(s) may be added to water or distilled water, and they may be mixed at atmospheric pressure and temperature. Although not particularly restricted thereto, the charged surfactant(s) may be mixed with the water at a speed of 100 to 500 rpm. Such mixing may be achieved by any suitable mixing equipment or technique available in the art, such as by using a stirrer, a mixing device, a blending machine, a shaking machine, a vibrating machine, a homogenizer, a disperser, etc. It should also be appreciated that to facilitate efficient mixing especially for larger batches (which may be up to 5 tonnes), a higher speed of up to 2,000 rpm or higher temperature of up to 140°C may be used. A longer mixing time of up to 6 hours may also be required.

Additionally, the step of mixing the charged surfactant(s) and water for preparing the aqueous adjuvant may not be necessary if the charged surfactant(s) in aqueous form are readily available in the market. Accordingly, the charged surfactant(s) in aqueous form may be used directly as the aqueous adjuvant. Alternatively, if more than one charged surfactant may be required, the charged surfactants (each in aqueous form) may be simply mixed to form the desired aqueous adjuvant.

Next, one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, biopesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides, some examples of which are provided in Table 1. However, in order to be selected, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) must have a solubility in a range of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C under atmospheric pressure. More preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 0.1 to 500 mg/L. Most preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 1 to 200 mg/L.

Additionally, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must also be relatively pure, i.e., having a purity in the range of 500 to 1000 g/kg, preferably 700 to 1000 g/kg and most preferably 900 to lOOOg/kg. It should be appreciated that the purity herein may refer to “the weight of active molecules per weight of poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent”. Most importantly, it was discovered by the inventors that the plant treatment composition of this invention would not work with poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) which are diluted (i.e., having a purity below the range given above).

Once selected, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) may be added to the aqueous adjuvant, and they may be mixed at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a mixing speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm for a period of about 5 minutes to 6 hours. The mixing may be achieved by any suitable mixing equipment or technique available in the art, such as by using a stirrer, a mixing device, a blending machine, a shaking machine, a vibrating machine, a homogenizer, a disperser, etc., but low mixing speeds such as 100 to 500 rpm, 100 to 800 rpm or 100 to 1,000 rpm may be more preferred in some embodiments. Lower mixing speeds (such as 100 to 500 rpm) may be most preferred in some embodiments. However, for larger batches (such as up to 5 tonnes), a higher speed of up to 2,000 rpm or higher temperature of up to 140°C may be required. A longer mixing time of up to 6 hours may also be required.

Preferably, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) and the aqueous adjuvant may be mixed with each other until a homogeneous composition is obtained and it may be left to cool down to room temperature. The plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm. In particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size of less than 0.5 pm or less than 0.25 pm. In more particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm or 0.005 to 0.250 pm.

Additionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may have a poly dispersity index (PDI) of less than 0.5. In particular, the PDI of the composition may range from 0.15 to 0.30. In more particular, the PDI of the composition may range between 0.190 and 0.263.

The plant treatment composition as obtained may also have a stability of at least three months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous. However, the plant treatment composition as obtained may preferably have a stability of at least 24 months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous and is capable of providing optimum performance.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 3.0 to 15.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers.

To achieve such object, the aqueous adjuvant may be prepared by adding one or more charged surfactants to the water or distilled water along with one or more stabilizers. Alternatively, the aqueous adjuvant may be added with one or more than one stabilizer before the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s). Alternatively, one or more than one stabilizer may be added after the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant. Suitable stabilizer(s) may include but not limited to non -ionic surfactants. For instance, the nonionic surfactants may be selected from the group comprising polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants, some examples of which are provided in Table 3.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.23 to 9.23% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.10 to 9.80% by weight of one or more property modifying agents.

To achieve such object, the aqueous adjuvant may be prepared by adding one or more charged surfactants to the water or distilled water along with one or more property modifying agents. Alternatively, the aqueous adjuvant may be added with one or more property modifying agents before the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s). Alternatively, one or more property modifying agents may be added after the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant.

Some examples of the property modifying agent(s) are provided in Table 4, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby. Additionally, the type of the property modifying agent(s) as selected may affect the preferred amount of the property modifying agent(s) in the plant treatment composition. For instance, if polymer-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 8.50% or more preferably 0.10 to 8.23% by weight of the polymer-based property modifying agent(s). Alternatively, if lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, then it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 1.00% or more preferably 0.13 to 1.00% by weight of the lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s).

In the event that one or more stabilizers and one or more property modifying agents may co-exist in the plant treatment composition, they may be added along with one or more charged surfactants to the water or distilled water to prepare the aqueous adjuvant. Alternatively, they may be added simultaneously or sequentially to the aqueous adjuvant before the addition of the poorly water- soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant. Alternatively, they may be added simultaneously or sequentially to the aqueous adjuvant after the addition of the poorly water- soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents.

To achieve such object, the aqueous adjuvant may be added with one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents before the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s). Alternatively, one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents may be added after the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant.

Some examples of the water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) are provided in the foregoing, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby.

Although not mentioned in the foregoing, it should be appreciated that if more than one plant treatment agent may be present, certain plant treatment agents such as nutrients or plant growth regulators which are not regulated for use may be added to the aqueous adjuvant first and then followed by other plant treatment agents.

It should also be appreciated that despite the addition of the stabilizer(s), property modifying agent(s) and water-soluble plant treatment agent(s), the plant treatment composition as obtained may still comprise particles with an average particle size of less than 1 pm (in more particular less than 0.5 pm, less than 0.25 pm, ranging from 0.005 to 0.250 pm or ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm). The same may also apply to the PDI and stability.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a method for preparing a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of at least a poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of at least an amphoteric surfactant with water making up the remaining. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the method depicted herein may be used to prepare a plant treatment composition comprising 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with water making up the remaining. More preferably, the method depicted herein may be used to prepare a plant treatment composition comprising 2.0 to 10.5% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 18.0 to 28.0% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with water making up the remaining. Most preferably, the method depicted herein may be used to prepare a plant treatment composition may comprise 1.60 to 10.70% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 17.70 to 28.80% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with water making up the remaining.

Preferably, the method may require that an aqueous adjuvant comprising one or more amphoteric surfactants be prepared first. In particular, one or more amphoteric surfactants may be selected from the group comprising sulfobetaine, sulfatobetaine, hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, sulfoimidazolium, sulfo-pyridinium, carboxybetaine, carboxyimidazolium, amidosulfobetaine, amidocarboxybetaine, phosphocholine, amine oxide, sulfophosphonium, phosphobetaine and rhamnolipids, some examples of which are provided in Table 5. More preferably, one or more amine oxides may be selected. Most preferably, one or more of amine oxides having all of the following properties may be selected:

(a) Hydrophobic tail length: Less than 14 carbon atoms;

(b) Distance between the positive and negative charges: Less than 0.6 nm or 6.0 A;

(c) pH stability: The magnitude of the positive and negative charges is present concurrently (amphoteric) over a wide pH range of pH 2 to 12; and

(d) Molar mass: Less than 302 g/mol.

Once selected, the amphoteric surfactant(s) may be added to water or distilled water, and they may be mixed at atmospheric pressure and temperature. Although not particularly restricted thereto, the amphoteric surfactant(s) may be mixed with the water at a speed of 100 to 500 rpm. Such mixing may be achieved by any suitable mixing equipment or technique available in the art, such as by using a stirrer, a mixing device, a blending machine, a shaking machine, a vibrating machine, a homogenizer, a disperser, etc. It should also be appreciated that to facilitate efficient mixing especially for large batches (which may be up to 5 tonnes), a higher speed of up to 2,000 rpm or higher temperature of up to 140 °C may be used. A longer mixing time of up to 6 hours may also be required.

Additionally, the step of mixing the amphoteric surfactant(s) and water for preparing the aqueous adjuvant may not be necessary if the amphoteric surfactant(s) in aqueous form are readily available in the market. Accordingly, the amphoteric surfactant(s) in aqueous form may be used directly as the aqueous adjuvant. Alternatively, if more than one amphoteric surfactant may be required, the amphoteric surfactants (each in aqueous form) may be simply mixed to form the desired aqueous adjuvant.

Next, one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, biopesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides, some examples of which are provided in Table 1. However, in order to be selected, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) must have a solubility in a range of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C under atmospheric pressure. More preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 0.1 to 500 mg/L. Most preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 1 to 200 mg/L.

Additionally, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must also be relatively pure, i.e., having a purity in the range of 500 to 1000 g/kg, preferably 700 to 1000 g/kg and most preferably 900 to lOOOg/kg. It should be appreciated that the purity herein may refer to “the weight of active molecules per weight of poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent”. Most importantly, it was discovered by the inventors that the plant treatment composition of this invention would not work with poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) which are diluted (i.e., having a purity below the range given above).

Once selected, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) may be added to the aqueous adjuvant, and they may be mixed at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a mixing speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm for a period of about 5 minutes to 6 hours. The mixing may be achieved by any suitable mixing equipment or technique available in the art, such as by using a stirrer, a mixing device, a blending machine, a shaking machine, a vibrating machine, a homogenizer, a disperser, etc., but low mixing speeds such as 100 to 500 rpm, 100 to 800 rpm or 100 to 1,000 rpm may be more preferred in some embodiments. Lower mixing speeds such as 100 to 500 rpm may be most preferred in some embodiments. However, for larger batches (such as up to 5 tonnes), a higher speed of up to 2,000 rpm or higher temperature of up to 140°C may be required. A longer mixing time of up to 6 hours may also be required.

Preferably, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) and the aqueous adjuvant may be mixed with each other until a homogeneous composition is obtained and it may be left to cool down to room temperature. The plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm. In particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size of less than 0.5 pm or less than 0.25 pm. In more particular, the particles in the composition may have an average particle size ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm or 0.005 to 0.250 pm.

Additionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may have a poly dispersity index (PDI) of less than 0.5. In particular, the PDI of the composition may range from 0.15 to 0.30. In more particular, the PDI of the composition may range between 0.190 and 0.263.

The plant treatment composition as obtained may also have a stability of at least three months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous. However, the plant treatment composition as obtained may preferably have a stability of at least 24 months under ambient conditions, where the composition remains homogeneous and is capable of providing optimum performance.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 3.0 to 15.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers.

To achieve such object, the aqueous adjuvant may be prepared by adding one or more amphoteric surfactants to the water or distilled water together with one or more stabilizers. Alternatively, the aqueous adjuvant may be added with one or more stabilizers before the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s). Alternatively, one or more stabilizers may be added after the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant.

Suitable stabilizer(s) may include but not limited to non -ionic surfactants. For instance, the nonionic surfactants may be selected from the group comprising polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants, some examples of which are provided in Table 3.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.23 to 9.23% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.10 to 9.80% by weight of one or more property modifying agents.

To achieve such object, the aqueous adjuvant may be prepared by adding one or more amphoteric surfactants to the water or distilled water along with one or more property modifying agents. Alternatively, the aqueous adjuvant may be added with one or more property modifying agents before the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s). Alternatively, one or more property modifying agents may be added after the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant.

Some examples of the property modifying agent(s) are provided in Table 4, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby. Additionally, the type of the property modifying agent(s) as selected may affect the preferred amount of the property modifying agent(s) in the plant treatment composition. For instance, if polymer-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 8.50% or more preferably 0.10 to 8.23% by weight of the polymer-based property modifying agent(s). Alternatively, if lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, then it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 1.00% or more preferably 0.13 to 1.00% by weight of the lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s).

In the event that one or more stabilizers and one or more property modifying agents may co-exist in the plant treatment composition, they may be added along with one or more amphoteric surfactants to the water or distilled water to prepare the aqueous adjuvant. Alternatively, they may be added simultaneously or sequentially to the aqueous adjuvant before the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant. Alternatively, they may be added simultaneously or sequentially to the aqueous adjuvant after the addition of the poorly water- soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant.

Optionally, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents.

To achieve such object, the aqueous adjuvant may be added with one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents before the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s). Alternatively, one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents may be added after the addition of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) to the aqueous adjuvant.

Some examples of the water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) are provided in the foregoing, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby. Although not mentioned in the foregoing, it should be appreciated that if more than one plant treatment agent may be present, certain plant treatment agents such as nutrients or plant growth regulators which are not regulated for use may be added to the aqueous adjuvant first and then followed by other plant treatment agents.

It should also be appreciated that despite the addition of the stabilizer(s), property modifying agent(s) and water-soluble plant treatment agent(s), the plant treatment composition as obtained may still comprise particles with an average particle size of less than 1 pm (in particular less than 0.5 pm, less than 0.25 pm, ranging from 0.005 to 0.250 pm or ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm). The same may also apply to PDI and stability.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a kit for preparing a plant treatment composition.

Preferably, the kit may comprise a first part being at least a poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent. One or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, biopesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides, some examples of which are provided in Table 1. However, in order to be selected, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) must have a solubility in a range of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C under atmospheric pressure. More preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 0.1 to 500 mg/L. Most preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 1 to 200 mg/L.

Additionally, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must also be relatively pure, i.e., having a purity in the range of 500 to 1000 g/kg, preferably 700 to 1000 g/kg and most preferably 900 to lOOOg/kg. It should be appreciated that the purity herein may refer to “the weight of active molecules per weight of poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent”. Most importantly, it was discovered by the inventors that the plant treatment composition of this invention would not work with poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) which are diluted (i.e., having a purity below the range given above).

In the event where there may be more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may each be contained in a container. Alternatively, they may be mixed and contained in a single container. The kit may also comprise a second part being an aqueous adjuvant comprising at least a charged surfactant. One or more charged surfactants may be selected from the group comprising cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants, some examples of which are provided in Table 2. In the event where more than one charged surfactant may be selected, the charged surfactants may be of the same type or different types, such as “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “anionic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, etc. Although not particularly restricted thereto, it should be appreciated that “two or more surfactants of different types” do not refer to any combination in which the anionic and cationic surfactants co-exist (such as “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant + anionic surfactant”, “cationic surfactant + anionic surfactant + amphoteric surfactant”, etc.), as it is well recognised in the art that such combination is unstable. However, if it is possible that cationic and anionic surfactants may co-exist without problems of instability, precipitation and incompatibility, then such a combination or mixture may be used in this invention.

Preferably, one or more amphoteric surfactants may be selected. More preferably, one or more amine oxides may be selected. Most preferably, one or more of amine oxides having all of the following properties may be selected:

(a) Hydrophobic tail length: Less than 14 carbon atoms;

(b) Distance between the positive and negative charges: Less than 0.6 nm or 6.0 A;

(c) pH stability: The magnitude of the positive and negative charges is present concurrently (amphoteric) over a wide pH range of pH 2 to 12; and

(d) Molar mass: Less than 302 g/mol.

Although not particularly restricted thereto, the aqueous adjuvant comprising a charged surfactant may refer to a charged surfactant in aqueous form which is readily available in the market. Accordingly, if the aqueous adjuvant may preferably comprise more than one charged surfactant, the charged surfactants (each in aqueous form and contained in a separate container) may be simply mixed to form the desired aqueous adjuvant. Preferably, the first part and the second part may be contained in separate containers. The first part and the second part may be mixed at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a mixing speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm for a period of about 5 minutes to 6 hours until a homogeneous composition is obtained and it may be left to cool down to room temperature. The mixing may be achieved by any appropriate mixing equipment or technique available in the art (such as by using a stirrer, a mixing device, a blending machine, a shaking machine, a vibrating machine, a homogenizer, a disperser, etc.), but the composition as obtained may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm (in particular less than 0.5 pm, less than 0.25 pm, ranging from 0.005 to 0.250 pm or ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm). The composition as obtained may also comprise 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of one or more charged surfactants. More preferably, the composition as obtained may comprise 2.0 to 10.5% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 18.0 to 28.0% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining. Most preferably, the composition as obtained may comprise 1.60 to 10.70% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 17.70 to 28.80% by weight of one or more charged surfactants with water making up the remaining.

However, for larger batches (such as up to 5 tonnes), a higher speed of up to 2,000 rpm or higher temperature of up to 140°C may be required. A longer mixing time of up to 6 hours may also be required.

Optionally, the second part may further comprise one or more than one stabilizer, so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 3.0 to 15.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers.

Suitable stabilizer(s) may include but not limited to non -ionic surfactants. For instance, the nonionic surfactants may be selected from the group comprising polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants, some examples of which are provided in Table 3.

Optionally, the second part may further comprise one or more than one property modifying agent, so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.23 to 9.23% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.10 to 9.80% by weight of one or more property modifying agents.

Some examples of the property modifying agent(s) are provided in Table 4, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby. Additionally, the type of the property modifying agent(s) as selected may affect the preferred amount of the property modifying agent(s) in the plant treatment composition. For instance, if polymer-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 8.50% or more preferably 0.10 to 8.23% by weight of the polymer-based property modifying agent(s). Alternatively, if lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, then it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 1.00% or more preferably 0.13 to 1.00% by weight of the lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s).

Optionally, the second part may further comprise one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is not regulated for use (such as but not limited to calcium chloride, copper ethylenediaminetetraacetate, salicylic acid, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate, urea, triple superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride and magnesium sulphate), so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water- soluble plant treatment agents which are not regulated for use. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents which are not regulated for use.

In some embodiments, the second part herein may refer to an aqueous adjuvant comprising: (a) one or more than one charged surfactant; (b) one or more than one stabilizer; (c) one or more than one property modifying agent; and (d) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent such as nutrients or plant growth regulators which are not regulated for use. Such aqueous adjuvant may be contained in a single container. In some embodiments, the second part may refer to a combination of: (a) an aqueous adjuvant comprising one or more than one charged surfactant; (b) one or more than one stabilizer; (c) one or more than one property modifying agent; and (d) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent such as nutrients or plant growth regulators which is not regulated for use, each of which is contained in a separate container. If there may be more than one stabilizer, more than one property modifying agent and more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent (which is not regulated for use), it may be preferred to contain each of the stabilizers, the property modifying agents and the plant treatment agents (which are not regulated for use) in a separate container.

Optionally, the first part may further comprise one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is regulated for use (such as but not limited to fosetyl-aluminum, metalaxyl (benzenoid), propamocarb (carbamate), strepromycin sulphate, acephate, dimethoate, 2,4-D amine, dicamba salt and diquat dibromide salt), so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents.

In the event that there may be one or more water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) and one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s), the first part herein may refer to: (a) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is regulated for use; and (b) one or more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, each of which is contained in a separate container. Alternatively, the first part may refer to a mixture of: (a) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is regulated for use; and (b) one or more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent. Such mixture may be contained in a single container.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there may be provided a kit for preparing a plant treatment composition.

Preferably, the kit may comprise a first part being at least a poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent. One or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, biopesticides, plant nutrients and nematicides, some examples of which are provided in Table 1. However, in order to be selected, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) must have a solubility in a range of 0.001 to 1,700 mg/L in distilled water at pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 20 to 25°C under atmospheric pressure. More preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 0.1 to 500 mg/L. Most preferably, the solubility may be in a range of 1 to 200 mg/L. Additionally, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) as selected must also be relatively pure, i.e., having a purity in the range of 500 to 1000 g/kg, preferably 700 to 1000 g/kg and most preferably 900 to lOOOg/kg. It should be appreciated that the purity herein may refer to “the weight of active molecules per weight of poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent”. Most importantly, it was discovered by the inventors that the plant treatment composition of this invention would not work with poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) which are diluted (i.e., having a purity below the range given above).

In the event where there may be more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents may each be contained in a container. Alternatively, they may be mixed and contained in a single container.

The kit may also comprise a second part being an aqueous adjuvant comprising at least an amphoteric surfactant. One or more amphoteric surfactants may be selected from the group comprising sulfobetaine, sulfatobetaine, hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine, sulfoimidazolium, sulfopyridinium, carboxybetaine, carboxyimidazolium, amidosulfobetaine, amidocarboxybetaine, phosphocholine, amine oxide, sulfophosphonium, phosphobetaine and rhamnolipids, some examples of which are included in Table 5. Preferably, one or more amine oxides may be selected. More preferably, one or more of amine oxides having all of the following properties may be selected:

(a) Hydrophobic tail length: Less than 14 carbon atoms;

(b) Distance between the positive and negative charges: Less than 0.6 nm or 6.0 A;

(c) pH stability: The magnitude of the positive and negative charges is present concurrently (amphoteric) over a wide pH range of pH 2 to 12; and

(d) Molar mass: Less than 302 g/mol.

Although not particularly restricted thereto, the aqueous adjuvant comprising an amphoteric surfactant may refer to an amphoteric surfactant in aqueous form which is readily available in the market. Accordingly, if the aqueous adjuvant may preferably comprise more than one amphoteric surfactant, the amphoteric surfactants (each in aqueous form and contained in a separate container) may be simply mixed to form the desired aqueous adjuvant.

Preferably, the first part and the second part may be contained in separate containers. The first part and the second part may be mixed at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a mixing speed ranging from 10 to 2,000 rpm for a period of about 5 minutes to 6 hours until a homogeneous composition is obtained and it may be left to cool down to room temperature. The mixing may be achieved by any appropriate mixing equipment or technique available in the art (such as by using a stirrer, a mixing device, a blending machine, a shaking machine, a vibrating machine, a homogenizer, a disperser, etc.), but the composition as obtained may comprise particles having an average particle size of less than 1 pm (in particular less than 0.5 pm, less than 0.25 pm, ranging from 0.005 to 0.250 pm or ranging from 0.005 to 0.120 pm). The composition as obtained may also comprise 0.5 to 20.0% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants. More preferably, the composition as obtained may comprise 2.0 to 10.5% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 18.0 to 28.0% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with water making up the remaining. Most preferably, the composition as obtained may comprise 1.60 to 10.70% by weight of one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agents and 17.70 to 28.80% by weight of one or more amphoteric surfactants with water making up the remaining.

However, for larger batches (such as up to 5 tonnes), a higher speed of up to 2,000 rpm or higher temperature of up to 140°C may be required. A longer mixing time of up to 6 hours may also be required.

Optionally, the second part may further comprise one or more than one stabilizer, so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 1.0 to 20.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 3.0 to 15.0% by weight of one or more stabilizers.

Suitable stabilizer(s) may include but not limited to non -ionic surfactants. For instance, the nonionic surfactants may be selected from the group comprising polyethylene oxide surfactants, polypropylene oxide surfactants, sugar-based surfactants and ether-based surfactants, some examples of which are provided in Table 3.

Optionally, the second part may further comprise one or more than one property modifying agent, so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.05 to 10.0% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.23 to 9.23% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. Most preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.10 to 9.80% by weight of one or more property modifying agents. Some examples of the property modifying agent(s) are provided in Table 4, but it should be appreciated that the examples shall not be limited thereto or thereby. Additionally, the type of the property modifying agent(s) as selected may affect the preferred amount of the property modifying agent(s) in the plant treatment composition. For instance, if polymer-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 8.50% or more preferably 0.10 to 8.23% by weight of the polymer-based property modifying agent(s). Alternatively, if lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s) are selected, then it may be preferred that the plant treatment composition may comprise 0.10 to 1.00% or more preferably 0.13 to 1.00% by weight of the lignosulfonate-based property modifying agent(s).

Optionally, the second part may further comprise one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is not regulated for use (such as but not limited to calcium chloride, copper ethylenediaminetetraacetate, salicylic acid, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate, urea, triple superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride and magnesium sulphate), so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water- soluble plant treatment agents which are not regulated for use. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents which are not regulated for use.

In some embodiments, the second part herein may refer to an aqueous adjuvant comprising: (a) one or more than one amphoteric surfactant; (b) one or more than one stabilizer; (c) one or more than one property modifying agent; and (d) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent such as nutrients or plant growth regulators which are not regulated for use. Such aqueous adjuvant may be contained in a single container. In some embodiments, the second part may refer to a combination of: (a) an aqueous adjuvant comprising one or more than one amphoteric surfactant; (b) one or more than one stabilizer; (c) one or more than one property modifying agent; and (d) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent such as nutrients or plant growth regulators which are not regulated for use, each of which is contained in a separate container. If there may be more than one stabilizer, more than one property modifying agent and more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent (which is not regulated for use), it may be preferred to contain each of the stabilizers, the property modifying agents and the water-soluble plant treatment agents (which are not regulated for use) in a separate container. Optionally, the first part may further comprise one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is regulated for use (such as but not limited to fosetyl-aluminum, metalaxyl (benzenoid), propamocarb (carbamate), strepromycin sulphate, acephate, dimethoate, 2,4-D amine, dicamba salt and diquat dibromide salt), so that upon mixing the first part and the second part, the plant treatment composition as obtained may further comprise 0.001 to 10.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents. More preferably, the plant treatment composition as obtained may comprise 0.005 to 5.0% by weight of one or more water-soluble plant treatment agents.

In the event that there may be one or more water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) and one or more poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s), the first part herein may refer to: (a) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is regulated for use; and (b) one or more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent, each of which is contained in a separate container. Alternatively, the first part may refer to a mixture of (a) one or more than one water-soluble plant treatment agent which is regulated for use; and (b) one or more than one poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent. Such mixture may be contained in a single container.

Examples

Examples are provided below to illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the invention. The examples are not intended in any way to limit the disclosed invention.

Example 1

A plant treatment composition in Table 6 may be prepared using a mixture of lauramine oxide and dimethyltetradecylamine oxide as the amphoteric surfactant. To prepare the plant treatment composition in Table 6, the preparation may preferably be carried out under atmospheric pressure and at the following conditions:

(a) Mixing temperature: 45 to 140°C (more preferably 80 to 140°C); and

(b) Mixing speed: 10 to 2,000 rpm.

Example 2

A plant treatment composition in Table 7 may be prepared using cocoalkyldimethyl amine oxide as the amphoteric surfactant. To prepare the plant treatment composition in Table 7, the preparation may preferably be performed under atmospheric pressure and at the following conditions:

(a) Mixing temperature: 45 to 140°C (more preferably 45 to 130°C); and

(b) Mixing speed: 10 to 2,000 rpm. Example 3

To prepare a plant treatment composition in Table 8, 0.8 g of hexaconazole and 10.5 g of an aqueous adjuvant comprising cocoalkyldimethyl amine oxide were added to a beaker. The beaker containing the mixture was subsequently placed on a magnetic stirrer hotplate which was set to a temperature to 55°C.

The mixture was stirred at 300 rpm for about 15 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was left to cool down to room temperature.

The particle size of the plant treatment composition in Table 8 was also analysed, in both neat form and diluted form (1 part of neat material to 60 parts of water). The results were as follows.

Example 4

To prepare a plant treatment composition in Table 10, 6.5 g of hexaconazole, 95.0 g of an aqueous adjuvant comprising cocoalkyldimethyl amine oxide, and 10.0 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate were added to a beaker. The beaker containing the mixture was subsequently placed on a magnetic stirrer hotplate which was set to a temperature to 90°C.

The mixture was stirred at 500 rpm for about 20 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was left to cool down to the room temperature. The particle size of the plant treatment composition in Table 10 was also analysed, in both neat form and diluted form (1 part of neat material to 60 parts of water). The results were as follows.

Example 5

To prepare a plant treatment composition in Table 12, 6.5 g of hexaconazole, 95.0 g of an aqueous adjuvant comprising lauramine oxide and dimethyltetradecylamine oxide, and 10.0 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate were added to a beaker. The beaker containing the mixture was subsequently placed on a magnetic stirrer hotplate which was set to a temperature to 140°C.

The mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for about 20 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was left to cool down to the room temperature.

The dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis was not carried out on the plant treatment composition in Table 12, but it was visually observed that the neat form and diluted form (1 part of neat material to 60 parts of water) were optically clear, indicating that the particle size is in the same range as that for Example 3 and Example 4.

Example 6 To prepare a plant treatment composition in Table 13, 6.5 g of hexaconazole and 95.0 g of an aqueous adjuvant comprising lauramine oxide and dimethyltetradecylamine oxide were added to a beaker. The beaker containing the mixture was subsequently placed on a magnetic stirrer hotplate which was set to a temperature to 140°C.

The mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for about 20 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was left to cool down to the room temperature.

The DLS analysis was not carried out on the plant treatment composition in Table 13, but it was visually observed that the neat form and diluted form (1 part of neat material to 60 parts of water) were optically clear, indicating that the particle size is in the same range as that for Example 3 and Example 4.

Example 7

To prepare a plant treatment composition in Table 14, 10.1 g of garlic oil, 7.3 g of cinnamaldehyde and 105.0 g of an aqueous adjuvant comprising cocoalkyldimethyl amine oxide were added to a beaker. The beaker containing the mixture was subsequently placed on a magnetic stirrer hotplate which was set to a temperature to 98°C.

The mixture was stirred at 350 rpm for about 15 minutes.

Next, 10.0 g of polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monostearate was added to the mixture and stirred for 10 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was left to cool down to the room temperature.

The DLS analysis was not carried out on the plant treatment composition in Table 14, but it was visually observed that the neat form and diluted form (1 part of neat material to 60 parts of water) were optically clear, indicating that the particle size is in the same range as that for Example 3 and Example 4.

Example 8

To prepare a plant treatment composition in Table 15, 6.5 g of hexaconazole and 95.0 g of an aqueous adjuvant comprising sodium lauryl ether sulphate were added to a beaker. The beaker containing the mixture was subsequently placed on a magnetic stirrer hotplate which was set to a temperature to 140°C.

The mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for about 20 minutes.

Next, 10.0 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate was added to the mixture and stirred for 10 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was left to cool down to the room temperature.

The DLS analysis was not carried out on the plant treatment composition in Table 15, but it was visually observed that the neat form and diluted form (1 part of neat material to 60 parts of water) were optically clear, indicating that the particle size is in the same range as that for Example 3 and Example 4.

Example 9 To prepare a plant treatment composition in Table 16, 6.5 g of hexaconazole and 95.0 g of an aqueous adjuvant comprising benzalkonium chloride were added to a beaker. The beaker containing the mixture was subsequently placed on a magnetic stirrer hotplate which was set to a temperature to 140°C.

The mixture was stirred at 400 rpm for about 20 minutes.

Next, 10.0 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate was added to the mixture and stirred for 10 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was left to cool down to the room temperature.

The DLS analysis was not carried out on the plant treatment composition in Table 16, but it was visually observed that the neat form and diluted form (1 part of neat material to 60 parts of water) were optically clear, indicating that the particle size is in the same range as Example 3 and 4.

Example 10

A plant treatment composition in Table 17 was prepared and analysed. The results were as follows.

Example 11

A plant treatment composition in Table 19 was prepared and analysed. The results were as follows.

Example 12

Plant treatment compositions below may alternatively be prepared.

Table 22

Table 39

Table 60

Example 13: Residual assessment of the plant treatment composition in Example 10 on a matured oil palm tree

The residual assessment was carried out by using the plant treatment composition in Example 10. The objective was to conduct a quantitative hexaconazole trace analysis via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for fruit matrices (mesocarp fiber, kernel fiber, mesocarp oil and kernel oil) and roots at different pre-harvesting intervals (PHI) (i.e., 0, 7, 14 and 28 days).

Material and Methods

Sample Preparation

200 g of hexaconazole was mixed with aqueous adjuvant that comprises stabiliser and property modifying agent using a blender for 30 minutes at a stirring speed of 300 rpm for a 4.5 L batch.

Test Sample

Three plots of tree samples were provided, each of which consisted of 6 mature palms of 9 to 10 years old. For each plot of 6 palms, five of them were each injected with 70 ml of the plant treatment composition in Example 10, with the remaining tree sample injected with water.

Injection Holes

Preferably, the injection hole had a dimension of 20 mm depth with a diameter of 25 mm. The injection hole may also be 30 to 40 cm from the soil or root section.

Additionally, a putty filler was used to seal the hole after injection, in order to prevent dirt, rain, insects, etc. from entering the hole.

Hexaconazole Trace Analysis on the Fruits and Roots via HPLC

Fruits were collected at each PHI and prepared (by washing, cutting, grinding, etc.) into 4 different matrices (mesocarp fiber, kernel fiber, mesocarp oil and kernel oil). A Soxhlet extraction was involved to extract the oil from the fruit fibers. Fibers and oil samples were then prepared for HPLC analysis by mixing with 0.5 v/v% hydrochloric acid (HC1) after sonification and centrifugation. Roots were also collected at each PHI and prepared as described in the foregoing for HPLC analysis.

Results

The results were summarized as follows.

(a) PHI = Day 0

(b) PHI = Day 7

(c) PHI = Day 14

(d) PHI = Day 28

Example 14: Residual assessment of the plant treatment composition in Example 11 on a matured oil palm tree The residual assessment was carried out by using the plant treatment composition in Example 11. The same procedures described in Example 13 were adopted herein.

Results

The results were summarized as follows.

(a) PHI = Day 0

(b) PHI = Day 7

(c) PHI = Day 14

(d) PHI = Day 28

Conclusion Example 13 and Example 14 show that generally, no hexaconazole residues were detected in the fruits and oils extracted from the fruit. In some instances, a trace amount of hexaconazole was detected but is the detected amount was way below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) as stated by relevant authorities. Example 15: Translocation assessment of the plant treatment composition in Example 10 on a matured oil palm tree

The translocation assessment was carried out using the plant treatment composition in Example 10. The same injection and sample collection procedures described in Example 13 were adopted herein.

Results

The results were summarized as follows. (a) PHI = Day 0

(b) PHI = Day 7 (c) PHI = Day 14

(d) PHI = Day 28

(e) PHI = Day 56

Example 16: Translocation assessment of the plant treatment composition in Example 11 on a matured oil palm tree

The translocation assessment was carried out using the plant treatment composition in Example 11.

The same injection and sample collection procedures described in Example 13 were adopted herein.

Results

The results were summarized as follows. (a) PHI = Day 0

(b) PHI = Day 7

(c) PHI = Day 14

(d) PHI = Day 28

(e) PHI = Day 56

Example 17: Translocation assessment of Anvil™ (i.e., a commercially available 4.8% hexaconazole suspension concentrate composition) on a matured oil palm tree

The translocation assessment was carried out using Anvil™. The same injection and sample collection procedures described in Example 13 were adopted herein.

Results

The results were summarized as follows.

(a) PHI = Day 0

(b) PHI = Day 28 Conclusion

Based on the results in Example 15, Example 16 and Example 17 above, it was shown that the plant treatment agent in the commercially available suspension concentrate composition (i.e., Anvil™) was not able to reach the roots, unlike the plant treatment compositions provided in Example 10 and Example 11. Example 18: Efficacy assessment on oil palm seedling infected with G. boninense that cause Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease

The objective was to assess the efficacy of the plant treatment compositions provided in Example 10 and Example 11 against G. boninense that cause BSR disease.

The efficacy of the plant treatment compositions in Example 10 and Example 11 against G. boninense that cause BSR disease was also compared to that when Anvil™ was injected and when only water was injected (i.e., without any plant treatment composition).

Material and Methods

Injection Hole

The injection hole had a depth of 3 cm with a diameter of 5 mm. Further, the injection hole was located 5 cm from the soil or root section.

The injection hole was also sealed, such as by using clothing tape or putty filler, after the injection, in order to prevent dirt, rain, insects, etc. from entering the hole.

Procedure for the cultivation of G. boninense

Preparation of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA)

1. The PDA powder was dissolved in distilled water to a solution with concentration of 24g/L and then sterilized by autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 minutes.

2. Subsequently, the sterilized PDA solution was placed in a water bath, and the temperature was cooled to and maintained at 55 to 60°C.

3. The sterilized PDA solution was then poured directly into 35 Petri dishes.

Subculture of G. boninense

1. A small piece (1 cm * 1 cm * 1 cm) of PDA agar containing mycelium tissue of G. boninense was sub-cultured immediately onto a fresh PDA agar to grow fungi culture.

2. The newly sub-cultured plates were then incubated at 30 °C until there was visible mycelial growth.

Bio-efficacy Test 1. The sampling includes the assessment on the vegetative growth and physiological parameters of the oil palm seedlings. The growth parameters measured were: (i) plant height, (ii) bulb diameter, and (iii) fresh weight and dry weight of leaf, bole and root.

2. The plant height was measured before harvesting by attaching a measuring tape from the plant’s base to the tip of the highest peak of the leaf.

3. At harvest, the seedlings were uprooted by using a garden hoe, and the root, bole, and leaf were separated for fresh weight measurement.

4. The bole was cut in half with a knife and the diameter of the bole was measured using a ruler at the cross-section.

5. The leaf area was measured by measuring the length and width of the leaf by using a ruler.

6. The root, bole and leaf were weighed for fresh biomass after being rinsed with distilled water.

7. The leaf, bole and root were then dried in an oven for a week at 70°C until the weight remained constant, at which point the dry weight was recorded.

Results

The results were summarized as follows.

(a) Average plant height (cm)

(b) Average bulb diameter (cm) (c) Average weight of fresh leaf (g)

(d) Average weight of dried leaf (g) (e) Average weight of fresh root (g)

(f) Average weight of dried root (g)

(g) Average weight of fresh bole (g)

(h) Average weight of dried bole (g)

Conclusion

A bio-efficacy study was conducted on 100 units of one year old oil palm seedlings infected with G. boninense. The plant treatment compositions (Example 10, Example 11 and Anvil™) and water (as control) were injected into the seedlings, and their respective effectiveness was evaluated by assessing the vegetative growth or physiological parameters of the seedlings.

It was found that the seedlings injected with the plant treatment compositions in Example 10 and Example 11 showed good bulb growth, providing support for the young seedlings to keep growing, in comparison to the control and Anvil. This proves that the plant treatment compositions in Example 10 and Example 11 are able to treat the fungus without slowing down the growth of the seedlings.

Example 19: Mixing temperatures

As mentioned in the preceding description, the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) may be added to the aqueous adjuvant and mixed at a temperature ranging from 45 to 140°C and at a mixing speed ranging from 100 to 2,000 rpm for a period of about 15 to 30 minutes. Upon mixing and cooling down to room temperature, the desired plant treatment composition could be obtained. However, it was learned that when the mixing was carried out at temperatures above 140°C, excessive water evaporation occurred and it reduced the amount of water in the composition, which affected the ability of the surfactant (in the aqueous adjuvant) to solubilise the plant treatment agent due to the change in surface tension. Furthermore, it was observed that the plant treatment agent precipitated out from the aqueous adjuvant prematurely, within 2 days of the preparation of the composition.

It was also found that when the mixing was carried out at temperatures below 45°C, the plant treatment agent could not be solubilised in the composition.

Example 20: Loading of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) in the plant treatment composition

Relatively high loading of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) in the plant treatment composition could be observed, such as in Example 3, Example 4, Example 5, Example 6 and Example 7.

The relatively high loadings of the poorly water-soluble plant treatment agent(s) in the composition(s) are advantageous, as they eliminate the need for injecting multiple doses of the composition into a plant or crop. A single injection is sufficient to provide the desired protection or treatment, in contrast to multiple injections over a span of several months when the loading of the plant treatment agent in the composition is low (e.g., 1% by weight in the composition).

Most importantly, when the loading of the plant treatment agent in the composition is low (e.g., 1% by weight in the composition), higher amount of the composition would be required to be injected into the plant or crop to obtain the desired protection or treatment. In order to get this higher amount of composition into the plant, a much larger injection hole or more injection holes may be required, but these approaches would adversely affect the health of the plant. On the contrary, the compositions of Example 3, Example 4, Example 5, Example 6 and Example 7 eliminate the need for preparing a large injection hole or multiple holes on the trunk of the plant or the crop.

The disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.