WO2017041717A1

WO2017041717A1 - Fungicidal composition, method and use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2017041717A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/098336
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Timothy Bristow
Original assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Company Limited
Priority date: 2015-09-08
Filing date: 2016-09-07
Publication date: 2017-03-16
Also published as: GB2542135B; GB2542135A; GB201515897D0

Abstract

A fungicidal composition is provided, the composition comprising components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate. A method of treating and/or preventing fungal infestations comprising applying to plants, plant parts and/or their surrounds components (A), (B) and (C) is also provided. The use of components (A), (B) and (C) in the treatment and/or prevention of fungal infestations in plants is also provided.

Description

[Title established by the ISA under Rule 37.2] FUNGICIDAL COMPOSITION,METHOD AND USE THEREOF

Cross Reference of related application

The present application claims the priority of UK Patent Application No. GB1515897.5, filed on September 08, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition. The present invention also related to a method to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and plant parts, including by applying the aforementioned fungicidal composition.

Fungal diseases represent a major threat to economically important agricultural crops, such as cereals, fruits and vegetables. The yield of plants, for example, grape, apple, tomato and rice, are adversely impacted by fungal diseases, such as downy mildew (for example, caused by Plasmopara viticola and Pseudoperonopora cubensis) and late blight (caused by Phytophthora infestans) . For example, downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is a highly destructive disease of grapevines in all grape-growing areas under conditions of favorable humidity and temperature. Symptoms of such infestations include yellow circular spots with an oily appearance (oilspots) on the leaves. Young oilspots on young leaves are surrounded by a brownish-yellow halo. Under warm and humid condition, a white downy fungal growth will appear on the underside of the leaves and other plant parts. This destruction of leaf tissue may affect sugar accumulation and growth in the subsequent season. Yield losses may reach 100％ if the disease is not controlled during favorable weather. Reference is made to Ash, G. ‘Downy mildew of grape. ’ 2000, The Plant Health Instructor, DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2000-1112-01, as updated 2005. Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide an improved fungicidal composition for controlling fungal pathogens in target plants, thereby increasing the yield of valuable crops.

Dimethomorph is a known, systemic fungicidally active substance and is commercially available (see, for example, “The Pesticide Manual” 14th edition (2006) , The British Crop Protection Council, pages 347 et seq. ) . Dimethomorph has two isomers. The structures of isomers, the E isomer and the Z isomer, are shown below:

Dimethomorph is effective against Oomycetes, especially Peronosporaceae in vines, potatoes, tomatoes and other crops.

CN101548686A discloses a fungicide composition comprising dimethomorph.

However, experience with the single active straight formulation fungicides worldwide indicates there is a high risk of development of resistance. Mixing fungicides with different modes of action can reduce selection pressure towards resistance. Moreover, combinations of different fungicides are used to broaden the spectrum of control, to minimize dosages and to reduce the cost of the treatment through an additive effect.

In the present invention, a fungicidal composition comprising dimethomorph, fosetyl-aluminium and a dithiocarbamate fungicide is employed for treating fungal diseases. We have surprisingly found that a combination of dimethomorph, fosetyl-aluminium and a dithiocarbamate fungicides is characterized by different modes of action and exhibits a considerable synergistic effect, allowing a higher fungicidal activity to be obtained than that envisaged on the basis of the activities of the individual components dimethomorph, fosetyl-aluminium and the dithiocarbamate.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate.

The present invention also provides, in a further aspect, a method to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and plant parts by applying to the plants and/or the plant parts and/or their surroundings components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate.

In a still further aspect, the present provides the use of a combination of components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate in the treatment or prevention of a fungal infestation in plants.

The invention also relates to a plant or plant part treated with a composition or combination hereinbefore defined, either before infestation by a fungus or treated to combat an existing fungal infection.

"Plant" as used herein refers to all plant and plant populations such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants.

"Plant parts" as used herein refers to all parts and organs of plants, such as shoots, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruit bodies, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and rhizomes. Harvested materials, vegetative and generative propagation materials, for example, cuttings, tubers, meristem tissue, rhizomes, offsets, seeds, single and multiple plant cells and any other plant tissues, are also included.

The word “surrounding” refers to the place on which the plants are growing, the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants will be sown.

“At least one” designates a number of the respective compounds of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more, preferably 1, 2, or 3.

It has now surprisingly been found that when applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate on the plants, plant parts or the surroundings thereof, particularly on crops, for example cereals, cucurbitaceae, fruits, leguminous plants, oil plants, ornamentals, tobacco and vegetables, an excellent performance in preventing and treating fungal infestations may be observed. In particular, it has been found that the activity exhibited is greater than that expected from the activity of the individual components, indicating a significant synergistic effect.

Component (A) , dimethomorph, may be present in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount and is generally present in an amount of from about 1％ to about 75％ by weight of the composition, preferably from about 1％ to about 50％ by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 3％ to about 20％ by weight of the composition, most preferably from about 3％ to about 10％ by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, dimethomorph is present in an amount of about 7％ by weight of the composition.

Component (B) , fosetyl-aluminium, may be present in the composition in any suitable amount and is generally present in an amount of from about 1％ to about 80％ by weight of the composition, preferably from about 30％ to about 70％ by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 40％ to about 60％ by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, fosetyl-aluminium is present in an amount of about 50％ by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, fosetyl-aluminium is present in an amount of about 60％ by weight of the composition.

Component (C) , a dithiocarbamate, may be any fungicidally active dithiocarbamate compound or a combination of two or more fungicidally active dithiocarbamate compounds. Such compounds are known in the art and are commercially available. The dithiocarbamate compound is preferably one or more compounds selected from amobam, asomate, azithiram, carbamorph, cufraneb, cuprobam, disulfiram, ferbam, metam, nabam, tecoram, thiram, urbacide, and ziram； cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicides, for example dazomet, etem and milneb； and polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicides, for example mancopper, maneb, metiram, polycarbamate, propineb and zineb. In some embodiments, the dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from metam, thiram, ziram, dozomet, metiram and propineb and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from thiram, metiram, propineb, and mixtures thereof.

In the present invention, the dithiocarbamate compound does not include mancozeb.

Component (C) , one or more dithiocarbamate fungicides, may be present in the composition in any suitable amount and is generally present in an amount of from about 1％ to about 85％ by weight of the composition, preferably from about 1％ to about 70％ by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 1％ to about 50％ by weight of the composition.

The components (A) (B) and (C) together may be present in the composition in any suitable amount and are generally present in a total amount of from about 2％ to about 95％ by weight of the composition, preferably from about 10％ to about 90％ by weight of the composition more preferably from about 15％ to about 90％ by weight of the composition.

Components (A) and (B) may be present in the composition in any suitable amounts relative to each other, to provide the enhanced or synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is preferably in the range of from 25: 1 to 1: 25, 20: 1 to 1: 20 or 15: 1 to 1: 15, more preferably 10: 1 to 1: 10. A weight ratio of from 1: 3 to 1: 10 is advantageous in many embodiments, more preferably from 1: 5 to 1: 10. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is about 1: 7. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is about 1: 9.

Component (C) may be present in the composition in any suitable amount relative to the other components to provide the enhanced or synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio between the total amount of components (A) + (B) and component (C) in the composition is preferably in the range of from 25: 1 to 1: 25, 20: 1 to 1: 20 or 15: 1 to 1: 15, more preferably 10: 1 to 1: 10.

The composition of the present invention comprising components (A) , (B) and (C) may optionally comprise one or more auxiliaries. The auxiliaries employed in the composition will depend upon the type of formulation and/or the manner in which the formulation is to be applied by the end user. Formulations incorporating the composition of the present invention are described hereinafter. Suitable auxiliaries which may be comprised in the composition according to the invention are all customary formulation adjuvants or components, such as extenders, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickeners, solid adherents and inert fillers. Such auxiliaries are known in the art and are commercially available. Their use in the formulation of the compositions of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

The composition may further comprise one or more inert fillers. Such inert fillers are known in the art and are available commercially. Suitable fillers include, for example, natural ground minerals, such as kaolins, aluminas, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite, and diatomaceous earth, or synthetic ground minerals, such as highly dispersed silicic acid, aluminum oxide, silicates, and calcium phosphates and calcium hydrogen phosphates. Suitable inert fillers for granules include, for example, crushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite, and dolomite, or synthetic granules of inorganic and organic ground materials, as well as granules of organic material, such as sawdust, coconut husks, corn cobs, and tobacco stalks.

The composition optionally includes one or more surfactants which are preferably non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic in nature and surfactant mixtures which have good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties, depending on the nature of the active compound to be formulated. Suitable surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available.

Suitable anionic surfactants can be both so-called water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds. Soaps which may be used are the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or substituted or unsubstituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acid (C₁₀ to C₂₂) , for example the sodium or potassium salt of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures.

The surfactant can be an emulsifier, dispersant or wetting agent of ionic or nonionic type. Examples which may be used are salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenylsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acids, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols, especially alkylphenols, sulphosuccinic ester salts, taurine derivatives, especially alkyltaurates, or phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated phenols or alcohols. The presence of at least one surfactant is generally required when the active compound and/or the inert carrier and/or auxiliary/adjuvant are insoluble in water and the vehicle for the final application of the composition is water.

The composition optionally further comprises one or more polymeric stabilizers. The suitable polymeric stabilizers that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polyisoprene, copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins, polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes or polyamides. Suitable stabilizers are known in the art and commercially available.

The surfactants and polymeric stabilizers mentioned above are generally believed to impart stability to the composition, in turn allowing the composition to be formulated, stored, transported and applied.

Suitable anti-foam agents include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Suitable anti-foam agents are known in the art and are available commercially. Particularly preferred antifoam agents are mixtures of polydimethylsiloxanes and perfluroalkylphosphonic acids, such as the silicone anti-foam agents, commercially available from GE or Compton.

Suitable organic solvents may be selected from all customary organic solvents which thoroughly dissolve the active compounds employed. Again, suitable organic solvents for the active components (A) , (B) and (C) are known in the art. The following may be mentioned as being preferred: N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone, cyclohexyl-1-pyrrolidone； or SOLVESSO^TM200, a mixture of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Suitable solvents are commercially available.

Suitable preservatives include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions of this type and again are well known in the art. Suitable examples that may be mentioned include

(from Bayer AG) and

(from Bayer AG) .

Suitable antioxidants are all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions, as is known in the art. Preference is given to butylated hydroxytoluene.

Suitable thickeners include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. For example xanthan gum, PVOH, cellulose and its derivatives, clay hydrated silicates, magnesium aluminum silicates or a mixture thereof. Again, such thickeners are known in the art and available commercially.

The fungicidal composition may further comprise one or more solid adherents. Such adherents are known in the art and available commercially. They include organic adhesives, including tackifiers, such as celluloses of substituted celluloses, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules, or lattices, and inorganic adhesives such as gypsum, silica, or cement.

In addition, depending upon the formulation, the composition according to the invention may also comprise water.

In some embodiments, compositions according to the present invention comprise the following combinations of components:

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) metam；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) thiram；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) ziram；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) dazomet；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) metiram； and

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) propineb.

Each of the compositions of the present invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use for preventing and/or treating diseases caused by fungal pathogens for example, but not limited to:

rice blast (Magnaporthe grisea) , seed decay, seedling blight and damping-off (Pythium spp., Fusarium spp., Diplodia spp., Rhizoctonia spp. and Penicillium spp. ) , southern corn leaf blight, millet downy mildew, downy mildew, bakanae disease, and rubber tree stripe canker in cereals, such as rice, corn, millet；

downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) , Gummy stem blight (Didymella bryoniae) , Phytophthora alternaria, Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lagenariumi) inn cucurbitaceae, such as melons, rockmelons, water melons, courgettes, pumpkins and cucumbers；

brown rot (Monilinia spp. ； [anamorph] : Monilia spp. ) , Coryneum blight (Wilsonomyces carpophilus) , Leaf curl (Taphrina deformans) , Phomopsis canker and fruit rot (Fusicoccum amygdali＝Phomopsis amygdali) , shot-hole (Stigmina carpophila) , leaf blight (Discostroma corticola； [anamorph] : Seimatosporium lichenicola) , Scab (Venturia carpophila； [anamorph] : Cladosporium carpophilum) , anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum) ； apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) , European brown rot (Monilinia laxa； [anamorph] : Monilia laxa) , Rotting (Gloeosporium spp. ) , Sooty blotch complex (Peltaster fructicola, Geastrumia polystigmatis, Leptodontidium elatius, Gloeodes pomigena) , flyspeck (Schizothirium pomi； [anamorph] : Zygophiala jamaicensis) , bitter rot (Glomerella cingulata) , black rot (Botryosphaeria obtusa) , brooks' s pot (Mycosphaerella pom； , [anamorph] : Cylindrosporium) , sooty blotch (Gloeodes pomigena) , cedar-apple rust (Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae) , quince rust (Gymnosporangium clavipes) , necrotic leaf blotch (disorder, not associated with any bacteria or fungi) , Bull's -eye rot (Pezicula malicorticus； [anamorph] : Cryptosporiopsis curvispora) , perennial canker (Neofabraea perennans； [anamorph] : Cryptosporiopsis perennans) , Pear scab or black spot (Venturia pirina； [anamorph] : Fusicladium pyrorum) , Ripe fruit spot, Target spot, coryneum blight (Wilsonomyces carpophilus) , Brown rot blossom and twig blight and fruit rot (Monilinia fructicola； Monilinia laxa) , Scab or freckle (Venturia carpophila； [anamorph] : Fusicladium carpophilum) , leaf spot (Mycosphaerella musicola) , Black pit or pitting (Pyricularia grisea) , Cordana leaf spot (Cordana johnstonii； Cordana musae) , Fruit speckle (Deightoniella torulosa) , Leaf spot (Curvularia eragrostidis； Drechslera musae-sapientum； Leptosphaeria musarum； Pestalotiopsis disseminata) , mummyberry shoot blight (Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi) , Phomopsis twig blight (Phomopsis spp. ) , Anthracnose Fruit rot (Colletotrichum acutatum) , botrytis blight (Botrytis cinerea) , cherry scab (Venturia cerasi) , leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii； [anamorph] : Phloeosporella padi) , black knot (Dibotryon morbosum) , black spot (Guignardia citricarpa) , anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes) , constriction canker or Fusicoccum canker or Phomopsis shoot blight (Phomopsis amygdali) , Peach scab (Cladosporium carpophilum, [teleomorph] : Venturia carpophila； Cladosporium spp. ) , red spot, sooty peach, peach leaf curl (Taphrina deformans) , pear scab (Venturia pirina； [anamorph] : Fusicladium pyrorum) , Brown spot of pear (Stemphylium vesicarium) , Rotting or Gloeosporium rot or fruit rot (Gloeosporium spp. ) , Fabraea leaf spot (Fabraea maculata； [anamorph] : Entomosporium mespili) , Quince rust； pecan scab (Cladosporium caryigenum) , anthracnose (Glomerella cingulata； [anamorph] : Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) , plum pockets (Taphrina communis) , rust (Tranzschelia discolor f. sp. persica) , Botrytis rot or botryis bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea) , Grape ripe-rot (Colletotrichum spp. ) , black rot (Guignardia bidwellii) , downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) , phomopsis cane and leaf spot (Phomopsis viticola) , ripe rot (Colletotrichum spp. ) , Black spot (Elsinoe ampelina) ； in fruit, such as almonds, apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cherries, citrus, mangoes, peaches, pears, pecans, plums, stone fruit, strawberries, and vines；

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) , Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta fabae) , Rust (Uromyces appendiculatus, Uromyces viciae-fabae) , Botrytis grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) , Ascochyta blight or Black spot (Ascochyta rabiei, Ascochyta spp. ) , Chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae) , Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora zonat) in leguminous plants, such as beans, broad beans, faba beans, chickpeas, field peas, lentils and vetch；

seed rots, damping-off and seedling blights in oil plants；

Botrytis blight or gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) , White mold (Sclerotinia spp. ) , Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spp. ) , Fusarium wilt (Fusarium spp. ) , Damping-off (Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp. ) , Rhizoctonia blight or stem canker (Rhizoctonia solani； [teleomorph] : Thanatephorus cucumeris) , rust (Puccinia spp. ) , botrytis leaf spot (Botrytis cinerea) , powdery mildew (Erisyphe, Leveillula, Microsphaera, Podosphaera, Odium, and Sphaerotheca spp. ) , black spot, Downy mildew (Peronospora arborescens) in ornamentals；

Blue mould (Peronospora hyoscyami) , Brown spot (Alternaria alternate, Alternaria spp. ) , Frog-eye leaf spot (Cercospora nicotianae) in tobacco；

Downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica, Bremia lactucae, Peronospora spp. ) , Alternaria, Phytophthora diseases, Cercospora early blight (Cercospora spp., Cercospora apii) , early blight (Alternaria solani, Cercospora apii) , Septoria late blight (Septoria apiicola) , Stalk Rot (Rhizoctonia solani) , damping-off (Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp. and Phytophthora spp. ) , stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii； [teleomorph] : Athelia rolfsii) , Black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani； [teleomorph] : Thanatephorus cucumeris) , Neck rot (Botrytis spp. ) , verticillium wilt (Verticillium albo-atrum) , Rust (Puccinia spp. ) , anthracnose (Colletotrichum coccodes； Colletotrichum dematium； Colletotrichum gloeosporioides； [teleomorph] : Glomerella cingulata) , septoria leaf spot (Septoria lycopersici) , Ring spot (Mycosphaerella brassicicola) , Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spp. ) , Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora carotae) , Late blight (Septoria apiicola, Phytophthora infestans) , Septoria (Septoria lactucae, Septoria lycopersici) , Septoria leaf spot (Septoria apiicola) , Purple blotch (Alternaria porri) , Early blight or Target spot (Alternaria solani) , Downy mildew (Bremia lactucae； Plasmopara lactucae-radicis) , phytophthora alternaria, Grey leaf spot (Stemphylium solani, Stemphylium floridanum, Stemphylium botryosum) in vegetables, such as alfalfa, asparagus, bulb onions, garlic, cabbages, cauliflowers, brussel sprouts, broccoli, capsicums, eggplants, peppers, carrots, celery, Chinese cabbage, lettuces, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Each of the compositions or techniques of the present invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use for preventing and/or treating diseases caused by fungal pathogens for example, but not limited to:

·Plasmospara viticola (Downy mildew) in fruit, such as grapes；

·Phytophthora infestans (Late blight) in vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers； and

·Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Downy mildew) on cucurbitaceae, such as melons, water melons, courgettes, pumpkins and cucumbers.

The fungal disease to be treated and/or prevented may be selected in particular from the group comprising downy mildew and late blight.

The composition and techniques of the present invention exhibit surprisingly high effectiveness in treating and/or preventing fungal diseases caused by fungal pathogens, particularly Plasmospara viticola, Phytophthora infestans and Pseudoperonospora cubensis.

The composition and techniques according to the present invention are suitable for protecting plants of a wide range of crops, including the following:

Cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn, rice, sorghum, triticale and related crops； beet, including sugar beet and fodder beet； fruit, such as pomes, stone fruit and soft fruit, such as apples, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, and berries, for example strawberries, raspberries and blackberries； leguminous plants, such as beans, lentils, peas, soybeans； oil plants, including rape, mustard, and sunflowers； cucurbitaceae, such as marrows, cucumbers, melons, water melons, courgettes, and pumpkins； fibre plants, including cotton, flax, hemp, and jute； citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and mandarins； vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika, eggplants, and peppers； as well as ornamentals, including flowers, such as roses, shrubs, broad-leaved trees and evergreens, such as conifers.

In certain embodiments, the composition and techniques of the present invention are applied to fruits, vegetables and cucurbitaceae. In some embodiments, the composition and techniques of the present invention are applied to grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, water melons, courgettes and pumpkins.

The composition and techniques of the present invention are particularly effective in preventing and/or treating Plasmospara viticola in grapes； Phytophthora infestans in tomatoes, eggplants and peppers； and Pseudoperonospora cubensis in melons, water melons, courgettes, pumpkins and cucumbers, and their plant parts, preferably when employing the following components:

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) metam；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) thiram；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) ziram；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) dazomet；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) metiram； and

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) propineb；

in particular wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is about 1: 7, or 1: 9.

The composition and techniques of the present invention are particularly effective in preventing and/or treating Plasmospara viticola in grapes； Phytophthora infestans in tomatoes, eggplants and peppers； and Pseudoperonospora cubensis in melons, water melons, courgettes, pumpkins and cucumbers, and their plant parts by employing a combination of components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate, wherein component (A) is 7％ by weight of the composition； and wherein the component (B) is 50％ by weight of the composition.

The combination of components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) thiram or metiram or propineb may be used to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and plant parts. In particular, the combination of components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) thiram or metiram or propineb may be used to prevent and/or treat Plasmospara viticola in grape； Phytophthora infestans in tomatoes, eggplants and peppers； and Pseudoperonospora cubensis in melons, water melons, courgettes, pumpkins and cucumbers, and their plant parts.

Each of the components (A) , (B) and (C) can be applied to the foliage of the plants, plant parts, soil or surroundings.

The composition of the present invention may contain or be mixed with one or more other pesticides, such as other fungicides, insecticides and nematicides, growth regulators and fertilizers.

The components (A) , (B) and (C) , and any other pesticides, may be applied and used in pure form, as a solid active compound, for example, in a specific particle size, or preferably together with at least one of the auxiliary or adjuvant components described above, as are customary in formulation technology, such as extenders, for example solvents or solid carriers, or surface-active compounds (surfactants) , as described in more detail above. Generally, the components (A) , (B) and (C) are in the form of a formulation composition with one or more of the aforementioned customary formulation auxiliaries.

Examples of formulation types for pre-mix compositions are:

water-soluble concentrates (SL) , emulsifiable concentrates (EC) , emulsions (EW) , micro-emulsions (ME) , suspension concentrate (SC) , oil-based suspension concentrates (OD) , flowable suspensions (FS) , water-dispersible granules (WG) , water-soluble granules (SG) , water-dispersible powders (WP) , water soluble powders (SP) , granules (GR) , encapsulated granules (CG) , fine granules (FG) , macrogranules (GG) , aqueous suspo-emulsions (SE) , capsule suspensions (CS) and microgranules (MG) . Preferred formulation types are water-dispersible granules (WG) and suspension concentrates (SC) .

Using such formulations, either straight (that is undiluted) or diluted with a suitable solvent, especially water, plants, plant parts and/or their surrounding can be treated and protected against damage, for example by fungal pathogen (s) , by spraying, pouring or immersing.

The formulated composition may for example be applied in spray form, for example employing appropriate dilutions. Water is a most suitable diluent for spray applications.

The rates of application of the components and the compositions of the present invention may vary, for example, according to the type of use, the type of crop, the specific formulation type, the type of plants being targeted, but is such that the active compounds in the combination are provided in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as disease or pest control) . The application rate of the components and the composition for a given set of conditions can readily be determined by routine trials.

Suitable application rates for each of dimethomorph and fosetyl-aluminium in the synergistic fungicidal composition lie in the range of from 50 to 5000 gram per hectare. In general, satisfactory results will be obtained when employing from 100 to 400 gram per hectare, for example 210 gram per hectare, of dimethomorph and from 750 to 3000 gram per hectare, for example 1500 or 1800 gram per hectare, of fosetyl-aluminium.

The application rate for the dithiocarbamate of component (C) may vary within a wide range, for example from 20 to 200,000 gram per hectare, more preferably from 30 to 150,000 gram per hectare. In a number of preferred embodiments, component (C) is applied at a rate of from 20 to 3000 gram per hectare. In still other embodiments, component (C) is applied at a rate of from 100,000 to 200,000 gram per hectare.

The components (A) , (B) and (C) may be applied with the methods known in the art. These methods include coating, spraying, dipping, soaking, injection, irrigation and the like. The spray treatment typically involves foliar application until there is run-off of the formulation. In general, the components may be applied at a spray volume of from 100 to 1000 liters per hectare of crop locus, depending on the growth stage of the crop. The spray volume may be readily determined for a given set of conditions, as is known in the art.

As noted above, the present invention provides a method and use for the components (A) , (B) and (C) . The active components (A) , (B) and (C) may be applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings where control is desired. The components may be applied either simultaneously and/or in succession at short intervals, for example on the same day. The components (A) , (B) and (C) may be applied to the plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds) , or the plant surroundings in any order. Each compound may be applied just once or a plurality of times. Preferably, each of the components (A) , (B) and (C) are applied a plurality of times, in particular from 1 to 5 times, more preferably 2 times.

The active components (A) , (B) and (C) may be applied in any suitable form, as described above. Typically, the active components will be applied as formulations, that is compositions comprising one or more of the active components together with further carriers, surfactants or other application-promoting adjuvants customarily employed in formulation technology, as discussed above.

The components (A) , (B) and (C) may be applied in any desired sequence, any combination, consecutively and/or simultaneously. In the event compounds (A) , (B) and (C) are applied simultaneously in the present invention, they may be applied as a composition containing components (A) , (B) and (C) , in which case components (A) , (B) and (C) can each be obtained from a separate formulation source and mixed together. In this case, the components (A) , (B) and (C) are combined by the end user in known manner using separate formulations of one or more of components (A) , (B) and (C) , known in the art as a tank-mix, ready-to-apply, spray broth, or slurry.

Alternatively, two or more of components (A) , (B) and (C) , more preferably all three components, can be obtained as a single formulation mixture source, known as a pre-mix, concentrate, formulated compound or product. In one preferred embodiment, components (A) , (B) and (C) are provided in the form of a composition of the present invention.

Components (A) , (B) and (C) may optionally be employed with other pesticides. For example, one or more other pesticide formulations may be included in the final tank-mix prepared by the end user. Alternatively, one or more other pesticides may be included in the compositions of components (A) , (B) and (C) .

In one embodiment, components (A) , (B) and (C) are applied simultaneously, with component (C) being applied from a separate formulation source and mixed together with the composition comprising components (A) and (B) . In an alternative embodiment, components (A) , (B) and (C) are applied together, preferably in the form of a composition of the present invention, as described above.

Suitable weight ratios for applying (A) , (B) and (C) in the method and use of the present invention are as described above.

The compositions according to the invention are distinguished by the fact that they are especially well tolerated by plants and are environmentally friendly.

The composition, method and use of the present invention are further illustrated by the following specific examples.

In the following examples, percentages are percentage by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

Examples 1 and 2 are comparative examples.

EXAMPLES

FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Example 1: 20％ Dimethomorph WG

A water dispersible granule formulation was prepared from the components summarized in the following table:

Example 2: 60％ Fosetyl-aluminium WG

Example 3: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 10％ dazomet WG

Example 4: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 7％ Amobam SC

A suspension concentrate formulation was prepared from the components summarized in the following table:

Dimethomorph	70g
Fosetyl-aluminium	500g
Amobam	70g
Propylene glycol	80g
Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates	10g
Sodium lignosulfonate	20g
Xanthan gum	2g

Silicone oil (in the form of a 75％ emulsion in water)	10g
Water	Balance to 1L

Example 5: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 20％ Asomate WG

Example 6: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 5％ Azithiram WG

Example 7: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 5％ Carbamorph WG

Example 8: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 1％ Cufraneb WG

Example 9: 7％ Dimethomorph + 20％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 20％ Cuprobam WG

Example 10: 7％ Dimethomorph + 20％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 25％ Disulfiram WG

Example 11: 7％ Dimethomorph + 20％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 25％ Etem WG

Example 12: 3.5％ Dimethomorph + 25％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 20％ Ferbam WG

Example 13: 25％ Dimethomorph + 25％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 5％ Mancopper WG

Example 14: 25％ Dimethomorph + 25％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 5％ Maneb SC

Dimethomorph	25％
Fosetyl-aluminium	25％
Maneb	5％
Propylene glycol	8％
Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates	1％
Sodium lignosulfonate	2％
Xanthan gum	0.2％
Silicone oil (in the form of a 75％ emulsion in water)	1％
Water	Balance to 1L

Example 15: 5％ Dimethomorph + 37.5％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 25％ Metam WG

Example 16: 5％ Dimethomorph + 37.5％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 5％ Milneb WG

Example 17: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 3.5％ Nabam SC

Dimethomorph	7％
Fosetyl-aluminium	50％
Nabam	3.5％
Propylene glycol	8％
Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates	1％
Sodium lignosulfonate	2％
Xanthan gum	0.2％
Silicone oil (in the form of a 75％ emulsion in water)	1％
Water	Balance to 1L

Example 18: 5％ Dimethomorph + 25％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 5％ Polycarbamate EC

An emulsion concentrate formulation was prepared from the components summarized in the following table:

Dimethomorph	5％
Fosetyl-aluminium	25％
Polycarbamate	5％
Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates	5％
Sodium lignosulfonate	1％

Silicone oil	1％
N-methylpyrrolidone	Balance to 1L

Example 19: 4％ Dimethomorph + 30％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 18％ Propineb WG

Example 20: 15％ Dimethomorph + 30％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 10％ Tecoram WG

Example 21: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 30％ Thiram WG

Example 22: 10％ Dimethomorph + 10％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 40％ Urbacide WG

Example 23: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 17％ Zineb WG

Example 24: 3.5％ Dimethomorph + 25％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 45％ Ziram WG

Example 25: 7％ Dimethomorph + 50％ Fosetyl-aluminium + 30％ Metiram WG

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES

In the following biological examples, the severity of fungal infestation is indicated in terms of the percentage of the plant observed to be infested with the fungus.

A synergistic effect exists with a combination of two or more active compounds when the activity of a composition comprising the active compounds is greater than the sum of the activities of the active compounds applied individually. The expected activity for a given combination of three active compounds can be calculated by the so called “Colby equation” (see S. R. Colby, “Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations” , Weeds 1967, 15, 20-22) :

whereby:

A ＝ the activity percentage of compound A when active compound A is empolyed at an application rate of m g/ha；

B ＝ the activity percentage of compound B when active compound B is empolyed at an application rate of n g/ha；

C ＝ the activity percentage of compound C when active compound C is empolyed at an application rate of r g/ha；

E ＝ the percentage of estimated activity when compounds A, B and C are empolyed together at an application rate of m g/ha, n g/ha and r g/ha；

then:

E ＝ (A+B+C) - ( ( (A×B) + (A×C) + (B×C) ) /100) + (A×B×C/10000) .

If the actual activity observed for the combination of compounds A, B and C is greater than that calculated, then the activity of the combination is superadditive. In other words, synergism is present.

Field Test 1-Grape-Plasmopara viticola

Young grape plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Plasmopara viticola, and incubated at conditions of 20℃ and 100％ relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours. The compositions of Examples 1 to 25 above were diluted with water and then sprayed on the plants. The treated plants were held in a greenhouse at conditions of 15℃ and 80％ relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, after which the severity of fungal infestation of the plants was examined.

For comparison purposes, the above test procedure was followed, but with the plants treated with a formulation comprising a single dithiocarbamate active ingredient, as indicated. A control test, in which the plants were not treated with any active ingredient, was also performed.

The results of the assessment are set out in Table A below.

Table A:

The results in Table A demonstrate a surprisingly high level of antifungal activity exhibited by combinations of dimethomorph, fosetyl-aluminium and a dithiocarbamate and indicate a clear synergy.

Field Test 2–Tomato Phytophthora infestans

Young tomato plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Phytophthora infestans, and incubated at conditions of 20℃ and 100％ relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours. The compositions of Examples 1 to 25 above were diluted with water and then sprayed on the plants. The treated plants were held in a greenhouse at conditions of 15℃and 80％ relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, after which the severity of fungal infestation of the plants was examined.

The results of the assessment are set out in Table B below.

Table B:

The results in Table B demonstrate a surprisingly high level of antifungal activity exhibited by combinations of dimethomorph, fosetyl-aluminium and a dithiocarbamate and indicate a clear synergy.

Field Test 3–Cucumber Pseudoperonospora cubensis

Young cucumber plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Pseudoperonospora cubensis, and incubated at conditions of 20℃ and 100％ relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours. The compositions of Examples 1 to 25 above were diluted with water and then sprayed on the plants. The treated plants were held in a greenhouse at conditions of 15℃ and 80％ relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, after which the severity of fungal infestation of the plants was examined.

The results of the assessment are set out in Table C below.

Table C:

The results in Table C demonstrate a surprisingly high level of antifungal activity exhibited by combinations of dimethomorph, fosetyl-aluminium and a dithiocarbamate and indicate a clear synergy.

Claims

A fungicidal composition comprising components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein component (A) is present in the composition in an amount of from about 1％ to about 75％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 2, wherein component (A) is present in an amount of from about 1％ to about 50％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 3, wherein component (A) is present in an amount of from about 3％ to about 20％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 4, wherein component (A) is present in an amount of from about 3％ to about 10％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 5, wherein component (A) is present in an amount of about 7％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (B) is present in the composition in an amount of from about 1％ to about 80％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 7, wherein component (B) is present in an amount of from about 30％ to about 70％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 8, wherein component (B) is present in an amount of from about 40％ to about 60％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 9, wherein component (B) is present in an amount of about 50％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 9, wherein component (B) is present in an amount of about 60％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (C) comprises one or more compounds selected from amobam, asomate, azithiram, carbamorph, cufraneb, cuprobam, disulfiram, ferbam, metam, nabam, tecoram, thiram, urbacide, and ziram.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (C) comprises one or more cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicides.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 13, wherein the or each cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from dazomet, etem and milneb.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (C) comprises one or more polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicides.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 15, wherein the or each polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from mancopper, maneb, metiram, polycarbamate, propineb and zineb.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (C) comprises one or more dithiocarbamate fungicides selected from metam, thiram, ziram, dozomet, metiram and propineb.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 17, wherein component (C) comprises one or more dithiocarbamate fungicides selected from thiram, metiram, propineb.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (C) is present in an amount of from about 1％ to about 85％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 19, wherein component (C) is present in an amount of from about 1％ to about 70％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 20, wherein component (C) is present in an amount of from about 1％ to about 50％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein components (A), (B) and (C) are present in a total amount of from about 2％ to about 95％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 22, wherein components (A) , (B) and (C) are present in a total amount of from about 10％ to about 90％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 23, wherein components (A) , (B) and (C) are present in a total amount of from about 15％ to about 90％ by weight of the composition.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is in the range of from 25: 1 to 1: 25.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 25, wherein the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is in the range of from 10: 1 to 1: 10.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 26, wherein the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is about 1: 7.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 26, wherein the weight ratio of components (A) and (B) in the composition is about 1: 9.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio between the total amount of components (A) + (B) and the amount of component (C) in the composition is in the range of from 25: 1 to 1: 25.
The fungicidal composition according to claim 29, wherein the weight ratio between the total amount of components (A) + (B) and the amount of component (C) in the composition is in the range of from 10: 1 to 1: 10.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more auxiliaries selected from extenders, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickeners, solid adherents and inert fillers.
The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, comprising the components:

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) metam；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) thiram；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) ziram；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) dazomet；

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) metiram； or

(A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium, (C) propineb.
A fungicidal composition according to claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described.
A method to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and/or plant parts by applying to the plants and/or the plant parts and/or their surroundings components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate.
The method according to claim 34, wherein component (C) comprises one or more compounds selected from amobam, asomate, azithiram, carbamorph, cufraneb, cuprobam, disulfiram, ferbam, metam, nabam, tecoram, thiram, urbacide, and ziram.
The method according to either of claims 34 or 35, wherein component (C) comprises one or more cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicides.
The method according to claim 36, wherein the or each cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from dazomet, etem and milneb.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 37, wherein component (C) comprises one or more polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicides.
The method according to claim 38, wherein the or each polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from mancopper, maneb, metiram, polycarbamate, propineb and zineb.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 39, wherein component (C) comprises one or more dithiocarbamate fungicides selected from metam, thiram, ziram, dozomet, metiram and propineb.
The method according to claim 40, wherein component (C) comprises one or more dithiocarbamate fungicides selected from thiram, metiram, propineb.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 41, comprising applying to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings a composition according to any of claims 1 to 33.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 42, wherein the fungal infestations being treated and/or prevented comprise infestations of Plasmospara viticola, Phytophthora infestans and/or Pseudoperonospora cubensis.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 43, wherein the plants being treated are fruits, vegetables or cucurbitaceae.
The method according to claim 44, wherein the plants being treated are one or more of grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, water melons, courgettes and pumpkins.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 45, wherein components (A) and (B) are each applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings in an amount of from 50 to 5000 grams per hectare.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 46, wherein component (C) is applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings in an amount of from 20 to 200,000 grams perhectare.
The method according to any of claims 34 to 47, wherein the components (A) , (B) and (C) are applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings simultaneously and/or in succession.
The use of a combination of components (A) dimethomorph, (B) fosetyl-aluminium and (C) a dithiocarbamate in the treatment or prevention of a fungal infestation in plants.
The use according to claim 49, wherein component (C) comprises one or more compounds selected from amobam, asomate, azithiram, carbamorph, cufraneb, cuprobam, disulfiram, ferbam, metam, nabam, tecoram, thiram, urbacide, and ziram.
The use according to either of claims 49 or 50, wherein component (C) comprises one or more cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicides.
The use according to claim 51, wherein the or each cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from dazomet, etem and milneb.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 52, wherein component (C) comprises one or more polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicides.
The use according to claim 53, wherein the or each polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicide is selected from mancopper, maneb, metiram, polycarbamate, propineb and zineb.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 54, wherein component (C) comprises one or more dithiocarbamate fungicides selected from metam, thiram, ziram, dozomet, metiram and propineb.
The use according to claim 55, wherein component (C) comprises one or more dithiocarbamate fungicides selected from thiram, metiram, propineb.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 56, comprising applying to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings a composition according to any of claims 1 to 33.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 57, wherein the fungal infestations being treated and/or prevented comprise infestations of Plasmospara viticola, Phytophthora infestans and/or Pseudoperonospora cubensis.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 58, wherein the plants being treated are fruits, vegetables or cucurbitaceae.
The use according to claim 59, wherein the plants being treated are one or more of grapes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, water melons, courgettes and pumpkins.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 60, wherein components (A) and (B) are each applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings in an amount of from 50 to 5000 grams per hectare.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 61, wherein component (C) is applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings in an amount of from 20 to 200,000 grams per hectare.
The use according to any of claims 49 to 62, wherein the components (A) , (B) and (C) are applied to the plants, plant parts and/or their surroundings simultaneously and/or in succession.
A method to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and/or plant parts substantially as hereinbefore described.
A use according to claim 49 substantially as hereinbefore described.