OA18642A - Use of certain active ingredient combinations in tuberous root crop plants. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention primarily relates to the use of combinations comprising or consisting of the active ingredients (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide or of compositions comprising said combinations of active ingredients (i) and (ii) for controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, preferably in cassava. The present invention also relates to the use of said combinations of active ingredients (i) and (ii) or of compositions comprising said combinations of active ingredients (i) and (ii) as plant growth regulators for tuberous root crop plants, preferably as plant growth regulators for cassava. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding method of controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants and to a corresponding method of regulating plant growth of tuberous root crop plants.

Description

Use of certain active ingrédient combinations in tuberous root crop plants

The présent invention primarily relates to the use of combinations comprising or consisting of the active ingrédients (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide or of compositions comprising said combinations of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) for controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, preferably in cassava. The présent invention also relates to the use of said combinations of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) or of compositions comprising said combinations of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as plant growth regulators for tuberous root crop plants, preferably as plant growth regulators for cassava. Furthermore, the présent invention relates to a corresponding method of controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants and to a corresponding method of regulating plant growth of tuberous root crop plants.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major source of carbohydrate for several hundred million people, mainly in Africa and to some extent in Asia and Latin Amok erica. In Africa, yields of cassava are generally comparât!vely low, which to a large extent is due to effects of weed compétition or to uncontrolled or unsufficiently controlled weed growth. Hoe-weeding still is a common practice among cassava farmers.

The Proceedings ofthe I Ith ISRTC-AB. Kinshasa, Démocratie Republic Congo, 4-8 October 2010, pages

269-275 report on the évaluation of commercially available herbicides for weed control in cassava. The treatments there comprised pre-emergent herbicides employing such as chloroacetanilide, prometryn or Smetolachlor.

In the Crop recommendation #17 of the Ministry of Agriculture of Barbados the following herbicides for weed control in cassava are mentioned: paraquat (optionally mixed with diquat), glyphosate, sulfosate, 20 pendimethalin, metolachlor, fluazifop-butyl, sethoxydim or propaquizafop.

CN 102428919A teaches a postemergence cassava field herbicide with mesotrion as an active component.

CN 103392724A suggests the use of a temary herbicide composition as cassava field herbicide with the active components of halosulfuron, oxyfluorfen and an amide herbicide selected from the group of butachlor, propisochlor and metolachlor.

GB 1,028,976 discloses a process for the treatment of plants with storage organs, for example cassava, sweet potato or yam, which comprises spraying the plants with a substituted benzoic acid herbicide in a spécifie time fram before harvest. There, herbicides like (optionally further substituted) di-, tri- or tetrachlorobenzoic acids are preferred.

African Crop Science Journal 1994,519-530 reports on weeds and their control in cassava. There, mainly the 30 following herbicides were tested: metobromuron, fluometuron, prometryn (optionally in combination with ametryne), terbutryn, paraquat and diuron.

-2Planata Daninha, 20 IO, 28(4), 807-816 describes the application of different herbicides on weeds in cassava. Inter alia the effects of herbicides like diuron, metribuzin, isoxaflutole, atrazine, ametryn, and several combinations comprising said herbicides are reported therein on two cassava varieties grown in the State of Paranâ, Brazil.

US 2003/0130120 A1, US 2008/0318774 A1 and US 2013/0237417 A1 disclose combinations comprising isoxaflutole and cyprosulfamide for controlling harmful plants.

WO 2013/037955 Al mentions cyprosulfamide as plant growth regulator.

In their application, herbicidal crop protection agents (herbicides) known to date for controlling harmful plants or unwanted végétation in tuberous root crop plants hâve some disadvantages, be it (a) that they hâve 10 no or else insufficient herbicidal activity against spécifie harmful plants, (b) that the spectrum of harmful plants which can be controlled with the herbicides is not broad enough, and/or (c) that the selectivity of herbicides in and the compatibility with tuberous root crop plants is too low, thereby causing unwanted damage and/or unwanted reduced harvest yields of the tuberous root crops.

Overall, the herbicidal activity (above aspects (a) and (b)) and/or the selectivity / compatibility (above aspect 15 (c)) of the herbicides used so far in tuberous root crop plants still allows improvement.

For the reasons mentioned above, there still is a need for alternative, highly herbicidally active compositions for the sélective application for controlling harmful plants or unwanted végétation in tuberous root crop plants.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that certain combinations of active ingrédients or compositions 20 comprising said combination of active ingrédients exhibit the desired herbicidal activity and are able to selectively control harmful plants or unwanted végétation in tuberous root crop plants.

The présent invention primarily relates to the use of a combination of active ingrédients (active ingrédient combination) or of a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients

- for controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, and/or

- as plant growth regulators in tuberous root crop plants, wherein said combination of active ingrédients comprises or consists of (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide.

The présent invention further releates to the use of a composition as defined herein in the context of the 30 présent invention which additionally comprises one or more further components selected from the group

-3consisting of formulation auxiliaires, additives customary in crop protection, and further agrochemically active compounds (i.e. agrochemically active compounds different from components (i) and (ii) as defined above, i.e. agrochemically active compounds other than isoxaflutole and cyprosulfamide).

However, when a combination of active ingrédients (active ingrédient combination) used in the context of the présent invention consists of (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide, this means that in such a case the combination of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention or the composition comprising said combination of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention does not contain any further (i.e. no additional) agrochemically active compound.

In this context, the term “further agrochemically active compound” refers to the agrochemically active compounds (pesticides), respectively, listed in The Pesticide Manual, 16th édition, The British Crop Protection Council and the Royal Soc. of Chemistry, 2012 other than isoxaflutole and cyprosulfamide.

The combination of active ingrédients and the compositions comprising said combination of active ingrédients used in accordance with the présent invention not only exhibit an excellent herbicidal activity in controlling harmful plants or unwanted végétation in tuberous root crop plants, but also show good compatibility with tuberous root crop plants, i.e. said combinations of active ingrédients do not cause significant damage and/or unwanted reduced harvest yields of the tuberous root crops.

It has been found that the selectivity of isoxaflutole can be improved by combining isoxaflutole with cyprosulfamide. The combinations ofactive ingrédients used in accordance with the présent invention and the compositions comprising said combinations used in accordance with the présent invention allow excellent (total) weed control at an agronomically acceptable level of damage of the tuberous root crop plants. Further, the type of damage observed with the combinations and the compositions comprising said combinations used in accordance with the présent invention is less harmful and/or less severe, and the tuberous root crop plants affected largely or fully recover from said type of damage.

Further, the combinations used in accordance with the présent invention and the compositions comprising said combinations used in accordance with the présent invention can be used as plant growth regulators for tuberous root crop plants, preferably as plant growth regulators for cassava, thereby increasing harvest yields tuberous root crop plants (in particular the weight of the tuberous root) and/or increasing the plant growth of the tuberous root crop plants (in particular the growth of the leaves of the tuberous root crop plants), in each case in comparison to tuberous root crop plants not treated with agrochemically active compounds (untreated control).

The présent invention preferably relates to the use of a combinations of active ingrédients or of a composition comprising a combinations of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention, wherein the tuberous root crop plants are selected from the group consisting of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).

-4cassava (Manihot esculenta), and yam (plant species in the genus Dioscorea), more preferably wherein the tuberous root crop plant is cassava (Manihot esculenta).

The active ingrédients used in the context ofthe présent invention are known perse, and described interalia in The Pesticide Manual, 16th édition, The British Crop Protection Council and the Royal Soc. of 5 Chemistry, 2012 and the literature cited therein. The active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention are described in more detail hereinbelow.

The combinations of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention and also certain compositions comprising the combinations of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention as such are known. The combinations of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention and I0 also certain compositions comprising said combinations used in the context of the présent invention are commercially avai labié.

Tuberous roots (also called root tubers) are perennating organs, thickened roots that store nutrients over periods when the plant cannot actively grow, thus permitting survival from one year to the next.

Tubers should not be confused with tuberous roots. Tubers are modified shoots, whereas tuberous roots are 15 modified roots.

A tuberous root is a modified latéral root, enlarged to function as a storage organ. The enlarged area of the root-tuber, or storage root, can be produced at the end or middle of a root or involve the entire root. It is thus different in origin but similar in function and appearance to a stem tuber. Examples of plants with notable tuberous roots include the sweet potato, cassava, yam and dahlia.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), also called manioc, yuca, balinghoy or kamoteng kahoy (in the Philippines), tabolchu (in Northeast India), mogo (in Africa), mandioca, tapioca-root, kappa (predominantly in India) and manioc root, a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family native to South America, is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical régions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. Cassava, when dried to a powdery (or pearly) extract, is called tapioca; its fermented, flaky version is named garri.

Cassava is the third largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. Cassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion people. It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal soils. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, while Thailand is the largest exporting country of dried cassava.

Cassava grows poorly in weedy fields and consequently produces fewer and smaller storage roots.

Yam is the common name for some plant species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) that form edible tubers. These are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption oftheir starchy tubers in

-5Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Oceania. There are many cultivars of yam. Although some varieties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) are also calledy^w in parts of the United States and Canada, it is not part of the family Dioscoreaceae.

Yams are monocotyledons, related to lilies and grasses. Native to Africa and Asia, yam tubers vary in size 5 from that ofa small potato to over 60 kilograms. There are over 600 varieties ofyams and 95 percentofthese crops are grown in Africa.

According to the présent invention the expression composition” includes compositions comprising a combination of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein, and can be used in various acceptable or agronomically typical forms and formulations, for example in a single ”ready-mix” form.

The active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in the combinations used in the context of the présent invention and the compositions comprising said combinations used in the context of the présent invention may be a combined spray mixture composed from separate formulations of the single active compounds, such as a ”tank-mix”, or said composition can be a combined use of the single active ingrédients when applied in a sequential manner, i.e. one after the other within a reasonably short period, such as a few hours (and 15 preferably less than 24 hours).

The active ingrédients (i) and (ii) employed in the combinations used in the context of the présent invention include ail stereoisomers and their mixtures, in particular also racemic mixtures and - if enantiomers are possible - the respective biologically active enantiomer.

If, in the context of this description, the short form ofthe common name of an active compound is used, this 20 includes in each case ail customary dérivatives, such as the esters and salts, and isomers, in particular optical isomers, in particular the commercially available form or forms. Ifthe common name dénotés an ester or sait, this in each case also comprises ail other customary dérivatives, such as other esters and salts, the free acids and neutral compounds, and isomers, in particular optical isomers, in particular the commercially available form or forms. The given Chemical compound names dénoté at least one ofthe compounds embraced by the 25 common name, frequently a preferred compound. In the case of sulfonamides such as sulfonylureas, salts also include the salts formed by exchanging a hydrogen atom on the sulfonamide group by a cation.

The salts of compounds used in the context of the présent invention may be used in the form ofthe respective alkali métal salts, alkaline earth salts or ammonium salts, preferably in the form of the respective alkali métal salts, more preferably in the form of the respective sodium or potassium salts, most preferably in the form of 30 the respective sodium salts.

Isoxaflutole (lUPAC-Name: 5-cyclopropyl-l ,2-oxazol-4-yl)(a,a,a-trifluoro-2-mesyl-p-tolyl)methanone, CAS Reg. No. I4l 112-29-0) is described for example in EP 0 527 036 Al.

-6Cyprosulfamide (lUPAC-Name: 7V-[4-(cyclopropylcarbamoyl)phenylsulfonyl]-o-anisamide or 7V-[4 (cyclopropylcarbamoyl)phenylsulfonyl]-2-methoxybenzamide, CAS Reg. No. 221667-31-8) is described for example in WO 99/16744 A l and US 6,251,827 B l.

In accordance with the présent invention, the combinations of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination as defîned herein comprise a herbicidally effective amount of said combinations of active ingrédient and may comprise further components, for example agrochemically active compounds of a different type and/or formulation auxiliaires and/or additives customary in crop protection, or they may be employed together with these.

In accordance with the présent invention, the combinations of active ingrédients as defîned herein or the composition comprising a combination as defîned herein may be applied as a split application over time. Another possibility is the application of the individual active ingrédients (i) and (ii) or the combinations comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) in a plurality of portions (sequential application), for example after pre-emergence applications, followed by post-emergence applications or after early post-emergence applications, followed by applications at medium or late post-emergence.

Preferred is the simultaneous or nearly simultaneous application of the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defîned herein. In the latter context, a nearly simultaneous application of the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defîned herein means that the active ingrédients (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide are both applied within 24 hours, preferably within 12 hours, more preferably within 6 hours, even more preferably within 3 hours.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defîned herein are used together, i.e. at the same time. Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defîned herein is used.

In a preferred embodiment, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention or a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention are only used once per season. It was found that one application per season of the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention or of a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention is sufficient to achieve the effects described in the context of the présent invention, in particular regarding herbicidal activity (above aspects (a) and (b)) and/or the selectivity / compatibility (above aspect (c)).

In a preferred embodiment, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention or a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention is applied once, twice or three times per Gregorian calendar year, i.e. in one application, in two applications or in three applications per year according to the Gregorian calendar.

-7In a preferred embodiment, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention or a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii)used in accordance with the présent invention is applied one time per Gregorian calendar year, i.e. in one application per year according to the Gregorian calendar.

In a preferred embodiment, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention or a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) used in accordance with the présent invention is applied one time in about 12 months, i.e. in one application in about 12 months.

The effects observed when using the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein or a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein allow a more potent herbicidal action, the 10 control of hitherto uncontrolable species (activity gaps), an extended application period and/or a reduced number of required individual applications and - as a resuit for the user - more advantageous weed control Systems both from an economical and ecological point of view.

As already mentioned above, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein or a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein may be used in pre-emergence applications and/or in post15 emergence applications.

Preferaby, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein or a composition comprising the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein are used in pre-emergence applications.

In the combinations of active ingrédients used in accordance with the présent invention and in the compositions comprising a combination used in accordance with the présent invention the ratio by weight of 20 the total amount of (i) isoxaflutole to the total amount of (ii) cyprosulfamide preferably is in the range of from : l to l : 10, more preferably in the range of from 5 : l to l : 5.

In the combinations of active ingrédients used in accordance with the présent invention and or in the composition comprising a combination used in accordance with the présent invention the ratio by weight of the total amount of (i) isoxaflutole to the total amount of (ii) cyprosulfamide even more preferably is in the 25 range of from 4 : l to l : 4, even more preferably in the range of from 3 : l to l : 3, particularly preferably in the range of from 2 : l to l : 2, and more particularly preferably in the range of from 3 : 2 to 2 : 3.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in the combinations of active ingrédients used in accordance with the présent invention and in the compositions comprising a combination used in accordance with the présent invention the total amount by weight of constituent (i), i.e. isoxaflutole, is used in about the same amount as 30 constituent (ii) cyprosulfamide.

Advantageously, the total amount of the combination of active ingrédients (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide used in accordance with the présent invention does not exceed 600 g/ha, preferably does not not exceed 400 g/ha, and more preferably does not not exceed 250 g/ha.

-8The preferred application rates [indicated as g a.i./ha, i.e. grains of active ingrédient per hectare] ofthe active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention as defined herein are as follows:

(i) isoxaflutole is preferably applied at a rate in the range of 25 to 400 g a.i./ha, more preferably at a rate in the range of 40 to 300 g a.i./ha., particularly preferably at a rate in the range of 50 to 250 g a.i./ha, 5 and more particularly preferably at a rate in the range of 60 to 150 g a.i./ha.

and/or (ii) cyprosulfamide is preferably applied at a rate in the range of 25 to 400 g a.i./ha, more preferably at a rate in the range of 40 to 300 g a.i./ha., particularly preferably at a rate in the range of 50 to 250 g a.i./ha, and more particularly preferably at a rate in the range of 60 to 150 g a.i./ha.

The active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein are more preferably applied in the more preferred rates as defined above (as defmed after the terrn “more preferably”), and particularly preferably applied in the particularly preferred rates as defmed above (as defined after the terrn “particularly preferably”), and more particularly preferably applied in the particularly preferred rates as defined above (as defmed after the terrn “more particularly preferably”).

Furthermore, the active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defined herein can be used together with other agrochemically active compounds, for example from the group of the other safeners, fongicides, insecticides, other herbicides and other plant growth regulators, or with formulation auxiliaires and additives customary in crop protection. Additives are, for example, fertilizers and colorants. Preference is in each case given to the ratios by weight mentioned above for (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide, and the application rates or the 20 application rate ranges mentioned above for (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide.

The most important and most noxious weed species in cassava fields in Colombia reported are (African Crop Science Journal 1994, 519-530): Pteridium aquilinum L. Kuhn, Imperata cylindrica L. Beauv., Melinis ninutiflora Beauv., Sida acuta Burm F., Cyperus rotundus L., Commelina diffusa Burm F. sub-species diffuse J.K. Morton, Agératum conyzoides L. and Portulaca oleraceae L., Cyperus rotundus L (purple nutsedge), 25 Rottboellia exaltata (Lour) Clayton (Raoul grass), Sorghum halepense L. Pers (Johnson grass) and Ipomoea sp. (moming glory).

In Nigeria, broad-leaved species were the most frequent weeds in ail areas, averaging 71-78% of ail the species recorded. Only 17-19% of the weed species présent were grasses and 4-7% were sedges. Five weed species, namely, Agératum conyzoides L., Alternenthera sessilis L. R. Br. ex Roth, Mimosa invisa Mart, 30 Digitaria horizontalis Willd, and Panicum maximum Jacq occurred in the entire area surveyed.

In south western Nigeria it was observed that annual weeds, especially broad-leaved weeds, were the most common in cassava, and the prévalent species were Euphorbia hirta L. and Talinum triangulate Willd.

-9African Crop Science Journal 1994, Vol. 2. No.4, pp. 519-530 summarizes the ten most common weed species in cassava fields in Umuahia, Southern Nigeria:

Agératum conyzoide, Calopogonium mucunoides, Alternenthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelina benghalansis, Tridax procumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Synedrella nodiflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus.

Further relevant weed species occurring in cassava fields in Nigeria are (grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds): Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetumpolystachion, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Talinum triangulare.

A relevant parasitic weed species occurring in cassava fields (for example in Nigeria) is Cuscuta australis.

The combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein hâve an outstanding herbicidal activity against a broad spectrum of economically important harmful monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, particularly in cassava.

In the context of the présent invention “controlling” dénotés a significant réduction of the growth of the harmful plant(s) in comparison to the untreated harmful plants. Preferably, the growth of the harmful plant(s) is essentially diminished (60-79%), more preferably the growth of the harmful plant(s) is largely or fully suppressed (80-100%), and in particular the growth of the harmful plant(s) is almost fully or fully suppressed (90-100%).

Preferably, the présent invention relates to the use of the combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group of weed species consisting of Agératum spp., Calopogonium spp., Altemanthera spp., Boreiria spp., Commelina spp., Chromolaena spp., Mimosa spp., Tridax spp., Brachiaria spp., Platostoma spp., Digitaria spp., Synedrella spp., Panicum spp., Cyperus spp., Imperata spp., Cynodon spp., Pennisetum spp., Mariscus spp., Euphorbia spp., Talinum spp., Pteridium spp., Melinis spp., Sida spp., Portulaca spp., Rottboellia spp., Sorghum spp., Ipomea spp., Dactyloctenium spp., Spigeliaspp., Boerhaavia spp., Aspilia spp., Aneilima spp., Hyparrhenia spp., Andropogon spp., Paspalum spp., Rhynchelytrum spp., Eleusine spp., Setaria spp., Triumfetta spp., Stachytarpheta spp., Desmodium spp., Gomphrena spp., Tephrosia spp., Acanthospermum spp., Hyptis spp., Cenchrus spp., Urena spp., Vemonia spp., Cleome spp., Crotalaria spp., Kyllinga spp., Corchorus spp., Ipomoea spp., Mitracarpus spp., Melanthera spp., Centrosema spp., Emilia spp., Croton spp., Phyllanthus spp., Passiflore spp., Axonopus spp., Oldenlandia spp., Schwenckia spp., Acalypha spp., Solenostemon spp., Celosia spp., Indigofera spp., Heterotis spp., Acmella spp., Leucaena spp., Boerhavia spp., Spermacoce spp., Oplismenus spp., and Fimbristylis spp..

- loin a preferred aspect, the présent invention relates to the use of the combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group of weed species consisting of Agératum spp., Calopogonium spp., Alternanthera spp., Boreiria spp., Commelina spp., Chromolaena spp., Mimosa spp., Tridax spp., Brachiaria spp., Platostoma spp., Digitaria spp., Synedrella spp., Panicum spp., Cyperus spp., Imperata spp., Cynodon spp., Pennisetum spp., Mariscus spp., Euphorbia spp., Talinum spp., Pteridium spp., Melinis spp., Sida spp., Portulaca spp., Rottboellia spp., Sorghum spp., Ipomea spp., Dactyloctenium spp., Spigelia spp., Boerhaavia spp., Aspilia spp., Aneilima spp., Hyparrhenia spp., Andropogon spp., Paspalum spp., Rhynchelytrum spp., Eleusine spp., Setariaspp., Triumfettaspp., Stachytarphetaspp., Desmodium spp., Gomphrena spp., Tephrosia spp., Acanthospermum spp., Hyptis spp., Cenchrus spp., Urena spp., Vemonia spp., and Cleome spp..

Particularly, the combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein are used to control one, several or ail harmful plants selected from the group ofweed species consisting of Agératum spp., Calopogonium spp., Alternanthera spp., Boreiria spp., Commelina spp., Chromolaena spp., Mimosa spp., Tridax spp., Brachiaria spp., Platostoma spp., Digitaria spp., Synedrella spp., Panicum spp., Cyperus spp., Imperata spp., Cynodon spp., Pennisetum spp., Mariscus spp., Euphorbia spp., Talinum spp., Pteridium spp., Melinis spp., Sida spp., Portulaca spp., Rottboellia spp., Sorghum spp., Ipomea spp., Dactyloctenium spp., Spigelia spp., Boerhaavia spp., Desmodium spp., Gomphrena spp., Tephrosia spp., Acanthospermum spp., Hyptis spp., Cenchrus spp., Urena spp., Vernonia spp., and Cleome spp..

More particularly, the combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein are used to control one, several or ail harmful plants selected from the group of weed species consisting of Agératum spp., Calopogonium spp., Alternanthera spp., Boreiria spp., Commelina spp., Chromolaena spp., Mimosa spp., Tridax spp., Brachiaria spp., Platostoma spp., Digitaria spp., Synedrella spp., Panicum spp., Cyperus spp., Imperata spp., Cynodon spp., Pennisetum spp., Mariscus spp., Euphorbia spp., Talinum spp., Pteridium spp., Melinis spp., Sida spp., Portulaca spp., Rottboellia spp., Sorghum spp., Ipomea spp., Dactyloctenium spp., Spigelia spp., and Boerhaavia spp..

Specifically, examples may be mentioned of some représentatives of the monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed flora which can be controlled by the combinations according to the présent invention.

In a more spécifie aspect, the présent invention relates to the use of the combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group consisting of Agératum conyzoides, Calopogonium mucunoides, Alternanthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelina benghalensis, Tridax procumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Digitaria horizontalis, Synedrella nodtflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus

- 11 rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum polystachion, Pennisetum purpureum, Pennisetum violaceum, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Talinum triangulare, Pteridium aquilinum. Melinis ninutiflora. Sida acuta. Sida rhombifolia, Commelina diffusa. Portulaca oleraceae. Rottboellia exaltata. Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Sorghum halepense, Ipomea triloba. Dactyloctenium aegyptium. Brachiara lata. Spigelia anthemia. Boerhaavia erecta. Aspilia africana, Aneilima beniniense. Hyparrhenia involucrate, Andropogon gayanus, Paspalum conjugatum, Paspalum orbiculatum, Rhynchelytrum repens, Eleusine indica. Setaria barbata, Setaria megaphylla, Triumfetta cordifolia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis, Desmodium scorpiurus, Gomphrena celosioides, Tephrosia bracteolata, Acanthospermum hispidum, Hyptis suaveolens, Cenchrus biflorus, Urena lobata, Vernonia ambigua, Cleome viscosa, Cuscuta australis. Corchorus olitorius. Mitracarpus villosus. Melanthera scandens. Centrosema pubescens. Emilia coccinea. Croton hirtus, Phyllanthus amarus. Corchorus trilocularis. Passiflora foetida. Ipomoea involucrate. Axonopus compressas, Oldenlandia corymbosa, Acalypha ciliata, Schwenckia americana, Solenostemon monostachyus, Celosia trigyna, Indigofera hirsute, Heterotis rotundifolia, Acmella brachyglossa, Leucaena leucocephala, Boerhavia diffusa, Spermacoce ocymoides, Oplismenus burmannii, Fimbristylis littoralis, Cyperus iris, and Kyllinga erecta.

In a more preferred aspect, the présent invention relates to the use of the combination of active ingrédients as defïned herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group consisting of Agératum conyzoides, Calopogonium mucunoides, Alternanthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelina benghalensis, Tridax procumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Digitaria horizontalis, Synedrella nodiflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum polystachion, Pennisetum purpureum, Pennisetum violaceum, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Talinum triangulare, Pteridium aquilinum. Melinis ninutiflora. Sida acuta. Sida rhombifolia, Commelina diffusa. Portulaca oleraceae. Rottboellia exaltata. Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Sorghum halepense, Ipomea triloba. Dactyloctenium aegyptium. Brachiara lata. Spigelia anthemia. Boerhaavia erecta. Aspilia africana, Aneilima beniniense. Hyparrhenia involucrate, Andropogon gayanus, Paspalum conjugatum, Paspalum orbiculatum, Rhynchelytrum repens, Eleusine indica. Setaria barbata, Setaria megaphylla, Triumfetta cordifolia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis, Desmodium scorpiurus, Gomphrena celosioides, Tephrosia bracteolata, Acanthospermum hispidum, Hyptis suaveolens, Cenchrus biflorus, Urena lobata, Vernonia ambigua, Cleome viscosa, and Cuscuta australis.

Particularly, the combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein are used to control one, several or ail harmful plants selected from the group consisting of Agératum conyzoides, Calopogonium mucunoides, Alternanthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelina benghalensis, Tridax procumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Digitaria horizontalis, Synedrella nodiflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, •

Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum polystachion, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Talinum triangulare, Pteridium aquilinum, Melinis ninutiflora, Sida acuta, Commelina diffusa, Portulaca oleraceae, Rottboellia exaltata, Sorghum halepense, Ipomea triloba, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Brachiara lata, Spigelia anthemia, Boerhaavia erecta, Desmodium scorpiurus,

Gomphrena celosioides, Tephrosia bracteolata, Acanthospermum hispidum, Hyptis suaveolens, Cenchrus biflorus, Urena lobata, Vernonia ambigua, Cleome viscosa, and Cuscuta australis.

More particularly, the combination of active ingrédients as defined herein or the composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined herein are used to control one, several or ail harmful plants selected from the group consisting of Agératum conyzoides, Calopogonium mucunoides, Alternanthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelina benghalensis, Tridax procumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Digitaria horizontalis, Synedrella nodiflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum polystachion, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Talinum triangulare, Pteridium aquilinum, Melinis ninutiflora, Sida acuta,

Commelina diffusa, Portulaca oleraceae, Rottboellia exaltata, Sorghum halepense, Ipomea triloba, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Brachiara lata, Spigelia anthemia, Boerhaavia erecta and Cuscuta australis.

If a combination of active ingrédients used according to the présent invention or i f a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention is applied to the soil surface before germination, then the weed seedlings are either prevented completely from emerging, or the weeds grow until they hâve reached the cotylédon stage but then their growth stops, and, eventually, after three to four weeks hâve elapsed, they die completely.

If a combination of active ingrédients used according to the présent invention or if a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention is applied post-emergence to the green parts of the plants, growth likewise stops drastically a very short time after the treatment and the weed plants remain at the growth stage of the point of time of application, or they die completely after a certain time, so that in this manner compétition by the weeds, which is harmful to the crop plants, is eliminated at a very early point in time and in a sustained manner.

The use of a combination of active ingrédients used according to the présent invention and the use of a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients used in the context of the présent invention is characterized by a rapidly commencing and long-lasting herbicidal action.

In particular when the combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context ofthe présent invention and the compositions comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention are employed application rates may be reduced, a broader spectrum of broad-leaved weeds and grass weeds maybe controlled, the herbicidal action may take place more rapidly, the duration of action may i

!

- 13be longer, the harmful plants may be controlled better while using only one, or few, applications, and the application period which is possible to be extended.

The abovementioned properties and advantages are of benefit for weed control practice to keep agricultural crops free from undesired competing plants and thus to safeguard and/or increase the yields from the 5 qualitative and quantitative point of view. These combinations markedly exceed the technical State of the art with a view to the properties described.

While the combinations of active ingrédients according to the présent invention hâve an outstanding herbicidal activity against monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds, the crop plants are damaged only to a minor extent, if at ail.

Moreover, some of the compositions according to the présent invention hâve outstanding growth-regulatory properties on the crop plants. They engage in the plants’ metabolism in a regulatory manner and can thus be employed for provoking directed effects on plant constituents and to facilitate harvesting such as for example by triggering desiccation and stunted growth. Moreover, they are also suitable for the general control and inhibition of undesired végétative growth without simultaneously destroying the plants. An inhibition of 15 végétative growth is very important in a large number of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crops since yield losses as a resuit of lodging can thus be reduced, or prevented completely.

Owing to their herbicidal and plant-growth-regulatory properties, the compositions according to the présent invention can be employed for controlling harmful plants in genetically modified crop plants or crop plants obtained by mutation/selection. These crop plants are distinguished as a rule by particular, advantageous 20 properties, such as résistances to herbicidal compositions or résistances to plant diseases or causative agents of plant diseases such as particular insects or microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria or viruses. Other particular properties relate, for example, to the harvested material with regard to quantity, quality, storability, composition and spécifie constituents. Thus, for example, transgenic plants are known whose starch content is increased or whose starch quality is altered, or those where the harvested material has a different fatty acid 25 composition.

The tuberous root crop plants can also hâve been genetically modified or been obtained by mutation sélection. For example, WO 97/44473 Al relates to transforming and producing cassava plant (protoplasts). WO 92/05259 Al descibes transgenic plants having modified carbohydrate content, inter aliacassava plants.

The présent invention also relates to a method of controlling undesired végétation (e.g. harmful plants) in 30 tuberous root crop plants, which comprises applying a combination of active ingrédients and compositions as defined in the context of the présent invention or applying a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention, for example by the pre-emergence method, by the post-emergence method or by the pre-emergence and the post-emergence method, to the plants, for

- 14example harmful plants, parts of these plants, plant seeds or the area where the plants grow, for example the area under cultivation.

Thus, in a further aspect, the présent invention relates to a method for

- controlling undesired plant growth, and/or

- controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, and/or

- regulating plant growth in tuberous root crop plants, comprising the step of applying a combination of active ingrédients or a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined hereinabove onto the tuberous root crop plants, parts of tuberous root crop plants, seeds of tuberous root crop plants, the area where the tuberous root crop plants grow or the area where the tuberous root crop plants are intended to grow.

Preferably, in a method according to the présent invention as defined above, the tuberous root crop plants are selected from the group consisting of sweet potato (Jpotnoea batatas), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and yam (plant species in the genus Dioscored), more preferably the tuberous root crop plant is cassava (Manihot esculenta).

In another aspect, the présent invention relates to a method according to the présent invention as defined above, wherein one, several, or ali harmful plants as mentioned above are controlled.

In another aspect, the présent invention relates to a method according to the présent invention as defined above, wherein the tuberous root crop plants hâve been genetically modified, preferably said tuberous root crop plants are transgenic plants or obtained by mutation/selection.

As already mentioned above, the combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention can not only be used as mixed formulations, if appropriate together with further agrochemically active compounds, additives and/or customary formulation auxiliaries, which are then applied in the customary manner as a dilution with water, but also as so-called tank mixes by jointly diluting the separately formulated, or partially separately formulated, components with water.

The combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention and the compositions comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention can be formulated in various ways, depending on the prevailing biological and/or chemical-physical parameters. The following are examples of general possibilities for formulations: wettable powders (WP), water-soluble

- 15concentrates, emulsifîable concentrâtes (EC), aqueous solutions (SL), émulsions (EW) such as oil-in-water and water-in-oil émulsions, sprayable solutions or émulsions, suspension concentrâtes (SC), oil dispersions (OD), oil- or water-based dispersions, suspoemulsions, dusts (DP), seed-dressing materials, granules for soit application or for broadcasting, or water-dispersible granules (WG), ULV formulations, microcapsules or 5 waxes.

The individual formulation types are known in principle and are described for example, in: WinnackerKüchler, Chemische Technologie”, Volume 7, C. Hauser Verlag Munich, 4^ώ Edition, 1986; van Valkenburg, Pesticide Formulations, Marcel Dekker N.Y., 1973; K. Martens, Spray Drying Handbook, 3rd Ed. 1979, G. Goodwin Ltd. London.

The formulation auxiliaries required, such as inert materials, surfactants, solvents and other additives are also known and are described, for example, in Watkins, Handbook of Insecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers, 2nd Ed., Darland Books, Caldwell N.J.; H.v. Olphen, Introduction to Clay Colloid Chemistry; 2nd Ed., J. Wiley & Sons, N.Y. Marsden, Solvents Guide, 2nd Ed., Interscience, N.Y. 1950; McCutcheon’s, Détergents and Emulsifiers Annual, MC Publ. Corp., RidgewoodN.J.; Sisley and Wood, Encyclopediaof 15 Surface Active Agents, Chem. Publ. Co. Inc., N.Y. 1964; Schônfeldt, Grenzflachenaktive

Âthylenoxidaddukte [Surface-active ethylene oxide adducts], Wiss. Verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart 1976, Winnacker-Küchler, Chemische Technologie, Volume 7, C. Hauser Verlag Munich, 4^,h Edition 1986.

Based on these formulations, combinations with other agrochemically active substances, such as further active ingrédients not belonging to constituents (i) and (ii) as defined in the context of the présent invention, 20 e.g. other herbicides, other safeners, fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers and/or other growth regulators, may also be prepared, for example in the form of a readymix or a tank mix.

Wettable powders (sprayable powders) are products which are uniformly dispersible in water and which, besides the active compound, also comprise ionic or nonionic surfactants (wetters, dispersants), for example polyoxethylated alkylphenols, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols or fatty amines, alkanesulfonates or 25 alkylbenzenesulfonates, sodium lignosulfonate, sodium 2,2’-dinaphthylmethane-6,6’-disulfonate, sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate or else sodium oleoylmethyltauride, in addition to a diluent or inert material.

Emulsifîable concentrâtes are prepared by dissol ving the active compound in an organic solvent, for example butanol, cyclohexanone, dimethylformamide, xylene or else higher-boiling aromatics or hydrocarbons with addition of one or more ionic or nonionic surfactants (emulsifiers). Examples of emulsifiers which may be 30 used are: calcium salts of alkylarylsulfonic acids, such as calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, or nonionic emulsifiers such as fatty acid polyglycol esters, alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, propylene oxide/ethylene oxide condensâtes, alkyl polyethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters or polyoxethylene sorbitol esters.

- 16Dusts are obtained by grinding the active compound with fmely divided solid materials, for example talc, natural clays such as kaolin, bentonite and pyrophyllite, or diatomaceous earth.

Suspension concentrâtes (SC) can be water- or oil-based. They can be prepared, for example, by wet grinding by means of commercial ly avai labié bead mi Ils and, if appropriate, addition of further surfactants as they hâve 5 already been mentioned for example above in the case of the other formulation types.

Emulsions, for example oil-in-water émulsions (EW), can be prepared for example by means of stirrers, colloid mills and/or static mixers using aqueous organic solvents and, if appropriate, further surfactants as hâve already been mentioned for example above in the case of the other formulation types.

Granules can be prepared either by spraying the active compound onto adsorptive, granulated inert material or 10 by applying active compound concentrâtes to the surface of carriers such as sand, kaolinites or granulated inert material with the aid of binders, for example polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate or else minerai oils. Suitable active compounds may also be granulated in the manner conventionally used for the production of fertilizer granules, ifdesired in a mixture with fertilizers. As a rule, water-dispersible granules are prepared by customary processes such as spray drying, fluidized-bed granulation, disk granulation, mixing with high15 speed mixers and extrusion without solid inert material. Regardingthe production of disk granules, fluidizedbed granules, extruder granules and spray granules, see, for example, the methods in Spray-Drying Handbook” 3rd ed. 1979, G. Goodwin Ltd., London; J.E. Browning, Agglomération”, Chemical and Engineering 1967, page 147 et seq; Perry’s Chemical Engineer’s Handbook, 5th Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York 1973, pp. 8-57.

As regards further details on the formulation of crop protection products, see, for example, G.C. Klingmam, Weed Control as a Science, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1961, pages 81-96 and J.D. Freyer, S.A. Evans, Weed Control Handbook, 5th Ed., Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1968, pages 101 -103.

As a rule, the agrochemical formulations comprise l to 95% by weight, of active compounds, the following concentrations being customary, depending on the type of formulation:

The active compound concentration in wettable powders is, for example, approximately 10 to 95% by weight, the remainder to 100% by weight being composed of customary formulation constituents. In the case of emulsifiable concentrâtes, the active compound concentration may amount to, for example, 5 to 80% by weight. Formulations in the form of dusts comprise, in most cases, 5 to 20% by weight of active compound, sprayable solutions approximately 0.2 to 25% by weight ofactive compound. In the case ofgranules such as dispersible granules, the active compound content dépends partly on whether the active compound is présent in liquid or solid form and on which granulation auxiliaries and fil 1ers are being used. As a rule, the content amounts to between 10 and 90% by weight in the case of the water-dispersible granules.

- 17In addition, the abovementioned active compound formulations may comprise, if appropriate, the conventional adhesives, wetters, dispersants, emulsifiers, preservatives, antifreeze agents, solvents, fillers, colorants, carriers, antifoams, évaporation inhibitors, pH regulators or viscosity regulators.

The herbicidal action of the combination of active ingrédients according to the présent invention can be improved, for example, by surfactants, preferably by wetters from the group of the fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers. The fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers préférable contain 10 - 18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol radical and 2-20 ethylene oxide units in the polyglycol ether moiety. The fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers can be nonionic or ionic, for example in the form of fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers sulfates, which can be used, for example, as alkali métal salts (e.g. sodium salts or potassium salts) or ammonium salts, but also as alkaline earth métal salts such as magnésium salts, such as sodium Ciz/Cu-fatty alcohol diglycol ether sulfate (Genapol® LRO, Clariant); see, for example, EP-A-0476555, EP-A-0048436, EP-A-0336151 or US-A4,400,196 and also Proc. EWRS Symp. Factors Affecting Herbicidal Activity and Selectivity, 227 - 232 (1988). Nonionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers are, for example, (Cjo-Cu)-, preferably (Cio-Ci4)-fatty alkohol polyglycol ethers containing 2 - 20, preferably 3-15, ethylene oxide units (e.g. isotridecyl alcohol polyglycol ether), for example from the Genapol® sériés, such as Genapol® X-030, Genapol® X-060, Genapol® X-080 or Genapol® X-150 (ail from Clariant GmbH).

The présent invention furthermore embraces the combination of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as defîned above with the wetting agents mentioned above from the group of the fatty alcohol polyglycolethers which preferably contain 10-18 carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol radical and 2-20 ethylene oxide units in the polyglycol ether moiety and which can be présent in nonionic or ionic form (for example as fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates). Preference is given to C^/Cu-fatty alcohol diglycol ether sulfate sodium (Genapol® LRO, Clariant); and isotridecyl alcohol polyglycol ether with 3-15 ethylene oxide units, for example from the Genapol® X sériés, such as Genapol® X-030, Genapol® X-060, Genapol® X-080 or Genapol® X-150 (ail from Clariant GmbH). It is furthermore known that fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers such as nonionic or ionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers (for example fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates) are also suitable for use as pénétrants and activity enhancers for a number of other herbicides, inter alia also for herbicides from the group of the imidazolinones (see, for example, EP-A-0502014).

Moreover, it is known that fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers such as nonionic or ionic fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers (for example fatty alcohol polyglycol ether sulfates) are also suitable as pénétrants and synergists fora number of other herbicides, inter alia also herbicides from the group of the imidazolinones; (see, for example, EP-A-0502014).

The herbicidal effect of the combination ofactive ingrédients according to the présent invention can also be increased using vegetable oils. The term vegetable oils is to be understood as meaning oils from oil-plant species, such as soya oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, coconut oil, palm oil,

- 18safflower oil or castor oil, in particular rapeseed oil, and their transestérification products, for example alkyl esters, such as rapeseed oil methyl ester or rapeseed oil ethyl ester.

The vegetable oils are preferably esters of Cio-C??-, preferably Ci2-C2o-fatty acids. The Cio-C22-fatty acid esters are, for example, esters of unsaturated or saturated C io-C22-fatty acids, in particular those with an even number of carbon atoms, for example erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid and, in particular, C i₈-fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid.

Preferred Ci-C2o-alkyl-C_lo-C22-fatty acid esters are the methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-ethylhexyl and dodecyl esters. Preferred glycol- and glycerol-Cio-C22-fatty acid esters are the uniform or mixed glycol esters and glycerol esters of Cio-C22-fatty acids, in particular those fatty acids which hâve an even number of carbon atoms, for example erucic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid and, in particular, Cis-fatty acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linolic acid or linolenic acid.

The vegetable oils can be présent in the compositions according to the présent invention for example in the form ofcommercially available oil-containing formulation additives, in particular those based on rapeseed oil such as Hasten® (Victorian Chemical Company, Australia, hereinbelow termed Hasten, main constituent: rapeseed oil ethyl ester), Actirob®B (Novance, France, hereinbelow termed ActirobB, main constituent: rapeseed oil methyl ester), Rako-Binol® (Bayer AG, Germany, termed Rako-Binol hereinbelow, main constituent: rapeseed oil), Renol® (Stefes, Germany, termed Renol hereinbelow, vegetable oil constituent: rapeseed oil methyl ester), or Stefes Mero® (Stefes, Germany, hereinbelow termed Mero, main constituent: rapeseed oil methyl ester).

In a further embodiment, the présent invention embraces the combination of a combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention with the vegetable oils mentioned above. Thus, in a further embodiment, the présent invention embraces the use of compositions comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined in the context of the présent invention comprising the vegetable oils mentioned above, such as rapeseed oil, preferably in the form of commercially available oil-containing formulation additives, in particular those based on rapeseed oil such as Hasten® (Victorian Chemical Company, Australia, hereinbelow termed Hasten, main constituent: rapeseed oil ethyl ester), Actirob®B (Novance, France, hereinbelow termed ActirobB, main constituent: rapeseed oil methyl ester), Rako-Binol® (Bayer AG, Germany, termed Rako-Binol hereinbelow, main constituent: rapeseed oil), Renol® (Stefes, Germany, termed Renol hereinbelow, vegetable oil constituent: rapeseed oil methyl ester), or Stefes Mero® (Stefes, Germany, hereinbelow termed Mero, main constituent: rapeseed oil methyl ester).

For use, the formulations, which are présent in commercially available form, are optionally diluted in the customary manner, for example using water in the case of wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrâtes, dispersions and water-dispersible granules. Préparations in the form of dusts, soil granules, granules for broadcasting and sprayable solutions are usually not diluted further with other inert substances prior to use.

- 19The active compounds can be applied to the plants, parts of the plants, seeds of the plants or the area under cultivation (soil of a field), preferably to the green plants and parts of the plants and, if appropriate, additionally to the soil of the field.

A composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients n used in the context of the présent invention 5 has the advantage of being easier to apply, and the quantifies of the components are advantageously already presented in the correct ratio to each other. Moreover, the adjuvants in the formulation can be matched optimally to each other.

Examples

l. Products used

The following commercially available products were tested (ail products available from Bayer CropScience):

Product Pl contained 750 g/kg of isoxaflutole (not according to the présent invention)

Product P2 contained 240 g/L of isoxaflutole and 240 g/L of cyprosulfamide

2. Biological Trials

Trials were conducted on cassava plants on a Research Farm in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

Table l shows the respective total weed control ratings for the different products tested in pre-emergence 6 weeks after treatment. In each case the total weed control takes into account the control of broad-leaved species, grasses and sedges.

Inter alia controlling of the following weeds was assessed: Commelina benghalensis, Cyperus rotundus, Desmodium scorpiurus, Digitaria horizontalis, Euphorbia heterophylla, Gomphrena celosioides, Paspalum 20 orbiculatum, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Tephrosia bracteolata, Tridax procumbens, Setaria barbata, Acanthospermum hispidum, Hyptis suaveolens, Cenchrus biflorus, Urena lobata, Vernonia ambigua, Cynodon dactylon, and Cleome viscosa.

Table 2 shows the damage ratings of cassava plants 4 weeks after treatment with the respective product.

Table l : Ratings of total weed control in plots treated pre-emergence with the respective product 6 weeks 25 after treatment

Product	Amount of Product applied	Total Weed Control in %
PI	0.8 kg/ha	88%

P2

0.3 L/ha

96%

Table 2: Damage ratings of cassava plants 4 weeks after treatment with the respective product

Product	Amount of Product applied	Damage of cassava plants
PI	0.8 kg/ha	Chlorosis, scorching and stunted growth
P2	0.3 L/ha	No damage

Table 3 shows the plant growth regulating effect of product P2 (herbicide composition used in accordance 5 with the présent invention) on cassava crop plants after harvest relative to hoe-weeded cassava crop plants (as reference). The plant growth regulating effects were measured as the respective fresh root cassava yields, in each case as perecentage in comparison to the fresh root cassava yield of hoe-weeded cassava crop plants as reference (defined as 100%).

Table 3: Plant growth regulating effect of product P2 on tuberous root crop plants indicated as fresh root yield

Product or treatment	Amount of Product applied	Yield of fresh root yield in comparison to hoe-weeding
P2	0.3 L/ha	120%
Hoe-weeding (Reference)	-	100%

-2l -

Claims (5)

1. Claims:

   l. Use of a combination of active ingrédients or of a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients

   - for controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants,

   5 and/or

   - as plant growth regulators in tuberous root crop plants, wherein said combination of active ingrédients comprises or consists of (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamid.

   i

   10
2. 2. Use according to claim I, wherein a composition is employed which additionally comprises one or more further components selected from the group consisting of formulation auxiliaries, additives customary in crop protection, and further agrochemically active compounds.
3. 3. Use according to claim l or 2, wherein the total amount of (i) isoxaflutole to the total amount of (ii)

   15 cyprosulfamide is in the range of from 10 : I to l : 10, preferably in the range of from 5 : I to l : 5.

   I
4. 4. Use according to any one of claims l to 3, wherein (i) isoxaflutole is applied at a rate in the range of 25 to 400 g a.i./ha, preferably at a rate in the range of 40 to 300 g a.i./ha., more preferably at a rate in the range of 50 to 250 g a.i./ha, and

   20 particularly preferably at a rate in the range of 60 to 150 g a.i./ha, and/or (ii) cyprosulfamide is applied at a rate in the range of 25 to 400 g a.i./ha, preferably at a rate in the range of 40 to 300 g a.i./ha., more preferably at a rate in the range of 50 to 250 g a.i./ha, and particularly preferably at a rate in the range of 60 to 150 g a.i./ha.

   ! 25

   I

   5. Use according to any one of claims l to 4, wherein the tuberous root crop plants are selected from the group consisting of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), cassava (Manihot esculenta\ and yam (plant species in the genus Dioscorea).

   6. Use according to any one of claims l to 5, wherein the tuberous root crop plant is cassava {Manihot esculenta).

   7. Use according to any one of claims l to 6, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group of weed species consisting of Agératum spp., Calopogonium spp., Altemanthera spp., Boreiria spp., Commelina spp., Chromolaena spp., Mimosa spp., Tridax spp., Brachiaria spp., Platostoma spp., Digitaria spp., Synedrella spp., Panicum spp., Cyperus spp., Imperata spp., Cynodon spp., Pennisetum spp., Mariscus spp., Euphorbia spp., Talinum spp., Pteridium spp., Melinis spp., Sida spp., Portulaca spp., Rottboellia spp., Sorghum spp., Ipomea spp., Dactyloctenium spp., Spigelia spp., Boerhaavia spp., Aspilia spp., Aneilima spp., Hyparrhenia spp., Andropogon spp., Paspalum spp., Rhynchelytrum spp., Eleusine spp., Setaria spp., Triumfetta spp., Stachytarpheta spp., Desmodium spp., Gomphrena spp., Tephrosia spp., Acanthospermum spp., Hyptis spp., Cenchrus spp., Urena spp., Vemonia spp., Cleome spp., Crotalaria spp., Kyllinga spp., Corchorus spp., Ipomoea spp., Mitracarpus spp., Melanthera spp., Centrosema spp., Emilia spp., Croton spp., Phyllanthus spp., Passiflora spp., Axonopus spp., Oldenlandia spp., Schwenckia spp., Acalypha spp., Solenostemon spp., Celosia spp., Indigofera spp., Heterotis spp., Acmella spp., Leucaena spp., Boerhavia spp., Spermacoce spp., Oplismenus spp., and Fimbristylis spp..

   8. Use according to any one of claims l to 7, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group of weed species consisting of Agératum spp., Calopogonium spp., Altemanthera spp., Boreiria spp., Commelina spp., Chromolaena spp., Mimosa spp., Tridax spp., Brachiaria spp., Platostoma spp., Digitaria spp., Synedrella spp., Panicum spp., Cyperus spp., Imperata spp., Cynodon spp., Pennisetum spp., Mariscus spp., Euphorbia spp., Talinum spp., Pteridium spp., Melinis spp., Sida spp., Portulaca spp., Rottboelliaspp., Sorghum spp., Ipomeaspp., Dactyloctenium spp., Spigelia spp., Boerhaavia spp., Aspilia spp., Aneilima spp., Hyparrhenia spp., Andropogon spp., Paspalum spp., Rhynchelytrum spp., Eleusine spp., Setaria spp., Triumfetta spp., Stachytarpheta spp., Desmodium spp., Gomphrena spp., Tephrosia spp., Acanthospermum spp., Hyptis spp., Cenchrus spp., Urena spp., Vemonia spp., and Cleome spp..

   9. Use according to any one of claims l to 8, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group consisting of Agératum conyzoides, Calopogonium mucunoides, Altemanthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelina benghalensis, Tridaxprocumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Digitaria horizontalis, Synedrella nodiflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus

   -23esculentus, Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum polystachion, Pennisetum

   purpureum, Pennisetum violaceum, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Talinum triangulare, Pteridium aquilinum. Melinis ninutiflora. Sida acuta. Sida rhombifolia, Commelina diffusa. Portulaca oleraceae. Rottboellia exaltata. Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Sorghum halepense, Ipomea triloba. Dactyloctenium aegyptium. Brachiara lata. Spigelia anthemia. Boerhaavia erecta. Aspilia africana, Aneilima beniniense. Hyparrhenia involucrate, Andropogon gayanus, Paspalum conjugatum, Paspalum orbiculatum, Rhynchelytrum repens, Eleusine indica. Setaria barbata, Setaria megaphylla, Triumfetta cordifolia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis, Desmodium scorpiurus, Gomphrena celosioides, Tephrosia bracteolata, Acanthospermum hispidum, Hyptis suaveolens, Cenchrus biflorus, Urena lobata, Vernonia ambigua, Cleome viscosa, Cuscuta australis. Corchorus olitorius. Mitracarpus villosus. Melanthera scandens. Centrosema pubescens. Emilia coccinea. Croton hirtus, Phyllanthus amarus. Corchorus trilocularis. Passiflora foetida. Ipomoea involucrate. Axonopus compressus, Oldenlandia corymbosa, Acalypha ciliata, Schwenckia americana, Solenostemon monostachyus, Celosia trigyna, Indigofera hirsute, Heterotis rotundifolia, Acmella brachyglossa, Leucaena leucocephala, Boerhavia diffusa, Spermacoce ocymoides, Oplismenus burmannii, Fimbristylis littoralis, Cyperus iris, and Kyllinga erecta. 10. Use according to any one of daims l to 9, wherein one, several or ail harmful plants are selected from the group consisting of Agératum conyzoides, Calopogonium mucunoides, Alternanthera sessilis, Boreiria ocymoides, Commelina erecta, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa invisa, Commelina benghalensis, Tridaxprocumbens, Brachiaria delfexa, Platostoma africanum, Digitaria adscendens, Digitaria horizontalis, Synedrella nodiflora, Panicum maximum, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, Pennisetum polystachion, Pennisetum purpureum, Pennisetum violaceum, Mariscus alternifolius, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Talinum triangulare, Pteridium aquilinum. Melinis ninutiflora. Sida acuta. Sida rhombifolia, Commelina diffusa. Portulaca oleraceae. Rottboellia exaltata. Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Sorghum halepense, Ipomea triloba. Dactyloctenium aegyptium. Brachiara lata. Spigelia anthemia. Boerhaavia erecta. Aspilia africana, Aneilima beniniense. Hyparrhenia involucrate, Andropogon gayanus, Paspalum conjugatum, Paspalum orbiculatum, Rhynchelytrum repens, Eleusine indica. Setaria barbata, Setaria megaphylla, Triumfetta cordifolia, Stachytarpheta cayennensis, Desmodium scorpiurus, Gomphrena celosioides, Tephrosia bracteolata, Acanthospermum hispidum, Hyptis suaveolens, Cenchrus biflorus, Urena lobata, Vernonia ambigua, Cleome viscosa, and Cuscuta australis. H. Method for

   - controlling undesired plant growth, and/or

   - controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, and/or

   5 - regulating plant growth in tuberous root crop plants, comprising the step of applying a combination of active ingrédients or a composition comprising a combination of active ingrédients as defined in any one of claims I to 4 onto the tuberous root crop plants, parts of tuberous root crop plants, seeds of tuberous root crop plants, the area where the tuberous root crop plants grow or the area where the tuberous root crop plants are intended to grow.

   12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the tuberous root crop plants are selected from the group consisting of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and yam (plant species in the genus Dioscorea).

   15

   13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the tuberous root crop plant is cassava (Manihot esculenta).

   14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein one, several, or ail harmful plants as defined in any one of claims 7 to 10 are controlled.

   15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the tuberous root crop plants hâve been genetically modified, preferably said tuberous root crop plants are transgenic plants or obtained by mutation/selection.

   Use of certain active ingrédient combinations in tuberous root crop plants

   Abstract

   The présent invention primarily relates to the use of combinations comprising or consisting of the active ingrédients (i) isoxaflutole and (ii) cyprosulfamide or of compositions comprising said combinations of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) forcontrolling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants, preferably in cassava. The
5. 5 présent invention also relates to the use of said combinations of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) or of compositions comprising said combinations of active ingrédients (i) and (ii) as plant growth regulators for tuberous root crop plants, preferably as plant growth regulators for cassava. Furthermore, the présent invention relates to a corresponding method of controlling harmful plants in tuberous root crop plants and to a corresponding method of regulating plant growth of tuberous root crop plants.