AU2021106121A4 - Plant growth regulator formulation comprising uniconazole-p - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid growth regulator composition comprising uniconazole-p at a concentration of at least 50 g/kg, an anionic surfactant and an agriculturally acceptable filler, as well as uses thereof and methods of production thereof.

Description

PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR FORMULATION COMPRISING UNICONAZOLE-P FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to formulations comprising the plant growth regulator

uniconazole-p, which is the common name of the compound for (E)-(S)-1-(4

chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-ol. In particular, the

invention relates to a water dispersible granule which is highly loaded with uniconazole

P. The invention also relates to methods of preparing and using said growth regulator

formulations comprising uniconazole-P. However, it will be appreciated that the

invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The following discussion of the prior art is provided to place the invention in an

appropriate technical context and enable the advantages of it to be more fully

understood. It should be appreciated, however, that any discussion of the prior art

throughout the specification should not be considered as an express or implied

admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general

knowledge in the field.

[0003] Uniconazole-p is a member of the triazole family and has been used as a plant growth

regulator or inhibitor as well as a fungicide since its first marketplace introduction in

1985. Uniconazole-P is the S enantiomer of the racemic mixture of (E)-1-(4

chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-ol that is otherwise

known as uniconazole. Specifically, uniconazole-p is the common name for the

compound (E)-(S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3

ol. It is understood that although the two enantiomers of uniconazole are both effective

as plant growth regulator active agents, the (S) enantiomer (i.e., uniconazole-p) is more

active than the (R) enantiomer.

[0004] Similar to other triazoles, uniconazole-p is known to act by inhibiting the production of

gibberellins, which are plant hormones that regulate various developmental processes.

By inhibiting gibberellins, uniconazole-p has been used to reduce vegetative growth and increase flowering. Uniconazole-p can be applied to the soil as a soil drench and hence taken up by the roots of the plant and transported to the upper parts of the plant through the xylem. Foliar application may also be used.

[0005] Uniconazole-p can be used on fruit trees, including pome fruit, stone fruit and avocado

trees, to inhibit vegetative growth, to improve fruit set (which increases harvest yields

and reduces pruning needs) and to modify fruit size and morphology; on pot-grown

ornamentals and flower crops such as chrysanthemums, begonias, freesias, poinsettias

and bulbs to inhibit growth; on rice to increase tillering, reduce lodging, and increase

yield; on turf to retard growth; and on grass seed crops to reduce height and prevent

lodging. Uniconazole-p also has some fungicidal activity against mildew and rusts.

[0006] Uniconazole-p is applicable for use in Australia when registered by the Australian

Herbicides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). The active ingredient is

typically presented in commercial products as a suspension concentrate, due to the low

water solubility of uniconazole-p (being 8.41mg/L at 200C). However, in the available

products, the active is only provided in relatively low concentrations, with the most

concentrated product being about 50g/L. For example, the formulation marketed by

Sumitomo Chemical Australia (i.e., Sunny Plant Growth Regulator; APVMA No. 50806)

contains 50g/L uniconazole-p presented as a water-based suspension concentrate,

which is currently the most concentrated form of uniconazole-p registered in Australia.

Alternative products are generally of about the same concentrations of uniconazole-p,

such as the 50g/L water-based suspension concentrate also marketed by Sumitomo

Chemical Australia (i.e., Sumagic Plant Growth Regulator; APVMA No. 55997) or the 50

g/L water-based suspension concentrate marketed by Fine Agrochemicals Limited (i.e.,

Unique 50SC Plant Growth Regulator; APVMA No. 83723). While suspension

concentrates with higher uniconazole-p active ingredient content are feasible, such

compositions come with challenges of formulation and product shelf-life.

[0007] Notwithstanding the commercial availability of a range of uniconazole-p compositions,

there remains a need for improved uniconazole-p -based compositions for use in an

agricultural setting that overcomes one or more of the limitations of commercially

available uniconazole-p compositions.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the

disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0009] It is a preferred object of at least one form of the present invention to provide a growth

regulator composition comprising uniconazole-p, whereby the composition is in the form

of a water-dispersible granule, and the concentration of uniconazole-p is relatively high,

and in particular is higher than prior art compositions.

[0010] Various advantages may be achieved by the claimed invention, including economies of

manufacturing, packaging, handling and storage, relative to lower concentration

alternatives. Additionally, there is a commensurate reduction in the amount of

packaging that needs to be recycled or disposed of. Further advantages of the invention

relate to a reduction in the cost of freight (volume and weight basis) in transporting the

uniconazole-p formulation from factory to field and enhanced physical stability and

therefore increased shelf life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a solid growth regulator

composition comprising:

uniconazole-p at a concentration of at least 50 g/kg;

an anionic surfactant; and

an agriculturally acceptable filler.

[0012] Preferably the growth regulator formulation according to the first aspect is in a granular

form and is water dispersible or emulsifiable.

[0013] In some embodiments, the uniconazole-p concentration is at least about 200 g/kg, or

between about 200 g/kg and about 900g/kg.

[0014] In some embodiments, the filler may be selected from any suitable agriculturally

acceptable filled, such as the group consisting of sodium sulfate, kaolin, starch,

bentonite, sodium sulfate, maltodextrin, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and talc, or

combinations thereof or any other agriculturally acceptable filler. It will be appreciated

that the filler of the first aspect may also fulfil other roles, such as a binder, a chelating

agent or a fertiliser as well. In some embodiments, the filler may be present in the growth regulator composition at a concentration of up to about 600 g/kg, or between about20g/kg and about600g/kg.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the anionic surfactant of the present invention may be selected

from the group consisting of sodium naphthalene sulphonate, an alkylnaphthalene

sulfonate, a sodium dodecyl sulfate salt, a styrene/acrylate copolymer and an alpha

olefin sulfonate, or mixtures thereof, or any other agriculturally acceptable anionic

surfactant. In certain embodiments, the surfactant may be present in the growth

regulator composition at a concentration of at least about 20 g/kg, or between about 20

g/kg and about 150 g/kg.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the solid growth regulator of the first aspect may further

comprise a pH modifier, which may act to increase the pH or decrease the pH, or

provide a target pH, when the solid growth regulator composition is contacted with

water. Suitable pH modifiers include a weak acid (such as, for example, citric acid), a

salt of weak acid (such as, for example, sodium citrate), a weak base (such as, for

example, ammonia), a salt of a weak base (such as, for example, ammonium chloride),

or any mixture thereof (such as, for example, a citrate buffer comprising sodium citrate

and citric acid).

[0017] In some embodiments, the solid growth regulator of the first aspect may further

comprise a pH indicator, which may act to provide a visual representation of the pH of

the solid growth regulator composition once it is contacted with water. As would be

known by the skilled person, uniconazole-p is most effective when applied at a neutral

or slightly acidic pH (i.e., a pH of between about 5.5 and about 7.5). Accordingly, the

inclusion of a pH indicator provides the user with an easy-to-measure representation of

the pH once the solid growth regulator, such as a water dispersible granule, has been

contacted with water before application. Further adjustment of the pH could then be

carried out if the solution is not in the optimal range. Suitable pH indicators that undergo

colour changes in the neutral-to-slightly-acidic range include, for example, bromocresol

purple, phenol red, and bromothymol blue.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides solid growth regulator

composition comprising: uniconazole-p at a concentration of about 200 g/kg; an anionic surfactant at a concentration of about 83 g/kg, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises an alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and a naphthalene sulfonate; a filler comprising kaolin at a concentration of about 460 g/kg; a pH modifier at a concentration of about 248 g/kg, wherein the pH modifier comprises citric acid and sodium citrate; and a pH indicator at a concentration of about 1 g/kg, wherein the pH indictor comprises bromothymol blue, wherein the composition is in a water-dispersible granule form.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of regulating

and/or inhibiting growth of a plant, the method comprising the step of applying an

effective amount of a growth regulator composition according to the first or second

aspects.

[0020] The method of the third aspect may further comprise the step of mixing the growth

regulator composition with a water-containing liquid before the application step. The

mixing may be carried out using any suitable method or apparatus.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides use of a growth regulator

composition according to the first aspect in the regulation of growth in a plant. The

growth regulator composition may be mixed with water or a water-containing liquid and

applied to crops or trees at an amount of around 750 g/Ha to 30000 g/Ha, or it may be

mixed with water or a water-containing liquid and applied to a seed.

Active ingredient

[0022] Uniconazole-p, as used herein, refers to the S-enantiomer of uniconazole, which is the

common name of the compound for (E)-(S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H

1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-ol.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the uniconazole-p is present at a concentration of at least

about 50 g/kg of the total weight of the composition (i.e., greater than 50 g/kg; or greater

than 5.0 wt.%). In particular embodiments, the uniconazole-p is present at a

concentration of between about 50 g/kg and about 500 g/kg, or between about 200 g/kg

and about 750 g/kg, or between about 500 g/kg and about 850g/kg, or it may be about

50,55,60,65,70,75,80,85,90,95,100,105,110,115,120,125,130,135,140,145,

150,155,160,165,170,175,180,185,190,195,200,205,210,215,220,225,230,

235,240,245,250,255,260,270,280,290,300,310,320,330,340,350,360,360,

370,380,390,400,410,420,430,440,450,460,470,480,490,500,510,520,530,

540,550,560,570,580,590,600,610,620,630,640,650,660,670,680,690,700,

710,720,730,740,750,760,770,780,790,800,810,820,830,840,850,860,870,

880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940 or 950g/kg (i.e., or the equivalent when converted to

wt.%) or any range therein. Particularly suitable concentrations are 250 g/kg, 500 g/kg,

600 g/kg,700 g/kg,750 g/kg, and 850 g/kg.

[0024] It will be appreciated that other biologically active agents can be also included in the

growth regulator composition according to the first aspect, provided that the

uniconazole-p is present at a concentration of at least 50 g/kg. For example, other

suitable active ingredients would be well known to the skilled person, for example

complementary herbicides. Other ingredients may be selected from the group consisting

of: acaricides/miticides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, synergists and

the like, and mixtures and combinations thereof.

Agriculturally acceptable filler

[0025] The growth regulator composition of the present invention optionally includes a filler (or

carrier), which is preferably a solid filler. It will be appreciated that the filler may also act

as a binder which functions to at least partially bind the ingredients or components of

the composition of the invention into a granular or pelleted form, which preferably resists

attrition and will not rapidly degrade, and therefore substantially maintains particle size

during handling. To this end, the filler may facilitate the formulation of a granular or

pelleted composition that typically requires no further preparation, processing, dilution,

combination etc. before application thereof to a target area. The filler may also act as a

complexing agent which can bind to metal ions, either within the formulation or when

dispersed, or the filler may also act to provide additional features to the formulation that

are beneficial to the crops to which the composition is applied, such as also being a

fertilizer or soil conditioner.

[0026] Non-limiting examples of fillers include: (i) pulverized natural minerals, such as kaolin

clay, bentonite, talc, chalk, quartz, and diatom earth; (ii) pulverized minerals, such as

dispersed silica (amorphous), aluminium oxide, sodium sulfate and silicate; (iii) size

reduced and fractionated natural stone materials such as calcite, marble, sepiolite and

dolomite; (iv) synthetic granulates from inorganic and organic powders such as from

polymers or fertilisers (such as ammonium dihydrogen phosphate or potassium sulfate);

and (v) granulates from organic materials, such as coconut shells, corn cobs and

tobacco stems. Preferred fillers are selected from the group consisting of: kaolin, talc,

disodium EDTA dihydrate, and potassium sulfate.

[0027] Other examples of fillers, which also tend to have a binding effect, include calcium

stearate, polyhydroxymethyl urea, methyl cellosolve (2-methoxyethanol), maltodextrin,

polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, natural waxes,

chemically modified waxes and synthetic waxes, sugars, starch, alginates, agar,

lignosulphonates and gum arabic.

[0028] In particular embodiments, one or a plurality of fillers may be present in the growth

regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of up to 600 g/kg (e.g., about

0, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 15,20,25, 30,35,40,45, 50,55,60,65,70,75,80,85,

90,95,100,110,120,130,140,150,160,170,180,190,200,210,220,230,240,250,

260,270,280,290,300,310,320,330,340,350,360,370,380,390,400,410,420,

430, 440, 450, 475, 500, 525, 550, 575, and 600 g/kg, and any range therein) by weight

of the growth regulator composition of the invention. The skilled person will appreciate

that suitable amounts of the filler can be chosen to suit the particular application in

which the growth regulator composition of the invention is to be used. Particular

concentrations may be selected from the group consisting of: about 27, 33, 135, 189,

296, 350 and 550 g/kg. The skilled person will also appreciate that the filler component

is optional, and suitable formulations may be prepared without a filler.

Auxiliary agents

[0029] One or more additional auxiliary agents, such adjuvants, dispersants, disintegrating

agents, lubricants, wetting agents, preservatives, parting agents, colouring agents (e.g.,

dyes) and the like, can also be added where desired to modify the properties of the growth regulator composition of the invention as required. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the growth regulator composition of the invention may further include, for example, an emetic agent and/or an embittering agent, such as Bitrex@ (denatonium benzoate), to thereby prevent or inhibit other animals, such as humans, domestics pets, birds and the like from ingesting the growth regulator composition of the invention.

[0030] In particular embodiments, the growth regulator composition of the invention further

includes a bird repellent agent. The bird repellent agent can be any known in the art,

including, for example, aluminium ammonium sulphate, an anthranilate (and related

compounds e.g., methyl anthranilate, isobutyl anthranilate, ethyl anthranilate, isobutyl

N-methyl anthranilate and methyl N-methyl anthranilate) and a fatty acid (and related

compounds).

[0031] Suitable preservatives may include, for example, 1,2- benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2

methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or sodium benzoate or benzoic acid, epoxidized soybean oil,

epoxidized linseed oil, ethylene glycol and any combination thereof.

[0032] Suitable lubricants may include, for example, artificial and natural fats and oils, such as

calcium stearate, liquid paraffin, polyethylene glycol as well as inorganic lubricants such

as talc.

[0033] In one embodiment, substances which are suitable as complexing agent are included in

the growth regulator composition of the invention. Suitable complexing agent are

selected from EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid),

EDDHA (ethylenediaminedi(ortho-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid), DTPA

(diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), HEDTA (hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid),

preferably ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and/or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid.

One preferred complexing agent is disodium EDTA dehydrate. Substances which are

suitable as polymeric complexing agents are polyacrylic acid and its salts, in particular

the sodium salts, polymethacrylic acid and its salts, in particular the sodium salts,

polymaleic acid, prepared for example by hydrolyzing polymaleic anhydride, in particular

the sodium salts, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers, in particular

the sodium salts, vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone and C2o-a

olefin graft copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl acrylate copolymers, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid anhydride (derivatives), styrene/maleic anhydride copolymers, polyaspartic acid and its salts, poly-p-vinylbenzenesulfonic acid and its salts, copolymers of ethylene and/or propylene and/or isobutene and (meth)acrylic acid, modified starches, modified celluloses, for example carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, lignin derivatives such as lignosulfonates, chitosans, modified polysaccharides, phenolsulfonic acid/formaldehyde condensates, and naphthalenesulfonic acid/formaldehyde condensates.

[0034] In preferred embodiments, one or more complexing agents are present in the growth

regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of between about 1 g/kg and

up to 250 g/kg (e.g., about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,

60,65,70,75,80,85,90,95,100,110,120,130,140,150,160,170,180,190,200,

210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 g/kg, and any range therein) by weight of the growth

regulator composition of the invention. In particular embodiments, the complexing agent

may be disodium EDTA dehydrate, which is present in the solid growth regulator

composition at a concentration of about 3 g/kg or about 20 g/kg.

Surfactants

[0035] One or a plurality of agriculturally acceptable surfactants are present in the growth

regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of between about 20 g/kg and

up to 150 g/kg (e.g., between about 75 g/kg and 100 g/kg, or between about 85 g/kg

and about 125 g/kg, or between about 100 g/kg and 130 g/kg, or about 20, 25, 30, 35,

40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 g/kg, and

any range therein) by weight of the growth regulator composition of the invention. The

skilled person will appreciate that suitable types and amounts of surfactants can be

chosen to suit the particular application in which the growth regulator composition of the

invention is to be used. It will be appreciated that the surfactant fulfils the general roles

of wetting and dispersing the active ingredient(s), which are generally insoluble in water,

or have a very low solubility. Additionally, the surfactant can be chosen to additionally

assist with a binding role to bind the granule together at least initially and prior to exposure to water. Particular concentrations may be selected from the group consisting of: about 78, 83, 100, 127 and 130 g/kg.

[0036] The surfactant of the growth regulator compositions of the invention disclosed herein

may comprise one anionic surfactant or may comprise two or more anionic surfactants.

[0037] For the present invention, the inventor has found that it is particularly advantageous if

the surfactant is an anionic surfactant or a plurality of anionic surfactants. As generally

used herein, the term "anionic surfactant" refers to a surfactant comprising, as ionic or

ionizable groups, only anionic groups. Such anionic groups may include, for example,

C02H, -C02, -SO3H, -SO3, -OSO3H, -OSO3, -H2PO3, -HP03 , -P0 2 3 -, -H2PO2,

=HPO2, -HPO2, =P0 2 -, =POH, and =PO- groups. Suitable anionic surfactants may

include those hereinbefore described. Such anionic surfactants may be used alone or in

combination as a mixture of two, three, four, five or more anionic surfactants. Suitable

anionic surfactants may include naphthalene sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate,

alpha olefin sulfonate, formalin condensate of a naphthalenesulfonate, formaldehyde

condensate of an alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, a sodium dodecyl sulfate salt, a

styrene/acrylate copolymer, lignin sulfonate, alkylarylsulfonate, alkylaryl sulfonate

sulfate, polystyrene sulfonate, polycarboxylate, polyoxyethylenealkyl ether sulfate,

polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether sulfate, alkylsulfosuccinate, alkyl sulfate, alkyl ether

sulfonate, a higher fatty acid alkali salt and any combination thereof.

[0038] Other agriculturally acceptable surfactants may be chosen from the group consisting of

calcium alkylbenzenesulfonate, alkylphenol ether sulphate/alkylamine ethoxylate salt,

alcohol ether sulphate/alkylamine ethoxylate salt, alkylphenol alkoxylates, fatty acid

alkoxylates, alkoxylated triglycerides and EO/PO diblock materials, wherein alkoxylate

includes ethoxylate, propoxylate and mixed ethoxylate-propoxylate, including multi

block ethoxylate/propoxylate materials.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the surfactant may be any suitable surfactant known in the art.

Exemplary surfactants include an alkylphenol alkoxylate (e.g., Termul 200), a

polyoxyalkylene ether (e.g., Termul 203), an alkoxylated oil (e.g., -54 x ethoxylated

(e.g., Termul 1285)), an alkylphenol alkoxylate (e.g., -10 x ethoxylated (e.g.,

TericN10)), an alkoxylated alcohol (Alcohol C12 - C15,- 23 x ethoxylated (e.g. Teric

12A23); Alcohol C12, -3 x ethoxylated (e.g. Surfactant 12A3)), an alkoxylated polyaryl

phenol (e.g., Tristyryl Phenol, -16 x ethoxylated (e.g. TSP15)), an alkoxylated block co

polymer (Ethoxylate-Propoxylate copolymer (e.g. Teric PE64)), a styrene/acrylate

copolymer (e.g., Tersperse 2700; Atlox Metasperse 550S), an alkylbenzenesulphonate

(e.g., Calcium C10-16 alkylbenzyl sulphonate, branched or linear chain in solvent (e.g.

Ninate 60E, NANSA EVM70/2E, Kemmat HF60)), an alkyl sulphate salt (e.g., dodecyl

sulphate, sodium salt, e.g. Multiwet 8269), an alkyl naphthalene sulfonate (e.g., Solvay

Gerapon SC/213; Supragil WP), a naphthalene sulfonate condensate (Morwet D-425;

Morwet EFW), an alpha olefin sulfonate (e.g., Solvay Gerapon L Wet F; Terwet 1004),

an alcohol ether sulphate (e.g. Toximul TANS-5), an alkylamine ethoxylate (e.g. Toximul

TAABS-5), a silicone polymer, inclusive of polysiloxanes (e.g., Evonik Break-Thru OE

446, Evonik Break-Thru AF 9903, Jiangxi Tiansheng QS-302) and silicone glycol

copolymers (e.g., Xiameter OFX-5211), a block co-polymer (e.g., Teric PE64), an

alkoxylated nonylphenol (e.g., Teric N10), an alkoxylated alcohol (e.g., Teric BL8), an

alkyl polyglucoside (e.g., Croda AL-2575), an ethoxylate-propoxylate copolymer, a C10

16 alkylbenzenesulphonate (branched or linear in solvent), a branched alcohol ether

sulphate, a tallowamine alkoxylated salt, a mineral oil (e.g., Rhodoline DF5888) or a

proprietary anionic surfactant or mixture (e.g., Solvay Gerapon Ultrasperse).

[0040] In particular embodiments, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an

alkyl naphthalene sulfonate (e.g., Supragil WP, Solvay Gerapon SC/213), an alpha

olefin sulfonate (e.g., Solvay Gerapon L Wet F; Terwet 1004), a styrene/acrylate

copolymer (e.g., Tersperse 2700; Atlox Metasperse 550S), an alkyl sulphate salt (e.g.,

dodecyl sulphate, sodium salt, e.g. Multiwet 8269), a naphthalene sulfonate condensate

(Morwet D-425; Morwet EFW), and any combination thereof.

[0041] Particular preferred surfactants may be chosen from the group consisting of: sodium

naphthalene sulphonate concentrate, sodium naphthalene sulphonate, sodium

diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium-neutralized styrene/acrylate copolymer,

dodecyl sulphate (sodium salt), 2-methyl-2-propenoic acid/styrene copolymer with

ethylbenzene, a-olefin sulfonate anionic surfactant blend and sodium dodecyl sulfate

salt.

pH Modifiers and pH Indicators

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the solid growth regulator composition

may comprise a pH modifier and/or a pH indicator. It is understood that, although

uniconazole-p is not sensitive to pH from a stability point-of-view (i.e., it is not at risk of

hydrolytic breakdown if present in an aqueous environment at an incompatible pH), it is

believed that uniconazole-p is more effective as a plant growth regulator when applied

to plants in a neutral or slightly acidic pH (i.e., a pH of between about 5.5 and about 7.5,

such as about 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0,

7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5). As used herein, the term "pH modifier" refers to a component

or substance that changes the pH of the solid growth regulator composition when

dispersed in water or a water-containing liquid. Additionally, the term "pH indicator" as

used herein refers to a component or substance that provides a visual representation of

the pH of the solid growth regulator composition when dispersed in water or a water

containing liquid.

[0043] In some embodiments, the solid growth regulator composition may comprise a pH

indicator. The addition of a pH indicator may be useful when the composition is

dispersed with water that is not at a neutral pH (i.e., where the water or water-containing

liquid is acidic or basic), due to impurities in the water or water-containing liquid (e.g.,

where ground water or bore water is used), or other agents to co-applied with the

growth regulator (e.g. fertiliser, adjuvant, marker, etc.). The pH indicator may preferably

have a colour range that changes, or indicates the pH, of water that is in the range of

neutral or slightly acidic (i.e., between about 5,5 and about 7.5), which is the preferred

pH range of uniconazole -p. Suitable pH indicators may include bromocresol purple,

chlorophenol red, p-nitrophenol, Alizarin, bromothymol blue, brilliant yellow, neutral red,

and cresol red or any combination thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the pH

indicator may be selected from bromocresol purple, phenol red and bromothymol blue.

The pH indicator may be present in any amount required to provide a suitably saturated

or visually detectable colour when dispersed in water or a water-containing liquid. The

amount of pH indicator required may be dependent on the intensity of the pH indicator

being used. For example, the pH indicator may be present in the composition in amounts between 0.1 g/kg and about 5 g/kg, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,

0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6,

2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6,

4.7, 4.8, 4.9 and 5.0 g/kg. Some preferred embodiments include the addition of a pH

indicator in an amount of about 1.0 g/kg or about 2.1 g/kg.

[0044] In some embodiments, the solid growth regulator composition may comprise at least

one pH modifier. The pH modifier may be used to reduce the pH of the composition

when dispersed in water or a water-containing liquid, or it may be used to increase the

pH of the composition when dispersed in water or a water-containing liquid. A pH

modifier used to reduce the pH of the dispersion may be a weak acid, or a salt of a

weak acid. By "weak acid", it is meant that the acid donates H+ ions but does not fully

dissociate at 200C. Examples of a weak acid include citric acid, acetic acid and benzoic

acid. Examples of a salt of a weak acid include alkaline or alkaline earth metal salts of

weak acids, such as sodium citrate, potassium acetate and sodium benzoate. A pH

modifier used to increase the pH of the dispersion may be a weak base, or a salt of a

base acid. By "weak base", it is meant that the base accepts H+ ions but does not fully

dissociate at 200C. Examples of a weak base include ammonia and methylamine.

Examples of a salt of a weak base include halogen salts of weak bases, such as

ammonium chloride, or alkaline earth salts such as sodium bicarbonate. In preferred

embodiments, the pH modifier may be selected from the group consisting of citric acid,

sodium citrate and ammonium chloride. The solid growth regulator composition of the

present invention may include two or more pH modifiers which act in concert to buffer

the dispersion to maintain a predefined pH. For example, the composition may comprise

both citric acid and sodium citrate to form a citrate buffer in solution, whereby the citric

acid and sodium citrate are present in amounts that maintain a slightly acidic pH, even if

the dispersion water or water-containing liquid is acidic, neutral or slightly basic. The pH

modifier may be present in a total amount of up to about 300 g/kg, such as for example

0, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 15,20,25, 30,35,40,45, 50,55,60,65,70,75,80,85,

90,95,100,110,120,130,140,150,160,170,180,190,200,210,220,230,240,250,

260, 270, 280, 290 and 300 g/kg. In preferred embodiments, the pH modifier may be

present in an amount of about 50 g/kg or about 248 g/kg.

Application rate

[0045] To obtain the desired effects and inhibit or control the growth of selected crops, the solid

growth regulator composition of the invention is preferably dispersed in water or a

water-containing liquid and then applied at a rate of around 750 to 30000 g/Ha of crops

to be treated. For example, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,

550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200,1250, 1300,

1350,1400,1450,1500,1600,1700,1800,1900,2000,2100,2200,2300,2400,2500,

2600,2700,2800,2900,3000,3100,3200,3300,3400,3500,3600,3700,3800,3900,

4000,4100,4200,4300,4400,4500,4600,4700,4800,4900,5000,5100,5200,5300,

5400,5500,5600,5700,5800,5900,6000,6100,6200,6300,6400,6500,6600,6700,

6800,6900,7000,7100,7200,7300,7400,7500,7600,7700,7800,7900,8000,8100,

8200,8300,8400,8500,8600,8700,8800,8900,9000,9100,9200,9300,9400,9500,

9600,9700,9800,9900,10000,10500,11000,11500,12000,12500,13000,13500,

14000,14500,15000,15500,16000,16500,17000,17500,18000,18500,19000,

19500,20000,20500,21000,21500,22000,22500,23000,23500,24000,24500,

25000,25500,26000, 26500,27000,27500,28000,28500,29000, 29500 or 30000

g/Ha of the composition of the invention. Given the concentration of the uniconazole-p is

present in the growth regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of at

least 5 wt%, it will be appreciated that an application rate of, say, 750 g/Ha equates to

greater than 37.5 g/Ha of uniconazole-p active ingredient. In another embodiment, the

uniconazole-p may be applied to the seed before or during sowing.

DEFINITIONS

[0046] In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used

in accordance with the definitions set out below. It is also to be understood that the

terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the

invention only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0047] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same

meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the

invention pertains.

[0048] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims,

the terms "comprise", "'comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive

sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of

"including, but not limited to". For example, a composition, mixture, process or method

that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but

may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition,

mixture, process or method.

[0049] The transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not

specified. If in the claim, such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other

than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the

phrase "consisting of" appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than

immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause;

other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0050] The transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" is used to define a composition,

process or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in

addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps,

features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel

characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term "consisting essentially of" occupies a

middle ground between "comprising" and "consisting of".

[0051] Where applicants have defined an invention or a portion thereof with an open-ended

term such as "comprising", it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise

stated) the description should be interpreted to also describe such an invention using

the terms "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of." In other words, with respect to

the terms "comprising", "consisting of", and "consisting essentially of", where one of

these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter

may include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus, in some embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of "comprising" may be replaced by "consisting of" or, alternatively, by "consisting essentially of".

[0052] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to

an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following:

A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is

true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0053] Also, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" preceding an element or component of the

invention are intended to be non-restrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e.,

occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore "a" or "an" should be read to

include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component

also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.

[0054] Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers

expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein are to be

understood as modified in all instances by the term "about". The examples are not

intended to limit the scope of the invention. In what follows, or where otherwise

indicated, "%" will mean "weight %", "ratio" will mean "weight ratio" and "parts" will mean

"weight parts".

[0055] The terms "predominantly" and "substantially" as used herein shall mean comprising

more than 50% by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

[0056] The recitation of a numerical range using endpoints includes all numbers subsumed

within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5).

[0057] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may

afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may

also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of

one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not

useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the

invention.

[0058] As used herein, the terms "granule" or "granular" refer to solid pellets, granules, grains

and the like. Such granules can include those in which there is no discreet core or coatings (i.e., a granule having a substantially uniform composition throughout) or those having a discreet core and a coating thereover.

[0059] By "agriculturally acceptable filler" it is meant any substance which is agriculturally inert

and has no significant detrimental effect on, for example, the soil, equipment, desirable

plants, or the agronomic or agricultural environment. Such a filler can also be used to

aid the dispersion of the active ingredient without impairing the active ingredient's

effectiveness, and can be used to reduce the overall cost of the formulation and can be

used as a binder to assist in binding the other ingredients of the formulation together.

Suitable carriers are preferably solid carriers such as those described in more detail

above.

[0060] The terms "target area", "locus" or "space" refer to any area, location or habitat where a

herbicide or growth regulator is needed or expected to be needed.

[0061] The complete disclosures of the patents, patent documents and publications cited

herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually

incorporated.

EXAMPLES

[0062] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples

which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive.

EXAMPLE 1 - Embodiments of Water Dispersible Granule Formulations comprising Uniconazole-p

[0063] A number of embodiments of uniconazole-p water dispersible granules are provided

below, including ranges of active ingredient, types and concentrations of surfactants,

and types and concentrations of fillers.

[0064] Embodiment 1 - Recipe for a nominally 850g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 1 and, as shown in Table 2, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the

point of manufacturing, and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of

shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0065] The composition of Embodiment 1 is as follows in Table 1.

Table 1:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 884.5g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, 96.0%) plant growth (yields 849.1g/kg regulator Uniconazole-P) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde Surfactant 65.1g/kg concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D 425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 17.7g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Disodium EDTA dihydrate Filler/complexing 3.0g/kg (CAS# 6381-92-6; e.g. Trilon BD) agent Kaolin Filler 29.7g/kg (CAS# 1332-58-7) (to 1000g/kg total)

[0066] Chemical and physical parameters of Embodiment 1 is as follows in Table 2.

Table 2:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white granule White to off-white granule Assay: 855.9g/kg 857.6g/kg Require: 825g/kg Uniconazole-P 5 875g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: : 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 94.4% 98.7% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 92.8% 88.5% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 7.2 7.2 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 15mL 10mL Require:5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.9% 99.9% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0067] Embodiment 2 - Recipe for a nominally 850g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 3 and, as shown in Table 4, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0068] The composition of Embodiment 2 is as follows in Table 3.

Table 3:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 883.4g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, plant growth (yields 848.1g/kg 96.0%) regulator Uniconazole-P) 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid polymer with Surfactant 72.5g/kg ethylbenzene (CAS# 9010-92-8; e.g. Tersperse 2700) a-Olephin sulfonate anionic surfactant blend Surfactant 17.2g/kg (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Terwet 1004) Kaolin Filler 26.9g/kg (CAS# 1332-58-7) (to 1000g/kg total)

[0069] Chemical and physical parameters of Embodiment 2 is as follows in Table 4.

Table 4:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white White to off-white granule granule Assay: 838.9g/kg 840.8g/kg Require: 825g/kg5 sUniconazole-P 5 875g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 94.3% 97.1% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 90.8% 88.1% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 8.8 8.8 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 20mL 30mL Require:5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.9% 99.8% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0070] Embodiment 3 - Recipe for a nominally 750g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 5 and, as shown in Table 6, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the

point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of

shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0071] The composition of Embodiment 3 is as follows in Table 5.

Table 5:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 780.8g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, plant growth (yields 749.6g/kg 96.0%) regulator Uniconazole-P) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 65.3g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 17.0g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Bromocresol purple pH Indicator 1.2g/kg (CAS# 115-40-2) Kaolin Filler 135.7g/kg (CAS# 1332-58-7) (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0072] Chemical and physical parameters of Embodiment 3 is as follows in Table 6.

Table 6:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Yellow to orange Yellow to orange granule granule Assay: 747.8g/kg 748.1g/kg Require: 725g/kg Uniconazole-P 5 775g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 98.0% 99.1% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 88.2% 90.9% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 7.5 7.5 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 10mL 10mL Require:5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.9% 99.8% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0073] Embodiment 4 - Recipe for a nominally 750g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 5 and, as shown in Table 6, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the

point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of

shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0074] The composition of Embodiment 4 is as follows in Table 7.

Table 7:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 780.6g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, 96.0%) plant growth (yields 749.4g/kg regulator Uniconazole-P) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde Surfactant 65.2g/kg concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D 425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 17.5g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Phenol red pH Indicator 2.1g/kg (CAS# 143-74-8) Kaolin Filler 135.7g/kg (CAS# 1332-58-7) (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0075] Chemical and physical parameters of Embodiment 4 is as follows in Table 8.

Table 8:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Yellow to orange Yellow to orange granule granule Assay: 751.8g/kg 749.6g/kg Require: 725g/kg Uniconazole-P 775g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 96.7% 98.9% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 89.7% 84.9% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 7.5 7.5 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 10mL 5mL Require:5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.8% 99.9% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0076] Embodiment 5 - Recipe for a nominally 700g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 9 and, as shown in Table 10, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the

point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of

shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0077] The composition of Embodiment 5 is as follows in Table 9.

Table 9:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient plant 728.5g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, growth regulator (yields 699.4g/kg 96.0%) Uniconazole-P) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 64.9g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 17.6g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Kaolin Filler 189.0g/kg (CAS# 1332-58-7) (to 1OOOg/kg total)

[0078] Chemical and physical parameters of Embodiment 5 is as follows in Table 10.

Table 10:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Off-white to beige Off-white to beige granule granule Assay: 704.6g/kg 703.7g/kg Require: 675g/kg Uniconazole-P 5 725g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 98.2% 96.6% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 91.8% 87.2% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 7.9 7.9 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 10mL 10mL Require:5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.7% 99.8% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0079] Embodiment 6 - Recipe for a nominally 600g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 11 and, as shown in Table 12, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the

point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of

shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0080] The composition of Embodiment 6 is as follows in Table 11.

Table 11:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 625.3g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, 96.0%) plant growth (yields 600.3g/kg regulator Uniconazole-P) Sodium-neutralized styrene/acrylic acid Surfactant 61.1g/kg copolymer (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Atlox Metasperse 550S) Anionic surfactant Surfactant 17.2g/kg (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Multiwet 8269) Disodium EDTA dihydrate Filler/complexing 20.3g/kg (CAS# 6381-92-6; e.g. Trilon BD) agent Talc Filler 276.1g/kg (CAS# 148807-96-6) (to 1000g/kg total)

[0081] Chemical and physical parameters of Embodiment 6 is as follows in Table 12.

Table 12:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white White to off-white granule granule Assay: 606.5g/kg 601.5g/kg Require: 575g/kg Uniconazole-P 625g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 92.6% 93.3% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 78.7% 70.6% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 7.1 7.0 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 15mL 1OmL Require:5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.8% 99.9% Require: 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0082] Embodiment 7 - Recipe for a nominally 500g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 13 and, as shown in Table 14, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the

point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of

shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0083] The composition of Embodiment 7 is as follows in Table 13.

Table 13:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 521.1g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, plant growth (yields 500.3g/kg 96.0%) regulator Uniconazole-P) Anionic surfactant Surfactant 93.8g/kg (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Geropon SC213) Fatty alcohol derivative powder Surfactant 12.5g/kg (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Geropon L-Wet/F) Dodecyl sulphate, sodium salt Surfactant 21.5g/kg (CAS# 151-21-3) Potassium sulfate Fertiliser/filler 80.9g/kg (CAS# 7778-80-5) Kaolin Filler 270.2g/kg (CAS# 1332-58-7) (to 1000g/kg total)

[0084] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 7 is as follows in Table 14.

Table 14:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white White to off-white granule granule Assay: 488.7g/kg 489.1g/kg Require: 475g/kg : Uniconazole-P:5 525g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: : 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 99.3% 97.7% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 94.3% 90.7% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 9.2 9.4 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 30mL 35mL Require: 5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.9% 99.8% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0085] Embodiment 8 - Recipe for a nominally 250g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 15 and, as shown in Table 16, has

been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0086] The composition of Embodiment 8 is as follows in Table 15.

Table 15:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 260.1g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, plant growth (yields 249.7g/kg 96.0%) regulator Uniconazole-P) 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid polymer with Surfactant 110.1g/kg ethylbenzene (CAS# 9010-92-8; e.g. Tersperse 2700) a-Olephin sulfonate anionic surfactant blend Surfactant 21.0g/kg (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Terwet 1004) Ammonium chloride pH modifier 50.2g/kg (CAS# 12125-02-9) Talc Filler 209.0g/kg (CAS# 14807-96-6) Kaolin Filler 349.6g/kg (CAS# 1332-58-7) (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0087] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 8 is as follows in Table 16.

Table 16:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white White to off-white granule granule Assay: 248.9g/kg 247.1g/kg Require: 235g/kg : Uniconazole-P:5 265g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: : 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 77.6% 65.9% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 74.2% 61.8% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 7.3 7.3 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 15mL 25mL Require: 5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.6% 99.7% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

[0088] Embodiment 9 - Recipe for a nominally 200g/kg uniconazole-p water dispersible

granule. The granule is produced as below in Table 17 and, as shown in Table 18, has been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0089] The composition of Embodiment 9 is as follows in Table 17.

Table 17:

Ingredient Role Concentration Uniconazole-P Active ingredient 208.3g/kg (CAS# 83657-17-4, Technical material, plant growth (yields 200.0g/kg 96.0%) regulator Uniconazole-P) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 65.3g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 17.4g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Bromothymol blue pH Indicator 1.0g/kg (CAS# 76-59-5) Citric acid pH modifier 28.3g/kg (CAS# 77-92-9) Sodium citrate pH modifier 220.6g/kg (CAS# 68-04-2)

[0090] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 9 is as follows in Table 18.

Table 18:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Off-white to beige Off-white to beige granule granule Assay: 201.5g/kg 205.2g/kg Require: 188g/kg : Uniconazole-P:5 212g/kg Wet sieve: 0.00% 0.00% Require: : 2% retained on a 75pm sieve. Dispersibility 96.9% 90.9% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% Suspensibility 94.3% 91.5% Require: 60% 5 % residues 5 105% pH1% 6.0 6.0 Nominally: 5.5 to 10.5 Persistent foaming 5mL 5mL Require: 5 60mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance 99.9% 99.8% Require: > 98% retained on 125pm sieve

EXAMPLE 2 - Uniconazole-p 200 q/kq EC Raw Material Identities

[0091] An example formulation combining about 200 g/kg uniconazole-p is provided below in

Table 19, which includes the purity (where known), source and technical details of the

components. The uniconazole-p technical and the other stated components are the

same as that used in the formulations of Example 1.

Table 19:

Purchased from (incl. trade name) Parts by weight (g/kg) Uniconazole-P 96% Uniconazole-P (CAS# 83657-17-4) 208.3 technical (yielding Manufactured or marketed by: Shanghai 200.0g/kg Maiheng Chemicals Co Ltd, 1398 Jinqiao, uniconazole-P) Pudong District, Shanghai, China Sodium aphthalene Proprietary Name = Morwet D425 (CAS# 65.3 sulphonate formaldehyde Proprietary) condensate (e.g. Morwet D425) Manufactured or marketed by Akzo Nobel Sodium alkyl aphthalene Proprietary Name = Morwet EFW (CAS# 17.4 sulphonate blend (e.g. Proprietary) Morwet EFW) Manufactured or marketed by Akzo Nobel Bromothymol blue Bromothymol blue (CAS# 76-59-5) 1.0

Manufactured/marketed by: Sigma-Aldrich Pty Ltd Citric acid Citric acid (CAS# 77-92-9) 28.3

Manufactured/marketed by: Rowe Scientific Sodium citrate Sodium citrate (CAS# 68-04-2) 220.6

Manufactured/marketed by: Rowe Scientific Kaolin Kaolin (CAS# 1332-58-7) 459.1

Manufactured unknown

EXAMPLE 3 - Method of manufacture of high-loading uniconazole-p WG plant growth regulator

[0092] Formulation of a nominally 1000kg batch of product, inclusive of quality control

measures, is as follows.

Formulation Procedure

1. Ensure formulation line is empty and clean.

2. Charge active ingredient (uniconazole-p technical material) to the blending vessel

with continuous agitation.

3. Charge the surfactant(s) and other excipients to the blending vessel.

4. Continue agitating this dry mixture until a homogeneous free-flowing blend is

achieved.

5. Where necessary (i.e., where particle size reduction is required), feed the blended

ingredients to the jet mill and process until the desired particle size is achieved (typically

less than 20pm).

6. Add water to the milled material with mixing to achieve a dough-like mixture and

extrude to produce columnar granules of the desired dimensions, or otherwise granulate

by other methods, drying the product.

Quality Control Procedure

1. Sample approximately 1kg of product, ensuring it is representative.

2. Sub-sample approximately 250g and subject it to the following testing regime.

2.1 Active constituent (uniconazole-p) content (appropriately validated method:

specificity; linearity of response with correlation coefficient R>0.99; accuracy of mean

measured assay as a proportion of true content 100±2%; reproducibility of response :

2% relative standard deviation).

2.2 pH of a 1% aqueous solution (CIPAC MT75.3).

2.3 Wet sieve test (CIPAC MT185).

2.4 Wettability (CIPAC MT53.3).

2.5 Persistent foaming (CIPAC MT 47.2).

3. If pH 1% aqueous is satisfactory, record results and proceed to the next test. If pH

1% aqueous is outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the specification,

quarantine the batch for further investigations and possible rework.

4. If the wet sieve testing is satisfactory (generally:52% w/w retention on a 75pm

aperture sieve after dispersion in water), record results and proceed to the next test. If

the wet sieve testing is outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the

specification, quarantine the batch for further investigations and possible rework

including but not limited to recycling through the milling stage of processing to further

reduce particle size.

5. If wettability is satisfactory (generally 51 minute) record results and proceed to the

next test. If wettability is outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the

specification, quarantine the batch for further investigations and possible rework

including but not limited to recycling through the process.

6. If persistent foaming characteristics are satisfactory (generally 560mL), record results

and proceed to the next test. If persistent foaming characteristics are outside the

bounds of the acceptable range quarantine the batch for further investigations and

possible rework.

7. If active constituent level is satisfactory, record results. If active constituent level is

outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the specification, adjust the level

accordingly by adding additional components other than active ingredient (for a high

active content) or additional uniconazole-p technical active constituent (for a low active

content) to the batch with subsequently reprocessing. Repeat the adjustment process

until active constituent levels are within the bounds of the acceptable range.

8. Catalogue and store a retention sample of approximately 200g.

9. Generate a certificate of analysis noting results of testing.

10. Issue quality clearance giving authority to package goods.

11. Package the finished goods noting the batch number and manufacturing date.

[0093] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be

appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other

forms in particular features of any one of the various described examples may be

provided in any combination in any of the other described examples. Various

modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in

the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It should be

understood that this invention is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative

embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments

are presented by way of example only with the scope of the invention intended to be

limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows.

Claims (5)

1. A solid growth regulator composition comprising:

uniconazole-p at a concentration of at least 50 g/kg;

an anionic surfactant; and

an agriculturally acceptable filler.

2. The solid growth regulator composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:

the uniconazole-p is present at a concentration of at least about 200 g/kg, or between about

200 g/kg and about 950 g/kg; and/or

the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium naphthalene

sulphonate, an alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, a sodium dodecyl sulfate salt, a styrene/acrylate

copolymer and an alpha olefin sulfonate, or any mixture thereof, wherein the surfactant is present in

an amount of at least 20 g/kg, or between about 20 g/kg and about 150 g/kg ; and/or

the agriculturally acceptable filler is selected from the group consisting kaolin and talc, or any

mixture thereof, optionally further comprising a complexing agent and/or a fertiliser, wherein the filler

is present in an amount of at least 20 g/kg, or between about 20 g/kg and about 600 g/kg,

wherein the composition is in a water-dispersible granule form.

3. The solid growth regulator composition of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a pH

modifier and/or a pH indictor.

4. The solid growth regulator composition of claim 3, wherein the pH modifier is a weak acid, a

salt of a weak acid, a weak base,asaltofaweakbase, or any mixture thereof, and wherein the pH

indicator is selected from bromocresol purple, phenol red, and bromothymol blue.

5. A solid growth regulator composition comprising:

uniconazole-p at a concentration of about 200 g/kg;

an anionic surfactant at a concentration of about 83 g/kg, wherein the anionic surfactant

comprises an alkyl naphthalene sulfonate and a naphthalene sulfonate;

a filler comprising kaolin at a concentration of about 460 g/kg;

a pH modifier at a concentration of about 248 g/kg, wherein the pH modifier comprises citric

acid and sodium citrate; and

a pH indicator at a concentration of about 1 g/kg, wherein the pH indictor comprises

bromothymol blue, wherein the composition is in a water-dispersible granule form.

ImTrade Australia Pty Ltd

Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person

SPRUSON&FERGUSON