GB2516838A - Fungicidal compositions and their use - Google Patents

Abstract

A fungicidal composition comprises as fungicidally active components: a strobilurin; a benzimidazole; and fluazinam. The weight ratio of the three components is selected from 1:5:3, 1:5:5, 1:2:1, 2:7:4, 2:4:3, 2:8:5, 1:3:2 or 1:7:3. Preferably the composition further comprises one or more auxiliaries such as surfactants, polymeric stabilisers, anti-foam agents, organic solvents, preservatives, antioxidants and/or thickeners. The composition is used to prevent and/or combat fungicidal infestation of a plant, wherein the plant may be soybean, cotton, dry bean, sugar cane, tomato, potato or rice. Also claimed is a method of protecting a plant against fungal infestation by applying to the plant a strobilurin, a benzimidazole and fluazinam.

Description

FUNGICIDAL COMPOSITIONS AND THEIR USE

The present invention relates to fungicidal compositions and their use in controlling fungal infections of plants. The present invention further provides a S method of treating plants and plant material to combat or prevent fungal infestations.

BACKGROUND

Certain combinations of active ingredients for controlling fungi and fungal pests are known in the art and described in the literature. The properties of such known combinations, in particular in the aspects of fungal control, phytotoxicity, harmful effects to the environment, and the adverse effects of worker exposure, require improvement. Further, there is a requirement for improved methods for the control and prevention of fungal infestations in cases is where the target fungus develops resistance to known combinations of active ingredients.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need to provide environmentally acceptable combinations of fungicidally active components, which provide, for example, improved biological properties, and/or synergistic properties, in particular for controlling fungal infestations in plants and plant material.

As noted above, formulations comprising combinations of fungicidally active ingredients are known in the art. For example, US 5,468,747 provides a fungicidal composition comprising azoxystrobin and carbendazim.

ON 102150656 discloses the use of azoxystrobin and a pyridine bactericide for preventing and controlling plant diseases.

CN102119697 relates to a fungicidal mixture of azoxystrobin and fluazinam for treating diseases in crop plants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found to be advantageous to provide a fungicidal combination comprising (A) a strobilurin, (B) a benzimidazole, and (C) fluazinam as the active ingredients. In particular, it has been found that such a combination demonstrates synergistic effects in combating and preventing fungal infestations. The syngergistic properties of the aforementioned combination of fungicidally active ingredients allows for a reduction of the application dosage, in turn being more friendly to the environment, and, more is importantly, is active in preventing the development of resistance in the target fungi to the active ingredients.

The present invention relates to a fungicidal combination comprising components (A) a strobilurin, (B) a benzimidazole, and (C) fluazinam and their use in controlling fungal infections of plants. The present invention further relates to a method of treating plants and plant material to combat or prevent fungal infestations using the aforementioned combination of fungicidally active ingredients.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a fungicidal composition comprising as fungicidally active components: (A) a strobilurin; (B) a benzimidazole; and (C) fluazinam.

Strobilurin and strobilurin-type fungicides are a well-known class of fungicides with a broad spectrum of disease control that were extracted from the fungus Strobilurus tenacellus. The strobilurins exhibit a suppressive effect on other fungi, reducing competition for nutrients. The strobilurins inhibit electron transfer between cytochrome b and cytochrome Ci at the ubiquinol oxidising site in mitochondria, disrupting metabolism and preventing growth of the target fungi. Examples of strobilurins include azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metaminostrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin.

Benzimidazoles are a class of systemic fungicides exhibiting both protective and curative actions. The benzimidazoles are absorbed through is the leaves and roots of the plant, with translocation principally acropetally, and function by inhibition of the beta-tubulin assembly. Examples of benzimidazoles are albendazole, benomyl, carbendazim, chlorfenazole, cypendazole, debacarb, fuberidazole, mecarbinzid, rabenzazole, thiabendazole, and thiofanate-methyl.

Fluazinam is disclosed in EP 0 031 257. Fluazinam exhibits a broad antifungal spectrum and shows good preventive effect against plant diseases.

It is effective at combating noxious insects, mites, fungi, and bacteria on industrial products, seeds and fruits in storage, and for controlling noxious organisms growing on agricultural and horticultural crops and up-land.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides the use of a composition as hereinbefore defined to prevent and/or combat fungicidal infestation of a plant, particularly in crops.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of protecting a plant against fungal infection by applying to the plant, to one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds), or to the locus thereof a composition as hereinbefore defined.

The present invention also provides in a fourth aspect a plant-protecting product comprising a composition as hereinbefore defined. l0

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

IS

Surprisingly, it has been found that the combination of at least one strobilurin active ingredient (A), at least one benzimidazole active ingredient (B) and fluazinam active ingredient (C) results in an unexpectedly enhanced action against fungal infestations of plants or plant materials, especially of crops, for example, soybean, cotton, dry bean, sugar cane, tomato, potato, and rice.

In particular, the combination exhibits surprisingly high activity in the treatment and/or prevention of fungal infestations, particularly Scierotinia scierotiorum, Rhizoctonia so/ant Streptomyces scabies, Phytophthora infestans, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium spp. and Ceratocystis paradoxa.

The increase in action and/or other advantageous properties achieved with the combination according to the invention is significantly greater than the activity to be expected by the individual components or the combination of a strobilurin, a benzimidazole and fluazinam. The activity of the active ingredients is enhanced synergistically which, inter alia, extends the boundaries of the fungicidal activity of the compounds.

S As noted above, the present invention provides a method of using a combination of (A) a strobilurin, (B) a benzimidazole, and (C) fluazinam in the treatment or prevention of fungal infestations. The method comprises treating a plant or one or more parts thereof, such as leaves or seeds, with (1) at least one strobilurin active ingredient (A), (2) at least one benzimidazole active ingredient (B) and (3) fluazinam active ingredient (C). The active ingredient components (A), (B), and (C) may be applied in any desired sequence, any combination, consecutively or simultaneously. Preferably, the method is effected by applying to the plant a composition as hereinbefore defined, that is a composition comprising at least one of each of components (A) and (B) and IS component(C).

The fungicidal active ingredient strobilurin, component (A), may be present in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount. Preferably, strobilurin is present in an amount of from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 3% to 30% by weight of the composition, still more preferably from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition.

The strobilurin, component (A), may be any fungicidally active strobilurin compound or combination of such compounds. Such compounds are known in the art and suitable strobilurins are commercially available. The strobilurin compound is preferably one or more compounds selected from azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metaminostrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin.

The fungicidal active ingredient benzimidazole, component (B), may be present in the composition in any suitable amount. The benzimidazole is preferably present in an amount of from 1% to 70% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 5% to 60% by weight of the composition, still more preferably from 20% to 50% by weight of the composition.

The benzimidazole, component (B), may be any fungicidally active benzimidazole or combination of such compounds. Such benzimidazole compounds are known in the art and suitable benzimidazoles are available commercially. The benzimidazole compound is preferably one or more compounds selected from benomyl, carbendazim, fuberidazole, thiabendazole and thiofanate-methyl.

is The fungicidal active ingredient fluazinam, component (C), may be present in the composition in any suitable amount. Preferably fluazinam is present in the composition in an amount of from 1% to 90% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 10% to 80% by weight of the composition, still more preferably from 15% to 75% by weight of the composition.

The components (A), (B) and (C) may be present in the composition in any amounts relative to each other, to provide the enhanced or synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio of any two of the components (A), (B) and (C) in the composition independently is preferably in the range of from 25:1 to 1:25, 20:1 to 1:20, or 15:1 to 1:15, more preferably 10:1 to 1:10, 5:1 to 1:5 or 2.5:1 to 1:2.5. The ratio of component (A) to component (B) in the composition may range from 1:1 to 1:10, more preferably from 1:2 to 1:8. The ratio of component (A) to component (C) may range from 1:1 to 1:6, more preferably from 1:1 to 1:5. Similarly, the ratio of component (B) to component (C) in the composition may range from 1:1 to 4:1, still more preferably from 1:1 to 3:1. In some specific embodiments, the components (A), (B) and (C) are present in the weight ratios of 1:5:3, 1:5:5, 1:2:1, 2:7:4, 2:4:3, 2:8:5, 1:3:2, or 1:7:3 in the composition.

The composition of the present invention may comprise one or more auxiliaries. The auxiliaries employed in the composition will depend upon the type of formulation and/or the manner in which the formulation is to be applied by the end user. Formulations incorporating the composition of the present invention are described hereinafter. Suitable auxiliaries which may be comprised in the composition according to the invention are customary formulation adjuvants or components, such as organic solvents, stabilizer, anti-foams, emulsifiers, antifreeze agents, preservatives, antioxidants, IS colorants, thickeners and inert fillers. The use of such auxiliary components in formulating compositions is known in the art and the auxiliaries are themselves known in the art and commercially available.

The fungicidal composition of the present invention optionally includes one or more surfactants. The surfactants are preferably non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic in nature. Surfactant mixtures which have good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties are preferred, with the selection of the surfactants depending on the active ingredients being formulated and the type of formulation employed. Suitable surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available.

Examples of suitable surfactants are polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitan esters, such as POE (20), sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylated (POE) sorbitol esters, such as POE (40), sorbitol hexaoleate. POE (20) sorbitan trioleate is commercially available under the tradenames ATLAS G1086 and CIRRASOL G1086 marketed by UniqEMA. Combinations of a POE sorbitan ester with a POE sorbitol ester allow the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value of the surfactant to be optimized, so as to obtain the highest quality emulsion (smallest suspended droplets) when the composition is added to water. Higher quality of emulsions typically leads to optimal fungicidal performance.

Suitable cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts carrying, as an N-substituent, at least one C3 -C22 radical and, as a further substituent, unsubstituted or halogenated lower benzyl or lower hydroxyl-alkyl radicals.

The salts are preferably in the form of halide, methyl sulfate or ethyl sulfate salts. Examples of such cationic surfactants are stearyltrimethylammonium is chloride and benzyl bis(2-chloroethyl)ethylammonium bromide.

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

Examples of other surfactants which may be used are salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenylsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acids, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols, especially alkylphenols, sulphosuccinic ester salts, taurine derivatives, especially alkyltaurates, or phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated phenols or alcohols.

The presence of at least one surfactant is generally required when the active ingredient and/or the inert carrier and/or auxiliary/adjuvant are insoluble in water and the vehicle for the final application of the composition is water.

The amount of surfactant present in the composition will depend upon such factors as the type of formulation employed.

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

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

The composition of the present invention may comprise one or more anti-foam agents. Suitable anti-foam agents include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Suitable anti-foam agents are known in the art and are available commercially.

Particularly preferred antifoam agents are mixtures of polydimethylsiloxanes and pertluroalkylphosphonic acids, such as the silicone anti-foam agents available from GE or Compton.

Depending upon the type of formulation, the composition of the present invention may comprise one or more organic solvents. Suitable organic solvents may be selected from the customary organic solvents which thoroughly dissolve the agrochemically active substances. Again, suitable organic solvents for the active ingredient components (A), (B) and (C) are known in the art. The following solvents may be mentioned as being preferred: N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone, cyclohexyl-1-pyrrolidone; or Solvesso 200, a mixture of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Suitable solvents are commercially available.

The composition may comprise one or more preservatives. Suitable preservatives include all substances normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions of this type and again are well known in the art.

is Suitable preservatives that may be mentioned include tolylfluanid, such as Freventol® (available commercially from Bayer AG), and benzisothiazolinone, such as Proxel® (available commercially from Bayer AG).

The composition may further comprise one or more antioxidants.

Suitable antioxidants include those substances normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions, as is known in the art. One particularly preferred antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene.

The composition may also comprise one or more thickeners. Suitable thickeners include those substances normally used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Suitable thickeners include, for example, xanthan gum, FVOH, cellulose and its derivatives, clay hydrated silicates, magnesium aluminum silicates or a mixture thereof. Again, such thickeners are known in the art and available commercially.

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

As discussed above, the composition of the present invention comprises a strobilurin, component (A), a benzimidazole, component (B), and fluazinam, component (C). In a preferred embodiment, compositions according to the present invention comprise the following combinations of the aforementioned active ingredients: (A) azoxystrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) dimoxystrobin, (B) benomyl, (C) fluazinam; (A) famoxadone, (B) fuberidazole, (C) fluazinam; is (A) fenamidone,(B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) fluoxastrobin, (B) thiofatate-methyl, (C) fluazinam; (A) kresoxim-methyl, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) metaminostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) picoxystrobin, (B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) pyraclostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; or (A) trifloxystrobin,(B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam.

Compositions of the present invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use for controlling or preventing disease, infestation and/or pest damage on plants.

Compositions according to the present invention are effective against fungi, including but not limited to the following: * Alternaria species on vegetable species, oilseed rape, sugar beet and fruit and rice, for example, A. solanior A. alternata on potatoes and tomatoes, * Aphanomyces species on sugar beet and vegetable species, * Ascochyta species on cereals and vegetable species, * B/polaris and Drechslera species on corn, cereals, rice and lawn, * Blumeria graminis (powdery mildew) on cereals, * Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) on strawberries, vegetable species, flowers and grape-vines, * Bremia!actucae on lettuce, * Ceratocystis paradoxa in sugar cane, * Cercospora species on corn, soybeans, rice and sugar beet, for example, Cercospora kikuchii (End Cycle disease-leaf blight) on soybean, * Cochlibolus species on corn, cereals, rice, for example, Cochliobo/us sat/vus on cereals, Coch/iobolus miyabeanus on rice, IS * Colletotrichum truncatum (Anthracnose) on soybeans and cotton, * Drechslera species on corn, cereals, rice and lawn, for example, 0.

teres on barley or D. tritici-repentis on wheat, * Esca on grapevines, caused by Phaeoacremonium chlamydosporium, Ph.

Aleophilum, and Formitipora punctata (syn. Phel/inus punctatus), * Elsinoe ampelina on grapevines, * Exserohilum species on corn, * Erysiphe diffusa (powdery mildew) on cucumber species, * Fusarium and Verticillium species on various plants, for example, F graminearum or F cu/morum on cereals or F oxysporum on a large number of plants, for example, tomatoes, * Gaeumanomyces gram/nis on cereals, * Gibberella species on cereals and rice (for example Gibbere/la fufikuroi on rice), * Glomereila cingulata on grapevines and other plants, * Grainstaining complex on rice, * Guignardia budwelli on grapevines, * Helminthosporium species on corn and rice, * Isariopsis c/a vispora on grapevines, * Michrodochium n/vale on cereals, * Mycosphaerel/a species on cereals, bananas and peanuts, for example, M. gram/n/cola on wheat or M. fijiensis on bananas, * Peronospora species on cabbage and bulbous plants, for example, P brassicae on cabbage, P destructor on onion, and P manshurica (Downy mildew) on soybean, * Phakopsara pachyrhizi (Soybean rust) and Phakopsara meibomiae on soybeans, * Phomopsis species on soybeans and sunflowers, P viticola on grapevines, * Phytophthora infestans on potatoes and tomatoes, Phytophthora species on various plants, for example, P caps/cion bell-peppers, * Plasmopara viticola on grapevines, Is * Podosphaera leucotricha on apple, * Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides on cereals, * Pseudoperonospora on various plants, for example, P cubensis on cucumber or P humilion hops, * Pseudopezicula tracheiphi/lai on grapevines, * Puccinia species on various plants, for example, P triticina, P striformins, P hordei or P gram/n/s on cereals, or P asparagi on asparagus, * Pyricularia oryzae, Corticium sasakii5 Sarocladium oryzae, S. attenuatum, Entyloma oryzae on rice, * Pyricularia grisea on lawn and cereals, * Pythium spp. on lawn, rice, corn, cotton, oilseed rape, sunflowers, sugar beet, vegetable species and other plants, for example, P ultiumum on various plants, P aphanidermatum on lawn, * Rhizoctonia species on cotton, rice, potatoes, lawn, corn, oilseed rape, potatoes, sugar beet, vegetable species and on various plants, for example, R. solani on potatoes and various plants, * Rhynchosporium secalis on barley, rye and triticale, * Sclerotinia species on oilseed rape, sunflowers, and soybean, for example, Septoria tnt/cl and Stagonospora nodorum on wheat, Scierot/nia sclerotiorum in soybean and dry bean, * Septonia glycines (Soybean Brown Spot) on soybean * Erysiphe (syn. Uncinula) necator on grapevines, * Setospaer/a species on corn and lawn, * Sphace/otheca re//in/a on corn, * Thieva flops/s species on soybeans and cotton, * Ti//etia species on cereals, * Ustilago species on cereals, corn and sugar cane, * Venturia species (scab) on apples and pears.

Compositions of the present invention are particularly effective against fu ngal infestations of Scienotinia scierotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Streptomyces scab/es, Phytophthora infestans, Fusanium oxysporum, Pythium spp. and Ceratocystisparadoxa.

The compositions according to the present invention are suitable for the treatment of plants and plant materials of a wide range of crops, including cereals (wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn, rice, sorghum, triticale and related crops); beet (sugar beet and fodder beet); fruit, such as pomes, stone fruit and soft fruit, such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, and berries, for example strawberries, raspberries and blackberries; leguminous plants( beans, lentils, peas, soybeans); oil plants (rape, mustard, sunflowers); cucurbitaceae (marrows, cucumbers, melons); fibre plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute); citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and mandarins; vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika); as well as ornamentals (flowers, shrubs, broad-leaved trees and evergreens, such as conifers). Compositions of the present invention are particularly suitable for use on soybean, cotton, dry bean, sugar cane, tomato, potato, and rice.

The composition of the present invention may contain, be mixed with, or applied together with other pesticides, such as other fungicides, insecticides and nematicides.

The rates of application (use) of the composition of the present invention vary, for example, according to the type of use, the type of crop, the specific active ingredients in the combination, the type of plants being treated, but is such that the active ingredients in the combination provide the desired action (such as disease or pest control). The application rate of the composition for a given set of conditions can readily be determined by routine trials.

Generally, application rates can vary from 0.03 kg to 3 kg per hectare is (kg/ha) of each active ingredient. Preferred application rates are from 10 to 500 g/ha of component (A); from 10 to 700 g/ha of component (B); and from 10 to 900 g/ha of component (C).

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

As described above, the present invention provides a composition for the treatment of plants, plant materials or a locus.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing and/or combating fungicidal infestation of a plant, plant material or a locus, the method comprising applying to the plant, plant material or the locus: (A) a strobilurin; (B) a benzimidazole; and (C) fluazinam. l0

The invention also provides a method of preventing and/or combating fungicidal infestation in which a plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds), or a locus is treated with each of the active ingredient components (A), (B) and (C). The active ingredient components (A)! (B) and (C) Is can be applied to the plant, plant material or locus where control is desired either simultaneously, in any combination thereof, or in succession at short intervals, for example on the same day. In one preferred embodiment, the active components (A), (B) and (C) are supplied simultaneously to the plant, plant material or locus. If applied separately, the active components may be applied in any order.

The active components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied in any suitable form, as described above. Typically, the active components will be applied as formulations, that is compositions comprising one or more of the active components together with further carriers, surfactants or other application-promoting adjuvants customarily employed in formulation technology. In a preferred embodiment, components (A), (B), and (C) are applied simultaneously, in particular by way of a composition of the present invention.

The active components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied to the plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds), or the locus in any order, as S noted above. Each compound may be applied just once or a plurality of times.

Preferably, each of the active components (A), (B) and (C) are applied a plurality of times, in particular from 2 to 5 times, more preferably 3 times.

The active components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied in any amounts relative to each other, in order to obtain the enhanced or synergistic effect of the combination. In particular, the relative amounts of the compounds to be applied to the plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds), or locus are as hereinbefore described, with the ratio of any two of components (A), (B) and (C) preferably being in the range of from 25:1 to 1:25, 20:1 to 1:20 is and 15:1 to 1:15, more preferably from 10:1 to 1:10, 5:1 to 1:5 or 2.5:1 to 1:2.5. The ratio of component (A) to component (B) in the composition may range from 1:1 to 1:10, more preferably from 1:2 to 1:8. The ratio of component (A) to component (C) may range from 1:1 to 1:6, more preferably from 1:1 to 1:5. Similarly, the ratio of component (B) to component (C) in the composition may range from 1:1 to 4:1, still more preferably from 1:1 to 3:1.

In some specific embodiments, the components (A), (B) and (C) are present in the weight ratios of 1:5:3, 1:5:5, 1:2:1, 2:7:4, 2:4:3, 2:8:5, 1:3:2, or 1:7:3 in the composition.

In the event compounds (A), (B) and (C) are applied simultaneously in the present invention, they may be applied as a single composition containing components (A), (B) and (C). In such cases, the active components (A), (B) and (C) may be provided as separate formulations of one or a combination of the components and the formulations mixed together, known in the art as a tank-mix, ready-to-apply, spray broth, or slurry. The components (A), (B) and (C) may optionally be combined with other pesticides. Alternatively, the active components (A), (B) and (C) may be provided as a single formulation S mixture source, known in the art as a pre-mix, concentrate, formulated compound (or product). Again, such a single formulation may optionally be mixed and combined with other pesticides.

In one embodiment, the combination of the active components (A), (B) and (C) applied by way of the method of the present invention is applied as a composition, as hereinbefore described. Accordingly, the present invention provides a composition comprising as active ingredients, components (A), (B) and (C), and optionally other pesticides, and optionally one or more customary formulation auxiliaries, as discussed in detail above. The composition may is be in the form of a tank-mix or pre-mix composition.

Generally, a tank-mix formulation comprises 0.1 to 20% by weight, especially 0.1 to 15%, active ingredient compounds, and 99.9 to 80%, especially 99.9 to 85%, of one or more solid or liquid auxiliaries, including for example, a solvent, such as water. The auxiliaries may comprise a surfactant in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight, especially 0.1 to 15%, based on the tank-mix formulation.

Typically, a pre-mix formulation comprises 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, especially 1 to 95%, active ingredient compounds, and 99.9 to 0.1%, especially 99 to 5%, of a solid or liquid adjuvant, including, for example, a solvent, such as water. The auxiliaries may comprise a surfactant in an amount of 0 to 50% by weight, especially 0.5 to 40%, based on the pre-mix formulation. Such a pre-mix formulation is diluted with or dispersed in a liquid carrier, in particular water, prior to application and use.

In preferred embodiments of the method of treating or preventing fungicidal infestation of the present invention, the following combinations of the active components (A), (B) and (C) are employed: (A) azoxystrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) dinioxystrobin, (B) benomyl, (C) fluazinam; (A) famoxadone, (B) fuberidazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) fenamidone,(B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) fluoxastrobin, (B) thiofatate-methyl, (C) fluazinam; (A) kresoxim-methyl, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) metaminostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; is (A) picoxystrobin, (B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) pyraclostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; and (A) trifloxystrobin,(B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned combinations of components (A), (B), and (C) are each provided in the form of a pre-mix composition or mixture.

The rates of application of the components (A), (B) and (C) in the method of the present invention are as hereinbefore described.

Reference herein to each of the components (A), (B) and (C) is to be understood to be a reference to a single compound or, where applicable, to more than one active compound of the given class. Accordingly, component (A) and (B) may be a single strobilurin compound or a mixture of two or more strobilurins. Similarly, component (B) may be a single benzimidazole or a mixture of two or more thereof.

Examples of formulation types for pre-mix compositions of the present invention are: EW: emulsions, oil in water ME: micro-emulsion SC: aqueous suspension concentrate FS: flowable suspension CS: aqueous capsule suspension OD: oil-based suspension concentrate, and SE: aqueous suspo-emulsion WG: water-dispersible granule

IS

The formulation of such compositions is known in the art and components for such formulations are commercially available. Using such formulations, either straight, that is undiluted, or diluted with a suitable solvent, especially water, plants, plant materials and loci can be treated and protected against damage, for example by one or more pathogens. The treatment may be by spraying, pouring or immersing, as appropriate.

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

Each active ingredient combination according to the invention is especially advantageous for the treatment of plants.

The aspects of the present invention are further described by way of the following specific examples, included herein for the purposes of illustration only.

FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Example 1

An aqueous suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition: Azoxystrobin (Component (A)) 50g Carbendazim (Component (B)) 250g Fluazinam (Component (C)) 150g Propylene glycol 1 OOg Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50g Sodium lignosulfonate bOg Carboxymethylcellulose 1 Og Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Water Balance to 1 L is The finely ground active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were intimately mixed with the auxiliary components, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water.

As an alternative, a suspension of the active ingredients and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation with suitable characteristics for treatment of plants or plant material.

Example 2

An aqueous suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition: Picoxystrobin (Component (A)) 50g Thiabendazole (Component (B)) 2509 Fluazinam (Component (C)) 150g Propylene glycol 1 OOg Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50g Sodium lignosulfonate bOg Carboxymethylcellulose 1 Og Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Water Balance to 1 L The finely ground active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water.

As an alternative, a suspension of the active ingredients and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation suitable for treatment of plants or plant materials.

Example 3

A suspo-emulsion was prepared having the following composition: Azoxystrobin (Component (A)) 50g Carbendazim (Component (B)) 250g Huazinam (Component (C)) 250g N-methylpyrrolidone 1 OOg Alkamuls CR136 30g Polyurethanes 20g Tersperse 2500 2.59 SoprophorFLK lOg Propylene glycol 1 OOg 2% xanthan gum 75g Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) log Water Balance to 1 L The active ingredient fluazinam (Component (C)) was mixed with the N-methyl pyrrolidone, the emulsifiers OR/36, and the polymeric stabilizer polyurethanes to form an oil phase.

The finely ground active ingredients azoxystrobin (Component (A)) and carbendazim (Component (B)) were intimately mixed with the other auxiliaries (including water), to form an aqueous phase.

The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase under continuous agitation for a sufficient amount of time to form a stable emulsion.

As an alternative, a suspension of the active ingredients and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve an aqueous phase.

This aqueous phase was combined with the oil phase to form a stable emulsion as described above.

Example 4

A suspo-emulsion was prepared having the following composition: Pyraclostrobin (Component (A)) 1 20g Carbendazim (Component (B)) 250g Fluazinam (Component (C)) 1509 N-methylpyrrolidone 1 OOg Alkamuls CR136 30g Polyerethanes 20g Tersperse 2500 2.5g Soprophor FLK 1 Og Propyleneglycol 1 OOg 2% xanthan gum 75g Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Water Balance to 1 L The active ingredient epoxiconazole (Component (A)) was mixed with the N-methyl pyrrolidone, the emulsifiers CR136 and the polymeric stabilizer polyurethanes to form an oil phase.

The finely ground active ingredients pyraclostrobin (Component (B)) and carbendazim (Component (C)) were intimately mixed with the other auxiliaries (including water), giving an aqueous phase.

The oil phase was added to the aqueous phase under continuous agitation for a sufficient amount of time to form a stable emulsion.

As an alternative, a suspension of the active ingredients and auxiliaries S (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve an aqueous phase.

This aqueous phase was combined with the oil phase to form a stable emulsion as described above.

Example 5

An aqueous suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition: Trifloxystrobin (Component (A)) 56g Carbendazim (Component (B)) 200g Fluazinam (Component (C)) 120g Propylene glycol 1 OOg Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates SOg Sodium lignosulfonate bOg Carboxymethylcellulose 1 Og Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Water Balance to 1 L The finely ground active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water.

As an alternative, a suspension of the active ingredients and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation.

Example 6

An oil-based suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition: Azoxystrobin (Component (A)) 64g Carbendazim (Component (B)) 2649 Fluazinam (Component (C)) 160g Propylene glycol 1 OOg Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50g Sodium lignosulfonate bOg Carboxymethylcellulose 1 Og Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Vegetable oil Balance to 1 L The finely ground active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water.

Example 7

Aflowable suspension was prepared having the following composition: Azoxystrobin (Component (A)) 80g Carbendazim (Component (B)) 250g Fluazinam (Component (C)) 150g Cl 6-Cl 8 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (25E0) 5g Alkyl polysaccharide log Hydroxyethyl cellulose 6g 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one 3g Red pigment 20g Propylene glycol 50g Silicon oil 2g Water Balance to 1 L The finely ground active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were ground with the auxiliaries in a sand mill, giving a flowable suspension with an average particle size of approximately 3mm.

Example 8

Aflowable suspension was prepared having the following composition: Dimoxystrobin (Component (A)) bOg Benomyl (Component (B)) 360g Fluazinam (Component (C)) 200g Tributylphenol ethoxylate (25E0) 5g Alkyl polysaccharide log Hydroxyethyl cellulose 6g 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one 3g Red pigment 20g Propylene glycol 5Og Silicon oil 2g Water Balance to 1 L The finely ground active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were ground with the auxiliaries in a sand mill, giving a flowable suspension with an average particle size of approximately 3mm.

Example 9

A water-dispersible granule was prepared having the following composition: Azoxystrobin (Component (A)) 62.Sg Carbendazim (Component (B)) 41 2.59 Fluazinam (Component (C)) 187.5g Cl 2-Cl 4 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (20E0) 50g Sodium lauryl benzenesulfonate 30g Sucrose Balance to 1 L Active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were well-mixed and ground with the auxiliaries in a rotor-stator mill and prepared as water-dispersible granules by extrusion. Dilution wilh waler gave a stable dispersion or solulion of Ihe aclive compound.

is An aqueous suspension of required concentration was obtained through dilution of the water dispersible granule with an appropriate amount of water.

Example 10

Aflowable suspension was prepared having the following composition: Fyraclostrobin (Component (A)) 1 20g Carbendazim (Component (B)) 250g Fluazinam (Component (C)) 200g Cl 6-Cl 8 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (25E0) 5g Alkyl polysaccharide lOg Hydroxyethyl cellulose 6g 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one 3g Red pigment 20g Propylene glycol 50g Silicon oil 2g Water Balance to 1 L The finely ground active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) were ground with the auxiliaries in a sand mill, giving a flowable suspension with an average particle size of approximately 3mm.

S

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES

Field Test 1 -Efficacy against Scierotinia scierotiorum on soybean Young soybean plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of white mold (Scierotinia scierotiorum), and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

Groups of plants were then separated and individual groups sprayed with each of azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC (Amistar® from Syngenta), pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC (Headline® from BASF), trifloxystrobin 500 gIL SC (GemTM from Bayer), carbendazim 500 g/kg WG (Bavistin® from BASF), and fluazinam 500 gIL SC (Nando® from Nufarm) for comparison purposes. Further groups of plants were each treated with formulations of Examples 1 to 10 above. A group of plants was left untreated as a control.

After remaining in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, fungicidal efficacy was assessed. The results of the assessment are set out in Table A below, where 100 % indicates no fungicidal infection was observed and 0 % corresponds to efficacy of the control.

Table A

Application rate of Efficacy components A + B + C (%) (g/ha) Untreated 0 + 0 + 0 0 Example 1 50 + 250 + 150 83 Example 3 50 + 250 + 250 92 Example4 120 + 250 + 150 76 Example 5 70 + 250 + 150 74 Example 6 80 + 330 + 200 100 Example 7 80 + 250 + 150 97 Example 9 50 + 330 + 150 94 Example 10 120 + 250 + 200 81 Azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC 250 + 0 + 0 38 Amistar® Pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC + 0 + 0 14 Headline® Trifloxystrobin 500 g/L SC TM 70 + 0 + 0 15 Gem Carbendazim 500 g/kg WG 0 + 250 + 0 23 Bavistin® Huazinam 500 gIL SC 0 + 0 + 150 9 Nando® Field Test 2 -Efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani on dry bean Young dry bean plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Rhizoctonia so/ani, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

Groups of plants were then separated and individual groups sprayed with each of azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC (Amistar® from Syngenta), pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC (Headline® from BASF), trifloxystrobin 500 g/L SC (GemTM from Bayer), carbendazim 500 g/kg WG (Bavistin® from BASF), and fluazinam 500 gIL SC (Nando® from Nufarm) for comparison purposes. Further groups of plants were each treated with formulations of Examples 1 to 10 above. A group of plants was left untreated as a control.

IS

After remaining in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, fungicidal efficacy was assessed. The results of the assessment are set out in Table B below, where 100 % indicates no fungicidal infection was observed and 0 % corresponds to efficacy of the control.

Table B

Application rate of Efficacy in components A + B + C (%) (g/ha) Untreated 0 + 0 + 0 0 Example 1 50 + 250 + 150 82 Example 3 50 + 250 + 250 89 Example4 120 + 250 + 150 79 ExampleS 70 + 250 + 150 77 Example 6 80 + 330 + 200 100 Example 7 80 + 250 + 150 98 Example 9 50 + 330 + 150 94 Example 10 120 + 250 + 200 86 Azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC 250 + 0 + 0 31 Amistar® Pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC + 0 + 0 26 Headline® Trifloxystrobin 500 gIL sc + 0 + 0 29 GemTM Carbendazim 500 glkg WG 0 + 250 + 0 27 Bavistin® Fluazinam 500 gIL SC 0 + 0 + 150 13 Nando® Field Test 3 -Efficacy against Streptomyces scabies on potato Potato seed tubers were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Streptomyces scab/es, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

Groups of plants were then separated and individual groups sprayed with each of azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC (Amistar® from Syngenta), pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC (Headline® from BASF), trifloxystrobin 500 gIL Sc (GemTM from Bayer), carbendazim 500 glkg WG (Bavistin® from BASF), and fluazinam 500 gIL SC (Nando® from Nufarm) for comparison purposes. Further groups of plants were each treated with formulations of Examples 1 to 10 above. A group of plants was left untreated as a control.

After remaining in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, fungicidal efficacy was assessed. The results of the assessment are set out in Table C below, where 100 % indicates no fungicidal infection was observed and 0 % corresponds to efficacy of the control.

Table C

Application rate of Efficacy in components A + B + C (%) (g/ha) Untreated 0 + 0 + 0 0 Example 1 50 + 250 + 150 88 Example 3 50 + 250 + 250 96 Example4 120 + 250 + 150 87 ExampleS 70 + 250 + 150 86 Example 6 80 + 330 + 200 100 Example 7 80 + 250 + 150 92 Example 9 50 + 330 + 150 90 Example 10 120 + 250 + 200 95 Azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC 250 + 0 + 0 18 Amistar® Pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC + 0 + 0 17 Headline® Trifloxystrobin 500 gIL SC TM 70 + 0 + 0 18 Gem Carbendazim 500 glkg WG 0 + 250 + 0 9 Bavistin® Huazinam 500 gIL SC 0 + 0 + 150 32 Nando® Field Test 4 -Efficacy against Phytophthora infestans on tomato Young tomato plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Phytophthora irifestaris, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

Groups of plants were then separated and individual groups sprayed with each of azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC (Amistar® from Syngenta), pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC (Headline® from BASF), trifloxystrobin 500 gIL SC (GemTM from io Bayer), carbendazim 500 glkg WG (Bavistin® from BASF), and fluazinam 500 gIL Sc (Nando® from Nufarm) for comparison purposes. Further groups of plants were each treated with formulations of Examples 1 to 10 above. A group of plants was left untreated as a control.

is After remaining in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 7 days, fungicidal efficacy was assessed. The results of the assessment are set out in Table D below, where 100 % indicates no fungicidal infection was observed and 0 % corresponds to efficacy of the control.

Table D

Application rate of Efficacy in components A + B + C (%) (g/ha) Untreated 0 + 0 + 0 0 Example 1 50 + 250 + 150 90 Example 3 50 + 250 + 250 96 Example4 120 + 250 + 150 83 ExampleS 70 + 250 + 150 85 Example 6 80 + 330 + 200 100 Example 7 80 + 250 + 150 98 Example 9 50 + 330 + 150 96 Example 10 120 + 250 + 200 94 Azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC 250 + 0 + 0 39 Amistar® Pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC + 0 + 0 34 Headline® Trifloxystrobin 500 gIL SC + 0 + 0 37 GemTM Carbendazim 500 glkg WG 0 + 250 + 0 6 Bavistin® Fluazinam 500 gIL Sc 0 + 0 + 150 22 Nando® Field Test 5 -Efficacy against Ceratocystis paradoxa on sugar cane Sugar cane sets were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Ceratocystis paradoxa, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

Groups of plants were then separated and individual groups sprayed with each of azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC (Amistar® from Syngenta), pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC (Headline® from BASF), trifloxystrobin 500 gIL SC (GemTM from Bayer), carbendazim 500 g/kg WG (Bavistin® from BASF), and fluazinam 500 gIL SC (Nando® from Nufarm) for comparison purposes. Further groups of plants were each treated with formulations of Examples 1 to 10 above. A group of plants was left untreated as a control.

After remaining in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, fungicidal efficacy was assessed. The results of the assessment are set out in Table F below, where 100 % indicates no fungicidal infection was observed and 0 % corresponds to efficacy of the control.

Table E

Application rate of Efficacy in components A + B + C (%) (g/ha) Untreated 0 + 0 + 0 0 Example 1 50 + 250 + 150 87 Example 3 50 + 250 + 250 94 Example4 120 + 250 + 150 86 ExampleS 70 + 250 + 150 86 Example 6 80 + 330 + 200 98 Example 7 80 + 250 + 150 97 Example 9 50 + 330 + 150 95 Example 10 120 + 250 + 200 90 Azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC 250 + 0 + 0 26 Amistar® Pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC + 0 + 0 24 Headline® Trifloxystrobin 500 gIL SC TM 70 + 0 + 0 23 Gem Carbendazim 500 glkg WG 0 + 250 + 0 13 Bavistin® Huazinam 500 gIL SC 0 + 0 + 150 21 Nando® Field Test 6 -Efficacy against Fusarium oxysporum on cotton Sugar cane sets were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Fusarium oxysporum, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

Groups of plants were then separated and individual groups sprayed with each of azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC (Amistar® from Syngenta), pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC (Headline® from BASF), trifloxystrobin 500 gIL SC (GemTM from Bayer), carbendazim 500 glkg WG (Bavistin® from BASF), and fluazinam 500 gIL SC (Nando® from Nufarm) for comparison purposes. Further groups of plants were each treated with formulations of Examples 1 to 10 above. A group of plants was left untreated as a control.

IS

After remaining in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, fungicidal efficacy was assessed. The results of the assessment are set out in Table F below, where 100 % indicates no fungicidal infection was observed and 0 % corresponds to efficacy of the control.

Table F

Application rate of Efficacy in components A + B + C (%) (g/ha) Untreated 0 + 0 + 0 0 Example 1 50 + 250 + 150 78 Example 3 50 + 250 + 250 83 Example4 120 + 250 + 150 79 ExampleS 70 + 250 + 150 82 Example 6 80 + 330 + 200 99 Example 7 80 + 250 + 150 94 Example 9 50 + 330 + 150 85 Example 10 120 + 250 + 200 83 Azoxystrobin 250 gIL SC 250 + 0 + 0 12 Amistar® Pyraclostrobin 250 gIL SC + 0 + 0 13 Headline® Trifloxystrobin 500 gIL sc + 0 + 0 13 GemTM Carbendazim 500 glkg WO 0 + 250 + 0 32 Bavistin® Fluazinam 500 gIL SC 0 + 0 + 150 11 Nando® The data result in Tables A to F above demonstrate the efficacy of the compositions and method of the present invention, in particular the advantageous synergistic effect achieved by combining components (A), (B) and (C) in treatment of the target plants.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS1. A fungicidal composition comprising as fungicidally active components: (A) a strobilurin; (B) a benzimidazole; and (C) fluazinam.
2. 2. The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the strobilurin is selected from azoxystrobin, di moxystrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metaminostrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin trifloxystrobin, and mixtures thereof.
3. 3. The fungicidal composition according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the benzimidazole is selected from albendazole, benomyl, carbendazim, IS chlorfenazole, cypendazole, debacarb, fuberidazole, mecarbinzid, rabenzazole, thiabendazole, thiofanate-methyl, and mixtures thereof.
4. 4. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (A) is present in an amount of from 1 to 50% by weight.
5. 5. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (B) is present in an amount of from 1 to 70% by weight.
6. 6. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (C) is present in an amount of from 1 to 90% by weight.
7. 7. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of any two of components (A), (B) and (C) is from 25:1 to 1:25.
8. 8. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of component (A) to component (B) is from 1:1 to 1:10.s
9. 9. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of component (A) to component (C) is from 1:1 to 1:6.
10. 10. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of component (B) to component (C) is from 1:1 to 1:4. l011. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of components (A), (B) and (C) is selected from 1:5:3, 1:5:5, 1:2:1, 2:7:4, 2:4:3, 2:8:5, 1:3:2, or 1:7:3.is 12. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more surfactants.13. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more polymeric stablisers.14. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more anti-foam agents.15. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more organic solvents.16. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more preservatives.17. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more antioxidants.18. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more thickeners.19. The fungicidal composition according to any preceding claim, comprising the following combinations of active ingredients: (A) azoxystrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) dimoxystrobin, (B) benomyl, (C) fluazinam; (A) famoxadone, (B) fuberidazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) fenamidone,(B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) fluoxastrobin, (B) thiofatate-methyl, (C) fluazinam; is (A) kresoxim-methyl, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) metaminostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) picoxystrobin, (B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) pyraclostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; or (A) trifloxystrobin,(B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam.20. Use of a composition according to any of claims 1 to 19 to prevent and/or combat fungicidal infestation of a plant 21. A method of protecting a plant against fungal infestation by applying to the plant, to one or more parts thereof, or to the locus thereof: (A) a strobilurin; (B) a benzimidazole; and (C) fluazinam.22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the strobilurin is selected from azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metaminostrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin trifloxystrobin, and mixtures thereof.23. The method according to either of claims 21 or 22, wherein the benzimidazole is selected from albendazole, benomyl, carbendazim, chlorfenazole, cypendazole, debacarb, fuberidazole, mecarbinzid, rabenzazole, thiabendazole, thiofanate-methyl, and mixtures thereof.24. The method according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the components (A), (B) and (C) are applied simultaneously.is 25. The method according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein any two of components (A), (B) and (C) are applied in a weight ratio of from 25:1 to 1:25.26. The method according to any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the weight ratio of component (A) to component (B) as applied is from 1:1 to 1:10.27. The method according to any of claims 21 to 26, wherein the weight ratio of component (A) to component (C) as applied is from 1:1 to 1:6.28. The method according to any of claims 21 to 27, wherein the weight ratio of component (B) to component (C) as applied is from 1:1 to 1:4.29. The method according to any of claims 21 to 28, wherein the weight ratio of components (A), (B) and (C) as applied is selected from 1:5:3, 1:5:5, 1:2:1, 2:7:4, 2:4:3, 2:8:5, 1:3:2, or 1:7:3.30. The method according to any of claims 21 to 29, wherein the components (A), (B) and (C) applied are: (A) azoxystrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) dimoxystrobin, (B) benomyl, (C) fluazinam; (A) famoxadone, (B) fuberidazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) fenamidone,(B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; (A) fluoxastrobin, (B) thiofatate-methyl, (C) fluazinam; (A) kresoxim-methyl, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) metaminostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; (A) picoxystrobin, (B) thiabendazole, (C) fluazinam; is (A) pyraclostrobin, (B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam; or (A) trifloxystrobin,(B) carbendazim, (C) fluazinam.31. The method according to any of claims 21 to 30, wherein the components (A), (B) and (C) are applied in the form of a composition according to any of claims ito 19.32. The method according to any of claims 21 to 31, wherein the plant is soybean, cotton, dry bean, sugar cane, tomato, potato, or rice.33. The method according to any of claims 21 to 32, wherein the infestation is of Scierotinia scierotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Streptomyces scabies, Phytophthora infestans, Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium spp. or Ceratocystis paradoxa.34. A plant protecting product comprising a composition according to any of claims ito 19.35. Plants or plant material treated by a composition according to any of claims 1 to 19 or by a method according to any of claims 21 to 33. l0