WO2020120202A2

WO2020120202A2 - Method to control sclerotinia spp. in oilseed rape or canola by compositions comprising mefentrifluconazole

Info

Publication number: WO2020120202A2
Application number: PCT/EP2019/083329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikael COQUILLER; Markus Gewehr
Original assignee: BASF Agro B.V.
Priority date: 2018-12-11
Filing date: 2019-12-02
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Also published as: EA202191562A1; WO2020120202A3; EP3893642A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a phythopatogenic fungi selected from Sclerotinia spp., especially Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, on oilseed rape, comprising treating the plants, their seed or the soil with a fungicidally effective amount of the composition comprising mefentrifluconazole and a further active compound (II) selected from boscalid, dimoxystrobin, fenpropimorph, fluxapyroxad, inpyrfluxam, isoflucypram, kresoxym-methyl, metyltetraprole, quinofumelin, pyraclostrobin, 1-(4,5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4,6-trifluoro-3,3-dimethyl- isoquinoline, 6-chloro-1-(4,5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline, -(4,5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline, 4,4-difluoro-3,3- dimethyl-1-(4-methylbenzimidazol-1-yl)isoquinoline, 1-(6-chloro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin- 3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline, 4,4-difluoro-1-(6-fluoro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1,5-1 a]pyridin-3-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline, 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1-(6-methylpyrazolo[1,5- a]pyridin-3-yl)isoquinoline, 1-(6,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl- isoquinoline and 1-(7,8-dimethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-isoquinoline.

Description

Method to control Sclerotinia spp. in oilseed rape or canola by compositions comprising mefen- trifluconazole

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling Sclerotinia spp. in oilseed rape or canola comprising treating the plants, their seed or the soil with a fungicidally effective amount of a composition comprising

I) mefentrifluconazole or the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof as compound (I);

II) at least one compound (II) selected from the group comprising boscalid, dimoxystrobin, fenpropimorph, fluxapyroxad, inpyrfluxam, isoflucypram, kresoxym-methyl,

metyltetraprole, quinofumelin, pyraclostrobin, 1-(4,5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4,6- trifluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline, 6-chloro-1 -(4,5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4,4- difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline, 1 -(4,5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3- dimethyl-isoquinoline, 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1 -(4-methylbenzimidazol-1 - yl)isoquinoline, 1 -(6-chloro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3,3- dimethyl-isoquinoline, 4,4-difluoro-1 -(6-fluoro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-3,3- dimethyl-isoquinoline, 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1 -(6-methylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3- yl)isoquinoline, 1 -(6,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1 , 5-a] py ri d i n-3-y I )-4 , 4-d ifl u oro-3 , 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline and 1 -(7,8-dimethylimidazo[1 ,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline and the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

Mefentrifluconazole (I) its preparation and use in crop protection are described in WO

2013/007767, which also disclose certain compositions with other active compounds. Owing to the basic character of its nitrogen atoms, mefentrifluconazole is capable of forming salts or ad ducts with inorganic or organic acids or with metal ions, in particular salts with inorganic acids. Mixtures of mefentrifluconazole are described in WO 2014/095994.

Mefentrifluconazole (I) comprises chiral centers and is generally obtained in the form of race- mates. The R- and S-enantiomers of mefentrifluconazole (I) can be separated and isolated in pure form with methods known by the skilled person, e.g. by using chiral HPLC.

Therefore, in the method according to the present invention, mefentrifluconazole (I) can be used in form of

- a racemic mixture of the of the (R)-enantiomer and the (S)-enantiomer;

- a mixture with any other proportions of the (R)-enantiomer and the (S)-enantiomer;

- pure (R)-enantiomer or

- pure (S)-enantiomer.

Mefentrifluconazole (I) may be provided and used as (R)-enantiomer with an enantiomeric ex cess (e.e.) of at least 40%, for example, at least 50%, 60%, 70% or 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, yet more 25 preferably at least 98% and most preferably at least 99%. This applies to every composition detailed herein. The (R)-enantiomer of mefentriflu conazole has the chemical name:

(R)-2-[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl)propan-2-ol; Mefentrifluconazole (I) may be further provided and used as (S)-enantiomer with an enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of at least 40%, for example, at least 50%, 60%, 70% or 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, yet more preferably at least 98% and most preferably at least 99%. This applies to every composition detailed herein. The (S)-enantiomer of mefentrifluconazole has the chemical name:

(S)-2-[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl) propan-2-ol.

Compounds (11-1 ) to (11-10) as well as their pesticidal action and methods for producing them are generally known (cf.: http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/); these substances are commercially available. Compounds (11-1 1 ) to (11-19) are known from WO 2018/060039 and WO

2018/149851 .

Agriculturally acceptable salts encompass especially the salts of those cations or the acid addition salts of those acids whose cations and anions, respectively, have no adverse effect on the fungicidal action of said compounds. Suitable cations are thus in particular the ions of the alkali metals, preferably sodium and potassium, of the alkaline earth metals, preferably calcium, magnesium and barium, of the transition metals, preferably manganese, copper, zinc and iron, and also the ammonium ion which, if desired, may carry one to four Ci-C4-alkyl substituents and/or one phenyl or benzyl substituent, preferably diisopropylammonium, tetramethylammonium, tet- rabutylammonium, trimethylbenzylammonium, furthermore phosphonium ions, sulfonium ions, preferably tri(Ci-C4-alkyl)sulfonium, and sulfoxonium ions, preferably tri(Ci-C4-alkyl)sulfoxonium. Anions of useful acid addition salts are primarily chloride, bromide, fluoride, hydrogensulfate, sulfate, dihydrogenphosphate, hydrogenphosphate, phosphate, nitrate, bicarbonate, carbonate, hexafluorosilicate, hexafluorophosphate, benzoate, and the anions of Ci-C4-alkanoic acids, preferably formate, acetate, propionate and butyrate. They can be formed by reacting such inventive compound with an acid of the corresponding anion, preferably of hydrochloric acid, hy- drobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or nitric acid.

Sclerotinia spp., especially Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causes Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) a major disease of oilseed rape or canola. During infection, large, white/grey lesions form on the stems of the host plant, perturbing seed development and decreasing yield. Sclerotinia spp., especially Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, can produce long-term storage structures and persist for long periods in the soil. Control of Sclerotinia spp. is becoming more and more difficult for farmers. In order to reduce crop losses and to obtain optimal crop yield proper pest management is required.

Surprisingly, we have found that the application of compositions comprising mefentrifluconazole ans at least one compound (II) as defined herein shows an unexpected fungicidal action towards Sclerotinia spp., especially towards Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Thus, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a phythopatogenic fungi selected from Sclerotinia spp. on oilseed rape or canola, comprising treating the plants, their seed or the soil with a fungicidally effective amount of a composition comprising

I) mefentrifluconazole or the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof as compound (I)

II) at least one compound (II) selected from the group comprising: 11-1 ) boscalid,

II-2) dimoxystrobin,

II-3) fenpropimorph,

II-4) fluxapyroxad,

II-5) inpyrfluxam,

II-6) isoflucypram,

II-7) kresoxym-methyl,

II-8) metyltetraprole,

II-9) quinofumelin,

11-10) pyraclostrobin,

11-1 1 ) 1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4, 4, 6-trifluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline,

11-12) 6-chloro-1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline, 11-13) 1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline,

11-14) 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1 -(4-methylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)isoquinoline,

11-15) 1 -(6-chloro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline,

11-16) 4, 4-difluoro-1 -(6-fluoro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline,

11-17) 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1 -(6-methylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)isoquinoline,

11-18) 1 -(6, 7-dimethylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline and

11-19) 1 -(7, 8-dimethylimidazo[1 ,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline and the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

Moreover, the invention relates to a use of the compositions comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein for controlling a phythopatogenic fungi selected from Sclerotinia spp., especially Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, on oilseed rape or canola.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling Sclerotinia spp.. In a specific embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for controlling Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

According to the inventoion, the compound (II) of the composition is selected from boscalid (II- 1 ), dimoxystrobin (II-2), fenpropimorph (II-3), fluxapyroxad (I I-4), inpyrfluxam (II-5), isoflucypram (II-6), kresoxym-methyl (II-7), metyltetraprole (II-8), quinofumelin (II-9), pyraclostrobin (11-10), 1 - (4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4, 4, 6-trifluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-1 1 ), 6-chloro-1 -(4,5- dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-12), 1 -(4,5- dimethylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-13), 4,4-difluoro-3,3- dimethyl-1 -(4-methylbenzimidazol-1 -yl)isoquinoline (11-14), 1 -(6-chloro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5- a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-15), 4,4-difluoro-1 -(6-fluoro-7-methyl- pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-16), 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1 -(6- methylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)isoquinoline (11-17), 1 -(6,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)- 4, 4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-18) and 1-(7,8-dimethylimidazo[1 ,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4- difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-19). According to one specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and boscalid (11-1 ).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and dimoxystrobin (II-2).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and fenpropimorph (II-3).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and fluxapyroxad (I I-4).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and inpyrfluxam (II-5).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and isoflucypram (II-6).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and kresoxym-methyl (II-7).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and metyltetraprole (II-8).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and quinofumelin (II-9).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and pyraclostrobin (11-10).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 1-(4,5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4, 4, 6-trifluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-1 1 ).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 6-chloro-1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-12).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-13).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-methylbenzimidazol-1-yl)isoquinoline (11-14).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 1-(6-chloro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (II-

15).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 4, 4-difluoro-1-(6-fluoro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (II-

16).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1-(6-methylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)isoquinoline (11-17).

According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 1 -(6, 7-dimethylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-18). According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and 1 -(7, 8-dimethylimidazo[1 ,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline (11-19).

According to a specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and one compound (II) as the only active ingredients of the composition. According to another specific embodiment, the composition comprises mefentrifluconazole (I) and two compounds (II) differ ent from each other as the only active ingredients of the composition.

The weight ratio of compound I and compound II is usually from 500:1 to 1 :500, preferably from 100:1 to 1 :100, more preferably from 50:1 to 1 :50, even more preferably from 20:1 to 1 :20, most preferably from 10:1 to 1 :10. The ratios can also be from 1 :5 to 5:1 , or 1 :1.

The compound (I) and compound (II) can be applied simultaneously, that is jointly or separately, or in succession. According to one embodiment, the compound (I) and compound (II) are ap plied simultaneously. According to another embodiment, compound (I) and compound (II) are applied in succession.

In one embodiment, the method comprises treating oilseed rape or canola plants. (I)is In a further embodiment, the method comprises treating oilseed rape or canola seeds.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises treating the soil.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for controlling Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on oilseed rape or canola, comprising treating the plants, their seed or the soil with a fungicidally effective amount of a composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein. In a specific embodiment, the method comprises treat ing the oilseed rape or canola plants. In a further specific embodiment, the method comprises treating oilseed rape or canola seeds.

Treating the plants, their seed or the soil in the method according to present invention may be carried out in spray application, in seed treatment, in drip and drench applications, in-furrow applications, on-seed application and overall soil incorporation, chemigation, i.e. by addition of the active ingredients to the irrigation water, and in hydroponic/mineral systems.

The specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the Table A.

Table A. Methods to control Sclerotinia spp. Each line of lines A-1 to A-228 corresponds to one particular embodiment of the invention

WO 2020/120202 PCT/EP2019/083329

WO 2020/120202 PCT/EP2019/083329

WO 2020/120202 PCT/EP2019/083329

WO 2020/120202 PCT/EP2019/083329

WO 2020/120202 PCT/EP2019/083329

The term "plant propagation material" is to be understood to denote all the generative parts of the plant in particular seeds

Plants and as well as the propagation material of said plants, which can be treated with fungi- cidally effective amount of a composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein include all genetically modified plants or transgenic plants, e.g. crops which tolerate the action of herbicides or fungicides or insecticides owing to breeding, including genetic engineering methods, or plants which have modified characteristics in compar ison with existing plants, which can be generated for example by traditional breeding methods and/or the generation of mutants, or by recombinant procedures.

For example, mixtures according to the present invention can be applied (as seed treatment, spray treatment, in furrow or by any other means) also to plants which have been modified by breeding, mutagenesis or genetic engineering including but not limiting to agricultural biotech products on the market or in development (cf.

http://www.bio.org/speeches/pubs/er/agri_products.asp). Genetically modified plants are plants, which genetic material has been so modified by the use of recombinant DNA techniques that under natural circumstances cannot readily be obtained by cross breeding, mutations or natural recombination. Typically, one or more genes have been integrated into the genetic material of a genetically modified plant in order to improve certain properties of the plant. Such genetic modi fications also include but are not limited to targeted post-transitional modification of protein(s), oligo- or polypeptides e. g. by glycosylation or polymer additions such as prenylated, acetylated or farnesylated moieties or PEG moieties.

For use according to the present invention, a composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein can be converted into the customary formu lations, for example solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dusts, powders, pastes and granules. The use form depends on the particular intended purpose; in each case, it should ensure a fine and even distribution of the mixtures according to the present invention. The formulations are prepared in a known manner (cf. US 3,060,084, EP-A 707 445 (for liquid concentrates), Brown ing: "Agglomeration”, Chemical Engineering, Dec. 4, 1967, 147-48, Perry’s Chemical Engineer’s Handbook, 4th Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1963, S. 8-57 und ff. WO 91/13546, US 4,172,714, US 4,144,050, US 3,920,442, US 5,180,587, US 5,232,701 , US 5,208,030, GB 2,095,558, US 3,299,566, Klingman: Weed Control as a Science (J. Wiley & Sons, New York, 1961 ), Hance et al.: Weed Control Handbook (8th Ed., Blackwell Scientific, Oxford, 1989) and Mollet, H. and Grubemann, A.: Formulation technology (Wiley VCH Verlag, Weinheim, 2001 ). The agrochemical formulations may also comprise auxiliaries which are customary in agro chemical formulations. The auxiliaries used depend on the particular application form and active substance, respectively.

Examples for suitable auxiliaries are solvents, solid carriers, dispersants or emulsifiers (such as further solubilizers, protective colloids, surfactants and adhesion agents), organic and inorganic thickeners, bactericides, anti-freezing agents, anti-foaming agents, if appropriate colorants and tackifiers or binders (e. g. for seed treatment formulations).

Suitable solvents are water, organic solvents such as mineral oil fractions of medium to high boiling point, such as kerosene or diesel oil, furthermore coal tar oils and oils of vegetable or animal origin, aliphatic, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, e. g. toluene, xylene, paraffin, tetra- hydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes or their derivatives, alcohols such as methanol, eth anol, propanol, butanol and cyclohexanol, glycols, ketones such as cyclohexanone and gamma- butyrolactone, fatty acid dimethylamides, fatty acids and fatty acid esters and strongly polar sol vents, e. g. amines such as N-methylpyrrolidone.

Solid carriers are mineral earths such as silicates, silica gels, talc, kaolins, limestone, lime, chalk, bole, loess, clays, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, calcium sulfate, magnesi-um sulfate, magnesium oxide, ground synthetic materials, fertilizers, such as, e. g., ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas, and products of vegetable origin, such as ce real meal, tree bark meal, wood meal and nutshell meal, cellulose powders and other solid car riers.

Suitable surfactants (adjuvants, wetters, tackifiers, dispersants or emulsifiers) are alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of aromatic sulfonic acids, such as ligninsoulfonic acid (Borresperse® types, Borregard, Norway) phenolsulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid (Mor- wet® types, Akzo Nobel, U.S.A.), dibutylnaphthalene-sulfonic acid (Nekal® types, BASF, Ger many), and fatty acids, alkylsulfonates, alkyl-arylsulfonates, alkyl sulfates, laurylether sulfates, fatty alcohol sulfates, and sulfated hexa-, hepta- and octadecanolates, sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, furthermore condensates of naphthalene or of naphthalenesulfonic acid with phe nol and formal-dehyde, polyoxy-ethylene octylphenyl ether, ethoxylated isooctylphenol, oc- tylphenol, nonylphenol, alkylphenyl polyglycol ethers, tributylphenyl polyglycol ether, tristearyl- phenyl polyglycol ether, alkylaryl polyether alcohols, alcohol and fatty alcohol/ethylene oxide condensates, ethoxylated castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, ethoxylated polyoxypropyl- ene, lauryl alcohol polyglycol ether acetal, sorbitol esters, lignin-sulfite waste liquors and pro teins, denatured proteins, polysaccharides (e. g. methylcellulose), hydrophobically modified starches, polyvinyl alcohols (Mowiol® types, Clariant, Switzerland), polycarboxylates (Sokolan® types, BASF, Germany), polyalkoxylates, polyvinylamines (Lupasol® types, BASF, Germany), polyvinylpyrrolidone and the copolymers therof.

Examples for thickeners (i. e. compounds that impart a modified flowability to formula-tions, i. e. high viscosity under static conditions and low viscosity during agitation) are polysaccharides and organic and inorganic clays such as Xanthan gum (Kelzan®, CP Kelco, U.S.A.), Rhodopol® 23 (Rhodia, France), Veegum® (R.T. Vanderbilt, U.S.A.) or Attaclay® (Engelhard Corp., NJ, USA).

Bactericides may be added for preservation and stabilization of the formulation. Examples for suitable bactericides are those based on dichlorophene and benzylalcohol hemi formal (Proxel® from ICI or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Rohm & Haas) and isothia- zolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones (Acticide® MBS from Thor Chemie).

Examples for suitable anti-freezing agents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea and glyc erin.

Examples for anti-foaming agents are silicone emulsions (such as e. g. Silikon® SRE, Wacker, Germany or Rhodorsil®, Rhodia, France), long chain alcohols, fatty acids, salts of fatty acids, fluoroorganic compounds and mixtures thereof.

Suitable colorants are pigments of low water solubility and water-soluble dyes. Examples are rhodamin B, C. I. pigment red 112, C. I. solvent red 1 , pigment blue 15:4, pigment blue 15:3, pigment blue 15:2, pigment blue 15:1 , pigment blue 80, pigment yellow 1 , pigment yellow 13, pigment red 112, pigment red 48:2, pigment red 48:1 , pigment red 57:1 , pigment red 53:1 , pig ment orange 43, pigment orange 34, pigment orange 5, pigment green 36, pigment green 7, pigment white 6, pigment brown 25, basic violet 10, basic violet 49, acid red 51 , acid red 52, acid red 14, acid blue 9, acid yellow 23, basic red 10, basic red 108.

Examples for tackifiers or binders are polyvinylpyrrolidons, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols and cellulose ethers (Tylose®, Shin-Etsu, Japan).

Powders, materials for spreading and dusts can be prepared by mixing or conco-mitantly grind ing composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein and, if appropriate, further active substances, with at least one solid carrier.

Granules, e. g. coated granules, impregnated granules and homogeneous granules, can be prepared by binding composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein to solid carriers. Examples of solid carriers are mineral earths such as silica gels, silicates, talc, kaolin, attaclay, limestone, lime, chalk, bole, loess, clay, dolomite, dia- tomaceous earth, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, ground synthetic ma terials, fertilizers, such as, e. g., ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas, and products of vegetable origin, such as cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal and nut-shell meal, cellulose powders and other solid carriers.

Examples of formulation types are suspensions (SC, OD, FS), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), emulsions (EW, EO, ES), pastes, pastilles, wettable powders or dusts (WP, SP, SS, WS, DP, DS) or granules (GR, FG, GG, MG), which can be water-soluble or wettable, as well as gel for mulations for the treatment of plant propagation materials such as seeds (GF), herein further below exemplified in detail: 1. Composition types for dilution with water

i) Water-soluble concentrates (SL, LS)

10 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are dissolved in 90 parts by weight of water or in a water-soluble sol vent. As an alternative, wetting agents or other auxiliaries are added. The active substance dis solves upon dilution with water. In this way, a formulation having a content of 10% by weight of active substance is obtained.

ii) Dispersible concentrates (DC)

20 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are dissolved in 70 parts by weight of cyclohexanone with addition of 10 parts by weight of a dispersant, e. g. poly-vinylpyrrolidone. Dilution with water gives a disper sion. The active substance content is 20% by weight.

iii) Emulsifiable concentrates (EC)

15 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are dissolved in 75 parts by weight of xylene with addition of calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and castor oil ethoxylate (in each case 5 parts by weight). Dilution with water gives an emulsion. The composition has an active substance content of 15% by weight.

iv) Emulsions (EW, EO, ES)

25 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are dissolved in 35 parts by weight of xylene with addition of calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and castor oil ethoxylate (in each case 5 parts by weight). This mix ture is introduced into 30 parts by weight of water by means of an emulsifying machine (Ultra- turrax) and made into a ho-mogeneous emulsion. Dilution with water gives an emulsion. The composition has an active substance content of 25% by weight.

v) Suspensions (SC, OD, FS)

In an agitated ball mill, 20 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are comminuted with addition of 10 parts by weight of dispersants and wetting agents and 70 parts by weight of water or an organic solvent to give a fine active substance sus-pension. Dilution with water gives a stable suspension of the active substance. The active substance content in the composition is 20% by weight.

vi) Water-dispersible granules and water-soluble granules (WG, SG)

50 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are ground finely with addi-tion of 50 parts by weight of dispersants and wetting agents and prepared as water-dispersible or water-soluble granules by means of tech nical appliances (e. g. extrusion, spray tower, fluidized bed). Dilution with water gives a stable dispersion or solution of the active substance. The composition has an active substance content of 50% by weight.

vii) Water-dispersible powders and water-soluble powders (WP, SP, SS, WS)

75 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are ground in a rotor-stator mill with addition of 25 parts by weight of dispersants, wetting agents and silica gel. Dilution with water gives a stable dispersion or solu tion of the active substance. The active substance content of the composition is 75% by weight. viii) Gel (GF) In an agitated ball mill, 20 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are comminuted with addition of 10 parts by weight of dispersants, 1 part by weight of a gelling agent wetters and 70 parts by weight of wa ter or of an organic solvent to give a fine suspension of the active substance. Dilution with water gives a stable suspension of the active substance, whereby a composition with 20% (w/w) of active substance is obtained.

2. Composition types to be applied undiluted

ix) Dustable powders (DP, DS)

5 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are ground finely and mixed intimately with 95 parts by weight of finely divided kaolin. This gives a dustable compo-sition having an active substance content of 5% by weight.

x) Granules (GR, FG, GG, MG)

0.5 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one com pound (II) as described herein is ground finely and associ-ated with 99.5 parts by weight of car riers. Current methods are extrusion, spray-drying or the fluidized bed. This gives granules to be applied undiluted having an active sub-stance content of 0.5% by weight.

xi) ULV solutions (UL)

10 parts by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are dissolved in 90 parts by weight of an organic solvent, e. g. xylene. This gives a composition to be applied undiluted having an active substance content of 10% by weight.

The agrochemical formulations generally comprise between 0.01 and 95%, preferably between 0.1 and 90%, most preferably between 0.5 and 90%, by weight of active substances. composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein can be used as such or in the form of their compositions, e. g. in the form of directly sprayable solutions, powders, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oil dispersions, pastes, dustable products, materials for spreading, or granules, by means of spraying, atomizing, dust ing, spreading, brushing, immersing or pouring. The application forms depend entirely on the intended purposes; it is intended to ensure in each case the finest possible distribution of the compounds present in composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one com pound (II) as described herein.

Aqueous application forms can be prepared from emulsion concentrates, pastes or wettable powders (sprayable powders, oil dispersions) by adding water. To prepare emulsions, pastes or oil dispersions, the substances, as such or dissolved in an oil or solvent, can be homogenized in water by means of a wetter, tackifier, dispersant or emulsifier. Alternatively, it is possible to pre pare concentrates composed of active sub-stance, wetter, tackifier, dispersant or emulsifier and, if appropriate, solvent or oil, and such concentrates are suitable for dilution with water.

The active substance concentrations in the ready-to-use preparations can be varied within rela tively wide ranges. In general, they are from 0.0001 to 10%, preferably from 0.001 to 1% by weight of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as de scribed herein.

Composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein may also be used successfully in the ultra-low-volume process (ULV), it being possible to apply compositions comprising over 95% by weight of active substance, or even to apply the active substance without addi-tives.

Various types of oils, wetters, adjuvants, herbicides, fungicides, other pesticides, or bactericides may be added to the active compounds present in the composition comprising mefentriflucona zole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein, if appropriate not until immediately prior to use (tank mix). These agents can be admixed with composition comprising mefentriflu conazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein in a weight ratio of 1 : 100 to 100:1 , preferably 1 :10 to 10:1.

Compositions of this invention may also contain fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, urea, pot ash, and superphosphate, phytotoxicants and plant growth regulators and safeners. These may be used sequentially or in combination with the above-described compositions, if appropriate also added only immediately prior to use (tank mix). For example, the plant(s) may be sprayed with a composition of this invention either before or after being treated with the fertilizers.

Compositions are applied by treating the fungi or the plants, plant propagation materials (pref erably seeds), materials or soil to be protected from fungal attack with a pesticidally effective amount of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein. The application can be carried out both before and after the infection of the materials, plants or plant propagation materials (preferably seeds) by the pests.

In general, "pesticidally effective amount" means the amount of composition comprising mefen trifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein or of compositions compris ing composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein needed to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occur rence and activity of the target organism. The pesticidally effective amount can vary. A pesti cidally effective amount will also vary according to the prevailing conditions such as desired pesticidal effect and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application, and the like.

When preparing the compositions comprising composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein, it is preferred to employ the pure active compound, to which optionally further active compounds against pests, such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or else herbicidal or growth-regulating active compounds or fertilizers can be added as further active components according to need.

Preferably, composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein is employed by treating the fungi or the plants or soil to be protected from pes ticidal attack via foliar application with a pesticidally effective amount of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein. Also herein, the ap plication can be carried out both before and after the infection of the plants by the pests.

In the method of combating harmful fungi depending on the type of compound and the desired effect, the application rates of composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are from 0,1 g/ha to 10000 g/ha, preferably 2 g/ha to 2500 g/ha, more preferably from 5 to 1000 g/ha, most preferably from 10 to 750 g/ha, in particular from 20 to 700 g/ha.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein are used for the protection of the seed and the seedlings' roots and shoots, preferably the seeds as set forth above.

Compositions, which are especially useful for seed treatment are e.g.:

A Soluble concentrates (SL, LS)

D Emulsions (EW, EO, ES)

E Suspensions (SC, OD, FS)

F Water-dispersible granules and water-soluble granules (WG, SG)

G Water-dispersible powders and water-soluble powders (WP, SP, WS)

H Gel-Formulations (GF)

I Dustable powders (DP, DS)

These compositions can be applied to plant propagation materials, particularly seeds, diluted or undiluted. The compositions in question give, after two-to-tenfold dilution, active substance con centrations of from 0.01 to 60% by weight, prefer-ably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, in the ready- to-use preparations. Application can be carried out before or during sowing. Methods for apply ing or treating agrochemical compounds and compositions thereof, respectively, on to plant propagation material, especially seeds, are known in the art, and include dressing, coating, pel leting, dusting and soaking application methods of the propagation material (and also in furrow treatment). In a preferred embodiment, the compounds or the compositions thereof, respective ly, are applied on to the plant propagation material by a method such that germination is not induced, e. g. by seed dressing, pelleting, coating and dusting.

In the treatment of plant propagation material (preferably seed), the application rates of the in ventive mixture are generally for the formulated product (which usually comprises from10 to 750 g/l of the active(s)) .

The invention also relates to the propagation products of plants, and especially the seed com prising, that is, coated with and/or containing, a mixture as defined above or a composition con taining the mixture of two or more active ingredients or a mixture of two or more compositions each providing one of the active ingredients. The plant propagation material (preferably seed) comprises composition comprising mefentrifluconazole (I) and at least one compound (II) as described herein in an amount of from 0.1 g to 10 kg per 100 kg of plant propagation material (preferably seed), preferably 0.1 g to 1 kg per 100 kg of plant propagation mate rial (preferably seed).

The invention is further illustrated, but not limited by the following practical examples:

Experimental part

Greenhouse test

The compounds were dissolved in a mixture of acetone and/or dimethylsulfoxide and the wet ting agent/emulsifier Wettol, which is based on ethoxylated alkylphenoles, in a ratio (volume) solvent-emulsifier of 99 to 1 to give a total volume of 5 ml. Subsequently, water was added to total volume of 100 ml. This stock solution was then diluted with the described solvent- emulsifier-water mixture to the final concentration given in the table below.

Preventative fungicidal control of white mold on oilseed rape caused by (Sclerotinia scle- rotiorum (SCLESC K2)

Oilseed rapes were grown in pots to the 13 to 14 leaf stage. The rape petals were fixed wit 25mI of 2.5% methylcellulose on leaf 1 and 2. 25 mI of a spore suspension of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was pipetted on each fixed rape petal. The plants were transferred for 2 days in a greenhouse chamber at 20°C and a humidity of 60%. Then These plants were sprayed to run-off with previ ously described spray solution, containing the concentration of active ingredient or their mixture mentioned in the table below. The trial plants were immediately transferred in the greenhouse chamber again. After 14 days the extent of fungal attack on the leaves was visually assessed as % diseased leaf area.

Preventative fungicidal control of white mold on oilseed rape caused by (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SCLESC P3)

Oilseed rapes were grown in pots to the 13 to 14 leaf stage. These plants were sprayed to run off with previously described spray solution, containing the concentration of active ingredient or their mixture mentioned in the table below. The plants were allowed to air-dry. Three days later the applicated rape petals were fixed wit 25mI of 2.5% methylcellulose on leaf 1 and 2. 25 mI of a spore suspension of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was pipetted on each fixed rape petal. After 14 days at 20°C and a relative humidity of 60 % the extent of fungal attack on the leaves was visu ally assessed as % diseased leaf area.

The disease ratings were converted into efficacies. An efficacy of 0 means that the infection level of the treated plants corresponds to that of the untreated control plants; an efficacy of 100 means that the treated plants were not infected.

The expected efficacies of active compound mixtures were determined using Colby's formula [R.S. Colby,“Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations", Weeds 15, 20-22 (1967)] and compared with the observed efficacies. SCLESC K2

SCLESC P3

Field test

Activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the field testing

The trial was conducted under field conditions. Seeds of rape plants were planted and grown under standard conditions with adequate supply of water and nutrients. At the growth stage of 63-67, an application of the compounds was made once. No other compounds were applied for pathogen control. Infection with pathogens occurred naturally. The disease incidences were evaluated 56 days after the first application ( Sclesc ).

The diseases were converted into efficacies. An efficacy of 0 means that the infection level of the treated plants corresponds to that of the untreated control plants; an efficacy of 100 means that the treated plants were not infected.

The expected efficacies of active compound mixtures were determined using Colby's formula [R.S. Colby,“Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations", Weeds 15, 20-22 (1967)] and compared with the observed efficacies. Sclesc

Claims

1. A method for controlling a phythopatogenic fungi selected from Sclerotinia spp. in oilseed rape or canola comprising treating the plants, their seed or the soil with a fungicidally effective amount of a composition comprising

II) at least one compound (II) selected from the group comprising:

11-1 ) boscalid,

II-2) dimoxystrobin,

II-3) fenpropimorph,

II-4) fluxapyroxad,

II-5) inpyrfluxam,

II-6) isoflucypram,

II-7) kresoxym-methyl,

II-8) metyltetraprole,

II-9) quinofumelin,

11-10) pyraclostrobin,

11-1 1 ) 1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4, 4, 6-trifluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline,

11-12) 6-chloro-1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline,

11-13) 1 -(4, 5-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl-isoquinoline,

11-14) 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-methylbenzimidazol-1-yl)isoquinoline,

11-15) 1-(6-chloro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline,

11-16) 4, 4-difluoro-1-(6-fluoro-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline,

11-17) 4,4-difluoro-3,3-dimethyl-1-(6-methylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)- isoquinoline,

11-18) 1 -(6, 7-dimethylpyrazolo[1 ,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline and

11-19) 1 -(7, 8-dimethylimidazo[1 ,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-4,4-difluoro-3, 3-dimethyl- isoquinoline

and the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to the plants.

3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to the soil.

4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to the seed of plants.

5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the phythopatogenic fungi is Sclero tinia sclerotiorum.

6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition is applied in an amount from 5 g/ha to 2500 g/ha.

7. A method according to claim 4, wherein the composition is applied to seeds in an amount from 0.01 g to 10 kg per 100 kg.

8. Use of the compositions as defined in claim 1 to control phythopatogenic fungi selected from Sclerotinia spp. in oilseed rape or canola.

9. Use of claim 8, wherein the phythopatogenic fungi is Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.