GB2537606B

GB2537606B - A synergistic insecticidal composition

Info

Publication number: GB2537606B
Application number: GB1506515.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Bristow James
Original assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Co Ltd
Current assignee: Rotam Agrochem International Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-17
Filing date: 2015-04-17
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-17
Also published as: TW201701759A; CN107205388A; BR112017022297A8; BR112017022297A2; GB201506515D0; GB2537606A; CN107205388B; WO2016165640A1; TWI711376B

Description

A SYNERGISTIC INSECTICIDAL COMPOSITION

The present invention relates to a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising three components (A), (B) and (C) and to a process for preparing the insecticidal composition. The present invention is also related to a method to prevent, control and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding using the aforementioned three components, including by applying the synergistic insecticidal composition comprising the three components (A), (B) and (C).

Insect infestations represent a major threat to economically important agricultural crops. The yield of plants, for example, fruits, sugarcanes, citrus plants, coffee plants and vegetables are adversely impacted by insect attack.

Chemical control is an important way for preventing and controlling pests in agriculture. However, current agents show unsatisfactory effects to certain kinds of pests. Furthermore, many pests have developed resistance to commonly used pesticides due to a long term use of said pesticides. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new methods and pesticides to control these pests. Moreover, the environmental and economic requirements imposed on modern-day insecticides are continually increasing, with regard, for example, to the spectrum of action, toxicity, selectivity, application rate, formation of residues, and favorable preparation ability. Since there may be problems, for example, with resistances developing to known active compounds, a constant task is to develop new insecticide agents which in some areas at least have advantages over their known counterparts.

The term Spinosad denotes an insecticide consisting of two components, called spinosyns A and D. The spinosyns are produced by a soil bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa, belonging to the group Actinomycetes, a large group of gram-positive filamentous or branching bacilli, which has been under evaluation by the European Commission as a new active substance since 2000 with provisional approvals in the Netherlands, Spain and the UK.

Spinosad is an insecticide, used for the control of caterpillars, thrips, beetle and fly pests in a range of fruit and vegetable crops, ornamentals, turf, and stored grains. Spinosad has contact activity on all life stages of insects, including eggs, larvae and adults. Eggs must be sprayed directly but larvae and adults can be effectively dosed through contact with treated surfaces. Spinosad is most effective when ingested. Foliar applications are not highly systemic, although trans-laminar activity is evident in certain vegetable crops and ornamental plants. Spinosad acts by altering the function of nicotinic- and GABA-gated ion channels of insect nervous systems but it does not interact with known binding sites for other nicotinic- or GABA-agonistic insecticides. However, spinosad has limited effect on some kinds of pests. Furthermore, spinosad is not readily to be popularized and applied in large scale due to its very high price. Moreover, experience with the single active straight formulation insecticides worldwide indicates there is a high risk of development of resistant insect subpopulations. Resistance has been reported worldwide in an increasing number of insects of field crops, fruit, vegetable, and so on. As suggested, mixing spinosad with other insecticide classes can reduce the selection pressure towards resistance.

Enhancements on insecticidal agents and compositions have been achieved to improve control of insect pests and application practice to target crops as single or mixed pesticides. The judicious use of adopting strip application, spot application on areas with high insect incidence only and soil application to avoid direct contact with natural enemies and the use of selective and non-persistent agents increase environmental safety and lower incidence of insect resistance. In addition, the adoption of rotational application of insect control agents with different modes of action contributes to good pest management. Having an insecticidal composition with high synergistic action with no cross resistance to existing insecticide agents and with low environmental impact is desirable. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a composition, which is potent to insect attack, with physico compatible formulations stable in during storage, safely pack and in ready-to-use formulation.

The present invention relates to a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising at least components (A), (B) and (C). The active ingredient of component (A) is spinosad, while the active ingredient of component (B) is selected from abamectin or bifenthrin. The active ingredient of component (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron, with the proviso that the active ingredient of component (B) is not the same as that of component (C).

The present invention is also related to a method to control insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding by applying a synergistic insecticidal combination of the above components (A), (B) and (C) on the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.

The present invention is also directed to a process for making a synergistic insecticidal composition containing as (A) spinosad, (B) abamectin or bifenthrin and (C) at least one selected from a group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron.

The present invention is also related to a use of a synergistic insecticidal combination comprising the above components (A), (B) and (C) to prevent, control and/or treat insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.

The invention also relates to a plant treated with a composition or the components (A), (B) and (C) hereinbefore defined, either before infestation by an insect or treated to combat an existing insect infestation. "Plant" as used herein, refers to all plant and plant populations such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants. "Plant parts" as used herein, refers to all parts and organs of plants, such as shoot, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruit bodies, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and rhizomes. Harvested materials, and vegetative and generative propagation materials, for example, cutting, tubers, meristem tissue, rhizomes, offsets, seeds, single and multiple plant cells and any other plant tissues, are also included.

The word “surrounding” or “locus thereof refers to the place on which the plants are growing, the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants will be sown. “At least one” designates a number of the respective compounds of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more, preferably 1,2, or 3.

It has now surprisingly been found that when applying a combination of components (A), (B) and (C), for example as an insecticidal composition comprising the three components described above, on the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding, particularly on leguminous plants, fruits, vegetables and coffee, an excellent performance in preventing and treating insect infestations may be observed. The synergistic insecticidal combination is highly effective for the protection of the aforementioned crops from the insect attack.

The synergistic insecticidal combination is found to be highly active against a wide range of pests, i.e., aphids, armyworms, beetles, bollworm, budworms, pickleworm, burrowing bugs, borers, caterpillars, citrus orthezia, Great Southern White, leafhoppers, leafminers, loopers, millipedes, broad mites, moths, spider mites, stink bugs, thrips, weevils, whiteflies, worms, psylla. The present invention also demonstrates reduced application cost, increase crop yield and reduced environmental risk. It also delays the dominance of the resistant strains of pests, has a broader spectrum of activity and reduces risk of developing resistance.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing the synergistic insecticidal composition containing (A) spinosad, (B) abamectin or bifenthrin and (C) at least one selected from a group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron. The advantage of the process relates to the propagation part of plants and especially the seeds, as coated with and/or containing the synergistic composition of the (A) spinosad, (B) abamectin or bifenthrin and (C) at least one selected from a group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron.

In the method and use of the present invention, the components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied in any desired sequence, any combination, consecutively or simultaneously.

The component (A), spinosad, may be present in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from about 1% to about 80% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 5% to about 70% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 10% to about 60% by weight of the composition, most preferably from about 20% to about 55% by weight of the composition..

The component (B), abamectin or bifenthrin, may be present in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 70% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.1% to about 60% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 50% by weight of the composition, even more preferably from about 0.2% to about 40% by weight of the composition, still more preferably from about 0.2% to about 30% by weight of the composition, still more preferably from about 0.2% to about 20% by weight of the composition, most preferably from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight of the composition.

The component (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron may be present in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 80% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.5% to about 70% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 60% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 50% by weight of the composition, even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 40% by weight of the composition, still more preferably from about 0.5% to about 30% by weight of the composition, most preferably from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.

The components (A) and (B) may be present in the composition or applied in any amounts relative to each other, to provide the synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition independently is preferably in the range of from about 150:1 to about 1:150, 100:1 to about 1:100, about 80:1 to about 1:80, more preferably from about 60:1 to about 1:60 or about 40:1 to about 1:40, more preferably from 5:1 to 1:5, up to about 100:1, 80:1, 60:1,40:1, 20:1, 10:1, 5:1, 1:1.

The components (A) and (C) may be present in the composition or applied in any amounts relative to each other, to provide the synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio of the components (A) and (C) in the composition independently is preferably in the range of from 100:1 to about 1:100, about 80:1 to about 1:80, more preferably from about 60:1 to about 1:60 or about 50:1 to about 1:50 or about 40:1 to about 1:40 or from about 30:1 to about 1:30 or from about 20:1 to about 1:20 or from about 10:1 to about 1:10, lant populations such as desired and undesired wild plants or c

The components (A), (B) and (C) together may be present in the composition in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from about 5% to about 90% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 10% to about 85% by weight of the composition, more preferably from about 15% to about 75% by weight of the composition, still more preferably from about 20% to about 70% by weight of the composition, most preferably from about 25% to about 65% by weight of the composition.

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

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

The composition optionally includes one or more surfactants which are preferably non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic in nature and surfactant mixtures which have good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties, depending on the nature of the active compound to be formulated. Suitable surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available. Suitable anionic surfactants can be both so-called water-soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds. Soaps which may be used are the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or substituted or unsubstituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acid (C10-C22), for example the sodium or potassium salt of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures. The surfactant can be an emulsifier, dispersant or wetting agent of ionic or nonionic type. Examples which may be used are salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenylsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acids, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols, especially alkylphenols, sulphosuccinic ester salts, taurine derivatives, especially alkyltaurates, or phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated phenols or alcohols. The presence of at least one surfactant is generally required when the active compound and/or the inert carrier and/or auxiliary/adjuvant are insoluble in water and the vehicle for the final application of the composition is water.

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

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

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

Suitable organic solvents are selected from all customary organic solvents which thoroughly dissolve the active compounds employed. Again, suitable organic solvents for the active components (A), (B) and (C) are known in the art. The following may be mentioned as being preferred: N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone, cyclohexyl-1-pyrrolidone; or a mixture of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons, such as SOLVESSO®200. Suitable solvents are commercially available.

Suitable preservatives include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions of this type and again are well known in the art. Suitable examples that may be mentioned include PREVENTOL® (from Bayer AG) and PROXEL® (from Bayer AG).

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

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

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

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

Preferably, the combinations employed in the present invention or the compositions according to the present invention may comprise the following combination of components: (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Triflumuron; (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Acetamiprid; (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Abamectin; (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Abamectin + Thiodicarb; (A) Spinosad + (B) Abamectin + (C) Thiodicarb.

Each composition or combination of the present invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use for prevent and control insects example, but not limited to:

Worms, stink bugs, moths, Spodopteras spp., Helicoverpa spp., Heliots spp., aphids, thrips, leafminers, whiteflies, worms: Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Corn fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Pod army worm (Spodoptera latifascia), Leaf army worm (Spodoptera eridania), Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera); stink bugs: stink bug (Nezara viridula), stink bug (Euschistus heros), stink bug (Piezodorus guildinii), stink bug (Dichelops melancanthus); moths (including larvae): Bean shoot moth (Epinotia aporema), Velvetbean Caterpillar Moth (Anticarsia gemmatalis); whiteflies: whitefly (Mosca branca); aphids: Brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricida); thrips: Thrips palmi, Frankliniella brevicaulis, Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella insularis, Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella rodeos, Frankliniella schultzei, Frankliniella williamsi; leafminers: Lyriomyza (Liriomyza) huidobrensis, Lyriomyza sativae, Lyriomyza trifolii, Lyriomyza spp, Lyriomyza sativae, Lyriomyza trifolii, Leucoptera coffeella, Lyriomyza trifolii, Phyllocnistis citrella.

The composition of the present invention exhibits surprisingly high effectiveness in controlling insect infestations caused by

Worms (Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Corn fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Pod army worm (Spodoptera latifascia), Leaf army worm (Spodoptera eridania), Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)) on leguminous plants, for example soybean, dry bean, peanut;

Thrips (Thrips palmi, Frankliniella spp (Frankliniella brevicaulis, Frankliniella fusca, Frankliniella insularis, Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella rodeos, Frankliniella schultzei, Frankliniella williamsi)) on fruits and vegetables;

Leafminers (Lyriomyza huidobrensis, Lyriomyza sativae, Lyriomyza trifolii, Lyriomyza spp, Lyriomyza sativae, Lyriomyza trifolii, Leucoptera coffeella, Lyriomyza trifolii, Phyllocnistis citrella) on vegetables, fruits and coffee.

The method, use and composition according to the present invention are suitable for plants of the crops: cereals (wheat, barley, rye, oats, maize, rice, sorghum, triticale and related crops); fruit, such as pomes, stone fruit and soft fruit, such as apples, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, pistachio, cherries, and berries, for example strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, bell pepper, red pepper; leguminous plants (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans); oil plants (rape, mustard, sunflowers); cucurbitaceae (marrows, cucumbers, melons); fibre plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute); citrus, such as calamondin, citrus citron, citrus hybrids (includes chironja, tangelo, tangor), grapefruit, kumquat, lemon, lime, mandarin (tangerine), sour orange, sweet orange, pummelo, and satsuma mandarin; vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika); coffee; as well as ornamentals (flowers, such as rose, shrubs, broad-leaved trees and evergreens, such as conifers).

The method, use and composition of the present invention may be preferably applied on leguminous plants, vegetables, fruits, coffee. More preferably, the composition of the present invention is applied on soybean, dry bean, vegetables, fruits, citrus or coffee.

Each of the combinations or compositions can be applied to the foliage or fruit of the plant or surrounding.

The present invention also provides the use of the insecticidal composition according to the present invention for preventing, controlling and/or treating insect infestations in plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.

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

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

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

Examples of formulation types for the compositions are: a water-soluble concentrate (SL), an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), an emulsion (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil-based suspension concentrate (OD), a flowable suspension (FS), a water-dispersible granule (WG), a water-soluble granule (SG), a water-dispersible powder (WP), a water soluble powder (SP), a granule (GR), an encapsulated granule (CG), a fine granule (FG), a macrogranule (GG), an aqueous suspo-emulsion (SE), a microencapsulated suspension (CS), a microgranule (MG) or preferably a suspension concentrate (SC) and an emulstifiable concentrate (EC), a water-dispersible powder (WP), a water-dispersible granule (WG).

Using such formulations, either straight (that is undiluted) or diluted with a suitable solvent, especially water, plants, plant parts and/or the surrounding can be treated and protected against insects by spraying, pouring or immersing.

The formulations can be diluted with water, providing the application rate of from about 1 to about 1000 g total active ingredients per hectare, preferably from about 1 g to about 700 g total active ingredients per hectare (ha).

Preferably, the application rates of the preferred combinations of active components are as follows: from about 10 - 1000 g/ha of spinosad; from about 1- 500 g/ha of bifenthrin; from about 1 - 700 g/ha of abamectin; from about 1 - 500 g/ha of triflumuron; from about 1 - 500 g/ha of acetamiprid; from about 10 - 1000 g/ha of thiodicarb; more preferably, from about 100 - 800 g/ha of spinosad; from about 1 -100 g/ha of bifenthrin; from about 1-100 g/ha of abamectin; from about 1 -300 g/ha of triflumuron; from about 1 - 200 g/ha of acetamiprid; from about 10 -500 g/ha of thiodicarb.

The compositions or combinations comprising the active ingredients (A), (B) and (C) can be applied with any methods known in the art. These methods include coating, spraying, dipping, soaking, injection, irrigation etc.

The active components (A), (B) and (C) can be applied to the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding where control is desired either simultaneously or in succession at short intervals, for example on the same day. The components (A), (B) and (C) may be applied to the plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds), or surrounding in any order. Each component may be applied just once or a plurality of times. Preferably, each of the components (A), (B) and (C) are applied a plurality of times, in particular from 2 to 5 times.

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

In the event components (A), (B) and (C) are applied simultaneously in the present invention, they may be applied as a composition containing components (A), (B) and (C), in which case components (A), (B) and (C) can be obtained from a separate formulation source and mixed together (known as a tank-mix, ready-to-apply, spray broth, or slurry), optionally with other pesticides, or components (A), (B) and (C) can be obtained as a single formulation mixture source (known as a pre-mix, concentrate, formulated compound (or product)), and optionally mixed together with other pesticides.

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

Each composition according to the invention is especially advantageous for the treatment of plants.

The following examples are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation of the invention.

In the examples, percentages are weight percent, unless otherwise indicated.

FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Example 1

Water-dispersible granules (WG) were prepared by mixing finely ground active ingredients with auxiliaries (0.5% SUPRALATE® (sodium lauryl sulfate, Witco Inc., Greenwich), 5% REAX®88B (sodium lignosulfonate, Westvaco Corp), Potassium carbonate (balance to 100%)) and then extruded and dried in an airflow drier.

Spinosad 37.5%

Bifenthrin 0.5%

Triflumuron 15% SUPRA LATE® (sodium lauryl sulfate, Witco Inc., 0.5%

Greenwich) REAX®88B (sodium lignosulfonate, Westvaco Corp) 5%

Potassium carbonate 41.5%

Example 2

Aqueous suspension concentrates (SC) were prepared by mixing finely ground active ingredients with auxiliaries (10% Propylene glycol, 5% Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, 1% Sodium lignosulfonate, 1% Carboxymethylcellulose, 1% Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water), 0.1% Xanthan gum, 0.1% NIPACIDE® BIT 20, Water (Balance to 1L).

Spinosad 25%

Bifenthrin 1%

Abamectin 2%

Thiodicarb 20%

Propylene glycol 10%

Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 5%

Sodium lignosulfonate 1%

Carboxymethylcellulose 1 %

Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in 1% water)

Xanthan gum 0.1% NIPACIDE® BIT 20 0.1%

Water Balance to 1L

Example 3

Emulsifiable concentrates (EC) were prepared by mixing active ingredients with auxiliaries (50g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates, 1g Silicone oil, 300g N-methylpyrrolidone, SOLVESSO®200 (Balance to 1L).

Spinosad 375g

Bifenthrin 5g

Abamectin 10g

Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50g

Silicone oil 1g N-methylpyrrolidone 300g

SOLVESSO® 200 Balance to 1L

Example 4

Wettable powder (WP) were prepared by mixing finely ground active ingredients with auxiliaries (50g Dispersogen® 1494, Kaolin (balance to 1000g)) and then extruded and dried in an airflow drier.

Spinosad 250g

Bifenthrin 5g

Acetamiprid 50g

Dispersogen® 1494 (sodium salt of a cresol-formaldehyde ^0 9 condensation)

Kaolin Balance to 1000 g

Further formulations were prepared according to the methods recited in the above examples. The details of the formulations are summarized in the following table:

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES

Biological Example 1- Soybean - Worms

Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on healthy young soybean plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table A)

Biological Example 2- Soybean - Worms

Corn fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Pod army worm (Spodoptera latifascia), Leaf army worm (Spodoptera eridania) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on healthy young soybean plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table B)

Biological Example 3- Soybean - Stink bugs

Stink bugs (Nezara viridula and Piezodorus guildinii) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on healthy young soybean plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table C)

Biological Example 4 - Soybean - Moth larvae

Larva of bean shoot moth (Epinotia aporema) and velvetbean caterpillar moth (Anticarsia gemmatalis) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on healthy young soybean plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table D)

Biological Example 5 - Coffee - Leafminer (Leucoptera coffeella)

Leafminer (Leucoptera coffeella) was reared in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on healthy young coffee plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table E)

Biological Example 6 - Citrus - Brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricida), thrips (Frankliniella insularis) and Leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella)

Brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricida), thrips (Frankliniella insularis) and Leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella) was reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put on healthy young citrus plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table F)

Biological Examples 7 - Grape - Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella rodeos)

Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis, Frankliniella rodeos) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put separately on healthy young grape plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table G)

Biological Example 8 - Dry bean - Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)

Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put separately on healthy young dry bean plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table H)

Biological Example 9 - Potato - Leafminer (Lyriomyza huidobrensis, Lyriomyza sativae, Lyriomyza trifolii)

Leafminers (Lyriomyza huidobrensis, Lyriomyza sativae, Lyriomyza trifolii) were reared separately in the laboratory. The number of insect were counted, collected and then put separately on healthy young potato plants separately. Formulations were diluted and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 21-25 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 10 days, the remaining population was examined. (Table I)

Claims

1. An insecticidal composition comprising at least three different components selected from the groups (A) to (C), wherein groups consist of (A) spinosad, (B) abamectin or bifenthrin; and (C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron; with the proviso that the active ingredient of component (B) is not the same as that of component (C).

2. The composition according to claim 1, comprising the following combinations: (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Triflumuron; or (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Acetamiprid; or (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Abamectin; or (A) Spinosad + (B) Bifenthrin + (C) Abamectin + Thiodicarb; or (A) Spinosad + (B) Abamectin + (C) Thiodicarb.

3. The insecticidal composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amounts of the components (A), B and (C) in the composition are component (A) from 1% to 80% by weight, component (B) from 0.05 % to 70 % by weight component (C) from 0.5 % to 80 % by weight, based on the weight of the composition each.

4. The insecticidal composition according to claim 3, wherein the amounts of the components (A), B and (C) in the composition are component (A) from 20% to 55% by weight, component (B) from 0.2% to 10% by weight, component (C) from 1% to 20% by weight, based on the weight of the composition each.

5. The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of component (A) to component (B) is from 150:1 to 1:150.

6. The insecticidal composition according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of component (A) to component (B) is from 5:1 to 1:5.

7. The insecticidal composition according to any of the claims 5 or 6, wherein the ratio of component (A) to component (C) is from 100:1 to 1:100.

8. The insecticidal composition according to claim 7, wherein the ratio of component (A) to component (C) is from 2.5:1 to 1:2.5.

9. The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising herbicides, fungicides, additional insecticides, nematicides, growth factors and fertilizers.

10. The insecticidal composition according to any of the preceding claims further comprising auxiliaries, adjuvants or components, such as extender, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickeners, solid adherents and inert fillers.

11. A method for controlling insect infestation on plants, plant parts or a locus thereof comprising administering to said plants, plant parts or the locus thereof: (A) spinosad, (B) abamectin or bifenthrin; and (C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron; with the proviso that the active ingredient of component (B) is not the same as that of component (C).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pests to be controlled comprise aphids, armyworms, beetles, bollworm, budworms, pickleworm, burrowing bugs, borers, caterpillars, citrus orthezia, Great Southern White, leafhoppers, leafminers, loopers, millipedes, broad mites, moths, spider mites, stink bugs, thrips, weevils, whiteflies, worms, psylla.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the plants, plant parts or the locus thereof comprises cereals, fruits, leguminous plants, cucurbitaceae, fibre plants, citrus, vegetables, coffee, and ornamentals, preferably leguminous plants, fruits, vegetables and coffee.

14. The method according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein a composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 is employed.

15. The use of: (A) spinosad, (B) abamectin or bifenthrin; and (C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron for controlling insect infestation on plants, plant parts or the locus thereof; with the proviso that the active ingredient of component (B) is not the same as that of component (C).

16. The use according to claim 15, wherein a composition as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 is employed.

17. A method for preparing a composition according to any of the claims 1 to 10, comprising mixing: component (A) spinsoad with component (B) abamectin or bifenthrin and component (C) at least one compound selected from a group consisting of abamectin, acetamiprid, thiodicarb and triflumuron; with the proviso that the active ingredient of component (B) is not the same as that of component (C).