The invention relates to a composition comprising a complex, of a polycation and a bioactive ingredient. The invention further relates to a method for producing a composition according to the invention, and to the use of said composition. The invention additionally relates to a method of protecting a plant or soil, and to a method of preventing, reducing and/or eliminating the presence of a pathogen on a plant or in a soil, by contacting said plant or soil with a composition of the invention.

Disclosed is a formulation having at least two auxinic hormonal herbicides, normally used separately in applications to control a wide variety of broadleaf weeds, present in fields without cultivation, during chemical fallows, and in crops such as winter cereals, corn and sorghum, that together have a synergistic effect on weed control. This effect is even greater in the microemulsion formulation that includes at least the two active ingredients, if compared to the conventional tank mix, this greater efficiency being attributed to the chemical compatibility that exists in the ready mix achieved by the correct choice of emulsifiers to maintain active emulsion, physical compatibility that translates into greater biological efficacy. Preferably, the herbicidal composition has at least: (i) from 7.5% to 40% of 2,4-D in its acidic form; and (ii) from 1.2% to 35% of Dicamba in its acid formic as active ingredients, formulated together in a microemulsion type formulation.

Disclosed is a formulation having at least two auxinic hormonal herbicides, normally used separately in applications to control a wide variety of broadleaf weeds, present in fields without cultivation, during chemical fallows, and in crops such as winter cereals, corn and sorghum, that together have a synergistic effect on weed control. This effect is even greater in the microemulsion formulation that includes at least the two active ingredients, if compared to the conventional tank mix, this greater efficiency being attributed to the chemical compatibility that exists in the ready mix achieved by the correct choice of emulsifiers to maintain active emulsion, physical compatibility that translates into greater biological efficacy. Preferably, the herbicidal composition has at least: (i) from 7.5% to 40% of 2,4-D in its acidic form; and (ii) from 1.2% to 35% of Dicamba in its acid formic as active ingredients, formulated together in a microemulsion type formulation.

Herbicidal compositions for reducing off-site movement or drift of herbicides are described. The herbicidal compositions can include a drift retardant agent (DRA) along with at least one auxin herbicide and an emulsifying agent, such as an alkylpolysaccharide, a phosphate ester, an alkoxylated castor oil, or a combination thereof. Methods of making such composition are also described.

Herbicidal compositions for reducing off-site movement or drift of herbicides are described. The herbicidal compositions can include a drift retardant agent (DRA) along with at least one auxin herbicide and an emulsifying agent, such as an alkylpolysaccharide, a phosphate ester, an alkoxylated castor oil, or a combination thereof. Methods of making such composition are also described.

There is a need for a selective, low-risk herbicide that can be used to control weeds in cereal cultures and turf. The present invention discloses that a bacterial secondary metabolite, thaxtomin and optionally another herbicide is an effective herbicide on broadleaved, sedge and grass weeds. Thaxtomin A and structurally similar compounds can be used as natural herbicides to control the germination and growth of weeds in cereal, turf grass, Timothy grass and pasture grass cultures with no phytotoxicity to these crops. As a natural, non-toxic compound, thaxtomin can be used as a safe alternative for weed control in both conventional and organic farming and gardening systems.

There is a need for a selective, low-risk herbicide that can be used to control weeds in cereal cultures and turf. The present invention discloses that a bacterial secondary metabolite, thaxtomin and optionally another herbicide is an effective herbicide on broadleaved, sedge and grass weeds. Thaxtomin A and structurally similar compounds can be used as natural herbicides to control the germination and growth of weeds in cereal, turf grass, Timothy grass and pasture grass cultures with no phytotoxicity to these crops. As a natural, non-toxic compound, thaxtomin can be used as a safe alternative for weed control in both conventional and organic farming and gardening systems.

The invention relates to a method for fighting fungus-growing ants, and to a formicide composition capable of destroying specifically the colonies of fungus-growing ants. The invention also relates a kit for use with said method.

The invention relates to a method for fighting fungus-growing ants, and to a formicide composition capable of destroying specifically the colonies of fungus-growing ants. The invention also relates a kit for use with said method.

Provided is a plant disease control composition having a broad spectrum against various plant pathogens, and shows excellent controlling effects (synergistic controlling effects) which cannot be expected from a single component alone. The plant disease control composition includes (Group a) at least one quinoline compound represented by the formula:

##STR00001##

(wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2: an alkyl which may be substituted, an aryl which may be substituted, etc.; R.sup.3, R.sup.4: H, an alkyl which may be substituted, etc.; X: halogen, an alkyl which may be substituted, etc.; Y: halogen, alkyl, etc.; n: 0 to 4; m: 0 to 6) or a salt thereof, and at least one of fungicidal compounds selected from the group consisting of a Strobilurin series compound, a triazole series compound, etc., as effective ingredients.