The present invention provides cyclic depsipeptide compounds of formula (I) and compositions comprising the compounds that are effective against parasites that harm animals, including humans. The compounds and compositions may be used for combating parasites in or on animals including mammals and birds. The invention also provides for an improved method for eradicating, controlling and preventing parasite infestation in animals, including birds and mammals.

Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all geometric and stereoisomers, N oxides, and salts thereof, wherein A, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3 and R.sup.2 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

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A pyridine-based compound containing an isoxazoline ring represented by Formula 1 or an agrochemically acceptable salt thereof can be used as a herbicide. A method of preparing the pyridine-based compound containing an isoxazoline ring represented by Formula 1 includes reacting a compound represented by Formula 2 with a compound represented by Formula 3.

The use of a compound of the general formula (I) with the following definitions: R.sup.1 hydrogen, OH, NH.sub.2, C.sub.1-30-hydrocarbon residue which can contain one to three halogen atoms and/or one to six heteroatoms, selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 independently hydrogen, C.sub.1-12-hydrocarbon residue which can contain one or two halogen atoms and/or one to three heteroatoms, selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, it also being possible for R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 to be covalently linked to form a 5- to 8-membered heterocyclic ring, which can contain 1 or 2 halogen atoms and/or one to three further heteroatoms in addition to the heteroatoms N and O already part of the heterocyclic ring, R.sub.4 independently hydrogen, halogen, NO.sub.2, C.sub.1-12-hydrocarbon residue which can contain one or two halogen atoms and/or one to three heteroatoms, selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, n 0; 1; 2 or 3, 86 as plant growth promotor.

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The use of a compound of the general formula (I) with the following definitions: R.sup.1 hydrogen, OH, NH.sub.2, C.sub.1-30-hydrocarbon residue which can contain one to three halogen atoms and/or one to six heteroatoms, selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 independently hydrogen, C.sub.1-12-hydrocarbon residue which can contain one or two halogen atoms and/or one to three heteroatoms, selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, it also being possible for R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 to be covalently linked to form a 5- to 8-membered heterocyclic ring, which can contain 1 or 2 halogen atoms and/or one to three further heteroatoms in addition to the heteroatoms N and O already part of the heterocyclic ring, R.sub.4 independently hydrogen, halogen, NO.sub.2, C.sub.1-12-hydrocarbon residue which can contain one or two halogen atoms and/or one to three heteroatoms, selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, n 0; 1; 2 or 3, 86 as plant growth promotor.

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Cyclic depsipeptide compounds of formula (I) and compositions comprising the compounds are provided that are effective against parasites that harm animals, including humans. The compounds and compositions may be used for combating parasites in or on animals including mammals and birds. Also provided are improved methods for eradicating, controlling and preventing parasite infestation in animals, including birds and mammals.

Cyclic depsipeptide compounds of formula (I) and compositions comprising the compounds are provided that are effective against parasites that harm animals, including humans. The compounds and compositions may be used for combating parasites in or on animals including mammals and birds. Also provided are improved methods for eradicating, controlling and preventing parasite infestation in animals, including birds and mammals.

The present invention provides a novel agricultural and horticultural fungicide composition including prumycin and a surfactin family member as active components and a plant disease controlling method. As the surfactin, surfactin and [Ile.sup.7]surfactin are preferred. The present invention provides a practically useful agricultural and horticultural fungicide composition having a high effect and excellent storage stability, which composition further comprises calcium chloride so as to remarkably improve the storage stability thereof.

The present invention provides a novel agricultural and horticultural fungicide composition including prumycin and a surfactin family member as active components and a plant disease controlling method. As the surfactin, surfactin and [Ile.sup.7]surfactin are preferred. The present invention provides a practically useful agricultural and horticultural fungicide composition having a high effect and excellent storage stability, which composition further comprises calcium chloride so as to remarkably improve the storage stability thereof.

The present invention relates to novel herbicidally effective fused 3-phenyltetramic acid derivatives according to the general formula (I) or agrochemically acceptable salts thereof,

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and to the use of these compounds for controlling weeds and weed grasses in crops of useful plants.