Composition comprising a biological control agent and an insecticide

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and/or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against nematodes, insects and/or phytopathogens, and at least one insecticide (I) selected from the group consisting of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activators, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers and ryanodine receptor modulators in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising said composition and the use of said composition.

Claims

1. A composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and at least one insecticide (I) selected from the group consisting of (a) an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor which is Thiodicarb, (b) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist selected from the group consisting of Clothianidin and Thiacloprid, (c) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator selected from the group consisting of Spinetoram and Spinosad, and (d) a ryanodine receptor modulator selected from the group consisting of Chlorantraniliprole and Cyantraniliprole, in a synergistically effective amount.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide (I) is Clothianidin.

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide (I) is Thiodicarb.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide (I) is Chlorantraniliprole.

5. The composition according to claim 1 additionally comprising at least one auxiliary selected from the group consisting of extenders, solvents, spontaneity promoters, carriers, emulsifiers, dispersants, frost protectants, thickeners and adjuvants.

6. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550).

7. A method of controlling insects in the soil surrounding a plant comprising applying an effective amount of the composition according to claim 1 to said soil.

8. A seed treated with a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and at least one insecticide (I) selected from the group consisting of (a) an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor which is Thiodicarb, (b) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist selected from the group consisting of Clothianidin and Thiacloprid, (c) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator selected from the group consisting of Spinetoram and Spinosad, and (d) a ryanodine receptor modulator selected from the group consisting of Chlorantraniliprole and Cyantraniliprole, in a synergistically effective amount.

9. The seed according to claim 8, wherein the insecticide (I) is Clothianidin.

10. The seed according to claim 9, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550).

11. A kit of parts comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and at least one insecticide (I) selected from the group consisting of (a) an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor which is Thiodicarb, (b) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist selected from the group consisting of Clothianidin and Thiacloprid, (c) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator selected from the group consisting of Spinetoram and Spinosad, and (d) a ryanodine receptor modulator selected from the group consisting of Chlorantraniliprole and Cyantraniliprole, in a synergistically effective amount in a spatially separated arrangement.

12. A method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects and/or mites comprising the step of simultaneously or sequentially applying at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitans CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and at least one insecticide (I) selected from the group consisting of (a) an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor which is Thiodicarb, (b) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist selected from the group consisting of Clothianidin and Thiacloprid, (c) a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric activator selected from the group consisting of Spinetoram and Spinosad, and (d) a ryanodine receptor modulator selected from the group consisting of Chlorantraniliprole and Cyantraniliprole, on the plant, plant parts, harvested fruits, vegetables and/or plant's locus of growth in a synergistically effective amount.

Description

EXAMPLE A

Phaedon cochleariae—Spray Test

(1) Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight of acetone 1.5 parts by weight of dimethylformamide Emulsifier: alkylaryl polyglycol ether

(2) To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvents and is diluted with water, containing an emulsifier concentration of 1000 ppm, to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier containing water to the desired concentration. Further test concentrations are prepared by dilution with emulsifier containing water.

(3) Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) leaf-disks are sprayed with a preparation of the active ingredient of the desired concentration. Once dry, the leaf disks are infested with mustard beetle larvae (Phaedon cochleariae).

(4) After the specified period of time, mortality in % is determined. 100% means all beetle larvae have been killed and 0% means none of the beetle larvae have been killed. The mortality values determined thus are recalculated using the Colby-formula (see sheet 1).

(5) According to the present application in this test e.g. the following combinations show a synergistic effect in comparison to the single compounds:

(6) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A-1 Phaedon cochleariae - test Concentration/ Application rate Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 2.sup.d BioAct WG Paecilomyces 2500 0 lilacinus strain 251 2000 0 (BioAct, 1 × 10.sup.10 spores/g) Contans WG Coniothyrium 2000 0 minitans (1 × 10.sup.9 spores/g) Cyantraniliprole 4 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + 2000 + 4 100 0 Cyantraniliprole (500:1) according to the invention obs.* cal.** Contans WG + 2000 + 4 100 0 Cyantraniliprole (500:1) according to the invention

(7) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE A-2 Phaedon cochleariae - test Concentration/ Application rate Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 6.sup.d BioAct WG Paecilomyces 2500 0 lilacinus strain 251 2000 0 (BioAct, 1 × 1010 spores/g) Contans WG Coniothyrium 2000 0 minitans (1 × 10.sup.9 spores/g) Chlorantraniliprole 0.8 33 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + 2000 + 0.8 67 33 Chlorantraniliprole (2500:1) according to the invention Cyantraniliprole 0.8 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + 2000 + 0.8 100   0 Cyantraniliprole (2500:1) according to the invention obs.* cal.** Contans WG + 2000 + 0.8 83  0 Cyantraniliprole (2500:1) according to the invention Methiocarb 10 50 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Methiocarb 2500 + 10  83 50 (250:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

Example B

Spodoptera frugiperda—Spray Test

(8) Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight acetone 1.5 parts by weight dimethylformamide Emulsifier: alkylaryl polyglycol ether

(9) To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvents and is diluted with water, containing an emulsifier concentration of 1000 ppm, to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier containing water to the desired concentration. Further test concentrations are prepared by dilution with emulsifier containing water.

(10) Maize (Zea mais) leaf sections are sprayed with a preparation of the active ingredient of the desired concentration. Once dry, the leaf sections are infested with fall armyworm larvae (Spodoptera frugiperda).

(11) After the specified period of time, mortality in % is determined. 100% means all caterpillars have been killed and 0% means none of the caterpillars have been killed. The mortality values determined thus are recalculated using the Colby-formula (see sheet 1).

(12) According to the present application in this test e.g. the following combinations show a synergistic effect in comparison to the single compounds:

(13) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE B-1 Spodoptera frugiperda - test Concentration/ Application rate Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 2.sup.d BioAct WG Paecilomyces 4000 0 lilacinus strain 251 (BioAct, 1 × 10.sup.10 spores/g) Contans WG Coniothyrium 4000 0 minitans 2500 0 (1 × 10.sup.9 spores/g) Chlorantraniliprole 0.8 67 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + 2000 + 0.8 100 67 Chlorantraniliprole (2500:1) according to the invention obs.* cal.** Contans WG + 2000 + 0.8 100 67 Chlorantraniliprole (2500:1) according to the invention Spinetoram 0.08 67 obs.* cal.** Contans WG + Spinetoram  2500 + 0.08 100 67 (31250:1) according to the invention Spinosad 4 50 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Spinosad 2000 + 4    83 50 (500:1) according to the invention Thiodicarb 7.5 67 3.75 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Thiodicarb  4000 + 3.75  50  0 (1066.67:1) according to the invention Contans WG + Thiodicarb obs.* cal.** (533.33:1) 4000 + 7.5 100 67 (1066.67:1)  4000 + 3.75  50  0 according to the invention

(14) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE B-2 Spodoptera frugiperda - test Concentration/ Application rate Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 6.sup.d BioAct WG Paecilomyces 4000 0 lilacinus strain 251 2000 0 (BioAct, 1 × 1010 spores/g) Contans WG Coniothyrium 4000 0 minitans 2000 0 (1 × 10.sup.9 spores/g) Clothianidin 20 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Clothianidin 2000 + 20   100  0 (100:1) according to the invention Chlorantraniliprole 0.16 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + 2000 + 0.16 33 0 Chlorantraniliprole (12500:1) according to the invention obs.* cal.** Contans WG + 2000 + 0.16 67 0 Chlorantraniliprole (12500:1) according to the invention Spinetoram 0.032 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Spinetoram  2000 + 0.032 67 0 (62500:1) according to the invention Spinosad 0.8 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Spinosad 2000 + 0.8  33 0 (2500:1) according to the invention Thiodicarb 3.75 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Thiodicarb 4000 + 3.75 67 0 (1066.67:1) according to the invention obs.* cal.** Contans WG + Thiodicarb 4000 + 3.75 67 0 (1066.67:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

Example C

Myzus persicae—Spray Test

(15) Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight acetone 1.5 parts by weight dimethylformamide Emulsifier: alkylaryl polyglycol ether

(16) To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvents and is diluted with water, containing an emulsifier concentration of 1000 ppm, to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier containing water to the desired concentration. Further test concentrations are prepared by dilution with emulsifier containing water.

(17) Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) leaf-disks infected with all instars of the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) are sprayed with a preparation of the active ingredient of the desired concentration.

(18) After the specified period of time, mortality in % is determined. 100% means all aphids have been killed; 0% means none of the aphids have been killed. The mortality values determined thus are recalculated using the Colby-formula (see sheet 1).

(19) According to the present application in this test e.g. the following combinations show a synergistic effect in comparison to the single compounds:

(20) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE C Myzus persicae - test Concentration/ Application rate Active Ingredient in g ai/ha Efficacy in % after 1.sup.d BioAct WG aecilomyces 2000 0 lilacinus strain 251 (BioAct, 1 × 1010 spores/g) Thiacloprid 4 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Thiacloprid 2000 + 4   90 0 (500:1) according to the invention Thiamethoxam 0.8 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Thiamethoxam 2000 + 0.8 70 0 (2500:1) according to the invention

Example D

Tetranychus urticae—Spray Test, OP-Resistant

(21) Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight acetone 1.5 parts by weight dimethylformamide Emulsifier: alkylaryl polyglycol ether

(22) To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvents and is diluted with water, containing an emulsifier concentration of 1000 ppm, to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier containing water to the desired concentration. Further test concentrations are prepared by dilution with emulsifier containing water.

(23) French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) which are heavily infested with all stages of the two spotted spidermite (Tetranychus urticae), are sprayed with a preparation of the active ingredient of the desired concentration.

(24) After the specified period of time, mortality in % is determined. 100% means all spider mites have been killed and 0% means none of the spider mites have been killed. The mortality values determined thus are recalculated using the Colby-formula (see sheet 1).

(25) According to the present application in this test e.g. the following combinations show a synergistic effect in comparison to the single compounds:

(26) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE D-1 Tetranychus urticae - test Concentration/ Application rate Active Ingredient in g ai/ha Efficacy in % after 2.sup.d Contans WG Coniothyrium 2500 0 minitans 2000 0 (1 × 10.sup.9 spores/g) Spinetoram 0.4 0 obs.* cal.** Contans WG + Spinetoram 2500 + 0.4 70 0 (6.250:1) according to the invention Thiacloprid 20 40 obs.* cal.** Contans WG + Thiacloprid 2000 + 20  80 40 (100:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

(27) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE D-2 Tetranychus urticae - test Concentration/ Application rate Active Ingredient in g ai/ha Efficacy in % after 6.sup.d BioAct WG Paecilomyces 2000 0 lilacinus strain 251 (BioAct, 1 × 1010 spores/g) Contans WG Coniothyrium 2500 0 minitans (1 × 10.sup.9 spores/g) Spinetoram 0.08 0 obs.* cal.** Contans WG + Spinetoram 2500 + 0.08 70 0 (31.250:1) according to the invention Spinosad 20 0 obs.* cal.** BioAct WG + Spinosad 2000 + 20   90 0 (100:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula