AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE COMPOSITIONS

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising at least an auxin herbicide and a drift control agent. It relates more particularly to a concentrated blend of at least one water-soluble salt of an auxin herbicide and of a drift control agent.

Claims

1. A pesticide composition comprising, by total weight of the composition: a pesticide comprising at least one water-soluble salt of an auxin herbicide; greater than about 0.5 wt % of a drift control agent suspended in an aqueous liquid medium; and a suspending agent in an amount effective to impart shear thinning properties to the composition, the suspending agent comprising at least one hydrophobic silica.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the suspending agent comprises at least hydrophobic fumed silica.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the suspending agent comprises at least a hydrophobic fumed silica which has been hydrophobized by means of dimethyldichlorosilane.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises greater than about 0.5 wt % of hydrophobic silica, relative to the total weight of the composition.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises greater than about 5 wt % of an aqueous liquid medium, relative to the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition of claim 1 further comprising the presence of at least 300 g/L of water soluble salts.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least 300 g/L a.e. of the at least one water-soluble salt of the auxin herbicide.

8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the pesticide comprises a dicamba salt, wherein the salt is N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, dimethylamine, isopropylamine, dimethylethanolamine, diglycolamine, potassium, choline, or sodium.

9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the pesticide comprises dicamba diglycolamine salt or dicamba N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt.

10. The composition of claim 1 wherein the drift control agent is a water-soluble polymer.

11. The composition of claim 1 wherein the drift control agent comprises a guar derivative, the guar derivative comprising cationic guar, carboxymethyl guar (CM guar), hydroxyethyl guar (HE guar), hydroxypropyl guar (HP guar), carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (CMHP guar), hydrophobically modified guar (HM guar), hydrophobically modified carboxymethyl guar (HMCM guar), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl guar (HMHE guar), hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar (HMHP guar), cationic hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar (cationic HMHP guar), hydrophobically modified carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (HMCMHP guar), hydrophobically modified cationic guar (HM cationic guar), guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride, or hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride.

12. The composition of claim 1 wherein the drift control agent is native guar, polyacrylamide, a cationic hydroxypropyl guar, a cationic guar, or a combination thereof.

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the drift control agent is a fatty deposition control agent.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a hydration inhibitor component.

15. The composition of claim 13, wherein said hydration inhibitor component comprises propylene glycol or poly(ethylene glycol).

16. The composition of claim 13, wherein the hydration inhibitor component further comprises choline chloride.

17. The composition of claim 1 further comprising one or more surfactants.

18. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition exhibits a viscosity of less than 10 Pa.Math.s at a shear rate of greater than or equal to 10 s.sup.1.

19. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition comprises greater than about 1 wt % of the drift control agent suspended in the aqueous liquid medium.

20. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition exhibits: (a) a viscosity of greater than or equal to 5 Pa.Math.s at a shear rate of less than 0.01 s.sup.1, and (b) a viscosity of less than 5 Pa.Math.s at a shear rate of greater than 10 s.sup.1.

21. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition is free or substantially free of ammonium-containing water conditioning agent.

Description

EXAMPLES

Example 1 and Comparative Example C1

[0238] The composition of Example 1 was an aqueous herbicide composition that contained a pesticide (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba), a polyethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol 400), a salt (Choline Chloride), a water soluble polysaccharide polymer (non-derivatized guar) and a suspending agent (hydrophobic fumed silica). The composition of Comparative Example 1 was analogous to that of Example 1, but with another suspending agent (hydrophilic fumed silica).

[0239] The compositions were prepared as follows. During all the preparation, the medium was stirred using an inox deflocculating blade (diameter 35 mm) at a speed of 700 rpm. 81.28% wt. Engenia (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba, 600 g/L a.e. BASF) were introduced in a plastic beaker. 0.01% wt. preservative (Kathon CG, Dow) were added, followed by 2.33% wt. Choline Chloride salt (Alfa Aesar) and 9.35% wt. polyethylene glycol (Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow). Then 2.03% wt. suspending agent (Aerosil R974 Evonik DeGussa) were slowly added (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was then left for 3 hours under stirring (700 rpm). Then 5% wt. non-derivatized guar gum (having a weight average molecular weight of about 2,000,000 g/mol) were slowly introduced (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was then left for 1 hour under stirring (700 rpm). The comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same fashion of Example 1.

[0240] The stability of each of the compositions was evaluated by allowing a sample of the composition to sit undisturbed in a 100 milliLiter (mL) glass vial under hot conditions (54 C., oven) and visually observing the composition to detect viscosity increase and/or separation of the components of the composition due to gravity. Separation of the components of the composition and significant viscosity increase were taken as evidence of instability. Compositions that did not exhibit separation within a given period of time were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Compositions that are easily pourable were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Comparative example C1 was not stable as it was not pourable after 2 weeks at 54 C. Example 1 was stable and showed no evidence of viscosity increase and precipitation or separation into layers for 2 weeks at 54 C.

[0241] The viscosity of each of the compositions was measured at room temperature using a Brookfield LV viscometer equipped with a SP62 spindle or SSA Low volume, SC4-21 spindle at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0242] Samples of the compositions of Example 1 and comparative Example 1 were diluted with water CIPAC D (342 ppm) at 30 C.

[0243] The materials and their relative amounts used to make the compositions of Examples 1 and C1 are set forth in Table I below and the stability and dilution results for Example 1 and Comparative Example C1 are set forth in Table I-A below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Concentrated aqueous BAPMA Dicamba herbicide compositions. EX 1 CEX1 Materials % wt. % wt. Aqueous solution of 81.28 81.28 N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba (Engenia) Preservative (Kathon CG, Dow)) 0.01 0.02 Choline chloride (Alfa Aesar) 2.33 2.34 Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow 9.35 9.31 suspending agent 2.03 (Aerosil R974 , Evonik DeGussa) suspending agent 2.05 (Aerosil 200, Evonik DeGussa) Non-derivatized guar (Solvay) 5.00 5.00

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE I-A EX1 CEX1 Before storage Viscosity 500 cP (SP62) 300 cP (Brookfield LV, (SSA Low @RT) volume, SC4-21) Dilution Acceptable Acceptable (1% in CIPAC dispersibility dispersibility D 30 C.) 2 h After storage Aspect Stable Non stable 54 C. 2 weeks (very difficult to pour) Viscosity 720 cP gel - not (Brookfield LV, measured 20 rpm, SP62 @RT) RT = Room Temperature

Example 2 and Comparative Example C2

[0244] The composition of Example 2 was an aqueous herbicide composition that contained a pesticide (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba), polyethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol 400), a salt (Choline Chloride), a water soluble polyacrylamide polymer and a suspending agent (hydrophobic fumed silica). The composition of Comparative Example 2 was analogous to that of Example 2, but with another suspending agent (hydrophilic fumed silica).

[0245] The compositions were prepared as follows. During all the preparation, the medium was stirred using an inox deflocculating blade (diameter 35 mm) at a speed of 800 rpm. 84.69% wt. Engenia (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba, 600 g/L a.e. BAS) were introduced in aplastic beaker. 0.1% wt. preservative (Kathon CG, Dow) were added, followed by 2.43% wt. Choline Chloride salt (Alfa Aesar) and 9.75% wt. polyethylene glycol (Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow). Then 2.12% wt. suspending agent (Aerosil R974, Evonik DeGussa) were slowly added (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was then left for 3 hours under stirring (800 rpm). Then 1.00% wt. partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide HPAM (Flopaam 3330S, SNF) were slowly introduced (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was then left for 1 hour under stirring (800 rpm) followed by 2 minutes of UltraTurrax (IKA T25 basic, 13500 rpm, 12.7 mm rotor diameter). The comparative Example 2 was prepared in the same fashion of Example 2.

[0246] The stability of each of the compositions was evaluated by allowing a sample of the composition to sit undisturbed in a 100 milliLiter (mL) glass vial under hot conditions (54 C., oven) and visually observing the composition to detect viscosity increase and/or separation of the components of the composition due to gravity. Separation of the components of the composition and significant viscosity increase were taken as evidence of instability. Compositions that did not exhibit separation within a given period of time were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Compositions that are easily pourable were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Comparative example C2 was not stable as it was not pourable after 2 weeks at 54 C. Example 2 was stable and showed no evidence of viscosity increase and precipitation or separation into layers for 2 weeks at 54 C.

[0247] The viscosity of each of the compositions was measured at room temperature using a Brookfield LV viscometer equipped with a SSA Low volume, SC4-21 spindle at 5 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0248] The materials and their relative amounts used to make the compositions of Examples 2 and C2 are set forth in Table I below and the stability results for Example 2 and Comparative Example C2 are set forth in Table I-A below.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE II Concentrated aqueous BAPMA Dicamba herbicide compositions. EX 2 CEX2 Materials % wt. % wt. Aqueous solution of 84.69 84.61 N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba (Engenia) Preservative (Kathon CG, Dow)) 0.01 0.02 Choline chloride (Alfa Aesar) 2.43 2.43 Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow 9.75 9.69 suspending agent 2.12 (Aerosil R974 , Evonik DeGussa) suspending agent 2.14 (Aerosil 200, Evonik DeGussa) Co-polymer of acrylamide and acrylate 1.00 1.11 (Flopaam 3330S, SNF)

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE II-A EX 2 CEX2 Before storage Viscosity 300 cP Viscosity > (Brookfield LV, 5,000 cP SSA low volume, 5 rpm, SC4-21 @RT) After storage Aspect Stable Not stable (gel) 54 C. 2 weeks Viscosity 110 cP (Brookfield LV, SSA low volume, 5 rpm, SC4-21 @RT) RT = Room Temperature

Example 3 and Comparative Example C3

[0249] The composition of Example 3 was an aqueous herbicide composition that contained a pesticide (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba), a fatty drift control agent and a suspending agent (hydrophobic fumed silica). The composition of Comparative Example 3 was analogous to that of Example 3, but with another suspending agent (hydrophilic fumed silica).

[0250] The composition of the fatty drift control agent was prepared as follows. Fatty drift control agent was made by blending 85% wt. fatty deposition control agent (Soybean oil) and 15% wt. surfactant (an ethoxylated fatty acid, Alkamuls VO/2003, Solvay).

[0251] The compositions were prepared as follows. During all the preparation, the medium was stirred using an inox deflocculating blade (diameter 35 mm) at a speed of 800 rpm. 82.99% wt. Engenia (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba, 600 g/L a.e. BASF) were introduced in a plastic beaker. 0.02% wt. preservative (Kathon CG, Dow) were added. Then 1.98% wt. suspending agent (Aerosil R974, Evonik DeGussa) were slowly added (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was homogeneized during 2 minutes 30 s with UltraTurrax (IKA T25 basic, 13500 rpm, 12.7 mm rotor diameter) and with stirring during 2 hours (800 rpm). Then 15.01% wt. fatty drift control agent were slowly introduced. The formulation was then left for 1.5 hours under stirring (800 rpm).

[0252] The comparative Example 3 was prepared in the same fashion of Example 3.

[0253] The stability of each of the compositions was evaluated by allowing a sample of the composition to sit undisturbed in a 100 milliLiter (mL) glass vial under hot conditions (54 C., oven) and visually observing the composition to detect viscosity increase and/or separation of the components of the composition due to gravity. Separation of the components of the composition and significant viscosity increase were taken as evidence of instability.

[0254] Compositions that did not exhibit separation within a given period of time were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Compositions that are easily pourable were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Comparative example C3 was not stable as it was not pourable after 2 weeks at 54 C. Example 3 was stable and showed no evidence of viscosity increase and precipitation or separation into layers for 2 weeks at 54 C.

[0255] The viscosity of each of the compositions was measured at room temperature using a Brookfield LV viscometer equipped with a SSA Low volume, SC4-28 spindle at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0256] The materials and their relative amounts used to make the compositions of Examples 3 and C3 are set forth in Table III below and the stability results for Example 3 and Comparative Example C3 are set forth in Table III-A below.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE III Concentrated aqueous BAPMA Dicamba herbicide compositions. EX 3 CEX3 Materials % wt. % wt. Aqueous solution of 82.99 82.85 N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba (Engenia) Preservative (Kathon CG, Dow)) 0.02 0.04 suspending agent 1.98 (Aerosil R974 , Evonik DeGussa) suspending agent 2.08 (Aerosil 200, Evonik DeGussa) fatty drift control agent (Solvay) 15.01 15.03

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE III-A EX 3 CEX3 Before storage Viscosity RT 1700 cP 4600 cP (Brookfield LV, SSA low volume SC4-28) After storage Aspect Stable Not stable 54 C. 2 weeks 20% bottom syneresis Viscosity RT 1630 cP (Brookfield LV, SSA low volume SC4-28) RT = Room Temperature

Example 1 and Comparative Example C4

[0257] The composition of Example 1 was an aqueous herbicide composition that contained a pesticide (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba), polyethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol 400), a salt (Choline Chloride), a water soluble polysaccharide polymer (non-derivatized guar) and a suspending agent (hydrophobic fumed silica). The composition of Comparative Example 4 was analogous to that of Example 1, but with another suspending agent (Xanthan gum).

[0258] The composition of the Comparative Example C4 was prepared as follows. During all the preparation, the medium was stirred using an inox deflocculating blade (diameter 35 mm) at a speed of 700 rpm. 94.81% wt. Engenia (N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba, 600 g/L a.e. BASF) were introduced in a plastic beaker. 0.06% wt. preservative (Kathon CG, Dow) were added. Then 0.10% wt. suspending agent (Xanthan Gum, Rhodopol 23, Solvay) were slowly added (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was then left for 3 hours under stirring (700 rpm). Then 5.03% wt. non-derivatized guar gum (having a weight average molecular weight of about 2,000,000 g/mol) were slowly introduced (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was then left for 1 hour under stirring (700 rpm).

[0259] The stability of each of the compositions was evaluated by allowing a sample of the composition to sit undisturbed in a 100 milliLiter (mL) glass vial under hot conditions (54 C., oven) and visually observing the composition to detect viscosity increase and/or separation of the components of the composition due to gravity. Separation of the components of the composition and significant viscosity increase were taken as evidence of instability. Compositions that did not exhibit separation within a given period of time were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Compositions that are easily pourable were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Comparative example C4 was not stable as two phases appeared after 4 days at 54 C. Example 1 was stable and showed no evidence of viscosity increase and precipitation or separation into layers for 2 weeks at 54 C.

[0260] The viscosity of each of the compositions was measured at room temperature using a Brookfield LV viscometer equipped with a SP62 spindle at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0261] Samples of the compositions of Example 1 were diluted with water CIPAC D (342 ppm) at 30 C.

[0262] The materials and their relative amounts used to make the compositions of Examples 1 and C4 are set forth in Table IV below and the stability and dilution results for Example 1 and Comparative Example C4 are set forth in Table IV-A below.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE IV Concentrated aqueous BAPMA Dicamba herbicide compositions. EX1 CEX4 Materials % wt. % wt. Aqueous solution of 81.28 94.81 N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine salt of Dicamba (Engenia) Preservative (Kathon CG, Dow)) 0.01 0.06 Choline chloride (Alfa Aesar) 2.33 Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow 9.35 suspending agent 2.03 (Aerosil R974 , Evonik DeGussa) suspending agent 0.10 (Rhodopol 23, Solvay) Non-derivatized guar (Solvay) 5.00 5.03

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE IV-A EX1 CEX4 Before storage Viscosity 500 cP 780 cP (Brookfield LV, 20 rpm, SP62 @RT) Dilution Acceptable Acceptable (1% in CIPAC D dispersibility dispersibility 30 C.) 2 h After storage Aspect 2 weeks: Stable 4 days: 25% top separation 54 C. Viscosity 2 weeks: 720 cP (Brookfield LV, 20 rpm, SP62 @RT) RT = Room Temperature

Drift Measurements

[0263] The aqueous spray compositions of Example 1 and Engenia were made by diluting compositions Example 1 and Engenia (BAS) in 342 ppm hardness CIPAC water to provide dilute aqueous mixtures containing the relative amount of the respective compositions Example 1 and Engenia as percent by weight of the dilute composition in Table V below.

[0264] The dilute aqueous compositions thus obtained were sprayed through a single flat fan nozzle AI11003-VS at a pressure of 40 psi in a flow-controlled hood (speed 1.6 mph) and the droplet size distribution was measured perpendicular to the plane pf spray pattern and 12 inches below the nozzle tip. A Sympatec Laser HELOS-VARIO/KR multi range (Sympatec GmbH, Germany) was used to measure the spray droplets using a R7 lens.

[0265] Two parameters V<150 (% of volume of spray droplets of less than 150 microns (i.e., representative of driftable fines)) and VMD (Volume Median Diameter (defined as the droplet size below which 50% volume of spray is contained)) are reported in the Table V.

[0266] The spray compositions of Example 1 exhibited a smaller amount of small size spray droplets that are very susceptible to spray drift, i.e. below 150 m in size, compared to respective analogous compositions of Engenia.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE V g/L a.e. ppm non- Dicamba derivatized V < in dilute guar in dilute 150 m VMD composition composition (%) (m) 0.8% wt. Engenia 4.80 0 10.97 425.47 1% wt. Engenia 6.00 0 11.01 425.04 1% wt. Example 1 4.87 500 4.88 646.77 1.2% wt. Example 1 5.85 600 4.15 680.72

Example 5

[0267] The composition of Example 5 was an aqueous herbicide composition that contained a pesticide (Diglycolamine salt of Dicamba), a water soluble polysaccharide polymer (non-derivatized guar) and a suspending agent (hydrophobic fumed silica).

[0268] SL DGA Dicamba was prepared as follows.

Preparation of Diluted Solution of DGA:

[0269] 41.8% wt. deionized water were introduced in a glass bottle of 500 mL. 58.2% wt. DGA (DiGlycolAmine, 98%, Merck) were added into the water. The solution was stirred (magnetic stirrer, 700 rpm) during 45 min.

Preparation of SL DGA Dicamba:

[0270] 43.1% wt. diluted solution of DGA were introduced in a glass bottle of 1 L. 55.9% wt. acid dicamba (92.5% active content) were added slowly under magnetic stirring (400 rpm), followed by addition of 1.00% wt. water. The mixture is stirred during 1 hour at 700 rpm (targeted value of pH: 6).

[0271] The composition was prepared as follows. During all the preparation, the medium was stirred using an inox deflocculating blade (diameter 35 mm) at a speed of 700 rpm. 75.4% wt. Diglycolamine salt of Dicamba were introduced in a plastic beaker. 0.01% wt. preservative (Kathon CG, Dow) were added, followed by 2.3% wt. Choline Chloride salt (Alfa Aesar) and 9.3% wt. of polyethylene glycol (Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow). Then 2.0% wt. suspending agent (Aerosil R974, Evonik DeGussa) were slowly added. The formulation was left for 3 hours under stirring (700 rpm). Then 5% wt. non-derivatized guar gum (having a weight average molecular weight of about 2,000,000 g/mol) were slowly introduced (gentle sprinkling using a spatula) followed by addition of 6% wt. water. The formulation was then left for 1 hour under stirring (700 rpm).

[0272] The stability of the composition was evaluated by allowing a sample of the composition to sit undisturbed in a 100 milliLiter (mL) glass vial under hot conditions (54 C., oven) and visually observing the composition to detect viscosity increase and/or separation of the components of the composition due to gravity. Separation of the components of the composition and significant viscosity increase were taken as evidence of instability. Compositions that did not exhibit separation within a given period of time were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Compositions that are easily pourable were characterized as being stable for that period of time.

[0273] Example 5 was stable and showed no evidence of viscosity increase nor precipitation or phase separation after 2 weeks at room temperature (little phase separation was observed after 2 weeks at 54 C. Sample was easy to re-homogenize).

[0274] The viscosity of the Example 5 was measured at room temperature using a Brookfield LV viscometer equipped with a SP62 spindle or SSA Low volume, SC4-21 spindle at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0275] Samples of the composition of Example 5 was diluted with water CIPAC D (342 ppm) at 30 C.

[0276] The materials and their relative amounts used to make the composition of Example 5 are set forth in Table VI below and the stability and dilution results for Example 5 a are set forth in Table VI-A below.

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE VI Concentrated aqueous DGA Dicamba herbicide compositions EX 5 Materials % wt. Aqueous solution of Diglycolamine 75.4 salt of Dicamba (SL DGA Dicamba) Preservative (Kathon CG, Dow)) 0.01 Choline chloride (Alfa Aesar) 2.3 Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow 9.3 suspending agent 2.0 (Aerosil R974, Evonik DeGussa) Non-derivatized guar (Solvay) 5.0 deionized water 6.0

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE VI-A EX 5 Before storage Viscosity 520 cp (Brookfield LV, @RT) Dilution (1% in CIPAC acceptable D 30 C.) 2 h dispersibility After storage Aspect stable, little 54 C. 2 weeks phase separation, easy to re-homogenize Viscosity 550 cp (Brookfield LV, 20 rpm, SP62 @RT) RT = Room Temperature

Drift Measurements

[0277] The aqueous spray compositions of Example 5 and reference (Aqueous solution of Diglycolamine salt of Dicamba) were made by diluting compositions Example 5 and reference (Aqueous solution of Diglycolamine salt of Dicamba) in 342 ppm hardness CIPAC water to provide dilute aqueous mixtures containing the relative amount of the respective compositions Example 5 and reference (Aqueous solution of Diglycolamine salt of Dicamba) as percent by weight of the dilute composition in Table VII below.

[0278] The dilute aqueous compositions thus obtained were sprayed through a single flat fan nozzle AI11003-VS at a pressure of 40 psi in a flow-controlled hood (speed 1.6 mph) and the droplet size distribution was measured perpendicular to the plane pf spray pattern and 12 inches below the nozzle tip. A Sympatec Laser HELOS-VARIO/KR multi range (Sympatec GmbH, Germany) was used to measure the spray droplets using a R7 lens.

[0279] Two parameters V<150 (% of volume of spray droplets of less than 150 microns (i.e., representative of driftable fines)) and VMD (Volume Median Diameter (defined as the droplet size below which 50% volume of spray is contained)) are reported in the Table VII.

[0280] The spray compositions of Example 5 exhibited a smaller amount of small size spray droplets that are very susceptible to spray drift, i.e. below 150 m in size, compared to respective analogous compositions of reference (Aqueous solution of Diglycolamine salt of Dicamba)

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE VII ppm non- derivatized V < guar in dilute 150 m VMD composition (%) (m) 1.5% wt. Example 5 750 4.7 630.2 1.2% wt. reference 0 11.6 422.9 (Aqueous solution of Diglycolamine salt of Dicamba)

Example 6

[0281] The composition of Example 6 was an aqueous herbicide composition that contained a pesticide (DMA salt of 2,4D), a water soluble polysaccharide polymer (non-derivatized guar) and a suspending agent (hydrophobic fumed silica).

[0282] The composition was prepared as follows. During all the preparation, the medium was stirred using an inox deflocculating blade (diameter 35 mm) at a speed of 300 rpm. 79.3% wt. DMA salt of 2,4D were introduced in a plastic beaker. 0.01% wt. preservative (Kathon CG, Dow) were added, followed by 2.3% wt. Choline Chloride salt (Alfa Aesar), 2.1% wt. Soprophor TSP/461 and 9.3% wt. of polyethylene glycol (Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow).

[0283] Then 2.0% wt. suspending agent (Aerosil R974, Evonik DeGussa) were slowly added. The formulation was left for 3 hours under stirring (700 rpm). Then 5% wt. non-derivatized guar gum (having a weight average molecular weight of about 2,000,000 g/mol) were slowly introduced (gentle sprinkling using a spatula). The formulation was then left for 1 hour under stirring (300 rpm).

[0284] The stability of the composition was evaluated by allowing a sample of the composition to sit undisturbed in a 100 milliLiter (mL) glass vial under hot conditions (54 C., oven) and visually observing the composition to detect viscosity increase and/or separation of the components of the composition due to gravity. Separation of the components of the composition and significant viscosity increase were taken as evidence of instability. Compositions that did not exhibit separation within a given period of time were characterized as being stable for that period of time. Compositions that are easily pourable were characterized as being stable for that period of time.

[0285] Example 6 was stable and showed no evidence of viscosity increase nor precipitation or phase separation for 2 weeks at 54 C.

[0286] The viscosity of the Example 6 was measured at room temperature using a Brookfield LV viscometer equipped with a SP62 spindle or SSA Low volume, SC4-21 spindle at 20 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0287] Samples of the composition of Example 6 was diluted with water CIPAC D (342 ppm) at 30 C.

[0288] The materials and their relative amounts used to make the composition of Example 6 are set forth in Table VIII below and the stability and dilution results for Example 6 a are set forth in Table VIII-A below.

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE VIII Concentrated aqueous 2,4D herbicide compositions EX 6 Materials % wt. Aqueous solution of DMA salt of 2,4D 79.39 Preservative (Kathon CG, Dow)) 0.01 Choline chloride (Alfa Aesar) 2.3 Carbowax PEG 400 E, Dow 9.3 suspending agent 2.0 (Aerosil R974, Evonik DeGussa) SoprophorTSP/461 2.1 Non-derivatized guar (Solvay) 5.0

TABLE-US-00014 TABLE VIII-A EX 6 Before storage Viscosity 750 cp (Brookfield LV, @RT) Dilution (1% in CIPAC acceptable D 30 C.) 2 h dispersibility After storage Aspect Stable 54 C. 2 weeks Viscosity 510 cP (Brookfield LV, 20 rpm, SP62 @RT) RT = Room Temperature

Drift Measurements

[0289] The aqueous spray compositions of Example 6 and reference (Aqueous solution of DMA salt of 2,4D) were made by diluting compositions Example 6 and reference (Aqueous solution of DMA salt of 2,4D) in 342 ppm hardness CIPAC water to provide dilute aqueous mixtures containing the relative amount of the respective compositions Example 6 and reference (Aqueous solution of DMA salt of 2,4D) as percent by weight of the dilute composition in Table IX below.

[0290] The dilute aqueous compositions thus obtained were sprayed through a single flat fan nozzle AI11003-VS at a pressure of 40 psi in a flow-controlled hood (speed 1.6 mph) and the droplet size distribution was measured perpendicular to the plane pf spray pattern and 12 inches below the nozzle tip. A Sympatec Laser HELOS-VARIO/KR multi range (Sympatec GmbH, Germany) was used to measure the spray droplets using a R7 lens.

[0291] Two parameters V<150 (% of volume of spray droplets of less than 150 microns (i.e., representative of driftable fines)) and VMD (Volume Median Diameter (defined as the droplet size below which 50% volume of spray is contained)) are reported in the Table IX.

[0292] The spray compositions of Example 6 exhibited a smaller amount of small size spray droplets that are very susceptible to spray drift, i.e. below 150 m in size, compared to respective analogous compositions of reference (Aqueous solution of DMA salt of 2,4D).

TABLE-US-00015 TABLE IX ppm non- derivatized V < guar in dilute 150 m VMD composition (%) (m) 1.23% wt. Example 6 615 5.8 558.4 1.00% wt. reference 0 7.3 472.2 (Aqueous solution of DMA salt of 2,4D).