AN AGRICULTURAL ADJUVANT

Abstract

An agricultural adjuvant including at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition, the oil including blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil. The agricultural adjuvant also includes at least one anionic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, and at least one pH adjuster. The agricultural adjuvant may also include water and/or additives. The agricultural adjuvant may be provided as a stable concentrate form and a stable diluted form which is an emulsion Methods of manufacturing the agricultural adjuvant, uses thereof, and agricultural compositions including the agricultural adjuvant are also included.

Claims

1. An agricultural adjuvant comprising: black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil; at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, amine (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonate, and triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonates; at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of a natural and/or synthetic (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) alkoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22), propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22), ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, straight chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides, branched chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides; and alkoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, alkoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, and combinations thereof; at least one pH adjuster; and water from 51 to about 80 wt. %.

2. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 1, wherein the black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil comprises at least two selected from the group consisting of delphinidin-3-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, myricetin-3-rutinoside, myricetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, dihydroquercetin, aureusidin, 1-p-coumaroyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, 1-cinnamoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

3. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 2, wherein the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition further includes a natural oil composition of vegetable origin and is from a gymnosperm, preferably the gymnosperm.

4. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 1, further comprising at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ethoxylated ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl sulfates, lauryl ether polyethoxylated sodium sulfate, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl phosphate esters, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated phosphate esters, xylene sulfonate salts, cumene sulfonate salts, and combinations thereof.

5. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 4, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant comprises dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and sodium laurel ether sulphate (SLES).

6. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 1, wherein the non-ionic surfactant comprises secondary alcohol (C.sub.11-C.sub.15) ethoxylates.

7. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 1, wherein the pH adjuster include a basic and/or an acidic compound.

8. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 7, wherein the pH adjuster includes sodium hydroxide and/or citric acid monohydrate.

9. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 1, further comprising kumquat (Citrus japonica) oil wherein the kumquat oil comprises at least two selected from the group consisting of limonene (preferably d-limonene), alpha-pinene, bergamotene caryophllene, α-humulene, α-muurolene, isopropyl propanoate, terpinyl acetate, carvone, citronellal, 2-methylundecanal, nerol and trans-linalool oxide.

10. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 1, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of preservatives, clarifiers, anti-freezing agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidifiers, chelates, complexing agents, dyes, rheology modifiers, antifoams, anti-drift and solvents, and combinations thereof.

11. The agricultural adjuvant of claim 1 wherein: the black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil present in an amount of between 1 wt. % to 20 wt. %; the at least one anionic surfactant present in an amount of between 2 wt. % to 60 wt. %; the at least one nonionic surfactant present in an amount of between 2 wt. % to 20 wt. %; and the at least one pH adjuster present in an amount of between 1 wt. % to 10 wt. %, wherein the wt. % is a total for the adjuvant; and wherein the at least one anionic surfactant includes dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and sodium laurel ether sulphate (SLES); and wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant includes secondary alcohol (C.sub.11-C.sub.15) ethoxylates; and wherein the pH adjuster includes sodium hydroxide and/or citric acid monohydrate.

12. An agricultural composition comprising: black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil; at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of: (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, amine (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonate, and triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonates; at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of: natural and/or synthetic (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) alkoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, straight chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides, branched chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides; and alkoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, alkoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, and combinations thereof; at least one pH adjuster; and water from 51 to about 80 wt. %.

13. The agricultural composition of claim 12, wherein the black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil comprises at least two selected from the group consisting of delphinidin-3-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, myricetin-3-rutinoside, myricetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, dihydroquercetin, aureusidin, 1-p-coumaroyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, 1-cinnamoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

14. The agricultural composition of claim 13, wherein the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition further includes a natural oil composition of vegetable origin and is from a gymnosperm, preferably the gymnosperm.

15. The agricultural composition of claim 12, further comprising at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of: (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ethoxylated ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl sulfates, lauryl ether polyethoxylated sodium sulfate, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl phosphate esters, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated phosphate esters, xylene sulfonate salts, cumene sulfonate salts, and combinations thereof.

16. The agricultural composition of claim 15, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant comprises dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and sodium laurel ether sulphate (SLES).

17. The agricultural composition of claim 12, wherein the non-ionic surfactant comprises secondary alcohol (C.sub.11-C.sub.15) ethoxylates.

18. The agricultural composition of claim 12, wherein the pH adjuster include a basic and/or an acid compound, preferably the pH adjuster is at least one selected from the group consisting of: gluconic acid, barium carbonate, calcium chlorate, chlorous acid, sodium salt, hydrobromic acid, tricalcium citrate, and citric acid.

19. The agricultural composition of claim 18, wherein the pH adjuster includes sodium hydroxide and/or citric acid monohydrate.

20. The agricultural composition of claim 12, further comprising kumquat (Citrus japonica) oil wherein the kumquat oil comprises at least two selected from the group consisting of: limonene (preferably d-limonene), alpha-pinene, bergamotene, caryophllene, α-humulene, α-muurolene, isopropyl propanoate, terpinyl acetate, carvone, citronellal, 2-methylundecanal, nerol and trans-linalool oxide.

21. The agricultural composition of claim 12, wherein said composition provides a pesticidal agricultural composition.

22. The agricultural composition of claim 12, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of: preservatives, clarifiers, anti-freezing agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidifiers, chelates, complexing agents, dyes, rheology modifiers, antifoams, anti-drift and solvents, and combinations thereof.

23. The agricultural composition of claim 12 wherein: the black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil present in an amount of between 1 wt. % to 20 wt. %; the at least one anionic surfactant present in an amount of between 2 wt. % to 60 wt. %; the at least one nonionic surfactant present in an amount of between 2 wt. % to 20 wt. %; and the at least one pH adjuster present in an amount of between 1 wt. % to 10 wt. %, wherein the wt. % is a total for the adjuvant; and wherein the at least one anionic surfactant includes dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and sodium laurel ether sulphate (SLES); and wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant includes secondary alcohol (C.sub.11-C.sub.15) ethoxylates; and wherein the pH adjuster includes sodium hydroxide and/or citric acid monohydrate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0100] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0101] FIG. 1 shows a time-dependent sessile contact angle development on the adaxial side of wheat during the first 60 seconds after droplet application for WETCIT® 0.1% and ORO-368 0.1 and 0.05% in water (w/v). Water was used as a control. Symbols represent mean values and error bars illustrate the standard deviation, n≥10.

[0102] FIG. 2 shows a time-dependent sessile contact angle development on the abaxial side of wheat during the first 60 seconds after droplet application for WETCIT® 0.1% and ORO-368 0.1% and 0.05% in water (w/v). Water was used as a control. Symbols represent mean values and error bars illustrate the standard deviation, n≥10.

[0103] FIG. 3 shows results from a covered leaf area in mm.sup.2 of 3 μL volume surfactant droplets. Comparison between adaxial (black) and abaxial side (grey) of Triticum aestivum leaves. Water was used as a control. Bars represent mean values and error bars illustrate the standard deviation, n≥10, paired samples from contact angle experiments.

[0104] FIG. 4 shows a comparison of freshly settled droplets (3 μl volume) and droplet residue after water evaporation of the surfactant solutions on adaxial Triticum aestivum leaves.

[0105] FIG. 5 shows a dominant surface structures of parafilm are absent (higher magnification (A), lower magnification (B)).

[0106] FIG. 6 shows a comparison of surface microstructures of the adaxial (left) and the abaxial (right) side of Triticum aestivum. Magnification increases from top to bottom. Non-glandular trichomes were orientated in parallel on both sides of the leaf (A and B). Surface structures on these trichomes reveal no wax crystals in a higher magnification (C and D). Epicuticular wax crystals are also present on both leaf sides (E and F).

[0107] FIG. 7 shows droplet residues of WETCIT® 0.1% (A and B) and ORO-368 0.1% (C and D) solutions in water (w/v) on Triticum aestivum leaves. Magnification increases from left to right.

[0108] FIG. 8 shows spreading properties of the adjuvant according to this disclosure ORO 368 compared to known adjuvants such as COC, MSO and NIS.

[0109] FIG. 9 shows efficacy and crop selectivity of ORO 368 were conducted in a tank mix against Septoria tritici in wheat.

[0110] FIG. 10 shows efficacy trials with an herbicide in maize and unwanted plants/weeds.

[0111] FIG. 11 shows efficacy trials with an herbicide in maize and unwanted plants/weeds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0112] The content of the Summary above is fully repeated herein by way of reference and to avoid unnecessary repetition. However, non-limiting aspects of the disclosure are provided here to include an agricultural adjuvant and/or agricultural composition, a method for manufacturing the aforementioned, and its use are described herein.

[0113] Providing safe and effective adjuvants having low flashpoints, exhibiting stability in a concentrate and dilute form, not being harmful to soil, seed, or plant matter (or additionally and/or alternatively not being biochemically and/or physiologically active) remains a challenging endeavor. Further, providing adjuvants that in use are effectively retained onto plant matter and provide in use effective spreading and/or wetting and/or penetration characteristics remains a challenging endeavor. Slight variations to adjuvant formulations may have major disadvantageous impacts on the physico-chemical properties thereof and may make same wholly unsuitable for use in agriculture. Further, providing agricultural adjuvants that provide molecules with particle sizes that are small enough to ensure efficient uptake into and through a plant whilst is another challenge.

[0114] Typically, agricultural adjuvants are tank mixed and sprayed onto a plant surface. High efficiency spray retention of the adjuvant onto the plant surface is required for maximizing delivery of active ingredients in agrochemicals including active ingredients present in insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, desiccants, defoliants, acaricides, nutrients, miticides, bactericides, biocides, ovicides, nematicides, insect growth regulators, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and/or crop protection agrochemicals and combinations thereof.

[0115] Increasing the retention of adjuvant on a plant/seed/soil surface increases the amount of active ingredient potentially available for reaching a biological site of action. Retention may be understood as the overall capture of spray droplets by a plant and determines the amount of active ingredient on a plant and therefore possibly available to the plant. Retention is dependent on a complex interfacial interaction of adjuvant spray droplets and the plant surface itself. Factors considered to be important for adjuvant spray liquid adhesion and retention include: (i) physico-chemical properties of the agricultural adjuvant concentrate form and therefore also its diluted form sprayed as a solution from a tank mix; (ii) diameter spectra and impaction velocity of adjuvant spray droplets; and (iii) characteristics of plant surface, shape and orientation of the target leaves and density of plant canopy.

[0116] For plants, wettability of the leaf surface is typically governed by surface roughness caused by different microstructures (for example trichomes, cuticular folds and wax crystals), together with the hydrophobic properties of the epicuticular wax. Hydrophobicity of epicuticular wax and the microstructures can efficiently reduce the deposition and retention of adjuvant spray droplets by increasing contact angles and reducing contact area with plant leaf surface.

[0117] The physico-chemical properties, which are complex, of the adjuvant is the most important factor determining the outcome of the interaction between plant surface and spray solutions. Consequently, the different chemical components and their interactions together as part of an agricultural adjuvant are important considerations. Predicting physico-chemical properties of an agricultural adjuvant from its various chemical components is not readily possible. Further, predicting physiological and/or biochemical interactions is a near impossibility.

[0118] There is a need for new and innovative agricultural adjuvants which are effective, not biochemically and/or physiologically active on their own in soil or plant matter (or are not harmful to plants), are environmentally friendly, and provide advantageous physico-chemical properties. There is further a general need to at least ameliorate the disadvantages known in the prior art.

[0119] To at least ameliorate the disadvantage of the prior art, and in accordance with a first aspect of this disclosure there is provided an agricultural adjuvant.

[0120] The agricultural adjuvant comprises at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition, at least one anionic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, and at least one pH adjuster. Without being limited to theory, the Applicant believes that the unique chemical composition of the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition provides means to overcome the disadvantages seen in the prior art. Further, the unique chemical composition of the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition together with the remaining essential elements further assists in overcoming the prior art disadvantages.

[0121] The at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition may be a natural oil composition, preferably the natural oil composition may be of vegetable origin. The natural oil of vegetable origin may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising, an essential oil, an edible oil, an oil extracted from a plant, an oil extracted from a part of a plant, an oil extracted from a tree, an oil extracted from a shrub, an oil extracted from a leaf, an oil extracted from a flower, an oil extracted from a grass, an oil extracted from a plant fluid, an oil extracted from an herb, an oil extracted from a fruit, an oil extracted from a seed, a mixture of oils and combinations thereof.

[0122] The plant, or part of a plant, from which the natural oil of vegetable origin is extracted may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: angiosperms and/or gymnosperms. The angiosperms may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, grapefruit, cherries, blueberries, pomegranate, raspberries, cranberries, black elderberries, black currants, plums, blackberries, strawberries, apricots, spinach, onions, shallots, potatoes, olives, artichoke, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, cereals, wheat, rye, and oat, soybeans, black beans, white beans, chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, flaxseed, coffee, tea, sesame, cocoa, capers, saffron, oregano, rosemary, cloves, peppermint, star anise, celery, sage, spearmint, thyme, basil, ginger, cumin, and cinnamon. The gymnosperms may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: conifers, cycads, ginko and gnetophytes.

[0123] The agricultural adjuvant wherein the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: flavonoids including anthocyanins, chalcones, dihydrochalcones, flavanols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, and isoflavanoids; lignans; stilbenes; and phenolic acids including hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, hydroxyphenylacetic acid, hydroxyphenylpropanoic acid, hydroxyphenylpentanoic acid.

[0124] The agricultural adjuvant composition wherein the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: fatty acids including omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acids; linoleic acid, terpenes, tocopherols, phytosterols, policosanols ranging from n-20:0-n-30:0 and 2-hydroxy fatty acids.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition includes black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil, and/or may include black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil to the exclusion of others. The black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil may include polyphenols including, but not limited to, anthocyanins and flavonoids. The black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil may include at least one of the following polyphenols: delphinidin-3-rutinoside, delphinidin glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, myricetin-3-rutinoside, myricetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, dihydroquercetin, aureusidin, 1-p-coumaroyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, 1-cinnamoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

[0126] In certain embodiments the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition includes flavonoids belong to one of two classes: the anthocyanin class or the proanthocyanidin class, for example, but not limited to: delphinidine-3-glucoside, delphinidine-3-rutinoside, cyanidine-3-glucoside, and cyanidine-3-rutinoside, high-molecular-weight galactans.

[0127] The at least one anionic surfactant may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, amine (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ethoxylated ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl sulfates, lauryl ether polyethoxylated sodium sulfate, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl phosphate esters, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated phosphate esters, xylene sulfonate salts, cumene sulfonate salts, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure the at least one anionic surfactant comprises dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and/or sodium laurel ether sulphate (SLES).

[0128] The at least one nonionic surfactant may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: natural and/or synthetic (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) alkoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, straight chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides, branched chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides; and alkoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, alkoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure the non-ionic surfactant comprises secondary alcohol (C.sub.11-C.sub.15) ethoxylates.

[0129] The pH adjuster may include a basic and/or an acid compound. In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure the pH adjuster may include sodium hydroxide and/or citric acid monohydrate. The pH adjuster provides for an agricultural adjuvant which does not precipitate out of solution in its concentrate form, and provides for a pH buffered range when the adjuvant is diluted in a tank mix prior to application. Different soils and/or plants require a different pH for optimal delivery of an active ingredient. Further different active ingredients require different pH values for effective delivery or to prevent unwanted chemical side reactions which would render the active ingredient useful. Providing a pH buffered range between about pH 4 and about pH 8 from a single adjuvant allows great flexibility in use. The buffered pH range also allows the agricultural adjuvant to be compatible with a host of different agrochemicals when in use.

[0130] The agricultural adjuvant may further comprise a diluent, typically water. The agricultural adjuvant may further comprise an additive and may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: preservatives, clarifiers, anti-freezing agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidifiers, chelates, complexing agents, dyes, rheology modifiers, antifoams, anti-drift and solvents, and combinations thereof. The example embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise water as a diluent and/or other additives of about 2 wt. % to about 80 wt. % (or any value therebetween) of the water and/or other additives. This embodiment may still provide the liquid agricultural adjuvant in concentrate form. All ranges presented in this disclosure include the minimum and the maximum presented in said range and includes any value between the minimum and maximum.

[0131] The anti-oxidant is typically butyl hydroxy toluene. The stabilizer is typically urea. The preservative is typically 2-phenoxy ethanol and 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.

[0132] The agricultural adjuvant of the first aspect of this disclosure may further include at least one of, but not limited to, the following group: insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, desiccants, defoliants, acaricides, nutrients, miticides, bactericides, biocides, ovicides, nematicides, insect growth regulators, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and combinations thereof.

[0133] The agricultural adjuvant of the fifth aspect of the invention may further include an essential oil and may be kumquat (Citrus japonica) oil. Kumquat oil may comprise at least one of, but not limited to, the following group: limonene (preferably d-limonene), alpha-pinene, bergamotene, caryophllene, α-humulene, α-muurolene, isopropyl propanoate, terpinyl acetate, carvone, citronellal, 2-methylundecanal, nerol and trans-linalool oxide.

[0134] The agricultural adjuvant of the first aspect of the disclosure may be formulated as a concentrate form (despite including a wt. % of water diluent). The concentrate form of the agricultural adjuvant of the first aspect of the disclosure may be further diluted prior to application and/or use on or to soil, seed, plant or crop. Both the concentrate form and diluted form may provide a stable emulsion.

[0135] In a further example embodiment of the disclosure there is provided an agricultural adjuvant comprising:

[0136] at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition present in an amount of between about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, preferably between about 2 wt. % and about 10 wt. %, further preferably between about 5 wt. % and about 8 wt. %;

[0137] at least one anionic surfactant present in an amount of between about 2 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, preferably between about 10 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, further preferably between about 20 wt. % and about 30 wt. %;

[0138] at least one nonionic surfactant present in an amount of between about 2 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, preferably between about 5 wt. % and about 10 wt. %, further preferably between about 7 wt. % and about 8 wt. %; and

[0139] at least one pH adjuster present in an amount of between about 1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, preferably between about 1 wt. % and about 5 wt. %, further preferably between about 1 wt. % and about 2 wt. %;

[0140] wherein the wt. % is a total for the adjuvant; and [0141] wherein the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition may be a natural oil composition of vegetable origin selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, grapefruit, cherries, blueberries, pomegranate, raspberries, cranberries, black elderberries, black currants, plums, blackberries, strawberries, apricots, spinach, onions, shallots, potatoes, olives, artichoke, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, cereals, wheat, rye, and oat, soybeans, black beans, white beans, chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, flaxseed, coffee, tea, sesame, cocoa, capers, saffron, oregano, rosemary, cloves, peppermint, star anise, celery, sage, spearmint, thyme, basil, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, conifers, cycads, ginko and gnetophytes, preferably black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil; [0142] wherein the at least one anionic surfactant may be selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonic acid salts, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, amine (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl benzene sulfonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl ethoxylated ether sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl sulfates, lauryl ether polyethoxylated sodium sulfate, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkyl phosphate esters, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated sulfates, (C.sub.6-C.sub.18) alkoxylated phosphate esters, xylene sulfonate salts, cumene sulfonate salts, and combinations thereof, preferably the at least one anionic surfactant comprises dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and/or sodium laurel ether sulphate (SLES); and [0143] wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant may be selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) alkoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C.sub.8-C.sub.22) ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, straight chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides, branched chain (C.sub.4-C.sub.10) alkyl(poly)glycosides; and alkoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, alkoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty esters, ethoxylated sorbitol fatty esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, and combinations thereof, preferably the non-ionic surfactant comprises secondary alcohol (C.sub.11-C.sub.15) ethoxylates; and [0144] wherein the pH adjuster may include sodium hydroxide and/or citric acid monohydrate.

[0145] The example embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise water as a diluent and/or other additives of about 2 wt. % to about 80 wt. % (or any value therebetween) of the water and/or other additives. This embodiment may still provide the liquid agricultural adjuvant in concentrate form.

[0146] In a further example embodiment the disclosure may further comprise kumquat (Citrus japonica) oil. The kumquat (Citrus japonica) oil may comprise between about 0.05 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, preferably between about 0.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, further preferably between about 0.8 wt. % to about 2 wt. %.

[0147] The Applicant has surprisingly found that the agricultural adjuvant according to the first aspect of the disclosure protects active ingredients from damage by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This facilitates providing plant and/or soil material with a greater quantity of active ingredient in regions that might experience or receive above average UV radiation. This further facilitates using less active ingredient to achieve a similar or same result.

[0148] The Applicant has surprisingly found that the agricultural adjuvant according to the first disclosure is more effective when compared to commercial prior art adjuvant. Increasing efficacy allows less active ingredient to be utilized in a tank mix whilst not compromising end results, and in turn, hinders biological resistance to active ingredients. Hindering and/or preventing resistance of active ingredients including at least one of pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, miticides, nematicides, plant growth regulators, defoliants, fertilizers, is tremendously advantageous in commercial farming operations.

[0149] In accordance with a second aspect of this disclosure there is provided a method for manufacturing an agricultural adjuvant as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, the method comprising the following steps: [0150] (i). adding at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition into a mixing vessel; [0151] (ii). adding at least one anionic surfactant to the mixing vessel; [0152] (iii). adding at least one nonionic surfactant to the mixing vessel; and [0153] (iv). adding at least one pH adjuster to the mixing vessel, [0154] wherein steps (i) to (iv) conducted in any order provides for the concentrate form of the agricultural adjuvant. It is to be understood that the sequence of steps (i) to (iv) may vary. The method for manufacturing the agricultural adjuvant is simple and scalable. Upscaling is often complicated by individual chemical components of an agricultural adjuvant. Arriving at a particular agricultural adjuvant that not only effectively functions as an adjuvant whilst not harming plants, but is also can be upscaled for commercial production is a major advantage. Adding to this advantage is the high (greater than about 100° C.) flashpoint of the agricultural adjuvant of the first aspect. Prior art adjuvants having natural or essential oils have previously been found to have low flashpoints making the manufacture, handling and use dangerous. A higher flashpoint makes the commercial manufacture significantly safer. A higher flashpoint further provides for less evaporation of active ingredient providing an increased period of time for the active ingredient to reach its intended target in the plant and/or soil.

[0155] The agricultural adjuvant of the present disclosure is made by combining and mixing the components of such composition described in the first aspect herein.

[0156] In a 1000 ml glass reactor equipped with a cooling system, 200.0 g of water and an amount between 60 to 85 g of dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid were mixed and then an amount of sodium hydroxide was added until the pH reaches neutrality. The reactor was then maintained at the room temperature for 1 h until the reaction mixture was cooled down. An amount 70 to 200 grams of sodium laurel ether sulphate and 50 to 100 g of a secondary alcohol ethoxylate were added to the vessel. Finally, 30 to 70 grams of a natural or synthetic oil such as black currant solid was added and heated to 50° C. The solution was then stabilized by adding 5 to 15 grams of urea, cooled down and an antioxidant such as the butyl hydroxy toluene and a preservative such as 2-phenoxy ethanol were added to the mixture.

[0157] Physico-chemical analyses were conducted on the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure, with the following results:

[0158] Concentrate form of the agricultural adjuvant pH (value) 7-8 (at 20° C.)

[0159] Diluted form of the agricultural adjuvant pH buffer range from about pH 4 to about pH 8 (at 20° C.):

[0160] Initial boiling point and boiling range >100° C. at 1 atmosphere

[0161] Flash point >100° C. at 1 atmosphere

[0162] Flammability (solid, gas) not relevant, (fluid)

[0163] Vapour pressure 0.013 Pa at 25° C.

[0164] Relative density 1-1.1 at 20° C. (water=1)

[0165] The agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure has been found to be stable in concentrated form or in diluted form. Further, when the agricultural adjuvant is diluted and admixed with other agro-chemistries the tank mix remains stable without displaying unwanted side reaction such as precipitation of chemicals. The flashpoint of over about 100° C. at 1 atmosphere also shows an improvement in safety relative to the prior art showcased herein. This also impacts the ease and cost of manufacture.

[0166] In use the agricultural adjuvant also provides for stability over a buffered range from about pH 4 to about pH 8 making its use in a tank mix with other chemistries versatile. In the examples herein below, the agricultural adjuvant when diluted in water in low concentrations provides several advantages over the prior art.

[0167] The at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition which is used as a component of the agricultural adjuvant has not been found to be harmful to soil, plants or seed. This is in contrast to other natural oils such as orange oil and d-limonene which are known to display phytotoxic effects at certain concentrations in use.

[0168] Herein we show that the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure is highly effective to aid and facilitate biological and/or physiological activity of active ingredients (such as a herbicide) but concomitantly does not have negative impacts on physico-chemical properties of active ingredients (such as a herbicide) present in a tank mix when in use.

[0169] In accordance with a fourth aspect of this disclosure there is provided use of the agricultural adjuvant described in the first aspect of this disclosure in agriculture, said use comprising the steps of:

[0170] (i) combining the agricultural adjuvant of the first aspect together with water and at least one agricultural compound selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, desiccants, defoliants, acaricides, nutrients, miticides, bactericides, biocides, ovicides, nematicides, insect growth regulators, plant growth regulators, and combinations thereof, to provide a mixture; and

[0171] (ii) applying the mixture to plants, weeds, seeds, soil, urban places, and forests, via an apparatus selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising: air assisted sprayers, conventional sprayers, ultra-low volumes equipment such as aerial, electrostatic, foggers and misting spray equipment and chemigation systems, pivots, sprinklers, and combinations thereof.

[0172] In accordance with a fifth aspect of this disclosure there is provided an agricultural composition comprising:

[0173] at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition, which is preferably as described in the first to third aspects of the disclosure above;

[0174] at least one anionic surfactant, which is preferably as described in the first to third aspects of the disclosure above;

[0175] at least one nonionic surfactant, which is preferably as described in the first to third aspects of the disclosure above; and

[0176] at least one pH adjuster, which is preferably as described in the first to third aspects of the disclosure above.

[0177] The agricultural composition of the fifth aspect of this disclosure may further include at least one of, but not limited to, the following group: insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, desiccants, defoliants, acaricides, nutrients, miticides, bactericides, biocides, ovicides, nematicides, insect growth regulators, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and combinations thereof.

[0178] The agricultural adjuvant of the fifth aspect of the invention may further include an essential oil and may be kumquat (Citrus japonica) oil. Kumquat oil may comprise at least one of, but not limited to, the following group: limonene (preferably d-limonene), alpha-pinene, bergamotene, caryophllene, α-humulene, α-muurolene, isopropyl propanoate, terpinyl acetate, carvone, citronellal, 2-methylundecanal, nerol and trans-linalool oxide.

[0179] The agricultural composition according to the fifth aspect of the invention may be formulated and/or provided as a pesticide.

[0180] The agricultural composition may be for use in biocontrol applications, additionally or alternatively, as a biostimulant and/or a microbial stimulant. The agricultural composition may be safe for use with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The agricultural composition may be appropriate for post-harvest applications on crops and/or seeds.

[0181] The agricultural composition according to the fifth aspect of the invention is typically formulated with additional chemistries and/or a diluent. The agricultural composition may provide a tank mix partner providing in use a stable tank mix. The agricultural composition may provide an in-can formulation partner providing in use a stable in-can formulation. Stability is an important property to ensure effective use and/or application of the agricultural formulation to plant, soil and/or seed material.

[0182] The agricultural composition when in use in a tank mix and/in in an in-can formulation provides increased stability and hinders precipitation and/or gel formation. The agricultural composition further provides that the tank mix and/or the in-can formulation remains stable over a pH range of from about 4 to about 8 providing for versatility in use.

[0183] The agricultural composition may be provided as a tank mix and/or as an in-can formulation. Tank mixes may include multicomponent chemical-compositions mixed inside a tank from which irrigation and/or fertigation will take place. In-can formulations include multicomponent chemical-compositions within a single can (or container), wherein individual components may have different chemical properties when in use and wherein the single can (or container) may be sold as a standalone item including therein the different multi-components.

[0184] Without being limited to theory, the Applicant believes that the polyphenols of the present disclosure impart surprising and unexpected improvements in the physico-chemical properties over the prior art. It is the unique interaction between the various components that comprise the disclosure including the polyphenols that unexpectedly provide the advantages. There is no suggestion, motivation or hint in the prior art that would lead the skilled person to provide for the disclosure as herein described. The Applicant submits that arriving at its disclosure herein by relying on non suggestive prior art would require an inordinately voluminous amount of undue experimentation.

Non-Limiting Examples

[0185] Non-limiting examples of the disclosure are provided here below. An agricultural adjuvant and/or agricultural composition according to the above aspects of the disclosure were prepared according to the Tables 1 to 5 below by way of example only.

[0186] The disclosures below are not to be construed as limiting. It is to be understood that the wt. % is a total for the formulation/composition prepared.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example embodiments of the disclosure More Most Preferred preferred preferred range range range Chemical component % w/w % w/w % w/w polyphenol containing 1 to 40 1 to 20 2 to 10 natural or synthetic oil composition anionic surfactant 2 to 65 2 to 60 10 to 50 nonionic surfactant 2 to 25 2 to 20 5 to 10 pH adjuster 1 to 15 1 to 10 1 to 5 diluent (water) 20 to 85 40 to 60 50 to 60

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Further example embodiments of the disclosure More Most Preferred preferred preferred range range range Chemical component % w/w % w/w % w/w Diluent (example: water) 30 to 70 40 to 60 50 to 60 pH adjuster (example: sodium 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 3 1 to 3 hydroxide) anionic surfactant (example 0.5 to 30 0.5 to 15 5 to 10 dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid) anionic surfactant (example: 5 to 40 10 to 20 15 to 20 sodium laurel ether sulphate) non-ionic surfactant (example: 3 to 15 5 to 20 5 to 10 primary or secondary alcohol C11-15 ethoxylates) anionic surfactant (example: 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3 alkenes, C14-16 alpha, sulfonate) polyphenol containing natural 1 to 40 2 to 20 2 to 10 or synthetic oil composition (example: Ribes Nigrum (Black currant) seed oil pH adjuster (example: citric 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3 acid)

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Further example embodiments of the disclosure More Most Preferred preferred preferred range range range Chemical component % w/w % w/w % w/w Diluent (example: water) 30 to 70 40 to 60 50 to 60 pH adjuster (example: sodium 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 3 1 to 3 hydroxide) anionic surfactant (example 0.5 to 30 0.5 to 15 5 to 10 dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid) anionic surfactant (example: 5 to 40 10 to 20 15 to 20 sodium laurel ether sulphate) non-ionic surfactant (example: 3 to 15 5 to 20 5 to 10 primary or secondary alcohol C11-15 ethoxylates) anionic surfactant (example: 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3 alkenes, C14-16 alpha, sulfonate) polyphenol containing natural or 1 to 40 2 to 20 2 to 10 synthetic oil composition (example: Ribes Nigrum (Black currant) seed oil Essential oil (example: Citrus 0.05 to 5 0.5 to 3 0.8 to 2 japonica oil) pH adjuster (example: citric acid) 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Further example embodiments of the disclosure More Most Preferred preferred preferred range range range Chemical component % w/w % w/w % w/w Diluent (example: water) 30 to 70 40 to 60 50 to 60 pH adjuster (example: sodium 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 3 1 to 3 hydroxide) anionic surfactant (example 0.5 to 30 0.5 to 15 5 to 10 dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid) anionic surfactant (example: 5 to 40 10 to 20 15 to 20 sodium laurel ether sulphate) non-ionic surfactant (example: 3 to 15 5 to 20 5 to 10 primary or secondary alcohol C11-15 ethoxylates) anionic surfactant (example: 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3 alkenes, C14-16 alpha, sulfonate) polyphenols (example: Ribes 1 to 40 2 to 20 2 to 10 Nigrum (Black currant) seed oil Essential oil (example: Citrus 0.05 to 5 0.5 to 3 0.8 to 2 japonica oil) pH adjuster (example: citric 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3 acid) Antioxidant (butyl hydroxy 0.05 to 5 0.05 to 2 0.1 to 0.5 toluene) Preservatives (example: 1,2 0.1 to 5 0.3 to 3 0.4 to 1.5 benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2-Phenoxy ethanol) Stabiliser (example: urea) 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 2 0.5 to 1.5

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Further example embodiments of the disclosure More Most Preferred preferred preferred range range range Chemical component % w/w % w/w % w/w Diluent (example: water) 30 to 70 40 to 60 50 to 60 pH adjuster (example: sodium 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 3 1 to 3 hydroxide) anionic surfactant (example 0.5 to 30 0.5 to 15 5 to 10 dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid) anionic surfactant (example: 5 to 40 10 to 20 15 to 20 sodium laurel ether sulphate) non-ionic surfactant (example: 3 to 15 5 to 20 5 to 10 primary or secondary alcohol C11-15 ethoxylates) anionic surfactant (example: 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3 alkenes, C14-16 alpha, sulfonate) polyphenols (example: Ribes 1 to 40 2 to 20 2 to 10 Nigrum (Black currant) seed oil pH adjuster (example: citric 0.5 to 10 0.5 to 5 1 to 3 acid) Antioxidant (example: butyl 0.05 to 5 0.05 to 2 0.1 to 0.5 hydroxy toluene) Preservatives (example: 1,2 0.1 to 5 0.3 to 3 0.4 to 1.5 benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2-Phenoxy ethanol) Stabiliser (example: urea) 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 2 0.5 to 1.5

[0187] All the embodiments of the disclosure in Tables 1 to 5 were stable liquids in the concentrated form. The concentrated forms were suitable for dilution to prepare diluted forms as described herein.

[0188] Conventionally, research on agricultural adjuvants was mainly based on empirical and heuristic studies with a central goal of maximising delivery of active ingredient. Consideration as to basic principles regarding a mode of action (MoA) was typically disregarded.

[0189] Practically, when providing agricultural adjuvants the following factors require investigation: [0190] 1) droplet formation of the adjuvant during flight from a nozzle of an irrigation or fertigation means to a target surface on a leaf of a plant; [0191] 2) contact (imping) of the adjuvant droplet on the leaf which results either in the adjuvant droplet being retained, or bouncing off of the leaf, or in the adjuvant drop shattering. [0192] 3) wetting or spreading process of the adjuvant on the leaf surface. [0193] 4) what happens on the leaf surface—properties of the adjuvant deposit? [0194] 5) penetration of the adjuvant through plant cuticular membrane (which is the first barrier for organic molecules to pass).

[0195] The physico-chemical nature of agricultural adjuvants may have a strong influence on individual factors (1) to (5) above, or on several factors concomitantly. Further, it can be seen that only are the physico-chemical properties of the adjuvant concentrate important, but also when diluted in water and applied in use to a leaf of a plant. The agricultural adjuvant of the first aspect of this disclosure in concentrate form provides for a stable, homogenous liquid. When diluted the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure remains a stable emulsion or micro-emulsion and is buffered over a pH range.

[0196] The agricultural adjuvant according to the first aspect of this disclosure is investigated against an available commercial adjuvant regarding the above factors below.

[0197] Adjuvant Droplet Formation, Retention and Wetting

[0198] The agricultural adjuvant in concentrate form is diluted in accordance with the third aspect herein above.

[0199] In an example, preparation of the aqueous spray liquid solution including the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure is provided in a tank of a boom sprayer. In use, a spray nozzle of the boom sprayer atomises the liquid diluted agricultural adjuvant into small droplets (having a typical mean volume of 200 μm.sup.3) which are formed during the first milliseconds of the flight as the adjuvant droplet exits the nozzle. As the impact on the leaf surface occurs typically after 50 to 400 ms after exit from the nozzle, the time frame during the adjuvant droplet trajectory is a sensitive high-speed process. Either the droplet successfully reaches the target plant and then spreads on its surface or bounces off and will be lost to the ground. The third possibility is that the droplet shatters or splashes on the solid plant surface. A droplet is said to shatter whenever it disintegrates into two or more secondary droplets, including the separation into tiny droplets after colliding.

[0200] Accordingly, adhesion or retention of an adjuvant droplet on the target surface on the plant is a key prerequisite for a successful application of plant protection agents, especially for super-hydrophilic plant surfaces which are difficult to wet because of diverse surface structures like hairs, epicuticular wax crystals or others. Plants with smooth wax surfaces are easy to wet, so spray droplet retention is less of a concern since a water droplet alone will adhere. Certainly, the first milliseconds of the application process are sensitively affected by a number of variables.

[0201] The characterisation of the wettability and the hydrophobicity of the surface of the plant must be determined with the water contact angle measurement.

[0202] The agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure includes at least one anionic and at least one non-ionic surfactant. Anionic and non-ionic surfactants have an impact on surface tension. The dynamic surface tension (DST) differs from the equilibrium value (STeq). Small amounts of anionic and/or non-ionic surfactants can cause alterations of the surface tension of the diluted adjuvant droplet. The reason for this is that the interface between the aqueous adjuvant droplet (including surfactant) and the surrounding gaseous phase, which is produced extremely quickly. Therefore, the kinetics of the interface formation needs to be kept in mind. The mobility of surfactant molecules becomes an important factor in the formation of the dynamic surface tension. The interactions between the anionic and nonionic surfactants and the at least one polyphenol containing natural or synthetic oil composition are also important. The non-covalent bonding, ionic bonding, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces between the essential features of the agricultural composition of this disclosure (both in concentrate and/or dilute forms) facilitate providing the desirable physico-chemical properties in use. Surprisingly the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure showed little foaming and without being limited to theory this is thought to be a function of the unique and unpredictable interaction between the various essential chemical components of the agricultural adjuvant.

[0203] The ideal consequence of contact of dilute adjuvant droplets on the leaf surface is the adjuvant droplet adherence to the leaf surface. But it can also result either in bouncing off or in drop shattering. After successful retention, the adjuvant droplet begins to spread on the leaf. The reduction of interfacial tension is one of the most crucial physico-chemical properties of surfactants, which influence droplet retention and spreading characteristics on plants.

[0204] The surface tension of the prior art WETCIT® (a commercially available adjuvant including on a natural orange oil terpene) and the adjuvant/agricultural composition of this disclosure (ORO-368) was monitored to characterise the surface tension lowering behaviour, which is due to the velocity of individual droplets. When individual droplets are fully saturated on the droplet interface, a static or equilibrium surface tension value can be determined. This value was measured by a ring method considering processes, like spreading or run-off effects. The test example ORO-368 was made as per Table 3 and particularly within the most preferred ranges provided therein.

Materials and Methods

Surface Tension

[0205] The surface tension of different dilutions of aqueous solutions of WETCIT and the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure (ORO-368) were investigated with the help of a Krüss Digital Tensiometer K10 (Krüss GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) using the ‘Du Noüy’ ring method. At least 10 replicates of each sample were measured per substance solution and a mean value was calculated. Between each measurement, the solution was left for at least 5 minutes to allow equilibration between vapor and liquid.

Contact Angle Measurement

[0206] Surface material Parafilm was used as an artificial, apolar control surface having no surface structures. A winter wheat cultivar Triticum aestivum was used as a model plant during growth stage BBCH 12 (2-leaf-stadium). The second leaf was sampled for contact angle measurements. Specimen slides were prepared with double-sided adhesive tape. Plant material was carefully placed on specimen slides. All plant material was transported and stored in a box with a wet paper towel to prevent fast transpiration. Contact angle measurements were performed with an optical contact angle measuring device OCA 20 (DataPhysics Instruments GmbH, Filderstadt, Germany) A 3 μL droplet was placed on the leaf surface by touching. At least 10 droplet replicates were measured per substance and surface. The contact angle was determined from the shadow image of the sessile droplet and analysed with the drop shape analysis (DSA) software. A contour recognition was initially carried out based on a grey-scale analysis of the image. In the second step, a geometrical model describing the drop shape is fitted to the contour (Krüss GmbH. Drop shape analysis). The contact angle is considered by the angle between the calculated drop shape function and the sample surface.

Droplet Spread Area

[0207] After complete evaporation of water from the droplets used for contact angle measurements, areas of dry spray deposits were further analysed using a microscope, Zeiss Scope A1 which was equipped with a camera (AxioCam MRc, Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH). A red dye was used as a marker for visualisation of the borders of the droplet residue. The determination of the droplet spread area was carried out with the software AxioVision Rd. 4.8 (Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH).

Visualisation of Surface Structures by SEM

[0208] Micromorphological investigations of surface structures and agricultural adjuvant residues on fresh leaf material were performed with a scanning electron microscopy (JEOL JSM-7500F, JEOL GmbH, Freising, Germany) equipped with a field emission gun and LEI and SEI detectors. Fresh leaf material of Triticum aestivum was used for SEM experiments. Plants were used in growth stage BBCH 12. To illustrate contact areas between the leaf surface and the surfactant solution, 0.1% WETCIT® and the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure (ORO 368) surfactant solution droplets (0.2 μL) were carefully applied on the surface. Fresh plant material with droplet deposits was mounted on aluminium holders, carefully air dried on silica gel, then sputter-coated with ˜3 nm platinum. For the visualisation of surfactant deposits, the LEI detector was used, as well as the SEI detector.

Results

Equilibrium Surface Tension

[0209] The surface tension of both adjuvants, WETCIT® and the agricultural adjuvant of this disclosure (ORO 368) diluted in water (w/v) at different dilution rates was determined by the ring method (Table 6). Pure water (dest.) was used as a control. At room temperature (20° C.), the surface tension value for water was defined at 72.75 mN m.sup.−1. The ORO 368 shows a lower surface tension and lower contact angles providing for a superior adjuvant when compared to the commercially available WETCIT®. It is the unique combination of essential features of the agricultural adjuvant that allows these physico-chemical properties in use when diluted in water.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Results of the equilibrium surface tension (STeq) using the ring method and the contact angle measured 60 s after droplet settling of the diluted samples of WETCIT and ORO 368. Percent Dilution SAMPLE 0.50% 0.20% 0.10% 0.05% 0.01% Product Equilibrium Surface Tension (mN/n) WETCIT 31.6 31.6 31.9 31.9 31.7 OR-368 28 28 28.6 28.2 28.3 Product Contact Angle (°) WETCIT 41.95 46.45 45.9 42.45 45 OR-368 30.1 30.5 31.6 34.65 38.25

Contact Angle Measurement

[0210] The determination of time-dependent sessile contact angles (CA) was carried out to characterise the surfactant wetting and spreading potential on the one hand, but also to investigate surface properties of a plant surface of wheat leaves on the other hand. The process of droplet spreading after 2 seconds, 30 s and finally 60 s after droplet settling was studied. Parafilm was used as an artificial control surface considering differences between selected surfactant samples. In Table 1 are shown the average results of the 60 s data. In table 2 the analysis over the 2, 30 and 60 s period. All samples were dissolved in water at different dilutions. A red dye (0.1%, w/v) was added to all surfactant solutions for further visualisation of the droplet residue after water evaporation. Pure water (distilled) was adopted as control experiment. During the complete time interval of 60 s water contact angle remained constant at a value of about 107°. Between the surfactants, a slight difference became visible (Table 7). WETCIT® Cas values were around 55° which decreased during the first minute. ORO 368 showed the highest decrease in CA during the first minute after droplet application and lower, compared to the pure water. Moreover, all the contact angles decreased steeply during the first 30 s.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Mean of the contact angle [°] of the water diluted formulations of WETCIT  ® and ORO 368 after 2, 30 and 60 s after droplet settling Contact angle Contact angle Contact angle Sample [°] after 2 s [°] after 30 s [°]after 60 s WETCIT 0.5% 52.35 45.6 41.95 WETCIT 0.2% 57.90 49.3 46.45 WETCIT 0.1% 52.1 47.4 45.9 WETCIT 0.05% 51.2 46.3 42.45 WETCIT 0.01% 54.7 49.1 45 ORO-368 0.5% 43.2 37.3 30.1 ORO-368 0.2% 42.9 36.7 30.5 ORO-368 0.1% 43.0 38.2 31.6 ORO-368 0.05% 45.9 40.1 34.65 ORO-368 0.01% 47.6 42.2 38.25

[0211] The determination of time-dependent sessile CAs was also carried out to characterise the wetting capability of surfactants considering the plant surface of Triticum aestivum. Therefore, CAs of WETCT® dilution rate 0.1% and ORO 368 on the dilution rates 0.1% and 0.05% on both, the adaxial (FIG. 1) and the abaxial side (FIG. 2) were analysed. Pure water (dest.) was used again as control experiment. On the upper side of the leaf, water CAs remained constant at a high value of about 125° during the one minute (FIG. 1). All surfactants had the ability to lower the CA compared to water, even on a low level. While WETCIT 0.1% produced a final CA of 90°, ORO 368 0.1% had the minimum CA of 68° in this experiment. Also the shape of the CA development was steepest for ORO 368 0.1%.

[0212] The water CA on the abaxial side of the leaf was slightly lower than on the upper side (lower side: 145°, upper side: 115°) (FIG. 2). Furthermore, CA results of all the samples were slightly smaller than the upper side experiment but had generally the same characteristics.

[0213] The minimum CAs was observed for ORO 368 0.1%, around 38° after 60 s. Compared to the results generated on parafilm, the ability of surfactant solutions to decrease the CA on the surface of wheat was lower during the first seconds of measurement.

Droplet Spread Area

[0214] After the complete evaporation of water from the 3 μL droplets, measured in contact angle experiments, the remaining dry and red deposits from the strawberry-red azo dye Sanolin Ponceau (which was added to all surfactant solutions (0.1%, w/v)) were used for further visualisation of the droplet spread area on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of Triticum aestivum by microscope (FIG. 4). The different drying times of droplets were not recorded.

[0215] Water droplets were used here as a control and resulted in a minimum covered leaf area (0.6 mm.sup.2±0.3) (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). In comparison to water, all surfactant solutions had an increasing effect on the covered leaf area, although differences between the adaxial and abaxial side of the wheat leaf were not visible.

[0216] The maximum covered leaf area was measured for ORO 368 (0.1%) (upper side: 9.6 mm.sup.2; lower side: 6.4 mm.sup.2) (FIG. 4). WETCIT (0.1%), had a leaf area ranging from 6.2 to 5.6 mm.sup.2.

Visualisation of Surface Structures by SEM

[0217] Investigations of surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) should visualise microstructures of plant surfaces and might display differences between the surfactant samples used for wetting experiments.

[0218] Parafilm was used as a synthetic surface for contact angle measurements, considering basic differences between surfactant samples. Parafilm is known to be strong apolar and free of any surface structures. The SEM picture showed no or only very small surface imperfections (FIG. 5).

[0219] Differences between both sides of Triticum aestivum leaves were observable in a low magnification (50×, FIGS. 6, A and B). Non-glandular trichomes were orientated in parallel on both sides. The upper side hairs are longer than the lower side ones (not measured). However, the hair density of around 10 trichomes per mm.sup.2 is half as much compared to the abaxial side, having around 20 hairs per mm.sup.2. The surface of trichomes on both sides is free of any epicuticular wax crystals (FIGS. 6, C and D). Though, epicuticular wax crystals are the predominant microstructural element on the wheat surface on both sides of the leaf (FIGS. 6, E and F). The density of wax crystals seems to be slightly higher on the adaxial side, because of more free ‘gaps’ in the wax crystal coverage on the abaxial side.

[0220] Leaf material of Triticum aestivum was also used to show differences between the samples by applying small droplets on the adaxial surface. The residue was not washed or cleaned after application, because the dry surfactant deposit was studied. Therefore, the borders between the droplet and the non-treated areas were visualised. The influence of trichomes was not investigated in these experiments. SEM pictures were selected to display a representative result of several observed impressions.

[0221] The application of both WETCIT® and ORO 368 at 0.1% caused a formation of a smooth, amorphous deposit which covered the surface including the epicuticular wax crystals. The peaks of wax crystals stick out of the deposit layer. The borderline is clearly visible in the center of both images (FIG. 7). With WETCIT® the border between the droplet and the treated area was clearly visible as a sharp line. At the borderline of the crusted layer, a lifting or detaching could be observed by a shadow (FIGS. 7, B and D).

[0222] Additional contact angle measurements were taken comparing the disclosure ORO 368 against prior art adjuvants. The contact angle for the water used was 94°. The contact angle for water plus commercial crop oil concentrate (COC) was 58°. The contact angle for water plus commercial modified seed oil (MSO) was 59°. The contact angle for water plus commercial non-ionic surfactant (NIS) was 38°. And finally the contact angle for water plus ORO 368 was 29°. This shows a significant improvement over standard prior art adjuvants. Further, spreading and deposition properties were evaluated. FIG. 8 shows the superior spreading and deposition properties of ORO 368 against prior art standard adjuvants. A hallmark of an effective agricultural adjuvant includes its ability to facilitate spreading over a surface. FIG. 8 was generated by applying ORO 368 and the prior art adjuvants to paper.

[0223] Field Trials

[0224] Efficacy and crop selectivity of ORO 368 were conducted in a tank mix against Septoria tritici in wheat. A standard fungicide was used called AMPERA to evaluate the efficacy of ORO 368 as an adjuvant. AMPERA includes prochloraz and tebuconazole as active ingredients. The experiment protocol is shown below and the results are shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 (A) shows AMPERA alone, (B) shows AMPERA plus ORO 368 at 0.25%, (C) shows AMPERA plus ORO 368 at 0.5%, and (D) shows AMPERA plus prior art WETCIT® at 0.25%. From FIG. 9 it can clearly be seen that ORO 368 shows improvements over the prior art, and functions well to bolster the effect of an active ingredient. The results of FIG. 9 are seven (7) days after application.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Trial protocol for efficacy and crop selectivity of ORO 368 against Septoria tritici in wheat. Treatment Concen- no. Type Name tration Type Rate 1 Control/ Untreated 400 g/L EC 1.5 litres Untreated control (emulsifiable per hectare concentrate) 2 Fungicide AMPERA 400 g/L EC 1.5 litres per hectare 3 Fungicide AMPERA 400 g/L EC 1.5 litres plus per hectare ORO-368 adjuvant 4 Fungicide AMPERA 400 g/L EC 1.5 litres plus per hectare ORO-368 adjuvant 5 Fungicide AMPERA 400 g/L EC 1.5 litres plus per hectare ORO-368 adjuvant Replications 4. Untreated treatments 1. Conduct under GLP/GEP: YES. Design: randomized complete block. Treatment units: Treated plot experimental unit size width 4 meters, length 6 meters. Application volume 200 L/ha.

[0225] FIGS. 10 and 11 shows efficacy evaluation of ORO 368 with a herbicide sold as HARMONY SX in maize thirteen (13) [*] and twenty-one (21) [**] days after application. HARMONY SX includes thifensulfron as active ingredient.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Trial protocol for efficacy evaluation of ORO 368 with an herbicide sold as HARMONY SX in maize. Treatment Concen- no. Type Name tration Type Rate 1 Control 15 g/hectare Tank mix 7.5 g emulsion ai/ha 2 Herbicide HARMONY 15 g/hectare Tank mix 7.5 g emulsion ai/ha 3 Herbicide HARMONY 15 g/hectare Tank mix 7.5 g and ORO plus ORO emulsion ai/ha 368 368 4 Herbicide HARMONY 15 g/hectare Tank mix 7.5 g plus plus emulsion ai/ha WETCIT ® WETCIT Replications 4. Untreated treatments 1. Conduct under GLP/GEP: YES. Design: randomized complete block. Treatment units: Treated plot experimental unit size width 4 meters, length 6 meters. Application volume 200 L/ha.

[0226] FIGS. 10 and 11 show the efficacy of against a range of pests in maize 100% efficacy indicates the elimination of the weed or unwanted plant. It is shown that the adjuvant of ORO 368 (also WETCIT NEO in FIGS. 10 and 11) is in fact effective in bolstering the effect of the herbicide.

Conclusions:

Surface Tension Measurements

[0227] Surface tension experiments were performed to analyse the surfactant solutions considering their ability to lower the physical value of surface tension during a critical time frame. During foliar application in the field, the majority of spray droplets impact the leaf surface after about 50 to 400 ms.

[0228] During the complete time interval, no decrease of surface tension of pure water could be observed and the ST remained constant at a value of about 72 mN m−1 which is defined as literature surface tension value for pure water at 20° C. This result confirms that there are no surface active contaminations in the water which serves as the solvent medium for all other surfactant solutions. The high surface tension value of pure water reflects the high intermolecular attractions of water molecules. As the surface tension of water is a function of temperature, the literature value of water (72.75 mN m−1 at 20° C.) is closely comparable to the results shown herein. The influence of the water hardness on the surface tension is negligible.

[0229] All experiments were conducted using different surfactant concentrations for WETCIT® and ORO-368 in water. These concentrations were selected because it is in-between the typical range of commonly used WETCT® concentrations for agricultural spray formulations and more importantly, this value is high above the critical micelle concentration (cmc). Therefore, the formation of micellar aggregates in the bulk phase of the water solvent is ensured. With this, the complete saturation of the water-air interface with surfactant individual droplets (microscopic drop of the formulation) is guaranteed and an equilibrium state can be reached constantly.

[0230] All the dilutions of the surfactant samples were able to decrease the surface tension to the critical value of about 55 to 60 mN m.sup.−1.

[0231] The lowest measured value was 28 mN m.sup.−1 for ORO 368 demonstrates surface tension lowering properties that will improve retention effects for spraying superhydrophobic plant surfaces.

Wetting Characteristics of Selected Surfactants

[0232] The term ‘wetting agent’ is applied to any substance that increases the ability of water or an aqueous solution to displace air from a solid surface. This surface property is shown by all surface-active agents, although the extent to which they exhibit this phenomenon varies greatly. The water contact angle (CA) test is generally applied as a simple and easy to measure method of evaluating the wettability of different plant species. Therefore, the CA is a unit for the wettability of surfaces. A low water CA of <10°-0° is indicative of a superhydrophilic surface, CAs <90° would characterise surfaces that are hydrophilic or easy to wet. Results up between 90 and 150° are regarded as difficult-to-wet or hydrophobic and CAs over 150° are extremely difficult-to-wet or superhydrophobic surfaces.

[0233] As the water CA on parafilm had a relatively high value (107°), the surface must be assessed to be apolar. On the plant surface of Triticum aestivum, the adaxial and abaxial leaf surface was distinguished. The adaxial side had a higher CA (145°), than the abaxial side (115°). Both values are very high and indicate a very hard to wet surface, whereas the adaxial surface has to be classified as superhydrophobic.

[0234] In the literature, there are some critical debates about the best way to characterise wettability of difficult-to-wet species, like Poaceae. Resulting water CAs are often immeasurably high to be able to rank these species for wettability. It has been recommended that the use of a 20% acetone in water solution (v/v) as a test solution to characterise these plant surfaces.

[0235] The observation of plant surfaces having hydrophobic characteristics is based on the lipophilic wax surface of the plant cuticle. Investigations of the chemical wax composition of Triticum aestivum coincided with literature data and revealed a main component class of primary alcohols with the predominant octacosanol (C.sub.28 alcohol) (>70%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses also showed hierarchical organised micro-structures like convex epidermal cells (not shown) with epicuticular wax crystals sitting on their surface (FIG. 6). Moreover, both leaf sides of wheat showed a high number of non-glandular trichomes, whereas the density on the adaxial side was half as much than on the abaxial side. In general, trichomes have a strong influence on leaf wettability. It has been shown that leaves with trichomes were more water repellent, especially where trichrome density was greater than 25 mm.sup.2. But it has also been observed that some hairy species are able to entrap droplets with their trichomes. Further it has been reported that wetting of plants covered with hairs strongly depends on the presence or absence of epicuticular wax crystals on their surface. Leaves covered with non-waxy hairs were only water repellent for a short time after a water droplet had been applied. In contrast, leaves with waxy trichomes were extremely water repellent, although the trichomes were up to 2 mm high and only loosely distributed over the leaf surface. The results found for Triticum aestivum support this theory. The abaxial side showed twice as much non-waxy hairs and resulted in lower CAs in general, compared to the adaxial side covered by less trichomes. The trichomes might be evaluated as ‘hydrophilic peaks’ sitting on an extremely hydrophobic surface.

[0236] The optical estimation of SEM samples revealed that the wax crystal density was slightly higher on the adaxial side, because of more free ‘gaps’ in the wax crystal coverage on the abaxial side. This finding also supports the conclusion of the abaxial side having better wetting characteristics than the adaxial side, although it is only slightly better.

As already mentioned, the CA analysis can be generally applied as a simple and easy to measure method.

[0237] Herein, the hysteresis angle is regarded as a sessile droplet which was observed to spread over a surface during a certain time period. The change of the CA of this sessile droplet was therefore recorded with a camera. Since evaporation of water should be avoided during CA analysis, the droplet volume was set at 3 μL and the measurement was persisted for maximal one minute. The information about CA change might give evidence about spreading properties of surfactants. In this study, all the surfactant droplets decreased the CA during the first 5 to 10 seconds on parafilm. After about 10 seconds spreading was finished and a CA decline was no longer observed. However, the initial CA was reduced compared to the water CA which did not change over time.

[0238] The further spreading which lasted much longer than one minute was analysed by the droplet spread area after the evaporation of water. The diameter of the residue of the added red dye was measured by microscope. The covered leaf area was higher for ORO 368 0.1% on the adaxial side, than for WETCIT® same dilution rate. From the CA results, one would suggest the abaxial side to be better to wet than the adaxial side because of already discussed reasons. Contrastingly, results of droplet spread area showed slightly lower values for the abaxial side, but differences may not be statistically significant.

[0239] The Applicant submits that the disclosure herein ameliorates disadvantages known from the prior art.