COMPOSITION AND RELATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE

Abstract

Described herein is a stable dry composition comprising a compound with herbicide activity located on a carrier compound and a compound with amphiphilic properties coating at least part or all of the compound with herbicide activity and carrier compound. Methods of manufacture and application of the dry composition are also described along with storage stable plant and herbicide compositions and methods of co-administration of combination plant and herbicide compositions.

Claims

1. A method of shipping and storing a stabilized herbicide formulation, the method comprising: forming a dry composition and shipping and storing the dry composition, wherein the dry composition comprises a carrier compound; an herbicide compound located on an outer surface of the carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound; and an amphiphilic compound selected from phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds, coating at least part or all of the herbicide compound and the carrier compound to form a discrete outer layer not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound or the herbicide compound.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier compound is a fertilizer or a mineral.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amphiphilic compound is a mixture of glycerophospholipids selected from: phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phophatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidic acid.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amphiphilic compound is lecithin.

5. A method of manufacturing a herbicidally effective dry composition comprising: selecting a granulated carrier compound; applying an herbicide compound to an outer surface of the granulated carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the granulated carrier compound to form an herbicide coated carrier compound; and; drying the herbicide coated carrier compound to form a dried herbicide coated carrier compound; and, coating at least part or all of the dried herbicide coated carrier compound with an amphiphilic compound selected from phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds, to form a discrete outer layer not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the granulated carrier compound or the herbicide compound.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein, further drying of the dried herbicide coated carrier compound and the amphiphilic compound is completed until a water activity of the dried herbicide coated carrier compound and the amphiphilic compound is reduced to less than 0.7.

7. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein, said applying of said herbicide compound to the granulated carrier compound is completed by spraying the herbicide compound onto the outer surface of the granulated carrier compound.

8. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein, prior to drying, the granulated carrier compound and the herbicide compound form a cake and once dried, the cake will tend to readily crumble or break apart or crush when a compression or shear force is applied.

9. A method of broadcasting of a dry composition with herbicidal, the method comprising: providing a dry composition with herbicide activity, the dry composition comprising: a carrier compound; an herbicide compound located on an outer surface of the carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound; an amphiphilic compound selected from phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds, coating at least part or all of the herbicide compound and the carrier compound to form a discrete outer layer not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound or the herbicide compound; and, broadcasting the dry composition to one or more of a plant or a part thereof; a ground surface surrounding the plant or the part thereof; into the ground surface surrounding the plant or the part thereof.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein, subsequent to broadcast, moisture is added to cause elution of the dry composition that is broadcasted.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the moisture is added by: irrigation, rain, residual moisture in or on the ground surface, dew, and combinations thereof.

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein broadcast is completed without co-application of water.

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein broadcast is completed to foliar material.

14. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein broadcast is completed to a growing substrate.

15. A method of co-administration of a dry composition with herbicidal activity and a plant, the method comprising: selecting a dry composition with herbicidal activity, the dry composition comprising a carrier compound; an herbicide compound located on an outer surface of the carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound; an amphiphilic compound selected from phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds, coating at least part or all of the herbicide compound and the carrier compound to form a discrete outer layer not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound or the herbicide compound; selecting plant seed; and mixing the dry composition and the plant seed together as a dry mixture and storing the dry mixture until ready for use; then applying the dry mixture to a ground surface or drilling the dry mixture into the ground surface.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plant seed is a grass or forage seed.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plant seed is a seed used in forestry.

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein a ratio of the dry composition to the plant seed in the dry mixture is 25-75% by weight of the plant seed; and 25-75% by weight of the dry composition.

19. A method of producing a dry composition with herbicidal activity and plant seed formulated for combined storage and concurrent broadcast, the method comprising: selecting a granulated carrier compound; applying an herbicide compound to an outer surface of the granulated carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the granulated carrier compound to form an herbicide coated carrier compound; and; drying the herbicide coated carrier compound to form a dried herbicide coated carrier compound; coating at least part or all of the dried herbicide coated carrier compound with an amphiphilic compound selected from phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds, to form a discrete outer layer, not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the granulated carrier compound or the herbicide compound; and mixing the dry composition with plant seed.

20. A method of seeding land, the method comprising: providing a plant seed and dry composition mixture, the plant seed and dry composition mixture comprising a plant seed; mixed with, a dry composition with herbicidal activity, the dry composition comprising a carrier compound; an herbicide compound located on an outer surface of the carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound; an amphiphilic compound selected from phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds, coating at least part or all of the herbicide compound and the carrier compound to form a discrete outer layer not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound or the herbicide compound; optionally, shipping and storing the plant seed and the dry composition mixture; and, broadcasting the plant seed and the dry composition mixture together to a growing substrate.

21. A dry mixture configured to have both herbicidal and fertilizing activity for preferential seed propagation and germination, the dry mixture comprising: a plant seed; mixed with, a dry composition with herbicidal activity, the dry composition comprising a carrier compound; an herbicide compound located on an outer surface of the carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound; and an amphiphilic compound selected from phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds, coating at least part or all of the herbicide compound and the carrier compound to form a discrete outer layer not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound or the herbicide compound.

22. The dry mixture as claimed in claim 21, wherein a ratio of the plant seed to the dry composition in the dry mixture is 25-75% by weight of the plant seed; and 25-75% by weight of the dry composition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0259] Further aspects of the composition and related methods of manufacture and use will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0260] FIG. 1 shows an enlarged drawing of a dry granule composition manufactured according to the above description with part of the exterior removed to show the interior structure;

[0261] FIG. 2 shows a further drawing of a dry granule composition manufactured according to the above description with part of the exterior removed to show the interior structure, in this example also with a ruler included to provide scale to the granule size;

[0262] FIG. 3 shows a schematic drawing of the composition structure with the different layers exaggerated for explanation purposes;

[0263] FIG. 4 shows images of a formulation sample before shaking (left, 4A) and after shaking (right, 4B) in a dust formation test showing virtually no dust formation;

[0264] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show granules of product dispersed on vegetation on flat land post rain fall, FIG. 5A being a photo and FIG. 5B being a line drawing of the photo image;

[0265] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show granules of product dispersed on vegetation applied on flat land, FIG. 6A being a photo and FIG. 6B being a line drawing of the photo image;

[0266] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show granules of product dispersed on vegetation applied on hill country. FIG. 7A being a photo and FIG. 7B being a line drawing of the photo image;

[0267] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B is a photograph (8A) and line drawing (8B) of the photo of FIG. 8A on day 0 post soil application of a dry composition granule, in this case applied by dropping the granules into small holes inserted into the soil and then covering over the holes;

[0268] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B is a photograph (9A) and line drawing (9B) of the photo of FIG. 9A on day 14 post soil application of the dry composition granule described above;

[0269] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B is a photograph (10A) and line drawing (10B) of the photo on day 1 post broadcast of a 2,4-D ester herbicide containing dry composition granule applied to the area around the weed Californian thistle;

[0270] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B is a photograph (11A) and line drawing (11B) of the photo on day 14 post broadcast of a 2,4-D ester herbicide containing dry composition granule applied to the area around the weed Californian thistle;

[0271] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B is a photograph (12A) and line drawing (12B) of the photo illustrating vegetation on day 6 post broadcast of a 2,4-D amine herbicide containing dry composition showing significant curling of the vegetation;

[0272] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B shows a photograph (13A) and line drawing (13B) illustrating foliage on day 1 post broadcast to the foliage of glyphosate containing dry composition granules;

[0273] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B shows a photograph (14A) and line drawing (14B) of the photo illustrating foliage on day 15 post broadcast to the foliage of glyphosate containing dry composition granules;

[0274] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of an area of vegetation before a ryegrass seed and dry composition mixture was applied to the area;

[0275] FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of the same area of vegetation shown in FIG. 13, 12 Days post application;

[0276] FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B is a detail view photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of the area of FIGS. 16A and 16B to illustrate the new grass germination that occurred by day 12 amongst the killed off pre-existing vegetation;

[0277] FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B is a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of a further detail view of the area of FIGS. 16A and 16B to illustrate the new grass germination that occurred by day 12 amongst the killed off pre-existing vegetation;

[0278] FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of germinated seeds from a first trial of seeds and dry composition mixture;

[0279] FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of a further view of germinated seeds from a first trial of seeds and dry composition mixture;

[0280] FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of a view of germinated seeds from a second trial of seeds and dry composition mixture; and

[0281] FIG. 22 shows a line drawing of a tray of germinating grass post broadcast of a seed and dry composition mixture and coverage by soil of the seed and dry composition mixture.

WORKING EXAMPLES

[0282] The above described composition and related methods of manufacture and use are now described by reference to specific examples.

Example 1

[0283] To demonstrate the layered nature of the composition described herein, a dry granular composition was manufactured and images prepared.

[0284] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show drawings of a dry granule composition arrow 1 manufactured according to the above description with part of the exterior removed to show the interior structure arrow 2. In these Figures, the carrier 2 is super phosphate and the herbicide is 2,4-D Ester. As shown in the images, the herbicide layer 3 is located on and not substantially mixed into or homogenous with the fertiliser/carrier 2. A ruler 4 is included in FIG. 2 to provide a scale to the granule 1 size.

[0285] FIG. 3 shows a schematic drawing of the composition 1 in an exaggerated form to show the distinct layers more clearly. As shown in FIG. 3, the granule 1 structure comprises multiple layers with minimal if any homogeneity. The inner layer comprises a carrier 2, in the example being a fertiliser, then a herbicide layer 3 and then on the exterior, an amphiphilic compound 5 and other optional compounds used to form the outer layer e.g. adhesives or surfactants.

[0286] While a granule shape is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, prills, ovoid shapes or other shaped compositions may also be used and reference to a granule is not limiting.

Example 2

[0287] In this example selected dry compositions are illustrated comprising different herbicides (and combinations of herbicides), different carriers (and combinations of carriers) and different coatings and the weight ranges for each.

[0288] The examples below should be understood only as guideline formulations as actual amounts of herbicides included may vary, sometimes significantly outside the specified values below.

Formulation 1

[0289]

TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Glyphosate soluble concentrate 600 g/L Herbicide 0.5-3.5% Cocoamidopropyl dimethyl amine surfactant Surfactant   .sup. 1% Lecithin Coating   .sup.  1.5% Ammonium sulphate Carrier To 100%

Formulation 2

[0290]

TABLE-US-00002 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Amine 400 g/L soluble concentrate Herbicide 1.0-5.0% Antarox L64 Surfactant 1.0-5.0% Ammonium Phosphatidyl Rapeseedate Coating 0.5-1.0% Superphosphate Fertiliser Carrier To 100%

Formulation 3

[0291]

TABLE-US-00003 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Ethylhexyl Ester 680 g/L emulsifiable Herbicide 2.0-10.0% concentrate Pluronic PE 6200 Surfactant 0.5-0.75% Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine Coating  1.0-2.0% Sodium lignosulphonate Adhesive  2.0-3.0% Urea fertiliser Carrier To 100%

Formulation 4

[0292]

TABLE-US-00004 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Picloram 100 g/L/Triclopyr 300 g/L Herbicide 0.05-2.0%  emulsifiable concentrate Polysorbate 80 Surfactant 0.25-0.5%  Lecithin Coating 1.0-2.5% Morwet D425 Surfactant 0.5-1.5% Lime granulated Carrier To 100%

Formulation 5

[0293]

TABLE-US-00005 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Clopyralid 300 g/L soluble concentrate Herbicide 0.25-3.0%  Geronol CF/AS 30 Surfactant 0.5-2.0% Lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine Coating 2.0-3.0% Magnesium oxide Carrier To 100%

Formulation 6

[0294]

TABLE-US-00006 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Flumetsulam 800 g/kg WDG dispersion in Herbicide 0.01-1.0% water Lecithin Coating 0.25-1.0% Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate Carrier To 100%

Formulation 7

[0295]

TABLE-US-00007 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % MCPB 375 g/L/MCPA 25 g/L soluble Herbicide 0.1-2.0% concentrate Geronol CF/AR Surfactant 0.25-1.0%  Hydrogenated phosphatidyl choline Coating 0.2-1.0% Lime granulated Carrier To 100%

Example 3

[0296] In this example, the avoidance of dust formation from the dry composition was tested.

[0297] The dustiness of formulated products was tested according to the CIPAC, MT 44 method. Results from this test identified that all tested formulations (as described in Example 2 above) are practically dust free.

[0298] A visual observation was also performed. 20 grams of dry granules 1 manufactured from formulation 1 was placed in a clear jar 100 and shaken vigorously for 30 seconds to generate dust. No significant dust was observed. Photos before shaking (left, 4A) and after shaking (right, 4B) are shown in FIG. 4 with the granules 1 moved around in the jar 100 but no dust formed.

[0299] These findings support the fact that the dry composition does not produce dust and hence avoids or at least minimises handling issues associated with chemical dusts.

Example 4

[0300] As noted above, the dry composition may be formulated in different ways to influence the elution rate. The basic dry composition coating provides one rate of elution. This rate of elution can be altered using additives to speed up or slow the rate of elution.

[0301] The delayed mode of action can be achieved by blending top outer layer with controlled release substances, for example brown coal, or by increasing the thickness of the outer layer and/or inclusion of water insoluble or semi-soluble substrates.

Formulation 8—Rapid Release of Soluble 2, 4-D Amine

[0302]

TABLE-US-00008 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Amine 400 g/L soluble concentrate Herbicide 1.0-5.0% Antarox L64 Coating 1.0-5.0% additive Ammonium Phosphatidyl Rapeseedate Coating 0.5-1.0% Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate Carrier To 100%

Formulation 9—Delayed Release of 2,4-D Amine

[0303]

TABLE-US-00009 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Amine 400 g/L soluble concentrate Herbicide 1.0-5.0% Antarox L64 Coating 1.0-5.0% additive Ammonium Phosphatidyl Rapeseedate blend Coating 2.0-5.0% with brown coal Superphosphate Fertiliser Carrier To 100%

Example 5

[0304] As described above, the dry composition may be broadcast via different methods. The inventors have found that almost any application where dry fertiliser would be applied in the art, may also be appropriate for the dry composition described herein be that by ground or by air application. An advantage of the dry composition described particularly for aerial broadcast is the absence of drift that is a significant issue for spray application of herbicides.

[0305] The examples below show applied product dispersion on vegetation, the dry composition applied on flat land (FIGS. 5A (photo) and 5B (line drawing) and FIGS. 6A (photo) and FIG. 6B (line drawing)) and hill country (FIGS. 7A (photo) and 7B (line drawing)).

[0306] As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, the dry composition granules 1 are merely spread over the ground or vegetation 6. FIGS. 5A and 5B in particular shows how the granules 1 lose their shape and disperse post broadcast and rain. Comparing the dispersion between FIG. 6A, 6B on the flat and FIG. 7A, 7B on hill country, it can be seen that the act of broadcasting the dry composition 1 is similar despite different terrain and the resulting granule 1 distribution is the same—that is, there is no run off of granules 1 or uneven distribution of granules 1 from the foliage 6 irrespective of the ground being sloped or flat illustrating that the dry composition 1 can be applied to either terrain type.

[0307] As noted in the above description, the inventors unexpectedly identified that the dry composition could be applied into soil and still achieve herbicide effects. Art would suggest the herbicide is deactivated by contact with soil hence the inventor's findings were a surprise. To illustrate this effect, dry composition was dropped into small holes made in the ground about a pasture sample area using a knife and dry composition then covered over. FIG. 8 shows the pasture sample area at day 0 i.e. when the dry composition was knifed into the ground. As can be seen in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the pasture 6 looks healthy and is green. FIGS. 9A and 9B shows the same pasture 6 sample area 14 days post soil application and the pasture 6 is brown and largely dead or dying showing root herbicide activity.

Example 6

[0308] As described above, the dry composition has a number of shipping/storage advantages versus liquid herbicide concentrates and products.

[0309] In particular, using glyphosate herbicide as an example, the described dry composition is: [0310] More environmentally friendly compared to a liquid glyphosate formulation in the event of an accident spill. It is much easier to clean up a dry composition (e.g. sweep or vacuum) compared to clean up of liquid formulations. Liquid formulations may find their way into water ways or permeate a ground surface rapidly killing vegetation in an unintended and non-reversible manner; [0311] A single application of fertiliser and herbicide together. This dual application provides cost savings around labour and broadcast efficiency. [0312] Water saving—no water is required to dilute/dissolve herbicide on broadcast unlike liquid herbicide concentrates. The dry composition described may therefore be a better option for broadcast to areas with irrigation water restrictions or where water is a limiting factor; [0313] No spray drift—unlike solutions and suspensions of herbicides where micro-droplets can be carried outside the application area by wind causing damage to non-target vegetation; [0314] More controlled application which reduces the chances of accidental contamination of ground water.

Example 7

[0315] The manufacturing process for the dry composition can be described as a simple process that may comprise the following steps: [0316] Selecting the carrier and herbicide to be applied; [0317] Spraying the herbicide to a carrier surface at a rate comparable to an accepted liquid rate per hectare to form a granule with herbicide; [0318] Drying the granules with herbicide sprayed as a layer thereon (optional); [0319] Coating the granules with an outer layer; [0320] Drying the coated carrier and granule with herbicide; [0321] In the case of emulsifiable concentrates, the above drying is not necessarily required and instead, the outer layer may include an “oil” absorbing agent.

[0322] The drying step or steps can be performed by currently available techniques, for example hot air drying, vacuum drying, fluidized-bed drying or freeze drying.

[0323] The following are examples of manufacture of granulated product for if soluble concentrates and emulsifiable concentrates are used.

Formulation 10—A Soluble Concentrate

[0324]

TABLE-US-00010 Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Glyphosate soluble concentrate 600 g/L Herbicide 0.5-3.5% Cocoamidopropyl dimethyl amine surfactant Coating   .sup. 1% additive Lecithin Coating   .sup.  1.5% Ammonium sulphate Carrier To 100%

[0325] Manufacturing Process: [0326] 1. Ammonium sulphate in amount to provide 300-350 kg/ha of ammonium sulphate is loaded into a paddle mixer; [0327] 2. The required amount of glyphosate soluble concentrate (to provide 1000-1440 g acid equivalent/ha of glyphosate) is sprayed on the ammonium sulphate in order to ensure all granules of carrier are covered by herbicide. This is achieved by controlling the speed of spray and speed of mixing; [0328] 3. The wet granules are dried until the moisture content is below then 2.5 wt. %; [0329] 4. The dried granules are placed in the paddle mixer and sprayed with a dispersion of lecithin in cocamidopropyl dimethyl amine water solution. [0330] 5. The granules are dried to a moisture content below 1 wt. %.

Formulation 11—An Emulsifiable Concentrate

[0331]

TABLE-US-00011 Ingredient Action Amount % 2,4-D Ethylhexyl Ester 680 g/L emulsifiable Herbicide 2.0-10.0% concentrate Pluronic PE 6200 Surfactant 0.5-0.75% Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine Coating  1.0-2.0% Sodium lignosulphonate Coating  2.0-3.0% additive Urea fertiliser Carrier To 100%

[0332] Manufacturing Process: [0333] 1. Urea fertiliser in amount to provide 80 kg/ha urea is loaded into a paddle mixer; [0334] 2. A commercial formulation of 2,4-D ethylhexyl ester in amount sufficient to provide 1800-2500 g/ha 2,4-D acid is sprayed on the urea until all granules are fully covered by the herbicide; [0335] 3. The granules covered with herbicide are sprayed with a dispersion of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine in an aqueous solution of EO/PO block co-polymer (Pluronic PE 6200); [0336] 4. The wet granules are dried to remove moisture and placed in the mixer; [0337] 5. Sodium lignosulphonate is added until all urea granules are covered with powder and until the granules no longer have an oily appearance.

Example 8

[0338] Examples are now provided illustrating the efficacy of the dry composition when applied to the foliage of a plant and when applied to the ground about a plant.

[0339] In a first experiment, 2,4-D ester herbicide containing dry composition granules were applied to the ground area around the weed Californian thistle to test efficacy and measurements of herbicidal effect taken thereafter. FIG. 10A is a photograph and FIG. 10B a line drawing of the Californian thistle 7 on day 1 post broadcast and FIG. 11A is a photograph and FIG. 11B of the Californian thistle 7 on day 14 post broadcast. As shown, weed growth has stopped by day 14 with the weed 7 substantially killed. Full control of the weed 7 was achieved within 3 weeks of application (not shown).

[0340] In a second experiment, 2,4-D amine herbicide containing dry composition granules were applied to foliage of vegetation to test herbicidal effects. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate the vegetation 8 on day 6 post broadcast showing significant curling of the vegetation 8 being the first sign of weeds being affected by herbicide. Inventor observations post day 6 confirmed the dry composition successfully killed the vegetation 8 growth.

[0341] In a third experiment, glyphosate containing dry composition granules were applied to test plant foliage. The glyphosate in the dry composition was present at a rate of 1200 grams acid equivalent/ha. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B shows the foliage 9 on day 1 post broadcast while FIGS. 14A and 14B shows the foliage 9 on day 15 post broadcast. The day 15 Figures shows a significant browning of the vegetation 9 and obvious kill effect from the dry composition (not shown). The inventors noted again that full control kill of the vegetation 9 was achieved by Day 21.

Example 9

[0342] Examples of seed and dry composition mixtures are now described.

[0343] The actual combination of herbicide/grass seed mix depends on the requirements, preference and region; however for example only, the following combinations are described:

Mixture 1

[0344]

TABLE-US-00012 Component Amount wt. % Grass seed mix (perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, 10% tall fescue mix) Glyphosate based granulated dry composition 90%

Mixture 2

[0345]

TABLE-US-00013 Component Amount wt. % Grass seed mix (red clover, cocksfoot, 75% browntop, kikuyu) 2,4-D ethylhexyl ester based granulated dry 25% composition

Mixture 3

[0346] a. Coated seed composition: [0347] Grass seeds 50% [0348] Seed coating 50%* [0349] *Coating consists of: 93.9% lime, 2% Methocel K25M as solution, 0.8% molybdenium, 2.7% Rhizobium, 0.3% Apron fungicide, Lecithin 0.5% [0350] b. Herbicidal dry composition: [0351] Ammonium sulphate 89% (carrier) [0352] 600 g/L Glyphosate soluble concentrate commercial product 10% (herbicide) [0353] Lecithin 1% (coating)

[0354] To form the final seed composition suitable for application, composition a is mixed with composition b as 50:50% by weight mixture.

Mixture 4

[0355] a. Coated seed composition: [0356] Grass seeds 50% [0357] Seed coating 50%* [0358] *Coating consists of: 1.66% AgroKoat A, 0.72% imidacloprid, 1.3% molybdenium, 48.16% lime, 47.66% kaolin, Cocamidopropyl betaine 0.5% [0359] b. Herbicidal dry composition: [0360] Ammonium sulphate 89% (carrier) [0361] 600 g/L Glyphosate soluble concentrate commercial product 10% (herbicide) [0362] Lecithin 1% (coating)

[0363] To form the final seed composition suitable for application, composition a is mixed with composition b as 50:50% by weight.

Mixture 5

[0364] a. Coated seed composition: [0365] Grass seeds 50% [0366] Seed coating 50%* [0367] *Coating consists of: 1.4% Primal AC234, 0.5% methylcellulose 4000 cPs, 0.24% Thiram fungicide, 1.3% molybdenium, 46.78% lime, 48.28% kaolin. Sodium dodecyl sulphate 1.5% [0368] b. Herbicidal dry composition: [0369] Commercial N,P,K Fertiliser 79% (carrier) [0370] 2,4-D amine 400 g/L soluble concentrate commercial product 19% (herbicide) Lecithin 2% (coating)

[0371] To form the final seed composition suitable for application, composition a is mixed with composition b as 50:50% by weight.

Example 10

[0372] In this example, a method is provided to produce a combination seed and dry composition mixture.

[0373] The combination of seed and dry herbicide can be presented as simple steps as follow: [0374] Selecting the single or multiple plants seeds and amounts required for specified area treatment; [0375] Choosing the granular composition based on herbicide, fertiliser requirements for specified in amounts required to treat the specified area; [0376] Mixing the seeds and herbicide composition.

[0377] No special treatment or separation is needed between the seed and dry composition for transport, storage or broadcast.

Example 11

[0378] In this example, a trial is described where seed/dry composition mixtures were co-administered and the resulting localised kill effect and subsequent seed germination rates described.

[0379] A mix of ryegrass seeds and glyphosate granular composition was prepared and an area of ground vegetation was treated to provide 350 kg ammonium sulphate and 1440 g glyphosate per ha.

[0380] FIGS. 15A and 15B shows the area of vegetation 10 before the above dry composition was applied and FIGS. 16A and 16B shows the same area of vegetation 10, 12 Days post application. FIGS. 17A and 17B and FIGS. 18A and 18B are detail views of the area of FIGS. 16A and 16B to illustrate the kill effect against old grass 10 and the new grass germination 11 that occurred by day 12 amongst the killed off pre-existing vegetation 10.

Example 12

[0381] In this example, shelf life stability experiments for both the dry composition alone and the seed and dry composition together are illustrated to demonstrate storage capability.

[0382] In this trial, a glyphosate based dry composition was subjected to stability evaluation according to FAO recommendations

[0383] The results presented in the Table below.

TABLE-US-00014 After storage at 54° C. Parameter Method Initial for 14 Days Appearance Visual Slightly green Slightly green granules granules Glyphosate AOAC 996.12 41.2 g/kg 40.9 g/kg content Persistent foam CIPAC, MT47.3 15 mL 14 mL 60 mL max Residue 2% max CIPAC, MT 179.1 ND ND on 75 μm sieve Essentially CIPAC, MT 171.1 Complies Complies non-dusty

[0384] The data presented in the Table 1 is sufficient to nominate 2 years shelf life of formulation.

Example 13

[0385] In this example, a controlled study was undertaken in laboratory to evaluate if pre-emergent herbicide from a dry composition described herein, (in this example using glyphosate as the herbicide), has any negative effect of seed germination and to evaluate the germination rate from a dry composition and seed mixture.

[0386] The glyphosate dry composition was mixed with ryegrass seeds and stored for 2 months in general storage area. Twenty-five seeds were placed between multiple layers of paper towels and saturated with water. The paper towels containing seeds were placed between two sheets of aluminum foil and the sides crimped. After 5 days at room temperature the seeds were removed and evaluated for germination and germination rate. To evaluate if germination rate has changed, a control group of seed only was included in the same study (seeds without dry composition as is commercially available).

[0387] It was found that germination rate for both types of seeds (with and without dry composition) was equal i.e. 18 seeds from the trial seeds mixed with dry composition germinated and 19 control seeds (no dry composition) germinated.

[0388] FIGS. 19A and 19B and FIGS. 20A and 20B show views of the germinated seeds 12 from the trial seeds and dry composition mixture illustrating germination that occurred.

[0389] In a further trial a further 25 seeds from a seed and dry composition mixture were selected after storing the composition for another month at elevated temperatures (35° C.) and were placed between multiple layers of paper towels and saturated with water. The paper towels containing seeds were placed between two sheets of aluminum foil and the sides crimped. After 10 days at room temperature the seeds were removed and evaluated for germination and germination rate. The germination rate was 92%. An image of the germinated seeds 12 is shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B.

[0390] The rate of seed germination illustrated in the above trials is excellent and shows no compromise in germination as a result of mixing and storage previously with the dry composition comprising herbicide.

Example 14

[0391] A further experiment was performed to evaluate if the herbicidal activity of the dry composition is influenced if the seed and dry composition are broadcasted to a substrate and then covered by a thin layer of soil as might be the case in dusty hill country subjected to wind. The seed and dry composition of Mixture 4 described above was spread over soil, covered with soil and watered. The soil was kept moist for two weeks. Results of experiment showed that, despite soil coverage, the seeds still germinated well with healthy shoots 13 growing in the sample plot as shown in the drawing of FIG. 22.

[0392] Aspects of the composition and related methods of manufacture and use have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.