Compositions comprising a biological control agent and an insecticide

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Bacillus chitinosporus AQ746 (NRRL Accession No. B-21618), Bacillus mycoides AQ726 (NRRL Accession No. B-21664), Bacillus purnilus (NRRL Accession No. B-30087), Bacillus purnilus AQ717 (NRRL Accession No. B-21662), Bacillus sp. AQ175 (ATCC Accession No. 55608), Bacillus sp. AQ177 (ATCC Accession No. 55609), Bacillus sp. AQ178 (ATCC Accession No. 53522), Bacillus subtilis AQ743 (NRRL Accession No. B-21665), Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ153 (ATCC Accession No. 55614), Bacillus thuringiensis BD#32 (NRRL Accession No. B-21530), Bacillus thuringiensis AQ52 (NRRL Accession No. B-21619), Muscodor albus 620 (NRRL Accession No. 30547), Muscodor roseus A3-5 (NRRL Accession No. 30548), Rhodococcus globerulus AQ719 (NRRL Accession No. B-21663), Streptomyces galbus (NRRL Accession No. 30232), Streptomyces sp. (NRRL Accession No. B-30145), Bacillus thuringiensis subspec. kurstaki BMP 123, Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421), and Bacillus subtilis AQ 30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455) and/or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or a metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens and at least one insecticide in a synergistically effective amount, with the proviso that the biological control agent and the insecticide are not identical. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Claims

1. A composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421), and Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455), and Bacillus firmus strain CNCM I-1582, wherein combination of the at least one biological control agent and the Bacillus firmus strain CNCM I-1582 results in a synergistic effect.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661).

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421).

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455).

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

6. A seed treated with the composition according to claim 1.

7. The seed according to claim 6, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661).

8. The seed according to claim 6, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421).

9. The seed according to claim 6, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455).

10. A method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens comprising the step of simultaneously or sequentially applying at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421), and Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455), and Bacillus firmus strain CNCM I-1582 on the plant, plant parts, harvested fruits, vegetables and/or plant's locus of growth wherein combination of the at least one biological control agent and the Bacillus firmus strain CNCM I-1582 results in a synergistic effect.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661).

12. A kit-of-parts comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421), and Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455), and Bacillus firmus strain CNCM I-1582, wherein combination of the at least one biological control agent and the Bacillus firmus strain CNCM I-1582 results in a synergistic effect.

13. The kit-of-parts according to claim 12, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661).

14. The kit-of-parts according to claim 12, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421).

15. The kit-of-parts according to claim 12, wherein the at least one biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455).

Description

EXAMPLES

(1) For all examples the efficiencies of the compositions comprising at least one BCA and at least one specific insecticide has been determined by the “Colby-formula”: The expected efficacy of a given combination of two compounds is calculated as follows (see Colby, S. R., “Calculating Synergistic and antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations”, Weeds 15, pp. 20-22, 1967): If X is the efficacy expressed in % mortality of the untreated control for test compound A at a concentration of m ppm respectively m g/ha, Y is the efficacy expressed in % mortality of the untreated control for test compound B at a concentration of n ppm respectively n g/ha, E is the efficacy expressed in % mortality of the untreated control using the mixture of A and B at m and n ppm respectively m and n g/ha,
then is E=X+Y−(X×Y/100)

(2) If the observed insecticidal efficacy of the combination is higher than the one calculated as “E”, then the combination of the two compounds is more than additive, i.e., there is a synergistic effect.

(3) In the following the following compounds/abbreviation for compounds are used:

(4) The strain Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 which is mentioned above as B19, is referred to in the following table as QST3002. A solution comprising 8.5-10.sup.8 CFU/g (1.34%) of this strain has been used.

(5) All ratios given below refer to biological control agent/spore preparations of the respective biological control agents of around 10.sup.10 cells or spores per gram preparation of said biological control agent (see definition for ratios above).

(6) In accordance with the definition above I277 represents 1-{2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[(2,2,2-trifluorethyl)sulfinyl]phenyl}-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-amine (known from WO2006/043635).

(7) I309/I310 refers to a mixture of 95% I310 (main isomer) and 5% of I309 (minor isomer).

(8) ##STR00001##

(9) wherein 1-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-N-[4-cyano-2-methyl-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-3-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-tetrazol-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (I309) (known from WO2010/069502), and

(10) 1-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-N-[4-cyano-2-methyl-6-(metylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-3-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-tetrazol-2-yl]methyl}-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (I310) (known from WO2010/069502).

Example A

Myzus persicae—Spray Test (MYZUPE)

(11) TABLE-US-00001 Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight acetone 1.5 parts by weight dimethylformamide Emulsifier: 0.5 parts by weight alkylarylpolyglycolether

(12) To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier—containing water to the desired concentration.

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

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

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

(16) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE A1 Myzus persicae - test Concentration Efficacy Active Ingredient in g/ha in % after 1.sup.d QST30002 (B19) 200 0 100 0 Flupyradifurone (I262) 4 0 QST30002 + 100 + 4 obs.* cal.** Flupyradifurone 70 0 (25:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

(17) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE A2 Myzus persicae - test Concentration Efficacy Active Ingredient in g/ha in % after 6.sup.d Streptomyces galbus 3000 17.5 AQ 6047 (B16) 2000 0 QST30002 (B19) 200 0 100 0 (I309/I310) 0.16 0 Streptomyces galbus + 2000 + 0.16 obs.* cal.** (I109/I310)  90 0  (12500:1)   according to the invention QST30002 + (I109/I310) 100 + 0.16 obs.* cal.** (625:1)  100 0  according to the invention (I277) 100 0 Streptomyces galbus + 3000 + 100 obs.* cal.** (I277)  70 17.5 (30:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

Example B

Tetranychus urticase—Spray Test, OP-resistant

(18) TABLE-US-00004 Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight acetone 1.5 parts by weight dimetrylformamide Emulsifier: 0.5 parts by weight alkylarylpolyglycolether

(19) To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration.

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

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

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

(23) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE B1 Tetranychus urticae - test Concentration Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 2.sup.d QST30002 (B19) 100 0 (I277) 100 0 QST30002 + (I277) 100 + 100 obs.* cal.** (1:1) 70 0 according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

(24) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE B2 Tetranychus urticae - test Concentration Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 6.sup.d Streptomyces galbus 3000 0 AQ 6047 (B16) Flupyradifurone (I262) 20 0 Streptomyces galbus + obs.* cal.** Flupyradifurone 3000 + 20 70 0 (150:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy. **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

Example C

Phaedan Cochleariae—Spray Test

(25) TABLE-US-00007 Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight of acetone 1.5 parts by weight of dimethylformamide Emulsifier: 0.5 parts by weight of alkylaryl polyglycolether

(26) To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration.

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

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

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

(30) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE C Phaedon cochleariae - test Concentration Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 6.sup.d Streptomyces galbus 3000 16.5 AQ 6047 (B16) 2000 0 (I277) 100 0 Streptomyces galbus + 3000 + 100 obs.* cal.** (I277) 83 16.5 (30:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy. **cal. = efficacy calculated with Colby-formula

Example D

Spodoptera frugiperdo—Spray Test

(31) TABLE-US-00009 Solvent: 78.0 parts by weight acetone 1.5 parts by weight dimethylformamide Emulifier: 0.5 parts by weight alkylarylpolyglycolether

(32) To produce a suitable preparation of the active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration. To produce a suitable preparation of a spore suspension the spores are diluted with emulsifier-containing water to the desired concentration.

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

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

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

(36) TABLE-US-00010 TABLE D-1 Spodoptera frugiperda - test Concentration Efficacy Active Ingredient in g ai/ha in % after 2.sup.d Streptomyces galbus 2000 0 AQ 6047 (B16) (I109/I310) 0.8 50 Streptomyces galbus + 2000 + 0.8 obs.* cal.** (I109/I310) 83 50 (200:1) according to the invention *obs. = observed insecticidal efficacy, **cal. = efficacy calculated wih Colby-formula