SK390186A3 - Herbicidal agent on herbicide and trimethyl sulphonium-n- -phosphonometylglycine base and method of its production - Google Patents

Description

Herbicidal composition based on the herbicide trimethylsulfonium N-phosphonomethylglycine and process for its preparation

Technical field

The invention relates to a herbicidal composition based on the trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine herbicide and to a process for its preparation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large number of phytoactive compounds containing a group of the formula A / o = c-ch ₂ -n-ch ₂ -p = o are known which are referred to as N-phosphonomethyl-N-carboxymethyl compounds or compounds of the PMCM type and are described in more detail below. Phytoactive, as used in the description of the present invention, is meant to be effective as plant growth regulators, herbicides, defoliants and the like. Illustrative examples of patent publications in which these PMCM compounds and their uses are described are:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,675, Irani, July 15, 1969, entitled: Aminophosphonate Herbicides (Aminophosphonate Herbicides);

U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,762, Hamm, January 19, 1971, entitled Increasing Carbohydrate Deposition in Plants with Aminophosphonates (Aminophosphonates);

U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,531, Franz, Sep. 20, 1983, entitled Salts of N-Phosphonomethylglycine;

U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,407, Franz, Feb. 25, 1975, entitled Carboxyalkyl Esters of N-Phosphonomethylglycine;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,513, Prill, Feb. 20, 1979, entitled Sodium Sesquiglyphosate (Sodium Sesquiglyphosate);

U.S. Pat. 4,315,765, Large, Feb. 16, 1982, entitled Trialkylsulphonium Salts of N-Phosphonomethylglycine (N-phosphonomethylglycine Trialkylsulfonium Salts);

U.S. Pat. 4,481,026, Prisbilla, Nov. 6, 1984, entitled Aluminum N-Phosphonomethylglycine and Is Use of A Herbicide (N-phosphonomethylglycine aluminum salt and its use as a herbicide);

U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,676, Bake, Aug. 9, 1983, entitled N-Phosphonomethylglycine Derivatives, and

International Application WO 84/03607, Chevron Research Company, September 27, 1984, entitled Glyphosphate-Type Herbicidal Compositions (Glyphosphate Type Herbicides).

Most of these patents also include a description of the methods used to prepare these compounds. Further descriptions of the methods of preparation are contained in these patents;

U.S. Pat. No. 3,288,846, Irani et al. November 29, 1966, entitled Process for Preparing Organic Phosphonic Acids;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,250, Bakel, March 26, 1985, entitled Process for Producing N-Phosphonomethylglycine, and

U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,724, Felix, Dec. 11, 1984, entitled Process for Preparation of N-Phosphonomethylglycine Salts.

PMCM compounds, especially water-soluble PMCM salts, are difficult to obtain in solid form. Sometimes they are difficult to crystallize and difficult to isolate from aqueous solutions. Sometimes they form a vitreous, non-crystalline solid that rapidly converts to a wet cake in air.

On the market, formulations containing PMCM compounds are generally not sold in solid form, but in the form of aqueous solutions. These solutions typically contain only about 50% of the PMCM compound. As a result, there are considerable losses in the storage, transport and disposal of packaging.

In aqueous media, PMCM compounds are typically acidic and have chelating properties. Iron and aluminum tend to inactivate the phytoactivity of these compounds. They can react with unprotected or galvanized steel to form an alternative hydrogen, which can form a highly flammable gas mixture. This mixture may ignite or explode when ignited, causing serious injury to personnel. Aqueous solutions of these compounds are therefore usually stored and transported in plastic containers or steel containers with a special lining.

It would be highly desirable to pack and sell PMCM compounds in solid form, as this would make significant savings in packaging storage, transport and disposal and avoid problems associated with PMCM compound solutions.

Representative patents which generally mention wettable powders containing PMCM compounds include US Pat. These patents generally disclose wettable powders comprising a PMCM compound, an inert solid extender, and one or more surfactants. A disadvantage of these wettable powders is that the solid extender reduces the amount of active ingredients that can be transported in a package of a certain size. A further disadvantage is that many phytoactive compounds that should be present in these powders, especially PMCM salts, are hygroscopic or moisturizing. Care should be taken when packaging, storing and using such wettable powders. When the end-user decides to use only a portion of the powder contained in one package, extensive precautions must be taken to ensure the stability of the residue.

It has now surprisingly been found that according to the invention it is possible to obtain phytoactive compositions in solid form which are substantially non-hygroscopic or non-moist, although based on a single PMCM compound, i. trimetylsulfóniumN-phosphonomethylglycine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a herbicidal composition based on the trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine herbicide and adjuvants which is characterized in that it is solid and substantially non-hygroscopic and comprises a perfect mixture of the above herbicide and surfactant which is solid at ambient temperature. selected from the group of alkylene oxide copolymers of general formula (J)

R - (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _m . (CHCH ₂ O) _n - R 'Q -) ₃ wherein each of the symbols

R and R 'are independently selected from hydrogen and groups of the formula

RCO-, R0-, RCN-, RN <or N <

n n o where each of the free bonds is attached as R or R 'a

R is an alkyl group having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkylphenyl group having an alkyl radical having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof, m is a number ranging from 20 to 200, n is a number ranging from 0 to 10 and m + n has a value equal to or greater than 25,

e.

in a weight ratio of trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine: surfactant ranging from 10: 1 to 1: 10.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solid, substantially non-hygroscopic, herbicidal composition which comprises:

(a) prepare an initial mixture containing the trimethylsulphonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine herbicide, solvent and nitrite, a molten surfactant as defined above;

(b) the solvent is removed from this initial mixture at Λ * melting point ** of the surfactant used to form the final mixture; and

c) cooling the resulting mixture to a temperature below the melting point of the surfactant used.

As used herein, the term solid means a physical state in which the device has a certain shape and volume and resists deformation. The solid may be formulated into any suitable particles such as pellets, flakes, granules or powder. At the application site, i.e. in the field, the solid composition may then be dissolved in a suitable diluent, usually and preferably in water, and the resulting solution may be applied to the plants to which the phytoactivity of the composition is to be directed.

Examples of residues R include sorbitan, aliphatic residues derived from coconut, tallow, soybean, castor oil, oleyl, palmityl, stearyl, lauryl, nonylphenoxy, dinonylphenoxy, octylphenoxy and dioctylphenoxy.

/ Μ //

Preferred nonionic surfactants for use in the compositions of the invention include Pluronic series surfactants such as Pluronic F-38 (ethylene oxide block copolymer)

Ί and propylene oxide having a molecular weight of 4700), Pluronic F-68 (block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide of molecular weight 8400), Pluronic F-77 (block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide of molecular weight 6600), Pluronic F-87 (block copolymer) propylene oxide with a molecular weight of 7700), Pluronic F-88 (block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with a molecular weight of 11400), Pluronic F-108 (block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide with a molecular weight of 14600) and Pluronic F-127 (block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide) molecular weight 12600). Pluronic surfactants are commercially available (BASF).

σ

An advantage of using a nonionic surfactant in the method and compositions of the invention is that they are usually relatively inexpensive, readily available, low-irritating or non-irritating substances, which often have low toxicity to mammals, and since they are in the molten state under vacuum, as a rule little or no money.

Other surfactants, such as cationic, anionic or amphoteric surfactants, may also be used. However, these substances can cause foaming. They may also be more toxic to mammals.

These other surfactants include Emcol CC-57 (cationic), Arquard C-50 (cationic), Etomeen 18/12 (cationic), Etomeen 18/15 (cationic), Etomeen 18/60 (cationic), Etomeen T / 60 (cationic), Alkaphos K-380 (anionic) and Witconate AOK (anionic).

· /

Also, if desired, a mixture of different nonionic surfactants or nonionic surfactants may be used together with cationic, anionic or amphoteric surfactants.

The following surfactants have proven to be useful in the methods and compositions of the invention:

Table I

surfactant manufacturer Structure / Type temperature mp Trycol NP-20 Eme ry ^ ethoxy sulfate nonylphenol (20 EO) 34 Trycol LAL-23 Emery ethoxylate lauryl alcohol (23 EO) 40 Trycol OAL-23 Eme ry ethoxylate oleyl alcohol (23 OE) 47 Pluronic F-88 BASF block EO, PO copolymer F m. h. 11400 54 Industrol MS-40 BASF polyethylene glycol monoester and stearic acid (40 EO), m. h. 1750 48 Iconol DNP-150 BASF Dinonylphenol ethoxylate ✓ 150 PE, m. h. 6900 55 Pluronic F-127 BASF block EO, PO copolymer WITH m. h. 12600 56

Melting point 'C

surfactant

Manufacturer Structure / Type

Pluronic F-108 Plurofac A-39 BASF BASF block EO, PO copolymer, m. h. 14600 β linear alcohol ethoxylate, m. h. 2670 56 Alkasurf S-40 Alkaril stearic acid ethoxylate (40 EO) 46 Alkasurf TA-50 Alkaril tallow fatty alcohol ethoxylate (50 EO) 47 Alkasurf OP-40 Alkaril octylphenol ethoxylate (40 PE) 48 Alkasurf LAD-23 Alkaril ethoxylate (23 OE) fatty alcohol 47 HP-1 T-DET Thompson- block EO, PO copolymer Hayward (35 EO, 25 PM) 28 T-DET N-100 Thompson- Hayward nonylphenol ethoxylate (100 PE) 50 Staley APG 91-3 (solid form) A.E. Staley alkylpolyglycoside ^ íozid

EO = ethylene oxide residue PO = propylene oxide residue m. h. = molecular weight

Some Atmospheric Solid Surfactants Foam Unwanted foaming can occur both in the initial preparation of the composition, especially when the solvent is removed under vacuum, and when the final product is mixed with the diluent made by the user at the site of application. Therefore, some embodiments of the invention include an antifoam agent. The anti-foam agent may be added at any time prior to solvent removal.

Representative examples of suitable antifoam agents include compositions such as Silcolapse 5008 (silicone based antifoam) and Anti-foam Emulsion Q-94 (SWS Silicones Corp.).

In addition to the PMCM compound, surfactant and antifoam agents, the composition may also contain other conventional ingredients such as desiccants, heat stabilizers, ultraviolet absorbents, dispersants, wetting agents and other agriculturally acceptable substances. Representative desiccants include Microcel E, Aerosil 200, and Hi-Sil ( ^R 233). Representative heat stabilizers include phenylenediamines, phenazine, and butylated hydroxytoluene. Representative ultraviolet absorbents include Tinuvin 770, Tinuvin P, and dinroanilines.

The ratio of PMCM compound to surfactant is within a six-year range. Since it is known that the choice of a particular surfactant may affect the phytoactivity of the PMCM compounds used according to the invention, it is necessary to take into account the desired solid activity activity when selecting the particular surfactant. The surfactant can be used in any amount as long as the products are completely dissolved or readily dispersed in the diluent prior to application. In view of the cost, the smallest amount of surfactant should be used which still makes it possible to achieve the effect according to the invention, i.e. with which a solid product is obtained which is not substantially hygroscopic. The weight ratio of PMCM compound to surfactant is typically in the range of about 10: 1 to about 1: 10. The preferred ratio is from about 4: 1 to about 1: 2. The most preferred ratio is from about 2: 1 to about 1: 1.

Representative examples of the compositions of the present invention include the following. Unless otherwise indicated, amounts of the substances are given in% by weight.

69.3% trimethylsulfone salt of N-phosphonomethylglycine 30.7% F-108 (melting point 57'C)

100 % pretty 69.3 % N-phosphonomethylglycine isopropylammonium salt 30.7 % Tetronic 909 (mp 59 ° C) 100 % pretty 69.3 % N-phosphonomethylglycine isopropylammonium salt 30.7 % Pluronic 108 (melting point 57C)

100% total

The solid compositions of the invention are characterized in that the PMCM compound forms a homogeneous mixture with a surfactant. Initially, the PMCM compound is dispersed in a surfactant matrix. This homogeneous dispersion is believed to prevent PMCM compounds from absorbing moisture.

The compositions of the invention may be prepared by any suitable method. In a preferred procedure, however, a mixture comprising a PMCM compound and a solvent is first prepared. Preferably, the PMCM compound is dissolved in a solvent. In other embodiments, the PMCM compound is dispersed in a solvent.

In some process variants, the mixture is prepared such that the PMCM compound is formed in situ. For example, the J-Ohori her / _Λ.

depending on the variant, N-phosphonomethylglycine can be reacted with the desired base in the presence of water to form an aqueous solution containing the PMCM compound. Solutions of the isopropylammonium salt of N-phosphonomethylglycine can advantageously be prepared in this way. ___

The choice of the solvent to be used in the processes of the invention is of critical importance, but the solvent must nevertheless meet certain requirements. The solvent must be capable of dissolving or dispersing the desired PMCM compound at the temperature used to form the initial mixture without adversely affecting the phytoactivity of the PMCM compound. The higher the solubility or dispersibility of the PMCM compound in the solvent, the less solvent can be used and the easier the subsequent removal of the solvent.

· /

The boiling point of the solvent under normal pressure is preferably higher than the melting point of the particular surfactant selected. Most importantly, however, the solvent must be removed at a temperature above the melting point of the factant. Consequently, if the normal boiling point of the solvent is lower than the melting point of the surfactant, the solvent must be removed at elevated pressure. Preferred solvents include water and polar organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and acetone. Most preferred is water.

The third component of the initial composition is a surfactant. The surfactant may be added to the solvent by conventional technology before or after the addition of the PMCM compound. The surfactant is preferably added in the molten state, although in some embodiments of the methods of the invention the surfactant is first dissolved or dispersed in the solvent and then the temperature is raised above the melting point of the surfactant. The use of the melted surfactant in the preparation of the initial mixture allows mixing and may contribute to reducing the amount of solvent required. In those cases where the melted surfactant itself is capable of dissolving or dispersing the desired PMCM compound, it may be used in place of the solvent.

In order to melt the surfactant or to keep it in the molten state, the lower limit of the temperature of the initial mixture is the melting point of the surfactant. The upper limit is the temperature at which a particular PMCM compound, surfactant or other additives decompose. When trialkylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycines are used as PMCM compounds, it is generally carried out at a temperature of from 30 to 110 ° C.

The solvent is then removed from the initial mixture. Any solvent removal technology can be used as long as the working temperature is below the decomposition temperature and above the melting point of the surfactant. Suitable technologies include heating and evacuation and combinations thereof. For example, the concentrate mixture can be simply heated to a temperature sufficient to evaporate the solvent.

The temperature at which the solvent evaporates is a function of its boiling point, absolute pressure, and composition of the mixture. When a reduced pressure is used, the solvent can be removed at lower temperatures. A preferred solvent removal apparatus under reduced pressure is an industrial type film evaporator. Since the product residence time in the device is very short, the decomposition that might otherwise occur is minimized.

In the methods of the invention, solvent removal is most preferably carried out under atmospheric conditions, since in this case no fMJ special device or special technologies are required to maintain the vacuum and to remove the resulting solid composition from such a device.

As the solvent is removed at a temperature above the melting point of the surfactant, the surfactant concentration in the mixture increases and a viscous end mixture is formed. Upon cooling, the final mixture solidified immediately. It is not necessary to remove all of the solvent from the final mixture, it is sufficient to remove enough solvent so that the final mixture solidifies upon cooling. Preferably substantially all of the solvent is removed.

The resulting solid composition can then be processed into suitable particles such as pellets, flakes, granules or powder. This treatment is carried out by conventional procedures. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the size of the resulting particles will affect the ease of dissolution or dispersion of the end product in the diluent at the site of application. The ease of dissolution or dispersion usually increases as the particle size decreases. In contrast, the ease of handling the end product increases with increasing particle size. The more soluble or dispersible the solid composition is, the larger the particles can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the end product is formulated into particles having a particle size range of from about 4 to about 15 microns in diameter, into granules with a diameter of about 0.6 to about 2.4 mm (8 to 30 mesh) or flakes.

The following examples illustrate the preparation of the compositions of the invention by the methods set forth herein. All percentages are by weight unless clearly indicated otherwise.

Example I

12.5 g of TETRONIC® 908 surfactant (block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide of MW 25000), melting at 70 DEG C., are melted in a 200 ml round bottom flask at 70C in a laboratory rotary evaporator. The molten surfactant is slowly added at ambient temperature

42.5 g of a 58% aqueous solution of trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine while maintaining the elevated temperature. The mixture is slowly heated to 95 ° C under vacuum (665 Pa absolute pressure) under vacuum and the flask is rotated at medium speed to control boiling. After 0.5 hours, substantially all the water was removed and the mixture was allowed to solidify by cooling to room temperature. The solid was removed from the flask with a spatula and sized to a powder in a mortar under nitrogen. The powder sample left in the open cup does not melt in absorbed moisture.

Example II

The composition was prepared by the method of Example I except that 12.5 g of IGEPAL DM 970 surfactant (dinonylphenol ethoxylate, 150 EO, GAF Corp.) was used. A solid is obtained which stands on standing! it does not dissipate in the absorbed moisture in the open air.

Example III

Of Example I was prepared composition with the difference that as surfactant is used 15 g ICON-of DNP 150 (ethoxylate dinonylfenolu, 150 PE, mh 6900); mp 55 ^e C, and further added 1 g of Hi-Sil ^ ^R (sublimed silica from PPG), 2 drops of antifoam agent (Silocolapse 5008). Evaporation is carried out at 100 ° C for 0.5 hour at an absolute pressure of 133 Pa. A solid is obtained which does not melt in the free air in the absorbed moisture.

Example IV

The composition was prepared as described in the Example

I, with the only difference that as surfactant is used 15 g of Pluronic F ^ ^R-108 (a block of EO, PO copolymer, MH

14600) with a melting point of 56'C and evaporation is carried out

0.5 hours at 95 ° C and 1.3 kPa. The viscous paste solidified upon cooling to room temperature. Standing on (open) air does not dissipate in absorbed moisture.

Example V

The composition was prepared as in Example IV except that a mixture of two surfactants (10 g Pluronic® 17R8 (a block of EO, PO copolymer, mh 7000) and 5 g of Trycol / ^R 5946, a surfactant based on ethoxylated alkylphenols from Emery). Evaporation is carried out at

P /

100 ° C for 15 minutes, the absolute pressure at the evaporation end being 665 Pa. The viscous paste obtained solidifies upon cooling to room temperature. Do not melt in the absorbed moisture during standing / open air.

Example VI

By the method of Example I, the composition was prepared except that 15 g of PLURONICF-108 (block EO, PO copolymer, MW 14600, mp 56 ° C, 1 g of Hi-Sil ^ ^R ^) (sublimed silica) were used. 25062003, 05:30:29 Evaporation is carried out for 0.5 hour at 100 ° C, the absolute pressure at the end of the evaporation being 665 Pa. The product obtained solidifies rapidly upon cooling.

Example VII

The composition was prepared as described in Example I except that 25 g of PLUROFAC A-39 (linear alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, mh 2670, from BASF) were used as surfactants, m.p. 56 ° C, and evaporated. 0.5 hours at 100 ° C under absolute pressure at the end of the evaporation of 133 Pa. The viscous liquid obtained solidifies upon cooling to room temperature. During / at standstill on the air plume, the product does not melt in absorbed moisture.

· /

Example VIII

In a laboratory Buchi Rotavapor rotary evaporator in a 200 ml round bottom flask at 70 DEG C. 12.5 g melted surfactant IGEPAL DM ≤ ^R ≤ 970 (ethoxylate (EO 150) dinonylfenolu from GAF Corp.). To the melted surfactant is added 47.8 g of an aqueous solution of isopropylamino-N-phosphonomethylglycine (Rodeo from Monsanto) at a concentration of 53% by weight, and the mixture is maintained at ambient temperature. Then the mixture is slowly heated to 95 ° C under vacuum (absolute pressure of 665 Pa). The boiling in the flask is controlled by rotating the flask at medium speed. After 0.5 hour, substantially all of the water was removed and the mixture was allowed to solidify by cooling to room temperature. The solid was removed from the flask with a spatula-C- and crushed under nitrogen. in a mortar for powder. The powder sample left in the open cup does not melt in absorbed moisture.

Example IX

As described in Example VIII, the composition was prepared except that 12.5 g of PLURONIC 17 R8 (propylene oxide and ethylene (II) mh 7000 block copolymer from BASF, Wyandotte) were used and the evaporation was carried out for 0.5 hours. absolute pressure 665 Pa. The resulting solid does not dissolve in the absorbed moisture.

Example X

Twelve additional powders are prepared. All solids are ground into water-soluble powders. The powders are prepared as follows:

a) Five different surfactants (15 g for each powder) are mixed with 1 g of Hi-Sil® ^R (PPG) and 42.5 g of a 58% aqueous solution of trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine and processed. as in Example VI. The surfactants used are listed in Table II.

T a b u Ϊ k and II powder Business Manufacturer Temperature Central Viscosity Composition no. mark mp molecular at 77'C CC) mass (MPa.s)

1 Pluronic® ^F-R 108 BASF 57 14 600 2800 block EO, PO copolymers of 2 Tetroni® ^R b09 BASF 59 30 000 8200 block EO, PO copolymer 3 PluracolW E8000 BASF 61 7 500 polyethylene glycol 4 Plurofa ( ^R ) A-39 BASF 56 2 600 125 ethoxylate linear alcohol 5 Iconol ( ^R ) BNP-150 BASF 55 6 900 ethoxylate dinonyl phenol (b) Except of it prepare six powders at application combinations of two surfactants Iconol DNP-150 with temperature

mp 55 C and Trycolu ^ ^R 6954 (ethoxylate (15E0) nonylphenol) mp / 54'C at three different concentrations:

15, 20 and 25 g, mixed with 42.5 g of a 58% (w / w) trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine solution, similar to Example VI. In all cases, dry powders are obtained.

Example XI

The procedure described in Example I was prepared with the exception that 300 g of PLURONIC F-88 (block copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide mh 11400 from BAS1) were used as surfactant, 574 g of a 58% aqueous solution of trimethylsulfonium-N -phosphonomethylglycine, 10 drops of Silcolapse 5008, which are mixed in a 2 liter round bottom flask. The solid obtained does not dissolve in the absorbed moisture.

These active agents according to the invention are effective after dissolution or dispersion in a suitable diluent, preferably in water, and are applied at the desired site by spraying or other conventional means. Conventional auxiliaries such as blowing agents, penetrating agents, spray improvers and thickeners, carriers, extenders and conditioning agents such as dispersants can be added to the final solution or dispersion.

The herbicidal activity of the compositions of the invention is illustrated by the following examples. Efficacy is evaluated by comparing the extent of weed weed control in test vessels that have been treated with PMCM compositions of the invention in similar control vessels. The soil used in these tests is clayey soil from Livermore (California).

The soil is treated with the addition of fertilizer 17-17-17 (the numbers indicate the weight content of N - P ₂ 0 ₅ "K ₂ 0) ^{in an} amount of 50 ppm by weight, based on the soil and the soil fungicide Captan ( ^R ).

The treated soil was placed in a plastic pot with a diameter of 15 cm and a depth of ^ * ^/ 12.7 cm with drain holes. The test cores are planted with the sorghum sorghum, cuts of the filth and tuber of the chess. The weed plants used have the following scientific names:

scientific name

A. Halle sorghum

B. ** / * y * jF

C. Chess

Sorghum halepense CL ·

Cynodon dyctylon Cyperus rotundus

The seed material is used in an amount such that several seedlings are produced in each pot. After planting, the pots were placed in a greenhouse in which the temperature was maintained at 21-30 ° C. Water is fed to the pots every day by sprinkling.

About 35 days after seeding, seedlings are sprayed with various PMCM compositions based on trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine. The composition of the funds is shown in Table III. The composition 1 is liquid. Compositions 2 to 13 are solid compositions made in accordance with the invention. Each formulation was dissolved in 400 mL water. For the spray strengths listed in Table III, 40 ml aliquots of these solutions are used.

Approximately 28 days after spraying, the degree of weed control was evaluated and recorded as a percentage control compared to that of the same non-sprayed plants of the same age. The classification includes values from 0 to 100%, where 0 means no effect on plant growth compared to untreated control plants and 100 means complete killing of test weeds.

The results are shown in Table III.

Table III

Device Weight Intensity Percent Suppression (G) treatment (Kg / ha) sorghum johnsongrass cynodon TV dyctylon sedge 1. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 65 65 Ethaquod 12 1.54 0.56 97 99 55 1.12 - - 93 2. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 40 15 Pluronic F-108 2.30 0.56 85 55 45 1.12 - - 93 3. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 25 10 - Tetronic 909 2.30 0.56 80 45 40 1.12 - - 85 4. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 10 15 Pluracol E8000 2.30 0.56 75 50 35 1.12 - - 80 5. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 15 25 - Plurafac A-39 2.30 0.56 80 60 25 6. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 15 15 Iconol DNP-150 2.30 0.56 70 60 25 1.12 - - 75

means

Weight Intensity

Percentage suppression (g) treatment (kg / ha) sorghum

7. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 35 20 - e Trycol 6954 2.30 0.56 80 70 25 • 8. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 35 20 Iconol DNP-150 2.68 0.56 75 70 35 1.12 - - 85 9. Herbicide 3.84 0.28 25 35 - Iconol DNP-150 3.07 0.56 75 70 45 1.12 - - 80 10.Herbicíd 3.84 0.28 25 35 Iconol DNP-150 3.84 0.56 75 70 50 1.12 - - 80 11.Herbicíd 3.84 0.28 35 35 - B Iconol DNP-150 3.84 0.56 85 80 35 1.12 - - 75 • 12.Herbicíd 3.84 0.28 40 35 - Plurafac A-39 3.07 0.56 85 75 35 1.12 - - 88 13.Herbicíd 3.84 0.28 55 40 - Plurafac A-39 3,84 _z 0.56 95 98 35 1.12 - - 93 inspection 0 0 0 0 (Untreated) 0 0 0 0

The amount of composition that represents a phytoactive amount depends on the type of plant and the effect desired. The treatment intensity is generally from about 0.001 to about 56 kg of PMCM compound per hectare, preferably from 0.1 to about 28 kg / ha, the amount actually used depends on the total cost and the desired results. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art (M) that in order to achieve the same degree of action, compounds with lower phytoactivity will have to be administered in higher amounts than compounds with higher phytoactivity.

Claims (2)

PATENT CLAIMS A herbicidal composition based on the herbicide trirtetylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine and auxiliary agents, characterized in that it is solid and substantially non-hygroscopic and comprises a perfect mixture of the above herbicide and a surfactant which is solid at ambient temperature selected from the group of copolymers of alkylene oxides of the formula I R - (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _m . (CHCH ₂ O) _n - R '(i) wherein each of the symbols R and R 'are independently selected from hydrogen and groups of the formula RCO-, R0-, RCN-, RN <or N <, Wherein each of the free bonds is attached as R or R 'a R is an alkyl group having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkylphenyl group having an alkyl radical of from 8 to 30 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof; m is an integer ranging from 20 to 200; n has a value equal to or greater than 25; e in a weight ratio of trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine: surfactant ranging from 10: 1 to 1: 10. A process for the preparation of a herbicidal composition according to claim 1, characterized in that i (a) prepare an initial composition comprising the trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine herbicide, a solvent and a molten surfactant as defined in claim 1; (b) from this initial mixture at a temperature above * ah q * - the melting point of the surfactant used removes the solvent to form a final mixture; and c) cooling the resulting mixture to a temperature below the melting point of the surfactant used. · / F! annotation Title of the Invention: Herbicidal composition based on the herbicide trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine and method of production Solid, essentially non-hygroscopic, herbicidal agent. A document consisting of a mixture of trimethylsulfonium N-phosphonomethylglycine herbicide and a surfactant which is / solid at ambient temperature, selected from the group of alkylene oxide copolymers of the formula R (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _m (H ₃ C-CH-CH ₂ O) _n -R ', wherein each of R a''is independently hydrogen or a group of the formula RC (O) O-, R0-, RC (O) N-, RN <or N <, where each of the free bonds is attached as R or R 'and R' are C8-C30 alkyl or alkylphenyl having an alkyl radical of 8 to 30 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof, m is a number ranging from 20 to 200, n is a number ranging from 0 up to 10 and m + n has a value equal to or c greater than 25 in a weight ratio of trimethylsulfonium-N-phosphonomethylglycine: surfactant ranging from 10: 1 to 1: 10. This composition is prepared by preparing an initial mixture containing a herbicide trimethylsulfonium nium-N-phosphonomethylglycine, solvent and molten surfactant, the solvent is removed from this initial mixture at the melting point of the surfactant to form a final mixture, and the resulting mixture is cooled to a temperature below the melting point of the surfactant used. .