WO2023233425A1

WO2023233425A1 - Agricultural combination

Info

Publication number: WO2023233425A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050514
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dhaval YADAV; Bal Chand YADAV; Sunil NAGANUR
Original assignee: UPL Ltd
Current assignee: UPL Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-03
Filing date: 2023-06-01
Publication date: 2023-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-03
Also published as: UY40295A; AU2023281299A1; AR129514A1; CN119451573A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a plant health promoting additive and a composition comprising the same. The said combination is synergistic and suitable for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid. The present disclosure further relates to a method of reducing application amounts, residues or remnants of tricyclazole in field slurry and in agricultural produce.

Description

AGRICULTURAL COMBINATION

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a plant health promoting additive and a composition comprising the same. The present disclosure further relates to a method of reducing residues or remnants of the systemic fungicide in field slurry and in agricultural produce. The said combination is synergistic and suitable for controlling phytopathogenic fungi.

Background

Tricyclazole (8-methyl-[l,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][l,3]benzothiazole) is a systemic fungicide used globally on rice crop for treatment of seasonal rice blast disease. Tricyclazole protects plants from infection by phytopathogenic fungi by preventing penetration of the epidermis by the fungus. The compound acts by inhibiting melanisation within the appressorium, thus causing a lack of rigidity in the appressorial wall. The tricyclazole is from the benzothiazole chemical group that is recommended for the control of the fungus Pyricularia grisea, popularly known as rice blast, which is one of the most important diseases of rice crop. The tricyclazole fungicide is preventive and should be applied to rice crops before the panicles, spikelets and tillers are exposed to infection.

However, there has been limited information about the transport and fate of tricyclazole in rice fields. A few studies have detected tricyclazole residues in water samples after rice harvest and have also noted that variables such as season and year are important factors in determining the distribution of tricyclazole residues. Researchers have also highlighted that there is high persistence of tricyclazole in the water - soil system, with a half-life of 4 to 17 months under laboratory conditions and 6 months under field conditions, as it is not easily hydrolysed in the environment.

Studies have further indicated that tricyclazole showed a moderate toxicity causing an increase of the genotoxic activity in rice crop water through the appearance of chromosomal alterations in roots of Allium cepa. Tricyclazole fungicides could also disrupt the function of different body organs, such as the liver, through inhibition of cytochrome CYP450 and cholesterol synthesis. While monitoring chemical contaminants in food, it was found that tricyclazole among other pesticides is frequently found even in processed white rice, par-boiled and cooked rice. The European Union (EU) imports 10 per cent of the rice exported by India. The EU has set and implemented new standards with respect to the maximum residue level (MRL) for tricyclazole used by most basmati farmers in the country, in January of 2018. The MRL level in Basmati rice was brought down to 0.01 parts per million (ppm) from the level of 1 ppm. This action of the EU has hit the rice export and trade market in India, and the European market as well which witnessed a rapid price hike in rice sales.

Small doses of pesticide residues in field slurry or agricultural produce and their repeated contact over a period have chronic effects. Therefore, it is vital to safeguard human well-being, soil flora and environment health by selecting alternative methods in farm practices to reduce the accumulation of pesticide residues and its potentially hazardous effects.

There is a need to reduce the application of high doses of tricyclazole in crop plantations by combining tricyclazole and a plant health promoting agent, wherein the said combination augments the fungicide activity of tricyclazole with the plant health promoting agent, it is synergistic and leaves a reduced residue of tricyclazole.

Object of the invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a combination/compo sition comprising a systemic fungicide and a plant growth promoting additive.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a combination/composition comprising a systemic fungicide and a plant growth promoting additive to achieve the following advantages;

(i) to reduce the application dose of the systemic fungicide;

(ii) to significantly reduce residue levels of the systemic fungicide in crop produce and in field slurry;

(iii) to synergistically inhibit fungal growth; and

(iv) to improve crop yield and quality of agricultural produce.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of reducing residues or remnants of fungicides in field slurry and agricultural produce. It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of improving crop yield, health, and nutrition of agricultural produce.

Summary of the invention

The present disclosure relates to an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a plant health promoting additive.

In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor group of fungicides and a plant health promoting additive.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid.

In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an agricultural composition comprising at least one systemic fungicide comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor group of fungicides, a plant health promoting additive and an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an agricultural composition comprising at least one systemic fungicide comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor group of fungicides, a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive and an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an agricultural composition comprising tricyclazole, orthosilicic acid and an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to the use of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to reduce the application dose of a systemic fungicide in crop plantations; to synergistically inhibit fungal growth; to significantly reduce the residue level of systemic fungicide in rice plantations and in field slurries; and to improve crop yield, nutrition, and health of agricultural produce. In yet another aspect the present disclosure relates to the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to reduce the application dose of tricyclazole in crop plantations; to synergistically inhibit fungal growth; to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in rice plantations and in field slurries; and to improve crop yield, nutrition, and health of agricultural produce.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing residues of systemic fungicides in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of a systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of systemic fungicide.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing residues of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi comprising applying to a locus, plant, parts of it, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds, a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In another aspect the present disclosure relates to a method of increasing the crop yield comprising applying the agricultural combination of the present disclosure to a crop, or to plant propagation material or to the surface of agricultural produce.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit. The kit comprises a plurality of components, each of which components may include at least one, or more, of the ingredients of the fungicidal combination/composition of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the invention

The following description is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustration purpose only and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Moreover, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing, for example, quantities of materials/ingredients used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”.

Thus, before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.

Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms used herein. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this subject matter pertains. The following definitions are provided for clarity. The use of the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms first, second etc. as used herein are not meant to denote any ordering, but simply for convenience to denote a plurality of, for example, layers.

The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise noted.

In any aspect or embodiment described hereinbelow, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of’. In these aspects or embodiment, the combination or composition described includes or comprises or consists of or consists essentially of or consists substantially of the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±10% or ±5% of the stated value. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided. For example, “0.1-80%” includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, etc. up to 80%.

All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein. As used herein, the term “agricultural” is understood to denote an agricultural chemical such as pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, herbicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators and can be used interchangeably.

The term “active” as used herein, is meant an ingredient that is chemically active and/or biologically active in origin. By the term “active ingredient” as used herein, is meant as tricyclazole or a salt, or ester or derivative thereof. Similarly, the term active ingredient refers to orthosilicic acid or its derivatives. In this regard an “active” ingredient can be a single ingredient or a combination of ingredients; and the meaning of the term “active” shall be understood to include but not be limited to a “benzamide fungicide” or zoxamide or a salt, or ester thereof.

The phrase ‘fungicidally effective amount of a systemic fungicide’ refers to an amount of a systemic fungicide that kills or inhibits the phytopathogenic fungi or disease for which control is desired, in an amount not significantly toxic to the plant being treated.

The phrase ‘fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole’ refers to an amount of tricyclazole that kills or inhibits the phytopathogenic fungi or disease for which control is desired, in an amount not significantly toxic to the plant being treated. This means the standard full dosage rate of tricyclazole in the range of 300 to 600 g/Ha for the effective control of phytopathogenic fungi.

The term ‘disease control’ as used herein denotes control and prevention of a disease. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, inhibition or decrease of the fugal disease.

The term “plant” or “crop” refers to whole plants, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, limbs, shoots, fruits etc.), plant cells, or plant seeds. This term also encompasses plant crops such as fruits. The term “plant” may further include the “propagation material thereof’, which may include all the generative parts of the plant such as seeds and vegetative plant material such as cuttings and tubers, which can be used for the multiplication of the plant. This includes seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts basal shoots, stolons, and buds and other parts of plants, including seedlings and young plants, which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from soil.

The term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of a plant, such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

The term “locus” as used herein denotes the vicinity or area designated for growth of a desired crop susceptible to or likely to be susceptible to infestation by fungi, and in which control of the phytopathogenic fungi is desired. The locus includes the vicinity of desired crop plants wherein fungal infestation has either occurred or is most likely to occur or is yet to occur.

The term “agricultural produce” means any produce out of cultivation of plants and rearing of all life forms of animals, for food, fibre, fuel, raw material or other similar products, on which either no further processing is done or such processing is done as is usually done by a cultivator or producer which does not alter its essential characteristics but makes it marketable for primary market.

The term % disease severity refers to the percentage decay observed in the crops in terms of the percentage of relevant host tissues covered by lesions or damaged by the disease in crops. Severity results from the number and size of the lesions. The % severity indicates the extent of damage caused by the disease.

“Fungicide” refers to the ability of a substance to decrease or inhibit growth of fungi or oomycetes.

To “control” or “controlling” fungus means to inhibit, and/or supress the ability of fungus to grow and/or reproduce, or to limit fungus -related damage or loss in crop plants or denotes control and prevention of a disease. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, decrease of the fungal disease.

As used herein, the terms % disease control refers to the % control and prevention of a disease in crops. As used herein, Magnaporthe grisea, also known as Magnaporthe oryzae, Pyricularia grisea, Pyricularia oryzae rice blast fungus, rice rotten neck, rice seedling blight, blast of rice, oval leaf spot of graminea, pitting disease, ryegrass blast, neck blast, wheat blast, and Imochi, are synonyms of each other and refer to the same phytopathogen.

As used in terms of the present invention, % disease control refers to the % control of leaf blast disease and the phytopathogen causing it, namely Pyricularia spp. or Pyricularia oryzae. The control of the said disease in achieved in rice crop.

According to the present disclosure, “increased yield” of an agricultural plant means that the yield of a product of the respective plant is increased by a measurable amount over the yield of the same product of the plant produced under the same conditions, but without the application of the present disclosure.

The term “g a.i./L” or “g ai/L” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” present “per litre” of the composition.

The terms “g a.i./ha” or “g ai/ha” as used herein denotes the concentration of the respective active ingredient in “grams” applied “per hectare” of the crop field.

References to ai or a.i. means active ingredient and is construed to mean the same at portions of the specification hereinafter.

References to plant health promoting additive/agent mean the same.

Each of the aspects described above may have one or more embodiments.

Each of the embodiments described hereinafter may apply to one or all the aspects described hereinabove. These embodiments are intended to be read as being preferred features of one or all the aspects described hereinabove. Each of the embodiments described hereinafter applies to each of the aspects described hereinabove individually. In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the disclosure are achieved, and other advantageous results are attained. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in full, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The embodiments may be combined together for better understanding of the disclosure, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In another embodiment, alternative or multiple embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each embodiment can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other embodiments of the disclosure. One or more embodiments of the disclosure can be combined together to exhibit the teaching of the invention, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

By way of the present disclosure, the present inventors have successfully attempted to mitigate the issues faced with respect to residual remnants of systemic fungicides, namely tricyclazole found in agricultural field slurry, soil and even in agricultural produce of crops treated with such systemic fungicides by farmers. The presence of excessive pesticide residues negatively impacts the export prospects of crop produce in view of the restrictions imposed by regulatory authorities, ultimately damaging the economic benefit to be otherwise incurred.

The present inventors have unexpectedly found that the application of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide, namely, tricyclazole and a plant growth promoting additive, i.e. a silicic acid based plant growth promoting agent/additive significantly reduced the residue level of tricyclazole in crop plantations and in field slurry; and improved crop yield, nutrition and health of agricultural produce. The present inventors have reduced the application amount of the systemic fungicide, i.e. tricyclazole in the present agricultural combination by about 60% of the standard dosage used in agricultural applications and supplemented the said combination with a silicic acid based plant growth promoting additive. Moreover, the inventors have noted that the reduction in tricyclazole amount does not compromise the anti-fungal activity of the agricultural combination, in fact the synergistic activity of the combination becomes evident in controlling the growth and spread of phytopathogenic fungi. Rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) is a key concern in achieving global food security given the disease is responsible for approximately 30% of rice production losses globally which is the equivalent of feeding 60 million people. These losses are likely to increase the global rice price and reduce consumer welfare and food security. Yield loss from blast infections depends on varietal susceptibility, the degree of infection, and the timing of fungicide application. Some yield losses associated with blast outbreaks have reached 50% or more, and the cost of mitigating those blast outbreaks via fungicide application. An outbreak of rice blast sometimes takes place in abnormal weather conditions such as low temperature or sudden rain in the summer period, thus, rice blast is one of the most serious rice diseases world-wide and development of new control strategies for blast disease are urgently required.

Moreover, an ever-increasing global demand for rice, coupled with unpredictable weather calamities in the last few years has added immense stress on rice farmers in the region. This has necessitated farmers to find new ways to grow better quality of rice in a manner that is efficient and sustainable. Moreover, the restrictions with respect to the maximum residue level (MRL) in Basmati rice has further adversely affected the production of rice.

Therefore, the present invention provides an effective and environmentally safe agricultural combination which successfully overcomes regulatory restrictions imposed and contributes to society welfare and global food security.

The present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a plant health promoting additive/agent.

In an embodiment, the plant health promoting additive comprises a silicic acid-based additive.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant additive.

In an embodiment, the systemic fungicides of the present disclosure may be selected from the group comprising demethylation inhibitor fungicides, nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors, cytoskeleton and motor protein inhibitors, amino acids and protein synthesis inhibitors, respiration process inhibitors, signal transduction inhibitors, lipid synthesis and membrane integrity disruptors, sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, melanin synthesis inhibitors, cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors, host plant defence inductors and/or fungicides with unknown modes of action.

In a preferred embodiment, the systemic fungicide comprises a melanin synthesis inhibitor or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising

(a) a melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprises isobenzo-furanones comprising flhalide; pyrrolo-quinolinones comprising pyroquilon; triazolobenzo-triazoles comprising tricyclazolecyclopropane-carboxamides comprising carpropamid; carboxamides comprising diclocymet; propionamides comprising fenoxanil; trifluoroethyl-carbamates comprising tolprocarb and mixtures thereof; and

(b) at least a silicic acid-based additive.

In an embodiment, the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprises isobenzo-furanone such as flhalide; pyrrolo-quinolinones such as pyroquilon; triazolobenzo-thiazoles such as tricyclazole; cyclopropane-carboxamides such as carpropamid; carboxamides such as diclocymet; propionamides such as fenoxanil; trifluoroethyl-carbamates such as tolprocarb; and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprises tricyclazole or salts or derivatives thereof.

In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide comprises demethylation inhibitor fungicides.

In an embodiment, the demethylation inhibitor fungicide comprises triazole fungicides.

In an embodiment, the triazole fungicide is selected from the group comprising azaconazole, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, diclobutrazol, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, furconazole, furconazole-cis, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, ipfentrifluconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, quinconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole and uniconazole-P, their salts, or esters, or isomers or derivatives thereof or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the plant health promoting additive according to the present disclosure is a silicic acid-based plant growth promoting additive selected from those having the general formula:

[SiOx(OH)₄-2x]n

In an embodiment, n varies from 6 to 200.

In an embodiment, x is 1.5 and n is 20.

In an embodiment, x is 1.5 and n is 8, or 6, or 10, or greater than 16.

In an embodiment, x is 1.5 and n is greater than 20.

In an embodiment, x is 1.5 and n is 36.

In an embodiment, the silicic acid-based additive is selected from the group comprising metasilicic acid (EhSiCh), orthosilicic acid (H₄SiO₄), disilicic acid (H2Si20s), and pyrosilicic acid (H6Si2O?); preferably orthosilicic acid.

In a preferred embodiment, the plant growth promoting additive comprises orthosilicic acid (H₄SiO₄).

In another preferred embodiment, the plant growth promoting additive comprises stabilised orthosilicic acid (H₄SiO₄).

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and stabilised orthosilicic acid.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 0.1% to about 99% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 80% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 40% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 0.1% to about 99% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 80% of the said fungicide.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 40% of the said fungicide.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 0.1% to about 99% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 80% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to at about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 40% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole. In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 50% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 40% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 37.5% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 25% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 15% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 12.5% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 10% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole. In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 6.25% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the amount of tricyclazole in the agricultural combination is reduced by about 5% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 50 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha.

In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 299 g ai/ha.

In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 290 g ai/ha.

In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 285 g ai/ha.

In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 270 g ai/ha.

In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha.

In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 299 g ai/ha. In another preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 290 g ai/ha.

In a more preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150g ai/ha to 285 g ai/ha.

In a more preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150g ai/ha to 270 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200g ai/ha to 299 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200g ai/ha to 290 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount of 150 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount of 187 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount of 225 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount of 244 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount of 262 g ai/ha. In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount of 281 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 1 g ai/ha to 100 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 1 g ai/ha to 70 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 50 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount of 30 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount of 25 g ai/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural combination comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount of 20 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment the agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid is applied as a tank mix.

In an embodiment, the application rate of tricyclazole in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 50 g/ha to 600 g/ha. In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of tricyclazole in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 50 g/ha to 400 g/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of tricyclazole in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 100 g/ha to 400 g/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of tricyclazole in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 200 g /ha to 380 g/ha.

In an embodiment, the application rate of orthosilicic acid in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 250 ml/ha to 2500 ml/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of orthosilicic acid in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 500 ml/ha to 2000 ml/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of orthosilicic acid in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 1000 ml/ha to 2000 ml/ha.

In another preferred embodiment, the application rate of orthosilicic acid in the tank-mix is in an amount ranging from 1000 ml/ha to 1800 ml/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of orthosilicic acid in the tank-mix is 1250 ml/ha.

In a preferred embodiment, the application rate of orthosilicic acid in the tank-mix is 1500ml/ha.

In an embodiment, the constituents of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of (1-80): (1-80), (1-70): (1-70), (1-60): (1-60), (1-50): (1-50), (1-40): (1-40), (1-30): (1-30), (1-20): (1-20), (1-10): (1-10), (1-5): (1-5) of the systemic fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive respectively. In an embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:30 to 30:1 of systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:20 to 20:1 of systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:15 to 15:1 of systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:10 to 10:1 of systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 20:1 to 4:1 of systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 15:1 to 4:1 of systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively.

In an embodiment, the constituents of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of (1-80): (1-80), (1-70): (1-70), (1-60): (1-60), (1-50): (1-50), (1-40): (1-40), (1-30): (1-30), (1-20): (1-20), (1-10): (1-10), (1-5): (1-5) of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively.

In an embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:30 to 30:1 of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1 :20 to 20: 1 of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1 : 15 to 15 : 1 of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1 : 10 to 10: 1 of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 20:1 to 4:1 of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 15:1 to 4:1 of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive respectively.

In an embodiment, the constituents of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of (1-80): (1-80), (1-70): (1-70), (1-60): (1-60), (1-50): (1-50), (1-40): (1-40), (1-30): (1-30), (1-20): (1-20), (1-10): (1-10), (1-5): (1-5) of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid respectively.

In an embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:30 to 30:1 of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:20 to 20:1 of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:15 to 15:1 of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid respectively. In an embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 1:10 to 10:1 of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 20:1 to 4:1 of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituent of the combination of the present invention may be admixed in a ratio of 15:1 to 4:1 of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid respectively.

Accordingly, the ratio of the systemic fungicide, i.e. tricyclazole to orthosilicic acid has been arrived at by referencing the application amounts of the said actives.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the agricultural combination comprising the systemic fungicide and the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, comprising mixing the said ingredients in the desired ratio.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the agricultural combination comprising the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, comprising mixing the said ingredients in the desired ratio.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, comprising mixing the said ingredients in the desired ratio.

In an embodiment, the combination of the present disclosure may comprise at least a third fungicide, herbicide, acaricide, bio-stimulants or insecticide or biologicals.

In an embodiment, the third fungicide is a combination of at least two more fungicides.

In this embodiment, these fungicides are referred to herein as the third and the fourth fungicide respectively. However, the third and the fourth fungicide are preferably not the same fungicides, although they can be a combination of two fungicides from the same class of fungicides. In an embodiment, the present combinations may additionally contain plant health promoting additives such as fertilizers, micronutrients, biological additives etc. that are known to enhance the growth and health of the plant.

All the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

In an embodiment, the constituents of the combination of the present invention may be tank mixed and sprayed at the locus of the infection or may be alternatively mixed with surfactants or adjuvants and then sprayed.

In an embodiment, the constituents of the combination of the present invention may be used for foliar application, ground or applications to plant propagation materials.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural composition comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a systemic fungicide comprising melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an agricultural composition comprising

(b) at least a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive; and

(c) an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

In an embodiment, the demethylation inhibitor fungicide comprises triazole fungicides. In an embodiment, the triazole fungicide is selected from the group comprising azaconazole, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, diclobutrazol, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, furconazole, furconazole-cis, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, ipfentrifluconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, pro thioconazole, quinconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole and uniconazole-P, their salts, or esters, or isomers or derivatives thereof or combinations thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, plant growth promoting additive comprises stabilised orthosilicic acid (H₄SiO₄).

(a) a melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprising triazolobenzo-thiazoles;

(b) orthosilicic acid; and

(c) an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

(a) tricyclazole;

(b) orthosilicic acid; and

(c) an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

(a) tricyclazole;

(b) stabilised orthosilicic acid as the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive; and

(c) an agriculturally acceptable excipient. In an embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may typically be produced by mixing the actives in the composition with an inert carrier, and adding surfactants and other adjuvants and carriers as needed and formulated into solid, or liquid formulations, including but not limited to wettable powders, granules, dusts, Soluble (liquid) concentrates, suspension concentrates, oil in water emulsion, water in oil emulsion, emulsifiable concentrates, capsule suspensions, ZC formulations, nano-formulations, micro-dispersions, oil dispersions or other known formulation types. The composition may also be used for treatment of a plant propagation material such as seeds etc. The combinations of the present disclosure may be formulated in the form of a composition.

Examples of the solid carrier used in formulation include fine powders or granules such as minerals such as kaolin clay, attapulgite clay, bentonite, montmorillonite, acid white clay, pyrophyllite, talc, diatomaceous earth and calcite; natural organic materials such as corn rachis powder and walnut husk powder; synthetic organic materials such as urea; salts such as calcium carbonate and ammonium sulfate; synthetic inorganic materials such as synthetic hydrated silicon oxide; and as a liquid carrier, aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, alkylbenzene and methylnaphthalene; alcohols such as 2-propanol, ethyleneglycol, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether; ketones such as acetone, cyclohexanone and isophorone; vegetable oil such as soybean oil and cotton seed oil; petroleum aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile and water.

Examples of the surfactant include anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfate ester salts, alkylaryl sulfonate salts, dialkyl sulfosuccinate salts, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether phosphate ester salts, lignosulfonate salts and naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde polycondensates; and nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylpolyoxypropylene block copolymers and sorbitan fatty acid esters and cationic surfactants such as alkyltrimethylammonium salts.

Examples of the other formulation auxiliary agents include water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, alginic acid and the salt thereof, CMC (carboxymethyl- cellulose), xanthan gum, inorganic materials such as aluminum magnesium silicate and alumina sol, preservatives, coloring agents and stabilization agents such as PAP (acid phosphate isopropyl) and BHT. In an embodiment, the composition comprising from about 0.1% to about 50% w/w and preferably from about 1% to about 40% w/w anionic surfactant of the total weight of composition.

In an embodiment the composition may further comprise one or more antifreeze agent, wetting agents, fillers, surfactants, anticaking agents, pH-regulating agents, preservatives, biocides, antifoaming agents, colorants and other formulation aids.

Suitable antifreeze agents that can be added to the agricultural composition are liquid polyols, for example ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or glycerol.

Wetting agents that can be added to the agricultural composition of the present invention include, but are not limited to: polyarylalkoxylated phosphate esters and their potassium salts (e.g., Soprophor® FLK, Stepfac TSP PE- K. Other suitable wetting agents include sodium dioctylsulfosuccinates (e.g., Geropon® SDS, Aerosol® OT) and ethoxylated alcohols (e.g., Trideth-6; Rhodasurf® BC 610; Tersperse® 4894).

Optionally, about 0.1 wt % to about 5.0 wt % of antifoaming or defoamers are employed to stop any unwanted foam generated while manufacturing highly concentrated liquid biocide dispersion composition. The preferred antifoaming agent is selected from the group of silicone- based compounds, alcohols, glycol ethers, mineral spirits, acetylene diols, poly siloxanes, organosiloxanes, siloxane glycols, reaction products of silicon dioxide and organosiloxane polymer, polydimethylsiloxanes or polyalkylene glycols alone or in combination. Defoamers that are suitable include SAG-10; SAG-1000AP; SAG-1529; SAG-1538; SAG-1571; SAG- 1572; SAG- 1575; SAG-2001; SAG-220; SAG-290; SAG-30; SAG-30E; SAG-330; SAG-47; SAG-5440; SAG-7133 and SAG-770.

Examples of thickening agents based on anionic heteropolysaccharides from the xanthan gum group are inter alia the Rhodopol 23®, Rhodopol G®, Rhodopol 50 MD®, Rhodicare T®, Kelzan®, Kelzan S® and Satiaxane CX91®.

Preservatives used may be benzisothiazolinone (Proxel GXL) or phonols, 2-bromo-2- nitropropane-l,3-diol (Bioban BP 30), 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one & 2 methyl-4- isothiazolin -3 one (Kathon CG/ICP), Glutaraldehyde (Ucarcide 50), Chloromethyl isothiazolinone (CMIT)/Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) (Isocil Ultra 1.5), 2.2-dibromo-3- nitrilopropioamide (Reputain 20), Natamycin & Nisin, Bronopol/CMIT/MIT (Mergal 721K3). Suitable colorants (for example in red, blue and green) are, preferably, pigments, which are sparingly soluble in water, and dyes, which are water-soluble. Examples are inorganic coloring agents (for example iron oxide, titanium oxide, and iron hexacyanoferrate) and organic coloring agents (for example alizarin, azo coloring agents).

Fillers may include an organic or inorganic solid inert substance such as talc, clay, diatomaceous earth, magnesium aluminum silicate, white carbon black, pyrophyllite, light calcium carbonate, high clay, organic bentonite, etc. or mixtures thereof.

The combinations of the present disclosure may be sold as a pre-mix composition or a kit of parts such that individual actives may be mixed before spraying. Alternatively, the kit of parts may contain a melanin synthesis inhibitor and a plant growth promoting agent pre-mixed and the third active may be admixed with an adjuvant such that the two components may be tank mixed before spraying.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to reduce the application dose of tricyclazole in crop plantations; to synergistically inhibit fungal growth; to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries; and to improve crop yield, nutrition, and health of agricultural produce.

In an embodiment, the systemic fungicide comprises a melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to reduce the application dose of tricyclazole in crop plantations; to synergistically inhibit fungal growth; to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries; and to improve crop yield, nutrition, and health of agricultural produce.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to control rice diseases in paddy plantations.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to control rice diseases caused by Magnaporthe spp., Magnaporthe grisea, Cochliobolus sp, Cochliobolus miyabeanus, Rhizoctonia sp, Rhizoctonia solani, Gibberella spp., and Gibberella fujikuroi.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to control rice diseases such as blast diseases caused by Magnaporthe grisea, Helminthosporium leaf spot caused by Cochliobolus miyabeanus, sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani, and bakanae disease caused by Gibberella fujikuroi.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to control rice diseases such as blast diseases caused by Magnaporthe grisea.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to control leaf blast.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to control neck blast.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides the use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to control blast diseases caused by Magnaporthe grisea in basmati rice.

The method of the present disclosure may be used to control a broad spectrum of plant diseases, such as:

In an embodiment the present fungicide composition can be used to control fungal diseases, for example pea diseases caused by one or more species of: Alternaria alternata, Aphanomyces euteiches f. spp. pisi, Ascochyta pinodella, Ascochyta pinodes, Ascochyta pisi, Botryotinia fuckeliana, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora pisa-sativae, Chalara elegans, Cladosporium cladosporioid.es f. spp. pisicoia, Cladosporium pisicoia, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum pisi, Erysiphe pisi, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum. Spp. pisi, Fusarium solani, Fusicladium pisicoia, Glomerella cingulate, Mycosphaerella pinodes, Oidium spp., Peronospora viciae, Phoma pinodella, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Septoria pisi, Thanatephonis cucumeris, Thielaviopsis hasicola and Uromyces fabae, Soybean diseases: Cercospora kikuchii, Elsinoe glycines, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae, Septoria glycines, Cercospora sojina, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Phytophthora sojae Rhizoctonia solani.

Diseases in wheat: powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis , Fusariuin head blight (Fusarium graminearum, F. avenacerum, F. culmorum, Microdochium nivale) , rust (Puccinia striiformis, P. graminis, P. cingulate) , pink snow mold (Micronectriella nivale), Typhula snow blight (Typhula spp.) , loose smut (Ustilago tritici) , bunt (Tilletia caries) , eyespot (Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides) , leaf blotch (Mycosphaerella graminicola) , glume blotch (Stagonospora nodorum) , and yellow spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis).

Diseases of barley: powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis), Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum, F. avenacerum, F. culmorum, Microdochium nivale), rust (Puccinia striiformis, P. graminis, P. hordei), loose smut (Ustilago nuda), scald (Rhynchosporium secalis), net blotch (Pyrenophora teres), spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus), leaf stripe (Pyrenophora graminea), and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani).

Diseases in com: smut (Ustilago maydis), brown spot (Cochliobolus heterostrophus), copper spot (Gloeocercospora sorghi), southern rust (Puccinia polysora), gray leaf spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis), white spot (Phaeosphaeria my dis and/or Pantoea ananatis) and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani ).

Diseases of citrus: melanose (Diaporthe citri), scab (Elsinoe fawcetti), penicillium rot (Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum), and brown rot (Phytophthora parasitica, Phytophthora citrophthora).

Diseases of apple: blossom blight (Monilinia mali), canker (Valsa ceratosperma), powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha), Altemaria leaf spot (Alternaria alternata apple pathotype), scab (Venturia inaequalis), powdery mildew, bitter rot (Colletotrichum acutatum), crown rot (Phytophtora cactorum), blotch (Diplocarpon mali), and ring rot (Botryosphaeria berengeriana). Diseases of pear: scab (Venturia nashicola, V. pirina), powdery mildew, black spot (Alternaria alternata Japanese pear pathotype), rust (Gymnosporangium haraeanum), and phytophthora fruit rot (Phytophtora cactorum).

Diseases of peach: brown rot (Monilinia fructicola), powdery mildew, scab (Cladosporium carpophilum), and rot (Phomopsis spp.).

Diseases of grape: anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina), ripe rot (Glomerella cingulate), powdery mildew (Uncinula necator), rust (Phakopsora ampelopsidis), black rot (Guignardia bidwellii), botrytis, and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola).

Diseases of Japanese persimmon: anthracnose (Gloeosporium kaki), and leaf spot (Cercospora kaki, Mycosphaerella nawae ).

Diseases of gourd: anthracnose (Colletotrichum lagenarium), powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea), gummy stem blight (Mycosphaerella melonis), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis), Phytophthora rot (Phytophthora spp.), and damping-off (Pythium spp.).

Diseases of tomato: early blight (Alternaria solani), leaf mold (Cladosporium fuh m), and late blight (Phytophthora infestans ).

Diseases of eggplant: brown spot (Phomopsis vexans), and powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) Diseases of cruciferous vegetables: Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria japonica), white spot (Cercosporella brassicae), clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), and downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica).

Diseases of onion: rust (Puccinia allii), and downy mildew (Peronospora destructor).

Diseases of soybean: purple seed stain (Cercospora kikuchii), sphaceloma scad (Elsinoe glycines), pod and stem blight (Diaporthe phaseolorum var. sojae), 32ingulat brown spot (Septoria glycines), frog eye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina), rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), Yellow rust, brown stem rot (Phytophthora sojae), and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani).

Diseases of kidney bean: anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemthianum). Diseases of peanut: leaf spot (Cercospora personata), brown leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) and southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii). Diseases of garden pea: powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi), and root rot (Fusarium solanif spp. pisi).

Diseases of potato: early blight (Alternaria solani), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), pink rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica), and powdery scab (Spongospora subterranean f. spp. Glomerella cingulate ).

Diseases of strawberry: powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca humuli), and anthracnose (Glomerella cingulate).

Diseases of tea: net blister blight (Exobasidium reticulatum), white scab (Elsinoe leucospila), gray blight (Pestalotiopsis spp.), and anthracnose (Colletotrichum theae- sinensis).

Diseases of tobacco: brown spot (Alternaria longipes), powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum), anthracnose (Colletotrichum tabacum), downy mildew (Peronospora tabacina), and black shank (Phytophthora nicotianae).

Diseases of rapeseed: sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), and Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani). Diseases of cotton: Rhizoctonia damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani).

Diseases of sugar beet: Cercospora leaf spot ( Cercospora beticola), leaf blight (Thanatephorus cucumeris), Root rot (Thanatephorus cucumeris), and Aphanomyces root rot (Aphanomyces cochlioides).

Diseases of rose: black spot (Diplocarpon rosae), powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa), and downy mildew (Peronospora sparsa), Diseases of chrysanthemum and asteraceous plants: downy mildew (Bremia lactucae), leaf blight (Septoria chrysanthemi-indici), and white rust (Puccinia horiana).

Diseases of various groups: diseases caused by Pythium spp. (Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium debarianum, Pythium graminicola, Pythium irregulare, Pythium ultimum), gray mold. (Botrytis cinerea), and Sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum).

Disease of Japanese radish: Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria brassicicola).

Diseases of turfgrass: dollar spot (Sclerotinia homeocarpa), and brown patch and large patch (Rhizoctonia solani ). Disease of banana: Black sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), Yellow sigatoka (Mycosphaerella musicola).

Disease of sunflower: downy mildew (Plasmopara halstedii).

Seed diseases or diseases in the early stages of the growth of various plants caused by Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., Gibberella spp., Tricoderma spp., Thielaviopsis spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Corticium spp., Phoma spp., Rhizoctonia spp. And Diplodia spp.

Viral diseases of various plants mediated by Polymxa spp. Or Olpidium spp. And so on.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive, to significantly reduce the residue level of said fungicide in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1 % to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive, to significantly reduce the residue level of said fungicide in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive, to significantly reduce the residue level of said fungicide in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide. In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive, to significantly reduce the residue level of said fungicide in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1 % to about 40% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising at least one melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive, to significantly reduce the residue level of said fungicide in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of its fungicidally effective.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of its fungicidally effective.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of its fungicidally effective.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 40% of its fungicidally effective.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in agricultural produce, rice plantations and in field slurries, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of its fungicidally effective.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in Basmati rice produce, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of its fungicidally effective.

In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in Basmati rice produce, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of its fungicidally effective.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in Basmati rice produce, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of its fungicidally effective.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in Basmati rice produce, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 40% of its fungicidally effective.

In another preferred embodiment, the present disclosure provides use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, to significantly reduce the residue level of tricyclazole in Basmati rice produce, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in the said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of its fungicidally effective. The invention also provides use of the present agricultural combination for protection of plant propagation material, preferably seeds, and the seedlings’ roots and shoots from phytopathogenic fungi which comprises contacting the plant propagation material as e.g. the seeds before sowing and/or after pre-germination with compositions of the present disclosure.

The present invention provides a method of use for mitigating the issues faced with respect to residual remnants of systemic fungicides, namely tricyclazole found in agricultural field slurry, soil and even in agricultural produce of crops treated with such systemic fungicides by farmers. The presence of pesticide residues negatively impacts the export prospects of crop produce in view of the restrictions imposed by regulatory authorities, ultimately damaging the economic benefit to be otherwise received.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing residues of systemic fungicides in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of a systemic fungicide in said combination is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of systemic fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of the systemic fungicide in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of the systemic fungicide in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of the systemic fungicide in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to 40% or about 1% to 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of the systemic fungicide.

In an embodiment, the systemic fungicides of the present disclosure may be selected from the group comprising melanin synthesis inhibitors, demethylation inhibitor fungicides, nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors, cytoskeleton and motor protein inhibitors, amino acids and protein synthesis inhibitors, respiration process inhibitors, signal transduction inhibitors, lipid synthesis and membrane integrity disruptors, sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors, host plant defence inductors and/or fungicides with unknown modes of action.

In an embodiment the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprises isobenzo-furanones comprising flhalide; pyrrolo-quinolinones comprising pyroquilon; triazolobenzo-triazoles comprising tricyclazolecyclopropane-carboxamides comprising carpropamid; carboxamides comprising diclocymet; propionamides comprising fenoxanil; trifluoroethyl-carbamates comprising tolprocarb and mixtures thereof; and

In an embodiment, the triazole fungicide is selected from the group comprising azaconazole, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, diclobutrazol, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, furconazole, furconazole-cis, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, ipfentrifluconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, pro thioconazole, quinconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole and uniconazole-P, their salts, or esters, or isomers or derivatives thereof or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising the said fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising the said fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising the said fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to 40% or about 1% to 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of the said fungicide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 40% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid promoting additive to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 50% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 40% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the residue of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 30% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 1 g ai/ha to 70 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 290 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 50 g ai/ha. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 285 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 270 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 250 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 1 g ai/ha to 70 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 290 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 50 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 285 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 270 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha to 250 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 1 g ai/ha to 70 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200 g ai/ha to 290 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 50 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200 g ai/ha to 285 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200 g ai/ha to 250 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 25 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 187 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 25 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 225 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 25 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 243 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 25 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 262 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 25 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 281 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 25 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 150 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 30 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 187 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 30 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 225 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 30 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 243 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 30 g ai/ha. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 262 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 30 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 281 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount of 30 g ai/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination applied as a tank-mix comprises applying tricyclazole at an application rate ranging from 50 g/ha to 300 g/ha and orthosilicic acid applied at an application rate ranging from 250 ml/ha to 2500 ml/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination applied as a tank-mix comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises applying tricyclazole at an application rate ranging from 100 g/ha to 400 g/ha and orthosilicic acid applied at an application rate ranging from 500 ml/ha to 2000 ml/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination applied as a tank-mix comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises applying tricyclazole at an application rate ranging from 100 g/ha to 400 g/ha and orthosilicic acid applied at an application rate ranging from 1000 ml/ha to 2000 ml/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of reducing the application of tricyclazole in crop plantations, the said method comprises applying a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination applied as a tank-mix comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid to a locus, wherein the agricultural combination comprises applying tricyclazole at an application rate ranging from 200 g/ha to 380 g/ha and orthosilicic acid applied at an application rate ranging from 1000 ml/ha to 1800 ml/ha.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for improving yield, plant health and quality, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for improving rice yield, plant health and quality, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by at about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for improving rice yield, plant health and quality, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi comprising applying to the infested locus, plant, parts of it, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and a silicic acidbased plant health promoting additive, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi comprising applying to a locus of a plant, plant part, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 50 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 1 g ai/ha to 70 g ai/ha.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi comprising applying to the infested locus, plant, parts of it, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi comprising applying to the infested locus, plant, parts of it, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 290 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi comprising applying to the infested locus, plant, parts of it, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by about 1% to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 250 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi comprising applying to the infested locus, plant, parts of it, its propagation material, the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole, wherein the agricultural combination comprises tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 200 g ai/ha to 250 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 20 g ai/ha to 35 g ai/ha.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic Pyricularia oryzae comprising applying to the infested locus, plant, parts of it, its propagation material in rice plantations or to the pests, their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds a fungicidally effective amount of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the amount of tricyclazole in said combination is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

The combination of the present invention maybe applied simultaneously as a tank mix or a formulation or may be applied sequentially. The application may be made to the soil before emergence of the plants, either pre-planting or post-planting. The application may be made as a foliar spray at different timings during crop development, with either one or two applications early or late post-emergence.

The combination according to the invention can be applied before or after infection of the useful plants or the propagation material thereof by the fungi.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit comprising an agricultural combination/compo sition is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of components comprising a systemic fungicide and a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the kit includes at least one, or all of components. For example, the kit may include, an additional fungicide, a herbicide, an insecticide or a bio stimulant or biological an adjuvant, an anionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.

One or more of the components may already be combined or pre-formulated. In those embodiments where more than two components are provided in a kit, the components may already be combined and as such are packaged in a single container such as a vial, bottle, can, pouch, bag and/or canister. In other embodiments, two or more components of a kit may be packaged separately, i.e., not pre-formulated. As such, a kit may include one or more separate containers such as vials, cans, bottles, pouches, bags and/or canisters, each container containing a separate component for stable fungicide composition.

In both forms, a component of the kit may be applied separately from or together with the further components or as a component of a combination or composition according to the disclosure for preparing the agricultural combination or composition according to the disclosure.

The disclosure also provides a kit comprising fungicide composition for the controlling the growth of fungal phytopathogens and instructions for use. The instructions for use typically comprise instructions for the application of the fungicide composition to a plant, or a locus, or a plant propagation material thereof.

According to an embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

(a) systemic fungicide,

(b) a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, and

(c) an instruction manual for use.

In another embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

(a) a melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide

(b) a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive, and and optionally further comprises:

(c) an instruction manual for use.

In a preferred embodiment, the kit of parts comprises:

(a) tricyclazole

(b) orthosilicic acid and optionally further comprises:

(d) an instruction manual for use.

In a preferred embodiment, the kit of parts comprises: (c) tricyclazole

(d) stabilised orthosilicic acid and optionally further comprises:

(e) an instruction manual for use.

In accordance with the present invention, an ‘improvement in plant quality’ means that certain traits are improved qualitatively or quantitatively when compared with the same trait in a control plant which has been grown under the same conditions in the absence of the method of the invention. Such traits include, but are not limited to, improved visual appearance of the plant, reduced ethylene (reduced production and/or inhibition of reception), improved quality of harvested material, e.g. seeds, fruits, leaves, vegetables (such improved quality may manifest as improved visual appearance of the harvested material) and the like.

The compositions of present invention may be applied to the locus of the plant on one or more occasions during the growth of the plant. It can be applied to the planting site before the seed is sown, during the sowing of the seed, pre-emergence and/or post-emergence. The compositions can also be used while the plant is being grown in a green house and the use can be continued after transplantation. The soil may, for example, be treated directly, prior to transplanting, at transplanting or after transplanting. The use of the compositions can be via any suitable method, which ensures that the agents penetrate the soil, for example, nursery tray application, in furrow application, soil drenching, soil injection, drip irrigation, application through sprinklers or central pivot, incorporation into soil (broad cast or in band) are such methods.

The treatment according to the invention of the plants and plant parts with the active compound or its compositions is carried out directly or by action on their surroundings, habitat or storage space using customary treatment methods, for example by foliar application, dipping, spraying, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting, foaming, painting, spreading-on, watering (drenching), drip irrigating and, in the case of propagation material, in particular in the case of seeds, furthermore as a powder for dry seed treatment, a solution for seed treatment, a water-soluble powder for slurry treatment, by incrusting, by coating with one or more layers, etc. It is furthermore possible to apply the active compound in combination with other active(s) by the ultra-low volume method, or to inject the active compound combination into the soil. In an embodiment, the application is made by foliar spraying.

The rate and frequency of use of the compositions on the plant may vary within wide limits and depends on the type of use, the specific active agents, the nature of the soil, the method of application (pre- or post-emergence, etc.), the plant, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the method of application, the time of application and the target plant.

The method of the present disclosure offers tremendous advantages over the prior art and conventionally used methods of use of tricyclazole. The method of the present disclosure helps improves yields quality in terms of nutrition and promotes plant health and has no phyto toxicity.

The invention shall now be described with reference to the following specific examples. It should be noted that the examples appended below illustrate rather than limit the invention and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Examples

Example 1: Efficacy of the tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid combination

Efficacy of the tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid (OSA) combination was evaluated by determining the % disease control of Pyricularia oryzae in laboratory trials.

Protocol : The efficacy of the tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid combination treatment was initiated in laboratory experiments using Com meal agar (CMA) Medium (Hi-media) as the substrate for growth of Pyricularia oryzae fungi. CMA medium was prepared and amended by adding the concentrations of the fungicides as described in the table 1(a) below before it solidified (at 45°C). The amended medium was uniformly poured, i.e. approximately 18 ml was poured into each 90-mm Petri-plates. About 10-mm of mycelial disc was cut out from pregrown pathogen, Pyricularia oryzae, which was inoculated at the center of Petri-plate containing the medium and incubated at 27±2°C for 8-10 days. Simultaneously, a control plate without adding fungicide was set up as control. The radial growth (in mm) of mycelium was measured on the 10^th days of incubation.

Table 1 (a) : Protocol for evaluating efficacy of tricycalzole and OSA

All the experiments were carried out in triplicates. The % fungal control/ inhibition of mycelial growth of P. oryzae over control was calculated using the following formula.

De- Dt

Per cent inhibition over control - x 100

De

Where,

De = Average diameter of fungal growth in control.

Dt = Average diameter of fungal growth in treatment.

Further, the synergy of the combination was also evaluated and the well-established method of Colby’s calculation was used to determine the synergy. A frequently used method for improving the use profile of an agricultural is the combination of an active compound with one or more other active compounds which contribute to the desired additional properties. However, when two or more active compounds are applied in combination, it is not uncommon for phenomena of physical and biological incompatibility to occur, for example insufficient stability of a joint formulation, decomposition of an active compound or antagonism of the active compounds. What is desired are, in contrast, active compound combinations having a favorable activity profile, high stability and, if possible, synergistically enhanced activity, thus permitting the application rate to be reduced, compared with the individual application of the active compounds to be combined.

Chemical mixtures can have an antagonistic effect when mixed, where the results are less than expected when the chemicals are combined. There can also be an additive effect, where the resultant mixture gives results expected from the sum of its components. Finally, there can be a synergistic effect where the results are greater than expected. A synergistic result is rare and typically only observed in results from high concentrations. In the heavily regulated agricultural industry, high concentrations are not desirable in the environment. Therefore, when a synergistic effect is achieved at low doses, the resultant mixture is indeed a rare and unexpected finding.

A synergistic effect of an agricultural is always present when the anti-phytopathogenic activity of the active compound combinations exceeds the total of the activities of the active compounds when applied individually. The expected activity for a given combination of two active compounds can be calculated according to S. R. Colby (“Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations”, Weeds 15, (1967), 20-22).

This effectiveness of all treatments as measured by percent reduction in the Pyricularia oryzae., was also evaluated according to Colby’s equation as below.

If,

X is the percent inhibition of growth by tricyclazole (A) at an application rate,

Y is the percent inhibition of growth by orthosilicic acid (B) at an application rate, and

E is the expected growth as a percent of control with tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid when applying the active compounds, A and B at specific application rates as defined below.

Then,

Colby’s equation E = X + Y - XY/100

If the actual/observed anti-phytopathogenic efficacy of the tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid combination against Pyricularia oryzae exceeds the calculated value, then the activity of the combination is super additive, i.e. a synergistic effect exists. In this case, the efficacy which was observed must be greater than the value for the expected efficacy I calculated from the abovementioned formula.

Control percentage of Pyricularia oryzae (paddy blast) with the tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid combination, as well as that of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid separately are provided in table 1 below:

Table 1(b): Control percentage of Pyricularia oryzae

Based on the observations from table 1, the present tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid combination is synergistic and showed exemplary control of the fungi. Example 2: Efficacy of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid against leaf blast

Field trial studies were performed to evaluate the bio-efficacy and residue of the present combination of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid (OSA) at different doses against leaf blast (Pyricularia oryzae) disease in rice. The % reduction in the amount of tricyclazole for application was also determined with reference to solo tricyclazole (i.e. treatment no. 2) as the standard dosage. The amount of actives has been provided in terms of g ai/ha in Table 2(a) and the application dose rate of the tank mix as well has been provided in Table 2(a), in terms of g/ha for tricyclazole and ml/ha for OSA. The foliar application of the present agricultural combinations was made at an interval of 10 days and were carried out in 3 replications.

At time 0, the first application of the combination of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid is denoted as ‘A’, the application made at 10 days after application ‘A’ is designated as ‘B’ and the application made at 10 days after application ‘B’ is denoted as ‘C’. The control of leaf blast was observed at 10 days after each of the three applications, (i.e. at 10 DAA, 10 DAB and 10 DAC).

Table 2 (a): Treatment protocol and % reduction of tricyclazole

WP: Wettable powder

Note: % reduction of the tricyclazole dose has been calculated with reference to the standard dosage of solo tricyclazole (treatment no. 2)

Table 2(b): Observations of control of rice leaf blast

Alphabets a, b, c, d and e refer to the statistical difference between the values The field trial studies were performed in rice plantations with the application of agricultural combinations consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the dosage amount and rate of tricyclazole is significantly reduced compared to tricyclazole applied alone. Accordingly, it was observed that the application of the agricultural combination consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid in terms of the % control of Pyricularia oryzae was at par and even better compared to tricyclazole applied alone.

Therefore, the application of the combination consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid with reduced amount of tricyclazole is effective in controlling leaf blast in rice.

Example 3: Efficacy of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid against rice neck blast

Field trial studies were performed to evaluate the bio-efficacy of the present combination consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid at different doses against neck blast (Pyricularia oryzae) disease in rice.

The % reduction in the amount of tricyclazole for agricultural applications was also determined with reference to solo tricyclazole (i.e. treatment no. 2) as the standard dosage. The amount of actives has been provided in terms of g ai/ha in Table 3(a) and the application dose rate of the tank mix as well has been provided in Table 3(a), in terms of g/ha for tricyclazole and ml/ha for OSA.

The foliar application of the present agricultural combinations was made at an interval of 10 days and were carried out in 3 replications. At time 0, the first application of the combination of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid (OSA) is denoted as ‘A’, the application made at 10 days after application ‘A’ is designated as ‘B’. The % control of the diseases was observed at 20 days after the second application B, i.e. at 20 DAB.

Table 3 (a): Treatment protocol and % reduction of tricyclazole

WP: Wettable powder

Table 3 (b): Observations of control of rice neck blast

Alphabets a, b, c, d and e refer to the statistical difference between the values The field trial studies were performed in rice plantations to determine the reduction in neck blast diseases with the application of agricultural combinations consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the dosage amount and rate of tricyclazole was significantly reduced compared to tricyclazole applied alone. Accordingly, it was observed that the application of the agricultural combination consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid in terms of % control of Pyricularia oryzae was better compared to tricyclazole applied alone.

Therefore, the application of the combination consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid with reduced amount of tricyclazole is effective in controlling neck blast in rice. Example 4: Efficacy of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid against neck blast

Field trial studies were performed to evaluate the bio-efficacy of the present combination consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid (OSA) as a tank mix at different doses against neck blast (Pyricularia oryzae) disease in rice. The % reduction in tricyclazole amounts for application was also determined. The foliar application of the present agricultural combinations was made at an interval of 10 days and were carried out in 3 replications.

The % reduction in the amount of tricyclazole for agricultural applications was also determined with reference to solo tricyclazole (i.e. treatment no. 2) as the standard dosage. The amount of actives has been provided in terms of g ai/ha in Table 4(a) and the application dose rate of the tank mix as well has been provided in Table 4(a), in terms of g/ha for tricyclazole and ml/ha for OSA.

At time 0, the first application of the combination of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid (OSA) is denoted as ‘A’, the application made at 10 days after application ‘A’ is designated as ‘B’. The % control of the diseases was observed at 10 days after each application A, B and C, i.e. at 10 DA-A, 10 DA-B and 10 DA-C.

Table 4 (a): Treatment protocol and % reduction of tricyclazole

WP: Wettable powder

Note: % reduction of the tricyclazole dose has been calculated with reference to the standard dosage of solo tricyclazole (treatment no. 2) Table 4 (b): Observations of control of rice neck blast

Alphabets a, b, c, d and e refer to the statistical difference between the values

It is evident from table 4, that a 50% reduction (treatment nos. 4 and 8) in the amount of tricyclazole compared to the standard dosage, was effective in controlling Pyricularia oryzae and the % control of the said phytopathogen was at par with the % control of the disease when solo tricyclazole at the standard dosage (treatment no.2). Similarly, at % tricyclazole reductions of 37.5%, 25% and 12.5% (treatment nos. 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11) a significantly effective and enhanced control of the pathogen was observed over the standard dosage (treatment no.2).

The field trial studies were performed in rice plantations with the application of agricultural combinations consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the dosage amount and rate of tricyclazole is significantly reduced compared to tricyclazole applied alone. Accordingly, it was observed that the application of the agricultural combination consisting of tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid in terms of the % control of Pyricularia oryzae was at par and even better compared to tricyclazole applied alone. Therefore, the present invention plays a vital role to safeguard human well-being, soil flora and environment health in farm practices and help reduce the accumulation of pesticide residues and its potentially hazardous effects.

Claims

We claim,

1. An agricultural combination comprising:

(a) a melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprising isobenzo-furanones comprising flhalide; pyrrolo-quinolinones comprising pyroquilon; triazolobenzo-thiazoles comprising tricyclazole; cyclopropane-carboxamides comprising carpropamid; carboxamides comprising diclocymet; propionamides comprising fenoxanil; trifluoroethyl-carbamates comprising tolprocarb and mixtures thereof; and

(b) at least a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive; wherein the amount of melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by about 1 % to about 60% of its fungicidally effective amount.

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is selected from triazolobenzo-thiazole fungicides comprising tricyclazole.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive comprises orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4).

4. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive is in a ratio ranging from 1:20 to 20:1.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide and the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive is in a ratio ranging from 1:15 to 15:1.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 1, the combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of its fungicidally effective amount.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 55% of its fungicidally effective amount.

9. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the combination further comprises one or more fungicides, herbicides, insecticides or biologicals.

10. An agricultural composition comprising:

(b) at least a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive; and

(c) an agriculturally acceptable excipient. wherein the amount of melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by at least about 1 % to at least about 60% of its fungicidally effective amount.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the agriculturally acceptable excipient comprises an anti-freeze agent, dispersant, defoamer, preservatives thickener and solvent.

12. A method of reducing the application amount of melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide, the said method comprises applying to a locus of a plant, a plant part or a plant propagation material an agricultural combination comprising;

(b) at least a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive; wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by about 1 % to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprises tricyclazole and the silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive comprises orthosilicic acid.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the amount of melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by about 1% to about 55% of its fungicidally effective amount.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the method comprises reducing the application amount of tricyclazole, the said method comprises applying to a locus of a plant, a plant part or a plant propagation material an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid, wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by about 1 % to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.

16. The method as claimed in claim 12, the method comprises applying tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 50 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and comprises orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 1 g ai/ha to 70 g ai/ha.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, the method comprises applying tricyclazole in an amount ranging from 100 g ai/ha to 300 g ai/ha and orthosilicic acid in an amount ranging from 10 g ai/ha to 40 g ai/ha.

18. A method of controlling rice blast diseases comprising applying to a locus of a plant, a plant part or a plant propagation material an agricultural combination comprising;

(a) a melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide comprising isobenzo-furanones comprising flhalide; pyrrolo-quinolinones comprising pyroquilon; triazolobenzo-thiazoles comprising tricyclazole; cyclopropane-carboxamides comprising carpropamid; carboxamides comprising diclocymet; propionamides comprising fenoxanil; trifluoroethyl-carbamates comprising tolprocarb and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least a silicic acid-based plant health promoting additive; wherein the amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide is reduced by about 1 % to about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of the melanin synthesis inhibitor fungicide. Use of an agricultural combination comprising tricyclazole and orthosilicic acid for reducing the application amount of tricyclazole to crop, wherein the amount of the tricyclazole is reduced by at least about 1% to at least about 60% of the fungicidally effective amount of tricyclazole.