WO2024201312A1

WO2024201312A1 - Fungicidal combinations, compositions and method of applications thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2024201312A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/052933
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodrigues RONALDO BUENO; Zonato JEAN MARY; Wang HUAIYIN
Original assignee: UPL Europe Supply Chain GmbH; UPL Mauritius Ltd
Current assignee: UPL Europe Supply Chain GmbH; UPL Mauritius Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-29
Filing date: 2024-03-27
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-29
Also published as: AU2024248636A1; MX2025011400A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to fungicidal combinations and compositions comprising two or more fungicide compounds for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops. Particularly, the present disclosure provides fungicidal products for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops such Solanum spp. The disclosure also relates to corresponding methods and uses thereof.

Description

FUNGICIDAL COMBINATIONS, COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD OF APPLICATIONS THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to the field of agrochemicals, particularly towards agricultural pest (fungal pathogen) control methods and compositions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to fungicidal combinations and compositions comprising two or more fungicide compounds for controlling/preventing fungal disease in plants/crops.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art to the presently claimed disclosure.

[0003] Plant diseases caused by infection of various phytopathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, nematodes etc. cause deterioration of the quality of plants, considerable reduction of yield, and even death of plants, resulting in significant economic losses. Of these diseases, 70-80% are caused by pathogenic fungi. In recent years, fungal disease of crops have become increasingly serious as they have severely affected crop yield and quality, and they have become an important bottleneck for the development of sustainable agriculture. Thus, there is a dire need to effectively control fungal disease in crops to achieve efficient and stable production of agricultural crops.

[0004] Fungicides are chemical compounds used to prevent, control, or eradicate the spread of fungi on crop or plants, and are important tools for managing plant diseases. Fungicides are grouped as contact, translaminar, or systemic in nature. Contact fungicides protect plant tissue topically, translaminar fungicides are redistributed from the upper sprayed leaf surface to the lower unsprayed surface, and systemic fungicides enter into plant tissue and are distributed by xylem vessels throughout the plant. Fungicides are also grouped together according to their mode of action.

[0005] Amongst various agricultural crops, potato (Solarium tuberosum) is the world’s most widely grown tuber crop and one of most important food crop. It is an economical crop and a rich source of starch and vitamins. Apart from being edible, potatoes are also used for several industrial purposes such as for the production of starch and alcohol. However, there are many diseases that affect potato tubers caused by fungi such as late blight, early blight, black scurf, fusarial wilt/dry rot, wart, powdery scab, and charcoal rot. These fungal diseases result in reduced yield, quality, and severe crop loss. In particular, late blight of potato (caused by Phytophthora infestans) is a potentially devastating disease that infects potato foliage and tubers at any stage of crop development and was also the cause of the Irish potato famine of the 1840s. When plants become infected, lesions appear on the leaves, petioles, and stems. A whitish growth of spore-producing structures may appear at the margin of the lesions on the under-leaf surfaces and potato tubers develop rot up to 15 mm (0.6 inch) deep. Secondary fungi and bacteria often invade potato tubers and produce rotting that results in great losses during storage, transit, and marketing.

[0006] The diseases in tuber crops can be managed by timely application of fungicide, though epidemics can occur rapidly once crops are infected. While many fungicide compounds belonging to various different chemical classes have been or are being developed for use in agricultural crops, however, many of these fungicides have one or more drawbacks such as low efficacy, high dosage requirements, crop tolerance or exhibiting activity only against particular phytopathogenic fungi or plant, and do not always meet the demands of the agricultural practice. Additionally, while use of fungicidal combinations or compositions comprising mixtures of different fungicide compounds have also been tried, there nonetheless exists a need in the art for improved combinations and compositions of different fungicides having enhanced activity for controlling specific phytopathogenic fungi, and at the same time has low toxicity, high stability, and reduced cost. The present disclosure tries to address said need.

[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide fungicidal combination/compositions comprising two or more fungicides for controlling or preventing fungal disease in plants/crops.

[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide fungicidal combination/compositions comprising two or more fungicides for controlling or preventing fungal disease in plants of Solanaceae family.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide fungicidal combination/compositions comprising two or more fungicides for controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato (Solanum tuberosuni).

[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops, such as in Solanum spp. using fungicidal combination/compositions comprising two or more fungicides.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of controlling or preventing late blight in potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure pertains to the technical field of agricultural combinations and compositions. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to fungicidal combinations and compositions comprising two or more fungicide compounds for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops such as Solanum spp.

[0014] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination comprising at least two fungicides for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops such as potato (Solanum tubersoum).

[0015] In some embodiment, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans.

[0016] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[0017] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. caused by Phytophthora infestans comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate and Mandipropamid; and b) at least one benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, and Trichlamide. [0018] In exemplary embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Fluopicolide.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Zoxamide.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises: a) at least one cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor or an inhibitor of cellulose synthase; and b) at least one fungicide that affects spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of phytopathogenic fungi.

[0021] In an aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, and method of improving crop health.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides use of the fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition described herein, for controlling fungal disease in crops, for preventing fungal disease in crops, or for preventing fungal disease in crops. [0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.

[0026] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and “including” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”

[0027] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. [0028] As used in the description herein and throughout the numbered embodiments or claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, ratio and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the disclosure are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.

[0030] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0031] All methods described herein can be performed in any 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”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure otherwise claimed. [0032] The following discussion provides many exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0033] Various terms as used herein are described below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0034] The term “about” as used herein encompasses variations of +/-10% and more preferably +/-5%, or any such variations that are appropriate for practicing the present disclosure to achieve desired effects.

[0035] The term “locus” as used herein means fields in or on which plants are growing, or where seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or where seed will be placed into the soil. The term also includes the vicinity of a desired crop in which fungal control is desired.

[0036] The term “crop” shall include a multitude of desired plants or an individual plant growing at a locus. As used herein, the term “plant” and “crop” have been used interchangeably throughout the present disclosure. Said term refers to all physical parts of a plant including foliage/leaves, seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, and fruits.

[0037] The term “control” or “controlling” or “prevent” or “preventing” a fungal pathogen refers to inhibiting or reducing the growth, reducing the ability of fungal pathogen to grow or reproduce or proliferate or spread, including killing (e.g. , causing the morbidity or mortality, or reduced fecundity) of fungal pathogen. Controlling effects include all deviation from natural development, for example: killing, retardation, decrease or treatment of the disease.

[0038] The term “fungi”, “fungus”, “phytopathogenic fungi”, “phytopathogenic fungus” or the likes as used herein refers to fungi or fungus-like pathogens having the ability to cause infection or disease in plants.

[0039] The term “fungicide” as used herein means a compound that controls, modifies, inhibits or prevents the growth of fungi. The term “fungicidally effective amount” means the quantity of such a compound or combination of such compounds that is capable of producing an effect on the growth of fungi.

[0040] As mentioned above, there are several different chemical classes of fungal control agents/fungicides available, each having variable degrees of systemicity, specificity, duration of activity and risk of resistance. Older fungicides were usually multi-site in action and included dithiocarbamates (e.g., Mancozeb), phthalimides (Folpet) and chloronitriles (Chlorothalonil). More recently, singlesite, oomycete -active compounds have been developed with high potency and specific spectrum of activity. The carboxylic acid amide (CAA) group of compounds are one class of single-site molecules displaying effective control of oomycetes. Several molecules, for example Mandipropamid, Iprovalicarb, Benthiavalicarb, Dimethomorph, Flumorph, and Valifenalate , are classified as CAA compounds.

[0041] Mandipropamid is a carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound in the mandelamide class and targets cellulose synthase-like PiCesA3 to inhibit cell wall biosynthesis in the oomycete plant pathogen. Mandipropamid is chemically known as 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-A-[2-(3-methoxy-4-prop-2-ynoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2 -prop-2- ynoxyacetamide and represented as follows:

[0042] Another class of compounds are benzamide fungicides. For instance, Zoxamide is a benzamide fungicide that is a highly active oomycete fungicide which penetrates into the plant cuticle (ciropenetrant) and offers excellent rainfastness. Zoxamide functions by arresting nuclear division and destroying the microtubule cytoskeleton of oomycete organisms. Zoxamide is chemically known as 3, 5 -Dichloro-A-(3 -chloro- 1 -ethyl- 1 -methyl -2 -oxopropyl)- 4-methylbenzamide and represented as follows:

[0043] Another fungicide - Fluopicolide is also a member of the class of benzamides, which is a mesosystemic fungicide, i.e., it translocates towards the stem tips via the xylem but does not translocate toward the roots. While the precise mode of action is unknown, it is thought to act by affecting spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of oomycetes. Fluopicolide is chemically known as 2,6-dichloro- N-[[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2- pyridinyl]methyl] benzamide and represented as follows:

[0044] It was surprisingly found by the present inventors that the combination of carboxylic acid amide (CAA) based compound and benzamide based compound as a fungicide for preventing or controlling potato disease, results in an enhancement of fungicidal efficacy, and a surprising reduction in fungal disease incidence. For instance, the combination of carboxylic acid amide (CAA) based compound such as Mandipropamid and benzamide compound such as Zoxamide or Fluopicolide for controlling or preventing potato disease results in an enhancement of fungicidal efficacy, and a surprising reduction in fungal disease incidence. As will be demonstrated in the examples below, the enhanced effect of the present fungicidal combination and composition thereof in preventing potato disease is far superior to individual fungicides or similar combinations of the prior art. Therefore, these unexpected advantages of the fungicidal products of the present disclosure in preventing potato disease have been attributed to synergism between the two active compounds or class of compounds.

[0045] The present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination comprising at least two fungicides for controlling phytopathogenic fungi in crops. [0046] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops caused by phytopathogenic fungi, preferably in order Peronosporales and more preferably of Phytophthora spp. Accordingly, the present fungicidal combination can be used to control fungal disease caused by one or more Phytophthora species: Phytophthora infestans, Phytophthora sojae, Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora capsici, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora citricola, Phytophthora fragariae, Phytophthora kernoviae, Phytophthora megakarya, Phytophthora multivora, Phytophthora nicotianae, Phytophthora palmivora, Phytophthora ramorum, and Phytophthora quercina.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing fungal disease in crop member of family Solanaceae such as Solarium spp. More particularly, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato species selected from Solarium tuberosum, Solarium stenotomum, Solarium phureja, Solarium goniocalyx, Solarium ajanhuiri, Solarium chaucha, Solarium juzepczukii, or Solarium curtilobum.

[0048] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing fungal disease in tomato species selected from Solarium lycopersicum, Solarium pimpinellifolium, Solarium peruvianum, Solarium cheesmanii, Solarium galapagense, or Solarium chilense.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato (Solarium tuberosum ), selected from early blight (Alternaria solani), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), pink rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica), and powdery scab (Spongospora subterranean f. sp. subterranea). [0050] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. caused by Phytophthora spp.

[0051] In some embodiment, Solanum spp. include Solanum tuberosum, Solanum stenotomum, Solanum phureja, Solanum goniocalyx, Solanum ajanhuiri, Solanum chaucha, Solanum juzepczukii, Solanum curtilobum, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum pimpinellifolium, Solanum peruvianum, Solanum cheesmanii, Solanum galapagense, or Solanum chilense.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure are effective in controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least one of the fungicides in the fungicidal combination is a carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound.

[0054] In some embodiments, at least one of the fungicides in the fungicidal combination is a benzamide compound.

[0055] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[0056] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight in potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound. [0057] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid amide compound is selected from a class of compounds comprising cinnamic acid amides, valinamide carbamates, and mandelic acid amides.

[0058] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid amide compound is mandelic acid amide.

[0059] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid amide compound is selected from a group comprising Mandipropamid, Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate, and combinations thereof.

[0060] In some embodiments, the carboxylic acid amide compound is Mandipropamid.

[0061] In some embodiments, the benzamide compound is selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, Trichlamide and combinations thereof.

[0062] In some embodiments, the benzamide compound is Fluopicolide, Zoxamide or a combination thereof.

[0063] In some embodiments, the benzamide compound is Fluopicolide or Zoxamide.

[0064] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate and Mandipropamid; and b) at least one benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, and Trichlamide.

[0065] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight in potato (Solarium tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate and Mandipropamid; and b) at least one benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, and Trichlamide.

[0066] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato (Solarium tuberosum) comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate and Mandipropamid; and b) Fluopicolide.

[0067] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato (Solarium tuberosum) comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate and Mandipropamid; and b) Zoxamide.

[0068] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato (Solarium tuberosum) comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) at least one benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, and Trichlamide.

[0069] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato Solanum tuberosum) comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Fluopicolide.

[0070] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum) comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Zoxamide.

[0071] In exemplary embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Fluopicolide.

[0072] In exemplary embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Zoxamide.

[0073] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops of the present disclosure may further comprise additional fungicides selected from morpholine fungicides, triazole fungicides, acylamino acid fungicides, anilide fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, strobilurin fungicides, aromatic fungicides, arsenical fungicides, aryl phenyl ketone fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole precursor fungicides, benzothiazole fungicides, bridged diphenyl fungicides, carbamate fungicides, conazole fungicides, copper fungicides, dicarboximide fungicides, dinitrophenol fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, dithiolane fungicides, hydrazide fungicides, imidazole fungicides, inorganic fungicides, organophosphorus fungicides, organotin fungicides, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole fungicides, pyrimidine fungicides, pyrrole fungicides, quinoline fungicides, quinone fungicides, quinoxaline fungicides, thiadiazole fungicides, thiazole fungicides, thiazolidine fungicides, thiocarbamate fungicides, thiophene fungicides, triazine fungicides, triazolopyrimidine fungicides, urea fungicides, zinc fungicides, unclassified fungicides and mixtures thereof.

[0074] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops comprising two or more fungicides each with different mode of actions.

[0075] Accordingly, there is provided the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. Comprising a) at least one cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor or an inhibitor of cellulose synthase; and b) at least one fungicide that affects spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of phytopathogenic fungi.

[0076] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans comprises: a) at least one cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor or an inhibitor of cellulose synthase; and b) at least one fungicide that affects spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of phytopathogenic fungi. [0077] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises: a) a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor which is a carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound; and b) a fungicide that affects spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of phytopathogenic fungi which is a benzamide compound.

[0078] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises: a) a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor which is Mandipropamid; and b) a fungicide that affects spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of phytopathogenic fungi which is Fluopicolide.

[0079] In exemplary embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans comprises: a) a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor which is Mandipropamid; and b) a fungicide that affects spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of phytopathogenic fungi which is Fluopicolide.

[0080] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises: a) at least one cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor or an inhibitor of cellulose synthase; and b) at least one tubulin polymerization inhibitor.

[0081] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans comprises: a) at least one cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor or an inhibitor of cellulose synthase; and b) at least one tubulin polymerization inhibitor.

[0082] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises: a) a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor which is a carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound; and b) a tubulin polymerization inhibitor which is a benzamide compound.

[0083] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises: a) a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor which is Mandipropamid; and b) a tubulin polymerization inhibitor which is Zoxamide.

[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans comprises: a) a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor which is Mandipropamid; and b) a tubulin polymerization inhibitor which is Zoxamide.

[0085] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound, are employed in a ratio of 1 : 10 to 10:1.

[0086] In some embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Fluopicolide are employed in ratio of 1:10 to 10: 1.

[0087] In some embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Fluopicolide are employed in ratios of 5: 10 to 10:5, 2:5 to 5:2, or 1.5: 1 to 1: 1. [0088] In exemplary embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Fluopicolide are employed in ratios of 1: 1, 1.25: 1, or 1.87: 1.

[0089] In exemplary embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Fluopicolide are employed in a ratio of 1.25: 1.

[0090] In exemplary embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Fluopicolide are employed in a ratio of 1.87: 1.

[0091] In some embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Zoxamide are employed in ratio of 1: 10 to 10: 1.

[0092] In some embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Zoxamide are employed in ratios of 5: 10 to 10:5, 2:5 to 5:2, or 1.5:1 to 1: 1.

[0093] In exemplary embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Zoxamide are employed in ratios of 1: 1, 1.04:1, or 1.5:1.

[0094] In exemplary embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Zoxamide are employed in a ratio of 1.04: 1. [0095] In exemplary embodiments, fungicidal combination of the present disclosure comprising: a) Mandipropamid and b) Zoxamide are employed in a ratio of 1.5: 1.

[0096] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination exhibits at least 70% control of the phytopathogenic fungi.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination exhibits at least 80% control of the phytopathogenic fungi.

[0098] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination exhibits at least 90% control of the phytopathogenic fungi.

[0099] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination exhibits at least 95% control of the phytopathogenic fungi.

[00100] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination of Mandipropamid and Zoxamide exhibits at least 90% control 2 days after application.

[00101] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination of Mandipropamid and Zoxamide exhibits at least 70% control 3 days after application.

[00102] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination of Mandipropamid and Zoxamide exhibits at least 80% control 39 days after application.

[00103] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination of Mandipropamid and Zoxamide exhibits at least 80% control 46 days after application.

[00104] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination of Mandipropamid and Zoxamide exhibits at least 80% control 39 days after application. [00105] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination of Mandipropamid and Fluopicolide exhibits at least 90% control 26 days after application.

[00106] In some embodiments, the fungicidal combination of Mandipropamid and Fluopicolide exhibits at least 80% control 33 days after application.

[00107] According to some embodiments, fungicides of the combinations as disclosed above, may be mixed at the time of application or on the point of application. The point of application refers to the locus of application of the said fungicides. The said locus could be an infected plant or vicinity of the plant where the plant grows or a seed or any other plant propagation material, or an area adjacent to the said infected plant or a seed or any other plant propagation material and/or foliage.

[00108] The present disclosure further provides a fungicidal composition comprising at least two fungicides for controlling or preventing fungal disease in plants.

[00109] While the subsequent embodiments focus on fungicide compositions, the features and characteristics of fungicides, fungal pathogen and disease, plant/crop, mode of action, are as described by any of the embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of the fungicidal composition, described herein.

[00110] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp., comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound. [00111] A fungicidal composition for controlling phytopathogenic fungi in plants of Solcinum spp., comprising: a. at least one carboxylic acid amide compound; b. at least one benzamide compound; and c. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[00112] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum), comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[00113] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solarium tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[00114] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from a group comprising Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate, and Mandipropamid; and b) at least one benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, and Trichlamide.

[00115] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Fluopicolide.

[00116] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing late blight of potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans, comprises: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Zoxamide.

[00117] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[00118] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. comprises agriculturally acceptable excipient selected from a group comprising solvent, carrier, fdler, surfactant, dispersing agent, wetting agent, antifoam agent, stabilizing agent, pH modifier and combinations thereof.

[00119] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solvent is selected from aromatic compounds, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatic compounds or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as butanol or glycol, and also ethers and esters thereof, ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, such as dimethylformamide and dimethylsulphoxide, and also water.

[00120] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable carrier is selected from a solid carrier or a liquid carrier. [00121] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable liquid carrier is selected from water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1 -trichloroethane, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobomyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxypropanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and alcohols of higher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2 -pyrrolidone and combinations thereof.

[00122] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable solid carrier is selected from talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cotonseed husks, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and combinations thereof.

[00123] In some embodiments, the agriculturally acceptable surfactants may be selected from nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl (mono- or di-) phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di- or tri-) styrylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid (mono- or di-)esters, sorbitan faty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan faty acid esters, castor oil ethylene oxide adducts, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene glycol, ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene alcohol, alkyl glycosides, etc.; anionic surfactants, such as alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, salts of formalin condensate of naphthalene sulfonic acid, salts of formalin condensate of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono- or di-) alkylphenyl ether sulfate or phosphate ester salts, polyoxyethylene (mono-, di- or tri) styrylphenyl ether sulfuric or phosphoric ester salts, poly carboxylates (for example, polyacrylic acid salts, polymaleic acid salts, a copolymer of maleic acid and olefin, etc.), polystyrene sulfonate, etc.; cationic surfactants, such as alkyl amine salts, alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, etc.; amphoteric surfactants of amino acid type, betaine type, etc.; silicone surfactants, fluorine surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[00124] In one embodiment, the fungicidal composition for controlling/preventing fungal disease in plants/crops may contain ionic and nonionic dispersing agents to enable disintegration of granules in water with ease, such as salts of polystyrenesulphonic acids, salts of polyvinylsulphonic acids, salts of naphthalene sulphonic acid/formaldehyde condensates, salts of condensates of naphthalenesulphonic acid, phenolsulphonic acid and formaldehyde, and salts of lignosulphonic acid, polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene glycol ethers of linear alcohols, reaction products of fatty acids with ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide, furthermore polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters, furthermore alkyl ethoxylates and alkylarylethoxylates. The preferred dispersing agents include sodium naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensate, polyethyleneglycol mono- [2,4,6-tris (1 -phenylethyl] phenyl ether or a combination thereof.

[00125] In one embodiment, the fungicidal composition for controlling/preventing fungal disease in plants/crops may contain stabilizers. Such stabilizers may include carboxylic acids, such as citric acid and butenedioic acid or inorganic components such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate which may also act as a pH modifier.

[00126] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling/preventing fungal disease in plants/crops of the present disclosure comprise at least one antifoaming agent which are usually employed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. In some embodiments, the preferred antifoaming agents are selected from silicone oil and magnesium stearate or a suitable combination thereof.

[00127] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops of the present disclosure comprise at least one pH modifier selected from organic and inorganic components that are usually employed in agrochemical compositions to modify the pH. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pH modifier may be selected from potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. However, the choice of a pH modifier is not particularly limiting. [00128] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. is in a solid dosage form or liquid dosage form.

[00129] In some embodiments, the fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp. is in a dosage form selected from a group comprising aerosols, capsule suspensions, cold-fogging concentrates, warmfogging concentrates, encapsulated granules, fine granules, flowable concentrates for the treatment of seed, ready-to-use solutions, dustable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in oil emulsions, macrogranules, microgranules, oil-dispersible powders, oil-miscible flowable concentrates, oil- miscible liquids, foams, pastes, pesticide-coated seed, suspension concentrates, suspension emulsion concentrates, soluble concentrates, suspensions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts and granules, water-soluble granules or tablets, water-soluble powders for the treatment of seed, wettable powders, natural products and synthetic substances impregnated with active compound, and also microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating materials for seed, and also ULV cold fogging and warm -fogging formulations.

[00130] The present disclosure further relates to a method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, said method comprising contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition, as described above.

[00131] The present disclosure additionally provides a method of improving crop health in crops susceptible to phytopathogenic fungi, said method comprising contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition, as described above.

[00132] While the subsequent embodiments focus on method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops or a method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, and method of improving crop health, all the features and characteristics of fungicidal combination, fungicidal composition, fungicides, fungal disease, fungal pathogen, and crop/plant are as described by any of the embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, and avoiding repetition, each of those embodiments are not being reiterated here again. However, each of the said embodiments completely fall within the purview of method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in crops, method of preventing a fungal disease in crops, and method of improving crop health.

[00133] In some embodiments, the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in Solanum spp., the method of preventing a fungal disease in Solanum spp., or the method of improving crop health in Solanum spp. comprises contacting or applying to foliage of the crops, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition, comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[00134] In some embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling growth of phytopathogenic fungi in Solanum spp., said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crops, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[00135] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from a group comprising Mandipropamid, Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, and Valifenalate; and b) fungicidally effective amount of benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide and Zoxamide.

[00136] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosuni), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of a benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide and Zoxamide.

[00137] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop plants an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of a benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide or Zoxamide, wherein the Mandipropamid and the benzamide compound are present in a ratio of about 1 : 10 to 10: 1.

[00138] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Fluopicolide, wherein the Mandipropamid and the Fluopicolide are present in a ratio of about 1.25: 1.

[00139] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosuni), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Zoxamide, wherein the Mandipropamid and the Zoxamide are present in a ratio of about 1.5: 1 or 1.04: 1.

[00140] In some embodiment, fungicidal combination comprising carboxylic acid amide compound and benzamide compound is applied at a rate of about 50 g a.i./Ha to 1000 g a.i./Ha.

[00141] In some embodiment, carboxylic acid amide compound is applied at a rate of about 50 g a.i./Ha to 1000 g a.i./Ha.

[00142] In some embodiment, carboxylic acid amide compound is applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i./Ha to 300 g a.i./Ha.

[00143] In some embodiment, benzamide compound is applied at a rate of about 50 g a.i./Hato 1000 g a.i./Ha.

[00144] In some embodiment, benzamide compound is applied at a rate of about 50 g a.i./Hato 200 g a.i./Ha. [00145] In some embodiments, Mandipropamid is applied at a rate in the range from about 100 to about 150 g a.i/ha.

[00146] In an embodiment, Mandipropamide is applied at a rate of 100 g a.i./ha.

[00147] In an embodiment, Mandipropamide is applied at a rate of 125 g a.i./ha.

[00148] In an embodiment, Mandipropamide is applied at a rate of 150 g a.i./ha.

[00149] In some embodiments, Zoxamide is applied at a rate in the range from about 50 to 150 g a.i/ha.

[00150] In some embodiments, Zoxamide is applied at of 96 g a.i/ha.

[00151] In some embodiments, Zoxamide is applied at of 120 g a.i/ha.

[00152] In some embodiments, Zoxamide is applied at of 144 g a.i/ha.

[00153] In some embodiments, Fluopicolide is applied at a rate in the range from about 50 to 150 g a.i/ha.

[00154] In some embodiments, Fluopicolide is applied at a rate of 120 g a.i/ha.

[00155] In some embodiments, Fluopicolide is applied at a rate of 80 g a.i/ha.

[00156] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosuni), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Fluopicolide, wherein the fungicidal combination is applied at a rate of about 50 g a.i./Ha to 250 g a.i./Ha.

[00157] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosuni), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Zoxamide, wherein the fungicidal combination is applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i./Ha to 300 g a.i./Ha.

[00158] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Fluopicolide or Zoxamide, wherein Mandipropamid is applied at a rate of about 125 g a.i./Ha, Fluopicolide is applied at a rate of about 100 g a.i./Ha, and Zoxamide is applied at a rate of about 150 g a.i./Ha.

[00159] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Fluopicolide or Zoxamide, wherein Mandipropamid is applied at a rate of about 150 g a.i./Ha, Fluopicolide is applied at a rate of about 80 g a.i./Ha, and Zoxamide is applied at a rate of about 240 g a.i./Ha.

[00160] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosuni), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of Fluopicolide or Zoxamide, wherein Mandipropamid is applied at a rate of about 250 g a.i./Ha, Fluopicolide is applied at a rate of about 80 g a.i./Ha, and Zoxamide is applied at a rate of about 240 g a.i./Ha.

[00161] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid; b) fungicidally effective amount of Fluopicolide or Zoxamide; and c) agriculturally acceptable excipient.

[00162] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid at an amount of about 1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; b) fungicidally effective amount of Fluopicolide at an amount of about

1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; and c) agriculturally acceptable excipient at an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 99 wt.%.

[00163] In some embodiments of the method of controlling the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in potato (Solarium tuberosuni), the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans which causes late blight of potato; and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of Mandipropamid at an amount of about 1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; b) fungicidally effective amount of Zoxamide at an amount of about 1 wt.% to about 90 wt.%; and c) agriculturally acceptable excipient at an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 99 wt.%.

[00164] In some embodiments of the method of preventing fungal disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum), the fungal disease is late blight of potato caused by phytopathogenic fungi Phytophthora infestans,' and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crop an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from a group comprising Mandipropamid, Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, and Valifenalate; and b) fungicidally effective amount of benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, and Trichlamide.

[00165] In some embodiments of the method of improving crop health in potato (Solarium tuberosum), wherein crop is susceptible to late blight caused by phytopathogenic fungi Phytophthora infestans,' and said method comprises contacting or applying to seeds, foliage or at the locus of crops an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) fungicidally effective amount of at least one carboxylic acid amide compound selected from a group comprising Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate, and Mandipropamid; and b) fungicidally effective amount of benzamide compound selected Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, and Trichlamide.

[00166] The fungicidal combination for controlling or preventing fungal disease in Solarium spp. such as potato (Solarium tuberosum) of the present disclosure may be applied simultaneously as a tank mix or may be applied sequentially. The application may be made to plant or parts thereof, or 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 fungicidal combinations as described above can be applied, for example, in a single “ready-mix” form, in a combined spray mixture composed from separate formulations of the single active ingredient components, such as a “tank-mix”, and in a combined use of the single active ingredients when applied in a sequential manner, i.e., one after the other with a reasonably short period, such as a few minutes, hours or days. [00167] The methods of the present disclosure can be carried out in agricultural lands such as fields, lawns and orchards, or in non-agricultural lands. The present methods may be used to control diseases in agricultural lands for cultivating the plants without any phytotoxicity to the plant. The fungicidal combinations and compositions of the present disclosure do not show any sign or symptoms of any phytotoxicity and are safe at different growth stages of crops.

[00168] In some embodiments, the combinations or compositions of the present disclosure may be applied by various conventional preventing techniques and machines, such as sprayers, fluidized bed techniques, the roller mill method, drones, rotostatic seed treaters, and drum coaters, spouted beds, etc. Pre- and post-coating procedures such as sizing etc., may also be carried out. Such procedures are known in the art. It is readily understood that plant propagation material will typically be treated only once it is removed from the plant and is ready to be re-sown.

[00169] In some embodiments, the treatment may occur before sowing of the plant propagation material so that the sown material has been pre-treated with the present fungicidal combination or composition. In particular, seed coating or seed pelleting are preferred in the treatment of the present fungicidal combination or composition according to the disclosure. As a result of the treatment, the active ingredients in the combination and/or composition are adhered on to the seed and therefore available for disease control.

[00170] The fungicidal combinations of the present disclosure may be provided as a kit of parts such that individual fungicides of the kit may be tank mixed, alone or together, before spraying. In some embodiments, the kit of parts may contain at least one fungicide comprising a carboxylic acid amide compound, preferably Mandipropamid and a second fungicide comprising at least one benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide or Zoxamide such that the two components may be tank mixed, alone or together, before spraying. [00171] Therefore, in an aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising a fungicidal combination comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound; and b) at least one benzamide compound. In exemplary embodiments, the kit comprises a fungicidal combination comprising: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Fluopicolide. In another exemplary embodiments, the kit comprises a fungicidal combination comprising: a) Mandipropamid; and b) Zoxamide.

[00172] The present disclosure further relates to the use of the fungicidal combination or fungicidal composition described herein, for controlling fungal disease in crops.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to the use of the fungicidal combination or the fungicide composition comprising a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound for controlling late blight in potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans.

[00173] Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for controlling growth of phytopathogenic fungi, preventing fungal disease and improving plant health in Solanum spp. , wherein said fungicidal combination or composition comprises: a. at least one carboxylic acid amide compound, and b. at least one benzamide compound.

[00174] Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for controlling growth of phytopathogenic fungi in Solanum spp., wherein said fungicidal combination or composition comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound

[00175] Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for preventing fungal disease in Solanum spp., wherein said fungicidal combination or fungicide composition comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[00176] Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for improving crop health in Solanum spp., wherein said fungicidal combination or fungicide composition comprises: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound.

[00177] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to the use of the fungicidal combination or the fungicide composition comprising Mandipropamid and a benzamide compound selected from Fluopicolide and Zoxamide for controlling late blight in potato (Solanum tuberosum) caused by Phytophthora infestans.

[00178] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to the use of the fungicidal combination or the fungicide composition comprising a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound for improving crop health wherein the crop is potato (Solanum tuberosum) and is susceptible to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans.

EXAMPLES

[00179] While the foregoing description discloses various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. The disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. Example 1: Field Trial efficacy data:

Trials were performed to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of the present combinations: a) Mandipropamid + Fluopicolide, and b) Mandipropamid + Zoxamide, on late blight in Solcinum tuberosum (potato) compared to Mandipropamid alone.

Table 1: Results of treatment of potatoes with different fungicides

Note:- dAA stands for “days after application”.

[00180] The above results demonstrate that as compared to Mandipropamid alone, the present combination of a) Mandipropamid and Fluopicolide, or b) Mandipropamid and Zoxamide exhibits an overall significantly less spread (%) of the disease, thereby indicating improved control of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato. Particularly, the results show that the present fungicidal combinations of a) Mandipropamid and Fluopicolide, and b) Mandipropamid and Zoxamide were able to significantly reduce the disease on leaf surface after 3 days of application, indicating that said combinations were significantly improved vis-a- vis individual fungicides such as Mandipropamid alone. [00181] Example 2: Field Trial efficacy data

Trials were performed to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of the present combinations: a) Mandipropamid + Fluopicolide, and b) Mandipropamid + Zoxamide, on late blight in Solcinum tuberosum (potato) compared to Mandipropamid and Zoxamide alone. Table 2: Results of treatment of potatoes with different fungicides

The above results demonstrate that as compared to Mandipropamid and Zoxamide alone, the present combination of Mandipropamid and Zoxamide exhibits improved control of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato (Solanum tuberosum). [00182] Example 3: Field Trial efficacy data

Trials were performed to evaluate the fungicidal efficacy of the present combinations: Mandipropamid + Fluopicolide on late blight in Solanum tuberosum (potato) compared to Mandipropamid and Fluopicolide alone. Table 3: Results of treatment of potatoes with different fungicides

The above results demonstrate that as compared to Mandipropamid and Fluopicolide alone, the present combination of Mandipropamid and Fluopicolide exhibits improved control of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in potato (Solatium tuberosuni).

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[00183] The present fungicidal combination and fungicidal composition for controlling or preventing fungal disease in crops, preferably potato (Solanum tuberosum), that demonstrates enhanced antifungal efficacy, reduced toxicity, reduced use rates, lesser damage to the environment.

[00184] The methods employed by the present disclosure indicate sustained and effective control and treatment of fungal disease in crops, preferably late blight in potato (Solanum tuberosum).

[00185] The methods employed by the present disclosure further result in enhancing crop yield and improving crop health, preferably in potato (Solanum tuberosum) susceptible to late blight caused by Phytophthora spp.

[00186] The present fungicidal combination and fungicidal composition for controlling/preventing fungal disease in crop plants, preferably late blight in potato (Solanum tuberosum), demonstrates that combining a cell wall biosynthesis inhibitor (for e.g., Mandipropamid) with a fungicide that affects spectrin-like proteins in the cytoskeleton of phytopathogenic fungi (for e.g., Fluopicolide) or a tubulin polymerization inhibitor (for e.g., Zoxamide) leads to an enhanced fungicidal activity.

[00187] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments in this disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[00188] Throughout this specification, the term ‘combinations thereof or ‘any combination thereof or ‘any combinations thereof are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning, as regularly known in the field of patents disclosures.

[00189] As regards the embodiments characterized in this specification, it is intended that each embodiment be read independently as well as in combination with another embodiment. For example, in case of some embodiments 1 reciting 3 alternatives A, B and C, some embodiments 2 reciting 3 alternatives D, E and F and some embodiments 3 reciting 3 alternatives G, H and I, it is to be understood that the specification unambiguously discloses embodiments corresponding to combinations A, D, G; A, D, H; A, D, I; A, E, G; A, E, H; A, E, I; A, F, G; A, F, H; A, F, I; B, D, G; B, D, H; B, D, I; B, E, G; B, E, H; B, E, I; B, F, G; B, F, H; B, F, I; C, D, G; C, D, H; C, D, I; C, E, G; C, E, H; C, E, I; C, F, G; C, F, H; C, F, I, unless specifically mentioned otherwise.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1) A fungicidal combination for controlling phytopathogenic fungi in plants of Solcinum spp., comprising: a. at least one carboxylic acid amide compound, and b. at least one benzamide compound.

2) The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein carboxylic acid amide compound is selected from a group comprising Mandipropamid, Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalate, or combinations thereof.

3) The combination as claimed in claim 2, wherein carboxylic acid amide compound is Mandipropamid.

4) The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein benzamide compound is selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide, Fluopimomide, Fluopyram, Zarilamid, Benzohydroxamic acid, Flumetover, Tioxymid, Trichlamide and combinations thereof.

5) The combination as claimed in claim 4, wherein benzamide compound is selected from Fluopicolide, Zoxamide or a combination thereof.

6) The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Solanum spp. include Solanum tuberosum, Solanum stenotomum, Solanum phureja, Solanum goniocalyx, Solanum ajanhuiri, Solanum chaucha, Solanum juzepczukii, Solanum curtilobum, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum pimpinellifolium, Solanum peruvianum, Solanum cheesmanii, Solanum galapagense, or Solanum chilense.

7) The combination as claimed in claim 6, wherein the Solanum spp. is Solanum tuberosum.

8) The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phytopathogenic fungi is selected from early blight (Alternaria solani), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), pink rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica), and powdery scab (Spongospora subterranean f. sp. subterranea) . 9) The combination as claimed in claim 8, wherein the phytopathogenic fungi is Phytophthora infestans.

10) The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carboxylic acid amide compound and benzamide compound are employed in a ratio in the range from about 1 : 10 to about 10: 1.

11) A fungicidal composition for controlling phytopathogenic fungi in plants of Solcinum spp., comprising: a. at least one carboxylic acid amide compound; b. at least one benzamide compound; and c. at least an agriculturally acceptable excipient.

12) A method for controlling growth of phytopathogenic fungi in Solarium spp., said method comprising contacting or applying to foliage of the crops, a seed, or a locus thereof an effective amount of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition comprising: a) at least one carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound, and b) at least one benzamide compound.

13) The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein carboxylic acid amide (CAA) compound is applied at a rate in the range from about 100 g a.i./Ha to 300 g a.i./Ha.

14) The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the benzamide compound is applied at a rate in the range from about 50 g a.i./Ha to about 200 g a.i./Ha.

15) The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition, comprises: a) Mandipropamid, and b) Fluopicolide.

16) The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fungicidal combination or the fungicidal composition, comprises: a) Mandipropamid, and b) Zoxamide.

17) Use of a fungicidal combination or a fungicidal composition for controlling growth of phytopathogenic fungi, preventing fungal disease and improving plant health in Solanum spp., wherein said fungicidal combination or composition comprises: c) at least one carboxylic acid amide compound, and d) at least one benzamide compound.