WO2025209869A1

WO2025209869A1 - Herbicide compositions comprising a malonamide compound and an uncoupler herbicide for effective weed control

Info

Publication number: WO2025209869A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/058061
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerd Kraemer; Marc Heinrich; Markus Kordes; Tobias SEISER; Gunther Zimmermann; Trevor William Newton
Original assignee: BASF SE
Current assignee: BASF SE
Priority date: 2024-04-05
Filing date: 2025-03-25
Publication date: 2025-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-05

Abstract

Herbicidal compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), selected from a compound of formula (I) and an uncoupler herbicide (Component B).

Description

Herbicide compositions comprising a malonamide compound and an uncoupler herbicide for effective weed control.

The present invention relates to a method for efficient weed control, which comprises applying an effective amount of a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) to a non-crop area or to the cultivation area of a crop, where weeds grow or may grow, as described herein.

The present invention also relates to a composition comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) and its use for efficient weed control in a non-crop area or in the cultivation area of a crop.

BACKGROUND ON THE INVENTION

Weed control is a critical and pressing concern in agricultural practice, impacting crop productivity and overall agricultural sustainability.

Weeds compete with crops for essential resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. Their rapid growth and aggressive nature can significantly reduce crop yields if not adequately controlled.

Over time, weeds can develop resistance to herbicides, making them less susceptible to chemical control methods. This can render certain herbicides ineffective and limit the options available for weed management.

In addition, different weed species often coexist in agricultural fields, and a herbicidal composition that provides broad-spectrum control against multiple weed species is highly desirable. Ensuring effective control of diverse weeds can be a significant challenge.

Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions and continuous research and development efforts to enhance weed control strategies while minimizing their impact on the environment and crop productivity.

WO2021/170464 discloses certain malonamide compounds and compositions comprising the same for controlling unwanted vegetation. While these malonamide compounds show excellent herbicidal activity as well as certain selectivity in crops, there remains a need for methods to efficiently control heterogeneous weed species.

We have found that this object and further objects are achieved by a composition comprising

A) a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), selected from a compound of formula (I) wherein

R¹, R² and R³ are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Ci-Csj-alkyl, (Ci-Csj-haloalkyl, (Ci-Caj-alkoxy or (Ci-Caj-haloalkoxy; and R⁴ is hydrogen or (Ci-Ce)-alkyl, (C2-C4)-alkenyl, (C3-C4)-alkynyl, (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, (C3-C6)-cycloalkyl-(Ci-C3)- alkyl, phenyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl or furanyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl, where each of the seven last-mentioned radicals is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, CC>2 ^a, CONR^bR^c, (Ci-C2)-alkoxy, (Ci-C3)-alkylthio, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfinyl, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl, and phenylsulfonyl; each R^a is independently (Ci-CeJ-alkyl, (C2-C4)-alkynyl or (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, each of which is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, cyano, hydroxy, and (Ci- C3)-alkoxy;

R^b is hydrogen or has one of the meanings given for R^a;

R^c is hydrogen or (Ci-C6)-alkyl, (Ci-C2)-alkoxy, (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, (C2-C4)-alkenyl, (Ci-C6)-alkoxycarbonyl-(Ci- C6)-alkyl, or (C3-C4)-alkynyl, where each of the six last-mentioned radicals is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, CC>2 ^a, and (Ci-C2)-alkoxy; each m is independently 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5; including their agriculturally acceptable salts, stereoisomers and tautomers; and

B) an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) selected from dinitrophenols such as dinosam, dinoseb, DNOC, dinoterb, etinofen, and medinoterb.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for weed control in non-crop areas or in cultivation areas of a crop, which allows efficient and reliable control of the weeds which grow or may grow in these areas.

In addition, the method should provide weed control over an adequately long period, thus allowing flexible application.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that weeds that grow or will grow in a non-crop area or in a cultivation area of crops are efficiently controlled by applying to these areas an effective amount of a combination of

R¹, R² and R³ are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Ci-Csj-alkyl, (Ci-Csj-haloalkyl, (Ci-Csj-alkoxy or (Ci-Csj-haloalkoxy; and

R⁴ is hydrogen or (Ci-Cej-alkyl, (C2-C4)-alkenyl, (C3-C4)-alkynyl, (Cs-Cej-cycloalkyl, (Cs-Cej-cycloalkyl-fCi-Cs)- alkyl, phenyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl or furanyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl, where each of the seven last-mentioned radicals is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, CC>2R^a, CONR^bR^c, (Ci-C2)-alkoxy, (Ci-C3)-alkylthio, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfinyl, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl, and phenylsulfonyl; each R^a is independently (Ci-CeJ-alkyl, (C2-C4)-alkynyl or (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, each of which is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, cyano, hydroxy, and (Ci- C3)-alkoxy;

R^b is hydrogen or has one of the meanings given for R^a;

R^c is hydrogen or (Ci-C6)-alkyl, (Ci-C2)-alkoxy, (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, (C2-C4)-alkenyl, (Ci-C6)-alkoxycarbonyl-(Ci- C6)-alkyl, or (C3-C4)-alkynyl, where each of the six last-mentioned radicals is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, CC>2R^a, and (Ci-C2)-alkoxy; each m is independently 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5; including their agriculturally acceptable salts, stereoisomers, and tautomers; and

The combination of Components A and B and compositions comprising Components A and B are suitable as herbicides. They are suitable as such or appropriately formulated (agrochemical composition).

In the methods according to the present invention, the required application rate of the herbicidal malonamide (Component A), depends on the density of the undesired vegetation, on the development stage of the plants, on the climatic conditions of the location where the combination or composition of Components A and B is used and on the application method. In general, the application rate of the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) is from 1 to 500 g/ha, preferably from 1 to 250 g/ha, more preferably from 2 to 100 g/ha of active substance.

In the methods according to the present invention, the required application rate of the uncoupler herbicide (Component B), depends on the density of the undesired vegetation, on the development stage of the plants, on the climatic conditions of the location where the combination or composition of Components A and B is used and on the application method. In general, the application rate of the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) is from 1 to 5000 g/ha, preferably from 50 to 2500 g/ha, more preferably from 100 to 1000 g/ha of active substance.

The combination of Components A and B or the compositions comprising the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B), can generally be applied to weeds at any growth stage with good results. In one embodiment, the combination of Components A and B or the compositions comprising the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) are applied up to BBCH growth stage 37 of the weeds, showing efficient weed control.

Weeds, which are controlled by the method according to the present invention include monocots and dicots. The present invention relates to a method for selectively controlling weeds in crops, preferably in grain crops, including cereals, maize, sorghum and rice.

In the method according to the present invention for efficiently controlling weeds in crops, the combination of Components A and B and the compositions comprising the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) can generally be applied for pre-plant burn-down and as pre- or post-emergence treatment of the crop, preferably as post-emergence treatment.

BBCH growth stages are as defined in "Growth stages of mono- and dicotyledonous plants”, BBCH Monograph edited by Uwe Meier Julius Kuhn-lnstitut (JKI), Open Agrar Repositorium, Quedlinburg 2018 DOI: 10.5073/20180906-074619 ISBN: 978-3-95547-071-5.

The method of the present invention for efficiently controlling weeds has several advantages over methods applying individual Components A or B or other herbicidal combinations:

- The herbicide combinations of the present invention show enhanced herbicide action (efficacy) in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides. Surprisingly, herbicide combinations of the present invention show an over-additive or synergistic effect in weed control in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides.

- Through their enhanced herbicide action, the herbicide combinations of the present invention can be applied at lower rates to achieve the desired herbicidal effect, reducing the potential negative impact on the environment, including soil and water quality, beneficial organisms, and non-target plants.

- The herbicide combinations of the present invention show an increased spectrum of weed control in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides.

- The herbicide combinations of the present invention reduce the likelihood of resistance development in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides.

- The herbicide combinations of the present invention may provide more effective control of herbicide resistant weeds in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides. In general, losses of efficacy (due to resistance development) in individual plants may be compensated to a limited extent by higher application rates of herbicides, with the potential side effect of increased crop damage (reduced selectivity). The herbicide combinations of the present invention achieve control of resistant weeds while maintaining a low crop response, especially in monocotyledonous crops.

- The herbicide combinations of the present invention may also show an accelerated action on weeds, i.e. they may affect damage of the harmful plants more quickly in comparison with solo application of the individual herbicides.

- The herbicide combinations of the invention provide for an adequate duration of herbicidal activity, even under difficult weathering conditions, which allows a more flexible application and minimizes the risk of weeds escaping. Further embodiments of the invention are evident from the description, the examples and the claims. It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and still to be illustrated below of the subject matter of the invention can be applied not only in the combination given in each particular case but also in other combinations, without leaving the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the terms "controlling" and "combating" are synonyms, referring to inhibition of growth, control of growth, reduction of growth or complete destruction of weeds.

As used herein, the term "combination” refers to any combination of Components A and B, including compositions comprising Components A and B. In the context of the present invention, it is immaterial whether the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) are formulated separately or jointly. It is also immaterial, whether the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) are applied jointly or separately. In the case of separate application, it is of minor importance, in which order the application takes place. It is only necessary, that the Components A and B of the combination or composition, the herbicidal malonamide and the uncoupler herbicide are applied in an effective amount and in a time frame that allows simultaneous action of the Components on the plants, preferably within a timeframe of at most 14 days, in particular at most 7 days, very particular at most 1 day.

As used herein, the term "composition” refers to compositions or mixtures comprising a herbicidal malonamide A and an uncoupler herbicide B. Different salts of the herbicidal malonamide are considered as the same herbicide compound.

As used herein, the term "agrochemical composition” refers to compositions or mixtures comprising a herbicidal malonamide A, an uncoupler herbicide B, and one or more auxiliaries customary for herbicidal products or crop protection compositions.

As used herein "herbicide" refers to one or more agents, compounds and/or compositions having herbistatic and/or herbicidal activity.

As used herein, the terms "undesirable vegetation", "undesirable species", "undesirable plants", "harmful plants", "undesirable weeds", "volunteer plants”, "weeds” or "harmful weeds" are used synonymously.

As used herein, the term "an effective amount" refers to the quantity or application rate of the Components A and B that is necessary to achieve the desired effect or result. It is the amount of the Components A and B that is sufficient to effectively control or eliminate the target weeds or plants, while minimizing any adverse effects on non-target organisms or the environment. The specific effective amount may vary depending on factors such as target plant species, application method, environmental conditions, and the desired level of control.

Synergism can be determined by the Colby method (Colby, S.R., Weeds, 1967(15), p. 20-22), i.e. the expected (or predicted) response of the combination is calculated by taking the product of the observed response for each individual component of the combination when applied alone divided by 100 and subtracting this value from the sum of the observed response for each component when applied alone. Synergism of the combination is then determined by comparing the observed response of the combination to the expected (or predicted) response as calculated from the observed responses of each individual component alone. If the observed response of the combination is significantly greater than the expected (or predicted) response as determined by Fisher's protected Least Significant Difference (LSD) test using significance level 0.05, than the combination is said to be synergistic.

The foregoing is illustrated mathematically as follows: Expected response (Exp. ) and

Synergism = (Obs. — Exp. ) > LSD, wherein a combination is composed of components X and Y, and Obs. designates the observed response of this combination. The synergistic effect may also be given as the ratio of the observed response and the expected response in percent, i.e. synergistic effect [%] = Obs./Exp. x 100

As used herein, "pre-plant burndown” refers to the practice of applying a herbicide to a field or area before planting crops. The purpose of pre-plant burndown is to control or eliminate existing weeds or vegetation to create a weed- free environment for the crops. Pre-plant burndown can also help to prevent the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, as it reduces the overall weed seed bank in the soil.

As used herein, "pre-emergence” refers to an herbicide treatment that is applied to an area before the crop has emerged from the ground or growing medium.

As used herein, "post-emergence” refers to an herbicide treatment that is applied to an area after the crop has germinated and emerged from the ground or growing medium.

The present invention is directed to a composition for weed control, which comprises

R¹, R² and R³ are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Ci-C3)-alkyl, (Ci-C3)-haloalkyl, (Ci-C3)-alkoxy or (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy; and

R⁴ is hydrogen or (Ci-Ce)-alkyl, (C2-C4)-alkenyl, (C3-C4)-alkynyl, (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, (C3-C6)-cycloalkyl-(Ci-C3)- alkyl, phenyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl or furanyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl, where each of the seven last-mentioned radicals is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, CC>2R^a, CONR^bR^c, (Ci-C2)-alkoxy, (Ci-C3)-alkylthio, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfinyl, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl, and phenylsulfonyl; each R^a is independently (Ci-CeJ-alkyl, (C2-C4)-alkynyl or (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, each of which is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, cyano, hydroxy, and (Ci- C3)-alkoxy;

R^b is hydrogen or has one of the meanings given for R^a;

The present invention is also directed to agrochemical compositions for weed control, comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), an uncoupler herbicide (Component B), and one or more auxiliaries customary for herbicidal products or crop protection compositions.

In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for efficiently controlling weeds in non-crop areas, wherein an effective amount of a combination of a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) is applied to the non-crop area, where weeds grow or will grow.

In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for efficiently controlling weeds in crop cultivation areas, wherein an effective amount of a combination of a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) is applied to the crop cultivation area, where weeds grow or will grow. The terms used for organic groups in the definition of the variables are, for example the expression "halogen", collective terms which represent the individual members of these groups of organic units.

The prefix C_x-C_y denotes the number of possible carbon atoms in the particular case. All hydrocarbon chains can be straight-chain or branched. halogen: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, especially fluorine, chlorine or bromine; alkyl and the alkyl moieties of composite groups such as, for example, alkoxy, alkylamino, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylthio, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl: saturated straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, for example Ci-C -akyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1 -methylethyl, butyl, 1 -methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl, 1,1- di methylethyl, pentyl, 1 -methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1 -ethylpropyl, hexyl, 1,1- dimethylpropyl, 1 ,2-dimethylpropyl, 1 -methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1 -dimethylbutyl,

1.2-dimethylbutyl, 1 ,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1 -ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl,

1.1.2-trimethylpropyl, 1 ,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1 -methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl; heptyl, octyl, 2- ethylhexyl and positional isomers thereof; nonyl, decyl and positional isomers thereof; haloalkyl: straight-chain or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (as mentioned above), where some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups are replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above. In one embodiment, the alkyl groups are substituted at least once or completely by a particular halogen atom, preferably fluorine, chlorine or bromine. In a further embodiment, the alkyl groups are partially or fully halogenated by different halogen atoms; in the case of mixed halogen substitutions, the combination of chlorine and fluorine is preferred. Particular preference is given to (Ci-C3)-haloalkyl, more preferably (Ci-C2)-haloalkyl, such as chloromethyl, bromomethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl, 1 -chloroethyl, 1 -bromoethyl, 1 -fluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2- chloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl or 1,1, 1-trifluoroprop-2-yl; alkenyl and also the alkenyl moieties in composite groups, such as alkenyloxy: unsaturated straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radicals having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and one double bond in any position. According to the invention, it may be preferred to use small alkenyl groups, such as (C2-C4)-alkenyl; on the other hand, it may also be preferred to employ larger alkenyl groups, such as (Cs-CsJ-alkenyl. Examples of alkenyl groups are, for example, C2- Ce-alkenyl, such as ethenyl, 1 -propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1 -methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1- propenyl, 2-methyl-1 -propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl, 1 -pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4- pentenyl, 1-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 3- methyl-2-butenyl, 1-methyl-3-butenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl, 3-methyl-3-butenyl, 1, 1-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1 ,2-dimethyl- 1-propenyl, 1 ,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-propenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4- hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 1-methyl-1-pentenyl, 2-methyl-1 -pentenyl, 3-methyl-1 -pentenyl, 4-methyl-1 -pentenyl, 1-methyl-2- pentenyl, 2-methyl-2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-2-pentenyl, 4-methyl-2-pentenyl, 1-methyl-3-pentenyl, 2-methyl-3-pentenyl,

3-methyl-3-pentenyl, 4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 1-methyl-4-pentenyl, 2-methyl-4-pentenyl, 3-methyl-4-pentenyl, 4-methyl-

4-pentenyl, 1 ,1-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1 ,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1 ,2-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1 ,2-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,2- dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1 ,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1 ,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1 ,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2- butenyl, 1-ethyl-1-butenyl, 1-ethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-3-butenyl, 2-ethyl-1-butenyl, 2-ethyl-2-butenyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl, 1, 1 ,2-trimethyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-1 -propenyl and 1-ethyl-2-methyl-2-propenyl; haloalkenyl: alkenyl groups as mentioned above which are partially or fully substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine and/or iodine, for example 2-chloroprop-2-en-1-yl, 3-chloroprop-2-en-1-yl, 2,3-dichloroprop-2-en-1-yl, 3,3- dichloroprop-2-en-1-yl, 2,3,3-trichloro-2-en-1-yl, 2,3-dichlorobut-2-en-1-yl, 2-bromoprop-2-en-1-yl, 3-bromoprop-2-en- 1-yl, 2,3-dibromoprop-2-en-1-yl, 3,3-dibromoprop-2-en-1-yl, 2,3,3-tribromo-2-en-1-yl or 2,3-dibromobut-2-en-1-yl; alkynyl and the alkynyl moieties in composite groups, such as alkynyloxy: straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and one or two triple bonds in any position, for example C2-C6-alkynyl, such as ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-methyl-2-propynyl, 1 -pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3- pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-methyl-2-butynyl, 1-methyl-3-butynyl, 2-methyl-3-butynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl, 1 ,1-dimethyl-2- propynyl, 1-ethyl-2-propynyl, 1 -hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-hexynyl, 1-methyl-2-pentynyl, 1-methyl-3- pentynyl, 1-methyl-4-pentynyl, 2-methyl-3-pentynyl, 2-methyl-4-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1 -pentynyl, 3-methyl-4-pentynyl, 4-methyl-1 -pentynyl, 4-methyl-2-pentynyl, 1 ,1-dimethyl-2-butynyl, 1 ,1-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 1 ,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 2,2- dimethyl-3-butynyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butynyl, 1-ethyl-2-butynyl, 1-ethyl-3-butynyl, 2-ethyl-3-butynyl and 1-ethyl-1- methyl-2-propynyl; haloalkynyl: alkynyl groups as mentioned above which are partially or fully substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine and/or iodine, for example 1 , 1 -difluoroprop-2-yn-1 -yl, 3-chloroprop-2-yn-1-yl, 3-bromoprop-2-yn-1-yl, 3-iodoprop-2- yn-1-yl, 4-fluorobut-2-yn-1-yl, 4-chlorobut-2-yn-1-yl, 1 ,1-difluorobut-2-yn-1-yl, 4-iodobut-3-yn-1-yl, 5-fluoropent-3-yn- 1-yl, 5-iodopent-4-yn-1-yl, 6-fluorohex-4-yn-1-yl or 6-iodohex-5-yn-1-yl; cycloalkyl and also the cycloalkyl moieties in composite groups: mono- or bicyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 10, in particular 3 to 6, carbon ring members, for example Cs-Ce-cycloalkyl, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl or cyclooctyl. Examples of bicyclic radicals comprise bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl and bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl. In this connection, optionally substituted Ca-Cs-cycloalkyl means a cycloalkyl radical having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, in which at least one hydrogen atom, for example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 hydrogen atoms, is/are replaced by substituents which are inert under the conditions of the reaction. Examples of inert substituents are CN, Ci-Ce-alkyl, Ci-C4-haloalkyl, Ci-Ce-al koxy , C3-C6- cycloalkyl, and Ci-C4-alkoxy-Ci-Ce-alkyl; halocycloalkyl and the halocycloalkyl moieties in halocycloalkoxy, halocycloalkylcarbonyl and the like: monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 10 carbon ring members (as mentioned above) in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms may be replaced by halogen atoms as mentioned above, in particular fluorine, chlorine and bromine; cycloalkoxy: cycloalkyl groups as mentioned above which are attached via an oxygen; alkoxy and also the alkoxy moieties in composite groups, such as alkoxyalkyl: an alkyl group as defined above which is attached via an oxygen, preferably having 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 6, carbon atoms. Examples are: methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, 1 -methylethoxy, butoxy, 1 -methylpropoxy, 2-methyl propoxy or 1,1 -dimethylethoxy, and also for example, pentoxy, 1 -methylbutoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, 3-methy I butoxy, 1,1 -dimethylpropoxy, 1 ,2-dimethylpropoxy, 2,2- dimethylpropoxy, 1 -ethyl propoxy, hexoxy, 1 -methylpentoxy, 2-methylpentoxy, 3-methyl pentoxy, 4-methy I pentoxy, 1,1 -dimethylbutoxy, 1 ,2-dimethylbutoxy, 1 ,3-dimethylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylbutoxy, 2,3-dimethylbutoxy, 3,3- dimethylbutoxy, 1 -ethyl butoxy, 2-ethylbutoxy, 1 ,1 ,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1 ,2,2-trimethylpropoxy, 1-ethyl-1- methylpropoxy or 1 -ethyl-2-methylpropoxy; haloalkoxy: alkoxy as defined above, where some or all of the hydrogen atoms in these groups are replaced by halogen atoms as described above under haloalkyl, in particular by fluorine, chlorine or bromine. Examples are OCH2F, OCHF2, OCF3, OCH2CI, OCHCI2, OCCI3, chlorofluoromethoxy, dichlorofluoromethoxy, chlorodifluoromethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy, 2-bromoethoxy, 2-iodoethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 2- chloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethoxy, 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy, OC2F5, 2- fluoropropoxy, 3-fluoropropoxy, 2,2-difluoropropoxy, 2,3-difluoropropoxy, 2-chloropropoxy, 3-chloropropoxy, 2,3- dichloropropoxy, 2-bromopropoxy, 3-bromopropoxy, 3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy, 3,3,3-trichloropropoxy, OCH2-C2F5, OCF2- C2F5, 1-(CH2F)-2-fluoroethoxy, 1-(CH2CI)-2-chloroethoxy, 1-(CH2Br)-2-bromoethoxy, 4-fluorobutoxy, 4-chlorobutoxy, 4-bromobutoxy or nonafluorobutoxy; and also 5-fluoropentoxy, 5-chloropentoxy, 5-bromopentoxy, 5-iodopentoxy, undecafluoropentoxy, 6-fluorohexoxy, 6-chlorohexoxy, 6-bromohexoxy, 6-iodohexoxy or dodecafluorohexoxy; hydroxyl: OH group which is attached via an 0 atom; cyano: ON group which is attached via an C atom.

The preferred embodiments of the invention mentioned herein below have to be understood as being preferred either independently from each other or in combination with one another.

In the context of the present invention, the herbicidal malonamides (Component A) can be employed as such or, e.g. if they have a free carboxyl group (i.e. R⁴ = hydrogen), in the form of their agriculturally acceptable salts. Suitable are, in general, the salts of those cations, whose cations have no adverse effect on the activity of the active compounds.

Preferred cations are the ions of the alkali metals, preferably of lithium, sodium and potassium, of the alkaline earth metals, preferably of calcium and magnesium, and of the transition metals, preferably of manganese, copper, zinc and iron, further ammonium and substituted ammonium in which one to four hydrogen atoms are replaced by C1-C4- alkyl, hydroxy-Ci-C4-alkyl, Ci-C4-alkoxy-Ci-C4-alkyl, hydroxy-Ci-C4-alkoxy-Ci-C4-alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, preferably ammonium, methylammonium, isopropylammonium, dimethylammonium, diethylammonium, diisopropylammonium, trimethylammonium, triethylammonium, tris(isopropyl)ammonium, heptylammonium, dodecylammonium, tetradecylammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, 2-hydroxyethylammonium (olamine salt), 2-(2-hydroxyeth-1-oxy)eth-1-ylammonium (diglycolamine salt), di(2-hydroxyeth-1-yl)ammonium (diolamine salt), tris(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium (trolamine salt), tris(2-hydroxypropyl)ammonium, benzyltrimethylammonium, benzyltriethylammonium, N,N,N-trimethylethanolammonium (choline salt), furthermore phosphonium ions, sulfonium ions, preferably tri(Ci-C4-alkyl)sulfonium, such as trimethylsulfonium, and sulfoxonium ions, preferably tri(Ci-C4-alkyl)sulfoxonium, and finally the salts of polybasic amines such as N,N-bis-(3- aminopropyl)methylamine and diethylenetriamine. Uncoupler herbicides (Components B) as described herein having an acidic group such as a phenolate -OH, can be employed in the form of the acid, in the form of an agriculturally suitable salt as described above for the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) or else in the form of an agriculturally acceptable derivative.

If the Components A or B as described herein are capable of forming geometrical isomers, for example E/Z isomers, it is possible to use both, the pure isomers and mixtures thereof, in the combinations or compositions according to the invention.

If the Components A or B as described herein have one or more centers of chirality and, as a consequence, are present as enantiomers or diastereomers, it is possible to use both, the pure enantiomers and diastereomers and their mixtures, in the combinations or compositions according to the invention.

If the Components A or B as described herein can form tautomers by hydrogen displacement, reference to the Component by means of one tautomeric description is to be considered to include all tautomer forms.

The malonamide compounds of formula (I) have several centers of chirality and, as a consequence, are present as diastereomers.

In the context of the present invention, malonamide compounds of formula (I. a) are preferred Components A of the combinations or compositions.

Depending on the stereochemical orientation of the methoxy group (R or S), the cis-diastereomer I. a is present as epimer/diastereomer mixture (l.a.R + l.a.S) in varying ratios.

In the context of the present invention, any ratio of the malonamide compound of formula (I) epimers in the respective epimer/diastereomer mixtures is contemplated and useful. Non-limiting examples for ratios of the epimers in the respective epimer/diastereomer mixtures are 100: 0, 99.9:0.1, 99.5:0.5, 99:1, 98:2, 95:5, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, 10:90, 5:95, 2:98, 1 :99, 0.5:99.5, 0.1 :99.9, 0:100. In some embodiments, the ratio of the epimers in the respective epimer/diastereomer mixtures is 50:50 +/- 10 % respectively.

The malonamide compounds of formula (I) are known from WC2021/170464. According to particular embodiments of the invention, preference is given to those compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables, either independently of one another or in combination with one another, have the following meanings: Preferred Components A (herbicidal malonamides) in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, (Ci-C3)-alkyl, (Ci-C3)-haloalkyl, (Ci-C3)-alkoxy, and (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy. In a more preferred embodiment, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy, in particular R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and halogen. In a very particularly preferred embodiment, R¹ is halogen, e.g. fluorine, chlorine or bromine.

Preferred Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein R² is hydrogen.

Preferred Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, (Ci-C3)-alkyl, (Ci-C3)-haloalkyl, (C1-C3)- alkoxy, and (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy. In a particularly preferred embodiment, R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy. In a very particularly preferred embodiment, R³ is halogen, e.g. fluorine or chlorine.

Preferred Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (Ci-C6)-alkyl, and (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl. In a particularly preferred embodiment, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, and cyclobutyl. In the most preferred embodiment, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl and isopropyl.

In one embodiment, Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, (Ci-C3)-alkyl, (Ci-C3)-haloalkyl, (Ci-C3)-alkoxy and (C1- C3)-haloalkoxy;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, (Ci-C3)-alkyl, (Ci-C3)-haloalkyl, (Ci-C3)-alkoxy and (C1- C3)-haloalkoxy; and

R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (Ci-C6)-alkyl, and (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl.

In another embodiment, Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy; and R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (Ci-C6)-alkyl, and (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl. In another embodiment, Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is hydrogen or halogen;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is halogen; and

R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (Ci-C6)-alkyl, and (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, e.g from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, and cyclobutyl.

In a preferred embodiment, Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is halogen;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is halogen; and

R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (Ci-C6)-alkyl, and (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, more preferably from hydrogen, methyl, isopropyl, and cyclobutyl.

In a more preferred embodiment, Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I. a), wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is halogen;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is halogen; and

In another preferred embodiment, Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is fluorine, chlorine or bromine;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is fluorine or chlorine; and

R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, isopropyl and cyclobutyl.

In a very preferred embodiment, Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formula (I. a), wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is fluorine, chlorine or bromine;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is fluorine or chlorine; and R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, isopropyl and cyclobutyl.

Most preferred Components A in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are compounds of formulae (I . a.1 ) to (l.a.6) and combinations of the respective stereoisomers:

Particularly preferred uncoupler herbicides, which, as Component B, are constituent of the combinations or compositions according to the invention, are the uncoupler herbicides defined above; in particular, the uncoupler herbicides B.1 to B.6:

Table 1:

B.2 Dinoseb Particularly preferred are the combinations or compositions C (C.1 to C.36) mentioned below comprising as Component A a herbicidal malonamide of formula I, and as Component B an uncoupler herbicide, each as defined in the respective row of Table 2. The weight ratios of the individual Components in the preferred combinations or compositions mentioned below are within the limits given herein, in particular within the preferred limits.

Table 2 (C.1 to C.36):

The combinations or compositions according to the invention comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B contain the Components A and B generally in a weight ratio [w/w] from 1:1 to 1 :200, preferably in a weight ratio [w/w] from 1 :1 to 1:100, and more preferably in a weight ratio [w/w] from 1:1 to 1 :50.

Preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions D.1 to D.36, which are embodiments of combinations or compositions C.1 to C.36, wherein the weight ratio [w/w] of the Components A and B generally is from 1 :1 to 1:200.

Further preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions E.1 to E.36, which are embodiments of combinations or compositions C.1 to C.36, wherein the weight ratio [w/w] of the Components A and B generally is from 1 : 1 to 1 : 100. Further preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions F.1 to F.36, which are embodiments of combinations or compositions C.1 to C.36, wherein the weight ratio [w/w] of the Components A and B generally is from 1 : 1 to 1 :50.

The skilled person will acknowledge that the preferred ratio range of Component A to Component B for any of the combinations or compositions listed in Table 2 (C.1 to C.36) above is likely to be from 1 : 1 to 1 :150, with a preference for a range of 1 :1 to 1 :100. It should be noted that each ratio can be further optimized depending on the mixture partners. Therefore, ratios such as 1 :1 , 1 :2, 1 :3, 1 :4, 1 :5, 1 :6, 1 :7, 1 :8, 1 :9, 1 :10, 1 :11 , 1 :12, 1 :13, 1 : 14, 1 :15, 1 : 16, 1 : 17, 1 : 18, 1 : 19, 1 :20, 1 :25, 1 :30, 1 :35, 1 :40, 1 :45: 1 :50, 1 :60, 1 :70; 1 :80; 1 :90 and 1 :100 are also envisaged in the context of the present invention.

Further preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions comprising exactly one herbicidal malonamide as Component A and exactly one uncoupler herbicide as Component B.

Further preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions comprising exactly one herbicidal malonamide as Component A and exactly two uncoupler herbicides, which are different from each other, as Component B.

Further preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions comprising exactly one herbicidal malonamide as Component A, exactly one uncoupler herbicide as Component B, and exactly one Safener (Component S).

Safeners are chemical compounds which may protect crops from herbicide-induced damage, i.e. benoxacor, cloquintocet, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, mefenpyr, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride, oxabetrinil, 4-(dichloroacetyl)-1 -oxa-4- azaspiro[4.5]decane (MCN4660, CAS 71526-07-3), 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(dichloroacetyl)-1 ,3-oxazolidine (R-29148, CAS 52836-31-4), metcamifen, BPCMS (CAS 54091-06-4).

The uncoupler herbicides (Component B) and Safeners (Component S) are known herbicides and safeners, see, for example, The Compendium of Pesticide Common Names (http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/); Farm Chemicals Handbook 2000 volume 86, Meister Publishing Company, 2000; B. Hock, C. Fedtke, R. R. Schmidt, Herbizide [Herbicides], Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart 1995; W. H. Ahrens, Herbicide Handbook, 7th edition, Weed Science Society of America, 1994; and K. K. Hatzios, Herbicide Handbook, Supplement for the 7th edition, Weed Science Society of America, 1998. 2,2,5-Trimethyl-3-(dichloroacetyl)-1 ,3-oxazolidine [CAS No. 52836-31-4] is also referred to as R-29148. 4-(Dichloroacetyl)-1-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane [CAS No. 71526-07-3] is also referred to as AD-67 and MON 4660. Preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions G.1 to

G.36, which differ from combinations or compositions D.1 to D.36, in that they additionally comprise as Component S the safener cloquintocet or cloquintocet-mexyl in a weight ratio [w/w] from 10:1 to 1 :50 and more preferably in a weight ratio [w/w] from 5: 1 to 1 :25 (weight ratio [w/w] of Components A to S).

Preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions H.1 to

H.36, which differ from combinations or compositions D.1 to D.36, in that they additionally comprise the as Component S safener mefenpyr in a weight ratio [w/w] from 10:1 to 1 :50 and more preferably in a weight ratio [w/w] from 5:1 to 1:25 (weight ratio [w/w] of Components A to S).

Preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions J.1 to

J.36, which differ from combinations or compositions D.1 to D.36, in that they additionally comprise as Component S the safener cyprosulfamide in a weight ratio [w/w] from 10:1 to 1 :50 and more preferably in a weight ratio [w/w] from 5: 1 to 1 :25 (weight ratio [w/w] of Components A to S).

Preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions K.1 to

K.36, which differ from combinations or compositions D.1 to D.36, in that they additionally comprise as Component S the safener isoxadifen in a weight ratio [w/w] from 10:1 to 1 :50 and more preferably in a weight ratio [w/w] from 5:1 to 1:25 (weight ratio [w/w] of Components A to S).

Preferred combinations or compositions according to the present invention are combinations or compositions L.1 to

L.36, which differ from combinations or compositions D.1 to D.36, in that they additionally comprise as Component S the safener metcamifen in a weight ratio [w/w] from 10:1 to 1 :50 and more preferably in a weight ratio [w/w] from 5:1 to 1 :25 (weight ratio [w/w] of Components A to S).

Preferred Components B in the combinations or compositions according to the invention are the uncoupler herbicides according to Table 3:

Table 3: Accordingly, further preferred combinations or compositions for efficient weed control in a non-crop area or in the cultivation area of a crop comprise

A) a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), selected from a compound of formula (I. a), wherein wherein the substituents have the following meanings:

R¹ is fluorine, chlorine or bromine;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is fluorine or chlorine; and

R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, isopropyl and cyclobutyl; and

B) an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) selected from the dinitrophenols dinosam, dinoseb, DNOC, dinoterb, etinofen, and medinoterb ; and wherein the weight ratio [w/w] of Component A to Component B is from 1 : 1 to 1 :200, preferably from 1 : 1 to 1:100, and more preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :50.

Very preferred combinations or compositions for efficient weed control in a non-crop area or in the cultivation area of a crop comprise

R¹ is fluorine, chlorine or bromine;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is fluorine or chlorine; and

B) an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) selected from the dinitrophenols dinoseb, DNOC, and dinoterb; and wherein the weight ratio [w/w] of Component A to Component B is from 1 : 1 to 1 :200, preferably from 1 : 1 to 1:100, and more preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :50.

Very particularly preferred combinations or compositions for efficient weed control in a non-crop area or in the cultivation area of a crop comprise A) a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), selected from the compounds of formulae l.a.1, l.a.2, l.a.3, l.a.4, l.a.5 and l.a.6, preferably I. a.1; and

B) an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) selected from the dinitrophenols dinosam, dinoseb, DNOC, dinoterb, etinofen, and medinoterb ; and the weight ratio [w/w] of Component A to Component B is from 1 :1 to 1 :200, preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :100, and more preferably from 1:1 to 1 :50.

Further very particularly preferred combinations or compositions for efficient weed control in a non-crop area or in the cultivation area of a crop comprise

A) a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), selected from the compounds of formulae l.a.1, l.a.2, l.a.3, l.a.4, l.a.5 and l.a.6, preferably I. a.1; and

B) an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) selected from the dinitrophenols dinoseb, DNOC, and dinoterb; and the weight ratio [w/w] of Component A to Component B is from 1 :1 to 1 :200, preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :100, and more preferably from 1:1 to 1 :50.

The combinations or compositions according to the invention are suitable as herbicides. They are suitable as such or as an appropriately formulated composition (agrochemical composition).

In the methods according to the present invention, the required application rate of the combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B, depends on the density of the undesired vegetation, on the development stage of the plants, on the climatic conditions of the location where the composition is used and on the application method.

In general, the application rate of the herbicidal malonamide as Component A of the combinations or compositions (total amount of Component A) is from 1 g/ha to 500 g/ha, preferably from 1 g/ha to 250 g/ha, more preferably from 2 g/ha to 10Og/ha of active substance.

In one embodiment of the method according to present invention, the herbicidal malonamide as Component A of the combinations or compositions (total amount of Component A) is applied as burn down treatment with an application rate of Component A of 1 g/ha to 500 g/ha, e.g. 2 g/ha to 250 g/ha.

In one embodiment of the method according to present invention, the herbicidal malonamide as Component A of the combinations or compositions (total amount of Component A) is applied pre-emergence of the crop with an application rate of Component A of 1 g/ha to 500 g/ha, e.g. 2 g/ha to 250 g/ha.

In a particular embodiment of the method according to present invention, the herbicidal malonamide as Component A of the combinations or compositions (total amount of Component A) is applied post-emergence of the crop with an application rate 1 g/ha to 500 g/ha, preferably with an application rate of 1 to 250 g/ha, more preferably with an application rate of 2 to 100 g/ha.

In general, the application rate of the uncoupler herbicide as Component B of the combinations or compositions (total amount of Component B) is from 1 g/ha to 5 kg/ha and preferably in the range of from 50 g/ha to 2.5 kg/ha or 100 g/ha to 1000 g/ha.

The above-mentioned application rates of Components A and B indicate the amount of active agent without auxiliaries such as carrier material or surfactants.

Non-limiting examples for application rates of Components A and B in the methods according to the present invention for controlling weeds in non-crop areas or in cultivation areas of a crop are provided in Table 4.

Table 4: The combinations or compositions according to the present invention are suitable for application in non-crop areas and in crop cultivation areas.

The term "non-crop area" as used herein refers to any area of land that is not used for the cultivation of crops or agricultural production. The combinations or compositions according to the present invention can be applied in non- crop areas for weed control and vegetation management. For example, the combinations or compositions according to the present invention can be used to control weeds and unwanted plant growth in turf, lawns, parks, and gardens. They can also be used to maintain vegetation-free areas around roads, railways, sidewalks, and other infrastructure. In the context of the present invention, "lawn" refers to an area of land covered with short, mowed grass that is typically used for aesthetic and recreational purposes. It is commonly found in residential and commercial properties, parks, and other public spaces.

"Turf" refers to the actual grass plants that make up a lawn. It includes the visible blades of grass as well as the roots and soil below. In the context of the present invention, turf is a target for weed control, with the goal to eliminate unwanted plant growth while preserving the desired grass species.

Common grass species used for turf include Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Zoysia Grass (Zoysia spp.), Ryegrass (Lolium spp.), and Fescue Grass (Festuca spp.).

The term "crop cultivation area" as used herein, refers to any land that is used for growing crops, such as fields, gardens, orchards, vineyards, etc. Commonly, herbicides are applied to these areas to control the growth of unwanted plants or weeds that can compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

If not stated otherwise, the combinations or compositions according to the present invention are suitable for application in any variety of crops as outlined herein.

In the context of the present invention, crop plants (cultivated plants) are understood to comprise all species, subspecies, variants and/or hybrids which belong to the respective cultivated plants, including but not limited to winter and spring varieties, in particular in cereals such as wheat and barley, e.g. winter wheat, spring wheat, winter barley etc.. Winter wheat varieties of the species Triticum aestivum L. (TRZAW) include varieties such as Cubus, Chevignon, Foxx, Informer, Extase, and Skyscraper.

The combinations or compositions according to the present invention are generally suitable for controlling weeds in the following crops:

Allium cepa (onions), Allium sativum (garlic), Ananas comosus (pineapples), Arachis hypogaea [peanuts (groundnuts)], Asparagus officinalis (asparagus), Avena sativa (oat), Beta vulgaris spec, altissima (sugar beet), Beta vulgaris spec, rapa (turnips), Camellia sinensis (tea plants), Carthamus tinctorius (safflower), Carya illinoinensis (pecan trees), Citrus limon (lemons), Citrus sinensis (orange trees), Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, Coffea liberica (coffee plants), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Cynodon dactylon (Bermudagrass), Daucus carota subspec. sativa (carrot), Elaeis guineensis (oil palms), Fragaria vesca (strawberries), Glycine max (soybeans), Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium vitifolium, Hevea brasiliensis (rubber plants), Hordeum vulgare (barley), Humulus lupulus (hops), Ipomoea batatas (sweet potatoes), Juglans regia (walnut trees), Lens culinaris (lentil), Linum usitatissimum (flax), Lycopersicon lycopersicum (tomatoes), Malus spec, (apple trees), Manihot esculenta (cassava), Medicago sativa [alfalfa (lucerne)], Musa spec, (banana plants), Nicotiana tabacum (N.rustica) (tobacco), Olea europaea (olive trees), Oryza sativa (rice), Phaseolus lunatus (limabeans), Phaseolus vulgaris (snapbeans, green beans, dry beans), Picea abies (Norway spruce), Pinus spec, (pine trees), Pistacia vera (pistachio), Pisum sativum (English peas), Prunus avium (cherry trees), Prunus persica (peach trees), Pyrus communis (pear trees), Prunus armeniaca (apricot), Prunus cerasus (sour cherry), Prunus dulcis (almond trees) and prunus domestica (plum trees), Ribes sylvestre (redcurrants), Ricinus communis (castor-oil plants), Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane), Secale cereale (rye), Sinapis alba, Solanum tuberosum (Irish potatoes), Sorghum bicolor (s. vulgare) (sorghum), Theobroma cacao (cacao plants), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Triticale (triticale), Triticum durum (durum wheat), Triticum turgidum (hard wheat), Triticum spelta (Spelt), Vicia faba (tick beans), Vitis vinifera (grapes), and Zea mays (Indian corn, sweet corn, maize).

The combinations or compositions according to the present invention are particularly suitable for controlling weeds in the following crops:

Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Arachis hypogaea, Avena sativa, Beta vulgaris spec, altissima, Cynodon dactylon, Daucus carota subspec. sativa, Glycine max, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium vitifolium, Hordeum vulgare, Lens culinaris, Linum usitatissimum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum, Malus spec., Medicago sativa, Oryza sativa, Phaseolus lunatus, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum, Saccharum officinarum, Secale cereale, Solanum tuberosum, Sorghum bicolor (s. vulgare), Triticale, Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Vicia faba, Vitis vinifera, and Zea mays.

In a preferred embodiment, the combinations or compositions according to the present invention are used for controlling weeds in turf and in the following crops: cereals, corn (maize), sorghum, rice, peas, Vicia-beans, Phaseolus-beans, peanuts, cotton, potato, sugarbeet, sugarcane, and vegetables

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the combinations or compositions according to the present invention are used for controlling weeds in turf and in the following crops: wheat, barley, rye, triticale, oat, corn (maize), sorghum, rice, peas, Vicia-beans, Phaseolus-beans, peanuts, cotton, potato, sugarbeet, sugarcane and vegetables.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the undesirable vegetation is controlled in cereals. In particular, the cereals are selected from the group comprising wheat, barley, rye, oat, and triticale.

The combinations or compositions according to the present invention are particularly suitable for controlling weeds in turf and fields of the following grain crops, e.g. cereals (small crops) such as wheat {Triticum aestivum) and wheat-like crops such as durum (T. durum), einkorn (T. monococcum), emmer (T. dicoccon) and spelt (T. spelta), rye {Secale cereale), triticale {Tritiosecale), oat {Avena sativa), barley {Hordeum vulgare),' sorghum (e.g. Sorghum bicolour),' and rice (Oryza spp. such as Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima),'

The combinations or compositions according to the present invention are very particularly suitable for controlling weeds in fields of cereals, sorghum and rice.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, an effective amount of a combination or composition selected from C.1 to C.36, D.1 to D.36, E.1 to E.36, F.1 to F.36, G.1 to G.36, H.1 to H.36, J.1 to J.36, K.1 to K.36 or L.1 to L.36 is applied to a crop cultivation area, where wheat, durum, einkorn, emmer, spelt, rye, triticale, or barley, preferably barley or wheat, was planted.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, an effective amount of a combination or composition selected from C.1 to C.36, D.1 to D.36, E.1 to E.36, F.1 to F.36, G.1 to G.36, H.1 to H.36, J.1 to J.36, K.1 to K.36, or L.1 to L.36, is applied to a non-crop area, where turf is cultivated.

According to particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, an effective amount of a combination or composition selected from C.2, C.3 and C.4 is applied to the crop cultivation area, where wheat, durum, einkorn, emmer, spelt, rye, triticale, or barley, preferably barley or wheat, was planted.

The term "crops" as used herein includes also (crop) plants which have been modified by mutagenesis or genetic engineering in order to provide a new trait to a plant or to modify an already present trait.

Mutagenesis includes techniques of random mutagenesis using X-rays or mutagenic chemicals, but also techniques of targeted mutagenesis, in order to create mutations at a specific locus of a plant genome. Targeted mutagenesis techniques frequently use oligonucleotides or proteins like CRISPR/Cas, zinc-finger nucleases, TALENs or meganucleases to achieve the targeting effect.

Genetic engineering usually uses recombinant DNA techniques to create modifications in a plant genome which under natural circumstances cannot readily be obtained by cross breeding, mutagenesis or natural recombination. Typically, one or more genes are integrated into the genome of a plant in order to add a trait or improve a trait. These integrated genes are also referred to as transgenes in the art, while plant comprising such transgenes are referred to as transgenic plants. The process of plant transformation usually produces several transformation events, which differ in the genomic locus in which a transgene has been integrated. Plants comprising a specific transgene on a specific genomic locus are usually described as comprising a specific "event”, which is referred to by a specific event name. Traits which have been introduced in plants or have been modified include in particular herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, increased yield and tolerance to abiotic conditions, like drought.

Herbicide tolerance has been created by using mutagenesis as well as using genetic engineering. Plants which have been rendered tolerant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor herbicides by conventional methods of mutagenesis and breeding comprise plant varieties commercially available under the name Clearfield®. However, most of the herbicide tolerance traits have been created via the use of transgenes.

Herbicide tolerance has been created to glyphosate, glufosinate, 2,4-D, dicamba, oxynil herbicides, like bromoxynil and ioxynil, sulfonylurea herbicides, ALS inhibitor herbicides and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors, like isoxaflutole and mesotrione.

Transgenes which have been used to provide herbicide tolerance traits comprise: for tolerance to glyphosate: cp4 epsps, epsps grg23ace5, mepsps, 2mepsps, gat4601, gat4621 and goxv247, for tolerance to glufosinate: pat and bar, for tolerance to 2,4-D: aad-1 and aad-12, for tolerance to dicamba: dmo, for tolerance to oxynil herbicies: bxn, for tolerance to sulfonylurea herbicides: zm-hra, csr1 -2, gm-hra, S4-HrA, for tolerance to ALS inhibitor herbicides: csr1 -2, for tolerance to HPPD inhibitor herbicides: hppdPF, W336 and avhppd-03.

Transgenic corn events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are for example, but not excluding others, DAS40278, MON801, MON802, MON809, MON810, MON832, MON87411 , MON87419, MON87427, MON88017, MON89034, NK603, GA21, MZHGOJG, HCEM485, VCO-01981-5, 676, 678, 680, 33121, 4114, 59122, 98140, Bt10, Bt176, CBH-351 , DBT418, DLL25, MS3, MS6, MZIR098, T25, TC1507 and TC6275.

Transgenic soybean events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are for example, but not excluding others, GTS 40-3-2, MON87705, MON87708, MON87712, MON87769, MON89788, A2704-12, A2704-21 , A5547-127, A5547-35, DP356043, DAS44406-6, DAS68416-4, DAS-81419-2, GU262, SYHT0H2, W62, W98, FG72 and CV127.

Transgenic cotton events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are for example, but not excluding others, 19- 51 a, 31707, 42317, 81910, 281-24-236, 3006-210-23, BXN10211 , BXN10215, BXN10222, BXN10224, MON1445, MON1698, MON88701 , MON88913, GHB119, GHB614, LLCotton25, T303-3 and T304-40.

Transgenic canola events comprising herbicide tolerance genes are for example, but not excluding others, MON88302, HCR-1 , HCN10, HCN28, HCN92, MS1 , MS8, PHYU, PHY23, PHY35, PHY36, RF1 , RF2 and RF3.

Insect resistance has mainly been created by transferring bacterial genes for insecticidal proteins to plants. Transgenes which have most frequently been used are toxin genes of Bacillus spec, and synthetic variants thereof, like cry1 A, cry1 Ab, cry1Ab-Ac, crylAc, cry 1 A.105, cry 1 F, cry 1 Fa2, cry2Ab2, cry2Ae, mcry3A, ecry3.1Ab, cry3Bb1 , cry34Ab1 , cry35Ab1 , cry9C, vip3A(a), vip3Aa20. However, also genes of plant origin have been transferred to other plants. In particular genes coding for protease inhibitors, like CpTI and pinll. A further approach uses transgenes in order to produce double stranded RNA in plants to target and downregulate insect genes. An example for such a transgene is dvsnf7.

Transgenic corn events comprising genes for insecticidal proteins or double stranded RNA are for example, but not excluding others, Bt10, Bt11, Bt176, MON801, MON802, MON809, MON810, MON863, MON87411 , MON88017, MON89034, 33121 , 4114, 5307, 59122, TC1507, TC6275, CBH-351, MIR162, DBT418 and MZIR098.

Transgenic soybean events comprising genes for insecticidal proteins are for example, but not excluding others, MON87701, MON87751 and DAS-81419.

Transgenic cotton events comprising genes for insecticidal proteins are for example, but not excluding others, SGK321, MON531 , MON757, MON1076, MON15985, 31707, 31803, 31807, 31808, 42317, BNLA-601 , Eventl, COT67B, COT102, T303-3, T304-40, GFM Cry1A, GK12, MLS 9124, 281-24-236, 3006-210-23, GHB119 and SGK321.

Increased yield has been created by increasing ear biomass using the transgene athbl 7, being present in corn event MON87403, or by enhancing photosynthesis using the transgene bbx32, being present in the soybean event MON87712.

Crops comprising a modified oil content have been created by using the transgenes: gm-fad2-1, Pj.D6D, Nc.Fad3, fad2-1 A and fatbl -A. Soybean events comprising at least one of these genes are: 260-05, MON87705 and MON87769.

Tolerance to abiotic conditions, in particular to tolerance to drought, has been created by using the transgene cspB, comprised by the corn event MON87460 and by using the transgene Hahb-4, comprised by soybean event IND- 00410-5.

Traits are frequently combined by combining genes in a transformation event or by combining different events during the breeding process. Preferred combination of traits are herbicide tolerance to different groups of herbicides, insect tolerance to different kind of insects, in particular tolerance to lepidopteran and coleopteran insects, herbicide tolerance with one or several types of insect resistance, herbicide tolerance with increased yield as well as a combination of herbicide tolerance and tolerance to abiotic conditions.

Plants comprising singular or stacked traits as well as the genes and events providing these traits are well known in the art. For example, detailed information as to the mutagenized or integrated genes and the respective events are available from websites of the organizations "International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA)” (http://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase) and the "Center for Environmental Risk Assessment (CERA)” (http://cera-gmc.org/GMCropDatabase), as well as in patent applications, like EP3028573 and WC2017/011288.

The use of combinations and compositions according to the invention on crops may result in effects which are specific to a crop comprising a certain gene or event. These effects might involve changes in growth behavior or changed resistance to biotic or abiotic stress factors. Such effects may in particular comprise enhanced yield, enhanced resistance or tolerance to insects, nematodes, fungal, bacterial, mycoplasma, viral or viroid pathogens as well as early vigour, early or delayed ripening, cold or heat tolerance as well as changed amino acid or fatty acid spectrum or content.

Furthermore, plants are also covered that contain by the use of recombinant DNA techniques a modified amount of ingredients or new ingredients, specifically to improve raw material production, e.g., potatoes that produce increased amounts of amylopectin. The combinations and compositions according to the present invention are useful for controlling a large variety of harmful plants (undesired vegetation), including monocotyledonous weeds and dicotyledonous weeds.

In the cultivation area of grain crops, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in controlling a wide range of weed species, including both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species from various genera and species, such as Abutilon, Aeschynomene, Alisma, Alopecurus, Alternanthera, Amaranthus, Ambrosia, Ammannia, Anagallis, Anthemis, Arctium, Arctotheca, Bacopa, Bassia, Bidens, Bifora, Bolboschoenus, Brachiaria, Brassica, Bromus secalinus, Bromus sterilis, Bromus tecto-rum, Caperonia, Capsella, Calystegia, Centaurea, Cenchrus, Che-nopodium, Chloris, Cleome, Commelina, Convolvulus, Conyza, Cynodon, Cyperus, Descurainia, Desmodium, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Eclipta, Eleocharis, Eleusine, Elymus, Eriochloa, Erigeron, Eguisetum, Erodium, Euphorbia, Fagopyrum, Fimbristylis, Galium, Galeopsis, Geranium, Helianthus annuus, Helianthus, Heteranthera, Ipomoea, Ischaemum, Isolepis, Kochia, Lactuca, Lamium, Lappula, Leersia, Leptochloa, Lepidium, Lindernia, Limnocharis, Linum, Lolium, Ludwigia, Luziola, Malva, Marsilia, Matricaria, Melochia, Mollugo, Monochoria, Monochoria, Oryza latifolia, Oryza rufipogon, Panicum, Papaver, Paspalum, Persicaria, Phalaris, Plantago, Poa, Polygonum, Pontederia, Portulaca, Potamogeton, Puccinellia, Raphanus, Rapistrum, Rottboellia, Rumex, Sagittaria, Schoenoplectiella, Schoenoplectus, Scirpoides, Scirpus, Sclerochloa, Sesbania, Setaria, Sida, Sinapis, Sisymbrium, Sonchus, Sphenoclea, Sorghum halepense, Stellaria, Thlaspi, Tragopogon, Trichophorum, Trifolium, Tri- pleurospermum, Typha, Urtica, Urochloa, Veronica, Vicia, Viola and Xanthium.

In the cultivation area of grain crops, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in controlling a wide range of dicotyledonous weed species from various genera and species such as Abutilon, Aeschynomene, Alternanthera, Ambrosia, Ammannia, Amaranthus, Anagallis, Anthemis, Arctium, Arctotheca, Bacopa, Bassia, Bifora, Bidens, Brassica, Caperonia, Capsella, Calystegia, Centaurea, Chenopodium, Cleome, Commelina, Convolvulus, Conyza, Descurainia, Desmodium, Eclipta, Eguisetum, Erodium, Erigeron, Euphorbia, Fagopyrum, Fumaria, Galeopsis, Galium, Geranium, Helianthus, Helianthus annuus, Ipomoea, Kochia, Lactuca, Lamium, Lappula, Lepidium, Lindernia, Limnocharis, Linum, Ludwigia, Malva, Matricaria, Melochia, Mollugo, Papaver, Persicaria, Plantago, Polygonum, Pontederia, Portulaca, Raphanus, Rapistrum, Rumex, Sesbania, Sida, Sinapis, Sisymbrium, Sonchus, Sphenoclea, Stellaria, Thlaspi, Tragopogon, Trifolium, Tripleurospermum, Urtica, Veronica, Vicia, Viola, and Xanthium,' and in particular the following dicotyledonous weed species: Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus albus, Amaranthus blitoides, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus palmed, Amaranthus powellii, Amaranthus retroflexus, Amaranthus tuberculatus, Amaranthus rudis, Amaranthus viridis, Ambrosia artemisifolia, Ammannia auriculata, Ammannia baccifera, Ammannia multiflora, Anthemis arvensis, Capsella bursa- pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium ficifolium, Chenopodium polyspermum, Chenopodium hybridum, Commelina benghalensis, Conyza bonariensis, Conyza canadensis, Descurania sophia, Galium aparine, Galium spurium, Galium tricornutum, Galeopsis tetrahit, Geranium dissectum, Geranium pusilium, Kochia scoparia, Lamium amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum, Limnocharis flava, Ludwigia decurrens, Ludwigia octovalvis, Ludwigia prostrata, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria discoidea, Matricaria inodora, Papaver rhoeas, Polygonum convolvulus, Pontederia korsakowii, Pontederia vaginalis, Potamogeton distinctus, Papaver rhoeas, Raphanus raphanistrum, Sinapis alba, Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium officinale, Sisymbrium orientale, Stellaria media, Sphenoclea zeylanic, Thlaspi arvense, Tripleu-rospermum inodorum, Veronica hederifolia and Veronica persica and Viola arvensis.

In the cultivation area of cereal crops, especially of wheat, barley or rye, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in selectively controlling a wide range of dicotyledonous weed species from various genera such as Ambrosia, Anagallis, Arctium, Arctotheca, Bassia, Bifora, Brassica, Capsella, Centaurea, Chenopodium, Conyza, Descurainia, Equisetum, Erodium, Fagopyrum, Fumaria, Galeopsis, Galium, Geranium, Helianthus, Lactuca, Lamium, Lappula, Lepidium, Linum, Malva, Matricaria, Oenothera, Papaver, Plantago, Polygonum, Raphanus, Rapistrum, Rumex, Sinapis, Sonchus, Stellaria, Thlaspi, Tragopogon, Trifolium, Urtica, Veronica, Vicia, Viola, and Xanthium.

In the cultivation area of a cereal crop, in particular wheat, barley, or rye, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in selectively controlling a wide range of monocotyledonous weed species from various genera and species such as Aegilops, Agropyron, Agrostis, Aisma, Alerkurs, Apera, Avena, Bassia, Beckmannia, Bolboschoenus, Brachiaria, Bromus, Cenchrus, Centaurea, Chloris, Commelina, Cynodon, Cyperus, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Eleocharis, Eleusine, Elymus, Eriochloa, Fimbristylis, Heteranthera, Hordium, Hordeum spontaneum, Ischaemum, Isolepis, Juncus, Leersia, Leptochloa, Limnocharis, Lolium, Monochoria, Ornithogalum, Oryza latifolia, Oryza rufipogon, Panicum, Paspalum, Pennisetum, Phalaris, Phragmites, Polypogon, Poa, Pontederia, Potamogeton, Puccinellia, Rottboellia, Sagittaria, Schoenoplectiella, Schoenoplectus, Scirpoides, Scirpus, Setaria, Sorghum halepense, Sclerochloa, Trichophorum, Typha, Urochloa and Vulpia,' and in particular the following species: Agrostis aequivalvis, Agrostis agrostiflora, Agrostis ambatoensis, Agrostis canina, Agrostis castellana, Agrostis gigantea, Agrostis stolonifera, Agrostis vinealis, Aegilops cylindrica, Agropyron spp., Aisma spp., Alerkurs spp., Alopecurus aequalis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Apera spica-venti, Avena fatua, Avena sterilis, Bassia scoparia, Beckmannia spp., Bolboschoenus planiculmis, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria plantaginea, Bromus secalinus, Bromus sterilis, Bromus tectorum, Brassica napus, Centaurea cyanus, Cenchrus longispinus, Cenchrus spinifex, Chloris verticillate, Commelina benghalensis, Cyperus compressus, Cyperus difformis, Cyperus ilia, Cyperus sp., Cynodon dactylon, Cynodon trans-vaalensis, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria insularis, Digitaria ischaemum, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa coIonum, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa crus-pavonis, Echinochloa erecta, Echinochloa for-mosensis, Echinochloa ory-zoides, Echinochloa phyllogogon, Echinochloa spp., Echinochloa zelayensis, Eleocharis spp., Eleusine indica, Elymus repens, Eriochloa spp., Eriochloa villosa, Fimbristylis quinquangularis, Hordeum spontaneum, Heteranthera spp., Hordium spp., Ischaemum rugosum, Isolepis spp., Juncus spp., Leersia spp., Leptochloa chinensis, Leptochloa panicoides, Leptochloa scabra, Leptochloa virgata, Limnocharis flava, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum, Lolium x hybridum, Monochoria korsakowii, Monochoria vaginalis, Ornithogalum umbellatum, Oryza latifolia, Oryza rufipogon, Panicum capillare, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Paspalum dilatatum, Paspalum nicorae, Paspalum setaceum, Paspalum spp., Pennisetum ciliare, Pennisetum setaceum, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris brachystachyx, Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa, Phragmites spp., Polygonum convolvulus, Polypogon spp., Pontederia spp., Poa annua, Poa pratensis, Poa trivialis, Potamogeton distinctus, Puccinellia spp., Rotboellia exaltata, Sagittaria spp., Schoenoplectiella juncoides, Schoenoplectiella mucronate, Schoenoplectus lacustris, Scirpoides spp., Scirpus planiculmis, Scirpus spp., Sclerochloa spp., Setaria fabeii, Setaria glauca, Setaria pumila, Setaria verticillate, Setaria viridis, Sorghum halepense, Trichophorum spp., Typha spp., Urochloa platyphylla, Urochloa ramose, Urochloa subguadripara, Urochloa texana and Vulpia myuros.

In the cultivation area of rice, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in selectively controlling a wide range of dicotyledonous weed species from various genera and species such as Abutilon, Aeschynomene, Ambrosia, Amaranthus, Ammannia, Alternanthera, Bacopa, Bidens, Brassica, Calystegia, Caperonia, Chenopodium, Cleome, Convolvulus, Conyza, Desmodium, Eclipta, Erigeron, Euphorbia, Helianthus annuus, Ipomoea, Lindernia, Ludwigia, Melochia, Persicaria, Polygonum, Portulaca, Sesbania, Sida, Sphenoclea and Xanthium.

In the cultivation area of rice, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in selectively controlling a wide range of monocotyledonous weed species from various genera and species such as Brachiaria, Cenchrus, Chloris, Commelina, Cyperus, Digitaria, Diplachne, Eleusine, Eleocharis, Echinochloa, Eriochloa, Heteranthera, Ischaemum, Isolepis, Leersia, Leptochloa, Limnocharis, Monochoria, Oryza latifolia, Oryza rufipogon, Panicum, Paspalum, Pennisetum, Phalaris, Pontederia, Potamogeton, Rottboellia, Sagittaria, Schoenoplectiella, Schoenoplectus, Scirpoides, Scirpus, Setaria, Sorghum halepense, Trichophorum, Typha and Urochloa,' and in particular the following species: Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria plantaginea, Cenchrus longispinus, Chloris verticillata, Commelina benghalensis, Cyperus compressus, Diplachne fascicularis, Diplachne fusca, Diplachne panicoides, Diplachne spp., Digitaria ciliaris, Eleusine indica, Eleocharis spp., Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa coIonum, Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa crus-pavonis, Echinochloa erecta, Echinochloa formosensis, Echinochloa oryzoides, Echinochloa phyllogogon, Echinochloa spp., Echinochloa zelayensis, Eriochloa spp., Heteranthera spp., Ischaemum rugosum, Isolepis spp., Leersia spp., Leptochloa chinensis, Leptochloa panicoides, Leptochloa scabra, Leptochloa virgata, Limnocharis flava, Monochoria korsakowii, Monochoria vaginalis, Oryza latifolia, Oryza rufipogon, Panicum capillare, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Paspalum dilatatum, Pennisetum ciliare, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris brachystachyx, Phalaris minor, Phalaris paradoxa, Pontederia spp., Potamogeton distinctus, Rottboellia exaltata, Sagittaria spp., Schoenoplectiella juncoides, Schoenoplectiella mucronata, Schoenoplectus lacustris, Scirpoides spp., Scirpus planiculmis, Scirpus spp., Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria pumila, Setaria verticillata, Setaria viridis, Sorghum halepense, Trichophorum spp., Typha spp., Urochloa platyphylla, Urochloa ramose, Urochloa subguadripara and Urochloa texana.

In the cultivation area of sorghum, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in selectively controlling a wide range of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed species from various genera such as Abutilon, Amaranthus, Ambrosia, Anoda, Bassia, Cenchrus, Chenopodium, Cirsium, Convolvulus, Cyperus, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Eleusine, Erigeron, Ipomoea, Lolium, Panicum, Phytolacca, Salsola, Senna, Setaria, Sorghum halepense, Thlaspi, Urochloa, and Xanthium,' and in particular the following monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed species: Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus palmeri, Amaranthus retroflexus, Amaranthus spp., Amaranthus tuberculatus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Anoda cristata, Bassia scoparia, Cenchrus longispinus, Cenchrus spinifex, Chenopodium album, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Cyperus esculentus, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria spp., Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Eleusine indica, Erigeron canadensis, Ipomoea hederacea, Ipomoea lacunosa, Ipomoea spp., Lolium perenne L ssp. multiflorum, Panicum capillare, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Phytolacca americana, Salsola tragus, Senna obtusifolia, Setaria faberi, Setaria pumila, Setaria spp., Setaria viridis, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ssp. arundinaceum, Sorghum halepense, Thlaspi arvense, Urochloa platyphylla, Urochloa ramosa, Urochloa texana, and Xanthium strumarium.

In the cultivation area of turf, the combinations and compositions of the present invention are effective in selectively controlling a wide range of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed species from various genera such as Acer, Achillea, Ambrosia, Artemisia, Bothriochloa, Bromus, Campanula, Capsella, Chloris, Cirsium, Convolvulus, Cynodon, Cyperus, Dactylis, Dichondra, Digitaria, Diodia, Eleusine, Elymus, Eguisetum, Erechtites, Eriochloa, Euphorbia, Galium, Glechoma, Hedera, Humulus, Hydrocotyle, Kummerowia, Kyllinga, Lamium, Lolium, Malva, Medicago, Microstegium, Muhlenbergia, Murdania, Ornithogalum, Oxalis, Panicum, Paspalum, Paulownia, Plantago, Plantain, Poa, Polygonum, Rumex, Salvinia, Sorghum, Stellaria, Taraxacum, Trifolium, Ulmus, Urochloa, Veronica, Viola, Wisteria, and Zoysia,' and in particular the following monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed species: Acer platanoides, Achillea millefolium, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Artemisia vulgaris, Bothriochloa bladhii, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Bromus inermis, Bromus spp., Campanula rapunculoides, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Chloris verticillata, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus esculentus, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus spp., Dactylis glomerata, Dichondra carolinensis, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria ischaemum, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria spp., Diodia virginiana, Eleusine indica, Elymus repens, Eguisetum arvense, Erechtites hieraciifolius, Eriochloa spp., Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia prostrata, Euphorbia spp., Galium mollugo, Glechoma hederacea, Hedera helix, Humulus japonicus, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Kummerowia striata, Kyllinga brevifolia, Kyllinga spp., Lamium amplexicaule, Lolium arundinaceum, Lolium perenne, Malva pusilia, Medicago lupulina, Microstegium vimineum, Muhlenbergia schreberi, Murdania nudiflora, Ornithogalum umbellatum, Oxalis corniculata, Oxalis stricta, Panicum repens, Paspalum dilatatum, Paspalum setaceum, Paspalum spp., Paulownia tomentosa, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major, Plantago spp., Plantain heterophylla, Poa annua, Poa trivialis, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex acetosella, Salvinia molesta, Sorghum halepense, Stellaria media, Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium repens, Ulmus spp., Urochloa subguadripara, Veronica arvensis, Viola sororia, Viola spp., Wisteria sinensis, and Zoysia japonica.

In the context of the present invention, it is immaterial whether the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) are formulated separately or jointly. It is also immaterial, whether the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) are applied jointly or separately. In the case of separate application, it is of minor importance, in which order the application takes place. It is only necessary, that the Components A and B of the combination or composition, the herbicidal malonamide and the uncoupler herbicide are applied in an effective amount and in a time frame that allows simultaneous action of the Components on the plants, preferably within a time-frame of at most 14 days, in particular at most 7 days, very particular at most 1 day. The combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B can generally be applied to weeds at any growth stage with good results. In one embodiment, the combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B are applied up to growth stage 37 of the weeds, showing effective weed control.

In the method according to the present invention for selectively controlling weeds in crops, the combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B can generally be applied pre- or post-emergence of the crop, preferably post-emergence up to BBCH growth stage 37 of the crop.

In a preferred embodiment, the combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B are applied post-emergence of the crop at BBCH growth stage 11 to 37, particularly preferred at BBCH growth stage 13 to 32 of the crop.

In a very preferred method for efficient weed control in the cultivation area of wheat, an inventive combination or composition comprising

A) a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), selected from the compounds of formulae l.a.1, l.a.2, l.a.3, l.a.4, l.a.5 and l.a.6, preferably l.a.1; and

B) an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) selected from the dinitrophenols dinoseb, DNOC and dinoterb; wherein the weight ratio [w/w] of Component A to Component B is from 1 :1 to 1 :200, preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :100, and more preferably from 1 :1 to 1 :50, is applied post-emergence of the crop, at BBCH growth stage 11-32.

The combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B can be applied in conventional manner by using techniques a skilled person is familiar with. Suitable techniques include spraying, atomizing, dusting, spreading or watering. The type of application depends on the intended purpose in a well-known manner; in any case, it should ensure the finest possible distribution of the active ingredients.

If the combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B is less well tolerated by certain crop plants, application techniques may be used in which the herbicidal composition is sprayed, with the aid of the spray apparatus, in such a way that they come into as little contact, if any, as possible with the leaves of the sensitive crop plants while reaching the leaves of undesirable plants which grow underneath, or the bare soil (post-directed, lay-by).

The combinations or compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B is applied to an area mainly by spraying, in particular foliar spraying of an aqueous dilution of the active ingredient of the composition. Application can be carried out by customary spraying techniques using, for example, water as carrier and spray liquor rates of from about 10 to 2000 l/ha or 50 to 1000 l/ha, for example from 100 to 500 l/ha. Application of the herbicidal combinations or compositions by the low-volume and the ultra-low- volume method is possible, as is their application in the form of microgranules.

The combinations or compositions of the invention may also be applied in combination with, or by utilizing smart agricultural technologies, such as precision agriculture, remote and proximate imaging and image recognition, or smart agricultural site management programs. These smart agricultural technologies typically include models, e.g. computer programs, that support the user by considering information from a wide variety of sources to increase the quality and yield of harvested material, reduce damage by pests including the prediction of pest pressure and smart application of crop protection products, secure environmental protection, support quick and reliable agronomic decision making, reduce usage of fertilizers and crop protection products, reduce product residues in consumables increase spatial and temporal precision of agronomical measures, automate processes, and enable traceability of measures.

Commercially available systems which include agronomic models are e.g. FieldScripts™ from The Climate Corporation, Xarvio™ from BASF, AGLogic™ from John Deere, etc.

Information input for these models include but is not limited to soil data (e.g. pH, organic matter content, moisture level, nutrient content such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and micronutrient content); information on the plants that are currently growing or that may grow at the area of interest including crop plants and/or weeds (e.g. type of plant, chlorophyl levels, biomass, growth stage, plant health, plant water status, plant growth models, genetic traits, biotic damage by infestation or infection with pests, abiotic damage as caused by drought or nutrient stress etc.); weather information (e.g. information on past and present, and forecast of future temperature, humidity, and /or precipitation); information on the location of the area and directly derivable information thereof (e.g. terrain features like altitude, slope, water bodies, sun exposure and hours of sunshine per day, vegetation period, etc.); information on pest pressure (e.g. information of the past or present occurrence of unwanted vegetation, fungal diseases and invertebrate pests at the area of interest, at neighboring areas, the region, or the vegetation zone); information on beneficial organisms (e.g. information of the past or present occurrence of beneficial organisms at the area of interest, at neighboring areas, the region, or the vegetation zone); and I or historic information of any of the aforementioned (e.g. information on previous seasons, or of an earlier point in time of the same season).

The information usable for precision agriculture may be based on input by at least one user, be accessible from external data sources and databases, or be based on sensor data. Data sources typically include proximate- detection systems like soil-borne sensors and remote sensing as may be achieved by imaging with unmanned airborne vehicles like drones, or satellites. Imaging technologies includes poly- and multispectral imagery in the UV- VIS, NIR and UV spectrum. Sensors may be included in an Internet-of-Things system and may be directly or indirectly connected to the processing unit, e.g. via a wireless network and/or cloud applications. The information is typically taken into account by at least one processing unit and used to provide recommendations, generate control signals (e.g. for the control of agricultural machinery like tractors, drones, irrigation systems, farm management systems and the like), and/or generate (digital) maps on the area of interest. These (digital) maps contain spatially and optionally temporally resolved information of the agricultural site, wherein the information may contain information directly gathered as described above, combinations thereof or derived thereof, such as pest pressure, nutrient levels, and the like. The recommendations, control signals and (digital) maps may relate to or be used for controlling the application of water, nutrients, agrochemical products, or plant propagation material to the field of interest, or for taking other management measures like tilling, physical or laser-induced weeding.

Typical technologies that are used in smart agricultural technologies include self-steering robots (such as tractors, harvesters, drones), artificial intelligence (e.g. machine learning), imaging technologies (e.g. image segmentation technologies), big data analysis, and model generation, cloud computing, and machine-to-machine communication.

Precision agriculture such as precision farming is characterized by spatially and/or temporally resolved, targeted application of active ingredients like pesticides, preferably the compositions according to the present invention, plant- growth-regulators, fertilizers, and/or water including the variation of application rates over the agronomic site, zone or spot application, and of the spatially and/or temporally resolved, targeted planting or seeding of desired plant propagation material to a agronomic site. Precision farming typically includes the use of geo-positioning technologies like GPS for gaining information on the location and boundaries of the area of interest, the utilized application equipment, sensing equipment and recorded data, and to control the actions of farm vehicles such as spraying. By combining geo-positioning data with (digital) maps, it is possible to (semi)-automate agricultural measures at the site of interest, e.g. by using (semi)-autonomous spraying or seeding equipment.

Precision farming may typically include the application of smart spraying equipment, e.g. spot spraying, and precision spraying at a farm, e.g. by irrigation systems, tractors, robots, helicopters, airplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones. Such equipment usually includes input sensors (such as e.g. a camera) and a processing unit configured to analyze the input data and configured to provide a recommendation or decision based on the analysis of the input data to apply the compositions of the invention to the agronomic site, e.g. the soil or to control pests in a specific and precise manner.

For example, weeds may be detected, identified, and/or classified from imagery acquired by a camera. Such identification and/ classification can make use of image processing algorithms, which may utilize artificial intelligence (e.g. machine learning algorithms), or decision trees.

In this manner, the combinations or compositions described herein can be applied at the required location, point in time and dose rate.

The agrochemical compositions (formulations) according to the invention contain in addition to a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) one or more auxiliaries customary for herbicidal products or crop protection compositions, e.g. at least one organic or inorganic carrier material. The formulations may also contain, if desired, one or more surfactants and, if desired, one or more further auxiliaries customary for herbicidal products or crop protection compositions.

In the formulations the active ingredients and optional further actives are present in suspended, emulsified or dissolved form. The formulation can be in the form of aqueous solutions, powders, suspensions, also highly- concentrated aqueous, oily or other suspensions or dispersions, aqueous emulsions, aqueous microemulsions, aqueous suspo-emulsions, oil dispersions, pastes, dusts, materials for spreading or granules.

Depending on the formulation type, they comprise one or more liquid or solid carriers, if appropriate surfactants (such as dispersants, protective colloids, emulsifiers, wetting agents and tackifiers), and if appropriate further auxiliaries which are customary for formulating crop protection products. The person skilled in the art is sufficiently familiar with the recipes for such formulations. Further auxiliaries include e.g. organic and inorganic thickeners, bactericides, antifreeze agents, antifoams, colorants and, for seed formulations, adhesives.

Suitable carriers include liquid and solid carriers. Liquid carriers include e.g. non-aqueous solvents such as cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. paraffins, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes and their derivatives, alkylated benzenes and their derivatives, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol and cyclohexanol, ketones such as cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents, e.g. amines such as N-methylpyrrolidone, and water as well as mixtures thereof. Solid carriers include e.g. mineral earths such as silicas, silica gels, silicates, talc, kaolin, limestone, lime, chalk, bole, loess, clay, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, ground synthetic materials, fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas, and products of vegetable origin such as cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal and nutshell meal, cellulose powders, or other solid carriers.

Suitable surfactants (adjuvants, wetting agents, tackifiers, dispersants and also emulsifiers) are the alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts and ammonium salts of aromatic sulfonic acids, for example lignosulfonic acids (e.g. Borrespers-types, Borregaard), phenolsulfonic acids, naphthalenesulfonic acids (Morwet types, Akzo Nobel) and dibutylnaphthalenesulfonic acid (Nekal types, BASF AG), and of fatty acids, alkyl- and alkylarylsulfonates, alkyl sulfates, lauryl ether sulfates and fatty alcohol sulfates, and salts of sulfated hexa-, hepta- and octadecanols, and also of fatty alcohol glycol ethers, condensates of sulfonated naphthalene and its derivatives with formaldehyde, condensates of naphthalene or of the naphthalenesulfonic acids with phenol and formaldehyde, polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether, ethoxylated isooctyl-, octyl- or nonylphenol, alkylphenyl or tributylphenyl polyglycol ether, alkylaryl polyether alcohols, isotridecyl alcohol, fatty alcohol/ethylene oxide condensates, ethoxylated castor oil, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers or polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, lauryl alcohol polyglycol ether acetate, sorbitol esters, lignosulfite waste liquors and proteins, denaturated proteins, polysaccharides (e.g. methylcellulose), hydrophobically modified starches, polyvinyl alcohol (Mowiol types Clariant), polycarboxylates (BASF AG, Sokalan types), polyalkoxylates, polyvinylamine (BASF AG, Lupamine types), polyethyleneimine (BASF AG, Lupasol types), polyvinylpyrrolidone and copolymers thereof. The following commercial products are suitable adjuvants and can be added in a formulation or added as a tank mixing partner: Access®, Actirob B®, Adhasit®, Break-Thru S 301®, Cocana®, Dash® or Dash E.C.®, Designer®, Destiny®, Hasten®, Heliosol®, Kantor®, Karibu®, Leci-Tech®, Mero®, MSO®, PH-FIX forte®, ProFital fluid®, ProNet-Alfa®, Sulpro®, Trend®, Vivolt®, Vrusade®.

Examples of thickeners (i.e. compounds which impart to the formulation modified flow properties, i.e. high viscosity in the state of rest and low viscosity in motion) are polysaccharides, such as xanthan gum (Kelzan® from Kelco), Rhodopol® 23 (Rhone Poulenc) or Veegum® (from R.T. Vanderbilt), and also organic and inorganic sheet minerals, such as Attaclay® (from Engelhardt).

Examples of antifoams are silicone emulsions (such as, for example, Silikon® SRE, Wacker or Rhodorsil® from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, salts of fatty acids, organofluorine compounds and mixtures thereof.

Bactericides can be added for stabilizing the aqueous herbicidal formulations. Examples of bactericides are bactericides based on diclorophen and benzyl alcohol hemiformal (Proxel® from ICI or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Rohm & Haas), and also isothiazolinone derivates, such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones (Acticide MBS from Thor Chemie).

Examples of antifreeze agents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea or glycerol.

Examples of colorants are both sparingly water-soluble pigments and water-soluble dyes. Examples which may be mentioned are the dyes known under the names Rhodamin B, C.l. Pigment Red 112 and C.l. Solvent Red 1, and also pigment blue 15:4, pigment blue 15:3, pigment blue 15:2, pigment blue 15:1, pigment blue 80, pigment yellow 1, pigment yellow 13, pigment red 112, pigment red 48:2, pigment red 48:1, pigment red 57:1, pigment red 53:1, pigment orange 43, pigment orange 34, pigment orange 5, pigment green 36, pigment green 7, pigment white 6, pigment brown 25, basic violet 10, basic violet 49, acid red 51, acid red 52, acid red 14, acid blue 9, acid yellow 23, basic red 10, basic red 108.

Examples of adhesives are polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol and tylose.

To prepare emulsions, pastes or oil dispersions, the active components, as such or dissolved in an oil or solvent, can be homogenized in water by means of wetting agent, tackifier, dispersant or emulsifier. Alternatively, it is possible to prepare concentrates consisting of active substance, wetting agent, tackifier, dispersant or emulsifier and, if desired, solvent or oil, and these concentrates are suitable for dilution with water.

Powders, materials for spreading and dusts can be prepared by mixing or concomitant grinding of the active the herbicides A and B with a solid carrier. Granules, e.g. coated granules, impregnated granules and homogeneous granules, can be prepared by binding the active ingredients to solid carriers.

The formulations comprise a herbicidal ly effective amount of the binary herbicide combination of the herbicide A and B. The concentrations of the active ingredients in the formulations can be varied within wide ranges. In general, the formulations comprise from 1 to 98% by weight, preferably 10 to 60 % by weight, of active ingredients (sum of the herbicide A and B, and optionally further actives). The active ingredients are employed in a purity of from 90% to 100%, preferably 95% to 100% (according to NMR spectrum).

The composition comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B can, for example, be formulated as follows:

Products for dilution with water

A Water-soluble concentrates

10 parts by weight of the composition according to the invention are dissolved in 90 parts by weight of water or a water-soluble solvent. As an alternative, wetters or other adjuvants are added. The active compound dissolves upon dilution with water. This gives a formulation with an active compound content of 10% by weight.

B Dispersible concentrates

20 parts by weight of the composition according to the invention are dissolved in 70 parts by weight of cyclohexanone with addition of 10 parts by weight of a dispersant, for example polyvinylpyrrolidone. Dilution with water gives a dispersion. The active compound content is 20% by weight.

C Emulsifiable concentrates

15 parts by weight of the composition according to the invention are dissolved in 75 parts by weight of an organic solvent (e.g. alkylaromatics) with addition of calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and castor oil ethoxylate (in each case 5 parts by weight). Dilution with water gives an emulsion. The formulation has an active compound content of 15% by weight.

D Emulsions

25 parts by weight of the composition according to the invention are dissolved in 35 parts by weight of an organic solvent (e.g. alkylaromatics) with addition of calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and castor oil ethoxylate (in each case 5 parts by weight). This mixture is introduced into 30 parts by weight of water by means of an emulsifier (Ultraturrax) and made into a homogeneous emulsion. Dilution with water gives an emulsion. The formulation has an active compound content of 25% by weight. E Suspensions

In an agitated ball mill, 20 parts by weight of the composition according to the invention are comminuted with addition of 10 parts by weight of dispersants and wetters and 70 parts by weight of water or an organic solvent to give a fine active compound suspension. Dilution with water gives a stable suspension of the active compound. The active compound content in the formulation is 20% by weight.

F Water-dispersible granules and water-soluble granules

50 parts by weight the composition according to the invention are ground finely with addition of 50 parts by weight of dispersants and wetters and made into water-dispersible or water-soluble granules by means of technical appliances (for example extrusion, spray tower, fluidized bed). Dilution with water gives a stable dispersion or solution of the active compound. The formulation has an active compound content of 50% by weight.

G Water-dispersible powders and water-soluble powders

75 parts by weight the composition according to the invention are ground in a rotor-stator mill with addition of 25 parts by weight of dispersants, wetters and silica gel. Dilution with water gives a stable dispersion or solution of the active compound. The active compound content of the formulation is 75% by weight.

H Gel formulations

In a ball mill, 20 parts by weight the composition according to the invention, 10 parts by weight of dispersant, 1 part by weight of gelling agent and 70 parts by weight of water or of an organic solvent are mixed to give a fine suspension. Dilution with water gives a stable suspension with active compound content of 20% by weight.

Aqueous use forms can be prepared from emulsion concentrates, suspensions, pastes, wettable powders or water- dispersible granules by adding water.

It may furthermore be beneficial to apply the composition according to the invention alone or in combination with other herbicides, or else in the form of a mixture with other crop protection agents, for example together with agents for controlling pests or phytopathogenic fungi or bacteria. Also of interest is the miscibility with mineral salt solutions, which are employed for treating nutritional and trace element deficiencies. Other additives such as non-phytotoxic oils and oil concentrates may also be added.

Use Examples

The herbicidal activity of the compositions comprising a herbicidal malonamide as Component A and an uncoupler herbicide as Component B was demonstrated by the following greenhouse experiments:

The culture containers used were plastic flowerpots containing loamy sand with approximately 3.0% of organic matter as the substrate. The seeds of the test plants were sown separately for each species. For the post-emergence treatment, the test plants were first grown to a height of 2 to 25 cm, depending on the plant habit, and only then treated with the Components A and B, which had been suspended or emulsified in water.

For this purpose, the test plants were either sown directly and grown in the same containers, or they were first grown separately as seedlings and transplanted into the test containers a few days prior to treatment.

Depending on the species, the test plants were kept at 10 - 25°C or 20 - 35°C, respectively.

The test period extended over 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the test plants were tended, and their response to the individual treatments was evaluated. Evaluation was carried out using a scale from 0 to 100. 100 means complete destruction of at least the aerial moieties, and 0 means no damage, or normal course of growth. A good herbicidal activity is given at values of 80 to 90 and a very good herbicidal activity is given at values of 90 to 100.

The test plants used in the greenhouse experiments were of the following species:

Dash® is an EC-formulated adjuvant containing oil acid (46.5 g/L), methyl ester of fatty acid (348.75 g/L) and fatty alcoholates (209.25 g/L). Colby's formula was applied to determine whether the composition showed synergistic action. The value E, which is to be expected if the activity of the individual compounds is just additive, was calculated using the method of S. R.

Colby (1967) "Calculating synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations", Weeds 15, p. 22 ff. For two component mixtures the value E was calculated by the following formula E = X + Y - (XY/100) where X = effect in percent using herbicide A at an application rate a;

Y = effect in percent using herbicide B at an application rate b;

E = expected effect (in %) of A + B at application rates a + b.

If the value observed in this manner is higher than the value E calculated according to Colby, a synergistic effect is present. Synergism is the ratio observed effect to the expected effect E in %.

The invention is elucidated in more detail by the examples hereinafter.

Claims

1. Herbicidal compositions comprising

A) a herbicidal malonamide (Component A), selected from a compound of formula (I)

R¹, R² and R³ are each independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Ci-CsJ-alkyl, (Ci-CsJ-haloalkyl, (C1-C3)- alkoxy or (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy; and

R⁴ is hydrogen or (Ci-Ce)-alkyl, (C2-C4)-alkenyl, (C3-C4)-alkynyl, (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, (C3-C6)-cycloalkyl-(Ci- C3)-alkyl, phenyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl or furanyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl, where each of the seven last-mentioned radicals is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, CO2R^a, CONR^bR^c, (Ci-C2)-alkoxy, (Ci-C3)-alkylthio, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfinyl, (Ci-C3)-alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio, phenylsulfinyl, and phenylsulfonyl; each R^a is independently (Ci-CeJ-alkyl, (C3-C4)-alkynyl or (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, each of which is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, cyano, hydroxy, and (Ci-C3)-alkoxy;

R^b is hydrogen or has one of the meanings given for R^a;

R^c is hydrogen or (Ci-C6)-alkyl, (Ci-C2)-alkoxy, (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl, (C2-C4)-alkenyl, (Ci-C6)-alkoxycarbonyl- (Ci-C6)-alkyl, or (C2-C4)-alkynyl, where each of the six last-mentioned radicals is substituted by m radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, CC>2R^a, and (C1-C2)- alkoxy; each m is independently 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5; including their agriculturally acceptable salts, stereoisomers, and tautomers; and

2. The herbicidal compositions as claimed in claim 1, comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) of formula (I), wherein

R¹ and R³ are each independently hydrogen, halogen, or (Ci-C3)-haloalkoxy.

3. The herbicidal compositions as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) of formula (I), wherein

R² is hydrogen.

4. The herbicidal compositions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) of formula (I), wherein

R⁴ is hydrogen, (Ci-Ce)-alkyl or (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl.

5. The herbicidal compositions claimed in claim 1 , comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) of formula (I), wherein

R¹ is halogen;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is halogen; and

R⁴ is hydrogen, (Ci-Ce)-alkyl or (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl.

6. The herbicidal compositions as claimed in claim 1, comprising a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) of formula (I), wherein

R¹ is fluorine, chlorine or bromine;

R² is hydrogen;

R³ is fluorine or chlorine; and

R⁴ is hydrogen, (Ci-Ce)-alkyl or (Cs-CeJ-cycloalkyl.

7. The herbicidal compositions as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) selected from the dinitrophenols dinoseb, DNOC, and dinoterb.

8. The herbicidal compositions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio [w/w] between the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) is from 1 : 1 to 1 :200.

9. The herbicidal compositions as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio [w/w] between the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) is from 1 : 1 to 1 :100.

10. A method for efficient weed control in non-crop areas or in cultivation areas of a crop, which comprises applying an effective amount of a herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and an uncoupler herbicide (Component B) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to the non-crop area or to the cultivation area of a crop, where weeds grow or may grow.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the non-crop area is an area where turf is cultivated.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cultivation area of a crop is an area where grain crops are cultivated.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the weeds are monocotyledonous weeds.

14. The method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B) are applied post-emergence of the turfgrasses or the grain crops.

15. The use of a combination of Components A and B or of a composition comprising the herbicidal malonamide (Component A) and the uncoupler herbicide (Component B), according to anyone of claims 1 to 9 for controlling weeds in non-crop areas or in cultivation areas of a crop.