WO 2015/139564 Al 24 September 2015 (24.09.2015) P O P C T

(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date WO 2015/139564 Al 24 September 2015 (24.09.2015) P O P C T

(51) International Patent Classification: (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every A01N 43/653 (2006.01) A01P 3/00 (2006.01) kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, A01N 43/54 (2006.01) AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, (21) Number: International Application DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, PCT/CN2015/07375 1 HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JP, KE, KG, KN, KP, KR, (22) International Filing Date: KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, 6 March 2015 (06.03.2015) MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, SC, (25) Filing Language: English SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, (26) Publication Language: English TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW. (30) Priority Data: (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every 2014/03 146 18 March 2014 (18.03.2014) TR kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, ST, SZ, (71) Applicant: ROTAM AGROCHEM INTERNATIONAL TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, COMPANY LIMITED [CN/CN]; Unit 6, 26/F, Trend TJ, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, Centre, 29 Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, (CN). LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, (72) Inventors: BRISTOW, James Timothy; Unit 6, 26/F, GW, KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). Trend Centre, 29 Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong (CN). WU, Yifan; Unit 6, 26/F, Trend Centre, 29 Published: Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong (CN). — with international search report (Art. 21(3)) (74) Agent: SHANGHAI PATENT & TRADEMARK LAW OFFICE, LLC; 435 Guiping Road, Shanghai 200233 (CN).

(54) Title: A FUNGICIDAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING STROBILURIN FUNGICIDES AND TRIAZOLE FUNGICIDES (57) Abstract: The present invention also related to a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) at least one strobilurin fungicides and (B) at least one triazole fungicides. The present invention also related to a method to prevent and/or treat fungal in - festations in plants and plant parts by applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) at least one strobilurin fungi cides and (B) at least one triazole fungicides. DESCRIPTION

A FUNGICIDAL COMPOSITION COMPRISING STROBILURIN FUNGICIDES AND TRIAZOLE FUNGICIDES

The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) strobilurin fungicides and (B) triazole fungicides. The present invention also related to a method to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and plant parts by applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) strobilurin fungicides and (B) triazole fungicides.

BACKGROUND

Fungal diseases represent a major threat to economically important agricultural crops, like cereals, fruits and vegetables. The yield of plants, for example, grape, apple, tomato and rice, are adversely impacted by fungal diseases. Powdery mildew of grape, caused by the fungus Uncinula necator, may cause a reduction of berry size and sugar content. Scarring and cracking of berries may be so severe as to make fruit unsuitable for any purpose. Apple scab, caused by the ascomycete fungus Venturia inaequalis, may cause more than 70% loss in yield where humid, cool weather if it is not controlled. Powdery mildew of tomato, caused by the fungus Leveillula taurica, may cause more than 50% yield loss in heavily infected fields. Rice Blast of rice, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (anamorph: Pyricularia oryzae), may cause more than 40% yield loss. It was reported that this disease caused about 75% loss grains in India. (Padmanabhan, S.Y. (1965) Estimating losses from rice blast in India. In the rice blast disease: Johan Hopkins Press, Baltinoie, Maryland. 203 - 221.) Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide a fungicidal composition for controlling fungal pathogens, thereby increasing the yield of plant.

Strobilurin or strobilurin-type fungicides are a well-known class of fungicides with a broad spectrum of disease control. They are extracted from the fungus Strobilurus tenacellus. They have a suppressive effect on other fungi, reducing competition for nutrients; they inhibit electron transfer between cytochrome b and cytochrome at the ubiquinol oxidising site in mitochondria, disrupting metabolism and preventing growth of the target fungi. Examples of strobilurins are fluoxastrobin, mandestrobin, azoxystrobin, bifujunzhi, coumoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin, jiaxiangjunzhi, picoxystrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, triclopyricarb, dimoxystrobin, fenaminstrobin, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, trifloxystrobin, famoxadone and fenamidone.

However, experience with the strobilurin fungicides worldwide indicates there is a high risk of development of resistant pathogen subpopulations. Resistance has been reported worldwide in an increasing number of pathogens of field crops, fruit, vegetable, and so on (Vincelli, P. 2002. Q0I (Strobilurin) Fungicides: Benefits and Risks. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10. 1094/PHI-I-2002-0809-02. Updated, 2012.). As suggested in Vincelli, P. 2002, mixing the strobilurin fungicides with other fungicides can reduce selection pressure towards resistance.

Triazoles are a class of systemic fungicides that enter the plant and spread from the site of application to untreated or newly grown area, uprooting existing fungi or protecting the plant from future attacks. The mechanism of action of these fungicides is due to their ability to interfere with the biosynthesis of biosteroids or to inhibit the biosynthesis of ergosterol. Ergosterol is needed for membrane structure and function. It is essential for the development of functional cell walls by fungi. Therefore, application of triazoles results in abnormal fungal growth and eventually death. Examples of triazoles are azaconazole, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, diclobutrazol, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, furconazole, furconazole-cis, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, quinconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon , triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole, amitrol, bitertanol, climbazole, clotrimazole, fluotrimazole, paclobutrazol, triazbutil and l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(lH-l,2,4-triazole-l- yl)ethanone.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) strobilurin fungicides and (B) triazole fungicides, which is susceptible to fungal diseases caused by fungal pathogens or surrounding, according to the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) at least one strobilurin fungicides and (B) at least one triazole fungicides. The present invention also related to a method to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and plant parts by applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) at least one strobilurin fungicides and (B) at least one triazole fungicides on the plants, plant parts and surrounding.

The invention also relates to a plant treated with a composition hereinbefore defined, either before infestation by a fungus or treated to combat an existing fungal infection.

"Plant" as used herein, refers to all plant and plant populations such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants.

"Plant parts" as used herein, refers to all parts and organs of plants, such as shoot, leaves, needles, stalks, stems, fruit bodies, fruits, seeds, roots, tubers and rhizomes. Harvested materials, and vegetative and generative propagation materials, for example, cutting, tubers, meristem tissue, rhizomes, offsets, seeds, single and multiple plant cells and any other plant tissues, are also included.

The word "surrounding" refers to the place on which the plants are growing, the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or the place on which the plant propagation materials of the plants will be sown.

"At least one" designates a number of the respective compounds of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

8, 9 or more, preferably 1, 2, or 3.

It has now surprisingly been found that when applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) at least one strobilurin fungicides and (B) at least one triazole fungicides on the plants, plant parts or surrounding, particularly on grape, apple, tomato and rice, an excellent performance in preventing and treating fungal infestations may be observed.

The components (A) and (B) may be applied in any desired sequence, any combination, consecutively or simultaneously.

The component (A) strobilurin fungicides may be present in the composition of the present invention in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from 1% to 75% by weight of the composition, preferably from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 3% to 20% by weight of the composition.

The component (A) strobilurin fungicides may be any fungicidally active strobilurin compounds, for example with such compounds being known in the art and commercially available. The strobilurin compound is preferably one or more selected from fluoxastrobin, mandestrobin, azoxystrobin, bifujunzhi, coumoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin, jiaxiangjunzhi, picoxystrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, triclopyricarb, dimoxystrobin, fenaminstrobin, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, trifloxystrobin, famoxadone and fenamidone. In some embodiments, the strobilurin fungicide is selected from the group consisting of azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the strobilurin fungicide is azoxystrobin.

The component (B) triazole fungicides may be present in the composition in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from 1% to 70% by weight of the composition, preferably from 2% to 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 10% to 25% by weight of the composition.

The component (B) triazole fungicides may be any fungicidally active triazole compounds, for example with such compounds being known in the art and available commercially. The triazole compound is preferably one or more selected from azaconazole, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, diclobutrazol, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, furconazole, furconazole-cis, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, quinconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole, amitrol, bitertanol, climbazole, clotrimazole, fluotrimazole, paclobutrazol, triazbutil and l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(lH-l,2,4-triazole-l- yl)ethanone. In some embodiments, the triazole fungicide is selected from the group consisting of azaconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, flutriafol, metconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the triazole fungicide is cyproconazole, flutriafol or tebuconazole and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the triazole fungicide is tebuconazole. The components (A) and (B) may be present in the composition or applied in any amounts relative to each other, to provide the enhanced or synergistic effect of the mixture. In particular, the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition independently is preferably in the range of from 25:1 to 1:25, 20:1 to 1:20, or 15:1 to 1:15, more preferably 10:1 to 1:10, 5:1 to 1:5 or 2:1 to 1:2. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition independently is 1:2.

The components (A) and (B) together may be present in the composition in any suitable amount, and is generally present in an amount of from 2% to 95% by weight of the composition, preferably from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition more preferably from 20% to 40% by weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each combination is a composition comprising, components (A) and (B), and optionally one or more auxiliaries. The auxiliaries employed in the composition will depend upon the type of formulation and/or the manner in which the formulation is to be applied by the end user. Formulations incorporating the composition of the present invention are described hereinafter. Suitable auxiliaries which may be comprised in the composition according to the invention are all customary formulation adjuvants or components, such as extender, carriers, solvents, surfactants, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, anti-freezing agents, preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, thickeners, solid adherents and inert fillers. Such auxiliaries are known in the art and are commercially available. Their use in the formulation of the compositions of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

The fungicidal composition may further comprise one or more inert fillers. Such inert fillers are known in the art and available commercially. Suitable fillers include, for example, natural ground minerals, such as kaolins, aluminas, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite, and diatomaceous earth, or synthetic ground minerals, such as highly dispersed silicic acid, aluminum oxide, silicates, and calcium phosphates and calcium hydrogen phosphates. Suitable inert fillers for granules include, for example, crushed and fractionated natural minerals, such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite, and dolomite, or synthetic granules of inorganic and organic ground materials, as well as granules of organic material, such as sawdust, coconut husks, corn cobs, and tobacco stalks.

The fungicidal composition optionally includes one or more surfactants which are preferably non-ionic, cationic and/or anionic in nature and surfactant mixtures which have good emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties, depending on the nature of the active compound to be formulated. Suitable surfactants are known in the art and are commercially available. Suitable anionic surfactants can be both so-called water- soluble soaps and water-soluble synthetic surface-active compounds. Soaps which may be used are the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or substituted or unsubstituted ammonium salts of higher fatty acid (C 10-C22), for example the sodium or potassium salt of oleic or stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures. The surfactant can be an emulsifier, dispersant or wetting agent of ionic or nonionic type. Examples which may be used are salts of polyacrylic acids, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenylsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acids, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols, especially alkylphenols, sulphosuccinic ester salts, taurine derivatives, especially alkyltaurates, or phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated phenols or alcohols. The presence of at least one surfactant is generally required when the active compound and/or the inert carrier and/or auxiliary/adjuvant are insoluble in water and the vehicle for the final application of the composition is water.

The fungicidal composition optionally further comprises one or more polymeric stabilizer. The suitable polymeric stabilizers that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polyisoprene, copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins, polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes or polyamides. Suitable stabilizers are known in the art and commercially available.

The surfactants and polymeric stabilizers mentioned above are generally believed to impart stability to the composition, in turn allowing the composition to be formulated, stored, transported and applied.

Suitable anti-foams include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Suitable anti-foam agents are known in the art and are available commercially. Particularly preferred antifoam agents are mixtures of polydimethylsiloxanes and perfluroalkylphosphonic acids, such as the silicone antifoam agents available from GE or Compton.

Suitable organic solvents are selected from all customary organic solvents which thoroughly dissolve the active compounds employed. Again, suitable organic solvents for the active components (A) and (B) are known in the art. The following may be mentioned as being preferred: N-methyl pyrrolidone, N-octyl pyrrolidone, cyclohexyl- 1-pyrrolidone; or SOLVESSO™200, a mixture of paraffinic, isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Suitable solvents are commercially available.

Suitable preservatives include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions of this type and again are well known in the art. Suitable examples that may be mentioned include PREVENTOL ® (from Bayer AG) and PROXEL ® (from Bayer AG).

Suitable antioxidants are all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions, as is known in the art. Preference is given to butylated hydroxy toluene.

Suitable thickeners include all substances which can normally be used for this purpose in agrochemical compositions. For example xanthan gum, PVOH, cellulose and its derivatives, clay hydrated silicates, magnesium aluminum silicates or a mixture thereof. Again, such thickeners are known in the art and available commercially.

The fungicidal composition may further comprise one or more solid adherents. Such adherents are known in the art and available commercially. They include organic adhesives, including tackifiers, such as celluloses of substituted celluloses, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules, or lattices, and inorganic adhesives such as gypsum, silica, or cement.

In addition, depending upon the formulation, the composition according to the invention may also comprise water.

In some embodiments, compositions according to the present invention comprise the following combinations of components:

(A) azoxystrobin, (B) cyproconazole; (A) azoxystrobin, (B) flutriafol; or

(A) azoxystrobin, (B) tebuconazole.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fungicidal composition according to the present invention comprises components (A) azoxystrobin and (B) tebuconazole.

Each of the compositions of the present invention can be used in the agricultural sector and related fields of use for preventing and/or treating diseases caused by fungal pathogens for example, but not limited to:

• Uncinula necator (Powdery mildew) on grape;

• Venturia inaequalis (Apple scab) on apple;

• Leveillula taurica (Powdery mildew) on tomato; and

• Magnaporthe oryz e (anamorph: Pyricularia oryz e) (Rice Blast), on rice; Complejo de Manchado del grano (Sarocladium oryzae, Alternaria sp, Rynchosporium oryzae, Cercospora oryzae and Helminthosporium sp) on rice; Rhizocthonia solani (Rice blast); Helminthosporium oryzae (Spotted grain) on rice;

• Phakopsora pachyrhizi (Asian soybean rust), Cercospora kikuchi (Cercospora leaf blight), Cercospora sojina (Frogeye leaf spot) , Septoria glycines (Brown spot) on soybean;

• Drechslera tritici-repenti (tan spot), Puccinia triticina (Leaf rust), Septoria tritici (septoria leaf blotch) on wheat;

• Mildeo Polvoso Sphaerotheca pannosa on rose;

• Puccinia recondita (Brown rust); Puccinia graminis (Stem rust); Puccinia striiformis (Yellow rust); Septoria spp. (Leaf spot) on wheat;

• Puccinia hordei (Brown rust); Pyrenophora teres (Net blotch); Rhynchosporium secalis (Leaf scald or blotch) on barley;

• Uromyces spp (Rust); Botrytis cinerea (Botrytis); Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Anthracnose) on beans; and • Leaf rust on maize.

The fungal disease to be treated and/or prevented may be selected from the group comprising powdery mildew, apple scab and rice blast rust.

The composition in the present invention exhibits surprisingly high effectiveness in treating and/or preventing fungal diseases caused by fungal pathogens, particularly Uncinula necator, Venturia inaequalis, Leveillula taurica and Magnaporthe oryzae (anamorph: Pyricularia oryzae), more particularly Uncinula necator.

The composition according to the present invention is suitable for plants of the crops: cereals (wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn, rice, sorghum, triticale and related crops); beet (sugar beet and fodder beet); fruit, such as pomes, stone fruit and soft fruit, such as apples, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, and berries, for example strawberries, raspberries and blackberries; leguminous plants (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans); oil plants (rape, mustard, sunflowers); cucurbitaceae (marrows, cucumbers, melons); fibre plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute); citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and mandarins; vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika); as well as ornamentals (flowers, such as rose, shrubs, broad-leaved trees and evergreens, such as conifers). In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention is applied on cereals, fruits and vegetables. In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention is applied on apple, grape, tomato and rice. In another embodiments, the composition of the present invention is applied on grape.

The composition is particular effective in preventing and/or treating Uncinula necator of grape and its plant parts by applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) strobilurin fungicides and (B) triazole fungicides, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is 1:2.

The composition is particular effective in preventing and/or treating Uncinula necator of grape and its plant parts by applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) azoxystrobin and (B) tebuconazole, wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is 1:2.

The composition is particular effective in preventing and/or treating Uncinula necator of grape and its plant parts by applying a fungicidal composition comprising components (A) azoxystrobin and (B) tebuconazole, wherein the weight of the component (A) is 8% by weight of the composition and; wherein the component (B) is 16% by weight of the composition.

The composition comprising components (A) strobilurin fungicides and (B) triazole fungicides is used to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and plant parts.The composition comprising components (A) azoxystrobin and (B) tebuconazole is used to prevent and/or treat Uncinula necator of grape and its plant parts.

Each of the compositions can be applied to the foliage of the plant.

The composition of the present invention may contain or be mixed with other pesticides, such as other fungicides, insecticides and nematicides, growth factor and fertilizers.

The rates of application (use) of the composition of the present invention may vary, for example, according to type of use, type of crop, the specific active compounds in the combination, type of plants, but is such that the active compounds in the combination in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as disease or pest control). The application rate of the composition for a given set of conditions can readily be determined by trials.

The components (A) and (B), and any other pesticides, may be applied and used in pure form, as a solid active compound, for example, in a specific particle size, or preferably together with at least one of the auxiliary or adjuvant components, as is customary in formulation technology, such as extenders, for example solvents or solid carriers, or surface-active compounds (surfactants), as described in more detail above. Generally, the components (A) and (B) are in the form of a formulation composition with one or more of the aforementioned customary formulation auxiliaries.

Examples of formulation types for pre-mix compositions are:

water-soluble concentrate (SL), an emulstifiable concentrate (EC), an emulsion (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), a suspension concentrates (SC), an oil-based suspension concentrates (OD), a flowable suspension (FS), a water-dispersible granule (WG), water-soluble granule (SG), a water-dispersible powder (WP), a water soluble powder (SP), a granule (GR), an encapsulated granule (CG), a fine granule (FG), a macrogranule (GG), an aqueous suspo-emulsion (SE), capsule suspension (CS) and a microgranule (MG).

Using such formulations, either straight (that is undiluted) or diluted with a suitable solvent, especially water, plants, plant parts and/or the surrounding can be treated and protected against damage, for example by pathogen(s), by spraying, pouring or immersing. In some embodiments, the composition is suspension concentrate. For suspension concentrate formulation, the composition can be diluted with water having the rate of 50-500 mL of composition in 100 L of water. For suspension concentrate formulation applied on grape, the composition can be diluted with water having a concentration of 50-150 mL of composition in 100 L of water, more preferably 100 mL of the composition in 100 L of water.

The composition can be applied with the methods known in the art. These methods include coating, spraying, dipping, soaking, injection and irrigation etc.

The active components (A) and (B) can be applied to the plants, plant parts and/or surrounding where control is desired either simultaneously or in succession at short intervals, for example on the same day. The components (A) and (B) may be applied to the plant, one or more parts thereof (such as leaves or seeds), or surrounding in any order. Each compound may be applied just once or a plurality of times. Preferably, each of the components (A) and (B) are applied a plurality of times, in particular from 2 to 5 times, more preferably 3 times.

The active components (A) and (B) may be applied in any suitable form, as described above. Typically, the active components will be applied as formulations, that is compositions comprising one or more of the active components together with further carriers, surfactants or other application-promoting adjuvants customarily employed in formulation technology.

In the event compounds (A) and (B) are applied simultaneously in the present invention, they may be applied as a composition containing components (A) and (B), in which case components (A) and (B) can be obtained from a separate formulation source and mixed together (known as a tank-mix, ready-to-apply, spray broth, or slurry), optionally with other pesticides, or components (A) and (B) can be obtained as a single formulation mixture source (known as a pre-mix, concentrate, formulated compound (or product)), and optionally mixed together with other pesticides.

The compositions according to the invention are distinguished by the fact that they are especially well tolerated by plants and are environmentally friendly.

Each composition according to the invention is especially advantageous for the treatment of plants.

The following examples are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation of the invention. FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Example 1

An aqueous suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition:

Azoxystrobin 80g Cyproconazole 160g Propylene glycol 100g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates lOg Sodium lignosulfonate 20g Carboxymethylcellulose 20g Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Water Balance to 1L The finely ground azoxystrobin and cyproconazole were intimately mixed with the adjuvants, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water. As an alternative, a suspension of azoxystrobin and cyproconazole and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation with appropriate treatment characteristics.

Example 2

An aqueous suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition:

Azoxystrobin 80g Flutriafol 160g Propylene glycol 100g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50g Sodium lignosulfonate lOg Carboxymethylcellulose lOg Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Water Balance to 1L The finely ground azoxystrobin and flutriafol were intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water. As an alternative, a suspension of azoxystrobin and flutriafol and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation and with the appropriate treatment characteristics.

Example 3

An aqueous suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition:

Azoxystrobin 80g Tebuconazole 160g Propylene glycol 100g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50g Sodium lignosulfonate lOg Carboxymethylcellulose lOg Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) lOg Water Balance to 1L The finely ground azoxystrobin and tebuconazole were intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water. As an alternative, a suspension of azoxystrobin and tebuconazole and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a stable formulation and with the appropriate treatment characteristics.

Example 4

An emulsifiable concentrate was prepared having the following composition:

Azoxystrobin 160g Tebuconazole 80g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 50g Sodium lignosulfonate 10g Silicone oil 10g N-methylpyrrolidone Balance to 1L Example 5

A suspo-emulsion was prepared having the following composition:

Azoxystrobin 200g Tebuconazole 40g N-methylpyrrolidone 150g Alkamuls OR/36 45g Polyerethanes 30g TERSPERSE® 2500 37.5g SOPROPHOR® FLK 15g Propylene glycol 100g 2% xanthan gum 112.5g

Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion in water) 15g Water Balance to 1L Tebuconazole was mixed with N-methyl pyrrolidone and the emulsifiers OR/36 and polymeric stabilizer polyurethanes to get an oil phase. The finely ground azoxystrobin was intimately mixed with the other auxiliaries (including water), giving a water phase. As an alternative, a suspension of the azoxystrobin and auxiliaries (including water) was wet milled with a bead-mill to achieve a water phase. The oil phase was added to water phase under continuous agitation for an optimum amount of time.

Example 6

An oil-based suspension concentrate was prepared having the following composition:

Azoxystrobin 40g Tebuconazole 400g Tristyrylphenol ethoxylates 75g Sodium lignosulfonate 15g Silicon dioxide 15g Silicone oil 15g Vegetable oil Balance to 1L The finely ground azoxystrobin and cyproconazole were intimately mixed with the auxiliaries, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution could be obtained by dilution with water.

Example 7

A water-dispersible granule was prepared having the following composition:

Azoxystrobin 80g Flutriafol 160g

C12-C14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (20EO) 25g Sodium lauryl benzenesulfonate 15g

Sucrose Balance to lOOOg With the water-dispersible granule, an aqueous suspension of required concentration was obtained through dilution of the water dispersible granule with an appropriate amount of water.

Biological Examples

• Field Test 1 - Grape

Young grape plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Uncinula necator, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours. The Formulations Examples were diluted 1000 times and then sprayed on the plants until ran-off. After staying in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, severity of the plants were examined.

The results of the assessment are set out in Table A below.

Table A: Cyproconazole 100 g/L SL 0 % + 10 % 65 % ALTO® Flutriafol 250 g/L SC 0 % + 25 % 60 % GENFARM® Tebuconazole 250 g/L EC 0 % + 25 % 55 % FOLICUR® Example 1 + 0 % Azoxystrobin+Cyproconazole 8 % 16 % Example 2 + 0 % Azoxystrobin+Flutriafol 16 % 8 % Example 3 + 0 % Azoxystrobin+Tebuconazole 8 % 16 % Example 4 + 10 % Azoxystrobin+Tebuconazole 16 % 8 % Example 5 + 15 % Azoxystrobin+Tebuconazole 20 % 4 % Example 6 + 15 % Azoxystrobin+Tebuconazole 4 % 40 % Example 7 + 10 % Azoxystrobin+Flutriafol 8 % 16 % Field Test 2 - Apple

Young apple plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Venturia inaequalis, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours. The Formulations Examples were diluted 1000 times and then sprayed on the plants until ran-off. After staying in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, severity of the plants were examined.

Table B: Azoxystrobin+Tebuconazole Example 7 + 10 % Azoxystrobin+Flutriafol 8 % 16 %

Field Test 3 - Tomato

Young tomato plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Leveillula taurica, and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours. The Formulations Examples were diluted 1000 times and then sprayed on the plants until ran-off. After staying in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, severity of the plants were examined.

Table C: Azoxystrobin+Tebuconazole Example 7 + 10 % Azoxystrobin+Flutriafol 8 % 16 %

Field Test 4 - Rice

Young rice plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension of Magnaporthe oryzae (anamorph: Pyricularia oryzae), and incubated at 20 °C and 100 % relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours. The Formulations Examples were diluted 1000 times and then sprayed on the plants. After staying in a greenhouse at 15 °C and 80 % relative atmospheric humidity for 15 days, severity of the plants were examined.

Table D: Example 6 + 5 % Azoxystrobin+Tebuconazole 4 % 40 % Example 7 + 10 % Azoxystrobin+Flutriafol 8 % 16 %

All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. CLAIMS

A fungicidal composition comprising components:

(A) at least one strobilurin fungicides; and

(B) at least one triazole fungicides.

The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the strobilurin fungicide is selected from the group consisting of azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and combinations thereof.

The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the triazole fungicide is selected from the group consisting of cyproconazole, flutriafol or tebuconazole and combinations thereof.

The fungicidal composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a weight ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) is from 10:1 to 1:10, 5:1 to 1:5 or 2:1 to 1:2.

The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein a total amount of the component (A) and the component (B) is from 2% to 95% by weight of the composition, preferably from 10% to 60% by weight of the composition more preferably from 20% to 40% by weight of the composition.

The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (A) is present in an amount of between from 1% to 75% by weight of the composition, preferably from 1% to 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 3% to 20%.

The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (B) is present in an amount of between from 1% to 70% by weight of the composition, preferably from 2% to 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 10% to 25% by weight of the composition.

The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the fungicidal composition can be diluted with water having the concentration 50-150 mL of the fungicidal composition in 100 L of water.

The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, the fungicidal composition is in a form of emulsifiable concentrates (EC), emulsions (EW), suspension concentrates (SC), oil-based suspension concentrates (OD), water-dispersible granules (WG), water-dispersible powders (WP), fine granule (FG), suspoemulsions (SE), microencapsulated suspensions (CS), more preferably suspension concentrates (SC).

10. The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the components (A) and (B) of the composition are:

(A) azoxystrobin, (B) cyproconazole;

(A) azoxystrobin, (B) flutriafol; or

(A) azoxystrobin, (B) tebuconazole.

11. The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, the fungicidal composition is applied to plants, plant parts and/or surrounding.

12. The fungicidal composition according to claim 11, the plants are selected from a group of cereals, fruits and vegetables.

13. The fungicidal composition according to claim 11, the plants are selected from a group of apple, grape, tomato and rice.

14. The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, the fungicidal composition is used for treating and/or preventing fungal diseases powdery mildew, apple scab and rice blast.

15. The fungicidal composition according to claim 1, the fungicidal composition is used for treating and/or preventing fungal diseases caused by Uncinula necator, Venturia inaequalis, Leveillula taurica and Magnaporthe oryz e (anamorph: Pyricularia oryzae).

16. A method to prevent and/or treat fungal infestations in plants and plant parts by applying the fungicidal composition of the preceding claims.

17. A fungicidal composition comprising components (A) azoxystrobin and (B) tebuconazole; wherein the weight ratio of the components (A) and (B) in the composition is 1:2; and wherein the fungicidal composition is used for preventing and/or treating Uncinula necator of grape and its plant parts. ema ona app ca on o. PCT/CN2015/073751

A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER A01N 43/653(2006.01)i; A01N 43/54(2006.01)i; A01P 3/00(2006.01)n

According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) A01N; A01P

Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched

Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) DWPI,CNABS,CA,CNKI:strobilurin, triazole, azoxystrobin, picoxystobin, pyraclostrobin,cyproconazole, flutriafol, teebuconazole, 113096-99-4, 76674-21-0,107534-96-3

C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT

Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.

X CN 101946775 A (JIANGSU SEVENCONTINENT GREEN CHEMICAL CO LTD) 19 1-17 January 2011 (2011-01-19) claims 1-8 , paragraphs 20-24 and tables 1-2 in the description

X CN 102273443 A (GUANGXI IDYLLIC BIOCHEMISTRY CO LTD) 14 December 201 1 1-9, 11-17 (201 1-12-14) claims 1-2

X CN 101543218 A (SHANXI BIAOZHENG CORP SCIENCE) 30 September 2009 (2009-09- 1-9, 11-17 30) claims 1-5

X CN 101700032 B (QINGDAO STAR CROPSCIENCE CO) 26 June 2013 (2013-06-26) 1-17 claims 1-10

X CN 102835401 A (TIANJIN HIGHPOINT PLANT PROT CO LTD) 26 December 2012 1-9, 11-17 (2012-12-26) claims 1-7

X CN 101755842 A (ZHANGYAN CHENET AL.) 30 June 2010 (2010-06-30) 1-9, 11-17 claims 1-6

IFurther documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. | \See patent family annex.

* Special categories of cited documents:

, document defining the general state of the art which is not considered " later document published after the international filing date or priority to be of particular relevance date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention earlier application or patent but published on or after the international filing date " " document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step , document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is when the document is taken alone cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified) "Y" document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other Ό ' combined with one or more other such documents, such combination means being obvious to a person skilled in the art p document published prior to the international filing date but later than document member of the same patent family the priority date claimed Date of the actual completion of the international search Date of mailing of the international search report

05 June 2015

Name and mailing address of the ISA/CN Authorized officer STATE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF THE P.R.CHINA XU,Li 6, Xitucheng Rd., Jimen Bridge, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, China Facsimile No. (86-10)62019451 Telephone No. (86-10)62084406 Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (July 2009) n erna ona app ca on o. PCT/CN2015/073751

C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT

Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.

X CN 102763656 A (XUEQUAN WANG) 07 November 2012 (2012-1 1-07) 1-17 paragraphs 13-28 in the description

X CN 102150659 A (BEIJING NUTRICHEM INTERNAT CO LTD) 17 August 2011 (2011- 1-17 08-17) claims 1-1 1

X JP 2010520865 A (SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION INC) 17 June 2010 (2010-06-17) 1-17 claims 1-5

X CN 102172241 A (SHAANXI TANGPUSEN BIOTECH CO) 07 September 201 1 (201 1-09- 1-17 07) claims 1-5

X CN 102379304 A (GUANGXI TIANYUAN BIOCHEMISTRY) 2 1 March 2012 (2012-03- 1-9, 11-17 21) claims 1-3

X CN 101697721 A (SHAANXI SUNGER BIOTECHNOLOGY C) 28 April 2010 (2010-04- 1-9, 11-17 28) claims 1-6

X CN 102273441 A (GUANGXI IDYLLIC BIOCHEMISTRY CO LTD) 14 December 201 1 1-17 (201 1-12-14) claims 1-4

X CN 103548857 A (SHAANXI KANGHE LIFENG BIOTECHNOLOGY 1-17 PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD) 05 February 2014 (2014-02-05) claims 1-3 and paragraphs 51-45 in the description

X CN 103598188 A (SHAANXI KONHO LIFENG BIOLOG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1-17 PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD) 26 February 2014 (2014-02-26) claims 1-7

X CN 102475085 A (QINGDAO KYX CHEMICAL CO LTD) 30 May 2012 (2012-05-30) 1-17 claims 1-5

X CN 101946774 A (JIANGSU SWORD AGROCHEMICALS CO LTD) 19 January 2011 1-17 (201 1-01-19) claims 1-2

X CN 103563944 A (NANJING HUAZHOU PHARMACEUTICAL) 12 February 2014 (2014- 1-9, 11-17 02-12) claims 1-10

X CN 101697729 B (CHENGDU HUANGPAI CROP SCIENCE CO LTD) 2 1 August 2013 1-17 (2013-08-21) claims 1-5

X CN 103404523 A (SHAANXI KONHO LIFENG BIOTECHNOLOGY 1-9, 11-17 PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD) 27 November 2013 (2013-1 1-27) claims 1-4

X MX 2010004945 A (BAYER CROPSCIENCE AG) 3 1 July 2010 (2010-07-31) 1-17 claims 1-7

X CN 101836636 A (JIANGSU SWORD AGROCHEMICALS CO LTD) 22 September 2010 1-17 (2010-09-22) claims 1-2

X CN 102027936 A (HUAFENG MI) 27 April 201 1 (201 1-04-27) 1-9, 11-17 claims 1, 8

Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (July 2009) n erna ona app ca on o. PCT/CN2015/073751

DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT

Category Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.

X CN 102302010 A (SHANGHAI YUELIAN CHEMICAL CO LTD) 04 January 2012 (2012- 1-17 01-04) claims 1-3 , 9

Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (July 2009) n erna ona app ca on o. Information on patent family members PCT/CN2015/073751

Patent document Publication date Publication date Patent family member(s) cited in search report (day/month/year) (day/month/year) CN 101946775 A 19 January 201 1 CN 101946775 B 16 January 2013 CN 102273443 A 14 December 2011 CN 102273443 B 16 April 2014 CN 101543218 A 30 September 2009 None CN 101700032 B 26 June 2013 CN 101700032 A 05 May 2010 CN 102835401 A 26 December 2012 CN 102835401 B 07 May 2014

CN 101755842 A 30 June 2010 CN 101755842 B 11 July 2012 CN 102763656 A 07 November 2012 None CN 102150659 A 17 August 201 1 CN 102150659 B 12 December 2012 JP 2010520865 A 17 June 2010 EA 200901 165 Al 30 April 2010 CN 101641015 A 03 February 2010 CN 101641015 B 09 July 2014 CA 2679313 Al 18 September 2008 BR PI0808342 A2 29 July 2014 US 2010144725 Al 10 June 2010 JP 5443176 B2 19 March 2014 o 20081 10274 A2 18 September 2008 o 20081 10274 A3 11 September 2009 AU 2008226090 B2 05 December 2013 EP 2134180 A2 23 December 2009 EA 017373 Bl 28 December 2012 AR 065650 Al 24 June 2009 AU 2008226090 Al 18 September 2008 CN 102172241 A 07 September 201 1 CN 102172241 B 19 March 2014 CN 102379304 A 2 1 March 2012 CN 102379304 B 07 January 2015 CN 101697721 A 28 April 2010 None CN 102273441 A 14 December 2011 CN 102273441 B 07 January 2015 CN 103548857 A 05 February 2014 None CN 103598188 A 26 February 2014 None CN 102475085 A 30 May 2012 None CN 101946774 A 19 January 201 1 None CN 103563944 A 12 February 2014 None CN 101697729 B 2 1 August 2013 CN 101697729 A 28 April 2010 CN 103404523 A 27 November 2013 None MX 2010004945 A 3 1 July 2010 CN 101969776 A 09 February 201 1 AR 069404 Al 20 January 2010 EP 2064952 Al 03 June 2009 WO 2009068195 A3 19 August 2010 WO 2009068195 A2 04 June 2009 CO 6321 143 A2 20 September 201 1 US 201 1105577 Al 05 May 201 1 CA 2706760 Al 04 June 2009 PE 10012009 Al 25 July 2009 UA 100538 C2 10 January 2013 EP 222481 1 A2 08 September 2010 CN 101836636 A 22 September 2010 None CN 102027936 A 27 April 2011 None CN 102302010 A 04 January 2012 None

Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) (July 2009)