Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N43/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
  • A01N43/48—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with two nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms
  • A01N43/56—1,2-Diazoles; Hydrogenated 1,2-diazoles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
  • A01N43/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
  • A01N43/64—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with three nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms
  • A01N43/647—Triazoles; Hydrogenated triazoles
  • A01N43/653—1,2,4-Triazoles; Hydrogenated 1,2,4-triazoles

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor.
• the present invention relates more particularly to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield.
• the present invention further relates to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• the invention further relates to a method for treating a plant species or parts of this plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to at least one abiotic stress factor and to a method for increasing the tolerance of seed and germinating plants to abiotic stress factors by treating the plants or parts of the plants or seed or germinating plants with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole.
• Biotic and abiotic causes have to be differentiated as possible causes of damage to plants.
• Most biotic causes of damage to plants are known pathogens, which can be controlled by chemical crop protection measures and by tolerance breeding.
• abiotic stress is the action of individual or combined environmental factors (in particular frost, cold, heat and drought) on the metabolism of the plant, which is an unusual stress on the organism.
• tolerance to abiotic stress means that plants are capable of enduring the stress situation with substantial retention of their performance or with less damage than is observed with corresponding, more stress-sensitive controls.
• ABA abscisic acid
• ABA acts, for example, as a "stress hormone", the formation of which is induced inter alia by drought stress and mediates inter alia an inhibition of the stomatary transpiration (closure of the stomata) (Schopfer, Brennicke: “Root physiology” [Plant physiology], 5th edition, Springer, 1999). This makes the plant more tolerant to drought stress.
• WO 2009/098218 A 2 discloses a method for improving plant health by treatment of the plant with various SDH inhibitors and also with combinations of SDH inhibitors and other pesticides.
• plant health encompasses the yield and the vitality of the plants and also the tolerance towards abiotic stress factors.
• EP 2 039 771 A 2 discloses a method for improving the production potential of transgenic plants, especially maize, through treatment with bixafen.
• One of the measures mentioned for improving the production potential of the plants is the tolerance of the plants towards abiotic stress.
• EP 2 039 771 A 2 does not disclose any biological data demonstrating this effect.
• WO 2005/018324 A 2 discloses a method for boosting plant growth by means of amide compounds, such as boscalid, for example. Bixafen is not disclosed.
• WO 2010/136139 A 2 discloses the use of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, in particular bixafen, for increasing the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress factors.
• WO 2011/095496 A 2 discloses the specific use of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitors in the treatment of plant species from the family of true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) for the purpose of increasing the biomass of the plant. More specifically disclosed is the use of bixafen alone or in combination with spiroxamine, fluoxastrobin or prothioconazole. The actions described in the prior art have to be considered as positive; however, in some cases they require improvement. In addition, for avoiding tolerances, it is desirable to provide alternative compounds for reducing abiotic stress.
• SDH succinate dehydrogenase
• combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole increase the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor.
• the present invention relates to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor.
• the present invention further relates to the specific use of fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor.
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole.
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders.
• the present invention further relates to a method for increasing the tolerance of seed and germinating plants to abiotic stress factors by treating the seed with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole.
• the present invention further relates to a method for increasing the tolerance of seed and germinating plants to abiotic stress factors by treating the seed with a fungicidal combination consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders.
• a fungicidal combination consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders.
• the present invention therefore relates more particularly to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield.
• the present invention also relates to the specific use of fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield.
• fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield.
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield.
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield.
• a fungicidal combination consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield.
• the present invention further relates more particularly to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• the present invention further relates more particularly to the specific use of fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• a fungicidal combination consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• None of the above mentioned documents from the prior art discloses or suggests the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor. Furthermore, none of the above mentioned documents discloses the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where that increased tolerance of the plant towards the at least one stress factor is exemplified by an increased yield and/or an improved physiological condition of the plant.
• abiotic stress factors include drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, waterlogging, increased soil salinity, increased concentration of minerals, exposure to ozone, exposure to strong light, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, and limited availability of phosphorus nutrients.
• the present invention therefore also relates to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, wherein the at least one abiotic stress factor is selected from the group consisting of drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, waterlogging, increased soil salinity, increased concentration of minerals, exposure to ozone, exposure to strong light, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, and limited availability of phosphorus nutrients.
• the present invention also relates to the specific use of fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, wherein the at least one abiotic stress factor is selected from the group consisting of drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, waterlogging, increased soil salinity, increased concentration of minerals, exposure to ozone, exposure to strong light, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, and limited availability of phosphorus nutrients.
• fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasse
• the at least one abiotic stress factor is selected from drought and heat exposure.
• the present invention therefore also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, characterized in that the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, wherein the at least one abiotic stress factor is selected from the group consisting of drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, waterlogging, increased soil salinity, increased concentration of minerals, exposure to ozone, exposure to strong light, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, and limited availability of phosphorus nutrients.
• the at least one abiotic stress factor is selected from drought and heat exposure.
• tolerance towards abiotic stress is understood in the context of the present invention to encompass various kinds of advantages for plants that are not directly associated with the known fungicidal activity of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole.
• Such advantageous properties are manifested, for example, in the improved plant characteristics identified as follows: increased yield, increased number of ears per area, increased the grain yield per area, stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, higher transpiration rate, lower leaf surface temperature, and delay in senescence, improved root growth in terms of surface area and depth, increased tillering or stolonization, stronger and more productive tillers and stolons, improvement in shoot growth, increased resistance to lodging, increased standing power, increased shoot base diameters, increased leaf area, higher yields of nutrients and constituents, such as carbohydrates, fats, oil, proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential oils, dyes, fibres, for example, better fibre quality, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, reduced level of toxic products such as mycotoxins, reduced level of residues or disadvantageous constituents of any kind, or better digestibility, improved stability of the harvested crop in storage, improved tolerance to inclement temperatures, improved tolerance to drought and dryness, and also to lack of oxygen as a result of waterlogging, improved tolerance towards increased salt levels in soils and water,
• the present invention therefore, it is possible to more particularly increase the yield of the plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae). This may be ascertained by an increase in the number of ears per area and the grain yield per area, as well as from the number of kernels per ear, the kernel weight per ear, and the thousand kernel weight.
• the present invention relates to the use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole on plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance of the plant towards at least one stress factor, where this tolerance is exemplified by an increased yield the yield of the plant, in particular by an increase in the number of ears per area, the grain yield per area, the number of kernels per ear, the kernel weight per ear, and the thousand kernel weight, most particularly for increasing the number of ears per area and the grain yield per area.
• the present invention relates to the use of fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, on plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance of the plant towards at least one stress factor, where this tolerance is exemplified b an increased yield the yield of the plant, in particular by an increase in the number of ears per area, the grain yield per area, the number of kernels per ear, the kernel weight per ear, and the thousand kernel weight, most particularly for increasing the number of ears per area and the grain yield per area.
• fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, on plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae
• the present invention also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where this tolerance is exemplified by an increased yield the yield of the plant, in particular by an increase in the number of ears per area, the grain yield per area, the number of kernels per ear, the kernel weight per ear, and the thousand kernel weight, most particularly for increasing the number of ears per area and the grain yield per area.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where this tolerance is exemplified by an increased yield the yield of the plant, in particular by an increase in the number of ears per area, the grain yield per area, the number of kernels per ear, the kernel weight per ear, and the
• the specific inventive application of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole on plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) is able not only to increase the yield of the treated plant but also to improve the physiological condition of the plant overall.
• Improved plant physiology is manifested, for example, in a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant, a higher transpiration rate, a lower leaf surface temperature, and a delay in senescence.
• the specific inventive application of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole makes it possible to stabilize the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant, to induce a higher transpiration rate, a lower leaf surface temperature, and a delay in senescence.
• This delay of the senescence (maturation) of the plant denotes to the farmer denotes an advantage on the basis of greater flexibility in the harvesting time.
• the present invention also relates to the use of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to improve the physiological condition of the plant, as exemplified by at least one feature selected from a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, a higher transpiration rate, a lower leaf surface temperature, and delay in senescence.
• the present invention also relates to the use of the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to improve the physiological condition of the plant, as exemplified b at least one feature selected from a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, a higher transpiration rate, a lower leaf surface temperature, and delay in senescence
• the present invention also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where this tolerance is exemplified by at least one feature selected from a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, a higher transpiration rate, a lower leaf surface temperature, and delay in senescence.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where this tolerance is exemplified by at least one feature selected from a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, a higher transpiration rate, a lower leaf surface temperature, and delay in senescence.
• the present invention further relates to the use of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) in order to improve the physiological condition of the plant, as exemplified for example by a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, where that stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency occurs at growth stage BBCH 77 and later.
• the present invention further relates to the use of the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) in order to improve the physiological condition of the plant, as exemplified for example by a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, where that stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency occurs at growth stage BBCH 77 and later.
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where this tolerance is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant, for example by a stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency, where that stabilization of the photosynthetic efficiency occurs at growth stage BBCH 77 and later.
• the present invention further relates to the use of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) in order to improve the physiological condition of the plant, as exemplified for example by a lower leaf surface temperature, where this lower leaf surface temperature occurs at growth stages BB H 55 to 65, more preferably at growth stage BBCH 59.
• the present invention further relates to the use of the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) in order to improve the physiological condition of the plant, as exemplified for example by a lower leaf surface temperature, where this lower leaf surface temperature occurs at growth stages BBCH 55 to 65, more preferably at growth stage BBCH 59.
• the present invention further relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where this tolerance is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant, for example by a lower leaf surface temperature, where this lower leaf surface temperature occurs at growth stages BBCH 55 to 65, more preferably at growth stage BBCH 59.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where this tolerance is exemplified by an improved physiological condition of the plant, for example by a lower leaf surface temperature, where this lower leaf surface temperature occurs at growth stages BBCH 55 to 65, more preferably at growth stage BBCH 59.
• the chlorophyll content produced in the plant is increased. It has additionally been found that through the application of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole the chlorophyll content in the plant is stabilized.
• a stabilized chlorophyll content in the context of the present invention means that the breakdown of the chlorophyll in the plant is slower, owing to the inventive application, than in an untreated plant.
• the present invention accordingly, also relates to the use of at least one the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to achieve an increased chlorophyll content and/or a stabilized chlorophyll content in the plant.
• the present invention also relates to the use of at least one the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to achieve an increased chlorophyll content and/or a stabilized chlorophyll content in the plant.
• fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to achieve an increased chlorophyll content and/or a stabilized chlorophyll content in the plant.
• the present invention therefore also relates to the use of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to achieve an increased photosynthesis rate in the plant.
• the present invention also relates to the use of the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to achieve an increased photosynthesis rate in the plant.
• fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for application to plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) in order to achieve an increased photosynthesis rate in the plant.
• This increased photosynthesis rate of the plant may be accompanied by delayed senescence of the plant.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for the purpose of increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor in the development stages BBCH 12 to 70, preferably in the development stages BBCH 17 to 70, more preferably in the development stages BBCH 20 to 65, more preferably in the development stages BBCH 29 to 60, more preferably in the development stages BBCH 33 to 55, and most preferably in the development stages BBCH 33 to 49.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole proved at the same time to be effective in particular in increasing the yield and/or improving the physiological condition of the plants from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae).
• the increase of tolerance of the plant towards at least one abiotic stress factor exemplified in particular by an increased yield and improved physiological condition of the plant, is particularly marked.
• the present invention therefor also relates to the specific use of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for the purpose of increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant in the development stages BBCH 33 to 55, preferably in the development stages BBCH
• the present invention therefor also relates to the specific use of the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for the purpose of increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant in the development stages BBCH 33 to 55. preferably in the development stages BBCH 33 to 49.
• the present invention also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, and where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant in the development stages BBCH 33 to 55. preferably in the development stages BBC H 33 to 49.
• Preferred areas for the application of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance towards at least one abiotic stress factor are treatments of the soil, the stems and/or the leaves with the approved application rates.
• fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for the purpose of increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, before the appearance of the at least one abiotic stress factor.
• the present invention therefor also relates to the specific use of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for the purpose of increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant before the appearance of the at least one abiotic stress factor.
• the present invention also relates to the specific use of the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for the purpose of increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant before the appearance of the at least one abiotic stress factor.
• the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for the purpose of increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant before the appearance of the at least one
• the present invention therefor also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant before the appearance of the at least one abiotic stress factor.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where the fungicidal combination is applied to the plant before the appearance of the at least one abiotic stress factor.
• a plant to be treated is more particularly a plant from development stage BBCH 1 2 onwards, preferably from development stage BBCH 20, more preferably from development stage BBCH 29, and even more preferably from development stage BBCH 33.
• the increase of tolerance of a plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, exemplified in particular by an increased yield and improved physiological condition of the plant, that is achieved through the application of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole according to the invention is preferably not attributable to the known fungicidal activity of these combinations against phytopathogens; in particular, with the approach taken by the invention, an increase of tolerance towards at least one abiotic stress factor, exemplified in particular by an increased yield and improved physiological condition of the plant, can be achieved even in the absence of phytopathogens.
• the use according to the invention shows the advantages described in particular in spray application, in the treatment of seed and in drip and drench applications on plants and parts of plants or seed.
• it may be intended to apply the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole provided by the invention by spray application to appropriate plants or parts of plants to be treated.
• the use intended according to the invention of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole is preferably carried out using a dosage from 0.01 to 3 kg/ha, particularly preferably from 0.05 to 2 kg/ha, especially preferably from 0.1 to 1 kg ha for each active ingredient.
• fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, is preferably carried out using a dosage from 0.01 to 3 kg/ha, particularly preferably from 0.05 to 2 kg/ha, especially preferably from 0.1 to 1 kg/ha for each active ingredient.
• the present invention therefor also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where a dosage from 0.01 to 3 kg/ha, particularly preferably from 0.05 to 2 kg/ha, especially preferably from 0.1 to 1 kg ha for each active ingredient is used.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where a dosage from 0.01 to 3 kg/ha, particularly preferably from 0.05 to 2 kg/ha, especially preferably from 0.1 to 1 kg ha for each active ingredient is used.
• the present invention further relates to the use of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the ratio of (a) bixafen to (b) tebuconazole is from 20: 1 to 1 :20. More preferably, the ratio of (a) bixafen to (b) tebuconazole is from 1 : 1 to 1 :5.
• the present invention further relates to the use of the fungicidal compositions consisting of (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole as fungicidal compounds, further comprising adjuvants, solvents, carrier, surfactants or extenders, for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the ratio of (a) bixafen to (b) tebuconazole is from 20: 1 to 1 :20. More preferably, the ratio of (a) bixafen to (b) tebuconazole is from 1 : 1 to 1 :5.
• the present invention therefor also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where the ratio of (a) bixafen to (b) tebuconazole is from 20: 1 to 1 :20. More preferably, the ratio of (a) bixafen to (b) tebuconazole is from 1 : 1 to 1 :5.
• fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole can be converted into the customary formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, pastes, granules, aerosols, microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating compositions for seeds, and ULV cool and warm fogging formulations.
• customary formulations such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, pastes, granules, aerosols, microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating compositions for seeds, and ULV cool and warm fogging formulations.
• These formulations are produced in a known manner, for example b mixing the active compounds with extenders, that is, liquid solvents, liquefied gases under pressure, and/or solid carriers, optionally with the use of surfactants, that is emulsifiers and/or dispersants, and/or foam formers.
• suitable liquid solvents are: aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthaienes, chlorinated aromatics or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example petroleum fractions, alcohols such as butanol or glycol and their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulphoxide, or else water.
• aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthaienes
• chlorinated aromatics or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride
• aliphatic hydrocarbons such as
• Liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers are to be understood as meaning liquids which are gaseous at standard temperature and under atmospheric pressure, for example aerosol propellants such as halogenated hydrocarbons, or else butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
• aerosol propellants such as halogenated hydrocarbons, or else butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
• solid carriers there are suitable: for example ground natural minerals such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic minerals such as finely divided silica, alumina and silicates.
• Suitable solid carriers for granules are: for example crushed and fractionated natural rocks such as calcite, pumice, marble, sepiolite, dolomite, and synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals, and also granules of organic material such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks.
• Suitable emulsifiers and/or foam formers are: for example nonionic and anionic emulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, or else protein hydrolysates.
• Suitable dispersants are: for example lignosulphite waste liquors and methylcellulose.
• Tackifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules or latices, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate, or else natural phospholipids such as cephalins and lecithins and synthetic phospholipids can be used in the formulations.
• Other possible additives are mineral and vegetable oils.
• colourants such as inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue
• organic dyestuffs such as alizarin dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs and metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs
• trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.
• the formulations generally comprise between 0.1 and 95 per cent by weight of active compound, preferably between 0.5 and 90%.
• the treatment of the seed of plants has been known for a long time and is the subject of continuous improvements.
• the treatment of seed entails a series of problems which cannot always be solved in a satisfactory manner.
• it is desirable to develop methods for protecting the seed and the germinating plant which dispense with, or at least reduce considerably, the additional application of crop protection products after planting or after emergence of the plants.
• methods for the treatment of seed should also take into consideration the intrinsic fungicidal properties or the abiotic stress resistance of transgenic plants in order to achieve optimum protection of the seed and also the germinating plant with a minimum of crop protection products being employed.
• the present invention in particular also relates to a method for increasing the resistance of seed and germinating plants to abiotic stress factors by treating the seed with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole.
• the invention also relates to the use of a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for the treatment of seed for increasing the resistance of the seed and the germination plant to abiotic stress factors.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole according to the invention can be present in their/its commercially available formulations and in the use forms, prepared from these formulations, as a combination with at least one further agrochemically active compound, selected from fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, attractants, sterilizing agents, herbicides, safeners, bactericides, growth-regulating substances, biologicals, hormones, pheromones, active compounds with unknown or unspecific mechanisms of action, fertilizers and semiochemicals.
• fungicides selected from fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, attractants, sterilizing agents, herbicides, safeners, bactericides, growth-regulating substances, biologicals, hormones, pheromones, active compounds with unknown or unspecific mechanisms of action, fertilizers and semiochemicals.
• the present invention therefor also relates to the specific use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, wherein the fungicidal combination is applied in combination with at least one further agrochemically active compound selected from the group of fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, herbicides, safeners, bactericides, biologicals, hormones, pheromones, and active compounds with unknown or unspecific mechanisms of action.
• the present invention also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where the fungicidal combination is applied in combination with at least one further agrochemically active compound selected from the group of fungicides, insecticides, acaricides, nematicides, herbicides, safeners, bactericides, biologicals, hormones, pheromones, and active compounds with unknown or unspecific mechanisms of action.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, where the fungicidal combination is applied in combination with at least one further agrochemically active compound selected from the group of fungicides, insecticides, acaricides,
• the at least one further agrochemically active compound is selected from the group of triazole fungicides and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitors.
• the at least one further triazole may be selected from the group comprising azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, diclobutrazol, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole.
• fluquinconazole flusilazole, flutriafol, furconazole, furconazole-cis, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, paclobutrazol, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, quinconazole, simeconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole, uniconazole-P, voriconazole, l-(4- chlorophenyl)-2-( 1 H- 1 ,2,4-triazol- 1 -yl)cycloheptanol.
• the at least one further succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibitor refers to a compound which is capable of inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase in phytopathogenic fungal organisms, also being known as complex 11 inhibitor.
• the at least one further SDH inhibitor may be selected from the group comprising fluopyram, pen flu fen. sedaxane, isopyrazam (comprising mixture of syn-epimeric racemate 1 RS.4SR.9R S and anti-epimeric racemate 1 RS.4SR.9SR. anti-epimeric racemate 1 RS.4SR.9SR. anti-epimeric enantiomer 1 R.4S.9S.
• the at least one further agrochemically active compound is selected from prothioconazole and fluopyram. Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, wherein the fungicidal combination is applied in combination with at least one further agrochemically active compound selected from prothioconazole and f uopyram. Most preferably, the at least one further agrochemically active compound is prothioconazole.
• the present invention also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, wherein the fungicidal combination is applied in combination with at least one further agrochemically active compound selected from prothioconazole and fluopyram.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, wherein the fungicidal combination is applied in combination with at least one further agrochemically active compound selected from prothioconazole and fluopyram.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole can be used in particular also for transgenic seed.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole are particularly suitable for protecting seed of plant species from the family of true grasses (Poaceae).
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole are applied on their own or in a suitable formulation to the seed.
• the seed is treated in a state in which it is stable enough to avoid damage during treatment.
• the seed may be treated at any point in time between harvest and sowing.
• the seed usually used has been separated from the plant and freed from cobs, shells, stalks, coats, hairs or the flesh of the fruits.
• seed which has been harvested, cleaned and dried to a moisture content of less than 15% by weight.
• the amount of the fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole applied to the seed and/or the amount of further additives is chosen in such a way that the germination of the seed is not adversely affected, or that the resulting plant is not damaged. This must be borne in mind in particular in the case of active compounds which can have phytotoxic effects at certain application rates.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole can be applied directly, i.e. without containing any other components and undiluted.
• fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole to the seed in the form of a suitable formulation.
• suitable formulations and methods for the treatment of seed are known to the person skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the following documents: US 4,272,417 A, US 4,245,432 A, US 4,808,430 A. US 5,876,739 A. US 2003/0176428 Al, WO 2002/080675 Al, WO 2002/028186 A2.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole which can be used in accordance with the invention can be converted into the customary seed-dressing formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, slurries or other coating compositions for seed, and also ULV formulations.
• customary seed-dressing formulations such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, slurries or other coating compositions for seed, and also ULV formulations.
• customary additives such as, for example, customary extenders and also solvents or diluents, colourants, wetting agents, dispersants, emuisifiers, antifoams, preservatives, secondary thickeners, adhesives, gibberellins and also water.
• Colourants which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all colourants which are customary for such purposes. In this context, not only pigments which are sparingly soluble in water, but also dyes which are soluble in water, may be used. Examples which may be mentioned are the colourants known by the names Rhodamin B, C. I. Pigment Red 112 and C. I. Solvent Red l .
• Suitable wetting agents which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all substances which promote wetting and which are conventionally used for the formulation of agrochemical active compounds. Preference is given to using alkylnaphthalenesulphonates, such as diisopropyl- or diisobutylnaphthalenesulphonates.
• Suitable dispersants and/or emuisifiers which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all nonionic, anionic and cationic dispersants conventionally used for the formulation of agrochemical active compounds. Preference is given to using nonionic or anionic dispersants or mixtures of nonionic or anionic dispersants.
• Suitable nonionic dispersants which may be mentioned are, in particular, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block polymers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers and tristryrylphenol polyglycol ether, and their phosphated or sulphated derivatives.
• Suitable anionic dispersants are, in particular, lignosulphonates, polyacrylic acid salts and arylsulphonate/formaldehyde condensates.
• Antifoams which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all foam-inhibiting substances conventionally used for the formulation of agrochemical active compounds. Silicone antifoams and magnesium stearate can preferably be used.
• Preservatives which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all substances which can be employed for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. Dichiorophene and benzyl alcohol hemiformal may be mentioned by way of example. Secondary thickeners which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all substances which can be employed for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. Cellulose derivatives, acrylic acid derivatives, xanthan, modified clays and finely divided silica are preferred. Adhesives which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention are all customary binders which can be employed in seed-dressing products. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol and tylose may be mentioned as being preferred.
• the gibberellins are known (cf. R. Wegler "Chemie der convinced für Schweizer- und Schadlingsbekampfungsstoff" [Chemistry of plant protection agents and pesticides], vol. 2, Springer Verlag, 1970, p. 401-412).
• the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention can be employed for the treatment of a wide range of seed, either directly or after previously having been diluted with water.
• the concentrates or the preparations obtainable therefrom by dilution with water may be used to dress the seed of cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, and triticale, and also the seed of maize, rice, oilseed rape, peas, beans, cotton, sunflowers, and beets, or else vegetable seed of any of a very wide variety of kinds.
• the seed dressing formulations which can be used according to the invention or their dilute preparations may also be used to dress seed of transgenic plants. In this context, additional synergistic effects may also occur as a result of the concerted action with the expression products.
• All mixers which can conventionally be employed for the seed-dressing operation are suitable for treating seed with the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention or with the preparations prepared therefrom by addition of water. Specifically, a procedure is followed during the seed- dressing operation in which the seed is placed into a mixer, the specific desired amount of seed-dressing formulations, either as such or after previously having been diluted with water, is added, and everything is mixed until the formulation is distributed uniformly on the seed. If appropriate, this is followed by a drying process.
• the application rate of the seed-dressing formulations which can be used according to the invention may be varied within a relatively wide range. It depends on the respective content of the active compounds in the formulations and on the seed.
• the active compound combination application rates are generally between 0.001 and 50 g per kilogram of seed, preferably between 0.01 and 15 g per kilogram of seed.
• the application, to plants or to their environment, of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole in combination with at least one fertilizer is possible.
• Fertilizers which can be employed in accordance with the invention together with the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole are generally organic and inorganic nitrogen- containing compounds such as, for example, ureas, urea/formaldehyde condensates, amino acids, ammonium salts and ammonium nitrates, potassium salts (preferably chlorides, sulphates, nitrates), salts of phosphoric acid and/or salts of phosphorous acid (preferably potassium salts and ammonium salts).
• ureas urea/formaldehyde condensates
• amino acids amino acids
• ammonium salts and ammonium nitrates potassium salts (preferably chlorides, sulphates, nitrates)
• salts of phosphoric acid and/or salts of phosphorous acid preferably potassium salts and ammonium salts.
• the PK fertilizers i.e.
• fertilizers which contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, calcium ammonium nitrate, i.e. fertilizers which additionally contain calcium, or ammonia nitrate sulphate (general formula (NH4)2S04 H4 O3), ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulphate.
• NH42S04 H4 O3 ammonia nitrate sulphate
• ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulphate ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulphate.
• the fertilizers may also contain salts of micronutrients (preferably calcium, sulphur, boron, manganese, magnesium, iron, boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum and cobalt) and phytohormones (for example vitamin B l and indole-3-acetic acid) or mixtures of these.
• Fertilizers employed in accordance with the invention may also contain other salts such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), potassium sulphate, potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate.
• MAP monoammonium phosphate
• DAP diammonium phosphate
• potassium sulphate potassium chloride
• magnesium sulphate Suitable amounts of the secondary nutrients, or trace elements, are amounts of from 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the totality of the fertilizer.
• Other possible ingredients are crop protection agents, insecticides or fungicides, growth regulators or mixtures of these. This will be explained in more detail further below.
• the fertilizers can be employed for example in the form of powders, granules, prills or compactates. However, the fertilizers can also be employed in liquid form, dissolved in an aqueous medium. In this case, dilute aqueous ammonia may also be employed as nitrogen fertilizer. Further possible constituents of fertilizers are described for example in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 5th edition, 1987, Vol. A 10, pages 363 to 401, DE-A 4 ! 28 828, DE-A 19 05 834 and DE-A 196 31 764.
• the general composition of the fertilizers which, within the scope of the present invention, may take the form of straight and/or compound fertilizers, for example composed of nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus, may vary within a wide range.
• a content of from 1 to 30% by weight of nitrogen preferably 5 to 20% by weight
• from 1 to 20% by weight of potassium preferably from 3 to 15% by weight
• a content of from 1 to 20% by weight of phosphorus preferably from 3 to 10% by weight
• the microelement content is usually in the ppm order of magnitude, preferably in the order of magnitude of from
• the fertilizer and the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole may be applied simultaneously, i.e. synchronously.
• the fertilizer and then the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole or first the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole and then the fertilizer.
• the application within the scope of the present invention is, however, carried out in a functional context, in particular within a period of from in general 24 hours, preferably 18 hours, especially preferably 12 hours, specifically 6 hours, more specifically 4 hours, even more specifically within
• the application of the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole provided according to the invention and of the fertilizer is carried out within a time frame of less than 1 hour, preferably less than 30 minutes, especially preferably less than 15 minutes.
• the fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole to be used in accordance with the invention, if appropriate in combination with fertilizers, can preferably be employed in plant species of the family of true grasses (Poaceae), including wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, maize, rice, triticale, bamboo and sugarcane.
• the present invention is suitable, furthermore, for the treatment of winter cereal and spring cereal. Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, wherein the plant species of the family of true grasses (Poaceae) is selected from wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, maize, rice, triticale, bamboo and sugarcane.
• fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, wherein the plant species of the family of true grasses (Poaceae) is selected from wheat, rye, barley, oats, mille
• the present invention also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, wherein the plant species of the family of true grasses (Poaceae) is selected from wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, maize, rice, triticale, bamboo and sugarcane.
• a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, wherein the plant species of the family of true grasses (Poaceae) is selected from wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, maize, rice, triticale, bamboo and sugarcane.
• GMOs genetically modified organisms
• Genetically modified plants are plants in which a heterologous gene has been stably integrated into the genome.
• the expression "heterologous gene” essentially means a gene which is provided or assembled outside the plant and when introduced in the nuclear, chloroplastic or mitochondrial genome gives the transformed plant new or improved agronomic or other properties b expressing a protein or polypeptide of interest or by downregulating or silencing other gene(s) which are present in the plant (using for example antisense technology, cosuppression technology or RNAi. technology [ RNA interference]).
• a heterologous gene that is located in the genome is also called a transgene.
• a transgene that is defined by its specific presence in the plant genome is called a transformation or transgenic event.
• the present invention also relates to the use of fungicidal combinations comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole for increasing the tolerance of a plant species from the family of the true grasses (Poaceae) towards at least one abiotic stress factor, where the treated plant is transgenic.
• the present invention also relates to a method for treating a plant or parts of plants of species from the family of the true grasses ⁇ Poaceae) for increasing the tolerance to abiotic stress factors, wherein the plants or parts of plants are treated with a fungicidal combination comprising (a) bixafen and (b) tebuconazole, wherein the treated plant is transgenic.
• Plants and plant varieties which are preferably treated according to the invention include all plants which have genetic material which imparts particularly advantageous, useful traits to these plants (whether obtained by breeding and/or biotechnological means).
• Plants and plant varieties which may also be treated according to the invention are those plants which are resistant to one or more abiotic stress factors.
• Abiotic stress conditions may include, for example, drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, waterlogging, increased soil salinity, increased exposure to minerals, exposure to ozone, exposure to strong light, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, limited availability of phosphorus nutrients or shade avoidance.
• Plants and plant varieties which may also be treated according to the invention are those plants characterized by enhanced yield characteristics.
• Enhanced yield in said plants can be the result of, for example, improved plant physiology, improved plant growth and improved plant development, such as water use efficiency, water retention efficiency, improved nitrogen use, enhanced carbon assimilation, improved photosynthesis, increased germination efficiency and accelerated maturation.
• Yield can furthermore be affected by improved plant architecture (under stress and non-stress conditions), including early flowering, flowering control for hybrid seed production, seedling vigour, plant size, internode number and distance, root growth, seed size, fruit size, pod size, pod or ear number, seed number per pod or ear, seed mass, enhanced seed filling, reduced seed dispersal, reduced pod dehiscence and lodging resistance.
• Further yield traits include seed composition, such as carbohydrate content, protein content, oil content and composition, nutritional value, reduction in anti-nutritional compounds, improved processability and improved storage stability.
• Plants that may likewise be treated according to the invention are hybrid plants that already express the characteristics of heterosis, or hybrid vigour, which results in generally higher yield, vigour, health and resistance towards biotic and abiotic stress factors. Such plants are typically made by crossing an inbred male-sterile parent line (the female parent) with another inbred male-fertile parent line (the male parent). Hybrid seed is typically harvested from the male sterile plants and sold to growers. Male sterile plants can sometimes (e.g. in corn) be produced by detasseling (i.e.
• male sterility is the result of genetic determinants in the plant genome.
• Genetic determinants for male sterility may be located in the cytoplasm.
• CMS cytoplasmic male sterility
• Brassica species WO 1992/005251, WO 1995/009910, WO 1998/27806, WO 2005/002324, WO 2006/021972 and US 6,229,072
• genetic determinants for male sterility can also be located in the nuclear genome.
• Male sterile plants can also be obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering.
• a particularly useful means of obtaining male sterile plants is described in WO 89/10396 in which, for example, a ribonuclease such as a barnase is selectively expressed in the tapetum cells in the stamens. Fertility can then be restored by expression in the tapetum cells of a ribonuclease inhibitor such as barstar.
• Plants or plant varieties which may also be treated according to the invention are herbicide-tolerant plants, i.e. plants made tolerant to one or more given herbicides. Such plants can be obtained either by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such herbicide tolerance.
• Herbicide-tolerant plants are for example glyphosate-tolerant plants, i.e. plants made tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate or salts thereof.
• glyphosate-tolerant plants can be obtained by transforming the plant with a gene encoding the enzyme 5 -enolpyruvylshikimate-3 -phosphate synthase (EPSPS).
• EPSPS 5 -enolpyruvylshikimate-3 -phosphate synthase
• EPS PS genes are the Am A gene (mutant CT7) of the bacterium Salmonella typhim ri m (Comai et al., Science (1983), 221, 370-371), the CP4 gene of the bacterium Agrobacterium sp. (Barry et al., Curr. Topics Plant Physiol. (1992), 7, 139-145), the genes encoding a petunia EPSPS (Shah et al., Science (1986), 233, 478-481), a tomato EPSPS (Gasser et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1988), 263, 4280-4289) or an Eleusine E PSPS (WO 2001/66704).
• Glyphosate-tolerant plants can also be obtained by expressing a gene that encodes a glyphosate oxidoreductase enzyme as described in US 5,776,760 and US 5,463, 175.
• Glyphosate-tolerant plants can also be obtained by expressing a gene that encodes a glyphosate acetyl transferase enzyme as described, for example, in WO 2002/036782, WO 2003/092360, WO 2005/012515 and WO 2007/024782.
• Glyphosate-tolerant plants can also be obtained by selecting plants containing naturally occurring mutations of the above-mentioned genes as described, for example, in WO 2001/024615 or WO 2003/013226.
• herbicide-resistant plants are for example plants have been made tolerant to herbicides inhibiting the enzyme glutamine synthase, such as bialaphos, phosphinothricin or glufosinate. Such plants can be obtained by expressing an enzyme detoxifying the herbicide or a mutant glutamine synthase enzyme that is resistant to inhibition.
• One such efficient detoxifying enzyme is, for example, an enzyme encoding a phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (such as the bar or pat protein from Streptomyces species).
• Plants expressing an exogenous phosphinothricin acetyltransferase have been described, for example, in US 5,561,236; US 5,648,477; US 5,646,024; US 5,273,894; US 5,637,489; US 5,276,268; US 5,739,082; US 5,908,810 and US 7, 112,665.
• hydroxyphenylpyruvatedioxygenase HPPD
• Hydroxyphenylpyruvatedioxygenases are enzymes that catalyse the reaction in which para-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) is transformed into homogentisate.
• Plants tolerant to HPPD-inhibitors can be transformed with a gene encoding a naturally-occurring resistant HPPD enzyme, or a gene encoding a mutated HPPD enzyme according to WO 1996/038567, WO 1999/024585 and WO 1999/024586.
• Tolerance to HPPD-inhibitors can also be obtained by transforming plants with genes encoding certain enzymes enabling the formation of homogentisate despite the inhibition of the native HPPD enzyme by the HPPD-inhibitor. Such plants and genes are described in WO 1999/034008 and WO 2002/36787. Tolerance of plants to HPPD inhibitors can also be improved by transforming plants with a gene encoding an enzyme prephenate dehydrogenase in addition to a gene encoding an HPPD-tolerant enzyme, as described in WO 2004/024928. Further herbicide-resistant plants are plants that have been made tolerant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors.
• ALS acetolactate synthase
• ALS inhibitors include, for example, suiphonylurea, imidazolinone, triazolopyrimidines, pyrimidinyloxy(thio)benzoates, and/or sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone herbicides.
• Different mutations in the ALS enzyme also known as acetohydroxy acid synthase, A HAS
• a HAS acetohydroxy acid synthase
• plants tolerant to imidazolinone and/or sulphonylurea can be obtained by induced mutagenesis, by selection in cell cultures in the presence of the herbicide or by mutation breeding, as described, for example, for soya beans in US 5,084,082, for rice in WO 1997/41218, for sugar beet in US 5,773,702 and WO 1999/057965, for lettuce in US 5,198,599 or for sunflower in WO 2001/065922.
• Plants or plant varieties obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering which may also be treated according to the invention are insect-resistant transgenic plants, i.e. plants made resistant to attack by certain target insects. Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such insect resistance.
• insect-resistant transgenic plant includes any plant containing at least one transgene comprising a coding sequence encoding:
• an insecticidal crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or an insecticidal portion thereof such as the insecticidal crystal proteins listed by Crickmore et al., Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews (1998), 62, 807-813, updated by Crickmore et al. (2005) in the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin nomenclature, online at: http://mvw.iifesci.sussex.ac.uk Home/Neil___Crickmore/Bt/), or insecticidal portions thereof, for example proteins of the Cry protein classes CrylAb, Cry 1 Ac, Cry IF, Cry2Ab, Cry3Ae or Cry3Bb or insecticidal portions thereof; or
• a crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or a portion thereof which is insecticidal in the presence of a second other crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or a portion thereof, such as the binary toxin made up of the Cy34 and Cy35 crystal proteins (Moellenbeck et al., Nat. Biotechnol. (2001), 19, 668-72; Schnepf et al., Applied Environm. Microb. (2006), 71, 1765- 1774): or
• a hybrid insecticidal protein comprising parts of two different insecticidal crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, such as a hybrid of the proteins of 1) above or a hybrid of the proteins of 2) above, for example the CrylA.105 protein produced by maize event MON98034 ( WO 2007/027777); or 4) a protein of any one of 1) to 3) above wherein some, particularly 1 to 10, amino acids have been replaced by another amino acid to obtain a higher insecticidal activity to a target insect species, and/or to expand the range of target insect species affected, and/or because of changes induced in the encoding DNA during cloning or transformation, such as the Cry3Bbl protein in maize events MO 863 or MON88017, or the Cry3A protein in maize event MIR604; or
• VIP vegetative insecticidal proteins
• a secreted protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus cereus which is insecticidal in the presence of a second secreted protein from Bacillus thuringiensis or B. cereus, such as the binary toxin made up of the VIP ! A and VIP2A proteins (WO 1994/21795); or
• a hybrid insecticidal protein comprising parts from different secreted proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus cereus, such as a hybrid of the proteins in 1) above or a hybrid of the proteins in 2) above; or
• 8) a protein of any one of 1) to 3) above wherein some, particularly 1 to 10, amino acids have been replaced by another amino acid to obtain a higher insecticidal activity to a target insect species, and/or to expand the range of target insect species affected, and/or because of changes induced in the encoding DNA during cloning or transformation (while still encoding an insecticidal protein), such as the VIP3Aa protein in cotton event COT 102.
• insect-resistant transgenic plants also include any plant comprising a combination of genes encoding the proteins of any one of the above classes 1 to 8.
• an insect-resistant plant contains more than one transgene encoding a protein of any one of the above classes 1 to 8, to expand the range of target insect species affected or to delay insect resistance development to the plants, by using different proteins insecticidal to the same target insect species but having a different mode of action, such as binding to different receptor binding sites in the insect.
• Plants or plant varieties which may also be treated according to the invention are tolerant to abiotic stress factors. Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such stress resistance.
• Particularly useful stress-tolerant plants include the following: a. plants which contain a transgene capable of reducing the expression and/or the activity of the poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) gene in the plant cells or plants, as described in WO 2000/004173 or EP 04077984.5 or EP 06009836.5. b.
• PARP poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase
• plants which contain a stress tolerance-enhancing transgene capable of reducing the expression and/or the activity of the PARG encoding genes of the plants or plant cells as described, for example, in WO 2004/090140; c. plants which contain a stress tolerance-enhancing transgene coding for a plant-functional enzyme of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide salvage biosynthesis pathway, including nicotinamidase, nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase, nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenyl transferase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase or nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, as described, for example, in EP 04077624.7 or WO 2006/133827 or PCT/EP07/002433.
• Plants or plant varieties obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering which may also be treated according to the invention show altered quantity, quality and/or storage-stability of the harvested product and/or altered properties of specific ingredients of the harvested product such as, for example:
• Transgenic plants which synthesize a modified starch which is altered with respect to its chemophysical traits, in particular the amylase content or the amylase/amylopectin ration the degree of branching, the average chain length, the distribution of the side chains, the viscosity behavior, the gel resistance, the grain size and/or gain morphology of the starch in comparison to the synthesized starch in wild-type plant cells or plants, such that this modified starch is better suited for certain applications.
• chemophysical traits in particular the amylase content or the amylase/amylopectin ration the degree of branching, the average chain length, the distribution of the side chains, the viscosity behavior, the gel resistance, the grain size and/or gain morphology of the starch in comparison to the synthesized starch in wild-type plant cells or plants, such that this modified starch is better suited for certain applications.
• transgenic plants synthesizing a modified starch are described, for example, in EP 0571427, WO 1995/004826, EP 0719338, WO 1996/15248, WO 1996/19581, WO 1996/27674, WO 1997/11188, WO 1997/26362, WO 1997/32985, WO 1997/42328, WO 1997/44472, WO 1997/45545, WO 1998/27212, WO 1998/40503, WO 99/58688, WO 1999/58690, WO 1999/58654, WO 2000/008184, WO 2000/008185, WO 2000/28052, WO 2000/77229, WO 2001/12782, WO 2001/12826, WO 2002/101059, WO 2003/071860, WO 2004/056999, WO 2005/030942, WO 2005/030941, WO 2005/095632, WO 2005/095617, WO 2005/095619, WO 2005/095618, WO 2005/123927,
• transgenic plants which synthesize non-starch carbohydrate polymers or which synthesize non- starch carbohydrate polymers with altered properties in comparison to wild type plants without genetic modification.
• plants which produce polyfructose, especially of the inulin and levan type, as described in EP 0663956, WO 1996/001904, Wo 1996/021023, WO 1998/039460 and WO 1999/024593, plants which produce alpha- 1,4-glucans, as described in WO 1995/031553, US 2002/031826, US 6,284,479, US 5,712,107, WO 1997/047806, WO 1997/047807, WO 1997/047808 and WO 2000/14249, plants which produce alpha- 1,6-branched alpha- 1,4-glucans, as described in WO 2000/73422, and plants which produce alternan, as described in WO 2000/047727, EP 06077301.7, US 5,908,975 and EP 0728213.
• transgenic plants which produce hyaluronan, as described, for example, in WO 2006/032538, WO 2007/039314, WO 2007/039315, WO 2007/039316, JP 2006/304779 and WO 2005/012529.
• Plants or plant varieties which may also be treated according to the invention are are plants, such as cotton plants, with altered fibre characteristics.
• Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such altered fibre characteristics and include: a) plants, such as cotton plants, which contain an altered form of cellulose synthase genes, as described in WO 1998/000549, b) plants, such as cotton plants, which contain an altered form of rsw2 or rsw3 homologous nucleic acids, as described in WO 2004/053219; c) plants, such as cotton plants, with an increased expression of sucrose phosphate synthase, as described in WO 2001/017333; d) plants, such as cotton plants, with an increased expression of sucrose synthase, as described in WO
• plants such as cotton plants, wherein the timing of the plasmodesmatal gating at the basis of the fibre cell is altered, for example through downregulation of fibre-selective P-l,3-giuca.nase, as described in WO 2005/017157; f) plants, such as cotton plants, which have fibres with altered reactivity, for example through the expression of the -acetylglucosaminetransferase gene including nodC and chitin synthase genes, as described in WO 2006/136351.
• Plants or plant cultivars which may also be treated according to the invention are plants, such as oilseed rape or related Brassica plants, with altered oil profile characteristics.
• Such plants can be obtained by genetic transformation or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such altered oil characteristics and include: a) plants, such as oilseed rape plants, which produce oil having a high oleic acid content, as described, for example, in US 5,969,169, US 5,840,946 oder US 6,323,392 or US 6,063, 947; b) plants, such as oilseed rape plants, which produce oil having a low linolenic acid content, as described in US 6,270828, US 6,169,190 or US 5,965,755.
• plants, such as oilseed rape plants which produce oil having a low level of saturated fatty acids, as described, for example, in US 5,434,283.
• transgenic plants which comprise one or more genes which encode one or more toxins are the transgenic plants available under the following trade names: YIELD GARD® (for example maize, cotton, soya beans), KnockOut® (for example maize), BiteGard® (for example maize), BT-Xtra® (for example maize), StarLink® (for example maize), Bollgard® (cotton), ucotn® (cotton), Nucotn 33B® (cotton), atureGard® (for example maize), Protecta® and NewLeaf® (potato).
• YIELD GARD® for example maize, cotton, soya beans
• KnockOut® for example maize
• BiteGard® for example maize
• BT-Xtra® for example maize
• StarLink® for example maize
• Bollgard® cotton
• ucotn® cotton
• Nucotn 33B® cotton
• atureGard® for example maize
• Protecta® and NewLeaf® pot
• herbicide-tolerant plants examples include maize varieties, cotton varieties and soya bean varieties which are available under the following trade names: Roundup Ready® (tolerance to glyphosate, for example maize, cotton, soya beans), Liberty Link® (tolerance to phosphinothricin, for example oilseed rape), IMI® (tolerance to imidazolinone) and SCS® (tolerance to sulphonylurea, for example maize).
• Herbicide-resistant plants plants bred in a conventional manner for herbicide tolerance
• Clearfield® for example maize.
• transgenic plants which may be treated according to the invention are plants containing transformation events, or a combination of transformation events, that are listed for example in the databases of various national or regional regulatory agencies (see for example http://gmoinfo.jrc.it/gmp_browse.aspx and http://www.agbios.com/dbase.php).
• Figures Fig. 1(a) to 1(c) and Fig. 2(a) to 2(c) show the effect of fungicide treatments on the leaf surface temperature of stressed wheat plants. Fungicides were applied at BBCH 37-39. The effect was measured by Infrared- Thermography either 3 weeks (Fig. 1(a) to 1(c)) or 5 weeks (Fig.
• Fig. 1 shows Infrared-Thermographies of stressed wheat plants at 3 weeks (about BBCH 59) after fungicide treatment.
• Fig. 1(a) shows untreated (no fungicide treatment but stressed) control [1] vs. bixafen treatment [2].
• Fig 1(b) shows untreated control vs. treatment with a combination of bixafen and tebuconazole [3].
• Fig 1(c) shows untreated control vs. treatment with a combination of pyraclostrobin and epoxiconazole [4].
• Fungicide- treated wheat plants cultivated under restricted water supply demonstrated a lower leaf temperature corresponding to a higher transpiration rate than untreated wheat, revealing a higher stomatal conductance favoring the photosynthesis.
• Wheat plants treated with bixafen or a combination of bixafen and tebuconazole displayed a lower leaf temperature corresponding to a higher transpiration rate than wheat plants treated with pyraclostrobin and epoxiconazole indicating a better drought stress tolerance.
• the major part of the control plants as shown in figure 1(a) to 1(c) displays in the thermoscan a color referring to around 19.3 to 19.8 °C.
• the major part of the treated plants as shown in figure 1(a) displays in the thermoscan a color referring to around 17.5 to 18.0°C, in picture 1(b) around 17.3 to 17.8 °C, and in picture 1(c) around 19.0 to 19.5 °C.
• Fig. 2 shows Infrared-Thermographies of stressed wheat plants at 5 weeks (BBCH 75) after fungicide treatment.
• Fig. 2(a) shows untreated control [1] vs. bixafen treatment [2].
• Fig 2(b) shows untreated control vs. treatment with a combination of bixafen and tebuconazole [3].
• Fig 2(c) shows untreated control vs. treatment with a combination of pyraclostrobin and epoxiconazole [4].
• Fungicide-treated wheat plants cultivated under restricted water supply demonstrated a lower leaf temperature corresponding to a higher transpiration rate than untreated wheat, revealing a higher stomatal conductance favoring the photosynthesis and a delay in senescence.
• major part of the treated plants as shown in figures 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) displays in the thermoscan a color referring to around 19.0 to 19.5 °C.

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