Fungicidal compositions

What is this patent about?

’022 is related to the field of agricultural chemistry, specifically focusing on fungicidal compositions designed to protect crops from phytopathogenic diseases. The background context involves the increasing threat of aggressive fungal infections, such as soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, which have historically led to significant yield losses. Traditional fungicides often fall short in terms of crop tolerance or raw efficacy against these specific pathogens, necessitating more potent and broader-spectrum chemical solutions.

The underlying idea behind ’022 is the discovery of a powerful synergistic interaction between a specific class of pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid amides and established fungicidal agents. By combining a benzonorbornene derivative—characterized by a dihalomethylidene group at the 9-position—with secondary fungicides like azoles, the inventors found they could achieve a level of pathogen control that exceeds the purely additive effects of each chemical used alone. This synergy allows for lower application rates while simultaneously broadening the range of fungi that can be effectively suppressed.

The claims of ’022 focus on compositions that pair a compound of Formula I, where the pyrazole ring is substituted with a difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl group, with at least one azole fungicide. The independent claims specifically protect the use of these mixtures in synergistically effective amounts. Particular emphasis is placed on combinations where the primary compound is 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (9-difluoromethylidene-benzonorbornene-5-yl) amide, used alongside specific azoles such as cyproconazole, propiconazole, or tebuconazole.

In practice, the invention works by applying these multi-component mixtures to plants, seeds, or the surrounding soil to inhibit or destroy fungal microorganisms. The composition can be delivered through various agricultural formats, including emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates, or seed dressings. The mechanism relies on the complementary modes of action provided by the pyrazole amide and the azole partner, which together disrupt the life cycle of fungi like powdery mildew, rusts, and molds more effectively than prior art treatments.

This approach differentiates itself from previous solutions by specifically addressing the high-resistance profiles of modern pathogens like Asian soybean rust. While prior tricyclic amine derivatives showed some biological activity, the ’022 compositions provide a documented super-additive effect (calculated via the Colby formula) that enhances degradability and plant vigor. By optimizing the weight ratios between the pyrazole amide and the azole, the invention provides a more robust defense system for high-value crops compared to the single-agent applications common in earlier agricultural practices.