COMPOSITIONS REGULATRICES DE LA CROISSANCE VEGETALE

PLANT GROWTH REGULATING COMPOSITION

Abrégé anglais

Plant growth regulating composition
Abstract of the Disclosure
A plant growth regulating synergistic mixture is described which
consists of
a) a cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivative of formula I
<IMG> (I)
wherein
A is the hydroxyl group, an ester or an amide radical,
B is the hydroxyl group, an -NHOR1 radical or a metal salt or
ammonium salt thereof,
R is Cl-C6alkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl,
R1 is C1-C6alkyl, Cl-C6haloalkyl, C3-C6alkenyl, C3-C6haloalkenyl or
C3-C6alkynyl,
and
b) a sulfonylurea of formula II
Z-SO2-NH-CO-NH-<IMG> (II)
wherein
E is N or CH,
Z is an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, pyridyl, thienyl or
3,3-dioxobenzothioxine radical,
X is methyl, difluoromethoxy, ethoxy, methoxy or cyclopropyl and
Y is chlorine, methyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, methylamino,
dimethylamino or ethoxy.
The mixture is suitable above all for inhibiting the growth of
grasses and weeds.

Revendications

23 21489-7025
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED RS FOLLOWS:
1. A plant growth inhibiting or suppressing composition,
which contains as active component
a) a growth inhibiting or suppressing effective amount of a
cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivative of formula I
(I)
<IMG>
wherein
A is an OR2 or NR3R4 radical,
B is hydroxy, an -NHOR1 radical or a metal salt or ammonium
salt thereof,
R is C1-C6alkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl, each unsubstituted or
substituted by halogen, C1-C4alkoxy or C1-C4alkythio,
R1 is C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl, C3-C6alkenyl, C3-C6haloalkenyl
or C3-C6alkynyl,
R2, R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen; C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6-
haloalkyl, C2-C10alkoxyalkyl, C2-C10alkylthioalkyl; C3-
C6alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen,
C1-C4alkoxy or C1-C4alkylthio; C3-C6alkynyl; phenyl or aryl-
(C1-C6)-alkyl, the phenyl nucleus being unsubstituted or
substituted by halogen, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, C1-
C4haloalkyl, nitro or cyano, one of R3 and R4 is also methoxy
or

24 21489-7025
R3 and R4, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are
attached, also form a 5- or 6-membered saturated heterocycle
which may contain an oxygen atom or a further nitrogen atom
in the ring,
and
b) a synergistically active amount of a sulfonylurea of formula
II
<IMG> (II)
or a salt thereof, wherein
Z is a radical
<IMG> , <IMG> , <IMG> or <IMG>
L is halogen, nitro, -SO2N(CH3)2, C1-C5alkoxycarbonyl, C1-
C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, C1-C5alkylthio or C1-C5alkylsulfonyl,
Q is halogen, nitro, -SO2N(CH3)2, -CO-R1, -(A)m -R2, phenyl,
phenoxy, C1-C5alkyl, halophenyl, halophenoxy, C1-
C5haloalkoxy, C1-C5haloalkylthio or C1-C5haloalkyl,
n is 0 or 1,
E is N or CH,
X is methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, difluoromethoxy or cyclopropyl
and

24a 21439-7025
Y is chlorine, methyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, methylamino,
dimethylamino or ethoxy, and
R1 is hydroyen, C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, C3-C5alkenyloxy or C3-
C-5alkynyloxy,
A is oxyyen, sulfur, -SO-, -SO2- or -O-SO2-,
m is 0 or 1 and
R2 is C1-C5alkyl, C2-C5alkenyl, C2-C5alkynyl, C1-C5haloalkyl,
C2-C7alkoxyalkyl, C2-C5haloalkenyl or C2-C5haloalkynyl,
together with an inert adjuvant.

- 25 -
2. A composition according to claim 1, which contains a cyclo-
hexanedionecarboxylic acid derivative of formula Ia
<IMG> <IMG> (Ia)
wherein A and R are as defined in claim 1.
3. A composition according to claim 1, which contains a cyclo-
hexanedioncearboxylic acid derivative of formula Ia
<IMG> <IMG> (Ia)
wherein A is the acid radical -OH or an ester radical -OR2 and R2 is
as defined in claim 1 and R is a C3-C6cycloalkyl radical.
4. A composition according to claim 1, which contains a phenyl-
sulfonylurea of formula IIa
(IIa)
<IMG>
wherein
E is N or CH,
X is methyl, methoxy or cyclopropyl,
Q is halogen, -SO2N(CH3)2, or a -CO-R1 or -(A)mR2 radical,
R1 is hydrogen, C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, C3-C5alkenyloxy or C3-C5-
alkynyloxy,
A is oxygen, sulfur, -SO-, -SO2- or -OSO2-,
m is 0 or 1,

26 21489-7025
R2 is C1-C5alkyl, C2-C5alkenyl, C2-C5alkynyl, C1-C5haloalkyl,
C2-C7alkoxyalkyl, C2-C5haloalkenyl or C2-C5haloalkynyl.
5. A composition according to claim 1, which contains a
sulfonylurea of formula IIa
<IMG> (IIa)
wherein E is N and X is methyl, methoxy or the cyclopropyl group,
Q is halogen, dimethylsulfamoyl -SO2N(CH3)2, or a -CO-R1, -(A)mR2,
radical, R1 is hydrogen, C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, C3-C5alkenyloxy
or C3-C5alkynyloxy, m is 0 or 1, R2 is C1-C5alkyl, C2-C5alkenyl,
C2-C5alkynyl, C1-C5haloalkyl, C2-C7alkoxyalkyl, C2-C5haloalkenyl
or C2-C5haloalkynyl.
6. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the
sulfonylurea is of formula IIb
(IIb).
<IMG>
wherein E and X are as defined in claim 1.

26a 21489-7025
7. A composition according to claim 1, which contains as
active components
a) a cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivative of formula Ia
<IMG> <IMG>
(Ia)

- 27 -
wherein A and R are as defined in claim 1 and
b) a sulfonylurea of formula IIa
(IIa)
<IMG>
wherein
E is N or CH,
X is methyl, methoxy or cyclopropyl,
Q is halogen, -SO2N(CH3)2, or a -CO-R1 or -(A)mR2 radical,
R1 is hydrogen, C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, C3-C5alkenyloxy or C3-C5-
alkynyloxy,
A is oxygen, sulfur, -SO-, -SO2- or -OSO2-,
m is 0 or 1,
R2 is C1-C5alkyl, C2-C5alkenyl, C2-C5alkynyl, C1-C5haloalkyl,
C2-C7alkoxyalkyl, C2-C5haloalkenyl or C2-C5haloalkynyl,
together with an inert adjuvant.
8. A composition according to claim 1, which contains as active
components
a) a cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivative of formula Ia
<IMG> <IMG> (Ia)
wherein A is the acid radical -OH or an ester radical -OR2, in which
R2 is as defined in claim 1, and R is a C3-C6cycloalkyl radical and
b) a sulfonylurea of formula IIa
(IIa)
<IMG>

28 21489-702
wherein
E is N,
X is methyl, methoxy or cyclopropyl,
Q is halogen, -SO2N(CH3)2, or a-CO-R1 or -(A)mR2 radical,
R1 is hydrogen, C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, C3-C5alkenyloxy or C3-
C5alkynyloxy,
A is oxygen, sulfur, -SO-, -SO2- or -OSO2-,
m is 0 or 1 and
R2 is C1-C5alkyl C2-C5alkenyl C2-C5alkynyl C1-C5haloalkyl
C2-C7alkoxyalkyl, C2-C5haloalkenyl or C2-C5haloalkynyl,
together with an inert adjuvant.
9. A composition according to claim 1, which contains as
active component
a) a cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivative of formula Ia
<IMG> <IMG> (Ia)
wherein A is the acid radical -OH or an ester radical -OR2, in
which R2 is as defined in claim 1, and R is C3-C6cycloalkyl
radical, and
b) a sulfonylurea of formula IIb
<IMG> (IIb)
wherein E and X are as defined in claim 1,
together with an inert adjuvant.

- 29 -
10. A composition according to claim 1, which contains as active
components
a) one of the cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivatives
ethyl 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5-dione-1-carboxylate,
4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5-dione-1-carboxylic acid,
methyl 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5-dione-1-carboxylate
or
4-(cyclobutylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5-dione-1-carboxylic acid
and b) one of the phenylureas
N-(2-.beta.-chloroethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-N'(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-
triazin-2-yl)urea,
N-[2-(2 methoxyethoxy)phenylsulfonyl]-N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-
triazin-2-yl)urea,
N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4,6-bis-difluoromethoxy-
pyrimidin-2-yl)urea,
N-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylsulfonyl]-N'-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-
triazin-2-yl)urea,
N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-cyclopropyl-6-methyl-
pyrimidin-2-yl)urea,
N-(2,2-dioxo-3-methyl-1,2-benzothioxin-8-ylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-me-
thoxy-6-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)urea,
N-(2-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-tria-
zin-2-yl)urea,
N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-methoxy 6-methyl-1,3,5-
triazin-2-yl)urea,
N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-
2-yl)urea,
N-(2-methoxycarbonylthien-3-ylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-
1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)urea,
N-(2-ethoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-chloro-6-methoxypyri-
midin-2-yl)urea, or

21489-7025
N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-
yl) urea,
together with an inert adjuvant.
11. A composition according to claim 1, which contains as
active components a) ethyl 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-
3,5-dione 1-carboxylate and b) N-(2-.beta. chloroethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-
N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)urea, together with an
inert adjuvant.
12. A composition according to claim 1, which contains as
active components a) ethyl 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-
3,5-dione-1-carboxylate and b) N-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)
phenylsulfonyl]-N'-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)urea,
toyether with an inert adjuvant.
13. A composition according to any one of claim 1 to 12,
which contains the active components I and II in a ratio in the
range from 200:1 to 1:1.
14. A composition according to claim 13 which contains the
active components I and II in a ratio in tha range from 100:1 to
10:1.
15. A method of inhibiting or supressing plant growth, which
method comprises treating plants, parts of plants, or seeds with
an effective amount of a composition according to any one of claim
1 to claim 12 or claim 14.

31 21489-7025
16. A method of inhibiting the growth of grasses, mixed
vegetation and weeds, which method comprises applying to an area
covered in grass or weeds an effective amount of a composition
according to any one of claim 1 to claim 12 or claim 14.
17. A method of suppressing the growth of plants beyond the
2-leaf stage, which method comprises applying to plants a
composition according to any one of claim 1 to claim 12 or claim
14 reemergence.
18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the composition
is applied to crops of sugar cane, cereals, maize, soybeans, rice
and cotton.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the composition
is applied to crops of soybeans.
20. A method according to claim 15, wherein the composition
is applied to crops of fruit.
21. A method according to claim 15, wherein the composition
is applied to leguminous cover crops.
22. A method of inhibiting growth in order to increase
resistance to lodging and shorten the stalks in crops of cereals,
which method comprises applying a composition according to any one
of claim 1 to claim 12 or claim 14 to said cereals or a locus of
said cereals.

32 21489-7025
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the crops of
cereals are oats, wheat, barley, or rye.

Description

~LV~33~53
2148g-7025
Plant crrowth r~u_a~ com~osit.~oll
The present invention relates to a plant growth
inhibiting or suppressiny synergistic mlxture consistlng of t~o
active components, to a composition con~aininy said mixture, and
to the use of this composition for regulating, in particular
inhibiting, plant gro~th.
The composition of the present inven-tion consists of a
mixture of two active components which are known per se. The
first component helongs to that class of herbicidal and plant
growth regula-tincJ ~yclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivatives
clescribed in published European patent application A 126 713. The
second component is a sulfonylurea to which, above all, strongly
; herbicidal proper~.ies have hitherto been attribut~d.
Such sufonylureas, some of which are commercially
avallable, are des~ribed in great number in the literature.
Active components which are employed in accordance with the
present invention are described for example in the following
publications: German Offenlegungsschrif~ 2 715 786 and published
European patent applications 4 163, 7 687, 13 480, 23 141, 23
422, 30 139, 30 142, 35 893, 44 209, 44 211, 44 212, 44 213,
44 807, 44 808, ~4 ~09, 48 1~3, 51 466, 57 546, 70 ~02, 72 347,
73 562, 79 683, 82 108, 83 975, 84 020, 84 224, 85 028, 85 476,
87 780, 95 925, 96 002, 96 593, 99 339, 102 925, 107 979, 117 014,
108 708 and 120 814.
Surprisingly, the plant growth regulating or inhibiting
activity of the cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivatlve can be
changed and improved by the addition of the sulfonylurea.
:; ~
. -- .
t~
: ' :

~33~;5i3
2 21489-7025
The plant grow~h inhibitiny or supressing composition of the
present inventlon contains as active components
a) a growth inhibltlng or suppressing effective amount of a
cyclohexanedionecarboxlic acid derivative of formula I
Q ~ R
A & ~-f ~ (I)
whereln
A is an OR~ or NR3R4 radical,
B is hydroxy, an -NHORl radical or a metal salt or ammonium
salt thereof,
R is Cl-C6alkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl, each unsubstituted or
substituted by halogen, Cl-C4alkoxy or Cl-C4alkythio,
Rl is Cl-C6alkyl, Cl-C6haloalkyl, C3-C6alkenyl, C3-C6haloalkenyl
or C3-C6alkynYl,
R2, R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen; Cl-C6alkyl, Cl-C6-
haloalkyl, C2-Cl0alkoxyalkyl~ C2-C10alkylthioalkyl; C3-
C6alkenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen,
Cl-C~alkoxy or Cl-C4alkylthio; C3-C6alkynyl; phenyl or aryl-
(Cl-C6~-alkyl, the phenyl nucleus being unsubstituted or
substitutad by halogen, Cl-C~alkyl, Cl-C4alkoxy, Cl-
C4haloalkyl, nitro or cyano, one of R3 and R4 is also methoxy
or
R3 and R4, together with ~he nitrogen atom to which they are
attached, also form a 5- or 6-membered saturated heterocycle
, J
.
.. .

~J~3~i3
2a 21489-7025
which may contaln an oxygen atom or a further nitrogen atom
in the ring,
and
b) a synergistically active amount of a sulfonylurea of formula
Z-S02-NH C0-NH-~
N~
'';' '' ' :

~2~33~53
-- 3 --
or a salt thereof~ wherein
Z i9 a radical
~ (CH2)n- , t il , ~ ~ or ~ 2\, CH
Q ~ L S \. ~ \ , /
1l
~,/
L is halogen, nltro, -S02N(CH3)~, Cl~Csalkoxycarbonyl, Cl-Csalkyl,
Cl-C5alkoxy, Cl-Csalkylthio os l-Csall~ylsulfonyl,
Q is halog~n, nitro9 -SOzN(CH3)2, -C0-Rl, -(A) -R2~ phenyl,
phenoxy, Cl-Csalkyl, halophenyl, halophenoxy, C~-Cshaloalko~y,
Cl-Cshaloalkylthio or Cl-Cshaloalkyl,
n is 0 or l,
E ig N or CH,
X i~ methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, dlfluoromethoxy or cyclapropyl and
Y is chlorine, methyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, methylamino,
dlmethylamino or ethoxy~ and
Rl i~ hydrogen, Cl-Csalkyl, C1-Csalkoxy~ C3-Csalkenyloxy or
C~-Csalkynyloxy,
A i~ oxygen, ~ulur, -S0-, -S02- or -0-S02-,
m is 0 or 1 and
R2 i9 Cl-C5alkyl, C2-C511kenyl, C2-C5alkynyl, Cl-Cshaloalkyl,
C2-C7alkoxyalkyl, C2-Cshaloalkenyl or C2-Cshaloalkynyl,
together with inert ad~uYants.
The vegetative growth of grasses, mixed vegetation and weeds can be
inhibited with the compositlons of thls invention Whereas the total
destruction of plants pro~otes erosion of the soil by wind and
rainfall, the application of the compositions of thi~ invention
results in a ~ubstantial reduction of growth, thereby ensuring the
formati.on or maintcnance of a unifor~, low plant cover and so
preventing soil erosion. Falling within this field of application
is, in psrticular, the reduction of grass growth for the maintenance
of gras~ areas such as in parks and orchards, on airfields and
.. . .
:

~283~Si3
~ 4 --
industrial ~ites, beside roads, on railway embankments or on the
sloping banks of river~ and lakes. In all of the~e cases it is
normally necessary to cut the gra~s periodically. This not only
require~ a great deal of labour and machinery, but on road~ al~o
involves a considerable amount of danger both to the workers con-
cerned and to road u~ers.
Therefore, ln particular in the above-mentioned areas, there is a
great need on the one hand to pr~serve and tend the sward necessary
for the maintenance and solidiEicatlon of the soil and an the other
hand to keep the growth of the plants at an average level by simple
measures during the entire vegetation period.
Surprlsingly, it has been found that the compositions of this
invention are particularly suitable for inhibiting the growth of
grasse~ and al~o o~ weed~. Even under variable environmental condi-
tions, the compositions exhibit their activity extremely quickly and
also remain effective over a long period of time. Thus the composi-
tions are superior to the individual components. Further advantages
of the compositions reside in the fact that they are used at lower
rates of application, which ha~ a favourable influence on the
phytotoxicity, and that they have a better total action and a
broader activity spectrum. The compositions are effective again~t
both dicots and monocot3.
In the compositionfl of thi~ invention, the ratio of cyclohexane-
dionecarboxylic acid derivative (active component of formula I) to
sulfonylurea (active component of formula II) is generally in the
range from 200:1 to 1:1, preferably from 100:1 to 10:1.
As a rule, rates of application corresponding to the following are
employed:
0.1 to 5 g of active sub~tance per hectare, preferably 0.1 to 2 kg,
i.e. 100 g to 4 kg/ha of the active component of formula I and 1 to
500 g/ha of the active component of formuls II.
'
,.. -

~835~;3
Preferred cyclohexanedionecarboxyllc acid derivatives of formula I
are those which correspond to the formula Ia
,Q ~-R R ~ R
A~ A~ (Ia)
wherein A and R are as defined for formula I, in particular those
wherein A is the acid radical -OH or an ester radical -OR2 and R is
a C3-C6cycloalkyl radical and, above all, the compounds
1.1 ethyl 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5-dione-1 carbo~y-
late,
1.2 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5-dione-1-carboxylic acid,
1.3 methyl 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5-dione-1-carboxy-
late,
1.4 4-(cyclobutylcarbonyl)-cyclohexane-3,5~dione-1-carboxylic acid.
The preparation of these cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivatives
does not con8 titute an obJect oE the present invention. Their
preparation and the u3e thereof a3 herbicides and plant growth
regulators are described in published European patent applica-
tion 126 713.
Preferred sulfonylureas of formula II are phenylsulfonylureas which
correspond to the formula IIa
/x
~.\ /SOz-NH-CO-NH~ (Ila)
~ CH3
wherein
E is N or CH,
X i~ methyl, methoxy or cyclopropyl,
Q is halogen or an -SO2N(CH3)2, -CO-R1 or -(A~mR2 radical,
,
.
~ . ' .

3~2~3~s3
Rl ls hydrogen, C1-Csalkyl, C1-Csalkoxy, C3-Csalkenyloxy or C3-Cs-
alkynyloxy,
A is oxygen, sulfur, SO-, -SO2- or -OSO2-,
m is O or 1,
R2 is Cl-Csalkyl, C 2 -C 5 alkenyl, C 2 -C 5 alkynyl, C1-C5haloalkyl,
C2-C7alkoxyalkyl, C2-Cshaloalkenyl or Cz-Cshaloalkynyl,
ln particular those wherein E is N and ~ i9 a9 defined above, or the
compounds o formula IIb
i~ D ~= ~ (IIb)
~,~ 2
~H3
wherein X i~ as defined above.
Particularly ~uitable sulfonylureas are:
2.1 N-(2-~chloroethoxyphenylsul~onyl)-N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-
1,3,5 triazin-2-yl)urea,
2.2 N-(2-methoxyethoxyphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-
triazin-2-yl)urea,
2.3 N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenyl~ulfonyl)-N'-(4,6-bis-difluorometh-
oxypyrimidin-2-yl)urea,
2.4 N-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)phenylsulfonyl~-N'-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-
triazin-2-yl)urea,
2.5 N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-cyclopropyl-6-methyl-
pyrimidin 2-yl)urea9
2.6 N-(2,2-dloxo-3-methyl-1,2-benzothioxin-2-ylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-me-
thoxy-6-~ethylpyrimidin-2-yl~urea,
2.7 N-(2-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N'-~4-~ethoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-tria-
zin-2-yl)urea,
2.8 N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-
1,3,5~triAzin-2-yl)urea,
' ' ' ' ' ' , ~
'' , :

~2~33~53
-- 7 --
2.9 N-(2-~ethoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-
2-yl)urea,
2.l0 N-(2-methoxycarbonylthien-3-yl 9 U lfonyl)-N'-(4-methoxy-6-
methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)urea,
2.11 N~(2-ethoxycarbonylphenyl sul fonyl)-N'-(4-chloro-6-methoxypyri-
midin-2-yl)urea, and
2.l2 N-(2-methoxycarbonylphenylsulfonyl)-N'-~4,6-dimethoxypyri-
midin-2-yl)urea.
An advantageous plant growth regulating composition of this inven-
tion is one which contains as active components
a) a cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derlvative of the above
formula Ia and
b) a phenylsulfonylurea of formula IIa,
together with inert adjuvants.
Particularly effectlve compositions of this invention are those
which contain, together with inert adJuvants, a cyclohexanedione-
carboxylic acid derivative of formula Ia, wherein A is the acid
radical -OH or an ester radical -OR2 and R is a C3-Cccycloalkyl
radical, and a phenylsulfonylurea of the formula IIa, wherein E is
nitrogen and Q i9 as defined above, or a phenylsulfonylurea of
formula IIb~ wherein E and X are as defined above.
In practice, mixtures of one of the above specifically named
cyclohexanedionecarboxylic acid derivatives and one of the above
specifically named phenylsulfonylureas show very good activity, in
particular the combination ethyl 4-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)-cyclo-
hexane-3,5-dione-1-carboxylate and N-(2-~-chloroethoxyphenyl-
sulfonyl)-N'-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl3urea (combi-
nation of compound l.l ~ith compound 2.1).
Surprisingly, it has now been found that compositions containing
these active components are characterised in particular by their
selec~ive in~luen~e on plant metabolism. This selective influence on
the phy~iological processes of plant development makes it possible
.

~83SS3
to u~e the compositions of this invention for different purposes,
especlally for those in connection with increasing the yield of
u~eful plants, with facilitatlng harvesting, and with labour-saving
in measures taken in crops of cultlvated plants.
Prevlous experience with plant growth regula-tor3 has shown that they
are able to induce one or more dlf~erent responses in the plants.
These different responses depend substantially on the -time of
application, based on the state of development of the seed or plant,
as well as on the concentrations of active substance applied to the
plants or to the locus thereof and on the nature of application.
Growth regulators should at all events induce positive responses in
the cultivated plants in the desired manner.
Plant growth regulators may be used e.g. for inhibiting vegetative
plant growth. Such a growth inhibition is of economic interest,
inter alia, in respect of gra~ses, as the frequency of cutting in
flower gardens, parks, sports fields or road 3houlders can thereby
be reduced. Of importance too i8 the inhibition of growth of
herbaceous and ligneous plants on road shoulder~ and near trans-
mission lines, or generally in areas in which strong growth is
undesirable.
The u~e of growth regulators for inhibiting the growth ln height of
cereals is alao important, as shortening the stalks dimini~hes or
completely eliminates the danger of lodging before harve3ting. In
addition, growth regulators are able to bring about a strengthening
of the stalks in crops of cereals, thereby also counteracting
lodging.
Inhibition of the vegetative growth of many cultivated plants
per~its more plant~ to be sown in a crop area, so that a higher
yield may be obtained per unit of area. A further mechanism of yield
increase using growth regulators re~ide~ in the fact that nutrients
are able lncreasingly to promote flower formation and fruiting,
wherea3 vegetative growth i3 lnhibited.
.
.:. ' . , .
:

~283~i3
Growth regulators are also frequently able to promote vegetative
growth. This i9 very beneficial when the vegetative parts of plants
are to be harvested. However, promotion of ~egetative growth can
also result simultaneously in promotion of generative growth, so
tha~ e.g. more or larger fruit is formed~
Yield increases may also often be obtained by influencing the plant
metabolism without any visible cbanges in vege~ative growth. Growth
regulators can also induce a change in the composition of plants, so
that the quality of the harvest produce i9 lmproved. For example, it
i8 possible to increase the sugar content of sugar beet, sugar cane,
pineapples and citrus fruit, or to increase the protein content of
soybeans or cereals.
The use of growth regulators can lead to the formation of partheno-
carpic fruit. The sex of blossoms can also be influenced. The
production or flow oE secondsry plant substances can also be
positively influenced by growth regulators, for example the stimu-
lation o~ the flow of latex in rubber tr0es.
During plant growth, the development of side-shoots can also be
promoted by the chemical interruption of apical do~inance using
growth regulators. This i8 of interest e.g. in the propagation of
plant cuttings. However, it is also possible to inhibit the growth
of side-shoots, e.g. in tobacco plants aEter decapitatlon in order
to prevent the formation of side-shoots, and thus to promote leaf
growth.
Influenced by growth regulators, the foliage of plant~ can be
regulated in such a way that defoliation of the plants is achieved
at a desired time. Such defoliation is useful for facilitating
~echanical har~esting e.g. in vines or cotton, or for diminiæhing
tranæpirat~on at a time when it iæ i8 desir~d to transplant the
plants.
.

~2~335~
-- 10 --
Premature fruit drop can be prevented by the use of growth regula-
tors. However, it is also possible to promote fruit drop - e.g. ln
fruit crops - by means of chemlcal thlnning up to a specific degree.
Growth regulators can also be used for reducing the force necessary
for detaching fruit at harvesting, ~o making po~slble mechanical
harvesting of plants or facilitating manual harvesting.
With growth regulators it i8 also possible to speed up or delay the
ripening of harvest products before or after harvesting. This is
particularly advantageous, because a best possible accommodation to
~arket requirements can thereby be achieved. In addition, growth
regulators can often improve the colour of fr~it. With the aid of
growth regulators it is also possible to concentrate ripening at a
particular time. The conditions are thus created for a complete
mechanical harvesting of e.g. tobacco, tomatoes or coffee, or for
manual harvesting, in only one single operation.
The application of growth regulators can also make it possible to
influence the dormancy of seeds and buds of plants, i.e. the
endogenic annual rhythm, so that plants, e.g. pineapples, or
ornamentals in nurseries, germinate, sprout or blossom at a time
when they would normally not tend to do so.
With growth regulators it ls also possible to delay budding or the
germination of seeds, e.g. in order to avoid damage by late frosts
in areas endangered thereby. Conversely, root growth and/or the
formation of shoots can be stimulated, so that growth may be
restricted to a shorter period.
Growth regulators can also impart halophilic properties to cultl-
vated plants. The condit~ons are thus created for cultivating plants
in salty soil. Growth regulators can al~o induce re~igtance to frost
and drought ln plants.
,
: ,
. -.

~2~3~i3
Under the influence of growth regulators, the ageing (senescence) of
plants or parts of plants can be inhiblted or delayed. Such an
action can be of great economic importance, as the storability of
treated parts of plants or whole plants such as fruit, berries,
vegetables, salads or ornamentals can be improved or prolonged after
harve3tingO Likewise, a substantial yield increase can be obtained
by treating cultivated plants by prolonging the phase of photo~ynthe-
tlc activity.
A further important fleld of use for growth regulators is the
inhibition of excessive growth of tropical cover crops. In ~ropical
and subtropical monocultures, e.g. in palm tree plantations, cctton
and maize fields etc., cover crops, especially species of legumino-
sae, are often planted together with the actual cultivated plants
with the ob~ect of maintaining or improving the quality of the soil
(prevention of desiccation, supplying nitrogen) and for preventing
erosion. By applying the campounds of this invention it 1s possible
to control the growth of thèse cover crops and so to keep the growth
in height of these plsnts at a low level, thus ensuring healthy
growth of the cultivated plants and the maintenance of favourable
soil conditions.
Within the scope of the present invention, cultivated orops shall be
understood as me~ning all plants which produce in some form or other
harvestable goods such a9 seeds, roots, stems, tubers, leaves and
blossoms, and also metabolite~ such as oils~ sugar, starch, protein
etc. and which are cultivated for this purpose. Such plants comprise
e.g. all species Df cereals such a3 wheat, ~ye, bsrley and oats, as
well as, in particular, rice, cultivated sorghum, maize, cotton,
sugar beet, sugar cane, soybeans, beans and peas.
The mixtures ~f artive components of thi3 invention are used ln
unmodified form or, preferably, together with the adjuvants c~nven-
tionally employed in the art of formulation, and are therefore
formulated in known manner to emulsiflable concentrates, directly
sprayable or dilutable solutions, dilute emulsions~ wettable

12 ' ~33~i~3
powders, soluble powders, dusts, granulates, and also encapsulations
in e.g. polymer substances. Ag with the nature of the compositions,
the methods of application, such as spraying, atomising, dusting,
scattering or pouring, are chosen in accordance with the intended
objectives and the prevailing circumstances.
The formulations, i.e. the compositions, preparations or mixtures
containing the active components of formulae I and II and, where
appropriate, a solid or liquid adjuvant, are prepared in known
manner, e.g. by intimately mixing and/or grinding the active
components with extenders, e.g. with solvents, sol~d carriers, and
optionally surface-active compounds (surfactants3.
Sui~able solvents are: aromatic hydrocarbons, preferably the
fractions containing 8 to 12 carbon atoms, e.g. xylene mixtures or
substituted naphthalenes, phthalates such as dlbutyl phthalate or
dioctyl phthalate, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or
paraffin~, alcohols and glycols and their ethers and esters, such as
ethanol, ethylene g~ycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl
ether, ketone~ such as cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such
a~ N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dlmethyl sulfoxide or dimethylformamide,
as well as vegetabl0 oil5 or epoxidised vegetable oils such as
epoxidised coconut oil or soybean oil; o~ water.
The solid carriers used e.g. for dusts and dispersible powders are
normally natural mineral fillers such as calcite, tslcum, kaolin,
montmorillonite or attapulgite. In order to improve the physical
properties it i~ also possible to add highly disperced silicic acid
or highly dispersed absorbent polymers. Suitable granulated adsorp-
tive carriers are porous types, for example pumice, broken brick,
sepiolite or bentonite; and suitable nonsorbent carriers are
materials such as calcite or sand. In addition, a great number of
pregranulated materials of inorganic or organic nature can be used,
e.g. especially dolomite or pulverised plant re~idues.
'; ' -' ' '
,

- 13 - ~83~S3
Depending on the nature of the mixture of actlve components to be
formulated, suitable gurface-active compounds are non-ionic,
cationic and/or anionic surfactants having good emulsifying,
dlsperslng and wetting properties. The term "surfactants" wlll also
be understood as comprislng mixtures of surfactants.
Suitable anionic surfactants can be both water-~oluble soaps and
water-soluble 3ynthetic surface-active compounds.
Su$table soaps are e.g. the alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal
salts or unsubstltuted or substituted ammonium salts of higher fatty
acid~ (C10-C22), e.g. the sodium or potassium salts of oleic or
stearic acid, or of natural fatty acid mixtures which can be
obtained e.g. from coconut oil or tallow oil. Mention may also be
made of fatty acld methyltaurin salts.
More frequently, however, so-called synthetic surfactants are used,
especially fatty sulfonates, fatty sulfates, sulfonated ben~imid-
azole derivative~ or alkylarylsulfonates.
The fatty sulfonates or sulfates are usually in the form of alkali
metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts or unsubstituted or substi-
tuted ammonium salts and contain a CB-C22alkyl radical whlch al90
includes the alkyl moiety of acyl radlcals, e.g. the sodium or
calcium salt of lignosulfonic acid, of dodecylsulfate or of a
mixture of fatty alcohol sulfates obtained from natural fatty acids.
These compounds also comprise the salts of sulfuric acid esters and
sulEonic acids of fatty alcohol/ethylene oxide adducts. The sulfona-
ted benzl~idazole derivatives preferably contain 2 sulfonic acld
groups and one fatty acld radical containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms.
Examples of alkylarylsulfonates are the sodium, calcium or tri-
ethanoIamine salts of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, dibutylnaph-
thalenesulfonic acid, or of a naphthalenesulfonic acid/formaldehyde
condensatlon product. Also suitable are corresponding phosphates,
e.g. salts of ~he phosphoric acid ester of an adduct of p-nonyl-
phenol with 4 to 14 moles of ethylene oxide, or phospholipids.
: Y
'
~ - '.

33~
- 14 -
Non-ionic surfactants are preferably polyglycol ether derivatives of
aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alcohols, or saturated or unsaturated
fatty acids and alkylphenols, said derivatlves containing 3 to 30
glycol ether groups and 8 to 20 carbon atom~ in the (aliphatic)
hydrocarbon moiety and 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety of
the alkylphenols.
Further suitable non-ionic surEacta~ts are ~he water-soluble adduct~
of polyethylene oxide wi~h polypropylene glycol, ethylenediamlno-
propylene glycol and allcylpolypropylene glycol containing 1 to 10
carbDn atoms in the alkyl chainl whlch adducts contain 20 to 250
ethylene glycol ether groups and 10 to 100 propylene glycol ether
groups. These ~ompounds usually contain 1 to S ethylene glycol units
per propylene glycol unit.
Representative examples of non-ionic surfactants are nonylphenol-
polye~hoxyethanols, castor oil polyglycol ethers, polypropylene/-
polyethylene oxide adducts, trihutylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol,
polyethylene glycol and octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. Fatty acid
esters of polynxyethylene sorbitan, e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitan
trioleate, are also suitable non-ionic surfactant~.
Catlonic ~urPactant~ are preferably quaternary ammoniuM salts which
contain, as N-~ubstituent, at lea~t one Ca-C22alkyl radical and, as
further sub~tituents, unsubstituted or halogenated lower allcyl,
benæyl or hydroxy-lower alkyl radicals. The salt~ are preferably in
the form of halides, methylsulfates or ethylsulfates, e.g. stearyl-
trimethylammonium chloride or benzyldi(2-chloroethyl)ethylammonium
bromide.
The surfactants customarily employed in the art of formulation are
described e.g. in the following publications-
.
': , -

- 15 ~2~S3
"McCutcheon' 8 Detergents and Emulsiflers Annual", MC Publishing
Corp., Ridgewood, ~ew Jersey, 1979; Sisley and Wood, "Encyclopedia
of Surface Actlve Agents", Chemical Publishing Co. Inc., New York,
1980-81; Dr. Helmut S~ache, "Tensid Taschenbuch" (Handbook of
Surfactants), 2nd editlon, Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich/Vienna 1981.
The formulations oE this invention usually contain 0.1 to 95 %, pre-
ferably 0.1 to 80 %, of a mixture of active components,
1 to 99.9 %, of a solid or liquid adjuvant, and/or 0 to 25 %,
preferably 0~1 to 25 %, of a surfactant.
Preferred formulations are composed in particular of the following
con~tituents (% ~ percentage by weight):
Emulsifiable concentrates
mixture oE active components: 1 to 20 %, preferably 5 to 10 %
surfactant:5 to 30 %, preferably 10 to 20 %
liquid carrier:50 to 94 %, preferably 70 to 85 %
Dusts
mixturè of ac~ive components: 0.1 to 10 %, preferably 0.1 to 1 %
solid carrier:99.9 to 90 %, preferably 99.9 to 90 %
Suspension concentrates
__
mixture of active components: 5 to 75 %, preferably 10 to 50 %
watar: 94 to 25 %, preferably 90 to 30 %
surfactant:1 to 40 %, preferably 2 to 30 %
Wettable powders
mixture of active components: 0.5 to 90 YO~ preferably 1 to 80 %
surfactant:0.5 to 20 %, preferably 10 to 20 %
solid carrier:5 to 95 %, preferably lS to 90 %
Granulates
mixture of active components: 0.5 to 30 %, preferably 3 to 15 %
solid carrier:99.5 to 70 %, preferably 99 to 85 %.
.'` .
.

16 ~Z~33~;~;3
Whereas commercial products will be preferably formulated as
concentrates, the end user will normally employ dilute formulations.
The formulations can be diluted to a concentration as low as 0.001 %
of act;ve substance. The rates of application are usually 0.01 to
10 kg a.s./ha, preferably 0.025 to 5 kg a.s./ha.
The compositlons may also contain further ingredients such a~
stabilisers, sntifoams~ viscosity regulators, binders, tackifiers,
as well as fertilisers and other compounds for obtaining special
effects.
xample 1:
Formulation examples for the composition of this invention
~throughout, percentages are by weight)
a~ Wettable powder~ a) b) c)
mixture consisting of 1000 parts of
compound 1.1 and 10 parts of com
pound 2.1 or 50 parts of compound 2.4 20 % 60 % 0.5 %
sodium lignoaulfonate 5 % 5 % 5 %
sodium lauryl sulfate 3 % - -
sodium diisobutylnaphthalenesulfona~e - 6 % 5 %
octylphenol polyethylerle glycol ether
(7-8 moles of ethylene oxide) - 2 % 2 %
highly dispersed 9ilicic acid 5 % 27 % 27 %
kaolin 67 %
sodium chloride - - 60.5 %
The mixture of active components is thoroughly mixed wlth the
ad~uvants, and the mixture thus obtained is thoroughly ground in a
suitable mill, affording wettable powders which can be diluted with
water to give suspensions of the desired concentration.
;~: ' ~ ' . ' '

17 ~2~33~;~;3
b) Emul&ifiable concentrates a) b)
mixture consisting of 1000 parts of
compound 1.1 and 10 parts of com-
pound 2.1 or 50 parts of compound 2.4 10 % 1 %
octylphenol polyethlene glycol ether
(4-5 moles of ethylene oxide) 3 % 3 %
calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate 3 % 3 %
castor oil polyglycol ether
(36 moles of ethylene oxide) 4 % 4 %
cyclohexanone 30 % 10 %
xylene mlxture 50 % 79 %
. .
Emulsions of any required concentration can be obtained from this
concentrate by dilution with water.
c) Dus~s a) b)
mixture consisting of 1000 parts
of compound 1.1 and 10 parts of
compound 2.1 or 50 parts of
compound 2.4 0.1 % 1 %
talcum 99.9 %
kaolin ~ 99 %
~eady-for-use du3ts are obtained by mixing the mixture of active
components with the carrier, and grinding the mixture thus obtained
in a suitsble mill.
d) Extruder ~ranulates a) b)
mixture consisting of 1000 parts
of compound 1.1 and 10 parts of
compound 2.1 or 50 parts of com-
pound 2.4 10 % 1 %
~odium lignosulfonate 2 % 2 %
carboxymethylcellulose 1 % 1 %
kaolin 87 % 96 %
.
, ~ . .

~83~3
- 18 -
The mixture of active components is mixed and ground with the
acl~uvants, and the mixture thus obta~ned is subsequently moistened
with water. This mixture i9 extruded and then dried in a ~tream of
air.
e) Coated granulate
mixture conslsting of 1000 parts
of compound 1.1 and 10 parts of
compound 2.1 or 50 parts of com-
pound 2.4 3 %
polyethylene glycol 200 3 %
kaolin 94 %
The finely ground mixture oE active component3 i5 uniformly applied,
in a mixer, to the kaolin moistened with polyethlene glycol.
Non-dusty coated granulates are obtained in this manner.
f) Suspension concentrates a) b)
mixture consisting of 1000 parts of
compound 1.1 and 10 parts o~ com-
pound 2.1 or 50 parts of compound 2.4 40 % 5 %
ethylene glycol 10 % 10 %
nonylphenol polyethylene glycol
(15 moles of ethylene oxide~ 6 % 1 %
sodium lignosulonate 10 % 5 %
carboxymethylcellulose 1 % 1 %
37 % aqueous formaldehyde solution 0.2 % 0.2 %
silicone oil in the form of a 75 %
aqueous emulsion 0.8 % 0.8 %
water 32 % 77 %
The finely ground mixture of active components is intimately mixed
with the ad~uvants, giving a suspension concentrate from which
suspensions of any desired concentration can be obtained by dilution
with water.
~, ' '' , , '
, ~ .
,~ . - , - .

~ 2 ~ 3 ~35 3
Biological Examples.
le l: Growth inhibition test in a ~reenhouse
In a greenhouse, the plants Avena sative, Lolium perenne, Solsnum
lycopersicum, Sinapis alba, Stellaria media and Phaseolus vulgaris
are sown in plastic pots (dlameter: 12 cm) which have been filled
with sieved sterllised country soil. The plants are kept under the
conditions of light, temperature, humidity and watering essential
for good growth. 11 to 14 days after sowing, the young plant~ are
then sprayed with the test substance. Application i~ made at a
concentration corresponding to 500 l of water and 4 kg of the
mixture of active components per hectare. The plants are kept ln the
greenhouse and observed. The test i8 evaluated 14 days after
treatment and the plants are examin0d for growth in comparison with
untreated plants (~ lOO % growth), verdancy, chlorosis, necrosis and
tillering.
The test mixtures exhibit marked growth inhibiting action.
~xample 2: Growth inhibition of cereals
Summer barley (Hordeum vulgare) and summer wheat (Triticum~ are sown
in sterilised soil in plastic pots in a greenhouse and watered as
required. The cereal shoots are sprayed about 21 days after sowing
with an aqueous spray formulation of the mixture of active compo-
nents. The concentration corresponds to up to 3 kg of active
substance per hectare. Evaluation of the growth of the cereals is
made 28 days after application. A comparison with untreated con~rols
shows that the growth of cereal plants treated with the mixture of
active components of ~bis invention i~ significantly reduced. The
growth rate is reduced to less than lO %.
Example 3: Growth inhibition of grasses and clover
Seeds of the gra~ses Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis, Festuca ovina9
Dactylis glomerata, Festuea rubra, Agropyron repens, B~omus lnermis,
Cynosurus cristatus, and two species of clover are sown in plastic
di~hes filled with an earth/peat/sand mixture (6:3:1)3 in a green-

~2a~35~3
- 20 -
house, and wa~ered a~ required. The emergent grasses are cut back
weekly to a height of about 4 cm, and about 40 daya after sowlng and
1 day after the last cut are sprayed with an aqueou~ spray mixture
of the compo~ent of formula I, of the component of formula II, and
of a mixture of both compon~ntg. The concentration corresponds to
1000 g of the component of ~ormula I, 10 g or 50 g of the component
of formula II, and 1000 + 10 g or 1000 + 50 g of the mixture per
hectare. The growth of the grasses is evaluated 14 to 49 days after
application. The tes~ shows tha~ the components and combinatlons of
the invention effect a marked growth inhibition. Particularly ~arked
inhibition is effected by the mixtures. The inhibiting ac~ion of
compounds 1.1 and 2.1 individually and in admixture is compared
below.
A synergistic effect has been achieved if the growth inhibiting
action of the combination of active componen~s I + II is greater
than the sum of the action of the individually applied components.
The expected plant growth E for u glven combination of two herbi-
cides can be calculated as follows (q.v. COLBY, S.R., "Calculating
~ynergistlc and antagoni3tic respon~e of herbicide combinations",
Weed~ 15, pp. 20-22, 1967):
E X ~ loo
in which formula
X ~ the percentage growth inhibition, compared with untreated
controls, after treatment with a product I at a ratc of applica-
tion of p kg per hectare
y 8 the percentage growth inhibi~ion, compared with untreated
conrols, after treatment with a product II at a rate of
application of q kg per hectare
.:,

~283~i~3
21 -
E ~ the percentage growth inhibition, compared with untreated
control~, expected aftsr treatmant wlth the mlxture I ~ II at a
rate of application of p + q kg of active substance per hectare.
If the actually observed ~alue is higher than the expected value E,
then there is synerglsm.
The synergi~tic effect of the combinati~n of compoDents I a~d II is
demon~trated in the following Tables.
The growth i~hibiting action ln comparison with untreated plants
(0 %) lg as follow~:
Evaluation, Compound Compound Mixture Expected value
number of 1.1 (X) 2.1 (Y) 1.1+2.1 (E) computed in
days after rate of rata of rate of accordance with
applicat~on application application application the Colby
1000 glha 10 g/ha 1000~10 glha formula
14 58 % 42 % 81 % 76 %
21 56 % 31 % 81 % 70 %
29 29 % 32 % 76 % 52 %
20 % 24 % 56 % 39 %
42 12 % 16 % 40 % 26 ~0
49 0 % 13 % 27 % 13 %
Evaluation, Compound Compound Mixture Expected value
number of 1.1 (X)2.4 tY) 1.1+2.4 (E~ computed in
day~ after rate ofrate of rate of accordance ~ith
application application application application the Colby
1000 g/ha 50 g/ha 1000~50 g/ha form~la
.
14 59 % 37 % 73 % 74 %
21 ~9 % 28 % 78 % 71 %
2~ 24 % 0 % 53 % 24 %
,
. .
' ~ ,
i
'

Example 4: Growth inhibition of tropical cover crops
Test plants of the varieties Psophocarpus palustris, Centrosema
plumieri and Centro~ema pubescens are reared from cuttings in
plastic pots filled with an earth/turf mixture (1:3) and watered as
required. After they have grown roots, the plants are transplanted
into 11 cm pots. For further growth the plants are then kept in a
greenhouse at a day temperature of 27C and a night temperature of
21C. The average light exposure i9 14 hours (6000 lux) and the
humidity is 70 %. The plants are cut back to a height of about 15 cm
and sprayed 7 days later with a spray formulation of the mixture of
active components of this invention (corresponding to a concentra-
tion of 0.3 and 3 kg a.s./ha respectively~. Four weeks after
application the growth of the treated plants is compared wi~h that
of untreated control plants which have been cut back. The test shows
that mixtures of compounds 1.1 to 1.4 and 2.1 to 2.12 effect a
marked inhibition of the growth of cover crops.