Method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil

Abstract

A method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil extracts. Oregano oil extract is applied to moss or a locus where moss exists to substantially kill the moss. An aqueous solution of oregano oil can be sprayed onto the moss or the locus and hydrocolloids can be added to the solution to improve the efficacy of the oregano oil.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to the field of moss elimination methods and formulations, specifically the use of formulations of oregano oil extract.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Oregano oil extract, composed of carvacrol and thymol (add chemical formula below), is well known for its ability to suppress mold, fungus, and bacteria. Thymol has also been shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,706 to be effective as a herbicide for controlling weeds and grass. Published U.S. Application No. 2004 / 0192551 discloses a herbicidal mixture of clove oil, thymol, and carvacrol.[0005]Oregano oil extract has not previously been shown as effective against moss. Moss includes any species of moss of the class Bryopsida such as for example, Bryum argenteum, any species of the division Bryophyta, any species of liverworts of class Marchantiopsida, and any species of hornworts of class Anthocerotopsida, and any other species commonly known as mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention provides a method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil extracts. Oregano oil extract is applied to moss or a locus where moss exists to substantially kill the moss. A composition of about 0.5 weight percent oregano oil or greater is effective to substantially kill moss in only one application. The preferred method is to spray the oregano oil onto the moss or the locus, and the preferred formulation is a sprayable aqueous solution of oregano oil. To improve the efficacy of oregano oil, the preferred formulation includes one or more hydrocolloids.

Problems solved by technology

Oregano oil extract has not previously been shown as effective against moss.

Moss growth is too dense for plants such as grasses to compete.

After moss becomes established, cultural practice alone are unlikely to reestablish turf.

In addition to being expensive, these heavy metal compounds can cause surface staining and harm to living environments.

These other compounds and herbicide have not been effective in entirely eliminating moss and require multiple applications.