USE OF AN ACARICIDAL POWDER FORMULATION AND A FUMIGANT INSECTICIDE TABLET PRODUCED FROM CELLULOSE AND PYROLYSIS LIQUID OF THE LICURI FRUIT
A formulation using pyrolysis liquid from licuri fruit and cellulose addresses the limitations of synthetic pesticides by effectively controlling cattle ticks and stored grain pests, promoting sustainable and stable pest management.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL FLUMINENSE
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Current methods for controlling cattle ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) and stored grain pests (Sitophilus zeamais) rely on synthetic pesticides that are environmentally harmful, lead to resistance development, and pose health risks, while existing pyrolysis bio-oil studies have focused mainly on insecticidal properties with limited exploration of acaricidal activities.
A formulation using pyrolysis liquid from the licuri fruit combined with cellulose to create an acaricidal powder for cattle ticks and a fumigant insecticidal tablet for stored grain pests, providing effective and sustainable control.
The formulation effectively controls cattle tick larvae and stored grain pests, is biodegradable, reduces environmental impact, and avoids resistance development, offering a safer and more stable alternative to synthetic pesticides.
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Description
1 / 24 USE OF AN ACARICIDAL POWDER FORMULATION AND A FUMIGANT INSECTICIDE TABLET PRODUCED FROM CELLULOSE AND PYROLYSIS LIQUID OF THE LICURI FRUIT FIELD OF APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of biotechnology and discloses the use of an acaricidal powder formulation and a fumigant insecticidal tablet produced from cellulose and pyrolysis liquid from the licuri fruit. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The word pyrolysis has its roots in Greek, where pyr means fire and lysis means detachment. This process refers to the thermal decomposition of organic materials in the absence of oxygen or in an environment with an oxygen concentration that prevents the complete combustion of the material. Pyrolysis is a process that involves the thermal decomposition of any organic material without the presence of oxygen. The final products obtained in this process are: charcoal, pyrolytic liquid, and combustible gases (CZERNIK, S., BRIDGWATER, 2004). The pyrolysis liquid can be presented as an emulsion of bio-oil and an aqueous phase. Bio-oil consists of an organic phase and, in particular, presents a complex chemical profile, containing phenolic compounds, organic acids, aldehydes, and ketones, which can confer biocidal properties (BRIDGWATER, 2012).
[0003] The conversion of biomass and agricultural waste into value-added products through thermochemical processes, such as pyrolysis, has been extensively studied. For thousands of years, the pyrolysis process was used to produce charcoal. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 4 / 27 2 / 24 However, after the oil crisis of the 1970s, pyrolysis bio-oil gained prominence and became the subject of studies as an alternative for the production of renewable fuels. Products derived from pyrolysis have great socio-environmental potential, as they are renewable and do not produce greenhouse gases.
[0004] In addition to the potential use of bio-oil as a biofuel, there are many studies in the literature revealing the biological activities of pyrolysis liquids in arthropods of importance in the medical and agricultural fields. Most studies have evaluated the toxic effect of pyrolysis liquid products on insects. Pyrolysis bio-oils obtained from tomato, coffee, tobacco, canola and mustard residues, for example, have already been reported in the literature with insecticidal properties against the Colorado potato beetle larva Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Similarly, bio-oils produced from the pyrolysis process of other biomasses have also exhibited activity against the insects Spodoptera litura, Coptotermes formosanus, Coptotermes curvignathus and Aphis gossypii.
[0005] On the other hand, there are few studies that evaluate the acaricidal activity of pyrolysis liquids. Among them, we can mention the pyrolysis liquid products from crambe fruit, bamboo, and eucalyptus, which have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling adult stages of mite and tick species. For example, bio-oil from crambe residues exhibited acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus, while pyrolysis liquids from bamboo and eucalyptus residues demonstrated effectiveness against Tetranychus cinnabarinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, respectively. In Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 5 / 27 3 / 24 However, the broader exploration of the use of pyrolysis bio-oils for the control of parasites, such as the cattle tick, remains underexplored.
[0006] Currently, Brazil is one of the world's leading producers and suppliers of food. Brazil has the largest cattle herd in the world, with more than 215 million head of cattle. The country is also the largest exporter of beef, driving the national livestock industry with an annual production of 42.31 million cattle slaughtered. However, sanitary control, mainly related to parasites such as the cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus), continues to be a major challenge, with estimated expenses of 4,492.2 million reais in animal health, including pesticides for ectoparasite control (Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries, 2024).
[0007] The agricultural agribusiness sector represented 17.3% of the national GDP in 2023, equivalent to 1.88 trillion reais (CEPEA - Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics - ESALQ / USP. Brazilian Agribusiness GDP. 2024). Soybeans, corn, wheat, rice, and beans are the main grains produced on a large scale in Brazil. During grain storage, one of the biggest concerns is attacks by insect pests, which are the main cause of quantitative and qualitative losses in grains, resulting in a reduction of more than 10% in post-harvest grains in Brazil, equivalent to a loss of more than 10 million tons per year (LORINI, 2002).
[0008] R. microplus is a monoxenic ectoparasite that completes its life cycle in a single host and is found in all regions of Brazil. Its life cycle of Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 6 / 27 The life cycle of 4 / 24 cattle is divided into a parasitic phase on the bovine host and a free-living phase in the soil. It is estimated that 95% of the tick population is in the free-living phase, and only 5% are parasitic on animals (CORDOVÉS, 1999; PEREIRA et al., 2008; VERISSIMO, 2015). This tick consumes significant amounts of bovine blood, and severe infestations can cause anemia, weight loss, and reduced meat and milk production. Furthermore, R. microplus is a vector for serious diseases such as babesiosis and anaplasmosis, which cause high mortality rates in cattle (FARIAS, 1995; GRISI et al., 2014).
[0009] Conventional control of R. microplus involves the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, which, although effective in the short term, have serious disadvantages. The continuous and indiscriminate use of these products has led to the development of resistance by ticks, in addition to leaving toxic residues in the environment and in animals, increasing the withdrawal period for the consumption of meat and milk (MAZZONETTO & VENDRAMIM, 2003). As a result, there is an urgent demand for new control methods that are both effective and environmentally sustainable.
[00010] In the agricultural sector, among the most relevant pests is S. zeamais (MOTSCHULSKY, 1855), the maize weevil, which stands out for its ability to infest grains in the field and in storage environments. This insect, belonging to the Curculionidae family, is classified as a primary internal pest, as its life cycle occurs inside whole grains, directly affecting the quality and market value of maize. Infestation can reduce grain weight by up to 20%, compromising its commercialization and causing Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 7 / 27 5 / 24 substantial economic losses for the agricultural sector (LORINI, 2024; SANTOS et al., 2009). In addition to attacking corn, S. zeamais has the potential to infest a wide variety of grains and processed foods, which increases its economic importance. Furthermore, the weevil also facilitates the establishment of other insect species, such as secondary pests, which feed on damaged, broken, or processed grains. Therefore, controlling this species is extremely important, especially considering the central role of corn in Brazilian agribusiness. Traditionally, S. zeamais control is achieved through the use of synthetic insecticides, such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, and phosphine-based fumigants (CASELLA et al., 1998; PEREIRA et al., 2003). Fumigation with aluminum phosphide, which releases phosphine upon decomposition, is one of the most widely used techniques for controlling the pest.However, these methods have several disadvantages, including the risk of insects developing resistance, as well as environmental impacts and risks to human health, especially in the case of fumigant tablets, which are widely classified as highly toxic (GARCÍA et al., 2007; AGROFIT, 2024).
[00011] In order to solve the problems described above, the present invention aims to use an acaricidal powder formulation and a fumigant insecticidal tablet produced from cellulose and pyrolysis liquid from the licuri fruit, with application in the control of larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and adults of the stored grain pest insect Sitophilus zeamais, increasing production in agriculture and livestock farming. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 8 / 27 6 / 24
[00012] Throughout the entire food production cycle in the agro-industrial sector, a large amount of waste is generated, most of which is thrown away without being used. This becomes an environmental problem in this production cycle. Therefore, the implementation of clean and sustainable development mechanisms has begun to be used to make it possible to reuse waste (biomass), thus increasing the production and recycling of all the material that was previously discarded into the environment. Notably, in recent years, biomass generated in agriculture has been processed thermochemically, mainly by pyrolysis, generating new products for direct application in this production cycle.
[00013] The licuri (Syagrus coronata) (Arecaceae) is a palm tree native to the semi-arid regions of Brazil. The kernel of the licuri fruit is rich in oil and is widely consumed as food in its natural state or in traditional regional recipes (CARVALHO et al., 2006). The husk of the licuri fruit is normally discarded, generating a large amount of waste. One of the advantages of the present invention is the reuse of an agricultural residue, the husk of the licuri fruit, helping to reduce environmental impact. Biomass is the raw material for the pyrolysis process, forming liquid products with a rich chemical composition. The bio-oil obtained in this process was formulated in the form of acaricidal powder and fumigant tablets to control pests of agricultural importance.
[00014] Furthermore, the application of pyrolysis liquids in the control of agricultural pests represents an ecologically viable and potentially effective alternative. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 9 / 27 7 / 24 to replace synthetic insecticides. The formulations of the present invention offer many advantages when compared to synthetic pesticides, as they are renewable products, generally biodegradable, and hinder the development of resistance due to having multiple active molecules.
[00015] Another important point is that the present invention consists of the development of a product that will be viable for commercialization and practical use in the control of cattle ticks and grain pests, where one of the raw materials of the formulation was the pyrolysis liquid of the licuri palm. This formulation (in powder and tablet form) facilitates application in the field and increases the stability of the product, without loss of its active substances over a given time. The formulations improve the biological activity, application, stability, and persistence of these products on the targets. They also provide advantages such as safety in manufacturing, greater convenience for the operator, reduction of the dose used, etc.
[00016] With the growing demand for more sustainable agricultural practices, the study of these formulations may represent a significant advance in the control of parasites in cattle and the management of stored grain pests, such as Sitophilus zeamais, contributing to both environmental preservation and public health.
[00017] Thus, the present invention offers an innovative solution that utilizes agro-industrial waste, specifically the pyrolysis liquid from the licuri fruit (without the kernel) combined with cellulose, to create a pesticide formulation with two effects: an effective acaricidal powder. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 10 / 27 8 / 24 against the larval stage of the cattle tick and a fumigant tablet with insecticidal effect against stored grain pests, such as Sitophilus zeamais.
[00018] The invention utilizes agro-industrial waste, contributing to the circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.
[00019] The formulation is biodegradable, unlike many synthetic pesticides, making it a safer alternative for use in agriculture and livestock farming. STATE OF THE ART
[00020] The scientific article “DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFICIENT ANTITICK NATURAL FORMULATION FOR THE CONTROL OF ACARICIDE-RESISTANT TICKS ON LIVESTOCK” reveals the development of natural acaricidal formulations / extracts from the plant Ageratum conyzoides for the control of ticks of the species Rhipicephalus microplus.
[00021] However, the document above uses a plant from the Asteraceae family, Ageratum conyzoides, making solvent extracts from this dried plant. These extracts showed activity in controlling cattle ticks. Formulations were made using emulsifiers and spray dryer equipment. Licuri belongs to the Arecaceae family and has a phytochemical profile distinct from the plant used in this article. Within the methodology proposed in the article, a completely different technique was used in the present invention, performing thermoconversion by pyrolysis of licuri residues. The liquids from the pyrolysis process were then used in a formulation involving these mixed with cellulose. This represents a significant difference in the process of obtaining plant actives and constructing the... Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 11 / 27 9 / 24 formulation of the acaricidal powder and also of the fumigant tablet of the present invention.
[00022] Document BR102023007535-5 discloses a product with fungicidal, insecticidal, and acaricidal functions intended for the agricultural sector, which is novel in its base, composed of lime-sulfur solution and natural antiseptics and antifungals. The compound comprises 72% to 92% lime-sulfur solution (sulfur + quicklime + water), 0.3 to 4% silicone-based surfactant, 0.3 to 4% antiseptic, 2 to 3% antifungal plant extract, 0.02 to 1% fungicidal antiseptic, 0.02 to 1% solubilizer, 0.02 to 5% preservative, and 0.02 to 8% pH reducer.
[00023] However, the compound product generated in the above document does not present a fumigant insecticide powder / tablet formulation produced from cellulose and pyrolysis liquid of the licuri fruit (excluding the kernel) for the control of larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and adult stored grain insects Sitophilus zeamais as in the present invention.
[00024] The scientific article “SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL INSECTICIDES: GAS, LIQUID, GEL AND SOLID FORMULATIONS FOR "STORED-PRODUCT AND FOOD-INDUSTRY PEST CONTROL" describes an overview of traditional and innovative methods for applying different insecticidal formulations, such as gas, liquid, gel, and solid (fumigant tablet), to control various pests, including natural compounds such as oils from botanical sources. However, the article does not reveal, in addition to the fumigant insecticidal tablet, an acaricidal powder formulation produced from cellulose and pyrolysis liquid from the licuri fruit (excluding the kernel) for... Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 12 / 27 10 / 24 control of larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and adult insects of stored grains Sitophilus zeamais, as in the present invention.
[00025] There are several products on the market and in studies showing insecticidal and acaricidal activity, but the incorporation of active principles obtained by pyrolysis of the licuri fruit (excluding the kernel) is not found. The scientific article “INSECTICIDAL PROPERTIES OF PYROLYSIS BIOOIL FROM GREENHOUSE TOMATO RESIDUE BIOMASS” reveals the obtaining of bio-oil by pyrolysis from tomato plants and points out its insecticidal activity.
[00026] However, the scientific article above uses bio-oil from tomato plant residue. In fact, many studies have demonstrated the insecticidal effect of different pyrolysis bio-oils on different insect species (MATTOS et al., 2018). However, the use of liquid pyrolysis products incorporated into cellulose to generate acaricidal powder and fumigant tablets is a novelty, as there are no reports of biological activity of products of this type in ticks (acaricide) and insects (insecticide).
[00027] It is important to highlight that mites and insects belong to distinct classes (Acari and Insecta, respectively) and, therefore, are from phylogenetically different and distant groups. Thus, the biological response of organisms from these groups to certain biological products is different, and in the present invention, two different products (formulations) are proposed using the licuri fruit (without the kernel), with high specificity for the larvae of R. microplus and the stored grain pest insect Sitophilus zeamais. Furthermore, studies have Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 13 / 27 11 / 24 demonstrated that liquid pyrolysis products are highly species-specific, exhibiting distinct effects on organisms even within the same family (HOSSAIN et al., 2015). This characteristic is advantageous for their use as pesticides because it indicates that the product will not act on non-target organisms.
[00028] Additionally, the specificity of liquid pyrolysis products is due to their chemical complexity. The chemical nature of each liquid pyrolysis product depends on the raw material and the conditions of the production process. Therefore, not all liquid pyrolysis products are the same and, consequently, not all formulations containing these liquids have toxic activity against different pest species.
[00029] Document BR102019007434-5 describes a bioinsecticidal composition obtained through a thermochemical conversion process of the licuri fruit. In this process, five aqueous fractions were isolated, which demonstrated insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Alphitobius diaperinus.
[00030] Although the document above reveals the insecticidal activity of products obtained by the pyrolysis process of the licuri fruit (without the kernel), using the liquid pyrolysis products directly in insect control, the stabilization of these activities in formulations was not addressed.
[00031] Therefore, the development of more stable products with formulations that facilitate their application is extremely important. And in the document above, the insecticidal activities of the liquids were determined, without subsequent development of a product or formulation. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 14 / 27 12 / 24 Therefore, the present invention discloses the formulation of these active ingredients using a cellulose base and pyrolysis liquids, generating two products with distinct applications.
[00032] Document BR102021023962-0 consists of a bioacaricidal composition produced from the thermochemical conversion of the licuri fruit without the kernel, in the absence of oxygen, pyrolysis, against adult females and larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. This acaricide is a product of the pyrolysis of an agricultural biomass, obtained from the condensation of gases produced therein. It is characterized by its low cost and rapid degradation in the environment.
[00033] However, in the document above, the acaricidal activities of the bio-oil were determined, without the subsequent development of a product or formulation. In the present invention, the formulation of these active ingredients using a cellulose base and pyrolysis bio-oil was proposed, generating two products with distinct applications.
[00034] Therefore, the documents above demonstrate insecticidal and acaricidal activities of plant extracts and a bio-oil. However, it is known that the stability and subsequent application of these generated products is directly proportional to the generation of a stable product. This generation of stable products involves the development of a formulation that generates a product to meet the needs of controlling agricultural pests. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00035] The present invention belongs to the field of biotechnology and aims at the use of an acaricidal powder formulation and a fumigant insecticidal tablet produced from cellulose and pyrolysis liquid of Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 15 / 27 13 / 24 fruit of the licuri palm, with applications in controlling larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and adults of the stored grain pest Sitophilus zeamais, increasing production in agriculture and livestock farming. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[00036] The invention can be better understood through the brief description of the following figures and tables:
[00037] Figure 1 shows the filter paper packet with the ends folded and fastened with clips for the Packet Test assay with Rhipicephalus microplus larvae.
[00038] Figure 2 shows the preparation of acaricidal powder by mixing pyrolysis liquid with cellulose in a preferred ratio of 2:1 (cellulose:pyrolysis liquid) to obtain a homogeneous powder.
[00039] Figure 3 shows the preparation of the fumigant pellet by mixing the pyrolysis liquid with cellulose in a preferred ratio of 2:1 (cellulose:pyrolysis liquid). After mixing, between 105 mg and 210 mg were weighed and placed in a hydraulic press, set to 2 tons for 1 to 2 minutes, and then stored in vacuum-sealed packaging using a sealer.
[00040] Figure 4 shows the fumigation test performed by adding 20 F1 generation insects approximately two weeks old. For this test, 40 mL glass vials were used, and the fumigant tablet was glued to the inside of the lid. Bar size = 1 cm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00041] The invention can be better understood through the following detailed description, in accordance with the attached Figures. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 16 / 27 14 / 24
[00042] The present invention describes the use of an acaricidal powder formulation and a fumigant insecticidal tablet produced from cellulose and pyrolysis liquid from the licuri fruit (excluding the kernel), having application in the control of larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and adults of the stored grain pest insect Sitophilus zeamais, increasing production in agriculture and livestock farming.
[00043] The acaricidal powder is composed of a mixture of bio-oil from the pyrolysis of the Licuri fruit (excluding the kernel) and cellulose from the group comprising microcrystalline cellulose or powder, preferably in powder form. Optionally, the acaricidal powder comprises synthetic magnesium aluminometasilicate, as an alternative to cellulose. The function of the acaricidal powder is to promote direct contact of the product with the larvae of the cattle tick, causing their mortality and interrupting the biological cycle of the parasite.
[00044] The ratio between cellulose and bio-oil can vary from 2:2, 2:1 to 2:0.5 (weight / weight), with a 2:1 ratio being preferred to ensure a homogeneous mixture and effectiveness in controlling larvae. The amount of acaricide powder applied is from 1.57 mg / m2 to 6.26 mg / m2, with 3.125 mg / m2 being preferred, defined based on tests that showed an ideal balance between cost and performance, constituting the recommended dosage of acaricide powder against cattle tick larvae (Rhipicephalus microplus).
[00045] For the development of acaricidal powder (Figure 2), cellulose or synthetic magnesium aluminometasilicate, and pyrolysis bio-oil are precisely weighed using Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 17 / 27 15 / 24 an analytical balance in a 2:1 ratio. The components are placed in a mortar and homogenized with the aid of a pestle until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.
[00046] The fumigant tablet is composed of a mixture of bio-oil from the pyrolysis of the licuri fruit (excluding the kernel) and cellulose from the group comprising microcrystalline cellulose and powder, preferably in powder form. Optionally, the acaricidal powder comprises synthetic magnesium aluminometasilicate, as an alternative to cellulose. The function of the fumigant tablet is to release volatile compounds in a closed environment, causing the mortality of insects such as Sitophilus zeamais, preventing grain losses during storage.
[00047] The ratio between the components varies from 2:2, 2:1 to 2:0.5 (weight / weight), preferably in the 2:1 ratio. The concentration range of the fumigant tablet to be applied is from 2.625 mg / cm3 to 8 mg / cm3, preferably 5.25 mg / cm3.
[00048] For the development of the fumigant tablet (Figure 3), cellulose or synthetic magnesium aluminometasilicate, and pyrolysis bio-oil are precisely weighed using an analytical balance in a (2:1) ratio. The components are placed in a mortar and homogenized with a pestle until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.
[00049] The mixture is molded into tablet shapes, ensuring uniformity, and placed in a hydraulic press set to 2 tons for 1 to 2 minutes. The tablets are stored in packaging using a vacuum sealer and subsequently evaluated in the fumigation test.
[00050] The invention will be illustrated by the following examples, without being limited to or by them. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 18 / 27 16 / 24 EXAMPLES Example 1: Packet test with Rhipicephalus microplus larvae to demonstrate the acaricidal profile of the acaricidal powder. Obtaining ticks.
[00051] Larvae from engorged female R. microplus, collected from cattle without recent contact with chemical acaricides, were used to infest stabled calves for subsequent collection of engorged females (teleogenes). These females are kept at the Pest and Parasite Laboratory (LEPP) of the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), in a BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) type incubator, with 80% relative humidity (RH) and a temperature of 28°C to obtain eggs and larvae. To obtain larvae, the eggs (0.6 g) were placed in glass test tubes to await hatching, and the tube opening was closed with a cotton stopper. The cattle are kept at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), and their use was approved by the UFRGS ethics committee. Protocol for testing a package with larvae.
[00052] The larval packet test was performed as proposed by STONE & HAYDOCK (1962) and modified by MONTEIRO et al. (2012) (Figure 2). In the larval packet assay, doses of 0.75 mg / cm2, 0.5 mg / cm2, and 0.25 mg / cm2 of the formulation were used. Whatman No. 1 filter paper sheets (6 x 6 cm) were folded in half and the edges closed with staples, forming a packet. The powder obtained by mixing cellulose with bio-oil was added inside the larval packet in the proportion of 0.75 mg / cm2, 0.5 mg / cm2, and 0.25 mg / cm2 of the formulation. 100 larvae, with 14 to 21 larvae, were added. Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 19 / 27 17-24 day old larvae were placed inside each filter paper packet, and the ends were sealed with a clip (Figure 2). The packets were stored in a BOD incubator at 28°C and 80% RH for 24 hours. The assay was repeated three times and performed in duplicate. The control groups were treated only with cellulose (negative control). After 24 hours, the envelopes were opened and inspected using a stereoscope to record the number of live and dead larvae. Larvae capable of walking are considered live. Immobile larvae or those that move but cannot walk are classified as dead. Table 1 describes the results of the packet test with R. microplus larvae treated with the bio-oil formulation from the pyrolysis of the licuri fruit at different doses. The dose of 0.75 mg / cm² caused 100% mortality of R. microplus larvae.The acaricidal powder formulation also showed high efficacy at doses of 0.5 mg / cm2 and 0.25 mg / cm2, exhibiting mortality rates of 99.5% and 97.5% within 24 hours, respectively. Table 1: Evaluation of the acaricidal activity of the formulation with acaricidal powder of licuri fruit bio-oil on Rhipicephalus microplus larvae. Results are expressed as mean ± SE (Standard Error) n=3. DOSE (mg / cm2) MORTALITY (%) 0.75 100.0 ± 0.0 to 0.5 99.5 ± 0.4 to 0.25 97.3 ± 1.3 to C* 2.1 ± 1.1 C - Control with cellulose. Significant difference compared to Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 20 / 27 18 / 24 to the negative control (cellulose) (p<0.0001)
[00053] To demonstrate the insecticidal profile of the tablet formulation, a Toxicity Test was performed by fumigation on adult Sitophilus zeamais. Obtaining the insects
[00054] The insect colony is maintained at the Laboratory for Studies in Pests and Parasites (LEPP-UFF). S. zeamais was kept in a BOD incubator with a 12-hour light / dark photoperiod at 28°C and around 70% relative humidity. Approximately 50 adult insects were placed in 500 mL glass jars containing 200 g of corn and remained in the jar for 7 days, ovipositing. Subsequently, all 50 adults were removed from the jars, leaving only the eggs to generate the experimental F1 insect colony. The adult insects of the F1 are used for bioassays at approximately two weeks of age. Fumigation toxicity test protocol
[00055] The fumigation toxicity test (Figure 4) was performed on F1 generation insects. For this test, 40 mL glass vials with pellets glued to the inside of the lid were used, according to the methodology of Huang et al. (2000) with some adaptations. Negative controls were performed using only cellulose. Then, 20 adult insects were added to the vials, which were kept in a BOD incubator with a 12h / 12h photoperiod, at the appropriate temperature and humidity for each species. The insects were observed for 24-hour periods over four days (24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h), with the vials being opened only on the last day. The tests were repeated at least three times and performed in triplicate. Table 2 describes... Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 21 / 27 19 / 24 The result of the fumigation test to evaluate the duration of the product's effect, with adult S. zeamais treated with the bio-oil formulation from the pyrolysis of the licuri fruit, evaluating the effect of the tablets for 4 weeks. The dose of 0.67 g / L of air caused 86.1% mortality in the first week of the bioassay. The formulation with the fumigant tablets maintained insecticidal activity in the second and third weeks after the experiment with mortality rates of 71.1% and 58.8%, respectively. Table 2: Mortality rate values from the fumigation toxicity test, evaluating the product's effectiveness time, in Sitophilus zeamais treated with formulated tablets of Licuri fruit bio-oil, followed by the standard error of the mean (SE). Tests were performed in triplicate. n=3 FORMULATION (0.67 g / L of air) Mortality (%) 24h 48h 72h 96h PLI OL (WEEK 1) 4.4 ± 1.3 39.4 ± 8.3a 68.3 ± 12.1a 86.1 ± 6.2a PLI OL (WEEK 2) 4.4 ± 2.2 27.2 ± 6.1a 42.2 ± 5.5a 71.1 ± 5.9a PLI OL (WEEK 3) 0.5 ± 0.5 5.5 ± 1.3 15.5 ± 3.6 58.8 ± 8.1a PLI OL (WEEK 4) 0.0 ± 0.0 0.5 ± 0.5 7.2 ± 2.0 44.4 ± 9.8°C (WEEK 1) 0.0 ± 0.0 0.5 ± 0.5 2.7 ± 1.6 15.5 ± 3.7°C (WEEK 2) 0.5 ± 0.5 0.5 ± 0.5 3.8 ± 1.6 7.2 ± 2.3 Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 22 / 27 20 / 24 C (WEEK 3) 0.5 ± 0.5 1.1 ± 1.1 3.8 ± 1.6 11.1 ± 3.7 C (WEEK 4) 0.0 ± 0.0 1.1 ± 1.1 2.2 ± 1.6 10.0 ± 3.9 C - Control with cellulose only: Significant difference compared to the negative control (cellulose) PLI OL - Licuri bio-oil fumigant tablet
[00056] The results using the aqueous pyrolysis fraction of the licuri fruit did not show significant activity of the acaricidal powder and fumigant tablet.
[00057] The present invention has been disclosed in this descriptive report in terms of its preferred embodiment. However, other modifications and variations are possible from the present description, and are still within the scope of the invention disclosed herein. REFERENCE SIGNS - Homogenize using a pestle until a homogeneous mixture is achieved. - Weighing the homogeneous mixture - Pressing the homogeneous mixture Vacuum sealer Vacuum storage PA - Acaricidal powder LP - Pyrolysis Fluid C - Cellulose PF - Fumigant Tablet I - 20 insects (2 weeks) M - Mortality (24h / 4 days) BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES Petition 870250057781, dated 08 / 07 / 2025, page 23 / 27 21 / 24
[00058] ABIEC. BRAZILIAN ASSOCIATION OF MEAT EXPORTING INDUSTRIES. Available at http: / / abiec.com.br / .
[00059] AGROFIT. PHYTOSANITARY PESTICIDE SYSTEM. Available at https: / / agrofit.agricultura.gov.br / agrofit_cons / principal_agrofit_cons.
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Claims
1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Use of an acaricidal powder formulation and a fumigant insecticidal tablet produced from cellulose and pyrolysis liquid of the licuri fruit CHARACTERIZED by being for the control of larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus and adults of the stored grain pest Sitophilus zeamais.
2. Use, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the acaricidal powder and the fumigant tablet are composed of a mixture of bio-pyrolysis oil from the licuri fruit (excluding the kernel) and cellulose from the group comprising microcrystalline cellulose and powder, preferably in powder form and optionally, the acaricidal powder comprises synthetic magnesium aluminometasilicate, as an alternative to cellulose.
3. Use, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the ratio between cellulose and bio-oil varies from 2:2, 2:1 to 2:0.5 (weight / weight), preferably the ratio of 2:
1.
4. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the amount of acaricidal powder to be applied is from 1.57 mg / m2 to 6.26 mg / m2, preferably 3.125 mg / m2.
5. Use, according to any of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the acaricidal powder has its components, cellulose or synthetic magnesium aluminometasilicate, and pyrolysis bio-oil weighed using an analytical balance in a 2:1 ratio and placed in a mortar and homogenized with the aid of a pestle until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.
6. Use, according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the homogeneous mixture is molded into the shape of fumigating pellets in a hydraulic press adjusted to 2 tons in between 1 and 2 minutes.
7. Use, according to any of claims 1 to 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the concentration of fumigant tablet to be applied is from 2.625 mg / cm3 to 8 mg / cm3, preferably 5.25 mg / cm3. Petition 870240111515, dated 12 / 31 / 2024, p. 32 / 39