Pest control composition

Abstract

Embodiments relate to compositions comprising a polymer; bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillus thuringiensis), and bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillus thuringiensis); and water, wherein the polymer comprises from 0.10% to 10.00% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion polymer, of monomer structural units derived from benzotriazole, benzophenone, or a combination thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to pest control compositions, and more particularly to pest control compositions comprising Bacillus thuringiensis. Background Art

[0002] Pest control agents are used to control pests, such as insects. The effectiveness of a pest control agent can be affected by a variety of factors. There is a continuing interest in the industry to provide new and improved pest control compositions. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to the first feature of the present disclosure, a pest control composition comprises a polymer; bacillus thuringiensis; and water, wherein the polymer comprises 0.10 wt% to 10.00 wt% of monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to the second feature of the present disclosure, the polymer comprises 0.10 wt% to 1.00 wt% of monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to the third feature of the present disclosure, the polymer comprises 0.10 wt% to 0.50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to the fourth feature of the present disclosure, the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having the benzotriazole structural unit is 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, and the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having the benzophenone structural unit is 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone. According to the fifth feature of the present disclosure, the polymer comprises monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and butyl acrylate. According to the sixth feature of the present disclosure, the polymer comprises 20% to 75% by weight of monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 5% to 50% by weight of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and 5% to 50% by weight of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate, based on the total weight of the polymer. According to the seventh feature of the present disclosure, the polymer comprises less than 0.5% by weight of monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0005] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges are inclusive. Subscript values ​​in polymer formulas refer to the molar average of the designated components of the polymer.

[0006] Test methods refer to the most recent test methods as of the priority date of this document, unless the date is expressed as a two-digit number with a hyphen in the test method number. Reference to a test method includes reference to both the testing association and the test method number. Test method organizations are referenced by one of the following abbreviations: ASTM refers to ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials); EN refers to European Standards; DIN refers to the German Institute for Standardization; and ISO refers to the International Organization for Standardization.

[0007] As used herein, unless specifically stated to the contrary, "wt %" or "weight percent" or "weight %" of a component is based on the total weight of the composition or article including the component. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are by weight.

[0008] Disclosed herein is a pest control composition. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the pest control composition comprises a polymer having 0.10 wt % to 10.00 wt % of monomer structural units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0009] The pest control composition disclosed herein can be applied to plants, such as plant surfaces, to control pests. Advantageously, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved (i.e., more) Bacillus thuringiensis activity after exposure to light (e.g., sunlight) compared to other formulations. More Bacillus thuringiensis activity indicates that the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved pest control compared to other formulations. In addition, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved (i.e., more) residual bacterial viability after exposure to light (e.g., sunlight) compared to other formulations. In other words, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved UV stability compared to other formulations. Compared with other formulations with relatively less residual bacterial viability after exposure to light, this more residual bacterial viability can help to provide that the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved pest control. Surprisingly, utilizing a polymer having 0.10 wt % to 10.00 wt % of monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer, provides the desired improved Bacillus thuringiensis activity and / or improved residual bacterial viability after exposure to light.

[0010] As mentioned, the pest control compositions disclosed herein include polymers. As used herein, a "polymer" has two or more identical or different monomer structural units derived from two or more different monomers, such as copolymers, terpolymers, and the like. As used herein, a "monomer structural unit" with respect to a polymer indicates a portion of the polymer structure resulting from the reaction of one or more monomers to form a polymer. In other words, the monomer structural unit of the polymer is formed via a polymerization reaction of the monomers. "Different" with respect to a monomer structural unit indicates that the monomer structural units differ from each other by at least one atom or are different isomers. The polymer can be a linear polymer, a branched polymer, a cross-linked polymer, or a combination thereof.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure specify that the polymer comprises monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers with benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers with benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof. Utilizing polymers with monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers with benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers with benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof provides desired improved bacillus thuringiensis activity and / or improved residual bacterial viability after exposure to light. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with benzotriazole structural units include, but are not limited to, 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with benzophenone structural units include, but are not limited to, 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer includes 0.10 wt% to 10.00 wt% of a monomer structural unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer. For example, the polymer can have 0.10 wt % or more, or 0.20 wt % or more, or 0.30 wt % or more, or 0.40 wt % or more, or 0.45 wt % or more, or 0.50 wt % or more, or 0.60 wt % or more, or 0.70 wt % or more, or 0.80 wt % or more, or 0.90 wt % or more, or 1.00 wt % or more, or 1.00 wt % or more, or 2.00 wt % or more, or 3.00 wt % or more, or 4.00 wt % or more, or 5.00 wt % or more, or 6.00 wt % or more, or 7.00 wt % or more, or 8.00 wt % or more, or 9.00 wt % or more, while 10.00 wt % or less, or 11.00 wt % or less, or 12.00 wt % or less, or 13.00 wt % or less, or 14.00 wt % or less, or 15.00 wt % or less, or 16.00 wt % or less, or 17.00 wt % or more, or 18.00 wt % or more, or 19.00 wt % or more, based on the total weight of the polymer. 9.00 wt % or less, or 8.00 wt % or less, or 7.00 wt % or less, or 6.00 wt % or less, or 5.00 wt % or less, or 4.00 wt % or less, or 3.00 wt % or less, or 2.00 wt % or less, or 1.00 wt % or less, or 0.90 wt % or less, or 0.80 wt % or less, or 0.70 wt % or less, or 0.60 wt % or less, or 0.50 wt % or less, or 0.45 wt % or less, or 0.40 wt % or less, or 0.30 wt % or less, or 0.20 wt % or less, or less of monomer structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzotriazole structural units, ethylenically unsaturated monomers having benzophenone structural units, or combinations thereof. Unless otherwise defined herein, weight % of monomeric building blocks and their chemical identity are determined via 1H NMR end group analysis spectroscopy.

[0013] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer comprises monomer structural units derived from acrylic acid monomers. As used herein, "acrylic acid" refers to ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids and ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives, such as acrylic acid including methacrylic acid. Examples of carboxylic acid derivatives include esters, amides, and anhydrides. Examples of acrylates include, but are not limited to, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, and combinations thereof.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer comprises from 50.00 wt % to 99.80 wt % of monomer structural units derived from acrylate, based on the total weight of the polymer. All individual values ​​and subranges from 50.00 wt % to 99.80 wt % are included; for example, the polymer may comprise from a lower limit of 50.00 wt %, 60.00 wt %, or 70.00 wt % to an upper limit of 99.80 wt %, 99.50 wt %, or 99.00 wt % of monomer structural units derived from acrylate, based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain 20 wt % to 75 wt % of monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate. All individual values ​​and subranges from 20 wt % to 75 wt % are included; for example, the polymer may contain from a lower limit of 20 wt %, 30 wt %, or 40 wt % to an upper limit of 75 wt %, 65 wt %, or 55 wt % of monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0016] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain 5% to 50% by weight of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. All individual values ​​and subranges from 5% to 50% by weight are included; for example, the polymer may contain from a lower limit of 5%, 10%, or 15% by weight to an upper limit of 50%, 40%, or 30% by weight of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain 5% to 50% by weight of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate. All individual values ​​and subranges from 5% to 50% by weight are included; for example, the polymer may contain from a lower limit of 5%, 10%, or 15% by weight to an upper limit of 50%, 40%, or 30% by weight of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may include monomer structural units derived from vinyl esters. Examples of vinyl esters include, but are not limited to, vinyl acetate, vinyl decanoate, vinyl propionate, vinyl versatate, and combinations thereof.

[0019] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may contain 0.5 wt % to 20.0 wt % of monomer structural units derived from vinyl esters. All individual values ​​and subranges from 0.5 wt % to 20.0 wt % are included; for example, the polymer may contain from a lower limit of 0.5 wt %, 1.0 wt %, or 5.0 wt % to an upper limit of 20.0 wt %, 15.0 wt %, or 10 wt % of monomer structural units derived from vinyl esters based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0020] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may include monomer structural units derived from acid monomers such as itaconic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, acryloxypropionic acid, and citraconic acid. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may include 0.1 wt % to 10.0 wt % of monomer structural units derived from acid monomers. All individual values ​​and subranges from 0.1 wt % to 10.0 wt % are included; for example, the polymer may include monomer structural units derived from acid monomers from a lower limit of 0.1 wt %, 0.5 wt %, or 1.0 wt % to an upper limit of 10.0 wt %, 5.0 wt %, or 3.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0021] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may include monomer structural units derived from additional monomers. Examples of additional monomers include, but are not limited to, styrene, maleic anhydride, vinyl toluene, butadiene, ethylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl pyridine, acrylamide, n-hydroxymethyl acrylamide, and combinations thereof. Other examples of additional monomers include adhesion promoting monomers such as urea methacrylate, and crosslinking monomers such as divinylbenzene, allyl methacrylate, diallyl phthalate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, ethylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and combinations thereof.

[0022] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may include 0.5 wt % to 20.0 wt % of monomer structural units derived from additional monomers. All individual values ​​and subranges from 0.5 wt % to 20.0 wt % are included; for example, the polymer may include from a lower limit of 0.5 wt %, 1.0 wt % or 5.0 wt % to an upper limit of 20.0 wt %, 15.0 wt % or 10 wt % of monomer structural units derived from additional monomers based on the total weight of the polymer. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may include 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of monomer structural units derived from adhesion-promoting monomers. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer may include 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % of monomer structural units derived from crosslinking monomers.

[0023] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer contains less than 0.5 wt % of monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers. For example, the polymer may contain monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers from a lower limit of 0.001 wt %, 0.01 wt % or 0.1 wt % to an upper limit of 0.4 wt %, 0.3 wt % or 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the polymer. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer does not contain monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers. Examples of hindered amine light stabilizers include, but are not limited to, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl methacrylate, 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl methacrylate, and combinations thereof. Without intending to be bound by theory, the inclusion of a specific wt % of monomer structural units derived from hindered amine light stabilizers in the polymer may undesirably reduce the improved Bacillus thuringiensis activity and / or improved residual bacterial viability after exposure to light as discussed herein.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer has a weight average molecular weight (MW) of 10,000 Daltons to 3,000,000 Daltons. w ). All individual values ​​and subranges from 10,000 Daltons to 3,000,000 Daltons are included; for example, a polymer may have an M from a lower limit of 10,000 Daltons, 25,000 Daltons, or 50,000 Daltons to an upper limit of 3,000,000 Daltons, 2,500,000 Daltons, or 2,000,000 Daltons as determined by gel permeation chromatography. w .

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer has an average particle size of 30 nanometers to 10 micrometers. All individual values ​​and subranges from 30 nanometers to 10 micrometers are included; for example, the polymer can have an average particle size from a lower limit of 30 nanometers, 40 nanometers, or 50 nanometers to an upper limit of 10 micrometers, 5 micrometers, or 2 micrometers.

[0026] The polymer can be formed via emulsion polymerization. In emulsion polymerization, an emulsion containing the polymer can be prepared by emulsion polymerization, such as a known emulsion polymerization process. The emulsion polymerization can be carried out at pH 5.0 or lower using a free radical generating initiator, for example, in an amount of from 0.01 wt % to 5 wt % based on the total weight of the monomers.

[0027] Initiators that generate free radicals include, but are not limited to, peroxy compounds, 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile, and high-energy radiation sources. Examples of peroxy compounds include inorganic persulfate compounds such as ammonium persulfate, potassium persulfate, sodium persulfate; peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide; organic hydroperoxides such as cumene hydroperoxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide; organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide, acetyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, peracetic acid, and perbenzoic acid, which can be activated by water-soluble reducing agents such as ferrous compounds or sodium bisulfite.

[0028] Emulsion polymerization may include one or more emulsifiers. Examples of emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and zwitterionic surfactants. Examples of anionic emulsifiers include alkali metal alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkali metal alkyl sulfates, and sulfonated alkyl esters, etc. Specific examples of emulsifiers are sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium di-sec-butylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, disodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, disodium n-octadecyl sulfosuccinamic acid, and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. Examples of nonionic emulsifiers include structures based on polyethylene oxide or oligosaccharide hydrophilic heads, etc. Various amounts or emulsifiers can be used for different applications.

[0029] Optionally, other ingredients known for use in emulsion polymerization may be utilized, such as chelating agents, buffers, inorganic salts, pH adjusters, etc. Various amounts of the other ingredients may be used for different applications.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the emulsion containing the polymer can have a solid content of 10% to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the emulsion containing the polymer. All individual values ​​and subranges from 10% to 60% by weight are included; for example, the emulsion containing the polymer can have a solid content from a lower limit of 10%, 12%, or 15% to an upper limit of 60%, 55%, or 45% by weight based on the total weight of the emulsion containing the polymer. One or more embodiments provide that the emulsion containing the polymer is an aqueous dispersion.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the emulsion containing the polymer may have a pH of 6 or less. For example, the emulsion containing the polymer may have a pH from a lower limit of 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 to an upper limit of 6.0, 5.7, or 5.5.

[0032] The pest control compositions disclosed herein comprise Bacillus thuringiensis. As defined herein, "Bacillus thuringiensis" is defined as spores and / or crystalline proteins of the species Bacillus thuringiensis, and includes all Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies that exhibit insecticidal properties. Examples of such subspecies include kurstaki, israelensis, and aizawa. Bacillus thuringiensis can be added to the insecticide formulation as a solid or as part of a liquid formulation. The presence and subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis are determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. A commercially available liquid formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis is THURICIDE available from CERTIS USA, Inc. (CERTISUSA) of Columbia, Maryland. TM Insecticide.

[0033] Bacillus thuringiensis can produce insecticidal crystal proteins, such as Cry proteins and Cyt proteins, through sporulation. Compared to other formulations, more residual bacterial viability after exposure to light can provide the desired improved pest control.

[0034] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the pest control compositions disclosed herein may include additives. Examples of additives include rheology modifiers, dispersants, wetting aids, antioxidants, surfactants, cosolvents, coalescing agents, defoamers, preservatives, flow agents, leveling agents, slip additives, neutralizers, viscosity modifiers, pH modifiers, herbicides, fungicides, and combinations thereof, etc. Different amounts of additives can be used for various applications.

[0035] As mentioned, the pest control composition disclosed herein includes a polymer. The polymer may account for 0.1% to 15.0% by weight of the pest control composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. All individual values ​​and subranges from 0.1% to 15.0% by weight are included; for example, the pest control composition may include a polymer from a lower limit of 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% by weight to an upper limit of 15%, 12%, or 10% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0036] The pest control composition disclosed herein comprises Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacillus thuringiensis may account for 0.01% to 25.00% by weight of the pest control composition based on the total weight of the combination of polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis and water. All individual values ​​and subranges from 0.01% to 25.00% by weight are included; for example, the pest control composition may comprise Bacillus thuringiensis from a lower limit of 0.01%, 0.05% or 1.0% by weight to an upper limit of 25.00%, 15.00% or 10.00% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis and water.

[0037] The pest control composition disclosed herein includes water. Water may account for 60.00% to 99.89% by weight of the pest control composition based on the total weight of the combination of polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis and water. All individual values ​​and subranges from 60.00% to 99.89% by weight are included; for example, the pest control composition may include water from a lower limit of 60.00%, 65.00% or 70.00% by weight to an upper limit of 99.89%, 98.00% or 95.00% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis and water. Water can be incorporated into the pest control composition via an emulsion containing a polymer and / or water can be incorporated into the pest control composition by addition independent of the emulsion.

[0038] The pest control compositions disclosed herein can be formed using known equipment and processes. The components of the pest control composition can be combined (e.g., mixed) to form the pest control composition. For example, the components of the pest control composition can be added to a container and stirred therein. The components of the pest control composition can be combined in any order.

[0039] The pest control compositions disclosed herein can be applied to plants, such as plant surfaces, to control pests. The pest control compositions can be applied to plants using known equipment and processes. For example, the pest control compositions can be sprayed, sprinkled, and / or poured onto plants, among other applications. Different amounts of the pest control compositions can be applied to plants for various applications.

[0040] The pest control composition can be applied to plants using known equipment and processes. For example, the pest control composition can be sprayed, sprinkled and / or poured onto the plants, among other applications. Different amounts of the pest control composition can be applied to plants for various applications.

[0041] Example

[0042] In the Examples, various terms and names of materials are used, including, for example, the following:

[0043] Methyl methacrylate (monomer, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (monomer, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); butyl acrylate (monomer, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); dimethacrylate (monomer, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); ureido methacrylate (adhesion promoting monomer, obtained from The Dow Chemical Company); 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole (ethylenically unsaturated monomer having benzotriazole structural units, CAS No. 96478-09-0, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone (ethylenically unsaturated monomer having benzophenone structural units, CAS No. 2549-87-3, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl- 4-Piperidinyl methacrylate (hindered amine light stabilizer, CAS No. 31582-45-3, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich), 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl methacrylate (hindered amine light stabilizer, CAS No. 68548-08-3, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich), 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (benzotriazole, CAS No. 2440-22-4, obtained from Sigma-Aldrich); THURICIDE TM (Bacillus thuringiensis, liquid formulation, manufactured by Certis).

[0044] Example 1, a pest control composition, was formed as follows. Methyl methacrylate (46.15 wt%), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (26.7 wt%), butyl acrylate (21.7 wt%), methacrylic acid (2.5 wt%), ureido methacrylate (2.5 wt%), and 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole (0.45 wt%) were emulsion polymerized to form a polymer; the emulsion product contained 48.2 wt% polymer solids. The polymer was diluted with deionized water to provide a solution of 2.5 wt% polymer solids in water. The polymer solution (2.5 wt% in water, 1.86 mL), THURICIDE TM (0.93 mL) and water (10.21 mL) were combined to provide Example 1. Deionized water (900 grams), sodium carbonate (7.02 grams) and RHODAFAC TMRS-610A-25 (91.2 g, 25 wt% active) was added to a 4-neck 5000 mL glass flask reactor equipped with a condenser, overhead mixing, heating mantle, and nitrogen purge for emulsion polymerization. TM RS-610 (17.4 g), butyl acrylate (380.6 g), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (467.1 g), 817.4 g methyl methacrylate (817.4 g), 43.3 g methacrylic acid (43.3 g), 21.6 g ureido methacrylate (21.6 g), and 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole (8 g) were combined to prepare a monomer emulsion. After heating the reactor to 85° C., the monomer emulsion (108.6 g) and ammonium persulfate (5.27 g) were added to the reactor. The reaction temperature was maintained at 88° C., and the remaining monomer emulsion was fed into the reactor over 70 minutes. Then, an aqueous solution of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (0.18 grams, 70 wt% aqueous solution) and water (17 grams) were added to the reactor, followed by isoascorbic acid (0.08 grams), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Versene EDTA) solution (1.76 grams, 1 wt%), and iron (II) sulfate solution (0.35 grams, 5 wt% aqueous solution). The reactor contents were cooled to 75°C, and then tert-butyl hydroperoxide solution (1.76 grams, 70 wt% aqueous solution), water (20 grams), and isoascorbic acid solution (0.88 grams) were added over 20 minutes. The reactor contents were then cooled to room temperature and ammonium hydroxide solution (11.5 grams, 28 wt% aqueous solution) and 15 grams of water (15 grams) were added, and the reactor contents were filtered through a 100 mesh screen to provide an emulsion product.

[0045] Example 2, a pest control composition, was formed as in Example 1, except that 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone (0.45 wt % based on the total weight of monomers) was used instead of 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole.

[0046] Comparative Example A was formed as in Example 1, except that 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl methacrylate (0.3 wt % based on the total weight of monomers) was used instead of 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, and methyl methacrylate (46.0 wt % based on the total weight of monomers) was used.

[0047] Comparative Example B was formed as in Example 1, except that 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone (0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the monomers) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl methacrylate (0.45 wt %) were used instead of 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, and methyl methacrylate (45.4 wt % based on the total weight of the monomers) was used.

[0048] Comparative Example C was formed as follows. 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (0.01 g), THURICIDE TM (0.93 mL) and water (10.21 mL) were combined to provide Comparative Example C.

[0049] Comparative Example D was formed as follows. THURICIDE TM (0.93 mL) and water (10.21 mL) were combined to provide Comparative Example D.

[0050] Bacillus thuringiensis activity was determined before and after exposure to light in Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples A-D as follows. A 30 μL droplet of each of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples A-D was placed on a plastic petri dish using an automatic pipette; the droplet was dried for about 1 hour. The dried droplet was exposed to 35 mW / em 2 2 hours under light. Samples were extracted and plated. For extraction, each sample was placed in 1 wt% TWEEN TM 20% solution and incubate for about 12 hours. For plating, 0.1% by weight TWEEN TM The sample was diluted to the desired starting concentration with a solution of 20 μL, then serially diluted to the appropriate concentration, and evenly plated with 10 μL droplets. The plate was then kept in an incubator at 30°C for approximately 12 hours. Thereafter, the colony count was counted and expressed as logarithmic colony forming units / mL, taking into account the dilution factor. The percentage of surviving Bacillus thuringiensis retained was calculated. The results are reported in Table 1.

[0051] Table 1

[0052]

[0053] The data in Table 1 illustrate that both Examples 1-2 have improved Bacillus thuringiensis activity after light exposure compared to each of Comparative Examples A-D. The data in Table 1 also illustrate that both Examples 1-2 have improved (i.e., more) percentages of viable Bacillus thuringiensis remaining compared to each of Comparative Examples A-D.

Claims

1. A pest control composition, comprising: a polymer comprising 0.10 wt% to 10.00 wt% of a monomer structural unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer; Bacillus thuringiensis; and water.

2. The pest control composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymer comprises 0.10 wt% to 1.00 wt% of a monomer structural unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer.

3. The pest control composition according to claim 2, wherein the polymer comprises 0.10 wt% to 0.50 wt% of a monomer structural unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzotriazole structural unit, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a benzophenone structural unit, or a combination thereof, based on the total weight of the polymer.

4. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having the benzotriazole structural unit is 2-[2-hydroxy-5-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]phenyl]-2H-benzotriazole, and the ethylenically unsaturated monomer having the benzophenone structural unit is 4-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone.

5. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polymer comprises monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and butyl acrylate.

6. The pest control composition according to claim 5, wherein the polymer comprises 20 to 75 wt% of monomer structural units derived from methyl methacrylate, 5 to 50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and 5 to 50 wt% of monomer structural units derived from butyl acrylate, based on the total weight of the polymer.

7. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer comprises less than 0.5 wt% of monomer structural units derived from a hindered amine light stabilizer.

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