Pesticidal bait compositions and methods related thereto

Abstract

A pesticidal bait formulation for controlling pests harmful to agriculture.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 495,829, filed on April 13, 2023, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 346350, filed on May 27, 2022. Background Art

[0003] The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a well-known sporadic and long-distance migratory pest. It is native to tropical and subtropical America and has recently invaded Africa, followed by southern Europe, western Asia, and southern Asia. The larvae of the fall armyworm feed on the whorls, ears, and tassels of young leaves, causing significant damage to many crops, especially maize. In infested areas, maize is produced by millions of smallholder farmers, mainly in a mixed crop-pastoral farming system. Despite the real threat that fall armyworm poses to the livelihoods of these farmers, the use of insecticides as a pest management tool for them, especially in Africa, is rare, mainly due to lack of information, lack of access to appropriate and effective products, water shortages, and high costs. There is an urgent need to develop insecticide formulations for these smallholder farmers, with requirements including but not limited to: (1) high efficiency and significant effect; (2) ease of application; (3) minimal water use during application; and (4) lower environmental impact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] In response to these four requirements, we have now developed a ready-to-use bait formulation. The bait formulation described in the present disclosure is easy to store and transport, and is easy to apply to corn whorls by hand or by a handheld applicator. There are a variety of handheld applicators on the market that can be used for bait application. By using this formulation, the utilization rate of spinetoram can be reduced to 1-5 grams per hectare (g / ha), which is significantly lower than the foliar spray utilization rate of 24-32 g / ha of spinetoram used to control fall armyworm in corn fields. Farmers do not need water to apply the formulation, and the application process is simple. The application of the bait formulation results in minimal drift and leaves a minimal active ingredient footprint in the environment.

[0005] The pesticidal bait composition of the present disclosure may contain more than one pesticidal agent. For example, the following are listed in the latest mode of action classification list of the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC): https: / / irac-online.org / mode-of-action / classification-online: https: / / irac-online.org / mode-of-action / classification-online / : abamectin, acetamiprid, acralthrin, acynonapyr, afidopyropen, allethrin, cis-cypermethrin, amitraz, azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis var. spp.tenebrionensis), Bacillus sphericalus, insecticide, acaricide, benzpyrimoxan, β-cyfluthrin, high-efficiency cypermethrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, bio-allethrin, bio-allethrin S-cyclopentenyl, bio-resmethrin, bis-trifluan, bromofenac, bromopyrim, buprofezin, acaricide, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, chlorfenapyr ... Cypermethrin [(1R)-trans isomer], cyromazine, dazomethrin, dextran-allethrin, deltamethrin, difenthrin, dicloromesotiaz, dicofol, fluazifop, diflubenzuron, anthracenamide, dinotefuran, d-trans-allethrin, emamectin benzoate, fenthrin [(EZ)-(1R)-isomer], cypermethrin, etofenprox, cypermethrin, fenazaquin, fenoxycarb, cypermethrin, fenpyroximate, cypermethrin, flometoquin, flonicamid, Flupyrimidine, flubendiamide, flufenac, flucythrin, flufenac, fluchloran, flupyrone, flupyrimin, fluoxazolidinone, γ-cyhalothrin, benzylfen, chlorfenapyr, hexaflumuron, hexathiazolin, hydrazone, methoprene, imidacloprid, indoxacarb, isoxathiazolin, cypermethrin, methoprene, λ-cyhalothrin, lepidomycin, lufenuron, metaflumizone, methoprene, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, mitraz, nitenpyram, flufenac, polyflumuron, permethrin, phenothrin [(1R)-trans isomer], prallethrin, gram Amitraz, pyrimethrin, pyrethrin (pyrethrin), pyridaben, pyrimethrin, pyrimidine, pyrimidine, pyrimethrin, resmethrin, silafluanid, spinosad, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, methoxyfenethyl, spirotetramat, flubendiamide, sulfluramid, sulfamethoxazole, fluvalinate, cypermethrin, tebufenpyrad, tebufenamide, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tetramethrin [(1R)-isomer], flucythramide, θ-cypermethrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, cyfluthrin, dimethomorph, tolfenpyrad, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, triflumuron, triflumuron, and ζ-cypermethrin.

[0006] However, it is currently most preferred to use the active ingredient with the common name spinetoram. This active ingredient is also known by the IUPAC name as the following mixture:

[0007] 50%-90% (2R,3aR,5aR,5bS,9S,13S,14R,16aS,16bR)-2-[(6-deoxy-3-O-ethyl-2,4-di-O-methyl-α-L-pyranosyl)oxy]-13-{[(2R,5S,6R)-5-(dimethylamino)tetrahydro-6-methylpyran-2-yl]oxy}-9-ethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,5a,5b,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16a,16b-hexahydro-14-methyl-1H-as-indacen-[3,2-d]oxacyclododecine-7,15-dione and

[0008] 50%-10% (2S,3aR,5aS,5bS,9S,13S,14R,16aS,16bS)-2-[(6-deoxy-3-O-ethyl-2,4-di-O-methyl-α-L-pyranosyl)oxy]-13-{[(2R,5S,6R)-5-(dimethylamino)tetrahydro-6-methylpyran-2-yl]oxy}-9-ethyl-2,3,3a,5a,5b,6,9,10,11,12,13,14,16a,16b-tetradecahydro-4,14-dimethyl-1H-as-indacen-[3,2-d]oxacyclododecahexaene-7,15-dione.

[0009] The CAS registration numbers of the components of this mixture are 187166-40-1 (major component) and 187166-15-0 (minor component).

[0010] The structure is as follows

[0011]

[0012] Spinetobactam as Jemvelva TM Active is commercially available and is well known for its excellent environmental and toxicological profiles. Spinetoram also has excellent insecticide activity against a broad spectrum of insecticides and insect pests that are resistant to many existing insecticides.

[0013] In addition, for various reasons, it is also preferred to use more than one pesticide. For example, two or more pesticides may be used to more effectively control one or more pests. Currently, two and in some cases three pesticides can be used to simultaneously control more than one pest and reduce the chance of pests developing resistance.

[0014] The amount of the pesticide used in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.8 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent, preferably about 0.4 weight percent to about 0.03 weight percent, and even more preferably about 0.2 weight percent to about 0.05 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition. Of course, the weight percent of the pesticide will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions and the desired pest control effect, among other factors.

[0015] Corn grits are well known worldwide. Generally speaking, it is made from dried and ground corn. Corn grits are available from many companies, such as "Corn Grits G108" or "Corn Grits G101" are available from Godawari Industries (https: / / www.godawari.com / ). Another example is HomesteadGristmill Stoneground Grits, which are available in a variety of colors (https: / / www.homesteadgristmillstore.com). In addition, machines for making corn grits are easily available from many sources, such as SHULIY Group Co. Ltd. (https: / / www.shuliy.com / product / corn-grit-making-machine / ). Typically, in order to formulate a pesticide bait composition, corn grits need to be coarsely ground, but almost any desired size can be obtained and used. Typically, however, a corn grits particle size of about 5000 microns to about 500 microns, preferably about 2500 microns to about 1000 microns, may be used to achieve the desired particle size.

[0016] Corn grits can also be made from corn containing genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis. This would provide an additional method to control fall armyworm and other insects that consume the pesticide bait.

[0017] Another option is to use ground corn cobs themselves instead of corn grits. In addition, a mixture of corn grits, corn grits containing genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis, and ground corn cobs can be used.

[0018] The amount of corn grits used in the pesticide bait composition is about 99 weight percent to about 93 weight percent, preferably about 99 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, and even more preferably about 98 weight percent to about 96 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition. Of course, the weight percentage of corn grits will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions and the desired pest control effect, among other factors.

[0019] There are many known binders in the formulation art. The binder used to bind the components of the pesticide bait composition to obtain a desired size and shape of the pesticide bait composition can be selected from, for example, natural oils such as avocado oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, linseed oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and walnut oil.

[0020] The amount of binder used in the pesticide bait composition is about 6 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, preferably about 5 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, and even more preferably about 4 weight percent to about 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition. Of course, the weight percent of the binder will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions, other components in the composition, and the desired shape and size of the pesticide bait composition, among other factors.

[0021] Other components used in the pesticide bait composition are, for example, biocides, bittering agents, colorants, solvents, stabilizers, among other known and useful bait components.

[0022] Microbial biocides can be used in the pesticide bait composition. Examples of biocides include natural pyrethrum (from chrysanthemums), asphalt, camphor, vinegar, rose water, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, benzoic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, sodium nitrite, potassium sulfite, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT), 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CIT), 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT), chloromethyl-methylisothiazolone (CMIT / MIT), sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, and calcium sorbate.

[0023] The amount of biocide used in the pesticide bait composition is from about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent, preferably from about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.02 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition. Of course, the weight percent of the biocide will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions, biological organisms in the environment (to prevent or reduce microbial growth), and other components in the composition, among other factors.

[0024] Bittering agents, also called bitterants, may be present in the pesticide bait composition. Examples of bittering agents are denatonium, sucrose octaacetate, quercetin, dimethoxystrychnine and quassin.

[0025] The amount of bittering agent used in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent, preferably about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent, and even more preferably about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.02 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition. Of course, the weight percent of the bittering agent will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions, the impact on pests, and preventing accidental exposure, among other factors.

[0026] Stabilizers may be present in the pesticide bait composition. Examples of stabilizers include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate (PG), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), 2-naphthol (2NL), 4-phenylphenol (OPP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DA).

[0027] The amount of stabilizer used in the pesticide bait composition is from about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent, preferably from about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition. Of course, the weight percent of the stabilizer will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions and other ingredients in the composition, among other factors.

[0028] Coloring agent can be present in the pesticidal agent bait composition.There are many available coloring agents, such as brilliant blue, E133 (blue tone), indigo, E132 (dark blue tone), fast green, E143 (blue-green tone), temptation red AC, E129 (red tone), erythrosine, E127 (pink tone), lemon yellow, E102 (yellow tone), sunset yellow, E110 (orange tone).But, also can use red coloring agent, such as Lithol rubin BK (Lithol rubin BK) (E180), amaranth (E123), Sudan III and red 2G (E128).Preferably use red coloring agent at present.

[0029] The amount of colorant used in the pesticide bait composition is from about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent, preferably from about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition. Of course, the weight percent of the colorant will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions and other ingredients in the composition, among other factors.

[0030] A solvent may be present in the pesticide bait composition. Examples of solvents include dihydrolevoglucose and dimethyl sulfoxide. Solvents may be used to facilitate mixing of the components to prepare a more uniform pesticide bait.

[0031] The amount of solvent used in the pesticide bait composition is from about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent, preferably from about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent, based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition. Of course, the weight percent of the stabilizer will vary depending on various factors, such as local environmental conditions and other ingredients in the composition, among other factors.

[0032] The components of the desired pesticide bait composition can be mixed in any order. For example, a solvent composition can be produced by using a solvent and mixing it with a bittering agent to prepare a uniform composition. In addition, an oil composition can be produced by using a binder mixed with a biocide, a stabilizer, and spinetoram to form a more uniform composition. The pesticide bait composition can be produced by mixing the oil composition and the solvent composition with corn grits until the liquid is evenly coated and distributed on the corn grits to obtain a bait composition of the desired size and shape, so that the bait composition can be placed in a corn whorled body.

[0033] Another major problem is corn dwarf disease. Both S. kunkelii (a spiroplasma, commonly known as maize dwarf spiroplasma) and MBSP (maize bush dwarf phytoplasma) can survive in the corn leafhopper (Zea mays yellow-winged leafhopper), and it causes corn dwarf disease. Foliar application of insecticides can be used to partially control Zea mays yellow-winged leafhopper, but control of corn dwarf disease with this method is not very successful. Kasugamycin (Ksg) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. However, we have found that mixing kasugamycin with an insecticide can control both Zea mays yellow-winged leafhopper and S. kunkelii at the same time, thereby helping to avoid corn dwarf disease caused by the vector Zea mays yellow-winged leafhopper. When used for foliar application, the amount of kasugamycin mixed with the insecticide can vary from 20 g ai / ha to 100 g ai / ha, for example, 18 gai / ha+32 g ai / ha for spinetoram and sulfoxaflor, or 18 gai / ha and 220 g ai / ha for spinetoram and methomyl, respectively. However, for the bait composition, based on the total weight of the pest-killing bait composition, the amount of kasugamycin used in the pest-killing bait composition is from about 2.0 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent, preferably from about 1.0 weight percent to about 0.1 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 0.5 weight percent to about 0.25 weight percent. Of course, the weight percent of kasugamycin will vary according to various factors, such as local environmental conditions and the desired pest control effect, among other factors.

[0034] Examples

[0035] Example I: Control of Fall Armyworm using spinetoram spray formulations and ready-to-use baits

[0036] Untreated non-Bt corn seeds (maize) were planted in 4-inch plastic square pots containing approximately 200 ml of Kalamazoo, Michigan loamy sand (11% silt, 9% clay, 80% sand) and 1.6% organic matter. One seed was planted in the center of each pot. Nine pots were set up and used for each treatment, with each pot containing one BBCH-14 (four expanded leaves) corn plant. Two formulations containing spinetoram were used in this study. Foliar application of a suspension concentrate (SC) spinetoram insecticide (120 g ai / L) was performed using a track sprayer set to deliver 200 L of pesticide-water mixture / ha (hectare). Four rates of SC formulations were used: 1, 3, 9, and 27 g ai / ha. After foliar application, the plants were left in the laboratory to dry at room temperature. Ready-to-use baits (RB) contained 1 g ai / Kg of formulated material. The RB formulation was prepared by using a solvent and mixing it with a bittering agent to make it uniform to produce a solvent composition. In addition, an oil composition was produced using a binder mixed with a biocide, a stabilizer and ethyl spinetoram to form a uniform composition. As a final step, the oil composition and the solvent composition were mixed with corn grits until a bait of the required size and shape was obtained to enable the RB formulation to be placed in the corn whorl. Four rates of RB formulation were used: 0.21, 0.7, 2.1 and 6.3 g ai / ha. A group of untreated plants was also included in this experiment. The treatment list for this assay is presented in Table 1. Each treated plant was infested with 3 L3 fall armyworm larvae (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda). 13×24 inch micro-perforated plastic bags were used. Individual plants were bagged. Infested plants were kept in a greenhouse (25°C ± 2°C, 16 h light: 8 h dark, 40%-50% RH) for four days until performance evaluation was completed. Performance evaluation was performed by assessing the larval survival age. Lethal concentrations for both materials were also calculated. Mean separation of the larval survival was performed using Tukey analysis (JMP). The lethal concentration data using both formulations were used to evaluate the relative percent activity between the RB and SC formulations of spinetoram. It was found that 1486% more spinetoram was required for foliar spray treatments to reach the LC of the RB formulation. 50 Performance level.

[0037]

[0038] In the following two examples, kasugamycin by itself can reduce disease development and its combination with pesticides can reduce morbidity and increase crop yields.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] Corn fields with plants naturally infected by phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas were sprayed with 100 g ai / ha of kasugamycin. Plants with 4 true leaves were sprayed once a week for 4 weeks. Considering the percentage of infected leaf area (showing symptoms), the severity of dwarfing was visually assessed 15 days after the first application and 15 days after the fourth spraying. The disease severity of the treated and untreated plots was 27% after the first application, and 15 days after the fourth application, the severity of the treated plot was 43% versus 54% for the untreated plot, reducing the disease progression by 20%.

[0041] Example 3

[0042] Starting from the V2 (2 true leaves) stage of the crop, four foliar applications of pesticides alone and mixed with kasugamycin were made to corn plants in the field at intervals of 7 days. Four combinations of pesticides were tested: 18+32g ai / ha of spinetoram+sulfoxaflor alone and mixed with 20g ai / ha of kasugamycin, and 18+220g ai / ha of spinetoram+methocarb alone and mixed with 20g ai / ha of kasugamycin. The incidence and yield of dwarf symptoms in plants 53 days and 91 days after sowing were evaluated. 91 days after sowing, spinetoram+methocarb alone had 12.5% ​​symptomatic plants, while no symptoms were observed in its mixture with kasugamycin, and the incidence of untreated was 22.5%. Spinetoram + sulfoxaflor alone showed 32.5% symptomatic plants, while its mixture with kasugamycin showed 12.5%. Spinetoram + methomyl alone and Spinetoram + sulfoxaflor + kasugamycin reduced disease progression by 44% compared to untreated, and the mixture of Spinetoram + methomyl + kasugamycin reduced disease progression by 100%, and Kasugamycin alone reduced disease progression by 11%. Both mixtures of Spinetoram + sulfoxaflor and Spinetoram + methomyl mixed with kasugamycin increased maize yield by 8.9% and 10.2%, respectively.

[0043] Based on the foregoing disclosure, the following additional details (d) are provided.

[0044] 1d. A pest-killing bait composition comprising:

[0045] (a) at least one pesticide, wherein the at least one pesticide is abamectin, acetamiprid, acralthrin, acynonapyr, afidopyropen, allethrin, cis-cypermethrin, amitraz, azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis var. pseudo-walking beetle (Btvar.tenebrionensis), Bacillus sphericalus, insecticide, acaricide, benzpyrimoxan, β-cyfluthrin, high-efficiency cypermethrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, bio-allethrin, bio-allethrin S-cyclopentenyl, bio-resmethrin, bis-trifluan, bromofenac, bromopyrim, buprofezin, acaricide, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, chlorfenapyr ... Cypermethrin [(1R)-trans isomer], cyromazine, dazomethrin, dextran-allethrin, deltamethrin, difenthrin, dicloromesotiaz, dicofol, fluazifop, diflubenzuron, anthracenamide, dinotefuran, d-trans-allethrin, emamectin benzoate, fenthrin [(EZ)-(1R)-isomer], cypermethrin, etofenprox, cypermethrin, fenazaquin, fenoxycarb, cypermethrin, fenpyroximate, cypermethrin, flometoquin, flonicamid, Flupyrimidine, flubendiamide, flufenac, flucythrin, flufenac, fluchloran, flupyrone, flupyrimin, fluoxazolidinone, γ-cyhalothrin, benzylfen, chlorfenapyr, hexaflumuron, hexathiazolin, hydrazone, methoprene, imidacloprid, indoxacarb, isoxathiazolin, cypermethrin, methoprene, λ-cyhalothrin, lepidomycin, lufenuron, metaflumizone, methoprene, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, mitraz, nitenpyram, flufenac, polyflumuron, permethrin, phenothrin [(1R)-trans isomer], prallethrin, gram Amitraz, pyrimidine, pyrethrin, pyrethrin (pyrethrum), pyridaben, pyrimethrin, pyrimidine, pyrimidine, pyrimethrin, resmethrin, silafluanid, spinosad, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, methoxyphene, spirotetramat, flubendiamide, sulfluramid, sulfenthrin, fluvalinate, cypermethrin, tebufenpyrad, tebufenamide, tefluthrin, tetrachlorvinphos, tetramethrin, tetramethrin [(1R)-isomer], flucythramide, θ-cypermethrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, cyfluthrin, dimethomorph, tolfenpyrad, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, trifluanid, triflumuron, or ζ-cypermethrin;

[0046] (b) corn grits, corn grits containing genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis, ground corn cobs, or mixtures thereof; and

[0047] (c) Adhesive.

[0048] 1.25d A pesticidal bait composition according to detail 1d, wherein the at least one pesticide is two pesticides used in the pesticide bait.

[0049] 1.50d A pesticidal bait composition according to detail 1d, wherein the at least one pesticide is three pesticides used in a pesticide bait.

[0050] 2d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 1d, wherein the pesticide is spinetoram.

[0051] 2.25d A pesticidal bait composition according to detail 1d, wherein the at least one pesticide is two pesticides used in the pesticide bait.

[0052] 2.50d A pesticidal bait composition according to detail 1d, wherein the at least one pesticide is three pesticides used in the pesticide bait.

[0053] 3d. A pesticide bait composition according to detail 2d, wherein the bait composition comprises a pesticide, the pesticide is a mixture of ethyl spinetoram and one or more additional active ingredients, wherein the additional active ingredients are Bacillus thuringiensis, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, gamma-cypermethrin, lambda-cypermethrin, permethrin, spinosad, trichlorfon, or a mixture thereof.

[0054] 4d. The pesticide bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of the pesticide in the pesticidal bait composition is from about 0.8 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0055] 5d. The pesticide bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of the pesticide in the pesticidal bait composition is from about 0.4 weight percent to about 0.03 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0056] 6d. The pesticide bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of the pesticide in the pesticidal bait composition is from about 0.2 weight percent to about 0.05 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0057] 7d. The pesticidal bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of corn grits in the pesticidal bait composition is about 99 weight percent to about 93 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0058] 8d. The pesticidal bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of corn grits in the pesticidal bait composition is about 99 weight percent to about 95 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0059] 9d. The pesticidal bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of corn grits in the pesticidal bait composition is about 98 weight percent to about 96 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0060] 10d. A pesticidal bait composition according to any preceding detail, wherein the corn grits have a particle size of about 5000 microns to about 500 microns.

[0061] 11d. A pesticidal bait composition according to any preceding detail, wherein the corn grits have a particle size of about 2500 microns to about 1000 microns.

[0062] 12d. The pesticidal bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the corn grits are made from corn grits containing transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis.

[0063] 13d. A pesticidal bait composition according to any preceding detail, wherein the binder is avocado oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, linseed oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, walnut oil or a mixture thereof.

[0064] 14d. The pesticidal bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of the binder in the pesticidal bait composition is from about 6 weight percent to about 1 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0065] 15d. The pesticidal bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of the binder in the pesticidal bait composition is from about 5 weight percent to about 1 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0066] 16d. The pesticidal bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the amount of the binder in the pesticidal bait composition is from about 4 weight percent to about 2 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0067] 17d. A pesticidal bait composition according to any preceding detail, wherein the pesticidal bait composition further comprises a microbial biocide.

[0068] 18d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 17d, wherein the microbial biocide is natural pyrethrum, asphalt, camphor, vinegar, rose water, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, benzoic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, sodium nitrite, potassium sulfite, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, chloromethyl-methylisothiazolone, sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate or a mixture thereof.

[0069] 19d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 17d or 18d, wherein the amount of the biocide in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0070] 20d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 17d or 18d, wherein the amount of the biocide in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0071] 21d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 17d or 18d, wherein the amount of the biocide in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.02 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0072] 22d. A pesticidal bait composition according to any preceding detail, wherein the pesticidal bait composition further comprises a bittering agent.

[0073] 23d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 22d, wherein the bittering agent is denatonium, sucrose octaacetate, quercetin, dimethoxystrychnine, quassin or a mixture thereof.

[0074] 24d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 22d or 23d, wherein the amount of the bitterant in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0075] 25d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 22d or 23d, wherein the amount of the bitterant in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0076] 26d. The pesticidal bait composition according to detail 22d or 23d, wherein the amount of the bitterant in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.02 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

[0077] 27d. The pesticide bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the pesticide bait composition further comprises a stabilizer.

[0078] 28d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 27d, wherein the stabilizer is butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, propyl gallate, tert-butylhydroquinone, 2-naphthol, 4-phenylphenol, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or a mixture thereof.

[0079] 29d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 27d or 28d, wherein the amount of the stabilizer in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0080] 30d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 27d or 28d, wherein the amount of the stabilizer in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0081] 31d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 27d or 28d, wherein the amount of the stabilizer in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0082] 32d. The pesticide bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the pesticide bait composition further comprises a colorant.

[0083] 33d. A pesticide bait composition according to detail 32d, wherein the colorant is Brilliant Blue, E133 (blue hue), Indigo, E132 (dark blue hue), Fast Green, E143 (blue-green hue), Allura Red AC, E129 (red hue), Erythrosine, E127 (pink hue), Tartrazine, E102 (yellow hue), Sunset Yellow, E110 (orange hue), Lithol Red BK (E180), Amaranth (E123), Sudan III and Red 2G (E128) or a mixture thereof.

[0084] 34d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 32d or 33d, wherein the amount of the colorant in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0085] 35d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 32d or 33d, wherein the amount of the colorant in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0086] 36d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 32d or 33d, wherein the amount of the colorant in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0087] 37d. The pesticide bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the pesticide bait composition further comprises a solvent.

[0088] 38d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 37d, wherein the solvent is dihydrolevulinone, dimethyl sulfoxide or a mixture thereof.

[0089] 39d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 37d or 38d, wherein the amount of the solvent in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.005 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0090] 40d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 37d or 38d, wherein the amount of the solvent in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.001 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0091] 41d. The pesticide bait composition according to detail 37d or 38d, wherein the amount of the solvent in the pesticide bait composition is about 0.15 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

[0092] 42d. The pesticide bait composition according to any of the preceding details, wherein the pesticide bait composition further comprises kasugamycin.

[0093] 43d A method of controlling fall armyworm, comprising using the pesticide bait composition according to any one of the preceding details.

[0094] 44d. A method of controlling fall armyworm, corn leafhopper, or both, comprising using a pesticide bait composition according to any one of the preceding details including detail 42d.

[0095] 45d. The method according to 43d, wherein the pesticide bait composition is placed in a corn whorl.

Claims

1. A pest-killing bait composition, comprising: (a) at least one pesticide, wherein the at least one pesticide is abamectin, acetamiprid, acralthrin, acifenapyr, pyraclostrobin, allethrin, cis-cypermethrin, amitraz, azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis var. asahua, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israeli, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kustak, Bacillus thuringiensis var. pseudo-walking, Bacillus sphaericus, sulfamethoxam, cypermethrin, benzathine, benzylpyridin, β-cyfluthrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, bio-allethrin, bio-allethrin S-cyclopentenyl, bio-resmethrin, bistrifluan, bromofluanid Amide, bromofenac, buprofezin, mite-killing agent, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, chlorfluanid, chlorfenapyr ... , fenazaquin, fenoxycarb, cypermethrin, fenpyroximate, cypermethrin, cypermethrin, flumetquin, flonicamid, flufenac, flufenac, flucythrinate, flufenac, fluchlorfenapyr, flutolan, flupyfuranone, flupyrimidine, fluoxazolidinone, γ-cyhalothrin, benzylfen, chlorfenapyr, hexaflumuron, hexathiazolin, hydrazone, methoprene, imidacloprid, indoxacarb, isoxathiazolin, cypermethrin, methoprene, λ-cyhalothrin, lepidomycin, lufenuron, metaflumizone, metabifenazine, methoprene, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, mitraz, nitenpyram, flufenuron, polyflumuron, permethrin, phenothrin [(1R)-reverse isomers], prallethrin, propargite, pyrimethrin, pyrethrin (pyrethrum), pyridaben, pyrimethrin, pyrimidine, pyrimidine, resmethrin, silafluthrin, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, methoxypiperidin, spirotetramat, flubendiamide, sulfluramid, sulfenthrin, fluvalinate, cypermethrin, tebufenpyrad, tebufenamide, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tetramethrin [(1R)-isomer], flucythramide, θ-cypermethrin, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, cyfluthrin, dimethomorph, tolfenpyrad, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, triflumuron, triflumuron, or ζ-cypermethrin; (b) corn grits, corn grits containing genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis, ground corn cobs, or mixtures thereof; and (c) Adhesive.

2. The pest-killing bait composition according to claim 1, wherein The at least one pesticide is two pesticides used in the pesticide bait.

3. The pest-killing bait composition according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one pesticide is three pesticides used in the pesticide bait.

4. The pest-killing bait composition according to claim 1, wherein The pesticide is spinetoram.

5. The pest-killing bait composition according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one pesticide is two pesticides used in the pesticide bait.

6. The pest-killing bait composition according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one pesticide is three pesticides used in the pesticide bait.

7. The pesticide bait composition according to claim 4, wherein The bait composition comprises a pesticide which is a mixture of ethyl spinetoram and one or more additional active ingredients, wherein the additional active ingredients are Bacillus thuringiensis, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, gamma-cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, spinosad, trichlorfon, or a mixture thereof.

8. A pesticide bait composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The amount of the pesticide in the pesticidal bait composition is about 0.8 weight percent to about 0.01 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticidal bait composition.

9. A pesticidal bait composition according to any preceding claim, wherein The amount of corn grits in the pesticide bait composition is about 99 weight percent to about 93 weight percent based on the total weight of the pesticide bait composition.

10. A pesticidal bait composition according to any preceding claim, wherein The binder is avocado oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, corn oil, linseed oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, walnut oil or a mixture thereof.

11. A pesticide bait composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pesticide bait composition also comprises kasugamycin.

12. A method of controlling fall armyworm comprising using the pesticide bait composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A method of controlling fall armyworm, corn leafhopper, or both comprising using a pesticide bait composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The method according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein: The pesticide bait composition is placed in corn whorls.

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