Mixtures of sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum and uses thereof

Abstract

To provide combinations of insecticides comprising naturally derived insecticides that reduce health problems in humans and also reduce the risk of developing insecticide resistance.SOLUTION: Provided are pesticidal mixtures comprising sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters, and methods of controlling pests including insects and mites by application of pesticidal mixtures comprising sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to insecticidal mixtures comprising sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters and methods for controlling pests, including insects and mites, by application of insecticidal mixtures comprising sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters. [Background technology]

[0002] Arthropod pests are one of the major threats to human welfare, causing ongoing stress on food supplies and transmitting a variety of medical and veterinary diseases. Synthetic insecticides have played a key role and, in many ways, guided modern agriculture and pest control. However, their widespread use has also created numerous environmental problems. While the acute effects of synthetic insecticides on professional applicators and other end users are well known, the chronic, long-term human health impacts can be just as severe. Furthermore, the use of synthetic insecticides has led to the development of resistant insect populations. Insecticide resistance is a complex phenomenon underpinned by a wide variety of physiological mechanisms. The main mechanisms responsible for the development of insecticide resistance are metabolic detoxification, target site mutations, reduced cuticle penetration, and repellent behavior.

[0003] Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management. A fundamental aspect of insecticide use within the broad framework of IPM is insecticide resistance management (IRM) through the use of insecticide combinations that slow the rate of resistance development. The combination of insecticides with different modes of action is a concept fundamentally based on the idea of ​​redundant killing of target insects. Insects that have adapted to one of the active ingredients in the combination product are still controlled by the other active ingredient. Mixtures can also reduce the amount of insecticide applied to the environment and the environmental impacts associated with insecticide application.

[0004] Many botanical insecticides are readily biodegradable and significantly less harmful to the environment and applicators than synthetic insecticides. The extremely short environmental persistence of botanical insecticides, typically less than 24 hours, favors the survival of non-target beneficial parasites and predators, which are important components of IPM. Unlike traditional insecticides, which are typically based on a single active ingredient, botanical insecticides usually contain multiple chemical compounds that affect both the behavioral and physiological functions of target arthropods. The likelihood of pest resistance developing to botanical insecticides is lower than that for synthetic insecticides because these mixtures can have diverse modes of action.

[0005] An effective naturally occurring insecticide is found in the tissues of many Schoenocaulon plants, commonly referred to as Schoenocaulon officinale. The species with the longest history of use and the most readily available is Schoenocaulon officinale. The plant is native to Central and South America, and its seeds have been used for centuries for their insecticidal properties. The seeds contain several alkaloids, including both veratridine and cevadine, which are known to be active against arthropods.

[0006] Another effective, naturally derived insecticide is pyrethrum, derived from the flower heads of the white daisy (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) and the red daisy (Tanacetum coccineum). Pyrethrum contains six esters known as pyrethrins, which attack the nervous systems of all insects. Furthermore, pyrethrum is safe for human application and for other mammals. In fact, pyrethrum is considered to be the safest insecticide for use around food.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for pesticide combinations that include naturally occurring pesticides that present reduced human health problems and also reduce the risk of developing pesticide resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to insecticidal mixtures of sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling pests, including insects and mites, comprising applying an effective amount of a mixture of sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the sabadilla alkaloids are derived from sabadilla (Schoenocaulon officinale).

[0011] Detailed Description of the Invention Applicants have unexpectedly discovered that insecticidal mixtures of sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters provide enhanced insecticidal activity compared to either insecticide alone. Further, Applicants have discovered that insecticidal mixtures of sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters can control a wide variety of arthropods.

[0012] The present invention relates to an insecticidal mixture comprising an effective amount of a sabadilla alkaloid and a pyrethrum ester.

[0013] Sabadilla alkaloids can be derived from any Schoenocaulon species. The genus Schoenocaulon includes the following species: S. calcicola, S. caricifolium, S. comatum, S. conzattii, S. dubium (or S. gracile), S. framei, S. ghiesbreghtii (or S. drummondii, S. yucatanense), S. ignigenum, S. intermedium, S. jaliscense, S. macrocarpum (or S. lauricola), S. madidorum, S. megarrhizum, S. mortonii, S. oaxacense, S. obtusum, S. officinale, S. pellucidum, S. plumosum, S. pringlei, S. rzedowskii, S. tenorioi, S. tenue, S. tenuifolium, S. texanum and S. tigrense. In a preferred embodiment, the sabadilla alkaloids are derived from S. officinale. In another preferred embodiment, the sabadilla alkaloids are veratridine and sevadine.

[0014] As used herein, all numerical values, such as amounts, weight percents, etc., are defined as "about" or "approximately" each particular value, i.e., ±10%. For example, the phrase "at least 5% by weight" should be understood as "at least 4.5-5.5% by weight." Thus, values ​​within 10% of a claimed value are encompassed within the claimed range.

[0015] The term "effective amount" refers to the amount of formulation that controls the target pest. The "effective amount" varies depending on, among other factors, the mixture concentration, the type of pest being treated, the severity of the pest infestation, the desired results, and the life stage of the pest being treated. Therefore, it is not always possible to specify an exact "effective amount." However, the appropriate "effective amount" in any individual case can be determined by one skilled in the art.

[0016] As used herein, w / w refers to weight relative to the weight of the total mixture.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of sabadilla alkaloids to pyrethrins is from about 1:20 to about 10:1, and more preferably from about 1:10 to about 5:1.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the pesticide mixture of the present invention may include solvents, anti-caking agents, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, slip agents, humectants, dispersants, wetting agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, penetrating agents, adjuvants, synergists, polymers, propellants and / or preservatives.

[0019] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling pests comprising applying to the pest or the environment of the pest an effective amount of an insecticide mixture comprising a sabadilla alkaloid and a pyrethrum ester.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the pests are selected from insects and mites.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pests to be controlled are selected from the group consisting of aphids (Homoptera), whiteflies (Hemiptera), thrips (Thysanoptera), bedbugs (Hemiptera), fleas (Siphonaptera), caterpillars / worms (Lepidoptera), beetles (Coleoptera), cockroaches (Blattodea), flies (Diptera), ants (Hymenoptera), mosquitoes (Culicidae), and mites (Acari). In a preferred embodiment, the pests to be controlled are selected from the group consisting of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), green peach aphids (Myzus persicae), house flies (Musca domestica), Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and German cockroaches (Blattella germanica).

[0022] The pesticide mixtures of the present invention may be applied by conventional methods, those skilled in the art being familiar with application methods including spraying, painting, dipping, in-furrow treatment, pressurized liquid (aerosol), jetting or side application.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the sabadilla alkaloids are applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 1 to about 1000 grams per hectare (g / HA), preferably about 10 to about 700 g / HA, and most preferably about 22 to about 560 g / HA.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, pyrethrum esters are applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 1 to about 100 g / HA, more preferably about 10 to about 70 g / HA, and most preferably about 15 to about 60 g / HA.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the insecticidal mixture of the present invention comprises from about 0.05% to about 0.5% w / w of sabadilla alkaloids.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the insecticidal mixture of the present invention comprises from about 0.01% to about 1% w / w, more preferably from 0.1% to about 0.5% w / w of a pyrethrum ester.

[0027] As used herein, "control" of a pest or "controlling" a pest refers to killing, incapacitating, repelling, or otherwise reducing the adverse effect of the pest on a plant or animal to a level desirable for the grower or animal.

[0028] As used herein, the term "environment of a pest" refers to any area where a pest exists during any life stage. One environment that may be treated by the method of the present invention includes plants inhabited by pests and the surrounding soil. The environment of a pest may also include harvested plants, gardens, fields, greenhouses or other buildings, and various indoor surfaces and structures, including furniture and books, including beds, clothing, and the like.

[0029] The articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, although the methods of the invention relate to controlling "pests," this may include multiple pests (e.g., one or more insects or one or more insect species, or one or more mites or one or more mite species).

[0030] The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention and teach one of ordinary skill in the art how to use the extracts of the present invention, but are not intended to be limiting in any way. [Example]

[0031] PyGanic® 1.4EC was used as the source of pyrethrum ester. PyGanic® is a registered trademark of McLaughlin Gormley King Ltd.

[0032] Example 1 - German cockroach In this study, we will observe the response of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) to the application of S. officinale alkaloids and pyrethrum esters in ratios of 1:2, 5:1, 1:10, and 1:1. Specifically, S. officinale alkaloids and pyrethrum esters will be applied to the pests in the following ratios: 1) 0.05% w / w and 0.1% w / w, 2) 0.5% w / w and 0.1% w / w, 3) 0.05% w / w and 0.5% w / w, and 4) 0.5% w / w and 0.5% w / w.

[0033] The results of this study are expected to show greater than additive effects. exp Using =A+B-(AB / 100), responses can be determined to be synergistic.

[0034] %C exp =A+B-(AB / 100) is %C exp is the expected efficacy, and "A and B are the levels of control provided by a single [insecticide]. The experimentally observed efficacy of the mixture, C obs and the predicted effectiveness of the mixture is greater than 1, then a synergistic interaction exists in the mixture." (Gisi, Synergisitic Interaction of Fungicides in Mixtures, The American Phytopathological Society, 86:11, 1273-1279, 1996) Using a conservative approach, applicants have determined that a synergistic effect exists at a ratio of ≥ 1.1.

[0035] Example 2 - Housefly This study will observe the response of houseflies (Musca domestica) to the application of sabadilla (S. officinale) alkaloids and pyrethrum esters in ratios of 1:2, 5:1, 1:10, and 1:1. Specifically, sabadilla alkaloids and pyrethrum esters will be applied to the pests in the following ratios: 1) 0.05% w / w and 0.1% w / w, 2) 0.5% w / w and 0.1% w / w, 3) 0.05% w / w and 0.5% w / w, and 4) 0.5% w / w and 0.5% w / w.

[0036] The results of this study are expected to show greater than additive effects. exp Using =A+B-(AB / 100), responses can be determined to be synergistic.

[0037] Example 3 - Bedbugs This study will observe the response of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) to the application of S. officinale alkaloids and pyrethrum esters in ratios of 1:2, 5:1, 1:10, and 1:1. Specifically, S. officinale alkaloids and pyrethrum esters will be applied to the pests in the following ratios: 1) 0.05% w / w and 0.1% w / w, 2) 0.5% w / w and 0.1% w / w, 3) 0.05% w / w and 0.5% w / w, and 4) 0.5% w / w and 0.5% w / w.

[0038] The results of this study are expected to show greater than additive effects. exp Using =A+B-(AB / 100), responses can be determined to be synergistic.

[0039] Example 4 - Green peach aphid In this study, we observed the response of green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) to the application of S. officinale alkaloids and pyrethrum esters in ratios of 1.5:1, 37:1, 1:3, and 9:1. Specifically, S. officinale alkaloids and pyrethrum esters were applied to the pests in the following ratios: 1) 22 g / HA and 15 g / HA; 2) 560 g / HA and 15 g / HA; 3) 22 g / HA and 60 g / HA; and 4) 560 g / HA and 60 g / HA.

[0040] The results of this study are expected to show greater than additive effects. exp Using =A+B-(AB / 100), responses can be determined to be synergistic.

Claims

1. An insecticide mixture comprising an effective amount of a sabadilla alkaloid and a pyrethrum ester.

2. 2. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the sabadilla alkaloids are derived from sabadilla (Schoenocaulon officinale).

3. 2. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the sabadilla alkaloids are veratridine and sevadine.

4. 10. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the sabadilla alkaloids are at a concentration of about 0.05% to about 0.5% w / w, where w / w refers to weight relative to the weight of the total mixture.

5. 10. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the pyrethrum ester is at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 1% w / w, where w / w is weight relative to the weight of the total mixture.

6. 2. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the ratio of sabadilla alkaloid to pyrethrum ester is from about 1:20 to about 10:

1.

7. 2. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the ratio of sabadilla alkaloid to pyrethrum ester is from about 1:10 to about 5:

1.

8. 10. The mixture of claim 1, further comprising one or more excipients selected from the group consisting of solvents, anti-caking agents, stabilizers, anti-foaming agents, slip agents, humectants, dispersants, wetting agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, penetrating agents, adjuvants, synergists, polymers, propellants, and / or preservatives.

9. A method for controlling pests comprising applying to the pest or the environment of the pest an effective amount of an insecticide mixture comprising a sabadilla alkaloid and a pyrethrin.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pest is at least one of an insect and a mite.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pest is selected from the group consisting of aphids (Homoptera), whiteflies (Hemiptera), thrips (Thysanoptera), bedbugs (Hemiptera), fleas (Siphonaptera), caterpillars / helminths (Lepidoptera), beetles (Coleoptera), cockroaches (Blattodea), flies (Diptera), ants (Hymenoptera), mosquitoes (Culicidae), and mites (Acari).

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pest is selected from the group consisting of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), peach aphids (Myzus persicae), house flies (Musca domestica), Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and German cockroaches (Blattella germanica).

13. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sabadilla alkaloid is applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 1 to about 1000 grams per hectare.

14. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sabadilla alkaloid is applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 10 to about 700 grams per hectare.

15. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sabadilla alkaloid is applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 22 to about 560 grams per hectare.

16. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pyrethrum ester is applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 1 to about 100 grams per hectare.

17. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pyrethrum ester is applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 10 to about 70 grams per hectare.

18. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pyrethrum ester is applied to the pest or the pest's environment at a rate of about 15 to about 60 grams per hectare.