Compositions and methods for controlling insects

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and compositions for controlling pest larvae of Tipula species insects in turfgrass loci by using a combination of chlorantraniliprole and an entomopathogenic nematode.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling pests. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for controlling Tipula species pests by applying chlorantraniliprole and an entomopathogenic nematode to the pests, their habitat, or turfgrass susceptible to attack by the pests. The present invention also includes a composition comprising chlorantraniliprole and an entomopathogenic nematode for controlling Tipula species pests, especially in turfgrass. [Background technology]

[0002] The need for pest control is a recurring problem in amenity lawns and other landscaped lawn areas. Lawns are often home to a variety of insects, some of which are direct pests of lawns or nuisance bugs and pests to humans and pets. Control of the larval stages of lawn pests can be particularly difficult. For example, adults of T. paludosa mate and lay eggs in turfgrass below the soil surface. First instar larvae hatch in the soil and develop into four instars in the soil, feeding throughout the winter before entering a resting period before pupating into a crane fly. Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies (Tipula species) and can cause extensive damage to grasses, lawns, and sometimes even small plants. Leatherjackets burrow into the ground and feed on roots, creating bare or yellowed patches of turfgrass.

[0003] To help combat and manage these insect problems, researchers in the field of synthetic chemistry have produced a wide variety of chemicals and chemical formulations that are effective in controlling such unwanted growth. Many types of chemical insecticides have been disclosed in the literature, and many are in commercial use. Commercially available insecticides and some still in development are described, for example, in 'The Pesticide Manual', 19th Edition, published in 2021 by the British Crop Protection Council. Chlorantraniliprole is an insecticide useful against turf pests.

[0004] The activity of insecticides can be enhanced in various ways to achieve maximum benefit. One of the ways to enhance insecticidal efficacy is to use combinations. However, it is not easy to identify the appropriate combination of active ingredients and application rates to achieve broad-spectrum insect control while reducing environmental burden.

[0005] Biopesticides are natural alternatives to chemical insecticides for pest control. For example, entomopathogenic nematodes are relatively safe and generally non-toxic to users and consumers, degrade quickly, and can target specific pests while avoiding harm to beneficial insects. However, biopesticides can face technical barriers that can reduce their applicability, such as poor shelf life.

[0006] The use of entomopathogenic nematodes to control insects in turf, sports and amenity applications has already been described in the literature, for example in WO2020053603.

[0007] A combination of chlorantraniliprole with the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora has been reported to control third-instar grubs in turfgrass (Koppenhoefer et al. Biological Control 45 (2008)). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] There remains a need for improved methods of controlling Tipula spp. insects in turf, sports and amenity applications, and in particular, integrated pest management methods for controlling Tipula spp. insect larvae in turf. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, it has now been discovered that the effectiveness of chlorantraniliprole in controlling Tipula spp. insect larvae in turfgrass is enhanced when co-applied with an entomopathogenic nematode.

[0010] Thus, the present invention provides a method for controlling or managing harmful larvae of Tipula species insects in turfgrass by using a combination of chlorantraniliprole and an entomopathogenic nematode, the method comprising: a) applying an effective amount of chlorantraniliprole to the turfgrass; and b) applying an effective amount of an entomopathogenic nematode to the turfgrass.

[0011] In particular, the present invention may be used to control pests that feed on the roots and above-ground plant parts of turfgrass, including the leatherjacket (European crane fly, Tipula paludosa).

[0012] In one embodiment, the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied at a reduced application rate compared to the typical application rate of infective juvenile (IJ) entomopathogenic nematodes required to control such Tipula species larvae at a locus by a single application (including single or split dose application).

[0013] The term "reduced application rate" can refer to an application rate that is 30 to 80%, preferably 45 to 75%, more preferably 50 to 60%, and most preferably at least 50% or half, compared to the total application rate (including single or divided dose application) of entomopathogenic nematodes normally applied or indicated on the product label for the control of Tipula species populations, especially larvae.

[0014] The present invention can be practiced on all turfgrasses, including cool-season and warm-season turfgrasses.

[0015] Examples of cool-season turfgrasses are: strawberry grass (Poa L.), such as longgrass (Poa pratensis L.), bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.), bluegrass (Poa compressa L.) and bluegrass (Poa annua L.); bentgrass (Agrostis L.), such as creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.), sedge benthic grass (Agrostis tenius Sibth.), sedge benthic grass (Agrostis canina L.), and sedge benthic grass (Agrostis canina L.). L.) and chestnut (Agrostis alba L.); fescue (Festuca L.), e.g. big fescue (Festuca rubra L.), tall fescue (Festuca rubra var. commutata Gaud.), fescue (Festuca ovina L.), Korean fescue (Festuca longifolia), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Schreb.), tall fescue (Festuca elatior L.); ryegrass (Lolium L.), e.g. perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), annual (Italian) ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.); wheatgrass (Agropyron Gaertn.), e.g. fairway wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), and Western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.). Other cool-season turfgrasses include bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and timothy grass (Phleum L.).

[0016] Examples of warm season turfgrasses are Bermuda grass (Cynodon LCRich), Zoysia Willd., St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze), Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro.) Hack.), Carpet grass (Axonopus Beauv.), Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge.), Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.), and others. (Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.)), buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.)), and swartz grass (Paspalum vaginatum swartz).

[0017] More specifically, the present invention provides a method for controlling Tipula spp. insect larvae in turf, the method comprising applying to a locus of the harmful larvae an amount of chlorantraniliprole effective for controlling harmful Tipula spp. insect larvae, and then applying to said locus an amount of an entomopathogenic nematode that is 30 to 80%, preferably 50 to 75%, of an amount effective for controlling harmful Tipula spp. insect larvae. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Embodiments of the method of the present invention are provided as follows.

[0019] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for controlling Tipula spp. insect larvae in turf comprising sequentially applying a pest-controlling effective amount of chlorantraniliprole to a locus of the pest larvae and then applying to the locus an effective pest-controlling amount of 30-80% (preferably 50-75%) of an entomopathogenic nematode to the locus.

[0020] In one embodiment, chlorantraniliprole is applied to the locus of Tipula spp. insect pest larvae at an application rate of 75-300 g / ha, preferably 100-300 g / ha. In a preferred embodiment, chlorantraniliprole is applied to said locus at an application rate of 120 g / ha. In another preferred embodiment, 0.6 liters of a suspension concentrate formulation containing 200 g / l chlorantraniliprole is applied to said locus in an aqueous spray composition comprising 500-1000 l / ha of water, preferably 800 l / ha of water.

[0021] In another embodiment, the harmful larvae of Tipula spp. insects to be controlled are Tipula paludosa or Tipula oleracea. In a further embodiment, the harmful larvae of Tipula spp. insects are in the first, second, third or fourth instar stage. In another embodiment, the harmful larvae of Tipula spp. insects are leatherjackets.

[0022] In one embodiment, the entomopathogenic nematode used in the method is selected from the genus Heterorhabditis and / or Steinernema. Preferably, the entomopathogenic nematode is selected from the group Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis downesi, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae, and / or Steinernema kraussei. In a preferred embodiment, the entomopathogenic nematode comprises S. carpocapsae and / or S. feltiae. Most preferably, the entomopathogenic nematode comprises Steinernema feltiae.

[0023] In a habitat of turf pests, if the total application rate of entomopathogenic nematodes alone is, for example, 7.5 billion IJ / ha, the reduced application rate can refer to an application rate that is 30-80%, preferably 45-75%, more preferably 50-60%, of such application rate, for example, 2.5 billion IJ / ha to 5 billion IJ / ha. In a habitat of turf pests, if the total application rate of entomopathogenic nematodes alone is, for example, 5 billion IJ / ha, the reduced application rate can refer to an application rate that is 30-80%, preferably 45-75%, more preferably 50-60%, of such application rate, for example, 2.5 billion IJ / ha to 4 billion IJ / ha.

[0024] In one embodiment, the effective amount of entomopathogenic nematodes comprises 500-750 billion infective nematodes (usually infective juvenile (IJ) nematodes). Over the entire area of ​​ground, the amount of entomopathogenic nematodes preferably comprises 2.5 and 5 billion infective nematodes per hectare. The effective amount of entomopathogenic nematodes may be determined by the condition, density, and application location of harmful larvae of Tipula species insects. Advantageously, the method of the present invention provides for application of 50-75% of the effective amount.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the effective amount for pest larvae of standard Tipula species insects is 5 billion infective nematodes per hectare, so 75% is 3.75 billion infective nematodes per hectare and 50% (i.e. 1 / 2 application rate) is 2.5 billion infective nematodes per hectare.

[0026] In another embodiment, the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied in an aqueous spray composition applied to the locus at 500-1000 l / ha, and in another embodiment, the volume of water of the aqueous spray composition applied to the locus is 800 l / ha.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling Tipula species insect larvae in turfgrass using a combination of chlorantraniliprole and an entomopathogenic nematode, the method comprising: a) applying chlorantraniliprole to the turfgrass at an application rate of 75-300 g / ha; and b) applying the entomopathogenic nematode at an application rate of 1-5 billion IJ / ha. Preferably, chlorantraniliprole (CTPR) is applied at an application rate of 100-120 g / ha and the entomopathogenic nematode is applied at an application rate of 2-3 billion IJ / ha, more preferably, CTPR is applied at 120 g / ha and the entomopathogenic nematode is applied at 2.5 billion IJ / ha. Most preferably, the entomopathogenic nematode is Steinernema feltiae.

[0028] In one embodiment, in the method of the present invention, chlorantraniliprole and the entomopathogenic nematode are applied simultaneously or sequentially. In a preferred embodiment, chlorantraniliprole and the entomopathogenic nematode are applied sequentially.

[0029] In one embodiment, the single active ingredients are applied sequentially, i.e., one after the other, within a reasonably short period of time, such as within a few hours and / or the same day. In the case of sequential application, the order of application is usually chlorantraniliprole followed by the entomopathogenic nematode.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, chlorantraniliprole is applied to the locus of Tipula spp. insect pest larvae when the larvae are in the first or second instar stage, and nematodes are applied simultaneously or sequentially as described herein.

[0031] In another embodiment, chlorantraniliprole is applied to the locus of Tipula spp. insect pest larvae at the time of peak flight of crane flies (i.e., when most have emerged). Adult Tipula spp. flight typically lasts about four weeks in most areas, with peak adult flight occurring two weeks after the first adults are observed. Nematodes are applied simultaneously or sequentially as described herein.

[0032] In one embodiment, chlorantraniliprole is applied at peak flight of adult Tipula species (e.g., crane flies) and the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied 2-6 weeks after peak flight (or 2-6 weeks after application of chlorantraniliprole to the locus).

[0033] In one preferred embodiment, the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied 2-3 weeks after peak flight (or 2-6 weeks after chlorantraniliprole is applied to the locus).

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied 5-6 weeks after peak flight (or 2-6 weeks after application of chlorantraniliprole to the locus).

[0035] In a further embodiment, chlorantraniliprole is applied 4 weeks after peak flight of adult Tipula species (e.g., crane flies) and the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied simultaneously or sequentially on the same day.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, chlorantraniliprole is applied simultaneously with the application of nematodes 2-4 weeks after peak flight, or the application of nematodes is sequential within 1 week of the application of chlorantraniliprole.

[0037] In one embodiment, turfgrass quality is protected, improved, maintained or enhanced by sequential application of chlorantraniliprole and entomopathogenic nematodes to turfgrass habitats of pest larvae of Tipula species insects in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

[0038] In one embodiment, the term "locus" refers to an area where eggs of Tipula spp. insect pest larvae are found, or where first, second, third or fourth instar larvae (preferably first or second instar) are developing, settling or where crane fly emergence is observed (including peak flight). Thus, in the context of the present invention, a locus may be a normally infested turf area such as the greens, tees and fairways of golf courses, racetracks and gallops, polo fields and airfields, and turf areas of other amenities.

[0039] The aqueous spray compositions of chlorantraniliprole used in the method of the present invention can be prepared by the end user on-site immediately prior to application to the locus by mixing the chlorantraniliprole-containing composition with water and, optionally, a suitable surfactant or adjuvant. Such compositions are commonly referred to as "tank-mix" compositions. Suitable tank-mix compositions can be prepared by mixing commercially available compositions of the active ingredient. An example of a suitable commercially available chlorantraniliprole formulation includes Acelepryn® (a suspension concentrate (SC) formulation of chlorantraniliprole).

[0040] Similarly, the aqueous spray composition of entomopathogenic nematodes used in the method of the present invention can be prepared on-site by the end user immediately prior to application to the locus by mixing the entomopathogenic nematode-containing composition with water and, optionally, a suitable surfactant, adjuvant or wetting agent. Suitable tank-mix compositions can be prepared by mixing commercially available compositions of the active ingredients. Examples of suitable commercially available entomopathogenic nematode formulations include the Nematrident® line of entomopathogenic nematodes.

[0041] Similarly, in the case of simultaneous application of chlorantraniliprole and entomopathogenic nematodes, the aqueous spray composition used in the method of the present invention can be prepared on-site by the end user immediately prior to application to the locus by mixing the chlorantraniliprole-containing composition and the entomopathogenic nematode-containing composition with water and, optionally, a suitable surfactant, adjuvant or wetting agent. Suitable tank-mix compositions can be prepared by mixing commercially available compositions of the active ingredients listed above.

[0042] Thus, the present invention also provides a composition comprising an insecticidally effective amount of chlorantraniliprole of Tipula species, an entomopathogenic nematode, and optionally an auxiliary, diluent, adjuvant, or wetting agent. Preferably, the entomopathogenic nematode in the composition is selected from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis downesi, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae, and / or Steinernema kraussei. More preferably, the entomopathogenic nematode in the composition is selected from Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae.

[0043] 20. A method for combating and controlling insects, acaridae, nematodes or molluscs, comprising the step of applying to the pest, the habitat of the pest or to plants susceptible to attack by the pest an insecticidally, acaricidally, nematicidally or molluscicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or an agrochemically acceptable salt, stereoisomer, enantiomer, tautomer or N-oxide thereof or a composition according to claim 19.

[0044] In one embodiment, a soil wetting agent can be optionally applied prior to or during application of the entomopathogenic nematodes in the practice of the invention. Various soil wetting agents are known that can reduce water repellency in the soil to which the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied. For example, those containing polyhydroxyethylalkoxyalkylene oxides, glycol ether solvents and polyoxyalkylene glycol surfactants. Suitable commercially available soil wetting agent formulations include Qualibra®, Revolution®, and Nemaspreader®. In one embodiment, the wetting agent is applied at an application rate of 10-20 l / ha, preferably 10 l / ha, in up to 400-1000 liters of water / ha. Preferably, the wetting agent is applied simultaneously with or prior to application of the entomopathogenic nematodes.

[0045] Control means killing, injuring, inhibiting the growth of or substantially reducing the population of pest larvae of Tipula spp. insects (leather jackets) and / or the resulting crane flies at a locus, particularly at a turfgrass locus.

[0046] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example, it being understood that modifications of detail can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES

[0047] Example 1 In Example 1, the effect of application of Acelepryn® and entomopathogenic nematodes (at two different application rates) when used alone and in sequential combination is evaluated at two different times. Acelepryn® (a commercially available SC formulation of chlorantraniliprole) was applied at peak crane fly flight and application of the entomopathogenic nematode (Steinernema feltiae) was performed 3 weeks later. In the second treatment example, Acelepryn® was applied at peak crane fly flight, followed by application of the nematode 6 weeks after peak flight, in a turf managed as a golf course green.

[0048] Application of Acelepryn® in combination with the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (T3 & T6) has a beneficial effect by significantly reducing the leatherjacket population.

[0049] [Table 1]

[0050] All treatments were applied with a backpack sprayer.

[0051] Prior to application of the nematodes, the appropriate plots were spiked to allow the product to penetrate the surface.

[0052] Following application, the turf was irrigated with 2-4 mm of water as needed or after rain.

[0053] lawn quality Turf was visually rated for quality on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is poor quality turf and 10 is best quality turf (SOP RS0013). Ratings were performed prior to treatment application and then on each evaluation date during the trial.

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] Number of leather jackets In this study, significant differences in the number of leatherjackets were observed among the treatments at both evaluation dates (Table 3). Plots treated with the combination of Acelepryn and entomopathogenic nematodes (T3&T6) had significantly fewer leatherjackets than all other treatments at both evaluation dates.

[0056] [Table 3]

[0057] In conclusion, the present invention provides an integrated pest management method and composition for controlling larvae of Tipula species, including leatherjackets, in turfgrass by applying chlorantraniliprole in combination with entomopathogenic nematodes.

Claims

1. A method for controlling harmful larvae of the Tipula species insect in a turfgrass area using a combination of chlorantraniliprole and an entomopathogenic nematode, comprising: a) applying chlorantraniliprole to the turfgrass area at an application rate of 75 to 300 g / ha; and b) applying the entomopathogenic nematode to the same area at an application rate of 1 to 5 billion IJ / ha.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising sequentially applying 75 to 300 g / ha of chlorantraniliprole to the site, followed by applying 1 to 5 billion IJ / ha of entomopathogenic nematodes to the site.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chlorantraniliprole is applied to the location at an application rate of 100 to 300 g / ha, preferably 120 g / ha.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chlorantraniliprole is applied to the location in an aqueous spray composition containing 500 to 1000 l / ha of water, preferably 800 l / ha of water.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the harmful larvae of the Tipula species insect are Tipula paludosa and Tipula oleracea, and are preferably in the first or second instar stage.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the entomopathogenic nematode is selected from the genera Heterorhabditis and / or Steinernema.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the entomopathogenic nematode is selected from the group Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis downesi, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae, and / or Steinernema kraussei.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the entomopathogenic nematode is Steinernema feltiae.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied at an application rate of 3.75 billion infectious nematodes per hectare, preferably 2.5 billion infectious nematodes per hectare.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the entomopathogenic nematode is applied in an aqueous spray composition applied to the location at a rate of 500 to 1000 l / ha.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising applying a wetting agent together with the entomopathogenic nematode.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the chlorantraniliprole is applied during the peak flight of the adult Tipula species, and the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied 2 to 6 weeks after the peak flight, or 2 to 6 weeks after the chlorantraniliprole is applied to the site.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the chlorantraniliprole is applied during the peak flight of the adult Tipula species, and the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied 2 to 6 weeks after the peak flight, or 2 to 6 weeks after the chlorantraniliprole is applied to the site.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the chlorantraniliprole is applied during the peak flight of the adult Tipula species, and the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied two to three weeks after the peak flight, or two to three weeks after the chlorantraniliprole is applied to the site.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the chlorantraniliprole is applied during the peak flight of the adult Tipula species, and the entomopathogenic nematodes are applied 5 to 6 weeks after the peak flight, or 5 to 6 weeks after the chlorantraniliprole is applied to the site.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the chlorantraniliprole is applied simultaneously 2 to 4 weeks after peak flight or sequentially within 1 week of the entomopathogenic nematode.

17. A composition comprising an insecticidal amount of chlorantraniliprole for the Tipula species, an effective amount of entomopathogenic nematodes, and optionally an auxiliary agent, diluent, adjuvant, or wetting agent.