Pest control composition

Abstract

The pest control composition contains a polymer containing 50% to 70% by weight of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 to 30,000 daltons and a logP of 2.0 to 6.0, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to pest control compositions, and more specifically, to pest control compositions containing Bacillus thuringiensis.

Background Art

[0002] Pest control agents are used to control pests such as insects. The effectiveness of pest control agents can be affected by several factors. Industrially, the development of new and improved pest control compositions continues to be focused on.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first feature of the present disclosure, the pest control composition includes a polymer containing 50 wt% to 70 wt% of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 daltons to 30,000 daltons and having a logP of 2.0 to 6.0, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. According to a second feature, the polymer is 0.10 wt% to 20.00 wt% of the composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. According to a third feature, the water is 60.00 wt% to 99.89 wt% of the composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. According to a fourth feature, the polymer contains 50 wt% to 70 wt% of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP of 2.75 to 4.08. According to a fifth feature, the polymer contains 90 wt% or more of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP of 1.0 or more. According to a sixth feature, the polymer includes one or more of (i) a copolymer of diisobutylene and maleic anhydride, (ii) a copolymer of butyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid, and (iii) a combination thereof.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0004] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a listing of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be used by itself 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 include their endpoints. Subscripted values in polymer formulas refer to the molar average value of the designated component in the polymer.

[0006] Test methods refer to the latest test method at the priority date of this document, unless the date is indicated by a two-digit number with a hyphen together with the test method number. A reference to a test method includes both a reference to the association of the test and a reference to the test method number. The organization of the test method is referred to by one of the following abbreviations: ASTM refers to ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials), EN refers to European Norm, DIN refers to Deutsches Institut fuer Normung, and ISO refers to the International Organization for Standards.

[0007] As used herein, "wt%", "weight percent", or "percent by weight" of a component is based on the total weight of the composition or article in which the component is included, unless otherwise stated. As used herein, all percentages are by weight, unless otherwise specified.

[0008] A pest control composition is disclosed herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the pest control composition comprises a polymer and Bacillus thuringiensis.

[0009] The pest control composition disclosed herein can be applied to a plant, such as the surface of a plant, to control pests. Advantageously, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide an improved, i.e., higher residual protein concentration, for Bacillus thuringiensis after exposure to rain compared to other formulations. The improved residual protein concentration indicates that the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide improved pest control compared to other formulations.

[0010] Furthermore, the pest control composition disclosed herein can provide a percentage of Bacillus thuringiensis activity that is retained at greater than 80% after exposure to rain. Providing a percentage of Bacillus thuringiensis activity that is retained at greater than 80% can indicate a desirable degree of rainfastness.

[0011] The pest control composition disclosed herein may comprise a polymer. As used herein, "a" refers to one or more unless otherwise specified. As used herein, a "polymer" has two or more same or different monomer structural units derived from two or more different monomers, such as a copolymer, a terpolymer, etc. The "monomer structural unit" as used herein with respect to a polymer refers to a part of the polymer structure resulting from the reaction of the monomer(s) forming the polymer. With respect to monomer structural units, "different" means that the monomer structural units differ from each other by at least one atom or are isomerically different. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the monomer structural units of the polymer result from, i.e., are formed by, the polymerization reaction of the monomers. One or more embodiments provide that the monomer structural units may undergo one or more reactions, such as a hydrolysis reaction, following the polymerization reaction.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the polymer contains monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP of 2.0 to 6.0, i.e., 50 wt% to 70 wt% based on the total weight of the polymer. The polymer may contain more than 90 wt% of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP greater than 1.0.

[0013] One or more of the monomer structural units may have a logP of 1.0 or more, or 1.2 or more, or 1.4 or more, or 1.6 or more, or 1.8 or more, or 2.0 or more, or 2.2 or more, or 2.4 or more, or 2.6 or more, or 2.8 or more, or 3.0 or more, or 3.2 or more, or 3.4 or more, or 3.6 or more, or 3.8 or more, or 4.0 or more, or 4.2 or more, or 4.4 or more, or 4.6 or more, or 4.8 or more, or 5.0 or more, or 5.2 or more, or 5.4 or more, or 5.6 or more, or 5.8 or more, while at the same time having a logP of 6.0 or less, or 5.8 or less, or 5.6 or less, or 5.4 or less, or 5.2 or less, or 5.0 or less, or 4.8 or less, or 4.6 or less, or 4.4 or less, or 4.2 or less, or 4.0 or less, or 3.8 or less, or 3.6 or less, or 3.4 or less, or 3.2 or less, or 3.0 or less, or 2.8 or less, or 2.6 or less, or 2.4 or less, or 2.2 or less, or 2.0 or less, or 1.8 or less, or 1.6 or less, or 1.4 or less, or 1.2 or less. The logP value is determined by using the Estimation Programs Interface (EPI) Suite (trademark) (KOWWIN version 1.68) available at https: / / www.epa.gov / tsca-screening-tools / epi-suitetm-estimation-program-interface.

[0014] Exemplary monomers for use in the polymer include, but are not limited to, diisobutylene (logP of 4.08), butyl methacrylate (logP of 2.75), butyl acrylate (logP of 2.20), methyl methacrylate (logP of 1.28), ethyl acrylate (logP of 1.22), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (logP of 4.09), styrene (logP of 2.89), maleic anhydride (logP of 1.62), docosyl methacrylate (logP of 11.59), and combinations thereof.

[0015] As described above, the polymer may contain 20 wt% to 100 wt% of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP of 2.0 to 6.0. For example, the polymer may contain a monomer having a logP of 2.0 to 6.0 at 52 wt% or more, or 54 wt% or more, or 56 wt% or more, or 58 wt% or more, or 60 wt% or more, or 62 wt% or more, or 64 wt% or more, or 66 wt% or more, or 68 wt% or more, while at the same time containing 70 wt% or less, or 68 wt% or less, or 66 wt% or less, or 64 wt% or less, or 62 wt% or less, or 60 wt% or less, or 58 wt% or less, or 56 wt% or less, or 54 wt% or less, or 52 wt% or less.

[0016] As described above, the polymer may contain 90 wt% of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP of 1.0 or more. For example, the polymer may contain a monomer having a logP of 1.0 or more at 91 wt% or more, or 92 wt% or more, or 93 wt% or more, or 94 wt% or more, or 95 wt% or more, or 96 wt% or more, or 97 wt% or more, or 98 wt% or more, or 99 wt% or more, based on the total weight of the polymer, while at the same time containing 100 wt% or less, or 99 wt% or less, or 98 wt% or less, or 97 wt% or less, or 96 wt% or less, or 95 wt% or less, or 94 wt% or less, or 93 wt% or less, or 92 wt% or less, or 91 wt% or less.

[0017] The polymer may include structural units from one or more of itaconic acid, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, acryloxypropionic acid, citraconic acid, methyl acrylate, vinyl acetate, and combinations thereof.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the weight average molecular weight of the polymer is from 15,000 Daltons to 30,000 Daltons. For example, the polymer may have a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 Daltons or more, or 16,000 Daltons or more, or 17,000 Daltons or more, or 18,000 Daltons or more, or 19,000 Daltons or more, or 20,000 Daltons or more, or 21,000 Daltons or more, or 22,000 Daltons or more, or 23,000 Daltons or more, or 24,000 Daltons or more, or 25,000 Daltons or more, or 26,000 Daltons or more, or 27,000 Daltons or more, or 28,000 Daltons or more, or 29,000 Daltons or more, while at the same time being 30,000 Daltons or less, or 29,000 Daltons or less, or 28,000 Daltons or less, or 27,000 Daltons or less, or 26,000 Daltons or less, or 25,000 Daltons or less, or 24,000 Daltons or less, or 23,000 Daltons or less, or 22,000 Daltons or less, or 21,000 Daltons or less, or 20,000 Daltons or less, or 19,000 Daltons or less, or 18,000 Daltons or less, or 17,000 Daltons or less, or 16,000 Daltons or less. The weight average molecular weight of the polymer is determined using gel permeation chromatography.

[0019] The polymer can be prepared using known apparatuses, reaction components, and reaction conditions. For example, the polymer can be prepared by known polymerization, such as solution polymerization. The solution polymerization of the monomer, i.e., the monomer discussed herein, can be carried out, for example, in a non-aqueous solvent. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, toluene, xylene, propylene glycol, methyl ethyl ketone, and combinations thereof. The solution polymerization can include a solvent-soluble initiator. Examples of initiators include, but are not limited to, t-butyl peroctoate, t-butyl hydroperoxide, AIBN, 2,2-azobis(2,4-dimethyl-pentanenitrile), t-butyl peroxybenzoate, and combinations thereof. The initiator can be used, for example, in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 1.00 wt% based on the total weight of the monomer utilized in the solution polymerization. A chain transfer agent may be utilized in the solution polymerization. Examples of chain transfer agents include, but are not limited to, 2-mercaptoethanol, 3-methyl mercaptopropionic acid, n-dodecyl mercaptan, t-dodecyl mercaptan, and combinations thereof. The chain transfer agent can be used, for example, in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 5.00 wt% based on the total weight of the monomer utilized in the solution polymerization. The use of a mercaptan modifier can reduce the molecular weight of the polymer. Other known components may be utilized in the solution polymerization, and these other known components can be utilized in different amounts for various applications.

[0020] The polymer can be prepared by known polymerization, such as, for example, emulsion polymerization. An emulsifier may be utilized in the emulsion polymerization. Examples of emulsifiers include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and ethoxylated sulfosuccinic acid [C 10Anionic surfactants such as sodium alcohol semi-ester and combinations thereof are included, but not limited thereto. The surfactant can be used in an amount of 0.5% by weight to 6.0% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers used in the emulsion polymerization, for example. For the emulsion polymerization, an initiator such as a water-soluble initiator may be used. Examples of the initiator include, but are not limited to, alkali metal persulfates, ammonium persulfate, and combinations thereof. The initiator can be used in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 1.00% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers used in the emulsion polymerization. A chain transfer mercaptan may be used in the emulsion polymerization. Examples of the chain transfer mercaptan include, but are not limited to, 2-mercaptopropionic acid, 3-methylmercaptopropionic acid, alkyl mercaptans containing 4 to 20 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof. The chain transfer mercaptan can be used in an amount of 0.01% by weight to 5.00% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers used in the emulsion polymerization. The use of a mercaptan modifier can reduce the molecular weight of the polymer. Other known components may be used in the emulsion polymerization, and these other known components can be used in different amounts for various applications.

[0021] The polymer can be commercially obtained under various trade names.

[0022] As described above, the monomer structural units of the polymers described in this specification may undergo one or more reactions, such as hydrolysis reactions, following the polymerization reaction. Examples of the hydrolysis reaction can include, for example, hydrolysis of an ester to an acid, or ring-opening of an anhydride to an acid.

[0023] The pest control composition disclosed herein contains Bacillus thuringiensis. As defined herein, "Bacillus thuringiensis" refers to spores and / or crystallized 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 an insecticidal 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 the THURICIDE™ insecticide available from CERTIS USA (Columbia, Maryland).

[0024] The pest control composition disclosed herein may contain water. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the pest control composition is a solution, i.e., the polymer and Bacillus thuringiensis are water-soluble. Advantageously, the pest control composition disclosed herein can overcome several problems, for example, it can use fewer components such as surfactants that are used in emulsions and / or dispersions and / or redispersible polymers. Different amounts of water can be used for different applications.

[0025] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide that the pest control composition may contain additives. Examples of additives include, among others, viscosity modifiers, pH adjusters, herbicides, fungicides, and combinations thereof. Different amounts of additives can be used for different applications.

[0026] The pest control composition disclosed in this specification can contain a polymer in an amount of 0.10% to 20.00% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. All individual values and sub-ranges from 0.10% to 20.00% by weight are included. For example, the pest control composition can contain the polymer in an amount of 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, or 0.30% by weight as the lower limit to 20.00%, 15.00%, 10.00%, 9.00%, or 8.00% by weight as the upper limit based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0027] The pest control composition disclosed in this specification can contain Bacillus thuringiensis in an amount of 0.01% to 20.00% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. All individual values and sub-ranges from 0.01% to 20.00% by weight are included. For example, the pest control composition can contain Bacillus thuringiensis in an amount of 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, or 0.05% by weight as the lower limit to 20.00%, 15.00%, 10.00%, 7.50%, 5.00%, 4.75%, or 4.50% by weight as the upper limit based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0028] The pest control composition disclosed in this specification can contain water in an amount of 60.00% to 99.89% by weight based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water. All individual values and sub-ranges from 60.00% to 99.89% by weight are included. For example, the pest control composition can contain water in an amount of 60.00%, 65.00%, 70.00%, 75.00%, or 80.00% by weight as the lower limit to 99.89%, 99.80%, 99.00%, 98.00%, or 95.00% by weight as the upper limit based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water.

[0029] The pest control compositions disclosed in this specification can be formed using known devices and processes. The components of the pest control composition can be combined, for example, 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.

[0030] The pest control compositions disclosed in this specification can be applied to plants, for example, to the surface of plants, to control pests. The pest control composition can be applied to plants using known devices and processes. For example, the pest control composition can be sprayed, scattered, and / or poured onto plants, among other applications. Different amounts of the pest control composition can be applied to plants for various uses.

Examples

[0031] In the examples, for example, various terms and names related to materials are used, including the following. BOND MAX (trademark) (spreader / sticker obtained from Loveland Products), DIPEL (trademark) PRO DF (dry formulation, Bacillus thuringiensis, manufactured by Valent Biosciences), THURICIDE (trademark) (liquid formulation, Bacillus thuringiensis, manufactured by Certis), NU FILM 17 (trademark) (sticker extender obtained from Miller Chemical & Fertilizer Corporation), NU FILM P (trademark) (sticker extender obtained from Miller Chemical & Fertilizer Corporation), AD-HERE SP (trademark), deposition aid obtained from J.R. Simplot Company), spreader / sticker (polymer terpene containing terpene resin, tall oil fatty acid, and alkylphenol ethoxylate, CAS registration number 48813-50017-AA), polyacrylic acid 1 (hydrophilic dispersant, sodium neutralized, weight average molecular weight 5,100 daltons, CAS registration number 9003-04-7, obtained from SIGMA-ALDRICH (trademark)), polyacrylic acid 2 (hydrophilic dispersant, acidic, weight average molecular weight 250,000 daltons, CAS registration number 9003-01-4, obtained from SIGMA-ALDRICH (trademark)), polyacrylic acid 3 (hydrophilic dispersant, ammonium neutralized, weight average molecular weight 5,000 daltons, CAS registration number 9003-01-4, obtained from Polysciences, Inc.), polyacrylic acid 4 (hydrophilic dispersant, ammonium neutralized, weight average molecular weight 250,000 daltons, CAS registration number 9003-01-4, obtained from SIGMA-ALDRICH (trademark)).

[0032] Polymer 1 was formed as follows. Using solution polymerization, a copolymer derived from diisobutylene and maleic anhydride was formed. The weight percentage of Polymer 1 formed from the monomer structural units of diisobutylene was 45 wt% to 55 wt%, and the balance was maleic anhydride. The polymer was hydrolyzed with aqueous ammonia to obtain Polymer 1. Polymer 1 had a weight average molecular weight of about 16,500 daltons.

[0033] Polymer 2 was formed as follows. Using solution polymerization, a random copolymer was formed in which about 60% to 70% by weight of the monomer structural units were derived from butyl methacrylate and about 30% to 40% by weight of the monomer structural units were derived from methacrylic acid. Polymer 2 was neutralized with ammonia to form the ammonium salt of the acrylic copolymer and had a weight average molecular weight of about 27,000 daltons.

[0034] Polymer 3 was formed as follows. Using emulsion polymerization, a polymer was formed in which about 60% to 70% by weight of the monomer structural units were derived from butyl methacrylate and about 30% to 40% by weight of the monomer structural units were derived from methacrylic acid. Polymer 3 had a weight average molecular weight of about 15,000 daltons.

[0035] The pest control composition of Example 1 was formed as follows. Polymer 1 was diluted with deionized water to obtain a solution (5% by weight of Polymer 1 in water). The solution (2 mL), DIPEL (trademark) PRO DF (2 grams), and water (16 grams) were combined and mixed with a magnetic stir bar to obtain Example 1.

[0036] The pest control composition of Example 2 was formed as in Example 1, with the modification that Polymer 2 was used instead of Polymer 1.

[0037] The pest control composition of Example 3 was formed as in Example 1, with the modification that Polymer 3 was used instead of Polymer 1.

[0038] Comparative Example A was formed as in Example 1, with the modification that BOND MAX (trademark) was used instead of Polymer 1.

[0039] Comparative Example B was formed as in Example 1, with the modification that Polymer 1 was not used.

[0040] The residual protein concentration and Bacillus thuringiensis activity for Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples A to B were determined as follows.

[0041] Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples A-B were each diluted with water to obtain a concentration of Bacillus thuringiensis of 2.5 grams per liter. Paraffin film pieces (2 inches × 4 inches) were each placed on a black Leneta card, and after gently rubbing the paraffin film with a Kimwipe, the paraffin film paper was peeled off. Using one paraffin film for each example / comparative example, 15 drops (15-30 μL) of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples A-B were randomly placed on each paraffin film using an autopipettor, and the samples were vortex mixed between each set of 5 drops to maintain the consistency of the composition. The paraffin film was then dried in an incubator at approximately 28 °C for approximately 1 hour.

[0042] The dried paraffin film was then subjected to simulated rainfall as follows. Each dried paraffin film was placed into an Exo Terra Monsoon RS400 rainfall system (equipped with two Exo Terra standard nozzles without extensions), and the paraffin film was 13 inches from the spray nozzle. Water was sprayed onto the paraffin film where the substrate interface was measured at a flow rate of 1.5 liters / hour for 5 minutes, and then the paraffin film was dried.

[0043] After exposure to simulated rain, the samples were extracted. For extraction, each of the paraffin films was cut such that the center of each dot obtained from the droplet was approximately 0.25 inches square. For each paraffin film, all of the cut squares with dots were placed into a glass vial to which sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (1 milliliter, 2 wt% sodium dodecyl sulfate in water) was added. The glass vials were then sonicated and immersed for approximately 8 hours. Sonication was repeated three times for extraction.

[0044] The residual protein concentration was determined by the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA) as follows.

[0045] PIERCE (trademark) BCA Protein Assay Reagent A and PIERCE (trademark) BCA Protein Assay Reagent B (both obtained from THERMO SCIENTIFIC (trademark)) were combined with Reagent A (2 milliliters) and Reagent B (40 microliters) to form a reagent mixture.

[0046] Each 100 microliters of the extraction samples (extracted Examples 1 - 3 and Comparative Examples A - B) were placed into their respective cuvettes, then the reagent mixture (2 milliliters) was added to each cuvette, and then the cuvettes were incubated at 30 °C for about 2 hours. The residual protein concentration was determined using the absorbance value at 562 nm measured by a Cary 100 UV - visible spectrophotometer. The results of the residual protein concentration (i.e., the weight percentage of residual active protein after simulated rainfall) are reported in Table 1.

[0047]

Table 1

[0048] The data in Table 1 show that each of Examples 1 - 3 has an improved, i.e., higher, residual protein concentration compared to Comparative Examples A - B.

[0049] The solutions of Examples 1 - 3 and Comparative Examples A - B extracted above were diluted to the desired starting concentration using a 0.1 wt% solution of TWEEN (registered trademark) 20, then serially diluted at suitable concentrations and plated. The resulting Bacillus thuringiensis activity is reported in Table 2.

[0050]

Table 2

[0051] The data in Table 2 show that each of Examples 1 - 3 had a percentage of Bacillus thuringiensis activity retained above 80%.

[0052] The pest control composition of Example 4 was formed as follows. Polymer 1 was diluted with deionized water to obtain a solution (5 wt% Polymer 1 in water). A solution (1 mL), THURICIDE (trademark) (2 grams), and water (17 grams) were combined and mixed with a magnetic stir bar to obtain Example 4.

[0053] The pest control composition of Example 5 was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using Polymer 2 instead of Polymer 1.

[0054] The pest control composition of Example 6 was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using Polymer 3 instead of Polymer 1.

[0055] Comparative Example C was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using NU FILM17 (trademark) instead of Polymer 1.

[0056] Comparative Example D was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using NU FILM P (trademark) instead of Polymer 1.

[0057] Comparative Example E was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using AD-HERE SP (trademark) instead of Polymer 1.

[0058] Comparative Example F was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using a spreading agent / fixing agent (polymer terpene) instead of Polymer 1.

[0059] Comparative Example G was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of not using Polymer 1.

[0060] Comparative Example H was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using polyacrylic acid 1 instead of Polymer 1.

[0061] Comparative Example I was formed as in Example 4, with the modification of using polyacrylic acid 2 instead of Polymer 1.

[0062] Comparative Example J was formed as in Example 4 with the modification that polyacrylic acid 3 was used instead of Polymer 1.

[0063] Comparative Example K was formed as in Example 4 with the modification that polyacrylic acid 4 was used instead of Polymer 1.

[0064] Examples 4 to 6 and Comparative Examples C to K were each diluted with water to obtain a concentration of Bacillus thuringiensis of 71 grams per liter. Parafilm pieces (2 inches × 4 inches) were each placed on a black Leneta card, and after gently rubbing the parafilm with a Kimwipe, the parafilm paper was peeled off. For each Example / Comparative Example, one parafilm was used, and on each parafilm, 15 drops (15 - 30 μL) of Examples 4 to 6 and Comparative Examples C to K were randomly placed in the array using an autopipettor, and the samples were vortex mixed between each set of 5 drops to maintain the consistency of the composition. The parafilm was then dried in an incubator at approximately 28°C for approximately 1 hour. The residual protein concentration and Bacillus thuringiensis activity were determined for Examples 4 to 6 and Comparative Examples C to K as discussed previously. The results of the residual protein concentration (i.e., the weight percentage of residual active protein after simulated rainfall) are reported in Table 3, and the Bacillus thuringiensis activity is reported in Table 4.

[0065]

Table 3

[0066] The data in Table 3 show that each of Examples 4 to 6 had an improved, i.e., higher, residual protein concentration compared to each of Comparative Examples C to K.

[0067]

Table 4

[0068] The data in Table 4 indicate that each of Examples 4 to 6 had a percentage of Bacillus thuringiensis activity retained in excess of 80%.

Claims

1. A polymer containing 50% to 70% by weight of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a weight average molecular weight of 15,000 to 30,000 Daltons and a logP of 2.0 to 6.0, Bacillus thuringiensis, and water, a pest control composition.

2. The pest control composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymer is 0.10% to 20.00% by weight of the composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, the Bacillus thuringiensis, and the water.

3. The pest control composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water is 60.00% to 99.89% by weight of the composition based on the total weight of the combination of the polymer, the Bacillus thuringiensis, and the water.

4. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymer contains 50% to 70% by weight of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP of 2.75 to 4.

08.

5. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polymer contains 90% or more by weight of monomer structural units derived from monomers having a logP of 1.0 or more.

6. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the polymer contains one or more of (i) a copolymer of diisobutylene and maleic anhydride, (ii) a copolymer of butyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid, and (iii) a combination thereof.

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