Pollen dispersal prevention agent composition

Abstract

The present invention provides a pollen dispersal inhibitor composition in which a uniform emulsion containing a pollen dispersal inhibitor can be easily and simply obtained at the site of application, and which remains stable and uniform for a long period of time. [Solution] (A) Ingredients: Sorbitan fatty acid ester, (B) Component: Nonionic surfactant (except for component (A)), A pollen dispersal prevention agent composition containing (A) has an average HLB of 5 or less and an average HLB of (B) is less than 12. This composition is stirred to form an emulsion and then sprayed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a composition for preventing pollen dispersion. [Background technology]

[0002] Hay fever, caused by pollen from trees such as cedar and cypress, occurs from February to May in early spring and is one of Japan's most common allergic diseases. In particular, cedar pollen allergy has a high prevalence in Japan and has become a serious national disease. One countermeasure being considered is to spray pollen dispersal inhibitors on trees to suppress pollen dispersion. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pollen dispersal inhibitor that uses a mixture of oleic acid and sorbitol in a molar ratio of 3:1 as the main ingredient, with polyoxyethylene (40) hydrogenated castor oil or polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan oleic acid monoester added as a surfactant. Patent Document 2 also discloses a pollen dispersal inhibitor that uses sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan tetraoleate, or sorbitan sesquilinoleate as the main ingredient, with a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 12 or higher added. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-184991 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-037735 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In practice, when spraying pollen dispersal inhibitors on trees, it is desirable that a uniform emulsion containing the inhibitor be easily and simply obtained at the spraying site and remain stable and uniform over a long period of time. Furthermore, it is desirable to improve wettability, adhesion, fixation to the plant surface, and cell penetration, which are related to the pesticide's effectiveness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, after careful consideration, (A) Ingredients: Sorbitan fatty acid ester, (B) Component: Nonionic surfactant (except for component (A)), We discovered that a pollen dispersion inhibitor composition containing (A) and having an average HLB of 5 or less and an average HLB of less than 12 for component (B) becomes a stable and uniform emulsion for a long time even with gentle stirring, which led to the present invention. In other words, the present invention is (A) Ingredients: Sorbitan fatty acid ester, (B) Component: Nonionic surfactant (except for component (A)), This invention relates to a pollen dispersal inhibitor composition containing (A) and having an average HLB of 5 or less for component (A) and an average HLB of less than 12 for component (B). The present invention also relates to a pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition containing the above-mentioned pollen dispersal prevention agent composition and water. The present invention also relates to a method for stirring a pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition to form an emulsion. The present invention also relates to a method for forming an emulsion from a pollen dispersal prevention agent spray composition by stirring it using at least one weak stirring method selected from among stirring manually with a stirring spatula, stirring rod, stirring paddle, etc., stirring by bubbling air, stirring by circulation using a pump, stirring with a handy stirrer, stirring with a shaker, stirring with an agricultural stirrer, and stirring with a water flow. The present invention also relates to a method for spraying a pollen dispersal prevention agent composition by stirring it to form an emulsion. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for preventing pollen dispersion using the above-described spraying method.

[0006] The pollen-dispersal inhibitor spraying composition containing the pollen-dispersal inhibitor composition of the present invention can form a stable emulsion over a long period of time by gentle stirring at the spraying site, and thus can provide a pollen-dispersal inhibitor spraying composition with good operability. Here, the "stable emulsion" means an emulsion in a uniform state in appearance. For example, it is preferably uniformly turbid, and no separated transparent aqueous phase or oil phase, or oil droplets are hardly visible.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] <Component (A): Sorbitan fatty acid ester having an average HLB value of 5 or less> The pollen-dispersal inhibitor composition of the present invention contains a sorbitan fatty acid ester having an average HLB value of 5 or less as component (A). Here, component (A) is an active ingredient for preventing pollen dispersal. The HLB value is a value representing the degree of affinity of a nonionic surfactant for water and oil (organic compounds insoluble in water), and is also referred to as the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. The HLB value ranges from 0 to 20, and the closer it is to 0, the higher the lipophilicity, and the closer it is to 20, the higher the hydrophilicity. The HLB value in the present invention is calculated by the method of Griffin (for the method of Griffin, see, for example, Journal of the Japan Oil Chemists' Society, Vol. 13, No. 4, 1964, pp. 220-223). When it cannot be calculated by the method of Griffin, a sorbitan fatty acid ester having an equivalent hydrophilic-lipophilic balance is also used as component (A). When components (A) to (C) are a mixture containing a plurality of compounds, the HLB value is a weighted average value calculated based on the HLB value and the molar fraction of each compound contained in the mixture. In the present invention, this average HLB value will be referred to as the HLB value hereinafter. From the viewpoint of high pollen-dispersal prevention ability, the HLB value of component (A) is 5 or less, preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3 or less.

[0008] Sorbitan has the formula (1a)

Chemical formula

[0009] From the viewpoint of high pollen dispersal prevention ability and HLB value less than 5, sorbitan tri-fatty acid ester in which, on average, three hydroxyl groups out of the four hydroxyl groups of each sorbitan are esterified is preferable. Also, from the viewpoint of high pollen dispersal prevention ability, sorbitan trioleate (HLB = 1.8) in which the fatty acid represented by R a COOH is oleic acid is preferable.

[0010] The content of the pollen dispersal prevention agent in the (A) component in the pollen dispersal prevention agent composition is preferably 20 parts by mass or more, more preferably 25 parts by mass or more, still more preferably 30 parts by mass or more, and preferably 90 parts by mass or less, more preferably 80 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 70 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of the pollen dispersal prevention agent composition, from the viewpoint of high pollen dispersal prevention ability.

[0011] <(Component B: Nonionic surfactant with an average HLB value less than 12)> The pollen dispersal prevention agent composition of the present invention contains a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value less than 12 as the (B) component. The HLB value of the (B) component is less than 12, preferably less than 11, from the viewpoint of the stability of the emulsion (hereinafter also referred to as emulsion) after stirring the pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition described later. Furthermore, when the composition of the present invention is used in combination with a pesticide active ingredient that exhibits pesticide effects like component (A), component (B) also has the effect of improving wettability, adhesion, fixation, and cell penetration to the plant surface, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the pesticide.

[0012] From the viewpoint of emulsion stability, one or more nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid triesters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid monoesters, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acids, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid tetraesters are preferred. Among these, one or more selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid triesters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid monoesters, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid tetraesters are more preferred.

[0013] As for polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid triesters, the general formula is (2a) [ka] [In the formula, a1, b1, c1, and d1 represent the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, all of which are greater than 1, and (a1 + b1 + c1 + d1) is between 15 and 30.] 1,4-sorbitan polyethylene oxide ether represented by and general formula (2b) [ka] [In the formula, a2, b2, c2, and d2 represent the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, all of which are greater than 1, and (a2 + b2 + c2 + d2) is between 15 and 30.] Of the four hydroxyl groups in each of the mixtures of 1,5-sorbitan polyethylene oxide ethers represented by the formula (2c), an average of three hydroxyl groups are present in the mixture of 1,5-sorbitan polyethylene oxide ethers represented by the formula (2c). R bCOOH (2c) [In the formula, R b This represents a linear alkyl or alkenyl group having 16 to 20 carbon atoms. A mixture is preferred that is randomly esterified rather than regioselectively with a carboxylic acid represented by .

[0014] From the perspective of an HLB value of less than 12, R b The fatty acids represented by COOH are preferably stearic acid, oleic acid, and lauric acid, with stearic acid being more preferred from the viewpoint of emulsion stability.

[0015] The sum of the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, (a1+b1+c1+d1) and (a2+b2+c2+d2), is preferably 15 or more, more preferably 18 or more, from the viewpoint of having an HLB value of less than 12, and from the same viewpoint, preferably 30 or less, more preferably 25 or less.

[0016] As for polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid monoesters, the general formula is (3a) [ka] [In the formula, a3, b3, c3, and d3 represent the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, all of which are greater than 1, and (a3 + b3 + c3 + d3) is between 4 and 10.] 1,4-sorbitan polyethylene oxide ether represented by and general formula (3b) [ka] [In the formula, a4, b4, c4, and d4 represent the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, all of which are greater than 1, and (a4 + b4 + c4 + d4) is between 4 and 10.] In a mixture of 1,5-sorbitan polyethylene oxide ethers represented by , on average one of the four hydroxyl groups in each mixture is of the general formula (3c) R c COOH (3c) [wherein, R c represents a linear alkyl group or alkenyl group having 16 to 20 carbon atoms.] A mixture esterified randomly rather than regioselectively with the carboxylic acid represented by is preferred.

[0017] From the viewpoint that the HLB value is less than 12, the fatty acid represented by R c COOH is preferably stearic acid, oleic acid, or lauric acid, and lauric acid is more preferred from the viewpoint of the stability of the emulsion.

[0018] (a3 + b3 + c3 + d3) and (a4 + b4 + c4 + d4), which are the total number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, are preferably 4 or more, more preferably 5 or more, and from the same viewpoint, are preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, from the viewpoint that the HLB value is less than 12.

[0019] The polyoxyethylene alkylamine is represented by the general formula (4)

Chemical formula

[0020] From the viewpoint that the HLB value is less than 12, R d is preferably a stearyl group, an oleyl group, or a lauryl group, and a lauryl group is more preferred from the viewpoint of the stability of the emulsion.

[0021] (a5 + b5), which is the total number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, is preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 5, and from the same viewpoint, preferably at most 10, more preferably at most 8, from the viewpoint that the HLB value is less than 12.

[0022] As for polyoxyethylene alkyl ether type nonionic surfactants, general formula (5) HO-(CH2CH2O) a6 -R e (5) [In the formula, a6 represents the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, and is a number between 3 and 10. R e This represents a linear alkyl or alkenyl group having 16 to 20 carbon atoms. A polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by is preferred.

[0023] From the perspective of an HLB value of less than 12, R e The preferred group is a stearyl group, an oleyl group, or a lauryl group, with the oleyl group being more preferred from the viewpoint of emulsion stability.

[0024] In general formula (5), a6 is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 5 or more, from the viewpoint of having an HLB value of less than 12, and from the same viewpoint, preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less.

[0025] As for polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid tetraesters, the general formula is (6) [ka] [In the formula, a7, b7, c7, d7, e7, and f7 represent the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, all of which are greater than 1, and (a7 + b7 + c7 + d7 + e7 + f7) is between 15 and 50.] Of the six hydroxyl groups of polyoxyethylene sorbit, represented by the formula (3d), an average of four hydroxyl groups are present in the general formula (3d). R f COOH (3D) [In the formula, R f This represents a linear alkyl or alkenyl group having 16 to 20 carbon atoms. A mixture is preferred that is randomly esterified rather than regioselectively with a carboxylic acid represented by .

[0026] From the perspective of an HLB value of less than 12, R f The fatty acids represented by COOH are preferably stearic acid, oleic acid, and lauric acid, with oleic acid being more preferred from the viewpoint of emulsion stability.

[0027] The sum of the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, (a7+b7+c7+d7+e7+f7), is preferably 15 or more, more preferably 20 or more, from the viewpoint of having an HLB value of less than 12, and from the same viewpoint, preferably 50 or less, more preferably 40 or less.

[0028] (B) As component (B), polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid triester is preferred from the viewpoint of emulsion stability.

[0029] From the viewpoint of emulsion stability, the content of component (B) is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 20 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 30 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of component (A), and from the same viewpoint, preferably 500 parts by mass or less, more preferably 400 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 300 parts by mass or less.

[0030] <(C) Ingredient: Nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 12 or higher> The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition of the present invention may also contain, as component (C), a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 12 or higher, in addition to component (A). When a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 12 or higher is mixed alone with component (A), it is difficult to obtain a stable emulsion, but when used in coexistence with component (B), a stable emulsion can be obtained.

[0031] Examples of such nonionic surfactants, from the viewpoint of emulsion stability, include polyoxyethylene fatty acid monoesters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid triesters, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid tetraesters. Among these, polyoxyethylene fatty acid monoesters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil are preferred.

[0032] As for polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid monoesters, the general formula is (7a) [ka] [In the formula, a8, b8, c8, and d8 represent the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, all of which are greater than 1, and (a8 + b8 + c8 + d8) is between 15 and 30.] 1,4-sorbitan polyethylene oxide ether represented by general formula (7b) [ka] [In the formula, a9, b9, c9, and d9 represent the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, all of which are greater than 1, and (a9 + b9 + c9 + d9) is between 15 and 30.] In a mixture of 1,5-sorbitan polyethylene oxide ethers represented by , on average one of the four hydroxyl groups in each mixture is of the general formula (3e) R g COOH (3e) [In the formula, R g This represents a linear alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 20 carbon atoms. A mixture is preferred that is randomly esterified rather than regioselectively with a carboxylic acid represented by .

[0033] From the standpoint of emulsion stability, R gThe fatty acids represented by COOH are preferably stearic acid, oleic acid, and lauric acid, and from the same viewpoint, oleic acid and lauric acid are more preferred.

[0034] The sum of the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, (a8+b8+c8+d8) and (a9+b9+c9+d9), is preferably 15 or more, more preferably 18 or more, from the viewpoint of emulsion stability, and preferably 30 or less, more preferably 25 or less.

[0035] As for polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, general formula (8) HO-(CH2CH2O) a10 -R h (8) [In the formula, a10 represents the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, and is a number between 3 and 10. R h This represents a linear alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 16 carbon atoms. A polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by is preferred.

[0036] From the perspective of an HLB value of 12 or higher, h The stearyl group and the lauryl group are preferred, and from the same viewpoint, the lauryl group is more preferred.

[0037] In general formula (8), a10 is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 5 or more, from the viewpoint of having an HLB value of 12 or more, and from the same viewpoint, preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less.

[0038] Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil is a nonionic surfactant obtained by etherifying hydrogenated castor oil with a polyoxyethylene compound. The average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added to the polyoxyethylene moiety is preferably 20 or more, more preferably 30 or more, from the viewpoint of achieving an HLB value of 12 or more, and preferably 60 or less, more preferably 50 or less, from the same viewpoint.

[0039] (C) When component (C) is included, its content is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of component (A), and from the viewpoint of emulsion stability, preferably 100 parts by mass or less, more preferably 80 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 60 parts by mass or less.

[0040] Furthermore, if component (C) is included, its content is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 2 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of component (B), and from the viewpoint of emulsion stability, preferably 300 parts by mass or less, more preferably 200 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 100 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 80 parts by mass or less, and especially preferably 50 parts by mass or less.

[0041] <Optional ingredients> The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition of the present invention may contain, as further optional components, the following components (i) to (vii), to the extent that they do not affect the effects of the present invention.

[0042] (i) solvent The pollen dispersal inhibitor composition of the present invention may contain a solvent from the viewpoint of high operability. Preferred solvents are alkyl alcohols, aromatic alcohols, diols, sugar alcohols, esters, etc., which are liquid at room temperature (20°C). More specifically, examples include one or more selected from alkyl alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and 2-ethylhexanol; aromatic alcohols such as benzyl alcohol and phenethyl alcohol; diols such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol; sugar alcohols such as glycerin and erythritol; and alkyl esters such as ethyl lactate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl lactate, and butyl lactate. From the viewpoint of high operability, one or more selected from propanol, butanol, 2-ethylhexanol, benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, and ethyl lactate are preferred, and one or more selected from butanol, 2-ethylhexanol, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and ethyl lactate are more preferred.

[0043] The solvent content, when a solvent is included, is preferably 5 parts by mass or more, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 15 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 20 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 25 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 30 parts by mass or more, and preferably 70 parts by mass or less, more preferably 60 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 50 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 45 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 40 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of component (A), from the viewpoint of high operability.

[0044] (ii) pH adjuster The pollen dispersal prevention agent composition of the present invention has an ester compound as component (A), which is the active ingredient for preventing pollen dispersal, and ester compounds may also be used as components (B) and (C). From the viewpoint of suppressing the hydrolysis of the ester compound, a pH adjuster may be included. An acidic agent or an alkaline agent may be included as the pH adjuster. The acidifying agent may be one or more selected from organic acids and inorganic acids. As for organic acids, from the viewpoint of low persistence on fibers, one or more can be selected from citric acid, malic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, oxalic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, gallic acid, meritic acid, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, phthalic acid, benzoic acid, pyruvic acid, oxaloacetic acid, and aconitic acid. Examples of inorganic acids include one or more selected from hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, boric acid, and carbonic acid. Alkaline agents include inorganic alkaline agents such as alkali metal hydroxides and alkali metal carbonates. Organic amines and alkanolamines can also be used.

[0045] (iii) Antioxidants The pollen dispersal inhibitor composition of the present invention may have a long-chain alkenyl group derived from an unsaturated fatty acid as its active ingredient (A). Furthermore, components (B) and (C) may also have long-chain alkenyl groups derived from an unsaturated fatty acid. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing oxidation of the carbon-carbon double bond site of the alkenyl group, the composition may contain an antioxidant. As antioxidants, those used as food additives are preferred. Specifically, examples include vitamins such as ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, and tocopherol; food additives such as tert-butylhydroxyanisole, di-tert-butylhydroxytoluene, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and gallic acid; and natural antioxidants such as rutin.

[0046] (iv) Antifoaming agents The pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition containing the pollen dispersal prevention agent composition of the present invention, as described later, requires stirring during manufacturing. From the viewpoint of improving manufacturing efficiency, it may contain an antifoaming agent. As for the defoaming agent, defoaming agents used as food additives are preferred, and specific examples include silicone-based defoaming agents and glycerin fatty acid ester-based defoaming agents.

[0047] (v) Viscosity modifiers Pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying compositions, including the pollen dispersal prevention agent composition of the present invention described later, are more efficient to spray if they have an appropriate viscosity. For this reason, they may contain viscosity modifiers. Preferred viscosity modifiers are those used in food additives, and specific examples include pectin, gelatin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, agar, methylcellulose, guar gum, tara gum, locust bean gum, glucomannan, acacia gum, gellan gum, alginic acid, and the like.

[0048] (vi) Preservatives The pollen dispersal inhibitor composition of the present invention and the pollen dispersal inhibitor spraying composition described later may contain a preservative to prevent spoilage by bacteria, etc., during long-term storage. Preferably used preservatives are those used as food additives, and specific examples include prodamine, sodium propionate or calcium, sodium dehydroacetate, natamycin, polylysine, nisin, isopropylparaben, Artemisia capillaris extract, hinokitiol, potassium sorbate or calcium, sodium benzoate, etc.

[0049] (vii) Coloring agent The pollen dispersal inhibitor composition of the present invention and the pollen dispersal inhibitor spraying composition described later may contain a coloring agent, from the viewpoint of easily confirming the sprayed area after spraying and identifying unevenness in spraying. Furthermore, the addition of a coloring agent is preferable in that it makes it easier to distinguish it from other sprayed pesticides, etc. As for colorants, those used as food additives are preferred. Specifically, examples include annatto color, turmeric color, caramel color, carotene color, gardenia color, edible tar-based dyes, copper chlorophyll, copper chlorophyllin sodium, monascus color, flavonoid dyes, and the like.

[0050] The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition of the present invention is preferably used as a pollen dispersion inhibitor spraying composition after being diluted with a solvent, from the viewpoint of ease of handling when spraying it on a target object. Water is preferred as the solvent from the viewpoints of operability, safety, and economy. The water can be well water, industrial water, or natural water from rivers, ponds, etc. Water may consist of the remainder of components (A), (B), (C), and any other component.

[0051] The pollen dispersal inhibitor composition of the present invention can also be used as an agricultural chemical composition by mixing it with an agricultural chemical active ingredient (hereinafter sometimes referred to as component D). There are no limitations on the agricultural chemical active ingredient, but those with similar HLB values ​​to component A are preferred from the viewpoint of adhesion, and for example, chlorothalonil (HLB = approximately 3.9, fungicide), pyriproxyfen (HLB = approximately 4.0, insect growth inhibitor), chloropyrifos (HLB = approximately 3.5, insecticide), permethrin (HLB = approximately 3.0, insecticide), dimethoate (HLB = approximately 2.5, insecticide), malathion (HLB = approximately 2.0, insecticide), isoprodione (HLB = approximately 4-5, fungicide), oxolinic acid (HLB = approximately 4.5, fungicide), etc. can be used.

[0052] When manufacturing a pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition, the following formula ([Amount of water used (parts by mass)] + [Amount of pollen dispersal inhibitor composition (parts by mass)]) ÷ [Amount of pollen dispersal inhibitor composition (parts by mass)] The dilution ratio calculated by this method is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, from the viewpoints of operability, safety, and economy, and from the same viewpoint, it is 500 or less, more preferably 400 or less, and even more preferably 300 or less.

[0053] Furthermore, the following formula applies to the pollen dispersal prevention agent composition manufactured in this manner: {[(A) component (parts by mass)]÷([(A) component (parts by mass)]+[(B) component (parts by mass)]+[(C) component (parts by mass)])}÷dilution ratio×100(%) The content of component (A) calculated by the above method is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of emulsion stability, and preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less, from the same viewpoint.

[0054] When spraying the pollen dispersal prevention agent composition, it can be stirred and used as an emulsion. The pollen dispersal prevention agent composition of the present invention may be strongly stirred using a powerful mechanical stirrer, homogenizer, mixer, etc., which are used in emulsion production at factories, etc., but a long-term stable emulsion can be formed with short-term, gentle stirring. Therefore, weak stirring methods that can be easily performed at the spraying site can be used, such as manual stirring using a stirring spatula, stirring rod, stirring paddle, etc., stirring by bubbling air, stirring by circulation using a pump, stirring with a handy stirrer (e.g., Kyocera Power Mixer APM series, etc.), manual shaking stirring, stirring using a shaking stirrer (e.g., TAITEC NR-150, etc.), stirring with an agricultural stirrer (e.g., Sanko Seiki Uzushio, etc.), and stirring by water flow during dilution. The selection of these weak stirring methods can be made according to the amount of pollen dispersal prevention agent composition and the scale of the spraying site. This invention is presumed to allow the production of an emulsion with appropriately sized emulsified particles by weak stirring.

[0055] Furthermore, since the emulsion remains stable for a long time at the spraying site, a helicopter with a nozzle, a helicopter with a bucket, or a large agricultural sprayer may be used. Alternatively, agricultural sprayers (such as Fujiwara Sangyo's Safety 3), hand sprayers (such as AS ONE's Jet Boy SSP series), or drones equipped with nozzles and buckets (such as ciRobotics' ciDrone AG series) can be used. The choice of spraying method can be made according to the amount of pollen dispersion prevention agent composition and the scale of the spraying site. Furthermore, since the emulsion is stable for a long time, the emulsion that has been manufactured once can be used for long-term work. In addition, uniform spraying is possible, so local variations in the effect of preventing pollen dispersion can be minimized. It is desirable that the emulsion be stable from the time of emulsion preparation until spraying, preferably for 1 hour or more, more preferably for 3 hours or more, even more preferably for 6 hours or more, even more preferably for 24 hours or more, and may also be 14 days or less, even more preferably for 10 days or less, and even more preferably for 7 days or less.

[0056] The present invention provides a method for diluting the aforementioned pollen dispersal inhibitor composition with water to obtain a pollen dispersal inhibitor spraying composition, and then stirring it to spray it as an emulsion. The stirring and spraying methods can be applied in the manner described above. Furthermore, this spraying method can provide a method for preventing the dispersal of tree pollen. This method is particularly effective for preventing the dispersal of pollen from cedar, cypress, birch, alder, and the like.

[0057] Furthermore, by mixing the composition of the present invention with a pesticide active ingredient that exhibits pesticide effects, it can be used as a composition that enhances the efficacy of pesticides by improving wettability, adhesion, fixation, and cell penetration on plant surfaces. [Examples]

[0058] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples and comparative examples.

[0059] The following compounds were used as components (A), (B), and (C). The number in parentheses following "polyoxyethylene" indicates the sum of the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added. (A) Ingredients: (A) Sorbitan trioleate (HLB=1.8, Emazole O-30V, manufactured by Kao Corporation)

[0060] (B) Ingredients: (B-1) Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan stearate triester (HLB=10.5, Leodol TW-S320V, manufactured by Kao Corporation) (B-2) Polyoxyethylene (5) laurylamine (HLB = 9.8, manufactured by Kao Corporation) (B-3) Polyoxyethylene (6) stearyl ether (HLB=9.4, Emulgen 306P, manufactured by Kao Corporation) (B-4) Polyoxyethylene (2) alkylamine (HLB=6.3, Amito 102, manufactured by Kao Corporation) (B-5) Polyoxyethylene (6) sorbitan stearate monoester (HLB=9.6, Leodol TW-S106, manufactured by Kao Corporation) I added a T. (B-6) Polyoxyethylene (30) sorbitol oleate tetraester (HLB=10.5, Leodol 430V, manufactured by Kao Corporation)

[0061] (C) Ingredients: (C) Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan oleic acid monoester (HLB=15, Rheodol TW-O120V, manufactured by Kao Corporation). Note that this compound is the same compound as component (B'-1) below.

[0062] In addition, the following compounds with an HLB of 12 or higher were used as component (B) in comparative examples. (B'-1) Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan oleate monoester (HLB=15, Leodol TW-O120V, manufactured by Kao Corporation) (B'-2) Polyoxyethylene (6) lauryl ether (HLB = 16.1, manufactured by Kao Corporation) (B'-3) Polyoxyethylene (40) hydrogenated castor oil (HLB=16.5, Emanon CH-40, manufactured by Kao Corporation) (B'-4) Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan lauric acid monoester (HLB=16.7, Leodol TW-L120, manufactured by Kao Corporation)

[0063] <Manufacturing of Pollen Dispersion Inhibitor Compositions> The above components (A), (B), and (C), or (A) and (B'), were used in the amounts listed in Table 1. After weighing components (A), (B), and optionally (C), or components (A) and (B') listed in Table 1 to the specified concentrations into Maruemu screw tube No. 8, the mixtures were left to stand in a 50°C constant temperature bath for 1 hour to obtain each pollen dispersion inhibitor composition as a pale yellow transparent liquid.

[0064] <Manufacturing of Pollen Dispersion Prevention Agent Composition> A pollen dispersal inhibitor composition containing the amounts of each component shown in Table 1 was diluted with a predetermined amount of water to prepare a pollen dispersal inhibitor spray composition. The dilution ratio was as follows: The value is calculated by ([Amount of water used (parts by mass)] + [Amount of pollen dispersal inhibitor composition (parts by mass)]) ÷ [Amount of pollen dispersal inhibitor composition (parts by mass)]. Also, the content of component (A) is {[(A) component (parts by mass)]÷([(A) component (parts by mass)]+[(B) component (parts by mass)]+[(C) component (parts by mass)])}÷dilution ratio×100(%) This value was calculated using the method described above.

[0065] <Emulsion Manufacturing> The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition obtained by the above method was mixed with water at room temperature (25°C) until the total amount of each component and water reached 80g, and then manually shaken and stirred 30 times up and down by 10cm to obtain an emulsion.

[0066] [Table 1]

[0067] The stability of the pollen dispersion inhibitor spray compositions prepared in Examples 1-13 and Comparative Examples 1-6 was evaluated. Immediately after preparation, the prepared spray compositions were left to stand horizontally at 25°C, and their appearance was observed after 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours. The evaluation criteria were determined by visually observing the appearance of the water tank, according to the following standards. 5: The emulsion was uniform, and no transparency of the aqueous phase was observed compared to immediately after standing. 4: A small amount of separated and floating emulsified oil droplets were observed in the upper layer of the emulsion, but no transparency of the aqueous phase was observed compared to immediately after standing. 3: A small amount of separated and floating emulsified oil droplets were observed in the upper layer of the emulsion, and the aqueous phase appeared slightly clearer compared to immediately after standing. 2: The upper and lower layers were clearly separated by visual inspection, and a slight increase in the clarity of the aqueous phase was observed. 1: The upper and lower layers were clearly separated by visual inspection, and the aqueous phase had become considerably clearer. In this evaluation, 5, 4, and 3 are considered desirable conditions, while 2 and 1 are considered undesirable conditions. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0068] [Table 2]

[0069] In Examples 1-13, extremely stable emulsions were obtained. Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 1 and 6 shows that component (C) has the effect of improving the stability of the emulsion after 24 hours. On the other hand, the emulsions in the comparative examples were not very stable, and in all cases, complete separation of the aqueous phase was observed after 6 hours.

[0070] <Pesticide adhesion test> Pre-purchased 50cm tall Japanese cedar seedlings were grown for one year in New Wagner Pot NF-2 type (φ256×φ234×297mm) using a soil mixture of black peat mix (Sakata Seed Co., Ltd.) and akadama soil (Togawa Heiwa Farm) in a 1:1 ratio, to prepare 1-2 year old Japanese cedars. For the experiment, healthy Japanese cedars that had grown to a height of 1.5-2.0m and a diameter at breast height of 2-14cm without any dead parts were used. Pesticide compositions were prepared using components (A), (B), (C), and (D) (Daconil 1000: active ingredient chlorothalonil (HLB=approx. 3.9) 40% formulation, 700-fold dilution) to the concentrations shown in Table 3. Three Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) needles were cut 5 cm from the base near the stem. The above pesticide composition was added in 4 to 6 drops to a total volume of 200 μL. The mixture was stored for 1 day at 25°C and 60% humidity, allowing the pesticide droplets on the needles to air dry. 50 mL of distilled water was added to a 200 mL vial, and the dried Japanese cedar needles with the pesticide droplets were placed inside. The mixture was stirred at 100 rpm for 10 minutes using a stirrer to allow the pesticide components on the leaves to leach out. After drying the leaves at room temperature, 5 mL of ethanol and the Japanese cedar needles were placed in a 15 mL centrifuge tube (orange cap). The pesticide components were extracted by gently stirring by hand for 10 seconds, and the leaves were immediately removed. The amount of chlorothalonil dissolved in ethanol was measured by absorbance at 325 nm, and the adhesion rate was calculated from the absorbance using the following formula (3 replicates).

[0071] The adhesion rate was calculated using the following formula based on the average absorbance of each system: (i) an untreated system where no pesticide was applied to the leaves (extraction from leaves only), (ii) a system where only pesticide was applied to the leaves but no water leaching treatment was performed, and (iii) a system where only pesticide or pesticide and a fixing agent were applied and water leaching treatment was performed. Adhesion rate (%) = ((iii) - (i)) / ((ii) - (i)) × 100

[0072] Table 3 shows the test results. The adhesion rate of chlorothalonil contained in component (D) Daconil 1000 was 79-84% in Examples 1-3. On the other hand, the adhesion rates of Comparative Example 1, which did not contain components (A) and (B) in the pollen dispersion inhibitor composition, Comparative Example 2, which did not contain component (B), and Comparative Example 3, in which component (B) had an HLB of 15, were 29-50%, which were clearly lower than in Examples 1-3. The HLB of chlorothalonil is approximately 3.9, which is close to the HLB of sorbitan trioleate (component (A)) = 1.8. From the results in Table 3, it can be estimated that the adhesion rate of component (A) is also high, similar to that of component (D). [Table 3]

[0073] The composition of the present invention, when applied to the male flowers of Japanese cedar, causes the male flowers to wither and suppresses the dispersal of pollen.

Claims

1. (A) Ingredients: Sorbitan fatty acid ester, (B) Component: Nonionic surfactant (except for component (A)), A pollen dispersal inhibitor composition containing (A) having an average HLB of 5 or less and an average HLB of (B) having less than 12.

2. The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid sorbitan ester of component (A) is sorbitan trioleate and / or sorbitan trilinoleate.

3. The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition according to claim 1, wherein component (B) is one or more selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene fatty acid sorbitol, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, or polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester.

4. The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition according to claim 1, comprising 10 parts by mass or more and 500 parts by mass or less of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

5. Furthermore (C) Ingredients: Nonionic surfactant with an average HLB value of 12 or higher. A pollen dispersal prevention agent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, containing the following:

6. The pollen dispersion inhibitor composition according to claim 5, comprising 1 to 300 parts by mass of component (C) per 100 parts by mass of component (B).

7. A pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition comprising any one of the pollen dispersal prevention agent compositions from claims 1 to 6 and water, wherein the content of component (A) is 0.01% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less.

8. ([Amount of water used (parts by mass)] + [Amount of pollen-inhibiting agent composition (parts by mass)]) ÷ [Amount of pollen-inhibiting agent composition (parts by mass)] The pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition according to claim 7, wherein the dilution ratio of the pollen dispersal prevention agent composition with water, calculated by the method, is greater than 1 and 500 or less.

9. A method for forming an emulsion by stirring the pollen dispersal prevention agent spraying composition described in claim 8.

10. A method for obtaining an emulsion according to claim 9, wherein the stirring is weak stirring.

11. A method for producing an emulsion according to claim 10, wherein the stirring is performed by manual stirring using a stirring spatula, stirring rod, stirring paddle, etc., stirring by bubbling air, stirring by circulation using a pump, stirring with a handheld stirrer, manual shaking stirring, stirring using a shaking stirrer, or stirring with a water flow.

12. A method of spraying the pollen dispersion prevention agent spraying composition described in claim 8 by stirring it as an emulsion.

13. A method for preventing pollen dispersion using the spraying method described in claim 12.

14. The method for preventing pollen dispersion according to claim 13, applicable to Japanese cedar, Japanese cypress, Japanese white birch and / or alder.

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