Application of dried seed extract of the eastern larkspur as an insecticide and acaricide

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a plant species that has not been used or cultivated for this purpose to date, namely the dried seed extract of eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)), and its new application as a biological insecticide and acaricide in agriculture and household. The invention also relates to an agricultural method for cultivating the aforementioned plant species, the eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)). The extract according to the invention is effective not only against pests visible on the plant, but also against phytophagous pests living hidden in the plant tissues. The extract also has an appetite -suppressing effect on pests and has a chemical signal that keeps phytophagous insects away for a period of time, meaning that after treatment, they either settle in un- treated areas or do not feed.

Description

Application of dried seed extract of the eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873) / most common synonyms: Consolida hispanica, Consolida orientalis; EPPO code: CNSOR / as a biologically derived and based insecticide and acaricideField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to insecticides and acaricides, including those of biological origin, which can be used in both household and agricultural applications, as well as agents with lethal effects against the class of arachnids (hereinafter collectively referred to as insecticides).Subject matter of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to a new extract of biological origin and its use as an insecticide. More specifically, the invention relates to an extract obtainable from a plant and its use as an insecticide. More specifically, the invention relates to a dried seed extract of a plant species not previously used or cultivated for this purpose, namely the eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)), and its new use as a biological insecticide in agriculture and household applications. The invention also relates to an agricultural method for growing the aforementioned plant species, eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)).

[0003] One of the most important goals of the inventors was to create an extract consisting exclusively of renewable organic components with a minimal ecological footprint that is profitable, highly effective, yet safe for use as an agricultural and household insecticide (contact and systemic), insect repellent (repellent) and insect feeding inhibitor product, as well as the process for producing the product. The invention also aims to create ecological and economic balance by using a plant species common in Hungary as a starting material to achieve high mortality rates in insects while completely eliminating the use of synthetic agents, and, accordingly, while maintaining efficiency, to minimize environmental impact and ensure a continuous supply based on renewable resources.

[0004] A further objective was to verify the above-mentioned effects against as many species and pests as possible and to gain empirical knowledge from households. It was also considered important that all these effects should be demonstrated in the original habitat and under natural conditions, rather than in an artificial laboratory environment.

[0005] As a further objective, the inventors developed an economical, cyclically reproducible method for this purpose, which required the development of a cultivation technology for the species Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex. Costa (CNSOR), as no such technology existed, given that this plant species is classified as a weed in Hungary. Accordingly, the invention also comprises an agricultural method for growing the aforementioned plant species, eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)).

[0006] According to the invention, the objectives are achieved by using an extract of the dried seeds of eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)) as an insecticidal agent of biological origin and based on biological sources in agriculture and households. Sustainability and renewable sources for the extract are ensured by an agricultural process for the cultivation of the plant species eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)).

[0007] With the solution provided by the invention, all bioactive substances produced by the plant can be isolated, not just the components that can be extracted with synthetic solvents. This makes it possible to adjust the effectiveness and physicochemical profile of the insecticide as desired, as well as the level of risk exposure to the user. With the method according to the invention we provide more simply, by using simpler raw materials, an alternative method with a better environmental profile, and thus with a lower probability of error, which also makes it possible to provide a product that is safer for users and can be dosed and dispensed more accurately, even in households. Households are of particular importance in terms of safety in the present context, given that they are considered to be the primary living environment for all age groups. For this reason, it is extremely important and advantageous that the liquid composition of the invention is less hazardous after drying than a powdered composition.Background of the invention

[0008] It is well known that many species of buttercups are poisonous to certain grazing animals. It is also assumed that this effect may occur in other organisms, but at present it is not clear to experts how and to what extent this occurs. Special expertise is required to identify non-toxic exceptions (such as Nigella sativa or Ranunculus ficaria) at the species level and to determine known or presumed modes and levels of toxicity. A further problem is that, due to the disappearance of our ancestors' traditions and the shortcomings of modem science, experts are unaware of the physiological effects of many species of buttercups (e.g. Myosuras minimus), which are typically small and insignificant. The absence or presence of toxic effects and their extent are not obvious because the bioactive substances in buttercups are essentially “modified, alternative chlorophylls” (i.e., the starting molecule is a molecule essential for chlorophyll or a derivative thereof). However, since chlorophylls are essential molecules in plants, it is difficult to identify such substances that may have toxic effects. The exact reason for this is that buttercups produce toxins from one of the important base molecules during chlorophyll biosynthesis, but although this modification is characteristic of almost all buttercups, not all modifications become toxic, and there are also cases when such a modification does not occur in a non-toxic buttercup species. Furthermore, it is not known how many types of chemical modifications occur in each species, nor is the relative and cumulative toxic effect of these modifications on other organisms known.

[0009] In these cases, therefore, no general conclusions can be drawn about the effects, their extent, or the species of buttercups affected (such as the larkspur species), and this is particularly true for rarer, endemic species. Thus, in most cases, no conclusions can be drawn about the plants mentioned without specific studies.

[0010] Some of the patents in this technical field mention the insecticidal effect of the most common (very limited number) species of larkspurs on certain insects, but in all cases, only the contact effect has been proven for any form of application, such as dried, ground material, powder, or organic solvent extract.The state of the art

[0011] The following describes solutions known in the art that are close to the subject matter of the present invention and highlights the significant differences between the solutions.

[0012] Patent document CN112106789A discloses the use of Consolida ajacis ethyl acetate extract in the prevention and treatment of Plutella xylostella. Plutella xylostella (L.) was used as Plutella xylostella, and the concentration of Consolida ajacis ethyl acetate extract was between 3.125 mg / ml and 50 mg / ml. In particular, Consolida ajacis ethyl acetate extract is used as a contact insecticide for the prevention and control of Plutella xylostella. Tests conducted withConsolida ajacis ethyl acetate extract have shown that it has excellent insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella plant pests. The contact insecticide described in the document is produced from Consolida ajacis seeds as raw material using an ultrasonic extraction method. It is easily biodegradable, safe and does not cause drug resistance in pests. Although the document falls within a similar technical field, it uses an active ingredient derived from a different species. While the solution according to the present invention uses naturally occurring biogenic substances (water, wine vinegar, sunflower seed oil, lecithin and mixtures thereof), this document uses an environmentally harmful, synthetic, industrially produced solvent as an extracting agent. It is important to note that the method described in the document resulted in a contact effect only on the target organism prepared under abnormal conditions, while the active ingredient according to the present invention and its application had an absorbable (systemic) effect too on the larvae of the same target organism living a hidden lifestyle in accordance with their normal life cycle, and an insect repellent (repellent) effect was also observed. It is also important to highlight that the method according to the invention has been tested on several target organisms and in several segments. We conducted tests on a total of nine pests in four crops - winter rapeseed, winter wheat, white mustard and tomatoes - and also experimented with household insects, houseflies, ants and spiders. There is also a difference in the extraction method, because while the aforementioned document uses ultrasound for this purpose, in the present invention, physical crushing and grinding are used for extraction. Furthermore, the solution described in the document was tested exclusively under laboratory conditions, whereas in the case of our invention, tests were carried out both in actual agricultural areas and in households.

[0013] Patent document CN115097055 A discloses the ethyl acetate extract of Delphinium ajacis, as well as its production method, detection method and application. The active ingredient of Delphinium ajacis ethyl acetate extract is a mixture of trans-9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, methyl palmitate, ethyl linoleate and erucamide, where the mixtures may contain one or more of these components in any proportion. Tests have confirmed that these substances have a powerful insecticidal effect on Plutella xylostella pests. The solution described in this document differs from the present invention in several important aspects, as this method does not allow the extraction of all bioactive substances and uses a synthetic solvent rather than a biogenic solvent for the extraction of the active substances. The tests described in the document were carried out under in vitro conditions on the target organisms, rather than in their normal, natural habitat. This is of particular importance because the larvae proved to be sensitive to the treatment in the laboratory, whereas in nature, the simulated situation described in the document can only occur for a few minutes during actual defence, as the larvae are mine builders and live in a physically separated, protected environment between the leaf tissues of the host plant. This means that the contact - contamination - can only occur in theory with the target organism in the case of the documented solution.

[0014] According to the solution described in patent document CN106490020A, the whole plant tissue of Consolida ajacis and other species is powdered and mixed with microorganisms to produce a wettable powder. The solution essentially describes a wettable powder, containing microorganisms for the prevention and treatment of Phenacoccus pergandei. The agent contains the following ingredients: 35-45 parts Chinaberry bark, 28-36 parts Sophora flavescens, 19-31 parts Consolida ajacis, 14-20 parts Lysimachia foenum-graecum, 12 -18 parts tea grounds, 9-13 parts Bacillus subtilis powder, 6-14 parts Bacillus thuringiensis powder, 4-8 parts wetting agent, 6-14 parts dispersing agent, 6-12 parts disintegrating agent and 45-65 parts packaging. Bacillus subtilis powder and Bacillus thuringiensis powder are the microorganism pesticides of the preparation, while the other components are present as additives. The microorganism pesticides and botanical insecticides have a synergistic effect, in which the two pesticidal mechanisms complement and strengthen each other's effects, and thus the pesticide active ingredients in microorganisms, the metabolites of microorganisms and the insecticides of plant origin are optimally utilized and show adequate effects, especially in the case of Phenacoccus pergandei. Although the powder according to the document also contains active ingredients of plant origin,these are different active ingredients extracted in a different way from different tissues of another species. In this solution, there is no extraction, but dried plant parts are ground into powder, mixed and supplemented to achieve the desired effect. The composition of the powder used is completely different from the solution according to the present invention, and the surprising and unexpected effects described in our invention are not disclosed.

[0015] Patent document CN107494647A discloses a highly effective, low -toxicity plant pesticide for gardens and also describes its preparation process. The said pesticide is prepared from the following raw materials: 16-25 parts by weight of Bunge pricklyash fruit extraction solution, 8-14 parts by weight of Stellera chamaejasme rhyzoma extraction solution, 6-11 parts by weight of common Nandina rhyzoma, 7-11 parts by weight of Cnidium lactone, 3 -5 parts by weight of emamectin benzoate, 4-7 parts by weight of Sophora flower bud extract, 2-6 parts by weight of Zingiberis rhyzoma, 15-21 parts by weight of sophocarpidine, 7-12 parts by weight of Resina populi and 6-12 parts by weight of Delphinium ajacis root or seed. The pesticide has the advantage of being easy to produce, having good insecticidal effect, having a low environmental impact, and being non-toxic to animals and humans. The described agent did not cause resistance in insects. Although the document mentions several advantageous properties of the described agent, the plant on which the agent is based differs from the present invention, and it becomes clear to the skilled person upon studying the document that it has not been tested on any specific pest(s) at all, there is only a completely general reference to some kind of “obviously existing insecticidal effect”.

[0016] Patent document CN112690293 A discloses a non-toxic ant repellent composition and its preparation method, wherein the preparation method includes the following steps: com, saccharin, lean meat pieces, com grits, common Callalily flower, common Lantana flower, short-tube Lycoris plant, azalea, Chinese redbud, Delphinium ajacis and Nandina plants are mixed in a certain proportion, and the materials are crashed into powder. The composition is prepared in different concentrations depending on the number of common ants or white ants to be killed, and the powder is filled into a spray container, which is applied to the entrance and exit points of ants and the openings of anthills in a conventional manner. The agent is said to be effective against common ants or white ants. The agent of the invention is not toxic compared to conventional pesticides and does not cause environmental pollution. Although the agent in question does have certain advantages, its composition and purpose are different from the solution of the present invention. However, the agent was only tested on ants, but the results reported in the document do not support the claim that the agent is particularly effective or capable of exerting both contact and systemic insecticidal effects.

[0017] Patent document CN 111616161A relates to an environmentally friendly plant protection agent applicable to various crops, in particular to an environmentally friendly plant protection agent suitable for various crops. The agent of the invention is environmentally friendly and harmless to the human body and discloses a preparation method. The formula includes the following ingredients: a first group of materials containing three ingredients, such as ground sesame seeds, oil cake and the like; a second group of materials containing five ingredients, such as nightshade; a third group of materials containing six ingredients, such as whole Nandina domestica plants; and a fourth group of materials containing two ingredients, such as raw Monstera deliciosa fruits and the like. During the preparation of the agent, the first group of materials is dried in the sun and ground into a fine powder, mixed evenly with the mash of the second group of materials, the mixture is filled into a vessel, heat-treated, then filtered, the materials of the third group of materials are powdered and dried, the Monstera deliciosa pulp and Delphinium ajacis seeds are crushed, then mixed with the first group of powdered materials, dried and ground. In the case of this solution too, a different active ingredient is used, and processes different from our invention are used. The document does not mention any specific target organism, so it obviously does not describe the specific effect on the target organisms, and does not contain specific physical identification data, but only refers in general to any results.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, there are currently a number of different synthetic and natural insecticides available, and there is a demand for similar agents that can be easily produced from natural, abundant, renewable raw materials without polluting the environment, and can be used in households or agricultural environments with minimal toxicity risk. There is a need for these agents to have the broadest possible spectrum and the most diverse range of insecticidal mechanisms. According to the invention, this task is solved by using the dried seed extract of eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)) as a biological insecticide and by providing an agricultural method for growing the aforementioned plant species.

[0019] From the description of the documents relating to the state of the art, it can be concluded that the invention on which the present application is based differs fundamentally from the solutions described therein, since, in addition to having all their advantages, it also exhibits a number of new, forward-looking features which constitute unexpected and surprising results for a person skilled in the field of plant protection products.

[0020] We would like to emphasize that none of the documents known from the prior art - such as the documents discussed in detail above - disclose a lethal physiological effect on arachnids, which is, however, another unexpected and surprising new element of our invention.Detailed description of the invention

[0021] As mentioned above, the subject of the present invention is a new extract of biological origin and its use as an insecticide (including arachnids), more precisely an extract obtainable from a plant and its use as an insecticide (including arachnids), more precisely a dried seed extract of a plant species not previously used or cultivated for this purpose, eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873), and its new use as a biological insecticide (including arachnids) in agriculture and households. The invention also relates to an agricultural method for cultivating the aforementioned plant species, the eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)).

[0022] The agent according to the invention and its application are excellently suited to meet the increased and changing needs of agricultural production and households. Tests carried out during the application of the product have revealed unexpected and surprising new effects that go beyond the intended effects of the product and distinguish it significantly from all other substances used in tests carried out for similar purposes.

[0023] The application according to the invention shows significant positive differences compared to similar previous solutions and at the same time offers a sustainable alternative in the long term. A particularly great advantage is that it is easy to implement in practice and also has surprising additional effects. It is significantly better and more complex than previous solutions, as it is based on a completely organic substance with minimal environmental impact.

[0024] The extract according to the invention and its application not only offer a solution against pests visible on the plant but are also effective against phytophagous pests living hidden in the plant tissues (systemic). Furthermore, during the application of the extract, we surprisingly found that it also has a previously unknown and undescribed feeding deterrent effect on pests. Furthermore, the extract according to the invention has a chemical signal that is capable of repelling phytophagous insects for a period of time, i.e., after treatment, they either settle in the untreated area or do not feed.

[0025] Although the nutritional inhibitory effect of these bioactive substances was previously unknown, it has also been proven that their insecticidal effect - depending on the solution and concentration - occurs even if the substance itself does not come into direct contact with the insect pests. A major advantage of the invention is that maximum insecticidal effect and minimum human toxicity can be controlled by selecting the solvents and their proportions. More precisely, the most effective insecticidal effect achievable with this species can be obtained, i.e., a "user-friendly" processcan be developed simply by changing the solvents. Specifically, it is possible to achieve a situation where good pesticide efficacy is maintained while ensuring minimal exposure for the user. In an alternative solution, however, the pesticide efficacy can be maximized at the expense of human toxicity. In this case, of course, the use of appropriate protective equipment is necessary.

[0026] The species on which the present invention is based is Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (EPPO species identification code: CNSOR), which is found in the northern Mediterranean region, where it tends to grow in flat areas. It is common and well known in many parts of the world, including Hungary, where it is now considered an established species and can be found throughout almost the entire country, albeit in varying densities. At present, this species is classified as a weed in its usual habitat and is not used as a cultivated plant; there are no known cultivation methods.

[0027] The bracteole reaches the base of the flower, possibly extending beyond it, and the spur is a maximum of 12 mm. The stem of the plant does not branch, or only very rarely. There are no double -flowered varieties, and it is a very colour-fast species (purple); there are no blue-flowered varieties. The flowering period in Hungary is April to July. The cut stem does not sprout and does not produce sprout flowers. All this information is important for the invention, as not only is the basic principle of the invention completely different from the solutions observed in the prior art, but the source of the biologically active components is also different.

[0028] The solution underlying the present invention differs from the solutions known in the prior art in a number of important aspects, the most important of which are summarised below.- It is based on a taxonomically new species that has not been used for this purpose before.- The extraction of biologically active components is based on a fundamentally new concept, whereby the ratio of polar / apolar and lipophilic / lipophobic or hydrophilic / hydrophobic bioactive components can be regulated depending on the end use.- Bioactive substances are capable of reaching and destroying target organisms with high efficiency, even those living between plant tissues or in habitats covered with plant tissues. In this case, the systemic ability and activity of the active substance has also been detected, and its contact effect (contamination is essential in the case of contact, i.e. touching) is also associated with systemic effects.- The extract according to the invention has a chemical signal that is capable of repelling phytophagous insects for a period of time, i.e. after treatment, they either settle in the untreated area or migrate away, or do not feed.- The extracted compound contains bioactive complexes that delay the development of resistance and help eliminate any resistance that may be present.- In addition to insects, the extract is also effective against arachnids, which was unexpected and surprising to experts.- Unlike the current state of the art, the invention provides complete ecological (components are entirely of biological origin) and economic (all components can be produced or obtained in the long-term using integrated methods, without harming nature and in an economical manner) sustainability from production through to the end user and the environment.

[0029] Unlike the documents relating to the state of the art, our invention aimed to extract the helmet flower alkaloids generally characteristic of the genus Delphinium hispanicum Toum. ex L. (1753) in order to achieve an insecticidal effect. The use of suitable solvents (biogenic substances such as water, wine vinegar, sunflower seed oil, lecithin and mixtures thereof) was crucial in achieving the objective of the invention, as alkaloids are characterised by their basicity. Basic substances, including alkaloids, are easily extracted in acids (e.g. acetic acid), and the alkaloid salts thusobtained are readily soluble in hydrophilic solvents (e.g. water, ethanol). Since lipophilic solvents (e.g. oils) can be used to extract many alkaloids, we have also included sunflower seed oil in the list of solvents. The high concentration of helmet flower alkaloids can be extracted and utilised from the mechanically crushed seeds, and all this in accordance with the strictest environmental protection requirements. With this process and knowing the general physical and chemical properties of alkaloids, there was no need to develop expensive technology to extract the active ingredients, and the risk of not extracting biologically effective insecticides from the seed meal was minimised.

[0030] In accordance with the above, the solvent mixture used in the solution according to the present invention allows the extraction of helmet flower alkaloids of both apolar and polar chemical properties . By selecting the appropriate combination of extraction materials, it is therefore possible to tailor the composition of the extract according to the invention to best suit the intended use.

[0031] The main components of the extract according to the invention are delsoline, delcosine and delphinine, but other alkaloids and glycoalkaloids with strong physiological effects also play a role in achieving the desired effect. Accordingly, the extract itself is a complex of naturally occurring, mainly but not exclusively, helmet flower alkaloids extracted from the species Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873), as well as a solvent extract of other biological substances contained in the seeds, which are described in the application as buffer / inert.

[0032] As mentioned above, by selecting the appropriate solvent mixture, the ratio and distribution of the alkaloids present in the extract can be influenced as desired based on their polarity. This allows the quantity of certain alkaloid components to be increased as desired in certain product forms, while the presence of the same alkaloid components can be eliminated in other product forms by selecting a solvent system with the appropriate composition. For example, the most lipophilic aconitine alkaloids present in the seeds, such as aconitine or delphinine, can be separated from the less lipophilic atisine alkaloids and veatchine alkaloids, thereby optimising the insecticidal effect, minimising environmental impact and eliminating human toxicity.

[0033] In addition to the advantages of solutions known in the state of the art, our invention also has further advantages and unexpected new effects. One such advantage of the solution according to the invention is, for example, that the extract itself, due to a new cultivation technology, which is sustainable in the long term that is also the subject of the invention, and is based on renewable resources, using only materials obtained from nature and materials that can be produced cyclically, and, based on a very widespread species, mortality in insects and arachnids can be achieved without the use of synthetic materials. Surprisingly, the tests also revealed that the extract according to the invention has unexpected, surprising additional effects, such as systemic action, feeding inhibition and repellence. Furthermore, the extract according to the invention has a chemical signal that is capable of repelling phytophagous insects for a period of time, i.e. after treatment, they either settle in the untreated area or do not feed.

[0034] The aforementioned effects have been confirmed on several species and against several pests, both in agriculture and in the household sector, emphasising that these effects, contrary to the solutions described in the technical documentation, have been observed not only under laboratory conditions but also in the original habitat of the target organisms and in their various life forms.

[0035] When producing the extract according to the invention, we also kept in mind its economical and sustainable production, which was achieved by using a completely new technology, also covered by the invention, in the cultivation of Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex. Costa (CNSOR).

[0036] Thanks to the use of the aforementioned solvent system, all bioactive substances produced by plants can be extracted, and at the same time, the effectiveness and physicochemical profile of the insecticide, as well as the level of risk exposure to the user, can be adjusted as desired. The extract produced in accordance with the invention ismore user-friendly, can be dosed and applied more accurately, which is particularly important in households, as our lifestyle means that people of all ages are most likely to come into contact with the substance there. From this point of view, one of the outstanding advantages of the extract according to the invention is that, thanks to its liquid state, it is much less hazardous after drying than powdered preparations produced for similar purposes.

[0037] In order to produce the extract according to the invention, in accordance with the above, only natural materials of different polarity (apolar and polar) derived from biological sources were used, as a result of which both hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive substances can be extracted and utilised, and by using appropriate ratios of the extracting substances, the ratio of the aforementioned bioactive substances to each other can also be varied in the end product. Furthermore, the extract according to the invention has a chemical signal that is capable of repelling phytophagous insects for a period of time, i.e. after treatment, they either settle in the untreated area or migrate away, or do not feed. Accordingly, the invention covers all insecticidal, insect feeding deterrent and repellent compounds and complexes which are produced naturally and under natural conditions from the seeds of Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa and are contained therein.

[0038] The invention is described in more detail in the following examples. Please note that these examples are purely illustrative and are in no way restrictive with regard to our invention. The scope of protection of the present invention extends to any solution which a person skilled in the art can achieve by making simple changes based on their professional knowledge, using the solutions described in the examples.EXAMPLESPreparation and application of extracts

[0039] To produce the extract from Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa seeds, at least one of the following solvents was used in the quantities indicated for each substance:- natural surface and / or underground fresh water, tap water: 0-100%- wine vinegar: 0-100%- sunflower seed oil: 0-100%- rapeseed oil 0-100%Accordingly, a one-, two-, three- or four-component extraction (release) medium can be prepared as desired, in any ratio to each other, depending on the final use or method of use.

[0040] We used exclusively crushed, ground and powdered Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa seeds as the source of biologically active components. To homogenise the extract prepared from the above materials, lecithin was used as an additional excipient in an amount of 0.05-10% by weight of the total weight of the finished extract, and tartaric acid was used as an additional excipient for preservation in an amount of 0.01-2% by weight of the total weight of the finished extract.

[0041] The following steps were taken during the production of the extracts: a) the harvested, cleaned and air-dried, healthy seeds were crushed mechanically; to at least 10% of the original seed size; b) the crushed material obtained in step a) was extracted with the indicated 1 -4 component solvent; c) we left the mixture obtained in step b) to stand for 2-4 weeks, stirring several times a day to ensure proper extraction;d) fractionate the solution obtained in step c) using a filter and separate the insoluble seed-forming substances.

[0042] During the preparation of the extracts, 5 g of crushed seeds were mixed with 10 g of solvent or a combination of solvents, and the mixture was left to leach in a closed system for 2-4 weeks. Only during this period did we stir the mixture several times a day to achieve better extraction. After 2-4 weeks, we filtered the solution through a fine filter and separated the insoluble seed components, resulting in biologically active seed extracts that were ready for use as biopesticides. If necessary, the above-mentioned emulsifier was added in the appropriate amount for emulsification and, if necessary, the above-mentioned preservative was added for preservation.

[0043] The prepared extracts were always applied by atomization or in powder form onto the surface of the plants (against agricultural pests) or onto the walls of residential buildings (against flies). In the latter case, the degree of penetration is significantly lower than in plants; furthermore, since the walls are not a food source for flies, only the contact effect was effective in this case. All these combinations are capable of disrupting the biological functioning of the target organisms (ranging from interruption of feeding to abandonment of the treated plant and death). The strength of the effect may be reversible or irreversible, depending on their lifestyle, body size and weight, exposure time, concentration and penetration. Accordingly, a variety of objectives can be achieved with combinations of these substances, ranging from temporary alarm to death of the individual, in a manner that is safe for humans and the environment, cyclical and sustainable for the user.

[0044] The types of extracts used were as follows: a) 5 g of ground seeds + 10 g of water; b) 5 g of ground seeds + 5 g of wine vinegar + 5 g of sunflower oil; c) 5 g of ground seeds + 3.33 g of water + 3.33 g of wine vinegar + 3.33 g of sunflower oil; d) 3.33 g water + 3.33 g boric acid + 3.33 g sunflower oil (standard or ‘placebo’)The number of individuals was determined by accurate counting.

[0045] The extracts described above and prepared in the manner described above were dispensed from calibrated, spray -ready plastic bottles, in all cases in the natural habitat of the target organism. The release was carried out in a chemically resistant, cord-lockable HDPE crop protection net with 1x0.5 mm holes, measuring 30x20 cm, into which at least 10 healthy, undamaged target organisms were placed from an adjacent, untreated part of the agricultural field. The tests were carried out in the same way and under the same conditions for all species, with three replicates. For the most important agricultural pests, this was supplemented by Petri dish (50x12 mm) tests with four replicates (Athalia rosea larvae, Macrosiphum avenae, Nezera viridula adults and larvae, Plutella xylostella larvae-infested autumn cabbage rapeseed leaves and Meligethes aeneus adults, Tegenaria domestica). The methodology was as follows: immediately after treatment, the individuals treated in isolation as described above were transferred to Petri dishes for better and more accurate observation.

[0046] All isolation nets were evenly treated with 12-15 ml of the extract in all the above-mentioned variants(including the placebo). All household pests were collected undamaged using a vacuum suction device and transferred to the isolation net, as their life is not dependent on host plants; therefore, in this case, netting the plants was not an option.

[0047] After application, the behaviour of the target organisms changed significantly in all cases where bioactive pesticide components were also applied by spraying. The target organisms began to move intensively, clean themselves and try to escape from the isolator. The death of contaminated individuals was rapid (between 2 and 168 hours, depending on the species and extract) and spectacular. Uncontaminated individuals attempted to escape from the treated area, as the treatment had an alarming effect and also proved to be a feeding inhibitor. Mortality in the Petri dishes could be determined with precision and reached or exceeded 90% in all target organisms tested by 96 hours.

[0048] The mortality results were consistent, with no variation observed; uniformly between 90-100%, depending on the target organisms. The difference was observed in the mortality rate, with the fastest death occurring with the 4-component biopesticide (2-96 hours), while the slowest mortality was caused by the water-based, 2-component biopesticide (6-168 hours).

[0049] Observations suggest that the penetration of bioactive substances can be improved (systemic effect can be achieved and implemented) by adjusting the ratio of solvents to each other, stable mortality can be accelerated, and efficiency can be optimised in terms of the physical and chemical parameters of the surfaces to be sprayed (e.g. the waxy leaf surface of cabbage is a highly lipophilic environment, while the wall surface or paving stones are neutral). Observations have confirmed that even uniform coverage of the crop to be protected in agricultural areas is sufficient to prevent damage, as the treated area favourably alters the lifestyle of phytophagous insects. They cease feeding in the treated area and, if possible, leave the area.

[0050] Based on the tests, all seed extracts prepared with each solvent alone and with each combination of solvents proved to be effective bioinsecticides.

[0051] These extracts, which exhibit high bioactivity, can be used to effectively reduce the following agricultural pests (insects) in situ, in their natural environment and under normal conditions:

[0052] 95-100% effectiveness- Athalia rosea larvae- Macrosiphum avenae all forms- Shizaphis graminum all forms- Pieris brassicae larvae- Meligethes aenaus adult- Ceuthorhynchus pallydactilus adult- Musca domestica adult- Lucilia sericata adult- Sarcophaga camaria adult- Tetramorium caespitum- Tagenaria domestica90-94% effectiveness- Tropinota hirta adult- Plutella xylostella larvae- Nezara viridula larvae and adults

[0053] The degree of reduction depended on the relative proportions of the components, but in the case of the species studied, excellent efficacy (greater than 95%) can be achieved with several compositions and chemical combinations. It is important to note that this high level of efficacy can also be achieved against Plutella xylostella larvae living and developing in the protected leaf blades in their natural environment. The combinations also proved to be suitable for damage prevention, as no damage occurred or ceased on the treated leaf surfaces. Since this effect, unlike mortality, is reversible (newly growing plant parts are not or only slightly affected by the treatment, rain, UV, etc.), it would be more than risky to base control measures solely on this; however, its warning effect has been confirmed.

[0054] In line with the above, the invention also covers an agricultural method for growing the plant species used as the basis for the extract according to the invention, namely the eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873)).

[0055] Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (EPPO species identification code: CNSOR) is a plant found in flat areas in northern Mediterranean regions. The bracteoles of the plant reach the base of the flower, possibly extending beyond it, and the spur is up to 12 mm long. The stem of the plant does not branch, or only very rarely. There are no double-flowered varieties and it is a very colour-fast species (purple); there are no blue-flowered varieties. Flowering time in Hungary is April to July. Cut stems do not sprout and do not produce runners.

[0056] It is common and well known in many parts of the world, including Hungary, where it is now considered an established species and can be found throughout almost the entire country, albeit in varying densities. It grows wild in the open air and reproduces naturally. At present, this species is classified as a weed in its usual habitat, it is not used as a cultivated plant, and there are no known cultivation methods.

[0057] Since the extract according to the present invention is based on the seeds of the plant Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873), it was necessary to develop a process for the continuous production of the extract, which would ensure that the plant in question is permanently available as a renewable resource.

[0058] In order to achieve this objective of the invention, the inventors have developed a previously unknown method by which the plant in question can be cultivated sustainably, with high yields, safely and with minimal environmental impact using modem arable farming technology. The key features of this technology can be summarised as follows.

[0059] According to the method described in the invention, sowing takes place in mid-October, taking into account the climatic conditions in Hungary and the life cycle of the plant. The seeds are sown at a depth of 1 -3 cm, at a rate of 3 kg / ha, using a ploughing seed drill, in rows spaced 12 or 24 cm apart (single or double row). After sowing, immediately before emergence (PRE), autumn weed control is carried out. For this operation, a mixture of flufenacet 100- 150 gAI / ha and clomazone 70-75 gAI / ha is applied to the soil surface in the days following sowing. The next weed control in spring is carried out when the crop has 4-6 leaves, using a mixture of pendimethalin 660 gAI / ha and diflufenican 60 gAI / ha or a mixture of chlorotuluron 300 gAI / ha and diflufenican 60 gAI / ha. Whichever solution is chosen, the entire crop should be treated (POST); this ensures that the active ingredients reach the crop, while some of the weeds are treated POST (those that have already emerged) and others PRE (those still present in the soil in seed form).

[0060] Herbicides - in the indicated phenology - can be replaced in spring or combined with weed control. In spring, if necessary, copper-containing preparations are used to prevent or treat bacterial and fungal diseases in crops. If perennial dicotyledons are also present in the crop area, clopiralide is used at a rate of 70-90 gAI / ha to control them. The treatment is applied to the leaves of both the crop and the target plants, i.e. it is a POST procedure. In the case of perennial monocots, graminicides can be used at the doses specified in their authorisation documents, also as a POST procedure for both eastern larkspur and monocot weeds.

[0061] During nutrient replenishment, it is recommended to apply 200 kg / ha of NPK (8:24:24) fertiliser in autumn before seedbed preparation, and in spring, the high calcium requirement of the species should be specifically met with any liquid, high-calcium foliar fertiliser (min. 1000 gCa / ha). Both the quality and quantity of the crop show a positive correlation with the application of sufficient calcium.

[0062] At the end of the ripening period, in order to ensure uniform harvesting, it is advisable to dry the crop with an active ingredient approved for desiccation, e.g. pyraflufen-ethyl, at a rate of 20-30 gAI / ha, and at the same time apply a suitable grain adhesive to reduce flaking.

[0063] The crop is harvested at the end of June and beginning of July using mechanised technology, preferably self-propelled combine harvesters.

[0064] The net yield achievable with the above technology is 220-320 kg / ha, which is sufficient for the production of biologically active insecticides capable of protecting several hectares.Summary

[0065] As can be seen from the above examples, the solution according to the invention is highly suitable for achieving the objective of the invention.

[0066] T ests carried out using the extract according to the invention showed unexpected, surprising new effects, notably that the extract is effective not only against pests visible on the plant, but also against phytophagous pests living hidden in the plant tissues. It should also be noted that the extract has an appetite-suppressing effect on pests and possesses a chemical signal that is capable of repelling phytophagous insects for a period of time, meaning that after treatment, they either settle in untreated areas or do not feed. The proven effect on arachnids is also an unexpected new result.

[0067] Compared to methods known in the prior art, the solution according to the invention achieves significantly better results in the field of pest control, both in agriculture and in the household, as well as in the environment. The extract according to the invention offers a long-term sustainable alternative and has the particular advantage of being easy to implement in practice. Another advantageous feature is that its environmental impact is practically minimal, as the extract is based entirely on organic and natural ingredients and no environmentally harmful chemicals are used in its production.

[0068] The advantages of the method according to the invention far exceed those of methods based on the current state of the art. The concept is supported by the numerous new and surprising effects described above, which even experts in the field will find remarkable. Furthermore, all of these effects are present in a product that complies with the world's most stringent pesticide approval procedures and is made entirely from natural, organic ingredients.

[0069] In addition, the cultivation method according to the invention also enables the continuous, cyclical and sustainable replenishment of the biologically active bioinsecticide.

[0070] Accordingly, the present invention provides a highly effective, organic -based insecticide that is suitable for use in organic farming. It is environmentally conscious and friendly, sustainable in the long term, and suitable for use in agriculture and households. It is particularly important to note that, since safety in households is paramount, it is advantageous that the composition of the invention is liquid and once dry, less toxic than a powder.

Claims

Claims1. An insecticide and acaricide of biological origin with a lethal effect on arachnids, characterised by the fact that the active substance is derived from the dried seeds of eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873) / most common synonyms: Consolida hispanica, Consolida orientalis; EPPO code: CNSOR / .

2. Use of agent according to claim 1 for the control of insects and arachnids.

3. Application of the substance according to claim 1 according to claim 2, characterised in that arachnids are mites in agriculture and arachnids in households.

4. Application according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the application takes place in agriculture.

5. Application according to claim 2 or 3 , characterised in that the application takes place in the household.

6. Process for the production of an insecticidal agent of biological origin, as claimed in claim 1, which is also lethal to arachnids, characterised in that the process comprises the following steps: a) the cleaned and air-dried, healthy seeds are mechanically crushed to a minimum of 10% of their original size; b) the crushed seeds obtained in step a) are extracted with a solvent; c) the mixture obtained in step b) is left to stand for 2-4 weeks, stirring several times a day, resulting in a leached solution; d) fractionate the solution obtained in step c) through a fine filter and separate the insoluble core -forming substances e) homogenise and / or preserve the extract obtained in step d), if necessary.

7. The process according to claim 6, characterised in that in step b) any mixture of fresh water, wine vinegar, sunflower seed oil and rapeseed oil is used as the solvent.

8. Process according to claim 6, characterised in that in step e) lecithin is used to homogenise the extract in an amount of 0.05-10% by weight of the total weight of the finished extract and tartaric acid is used for its preservation in an amount of 0.01-2% by weight of the total weight of the finished extract.

9. Process for the cultivation of eastern larkspur (Delphinium hispanicum Willk. ex Costa (1873) / most common synonyms: Consolida hispanica, Consolida orientalis; EPPO code: CNSOR / ), characterised by the following steps: a) the seeds of the plant are sowed at the end of October; b) after sowing, before emergence (PRE), weed control is applied with a mixture of flufenacet and clomazone; c) when the crop has 4-6 leaves, further weed control is applied with a mixture of pendimethalin and diflufenican; d) if necessary, weed control with a weed harrow is carried out simultaneously with step c) or step c) is replaced entirely by this; e) where appropriate, at the same time as step c) or afterwards, preventive treatment of the crop is carried out with copper-containing products against bacterial and fungal diseases or treat any bacterial and fungal diseases present.

10. The process according to claim 9, characterised in that in step b) a mixture of flufenacet 100-150 gAI / ha and clomazone 70-75 gAI / ha is used as a herbicide.

11. The process according to claim 9, characterised in that in step c), a mixture of pendimethalin 660 gAI / ha and diflufenican 60 gAI / ha or a mixture of chlorotuluron 300 gAI / ha and diflufenican 60 gAI / ha is used as a herbicide.