Self-lubricating compositions

Abstract

The invention concerns pastes and other products for preventing insects from entering or crossing a surface and methods preventing or decreasing insect infestation.

Description

[0001] SELF-LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention provides generally concerns self-lubricating gel or paste compositions for preventing presence of insects.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Insects are the main reason for the spread of contagious diseases around the world and are the main cause of ecological damage. Damage caused by insects to agricultural land and to agricultural products increases annually. Methods of eradicating insects / pests typically make use of chemical pesticides which, while effective to some degree, lead to additional ecological and agricultural damage and increase the risk to animal and human wellbeing. With the strong relationship existing between increased global temperatures and the expansion of crop pests, the use of chemical pesticides has increased as well, leading also to a disproportionately high number of resistant insects.

[0006] Integrated pest management (IPM) has been introduced as a potential methodology for growing healthy crops while minimizing use of chemical pesticides. The aim of the IPM is to prevent insects from inflicting economic or aesthetic damage with the least risk to the environment. However, IPM typically requires complex and time-consuming efforts which require the identification of insects, accurate measurement of their populations, assessment of the damage levels and determining proper management strategies for increasing and maintaining insect control.

[0007] Physical and mechanical controls have been proposed and used; some with a degree of success. Ecological landscaping has been proposed to reduce field size and distance to habitats of natural insects and include erection of barriers, covering of crops, mechanical removal of insects and others. One such barrier has been disclosed [1], in a form of a self-lubricating composition for preventing insects from climbing on a variety of surfaces.

[0008] PUBLICATIONS

[0009] [1] International Patent Publication No. WO 2024 / 189624.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The inventors of the technology disclosed herein have developed a paste or a gel material of preselected mechanical properties, which can be easily taped or stretched or generally manipulated onto a surface to prevent crossing of insects. The paste of the invention, having a plasteline or a mastic semi-solid consistency, comprises a polymerized polymer matrix and a film forming combination of ingredients. Depending on the degree of polymerization, the consistency, hardness, flowability and other mechanical and chemical properties of the paste may be varied.

[0012] As used herein, the term “polymerized or any lingual variation thereof is not limited to covalent polymerization. The polymerization may be by way of (cross)linking different materials or chains of a same material, wherein the linking may be covalent, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, ionic, entanglement, or involve any other chemical or mechanical interaction. Irrespective of the nature of the polymerization, the mechanical properties may be selected based, for example, on the intended use, the surface to be associated or taped with the paste and others. For example, where the surface is an inclined surface, the paste may be selected to have a flowability that allows the paste to slowly flow downwards under the force of gravity to cover a greater region of the surface. Thus, the paste of the invention offers significant advantages over a liquid form of the formulation:

[0013] 1. Extended Efficiency: The paste remains effective for over 4 months, compared to 2.5–3 months for the liquid. This attribution is not only a result of presence of a matrix material that permits controlled and prolonged release of the active materials, but also a result of ability of the paste to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., rain, direct radiation, etc) that would otherwise deplete or wash the materials from the surface. 2. Ease of Application: Unlike the liquid, which requires peeling of the vine trunk bark (e.g., for optimal results), the paste does not require this step. The paste is also malleable and can be shaped into any film or dressing, with thicknesses varying between several millimetres to several centimetre. The ability to tailor specific products having specific mechanical properties increase the ease by which the paste of the invention may be applied on surfaces having irregular shapes and different surface properties. Similarly, he “slime” nature of the material permits facile removal from the surface to which it is applied after it loses its effectiveness. It can be easily removed without leaving any residual material. This is beneficial not only for plants, but also for various non-plant surfaces e.g. structures and walls.

[0014] 3. Controlled Release Mechanism: The paste delayed and controlled release mechanism is more effective than a liquid form.

[0015] 4. Outdoor Durability: The paste is more resistant to outdoor conditions, maintaining its properties under various environmental stresses. In a first of its aspects, the invention provides a paste formulation comprising a polymerized matrix material comprising at least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, and optionally a surfactant.

[0016] Further provided is a paste formulation comprising a polymerized matrix material, at least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, and optionally a surfactant, wherein the paste formulation is configured for pasting onto a surface to prevent insect presence thereon.

[0017] As used herein, unlike flowing formulations of low viscosities, a paste of the invention may be regarded as having a plasteline or a mastic semi-solid consistency. The terms ‘paste’ and ‘gel’, used herein interchangeably, refer to is a viscous or a high viscosity gel that can be structurally manipulated to enable its pasting or associating with a surface. The paste may be manipulated by hand or by a machine to yield a continuous ribbon of the material of a size and shape that can be pasted to the surface. The paste allows for the materials contained therein to migrate to the surface and exert their effects.

[0018] The polymerized matrix material may be formed of a variety of polymers or wax materials that are polymerized to result in a gel of desired mechanical and chemical properties. The hardness and flowability of the gel may be varied by varying the type of polymer / wax used and the concentration of a crosslinking agent used. Generally speaking, the viscosity of the paste, and thus the ability to easily manipulate it into a flowable material, may vary such that the paste flows down a surface incline at a rate of 0.1 and 30 cm per 24 hours.

[0019] As data presented herein suggests, as the concentration of the crosslinker increases, the amount / rate of oil released from the polymeric matrix increased. For example, in formulation containing a 4% crosslinker solution, increasing the crosslinker concentration results in faster oil release from the polymeric matrix. However, in the formulation prepared with a 10% crosslinker solution, the relationship becomes non-linear, indicating presence of an optimal crosslinker range that enables slower oil diffusion.

[0020] Also, the greater the crosslinker concentration, the more mechanically hard the polymer matrix is and the less flowable it is.

[0021] The polymer used may be selected amongst any natural, semisynthetic or synthetic polymers known. Alternatively to using a polymer, a wax may be used alone or in combination with a polymer. The nature of the polymer / wax is of low importance. In some embodiments, the polymerized material is derived from a polymer selected amongst biopolymers, silicones, polyoxazolines, polyols, polysaccharides, polyacrylates, polyesters, polyvinyls, polypyrrolidones, and others. Non-limiting examples of polymers include PVOH, polycaprolactone, biodegradable polyesters, poly(furfuryl alcohol) bioresin, cellulose, lignin, and others.

[0022] In some embodiments, the polymerized material is derived from a wax material selected from plant-based waxes, animal-based waxes, petroleum-derived waxes, synthetic waxes, mineral waxes and others. Examples of waxes include bee wax, Carnauba wax, fatty alcohols, biobased wax, paraffin wax and others.

[0023] The polymerized matrix material may be formed by treating the polymer / wax with a crosslinking agent enabling crosslinking between polymer or wax chains, as well as optionally crosslinking with some of the film-forming ingredients in the gel. The crosslinking agent is typically a water-soluble crosslinking agent. In some cases, the crosslinking agent is boric acid or a salt thereof (e.g., borax, sodium tetraborate and hydrates thereof).

[0024] The amount of the crosslinking agent may vary between 1 and 20 wt%, thereby permitting generation of a paste of different viscosities, as disclosed herein.

[0025] In some embodiments, the film forming material may be provided in a form of particulate materials or carriers capable of holding or containing some of the fatty materials and optionally the surfactant. In other cases, the materials are provided in a non-particulate form. The particulate form may be particles of any type and any size which are used to contain and carry the components of the film forming material. In some cases, the particles are micro-or nanoparticles, or capsules, or encapsulating objects having a shell selected from a biodegradable or water degradable material.

[0026] In some embodiments, the paste comprises a plurality of particles of the at least one film forming material, wherein some or a portion or an amount of the mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats), and optionally a surfactant, is contained within the particles, as further disclosed herein.

[0027] In some embodiments, the film forming material is provided in a form of capsules or carriers comprising at least a portion of said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant, wherein the remaining of said mixture and optionally the surfactant are formulated or provided external to said capsules. In other words, in some embodiments, the paste may comprise (a) a plurality of capsules comprising said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant; and (b) a mixture of the fatty materials and optionally the surfactant outside of the capsules. The two populations of fatty materials, namely those contained within the capsules and that present outside of said capsules, may be same or different. In some embodiments, the paste may comprise two or more different populations of fatty materials, each being distinguishable in composition and / or amount (concentration, material ratios, etc) and / or form of presentation (i.e., loaded in a carrier or capsule or freely distributed in the paste). In some embodiments, one population of fatty materials is contained in capsules and another is contained in the paste but outside or external to the capsules. Similarly, two same or different surfactants may be used; wherein, in some cases one surfactant is contained in the capsules and another outside of the capsules.

[0028] In some embodiments, the capsules are selected from core / shell capsules, microcapsules, microcarriers, microspheres and others. In some embodiments, capsules or particles may be prepared or used according to a disclosure provided in International patent publication no. WO 2024 / 189624 [1] or in any national application derived thereof, being incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] In some embodiments, the paste comprises two main material components or parts or compositions: a medium and capsules. The medium may comprise a population of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, and the capsules which are carried by the medium contain a population of fatty materials which may be same or different from the fatty materials in the medium.

[0030] The invention thus provides a paste comprising (a) a first film-forming material being optionally provided as a plurality of capsules or contained in a plurality of capsules, e.g., core / shell capsules, wherein cores of said capsules, comprising or being formed of a first mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a first multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities; and (b) a mixture of a second film forming material and a second mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a second multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, wherein said second mixture of fatty materials being external to or outside of said capsules, e.g., core / shell capsules. The first mixture and the second mixture may be same or different.

[0031] One or more surfactants may also be contained in either the capsules or the medium, or in both. Thus, in some embodiments, the paste comprises (c) one or more first surfactant(s).

[0032] In some embodiments, the paste is configured or adapted or intended for coating or for forming a film or a coat on a surface region of an object for preventing insects from crossing the surface. In some embodiments, the surface is a climbable surface and the paste is intended as a physical and a chemical barrier to prevent insects from climbing on the surface.

[0033] The invention further provides a paste for pasting to a surface, e.g., a climbable surface, for preventing insects from crossing or climbing said surface, the paste comprising (a) a plurality of core / shell capsules formed of a first film forming material, wherein the core of said capsules comprising a first mixture of fatty materials (oils or fats) having a first multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities; (b) a mixture of a second film-forming materials and a second mixture of fatty materials (oils or fats) having a second multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities and being external to said core / shell capsules; and (c) a first surfactant and optionally a second or further surfactant, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture may be same or different (i.e., in composition, form, etc), wherein the first surfactant and each of the second or further surfactant is same or different, and wherein the first film forming material and the second film forming material are the same or different.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first film-forming material used in pastes of the invention is provided in a particle shape, namely as capsules, while the second film-forming material is not provided shaped but rather solubilized in the medium component. In other words, the filmforming materials, be they the same material or different materials, may be provided in pastes of the invention in two different presentations: a first as capsules, as disclosed herein, and the second as a soluble material, in a non-capsule form. In cases where the pastes are free of capsules, the film-forming material is presented in a non-capsule form.

[0035] Pastes of the invention are intended for forming a barrier on a surface onto which the presence of an insect is not desired. Despite the fact that the pastes are not insecticidal nor may they comprise any insecticidal material or insect-repelling materials, a coating formed of the paste on a surface renders insect interaction with the surface nearly impossible. The diminished ability of insects to interact with the surface greatly reduces the insects’ ability to wonder around the surface, and the coat is thus “substantially not crossable” or “not crossable” by the insects. This effect is greatly magnified where the surface is an inclined or a vertical surface and where an interaction between the insect’s legs (or adhesive pads, claws, suction cups, tiny hairs, wrapping means, and silk threads) and the surface is essential for maintaining a hold of the surface. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a coating formed of pastes of the invention dramatically reduces or prevents a possible interaction of the insect’s body part used for advancing or climbing (such as legs, adhesive pads, claws, suction cups, tiny hairs, wrapping means, and silk threads) with the surface by interrupting one or more mechanical or chemical / biological mechanism of interaction. These interactions may vary or may be used in concert to increase stability. The interaction may be or may involve temporary adherence to the surface, van der Waals interactions, suction interactions, lock-and-key interactions, grabbing or hooking interactions, and others. Generally speaking, insects are equipped with a variety of means for interacting with a surface. For example, insects equipped with adhesive pads use specialized structures on their Tarsus (foot segments) that secrete a sticky substance. This secretion allows the insects to cling onto various surfaces, enabling them to climb vertically or even navigate upside down. The adhesive pads provide a reliable grip, facilitating movement on diverse substrates. Other insects may employ claws and hooks at the tips of their legs to grasp onto surfaces. These structures act like miniature anchors, enabling the insect to latch onto irregular textures such as bark, rocks, or crevices and thus provide stability, preventing the insect from slipping or falling during climbing. Suction cups provided on insect legs can also be utilized to achieve secure adherence to smooth surfaces. These cups create a vacuum seal, enhancing the insect's ability to climb on wet or slippery substrates like leaves or glass. Suction cups offer a secure attachment and are particularly effective in damp conditions. Similarly, fine microscopic hairs (setae), typically present on the legs and body of certain insects, increase the surface area in contact with the surface, enhancing friction and grip. Tiny hairs are effective for climbing on various surfaces, including vertical ones, and are commonly found in insects like beetles and spiders. Insects with long and flexible bodies may employ a wrapping behavior for climbing. This technique involves winding their bodies around a substrate, such as plant stems or branches, to gain a secure grip. Wrapping behavior is often seen in caterpillars and certain larvae, allowing them to ascend and descend with relative ease. Contrary to such insects, spiders use silk threads for climbing. By releasing silk and allowing it to be carried by the wind, spiders can create a "ballooning" effect, enabling them to ascend into the air and disperse to new locations. Additionally, spiders may use silk draglines to descend from elevated positions or to create lifelines for added stability while climbing.

[0036] Surprisingly, coatings formed by applying pastes of the invention on a surface, e.g., a climbable surface, interrupt or disrupt the insect’s ability to latch on the coating by any of the mechanisms disclosed above, thereby reducing, diminishing or preventing the insect’s ability of crossing the coated surface or climbing thereon. This ability is derived from the selflubricating capabilities of the paste and the coating made therefrom. The composition of the coating or film provides constant lubrication to the (climbable) surface, due to a prolonged release of the fatty materials from the coating. Upon application onto the surface, the water carrier evaporates leaving behind a solid barrier that embeds the mixture of fatty materials (oils or fats). Where capsules are present in the paste, upon evaporation of water, a coat is formed that embeds both the capsules containing the fatty mixture and the fatty mixture that is external to the capsules (the so-called second mixture). Continuous release of oils and fats from the coat wets the surface over a period of time until the capsules which may be present in the film or coat begin releasing the oils or fats from the so-called first mixture to continuously wet the surface.

[0037] The mixture(s) of fatty materials provided in the core / shell capsules (first mixture) or external to said capsules (second mixture) or in pastes not containing capsules may be same or different. Independent of their composition and the pastes used (pastes containing capsules or free of capsules), the mixtures are provided in “a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities ', namely in a mixture comprising fatty materials having different molecular weights and / or different viscosities. In addition to the sequenced release described above, the release or diffusion of the oils or fats of different molecular weights or viscosities is at a rate that may be directly proportional to the material molecular weight and / or its viscosity. Thus, the mixture of fatty materials of different molecular weights and / or viscosities provides an additional sequence of multiple release / diffusion rates or profiles, such that the coating exhibits continued and prolonged lubrication. Typically, the greater the multiplicity or the variability in molecular weights or viscosities, the better the efficiency and / or the time period over which the coating will remain efficient. In other words, the greater the number of materials (oils or fats) present in the first and / or second mixtures that are provided in different molecular weights and / or viscosities, the longer the release is. Low molecular weight / viscosity materials may be released first, followed by release of materials having continuously increasing molecular weights / viscosities.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first and second mixtures, independently, are combined based on a selection of oils or fats having different molecular weights. In some embodiments, the first and second mixtures, independently, are combined based on a selection of oils or fats having different viscosities. In some embodiments, the first and second mixtures, independently, are formulated based on a selection of oils or fats having different molecular weight and viscosities.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first and second mixtures, independently, are combined based on a selection of oils or fats having different molecular weights ranging between 200 and 200,000 Da. In some embodiments, the first and second mixtures, independently, are combined based on a selection of oils or fats having different viscosities ranging between 20 and 200,000 cp. In some embodiments, the materials are selected to having a molecular weight between 200 and 200,000 Da and a viscosity between 20 and 200,000 cp.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first and second mixtures, independently are combined based on a selection of oils or fats that are solids or liquids at room temperature (23-33°C). Thus, in some cases, where a fatty material is a solid at room temperature, it may be selected based on its molecular weight, rather than its viscosity. Materials which are liquids may be selected based on their molecular weights or viscosities or a combination of both.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first mixture and second mixture are the same, or have the same profile (namely, composition, amounts, ratio amounts etc). In some embodiments, the first mixture and the second mixture are different in composition, and / or material amounts, and / or material ratios, etc.

[0042] The mixture of fatty materials is a mixture of two or more oils and / or fats, namely-a mixture or two or more oils, two or more fats, or a mixture of oils and fats or any other fatty material, wherein at least two of the oils or fats are distinguishable by their molecular weights and / or viscosities. The difference in molecular weights or viscosities may be at least lOODa or 100 cp. The two or more oils or fats may be a mixture of two, three, four or any other number of such fatty materials or a combination comprising any number of different oils or fats. For example, where silicone oils are used, the silicon oils may be selected by their molecular weight, being between 13,000Da and 140,000Da, or by their viscosities, being between 350 cp and 100,000cp or a combination of both. In other words, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities may comprise silicon oil having a molecular weight of 13,600Da with silicon oils having molecular weights of 116,500Da and 139,000Da. Similarly, a mixture of silicon oils may comprise silicon oil having a viscosity of 350 cp with silicon oils having viscosities of 60,000 cp and 10 cp.

[0043] Molecular weights and viscosities of a variety of oils and fats are known or may be determined by conventional methods of analysis, including GC-MS, GPC, viscometers and others.

[0044] The fatty materials may be selected amongst any oil or fat, as known in the art, wherein the materials are further selected to have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 5 or higher.

[0045] While the oils and fats selected and used in accordance with the invention may have similar properties, the difference between the two groups of materials may reside in their physical presentation. Fats are typically solids at room temperature, while oils are liquids at room temperatures. Nevertheless, as used herein, a distinction is not made between fats and oils; any fatty material may be used without further classification. Both groups of materials may be synthetic, semi-synthetic or naturally obtained. In some embodiments, the fatty materials may be selected from silicone oils, fruit oils, vegetable oils, animal oils, fatty acids, fatty acid amides, petroleum oils, mineral oils, and others. Non-limiting examples of fatty materials may include silicone oils such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oil and silicon oils of different molecular weights and / or viscosities (such as silicon oil 350, silicon oil 60000, silicon oil 10, silicon oil 100000 and others); vegetable oils such as palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, canola oil, soya oil, coconut oil, olive oil, corn oil, sesame oil, and others; fruit oils such as almond oil (sweet and / or bitter), grapefruit oil, coconut oil, peach oil, lemon oil, orange oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and others; fatty acids such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, α-linolenic acid, and others; fatty acid amides such as the amide forms of the aforementioned fatty acids, or fatty acid amides such as erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, oleyl palmitamide or any combination thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fatty acid is a fruit oil such as almond oil, e.g., bitter and / or sweet almond oil. In some embodiments, the oil is a coconut oil, a canola oil or an olive oil.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fatty materials used in the first mixture and the second mixture are the same or may be selected from the same group of fatty materials, e.g., from vegetable oils, based on their molecular weights or viscosities. All viscosities presented herein are measured at 25°C. In some embodiments, the first mixture and / or the second mixture comprises at least two fatty materials having different viscosities selected between 5 and 100,000cp (measured at 25°C). In some embodiments, the different fatty materials may be selected from such having viscosities between 350 and 60,000 cp, 100 and 1,000 cp, 40,000 and 80,000 cp, 35 and 45cp, and 5 and 80 cp. For example, the first mixture may comprise an oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1000 cp and another oil of a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp. In another example, the first or second or both mixtures may comprise a first oil having a viscosity between 35 and 45cp, a second oil with a viscosity between 5 and 80 cp and a third oil with a viscosity between 100 and 1000 cp.

[0048] In some embodiments, one of the first and second mixtures may comprise almond oil with a viscosity of between 35 and 45 cp and the second of the first and second mixtures may comprise a vegetable oil with a viscosity of between 5 and 80 cp.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise almond oil having a viscosity between 35 and 45 cp.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 10 and 70 cp.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 20 and 60 cp. In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 30 and 50 cp.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 40 and 60 cp.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first and / or the second mixture may comprise olive oil having a viscosity of between 40 and 60 cp. In some embodiments, the olive oil has a viscosity between 45 and 55 cp.

[0054] The fatty material may be a synthetic oil and / or a fatty acid.

[0055] In some embodiments, the synthetic oil is or comprises polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oils, paraffin oil, polyalkylene glycol (polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, etc) or any combination thereof.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise a synthetic oil or a silicone oil. In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixture may comprise a mixture of a synthetic oil and a silicone oil.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise a fatty material selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, N-acylethanolamine, oleamide, stearamide, erucamide and any combination thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixture may comprise a fatty material being a fatty acid, a fatty acid amide or a combination of the two.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises a combination of any two of one or more silicone oils, almond oil, one or more vegetable oil, one or more fatty acid amide, one or more synthetic oil, one or more fatty acids.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises at least one synthetic oil selected from polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oils, paraffin oil, polyalkylene glycol or any combination thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a synthetic oil and / or a silicone oil.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a fatty acid selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, N-acylethanolamine, oleamide, stearamide, erucamide or any combination thereof.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a combination of ant two of one or more silicone oils, almond oil, one or more vegetable oil, one or more fatty acid amide, one or more synthetic oil, one or more fatty acids.

[0064] Pastes of the invention comprise a plurality of core / shell capsules, which cores comprise or consist the first mixture of fatty materials, as defined, and a shell that is formed of a different material, i.e., film-forming material. Typically, the material composition of each core / shell capsule is such that the shell constitutes between about 30 and 50wt% of the weight of the capsule, while the first mixture of fatty materials contained in the core of the capsule constitutes between 50 and 70 wt% of the total weight of the capsule.

[0065] Where silicon oils are present in the first mixture, the amount of the silicone oil may be between 5 and 40wt% (relative to the total mixture including shell). In some embodiments, the amount of silicone oils (one or more) is between 5 and 40wt%, or between 5 and 10wt%, or between 10 and 20wt%, or between 20 and 30wt% or between 30 and 40wt%.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises a combination of fatty materials such as between 5 and 40wt% of silicone oils, between 0 and 10wt% almond oil, between 0 and 5wt% of a fatty acid amide, between 1 and 5wt% of a surfactant and between 5 and 30wt% of water. In some embodiments, the amount of the silicone oils (one or more) may be between 5 and 40wt%, 5 and 10wt%, 10 and 20wt%, 20 and 30wt% or between 30 and 40wt%.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises almond oil and a vegetable oil or mixture thereof, wherein the amount of each may be between 5 and 10wt%, or between 0 and 5wt% or between 5 and 10wt%.

[0068] The amount of water in the core of the capsules, i.e., in the first mixture, may be between 5 and 30wt%, between 5 and 10wt%, between 10 and 20wt% or between 20 and 30wt%.

[0069] In some embodiments, the capsules may comprise at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bees wax; one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp; a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil; erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, and oleyl palmitamide; PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG or any combination thereof; and water.

[0070] In some embodiments, the capsules comprise at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bees wax in a weight ratio of 0-3: 0-3: 0-3; one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp; a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil; erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, and oleyl palmitamide; PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG or any combination thereof; and water.

[0071] In some embodiments, the capsules comprise between 30 and 50wt% of at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bees wax in a weight ratio of 0-3: 0-3: 0-3; between 5 and 40wt% of one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp; between 0 and 10wt% of a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil; between 0 and 5wt% of erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, and oleyl palmitamide; between 1 and 5wt% of PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG or any combination thereof; and between 5 and 30wt% water.

[0072] In some embodiments, the capsules comprise a shell material that constitutes between 30 and 50wt% or about 40wt%; and a core comprising the first mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one silicone oil having a viscosity of 350 cp and at least another silicone oil having a viscosity of 60,000 cp.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, almond oil, a vegetable oil and a fatty acid amide.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and another silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises a silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 500 cp, or a viscosity between 100 and 250 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 500 cp, or a viscosity of 350 cp, or a viscosity of between 500 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 50,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 70,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity of 60,000 cp.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises two fatty materials, e.g., two silicone oils, at a weight ratio 1-3: 0-1. In some embodiments, the two silicon oils are present at a weight ratio 1-2: 0-1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio is 0.5-5: 0-2. In some embodiments, the weight ratio is 3: 1.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises a first silicone oil having a viscosity of 350 cp and a second silicone oil having a viscosity of 60,000 cp, present at a weight ratio (first:second oils) that is 1-3: 0-1, or 1-2: 0-1, or 0.5-5: 0-2, or 3:1. In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises almond oil having a viscosity between 35 and 45 cp. In some embodiments, the first mixture comprises a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 5 and 80 cp, or between 10 and 70 cp, or between 20 and 60 cp, or between 30 and 50 cp, or between 40 and 60 cp.

[0078] As stated herein, the first mixture of fatty materials is contained in a core of the capsule, while the second mixture of fatty materials is contained outside of the capsules. Putting it differently, the capsules are contained within or carried by or suspended in the second mixture of fatty materials. In some embodiments, the second mixture of materials is the same as the first mixture of materials. In other cases, the two mixtures may be different in composition, amounts, material ratios, etc.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise almond oil with a viscosity between 35 and 45 cp and / or a vegetable oil with a viscosity between 5 and 80 cp.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first and / or second mixtures may comprise almond oil having a viscosity of 35-45 cp.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 10 and 70 cp, or between 20 and 60 cp, or between 30 and 50 cp, or between 40 and 60 cp.

[0082] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise olive oil having a viscosity of between 40 and 60 cp and / or a viscosity between 45 and 55 cp.

[0083] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a fatty material which may be a synthetic oil and / or a fatty acid. In some embodiments, the synthetic oil is or comprises polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oils, paraffin oil, polyalkylene glycol or any combination thereof.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a synthetic oil or a silicone oil. In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a mixture of a synthetic oil and a silicone oil.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a fatty material selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, N-acylethanolamine, oleamide, stearamide, erucamide and any combination thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a fatty material being a fatty acid, a fatty acid amide or a combination of the two.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a combination of ant two of one or more silicone oils, almond oil, one or more vegetable oil, one or more fatty acid amide, one or more synthetic oil, one or more fatty acids.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises at least one synthetic oil selected from polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oils, paraffin oil, polyalkylene glycol or any combination thereof.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a synthetic oil and / or a silicone oil.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a fatty acid selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, N-acylethanolamine, oleamide, stearamide, erucamide or any combination thereof.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a combination of ant two of one or more silicone oils, almond oil, one or more vegetable oil, one or more fatty acid amide, one or more synthetic oil, one or more fatty acids.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a combination of fatty materials such as between 5 and 40wt% of silicone oils, between 0 and 10wt% almond oil, between 0 and 5wt% of a fatty acid amide, between 1 and 5wt% of a surfactant and between 5 and 30wt% of water. In some embodiments, the amount of the silicone oils (one or more) may be between 5 and 40wt%, 5 and 10wt%, 10 and 20wt%, 20 and 30wt% or between 30 and 40wt%.

[0093] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises almond oil and a vegetable oil or mixture thereof, wherein the amount of each may be between 5 and 10wt%, or between 0 and 5wt% or between 5 and 10wt%.

[0094] The amount of water in the core of the capsules, i.e., in the second mixture, may be between 5 and 30wt%, between 5 and 10wt%, between 10 and 20wt% or between 20 and 30wt%.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bees wax; one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp; a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil; erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, and oleyl palmitamide; PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG or any combination thereof; and water. In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bees wax in a weight ratio of 0-3: 0-3: 0-3; one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp; a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil; erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, and oleyl palmitamide; PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG or any combination thereof; and water.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise between 30 and 50wt% of at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bees wax in a weight ratio of 0-3: 0-3: 0-3; between 5 and 40wt% of one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp; between 0 and 10wt% of a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil; between 0 and 5wt% of erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, and oleyl palmitamide; between 1 and 5wt% of PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG or any combination thereof; and between 5 and 30wt% water.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, almond oil, a vegetable oil and a fatty acid amide.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and another silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 500 cp, or a viscosity between 100 and 250 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 500 cp, or a viscosity of 350 cp, or a viscosity of between 500 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 50,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 70,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity of 60,000 cp.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises two fatty materials, e.g., two silicone oils, at a weight ratio 1-3: 0-1. In some embodiments, the two silicon oils are present at a weight ratio 1-2: 0-1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio is 0.5-5: 0-2. In some embodiments, the weight ratio is 3: 1.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a first silicone oil having a viscosity of 350 cp and a second silicone oil having a viscosity of 60,000 cp, present at a weight ratio (first:second oils) that is 1-3: 0-1, or 1-2: 0-1, or 0.5-5: 0-2, or 3:1. In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises almond oil having a viscosity between 35 and 45 cp. In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 5 and 80 cp, or between 10 and 70 cp, or between 20 and 60 cp, or between 30 and 50 cp, or between 40 and 60 cp.

[0102] Each of the embodiments disclosed herein with regard to the first mixture may be combinable with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein with regard to the second mixture.

[0103] In some embodiment, the second mixture of fatty materials may comprise a mixture of silicone oils; almond oil; and a vegetable oil.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second mixture may comprise a mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one of the silicone oils having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp (or between 100 and 500 cp, or between 100 and 250 cp, or between 250 and 1,000 cp, or between 250 and 500 cp, or between 500 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity that us 350 cp) and a further silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp (or between 40,000 and 70,000 cp, or between 40,000 and 50,000 cp, or between 50,000 and 80,000 cp, or between 50,000 and 70,000 cp, or between 70,000 and 80,000 cp or a viscosity of 60,000 cp).

[0105] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils comprising a silicone oil having a viscosity of 350 cp and a silicone oil having a viscosity of 60,000 cp. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the two silicon oils is 1-3: 0-1, or 1-2: 0-1, or 0.5-5: 0-2, or 3:1.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second mixture comprises almond oil having a viscosity between 35 and 45 cp and / or a vegetable oil having a viscosity between 5 and 80 cp, or between 10 and 70 cp, or between 20 and 60 cp, or between 30 and 50 cp or between 40 and 60 cp.

[0107] Water may be present in either or both the first and second mixtures. In some cases, water is not part of either mixture or is provided in either the first or second mixtures.

[0108] In some embodiments, in pastes of the invention not containing capsules, the content of the fatty materials, the film forming materials and the surfactant are as defined for the second mixture of fatty materials, second film forming material and second surfactant. In some embodiments, in pastes of the invention not containing capsules, the content of the fatty materials, the film forming materials and the surfactant are as defined for the first mixture of fatty materials, first film forming material and first surfactant.

[0109] The first and second mixtures, independently, may comprise one or more surfactants. The surfactant used in the first mixture may be same or different than that used in the second mixture. In some embodiments, one of the mixtures comprises a surfactant. In some embodiments, both mixtures comprise the same or different surfactants.

[0110] In some embodiments, the same surfactant is used for both the first and the second mixtures.

[0111] The surfactant used may be any such material known in the art. In some embodiments, the surfactant is selected to stabilize the paste and prevent agglomeration or breaking of the emulsion, dispersion or suspension that characterizes the formation of the invention. Nonlimiting examples include PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, polyethylene glycol (PEG), PDMS and polyether in decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (Dow corning 5225c), Dow corning 5200, RITASIL sw 3050 CETYL PEG-PPG-10 / 1 DIMETHICONE, ABIL care 85 - Bis-PEG / PPG-16 / 16 PEG / PPG-16 / 16 Dimethicone (and) Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, alkylated vinyl pyrrolidone polymers, cyclopentasiloxane, PEG / PPG-18 / 18 Dimethicone, lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 methicone, cetyl PEG-PPG-10 / 1 dimethicone, bis-PEG / PPG-16 / 16 PEG / PPG-16 / 16 dimethicone, caprylic / capric triglyceride, 1-butene-N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, 1-hexadecnyl-N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, or any combination thereof.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first and second surfactants are each independently selected from PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS and PEG.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first and / or the second surfactants may be an adduct of PHMS and PEG, wherein the adduct is as defined herein. In some embodiments, the surfactant is represented by formula (I) and / or (II), as defined herein.

[0114] Pastes of the invention comprise a plurality of capsules which make up, in some embodiments, between about 5 and 30wt% and a mixture of fatty materials (the so-called second mixture) that constitutes the remaining part of the paste.

[0115] The film-forming material present in the pastes, by itself or in combination with other components of the paste, is capable of causing the paste to form a continuous dry coat on the surface onto which it is applied. The film-forming material is selected to facilitate application of the paste and endows the coat with mechanical characteristics that prevent the film from easily peeling off, cracking, or splitting and which can nevertheless effectively hold the components of the paste and permit their continued release. The film forming material may be used or provided as a solubilized material which can form the continuous film on the surface, and / or may be used for forming the capsules present in some pastes of the invention.

[0116] In some embodiments, the film forming material may be a suitable polymer or a wax material. In some embodiments, the film-forming material is a biodegradable material, e.g., a biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the film-forming material may be selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polycaprolactone (PCL), a fatty alcohol, a biodegradable polyester, poly(furfuryl alcohol) bio-resin, a cellulosic material, lignin, a biobased wax, a paraffin wax, and any combination thereof.

[0117] In some embodiments, the paste of the invention comprises a plurality of capsules, wherein each of the capsules having a shell formed of a film-forming material. In such pastes, same or different film-forming materials may be present as a material in the medium, not part of the capsule’s shells.

[0118] In some embodiments, the paste of the invention is free of capsules and the filmforming material is used with the fatty materials for forming the coat or film.

[0119] As used herein, the term capsule relates to a unit comprising a core material, i.e., the second mixture of fatty materials, and a shell of a film-forming material that encircles or encapsulates the core material. The capsule is therefore a core / shell structure. While the capsule may be of any shape and size, it is typically a circular unit having a micrometric size. The capsule may thus be regarded a microcapsule, a microcarrier, or a microsphere. The size (diameter) of the capsule may be between 1 and 1,000 p (micron). In some embodiments, the size of the microcapsule is between 1 and 900, 1 and 800, 1 and 700, 1 and 600, 1 and 500, 1 and 400, 1 and 300, 1 and 200, 1 and 100, 1 and 50, 1 and 10, 1 and 5, 10 and 1,000, 10 and 500, 10 and 100, 10 and 50, 50 and 1,000, 50 and 500, 50 and 100, 100 and 1000, 100 and 500, or between 500 and 1,000 p (microns).

[0120] The capsules may be pre-formed or may be generated during the preparation of the paste. Notwithstanding the method of capsule preparation, loading of the capsules with a material composition disclosed herein may be achieved in a variety of ways, as known in the art.

[0121] The shell of the capsules is typically made of a film-forming material that is a biodegradable material that can degrade under certain conditions, such as mechanical conditions or in presence of water or humidity, to release its content (i.e., the first mixture). The shell material may be a solid or a semi-solid material that maintains its integrity in the paste and begins dissociation or degradation when exposed to environmental conditions or due to mechanical forces. The shell material, i.e., the film-forming material, may be polymeric or made of a high molecular material. In some embodiments, the shell material is a polymeric material or a wax material, which may be synthetic, semi -synthetic or natural. Non-limiting examples of a shell material include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), polycaprolactone (PCL), a fatty alcohol, a biodegradable polyester, poly(furfuryl alcohol) bio- resin, a cellulosic material, lignin, a biobased wax, a paraffin wax, and any combination thereof.

[0122] In some embodiments, the shell is or comprises one or more fatty alcohols. The fatty alcohol may be selected from lauryl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and oleyl alcohols.

[0123] In some embodiments, the shell is or comprises one or more biodegradable polyester. The biodegradable polyester may be selected from polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly caprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic acid) / poly(butylene succinate) (PBSA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(3 -hydroxy valerate) (PHV), polyhydroxy butyrate (PHH), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT).

[0124] In some embodiments, the shell is or comprises one or more poly(furfuryl alcohol) bioresin.

[0125] In some embodiments, the shell is or comprises a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may be selected from cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), cellulose acetate and hemicellulose.

[0126] In some embodiment, the shell is or comprises a biobased wax. The biobased wax may be selected from carnauba wax, bees wax, shellfish wax, lanolin, candelilla wax,jojoba oil, soy wax and any combination thereof.

[0127] In some embodiments, the shell comprises polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bee wax. In some embodiments, the shell comprises polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bees wax at a weight ratio of 0-3: 0-3: 0-3, respectively. In some embodiments, the ratio is 0-2: 0-2: 0-2, or 0-1: 0-1: 0-1.

[0128] The invention further provides a method of preventing insects from crossing or climbing a surface, the method comprising applying manually or by a machine or an application tool a paste on said surface to thereby form a coat on a region of the surface, wherein said coat comprises a polymerized matrix material, a film-forming material, a mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a multiplicity of molecular weights or viscosities, and optionally a surfactant.

[0129] In some embodiments, the coat comprises any composition as disclosed herein.

[0130] In some embodiments, the coat is formed by applying onto the surface the paste as disclosed herein, e.g., a paste comprising at least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a multiplicity of molecular weights or viscosities, and optionally a surfactant.

[0131] In some embodiments, the film forming material is provided in a form of capsules or carriers at least partially comprising said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant. In some embodiments, the film forming material is PVOH. In some embodiments, the film forming material is provided in a form of capsules or carriers comprising at least a portion of said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant, wherein the remaining of said mixture and optionally the surfactant are formulated or provided external to said capsules. Thus, the paste may comprise (a) a plurality of capsules comprising said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant; and (b) a mixture of the fatty materials and optionally the surfactant outside of the capsules.

[0132] In some embodiments, the paste may comprise two or more different populations of fatty materials, each being distinguishable in composition and / or amount (concentration, material ratios, etc) and / or form of presentation (i.e., loaded in a carrier or capsule or freely distributed in the paste).

[0133] In some embodiments, the capsules are selected from core / shell capsules, microcapsules, microcarriers, and others.

[0134] In some embodiments, the coat or film comprises (a) a plurality of core / shell capsules formed of a first film-forming material, wherein the core of said capsules comprising or being formed of a first mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a first multiplicity of molecular weights or viscosities; (b) a mixture of a second film-forming material and a second mixture of fatty materials (e.g., oils or fats) having a second multiplicity of molecular weights or viscosities, wherein said second mixture of fatty materials being external to or outside of said core / shell capsules; and (c) one or more surfactants, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture may be same or different.

[0135] Paste formulations of the invention may comprise one or more functional additives that are selected to further modify any one property, e.g., mechanical, chemical, biological or visual property, of the paste. Such additives may be oils, emulsifiers, thickening agents, preservatives, coloring agents, pheromones, essential oils, and others. Typically, such additives do not include insecticidal materials or insect-repelling materials. However, in some cases, and as desired or needed, products of the invention may comprise an amount of at least one insecticidal or insectrepelling material, including for example, etheric oils, pheromones and commercial insecticides or insect-repelling agents as used in the field. Typically, if present, such may be present in low concentrations or amounts.

[0136] The insect against which pastes of the invention are effective include flying and nonflying insects. The insects may be selected amongst insects that feed on fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and flowers of plants. These insects may include snails, leaf beetles, flea beetles, caterpillars, weevils, grasshoppers, katydids, ants, leaf cutter bees, beetles, flies, sawflies, moths, mealybugs, mites, spiders, borers (such as longhorned beetles, metallic wood boring beetles, engraver beetles, clearwing moths, American plum borer) and others.

[0137] In some embodiments, the insect is an arthropod. In some embodiments, the insect is a non-insect arthropod.

[0138] The surface is any flat or inclined surface of an object or a plant which is to be maintained permanently or over a period of time free of insects. The surface may be one which is frequently visited by insects, or which insect incidental visit is to be avoided or prevented. In some embodiments, the surface is a surface of an object. In other embodiments, the surface is a surface of a living plant.

[0139] In some embodiments, the surface is a climbable surface, typically an inclined surface. The climbable surface may be a surface of an object, such as a wall (internal or external wall), a fence, a greenhouse walls or surfaces, planting pots, flower boxes and others; or of a plant, such as a tree trunk or a stem or a leaf of a living plant.

[0140] In some embodiments, the climbable surface is a tree trunk or a plant stem. The tree may be a deciduous tree, an evergreen, a fruit tree or a coniferous tree. Non-limiting examples of trees include avocado, citrus, mango, cacao, coffee etc.

[0141] In some embodiments, the plant is an ornamental plant or a garden plant.

[0142] In some embodiments, the plant is a fruit tree.

[0143] In some embodiment, the plant is of a height between 5 and 100 cm, or between 10 and 15 cm, or between 20 and 50 cm, or between 30 and 40 cm, or between 30 and 60 cm, or between 10 and 80 cm or between 50 and 100 cm.

[0144] As used herein, the term “preventing” or any lingual variation thereof, encompasses the paste capabilities to minimize or diminish inset ability to latch on or interact with the surface to permit its movement, e.g., climbing, thereon. As tested, the preventive ability of pastes of the invention has been demonstrated over a period of several months. Generally, prevention was achieved with at least 90% efficacy over a period of at least 3 months.

[0145] In some embodiments, the preventive efficacy was between 90 and 99.99% over a period of 3 months, or between 90 and 99.99% over a period of between 2 and 4 months, or between 90 and 95% over a period of 2 to 4 months, or between 90 and 99.99% over a period of 1 to 6 months. The “efficiency” of prevention was determined by a variety of methods, such as that described herein (“Success rate (%)”).

[0146] The invention further provides a method of preventing insects, e.g., arthropods, from climbing on a climbable surface, the method comprising deploying a paste according to the invention onto said surface. The invention further provides a kit, the kit comprising a paste according to the invention and instructions of use.

[0147] The invention further provides an object or an article of manufacture having at least a surface region thereof coated with a paste that is not crossable by an insect.

[0148] The invention further provides a method of preventing or decreasing insect infestation of crops to thereby prevent or decrease insect damage to the crops, the method comprising applying manually or by a machine or an application tool a paste on said surface to thereby form a coat on a region of the surface, wherein said coat is or comprising a paste according to the invention.

[0149] The crops may be or may include any cultivated plant, plant variety, plant line, plant part, or plant population grown for agricultural, horticultural, silvicultural, or industrial purposes. The term encompasses edible and non-edible plants; food, feed, fiber, ornamental, and bioindustrial species, and includes both seed-propagated and vegetatively propagated plants. Unless otherwise indicated, the crops include plants at any developmental stage, including seeds, seedlings, immature plants, mature plants, harvested plant material, and reproductive structures such as fruits, grains, cones, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, or cuttings. The crops further encompass natural, hybrid, genetically modified, gene-edited, mutagenized, double-haploid, or clonally propagated lines. The crops may be part of an assemblage, a group, a stand, a field, a plot, unit, or an organized cultivation of one or more crop species grown together in a defined area, system, or agricultural environment. Such may be orchards, vineyards, groves, plantations, fields, crop stands, beds and others.

[0150] The application of a paste of the invention to the crops may encompass delivering or placing the paste onto an external surface of a crop plant, a part thereof, or the growth environment of the crop, by any suitable method to achieve prevention or reduction in insect infestation. In other words, the aim is to reduce, inhibit, delay, suppress, limit, block, or eliminate presence, establishment, growth, propagation, feeding activity, reproduction, or population density of one or more insect pests on, within, or in proximity to a plant, crop, plant part, seed, substrate, stored commodity, or growth environment.

[0151] The invention further provides a method for preparing a paste according to any one of claims 1 to 56, the method comprising combining a mixture of a polymerizable matrix material, least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, and optionally a surfactant with an amount of at least one crosslinker agent and permitting said polymerizable matrix material to undergo polymerization, wherein the amount of the at least one crosslinker agent being selected to provide a paste of a required viscosity / flowability. In some embodiments, the at least one crosslinking agent is provided as an aqeous crosslinking solution.

[0152] The selection of materials used in method of the invention are as disclosed herein. The invention further provides a paste comprising (a) a polymerized matrix material (b) a plurality of core / shell capsules formed of a first film-forming material, wherein the core of said capsules comprising or being formed of a first mixture of fatty materials having a first multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities; (c) a mixture of a second film-forming material and a second mixture of fatty materials having a second multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, wherein said second mixture of fatty materials being external to or outside of said core / shell capsules; (d) one or more first surfactants, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture are same or different; and (e) an amount of a buffer selected to render the paste at a pH between 6 and 9.

[0153] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste is maintained at basic pH between 7 and 9.

[0154] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste is maintained at a pH between 8 and 9.

[0155] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture of fatty materials and the second mixture of fatty materials are same.

[0156] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are characterized by a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 5 or higher.

[0157] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are selected from oils and fats.

[0158] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are selected from silicone oils, fruit oils, vegetable oils, animal oils, fatty acids, fatty acid amides, petroleum oils, and mineral oils.

[0159] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the silicone oil is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oil or a silicon oil of different molecular weights or viscosities.

[0160] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the vegetable oil is selected from palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, canola oil, soya oil, coconut oil, olive oil, corn oil, and sesame oil.

[0161] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fruit oil is selected from almond oil, grapefruit oil, coconut oil, peach oil, lemon oil, orange oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fatty acid is selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, and α-linolenic acid.

[0162] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fatty acid amide is an amide of a fatty acid, or a fatty acid amide selected from erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, oleyl palmitamide or any combination thereof.

[0163] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fatty material of the first and / or second mixtures is or comprises almond oil.

[0164] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture and / or the second mixture comprise at least two fatty materials having different viscosities between 5 and 100,000cp (measured at 25°C).

[0165] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are selected from fatty materials having viscosities between 350-60,000 cp, 100-1,000 cp, 40,000-80,000 cp, 35-45cp, or 5-80 cp.

[0166] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture comprises an oil having a viscosity between 100-1000 cp and another oil of a viscosity between 40,000 - 80,000 cp.

[0167] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first and / or second mixtures comprise a first oil having a viscosity between 35-45cp, a second oil having a viscosity between 5-80 cp and a third oil having a viscosity between 100-1000 cp.

[0168] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, one of the first and second mixtures comprise almond oil with a viscosity of 35-45 cp and the second of the first and second mixtures comprises a vegetable oil with a viscosity of between 5-80 cp.

[0169] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof.

[0170] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture comprises a combination of any two or more of oils selected from silicone oils, almond oil, vegetable oil, fatty acid amide, synthetic oil, and fatty acids.

[0171] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprises at least one silicone oil. In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the at least one film-forming material is provided in a form of capsules comprising one or more silicone oils.

[0172] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the film forming material is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bee wax.

[0173] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprises one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

[0174] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprises a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil.

[0175] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprises erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, or oleyl palmitamide.

[0176] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprises at least one surfactant.

[0177] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, almond oil, a vegetable oil and a fatty acid amide.

[0178] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and another silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

[0179] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first mixture comprises a silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 500 cp, or a viscosity between 100 and 250 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 500 cp, or a viscosity of 350 cp, or a viscosity of between 500 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 50,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 70,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity of 60,000 cp.

[0180] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the second mixture comprises almond oil with a viscosity between 35 and 45 cp and / or a vegetable oil with a viscosity between 5 and 80 cp.

[0181] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the second mixture comprises a synthetic oil and / or a silicone oil.

[0182] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the second mixture comprises a fatty material selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, N-acylethanolamine, oleamide, stearamide, erucamide and any combination thereof. In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the second mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof.

[0183] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the second mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oil, almond oil, a vegetable oil and a fatty acid amide.

[0184] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the second mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and another silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

[0185] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the second mixture comprises a silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 500 cp, or a viscosity between 100 and 250 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 500 cp, or a viscosity of 350 cp, or a viscosity of between 500 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 50,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 70,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity of 60,000 cp.

[0186] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first and second mixtures comprise same surfactants.

[0187] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first and second surfactant, independently, is selected from polyhydroxy methylhydrosiloxane-polyethylene glycol copolymer (PHMS-g-PEG), polyhydroxymethylhydrosiloxane (PHMS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), PDMS and polyether in decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, PEG / PPG-18 / 18 Dimethicone, lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 methicone, cetyl PEG-PPG-10 / 1 dimethicone, bis-PEG / PPG-16 / 16 PEG / PPG-16 / 16 dimethicone, caprylic / capric triglyceride, 1-butene-N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, 1-hexadecnyl-N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, or any combination thereof.

[0188] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the first and second surfactant is independently selected from PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG and a chemical adduct of PHMS and PEG.

[0189] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the polymerized matrix material is derived from a polymer or a wax material.

[0190] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the polymerized matrix material is derived from a polymer selected amongst biopolymers, silicones, polyoxazolines, polyols, polysaccharides, polyacrylates, polyesters, polyvinyls, and polypyrrolidones.

[0191] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the polymer is selected from PVOH, polycaprolactone, biodegradable polyesters, poly(furfuryl alcohol) bioresin, cellulose, and lignin.

[0192] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the polymerized matrix material is derived from a wax material.

[0193] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the wax material is selected from plant-based waxes, animal-based waxes, petroleum-derived waxes, synthetic waxes, mineral waxes and others.

[0194] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the wax material is selected from bee wax, Carnauba wax, fatty alcohols, biobased wax, paraffin wax.

[0195] A paste is provided for dressing a surface for preventing insects from crossing or climbing the surface, the paste comprising a polymerized matrix material comprising at least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, a buffer and a surfactant.

[0196] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, said a polymerized matrix material having a variable degree of polymerization defining flowability of the paste.

[0197] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the polymerized matrix material is formed by reacting a polymerizable material with a suitable crosslinking agent.

[0198] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the crosslinking agent is provided at a concentration defining a flowability of the paste.

[0199] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste further comprising at least one additive selected to modify at least one mechanical, chemical, biological or visual property of the paste.

[0200] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the at least one film forming material is provided in a form of capsules, wherein the capsules at least partially comprise said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant.

[0201] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the at least one film forming material is provided in a form of capsules comprising at least a portion of said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant, and wherein a remaining of said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant is provided external to said capsules. In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprises (a) a plurality of capsules formed of the at least one film-forming material and comprising said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant; and (b) a mixture of the fatty materials and optionally the surfactant outside of the capsules.

[0202] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprises two or more different populations of fatty materials, each being distinguishable in composition and / or amount and / or form of presentation.

[0203] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the capsules are core / shell capsules.

[0204] In some configurations of any of the paste products of the invention, the paste comprising (a) a plurality of core / shell capsules formed of the first film-forming material, wherein the core of said capsules comprising or being formed of a first mixture of fatty materials having a first multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities; (b) a mixture of a second film forming material and a second mixture of fatty materials having a second multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, wherein said second mixture of fatty materials being external to or outside of said core / shell capsules; and (c) one or more first surfactants, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture are same or different.

[0205] A method is provided for preventing insects from climbing on a climbable surface, the method comprising deploying a paste according to the invention onto said surface.

[0206] Also provided is a method of preventing insects from crossing or climbing a surface, the method comprising applying manually or by a machine or an application tool a paste on said surface to thereby form a coat on a region of the surface, wherein said coat comprises a polymerized matrix material, a film-forming material, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights or viscosities, a buffer and optionally a surfactant.

[0207] Another method is provided for preparing a paste according to the invention, the method comprising combining a mixture of a polymerizable matrix material, least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, and optionally a surfactant with an amount of at least one crosslinker agent and permitting said polymerizable matrix material to undergo polymerization, wherein the amount of the at least one crosslinker agent being selected to provide a paste of a required viscosity / flowability.

[0208] In some configurations of any of the methods of the invention, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is provided as an aqeous crosslinking solution. Also provided is a method of preventing or decreasing insect infestation of crops to thereby prevent or decrease insect damage to the crops, the method comprising applying manually or by a machine or an application tool a paste on said surface to thereby form a coat on a region of the surface, wherein said coat is or comprising a paste according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0209] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0210] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0211] Fig. 1: Gels with varying concentrations of a 4% borax solution after 24 hours.

[0212] Fig. 2: Gels with varying concentrations of a 4% borax solution after 40 hours.

[0213] Fig. 3: Gels with varying concentrations of a 10% borax solution after 24 hours.

[0214] Fig. 4: Gels with varying concentrations of a 10% borax solution after 40 hours.

[0215] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0216] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure this invention.

[0217] Different pastes have been prepared by combining a polymer or a wax as a matrix material with oils, emulsifiers, thickening agents, preservatives and / or other components as disclosed herein.

[0218] The polymer or was selected from biopolymers, PVOH, bee wax, Carnauba wax, polycaprolactone, fatty alcohol, biodegradable polyesters, poly(furfuryl alcohol) bioresin, cellulose, lignin, biobased wax, paraffin wax and combinations thereof.

[0219] The oils were selected from silicone oils, fruit oils, vegetable oils, animal oils, fatty acids, fatty acid amides, petroleum oils, mineral oils, and others. Specific fatty materials include silicone oils such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oil; vegetable oils such as palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, canola oil, soya oil, coconut oil, olive oil, com oil, sesame oil, and others; fruit oils such as almond oil (sweet and / or bitter), grapefruit oil, coconut oil, peach oil, lemon oil, orange oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and others; fatty acids such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, α-linolenic acid, and others; fatty acid amides such as the amide forms of the aforementioned fatty acids, or fatty acid amides such as erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, oleyl palmitamide or any combination thereof.

[0220] Exemplary emulsifiers used were PHMS-g-PEG, Tween 80, (Polyvinylpyrrolidone- Alkylated Copolymers) such as Agrimer™ AL- 10 LC, PEG, Silicone-PEG; and thickening agents such as Carbomer, Cellulose, Fumed Silica, Starch. Where preservatives were used, there were Methylparabens or Diazolidinyl Urea Germall™.

[0221] Preparation of a Paste of the invention

[0222] In the first stage, a combination of oils and the other ingredients were combined using a homogenizer until to obtain a uniform emulsion. Thereafter, a crosslinking solution containing borax or boric acid and water, at a concentration between 1 and 20%, was prepared. The actual concertation dependent on the desired final viscosity of the paste. The crosslinking solution was then slowly combined with the oils under kneading conditions, to a concentration between 1 and 30%, until a gel with the required consistency and strength was achieved.

[0223] The relative amounts used are shown in Table 1. Table 2 lists an exemplary combination for preparation of a paste according to the invention.

[0224] Polymer low M. W High Thickening Water Emulsifier preservatives or Wax Oils M. W Oils agent

[0225] 20-60% 2-10% 0-45% 0-45% 1-6% 0-5% 0-2%

[0226]

[0227] Table 1.

[0228] Silicone Silicone Methylparaben PFMS- Fumed

[0229] DW PVOH Oil 60000 Germall

[0230] Step 1 g-PEG silica

[0231] 350cp cp

[0232] 31.84% 5.97% 33.98% 24.03% 1.99% 1.69% 0.30% 0.2%

[0233]

[0234] DW Borax

[0235] Step 2

[0236] 96% 4%

[0237]

[0238] Table 2. Formulations of the Invention

[0239] 1. PVOH-Borax Elastic Gel (Oil-Enriched)

[0240] Water: 70%

[0241] PVOH (fully hydrolysed, 99%): 6%

[0242] Borax (4% stock solution): 10%

[0243] Silicone oil 350 cSt: 5%

[0244] Olive oil: 3%

[0245] Coconut oil: 2%

[0246] Surfactant (Polysorbate-80): 2%

[0247] Preservative (Phenoxyethanol): 0.8%

[0248] pH Adjuster (Sodium bicarbonate): 1.2%

[0249] 2. PVAc Emulsion Gel with Calcium Crosslinking

[0250] Water: 72%

[0251] PVAc (55% emulsion): 15%

[0252] Calcium chloride (crosslinker): 1%

[0253] Silicone oil 1000 cSt: 4%

[0254] Almond oil: 3%

[0255] Surfactant (SLES Sodium Laureth Sulfate): 2%

[0256] Preservative (Potassium sorbate): 0.7%

[0257] pH Adjuster (Tris buffer - Tri s(hydroxymethyl)aminom ethane): 2.3%

[0258] 3. PVOH-Borax High-Oil Barrier Paste

[0259] Water: 60%

[0260] PVOH: 8%

[0261] Borax: 8%

[0262] Olive oil: 10%

[0263] Silicone oil 100 cSt: 8%

[0264] Surfactant (Cocamidopropyl betaine): 3%

[0265] Preservative (Benzoic acid salt): 0.8%

[0266] pH Adjuster (Sodium carbonate): 2.2% 4. PVOH-Aluminum Crosslinked Elastic Film

[0267] Water: 75%

[0268] PVOH: 5%

[0269] Aluminum sulfate (crosslinker): 1%

[0270] Silicone oil: 5%

[0271] Coconut oil: 5%

[0272] Surfactant (Tween-20): 2%

[0273] Preservative (Phenoxyethanol): 0.7%

[0274] pH Adjuster (Sodium bicarbonate): 1.3%

[0275] 5. PVAc-Borate Hybrid Gel

[0276] Water: 65%

[0277] PVAc: 20%

[0278] Borax: 5%

[0279] Silicone oil: 4%

[0280] Olive oil: 3%

[0281] Preservant (Sorbic acid): 0.5%

[0282] Surfactant (PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil): 1.5%

[0283] pH Adjuster (AMP-95 - 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) at 95% purity): 1%

[0284] 6. PVOH-Zirconium Crosslinked High-Strength Gel

[0285] Water: 70%

[0286] PVOH: 7%

[0287] Zirconium lactate (crosslinker): 2%

[0288] Silicone oil: 5%

[0289] Almond oil: 3%

[0290] Coconut oil: 3%

[0291] Surfactant (SLS - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate): 1%

[0292] Preservative: 0.7%

[0293] pH Adjuster (Sodium bicarbonate): 1.3%

[0294] 7. PVOH-Borax Soft Gel with Vegetable Oils

[0295] Water: 74%

[0296] PVOH: 6% Borax: 4%

[0297] Olive oil: 6%

[0298] Sunflower oil (instead of almond): 5%

[0299] Surfactant (Lecithin): 2%

[0300] Preservative: 1%

[0301] pH Adjuster (Bicarbonate): 2%

[0302] 8. PVAc-Boron-Silicone Paste

[0303] Water: 55%

[0304] PVAc: 25%

[0305] Borax: 6%

[0306] Silicone oil 1000 cSt: 8%

[0307] Almond oil: 3%

[0308] Surfactant (AOS - Alpha Olefin Sulfonate): 1.5% Preservative: 0.5%

[0309] pH buffer (Borax-bicarbonate blend): 1%

[0310] 9. PVOH-Epoxide Crosslinked Oil-Rich Gel Water: 58%

[0311] PVOH: 10%

[0312] Glycerol diglycidyl ether (crosslinker): 2% Silicone oil: 10%

[0313] Coconut oil: 8%

[0314] Surfactant (Polysorbate-60): 3%

[0315] Preservative: 0.7%

[0316] pH Adjuster (Bicarbonate): 1.3%

[0317] 10. PVOH-Borax Rheology-Modified Thick Gel Water: 68%

[0318] PVOH: 7%

[0319] Borax: 5%

[0320] Silicone oil (blend 350 / 1000 cSt): 6%

[0321] Olive oil: 5%

[0322] Coconut oil: 4% Surfactant (Sorbitan ester): 2%

[0323] Preservative: 0.7%

[0324] pH Adjuster (Sodium bicarbonate): 1.3%

[0325] The crosslinking of PVOH with borax is highly dependent on pH, because borax forms the active crosslinking species tetrahydroxyborate (B(OH)4⁻) only under slightly basic conditions. At low pH (acidic), borate converts back to boric acid, which cannot crosslink PVOH, so the gel becomes weak or does not form at all. As the pH increases toward mild alkalinity, more B(OH)4⁻ is available, and the crosslinking becomes stronger, faster, and more efficient. However, if the pH becomes too high (above ~10), the polymer chains may partially degrade, and the gel becomes brittle.

[0326] Optimal pH range for PVOH-borax crosslinking: pH 8-9.5. This range provides maximum borate availability and stable, flexible crosslinking without damaging the polymer.

[0327] Borax concentrations affect on rate of oil diffusion from the gel over time Materials and Equipment

[0328] Silicone oil 350

[0329] E. Emu

[0330] thermometer

[0331] Glass cup

[0332] Heating plate

[0333] Spatula

[0334] Homogenizer.

[0335] Distilled water

[0336] Polyvinyl acetate

[0337] Borax

[0338] This experiment was conducted to evaluate the diffusion rate (oil creep) of silicone oils from the gel over time as a function of the crosslinker concentration. Specifically, the concentration of the BORAX solution incorporated into the coating. Identical base formulations were prepared, and the only variable between the samples was the percentage of the Borax solution added. Two Borax stock solutions were used: 4% and 10%. Test methods

[0339] 1. Prepare the emulsion.

[0340] 2. Prepare a 10% borax solution

[0341] 3. Prepare a 4% borax solution.

[0342] 4. Add the 4% borax solution to the coating at varying concentrations and mix thoroughly.

[0343] 5. Add the 10 % borax solution to the coating at varying concentrations and mix thoroughly.

[0344] Sample Description

[0345] Test 1

[0346] Exactly 300 grams of material were taken from each sample. Each sample was hung on metal wires, and a collection plate was placed underneath to capture the oil that diffused out of the gel. The plates were weighed periodically over 30 days, and the increase in plate weight was used to quantify the cumulative amount of oil released. This method allowed us to compare the effect of Borax concentration on the diffusion rate of the oil. For each trial, 300grams of the coating was taken, and a different percentage of the 4% borax solution was added.

[0347] Test 2

[0348] For each trial, 300grams of the coating was taken, and a different percentage of the 10% borax solution was added. Results and discussion

[0349] Cup weight

[0350] (gr)

[0351] Sample 4% 10% 08.01.25 14.01.25 19.01.25 20.01.25 26.01.25 09.02.25 number Borax Borax (T=0) (T=+6 (T=+11days) (T=+12days) (T=+18days) (T=+32days) Solution Solution days)

[0352] 1 4.77% 5.106 5.106 5.136 5.136 5.151 5.193 2 6.5% 5.017 5.017 5.037 5.053 5.088 5.158 3 9.54% 4.988 5.000 5.058 5.058 5.100 5.156 4 0 8% 5 061 5 079 5 130 5 147 5 196 5 299 5 1 2% 4.978 4.978 4.977 4.987 5.000 5.066 6 1 6% 5 102 5 102 5 103 5 103 5 120 5 172 7 2 4% 5.053 5.053 5.052 5.053 5.086 5.156 8 3.2% exhibited crumbling and crawling behaviour after 3 days.

[0353]

[0354] Borax solution Borax Solution

[0355] Sample Oil Released (g) Concentration (%) Type

[0356] 1 4.77% 4% 0.087 g

[0357] 2 6.50% 4% 0.141 g

[0358] 3 9.54% 4% 0.168 g

[0359] 4 0.80% 10% 0.238 g

[0360] 5 1.20% 10% 0.088 g

[0361] 6 1.60% 10% 0.070 g

[0362] 7 2.40% 10% 0.103 g

[0363]

[0364] Table 3.

[0365] Conclusions

[0366] 1. Samples prepared with the 4% Borax solution

[0367] A clear trend was observed. As the Borax concentration increased (4.77% → 9.54%), the amount of oil released also increased (0.087 g → 0.168 g). This suggests that at higher Borax addition levels (from a 4% stock solution), the network becomes less efficient at binding and retaining the oils.

[0368] 2. Samples prepared with the 10% Borax solution

[0369] The behaviour here was non-linear:

[0370] • The lowest concentration (0.8%) showed the highest oil release at 0.238 g.

[0371] • Moderate concentrations (1.2-1.6%) resulted in the lowest diffusion, indicating an optimal crosslinking zone.

[0372] • At 2.4%, diffusion increased again, showing the beginning of over-crosslinking or structural disturbance.

[0373] 3. For long-term use in open-field conditions, a low oil-diffusion rate is essential, as it ensures that the coating remains effective for several months.

[0374] Investigation of the effect of borax concentration on the flow properties of the paste Test Methods

[0375] 1. Preparation of a liquid emulsion with a composition shown in Table 3: DW PVOH Silicon Silicon PHMS- Fumed Glycerine, Methyl Germall Oil Oil g-PEG Silica Vegetable Paraben 350 cp 60000 Oil

[0376] cp

[0377] MO34 31% 6% 33% 24% 1.94% 1.62% 2.44% 0.29% 0.20%

[0378]

[0379] Table 4.

[0380] The emulsion was prepared using a homogenizer for a duration of 30 minutes.

[0381] 2. Prepare 4% borax solution and 10% borax solution.

[0382] 3. Borax solution at varying concentrations was added to the prepared emulsion while mixing with a professional dough kneader.

[0383] 4. For every 150 grams of the emulsion, the concentrations of borax solution used are shown in Table 5

[0384] Sample 4% Borax 10% Borax Net Borax

[0385] [%] [%] [%]

[0386] 1 2 - 0.08

[0387] 2 3 - 0.12

[0388] 3 4 - 0.16

[0389] 4 6 - 0.24

[0390] 5 8 - 0.32

[0391] 6 10 - 0.4

[0392] 7 - 0.8 0.08

[0393] 8 - 1.2 0.12

[0394] 9 - 1.6 0.16

[0395] 10 - 2.4 0.24

[0396] 11 - 3.2 0.32

[0397] 12 - 4 0.4

[0398]

[0399] Table 5. Results and discussion

[0400] 20 grams of each sample were applied to a glass surface inclined at 30 degrees, and the distance each sample flowed relative to its starting point was measured. The tests were conducted at room temperature.

[0401] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, when a 4% borax solution is added at a concentration below 3%, the gel behaves like a liquid with high flowability. Above a concentration of 3%, the material becomes more gel-like and stable, with moderate flow relative to the starting point. The flow does not significantly vary between concentrations above 3%.

[0402] The elasticity modulus increases as the borax concentration rises.

[0403] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the 10% solution behaves differently compared to the 4% solution, with minimal flow observed at all corresponding concentrations. However, it is evident that the elasticity modulus increases with the rise in borax solution concentration.

[0404] Viscosity Tests

[0405] Equipment: Melt flow indexer, Wance Testing Machine

[0406] Test method: MVR, ISO 1133 @ 25°C / 2.16 kg.

[0407] Sample description:

[0408] Preparation of the liquid emulsion:

[0409] DW PVOH Silicon Silicon PHMS- Fumed Glycerine, Methyl Germall Oil Oil g-PEG Silica Vegetable Paraben

[0410] 350 cp 60000 Oil

[0411] cp

[0412] MO34 31% 6% 33% 24% 1.94% 1.62% 2.44% 0.29% 0.20%

[0413]

[0414] Table 6. The emulsion was prepared using a homogenizer for a duration of 30 minutes.

[0415] 1. Prepare 4% borax solution and 10% borax solution.

[0416] 2. Borax solution at varying concentrations was added to the prepared emulsion while mixing with a professional dough kneader.

[0417] 3. For every 150 grams of the emulsion, the following concentration of borax solution was added: Sample 4% Borax 10% Borax Net Borax [%] [%] [%]

[0418] 1 2 - 0.08 2 3 - 0.12 3 4 - 0.16 4 6 - 0.24 5 8 - 0.32 6 10 - 0.4 7 - 0.8 0.08 8 - 1.2 0.12 9 - 1.6 0.16 10 - 2.4 0.24 11 - 3.2 0.32 12 - 4 0.4

[0419]

[0420] Table 7.

[0421] Results & Discussion

[0422] Typical Properties

[0423] Sample 4% Borax 10% Borax Net Borax MVR [%] [%] [%] [gr / 10min] 1 2 - 0.08 10

[0424] 2 3 - 0.12 7.0 3 4 - 0.16 4.1 4 6 - 0.24 3.5 5 8 - 0.32 3.0 6 10 - 0.4 3.0 7 - 0.8 0.08 3

[0425] 8 - 1.2 0.12 2.2 9 - 1.6 0.16 2.3 10 - 2.4 0.24 1.1 11 - 3.2 0.32 1.0 12 - 4 0.4 0.8

[0426]

[0427] Table 8. Conclusions

[0428] 1. As the borax concentration increases, the viscosity decreases.

[0429] 2. A concentrated borax solution is more active than a dilute solution, likely because the excess water acts as a softening agent.

Claims

1. CLAIMS:

1. A paste comprising (a) a polymerized matrix material (b) a plurality of core / shell capsules formed of a first film-forming material, wherein the core of said capsules comprising or being formed of a first mixture of fatty materials having a first multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities; (c) a mixture of a second film-forming material and a second mixture of fatty materials having a second multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, wherein said second mixture of fatty materials being external to or outside of said core / shell capsules; (d) one or more first surfactants, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture are same or different; and (e) an amount of a buffer selected to render the paste at a pH between 6 and 9.

2. The paste according to claim 1, maintained at basic pH between 7 and 9.

3. The paste according to claim 1, maintained at a pH between 8 and 9.

4. The paste according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mixture of fatty materials and the second mixture of fatty materials are same.

5. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are characterized by a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 5 or higher.

6. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are selected from oils and fats.

7. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are selected from silicone oils, fruit oils, vegetable oils, animal oils, fatty acids, fatty acid amides, petroleum oils, and mineral oils.

8. The paste according to claim 7, wherein the silicone oil is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oil or a silicon oil of different molecular weights or viscosities.

9. The paste according to claim 7, wherein the vegetable oil is selected from palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, canola oil, soya oil, coconut oil, olive oil, corn oil, and sesame oil.

10. The paste according to claim 7, wherein the fruit oil is selected from almond oil, grapefruit oil, coconut oil, peach oil, lemon oil, orange oil, avocado oil, and olive oil.

11. The paste according to claim 7, wherein the fatty acid is selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, and α-linolenic acid.

12. The paste according to claim 7, wherein the fatty acid amide is an amide of a fatty acid, or a fatty acid amide selected from erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, oleyl palmitamide or any combination thereof.

13. The paste according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty material of the first and / or second mixtures is or comprises almond oil.

14. The paste according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mixture and / or the second mixture comprise at least two fatty materials having different viscosities between 5 and 100,000cp (measured at 25°C).

15. The paste according to claim 14, wherein the fatty materials of the first and / or second mixtures are selected from fatty materials having viscosities between 350-60,000 cp, 100-1,000 cp, 40,000-80,000 cp, 35-45cp, or 5-80 cp.

16. The paste according to claim 15, wherein the first mixture comprises an oil having a viscosity between 100-1000 cp and another oil of a viscosity between 40,000 - 80,000 cp.

17. The paste according to claim 15, wherein the first and / or second mixtures comprise a first oil having a viscosity between 35-45cp, a second oil having a viscosity between 5-80 cp and a third oil having a viscosity between 100-1000 cp.

18. The paste according to claim 15, wherein one of the first and second mixtures comprise almond oil with a viscosity of 35-45 cp and the second of the first and second mixtures comprises a vegetable oil with a viscosity of between 5-80 cp.

19. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof.

20. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first mixture comprises a combination of any two or more of oils selected from silicone oils, almond oil, vegetable oil, fatty acid amide, synthetic oil, and fatty acids.

21. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising at least one silicone oil.

22. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the at least one filmforming material is provided in a form of capsules comprising one or more silicone oils.

23. The paste according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the film forming material is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, carnauba wax and bee wax.

24. The paste according to claim 23, comprising one or more silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and one or more other silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

25. The paste according to claim 23 or 24, comprising a mixture of almond oil and a vegetable oil.

26. The paste according to any one of claims 23 to 25, comprising erucamide, oleamide, ethylene bis-oleamide, stearyl erucamide, or oleyl palmitamide.

27. The paste according to any one of claims 23 to 26, comprising at least one surfactant.

28. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, almond oil, a vegetable oil and a fatty acid amide.

29. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and another silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

30. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first mixture comprises a silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 500 cp, or a viscosity between 100 and 250 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 500 cp, or a viscosity of 350 cp, or a viscosity of between 500 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 50,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 70,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity of 60,000 cp.

31. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second mixture comprises almond oil with a viscosity between 35 and 45 cp and / or a vegetable oil with a viscosity between 5 and 80 cp.

32. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second mixture comprises a synthetic oil and / or a silicone oil.

33. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second mixture comprises a fatty material selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, N-acylethanolamine, oleamide, stearamide, erucamide and any combination thereof.

34. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second mixture comprises one or more silicone oils, or almond oil, or one or more vegetable oil, or one or more fatty acid amide, or one or more synthetic oil, or one or more fatty acids or any combination thereof.

35. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oil, almond oil, a vegetable oil and a fatty acid amide.

36. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second mixture comprises a mixture of silicone oils, wherein at least one silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 1,000 cp and another silicone oil having a viscosity between 40,000 and 80,000 cp.

37. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the second mixture comprises a silicone oil having a viscosity between 100 and 500 cp, or a viscosity between 100 and 250 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 250 and 500 cp, or a viscosity of 350 cp, or a viscosity of between 500 and 1,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 40,000 and 50,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity between 50,000 and 70,000 cp, or a viscosity between 70,000 and 80,000 cp, or a viscosity of 60,000 cp.

38. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the first and second mixtures comprise same surfactants.

39. The paste according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second surfactant, independently, is selected from polyhydroxy methylhydrosiloxanepolyethylene glycol copolymer (PHMS-g-PEG), polyhydroxymethylhydrosiloxane (PHMS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), PDMS and polyether in decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, cyclopentasiloxane, PEG / PPG-18 / 18 Dimethicone, lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 methicone, cetyl PEG-PPG-10 / 1 dimethicone, bis-PEG / PPG-16 / 16 PEG / PPG-16 / 16 dimethicone, caprylic / capric triglyceride, 1-butene-N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer, 1-hexadecnyl-N-vinyl pyrrolidone copolymer, or any combination thereof.

40. The paste according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the first and second surfactant is independently selected from PHMS-g-PEG, PHMS, PEG and a chemical adduct of PHMS and PEG.

41. The paste according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymerized matrix material is derived from a polymer or a wax material.

42. The paste according to claim 41, wherein the polymerized matrix material is derived from a polymer selected amongst biopolymers, silicones, polyoxazolines, polyols, polysaccharides, polyacrylates, polyesters, polyvinyls, and polypyrrolidones.

43. The paste according to claim 42, wherein the polymer is selected from PVOH, polycaprolactone, biodegradable polyesters, poly(furfuryl alcohol) bioresin, cellulose, and lignin.

44. The paste according to claim 42, wherein the polymerized matrix material is derived from a wax material.

45. The paste according to claim 44, wherein the wax material is selected from plantbased waxes, animal-based waxes, petroleum-derived waxes, synthetic waxes, mineral waxes and others.

46. The paste according to claim 45, wherein the wax material is selected from bee wax, Carnauba wax, fatty alcohols, biobased wax, paraffin wax.

47. A paste for dressing a surface for preventing insects from crossing or climbing the surface, the paste comprising a polymerized matrix material comprising at least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, a buffer and a surfactant.

48. The paste according to claim 47, wherein said a polymerized matrix material having a variable degree of polymerization defining flowability of the paste.

49. The paste according to claims 47 or 48, wherein the polymerized matrix material is formed by reacting a polymerizable material with a suitable crosslinking agent.

50. The paste material according to claim 49, wherein the crosslinking agent is provided at a concentration defining a flowability of the paste.

51. The paste according to any one of claims 47 to 50, further comprising at least one additive selected to modify at least one mechanical, chemical, biological or visual property of the paste.

52. The paste according to claim 47, wherein the at least one film forming material is provided in a form of capsules, wherein the capsules at least partially comprise said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant.

53. The paste according to claim 52, wherein the at least one film forming material is provided in a form of capsules comprising at least a portion of said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant, and wherein a remaining of said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant is provided external to said capsules.

54. The paste according to claim 53, comprising (a) a plurality of capsules formed of the at least one film-forming material and comprising said mixture of fatty materials and optionally the surfactant; and (b) a mixture of the fatty materials and optionally the surfactant outside of the capsules.

55. The paste according to any one of claims 47 to 54, comprising two or more different populations of fatty materials, each being distinguishable in composition and / or amount and / or form of presentation.

56. The paste according to any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the capsules are core / shell capsules.

57. The paste according to claim 53, the paste comprising (a) a plurality of core / shell capsules formed of the first film-forming material, wherein the core of said capsules comprising or being formed of a first mixture of fatty materials having a first multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities; (b) a mixture of a second film forming material and a second mixture of fatty materials having a second multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, wherein said second mixture of fatty materials being external to or outside of said core / shell capsules; and (c) one or more first surfactants, wherein the first mixture and the second mixture are same or different.

58. A method of preventing insects from climbing on a climbable surface, the method comprising deploying a paste according to any one of claims 1 to 57 onto said surface.

59. A method of preventing insects from crossing or climbing a surface, the method comprising applying manually or by a machine or an application tool a paste on said surface to thereby form a coat on a region of the surface, wherein said coat comprises a polymerized matrix material, a film-forming material, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights or viscosities, a buffer and optionally a surfactant.

60. A method for preparing a paste according to any one of claims 1 to 57, the method comprising combining a mixture of a polymerizable matrix material, least one film forming material, a mixture of fatty materials having a multiplicity of molecular weights and / or viscosities, and optionally a surfactant with an amount of at least one crosslinker agent and permitting said polymerizable matrix material to undergo polymerization, wherein the amount of the at least one crosslinker agent being selected to provide a paste of a required viscosity / flowability.

61. The method according to claim 60, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is provided as an aqeous crosslinking solution.

62. A method of preventing or decreasing insect infestation of crops to thereby prevent or decrease insect damage to the crops, the method comprising applying manually or by a machine or an application tool a paste on said surface to thereby form a coat on a region of the surface, wherein said coat is or comprising a paste according to any one of claims 1 to 57.

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