A sprayable capsule suspension

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sprayable capsule suspension wherein a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component is covered with a polymeric shell to form a capsule, and to the capsules is added an aqueous phase. The present invention also discloses a method of preparing said sprayable capsule suspension and a method of controlling the population of pests using said sprayable capsule suspension.

Description

[0001] A SPRAYABLE CAPSULE SUSPENSION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a sprayable capsule suspension, a method of preparing said sprayable capsule suspension and a method of controlling the population of pests using said sprayable capsule suspension.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In recent years there has been an increased awareness and interest in biological control of insect pests as an alternative to the use of chemical pesticides. Reasons for this interest include insect resistance to traditional pesticides, public concern for the environment, food safety, and user’s health.

[0006] One biological control method proven to be successful is the use of synthetic insect sex pheromones for pest control by mating disruption. Pheromones are behavior modifying chemicals, that act as signals to other insects of the same species. Typically, for mating disruption, certain amount of pheromone is released from a dispenser or carrier material at a higher concentration than that is released by female insects. Because of this, the male insects are unable to locate female insects and this inability to find a mate will then control future populations of the insect pest.

[0007] Most of times, labor-intensive products are used wherein pheromone is impregnated on hollow fibers or plastic laminates. These products are suitable for small areas such as orchards, however for larger fields it is nearly impossible to cover whole area and target pest.

[0008] To use such mating disruption techniques in larger areas a sprayable formulation is desirable. However, such formulations have other challenges such as washing off of almost 90% of initial formulation applied on plants / crops. This can reduce the effectiveness of applied pheromone sprayable formulation and may lead to a requirement to reapply. The environmental, economic and agronomic impact of the extra applications and off target movement of the pheromones can be avoided by achieving improved rain-fastness. Inventors of present invention have developed such controlled release sprayable capsule suspension of pheromones which has better rain-fastening, avoids multiple reapplications and effectively controls the population of target pests.

[0009] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a sprayable capsule suspension comprising a pheromone. Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly effective matingdisruption composition for target pest that allows constant-rate release of the pheromone. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sprayable capsule suspension comprising a pheromone that reduces number of applications and has improved rain-fastness.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a capsule suspension comprising:

[0013] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0014] b) a polymeric shell, covering said core; and

[0015] c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0016] According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a sprayable capsule suspension comprising:

[0017] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0018] b) a polymeric shell, covering said core; and

[0019] c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0020] According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a sprayable capsule suspension comprising:

[0021] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0022] b) a polymeric shell covering said core, wherein the polymeric shell is formed by interfacial polymerization; and

[0023] c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0024] According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprising

[0025] i) covering a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component in a polymeric shell formed by in-situ interfacial polymerization to obtain a capsule / s; and

[0026] ii) adding to said capsule / s an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0027] An aspect of the present invention provides a capsule comprising a core covered with a interfacially polymerized polymeric shell, wherein to said capsule is added an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent. In an embodiment, said core comprises a pheromone and an oil component.

[0028] According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a population of target pest in an agriculturally used area by mating disruption technique,comprising spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone in bands or in lines, in the agriculturally used area and / or on the plants growing in said area in rows by maintaining a predetermined distance between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension of pheromone.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates the leaf damage rating provided in table 1

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Those skilled in art will be aware that invention described herein is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention described herein includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all such steps, features, compositions and methods referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more said steps or features.

[0033] Definitions:

[0034] For convenience, before further description of the present invention, certain terms employed in the specification, examples are described here. These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms used throughout this specification are defined as follows, unless otherwise limited in specific instances.

[0035] The terms used herein are defined as follows.

[0036] As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] The term "about" shall be interpreted to mean "approximately" or "reasonably close to" and any statistically insignificant variations therefrom. The term refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like and is meant to include variations of + / -15% or less, specifically variations of + / -10% or less, more specifically variations of + / -5% or less, even more specifically variations of + / -1% or less, and still more specifically variations of + / -0.1% or less of and from the particularly recited value, in so far as such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosure described herein.As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. In an embodiment, the aspects and embodiments described herein shall also be interpreted to replace the clause “comprising” with either “consisting of’ or with “consisting essentially of’ or with “consisting substantially of’.

[0038] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

[0039] While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0040] The term “locus” refers to an area or an object where control of target pest is desired. Locus includes any area or object which is inhabited, infested, frequented by the target pest or is anticipated to inhabit, infest or frequent for any purpose such as nesting, breeding, feeding, and the like. Said locus may be a plant, a part thereof, or an inanimate object or a part of infrastructure. Said locus may be agriculturally used area or non-agricultural area. Locus includes plants, crops or an area where plants and crops grow or will grow.

[0041] The terms “applying” or “spraying” are used interchangeably throughout the specification n and have same meaning, unless specified otherwise.

[0042] The terms “band of spray” or “line of spray” as used throughout the specification means spraying the capsule suspension comprising pheromone as narrow bands over or along the crop row.

[0043] The term “polymeric shell” as used herein, means wall or shell of polymeric material surrounding the core comprising a pheromone and an oil component .The term “covering” as used herein, with respect to polymeric shell; has same meaning as the terms “surrounding”, “coating” / ‘encasing” / ‘encompassing” or “encapsulating” and are used interchangeably with terms throughout the specification.

[0044] The phrase “pre-determined distance” between each band / line of spray means a distance of minimum 3 metres between each band / line of spray; preferably a distance of minimum 4 metres.

[0045] The term “interfacial polymerization” or “curing” are used interchangeably and means a process wherein polymerisation occurs at the interface between two immiscible phases, resulting in a polymer.

[0046] The term “in-situ polymerisation” as used herein, means synthesis of polymer in reaction mixture.

[0047] Tenacity refers to the ability of the agrochemical deposit to resist removal from the leaf surface by environmental factors such as rainfall; and is a key determinant of rainfastness and field persistence. The term “tenacity agent” as used herein, means an agrochemically acceptable excipient that enhances the rain-fastness property of the formulation and ensures that the formulation remains on surface of plant for longer duration, facilitating sustained / controlled release of the active ingredients.

[0048] Rain is one of the most important weather factors that adversely affect the performance of pheromones formulations in mating disruption technique. The extent of pheromone rain wash-off is connected to the composition, length of weathering and inherent tenacity of actives and the excipients. During rainfall as much as 90% of the initial pheromone composition deposit applied on plants can be washed-off. Apart from this irrigation of crop can also wash-off the pheromone composition deposited on plants. This wash-off of initial pheromone composition can reduce the effectiveness of applied pheromone and may lead to a requirement to multiple reapplications or may not give desired result in mating disruption. The inventors of the present invention have solved this problem by developing an effective capsule suspension formulation which has improved rain-fastness property which allows the formulation to remain on surface of plant for longer duration, facilitating sustained / controlled release of the active ingredients and achieve results of mating disruption efficiently.

[0049] According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a capsule suspension comprising:

[0050] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0051] b) a polymeric shell, covering said core ; andc) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0052] According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a sprayable capsule suspension comprising:

[0053] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0054] b) a polymeric shell, covering said core ; and

[0055] c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0056] In an embodiment, the pheromone is selected from group comprising of (Z, Z)-7, 11-hexadecadien-l-yl acetate, (Z, E)-7, 11- hexadecadien-l-yl acetate, Z 9- Tetradecenyl acetate, Z7- Dodecenyl acetate, Zll- Hexadecenyl acetate, E-ll-hexadecen-l-yl acetate, (E)-ll-hexadecen-l-ol, 3E,8Z,11Z-Tetradecatrienyl acetate, 3E,8Z-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13 -Hexadeca trien-l-al, Z-ll-Hexadecenal, Z-ll-Hexadecenyl-l-acetate, Z-ll-Hexadecenol, Z-9- Hexadecenal, (Z,E)-9, 11 -Tetradecadienyl acetate, Z9,E-12-Tetradecadienyl acetate, Cis-3-Hexenyl acetate, 2E- Hexen-l-ol, 11-Z,13-Z-Hexadeca dienal, , Methyl eugenol, Cuelure, (E,E) -8,10-Dodecadien-l-ol, (Z)-8-Dodecen-l-yl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecen-l-yl-acetate, (Z)-8-Dodecen-l-ol, (lR)-cis-4,6,6-Trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one, trans-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-l-ol, cis-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-l-ol, Z-13-Octadecynyl acetate and Z- 13 -Octadecenol, (E,E)-10,12-hexadecadienal, (E,E)-10,12-hexadecadienol, E-10-hexadecenal, Z-9 Tetradecenol, (Z)-8-Dodecen-l-yl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecen-l-yl-acetate, (7E,9Z) dodeca- 7,9-dien-l-yl acetate, 4-vinyl Anisole, Methyl Isonicotinate, Mono terpenes, Terpene alcohols, a-copaene, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 4-oxo octanoic acid, 4 oxo decanoic acid.

[0057] Other pheromones that can be used, are selected from, (Z,Z,E)-3,6,8-Dodecatrien-l-ol, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Tetradecadien- l-ol, (Z,Z)-9, 11 -Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienol, (Z,Z)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7,9-Dodecadien-l-ol, (Z,Z)-7, 11 -Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-5,9-Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-5,8-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z,Z)-9, 12, 15 -Octadecatri enal, (Z,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienal, (Z,Z)- 4.7-Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z, Z)-4,7-Tri decadi en- l-ol , (Z,Z)-4,7-Decadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)- 4.7-Decadien-l-ol, (Z,Z)-3,8-Dodecadien-l-ol, (Z,Z)-2,4-Decadienal , (E, E)-10, 14- Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Tetradecadienyl, (Z,Z)-11 , 13 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-l-ol, (Z,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadienal, (Z,E)- 10, 12-Hexadecadienal, (Z)- 11 -Heptadecenyl acetate, (Z)-ll-Heptadecen-l-ol, (Z,Z)- 5.8-Tetradecadien-l-ol, (Z,Z)-5,8-Tetradecadienal, (Z)-8-Heptadecen-l-ol, (E)-8-Heptadecenyl acetate, (Z,Z)-4,7-Decadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)- 9, 11 -Pentadecadi enal, (E,Z)-9, 1 1 -Pentadecadi enal, (Z,E)-7,1 1 -Hexadecadi enal (E,Z)-8,10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-9-Tetradecadienal, (Z,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E,E)-3,6,8-Dodecatrien-l-ol, (Z,E)- 9.11 -Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienyl acetate (Z, E)-10, 12-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadienal, (E,Z)-9, 11 -Hexadecadi enal, (Z,E)- 9.11-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Octadecadienal, (Z,E)-7,11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (E)-lO-Heptadecenyl acetate, (Z, E)-9, 12-Tetradecadienal , (Z, E)-9, 11 -Tetradecadienal, (Z, E)-8, 10 -Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z, E)- 11 , 13 -Hexadecadi enal, (Z,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-l-ol , (E,Z)-9, 11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-5 -Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-lO-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-lO-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-lO-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenal, (Z)-9-Tetradecen-l-ol, (Z)-9-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Dodecenal, (Z)-9-Dodecen-l-ol, (Z)-8-Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Tetradecenal, (Z,Z)-9, 11 -Tetradecadi en-l-ol, (Z,Z)-9,11-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienal (Z,E)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-7,9-Dodecadien-l-ol, (Z,E)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-5,7-Dodecadienal, (Z,E)-3, 5 -Tetradecadienyl acetate (Z,E)-3,5-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-3,5-Decadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-5,9-Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z, E)-9, 12-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z, E)-9, 12-Tetradecadien-l-ol, (Z, E)-9, 11 -Tetradecadi en-1 -ol, (Z, E)-8, 10-Dodecadienal, (Z, E)-8, 10-Dodecadi en-l-ol, (Z, E)-5,7-Dodecadien-l -ol, (Z, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadi en-l-ol (Z)-13-Octadecen-l-ol, (E, E,Z,Z)-4,6,ll,13-Hexadecatetraenal, (Z,Z)-2, 13 -Octadecadi en-l-ol, (Z,Z)-7, 10-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E)-6-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-10, 12,14-Hexadecatrienal, (E,Z)-2, 13 -Octadecadienyl acetate (E,Z)-2, 13-Octadecadienal, (E,Z)-2, 13-Octadecadien-l-ol, (E,Z)-4,6-Hexadecadien-l-ol, (E,Z)-4,6-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-1 ,3-Hexadecadien-l-ol, (Z)-5 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (E,E,E)-10,12,14-Hexadecatrienal, (Z)-13-Octadecenyl acetate, (E)-13-Octadecenal, (Z)-8-Tetradecen-l-ol, (Z)-8-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Dodecen-l-ol, (Z)-7-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Tetradecenal, (Z)-7-Tetradecen-l-ol, (Z)-7-Dodecenyl acetate (Z)-7-Dodecenal, (Z)-7-Dodecen-l-ol, (Z)-7-Decenyl acetate, (Z)-6-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-5 -Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-5 -Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-5- Tetradecenal, (Z)-5-Tetradecen-l-ol, (Z)-5 -Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Dodecenal, (Z)-5-Dodecen-l-ol, (Z)-5-Decenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Decen-l-ol, (Z)-4-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-4-Tridecenal, (Z)-4-Decenyl acetate, (Z)-4-Decenal, (Z)-3 -Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-3-Tetradecen-l-ol, (Z)-3 -Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-3-Dodecen-l-ol, (Z)-2-Tridecenylacetate, (Z)-12-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)- 11 -Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)- 11 -Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-12-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-l 1-Hexadecenal, (Z,Z, E)-7, 11 , 13-Hexadecatrienal, (Z)- 11 -Octadecenyl acetate, (Z)-ll-Octadecenal, (Z)- 11 -Octadecenol, (E)-ll-Hexadecen-l-ol, (E)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-lO-Hexadecenal, (Z,Z)-6,9-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-9-Octadecenal, (E)-5 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Octadecenal, (Z)-9-Octadecen-l-ol, (E)-9-Octadecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Hexadecenal, (E)-9-Hexadecen-l-ol, (E)-12-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z)-lO-Pentadecenal, (E,Z,Z)-4,6,10-Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-4,6,11 -Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (Z)-8-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Pentadecenyl acetate, (E)-2-0ctadecenal, (E)-2-0ctadecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Hexadecen-l-ol, (E)-7-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-4,6,10-Hexadecatrien-ol, (E,E)-5,9-Octadecadien-l-ol, (Z)-2-Heptadecenal, (Z, E)-3, 13 -Octadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-11-Tetradecenal, (Z)-lO-Dodecen-l-ol, (Z)-7-Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Decenal, (Z)-11 -Tetradecen-l-ol, (E,Z,Z)-4,7, 10-Tridecatrienyl acetate, (E,Z)-9, 11 -Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Tetradecadienal, (E,Z)-11 , 13 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienal, (E,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-l-ol, (E,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadien-l-ol, (E,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-9-Heptadecenal, (E,Z)-8, 11 -Hexadecadi enal, (E, E)-9, 11 -Hexadecadi enal, (Z,Z)-13, 15 -Octadecadi enal, (Z, Z,Z)-3, 6, 9-Octadecatrienyl acetate, (E)-8-Heptadecen-l-ol, (E, E, E)-9, 12, 15 -Octadecatri en-1 -ol, (E, E)-ll , 14-Octadecadienal, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Octadecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-7, 11 -Hexadecadi en-1 -ol, (E,Z)-8, 10-Pentadecadien-l-ol, (E, E)-10, 12-Hexadecadienal, (Z, Z)-8 ,10- Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-11,13 -Octadecadi enal, (E,E)-9, 11 -Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-10, 12-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z,Z)-9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7, 11 -Hexadecadi enal, (Z,Z)-7, 11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7, 11 -Hexadecadi en-l-ol, (Z,Z)-3, 13 -Octadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7, 10- Hexadecadien-l-ol, (Z)-5-Hexadecen-l-ol, (Z)-12-Pentadecenyl acetate, (E,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadienal, (E, E)-4,8-Heptadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienal, (E,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadi en-l-ol, (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadienal, (E,Z)-5,9-Tridecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienal, (E,Z)-4,9-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-4,9-Tetradecadienal, (E,Z)-4,7-Tridecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-4, 10-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-3,8-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-3,5-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-3,5-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-2,4-Decadienal, (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadien-l-ol, (E,Z)-5,7-Dodecadien-l-ol, (E,Z)-3,7-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,E,E)-10,12,14-Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (E,E)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-5,8-Tetradecadi enal, (E,E)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-5,7-Dodecadien-l-ol, (E,E)-4, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-3,5-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-3,5-Decadienyl acetate, (E,E)-9,12-Octadecadien-l-ol, (Z,E)-8,10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-9, 2-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadienal, (E,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-l-ol, (E,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienal, (E,E)-5,9-Octadecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-8, 10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-4,6, 10-Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (E)-9-Octadecen-l-ol, (Z)-2-Octadecenyl acetate, (E)-5 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-lO-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z, E)-2, 13 -Octadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-6, 11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-6,11 -Hexadecadienal, (E)-9-Tetradecen- 1 -ol, (E)-9-Dodecenal, (E)-9-Dodecen-l-ol, (E)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-8-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-13-Octadecenyl acetate, (Z)-ll-Hexadecen-l-ol, (Z)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-ll-Hexadecenal, (Z,Z)-6,9-Pentadecadienal, (E)-ll-Octadecenal, (E)-ll-Octadecen-l-ol, (E)-lO-Hexadecenal, (Z)-lO-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-lO-Hexadecen-l-ol, (Z,Z)-8,9-Pentadecadien-l-ol, (E,E,Z)-4,8,11 -Hexadecatri enal, (E,E,Z)- 10,12,14-Hexadecatrienyl, (E, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-8, 10-Dodeeadien-l -ol, (E, E)-8, 10-Dodecadienal, (E, E)-2,4-Tetradecadienal, (E, E)-2,4-Decadienal, (E)-5-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-,5-Tetradecenal, (E)-5-Tetradecen- 1 -ol, (E)-5-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-5-Decenyl acetate (E)-lO-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-lO-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-lO-Dodecenal, (E)-9-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-13-Octadecenal, (Z)-14-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-12-Hexadecenal, (E)-14-Octadecenal, (E)-14-Hexadecenal, (E)-8-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecenal, (E)-8-Dodecen-l-ol, (E)-8-Decen-l-ol, (E)-7-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-7-Tetradecen- 1 -ol, (E)-7-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-7-Dodecenal, (E)-7-Dodecen-l-ol, (E)-7-Decenyl acetate, (E)-6-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-6-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Octadecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Hexadecenal, (Z)-9-Hexadecen-l-ol, (Z)-7-Hexadecenal, (E)-9-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z)-2-Octadecenal, (E,Z,Z)-4,6,10-Hexadecatrien-l -ol, (Z)-7-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Pentadecen-l-ol, (Z,Z)-8, 11 -Heptadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Heptadecadien-l-ol, (E)-7-Hexadecenal, (Z)-3 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-5-Hexadecen-l-ol, (Z, E)- 1,14-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E)-7-Hexadecen-l-ol, (Z,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadienal, (E, E)-3, 13 -Octadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-4,6-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-2, 13 -Octadecadienyl acetate, (E)-2-Heptadecenal, (E,Z)-3, 13 -Octadecadienyl acetate, (E)-6-Dodecenal, (E)-6-Dodecen-l-ol, (E)-5-Dodecen-l-ol, (E)-5-Decen-l-ol, (E)-5-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-4-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-4-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-4-Decenyl acetate, (E)-3 -Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-3-Tetradecen-l-ol, (E)-3 -Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-2-Undecenyl acetate, (E)-2-Undecenal, (E)-2-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-2-Dodecenal, (E)-12-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)- 11 -Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-lO-Dodecen-l-ol, (E)-ll -Tetradecen-l-ol, (E)-ll -Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-ll-Tetradecenal, (E, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadien- l-ol.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the pheromone is selected from a synthetic / naturally occurring pheromones such as hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 4-oxo octanoic acid, 4 oxo decanoic acid, (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Dodecadecenyl acetate, (Z)-ll-Hexadecenol, 9,11 (Z,E)-tetradecadienyl acetate, 9,12 (Z,E)-tetradecadienyl acetate and the likes.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the pheromone is a para-pheromone such as methyl eugenol, cuelure, a-copaene and the likes.

[0060] In an embodiment, the capsule suspension comprises the pheromone compounds in an amount ranging from about 0.5% w / w to 40% w / w based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the pheromone is a mixture of (Z)-l 1 -Hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the pheromone mixture comprises of (Z)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and optionally, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate.

[0062] In an embodiment, the oil component is selected from, but not limited to, group comprising of soybean oil, epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized linseed oil, vegetable oils, epoxidized vegetable oils, esters of vegetable oils, paraffin oil and the likes.

[0063] In an embodiment, the capsule suspension comprises the oil component in an amount ranging from about 1% w / w to 50% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

[0064] In an embodiment, the polymeric shell of the present invention may be known as shell or wall; and is made of material selected from, but not limited to, a polyurea; a polyurethane; a polyamide; a polycarbonate; a polysulfonamide; or a crosslinked or non-crosslinked combinations thereof.

[0065] In an embodiment, the polymeric shell is formed of a polyurea. In an embodiment, the polymeric shell is a polymeric polyurea shell.

[0066] In an embodiment, the polymeric shell is formed using interfacial polymerization by contacting a first shell forming component with a second shell forming component as is conventionally known in the art.The first shell forming component is preferably selected from a polyisocyanate, a polyacid chloride, a polychloroformate and a polysulfonyl chloride.

[0067] The second shell forming component is preferably selected from a polyamine and polyol.

[0068] In an embodiment, polyisocyanate compound reacts with a polyamine compound to form a polyurea polymeric shell.

[0069] In an embodiment, the polyisocyanate compound is selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising of tetramethylene diisocyanate, pentamethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, diphenylmethene-4,4'-diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate, 2,4,4'-diphenyl ether triisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-diphenyl diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-diphenyl diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthylene diisocyanate and 4,4'4 "-triphenylmethane triisocyanate.

[0070] In an embodiment, the polyisocyanate compound used is in an amount ranging from about 1% w / w to 10% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

[0071] In an embodiment, the polyamine compound is selected from, but not limited to, the group comprising of ethylenediamine, propylene-l,3-diamine, tetramethylenediamine, pentamethylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, 4,9-dioxadodecane-l, 12-diamine, 1,3-phenylenediamine, 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane or acid addition salt thereof.

[0072] In an embodiment, the polyamine compound used is in an amount ranging from about 0.5% w / w to 10% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

[0073] In an embodiment, the capsule suspension comprises polyurea in an amount ranging from about 1% w / w to 20% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

[0074] In an embodiment, the tenacity agent is selected from group comprising of gum arabica, gum rosin, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene pyrrolidone copolymer, vinyl pyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC), starch, modified starch, gelatinized starch is used.

[0075] In an embodiment, the tenacity agent is selected from group comprising of gum arabica, gum rosin, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC).In another embodiment, the tenacity agent used is ethylene pyrrolidone copolymer.

[0076] In another embodiment, the tenacity agent used is starch such as gelatanised starch.

[0077] In an embodiment, the tenacity agent is used as an aqueous solution.

[0078] In an embodiment, the capsule suspension comprises tenacity agent is present in an amount ranging from about 1% w / w to 12% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

[0079] In an embodiment, the capsule suspension may further comprise one or more agrochemically acceptable excipient (s).

[0080] In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising of aqueous or organic solvent(s), buffering agent(s),pH modifier(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), anti-settling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), viscosity modifier(s), anti-foaming agent(s), photoprotectors), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), or combinations thereof.

[0081] In an embodiment, there is provided a sprayable capsule suspension comprising:

[0082] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0083] b) a polymeric shell, covering said core;

[0084] c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent; and

[0085] d) optionally, an agrochemically acceptable excipient / s selected from the group comprising of aqueous or organic solvent(s), buffering agent(s), pH modifier(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), antisettling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), viscosity modifier(s), antifoaming agent(s), photo-protector(s), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), or combinations thereof.

[0086] According to an embodiment, there is provided a sprayable capsule suspension comprising:

[0087] a) a core comprising a mixture of (Z)-l 1 -Hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate; and an oil component;b) a polyurea shell, covering said core; and

[0088] c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0089] In an embodiment, the polyurea shell is formed by interfacial polymerization of polyisocyanate compound with a polyamine compound.

[0090] In an embodiment, the polyurea shell is formed by interfacial polymerization of polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate with diethylene triamine.

[0091] According to an aspect of present invention, there is provided a sprayable capsule suspension comprising:

[0092] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0093] b) a polymeric shell formed by interfacial polymerization covering said core ; and c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent.

[0094] In an embodiment, polymeric shell is formed by interfacial polymerization of polyisocyanate compound with a poly amine compound, to form a polyurea shell.

[0095] In an embodiment, there is provided a sprayable capsule suspension comprising:

[0096] a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;

[0097] b) a polyurea shell formed by interfacial polymerization covering said core ; and c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent and water.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the sprayable composition of present invention provides more than 20% improvement in tenacity of the active ingredient on the leaf surface as compared to conventional sprayable composition not comprising a tenacity agent.

[0099] According to another aspect of present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprising

[0100] i) covering a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component in a polymeric shell to obtain a capsule / s, wherein said polymeric shell is formed by in-situ interfacial polymerization; and

[0101] ii) adding to said capsule / s, an aqueous solution comprising a tenacity agent and water. In an embodiment, the process of covering / encasing the core comprising a pheromone to obtain a capsule comprises steps ofa) preparing an oil phase comprising a pheromone, an oil component and a polyisocynate compound;

[0102] b) preparing first aqueous phase comprising water and a polyamine compound;

[0103] c) mixing the oil phase of step a) with first aqueous phase and allowing in-situ interfacial polymerization of the polyisocynate compound and the poly amine compound to obtain the capsule.

[0104] In an embodiment, the process of covering the core comprising a pheromone to obtain capsule is carried out at elevated temperature.

[0105] In an embodiment, the process of coating the core comprising a pheromone to obtain capsule is carried out at temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 100°C.

[0106] In an embodiment, before mixing the oil phase of step a) with first aqueous phase, to the oil phase of step a) is added an aqueous solution comprising dispersant / s and other excipients; and said mixture is subjected to homogenizing to get desired particle size.

[0107] In an embodiment, a second aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent and water is further added to the capsules.

[0108] In an embodiment, a second aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent, water and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient is further added to the capsules.

[0109] In an embodiment, a second aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent, water, an anti-freeze agent and optionally a viscosity modifier is further added to the capsules.

[0110] In an embodiment, viscosity modifier added is selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, xanthan gum, guar gum, swelling clay or corn starch, preferably xanthan gum is used.

[0111] In an embodiment, there is provided a process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprising

[0112] i) covering a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component with a polymeric shell formed by in-situ interfacial polymerization of a polyisocynate compound and a polyamine compound to obtain a capsule / s;

[0113] ii) adding to said capsule / s, a second aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent. wherein the process of covering the core as in step i) comprises steps ofa) preparing an oil phase comprising a pheromone, an oil component and a polyisocynate compound;

[0114] b) preparing first aqueous phase comprising water and a polyamine compound;

[0115] c) mixing the oil phase of step a) with first aqueous phase and allowing in-situ interfacial polymerization the polyisocynate compound and the polyamine compound to form a capsule.

[0116] In an embodiment, the process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprising coating a core comprising a mixture of (Z)-l 1 -Hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate.

[0117] In an embodiment, the process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprising coating a core comprising a mixture of (Z)-l 1 -Hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate in ratio ranging from about 10 to 15:80 to 90.

[0118] In another embodiment, the process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprising coating a core comprising a mixture of (Z)-l 1 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate.

[0119] In an embodiment, the process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprising coating a core comprising a mixture of (Z)-l 1 -Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate in ratio ranging from about 10 to 15:80 to 90: 0.1 to 1

[0120] An aspect of the present invention provides a capsule comprising a core covered with a interfacially polymerized polymeric shell, wherein to said capsule is added an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent. In an embodiment, said core comprises a pheromone and an oil component.

[0121] According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a population of a target pest / s at a locus by mating disruption technique, comprising spraying the capsule suspension of the present invention at the locus.

[0122] According to yet another aspect of present invention, there is provided a method of controlling the population of a target pest / s at a locus used area by mating disruption technique, comprising spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone in bands or in lines at the locus by maintaining a pre-determined distance between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension of pheromone.In an embodiment, the distance maintained between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension of pheromone is of minimum 3 meters.

[0123] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling the population of target pest in an agriculturally used area by mating disruption technique, comprising spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone in bands or in lines at a locus by maintaining distance of minimum 3 meters between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension of pheromone. In an embodiment, locus refers to an agriculturally used area and / or the plants growing in said area in rows.

[0124] In an embodiment, the distance maintained between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension of pheromone is of minimum 4 meters.

[0125] In an embodiment, the distance maintained between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension of pheromone is of minimum 5 meters.

[0126] In an embodiment, the method of controlling the population of target pest according to present invention, involves a prior step of treatment of said locus with an insecticide.

[0127] In an embodiment, the insecticide spray used is selected from the group comprising of alkyl halide insecticides, aminopyrimidine insecticides, aminotriazene insecticides, antibiotic insecticides, aromatic hydrocarbon insecticides, arylpyrrole insecticides, benzimidazole insecticides, benzoylurea insecticides, beta-ketonitrile insecticides, botanical insecticides, butenolide insecticides, carbamate insecticides, diacylhydrazine insecticides, diamide insecticides, dinitrophenol insecticides, dithiolane insecticides, formamidine insecticides, fumigant insecticides, inorganic insecticides, isoxazoline insecticides, juvenile hormone or its mimics, macrocyclic lactone insecticides, mesoionic insecticides, meta-diamide insecticides, methoxyacrylate insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides, nereistoxin analogue insecticides, nicotinamide insecticides, organochlorine insecticides, organophosphorus insecticides, oxadiazine insecticides, oxadiazolone insecticides, perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide insecticides, phenol insecticides, precocenes, pyrazole insecticides, pyrethrin insecticides, pyrethroid insecticides, pyridine azomethine insecticides, pyridylidene insecticides, pyrimidinamine insecticides, pyropene insecticides, RNAi insecticides, salicylanilide insecticides, semicarbazone insecticides, steroid insecticides, sulfoximine insecticides, tetramic acid insecticides, tetronic acid insecticides, thiocarbonate insecticides, thiourea insecticides, urea insecticides, other unclassified insecticides or combination thereof.

[0128] In an embodiment, the treatment with insecticide is carried out by foliar spray.In an embodiment, the treatment with insecticide is carried out after about 5 to 20 days of sowing the crop / plant.

[0129] In an embodiment, the step of spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone in bands or in lines is carried out after about 5 to 20 days of the treatment with insecticide.

[0130] In an embodiment, the step of spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone in bands or in lines can be repeated for one or more times, at an interval of about 5 to 20 days.

[0131] In an embodiment, the method of controlling target pest according to the present invention minimizes use of multiple treatment by insecticide.

[0132] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a population of a target pest at a locus by mating disruption technique, comprising steps of

[0133] i) treating said agriculturally used area with an insecticide after about 5 to 20 days of sowing crop / plant;

[0134] ii) spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone in bands or in lines, at the locus by maintaining distance of minimum 3 meters between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension post 5 to 20 days of treatment as in step i); and

[0135] iii) optionally, repeating step ii) one or more times, at an interval of about 5 to 20 days. In an embodiment, the target pest is fall armyworm or pink bollworm.

[0136] In an embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling the population of fall armyworm in a maize field by mating disruption technique, comprising steps of

[0137] i) treating said maize field with an insecticide, after about 5 to 20 days of sowing crop / plant;

[0138] ii) spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone comprising a mixture of (Z)-7- dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate; in bands or in lines, at the locus by maintaining distance of minimum 3 meters between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension post 5 to 20 days of treatment as in step i); and

[0139] iii) repeating step ii) one more time, at an interval of about 5 to 20 days.

[0140] In an embodiment, the method of controlling the population of fall armyworm according to present invention reduces leaves damage by about 15% to 70% relative to field treated by conventional practice.In an embodiment, the method of controlling the population of fall armyworm according to present invention, improves the yield of grains of maize by about 5% to 40% relative to field treated by conventional farmer’s practice.

[0141] In an embodiment, the method of controlling the population of fall armyworm according to present invention, improves the yield of grains of maize by about 10% to 30% relative to field treated by conventional farmer’s practice.

[0142] In an embodiment, the method of controlling the population of fall armyworm according to present invention, improves the yield of grains of maize by more than 20% relative to field treated by conventional farmer’s practice.

[0143] According to embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of improving yield and quality of maize by controlling the population of fall armyworm at a locus, comprising steps of

[0144] i) treating said maize field with an insecticide, after about 5 to 20 days of sowing crop / plant;

[0145] ii) spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone comprising a mixture of (Z)-7- dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate; in bands or in lines, at the locus by maintaining distance of minimum 3 meters between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension post 5 to 20 days of treatment as in step i); and

[0146] iii) repeating step ii) one more time, at an interval of about 5 to 20 days.

[0147] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling the population of pink bollworm at a locus by mating disruption technique, comprising steps of

[0148] i) treating said agriculturally used area with an insecticide after about 5 to 20 days of sowing crop / plant;

[0149] ii) spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11- hexadecadienyl acetate; in bands or in lines, at the locus by maintaining distance of minimum 3 meters between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension post 5 to 20 days of treatment as in step i); and

[0150] iii) optionally, repeating step ii) one or more times, at an interval of about 5 to 20 days. In an embodiment, step iii) is repeated for 4 to 6 times at an interval of about 5 to 20 days.According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a capsule suspension according to the present invention for disrupting the mating behaviour of target pest.

[0151] The invention shall now be described with reference to the following specific examples. It should be noted that the example(s) appended below illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0152] EXAMPLES

[0153] General Procedure for preparing capsule suspension according to present invention In a reaction flask- 1, an oil phase was prepared by adding of desired quantity of pheromone, oil component and a polyisocynate compound followed by stirring the mixture to obtain a core comprising pheromone and an oil component. In another reaction flask-2, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding dispersant / s, other excipients and water, this mixture was cooled to 15-25°C. To this aqueous solution was added the oil phase, the mixture was homogenized to get particle size D98 in range of 15-23 p. This mixture was cured with the first aqueous phase of polyamine compound at 55°C to 60°C at low RPM for 1 to 1.5 hours, in the process a polyurea shell formed by interfacial polymerization of polyisocynate compound and polyamine compound. This polyurea shell covered the core comprising pheromone and an oil component to obtain capsule / s. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to 6.5 to 7 pH with a pH modifier such as hydrochloric acid. To the mixture comprising capsule / s was added a second aqueous phase prepared by adding to water, a desired quantity of tenacity agent and agrochemically acceptable excipient such as anti-freezing agent, the mixture was then stirred. Optionally, to the second aqueous phase was also added a viscosity modifier. The mixture was then filtered to remove any foreign matter to obtain capsule suspension comprising pheromone. According to present invention.

[0154] Example 1: Preparation of capsule suspension for mating disruption in fall armyworm Table A

[0155] Ingredients Composition (% w / w)

[0156] Mixture of (Z)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)- 25.61

[0157] 9-Tetradecenyl acetate in ratio of (13: 87)

[0158] Diethylene triamine 1.85

[0159] Polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate 4.72

[0160]

[0161] Epoxidized soybean oil 6

[0162] Arabica gum aqueous solution 12

[0163] Dispersant 3

[0164] Anti-foaming agent 0.50

[0165] Anti-freezing agent 4.50

[0166] pH Modifier 2

[0167] water Q.S

[0168]

[0169] Example 2 to 6; and Comparative example 1: Preparation of capsule suspension for mating disruption in fall armyworm

[0170] Using the general procedure described above, pheromone capsules were prepared. The pH of the mixture was adjusted to 6.5-7.0 using a pH modifier such as hydrochloric acid. The capsule compositions for Examples 2 to 6 and Comparative Example 1 are provided below in Table B.

[0171] Table B

[0172] Ingredients Composition (% w / w)

[0173] Mixture of (Z)- 11 -Hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)- 31.34

[0174] 9-Tetradecenyl acetate in ratio of (13: 87))

[0175] Diethylene triamine 2.08

[0176] Polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate 5.38

[0177] Epoxidized soybean oil 6.86

[0178] Sodium ligno sulphonate 3.43

[0179] Silicon antifoam emulsion 0.06

[0180] Propylene Glycol 5.14

[0181] Hydrochloric acid 2.29

[0182] l,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one solution 0.14

[0183] water Q.S to 100%

[0184]

[0185] For Examples 2 to 6, to the capsules prepared using the above composition was added a second aqueous phase, which was formulated by adding the required quantities of tenacity agent(s) and agrochemically acceptable excipient / s, such as a viscosity modifier, to water. The mixture was then filtered to remove any foreign particles, yielding a pheromone containing capsule suspension.In Comparative Example 1, no tenacity agent was added; to the capsules was added a second aqueous phase consisting only of water and a viscosity modifier.

[0186] The compositions of the capsule suspension obtained are provided below in Table C.

[0187] Table C

[0188] Ingredients Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Example 6 Comparative (% w / w) (% w / w) (% w / w) (% w / w) (% w / w) example 1

[0189] (% w / w) Capsule composition 87.5 87.5 87.5 87.5 87.5 87.5 according to Table B

[0190] viscosity modifier 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Polyvinyl alcohol 1.3 - - - - - Microfib rillated - 10 - - - - cellulose

[0191] Carboxymethyl - - 1 - - - Cellulose

[0192] Rosin gum - - - 1.13 - - Arabica gum - - - - 4 -

[0193]

[0194] Water Q.S to 100% Q.S to 100% Q.S to 100% Q.S to 100% Q.S to 100% Q.S to 100%

[0195] The compositions of Examples 2 and 4; and Comparative Example 1 were evaluated for tenacity to determine the percentage of active ingredient retained on the surface after simulated rainfall. Tenacity reflects the formulation’s ability to adhere to plant surfaces and maintain efficacy under environmental wash-off conditions.

[0196] Tenacity was evaluated by applying a spray solution of known concentration onto freshly harvested Zea mays leaves using an overhead sprayer to ensure uniform deposition. The sprayed leaves were air dried and maintained in water to preserve turgidity. Rainfall simulations were conducted after an 18 hour interval and a subsequent 6 hour interval. Leaf area was recorded prior to extraction of the active ingredient, which was extracted in methanol and quantified by HPLC. Active ingredient levels were expressed as ai / cm2to determine tenacity before and after rainfall. Rainfall was applied for 10 minutes at 30mm / hr and 10 minutes at 50 mm / hr. The detailed procedure is provided below

[0197] A spray solution was prepared by taking 30 g of the formulation in 600 ml of water at ratio of 1:20 (formulation: water). Three freshly harvested maize leaves were mounted flat on a plate and sprayed under constant spray volume and belt speed conditions using an overhead nozzle. For each treatment — no rainfall, first rainfall, and second rainfall — three such sets were prepared. After spraying, the leaves were air dried, leaf area was recorded (by discarding the tips of leaf at both ends), and one set was analyzed directly for active ingredient (Al). The remaining sets were maintained with petioles immersed in water and stored in a controlled greenhouse for subsequent rainfall studies. Rainfall simulations of 10 minutes at 30 mm / hr or10 minutes at 50 mm / hr were applied after an 18 hour interval, after which one set was dried and analyzed for active ingredient. The second rainfall was applied after an additional 5-6 hours, and the corresponding set was analyzed. For analysis and calculation of active ingredient, each leaf was extracted in 100 mL methanol, and active ingredient content was quantified by HPLC against a standard. Active ingredient(pheromone) residues (ppm) were converted to mg a.i / cm2based on leaf area and converted into percentage. The Coefficient of variation is within the ±20% as the analysis is residue as ppm. Tenacity was determined by comparing residues after the first and second rainfall events with those from the no rainfall control. The results obtained by the studies are presented below in table D.

[0198] Table D

[0199] Examples Rain parameters AI Retention % AI Retention % % Improvement in After 1st CV After 2ndCV Tenacity over Rainfall (%) Rainfall (%) comparative example 1 After 1stAfter 2ndRainfall Rainfall Example 2 30 mm / hr for 10 46.6 8.8 41.6 7.8 51 109

[0200] min

[0201] 50 mm / hr for 10 43.7 9.7 41.0 8.0 50 118 min

[0202] Example 3 30 mm / hr for 10 40.1 11.8 34.6 10.9 30.1 74

[0203] min

[0204] 50 mm / hr for 10 36.0 10.1 27.3 13.3 23.3 45 min

[0205] Comparative 30 mm / hr for 10 30.8 13.3 19.9 12.4 0 0 Example 1 min

[0206] 50 mm / hr for 10 29.2 9.9 18.8 12.2 0 0

[0207]

[0208] min

[0209] * Active ingredient (Al)

[0210] * Coefficient of variation (CV)

[0211] Tenacity refers to the ability of the agrochemical deposit to resist removal from the leaf surface by environmental factors such as rainfall; and is a key determinant of rainfastness and field persistence. The results presented in Table D demonstrate that the formulation of the present invention provides superior retention of active ingredient on the leaf surface, thereby exhibiting improved tenacity compared to the comparative example 1 formulation.

[0212] Field trial

[0213] Determination of efficacy of mating disruption of capsule suspension of present invention for control of Fall army worm

[0214] Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of mating disruption of capsule suspension of present invention for control of Fall army worm in maize field.Typically, after application of 1stinsecticidal spray at day 15-17 after sowing of maize, the capsule suspension according to present invention was applied at the dose of 25 g active ingredient / hectare on 10-15days after 1stinsecticide application and subsequently, 10-15days after 1stcapsule suspension application. The capsule suspension according to present invention was applied at the dose of 50g active ingredient / hectare in total.

[0215] The effectiveness of capsule suspension for mating disruption according to present invention, was compared with conventional farmer’s practice wherein after 1stinsecticidal spray at day 15-17 after sowing, a 2ndinsecticidal spray was applied 10-15days after 1stinsecticide application.

[0216] Experimental details:

[0217] # Particular Details

[0218] 1 Crop Maize

[0219] 2 Target Pest Fall army worm

[0220] 3 Dosage 100 g a.i / ha / Season

[0221] 4 No of Applications: 2 per season @ 50 g a.i / ha / spray

[0222] 5 Insecticide Application 15-17 days after sowing of the crop

[0223] 6 Application of Capsule 1st Application of @ 25 g a.i / ha at 10-15 days after insecticide suspension according to application and 2nd @ 25 g a.i / ha at 10-15 days after 1st present invention application

[0224] 7 Application Type Foliar Band application

[0225] 8 Distance between two bands 3-5 m

[0226] 9 Application area on plants

[0227] 10 Monitoring traps 4

[0228]

[0229] 11 Plot size 1.67 Acre

[0230] Methodology & Observations:

[0231] Study was conducted in maize field to demonstrate observation on fall armyworm representing leaves damage; and these observations were recorded on day 28, 37 and 46 after sowing. The leaf damage was studied by rating the damage on the leaf damage rating (LDR) scale with a detailed description of foliage damage symptoms as provided below in table 1. The LDR scale presented here earlier given by Soujanya et.al. (2022), Leaf Damage Based Phenotyping Technique and Its Validation Against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), in Maize, Frontiers in Plant Science, Vol. 13, 1-14

[0232] Table 1

[0233] Rating Description / Symptoms

[0234]

[0235] 1 Healthy plant / No damage / Visible symptoms

[0236] 2 Few short / pin size holes / scraping on few leaves (1-2)

[0237] 3 Short / pin size holes / scraping on several leaves (3-4)

[0238] 4 Short / pin size holes / scraping on several leaves (5-6) and a fewlong elongated lesions (1-3 Nos) up to 2.0 cm length present on

[0239] whorl and or adjacent fully opened leaves

[0240] 5 Several holes with elongated lesions (4-5 Nos) up to 4.0 cm length

[0241] and uniform / irregular shaped holes present on whorl and or

[0242] adjacent fully opened leaves

[0243] 6 Several leaves with elongated lesions (6-7 Nos) up to 6.0 cm

[0244] length and uniform / irregular shaped holes present on whorl and

[0245] adjacent fully opened leaves

[0246] 7 Several long lesions (>7 Nos) up to 10 cm length and

[0247] uniform / irregular shaped holes common on one-half of the leaves

[0248] present on whorl and adjacent fully opened leaves

[0249] 8 Several long lesions >10 cm length and uniform / irregular shaped

[0250] holes common on one half to two-thirds of leaves present on

[0251] whorl and adjacent fully opened leaves

[0252] 9 Complete defoliation of whorl of the plant

[0253] The leaf damage rating provided in table 1 provided above can further be represented as in figure 1.

[0254] In order to know the percent leaves damaged on number basis, 100 leaves were randomly selected and studied for the damage on day 28, 37 and 46 after sowing.

[0255] Table 2: Demonstrates leaf damage in treatment locations

[0256] Treatments Average Leaf damage ratings Grain Yield Percentage kg / ha increase over 28 Days 37 Days 46 Days farmer’s

[0257] after after after Sowing practice Sowing Sowing

[0258] T1 1.44 1.8 1.76 12160 24.6%

[0259] Farmer’s 4.51 4.06 2.87 9760 -

[0260]

[0261] practice

[0262] It was observed the grain yield of maize was improved by over 20% per hectare by using the method of controlling pest according to present invention as compared to farmer’s practice.

[0263] In addition to above data, the moths captured in monitoring traps were recorded days 37, 46 and 55 after the treatment. The observations recorded are provided in table below Treatments Mean no. of moth catches / Trap

[0264] 37 Days after treatment 46 Days after treatment 55 Days after treatment T1 1.5 1 0.75

[0265] Farmer’s 3.6 3.2 2.6

[0266]

[0267] practiceIt was observed that moth catches were reduced by at least 50% by using the method of controlling pest according to present invention as compared to farmer’s practice Conclusion:

[0268] It is clear from the above that the capsule suspension and its method of controlling pest as per the present invention demonstrates

[0269] 1. better efficacy in controlling fall armyworm; and

[0270] 2. improved yield of maize

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMSreceived by the International Bureau on 12 June 2026 (12.06.2026)Claims1. A capsule suspension comprising:a) a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component;b) a polymeric shell, covering said core;c) an aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agent;wherein the pheromone is in an amount ranging from about 0.5% w / w to 40% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition;wherein the oil component is in an amount ranging from about 1% w / w to 50% w / w, based on the total weight of the composition andwherein the tenacity agent is present in an amount ranging from about 1% w / w to 12% w / w based on the total weight of the composition.

2. The capsule suspension as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capsule suspension optionally comprises an agrochemically acceptable excipient / s selected from the group comprising of aqueous or organic solvent(s), buffering agent(s), pH modifier(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), anti-settling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), viscosity modifier(s), anti-foaming agent(s), photoprotectors), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), or combinations thereof.

3. The capsule suspension as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oil component is selected from group comprising of soybean oil, epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized linseed oil, vegetable oils, epoxidized vegetable oils, esters of vegetable oils, or paraffin oil.

4. The capsule suspension as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymeric shell is a polyurea polymeric shell.

5. The capsule suspension as claimed in claim 4, wherein a poly isocyanate compound reacts with a polyamine compound to form the polyurea polymeric shell; wherein the polyisocyanate compound is selected from the group comprising of tetramethylene diisocyanate, pentamethylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, diphenylmethene-4,4'- diisocyanate, polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate, 2,4,4' -diphenyl ether triisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-diphenyl diisocyanate, 3, 3'-dimethoxy-4, d'diphenyl diisocyanate, 1,5 -naphthylene diisocyanate and 4,4'4"- triphenylmethane triisocyanate; & the polyamine compound is selected from the group comprising of ethylenediamine, propylene- 1,3 -diamine, tetramethylenediamine, pentamethylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, 4,9-dioxadodecane-l, 12-diamine, 1,3- phenylenediamine, 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine and 4,4'- diaminodiphenylmethane or acid addition salt thereof.

6. The capsule suspension as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tenacity agent is selected from group comprising of gum arabica, gum rosin, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene pyrrolidone copolymer, vinyl pyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymer, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC), starch, modified starch, or gelatinized starch.

7. A process for preparation of a sprayable capsule suspension comprisingi) covering a core comprising a pheromone and an oil component with a polymeric shell formed by in-situ interfacial polymerization of a polyisocynate compound and a polyamine compound to obtain a capsule / s; ii) adding to said capsule / s, a second aqueous phase comprising a tenacity agentwherein the process of covering the core as in step i) comprises steps ofa) preparing an oil phase comprising a pheromone, an oil component and a polyisocynate compound;b) preparing first aqueous phase comprising water and a polyamine compound; c) mixing the oil phase of step a) with first aqueous phase and allowing in-situ interfacial polymerization the polyisocynate compound and the polyamine compound to form a capsule.

8. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step i) is carried out at temperature ranging from about 20°C to about 100°C.

9. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein in step ii) an agrochemically acceptable excipient / s is further added to the capsule / s.

10. A method of controlling a population of target pest / s at a locus by mating disruption technique, comprising spraying the capsule suspension of claim 1 in bands or in lines, at the locus and / or on the plants growing at the locus in rows by maintaining a distance of minimum 3 meters between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension of pheromone.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said method of controlling the population of target pest involves a prior step of treatment of said locus with an insecticide.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the step of spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone in bands or in lines is carried out after about 5 to 20 days of the treatment with insecticide.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the target pest is fall army worm or pink bollworm.

14. A method of controlling a population of fall army worm in a maize field by mating disruption technique and / or improving yield and quality of maize, comprising steps ofi) treating said maize field with an insecticide, after about 5 to 20 days of sowing crop / plant;ii) spraying the capsule suspension of a pheromone comprising a mixture of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-ll- Hexadecenyl acetate; in bands or in lines, in the agriculturally used area and / or on the plants growing in said area in rows by maintaining distance of minimum 3 meters between each band / line of spray of said capsule suspension post 5 to 20 days of treatment as in step i); andiii) repeating step ii) one more time, at an interval of about 5 to 20 days.

Images