Ovicidal Composition Using 2-Undecanone and Diatomaceous Earth
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling insect pests are ineffective in killing their eggs, leading to re-infestation and resistance issues, as they often fail to target all stages of insect development, particularly head lice eggs.
Innovation Solution
The use of compositions comprising 2-undecanone and/or 2-tridecanone, alone or in combination with diatomaceous earth, to effectively kill insect pest eggs, including lice eggs, by contacting them directly or applying them to subjects suspected of infestation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pesticide compositions are used to control insect pests, then adult insects may be killed, but the eggs are typically not destroyed, leading to re-infestation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 2-undecanone and/or 2-tridecanone with diatomaceous earth to create a composition that simultaneously addresses both adult insects and eggs. The 2-undecanone/2-tridecanone components target adult pests while the diatomaceous earth component specifically targets eggs by penetrating and disrupting their development, thereby merging multiple modes of action into one composition that prevents re-infestation.
2Reliability
If repeated pesticide treatments are applied to kill re-infesting insects from eggs, then pest populations may be controlled, but resistance to pesticides develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diatomaceous earth as an intermediary substance that works through a different mechanism than conventional pesticides. Instead of relying on chemical neurotoxins that pests can resist, diatomaceous earth physically penetrates and disrupts egg shells through abrasion and desiccation. This intermediary approach bypasses the resistance problem by using a non-chemical mechanism for egg control.
3Reliability
If strong chemical pesticides are used to ensure complete egg destruction, then egg mortality increases, but toxicity to non-target organisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs diatomaceous earth, a naturally occurring, biodegradable substance that works through physical rather than chemical mechanisms. This disposable, environmentally benign material achieves egg mortality through mechanical disruption of egg shells rather than through toxic chemical action, thereby maintaining high egg mortality rates while eliminating toxicity concerns for non-target organisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to ovicidal compositions comprising at least 2-undecanone and/or 2-tridecanone, and methods for the use of the compositions for the killing of insect pest eggs.