Sprayable dispersed starch-based bioplastic formulation to control pests

US9526240B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture · US
• ALMA MATER STUDIORUM—UNIVERSITÀ DI BOLOGNA · IT

Inventors

• Hamed K. Abbas · Gulfport, US
• Cesare Accinelli · Bologna, IT

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2014
• Grant date: Dec 27, 2016
• Expiry date: May 13, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01N63/50
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A sprayable liquid biodegradable formulation comprising biocontrol microorganisms imbedded in a dispersed starch-based bioplastic is effective for delivering biocontrol microorganisms and bioactive compounds to soil, crops and seeds and facilitating positioning of biocontrol agents in close proximity to target pests. After application with conventional spray equipment, water evaporates rapidly and the dispersed bioplastic formula remains, serving as a prolonged growth substrate for the biocontrol microorganisms. Application of the bioplastic dispersion formulation comprising Beauveria bassiana significantly reduced damages caused by the European Corn Borer in corn and the Tarnished Plant Bug in cotton. Applying a formulation of spores of a non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolate resulted in a 97% reduction of aflatoxin contamination of corn. The bioplastic dispersion formulation is effective in delivering crystal Bacillus thuringiens endotoxins to European Corn Borer larvae, causing 72% mortality. The sprayable bioplastic formulation protects seeds from soil-borne pathogens, thereby reducing damping-off in tomato plants by up to 85%.