AU2019101113B4

AU2019101113B4 - Systems and methods for delivering parasitic insects

Info

Publication number: AU2019101113B4
Application number: AU2019101113A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anna Madden; Steve Madden
Original assignee: Steve Madden Agriculture Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Steve Madden Agriculture Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-26
Filing date: 2019-09-26
Publication date: 2020-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2027-09-26
Also published as: AU2019101113A4

Abstract

Capsules, systems and methods for delivering parasitic insects and/or predatory insects to agricultural crops are provided. In particular, the parasitic insects are parasitic wasps and the predatory insects are predatory mites and are contained in delivery capsules, which may degrade in the environment. The capsules comprise first orifices sized so that an insect cannot exit the capsules and second orifices sized so that an insect can exit the capsules. By creating the second orifices shortly before capsule delivery the number of insects reaching agricultural crops is increased.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING PARASITIC INSECTS

FIELD [0001] This disclosure relates to capsules, systems and methods for delivering parasitic insects and/or predatory insects to agricultural crops. In particular, the parasitic insects are parasitic wasps and the predatory insects are predatory mites and are contained in delivery capsules, which may degrade in the environment.

BACKGROUND [0002] Biological pest control is a method of controlling pests such as insects through the use of other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory or other natural mechanisms. Classical biological control involves the introduction of natural enemies of the pest that are bred in the laboratory and released into the environment. Biological control can be an important component of an integrated pest management programme.

[0003] For example, the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, B-Biotype) is one of several species of whitefly that are currently important agricultural pests. The silverleaf whitefly thrives worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and less predominately in temperate habitats. They can rapidly reproduce and are able to develop resistance to many insecticides.

[0004] This species of whitefly is a particularly devastating pest because it feeds on numerous plant species. Common hosts are agricultural crops including tomatoes, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, melons, cotton, carrots, sweet potato, cucumber, and pumpkin, and cash crops including cotton. It can cause specific damage to certain host plants, like ‘silverleaf on squash, irregular ripening of tomatoes, whitestalk in broccoli and cauliflower, and light root in carrots.

[0005] Silverleaf whitefly are major pests in cotton. They possess the ability to contaminate cotton lint with honeydew which dries to an almost lacquer like consistency. During cotton spinning the components of the honeydew may melt and, being hydroscopic, attract moisture. This causes machinery to stick, eventually necessitating shut-down of the machinery for cleaning.

[0006] In another specific example, moths of the genus Helicoverpa, particularly Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm or com earworm) and Helicoverpa punctigera (native budworm) are serious pests of field crops, particularly grain legumes, summer grains and cotton. Helicoverpa armigera is generally regarded as the more serious pest because of its greater capacity to develop resistance to insecticides, broader host range, and persistence in cropping areas from year to year.

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 [0007] Parasitoids lay their eggs on or in the body of an insect host, which is then used as a food for developing larvae. The host is ultimately killed. Most insect parasitoids are wasps or flies, and many have a very narrow host range. The most important groups are the ichneumonid wasps, which mainly use caterpillars as hosts; braconid wasps, which attack caterpillars and a wide range of other insects including aphids; chalcid wasps, which parasitize eggs and larvae of many insect species; and tachinid flies, which parasitize a wide range of insects including caterpillars, beetle adults and larvae, and true bugs.

[0008] Parasitic wasps, such as those of the genus Encarsia, are known parasites for silverleaf whitefly. Similarly, wasps of the genus Trichogramma are known parasites for Helicoverpa.

[0009] While parasitic wasps have been used to control insect pest populations this has been limited to uncontrolled release of wasps in the field. Drones have also been employed wherein the parasitic wasps are mixed with vermiculite and the resulting material spread onto crops. However, such methods are inefficient, resulting in poor targeting of the parasite onto agricultural crops.

[00010] Predatory mites, such as those from the genus Phytoseiulus, Neoseiulus or Amblyseius are also useful in controlling insect pest populations.

[00011] Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide alternative systems and methods for delivering parasitic insects, such as parasitic wasps or predatory insects such as predatory mites, to agricultural crops.

[00012] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY [00013] The present disclosure is related to novel capsules, systems and methods which deliver parasitic insects or predatory insects, for example parasitic wasps or predatory mites, to agricultural crops. The capsules, systems and methods may deliver the parasitic insects or predatory mites to targeted areas.

[00014] The present disclosure is particularly related to containing parasitic insects or predatory insects in delivery capsules, the capsules being, in some embodiments, degradable and/or soluble in an aqueous environment.

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 [00015] In one aspect the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect or predatory insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said plurality of capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects contained therein, said plurality of capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules; said plurality of capsules further comprising, in at least some of the plurality, one or more second orifices, said one or more second orifices sized to allow the insects to exit the capsules.

[00016] Advantageously, the presently disclosed system of capsules provides an efficient insect storage and transportation means. The first orifices provide a means for the entry and exit of air from the capsules, thus improving the survival rate of the insects contained therein, and the second orifices provide a means for the insects to exit the capsules.

[00017] The system is designed, such that, in use, the insects are initially contained in capsules which only comprise first orifices. Prior to delivery of the capsules, the second orifices are introduced. The inventive system therefore comprises a plurality of capsules comprising two orifice types, small orifices allowing entry and exit of air, and larger orifices which allow exit of insects.

[00018] In some embodiments the parasitic insects are wasps. Preferably the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus, Encarsia and Trichogramma. [00019] Preferably the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum.

[00020] In other embodiments the predatory insects are predatory mites. Preferably the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus, Neoseiulus and Amblyseius.

[00021] Preferably the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius montdorenisis.

[00022] In some embodiments the capsules are spherical, ovoidal or cylindrical in shape.

[00023] In some embodiments the capsules are between about 5 mm and about 75 mm in length, or between about 5 mm and about 50 mm in length, or between about 10 mm and about 30 mm in length, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm in length.

[00024] In some embodiments the capsules have a diameter between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[00025] In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices may be up

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 to about 10 mm, or up to about 9 mm, or up to about 8 mm, or up to about 7 mm, or up to about 6 mm, or up to about 5 mm. Preferably the diameter of the one or more second orifices is up to about 5 mm.

[00026] In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices is between about 0.1 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1.5 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 1 mm. In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices is between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

[00027] The diameter of the one or more first orifices is selected so as to prevent the insects being stored or transported from passing therethrough.

[00028] The diameter of the one or more first orifices is also selected to allow entry and exit of air.

[00029] In some embodiments the one or more first orifices may have a diameter less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.01 mm.

[00030] In some embodiments the capsules further comprise an insect nutrient source contained therein. In some embodiments the nutrient source comprises a saccharide. Preferably the nutrient source comprises sucrose, honey or mixtures thereof. The nutrient source may be in the form of an aqueous solution.

[00031] In some embodiments an individual capsule comprises between 10 and 2000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00032] In some embodiments an individual capsule comprises between 100 and 1000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00033] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules comprise between 5000 and 200,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00034] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules comprise between 1000 and 10,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00035] In some embodiments, the plurality of capsules comprise between 10,000 and 200,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00036] In some embodiments the parasitised host is a parasitised whitefly nymph, preferably a silverleaf whitefly nymph. In other embodiments the parasitised host is a parasitised Helicoverpa.

[00037] In some embodiments the capsules are degradable and/or soluble in an aqueous environment. Numerous materials are suitable for constructing the capsules, for example, the capsules may comprise dextran, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester,

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(8-caprolactone), poly(hydroxy butyrate), poly(anhydride), aliphatic poly(carbonate), poly(orthoester), poly(amino acid), poly (ethylene oxide), poly(phosphazene) or polyurethanes comprising ester linkages.

[00038] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules may comprise mixtures of parasitic insects or predatory insects. For example, a first fraction of the capsules may comprise a first species of parasitic insect or predatory insect and a second fraction of capsules may comprise a second species of parasitic insect or predatory insect. Further fractions of the capsules may comprise other species of parasitic insect or predatory insect. This is advantageous as it allows more than one pest to be potentially controlled with the presently disclosed system of capsules. [00039] In some embodiments the capsules may be weighted at one or more particular regions. Preferably, the weighting is positioned at a location approximately opposite to the location of at least one of the one or more second orifices. This is advantageous as, when a capsule is delivered, for example by aerial means, the weighting results in the capsule preferentially landing with at least one of the second orifices pointing upward, that is, away from the ground. This facilitates escape of the insects from the capsules as it may avoid the one or more second orifices being blocked, for example, by the ground.

[00040] The weighting may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the wall of the capsule may be thicker in a region opposite or adjacent to at least one of the one or more second orifices. Alternatively, a suitable weight may be affixed internally or externally to the capsule, opposite or adjacent to at least one of the one or more second orifices. Alternatively a material such as sand or silica gel may be added to weight the capsules.

[00041] In some embodiments the capsules may also contain a desiccant. Sand or silica gel may also serve as desiccants to lower the humidity within a capsule and/or to reduce the effects of condensation. Reduction in humidity within the capsule can reduce the risk of the insects or hosts being subject to fungal attack.

[00042] In other embodiments the one or more second orifices may be covered with a thin membrane. Preferably the membrane is also an insect nutrition source such that over time the parasitic insects consume sufficient of the membrane to allow escape from the capsule. This is advantageous as it maximizes the prospects of delaying insect escape until the capsules have been delivered to their target area.

[00043] In other embodiments the internal space of the capsules contains one or more partitions, wherein said partitions are sized and positioned to limit but not completely prevent insect movement from one side of a partition to another. Accordingly, insect movement within

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 a capsule may be restricted or slowed. This is advantageous, as the time taken for an insect to locate a second orifice and escape the capsule is lengthened with the effect that the number of insects retained in the capsule between second orifice introduction and delivery to a target area may be increased.

[00044] In other embodiments the capsules may comprise one or more gauze implants located within the capsules. The gauze implants may be located within the capsules so as to restrict the movement of the parasitic insects within the capsules. This is advantageous, as the time taken for an insect to locate a second orifice and escape the capsule is lengthened with the effect that the number of insects retained in the capsule and delivered to a target area may be increased.

[00045] The presently disclosed systems may offer one or more of the following further advantages:

• the capsules may protect the parasitic insects or parasitised hosts during transportation to a target site thus increasing insect survival rate;

• due to the presence of a nutrient source within the capsules, parasitic insect survival rate and vigour may be improved;

• the capsules may degrade in the environment, thus avoiding environmental contamination.

[00046] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect or predatory insect delivery capsule, said capsule comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects contained therein;

wherein the capsule comprises one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsule; the capsule further comprising one or more second orifices, said one or more second orifices sized to allow the insects to exit the capsule.

[00047] In some embodiments the parasitic insects are wasps. Preferably the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus, Encarsia and Trichogramma.

[00048] Preferably the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum.

[00049] In other embodiments the predatory insects are predatory mites. Preferably the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus, Neoseiulus and Amblyseius.

[00050] Preferably the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius montdorenisis.

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 [00051] In some embodiments the capsule is spherical, ovoidal or cylindrical in shape.

[00052] In some embodiments the capsule is between about 5 mm and about 50 mm in length, or between about 10 mm and about 30 mm in length, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm in length.

[00053] In some embodiments the capsule has a diameter between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[00054] In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices may be up to about 10 mm, or up to about 9 mm, or up to about 8 mm, or up to about 7 mm, or up to about 6 mm, or up to about 5 mm. Preferably the diameter of the one or more second orifices is up to about 5 mm.

[00055] In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices is between about 0.1 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1.5 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 1 mm. In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices is between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

[00056] The diameter of the one or more first orifices is selected so as to prevent the insects being stored or transported from passing therethrough.

[00057] The diameter of the one or more first orifices is also selected to allow entry and exit of air.

[00058] In some embodiments the one or more first orifices may have a diameter less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.01 mm.

[00059] In some embodiments the capsule further comprises an insect nutrient source contained therein. In some embodiments the nutrient source comprises a saccharide. Preferably the nutrient source comprises sucrose, honey or mixtures thereof. The nutrient source may be in the form of an aqueous solution.

[00060] In some embodiments an individual capsule comprises between 10 and 2000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00061] In some embodiments an individual capsule comprises between 100 and 1000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00062] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules comprise between 5000 and 200,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00063] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules comprise between 1000 and 10,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00064] In some embodiments, the plurality of capsules comprise between 10,000 and

2019101113 26 Sep 2019

200,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00065] In some embodiments the parasitised host is a parasitised whitefly nymph, preferably a silverleaf whitefly nymph. In other embodiments the parasitised host is a parasitised Helicoverpa.

[00066] In some embodiments the capsule is degradable and/or soluble in an aqueous environment. Numerous materials are suitable for constructing the capsule, for example, the capsules may comprise dextran, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester, poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(s-caprolactone), poly(hydroxy butyrate), poly(anhydride), aliphatic poly(carbonate), poly(orthoester), poly(amino acid), poly (ethylene oxide), poly(phosphazene) or polyurethanes comprising ester linkages.

[00067] In some embodiments the capsule may be weighted at one or more particular regions. Preferably, the weighting is positioned at a location approximately opposite to the location of at least one of the one or more second orifices. This is advantageous as, when a capsule is delivered, for example by aerial means, the weighting results in the capsule preferentially landing with at least one of the second orifices pointing upward, that is, away from the ground. This facilitates escape of the insects from the capsules as it may avoid the one or more second orifices being blocked, for example, by the ground.

[00068] The weighting may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the wall of the capsule may be thicker in a region opposite or adjacent to at least one of the one or more second orifices. Alternatively, a suitable weight may be affixed internally or externally to the capsule, opposite or adjacent to at least one of the one or more second orifices. Alternatively a material such as sand or silica gel may be added to weight the capsules.

[00069] In some embodiments the capsules may also contain a desiccant. Sand or silica gel may also serve as desiccants to lower the humidity within a capsule and/or to reduce the effects of condensation. Reduction in humidity within the capsule can reduce the risk of the insects or hosts being subject to fungal attack.

[00070] In other embodiments the one or more second orifices may be covered with a thin membrane. Preferably the membrane is also an insect nutrition source such that over time the parasitic insects consume sufficient of the membrane to allow escape from the capsule. This is advantageous as it maximizes the prospects of delaying insect escape until the capsule has been delivered to its target area.

[00071] In other embodiments the internal space of the capsules contain one or more

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 partitions, wherein said partitions are sized and positioned so as to limit, but not completely prevent, movement from one side of a partition to another. Accordingly, insect movement within a capsule may be restricted or slowed. This is advantageous, as the time taken for an insect to locate a second orifice and escape the capsule is lengthened with the effect that the number of insects retained in the capsule and delivered to a target area may be increased. [00072] In other embodiments the capsules may comprise one or more gauze implants located within the capsules. The gauze implants may be located within the capsules so as to restrict the movement of the parasitic insects within the capsules. This is advantageous, as the time taken for an insect to locate a second orifice and escape the capsule is lengthened with the effect that the number of insects retained in the capsule between second orifice introduction and delivery to a target area may be increased.

[00073] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects contained therein, said capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules;

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means. [00074] In preferred embodiments the time between second orifice creation and capsule delivery should be as short as practicable.

[00075] In some embodiments second orifice creation is automated such that it occurs substantially at the same time, or alternatively, shortly before, capsule delivery.

[00076] Second orifice creation may be performed by any means, for example, by punching a hole in the body of the capsule.

[00077] In some embodiments the second orifice creation occurs less than 10 minutes before capsule delivery, or less than 9 minutes, or less than 8 minutes, or less than 7 minutes, or less than 6 minutes, or less than 5 minutes, or less than 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes, or less than 2 minutes, or less than 1 minute, or less than 30 seconds, or less than 20 seconds, or less than 10 seconds, or less than 5 seconds, or less than 3 seconds, or less than 2 seconds. [00078] Advantageously, the presently disclosed method of capsule delivery provides an ίο

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 efficient means of maximizing survivability of the insects contained in the capsules while at the same time maximizes insect delivery to target crops. The first orifices provide a means for the entry and exit of gases from the capsules, thus improving the survival rate of the insects contained therein, and the second orifices providing a means for the insects to exit the capsules. [00079] A key feature of the presently disclosed methods is that the insects are already inside the capsules when the second orifices are created.

[00080] In some embodiments the parasitic insects are wasps. Preferably the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus, Encarsia and Trichogramma. [00081] Preferably the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum. [00082] In other embodiments the predatory insects are predatory mites. Preferably the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus, Neoseiulus and Amblyseius.

[00083] Preferably the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius montdorenisis.

[00084] In some embodiments the capsules are spherical, ovoidal or cylindrical in shape.

[00085] In some embodiments the capsules are between about 5 mm and about 75 mm in size, or between about 5 mm and about 50 mm in size, or between about 10 mm and about 30 mm in size, or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm in size.

[00086] In some embodiments the capsules have a diameter between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[00087] In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices may be up to about 10 mm, or up to about 9 mm, or up to about 8 mm, or up to about 7 mm, or up to about 6 mm, or up to about 5 mm. Preferably the diameter of the one or more second orifices is up to about 5 mm.

[00088] In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices is between about 0.1 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1.5 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 1 mm. In some embodiments the diameter of the one or more second orifices is between about 2 mm and about 5 mm.

[00089] The diameter of the one or more first orifices is selected so as to prevent the insects being stored or transported from passing therethrough.

[00090] The diameter of the one or more first orifices is also selected to allow entry and exit of air.

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 [00091] In some embodiments the one or more first orifices may have a diameter less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.01 mm.

[00092] In some embodiments an individual capsule comprises between 10 and 2000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00093] In some embodiments an individual capsule comprises between 100 and 1000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00094] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules comprise between 5000 and 200,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00095] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules comprise between 1000 and 10,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00096] In some embodiments, the plurality of capsules comprise between 10,000 and 200,000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects.

[00097] In some embodiments the parasitised host is a parasitised whitefly nymph, preferably a silverleaf whitefly nymph. In other embodiments the parasitised host is a parasitised Helicoverpa.

[00098] In some embodiments the capsules are degradable and/or soluble in an aqueous environment. Numerous materials are suitable for constructing the capsules, for example, the capsules may comprise dextran, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester, poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(8-caprolactone), poly(hydroxy butyrate), poly(anhydride), aliphatic poly(carbonate), poly(orthoester), poly(amino acid), poly (ethylene oxide), poly(phosphazene) or polyurethanes comprising ester linkages.

[00099] In some embodiments the plurality of capsules may comprise mixtures of parasitic insects. For example, a first fraction of the capsules may comprise a first species of parasitic insect and a second fraction of capsules may comprise a second species of parasitic insect. Further fractions of the capsules may comprise other species of parasitic insect. This is advantageous as it allows more than one pest to be potentially controlled with the presently disclosed system of capsules.

[000100] In some embodiments the capsules may be weighted at one or more particular regions. Preferably, the weighting is positioned at a location approximately opposite to the location of at least one of the one or more second orifices. This is advantageous as, when a capsule is delivered, for example by aerial means, the weighting results in it preferentially landing with at least one of the second orifices pointing upward, that is, away from the ground.

2019101113 26 Sep 2019

This allows easier escape of the insects from the capsules as it may avoid the one or more second orifices being blocked.

[000101] The weighting may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the wall of the capsule may be thicker in a region opposite or adjacent to at least one of the one or more second orifices. Alternatively, a suitable weight may be affixed internally or externally to the capsule. Alternatively a material such as sand or silica gel may be added to weight the capsules. [000102] In some embodiments the capsules may contain a desiccant. Sand or silica gel may also serve as desiccants to lower the humidity within a capsule and/or to reduce the effects of condensation. Reduction in humidity within the capsule can reduce the risk of the insects or hosts being subject to fungal attack.

[000103] In some embodiments the one or more second orifices may be covered with a thin membrane. Preferably the membrane is also an insect nutrition source such that over time the parasitic insects consume sufficient of the membrane to allow escape from the capsule. This is advantageous as it maximizes the prospects of delaying insect escape until the capsule has been delivered to its target area.

[000104] In other embodiments the internal space of the capsules contains one or more partitions, wherein said partitions are sized and positioned so as to limit but not completely prevent movement from one side of a partition to another. Accordingly, insect movement within a capsule may be restricted or slowed. This is advantageous, as the time taken for an insect to locate a second orifice and escape the capsule is lengthened with the effect that the number of insects retained in the capsule between second orifice introduction and delivery to a target area may be increased.

[000105] In other embodiments the capsules may comprise one or more gauze implants located within the capsules. The gauze implants may be located within the capsules so as to restrict the movement of the parasitic insects within the capsules. This is advantageous, as the time taken for an insect to locate an orifice and escape the capsule is lengthened with the effect that the number of insects retained in the capsule between second orifice introduction and delivery to a target area may be increased.

[000106] In some embodiments the capsules are delivered by aircraft, helicopter or drone.

[000107] In some embodiments the agricultural crop is selected from the group consisting of cotton, tomato, eggplant, melon, zucchini, pumpkin, squash, cucumber, sweet potato, beans, and brassica. Preferably the agricultural crop is cotton.

[000108] In some embodiments the parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts are delivered at

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 a rate of between 50 and 5000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts per hectare.

[000109] In some embodiments the parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts are delivered at a rate of between 100 and 2000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts per hectare.

[000110] In some embodiments the predatory insects are delivered at a rate of between 10,000 and 200,000 predatory insects per hectare.

[000111] In some embodiments the delivery is repeated more than once per season.

[000112] In some embodiments the delivery may comprise more than one delivery. For example the delivery may comprise a first plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a first parasitic insect and/or parasitised host, or predatory insect and a second plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a second parasitic insect and/or parasitised host or predatory insect.

[000113] The presently disclosed methods, as well as offering one or more of the herein disclosed advantages of the presently disclosed systems, may also deliver parasitic insects to specifically targeted agricultural areas where populations of undesired insects are high.

[000114] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood by reference to the following drawing and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [000115] Figure 1 illustrates a capsule according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[000116] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a capsule according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[000117] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a capsule according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [000118] The following is a detailed description of the disclosure provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[000119] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

[000120] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’ include plural referents unless otherwise specified. Thus, for example, reference to a ‘capsule’ may include more than one capsules, and the like.

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 [000121] Throughout this specification, use of the terms ‘comprises’ or ‘comprising’ or grammatical variations thereon shall be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof not specifically mentioned.

[000122] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. [000123] The following terms may have meanings ascribed to them below, unless specified otherwise. However, it should be understood that other meanings that are known or understood by those having ordinary skill in the art are also possible, and within the scope of the present disclosure. In the case of conflict, the present disclosure, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[000124] As used herein the term ‘capsule’ refers to any three dimensional container having an interior void. Examples of capsule shapes include, but are not limited to, spheres, ovoids, cylinders, spherocylinders, and so forth.

[000125] As used herein the term ‘parasitised host’ refers to an egg, larva or nymph of an insect pest that has been parasitised by a parasitic insect.

[000126] Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term ‘about’ is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the art, for example within two standard deviations of the mean. ‘About’ can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from context, all numerical values provided herein in the specification and the claim can be modified by the term ‘about’.

[000127] Any methods provided herein can be combined with one or more of any of the other methods provided herein.

[000128] Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50.

[000129] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to those embodiments. To the

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[000130] The delivery capsules of the present disclosure are preferably made from a degradable material that degrades when subjected to an aqueous environment. Such degradable materials may include degradable polymers. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to determine the appropriate degradable material to achieve the desired degradation properties in a particular environment.

[000131] Suitable examples of degradable materials include, but are not limited to, polysaccharides such as dextrans or celluloses, chitins, chitosans, proteins (for example gelatin), aliphatic polyesters, poly(glycolides), poly(lactides), poly(8-caprolactones), poly(hydroxybutyrates), poly(anhydrides), aliphatic poly(carbonates), poly(orthoesters), poly(amino acids), poly(ethylene oxides), poly(phosphazenes) and degradable polyurethanes.

[000132] Examples include hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, pectin, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, alginate, polycaprolactone, gelatinised starch-based materials, and the like. In preferred embodiments, gelatin or hydroxy propyl methylcellulose may be used as the degradable materials.

[000133] In some embodiments, the delivery capsules may be coated with coatings which may impart a degree of resistance, if desired, to the delivery capsule's water solubility. This may be desirable when a delay period is beneficial before the delivery capsules begin to degrade.

[000134] Figure 1 illustrates a capsule (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The capsule comprises first orifice (11), second orifice (12) and weighted region (13). The weighted region is located approximately opposite the second orifice so that, on delivery, the capsule is preferentially positioned such that the second orifice is positioned away from the ground.

[000135] Figure 2(a) and 2(b) are exploded views of a capsule (20) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Capsule body (21) comprises first orifice (22) and second orifice (23). Capsule cap (24) and body comprise partitions which are spaced apart so that when the capsule is assembled they do not align. This results in a capsule internal space which may be navigated from end to end but for which the partitions provide a navigational challenge to the insects contained in the capsule.

[000136] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a capsule (30) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The capsule comprises body (31), cap (32) and first orifice (33). The

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 body comprises gaps (34) which when the body and cap are assembled provide second orifices. The body comprises partitions (35) which, when the capsule is assembled limits movement within the internal capsule space.

Certain embodiments [000137] In one embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

said plurality of capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules; said plurality of capsules further comprising, in at least some of the plurality, one or more second orifices, said one or more second orifices sized to allow the insects to exit the capsules; and wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum.

[000138] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

said plurality of capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules; said plurality of capsules further comprising, in at least some of the plurality, one or more second orifices, said one or more second orifices sized to allow the insects to exit the capsules; and wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati.

[000139] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

said plurality of capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules; said plurality of capsules further comprising, in at least some of the plurality, one or more second orifices, said one or more second orifices sized to allow the insects to exit the capsules; and wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosum.

[000140] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 said plurality of capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules; said plurality of capsules further comprising, in at least some of the plurality, one or more second orifices, said one or more second orifices sized to allow the insects to exit the capsules;

wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum', and wherein the capsules comprise a nutrient source contained therein.

[000141] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

said plurality of capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules; said plurality of capsules further comprising, in at least some of the plurality, one or more second orifices, said one or more second orifices sized to allow the insects to exit the capsules;

wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati', and wherein the capsules comprise a nutrient source contained therein.

[000142] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosum; and wherein the capsules comprise a nutrient source contained therein.

[000143] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum', and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000144] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati', and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000145] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosum; and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000146] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum',

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 wherein the capsules contain a nutrient source contained therein; and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000147] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati', wherein the capsules contain a nutrient source contained therein; and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000148] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a parasitic insect delivery system, said system comprising a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts contained therein;

wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosum;

wherein the capsules contain a nutrient source contained therein; and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000149] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 (b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum.

[000150] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein said capsules further comprise an insect nutrient source contained therein; and wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati.

[000151] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein said capsules further comprise an insect nutrient source contained therein; and wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosum.

[000152] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 (a) providing a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects contained therein, said capsules comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules;

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum', and wherein the capsules comprise a nutrient source contained therein.

[000153] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati', and wherein the capsules contain a nutrient source contained therein.

[000154] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means;

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosimv, and wherein the capsules comprise a nutrient source contained therein.

[000155] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum', and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000156] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati', and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000157] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of capsules, said capsules comprising a plurality of parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts or predatory insects contained therein, said capsules

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 comprising one or more first orifices sized to prevent the insects from exiting the capsules;

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means, wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosimv, and wherein the capsules are weighted in a region opposite at least one of the one or more second orifices.

[000158] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means, wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus mundus, Eretmocerus hayati, Encarsia formosa and Trichogramma pretiosum', and wherein the parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts are delivered at a rate of between 100 and 2000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts per hectare.

[000159] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means.

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 wherein the parasitic insect is Eretmocerus hayati', and wherein the parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts are delivered at a rate of between 100 and 2000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts per hectare.

[000160] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices being sized to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means, wherein the parasitic insect is Trichogramma pretiosunv, and wherein the parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts are delivered at a rate of between 100 and 2000 parasitic insects and/or parasitised hosts per hectare.

[000161] In any one or more of the certain embodiments disclosed hereinabove, the capsules may be weighted in one or more regions, preferably in regions opposite or adjacent the one or more orifices.

[000162] In any one or more of the certain embodiments disclosed hereinabove, the capsules may further comprise one or more desiccants.

[000163] In any one or more of the certain embodiments disclosed hereinabove, the internal space of the capsules comprises one or more partitions, wherein said partitions are sized and positioned so as to limit, but not completely prevent movement, of a parasitic insect from one side of a partition to another.

[000164] In any one or more of the certain embodiments the parasitic insects are predatory insects, preferably predatory mites. More preferably the predatory mites are selected from the group consisting of Phytoseiulus, Neoseiulus and Amblyseius, for example, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius montdorenisis.

[000165] In any one or more of the herein disclosed methods the second orifice creation occurs less than 10 minutes before capsule delivery, or less than 9 minutes, or less than 8 minutes, or less than 7 minutes, or less than 6 minutes, or less than 5 minutes, or less than 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes, or less than 2 minutes, or less than 1 minute, or less than 30

2019101113 26 Sep 2019 seconds, or less than 20 seconds, or less than 10 seconds, or less than 5 seconds, or less than 3 seconds, or less than 2 seconds.

[000166] It is understood that the detailed examples and embodiments described herein are given by way of example for illustrative purposes only, and are in no way considered to be limiting to the disclosure. Various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are included within the spirit and purview of this application and are considered within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the relative quantities of the ingredients may be varied to optimize the desired effects, additional ingredients may be added, and/or similar ingredients may be substituted for one or more of the ingredients described. Additional advantageous features and functionalities associated with the systems, methods, and processes of the present disclosure will be apparent from the appended claims. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of preventing or controlling undesired insect attack on agricultural crops, the method comprising:

(b) creating one or more second orifices in at least some of said plurality of capsules provided in (a), said one or more second orifices having a diameter between 0.1 mm and about 5 mm to allow an insect to exit the capsules; and (c) delivering the capsules formed in (b) to agricultural crops by aerial or ground means; wherein the second orifice creation occurs less than 10 minutes before capsule delivery.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second orifice creation occurs less than 9 minutes, or less than 8 minutes, or less than 7 minutes, or less than 6 minutes, or less than 5 minutes, or less than 4 minutes, or less than 3 minutes, or less than 2 minutes, or less than 1 minute, or less than 30 seconds, or less than 20 seconds, or less than 10 seconds, or less than 5 seconds, or less than 3 seconds, or less than 2 seconds before capsule delivery.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the parasitic insects are selected from the group consisting of Eretmocerus, Encarsia and Trichogramma.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diameter of the one or more second orifices is between 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about

1.5 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 1 mm or between about 2 mm and about 5 mm and the diameter of the one or more first orifices is less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm, or less than 0.01 mm.