BR112019022851A2 - pesticide nanoemulsion - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pesticide nanoemulsion which comprises: (a) a horticultural oil as an active ingredient; (b) a mixture of inert ingredients comprising: (i) an emulsifier; (ii) a stabilizer; and (iii) a surfactant; and (c) a solvent, in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the solvent to form the nanoemulsion.

Description

“PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION.” CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDER

[001] This application claims the benefit of Patent Application No. SG 10201703634R, filed on May 3, 2017.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to a pesticide. In particular, the present invention relates to an oil-based pesticide formulation and an oil-based pesticide adjuvant, for use in plants and soils.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE

[003] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate only an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any material mentioned has been published, known or part of the general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction on the priority date of the invention.

[004] Damage to agricultural products (eg fruits and vegetables) by pests results in losses of approximately 30% of crops in the United States and up to 50% of crops worldwide. Losses in agricultural crops are mainly caused by damage from insect pests and plant diseases. In addition, insects can also act as vectors of bacterial or viral diseases of plants. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and use pesticides to avoid crop losses.

[005] Chemical pesticides have been developed and are commonly formulated as solid compositions, such as water dispersions, granular compositions and wettable powder compositions. Conventional solid compositions comprise an active compound, a mineral carrier and a wetting agent and / or a dispersing agent (see, for example, US Patent No. 6,093,682; US Patent No. 5,595,749; US Patent No. 4,804,399 ). The active ingredients of pesticides are also supplied in solid carriers, such as kaolin, chalk, limestone, sodium and potassium alumina silicates, corn flour, sawdust, cellulose powder, activated carbon and the like. However, these compositions generally leave toxic residues that can have a prolonged impact on humans and the environment.

[006] As such, liquid pesticides have been developed to overcome some of the disadvantages of solid pesticides. However, due to solubility limitations, liquid pesticides can be limited in the number and amount of components present in the liquid pesticide composition. The inability to solubilize high percentages of certain components in a liquid pesticide composition is a major drawback. In addition, incompatibilities may exist between different components, making manufacturing or storage difficult for extended periods.

[007] Concentrated liquid pesticide compositions are advantageous due to the fact that the high cost of transporting large volumes can be minimized. However, concentrated liquid pesticides can have the problem of phase stability due to the fact that solid components can precipitate or settle, or liquid components can form separate liquid phases. As such, it is necessary to develop a concentrated liquid pesticide that can effectively kill pests and show improved phase stability over conventional concentrated liquid pesticides, even when diluted before use.

[008] In addition, high percentages of certain components (for example, oil) can lead to clogging of spray equipment, uneven and problematic application and reduced efficiency of application machines. It is important to note that damage to the crop can occur due to the use of high percentages of certain components. As such, it is necessary to develop a liquid pesticide that can effectively kill pests and avoid the problems mentioned above.

[009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a pesticide to improve the above mentioned problems.

[010] The present invention seeks to address and / or improve the problems of the prior art by providing an oil-based pesticide formulation and an oil-based adjuvant with the ability to control plant pests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is a pesticide nanoemulsion comprising: (a) a horticultural oil as an active ingredient; (b) a mixture of inert ingredients comprising: (i) an emulsifier; (ii) a stabilizer; and (iii) a surfactant; and (c) a solvent, in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the solvent to form the nanoemulsion.

[012] In some embodiments, the droplets comprise an average size in the range of 50 nm to 350 nm.

[013] In some embodiments, the droplets comprise an average size in the range of 100 nm to 250 nm.

[014] In some embodiments, the stabilizer is in a concentration range of 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[015] In some embodiments, the mixture of inert ingredients further comprises a tackifier in a concentration range of 0.25% to 3.00% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[016] In some embodiments, horticulture oil is in a concentration range of less than 90% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[017] In some embodiments, horticulture oil is in a concentration range of 20.0% to 70.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion and the mixture of inert ingredients is in a concentration of 30.0% to 80 , 0% by weight of the nanoemulsion pesticide.

[018] In some embodiments, horticultural oil is in an amount of 45.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion and the mixture of inert ingredients is in a concentration of 55.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[019] In some embodiments, the emulsifier is in a concentration range of 0.1% to 10.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[020] In some modalities, the surfactant is in a concentration range of 0.5% to 30.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[021] In some embodiments, the solvent is at least 0.25% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[022] In some embodiments, the solvent comprises a first solvent and a second solvent, where the first solvent is water and the second solvent is at least 0.25% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[023] In some embodiments, the pesticide nanoemulsion is adapted to be diluted about 100 times to 800 times to form a diluted pesticide nanoemulsion.

[024] In some embodiments, horticulture oil is in a concentration range of 0.056% to 0.45% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion.

[025] In some embodiments, the stabilizer is in a concentration range of 0.001% to 0.017% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion.

[026] In another aspect of the present invention, there is a pesticidal formulation that comprises an effective amount of at least one pesticide and an adjuvant nanoemulsion that comprises: (a) a horticultural oil as an active ingredient; (b) a mixture of inert ingredients comprising: (i) an emulsifier; (ii) a stabilizer; and (iii) a surfactant; and (c) a solvent, in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the solvent to form the adjuvant nanoemulsion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[027] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[028] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate the efficacy results of a formulation comprising a modality of the pesticide according to the invention in two quantities: (a) an amount of 141.9 ml / 113.6 | (4.8 fluid ounces / 25 gal), (b) an amount of 288.6 ml / 113.6 | (9.75 fluid ounces / 25 gal); compared to an existing pesticide in an amount of 207 ml / 113.6 | (7 fluid ounces / 25 gal) in mite eggs (Figure 1A) and adult and immature mites (Figure 1B), respectively; Figure 1A illustrates the average number of mite eggs per tomato leaf by the number of days after treatment (DAT). Pesticide 1 demonstrated significant reductions in the number of eggs at both dilution rates compared to untreated control on all dates, except DAT 14. Pesticide 1 also showed control comparable to the industry standard C1-C2 pesticide on all dates , except DAT28, where Pesticide 1 maintained significantly lower egg numbers; Figure 1B illustrates the average number of adults of mites and immatures per tomato leaf by the number of days after treatment (DAT). Pesticide 1 demonstrated significant reductions in the number of eggs at both dilution rates compared to the untreated control on all dates. Pesticide 1 also showed non-significant differences from the industry standard C1-C2 pesticide on all dates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION

[029] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in this document is intended to describe only particular modalities and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other definitions for the terms selected here used can be found in the detailed description of the invention and applied throughout the description. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.

[030] Throughout the specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "understand" or variations such as "understands" or "that understands" will be understood to imply the inclusion of an integer or group of integers , but not excluding any other integer or group of integers.

[031] In addition, throughout the specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a declared whole number or group of whole numbers, but not excluding any other whole number or group of whole numbers.

[032] As used herein, the term “about” typically means +/- 5% of the declared value, more typically +/- 4% of the declared value, more typically +/- 3% of the declared value, more typically + / - 2% of the declared value, even more typically +/- 1% of the declared value and even more typically +/- 0.5% of the declared value.

[033] Throughout this disclosure, certain modalities can be revealed in an interval format. It should be understood that the description in the range format is for convenience and brevity only and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the revealed ranges. Therefore, the description of an interval should be considered to have specifically revealed all possible subintervals, as well as individual numerical values within that interval. For example, describing a range such as 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically revealed subintervals, such as 1a 3,1a4,1a5,2a4,2 to 6, 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1,2,3,4, 5 and 6. The ranges are not limited to whole numbers and may include decimal measurements, where applicable. This applies regardless of the span of the range.

[034] As used herein, the term "concentrate" refers to a formulation that can be diluted to form the solution for use. The concentrate, for example, can be easier and cheaper to transport compared to the diluted solution.

[035] As used herein, the term "highly concentrated formulation" refers to a formulation that needs to be significantly diluted in order for an appropriate desired dosage / use concentration to be achieved.

[036] As used herein, the terms "emulsion" and "nanoemulsion" are used interchangeably and refer to a mixture of two immiscible substances. One substance (the dispersed phase) can be dispersed in the other (the continuous phase). For example, it will be appreciated in a pesticidal formulation of the present invention, horticulture oil exists as tiny droplets (which include, without limitation, micro and nanogroplets) or micelles dispersed in the solvent, where the oil and solvent are not miscible with each other . The oil droplets can be distributed evenly and homogeneously in the solvent, although it is appreciated that there may be an uneven distribution of the oil droplets in the solvent, for example, if the pesticide emulsion is left to stand for a substantial period of time. As used herein, the term "nanoemulsion" refers to an emulsion with oil droplet sizes in the range of about 50 nm to about 400 nm.

[037] The present invention relates to a pesticide formulation that can be a liquid for plants and / or soil that provides a mode of physical action. The various components of the pesticide formulation can be multifunctional. For example, a specific component can be an emulsifier and a tackifier; or a stabilizer and an emulsifier. As an illustration, a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof can be a stabilizer and an emulsifier, and therefore considered as two inert ingredients for the purposes of this invention. Consequently, the present invention can be used to control the growth and spread of pests and plant diseases. Examples of pests that can be controlled and / or eliminated by the pesticide formulation of the present invention include, among others, insects (for example, mosquitoes, flies, wasps, ants, lice, grasshoppers, cicadas, aphids, aphids, chinchids, mites of citrus rust, mites, armored and soft cochonillas, floury insects, white flies, leaf borers, gold diggers, fungus mosquitoes, nematodes, leafhoppers and aphids), fungi or a combination thereof. Plant diseases include, among others, fatty spots, silver spots and powdery mildew.

[038] One aspect of the present invention is a pesticide nanoemulsion that comprises: (a) a horticultural oil as an active ingredient; (b) a mixture of inert ingredients comprising (i) an emulsifier; (ii) a stabilizer; and (iii) a surfactant; and (c) a solvent, in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the solvent to form the nanoemulsion. The droplets can have an average size in the range of about 2 nanometers (nm) to about 400 nm. In the present invention, horticultural oil is not a carrier, as, for example, for other active ingredients. Surprisingly, the inventors found that no other active ingredients were needed, since horticulture oil was an effective active ingredient, even in relatively low concentrations. The term "relatively low concentrations" refers to a concentration of horticulture oil that is less than prior art horticulture oil-based pesticides that normally comprise horticulture oil in a concentration range of about 90% to 98% % by weight of the formulation. In addition, there is no toxic or negligible waste. As such, the horticultural oil-based pesticide of the present invention has low toxicity and low impact on beneficial non-target insects, humans and the environment. On the other hand, prior art pesticides generally leave toxic residues that can have a prolonged impact on humans and the environment. The pesticide nanoemulsion can be diluted before use or can be used directly as a concentrated formulation (ie, a “concentrate”), depending on the application and requirements. Advantageously, the pesticide nanoemulsion is stable in phase and can effectively kill pests from at least as well as conventional pesticides. Preferably, the horticultural oil droplets and the solvent are not miscible with each other. The oil droplets are adapted to associate and / or interact with the emulsifier, stabilizer, surfactant and / or other components in the pesticide nanoemulsion, thus forming micelles. It will be appreciated that if the horticulture oil comprises a hydrophobic and hydrophilic group, the horticulture oil may form micelles - these micelles are also adapted to associate with and / or interact with the emulsifier, stabilizer, surfactant and / or other components of the pesticide nanoemulsion. Therefore, the term “droplet” used throughout the specification included here includes, without limitation, micelles.

[039] In some embodiments, used horticultural oil contains little or no volatile organic compounds and the main mode of action is asphyxiation of arthropods and plant pathogens, where the physical effects of oil are the active ingredient due to the fact that the oil coating prevents breathing and kills the pest. Examples of oils that contain little or no volatile organic compounds include, but are not limited to, vegetable oils such as olive oil, soybean oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, coconut oil, peanut oil and canola oil.

[040] In some embodiments, the droplets have an average size of about 50 nm to about 400 nm, about 50 nm to about 350 nm, about 50 nm to about 300 nm, about 50 nm to about 250 nm, about 50 nm to about 200 nm, about 50 nm to about 150 nm, about 100 nm to about 350 nm, about 100 nm to about 300 nm, about 150 nm to about 350 nm, about 150 nm to about 250 nm, about 200 nm to about 350 nm, about 250 nm to about 350 nm, and even more preferably about 100 nm to about 250 nm. The size of the oil droplets is advantageous for the effective penetration of insect pests, while reducing the phytotoxicity of the plants, since the droplets do not block the stomata. The uniform distribution of the oil can also be maintained for long periods of time without agitation. A stable formulation with a uniform oil distribution allows greater efficacy against pests compared to conventional pesticide products, even when the oil in the present invention is in lower concentrations compared to conventional pesticide formulations. At the same time, problems such as clogging of spray equipment, uneven and problematic application, reduced efficiency of application machines and damage to crops can be reduced or avoided.

[041] Advantageously, the pesticide of the present invention provides a physical mode of action, whereby a layer of oil can form on the plant and stifle pests and / or interfere or interrupt its normal biological and / or physiological functions. More advantageously, pests are unlikely to develop resistance to the horticultural oil-based pesticide of the present invention. Most advantageously, the horticultural oil-based pesticide of the present invention has low toxicity and low impact on beneficial non-target insects due to the minimal or absence of any residual effect by the formulations of the present invention. As such, the pesticide of the present invention can selectively target pests while causing minimal or minimal damage to beneficial insects.

[042] The mentioned advantages arise due to the nanoemulsification of horticulture oil, present in the pesticide as an active ingredient to kill a pest. In particular, nanoemulsions can improve the delivery and distribution of oil droplets when the pesticide is sprayed on the plant, like the surface (or surfaces) of the plant, due to the fact that the relatively small size of the droplets, as described above, increases substantially the number of droplets, thus increasing the likelihood that horticulture oil will come into contact with the pest. When in contact with the pest, horticulture oil can smother the pests and / or interfere or interrupt their normal biological and / or physiological functions with minimal or negligible toxicity to the plant. In addition, there may be selective targeting of pests, so that beneficial non-target insects are not harmed or minimally harmed.

[043] In addition, the reduced droplet size of the pesticide can increase the area (or areas) of the plant's surface that is brought into contact with horticulture oil, thus increasing the pesticide's effectiveness.

[044] In various modalities, the mixture of inert ingredients is in a concentration of about 30.0% to about 80.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. As mentioned above, the mixture of inert ingredients comprises an emulsifier, a stabilizer and a surfactant. When the mixture of inert ingredients is in a concentration of about 30.0% to about 80.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, horticultural oil is in a concentration range of about 20.0% to about 70.0% by weight of the nanoemulsion pesticide.

[045] In several embodiments, the stabilizer may comprise a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof. The stabilizer can be in a concentration range of about 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. This stabilizer concentration range is advantageous in maintaining the droplet size and dispersibility in the pesticide nanoemulsion. The stabilizer can have emulsifying properties and can be considered a coemulsifier.

[046] In some embodiments, the mixture of inert ingredients of the pesticide nanoemulsion further comprises a tackiness agent in a concentration range of about 0.025% to about 1500% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. In some embodiments, the sticking agent is in a concentration range of about 0.25% to 3.00% by weight of the pesticide's nanoemulsion. The tackifier preferably comprises the solid particles which are adapted to obtain a Pickering emulsion from the pesticide nanoemulsion. The tackifier can have emulsifying properties and can be considered a coemulsifier.

[047] In various modalities, the nanoemulsification of horticultural oil facilitates a reduced concentration of oil sufficient to control pests, while mitigating the risk of the oil to damage plants. Preferably, horticulture oil is in a concentration range less than about 90.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, less than about 50.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, less than about 1.0 % by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. In various embodiments, horticulture oil is in a concentration range of about 0.15% to about 85.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 0.15% to about 50.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 5.0% to about 85.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 5.0% to about 80.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 5.0% about 70.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 5.0% to about 60.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 5.0% to about 50.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 10.0% to about 80.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 10.0% to about 70.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 10.0% to about 60.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, about 10.0% to about 50.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, more preferably about 5.0% to about 80.0% in weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion, and even more preferably, about 5.0% to about 45.0% by weight, about from 5.0% to about 50.0% by weight or from 10.0% to about 50.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[048] In some embodiments, the emulsifier is in a concentration range of about 0.05% to about 10.0% by weight of pesticide nanoemulsion. In some embodiments, the emulsifier is in a concentration range of about 0.1% to about 10.06% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. In some embodiments, the emulsifier does not comprise a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof.

[049] Preferably, the surfactant is in a concentration range of about 0.5% to about 30.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[050] On the other hand, prior art horticulture oil-based pesticide concentrates typically comprise horticulture oil with a concentration range of about 90% to 98% by weight of the formulation and emulsifiers and surfactants with a range of concentration of about 2% to 10% by weight of the formulation, to produce a stable emulsified concentrated formulation. As such, the pesticide nanoemulsion of the present invention can advantageously kill pests effectively, at least, as well as prior art horticultural oil-based pesticides, concentrated in lower concentrations. In addition, prior art horticulture oil-based pesticides use a horticulture oil with a relatively large drop size, negatively affecting plant physiology, such as leaf burning, reduced photosynthesis, reduced sweating and reduction of flowers and fruits . As such, the pesticide nanoemulsion of the present invention may exhibit reduced phytotoxicity, due to the fact that the relatively small droplet size, as described above, can lead to a reduced likelihood of blocking perspiration through leaf surfaces and through stomata. , leading to unimpeded perspiration, prevention or impediment, minimization of stunted growth and / or prevention or minimization of reduced harvest yield.

[051] In some embodiments, the solvent is at least 0.25% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. The solvent can comprise a first solvent and a second solvent, wherein the first solvent is water and the second solvent is at least 0.25% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion.

[052] The pesticide nanoemulsion, as described above, can be used directly as a concentrated formulation (ie, a “concentrate”) or adapted to be diluted. In some embodiments, the dilution factor is about 150 times and 700 times to form a diluted pesticide nanoemulsion. In some embodiments, the dilution factor is about 100 times and 800 times to form a diluted pesticide nanoemulsion. The pesticide nanoemulsion of the present invention can exhibit thickening behavior by dilution. In particular, the viscosity of the pesticide nanoemulsion may initially increase with increasing dilution, reach a maximum value and then decrease with further dilution. The increasing viscosity with increasing dilution may correspond to an increasing concentration of stabilizer, such as a water-soluble polysaccharide, as the concentration of the other components, such as a surfactant and / or a salt component, decreases with increasing dilution.

[053] Another aspect of the present invention is a diluted pesticidal emulsion comprising (a) horticultural oil as an active ingredient; (b) a mixture of inert ingredients comprising (i) an emulsifier; (ii) a stabilizer; and (iii) a surfactant; and (c) a solvent, in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the solvent to form the nanoemulsion of the diluted pesticide. In some embodiments, the droplets have an average size in the range of about 2 nm to about 400 nm. In some embodiments, the droplets have an average size of about 50 nm to about 350 nm. The various components of the diluted pesticide emulsion can be multifunctional. For example, a specific component can be an emulsifier and a tackifier; or a stabilizer and an emulsifier. As an illustration, a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof can be a stabilizer and an emulsifier, and therefore considered as two inert ingredients for the purposes of this invention.

[054] In the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion, the horticultural oil droplets and the solvent are not miscible with each other. The oil droplets are adapted to associate and / or interact with the emulsifier, stabilizer, surfactant and / or other components in the pesticide nanoemulsion, thus forming micelles. It will be appreciated that if the horticulture oil comprises a hydrophobic and hydrophilic group, the horticulture oil may form micelles - these micelles are also adapted to associate with and / or interact with the emulsifier, stabilizer, surfactant and / or other components of the pesticide nanoemulsion. In some embodiments, the droplets have an average size of about 50 nm to about 400 nm, about 50 nm to about 350 nm, about 50 nm to about 100 nm, about 100 nm to about 250 nm . The size of the oil droplets is advantageous for the effective penetration of insect pests, while reducing the phytotoxicity of the plants, since the droplets do not block the stomata. The uniform distribution of the oil can also be maintained for long periods of time without agitation. A stable formulation with a uniform oil distribution allows greater efficacy against pests compared to conventional pesticide products, even when the oil in the present invention is in lower concentrations compared to conventional diluted pesticide formulations. At the same time, problems such as clogging of spray equipment, uneven and problematic application, reduced efficiency of application machines and damage to crops can be reduced or avoided.

[055] The known oil-based liquid pesticide concentrates are typically diluted to an oil concentration of 1.0% to 2.0% by weight. In this oil concentration, there is a risk of negative side effects, including damage to plants (phytotoxicity), which can occur depending on the type of plant, climatic factors and the quality and stability of oil-water dilution mixtures. In particular, phytotoxicity can arise due to the direct damage of leaf epidermal cells by concentrated oil droplets or reduced photosynthesis of plant stoma block. Damage to plants can also arise due to the fact that diluted oil-based pesticides are inherently unstable and therefore require constant energy input through agitation to maintain diluted oil as dispersions. Insufficient agitation often results in poor distribution of oil in water / solvent due to the coalescence of the oil droplets, thus forming larger oil droplets. Larger oil droplets result in uneven oil distribution when sprayed on leaf surfaces, which, in turn, can cause variable performance against target pests and increase the risk of phytotoxicity. While the horticultural oil-based pesticide of the present invention is capable of being used in conventional oil concentrations and efficiently kills pests at least as well as conventional formulations, the horticultural oil-based pesticide formulation of the present invention has advantageously the ability to effectively kill pests at even lower dilutions of oil concentrations from about 0.056% to about 0.5% by volume, about 0.056% to about 0.45% by volume, about 0, 15% to about 0.5% by volume or about 0.15% to about 0.3% by volume of the pesticide nanoemulsion. In addition and most importantly, the risk of phytotoxicity is reduced by less than 1%

in volume of horticultural oil in the diluted formulation.

[056] In several embodiments, the stabilizer may comprise a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof. Preferably, the stabilizer is in a concentration range from about 0.001% to about 0.017% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion. This stabilizer concentration range is advantageous in maintaining the droplet size and dispersibility in the pesticide nanoemulsion. The stabilizer can have emulsifying properties and can be considered a coemulsifier.

[057] Preferably, the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion comprises a tackifier. The tackifier preferably comprises the solid particles which are adapted to obtain a Pickering emulsion from the pesticide nanoemulsion. The tackifier can have emulsifying properties and can be considered a coemulsifier.

[058] Preferably, horticulture oil is in a concentration range of about 0.01% to about 0.32% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion, more preferably 0.01% to about 0, 27% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and even more preferably, 0.01% to about 0.15% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion.

[059] Preferably, the emulsifier does not comprise a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof.

[060] Preferably, the diluted pesticidal emulsion comprises a surfactant.

[061] Another aspect of the present invention is a pesticide formulation that comprises an effective amount of at least one pesticide and an adjuvant nanoemulsion that comprises (a) a horticultural oil as an active ingredient; (b) a mixture of inert ingredients comprising (i) an emulsifier; (ii) a stabilizer; and (iii) a surfactant; and (c) a solvent, in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the adjuvant nanoemulsion. The droplets can have an average size in the range of about 50 nm to about 350 nm.

[062] Another aspect of the present invention is a pesticidal formulation that comprises an effective amount of at least one pesticide and a diluted adjuvant nanoemulsion that comprises (a) horticultural oil as an active ingredient; (b) a mixture of inert ingredients comprising (i) an emulsifier; (ii) a stabilizer; and (iii) a surfactant; and (c) a solvent, in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the diluted adjuvant nanoemulsion. The droplets can have an average size in the range of about 50 nm to about 350 nm.

[063] The formulations of pesticide nanoemulsion, diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and pesticides can be applied to plants, soil and / or an area desired by means known in the art, which include, among others, spraying, nebulization, aerosol and / or spillway direct. The various components of the pesticide nanoemulsion, diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and pesticide formulations can be multifunctional. For example, a specific component can be an emulsifier and a tackifier; or a stabilizer and an emulsifier. As an illustration, a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof can be a stabilizer and an emulsifier, and therefore considered as two inert ingredients for the purposes of this invention. The present invention can be used in a variety of plants that include, without limitation, ornamental plants such as camellia and lilac; grains and field crops, such as oats, barley, wheat, rye, cotton, tobacco, corn, peanuts or soybeans; fruits like blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, banana, peach, nectarine, apple, pear, orange, lemon, grapefruit, pecan, avocado, grape or tomato; vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach, celery, onion or asparagus. The present invention can be applied to seeds such as almonds or coffee beans, corms, bulbs, flowers such as hops, stems, leaves, plant fruits, aquatic agriculture plants, root crops and tubers.

[064] The oil-based pesticide and oil-based adjuvant formulations of the present invention may comprise other additives, which include wetting and dispersing agents that improve the coverage and spreading area of a formulation applied to a surface.

HORTICULTURE OILS

[065] The pesticide nanoemulsion, the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and the formulations of the present invention comprise a horticultural oil. Horticulture oil preferably exists as droplets in the formulations of the present invention. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the oils, these droplets are preferably associated and / or interact with the emulsifier, surfactant, stabilizer and / or tackiness agent in the formulation, thus forming micelles. It will be appreciated that if the horticulture oil comprises a hydrophobic and hydrophilic group, in which the horticulture oil itself can form associated micelles and / or which interact with the emulsifier, surfactant, stabilizer and / or tackiness agent in the formulation. The size (measurement of their diameter) of the droplets can vary from a few nanometers to a few micrometers, preferably about 2 nm to about 400 nm, more preferably 50 nm to about 400 nm and even more preferably about 50 nm to about 100 nm. The droplet size can be affected by the synthesis method, for example, the rate of agitation to disperse the hydrophobic horticultural oil in the solvent. In various embodiments, higher rates of agitation may form smaller droplets.

[066] Horticulture oils as used in the present invention are effective as pesticides for pest control. In particular, horticultural oils may have the ability to kill, destroy and / or control pests and / or their growth and spread. When used, a layer of oil on the plant and / or the soil stifles pests and / or interferes with their normal biological functions.

[067] Horticulture oils include inactive and summer oils (also known as superior oils) that are hydrophobic or substantially hydrophobic. Dormant oils are generally used for pest control in the cold season, which hibernate on plants, while summer oils are generally used during the growing season.

[068] The horticultural oils used in the present invention are vegetable oils (including vegetables), hydrocarbons or animal fats that are typically processed into emulsified concentrate formulations for application in diluted spray on post-harvest agricultural crops or for the purpose of controlling arthropod pests and fungi. Typical oils used include ultra-refined paraffin oils and vegetable oils, such as soy, palm oil, cottonseed or canola oil. These oils contain little or no volatile organic compounds and the main mode of action is the asphyxiation of arthropods and plant pathogens, where the physical effects of oil are the active ingredient, due to the fact that the oil coating prevents breathing and kills Prague. Examples of oils that contain little or no volatile organic compounds include, but are not limited to, vegetable oils such as olive oil, soybean oil, palm oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, coconut oil, peanut oil and canola oil.

[069] Volatile vegetable oils, on the other hand, are oils used in recent years for their pesticidal properties. These oils are highly aromatic due to the presence of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often called secondary plant chemicals. Many of the volatile compounds have shown biocidal activity against a wide range of types of diseases and pests and are believed to act as plant defense chemicals. They have been used in several applications, from medicines to structural and agricultural pest control. Common examples of volatile vegetable oils include rosemary, garlic, clove, neem and eucalyptus oils. The main difference between the horticultural oils used in the present invention and the volatile vegetable oils used in the prior art is the difference in the primary mode of action. Volatile vegetable oils depend on the toxic effects of VOCs, while horticultural oils use a physical mode of action.

[070] Nanoemulsions are relatively new formulation technologies for oil in water emulsion systems (0 / a). Nanoemulsions are typically defined by reduced oil droplet sizes for a range from 50 nm to 400 nm, while conventional w / o emulsions are typically> 400 nm. The advantage of nanoemulsions over conventional emulsion formulations is that smaller droplet sizes can improve the distribution and targeting of oil droplets to a target. Nanoemulsions have been used as a way to increase the efficiency of delivering the oil-miscible active ingredient in a volatile vegetable oil to a specific target in various industrial, medicinal and agricultural applications. However, the main role of oil in these applications has been a carrier for the oil-miscible active ingredients. In agriculture, for example, nanoemulsion formulations have been used to increase the effectiveness of oil-miscible pesticide active ingredients to increase pest mortality at a given dose or as a way to reduce the dose required to achieve the desired level of control .

[071] The present invention, on the other hand, is using nanoemulsion technology in a totally different way to improve the effectiveness of horticultural oils, where the oils do not operate as carriers for oil-miscible active ingredients, in which the physical properties of the oil droplets themselves operate as the active ingredient.

[072] Viscosity affects the flow and spread of horticultural oil over surfaces. Lighter oils spread more evenly, while heavier oils tend to accumulate more on surfaces.

[073] Horticulture oils can include synthetic and semi-synthetic oils. Preferably, the horticultural oil used in the compositions / formulations of the present invention is edible. One or more horticultural oils can be used in the compositions / formulations of the present invention.

EMULSIFIERS

[074] The pesticide nanoemulsion, the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and the formulations of the present invention comprise an emulsifier. The emulsifier helps an emulsion form or prevents an emulsion from separating into its constituent phases. An emulsifier comprises a hydrophilic head that interacts with a hydrophilic solvent and a hydrophobic tail that interacts with hydrophobic horticultural oil. In an emulsion, the emulsifier is positioned at the oil-solvent interface and maintains the separation of oil and solvent, reducing surface tension.

[075] Emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, acrylate, acrylate copolymer, agar, alginic acid and derivatives thereof, alginate derivatives (includes, among others, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, sodium alginate and propylene glycol alginate), gum arabic, betaglucan arabinogalactane, carrageenan,

cellulosic polymer, ceramide, chitin, dextran, diutan gum, furcellaran, fucoidan, gelan gum, glycogen, guar gum, ghatti gum, karaya gum, laminarine, lecithin, locust bean gum, methacrylate, modified starch methacrylate, pectin, polyectin, pectin, pectin, rhamsan gum, saponin and derivatives thereof (includes, but is not limited to, latex saponin), scleroglucan, sulfonic acid, starch, hydroxyethyl starch ether, starch dextrins, tragacanth gum and xanthan gum. Cellulosic polymers include, without limitation, bacterial cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, microparticulate cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

[076] Preferably, the emulsifier does not comprise or is not a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof, particularly if the stabilizer comprises a polysaccharide. However, in various modalities, it is possible that the stabilizer and the emulsifier comprise polysaccharides, that is, there will be two polysaccharides in the formulation. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the two polysaccharides are different polysaccharides.

STABILIZERS

[077] The pesticide nanoemulsion, the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and the formulations of the present invention comprise a stabilizer. The stabilizer stabilizes an emulsion maintaining the homogeneous dispersion of the horticulture oil droplets in the solvent and preventing the separation of the oil and solvent phases from the horticulture, that is, the dissociation of the droplets to form a separate layer of vegetable oil and solvent. Stabilizers can have emulsifying properties and certain stabilizers can be used as emulsifiers or coemulsifiers. Preferably, the stabilizers in the compositions / formulations of the present invention are not true emulsifiers and are mainly used to stabilize an emulsion.

[078] Stabilizers include, without limitation, proteins, polysaccharides and derivatives thereof. In particular, stabilizers include, among others, gum arabic, agar, alginic acid and derivatives thereof, alginate derivatives (includes,

among others, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, sodium alginate and propylene glycol alginate), gum arabic, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, gelatin, glycerol, glycogen, guar gum, karaya gum, locust bean gum, mannitol, pectin and derivatives thereof, saponin or derivatives thereof, tare gum, tragacanth gum and xanthan gum.

[079] Preferably, the stabilizers used in the compositions / formulations of the present invention comprise polysaccharides or derivatives thereof. Most preferably, the stabilizers used in the compositions / formulations of the present invention are polysaccharides or derivatives thereof. Polysaccharides are polymeric molecules of carbohydrates from chains of monosaccharide units (ie, sugar) linked by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides include linear and branched structures and can be homogeneous repetitions of one type of monosaccharide unit (homopolysaccharides) or heterogeneous repetitions of more than one type of monosaccharide units in random or non-random arrangements (also known as heteropolysaccharides). As used throughout the specification in this document, polysaccharides and derivatives thereof include structures with more than three monosaccharide units and therefore include, without limitation, oligosaccharides. Polysaccharide derivatives refer to polysaccharide chains of monosaccharide units in which one or more of the side branches of one or more monosaccharide units are modified, for example, these side branches may contain hydroxyl, amino and / or carboxylic acid groups. Advantageously, polysaccharides can modify the viscosity of the compositions / formulations of the present invention. When polysaccharides are used in combination with solid particles, for example, clay particles and the emulsion comprises droplets with an average size of about 2 nm to about 400 nm, the emulsion can be maintained without separating into its constituent phases, even when diluted. As such, coalescence and phase separation are prevented and diluted solutions can remain as suspensions for extended periods of more than 30 days.

[080] Preferably, stabilizers in the compositions / formulations of the present invention include, without limitation, gum arabic, agar, alginic acid and derivatives thereof, alginate derivatives (includes, among others, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, alginate potassium and sodium alginate and propylene glycol alginate), gum arabic, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, glycogen, guar gum, karaya gum, saponin or derivative thereof, locust bean gum, pectin and derivatives thereof, tare gum, tragacanth gum or xanthan gum.

[081] Polysaccharides can also be thickening and gelling agents in the compositions / formulations of the present invention.

SOLVENTS

[082] The pesticide nanoemulsion, the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and the formulations of the present invention comprise a solvent. The solvents serve as a diluent in the present invention and to partially dissolve or dissolve and disperse or partially disperse the components of the compositions / formulations of the present invention. The solvent may comprise one or more of water, an aliphatic hydrocarbon, an aromatic hydrocarbon, a ketone, an alcohol (straight or branched chain), an ester, an amide or an ether. The aliphatic hydrocarbon can comprise linear or branched alkanes, linear or branched alkenes (olefins) and / or cyclic alkanes (naphthenes). Preferably, the solvent is hydrophilic or substantially hydrophilic. Most preferably, the solvent is water.

[083] When the solvent is water, a stabilized oil-in-water emulsion can be formed by building a microemulsion formulation that comprises a polysaccharide or other polymer and solid particles. The microemulsion formulation can be formed by mixing these various components. The polysaccharide or other polymer acts as a viscosity modifier that operates to form microdroplets to maintain the distribution of oil globules from the dispersion phase, thereby stabilizing the emulsion. In addition, solid particles act as coemulsifying agents to further stabilize the formulation in a Pickering type microemulsion. As such, the polysaccharide or other polymer and the solid particles act cooperatively to stabilize the formulation. The microdroplet formulation (ie microemulsion formulation) is then subjected to a high shear mixer to form a nanodroplet emulsion that further reduces the size of the oil globule and improves the emulsion stabilization. Consequently, an emulsion formulation comprising oil droplets with an average size in the range of about 2 nm to about 400 nm can be formed. Advantageously, the nanoemulsion formulation in the particle size range is determined both thermodynamically and kinetically stable. This can lead to better insect penetration and reduced phytotoxicity. In addition, the emulsion formulation produces a pesticide formulation with a long service life of more than two years that can be easily diluted to the desired concentration in end use.

[084] Preferably, the solvent is an ester selected from the group comprising butyl acetate, methyl ether acetate and dipropylene glycol and ethyl acetate, an alcohol selected from the group comprising ethanol, isobutanol, isopropanol, methanol, phenol and propylene glycol , or mixtures thereof.

[085] One or more solvents can be used to dissolve and / or disperse the components of the compositions / formulations of the present invention. The solvent used to dilute the pesticide nanoemulsion in a diluted pesticide nanoemulsion may be different from the solvent in the pesticide nanoemulsion.

SURFACES

[086] The pesticide nanoemulsion, the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and the formulations of the present invention can comprise one or more surfactants. Surfactants are able to reduce the surface tension of horticulture oil in the solvent. Surfactants include, without limitation, an anionic, non-ionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactant, block polymer or polyelectrolyte.

[087] Anionic surfactants include, without limitation, alkaline, alkaline earth salts or ammonium sulfates, sulfonates, phosphates or carboxylates. Examples of sulfates are fatty acid and oil sulfates, ethoxylated alkylphenols, alcohols, ethoxylated alcohols and fatty acid esters. Examples of sulfonates are alkylaryl sulfonates, diphenyl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, fatty acid sulfonates and oils, ethoxylated alkyl phenyl sulfonates, dodecyl and tridecyl benzene sulfonates, naphthalene and alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, sulfosuccinates and sulfosuccinates. Examples of phosphates are phosphate esters. Examples of carboxylates are alkylcarboxylates, carboxylated alcohols and alkylphenol ethoxylates.

[088] Non-ionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkoxylates, N-alkylated fatty acid amides, amine oxides, esters and sugar-based surfactants. Examples of alkoxylates are compounds such as alcohols, alkylphenols, amines, amides, arylphenols, fatty acids and fatty acid esters that have been alkoxylated. Ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide can be used for alkoxylation, with ethylene oxide being the preferred choice. Examples of N-alkylated fatty acid amides are fatty acid glucamides and fatty acid alkanolamides. Examples of esters are fatty acid esters, glycerol esters and monoglycerides. Examples of sugar-based surfactants are sorbitans, ethoxylated sorbitans, sucrose and glucose esters and alkyl polyglucosides.

[089] Examples of suitable cationic surfactants are quaternary surfactants, for example quaternary ammonium compounds with one or two hydrophobic groups and long chain primary amine salts.

[090] Amphoteric surfactants include, without limitation, alkylbetaines and imidazolines.

[091] Block polymers include, without limitation, block polymers of types AB and ABA comprising blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide and type ABC comprising alkanol, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide.

[092] Polyelectrolytes include, without limitation, polyacids and polybases. Examples of polyacids are alkaline salts of polyacrylic acid. Examples of polybases are polyvinylamines and polyethyleneamines.

[093] The ability of surfactants to reduce the surface tension of tiny droplets / micelles depends on the molecular structure of the surfactant. Specifically, the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) determines whether the surfactant is water-soluble and whether water-immiscible liquid droplets can be stabilized (ie, emulsified) in water. The HLB value of a surfactant indicates the overall polarity of the molecule and is in the range of 1 to 40, with the most common commercial surfactants having an HLB value of 1 to 20. The HLB value increases with increasing hydrophilicity. Surfactants with HLB values from 0 to 7 are considered lipophilic, surfactants with HLB values from 12 to 20 are considered hydrophilic and surfactants with HLB values from 7 to 12 are considered intermediates. Preferably, a non-ionic surfactant is used in the present invention, where the non-ionic surfactant can have an intermediate HLB value, depending on factors such as chain length and degree of ethoxylation. Preferably, the surfactant comprises one or more of a nonionic surfactant selected from the group comprising linear alcohol ethoxylates, such as polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, phenol ethoxylates, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate, octylphenol ethoxylate and octylphenol ethoxylate and dodecyl ethoxylate , polyoxyethylene ethoxylate, such as sorbitan, sorbitan fatty acid esters, such as sorbitan monostearate, sucrose fatty acid esters, such as sucrose stearate and vegetable oil surfactants, such as polyoxyethylene castor oil or derivatives thereof. STICKERS / ADHESION AGENTS

[094] The pesticide nanoemulsion, the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and the formulations of the present invention can comprise one or more stickiness and adhesion agents. Stickiness and adhesion agents can be used to help maintain the composition / formulation of the present invention on surfaces, for example, leaf surfaces, for long periods of time. In particular, stickiness and adhesion agents can increase the adhesion of the droplets to the surface on which the compositions / formulations of the present invention are applied. The thickening agents that improve the viscosity of a composition / formulation can also be stickiness agents, however, the stickiness agents may not be thickening agents, that is, they do not improve the viscosity of a composition / formulation. The increased adhesion of the droplets on the applied surfaces increases the residence time, which improves the effect on pests by the formulation. Loaded stickiness and adhesion agents can also improve the penetration of droplets into pests for better killing of these pests.

[095] Stickiness and adhesion agents can be loaded or unloaded.

Charged adherent agents include positively and / or negatively charged molecules. Preferably, the tacking agents are positively charged to improve the adhesion of the tiny droplets / micelles to portions of negatively charged plants, for example, leaves.

[096] Stickiness and adhesion agents include, but are not limited to, clay, cellulose, charcoal, diatomaceous earth, natural or synthetic silicates, titanium dioxide, magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, talc, pyrophyllite clay, silica, atapulgite clay, chalk, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite clay or Fuller earth. Preferably, the tackiness and adhesion agent is one or more of cellulose, chalk, charcoal, diatomaceous earth, kaolinite, limestone or silica.

[097] Stickiness and adhesion agents may have other properties, such as wetting and spreading properties. Stickiness and adhesion agents can also have emulsifying properties and can be considered coemulsifiers.

PESTICIDES

[098] Pesticide nanoemulsion and its diluted formulation can be used as adjuvants in pesticide compositions / formulations. Accordingly, the pesticide nanoemulsion and its diluted form can be used and / or mixed with one or more chemical and / or biological pesticides as active ingredients to form a pesticidal composition / formulation. When used as an adjuvant, the pesticide nanoemulsion can be considered an adjuvant emulsion concentrate, while the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion can be considered a diluted adjuvant nanoemulsion.

[099] As used throughout the specification in this document and when the pesticide nanoemulsion and / or its diluted formulation is used as an adjuvant in pesticide compositions / formulations, a “pesticide” refers to a chemical or biological agent that kills , destroys and / or controls pests and / or their growth and spread. Examples of pesticides that can be combined with the pesticide nanoemulsion and / or its diluted formulation include, but are not limited to, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, acaricides, bactericides, nematicides and algaecides. Those skilled in the art will know the many types and classes of pesticides available.

[100] In - various modalities, there may be more than one oil in the pesticide composition / formulation, for example, an adjuvant nanoemulsion comprising a vegetable oil (as a component of horticultural oil) and an essential oil (as a pesticide component) .

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1

[101] A pesticide nanoemulsion according to the modalities of the present invention was developed for the control of insect pests and diseases in wine grapes (Pesticide 1). Pesticide 1 is a soy oil based pesticide comprising 45% by weight of soy oil and 55% by weight of inert ingredients. When mixed with water to form a diluted pesticide nanoemulsion and applied directly to plants, including stems, flowers and roots at the specified rates, tests showed that economic control of vine pests was achieved, mainly for fungal pests such as Botrytis and / or powdery mildew and insect pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers and / or mites (for example, spider mites).

[102] The characteristics of Pesticide 1 are as follows: * Highly concentrated formulation - approximately 1.50 liters of Pesticide 1 per hectare * Easily miscible in water * Can be mixed in tank with most products and nutrients for crop protection. Used in hot or cold growing conditions * Safe for all wine grape varieties * Compatible with organic and sustainable production practices of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) + Can be used as an alternative biological control product (BCA) * Minimum personal equipment required due to non-existent or negligible toxicity to humans Zero-day post-harvest interval (PH!)

+ Re-entry period of 4 hours * Improves performance against pests and minimizes the risks associated with conventional horticultural oils * Does not affect breathing or the beginning of tearing of the vine (ie, beginning of ripening) + No odor, no detectable residues * Extremely low risk of pest resistance * Low volatile organic compounds (VOC) EXAMPLE 2

[103] The effectiveness of Pesticide 1 was compared with a mixture of pesticides comprising a commercially available emulsifiable suspension mycoinsetiide (Pesticide C1) and a commercially available microbial insecticide (Pesticide C2). The pesticide C1 comprises 11.3% of active ingredient (Beauveria bassiana GHA strain) and 88.7% of inert ingredients and the pesticide C2 comprises a naturally occurring fungus (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus).

[104] A formulation comprising Pesticide 1 in an amount of 141.9 ml (4.8 fluid ounces) / 113.6 | (25 gallons) and another formulation comprising Pesticide 1 in an amount of 288.6 ml / 113.6 | (9.75 fluid ounces / 25 gal) were prepared and compared with a formulation comprising the pesticide C1 - Pesticide C2 in an amount of 207 ml / 113.6 | (7 fluid ounces / 25 gal). The results of effectiveness against mite eggs are shown in Figure 1A and the results of effectiveness against adult and immature mites are shown in Figure 1B.

[105] With respect to Figures 1A and 1B, it was shown that the formulation comprising Pesticide 1 in an amount of 141.9 ml / 113.6 | (4.8 fluid ounces / 25 gal) (0.15% by volume) showed superior results most of the time, even after prolonged periods of time, compared to the formulation comprising Pesticide 1 in an amount of 288.6 ml / 113.6 | (9.75 fluid ounces / 25 gal) (0.30% by volume). Advantageously, both formulations comprising Pesticide 1 were able to reduce the number of mite eggs, adult mite and immature, as evidenced by the drastic reduction in the number of mite eggs, adult mite and immature compared to untreated controls . Surprisingly, both formulations comprising Pesticide 1 also showed superior results compared to the formulation comprising pesticide C1-Pesticide C2 on day 28 demonstrating that Pesticide 1 had greater pest control reliability than the industry standard. As such, it also demonstrates that a relatively small amount of Pesticide 1 (0.15% by volume) is sufficient to reduce the number of mite eggs, adult mites and immatures. Comparatively, Pesticide 1 performed similarly to conventional horticultural pesticides known in the art, applied between 1.0% and 2.0% by volume of formulation or 0.90 to 0.98% by weight of horticulture oil. However, in the present invention, that level of pest control has been achieved at levels as low as 0.15% by volume of the formulation or a horticulture oil concentration of 0.068% by volume. EXAMPLE 3

[106] Another pesticide nanoemulsion (Pesticide 2) was developed according to the modalities of the present invention. Pesticide 2 is a non-volatile pesticide based on vegetable oil that comprises 34% by weight of palm oil as an active ingredient and 66% by weight of inert ingredients.

[107] Similar to Pesticide 1, Pesticide 2 also contains soy as an active ingredient and, based on Table 1, it shows good performance at a dilution rate of 288.6 ml / 113.6 | (9.75 fluid ounces / 25 gal) (0.3% by volume or 3.0 ml / I). In particular, it was found that Pesticide 2 effectively minimizes the mites of strawberries and minirroses, successfully reduces the incidence of botrytis in strawberry fruits, reduces the incidence of white rust on chrysanthemums and effectively reduces / minimizes the population of flies white on tomatoes. The performance data “mentioned above showed consistency in a lower concentration of horticultural oil (45% by weight in Pesticide 1 versus 34% by weight in Pesticide 2). TABLE 1.

Effectiveness of treatment (2) Effectiveness of treatment on mites in 71 strawberries 'Effectiveness of treatment in botyris on 70.2 strawberries' Effectiveness of treatment on mites in 85.4 roses 'Effectiveness of treatment on white rust 933 on chrysanthemum' Effectiveness of treatment in white flies 76.0 in tomatoes 'Effectiveness of treatment on powdery mildew in 971 tomatoes'

[108] It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and combinations of characteristics described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, can be combined to form yet other modalities that fall within the intended scope of the invention.

[109] Furthermore, although individual modalities have been discussed, it should be understood that the invention encompasses combinations of the modalities that have also been discussed.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS 1) “PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION” characterized by comprising: - horticultural oil as an active ingredient; - a mixture of inert ingredients comprising: - an emulsifier; - (ii) a stabilizer; and - (iii) a surfactant; and - (c) a solvent; - in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the solvent to form the nanoemulsion. 2) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to claim 1, characterized by droplets comprising an average size in the range of 50 nm to 350 nm. 3) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to claim 2, characterized by droplets comprising an average size in the range of 100 nm to 250 nm. 4) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stabilizer is in a concentration range of 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. 5) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture of inert ingredients further comprises a tackiness agent in a concentration range of 0.25% to 3.00% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion . 6) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that horticulture oil is in a concentration range below 90% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. 7) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to claim 6, characterized in that horticulture oil is in a concentration range of 20.0% to 70.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion and the mixture of inert ingredients is in a concentration of 30.0% to 80.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. 8) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to claim 7, characterized in that horticulture oil is in an amount of 45.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion and the mixture of inert ingredients is in a concentration of 55.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. 9) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emulsifier is in a concentration range of 0.1% to 10.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. 10) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfactant is in a concentration range of 0.5% to 30.0% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. 11) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION" according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solvent is at least 0.25% by weight of the pesticide nanoemulsion. 12) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION" according to claim 11, characterized in that the solvent comprises a first solvent and a second solvent, wherein the first solvent is water and the second solvent is at least 0.25% by weight of the pesticidal nanoemulsion . 13) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION" according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pesticide nanoemulsion is adapted to be diluted about 100 times to 800 times to form a diluted pesticide nanoemulsion. 14) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to claim 13, characterized in that horticulture oil is in a concentration range of 0.056% to 0.45% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion. 15) "PESTICIDE NANOEMULSION", according to claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the stabilizer is in a concentration range of 0.001% to 0.017% by volume of the diluted pesticide nanoemulsion. 16) "PESTICIDE FORMULATION" characterized by comprising an effective amount of at least one pesticide and an adjuvant nanoemulsion that comprises: - horticultural oil as an active ingredient; - a mixture of inert ingredients comprising: - an emulsifier; - (ii) a stabilizer; and - (iii) a surfactant; and - (c) a solvent; - in which the horticultural oil is dispersed as droplets in the solvent to form the adjuvant nanoemulsion.