CN112272520A

CN112272520A - Improved natural oil pesticidal compositions

Info

Publication number: CN112272520A
Application number: CN201980037186.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李航晟; 周达洪; 练俊康
Original assignee: Tre Meric Co ltd
Current assignee: Tre Meric Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-04
Filing date: 2019-06-04
Publication date: 2021-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-04
Also published as: MX2020010705A; MX2020010704A; CN112243347B; CN112272520B; CA3096451A1; CN112243347A; CA3096436A1

Abstract

Pesticidal compositions for improving the physical characteristics of pesticidal formulations comprising a natural pesticidal oil active ingredient are disclosed. One such composition comprises a pesticidal natural oil active, a surfactant that disperses the active in an aqueous emulsion, a polymeric pour point depressant that is effective to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active, and a hydrocarbon solvent. Also disclosed are methods of providing pesticidal compositions and applying to control one or more pests.

Description

Improved natural oil pesticidal compositions

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/680,158 entitled "IMPROVED NATURAL OIL PESTICIDAL COMPOSITIONS (IMPROVED NATURAL OIL PESTICIDAL COMPOSITIONS)" filed on 6/4/2018; and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/655,355 entitled "pesticidal composition having improved physical characteristics (PESTICIDAL COMPOSITIONS WITH IMPROVED PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS)" filed on 2018, month 4 and 10, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to pesticidal compositions. In particular, some embodiments of the present invention relate to pesticidal compositions having improved physical and/or chemical characteristics, such as those associated with physical treatment, physical and chemical compatibility and stability of the composition which can improve storage, mixing and application of the pesticidal composition, for example for agricultural, horticultural or domestic pest control.

Background

Pesticides (including fungicides, herbicides, nematicides, and insecticides) are important compositions for use in domestic, agricultural, industrial, and commercial settings, for example, to provide control of unwanted pests and/or pathogens. In many such environments, it is important to provide effective pest control because pests and/or other pathogens can cause loss and/or damage to crops or other plants, or cause injury to animals, humans, or other beneficial or desired organisms if not controlled. There remains a need for environmentally safe and effective pesticides, including fungicidal, nematicidal and insecticidal pesticidal compositions that enhance the utility and efficacy of the pesticides, thus enabling the pesticides to be used in a more environmentally safe and effective manner.

In agricultural and/or horticultural environments, for example, various plant pests such as insects, worms, nematodes, fungi, and plant pathogens such as viruses and bacteria are known to cause significant damage to seeds as well as to ornamental and crop plants. Conventional chemical pesticides are commonly used, but many of these are expensive and potentially toxic to humans, animals, and/or the environment, and they may persist for long periods after application. In an increasing number of cases, the use of chemical pesticides also results in increased resistance of the pest to certain chemical pesticides, resulting in reduced effectiveness, the need for greater doses of pesticidal chemicals, or even the failure of certain types of pesticides to act as viable control agents. Thus, many chemical pesticides are being phased out or are limited in use.

It has been proposed to replace some chemical pesticides with natural or biologically derived pesticidal compounds in an attempt to reduce the toxicity, health and environmental risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides. Pesticidal natural oils are a known class of biopesticides, including for use in controlling, for example, insect, fungal, nematode, bacterial and weed pests. There remains a need to provide improved pesticidal compositions based on natural pesticidal oils to allow safe, convenient, effective, economical, and environmentally and ecologically safe control of insect, plant, fungal, nematode, mollusc, acarine, viral and bacterial pests. In particular, there remains a need to provide improved natural pesticidal oil-based pesticidal compositions having improved physical characteristics, including for example, one or more of improved low temperature flow characteristics, formulation clarity, emulsion stability, and pH and/or water hardness tolerance.

The foregoing examples of related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments of the present invention, novel pesticidal compositions are disclosed, comprising: a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient, a surfactant comprising an ethoxylated natural oil and operable to disperse the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in an aqueous emulsion, a polymeric pour point depressant operable to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient, and a hydrocarbon solvent. In some such embodiments, the combination of the polymeric pour point depressant and the hydrocarbon solvent is effective to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in the composition. In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition comprises at least one pesticidal natural oil active ingredient selected from the list comprising: neem oil, karanja oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, eugenol, oregano oil, thyme oil, garlic oil, fennel oil, geranium oil, lime oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and combinations thereof, or an extract obtained from the foregoing. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent comprises at least one of: alcohols, natural oils, terpenes, and terpenoids. In some particular such embodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise at least one cyclic terpene, such as at least one of: such as levolimonene, dextrolimonene and dipentene.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition comprises a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient characterized by a lower pour point temperature, wherein the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient is between about-5C and about 30C. In one such embodiment, the pour point temperature may be defined as the lowest temperature at which the pesticidal natural oil may be flowingly poured from one container to another, i.e., the lowest temperature at which the pesticidal natural oil remains pourable fluid and does not gel. In some embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant, or the hydrocarbon solvent, or the combination of polymeric pour point depressant and hydrocarbon solvent components is operable to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil by, for example, at least 0.5C, and preferably at least 1C, and further preferably at least 1.5C, and more preferably at least 2C, and more desirably at least 3C, further desirably at least 4C, and most desirably at least 5C.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may desirably be a natural oil active ingredient comprising neem oil. In another embodiment, the pesticidal natural active ingredient may comprise karanja oil (also known as pongamia oil).

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition includes a polymeric pour point depressant including at least one of an acrylic polymer and an alkyl aromatic polymer. In some particular embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant may comprise at least one of: polymethyl acrylates, polyalkyl methacrylates, polyacrylates, acrylate-styrene copolymers and alkyl aromatic polymers. In some further embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant may comprise at least one polymer listed by the national Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredient (4A) (i.e., the list of Ingredients issued by the EPA as the FIFRA 4A list issued in 8 2004 entitled "4A list-lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredient"), or at least one polymer listed by EPA as the Inert pesticidal Ingredient (Inert pesticidal Ingredients) (4B) (the FIFRA 4B list issued by the EPA in 8 2004 entitled "4B list-other Ingredients for which the EPA has sufficient information"), or at least one polymer listed under EPA regulation 40CFR 180.950 as set forth in 24/5/2002, each of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may include a polymeric pour point depressant including at least one of a crystallization inhibitor and a co-crystallization modifier of at least one wax component of a pesticidal natural oil. In some embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant may additionally comprise at least one diluent or carrier component. In some particular such embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant may additionally comprise, for example, a neutral oil component, such as a neutral mineral or vegetable oil component.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may include a hydrocarbon solvent. In some such embodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise at least one of: alcohols, natural oils, terpenes, and terpenoids. In some particular such embodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise at least one cyclic terpene, such as at least one of: such as levolimonene, dextrolimonene and dipentene.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may include a surfactant including at least one of: ethoxylated natural oils, ethoxylated castor oils, saponins, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated fatty esters, alkoxylated glycols, ethoxylated fatty acids, carboxylated alcohols, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, ethoxylated alkyl phenols, fatty esters, sodium lauryl sulfide, other fatty acid based surfactants, other natural or synthetic surfactants, or combinations thereof. In some particular such embodiments, the surfactant can comprise a nonionic surfactant comprising at least one of: ethoxylated castor oil, fatty acids, fatty esters, octylphenol ethoxylates, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may additionally comprise a diluent. In some particular such embodiments, the diluent may comprise at least one neutral oil component, such as one or more of safflower oil, rapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or mineral oil. In some other such embodiments, the diluent may comprise at least one of: isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, and combinations thereof. In further such embodiments, the diluent may additionally comprise at least one carrier component.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may comprise a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprising at least one of neem oil and karanja oil, and wherein the polymeric pour point depressant is operable to inhibit or alter crystallization of at least one of the wax and fatty acid components of said pesticidal natural oil. In some particular such embodiments, the at least one wax or fatty acid component of the pesticidal natural oil has a melting point of about 15C or greater. In some other such embodiments, the at least one wax or fatty acid component of the pesticidal natural oil may have a melting point of about 10C or greater, and in yet other embodiments, for example, about 5C or greater.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may additionally comprise at least one additional natural pesticidal active ingredient. In some particular such embodiments, the additional natural pesticidal active ingredient may comprise an extract of at least one natural pesticidal oil. In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may comprise a natural pesticidal oil active ingredient comprising at least one organic natural oil listed by the NOP, such as listed according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) national organic regulatory project (NOP), or OMRI, or other organic or other inclusion agricultural standard certification, such as may be listed by the USDA for use in organic agricultural products and the like.

In some embodiments, a pesticidal composition may be provided such that the composition comprises a substantially uniform pesticidal concentrate, wherein:

the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprises 50 to 90 wt% of the pesticidal concentrate;

the surfactant comprises 4 wt% to 25 wt%;

the polymeric pour point depressant comprises 0.1 to 10 wt%;

and the hydrocarbon solvent comprises 0.5% to 20%.

In some particular such embodiments, for example, the pesticidal composition may additionally comprise a diluent comprising 5 wt% to 20 wt% of the substantially homogeneous pesticidal concentrate. In some such embodiments, the pesticidal composition may comprise at least one polymeric pour point depressant comprising the polymeric compounds listed in the USDA NOP (e.g., may be permitted for use in organic agriculture). In some further embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant may comprise at least one polymer listed by the national Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredient (4A) (i.e., the list of Ingredients issued by the EPA as the FIFRA 4A list issued in 8 2004 entitled "4A list-lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredient"), or at least one polymer listed by EPA as the Inert pesticidal Ingredient (Inert pesticidal Ingredients) (4B) (the FIFRA 4B list issued by the EPA in 8 2004 entitled "4B list-other Ingredients for which the EPA has sufficient information"), or at least one polymer listed under EPA regulation 40CFR 180.950 as set forth in 24/5/2002, each of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

In some further embodiments, methods of preparing a diluted pesticidal composition including at least one pesticidal natural oil active ingredient are provided. In some such embodiments, the method comprises:

providing a homogeneous concentrate composition comprising:

a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient;

a surfactant operable to disperse the pesticidal natural oil active in the aqueous emulsion;

a polymeric pour point depressant operable to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient;

a hydrocarbon solvent; and

diluting the concentrate with water to form an oil-in-water emulsion dilution formulation comprising at least one pesticidal natural oil active.

In some such embodiments, the combination of the polymeric pour point depressant and the hydrocarbon solvent is effective to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in the homogeneous pesticidal concentrate composition.

In some particular embodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent comprises at least one of: alcohols, natural oils, terpenes, and terpenoids. In some particular such embodiments, the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise at least one cyclic terpene, such as at least one of: such as levolimonene, dextrolimonene and dipentene.

In some particular embodiments of the above exemplary methods, the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient may be between about-5C and about 30C. In some embodiments, the pesticidal natural oil active comprises at least one of neem oil and karanja oil. In some further embodiments, the pesticidal composition additionally comprises at least one diluent or carrier component. In one such embodiment, the at least one diluent or carrier may, for example, comprise a neutral oil, such as a mineral or vegetable oil.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition of the above methods comprises a polymeric pour point depressant comprising at least one of an acrylic polymer and an alkyl aromatic polymer. In some particular embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant may comprise at least one of: polymethyl acrylates, polyalkyl methacrylates, polyacrylates, acrylate-styrene copolymers and alkyl aromatic polymers. In some further embodiments, the polymeric pour point depressant may comprise at least one polymer listed by the national Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredient (4A) (i.e., the list of Ingredients issued by the EPA as the FIFRA 4A list issued in 8 2004 entitled "4A list-lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredient"), or at least one polymer listed by EPA as the Inert pesticidal Ingredient (Inert pesticidal Ingredients) (4B) (the FIFRA 4B list issued by the EPA in 8 2004 entitled "4B list-other Ingredients for which the EPA has sufficient information"), or at least one polymer listed under EPA regulation 40CFR 180.950 as set forth in 24/5/2002, each of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

In further embodiments according to the present disclosure, there is provided a method of enhancing the physical properties of a pesticidal natural oil active comprising at least one of neem oil and karanja oil, the method comprising:

preparing a homogeneous pesticidal concentrate composition comprising:

said pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprising at least one of neem oil and karanja oil;

a surfactant operable to disperse the pesticidal natural oil active in the aqueous emulsion; and

a polymeric pour point depressant operable to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient; and

a hydrocarbon solvent; and

diluting the pesticidal concentrate with water to form an oil-in-water emulsion diluted formulation comprising at least one pesticidal natural oil active ingredient suitable for application to a plant to control at least one pest.

In yet another embodiment according to the present disclosure, a method of applying at least one pesticidal composition comprising at least one pesticidal natural oil to control at least one target pest is provided. In one such embodiment, the method comprises:

preparing a uniform pesticidal concentrate composition according to the above method of enhancing physical properties of a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient; and

the oil-in-water emulsion diluted pesticidal formulation is applied to at least one plant, its locus, or propagation material thereof susceptible to or infested with at least one pest.

In some particular such embodiments, the diluted pesticidal formulation may be applied to, for example, at least one plant, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, in a pesticidally effective amount to desirably provide control of at least one pest.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description.

Detailed Description

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well-known elements may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. The specification and tables/drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "comprising" or "comprising" is to be interpreted in an open-ended sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the stated features, elements, steps or components, but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features, elements, steps or components.

As used herein, all values or ranges of values provided expressly include integers within those ranges and values or fractions of integers within the ranges unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a range of 90% to 100% includes 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 97%, etc., as well as 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, etc., 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, etc. Thus, as used herein, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the extent that a range of values is provided, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosed embodiment. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently define the smaller ranges of values, and it is understood that these smaller ranges are intended to be encompassed within the disclosed embodiments, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.

As used herein, "plant" encompasses a plant alone or a plant variant of any type of plant, in particular agricultural, silvicultural and ornamental plants.

As used herein, the term "pest" or grammatical equivalents thereof is understood to refer to organisms, e.g., including pathogens that negatively affect a host or other organism (such as a plant or animal) -by colonizing, destroying, attacking, competing with, infecting or infecting nutrients, and undesirable organisms that infest human structures, habitats, living spaces or foodstuffs. Pests include, but are not limited to, fungi, weeds, nematodes, acarids, and arthropods (including insects). It is to be understood that the term "pests (pest or pest)" or grammatical equivalents thereof may refer to organisms that have a negative impact by infestation of plants and seeds, as well as the production of commercial products, such as stored grain or other agricultural products.

As used herein, the term "pesticide" or "pesticidal" or grammatical equivalents thereof is understood to mean any composition or substance that can be used to control any agricultural, natural environmental and household (domestic/household) pest. The term "controlling" is intended to include, but is not limited to, any killing, inhibition, growth regulation, or inhibition of pest (pest) activity (inhibiting or otherwise interfering with the normal life cycle of a pest) of a given pest by a composition. These terms include, for example, sterilization activity that prevents the production or normal development of seeds, eggs, sperm or spores, causes the death of seeds, sperm, eggs or spores, or otherwise causes serious damage to genetic material. Additional activities intended to be encompassed within the scope of the term "controlling" include preventing the development of larvae into mature offspring, regulating the hatching of pests from eggs (including preventing hatching), degrading egg material, suffocating, interfering with hyphal growth, reducing gut motility, inhibiting chitin formation, disrupting mating or sexual intercourse, preventing feeding (antifeedant) activities, and interfering with the location of a host, partner, or nutrient source. The term "pesticide" includes fungicides, herbicides, nematocides, insecticides, and the like. The term "pesticide" encompasses, but is not limited to, naturally occurring compounds as well as so-called "synthetic chemical pesticides" having non-naturally occurring structures or formulations, wherein the pesticide may be obtained by various methods, including but not limited to extraction from a biological source, chemical synthesis of a compound, and chemical modification of a naturally occurring compound obtained from a biological source.

As used herein, the term "control" or controlling "or grammatical equivalents thereof, is understood to encompass any pesticidal (killing) activity of a pesticidal composition against a given pest or inhibitory (inhibiting, repelling, deterring, and generally interfering with pest function to prevent damage to a host plant) activity. Thus, the term "control" or grammatical equivalents thereof includes not only killing, but also such activities as repelling, deterring, inhibiting or killing egg development or hatching, inhibiting maturation or development, and chemically sterilizing larvae or adults. The repellent or deterrent activity may be the result of a compound that is toxic, slightly toxic, or non-toxic to the pest, or that may act as a pheromone in the environment.

As used herein, the term "pesticidally effective amount" generally refers to the amount of the mixture of the invention or composition comprising the mixture that is required to obtain an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the appearance and activity of the target pest organism. The pesticidally effective amount may vary for each mixture/composition used in the present invention. The pesticidally effective amount of these mixtures/compositions also varies depending on prevailing conditions such as the desired pesticidal effect and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application, and the like.

In some embodiments of the present invention, novel pesticidal compositions are disclosed, comprising: a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient, a surfactant operable to disperse the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in an aqueous emulsion, a polymeric pour point depressant effective to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient, and a hydrocarbon solvent.

In some embodiments as described herein, pesticidal compositions may be prepared, for example, using emulsifiers or other surfactants (e.g., may be operable to disperse pesticidal natural oil actives in an aqueous emulsion) according to aspects of the present disclosure. Suitable such surfactants may be selected by those skilled in the art. Examples of surfactants that may be used in some embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, sodium lauryl sulfate, saponins, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated fatty esters, alkoxylated glycols, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated natural oils, ethoxylated castor oils, glyceryl oleates, polyethylene glycol oleyl ethers, carboxylated alcohols, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, ethoxylated alkyl phenols, fatty esters, sodium lauryl sulfide, other fatty acid-based surfactants, other natural or synthetic surfactants, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more surfactants are nonionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the one or more surfactants are cationic or anionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the surfactant may comprise two or more surfactants used in combination. The selection of an appropriate surfactant depends on the relevant application and use conditions, and the selection of an appropriate surfactant is known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition includes a polymeric pour point depressant including at least one polymeric material. As used herein, the term "polymeric material" is used to describe a material, compound or composition defined by or including at least one polymer or derivative thereof. In one non-limiting example, the polymeric material includes acrylic, acrylate, or other acryl-derived units. In other examples, the polymeric material may include derivatives of alkyl aromatic compounds and/or one or more derivatives thereof. In one particular example, the polymeric material may comprise a polyacrylic methacrylate (PAMA) pour point depressant polymeric material, for example. Exemplary such PAMA polymer pour point depressants are commercially available from DacCakara, Inc. of Mahalasta Sponta, India (Dai-Ichi Karkaria Ltd.), Ohio State road Borun, USA (The Lubrizol Corporation), Wingchu oily Additives GmbH, of Damm Statat, Germany (Evonik Oil Additives GMBH), as Evonik Viscoplex^TMSeries 10 polymer pour point depressants), or from Harrison corporation of sydney, australia (a S Harrison Co, Pty). It is to be understood that mixtures of two or more of the foregoing non-limiting examples of polymeric materials may also be included in one or more pesticidal compositions described in this disclosure.

In some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise limonene, such as, but not limited to, d-limonene, which is widely commercially available from, for example, Sigma Aldrich, st louis, missouri, USA, ewingville, Inc, of redmond, washington, Univar USA, viger International, Inc, of sterling, pa, milut nck, Wego Chemical, pengton International, pentium International Corporation, of livingston, nj, USA, pockem Chemical, of new rochel, USA, and a product of fast Oil union, USA, for example.

In one aspect, pesticidal compositions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure additionally comprise one or more suitable carrier or diluent components. Suitable carrier or diluent components can be selected by one skilled in the art depending on the particular application desired and the conditions of use of the composition. Commonly used carriers and diluents may include ethanol, isopropanol, isopropyl myristate, other alcohols, water, neutral oils (e.g. one or more of mineral or vegetable oils) and other inert carriers, such as, but not limited to, EPA as the lowest Risk Inert pesticidal ingredient (4A) (listed by U.S. EPA as a list of Ingredients issued at 8 months 2004 entitled "FIFRA 4A list-lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredients" listed at 12 months 2015), issued by U.S. EPA as a list of Ingredients issued at 8 months 2004 entitled "4A list-lowest Risk Inert pesticidal Ingredients"), or such as those listed as Inert pesticidal Ingredients (4B) (issued by U.S. EPA at 8 months 2004 entitled "list of 4B-list of other Ingredients for which EPA has sufficient information," or according to EPA regulations 40CFR 180.950 set forth at 24 days 5 months 2002, each of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

In some embodiments, for reasons such as, but not limited to, economic, physical and chemical stability and synergy, pesticidal compositions disclosed herein may also be used with acaricides, algicides, antifeedants, avicides, bactericides, bird repellents, chemosterilants, fungicides, herbicide safeners, herbicides, attractants, insect repellents, mammalian repellents (mammals repellants), mating disruptors (mating disruptors), molluscicides (molussicides), other insecticides, other pesticides, plant activators, plant growth regulators, rodenticides, synergists, adjuvants, defoliants, desiccants, disinfectants, semiochemicals and virucides (these classes are not necessarily mutually exclusive).

In some embodiments, the pesticidal compositions described in the present disclosure may also be provided with phytologically acceptable inert ingredients to provide or supplement the carrier and may be formulated, for example, as concentrated emulsions, powders, emulsifiable concentrates, gels, granules, microcapsules, seed treatments, suspension concentrates, suspoemulsions, and pellets. For further information on suitable types of such formulations known to the person skilled in the art, reference may be made to the following publications, for example: "CATALOGUE OF PESTICIDE FORMATION TYPE AND INTERNATIONAL CODING SYSTEM" catalog OF PESTICIDE FORMULATION TYPES AND International CODING System, "Technical Monograph, issue 2, 5 th edition (2002), published by the International Association for crop Life (CropLife International).

In some embodiments, pesticidal compositions according to aspects of the present disclosure may be applied as aqueous suspensions or emulsions prepared from concentrated formulations of such compositions. Such water-soluble, water-suspendable, or emulsifiable formulations may be provided as liquids typically referred to as emulsifiable concentrates, aqueous suspensions, or oily suspensions. In alternative embodiments, the pesticidal composition may alternatively be provided as a solid, typically referred to as a wettable powder or a water dispersible granule. In such embodiments, the wettable powder which can be compacted to form water dispersible granules comprises an intimate mixture of the pesticidal composition, a carrier and a surfactant. In some such embodiments, the carrier may typically be selected from the following: for example, attapulgite and montmorillonite clays, diatomaceous earth, or purified silicates. Effective surfactants for wettable powders and/or granules, for example, may typically comprise from about 0.5% to about 10% of the wettable powder/granule, may comprise sulfonated lignins, condensed naphthalene sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, and nonionic surfactants, such as ethylene oxide adducts of alkyl phenols.

In some embodiments, pesticidal compositions according to aspects of the present disclosure may be provided as emulsifiable concentrates that may comprise a pesticidal composition at an appropriate concentration comprising a mixture of a water-immiscible component and an emulsifier (or surfactant) component. In some embodiments, suitable emulsifiers for emulsifiable concentrates can be selected from anionic and nonionic surfactants.

In some alternative embodiments, pesticidal compositions according to aspects of the present disclosure may be applied as granular formulations particularly suitable for application to soil. Exemplary such granular formulations may contain a pesticidal composition dispersed in a carrier comprising clay or similar material. Such formulations may typically be prepared by dissolving the pesticidal composition in a suitable solvent and applying it to a particulate carrier which has been preformed to an appropriate particle size, such as in the range of from about 0.5mm to 3 mm. Such formulations are formulated by forming the carrier and pesticidal composition into a dough or paste and pulverizing and drying to obtain the desired particle size.

In some further embodiments, the powder, granule, gel or granule containing the pesticidal composition is prepared, for example, by intimately mixing the pesticidal composition with a suitable powder, granule, gel or particulate agricultural carrier (e.g., kaolin, ground volcanic rock, peat, cellulose, clay, hydrogel, charcoal, etc.). For example, as appropriate, for example, as seed dressing, soil conditioners, dressing powders, granules, gels or granules, or in the case of powders, as foliar application with a dust blower.

In some embodiments, the pesticidal composition may also be applied to the treatment site in the form of an aerosol formulation. In such formulations, the pesticidal composition may typically be dissolved or dispersed in an aerosol carrier (such as a propellant mixture that generates pressure). The aerosol formulation may be packaged or compressed in a container, for example, from which the mixture is dispensed through an atomizing valve.

In some other embodiments, the pesticidal composition may comprise an oil-in-water emulsion, wherein the emulsion comprises oily globules, each oily globule having a layered liquid crystalline coating and dispersed in an aqueous phase, wherein each oily globule comprises at least one agriculturally active compound and is individually coated with a mono-layered or oligo-layered layer comprising: for example, (1) at least one nonionic lipophilic surfactant, (2) at least one nonionic hydrophilic surfactant, and (3) at least one ionic surfactant, wherein the globules have a desired average particle size, such as less than about 800 nanometers. For further information on suitable types of such formulations known to the person skilled in the art, reference may be made to the following publications, for example: dent, "INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT [ insect pest management ]" 2 nd edition, copyright ownership CAB International (CAB International) (2000); and/or: arnold Mallis, "HANDBOOK OF PEST CONTROL- -THE BEHAVIOR, LIFE HISTORY, AND CONTROL OF HOUSEHOLD PESTS [ Pest CONTROL MANUAL-behavioral, Life-cycle, AND CONTROL OF domestic PESTs ]", 9 th edition, copyright ownership OF GIE substrates Inc. (GIE Media Inc..) 2004.

Other formulation Components

In some embodiments, when the pesticidal compositions disclosed in this disclosure are used in formulations, such formulations may also contain other components. These components include, without limitation, (for clarity, a non-exhaustive and non-mutually exclusive list below) wetting agents, spreaders, adhesives, penetrants, buffers, chelating agents, drift reducing agents, compatibilizers, defoamers, detergents, rheology modifiers, stabilizers, dispersants, and emulsifiers. Some exemplary such additional formulation components are described below.

A wetting agent is a substance that, when added to a liquid, increases the diffusion or penetration of the liquid by reducing the tension between the interface between the liquid and its diffusion surface. In agrochemical formulations, wetting agents serve two main functions: increasing the wetting rate of the powder in water during processing and manufacture to produce a concentrate of a soluble liquid or suspension concentrate; and reducing the wetting time of the wettable powder and improving water penetration of the water dispersible granules during mixing of the product with water in the spray tank. Examples of wetting agents used in wettable powders, suspension concentrates and water dispersible granule formulations are: sodium lauryl sulfate; dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate; an alkylphenol ethoxylate; and fatty alcohol ethoxylates.

A dispersant is a substance that adsorbs to the surface of the particles and helps to maintain the dispersed state of these particles and prevent them from reaggregating. During manufacture, dispersants are added to agrochemical formulations to facilitate dispersion and suspension and to ensure that the particles are redispersed in water in a spray tank. They are widely used in wettable powders, suspension concentrates and water dispersible granules. Surfactants used as dispersants have the ability to adsorb strongly to the surface of the particles and provide a charged or steric barrier to re-aggregation of the particles. The most commonly used surfactants are anionic, nonionic, or mixtures of the two types. For wettable powder formulations, the most common dispersant is sodium lignosulfonate. For suspension concentrates, good adsorption and stability can be achieved using polyelectrolytes, such as sodium naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensate. Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate esters have also been used. Nonionic surfactants (such as alkylaryl ethylene oxide condensates and EO-PO block copolymers) are sometimes combined with anionic surfactants as dispersants for suspension concentrates. In recent years, novel polymeric surfactants of very high molecular weight have been developed as dispersants. They have a long hydrophobic "backbone" and a large number of ethylene oxide chains that form the "teeth" of a "comb" surfactant. These high molecular weight polymers may give suspension concentrates very good long term stability, since these hydrophobic backbones have many anchoring points on the surface of the microparticles. Examples of dispersants used in agrochemical formulations are: sodium lignosulfonate; sodium naphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde condensate; tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate ester; a fatty alcohol ethoxylate; an alkyl ethoxylate; EO-PO block copolymers; and graft copolymers.

Emulsifiers are substances that stabilize a suspension of droplets of one liquid phase in another liquid phase. Without an emulsifier, the two liquids typically separate into two immiscible liquid phases. Exemplary commonly used emulsifier blends may contain alkyl phenols or fatty alcohols having 12 or more ethylene oxide units, and oil soluble calcium salts such as dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid. In some embodiments, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance ("HLB") values ranging from 8 to 18 generally provide good stable emulsions. Emulsion stability can sometimes be improved by adding small amounts of EO-PO block copolymer surfactant.

A solubilizer is a surfactant that can form micelles in water at concentrations above the critical micelle concentration. These micelles can then dissolve (dispolve) or solubilize (solvabilize) the water-insoluble material within the hydrophobic parts of the micelles. Exemplary types of surfactants commonly used for solubilization include nonionic: sorbitan monooleate; sorbitan monooleate ethoxylate; and methyl oleate.

Thickeners or gelling agents may typically be used primarily in the formulation of suspension concentrates, emulsions and suspoemulsions to modify the rheology or flow characteristics of the liquid and prevent separation and settling of the dispersed particles or droplets. Thickeners, gelling agents and anti-settling agents are generally divided into two categories, namely water-insoluble particulates and water-soluble polymers. In some examples, clay and silica may be used to produce suspension concentrate formulations. Examples of these types of materials include, but are not limited to, montmorillonite, e.g., bentonite; magnesium aluminum silicate; and attapulgite. Water-soluble polysaccharides have been used for many years as thickening-gelling agents. The most commonly used type of polysaccharide is a natural extract of seeds, and seaweeds are synthetic derivatives of cellulose. Examples of these types of materials include, but are not limited to, guar gum; locust bean gum; carrageenan; an alginate; methyl cellulose; sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC); hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). Other types of anti-settling agents are based on modified starches, polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene oxides and xanthan gum.

The presence of surfactants to reduce interfacial tension often results in foaming of the water-based formulation during the mixing operation of production and application of the pesticidal composition by spray can. To reduce the tendency to foam, antifoams are usually added at the production stage or before filling into bottles. Generally, there are two types of defoamers, namely silicone and non-silicone. Silicones can typically comprise an aqueous emulsion of dimethylpolysiloxanes, while non-silicone defoamers comprise water-insoluble oils, such as octanol and nonanol, or silica. In both cases, the function of the defoamer is to displace the surfactant from the air-water interface. For further information on suitable components of such other formulations known to the person skilled in the art, reference may be made to the following publications, for example: "CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OF AGROCHEMICAL FORMULATIONS" edited by D.A. Knowles [ chemistry and TECHNOLOGY OF AGROCHEMICAL FORMULATIONS ], 1998, copyright all Kluyverwell Academic Press (Kluwer Academic Publishers); and/or: perry, i.yamamoto, i.ishaaya AND r.perry "INSECTICIDES IN agricuiture AND environmenent-retests AND PROSPECTS [ pesticides in AGRICULTURE AND the ENVIRONMENT-review AND PROSPECTS ]", 1998 all schprings press (Springer-Verlag).

Administration of

In some embodiments, the actual amount of pesticidal composition applied to a locus of pests, for example, may not generally be critical and can be readily determined by one skilled in the art through experience and/or trial and error in the application rate. Generally, a concentration range of 0.01 grams of pesticide active ingredient per hectare to about 5000 grams of pesticide active ingredient per hectare can be used to determine the desired application rate range, as desired to provide good control.

Examples of the invention

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are further described with reference to the following examples, which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

Example 1

Exemplary pesticidal compositions comprising neem oil, a suitable surfactant, a polymeric pour point depressant and a hydrocarbon solvent are prepared according to the following description. 849g of cold pressed neem oil, 50g of ethoxylated octylphenol surfactant, 40.5g of white mineral oil, 40.5g of d-limonene, and 20g of acrylic polymer pour point depressant were mixed in an open mixing vessel using a shear mixer at about 20C (room temperature). Thus, the composition of the resulting pesticidal composition is shown in table 1 below:

TABLE 1 pesticidal compositions example 1

The resulting pesticidal composition example 1 was found to have a minimum pour point temperature of about 0C to 1.5C. In one such exemplary embodiment, for example, the white mineral oil may comprise Carnation^TMMineral oils, which are widely commercially available from, for example, Sonneborn LLC of Pasiparny, N.J., or Unival Inc., Renile, Wash., U.S.A. (Univar USA), Claftt Chemical Inc. (Kraft Chemical), of Melrose Park, Illinois, Melrose Park Chemical Inc. (Mercem Chemicals), of New Rochel, N.Y., Canada Petroleum Lubricant Inc. (Petro-Canada Lubricans, Ontario, Calif.). In some such embodiments, the ethoxylated octylphenol surfactant may comprise Triton X-45 surfactant available from Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich. In some embodiments, The acrylic polymer pour point depressant may comprise a Polyalkylmethacrylate (PAMA) polymer in a neutral carrier Oil, available from dacikara Corporation (Dai-Ichi karkarkarria Ltd.) of maharashtra, india, ohio Lubrizol Corporation, wining oiliness Additives GMBH, darmstadt, germany, as Viscoplex^TMSeries 10 polymer pour point depressants), or Harrison corporation of sydney, australia (a S Harrison Co, Pty). In some embodiments, d-limonene as a hydrocarbon solvent may be sourced from known industry suppliers, which are widely available, for example, from sigma aldrich of st louis, missouri, usaCompany (Sigma-Aldrich, now Millipore Sigma (Millipore Sigma)), ewingville Corporation, redmond, washington, USA (Univar USA), wig Corporation, stroltzburg, pennsylvania, USA (vego Chemical), Penta International Corporation, livingston, new jersey, USA (Penta International Corporation), new jersey, USA (Parchem Chemicals), and firm Oil products, union, tx Oil, USA.

In contrast, a pesticidal composition substantially similar to that of example 1 was prepared, but without the acrylic polymer pour point depressant or d-limonene based solvent component, but instead with 6.05 wt% neutral oil (such as safflower or rapeseed oil). In this case, the resulting pesticidal composition is found to have a minimum pour point temperature of about 8.0C-8.5C.

Example 2

Exemplary pesticidal compositions comprising neem oil, a suitable surfactant, a polymeric pour point depressant and a hydrocarbon solvent are prepared according to the following description. In an open mixing vessel, 750g of cold pressed neem oil, 40g of white mineral oil, 150g of ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant, 40g of d-limonene and 20g of acrylic polymer pour point depressant were mixed using a shear mixer at about 20C (room temperature). Thus, the composition of the resulting pesticidal composition is shown in table 2 below:

TABLE 2 pesticidal compositions example 2

Components	% by weight
		Cold pressing neem oil	75.0
Ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant	15.0
		White mineral oil	4.0
Dextro-limonene	4.0
		Acrylic polymer pour point depressant	2.0

The resulting pesticidal composition example 2 was found to have a minimum pour point temperature of about 0C to 1.5C. In one such exemplary embodiment, for example, the white mineral oil may comprise Carnation^TMMineral oils or equivalents, which are widely commercially available, for example, from Sonneborn LLC of Pasiparny, N.J. (Sonneborn LLC), or from Unival USA of Redmold, Washington, U.S.A. (Univar USA), Krafft Chemical company of Melrose Park, Illinois (Melrose Park, U.S. (Kraft Chemical), Bikay Chemical company of New Rochel, N.Y. (Parchem Chemicals), Canada Petroleum Lubricant company of Missi-Sacchara, Canada (Petro-Canada Lubricants). In some such embodiments, for example, the ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated castor oil monooleate nonionic surfactant, which is widely commercially available, for example, from loena, germany (LUENA-Tenside GmbH or Leuna, DE), europe peace, belgium, europe, Corp, sigma, mansion, china (SigmaChem Corp.), BASF, Canada, mississinga, ludwig, germany, BASF GmbH, and Wuhan Shengma, Wuhano Corp.). In some embodiments, The acrylic polymer pour point depressant may comprise a Polyalkylmethacrylate (PAMA) polymer in a neutral carrier Oil, available from dacikara Corporation (Dai-Ichi karkarkarria Ltd.) of maharashtra, india, ohio Lubrizol Corporation, wining oiliness Additives GMBH, darmstadt, germany, as Viscoplex^TMSeries 10 polymer pour point depressants), or Harrison corporation of sydney, australia (a S Harrison Co, Pty). In some embodiments, for example, d-limonene as the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise d-limonene available from known industry suppliers, which are widely available, for example, from Sigma Aldrich, st louse, missouri, USA, ewinger, redmond, USA, Univar USA, wiger, Vigon, wig, Inc, of streutzburg, pa, nape, Inc, of large Neck, wigo Chemical, Penta International Corporation, newschorl, new york, USA, and resel, of united states, saxol, USA.

Example 3

Exemplary pesticidal compositions comprising neem oil, a suitable surfactant, a polymeric pour point depressant and a hydrocarbon solvent are prepared according to the following description. In an open mixing vessel, 700g of cold pressed neem oil, 70g of white mineral oil, 150g of ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant, 20g of PEG oleyl ether surfactant, 40g of d-limonene and 20g of acrylic polymer pour point depressant were mixed using a shear mixer at about 20C (room temperature). Thus, the composition of the resulting pesticidal composition is shown in table 3 below:

TABLE 3 pesticidal compositions example 3

The resulting pesticidal composition example 3 was found to have a minimum pour point temperature of about 0C-1.0C. In one such exemplary embodiment, for example, the white mineral oil may comprise Carnation^TMMineral oils or equivalents, which are widely commercially available, for example, from Sonneborn LLC of Pasiparny, N.J. (Sonneborn LLC), or from Unival USA of Redmold, Washington, U.S.A. (Univar USA), Krafft Chemical company of Melrose Park, Illinois (Melrose Park, U.S. (Kraft Chemical), Bikay Chemical company of New Rochel, N.Y. (Parchem Chemicals), Canada Petroleum Lubricant company of Missi-Sacchara, Canada (Petro-Canada Lubricants). In some such embodiments, for example, the ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated castor oil monooleate nonionic surfactant, which is widely commercially available, for example, from loena, germany (LUENA-Tenside GmbH or Leuna, DE), europe peace, belgium feld (Ertvelde) (Oleon Corp.), sigma, china mansion (sigmam Corp.), BASF, Canada, mississigaka, ludwig, germany, BASF GmbH, and Wuhan, martial. In some such embodiments, for example, the PEG oleyl ether surfactant may comprise a nonionic PEG oleyl ether surfactant, such as is widely available from, for example, Sigma Aldrich of st louis, missouri, usa (Sigma-Aldrich, now michigan Sigma (Millipore Sigma)), TCI Chemicals of indian golden naphthalene (TCI Chemicals pvt. ltd.), large crop of edison, nj, usa (Croda Inc.), and stobalk Chemicals of new afrelix, nj, usa (Spectrum Chemical mfg. corp.).

In some embodiments, the acrylic polymer pour point depressant may be included in a neutral carrierPolyalkylmethacrylate (PAMA) polymers in body oils, available from DacCakara, Inc., Dai-Ichi Karkaria Ltd., Manhala Spatpah, India, Ohio State British Corporation, The Lubrizol Corporation, WingIn Oil Additives GmbH, Dnam Statt, Germany, as Viscoplex^TMSeries 10 polymer pour point depressants), or Harrison corporation of sydney, australia (a S Harrison Co, Pty). In some embodiments, for example, d-limonene as the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise d-limonene available from known industry suppliers, which are widely available, for example, from Sigma Aldrich, st louse, missouri, USA, ewinger, redmond, USA, Univar USA, wiger, Vigon, wig, Inc, of streutzburg, pa, nape, Inc, of large Neck, wigo Chemical, Penta International Corporation, newschorl, new york, USA, and resel, of united states, saxol, USA.

Example 4

Exemplary pesticidal compositions comprising neem oil, a suitable surfactant, a polymeric pour point depressant and a hydrocarbon solvent are prepared according to the following description. In an open mixing vessel, 700g of cold pressed neem oil, 50g of white mineral oil, 150g of ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant, 40g of PEG oleyl ether surfactant, 40g of d-limonene and 20g of acrylic polymer pour point depressant were mixed using a shear mixer at about 20C (room temperature). Thus, the composition of the resulting pesticidal composition is shown in table 4 below:

TABLE 4 pesticidal compositions example 4

Components	% by weight
		Cold pressing neem oil	70.0
Ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant	15.0
		PEG oleyl ether surfactants	4.0
White mineral oil	5.0
		Dextro-limonene	4.0
Acrylic polymer pour point depressant	2.0

The resulting pesticidal composition example 4 was found to have a minimum pour point temperature of about 0C-1.0C. In one such exemplary embodiment, for example, the white mineral oil may comprise Carnation^TMMineral oils or equivalents, which are widely commercially available, for example, from Sonneborn LLC of Pasiparny, N.J. (Sonneborn LLC), or from Unival USA of Redmold, Washington, U.S.A. (Univar USA), Krafft Chemical company of Melrose Park, Illinois (Melrose Park, U.S. (Kraft Chemical), Bikay Chemical company of New Rochel, N.Y. (Parchem Chemicals), Canada Petroleum Lubricant company of Missi-Sacchara, Canada (Petro-Canada Lubricants). In some such embodiments, for example, ethoxylated castor oilThe oleate surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated castor oil monooleate nonionic surfactant, which is widely commercially available, for example from loena, germany (LUENA-Tenside GmbH or Leuna, DE), europe Corp, belgium, eurolan, of ertfurde, eleon Corp, sigma of mansion, china (SigmaChem Corp), BASF Canada, of mississiaca, Canada, BASF Canada, of ludwigshafen, germany, and Wuhan Shengmao Corp, Wuhan. In some such embodiments, for example, the PEG oleyl ether surfactant may comprise a nonionic PEG oleyl ether surfactant, such as is widely available from, for example, Sigma Aldrich of st louis, missouri, usa (Sigma-Aldrich, now michigan Sigma (Millipore Sigma)), TCI Chemicals of indian golden naphthalene (TCI Chemicals pvt. ltd.), large crop of edison, nj, usa (Croda Inc.), and stobalk Chemicals of new afrelix, nj, usa (Spectrum Chemical mfg. corp.).

In some embodiments, The acrylic polymer pour point depressant may comprise a Polyalkylmethacrylate (PAMA) polymer in a neutral carrier Oil, available from dacikara Corporation (Dai-Ichi karkarkarria Ltd.) of maharashtra, india, ohio Lubrizol Corporation, wining oiliness Additives GMBH, darmstadt, germany, as Viscoplex^TMSeries 10 polymer pour point depressants), or Harrison corporation of sydney, australia (a S Harrison Co, Pty). In some embodiments, for example, d-limonene as the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise d-limonene, available from known industry suppliers, which are widely available, for example, from Sigma Aldrich, st louis, missouri, USA, ewinger, redmond, washington, united states, Univar USA, wig, Vigon, Inc, st taultzburg, pa, Inc, micro Chemical company, wigo Chemical, livingwu, nj, USAPenta International Corporation of Staton (Penta International Corporation), Bikay chemical Corporation of New Rochel, N.Y., USA (Parchem Chemicals), and firm Oil products Corporation of Union, Texas, USA (research Oil).

Example 5

Exemplary pesticidal compositions comprising karanja oil, a suitable surfactant, a polymeric pour point depressant and a hydrocarbon solvent are prepared according to the following description. In an open mixing vessel, 700g of cold pressed karanja oil, 70g of white mineral oil, 150g of ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant, 20g of PEG oleyl ether surfactant, 40g of d-limonene and 20g of acrylic polymer pour point depressant were mixed using a shear mixer at about 20C (room temperature). Thus, the composition of the resulting pesticidal composition is shown in table 5 below:

TABLE 5 pesticidal compositions example 5

Components	% by weight
		Cold pressing karanja oil	70.0
Ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant	15.0
		PEG oleyl ether surfactants	2.0
White mineral oil	7.0
		Dextro-limonene	4.0
Acrylic polymer pour point depressant	2.0

In one such exemplary embodiment, for example, the white mineral oil may comprise Carnation^TMMineral oils or equivalents, which are widely commercially available, for example, from Sonneborn LLC of Pasiparny, N.J. (Sonneborn LLC), or from Unival USA of Redmold, Washington, U.S.A. (Univar USA), Krafft Chemical company of Melrose Park, Illinois (Melrose Park, U.S. (Kraft Chemical), Bikay Chemical company of New Rochel, N.Y. (Parchem Chemicals), Canada Petroleum Lubricant company of Missi-Sacchara, Canada (Petro-Canada Lubricants). In some such embodiments, for example, the ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated castor oil monooleate nonionic surfactant, which is widely commercially available, for example, from loena, germany (LUENA-Tenside GmbH or Leuna, DE), europe peace, belgium feld (Ertvelde) (Oleon Corp.), sigma, china mansion (sigmam Corp.), BASF, Canada, mississigaka, ludwig, germany, BASF GmbH, and Wuhan, martial. In some such embodiments, for example, the PEG oleyl ether surfactant may comprise a nonionic PEG oleyl ether surfactant, such as is widely available from, for example, Sigma Aldrich of st louis, missouri, usa (Sigma-Aldrich, now michigan Sigma (Millipore Sigma)), TCI Chemicals of indian golden naphthalene (TCI Chemicals pvt. ltd.), large crop of edison, nj, usa (Croda Inc.), and stobalk Chemicals of new afrelix, nj, usa (Spectrum Chemical mfg. corp.).

In some embodiments, the acrylic polymer is used to form a coating on a substrateThe point depressant may comprise a Polyalkylmethacrylate (PAMA) polymer in a neutral carrier Oil, available from DacKara, Dai-Ichi Karkaria Ltd, Ohio, U.S. The Lubrizol Corporation, Evonik Oil Additives GMBH, Darmstart, Germany, as Viscoplex, in Daoha Schelan, India^TMSeries 10 polymer pour point depressants), or Harrison corporation of sydney, australia (a S Harrison Co, Pty). In some embodiments, for example, d-limonene as the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise d-limonene available from known industry suppliers, which are widely available, for example, from Sigma Aldrich, st louse, missouri, USA, ewinger, redmond, USA, Univar USA, wiger, Vigon, wig, Inc, of streutzburg, pa, nape, Inc, of large Neck, wigo Chemical, Penta International Corporation, newschorl, new york, USA, and resel, of united states, saxol, USA.

Example 6

Exemplary pesticidal compositions comprising karanja oil, a suitable surfactant, a polymeric pour point depressant and a hydrocarbon solvent are prepared according to the following description. In an open mixing vessel, 750g of cold pressed karanja oil, 40g of white mineral oil, 150g of ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant, 40g of d-limonene and 20g of acrylic polymer pour point depressant were mixed using a shear mixer at about 20C (room temperature). Thus, the composition of the resulting pesticidal composition is shown in table 6 below:

TABLE 6 pesticidal compositions example 6

Components	% by weight
		Cold pressing karanja oil	75.0
White mineral oil	4.0
		Ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant	15.0
Dextro-limonene	4.0
		Acrylic polymer pour point depressant	2.0

In one such exemplary embodiment, for example, the white mineral oil may comprise Carnation^TMMineral oils or equivalents, which are widely commercially available, for example, from Sonneborn LLC of Pasiparny, N.J. (Sonneborn LLC), or from Unival USA of Redmold, Washington, U.S.A. (Univar USA), Krafft Chemical company of Melrose Park, Illinois (Melrose Park, U.S. (Kraft Chemical), Bikay Chemical company of New Rochel, N.Y. (Parchem Chemicals), Canada Petroleum Lubricant company of Missi-Sacchara, Canada (Petro-Canada Lubricants). In some such embodiments, for example, the ethoxylated castor oil oleate surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated castor oil monooleate nonionic surfactant, which is widely commercially available, for example, from loena, germany (LUENA-Tenside GmbH or Leuna, DE), Eurolan, Inc. of Eltefelde, Belgium, China (Oleon Corp.), and Oleflun, IncSigma of mansion (SigmaChem Corp.), BASF of mississanga, Canada of ontario, mississanga, BASF Canada, BASF GmbH, ludwigshafen, germany, and Wuhan Shengmao Corp, Wuhan.

In some embodiments, The acrylic polymer pour point depressant may comprise a Polyalkylmethacrylate (PAMA) polymer in a neutral carrier Oil, available from dacikara Corporation (Dai-Ichi karkarkarria Ltd.) of maharashtra, india, ohio Lubrizol Corporation, wining oiliness Additives GMBH, darmstadt, germany, as Viscoplex^TMSeries 10 polymer pour point depressants), or Harrison corporation of sydney, australia (a S Harrison Co, Pty). In some embodiments, for example, d-limonene as the hydrocarbon solvent may comprise d-limonene available from known industry suppliers, which are widely available, for example, from Sigma Aldrich, st louse, missouri, USA, ewinger, redmond, USA, Univar USA, wiger, Vigon, wig, Inc, of streutzburg, pa, nape, Inc, of large Neck, wigo Chemical, Penta International Corporation, newschorl, new york, USA, and resel, of united states, saxol, USA.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are consistent with the broadest interpretation of the specification as a whole.

Claims

1. A pesticidal composition comprising

A pesticidal natural oil active ingredient;

a polymeric pour point depressant operable to lower the pour point of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient; and

a hydrocarbon solvent.

2. The pesticidal composition of claim 1, wherein the combination of the polymeric pour point depressant and the hydrocarbon solvent is effective to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in the composition.

3. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, additionally comprising a diluent.

4. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient is selected from the list comprising: neem oil, karanja oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, eugenol, oregano oil, thyme oil, garlic oil, anise oil, geranium oil, lime oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and combinations thereof.

5. The pesticidal composition of claim 1, wherein the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient is between about-5C and about 30C.

6. A pesticidal composition according to claim 4, wherein the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprises neem oil.

7. A pesticidal composition according to claim 4, wherein the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprises karanja oil.

8. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric pour point depressant comprises at least one of an acrylic polymer and an alkyl aromatic polymer.

9. A pesticidal composition according to claim 8, wherein the polymeric pour point depressant comprises at least one of: polymethyl acrylates, polyalkyl methacrylates, polyacrylates, acrylate-styrene copolymers and alkyl aromatic polymers.

10. A pesticidal composition according to claim 9, wherein the polymeric pour point depressant additionally comprises a neutral oil.

11. The pesticidal composition of claim 9, wherein the polymeric pour point depressant comprises at least one of a crystallization inhibitor and a co-crystallization modifier of at least one wax component of the pesticidal natural oil.

12. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises at least one of: ethoxylated natural oils, ethoxylated castor oils, saponins, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated fatty esters, alkoxylated glycols, ethoxylated fatty acids, carboxylated alcohols, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, ethoxylated alkyl phenols, fatty esters, sodium lauryl sulfide, other fatty acid based surfactants, other natural or synthetic surfactants, or combinations thereof.

13. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises a nonionic surfactant comprising at least one of: ethoxylated castor oil, oleate, octylphenol ethoxylate, and combinations thereof.

14. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon solvent comprises at least one of: alcohols, natural oils, terpenes, and terpenoids.

15. A pesticidal composition according to claim 14, wherein the solvent comprises at least one cyclic terpene.

16. A pesticidal composition according to claim 14, wherein the solvent comprises at least one of: levo-limonene, dextro-limonene, and dipentene.

17. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprises at least one of neem oil and karanja oil, and wherein the polymeric pour point depressant and solvent are operable to inhibit or modify crystallization of at least one of the wax and fatty acid components of said pesticidal natural oil, wherein said at least one component has a melting point of about 15C or greater.

18. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one extract of at least one natural pesticidal oil.

19. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the natural pesticidal oil active ingredient comprises at least one organic natural oil listed in the USDA NOP.

20. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a substantially homogeneous pesticidal concentrate, wherein:

the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprises 40 to 90 wt% of the pesticidal concentrate;

the surfactant comprises 5 wt% to 20 wt%;

the polymeric pour point depressant comprises 0.1 to 10 wt%; and

the hydrocarbon solvent comprises 5 wt% to 20 wt%.

21. A pesticidal composition according to claim 20, additionally comprising a diluent comprising from 5 wt% to 20 wt%.

22. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one polymeric pour point depressant comprises the organic polymeric compounds listed in the USDA NOP.

23. A method of preparing a diluted pesticidal composition including at least one pesticidal natural oil active ingredient, the method comprising:

providing a homogeneous concentrate composition comprising:

a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient;

a hydrocarbon solvent; and

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient is between about-5C and about 30C.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the pesticidal natural oil active comprises neem oil.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the combination of the polymeric pour point depressant and the hydrocarbon solvent is effective to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in the composition.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the polymeric pour point depressant comprises at least one of: acrylic polymers, alkyl aromatic polymers, polymethyl acrylates, polyalkyl methacrylates, polyacrylates, acrylate-styrene copolymers, and alkyl aromatic polymers.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the polymeric pour point depressant additionally comprises a neutral oil.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the polymeric pour point depressant comprises at least one of a crystallization inhibitor and a co-crystallization modifier for at least one wax component of the pesticidal natural oil.

30. A method of enhancing the physical properties of a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient comprising at least one of neem oil and karanja oil, the method comprising:

preparing a homogeneous pesticidal concentrate composition comprising:

a hydrocarbon solvent; and

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the combination of the polymeric pour point depressant and the hydrocarbon solvent is effective to lower the pour point temperature of the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in the composition.

32. A method of applying at least one pesticidal composition comprising at least one pesticidal natural oil to control at least one plant pest, the method comprising:

providing a homogeneous pesticidal concentrate composition according to claim 1;

diluting the pesticidal concentrate with water to form an oil-in-water emulsion dilution formulation; and

the oil-in-water emulsion diluted pesticidal formulation is applied to at least one plant, its locus, or propagation material thereof susceptible to or infested with at least one plant pest.