NL2015508B1 - Improved plant biological control by predatory mites. - Google Patents
Improved plant biological control by predatory mites. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2015508B1 NL2015508B1 NL2015508A NL2015508A NL2015508B1 NL 2015508 B1 NL2015508 B1 NL 2015508B1 NL 2015508 A NL2015508 A NL 2015508A NL 2015508 A NL2015508 A NL 2015508A NL 2015508 B1 NL2015508 B1 NL 2015508B1
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- plant
- fiber
- liquid
- fibers
- particular embodiments
- Prior art date
Links
- 241000238876 Acari Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 54
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 234
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 110
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 87
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 54
- 241000607479 Yersinia pestis Species 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 claims description 156
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims description 33
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 19
- 241000207199 Citrus Species 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 235000020971 citrus fruits Nutrition 0.000 claims description 9
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 241000233866 Fungi Species 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000004060 metabolic process Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000002940 repellent Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000014443 Pyrus communis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 240000001987 Pyrus communis Species 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000005846 sugar alcohols Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000010489 acacia gum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000008119 colloidal silica Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000001814 pectin Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001277 pectin Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000010987 pectin Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000230 xanthan gum Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001285 xanthan gum Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000010493 xanthan gum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 229940082509 xanthan gum Drugs 0.000 claims description 3
- 244000215068 Acacia senegal Species 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000084 Gum arabic Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000205 acacia gum Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000013601 eggs Nutrition 0.000 description 25
- 229920003266 Leaf® Polymers 0.000 description 20
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 230000017448 oviposition Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000002538 fungal effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- 210000004209 hair Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 5
- 244000038559 crop plants Species 0.000 description 5
- WTEVQBCEXWBHNA-JXMROGBWSA-N geranial Chemical compound CC(C)=CCC\C(C)=C\C=O WTEVQBCEXWBHNA-JXMROGBWSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 229920002972 Acrylic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 241001414989 Thysanoptera Species 0.000 description 4
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000762 glandular Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002420 orchard Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 241001664794 Amblyseius swirskii Species 0.000 description 3
- 241000238421 Arthropoda Species 0.000 description 3
- WTEVQBCEXWBHNA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Citral Natural products CC(C)=CCCC(C)=CC=O WTEVQBCEXWBHNA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 241001481699 Phytoseiidae Species 0.000 description 3
- 241001454295 Tetranychidae Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920000747 poly(lactic acid) Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 3
- HDTRYLNUVZCQOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N α-D-glucopyranosyl-α-D-glucopyranoside Natural products OC1C(O)C(O)C(CO)OC1OC1C(O)C(O)C(O)C(CO)O1 HDTRYLNUVZCQOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- OWEGMIWEEQEYGQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 100676-05-9 Natural products OC1C(O)C(O)C(CO)OC1OCC1C(O)C(O)C(O)C(OC2C(OC(O)C(O)C2O)CO)O1 OWEGMIWEEQEYGQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000012766 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000012765 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. spontanea Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000000491 Corchorus aestuans Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000011777 Corchorus aestuans Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000010862 Corchorus capsularis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 2
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N D-Glucitol Natural products OC[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-KVTDHHQDSA-N D-Mannitol Chemical compound OC[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-KVTDHHQDSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N D-glucitol Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229930091371 Fructose Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 239000005715 Fructose Substances 0.000 description 2
- RFSUNEUAIZKAJO-ARQDHWQXSA-N Fructose Chemical compound OC[C@H]1O[C@](O)(CO)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O RFSUNEUAIZKAJO-ARQDHWQXSA-N 0.000 description 2
- WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N Glucose Natural products OC[C@H]1OC(O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000258937 Hemiptera Species 0.000 description 2
- 240000006240 Linum usitatissimum Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000004431 Linum usitatissimum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- GUBGYTABKSRVRQ-PICCSMPSSA-N Maltose Natural products O[C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@H]1O[C@@H]1[C@@H](CO)OC(O)[C@H](O)[C@H]1O GUBGYTABKSRVRQ-PICCSMPSSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229930195725 Mannitol Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- MUPFEKGTMRGPLJ-RMMQSMQOSA-N Raffinose Natural products O(C[C@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O[C@@]2(CO)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O2)O1)[C@@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 MUPFEKGTMRGPLJ-RMMQSMQOSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229930006000 Sucrose Natural products 0.000 description 2
- CZMRCDWAGMRECN-UGDNZRGBSA-N Sucrose Chemical compound O[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@]1(CO)O[C@@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 CZMRCDWAGMRECN-UGDNZRGBSA-N 0.000 description 2
- HDTRYLNUVZCQOY-WSWWMNSNSA-N Trehalose Natural products O[C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@H]1O[C@@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 HDTRYLNUVZCQOY-WSWWMNSNSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000233948 Typha Species 0.000 description 2
- MUPFEKGTMRGPLJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N UNPD196149 Natural products OC1C(O)C(CO)OC1(CO)OC1C(O)C(O)C(O)C(COC2C(C(O)C(O)C(CO)O2)O)O1 MUPFEKGTMRGPLJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000009754 Vitis X bourquina Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000012333 Vitis X labruscana Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000006365 Vitis vinifera Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000014787 Vitis vinifera Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000001785 acacia senegal l. willd gum Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 2
- HDTRYLNUVZCQOY-LIZSDCNHSA-N alpha,alpha-trehalose Chemical compound O[C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@H]1O[C@@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O1 HDTRYLNUVZCQOY-LIZSDCNHSA-N 0.000 description 2
- WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-PHYPRBDBSA-N alpha-D-galactose Chemical compound OC[C@H]1O[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H]1O WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-PHYPRBDBSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 2
- WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-VFUOTHLCSA-N beta-D-glucose Chemical compound OC[C@H]1O[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-VFUOTHLCSA-N 0.000 description 2
- GUBGYTABKSRVRQ-QUYVBRFLSA-N beta-maltose Chemical compound OC[C@H]1O[C@H](O[C@H]2[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)O[C@@H]2CO)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O GUBGYTABKSRVRQ-QUYVBRFLSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000009120 camo Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000005607 chanvre indien Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000013270 controlled release Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000855 fungicidal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000417 fungicide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229930182830 galactose Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 239000008103 glucose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011487 hemp Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006193 liquid solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000594 mannitol Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010355 mannitol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000575 pesticide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 2
- MUPFEKGTMRGPLJ-ZQSKZDJDSA-N raffinose Chemical compound O[C@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@@]1(CO)O[C@@H]1[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO[C@@H]2[C@@H]([C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O2)O)O1 MUPFEKGTMRGPLJ-ZQSKZDJDSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004627 regenerated cellulose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000600 sorbitol Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010356 sorbitol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000005720 sucrose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000008163 sugars Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- YHRUHBBTQZKMEX-YFVJMOTDSA-N (2-trans,6-trans)-farnesal Chemical compound CC(C)=CCC\C(C)=C\CC\C(C)=C\C=O YHRUHBBTQZKMEX-YFVJMOTDSA-N 0.000 description 1
- YHRUHBBTQZKMEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-al Natural products CC(C)=CCCC(C)=CCCC(C)=CC=O YHRUHBBTQZKMEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000406588 Amblyseius Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000002028 Biomass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000219198 Brassica Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011331 Brassica Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000146553 Ceiba pentandra Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000003301 Ceiba pentandra Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000102216 Crateva tapia Species 0.000 description 1
- YHRUHBBTQZKMEX-FBXUGWQNSA-N E,E-Farnesal Natural products CC(C)=CCC\C(C)=C/CC\C(C)=C/C=O YHRUHBBTQZKMEX-FBXUGWQNSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001658755 Euseius Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001525622 Euseius stipulatus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000134874 Geraniales Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001455174 Iphiseius Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001455173 Iphiseius degenerans Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001370642 Kampimodromus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001658758 Neoseiulus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001455175 Neoseiulus cucumeris Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010061876 Obstruction Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241001370647 Phytoseius Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000004789 Rosa xanthina Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000109329 Rosa xanthina Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001490539 Typhlodromalus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001658749 Typhlodromus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001658747 Typhlodromus pyri Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001416177 Vicugna pacos Species 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005557 antagonist Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008346 aqueous phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007900 aqueous suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001491 aromatic compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940043350 citral Drugs 0.000 description 1
- WTEVQBCEXWBHNA-YFHOEESVSA-N citral B Natural products CC(C)=CCC\C(C)=C/C=O WTEVQBCEXWBHNA-YFHOEESVSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005712 elicitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003746 feather Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002503 metabolic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- NCXMLFZGDNKEPB-FFPOYIOWSA-N natamycin Chemical compound O[C@H]1[C@@H](N)[C@H](O)[C@@H](C)O[C@H]1O[C@H]1/C=C/C=C/C=C/C=C/C[C@@H](C)OC(=O)/C=C/[C@H]2O[C@@H]2C[C@H](O)C[C@](O)(C[C@H](O)[C@H]2C(O)=O)O[C@H]2C1 NCXMLFZGDNKEPB-FFPOYIOWSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002663 nebulization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019198 oils Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003016 pheromone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008635 plant growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003375 plant hormone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 244000062645 predators Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015112 vegetable and seed oil Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008158 vegetable oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000017260 vegetative to reproductive phase transition of meristem Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000341 volatile oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N65/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing material from algae, lichens, bryophyta, multi-cellular fungi or plants, or extracts thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K67/00—Rearing or breeding animals, not otherwise provided for; New or modified breeds of animals
- A01K67/033—Rearing or breeding invertebrates; New breeds of invertebrates
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
- A01N25/34—Shaped forms, e.g. sheets, not provided for in any other sub-group of this main group
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
- B05B12/14—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet
- B05B12/1418—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet for supplying several liquids or other fluent materials in selected proportions to a single spray outlet
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
- Plant Pathology (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
- Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
- Biotechnology (AREA)
- Mycology (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods for the biological control of crop pests by promoting the growth and development of predatory mites by increasing the attractiveness of the plant to the predatory mite, particularly in the case of plants lacking trichomes. The methods comprise applying a liquid fiber composition, preferably comprising a suitable adhesive agent, to a plant or part thereof and contacting a population of predatory mites with said plant.
Description
IMPROVED PLANT BIOLOGICAL CONTROL BY PREDATORY MITES FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention in general relates to the field of biological plant protection, particularly biological plant protection using predatory mites. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and compositions to promote the growth and development of the predatory mite population on a plant or plant part, as well as their application in controlling crop pests.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plant pests such as thrips, spider mites and whitefly cause considerable damage to various plants and crops, resulting in significant economic loss to growers and higher prices for consumers. Although plant pests may be controlled using chemical pesticides, this is not always possible or desirable. Indeed, the widespread use of chemical pesticides can result in health and environmental problems, and in the appearance of resistant insect varieties.
The use of natural predators of plant pests for biological plant pest control already finds widespread use. In particular, beneficial arthropods such as predatory mites are often used in agriculture for biological control of plant pests such as thrips or spider mites. Typically, the predatory mites are applied to the plants manually, via controlled release systems, or via other methods.
The presence of leaf trichomes, particularly non-glandular trichomes like leaf hairs, or (tuft) domatia on plant or plant parts is of great importance for maintaining a sufficient mite population, by providing oviposition sites, protection, shelter and/or a more suitable microclimate for the predatory mites. However, many plants or plant parts lack (non-glandular) leaf trichomes, leaf hairs or (tuft) domatia, such as is the case for certain perennial fruit crops, like cultivated pear, citrus and some grape cultivars, and for certain ornamental plants. Accordingly, the use of predatory mites for protecting plants and plant parts lacking these structures can be problematic, because predatory mite populations are often not able to establish.
Loughner et at. (Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 134: 78-88, 2010) discloses that increasing habitat complexity via the use of fiber patches as artificial trichomes strongly reduced the predatory mite dispersal behavior: the mites rapidly dispersed away from leaves that lacked these structures. However, in this study, the fiber patches were individually placed on the plant leaves, which is too cumbersome and impractical when upscaling from an individual plant to orchard or greenhouse level.
There thus remains a need in the art for methods and means for establishing, maintaining and/or promoting a predatory mite population on a plant or plant part/structures, particularly on a plant or plant part/structure lacking natural, non-glandular leaf trichomes, like hairs, in order for a better biological plant pest control. In particular, said methods and means should provide a solution to said need which is easily applicable, has a low-cost and is suitable for a large-scale utilization on a large number of plants, such as e.g. in orchards, fields or greenhouses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to novel methods and means to support the biological control of plant pests on a crop plant or ornamental plant or part thereof, particularly a plant or plant part or plant structure lacking leaf trichomes, leaf hairs or domatia, by promoting and/or maintaining the predatory mite population on said plant or plant part, comprising applying a liquid composition comprising a fiber to said plant or plant part.
Indeed, the inventors have found that fibers can be applied onto leaves of a plant via a liquid dispersion of said fibers and when applied as such will promote the maintenance of a predatory mite population on a plant crop.
In particular embodiments, the invention provides methods for increasing the attractiveness of a plant or plant part/structure for a predatory mite population, said methods comprising applying a liquid composition comprising a fiber to said plant or plant part/structure. In particular embodiments, said liquid composition comprises between 0.01 to 5.0 wt% fibers. In particular embodiments, the liquid composition is an aqueous composition.
In particular embodiments, the length of the fiber ranges from 0.5 to 100 mm. In particular embodiments, the fiber is crimped or curled. In further particular embodiments, the fiber has a textured (i.e. uneven) surface.
In particular embodiments, the liquid composition comprising a fiber further comprises an adhesive compound. In particular embodiments, the adhesive compound is a sugar, a sugar alcohol, a soluble starch or a derivative thereof, arabic gum, xanthan gum, pectin or colloidal silica.
In particular embodiments, the liquid composition comprising a fiber further comprises a fungus reducing agent, a pest repellent, and/or a plant metabolism modifying agent.
In particular embodiments, the liquid composition comprising a fiber is applied by spraying or nebulization. In particular embodiments, the liquid composition is applied using a motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus as envisaged herein.
In particular embodiments of the methods provided herein, the plant is a herbaceous plant, a vine, an ornamental plant or a tree, fruits or fruiting structures, or a plant structure, such as resting structures such as bulbs, tubers roots.. In further particular embodiments, the plant is a pear tree or a Citrus spp. tree.
The methods described herein are of particular interest in the biological control of pests on plants or plant structures by predatory mites. The mites can be either naturally occurring on the plant or is a mite population applied to the plant. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the methods further comprise contacting said plant with said predatory mite population before, after or simultaneously with the application of the liquid fiber composition. In particular embodiments, the methods provided herein are used with predatory mites of the family Phytoseiidae.
Also provided herein are liquid compositions comprising a fiber and optionally an adhesive as described herein. Further provided are kits for the biological control of pests on a plant or plant structure comprising a fiber composition and a predatory mite population, or a source thereof, preferably wherein the length of the fiber ranges from 0.5 to 100 mm.
In particular embodiments, the kits further comprise one or more of the following compounds: (i) an adhesive compound, (ii) a nutritional source for said predatory mites; (iii) a fungal reducing compound; (iv) a pest repellent; (v) a plant metabolism modifying agent. In particular embodiments, the predatory mite provided in the kit is a member of the family Phytoseiidae.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus configured for spraying a liquid fiber composition in an uniform way, comprising: (i) a reservoir configured for containing the liquid to be sprayed, wherein said container comprises an outlet passage for the liquid to be sprayed; a motor powered pump assembly for dispensing the liquid through a spraying means equipped with a spray nozzle, wherein the inlet port of said pump assembly is connected with the outlet passage of said reservoir by tubings and wherein the outlet port of said pump assembly is connected with the spraying means; characterized in that said motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus further comprises a means for regulating or interrupting the liquid flow adapted to avoid fiber induced liquid blockages; and/or a stirring means or a means for suspending the fiber in the liquid solution located in said liquid reservoir. In particular embodiments, the motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus comprises (a) an axial flow impeller as a stirring means; and/or (b) a spray nozzle having one or more openings with a diameter of 100-150 pm; and/or (c) a pinch valve or ball valve as a means for regulating or interrupting the liquid flow.
The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the concepts described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, which illustrates, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses.
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of part of a motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus for use in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the reservoir of a motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus, adapted for fiber application according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, with a side view shown on the left and a front view on the right.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While potentially serving as a guide for understanding, any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “including”, “includes” or “containing”, “contains”, and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited elements or method steps. The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of when referring to recited components, elements or method steps also include embodiments which “consist of said recited components, elements or method steps.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The values as used herein, when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, particularly when used in combination with the term "about", is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to ensure one or more of the technical effects envisaged herein. It is to be understood that each value as used herein is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the concepts described herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present disclosure. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the teachings provided herein.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment envisaged herein. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are also envisaged herein, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the features of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
The applicants have identified methods and means which address one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art detailed above. Indeed, it has been found that spraying a liquid composition comprising fibers, even at low fiber contents, is a surprisingly effective way to apply fibers to plants and plant parts, such as leaves, fruits or fruiting structures, or resting structures such as bulbs, tubers roots, thus creating an environment suitable for establishing, maintaining and/or promoting a predatory mite population on said plant or plant part. Indeed, the inventors have found that dispersing the fibers in dry conditions in an air stream was ill suited for the large-scale application of the fibers to the plants: the dry fibers entangle easily or form lumps in applicator devices and the fibers are only loosely attached to the leaves resulting in a very uneven fiber adherence to the plant, or even no adherence. Moreover, the inhalation of the airborne fibers by the operator is an undesired side-effect.
In contrast, particularly upon stirring or shaking of the liquid fiber composition, the fibers are well dispersed in the liquid: the fibers can be evenly applied with the liquid spray and their application rate can be precisely quantified. In addition, the wet fibers remain better attached to the plant parts.
As dedicated spraying systems are widely used in the cultivation of plants in fields, orchards and greenhouses, utilization of a liquid composition comprising fibers as set out herein is easily applicable.
Without being bound by theory, the fibers may provide artificial oviposition sites and shelter for the predatory mites, resulting in a more secure environment for the mites and their eggs.
Advantageously, an adhesive compound may be present in the liquid composition comprising a fiber. This allows increasing the adherence between fiber and plant part, thus avoiding the removal of the fibers from said plant by wind or other environmental phenomena. Moreover, in particular embodiments, such as where the adhesive is a sugar, said adhesive can function as a food source for the mites.
As used herein, the term “predatory mite” refers to mites who feed on other organisms, in particular arthropods, including thrips, white fly, other mite species and the like. In particular embodiments, predatory mites comprise phytoseiid predatory mites, i.e. members of the family Phytoseiidae. Phytoseiid predatory mites are widely used for biological control of pests such as spider mites, thrips, and whitefly, particularly in greenhouse crops. In particular embodiments, the predatory mites are from a genus selected from the group consisting of Euseius, Amblyseius, Neoseiulus, Iphiseius, Indoseiulus, Kampimodromus, Typhlodromalus, Phytoseius and Typhlodromus. Non-limiting examples of mite species suitable for use in the presently disclosed biological control methods and means include Euseius stipulatus, Eusius galicus, Amblyseius cucumeris, Typhlodromus pyri, Amblyseius swirskii, and Iphiseius degenerans. In particular embodiments, said mite population is applied to said plant before or after applying the liquid fiber composition as described herein. In particular embodiments, the predatory mite population is a natural mite population.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides methods for increasing the attractiveness and suitability of a plant for a predatory mite, the methods comprising applying a liquid composition comprising a fiber to a plant or part thereof. Indeed, it has been found that applying a liquid composition comprising a fiber to a plant, will increase the attractiveness of the plant for the predatory mite. More particularly, it has been found that the number of eggs laid by the predatory mites on the leaves increased after having applied fibers to the plant in this manner. Accordingly, the invention provides methods for increasing the reproduction rate of a predatory mite on a plant. As the number of predatory mites on a plant will affect the biological control ensured by said predatory mites, the application also provides methods for the biological control of pests on a plant by predatory mites, which methods comprise applying a liquid composition comprising a fiber to a plant or part thereof. In particular embodiments, said methods also comprise introducing a mite population on said plant or part thereof. More in particular, the present invention relates to methods for promoting or maintaining a predatory mite population on a crop plant, comprising applying a liquid fiber composition to a plant or part thereof and introducing a mite population on said crop plant or part thereof. The mite population may be introduced on or allowed to contact with said plant or part thereof before, after or simultaneously with the step of applying the liquid fiber composition to said plant or part thereof. In particular embodiments, the method for the biological control of pests on a plant by predatory mites comprises applying, for instance by spraying, a liquid composition comprising a fiber to said plant or part thereof, wherein mite eggs are attached to said fiber prior to fiber application/spraying. Also, in particular embodiments, the present invention provides a method for promoting or maintaining a predatory mite population on a plant comprising applying a liquid fiber composition to a plant or part thereof wherein said plant contains a predatory mite population.
In the context of the present invention, fibers are applied onto a plant using a liquid carrier. The term “liquid” is used to describe a physical state that is fluid without being gaseous. A liquid can flow freely and has a definite volume. Preferred liquid carriers include water, oil, including but not limited to vegetable oil, glycerol and the like. In particular embodiments, the liquid composition comprising fibers is an aqueous composition comprising fibers, with the aqueous phase acting as carrier.
In the context of the present invention, both natural and synthetic insoluble fibers are envisaged. Natural fibers include cellulose based fibers, like cotton fibers, hemp, kapok, or jute fibers, flax fibers, and the like, animal hair like wool or alpaca, arthropod produced fibers, such as silk, but also feathers. Synthetic fibers include polyamide fibers, such as nylon, polyester fibers, acrylic fibers, polylactide fibers, fibers made from regenerated cellulose, and the like. The fibers may have a coarse or smooth surface. Preferably, said fiber is particularly suitable as an oviposition substrate. Preferably, said fiber is easily dispersible in an aqueous solution. In particular embodiments, said fiber is an acrylic or polylactide fiber.
The fibers may be present in the liquid composition as individual, isolated fibers or structured in threads, yarns, fiber clusters or attached to a joint base. In particular embodiments, the fibers are crimped or curled. The crimping or curling may be a natural characteristic of the fiber or may be the result of mechanical crimping, spiral crimping, or another type. A fiber may have a combination of two or more types of crimping. In certain embodiments, the crimping or curling of the fiber may occur when the fiber is in the dry state, such as when the liquid carrier has evaporated or drained away. Advantageously, because of their crimped or curled nature, parts of the crimped fibers protrude from the leaf or plant part surface, thereby providing better suited oviposition and shelter sites for the predatory mites population. In particular embodiments, the fibers have a textured (uneven) surface, which may provide better suited oviposition sites for the predatory mites population.
The fibers may be hollow or solid. In particular embodiments, the fibers are porous or hollow having an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity optionally comprises one or more components, including but not limited to an adhesive agent, a food source, a pheromone, fungal reducing compound; a pest repellent; a plant metabolism modifying agent, etc, advantageously allowing the controlled release of said component within the cavity.
In particular embodiments, the fiber length ranges from about 0.1 to 100 mm or 0.5 to 25 mm, more preferably ranges from about 1 or 2 mm to about 10 or 15 mm.
The fibers may have a circular or other cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, multi-lobed and the like. In particular embodiments, the average fiber diameter is in the range of about 0.5 to about 100 microns.
In particular embodiments, the fiber has a linear density between 0.5 and 4000 dtex, more preferably has a linear density between 0.5 and 200 dtex, such as between 0.5 and 5 dtex or between 50 and 150 dtex.
Tex is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers and is defined as the mass in grams per 1000 meters. The most commonly used unit is actually the decitex, abbreviated dtex, which is the mass in grams per 10,000 meters. One can calculate the diameter of a filament given its weight in dtex with the following formula:
wherein p is the density of the material.
In particular embodiments, the fiber content of the aqueous composition envisaged herein ranges from 0.01 to 5.0 wt%, more preferably ranges from 0.01 to 1.0 or 2.0 wt%, even more preferably ranges from 0.02 to 0.5 wt%, most preferably ranges from 0.025 to 0.2 wt%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fiber content in the aqueous fiber composition is about 0.05 wt%.
Advantageously, the liquid composition comprising a fiber as envisaged in particular embodiments of the methods and means of the present invention further comprises an adhesive compound for improving the adherence of the fiber to the plant or part thereof.
In particular embodiments, said adhesive compound is a natural, water soluble adhesive agent. Preferred adhesive compounds include water-soluble starch and derivatives thereof, sugars or sugar alcohols, such as sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, trehalose, galactose, raffinose, mannitol or sorbitol, Arabic gum, xanthan gum, pectin, colloidal silica...
In particular embodiments, the adhesive compound is present in the solution at a concentration of 0.1 to 50 wt%, such as 0.1 to 10 wt% or 15 wt%, more preferably is present in a concentration of 0.5 to 3 wt%, even more preferably is present in a concentration of about 1.0 to 2.0 wt%.
Advantageously, said adhesive may also act as a nutritional source for the predatory mites. Alternatively, the aqueous composition comprising a fiber as envisaged herein may further comprise an additional nutritional source that is not an adhesive.
In particular embodiments, a fungus reducing agent may be added to the liquid fiber composition, particularly aqueous fiber composition envisaged herein. A fungus reducing agent is any agent reducing fungal growth for example by slowing or preventing fungal growth such as by interfering with fungal metabolism or reducing fungal growth by destruction of fungal biomass. The fungus reducing agent may comprise chemical fungus reducing agents such as a natural or synthetic fungicide, for example a natural fungicide selected from citral, neral, 2,3-epoxyneral, geranial, farnesal, a-acaradial, β-acaradial, or natamycin (pimaricin). Alternatively, a biological fungus reducing agent such as a microbial antagonist or a population of fungivorous mites may be introduced in said plant.
In particular embodiments, a pest repellent agent may be added to the liquid fiber composition. The pest repellent may comprise natural or synthetic chemical repellentia such as essential oils or other aromatic compounds.
In particular embodiments, the liquid composition comprising fibers further includes one or more components modifying plant metabolism or promoting plant growth, such as a fertilizing compound, a plant hormone or an elicitor of plant resistance to disease and/or pests.
In the methods provided herein, the liquid composition comprising a fiber is applied to a plant or part thereof. In particular embodiments, the liquid composition comprising a fiber is applied to a plant part or plant structure, i.e. one or more plant parts/structures selected from leafs, stem, trunk, shoots, buds, fruits or fruiting structures, flowers or flowering structures, or resting structures such as bulbs, tubers roots. In particular embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the liquid composition comprising a fiber is applied to the upper side and the underside of the leaves or other plant part in about equal proportions, or stated differently, after application about 40-60% of the fibers is present on each side of the leaf. In other particular embodiments of the present inventions, the liquid composition comprising a fiber is applied preferentially to the upper side or underside of the leaves or other plant part, or stated differently, after application, one side of the leaves or other plant part have about 60 to 100% of the fibers present. Indeed, it has been found that at least some predatory mites prefer the underside of the leaves for laying eggs, such that application of the fibers to the underside of the leaves further promotes the number of eggs laid on the plant. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the fibers are applied more extensively to the underside of the leaves or other part of the plant. The methods provided herein wherein the composition further comprises an adhesive compound will promote adherence of the fibers to the underside of the plants. In particular embodiments, the methods for application of the liquid composition ensure uniform distribution of the composition over the targeted plant or plant part.
The invention relates to applying a liquid composition comprising fibers to a plant part. More particularly this encompasses ensuring that the liquid composition is deposited directly onto the plant or plant part. In particular embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the liquid composition comprising a fiber is applied to the plant by spraying. Suitable spraying systems include but are not limited to moveable spraying systems comprising a reservoir for carrying the liquid composition, such as portable by hand or on the back, or moveable via a trolley, trailer or tractor, or sprinkle systems. Advantageously, in the case of the biological control of pests on tree crops, like pear and Citrus spp, the liquid fiber composition envisaged herein can be applied by a moveable motor driven liquid sprayer, including but not limited to a portable motor driven backpack liquid sprayer, a motor driven trolley liquid sprayer or a motor driven trailer/tractor liquid sprayer. The use of a motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus ensures a deep penetration of the liquid composition in the tree canopy and generates a turbulent air stream comprising the liquid. This way, the aqueous fiber composition of the present invention forms multiple small aerosol droplets, which due to the turbulent stream (which moves the tree leaves) and the small droplet size allow fiber deposit on both the upper side and underside of the leaves throughout the plant.
Alternative methods for depositing a liquid composition on a plant or part thereof can also be envisaged such as dripping, pouring, or applying with specific means such as a brush, pipette, sponge etc;
As detailed above, in particular embodiments, the methods provided herein also involve the introduction of a predatory mite population on said plant. The term “introducing” as used herein in the context of introducing predatory mites, refers to the introduction of predatory mites on or near a plant, organism or item to be protected from pests. In particular embodiments, the methods involve contacting a mite population or one or more individuals of a mite population with a plant or a plant part thereof. In particular embodiments, introducing a predatory mite population may comprise contacting or inoculating a plant or part thereof with sexually mature adults from both sexes. Additionally or alternatively, individuals of both sexes of other life stages, e.g. eggs, larvae and/or nymphs, which can mature to sexually mature adults can also be used. In particular embodiments, the predatory mite population can be introduced via the liquid fiber composition as envisaged herein, wherein mite eggs are attached to said fiber.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a liquid composition comprising a fiber, and optionally an adhesive as described for use in the methods herein above. In particular embodiments, the composition is a liquid composition. However, it is envisaged that in particular embodiments, the composition is distributed and/or stored as a dry composition, for mixing with a liquid before use. I particular embodiments, the dry composition comprises a fiber and an adhesive. Thus, in particular embodiments, the composition comprising an adhesive and a fiber is provided for mixing with a liquid to obtain a liquid composition. In particular embodiments, where the liquid comprising the fibers is dried, the concentration of the adhesive on the fibers is between 80% and 100%.
Further the application provides a kit comprising (i) a fiber composition, which upon addition of water or another liquid yields the liquid fiber composition as envisaged herein, and (ii) a predatory mite population or a source thereof.
In particular embodiments, said kit comprises a liquid fiber composition as envisaged herein.
In particular embodiments, the fiber composition in the kit comprises a natural or synthetic insoluble fiber, which may have a smooth or coarse surface, which may be solid or hollow and/or which may be crimped or curled. Examples of natural fibers include cellulose based fibers, like cotton fibers, hemp or jute fibers, flax fibers, and the like. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyamide fibers, such as nylon, polyester fibers, acrylic fibers, fibers made from regenerated cellulose, and the like. In particular embodiments the fiber length ranges from about 0.5 to 100 mm, more preferably ranges from about 1 or 2 mm to about 10 or 15 mm. In particular embodiments, the average fiber diameter is in the range of from about 0.5 to about 100 microns.
In particular embodiments, said fiber composition may comprise one or more of the following agents, as described herein: an adhesive compound, preferably a natural, water soluble adhesive agents. Preferred adhesive compounds include water-soluble starch and derivatives thereof, sugars or sugar alcohols, such as sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, trehalose, galactose, raffinose, mannitol, sorbitol, and the like; a nutritional source; a fungal reducing agent; a pest repellent plant metabolism modifying compounds
In particular embodiments, the predatory mite population or source thereof is a container comprising a predatory mite population or source thereof. The container may be of any type which is suitable for restraining mite individuals. It may be open, or closed. The shape of the container is not critical, and may for example be cuboid, cylindrical, etc. In particular embodiments, the container does not have a fixed shape, and may for example comprise a bag. If closed, the container may comprise means which facilitate exchange of metabolic gases and heat between its interior and its exterior, such as ventilation holes, which may be covered e.g. with e mesh to prevent the escape of individuals of the mite population from the container. In particular embodiments, the container is adapted to the (controlled) release of mobile stages of the predatory mite in a plant. This is particularly suitable for the introduction of predatory mites. For example, the container may be provided with one or more apertures which can be opened and closed. In particular said source of a predatory mite population comprises sexually mature adults from both sexes, and/or individuals of both sexes of other life stages, e.g. eggs, larvae and/or nymphs, which can mature to sexually mature adults; and/or fertilized female predatory mites.
As detailed above, the inventors have found that particular methods of spraying the composition comprising fibers described herein on the plants are particularly effective for ensuring adequate fiber application to the plants of interest. Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention provides a device for applying the fiber compositions provided herein. More particularly, the present invention also provides a moveable motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus, preferably a trailer or trolley motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus or a portable motor driven liquid sprayer apparatus, such as a motor driven backpack liquid sprayer apparatus, adapted to spray the aqueous composition comprising fibers as envisaged herein in a uniform way.
Said motor driven liquid spraying apparatus comprises (i) a reservoir or container (1) configured for containing the liquid to be sprayed, in particular the liquid fiber composition as envisaged herein, wherein said container (1) comprises an outlet passage for the liquid to be sprayed; (ii) a motor powered pump assembly (not shown in figure 1) for dispensing the liquid through a spraying means, typically through a manually controlled wand (not shown in figure) equipped with a spray nozzle, wherein the inlet port of said pump assembly is connected with the outlet passage of said reservoir by tubings and wherein the outlet port of said pump assembly is connected with the dispensing wand; further comprising (iii) means for regulating or interrupting the liquid flow adapted to avoid fiber induced liquid blockages, preferably a pinch valve or a ball valve (2); and/or (iv) a stirring means or a means for suspending the fiber in the liquid solution (3), preferably an axial-flow or radial-flow impeller, more preferably an axial-flow impeller, located in said liquid reservoir (Figure 1).
In particular embodiments, the spray nozzle has one or more openings that correspond to the size of the fiber. For instance, in particular embodiments, the one or more openings of the spray nozzle have a diameter of 100-150 pm.
In preferred embodiments, the ratio of the diameter of the impeller (d), in particular an axial flow impeller, to the diameter or width of the reservoir (1) (D) ranges from about 0.3 to about 0.6, preferably ranges from about 0.4 to about 0.5 (Figure 2). In particular embodiments, the impeller is positioned at a distance (C) from the bottom of the reservoir (1) ranging from about 1/3 of the impeller diameter to about 1Λ of the reservoir diameter or reservoir width.
In particular embodiments, the impeller is configured to limit or to avoid the fibers sticking or adhering to the impeller.
In particular embodiments, the reservoir (1) comprises baffles attached to the wall of the reservoir to interrupt the circular flow induced by the impeller, particularly in cylindrical reservoirs, and to promote the even dispersion of the fibers in the reservoir.
Said motor powered pump assembly may comprise an internal combustion engine or may be electric powered, such as a battery operated motor assembly.
In particular embodiments, said motorized liquid sprayer apparatus comprises fixing means to securely attach the sprayer apparatus to the back of a person, such as straps which may be attached to the upper and optionally also the lower portions of the sprayer apparatus.
The methods and means for the biological control of plant pests by predatory mites described herein, may thus be used for protecting any plant, organism or item for which biological control of pests, more particularly mites is desired. Preferably said plant is a herbaceous crop, a vine, an ornamental plant or a tree crop plant. In particular embodiments, the methods and means of the present invention is particularly suited for the biological protection of plants or plant structures having little or no domatia or trichomes, in part having little or no non-glandular trichomes, such as hairs. Exemplary plants include herbaceous crops, such as some brassicas, grape, ornamental plants, such as roses, or tree crops (e.g. pear trees, Citrus spp.).
The following examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and by no means are meant and in no way should be interpreted to limit the scope of the present invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1. Behaviour of predatory mites on plants without trichomes
The numbers of eggs attached by E. galicus predatory mites on small citrus trees with or without fiber application was evaluated in three setups.
In a first set up, two groups of six plants were used. In the first group, 5 leaves of each citrus plant were inoculated with 4 fibers of about 1 - 1.5 cm and 5 predatory mites were introduced on each leaf with fibers. In the second (control group), 5 leaves were marked on each citrus plant, no fibers were applied and 5 predatory mites were introduced on each marked leaf. Plant pollen were provided as a source of nutrients for the mites.
After seven days, about one egg was found on each leaf having fibers, while no eggs were found on the control leaves (without fibers).
In a second setup, an aqueous 0.05% fiber composition was sprayed by a motorized sprayer on a number of small citrus trees (n=3). On each tree, 200 E. galicus predatory mites were introduced via a bio-box.
After thirteen days, about two eggs were found on leaves having fibers, while no eggs were found on the leaves of the citrus plants which had not been treated with the fiber composition.
In a third setup, the mite egg laying on the top or underside of a leaf of a citrus plant was evaluated. Three groups of six plants were used: a first group was used as the control group and no fibers were applied to the leaves, but 5 leaves were marked & 5 predatory mites were introduced on the marked leaves. In the second group, the top surface of 5 leaves of each plant were inoculated with 4 fibers of about 1-1.5 cm and 5 predatory mites were introduced on each leaf with fibers. The third group was treated as the second group, but with the fibers applied on the underside of the leaves. For each group of plants, plant pollen were provided as a nutritional source for the mites.
No eggs were found on the leaves of the control group. On average about 0.4 eggs were found on the leaves with the fibers attached to the upper side, while on average about 1.6 mite eggs were found on leaves with the fibers attached to the underside of the leaf. This indicates that the E. galicus mite has a preference to lay its eggs on the underside of the leaves.
Example 2. Fiber application to plants
Fiber application to plants (in pots) was evaluated with different sprayer systems. Typically, spraying systems in agriculture (such as spray booms and spray wands) have color coded nozzles (SO 10625:2005).
Initially, as fibers may block the nozzles, the effect of the presence of fibers in water on the spraying quality and efficiency was evaluated for a series of 0.05 wt% aqueous fiber compositions (fiber length 5-8 mm) for different nozzle types. Two fibers were used: Dralon X, a white, smooth synthetic (acrylic) fiber; and “fiber 2-1”, a natural brown, rough fiber. The results are presented in Table 1.
Table 1.
Secondly, plants were sprayed with a 0.05wt% fiber-in-water dispersion, using a Birchmeier Profi Star 5 hand spraying system with Blue nozzle wherein all filters were removed from the hand spraying system, including the filter from the spraying wand/spraying nozzle. Spraying was at a pressure of 4 bar. Care was taken to fully disperse the fiber in the water by shaking the sprayer before use.
The results show that, for each fiber, about 50 to 55 fibers were on average found on the top side of each leaf of the citrus pot plant, while 0 to 10 fibers were found on the bottom side of the citrus pot plant.
This experiment showed that in order to apply fibers on the underside of the leaves the spraying wand should be pointed upwards, especially if a spraying system without air assistance is used. In addition, spraying systems with air assistance yield smaller water droplets which have the advantage of a better distribution of the water and fiber in the plant canopy.
Example 3. Fiber adherence
In another experimental setup, the addition of different compounds to the fiber-in-water suspension was studied to improve the adherence of the fiber to the leaves. 4 different mixtures were tested: (1) DralonX fibre (0.05 wt%) in water; (2) DralonX fibre (0.05 wt%) in water + 1% starch; (3) DralonX fibre (0.05 wt%) in water + 0.5% sugar; (4) DralonX fibre (0.05 wt%) in water + 1% sugar.
Each composition was sprayed over a group of six citrus plants (height 40 cm) using a Birchmaier Profi Star 5 sprayer with gray nozzle. The effect of the wind was simulated using a Makita BUB182 blower, positioned at 2m of the plants. 5 leaves were marked and the number of fibers were counted before and after the blowing treatment.
At lower blowing speed (and hence lower wind speed), all fibers remained on the leaves.
At the maximum blower setting, about 1 fiber was lost per leaf when fibers were applied to the plants using the compositions comprising 0.5 and 1 % sugar, while fiber application using the compositions comprising starch or no additives (only water) resulted in the loss of about 2 fibers per leaf. This experiment shows that adding a compound with adhesive properties to the fiber composition promotes the adherence of the fibers to the leaves.
In addition, when using starch as adhesive agent, white droplets/spots were visible on the leaves.
Example 4. Fiber application via a motorized backpack spraying apparatus Motorized sprayers that are portable on the back of a person are widely used in orchards for spraying crop trees. Indeed, trees are characterized by thick stems, lots of leaves and a small number of trees per area. A motorized sprayer apparatus, particularly with air assistance, is ideally suited for the spraying of a liquid on both sides of the leaf, including those leaves in the center of the tree. Indeed, a turbulent air stream comprising the liquid is generated which leads to the formation of multiple small aerosol droplets, which are attracted by the leaves. The turbulent air stream also moves the leaves and branches in different directions, ensuring an excellent dispersion of the sprayed liquid throughout the tree.
In the present example, the inventors have looked at the motorized spraying apparatus for applying the fibers to the crop plants.
First, some areas sensitive to blockage were adapted to reduce the risk of obstruction of the liquid flow by the fibers by replacing the existing valves with a pinch valve or a ball valve.
Secondly, some adaptations to a rectangular sprayer tank were made in order to keep the fibers well suspended. In certain instance, because the engine is located adjacent to the liquid tank, the engine vibrations are sufficient to keep the fibers in suspension. In an alternative setup, a motorized sprayer apparatus was developed wherein the sprayer tank was fitted with a DC engine with an axial-flow impeller (pitch blade impeller, 45° blades). This setup resulted in well dispersed fiber suspensions upon activation of the axial-flow impeller. An anti-ragging impeller may be used to avoid attachment of the fibers to the impeller.
Example 5. Fiber preference
Different fibers have been tested as oviposition substrates for predatory mites to assess if the mites show preference for a fiber type or size. The size/mass is expressed as dtex.
Series 1 Test setup:
Different kinds of synthetic fibers, varying in density/size were used. Dralon X is an acrylic fiber. The type II fibers were synthetic polylactide fibers.
The different fibers were attached on a plastic plate and placed in a circle or equidistant from a central point. Female mites (Amblyseius swirskii ) and Typha pollen as a food source were placed in the central area. The fiber preference for egg laying was assessed by counting the number of eggs on the different fibers.
Table 2. Series 1: overview of fibers used.
Results
Table 3. Number of eggs per fiber
A selection of the Type I & Type II fibers were further assessed, wherein the different fibers were placed in a hexagon formation, alternating between type I & Type II, with 15 female mites and pollen placed in the center. Unhatched eggs were counted after 2 and 13 days.
Table 4. Number of eggs per fiber type
Under the test conditions used, the best fibers for oviposition were the type 11.1 50 dtex & and II.2 100 dtex synthetic fibers. In addition, Type II.2 fiber had a different fiber outline/shape, indicating that fiber architecture may play a role as well.
Series 2 Test setup:
Type II.2 fibers, either straight or curled, were attached on a plastic plate and placed equidistant from a central point. Female mites (Amblyseius swirskii ) and Typha pollen as a food source were placed in the central area. The preference for egg laying was assessed by counting the number of eggs on the different fibers after 1 day and after 2 days.
Table 5. Number of eggs per fiber type
These results show that the curled fibers were visited circa twice as often for egg laying than the straight fibers. In addition, visual inspection showed that, in the case of the straight fibers, generally only one egg was founded at the ends of the fiber, while for the curled fibers, the eggs were positioned more uniformly over the fiber length. This was further confirmed in a separate series of experiments, which showed that thicker fibers, which were less curled/crimped, were substantially less used as oviposition substrate, compared to thin, curled fibers.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2015508A NL2015508B1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2015-09-25 | Improved plant biological control by predatory mites. |
PCT/EP2016/072645 WO2017050950A2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2016-09-23 | Improved plant biological control by predatory mites. |
MA042933A MA42933A (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2016-09-23 | USE OF AQUEOUS FIBER DISPERSION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL BY PREDATORY MITE |
EP16778250.7A EP3352569A2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2016-09-23 | Use of aqueous fiber diseprsion for improving biological control of pest by predatory mites |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2015508A NL2015508B1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2015-09-25 | Improved plant biological control by predatory mites. |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NL2015508B1 true NL2015508B1 (en) | 2017-04-20 |
Family
ID=57113277
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
NL2015508A NL2015508B1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2015-09-25 | Improved plant biological control by predatory mites. |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3352569A2 (en) |
MA (1) | MA42933A (en) |
NL (1) | NL2015508B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017050950A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109699593B (en) * | 2019-03-14 | 2024-02-13 | 山西省农业科学院植物保护研究所 | Fruit tree mite feeding device and use method |
CN111700037B (en) * | 2020-06-24 | 2022-04-01 | 潮州中天农业科技有限公司 | Predatory mite number detection method |
JP6867613B1 (en) * | 2020-11-13 | 2021-04-28 | 中越パルプ工業株式会社 | Dispersion solution for improving the livestock barn environment and method for improving the barn environment |
CN112827695A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-05-25 | 安徽省文胜生物工程股份有限公司 | Biological additive batching device for improving rice and shrimp yield and using method thereof |
CN112913789B (en) * | 2021-04-02 | 2022-06-03 | 贵州大学 | Predatory mite feeding method taking cattail pollen as feed |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3125294A (en) * | 1964-03-17 | Apparatus for handling fiber in suspension | ||
US3638860A (en) * | 1970-05-26 | 1972-02-01 | Richard A Carlyon Jr | Agricultural apparatus |
US5251398A (en) * | 1985-06-12 | 1993-10-12 | Balassa Leslie L | Fibrous coatings for protecting fruit bearing or blossoming trees, shrubs or other vegetation from freeze and frost |
US5556033A (en) * | 1989-05-10 | 1996-09-17 | New Waste Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus for forming a foamed outdoor protective cover layer |
US6273345B1 (en) * | 2000-02-11 | 2001-08-14 | United States Gypsum Company | High performance slurry spray machine |
US6360478B1 (en) * | 2000-06-21 | 2002-03-26 | Profile Products L.L.C. | Mechanically bonded fiber mulch and process for producing same |
US9149750B2 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2015-10-06 | Mott Corporation | Sinter bonded porous metallic coatings |
US9074134B2 (en) * | 2011-11-10 | 2015-07-07 | Lotte Engineering & Construction | Method of manufacturing soil reinforced by microbe-based bio-binders and soil produced by the method |
ES2557767T3 (en) * | 2013-02-07 | 2016-01-28 | Biobest Belgium Nv | Procedures for mite breeding |
CN104453945A (en) * | 2014-11-11 | 2015-03-25 | 中煤第五建设有限公司徐州煤矿采掘机械厂 | Self-stirring wet type concrete sprayer |
-
2015
- 2015-09-25 NL NL2015508A patent/NL2015508B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2016
- 2016-09-23 MA MA042933A patent/MA42933A/en unknown
- 2016-09-23 EP EP16778250.7A patent/EP3352569A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-09-23 WO PCT/EP2016/072645 patent/WO2017050950A2/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3352569A2 (en) | 2018-08-01 |
MA42933A (en) | 2018-08-01 |
WO2017050950A3 (en) | 2017-05-18 |
WO2017050950A2 (en) | 2017-03-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
NL2015508B1 (en) | Improved plant biological control by predatory mites. | |
CN203040507U (en) | Flame weeding and deinsectization device | |
CN105076087A (en) | Environment-friendly preventing and controlling method of diseases and pests of garden plants | |
US20170238479A1 (en) | Plant-Protection Cage with Harvesting and Produce-Rinsing Dome | |
CN102283064B (en) | Pollution-free cultivation method for dwarfed cherry | |
CN105638331A (en) | Plant disease and pest green prevention and control method for garden plants | |
CN106508520A (en) | Pine caterpillar damage control method for mixed broadleaf-conifer forest of pinus elliottii | |
Teixeira et al. | Mechanically-applied wax matrix (SPLAT-GBM) for mating disruption of grape berry moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) | |
Stelinski et al. | Mechanized applicator for large-scale field deployment of paraffin-wax dispensers of pheromone for mating disruption in tree fruit | |
CN201167528Y (en) | Fruit flies trap | |
WO2017162887A1 (en) | Use of nootkatone to kill sap-sucking insects | |
Mc Nabb et al. | Weed management systems for forest nurseries and woodlands | |
CN113079904A (en) | Method for preventing Dendrolimus punctatus beetles in forestry and landscape architecture | |
Greer et al. | Woody cut stems for growers and florists: How to produce and use branches for flowers, fruit, and foliage | |
Kovanci et al. | The deposition and retention of a microencapsulated oriental fruit moth pheromone applied as an ultra-low volume spray in the canopy of three peach cultivars | |
CN110651661A (en) | Hanger efficient cultivation method for black fungus | |
Owen-Smith | Pest management efficacy and spray characteristics of a solid set canopy delivery system in high density apples | |
CN216254944U (en) | Pesticide spraying device for pest control in planting | |
CN218789738U (en) | Sheep sleeving structure assembly | |
CN101578973B (en) | Sexual-attraction high-efficiency contact-type adult trapping-killing device | |
CN210928927U (en) | Three-dimensional edible fungus planting system | |
CN209185479U (en) | A kind of trapping citrus fruit fly female adult lures killer | |
CN201422343Y (en) | Sex-attracting efficient contact-killing type adult trapping and killing device | |
CN105660077A (en) | Novel method for preventing cucumber cracking | |
McGinty et al. | Brush Busters: How to Master Cedar |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
MM | Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 20201001 |