Spray Oil and Method of Use Therefor for Controlling Turfgrass Pests

Abstract

A paraffinic spray oil and a method of using the spray oil for controlling turfgrass pests is disclosed. The spray oil comprises paraffinic oil and a quick break emulsifier, which is formulated as an oil-in-water (O / W) emulsion for use. The paraffinic oil and emulsifier are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 95:5 to about 99.95:0.05, and preferably from about 98.5:1.5 to about 99.9:0.1. When applied to turfgrass, the O / W emulsion quickly releases the oil phase upon application to the turfgrass to contact pests thereon. When provided at sufficient paraffinic oil dosages, generally at least about 0.5 gal oil / acre and preferably in the range of about 0.5 gal / acre to about 60 gal / acre, the spray oil is effective in controlling a variety of turfgrass pests, particularly insect and fungal pests, with little or no phytotoxic effects. Further, use of the spray oil as indicated for controlling turfgrass pests also enhances the growth of turfgrass.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to spray oils, and in particular to paraffinic spray oils and their method of use for controlling turfgrass pests such as harmful insects and fungi. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the field of agriculture and horticulture, it is well known to use spray oils in the control plant pests such as harmful insects, fungi, and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. The base for such spray oils are generally made of naturally occurring oils such as refined petroleum products, e.g., paraffinic oils, or oils extracted from plants, vegetables or animals. [0003] Spray oils are often formulated as an oil-in-water (O / W) emulsion which is periodically applied directly to plants. An emulsion is a dispersed system containing at least two normally immiscible phases, one being dispersed as droplets in the other. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable due to excess free energy associated with the surface of the dispersed droplets such th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The invention provides a paraffinic spray oil composition that is applied to turfgrass as an oil-in-water (O / W) emulsion and is effective in controlling turfgrass pests without added synthetic chemical pesticides.

[0015] Notably, it is generally considered that turfgrass is under stress due to its use and maintenance, such that there is an expectation that turfgrass is particularly susceptible to potential toxic effects of spray oils. Surprisingly, Applicant has found that when the spray oil is applied to turfgrass, particularly at an oil dosage that is higher than typically used in other spray oil applications, the spray oil is effective in controlling a variety of turfgrass pests, including insects and fungi, with little or no phytotoxic effects.

[0016] Accordingly, in another aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for controlling turfgrass pests comprising applying an effective amount of the spray oil to the turfgrass. In one embodiment, the effective amount provides a paraffinic oil dosage of at least about 0.5 gal / acre, preferably from about 5 gal / acre to about 60 gal / acre, and more preferably from about 10 gal / acre to about 20 gal / acre, and which can be applied periodically as needed. The optimal dosage may vary according to the type of turfgrass, the type and amount of pest on the turfgrass, and the environmental conditions, and can be readily determined by established biological tests.

[0017] Unexpectedly, Applicant has also found that when the spray oil is applied to turfgrass as indicated for controlling pests, the growth of the turfgrass is enhanced.

Problems solved by technology

Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable due to excess free energy associated with the surface of the dispersed droplets such that the particles tend to flocculate (clumping together of dispersed droplets or particles) and subsequently coalesce (fusing together of agglomerates into a larger drop or droplets) to decrease the surface energy.

If these droplets fuse, the emulsion will “break”, i.e. the phases will separate, destroying the emulsion and making it difficult to prepare formulations that have a suitable shelf-life for storage.

The main limitation of spray oils is their potential to cause plant injury (phytotoxicity) in some situations, as with certain sensitive plants or plants under drought stress.

Turfgrass has been traditionally treated with synthetic chemical compounds to control pests, resulting is high maintenance costs and harmful effects to humans and the environment.

Although several non-petroleum spray oils have been disclosed as having use in treating turfgrass, such spray oils have not found widespread commercial use.

However, fish oils tend to be phytotoxic due to alcohol and acid products formed by ester hydrolysis and have an unpleasant smell.

2003 / 0194454 to Bessette discloses the use of rosemary oil and wintergreen oil, alone or in combination, in controlling turfgrass pests; however, such non-petroleum oils tend to become rancid upon prolonged exposure to sunlight.