Multifunctional compositions having combined insecticidal, miticidal and fungicidal activity

Abstract

Particular aspects provide novel insecticide / miticide / fungicide compositions, and methods for using same for safe, environmentally friendly control of insects, mites and fungal pests in, e.g., gardening and commercial growing. Preferably, the compositions comprise organic or pure ingredients. Particular embodiments comprise: a fatty acid soap base (e.g., saponified soap with retained glycerin; or fatty acid salts with glycerin); at least one essential oil; an optional food oil; and a bicarbonate reagent, along with water. Additional embodiments comprise: a soap base, and / or glycerin or other suitable base; at least one organic or pure plant essential oil; an organic or pure food oil; and a bicarbonate reagent, along with water as diluent and carrier, and methods for using same. Further aspects provide a method for controlling mite and fungal pests with a single composition comprising, along with an aqueous carrier or diluent: a non-petroleum-based food oil; and a bicarbonate agent.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 176,967, filed 6 Jul. 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60 / 586,485, filed 6 Jul. 2004; and 60 / 603,293, filed 19 Aug. 2004; both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Aspects of the present invention relate generally to novel multi-functional compositions and methods for using same, and more particularly to novel compositions and organic compositions that have combined insecticidal, miticidal and fungicidal activities.BACKGROUND[0003]Insecticidal soaps are known in the art, typically comprising potassium salts of fatty acids, along with ethyl alcohol. However, such prior art products are often ineffective, can be generally damaging to horticulture (e.g., vegetables, fruits, berries and ornamenta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a novel and effective method for controlling insects, mites, and fungal diseases in plants using a single composition. The composition includes a fatty acid soap base and an essential oil, which work synergistically to provide better results than using separate ingredients. The composition is safe, environmentally friendly, and can be used by organic growers. The technical effects of the invention include improved efficiency, cost savings, and reduced risk of harm to humans, animals, and plant life."

Problems solved by technology

However, such prior art products are often ineffective, can be generally damaging to horticulture (e.g., vegetables, fruits, berries and ornamentals), and have multiple additional disadvantages.

For example, some conventional insecticidal soaps, although listed for use in organic gardening or farming (OMRI listing, etc.), actually contain non-organic ingredients rendering them unsuitable for many uses, not only for commercial growing, but also by many organic growers where environmentally-friendly insect control is needed in the context of individual gardening and use by minors (e.g., children, adolescents).

However, while Zobitne et al. teach that the Environmental Protection Agency (which regulates the use of potentially toxic ingredients in pesticidal compositions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act) has deregulated the use of SLS, SLS is nonetheless known in the art to have degenerative effects on cell membranes, is known to induce corneal damage in rabbit eyes under some circumstances, and is used around the world in clinical studies as a significant skin irritant.

Moreover, other studies have indicated that SLS enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain from skin contact, and other research has indicated that SLS may damage the immune system, particularly in the skin (id.).

Additionally, SLS is known in the art to be harsh on plants, as are shorter-chain fatty acids having 9 carbon atom chains or less, which actually have herbicidal properties.