A preservation system comprising: i) itaconic acid or salt thereof and ii) a secondary preservation chemical selected from the list consisting of terpineol, geraniol, perillyl alcohol, menthol, terpinene, linalool, citronellol and mixtures thereof.

In one aspect, the invention relates to chemical modulators of insect olfactory receptors. In particular, compounds and compositions are provided that can inhibit sensory (e.g., host targeting) functions in airborne insects such as mosquitos. Methods of employing such agents, and articles incorporating the same, are also provided. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

In one aspect, the invention relates to chemical modulators of insect olfactory receptors. In particular, compounds and compositions are provided that can inhibit sensory (e.g., host targeting) functions in airborne insects such as mosquitos. Methods of employing such agents, and articles incorporating the same, are also provided. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

A clathrate of 1-methylcyclopropene with α-cyclodextrin, obtained as a solid particulate product, is modified by comminuting, classifying, or both to obtain a modified particulate. When subjected to identical atmospheric disgorgement conditions of humidity and temperature, identical masses of the modified and unmodified particulates exhibit different rates of 1-methylcyclopropene disgorgement. Specifically, we have found that a smaller mean particle size is inversely related to a greater rate of 1-methylcyclopropene release.

A clathrate of 1-methylcyclopropene with α-cyclodextrin, obtained as a solid particulate product, is modified by comminuting, classifying, or both to obtain a modified particulate. When subjected to identical atmospheric disgorgement conditions of humidity and temperature, identical masses of the modified and unmodified particulates exhibit different rates of 1-methylcyclopropene disgorgement. Specifically, we have found that a smaller mean particle size is inversely related to a greater rate of 1-methylcyclopropene release.

An industrially scalable microcapsule, fiber or film forming process and formulations suitable for use in conventional spray drying systems are provided. The one-step spray drying process utilizes formulations of a first ionic polymer, a second ionic polymer with an isoelectric point (pI.sub.2) or acid dissociation constant (pKa.sub.2) that is greater than the isoelectric point (pI.sub.1) or acid dissociation constant (pKa.sub.1) of the first ionic polymer and a volatile base or volatile acid. Volatilization of the volatile base or acid of the spray formulation changes the pH of the solution and changes the charge of the second ionic polymer initiating electrostatic interactions with the first ionic polymer through complex coacervation. Microcapsules formed by the complex coacervation process can stabilize bioactive components as well as control the release of the bioactive components for a variety of applications.

An industrially scalable microcapsule, fiber or film forming process and formulations suitable for use in conventional spray drying systems are provided. The one-step spray drying process utilizes formulations of a first ionic polymer, a second ionic polymer with an isoelectric point (pI.sub.2) or acid dissociation constant (pKa.sub.2) that is greater than the isoelectric point (pI.sub.1) or acid dissociation constant (pKa.sub.1) of the first ionic polymer and a volatile base or volatile acid. Volatilization of the volatile base or acid of the spray formulation changes the pH of the solution and changes the charge of the second ionic polymer initiating electrostatic interactions with the first ionic polymer through complex coacervation. Microcapsules formed by the complex coacervation process can stabilize bioactive components as well as control the release of the bioactive components for a variety of applications.

Compositions and methods for protecting bees from toxins and for preventing or decreasing colony collapse are provided. The compositions comprise carbon microparticles which, when ingested by bees, increase their survival after exposure to toxins such as pesticides.

Compositions and methods for protecting bees from toxins and for preventing or decreasing colony collapse are provided. The compositions comprise carbon microparticles which, when ingested by bees, increase their survival after exposure to toxins such as pesticides.

Formulations of pesticides are disclosed, specifically pesticidal blends of essential oils and other ingredients, that have been found to enhance the activity of the active pesticidal ingredients. The formulations may be, for example, emulsions or dust formulations. For example, a composition for controlling a target pest is disclosed that comprises at least one active agent and a formulation agent, wherein: the active agent is capable of interacting with a receptor in the target pest; the active agent has a first activity against the target pest when applied without the formulation agent and the composition has a second activity against the target pest; and the second activity is greater than the first activity.