The present invention provides novel methods of applying pesticides to control pests with reduced phytotoxicity effects. The method comprises applying pesticides as micro-droplets in a low volume but high concentration.

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. Method 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. Method 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.

Compositions and methods are provided for benefiting plant growth. In particular aspects, the compositions contain a biologically pure culture of Bacillus sp. D747 strain (deposited as FERM BP-8234) and an insecticide in a formulation suitable for dissolution in a liquid fertilizer.

Compositions and methods are provided for benefiting plant growth. In particular aspects, the compositions contain a biologically pure culture of Bacillus sp. D747 strain (deposited as FERM BP-8234) and an insecticide in a formulation suitable for dissolution in a liquid fertilizer.

The present invention provides novel insecticidal formulations comprising an effective concentration of: 1) at least one or more essential oils and an insecticidal soap; 2) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap, and pyrethrins; 3) at least one or more essential oils and pyrethrins; 4) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap and a synergist, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate or lecithin; 5) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap, a synergist, and pyrethrins; and 6) at least one or more essential oils, a synergist, and pyrethrins. A carrier oil, such as mineral oil, may be added to any of the foregoing formulations.

The present invention provides novel insecticidal formulations comprising an effective concentration of: 1) at least one or more essential oils and an insecticidal soap; 2) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap, and pyrethrins; 3) at least one or more essential oils and pyrethrins; 4) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap and a synergist, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate or lecithin; 5) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap, a synergist, and pyrethrins; and 6) at least one or more essential oils, a synergist, and pyrethrins. A carrier oil, such as mineral oil, may be added to any of the foregoing formulations.

A salt formed by mixing one or more aliphatic acids with a volatile base may be combined with a pesticidal composition (and/or, in some cases, an adjuvant for a pesticidal composition). Adding the volatile base can improve solubility of the one or more aliphatic acids in at least some pesticidal compositions and/or adjuvants, better promote a target pH of the resulting pesticidal composition, and/or promote bioactivity of the one or more aliphatic acids post-application. The composition can be applied together with a pesticide, e.g. by spraying, to control plant pests.

A salt formed by mixing one or more aliphatic acids with a volatile base may be combined with a pesticidal composition (and/or, in some cases, an adjuvant for a pesticidal composition). Adding the volatile base can improve solubility of the one or more aliphatic acids in at least some pesticidal compositions and/or adjuvants, better promote a target pH of the resulting pesticidal composition, and/or promote bioactivity of the one or more aliphatic acids post-application. The composition can be applied together with a pesticide, e.g. by spraying, to control plant pests.

An agricultural adjuvant includes microfibrillated cellulose, a dispersant or wetting agent, in a liquid carrier that has been subjected to shear conditions. The resultant adjuvant displays useful rheological structure and the adjuvant is added to agricultural formulations to stabilize and impart useful rheology to the formulations.