A method of controlling insects in stored food comprising the step of contacting said insects with an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica, such as food grade synthetic amorphous silica in the form of a dust based formulation. The invention also relates to solid insecticide formulations comprising an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica.

A method of controlling insects in stored food comprising the step of contacting said insects with an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica, such as food grade synthetic amorphous silica in the form of a dust based formulation. The invention also relates to solid insecticide formulations comprising an effective amount of synthetic amorphous silica.

Described herein are bee-safe acaricides that target the varroa mite-specific neuropeptidergic system regulated by proctolin, and methods of use. The acaricides comprise a peptide analog or peptidomimetic of varroa mite proctolin for selective targeting of this pest in a bee colony. The compounds are also effective against other pests, such as ticks. The peptide analog or peptidomimetic generally comprises one or two amino acid residue substitutions or insertions. Also described herein are methods of screening compounds for activity on a proctolin receptor.

Described herein are bee-safe acaricides that target the varroa mite-specific neuropeptidergic system regulated by proctolin, and methods of use. The acaricides comprise a peptide analog or peptidomimetic of varroa mite proctolin for selective targeting of this pest in a bee colony. The compounds are also effective against other pests, such as ticks. The peptide analog or peptidomimetic generally comprises one or two amino acid residue substitutions or insertions. Also described herein are methods of screening compounds for activity on a proctolin receptor.

The present application relates to compositions comprising 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid (4Cl-IAA) or an analogue thereof, or a combination of the latter, in the form of a potassium salt, a sodium salt or an amine salt. For example, such compositions can be used used in methods for selectively causing damage or mortality to weed.

The present application relates to compositions comprising 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid (4Cl-IAA) or an analogue thereof, or a combination of the latter, in the form of a potassium salt, a sodium salt or an amine salt. For example, such compositions can be used used in methods for selectively causing damage or mortality to weed.

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.

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.

A method of making an antimicrobial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/silver nanocomposite comprising PMMA and silver nanoparticles. The method includes reacting at least one silver salt with a methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer in at least one organic solvent free of water and in the presence of at least one organic free radical initiator to polymerize the MMA monomer to form the PMMA by free radical polymerization while reducing in-situ the silver salt to form the silver nanoparticles, wherein the silver nanoparticles have an average particle size of 35-60 nm, and wherein the PMMA forms a matrix that encloses the silver nanoparticles.

A method of making an antimicrobial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/silver nanocomposite comprising PMMA and silver nanoparticles. The method includes reacting at least one silver salt with a methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer in at least one organic solvent free of water and in the presence of at least one organic free radical initiator to polymerize the MMA monomer to form the PMMA by free radical polymerization while reducing in-situ the silver salt to form the silver nanoparticles, wherein the silver nanoparticles have an average particle size of 35-60 nm, and wherein the PMMA forms a matrix that encloses the silver nanoparticles.