The present inventive concept is related to metal nanoparticles, such as silver (Ag) nanoparticles, including a metal core and a surface to the metal core functionalized with a positively charged molecule/polymer coating the surface such as amino (—NH.sub.2), amide ([C═O]—N), polyethyleneimine/branched polyethyleneimine (PEI/BPEI), pesticidal compositions including the metal nanoparticle, and methods of using the pesticidal compositions including the metal nanoparticle.

The present inventive concept is related to metal nanoparticles, such as silver (Ag) nanoparticles, including a metal core and a surface to the metal core functionalized with a positively charged molecule/polymer coating the surface such as amino (—NH.sub.2), amide ([C═O]—N), polyethyleneimine/branched polyethyleneimine (PEI/BPEI), pesticidal compositions including the metal nanoparticle, and methods of using the pesticidal compositions including the metal nanoparticle.

In crop production in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and the like, the damage caused by insect pests etc. is still immense, and insect pests resistant to existing insecticides have emerged. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to develop and provide a novel agricultural or horticultural insecticide. Another object of the present invention is to provide an agent capable of eliminating ectoparasites or endoparasites of animals. These objects are achieved by a condensed heterocyclic compound having a substituted cyclopropane-oxadiazole group represented by the general formula (1):

##STR00001##

(wherein R.sup.1 preferably represents an alkyl group, R.sup.2a and R.sup.2b each preferably represent a hydrogen atom, R.sup.3 preferably represents a haloalkyl group, and Q is preferably imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) or a salt thereof, an agricultural or horticultural insecticide or an animal ectoparasite or endoparasite control agent each comprising the compound or the salt thereof as an active ingredient, and a method for using the compound or the salt thereof, the insecticide, or the control agent.

Biocide and biopesticide compositions are provided. The compositions include mixtures of essential oils and carriers, the combined effect of which provides repelling and/or killing effects against arthropod pests and internal parasites. Methods of controlling and treating for arthropod pests and internal parasites using the disclosed compositions are also provided.

Biocide and biopesticide compositions are provided. The compositions include mixtures of essential oils and carriers, the combined effect of which provides repelling and/or killing effects against arthropod pests and internal parasites. Methods of controlling and treating for arthropod pests and internal parasites using the disclosed compositions are also provided.

The present application includes compositions for treating ectoparasite infestations, including killing ectoparasites and/or their ova, the compositions comprising one or more fatty acid esters and one or more linear polymeric siloxanes. Also included are kits comprising the compositions and methods of treating ectoparasite infestations, including methods of killing ectoparasites and/or their ova, using the compositions.

Use of brown melanoidins in compositions and methods to protect plants against a wide variety of non-fungal pests is disclosed. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the plants are nightshades, for example tomato. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the plants are cucurbits, for example cucumber. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments the pests are selected from the group consisting of viruses, bacteria, oomycetes, and arthropods.

Use of brown melanoidins in compositions and methods to protect plants against a wide variety of non-fungal pests is disclosed. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the plants are nightshades, for example tomato. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the plants are cucurbits, for example cucumber. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments the pests are selected from the group consisting of viruses, bacteria, oomycetes, and arthropods.

A biopesticide composition contains a synergistic bioactive core consisting of essential oil, oleoresin, aqueous, alcoholic or hydroalcoholic extract of root or rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and cinnamaldehyde or source of cinnamaldehyde. The composition may contain at least one secondary component and/or inert substances. A method is used for obtaining the biopesticide composition. The biopesticide composition is used in agriculture, parks and sports facilities against pests belonging to the whitefly group.

The present disclosure relates to an insect, bacteria, and/or fungi control composition that includes a carrier oil and two or more essential oils for effectively controlling and/or killing insects, bacteria, and/or fungi. Some insect, bacteria, and/or fungi control compositions comprise castor oil; a first oil selected from the group consisting of rosemary oil, thyme oil, clove oil, garlic oil, geraniol, peppermint oil, and cinnamon oil; and a second oil selected from the group consisting of rosemary oil, thyme oil, clove oil, garlic oil, geraniol, peppermint oil, and cinnamon oil, wherein in the first oil is different from the second oil. Compositions according to the present disclosure kill insects at multiple stages in their life cycle including adult insects, larvae, and disrupt the egg cycle. The insect, bacteria, and/or fungi control compositions can effectively control insect, bacteria, and/or fungi and retain control and/or insecticidal, bactericidal, and/or fungicidal potency over a longer period of time than other natural insect, bacteria, and/or fungi control agents.