BIOCONTROL COMPOSITION

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition of effective biological control agents against eggs and/or larvae and/or pupae and/or adult insects' stages, with a broad-spectrum action. The invention is composed of sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria, entomopathogenic fungi, a limonoid, Efficient Microorganisms (EMs), a humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension, and a process for obtaining the composition.

Claims

1. Biological control composition comprising: sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria, entomopathogenic fungi, a limonoid, Efficient Microorganisms (EMs), and a humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension.

2. The biological control composition according to claim 1, wherein the sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria comprises at least one of Bacillus popilliae or Bacillus thuringiensis.

3. The biological control composition according to claim 1, wherein the entomopathogenic fungi comprises at least one of Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces lilacinus, or Paecilomyces fumosoroseus.

4. The biological control composition according to claim 1, wherein the humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension comprises humic acid carbon (HAC) and fulvic acid carbon (FAC) compounds.

5. The biological control composition according to claim 1, wherein the EMs comprises at least one of Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Lactobacillus spp., or Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

6. The biological control composition according to claim 1, wherein the limonoid is a plant extract of neem or Azadirachtin.

7. The biological control composition according to claim 2, wherein the sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria have a viable count of colonies as follows: TABLE-US-00004 Bacillus popilliae Minimum 1 × 10.sup.5 CFU/gram Bacillus thuringiensis Minimum 1 × 10.sup.10 CFU/gram.

8. The biological control composition according to claim 3, wherein the sporulating entomopathogenic bacteria have a viable count of colonies as follows: TABLE-US-00005 Beauveria bassiana Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Lecanicillium lecanii Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Metarhizium anisopliae Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Paecilomyces lilacinus Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Paecilomyces fumosoroseus Minimum 1 × 10.sup.10 CFU/gram.

9. The biological control composition according to claim 4, wherein the HAC compounds have a concentration between 85 and 90 g/L and the FAC compounds have a concentration between and to 13 g/L.

10. The biological control composition according to claim 9, wherein the humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension further comprises a mineral compound in a concentration between 55 and 65 g/L.

11. The biological control composition according to claim 5, wherein EMs have a viable count of colonies as follows: TABLE-US-00006 Rhodopseudomonas palustres Minimum 2.5 × 10.sup.6 CFU/gram Lactobacillus spp. Minimum 1 × 10.sup.6 CFU/gram Saccharomyces cerevisiae Minimum 2 × 10.sup.4 CFU/gram.

12. The biological control composition according to claim 6, where the Azadirachtin is in a solution between 0.1 and 10%, with a density of 1.012 g/mL.

13. A process for obtaining a biological control composition comprising the following steps in the following order: a. combining Efficient Microorganisms (EMs) and sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria; b. stirring said combination for 3 to 10 minutes; c. adding entomopathogenic fungi to the combination; d. stirring said combination for 3 to 10 minutes; e. adding limonoid to the combination; f. stirring said combination for 3 to 5 minutes; g. adding humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension to the combination; h. stirring said combination for 3 to 10 minutes; i. increasing a stirring speed to 1200 to 1600 RPM; and j. stirring said combination for 10 to 20 minutes; wherein the process is carried out under conditions of pressure less than 1 atmosphere and a temperature between 10 and 50° C. to obtain the biological control composition.

14. The process for obtaining a biological control composition according to claim 13, wherein the stirring speed in steps d), f), h) is increased to 700 to 900 RPM and decreased to 200 to 400 RPM at an end of the stirring step.

15. The process for obtaining a biological control composition, according to claim 13, wherein the stirring speed in steps d), f), h) is increased to 800 RPM and decreased to 300 RPM at an end of the stirring step.

16. The process for obtaining a biological control composition, according to claim 13, wherein the stirring speed in step b) is 200 to 400 RPM.

17. The process for obtaining a biological control composition, according to claim 13, wherein the stirring speed in step b) is 300 RPM.

18. The process for obtaining a biological control composition, according to claim 13, wherein the stirring speed in step i) is increased to 1400 RPM.

19. The biological control composition according to claim 10, wherein the mineral compound is water-soluble potassium (K.sub.2O).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The object of the present invention is related to a biological control composition, effective against eggs and/or larvae and/or pupae and/or adult pest insects.

[0020] Where the composition is a mixture of one or more sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria, one more entomopathogenic fungi, a limonoid, EMs, and a humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension.

[0021] Where the sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria are selected separately or in combination with Bacillus popilliae and Bacillus thuringiensis.

[0022] Where the entomopathogenic fungi are selected separately or in combination with Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus.

[0023] Where the EMs are selected separately or in combination with Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Lactobacillus spp., and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

[0024] Where the humic organic amendment that is liquid in a concentrated and soluble suspension, is composed of organic compounds that comprise humic acid carbon (HAC) and fulvic acid carbon (FAC).

[0025] A limonoid, preferably selected as plant extract from neem or azadirachtin.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises strains of Bacillus popilliae, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, organic compounds containing HAC and FAC, and azadirachtin.

[0027] The bioinsecticide composition makes it possible to control dipteran insects such as the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans L.), the horn fly (Haematobia irritans), the housefly (Musca domestica), the bot (Dermatobia hominis), the CSW (Cochliomyia hominivorax), and ticks (order: Ixodida—family: Ixodidade), among other insects.

[0028] The composition—in addition to having a bioinsecticide action, allows the degradation of organic waste and accelerates the decomposition processes, to convert waste into available organic matter, a fundamental element in areas of composting, management of residues from livestock activities and of crop-residues in various controlled or open-sky environments for agricultural use.

[0029] The invention is a bioinsecticide that exerts biological control and selective action. Intervenes on the insect's cuticle, and acts by contact and ingestion (causes septicemia). The biological control composition parasites the eggs and juvenile stages of the insect by biochemical action, through the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, chitinases, and lipases that digest the cell-wall of the insect. The biological control composition affects the egg, larvae, pupae, and insect in the adult stages. The biological control composition acts on each phase of the insect as follows: [0030] Egg: It parasitizes postures with different strains, produces immunomodulatory substances or fungal toxins that affect the egg. [0031] Larvae: Parasitizes the larval stage with different types of strains, produces immunomodulatory substances, hormonal blockade of the metamorphosis process of the larvae. [0032] Pupae: Parasitizes the pupal stage; there is biochemical intervention with secretion of enzymes that digest the basement membrane and cover of the pupae, hormonal blockade of the insect metamorphosis process, which combined inhibits the growth of the insect. [0033] Adult: It largely parasitizes insects that reach the adult stage; there is enzymatic and biochemical secretion that affects the basement membrane, the exoskeleton, the cuticle and various structures of the insect, inhibiting growth and reproduction. With the application of the product on the adult stage of the insect, a repellent action is also generated with one of its components.
On the other hand, the biological control composition also degrades organic waste more quickly, transforming it into organic matter or composted waste, reducing the attractive material that the insect chooses as a substrate to develop.

[0034] The process of obtaining the composition of biological control and degradation of organic matter begins with the step of cleaning and chemical sterilization of the facilities, surfaces, utensils, and equipment to be used in the process. This to avoid any type of contamination or interference that affects the final product.

[0035] The selection and verification of raw-materials quality is carried out to have a final product with the efficacy for the recommended use.

[0036] According to the above, raw-materials must meet the following characteristics:

[0037] The active ingredients of the microorganism strains have a viable count of colonies (in Colony Form Units-CFU)/gram, as follows:

TABLE-US-00001 Bacillus popilliae Minimum 1 × 10.sup.5 CFU/gram Bacillus thuringiensis Minimum 1 × 10.sup.10 CFU/gram Beauveria bassiana Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Lecanicillium lecanii Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Metarhizium anisopliae Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Paecilomyces lilacinus Minimum 1 × 10.sup.12 CFU/gram Paecilomyces fumosoroseus Minimum 1 × 10.sup.10 CFU/gram

[0038] The above microorganisms have a microbiological purity of minimum 90%, with a pH between 4.0 and 7.5 and a maximum humidity of 7%.

[0039] The following microorganisms are in a concentrated suspension with a purity percentage of at least 95%, pH between 3.2 and 3.6, a density of 1,002 g/mL and present a viable count of colonies (in CFU)/gram, as follows:

TABLE-US-00002 Lactobacillus spp. Minimum 1 × 10.sup.6 CFU/gram Saccharomyces cerevisiae Minimum 2 × 10.sup.4 CFU/gram Rhodopseudomonas palustris Minimum 2.5 × 10.sup.6 CFU/gram

[0040] Liquid organic compounds are made up of HAC in a concentration between 85 and 90 g/L and FAC in a concentration between 10 and 13 g/L. This solution of organic compounds can have a mineral compound, specifically water-soluble potassium (K.sub.2O) in a concentration of between 55 and 65 g/L.

[0041] The neem plant extract is Azadirachtin, found in a solution of between 0.1 and 10%, preferably between 0.2 and 0.8% and more preferably between 0.3 and 0.5%, with a density of 1,012 g/m L.

[0042] The biological control and organic matter degradation composition may have other elements such as colorants, sugar, and stabilizers.

[0043] Then, the weighing of raw materials is carried out, including the measurement of liquid inputs. Raw materials should be weighed or measured in the following order: Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Bacillus thuringiensis (previously homogenized), neem plant extract, liquid organic compounds in concentrated and soluble suspensions, Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecelomyces fumosoroseus, Bacillus popilliae, Metarhizium anisopliae, and the other components.

[0044] The next step is the addition of raw materials and preparation of the mixture. In this step it must be considered that the entire weighed or measured quantity of the microorganisms Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodopseudomonas palustris is added, then Bacillus thuringiensis subsequently, and the stirrer is turned on and graduated to 300 revolutions per minute (RPM).

[0045] Subsequently, the process of gradual addition of the raw materials with microorganisms in powdered media begins: Bacillus popilliae, Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecelomyces fumosoroseus, and Metarhizium anisopliae, between addition and addition of raw materials a mixture of 5 minutes to homogenize it. Next, the neem plant extract is added, and the mixture is left stirring for 3 minutes. Then the humic organic components in a liquid suspension are added entirely to the mixture being prepared, allowing stirring for 5 minutes. Finally, the other components are added; for example, the colorant, with gradual addition and allowing it to be incorporated into the mixture. It is recommended between addition and addition, to leave 4 minutes to increase the speed of the stirrer from 300 to 800 RPM to finish the incorporation of raw materials. Four minutes later, the speed is lowered from 800 to 300 RPM and the following gradual addition of raw materials is made. The process of increasing and decreasing the stirring speed must be repeated until the addition of raw materials is finished. The adding of all the raw materials to the mixture can take 80 to 90 minutes. When the addition process has been completed and the raw materials are mixed and incorporated, the speed of the mixer is increased to 1,400 RPM for 15 minutes to eliminate lumps, creams, and homogenize the mixture initial mix. In this step, the homogenization of the mixture must be guaranteed, for which a constant sampling is carried out; if lumps or creams are evidenced, it is stirred again at 1,400 RPM for 15 minutes, until the composition is homogeneous.

[0046] As a final step, the packaging of the product is carried out. In this step the product packaging containers must be prepared, which must be completely clean.

[0047] The packaging of the product is based on its density and is carried out by weight, a condition that requires in addition to the calculations of density and quantity of the product to be packed, knowing the previous grammage (weight) of the packaging containers. The product must be packed in containers according to the presentation (1 L, gallon/4 L, and gas can/20 L). In this step it is important to allow the product to degas (have high-quality packaging elements with a degassing valve), otherwise the container swells until it presents cracks and product leaks. Subsequently, the packaging is marked and labeled, where the following information contained in the product label must be included: —Manufacturer information (manufacturer's name—manufacturer's address—manufacturer's telephone numbers—optional manufacturer's security hologram stickers).

[0048] Product identification.

[0049] Product content.

[0050] Date of product formulation or manufacturing.

[0051] Product expiration date.

[0052] Product manufacturing batch.

[0053] Product general information.

[0054] Contents of the product per container.

[0055] Recommendations for use of the product.

[0056] Safety information for handling the product.

[0057] Toxicological category of the product.

[0058] Product handling pictograms.

Example

[0059] The present example is a way of obtaining the composition for biological control and degradation of organic matter that comprises—as active ingredients, strains of microorganisms such as Bacillus popilliae, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, as well as humic organic compounds and plant extracts obtained according to the following steps of the manufacturing process, which are an example of the best way to carry out the invention.

[0060] The manufacturing process of the composition of biological control and degradation of organic matter begins with the cleaning and chemical sterilization of the facilities, surfaces, utensils, and equipment that will be used in the process. In this step, the adjustment of the equipment is also carried out, that is, assemble the mixing disc of approximately 22 centimeters in diameter to the agitation equipment, place the mixing tank of the equipment in such a way that it is in the center of the mixer axis and verify that the discharge valve is closed. This to avoid any type of contamination or interference that affects the final product.

[0061] The second step is the selection and verification of the quality of the raw materials, to have a final product with the efficacy for the recommended use.

[0062] The third step is the weighing of raw materials, which includes the measurement of liquid inputs. It should be weighed or measured in the following order: Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Bacillus thuringiensis (previously homogenized), neem plant extract, liquid organic compounds in concentrated and soluble suspension, Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecelomyces fumosoroseus, Bacillus popilliae, Metarhizium anisopliae, and the other components.

[0063] The percentages indicated in Table 1 are used for a production batch of the composition of 1000 L.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1 Percentages of the biological control composition and degradation of organic material. RAW MATERIAL % OF EACH COMPONENT Beauveria bassiana 1.78 Lecanicillium lecanii 1.78 Paecilomyces lilacinus 1.78 Paecelomyces fumosoroseus 1.49 Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 1.78 Metarhizium anisopliae 1.78 Bacillus popilliae 0.19 Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 89.11  Rhodopseudomonas palustris Humic organic amendment 0.12 in a liquid suspension Neem plant extract 0.09 Colorant 0.10

[0064] The fourth step is the addition of raw materials and preparation of the mixture. In this step it must be considered that the entire weighed or measured quantity of the microorganisms Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodopseudomonas palustris is added, then Bacillus thuringiensis is added later, the stirrer is turned on and set at 300 RPM. Subsequently, the process of gradual addition of the raw materials with microorganisms in powdered media begins: Bacillus popilliae, Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecelomyces fumosoroseus, and Metarhizium anisopliae; between addition and addition of raw materials a mixture of 5 minutes to homogenize the mixture. Next, the neem plant extract is added, and the mixture is left stirring for 3 minutes. Then the humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension is added in its entirety to the mixture being prepared, allowing stirring for a period of 5 minutes. Finally, the other components are added; for example, the colorant, with gradual addition and allowing it to be incorporated into the mixture. It is recommended between addition and addition to consider 5 minutes in which the speed of the revolutions of the stirrer is raised from 300 to 800 RPM to finish incorporating the raw materials. After 4 minutes, the speed is lowered from 800 to 300 RPM and the following gradual addition of raw materials. The process of increasing and decreasing the stirring speed should be repeated until the addition of raw materials is complete. When the addition process has been completed and the raw materials are mixed and incorporated, the speed of the mixer is increased to 1,400 RPM for 15 minutes, to eliminate lumps, creams, and homogenize the mixture initial mix. In this step, the homogenization of the mixture must be guaranteed, for which a constant sampling is carried out.

[0065] A process for obtaining the biological control composition can be defined, comprising the following steps, in the same order:

a. Add EMs;
b. Add sporulant entomopathogenic bacteria;
c. Shake for 200 to 400 RPM, for 3 to 10 minutes;
d. Add entomopathogenic fungi;
e. Shake for 3 to 10 minutes;
f. Add the limonoid;
g. Shake for 3 to 5 minutes;
h. Add the humic organic amendment in a liquid suspension;
i. Shake for 3 to 10 minutes;
j. Increase stirring speed from 1200 to 1600 RPM;
k. Shake for 10 to 20 minutes;
l. Obtain the biological control composition.

[0066] The previous stages are produced under conditions of pressure less than 1 atmosphere and a temperature between 10 and 50° C.

[0067] The process for obtaining the biological control composition, where in steps e), g), i), the stirring speed is increased from 700 to 900 RPM, preferably 800 RPM, the stirring speed is again lowered from 200 to 400 RPM, preferably 300 RPM.

[0068] The fifth step is the packaging of the product. In this step, the product packaging containers must be prepared, which must be completely clean. The packaging of the product is based on the density of its density and is carried out by weight, a condition that requires—in addition to the calculations of density and quantity of the product to be packed, knowing the previous grammage (weight) of the packaging containers. The product must be packed in containers according to the presentation (1 L, gallon/4 L, and gas can/20 L). In this step it is important to allow the product to degas (have high-quality packaging elements with a degassing valve), otherwise the container swells until it presents cracks and product leaks. Subsequently, the packaging is marked and labeled.

[0069] The product obtained from the previous manufacturing process is a biological control composition and degradation of organic matter that includes, as active ingredients, strains of microorganisms such as Bacillus popilliae, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, as well as liquid organic compounds and plant extracts, with the appearance of a soluble concentrate, grass-green viscous liquid, with a density between 1.03 and 1.04 g/mL, a pH between 3.5 and 3.6, and a water-solubility of 100%.

[0070] The biological control composition and degradation of organic matter in its contents, has been widely tested in the management and control of the dipteran insect known as stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans L.), showing high efficacy in controlling insect populations. It has had evaluations in the control of other types of insects with highly favorable results and in the management and degradation of organic substrates with a high speed of beneficial action.

[0071] The previous description can only be taken as a reference and not limiting its components or their explicit relationship, but rather they have been described to provide a clear idea about the general conformation of the subject matter of the claimed invention.