Methods of inhibiting, preventing, killing and/or repelling insects using simulated blends of chenopodium
The present invention provides natural and/or simulated, synthetic, synergistic pesticidal compositions comprising terpenes, such as extracts from Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides , or compositions based on those found in Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides . The present invention also provides methods of using said compositions to kill, inhibit, prevent and/or repel plant pests from contacting and/or damaging plants.
1. A method of controlling insects and/or mites comprising applying to a plant or plant part and/or applying to an area around a plant or plant part an insecticidally effective amount of a spray formulation composition consisting essentially of (i) a terpene blend consisting of substantially pure α-terpinene, substantially pure p-cymene and substantially pure limonene, in a relative ratio of about 35-45:12-20:10-15, (ii) a carrier, and (iii) an adjuvant.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carrier is a vegetable oil.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises diluting the composition about 50 to about 400 times in water before applying the composition to the plant or plant part and/or to the area around the plant or plant part.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the method comprises diluting the composition about 100 to about 200 times in water.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the insects are selected from the group consisting of a thrip, an aphid, a psyllid, a white fly and a lepidopteran.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mites are a two-spotted spider mite, a Pacific spider mite, or a European red mite.
7. The method claim 1 , wherein the adjuvant is an emulsifier.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied through spraying.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the spray formulation is an emulsifiable concentrate.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the relative ratio is about 40:15:12.