Controlled release of sugar and toxicant from a novel device for controlling pest insects

A novel biodegradable device, designed for long-lasting residual effectiveness of feeding stimulant (sugar) and insecticide (dimethoate) against apple maggot flies and other insects, was formulated. The device is an 8-cm diameter fruit-mimicking sphere, consisting of 42–50% sugar entrapped in a mixt...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of controlled release 1998-01, Vol.50 (1), p.257-265
Main Authors: Hu, Xing Ping, Shasha, Baruch S, McGuire, Michael R, Prokopy, Ronald J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biodegradable device
Biodegradation, Environmental
Biological and medical sciences
Carbohydrates - administration & dosage
Chemical control
Control
Controlled release
Dimethoate - administration & dosage
Diptera
Drug Delivery Systems
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Insecticide
Insecticides - administration & dosage
Pest insect control
Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection
Protozoa. Invertebrates
Sugar
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Summary:A novel biodegradable device, designed for long-lasting residual effectiveness of feeding stimulant (sugar) and insecticide (dimethoate) against apple maggot flies and other insects, was formulated. The device is an 8-cm diameter fruit-mimicking sphere, consisting of 42–50% sugar entrapped in a mixture of gelatinized corn flour and wheat flour in the presence of glycerin, and coated with a layer of latex paint containing dimethoate and sugar. We found that the outer layer of paint prevents cracking of the sphere upon drying and creates a barrier to control the release of both sugar and dimethoate. Releases of each ingredient were screened first by chemical analysis and then by bioassays in the laboratory and in field cages against apple maggot flies. Chemical analysis demonstrated strong potential for controlled release of water-soluble feeding stimulant and water-insoluble insecticide measured as a function of the amount of rainfall and duration of exposure time. Field results showed greater than 70% insecticidal activity after 11 weeks of sphere exposure in an orchard. This device has the potential to be used for a variety of insect-control applications through manipulating its shape, color and texture into forms known to be attractive to target insects, and by employing various toxicants designed to be effective against such insects.
ISSN:0168-3659
1873-4995
DOI:10.1016/S0168-3659(97)00144-2