The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture

Fred J Eller

George F Fanta

Gordon W Selling

Robert J Bartelt

William T Hay

Provided herein are fatty-ammonium salt/starch inclusion complexes comprising one or more of a variety of fatty amines. Such complexes can be combined with film-forming agents, such as poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVOH) and plasticizing agents. The inclusion complexes of the present invention can be utilized as antimicrobial agents, preventing microbial growth on organic and inorganic surfaces. In specific embodiments, inclusion complexes of the present invention are applied to vegetable or fruit surfaces in order to impede microbial growth. Inclusion complexes of the present invention can be applied to wood in order to impede microbial growth and insect consumption and to wound dressings.

Fatty ammonium salt starch complexes as antimicrobials, plant wound, and wood protectants

The compound 1-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclobutaneacetic acid (grandisoic acid) has been found to be useful as an aggregation pheromone for plum curculio weevils. Both male and female plum curculios are attracted to the compound, particularly to the (+)-1R,2S enantiomer. The plum curculio is a major pest of stone and pome fruits. When applied to the habit of these pests via a pheromone dispenser, the compound has utility as a monitoring and/or control agent.

Composition and article for control of the plum curculio

Synthetically prepared pheromone compositions, prepared from various mixtures of (Z)-3,3-dimethyl-.DELTA..sup.1,.beta. -cyclohexane ethanol, (E)-3,3-dimethyl .DELTA..sup.1,.beta. -cyclohexane ethanol, (Z)-3,3-dimethyl-.DELTA..sup.1,.alpha. -cyclohexane acetaldehyde, (E)-3,3-dimethyl-.DELTA..sup.1,.alpha. -cyclohexane acetaldehyde, (E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienoic acid, and (E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol were found to be attractive to both male and female pepper weevils. The compositions will greatly enhance pepper growers' ability to control these destructive pests.

Growing community of inventors

Metamora, IL, United States of America

Fred J Eller