Cornell University

Michael P Hoffmann

Alan G Taylor

Margaret W Frey

Jeffrey Gardner

Peter Schwartz

Chunhui Xiang

Joel M Baird

Polymeric materials are provided that are produced from a blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic biodegradable polymers. The polymeric materials can form fibers, nonwoven fabrics, films, coatings, etc. A compound can be incorporated in the polymeric materials. The delivery of the compound can be controlled by diffusion of the compound from the polymeric material and during biodegradation of the polymeric material. The release rate is controlled by varying the composition of the polymeric material to control diffusion rates of the compound and/or biodegradation rate of the polymeric material. This technology provides methods for delivering and controlling release rates of pesticides and related compounds in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. When adhered to plants or plant parts, the polymeric materials can provide protection from insect and disease pests. In pellet or capsule form, pesticides can be delivered into seed furrows along with crop seeds, providing similar protection.

Biodegradable chemical delivery system

The invention presents the use of non-woven fiber barriers applied to agricultural products or the plants to protect agriculturally or aesthetically valuable plants from damage inflicted by pests of agricultural or ornamental plants. Experiments with these fiber barriers have shown a significant deterrent to both the oviposition and feeding of a varied group of agricultural pests. This pest management strategy will be of significant economic value in the more pest sensitive phases of plant growth. Another positive benefit of the use of this system of pest control is that it may allow the elimination or moderation in the use of pesticides in commercial agricultural operations, home gardens, or the urban environment. In this way alleviating public concerns about the large number of pesticide treatments that agricultural products typically receive.

Fiber barriers for control of agricultural pests

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Ithaca, NY, United States of America

Michael P Hoffmann