Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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, pellets, capsules, 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.

Abstract: A biodegradable covering for erosion control, plant protection, and seed coating can comprise a porous matrix of a dried premixture. The premixture can comprise a plant-based protein product and a plant-based fiber product. The plant-based protein product can comprise a plant-based protein, and the plant-based fiber product can comprise a plant-based fiber. In one embodiment, a method of forming a biodegradable covering for erosion control is provided. The method can comprise mixing a biodegradable premixture, placing the biodegradable premixture in an applicator, and applying the biodegradable premixture. The biodegradable premixture can comprise a plant-derived protein product and a plant-derived fiber product.

Abstract: The present invention provides fibrous pest deterrents that combine the useful properties of a physical barrier in the form of a non-woven fibrous matrix with a chemical deterrent such as a pesticide, behavior-modifying compound or a pest repellent. The use of such fibrous pest deterrents protects plants, animals and structures in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings from damage inflicted by pests. Unlike traditional pesticides, the behavior-modifying compound, pesticide or chemical deterrent of the present invention is adsorbed or attached to a fibrous matrix, and so it is not so readily dispersed into the environment. Hence, use of the present fibrous pest deterrents can reduce the levels of pesticides that inadvertently contaminate non-target areas and pollute water supplies.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for attracting and subsequently trapping and/or killing crop pests from the Euschistus species. Alkyl esters of (2E,4Z)-decadienoic acid as a chemical attractant pheromone and, in combination with a trap or toxicant, provide an efficient means for controlling these insects.