Patent Description:
Extracts from the neem tree, such as the leaves and seeds, are known to possess insecticidal activity. For example, azadirachtin is a well-known pesticidal agent derived from seeds of the neem fruit. There are many structurally related forms of azadirachtin, including azadirachtin A and B.

Azadirachtin formulations are known to degrade in storage, and researchers have long sought a solution for developing improved azadirachtin formulation. These efforts, and general background information on azadirachtin, are detailed in various patents and publications, such as <CIT> and <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a pesticide formulation that comprises vegetable oil (<NUM>-<NUM>% by weight), sorbitan trioleate surfactant (<NUM>-<NUM>% by weight) and a neem seed extract containing azadirachtin (<NUM> to <NUM>% by weight). The patent reports that, in an accelerated storage test, a significant amount of azadirachtin A is degraded in <NUM> days at <NUM>. For example, the degradation of azadirachtin A in the Formulations I-IV is <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>%, respectfully.

<CIT> discloses a pesticide formulation that comprises azadirachtin (about <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight), a pyrethin or pyrethroid (about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight), and a heterocyclic or aromatic solvent (about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight). The application reports that the pyrethin or pyrethroid prevents decomposition of the azadirachtin, and asserts that the formulation is shelf-stable because at least about <NUM>% of the azadirachtin originally present remains after an accelerated aging test of <NUM> days at <NUM> in a sealed container. <CIT> describes a bioactive composition comprising moringa oil and neem oil in a liquid or non-liquid vehicle in a amount sufficient to inhibit or prevent a biological infestation on a surface coated with said bioactive composition, wherein the biological infestation comprises a fungal species, an algal species, a bacterial species, or any combination thereof. <CIT> describes a product comprising: a biorational treatment concentrate containing about <NUM> to about <NUM> vol% of one or more plant oils and/or glycerol and about <NUM> to about <NUM> vol% of one or more colorants.

The invention provides compositions that generally comprise compounds obtainable from a neem extract and/or biomass (e.g., azadirachtin) and a water-soluble organosilicone surfactant, and methods of using the same. The compositions are shelf-stable, liquid concentrates that do not contain a protic solvent. The compositions can be diluted by water to form a pesticide formulation and applied to an environment, such as plants and trees. The resulting pesticide formulation may comprise multiple components, such as a solution, micro-emulsion, and/or a nano-suspension. Methods of making the compositions and using the compositions are also provided.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show graduated cylinders of microemulsions and nano-suspensions comprising azadirachtin with a <NUM>% w/w (left side) and <NUM>% w/w (right side), and a water-soluble organosilicone surfactant, after <NUM> hours (<FIG>), ~<NUM> hours (<FIG>), and ~<NUM> hours (<FIG>) of preparing the formulations. Neither precipitation nor layering was observed at ~<NUM> hours.

The invention provides pesticidal compositions and methods of making and using pesticidal compositions. The compositions generally comprise a neem extract and/or biomass comprising, for example, azadirachtin and a water-soluble organosilicone surfactant, but lack a protic solvent. The compositions may be diluted and applied (e.g., sprayed) to any desired environment, such as a lawn or crop field. The compositions may be used for organically approved and conventional agronomic uses.

Surprisingly, the inventors have obtained compositions comprising azadirachtin that are shelf-stable and have increased concentration of azadirachtin compared to prior art formulations. For example, the inventors have found that at least <NUM>% of azadirachtin remains after accelerated storage of <NUM> days at <NUM> in a sealed container. The compositions are typically clear concentrates that, upon dilution with water, form solutions, micro-emulsions, and/or nano-suspensions. As a result, the compositions provide a highly concentrated, stable, and active pesticidal agent.

The compositions comprise compounds obtainable from a neem extract and/or biomass (e.g., azadirachtin, terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and/or other secondary metabolites). The azadirachtin is preferably at least azadirachtin A and/or B. Other forms of azadirachtin can be used alternatively, or in combination with the preferred azadirachtins. For example, other structurally related azadirachtins can be used such as C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and/or K. For purposes of this disclosure, azadirachtin includes one or more types of azadirachtins. In other aspects, the compositions comprise one or more of terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites obtained from a neem extract and/or biomass without azadirachtin.

The amount of azadirachtin present in the compositions described herein can be any amount with effective insecticidal activity, such as, but not limited to, an amount effective to reduce and/or eliminate insecticidal damage to trees and/or crops. In one aspect, the amount of azadirachtin present is from <NUM>% weight to <NUM>% weight; <NUM>% weight to <NUM>% weight; <NUM>% weight to <NUM>%, <NUM>% weight to <NUM>% weight, <NUM>% weight to <NUM>% weight based on the weight of the composition. In other aspects, the amount of azadirachtin present is from <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or more weight based on the weight of the composition. In other aspects, the amount of azadirachtin present is any range based on a combination of these percentages recited in the preceding sentence (e.g., <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, etc. weight based on the weight of the composition). In particular aspects, the amount of azadirachtin present is <NUM>% or <NUM>% weight based on the weight of the composition.

In other aspects, the amount of one or more of terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites, without azadirachtin, present in the compositions described herein can be any amount with effective insecticidal activity, such as, but not limited to, an amount effective to reduce and/or eliminate insecticidal damage to trees and/or crops.

The azadirachtin, terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites may be recovered from the seeds of a neem tree by crushing the seeds and then extracting the compounds from the crushed seeds with water. The extracting of azadirachtin, terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites from the water is accomplished using a non-aqueous solvent which is not miscible with water and has a high solubility of azadirachtin than water, or by using a surfactant having a turbidity temperature between <NUM>° and <NUM>. The concentrated azadirachtin is then recovered from the second extracting solution. The azadirachtin containing solution is then concentrated to produce an azadirachtin concentrate which is added to a liquid hydrocarbon, thus forming an azadirachtin precipitate that is then recovered for use in pesticide formulations. The azadirachtin can also be recovered by the techniques set forth in <CIT> and <CIT>, as well as other conventional methods.

The azadirachtin may be obtained from a commercial technical product derived from neem. Such commercial products include azadirachtin and other metabolites, such as terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites. For example, azadirachtin may be present in an amount of <NUM>% by weight of such a product. The disclosure contemplates using such technical products as the source of azadirachtin and thus the concentration of the azadirachtin in the commercial product must be taken into account when determining the amount of azadirachtin in the compositions described herein. For example, a composition described herein may contain <NUM>% azadirachtin by weight based on the following calculation:.

The concentration of one or more of terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites in the compositions described herein can likewise be determined by using the concentration of these compounds in a commercial technical product derived from neem.

In other aspects, one or more of azadirachtin, terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites obtainable from a neem extract or biomass may be synthesized and/or bioengineered. It will be appreciated that natural extracts are typically obtained as crude extracts that may have limited concentration(s) of compounds having pesticidal activity. The concentration of such compounds may be increased via purification. Alternatively, the concentration of these compounds may be increased by independently synthesizing or bio-engineering these compounds. The only limitation would be the solubility of the chemical compound in the organosilicone surfactant.

The composition comprises a water-soluble organosilicone surfactant or mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the water-soluble organosilicone surfactant is a water-soluble, non-ionic polysiloxane. The organo groups of the polyorganosiloxane comprise alkyl, aryl and/or polymeric groups. The polyorganosiloxane may be linear, cyclic (like trisiloxanes), branched or crosslinked. In one aspect, the organo groups of the polyorganosiloxane comprise polymeric groups in addition to alkyl and/or aryl groups. Examples of alkyl groups are C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl and methyl. Examples of aryl groups are phenyl or substituted phenyl groups. Polymeric groups include polyether, e.g., polyorganosiloxane-polyether.

The polyether may comprise poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide), or poly(ethylene oxide - co - propylene oxide), wherein the latter may be a statistical or block copolymer of the alkylene oxides. The polyorganosiloxane-polyether may be present as linear, branched or comb type polymers. The polymers may have a Si-O-C as well as Si-C linkages between the polysiloxane and the polyether segment. Polyorganosiloxane-polyethers are commercially available (e.g., Dow Corning® Q2-<NUM> (trisiloxane), Evonik's Break-Thru® S240 (trisiloxane), Momentive's Silwet L-<NUM> and <NUM> (trisiloxane)).

In another aspect, the water-soluble organosilicone surfactant is a water-soluble polyether modified polysiloxane surfactant, such as a water-soluble polyether trisiloxane surfactant. In other aspects, the water-soluble organosilicone surfactant is a trisiloxane compound stable in a pH range of pH <NUM>-<NUM> has a static surface tension of less than <NUM> mN/m at <NUM>% vol/vol, less than <NUM> mN/m at <NUM>% vol/vol, less than <NUM> mN/m at <NUM>% vol/vol, or a static surface tension of <NUM>-<NUM> mN/m at <NUM>% vol/vol.

The amount of water-soluble organosilicone surfactant present in the compositions described herein may be any amount effective to fully dissolve the azadirachtin, terpenoids, limonoids, alkaloids and other secondary metabolites obtained from a neem extract or biomass, synthesized and/or bioengineered. For example, the amount of water-soluble organosilicone surfactant present in the compositions described herein is typically <NUM>% to <NUM>% weight based on the weight of the composition. In other aspects, the amount of azadirachtin present is from <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% weight based on the weight of the composition. In other aspects, the amount of the water-soluble organosilicone surfactant present is any range based on a combination of these percentages recited in the preceding sentence (e.g., <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, etc.).

The compositions may include one or more additives, such as antifoam agents, compatibilizing agents, sequestering agents, neutralizing agents and buffers, and corrosion inhibitors, dyes, odorants, spreading agents, penetration aids, sticking agents, dispersing agents, thickening agents, freezing point depressants, antimicrobial agents and the like. The amount of additive(s) present in the compositions described herein is typically <NUM>% to <NUM>% weight based on the weight of the composition. In other aspects, the amount of additive(s) present is from <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or more weight based on the weight of the composition. In other aspects, the amount of the additive(s) present is any range based on a combination of these percentages recited in the preceding sentence (e.g., <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, etc.). For example, the composition may comprise the following:.

The compositions may further include natural or synthetic active ingredients, such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, and/or micronutrients. In some aspects, such compositions comprising one or more insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, and/or micronutrients may be diluted to form micro-emulsions and nano-suspensions. The compositions can be mixed with natural or synthetic active ingredients (e.g., insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, fertilizers, and/or micronutrients) in, for example, a tank suitable for applying the mixture (e.g., to a field).

The compositions described herein are shelf-stable. At least <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after an accelerated aging test of <NUM> days at <NUM> in a sealed container. In other aspects, at least <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after an accelerated aging test of <NUM> days at <NUM> in a sealed container. In another aspect, at least <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after storage for <NUM> months at ambient temperature. In other aspects, at least <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after storage for <NUM> months at ambient temperature. In yet another aspect, at least <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after storage for <NUM> months at ambient temperature. In other aspects, at least <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after storage for <NUM> months at ambient temperature.

As used herein, "chemically and physically stable" means that at least <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after an accelerated aging test of <NUM> days at <NUM> in a sealed container, and the components of the composition do not precipitate during storage.

As discussed herein, the compositions, before dilution, do not include a protic (or aqueous) solvent, such as water. One of skill in the art will appreciate that water may inadvertently be present in the compositions (e.g., due to moisture formation in the sealed container and not from the intentional addition of water). To the extent water exists in the compositions described here, before dilution, the compositions will have less <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of water, based on the weight of the concentrate.

The compositions described herein are liquid concentrates or technical formulations typically diluted with water (or other solvent) before use. In one aspect, the compositions described herein are diluted with water at a rate of from <NUM> to <NUM> concentrate to <NUM> liter of water. In another aspect, the compositions described herein are diluted with water at a rate of from <NUM> to <NUM> concentrate to <NUM> liter of water. The dilution generally occurs at the site of application, and the diluted formulation is typically applied in approximately <NUM> days or less from the time of dilution. Compositions comprising a neem extract and/or biomass comprising azadirachtin and a water-soluble organosilicone surfactant that are diluted with water are provided herein.

The inventors have found that the diluted formulation comprises multiple components comprising a solution, micro-emulsion, and/or nano-suspension. These are advantageous formulations for delivering chemical compounds to the desired environment (e.g., crops, soil). In one aspect, particles in the diluted formulation are less than one micron. In another aspect, particles in the diluted formulation are less than <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In other aspects, the particles are nanoparticles and thus are particles of any shape with dimensions below <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) per the IUPAC's definition.

The invention provides methods of making compositions described herein and diluted formulations thereof. For example, a pre-specified amount of a neem extract and/or biomass can be added to a siliconic surfactant, in a conical flask, under constant stirring until the solid is completely dissolved. Optionally, one or more additives, such as an antifoam agent, may be added and stirred thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous solution. The solution (with or without the one or more additives) is clarified by filtration through a filter medium (e.g., <NUM> micron) to yield the final composition. The azadirachtin content can be measured using HPLC as described, for example, in <NPL>.

The invention provides methods of using the compositions and diluted formulations described herein. In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods of controlling insects comprising applying any of the compositions or diluted formulations described herein to an environment of interest, such as a plant, tree, lawn or crop field. In other aspects, the methods involve organic or conventional farming by applying any of the compositions or diluted formulations described herein to an environment of interest, such as a plant, tree, lawn or crop field. These methods can be performed by spraying the compositions and/or diluted formulations using, for example, a tank mix. The compositions and diluted formulations described herein may be applied when pests are expected or when pests first appear, and as a foliar spray or a drench to soil or non-soil media to control insects.

The compositions and diluted formulations described herein may be used on agricultural crops, including, but not limited to berries (e.g., blackberry, blueberry, raspberry (black and red); bulb vegetables (e.g., garlic, leek, onion, shallot); cereal grains and grains (e.g., barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, popcorn, rice, rye, sorghum (milo), wheat, wild rice); citrus fruits (e.g., citrus hybrids, grapefruit, kumquat, lemon, orange); cotton; tobacco; cucurbit vegetables (e.g., cucumber, gherkin, pumpkin, watermelon); forage crops (e.g., alfalfa); fruiting vegetables (e.g., eggplant, pepper, tomato; herbs and spices (e.g., allspice, chive, coriander, fennel lavender, pepper, thyme, vanilla); legume vegetables (e.g., bean, chickpea); leafy and brassica vegetables (e.g., arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach); miscellaneous (e.g., asparagus, avocado, banana, coffee, peanut, watercress, and all other food crops); pome fruits (e.g., apple, pear); root and tuber vegetables (e.g., artichoke, beet, carrot, potato); stone fruit (e.g., apricot, cherry, peach); tree and nut (e.g., almond, chestnut, pecan); and tropical fruit (e.g., papaya, mango, passion fruit).

The compositions and diluted formulations described herein may be used on other areas, including, but not limited to ornamental shrubs, plants, and trees; uncultivated agricultural areas (e.g., farm yards, fuel storage areas, fence rows, soil bank land, barrier strips), and general soil treatments (e.g., manure, composts, mulches, soil application with no mention of crops to be grown (potting soil, top soil)).

The compositions and diluted formulations described herein may be used against numerous pests, including, but not limited to, aphids (e.g., pea aphid, Rosy Apple Aphid), beetles (e.g., Japanese beetle), borers, (e.g., peachtree borers, peach twig borers), true bugs, (e.g., Lygus bugs, stink bugs), caterpillars, (e.g., leafrollers, cutworms, loopers, armyworms), flies (e.g., walnut husk fly, leafminers and fungus gnats), leafhoppers, leafminers, whiteflies, mealy bugs, mites, psyllids (e.g., pear psylla), weevils, scales (e.g., San Jose scale), and/or thrips, (e.g., western flower thrips).

Various embodiments will now be particularly described by way of examples. The following descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description.

The inventors prepared various compositions comprising azadirachtin and a water-soluble organosilicone surfactant.

Example A: A pre-specified amount of an extracted solid neem biomass was slowly added to <NUM> of a polyether trisiloxane surfactant (Break-Thru® S-<NUM>), in a conical flask, under constant stirring. The mixture was stirred for another <NUM> minutes until the solid was completely dissolved. The solution is clarified by filtration through a <NUM> micron filter medium to yield <NUM> of the final composition. The azadirachtin content of the formulation was found to be <NUM>% by weight.

Example B: A pre-specified amount of an extracted solid neem biomass was slowly added to <NUM> of a polyether trisiloxane surfactant (Break-Thru® S-<NUM>), in a conical flask, under constant stirring. The mixture was stirred for another <NUM> minutes until the solid is completely dissolved. To this, <NUM> of antifoam was added and the contents were stirred thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous solution. The solution is clarified by filtration through a <NUM> micron filter medium to yield <NUM> of the final composition. The azadirachtin content of the formulation was found to be <NUM>% by weight.

Example C: A pre-specified amount of an extracted solid neem biomass was slowly added to <NUM> of a polyether trisiloxane surfactant (Break-Thru® S-<NUM>), in a conical flask, under constant stirring. The mixture was stirred for another <NUM> minutes until the solid was completely dissolved. The solution is clarified by filtration through a <NUM> micron filter medium to yield <NUM> of the final composition. The azadirachtin content of the formulation was found to be <NUM>% by weight.

Example D: A pre-specified amount of an extracted solid neem biomass was slowly added to <NUM> of a polyether trisiloxane surfactant (Break-Thru® S-<NUM>), in a conical flask, under constant stirring. The mixture was stirred for another <NUM> minutes until the solid is completely dissolved. To this, <NUM> of antifoam was added and the contents were stirred thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous solution. The solution is clarified by filtration through a <NUM> micron filter medium to yield <NUM> of the final composition. The azadirachtin content of the formulation was found to be <NUM>% by weight.

The stability of compositions A and C in Example <NUM> were studied. Each of the samples were stored into a sealed glass vial and kept in an oven at <NUM> for <NUM> days. Analysis of azadirachtin was performed by HPLC, using UV detection at a specified wavelength and external standardization as outlined in <NPL>.

The results (below) demonstrate that the compositions are stable.

These results are significantly better than those presented in <CIT>. For example, the '<NUM> patent reports that, under the similar accelerated storage conditions (<NUM> at <NUM> days), azadirachtin A in Formulations I-IV had a degradation of <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>%, respectively.

Microemulsions of compositions A and C were prepared by diluting sufficient formulated product in standard hard water (<NUM> ppm) to provide <NUM> grams of total azadirachtin content. Then, each measuring cylinder is inverted in a rate of <NUM> times per minute, and the liquid contents are uniformly mixed. Then the cylinders are allowed to stand. See CIPAC MT <NUM>. The diluted product is observed visually for initial performance and emulsion stability at <NUM> and ~<NUM> hours for separation and/or creaming and, if observed, the degree measured. The results are shown in <FIG>, which show no separation or creaming at ~<NUM> hours.

Claim 1:
A composition comprising a neem extract or biomass comprising azadirachtin, preferably azadirachtin A and azadirachtin B, and a water-soluble organosilicone surfactant in an amount effective to fully dissolve the azadirachtin, wherein at least <NUM>% of the azadirachtin remains present after an accelerated aging test of <NUM> days at <NUM> in a sealed container, and wherein the composition is a non-aqueous, liquid concentrate.