SBIR-STTR Award

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in conjunction with other Federal and State organizations, have conducted a number of integrated test management programs to eradicate various types of household pests. Many recent programs have involved application of Malathion bait to effectively lower insect population in the infested areas. This approach has generally been effective. Concerns about adverse health effects from exposure to Malathion have been raised by government agencies. As part of APHIS' ongoing effort to seek effective alternatives that produce less risk to public health and the environment, trial tests are periodically conducted with chemicals that show promise to control and lower risk to humans. The proposed program is directed at formulating a non-toxic insecticide that contains a combination of Phloxine B and Uranine. This combination will be tested on imported fire ants and will be evaluated for its effectiveness as an insecticide. If this combination proves to be effective, an EPA registration will be applied for and a commercial product will be marketed.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
: This research is aimed at the successful commercial development of a new class of insecticides based on the concept of photodynamic action which will be safer for the environment and non-target organisms than many of the materials which are currently being used. The prospective active ingredients are dyes which have been accepted by the FDA for use by humans. The rapid photodegradation of these materials upon exposure to visible light suggests that build up in groundwaters will not occur. Eventual commercial use will have a beneficial effect on the environment through a reduction in the use of more toxic insecticides.

The United State Department of Agricultural (USDA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) in conjunction with other Federal and State Organizations, have conducted a number of integrated pest management programs to eradicate various types of household pest including Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA). Recent programs have involved application of products such as Malathion to effectively lower insect populations in the infected areas. Concerns about adverse health effects from exposure to Malathion and other toxic bait products have been raised by government agencies. USDA and APHIS are currently seeking alternatives that produce less risk to public health and the environment. RIFA control studies were conducted at Clemson University and Texas A&M using formulations that contained Phloxine B and Uranine as the active ingredients. The formulations were shown to be comparable in efficacy to the leading consumer brand (AMDRO¨, manufactured by American Cyanamid). The proposed program is directed at developing a fire ant product using photo-active dyes as the insecticide and to conduct safety and clinical studies, perform efficacy studies, and registration with the EPA for commercial distribution.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
This research is aimed at the successful commercial development of a new class of insecticides based on the concept of photodynamic action which will be safer for the environment and non-target organisms than many of the materials which are currently being used. The prospective active ingredients are dyes which have been accepted by the FDA for use by humans. The rapid photodegradation of these materials upon exposure to visible light suggests that build up in groundwaters will not occur. Eventual commercial use will have a beneficial effect on the environment through a reduction in the use of more toxic insecticides.