SBIR-STTR Award

The biochemical pest control compounds that are the subject of this proposal are derived from common agricultural materials, including sugar and fatty acids derived from vegetable oils. The proposal examines the potential for expanding the range of pesticide activity of this class of chemistry which is known to be safe and to have substantial commercial potential based on low-cost production. The areas of particular opportunity appear to be in formulating sugar esters based on various short- chain fatty acids; sugars other than sucrose; and in varying the proportions of mono-, di-, and tri-esters to adjust the insecticidal activity of the compound to the particular characteristics of different insect types at different stages of development. The proposed work plan will pursue a strategy for optimizing sugar ester insecticidal activity; formulate several new sugar ester compounds; and evaluate the efficacy of the new compounds against insects and mites.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
:The proposing organizations have already developed a patented process for manufacturing sugar esters at low cost and the first commercial insecticidal product, a sucrose octanoate ester, is now in registration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The research is expected to result in the identification of one or more new sugar ester compounds that will expand the commercial usage of this class of non-toxic, environmentally sound pesticides.

The biochemical pest control compounds that are the subject of this proposal are made from common agricultural material, including sugars and fatty acids derived from vegetable oils. The Phase I research established that several sugar ester compounds based on short-chain fatty acids and the polyols sorbitol or xylitol can be synthesized to a high level of purity by simple methods. All six of the new compounds tested were effective as contact-type insecticides against one or more insect types. The proposed Phase II work plan focuses on producing several of the new sugar ester compounds at larger scale to estimate commercial-scale production costs and on expanded efficacy testing to include field trails and additional insect types. Formulation and shelf life issues will also be addressed

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
At lease one and probably two low-cost, reduced-risk contact insecticides with broad commercial potential are anticipated. These compounds will be environmentally safe and will have applications as stand-alone insecticides, in joint formulations and as components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs. A patent on the manufacture and use of the new sugar ester compounds has been applied for.