The proposed research is intended to develop a non-woven fiber barrier that contains capsaicin to protect ornamental bushes, shrubs and other and aesthetically valuable plants and production crops from damage caused by deer. Fiber barriers are a significant deterrent to a varied group of agricultural pests from feeding on plants and shrubs, and capsaicin, which is a natural extract from ground chili pepper, has been found to be a natural repellent to deer and other mammalian species. This deer management strategy will be of significant economic value considering the scant availability of deer repellent products that are currently on the market. Another benefit of the use of this system of deer control is that it may allow for the elimination or moderation in the use of chemical pesticides in commercial agricultural operations, home gardens, or the urban environment. Research is now needed to develop a method of manufacturing and applying a sprayable, and biodegradable non-woven fibers containing capsaicin repellent for ornamental bushes which are safe, cost-effective and efficient in repelling deer. The concentrations and types of capsaicin (i.e., oleoresins of capsicum vs. ground whole capsicum pepper) used to effectively avert deer will also be determined.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::It is expected that this work, coupled with a successful Phase II effort that will involve continued product refinement, stability testing, product development, and extended repellence studies to include various other mammalian rodent species, will lead to the commercialization of a large variety of products for the purpose of protecting plants from agricultural pest damage. The successful commercialization of new products of this nature should provide a relatively large alternative market for the presently available products that include solid physical barriers, or adhesives which are costly and in most situations block sunlight penetration, pollination and water movement necessary for appropriate plant development.
