Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Rapid growth of organic agriculture has created a greater demand for effective weed control, the most urgent problem facing organic growers. Current weed control methods are inefficient, expensive and labor-intensive, resulting in substantial reductions in profitability for fruit and vegetable growers. Summerdale, Inc. will develop a new herbicide for organic growers. The synergistic combination of selected, food-grade compounds holds great promise for the proposed new product, which will be marketed to traditional and organic growers as well as to home consumers. OBJECTIVES: General objectives for Phase I sought performance and cost advantages of the new herbicide over commercial products. After extensive greenhouse and field trials, experimental formulations were superior to existing organic herbicides; i.e., where Phase I formulations achieved >95% herbicidal activity, commercial products were 10 - 50%. Formulation costs appear to be competitive with or lower than existing products. Phase II objectives include: a) improvement of emulsion and storage stabilities, b) understanding herbicidal effect on a broader range of annuals and perennials at different growth stages and climate variation, c) approval for organic use, d) licensee participation in product development and e) demonstration trials with organic growers. APPROACHES ARE SUMMARIZED: Improvement of Phase I formulations: both storage & emulsion stabilities (Summerdale, Inc.) Greenhouse comparison of improved formulations and existing organic products: single and dual applications of formulations, each at 2 application rates applied to annuals and perennials including broad-leafs and grasses (Michigan State University, Crop & Soil Science) Field trials: evaluate best formulations versus organic products: a) screening trials for both 1 and 2 spray applications, using two rates on annuals and perennials and b) direct application trials for weed control on corn, soybean, pepper, onion, squash and small fruit (Summerdale, Inc., MSU, University of Nebraska and USDA/ARS) Evaluate data summaries and also obtain feedback from subcontractors and others, especially relating to formulation storage and emulsion characteristics. Select two formulations for necessary modifications and optimization including stability tests (Summerdale, Inc.) Final greenhouse and field testing: a) both greenhouse (MSU, Crop & Soil Science) and field trial screening of best formulations vs. commercial products (Summerdale, Inc., University of Nebraska, USDA/ARS) b) post-direct crop trials: corn, soybean, bell pepper, onion, squash and small fruit (University of Nebraska, USDA/ARS, MSU/Plant Pathology) and, c) obtain USDA (NOP)/OMRI approval for organic herbicide formulation and establish demonstration trials with growers (Summerdale, Inc. and licensee) Complete Phase II final report and file intellectual property, if appropriate (Summerdale, Inc.) PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
PROGRESS: IMPACT: The novel, "stand-alone" herbicide formulations, containing selected emulsifiers and synergistic combinations of fatty and organic acids, are highly effective as non-selective herbicides against a wide spectrum of weed species and under varied use conditions. The active ingredient, organic acid synergist and emulsifier are obtained from renewable raw materials rather than petrochemicals. Currently, most if not all commercial, non-selective herbicides used in organic agriculture are very expensive and ineffective against numerous weed species. The Phase II formulations are targeted for the grower and home user markets. Registration and use of the natural herbicide formulations for organic agriculture has been evaluated. USDA (NOP), OMRI, and/or EPA approval will be sought in cooperation with a licensee. The overall goal for developing safer, non-selective herbicide competitive with or superior to commercial herbicides for rapid, burn-down applications is near completion. Further work includes continued greenhouse and field trials to determine which experimental formulations have overall cost and performance advantages over other formulations. Formulation development evolved through an extensive screening program comprising both multi-year greenhouse and field testing by Summerdale, Inc., Michigan State University (MSU) and others. The herbicide formulations consist of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredients and/or include ingredients already approved for organic use. The formulations are stable, easily mixed with water and potency of herbicidal activity is clearly superior to all known organic herbicide formulations currently used in organic agriculture
Publications
- 1. Coleman, R. D. Pesticide Compositions and Methods for Their Use. U. S. Patent 7,820,594, October 6, 2010.
- 2. Coleman, R. and D. Penner. 2006. Desiccant Activity of Short Chain Fatty Acids. Weed Technology. 20. 410 to 415.
- 3. Coleman, R. and D. Penner. 2008. Organic Acid Enhancement of Pelargonic Acid. Weed Technology. 22. 38 to 41.
- 4. Penner, D., R. Coleman and J. Michael. 2010. Adjuvants and Formulations of an Organic Acid Herbicide. 31st Symposium on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems: Innovative Green Chemistries for the 21st Century. ASTM, San Antonio, TX. Oct 12 to 14, 2010.
|
Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A research team is already in place to complete all of the necessary tasks for Phase II. The research team will include Robert Coleman (Summerdale, Inc.), Annemiek Schilder and Don Penner at MSU (Dept of Plant Pathology and Dept of Crop and Soil Sciences), Mark Bernards (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Charles Webber (USDA/ARS at South Central Agricultural Research Center) and Dale Mutch (MSU Kellogg Biological Station, Battle Creek, MI) and support staff at all institutions. The team will meet or teleconference on a periodic basis to review project milestones, experimental design and test results and to plan future work. Progress in developing new herbicide formulations will be reported to the USDA, growers and others in the appropriate industries and trade associations. Summerdale, Inc. has an excellent working relationship and collaborates on numerous projects with both the University of Wisconsin (Departments of Plant Pathology and Food Science) and Michigan State University (Departments of Crop and Soil Science, Entomology, Horticulture and Plant Pathology), thus allowing frequent exchange of information and ideas with scientists of various backgrounds. Improvement of Phase I formulations: both storage & emulsion stabilities (Summerdale, Inc.) Greenhouse comparison of improved formulations and existing organic products: single and dual applications of formulations, each at 2 application rates applied to annuals and perennials including broad-leafs and grasses (Michigan State University, Crop & Soil Science) Field trials: evaluate best formulations versus organic products: a) screening trials for both 1 and 2 spray applications, using two rates on annuals and perennials and b) direct application trials for weed control on corn, soybean, pepper, onion, squash and small fruit (Summerdale, Inc., MSU, University of Nebraska and USDA/ARS) Evaluate data summaries and also obtain feedback from subcontractors and others, especially relating to formulation storage and emulsion characteristics. Select two formulations for necessary modifications and optimization including stability tests (Summerdale, Inc.) Final greenhouse and field testing: a) both greenhouse (MSU, Crop & Soil Science) and field trial screening of best formulations vs. commercial products (Summerdale, Inc., University of Nebraska, USDA/ARS) b) post-direct crop trials: corn, soybean, bell pepper, onion, squash and small fruit (University of Nebraska, USDA/ARS, MSU/Plant Pathology) and, c) herbicide field trials on organic plots at MSU Kellogg Biological Station Complete licensing agreement (for product registration, marketing, distribution and sales), obtain USDA (NOP)/OMRI approval for organic herbicide formulation and establish demonstration trials with growers (Summerdale, Inc. and licensee) Complete Phase II final report and file intellectual property, if appropriate (Summerdale, Inc.) PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The novel, "stand-alone" herbicide formulations, containing selected emulsifiers and synergistic combinations of fatty and organic acids, are highly effective as non-selective herbicides against a wide spectrum of weed species and under varied use conditions. The active ingredient, organic acid synergist and emulsifier are obtained from renewable raw materials rather than petrochemicals. Currently, most if not all commercial, non-selective herbicides used in organic agriculture are very expensive and ineffective against numerous weed species. The Phase II formulations are targeted for the grower and home user markets. Registration and use of the natural herbicide formulations for organic agriculture has been evaluated. USDA (NOP), OMRI, and EPA approval will be sought in cooperation with a licensee. The overall goal for developing safer, non-selective herbicide competitive with or superior to commercial herbicides for rapid, burn-down applications is near completion. Further work includes continued greenhouse and field trials to determine which experimental formulations have overall cost and performance advantages over other formulations. Formulation development evolved through an extensive screening program comprising both multi-year greenhouse and field testing by Summerdale, Inc., Michigan State University (MSU) and others. The herbicide formulations consist of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredients and/or include ingredients already approved for organic use. The formulations are stable, easily mixed with water and potency of herbicidal activity is clearly superior to all known organic herbicide formulations currently used in organic agriculture
Publications
- Coleman, R. D. Pesticide Compositions and Methods for Their Use. U. S. Patent 7,820,594, October 6, 2010.
- Coleman, R. and D. Penner. 2006. Desiccant Activity of Short Chain Fatty Acids. Weed Technology. 20. 410 to 415.
- Coleman, R. and D. Penner. 2008. Organic Acid Enhancement of Pelargonic Acid. Weed Technology. 22. 38 to 41.
- Penner, D., R. Coleman and J. Michael. 2010. Adjuvants and Formulations of an Organic Acid Herbicide. 31st Symposium on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems: Innovative Green Chemistries for the 21st Century. ASTM, San Antonio, TX. Oct 12 to 14, 2010.
|
Progress 09/01/09 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Numerous combinations of actives (fatty acids), synergists (organic acids) and emulsifiers, as candidate herbicide formulations for organic agriculture, were examined. Formulation ingredients were chosen based on: 1) approval or likely to be approved for organic agriculture, 2) cost in bulk quantities, 3) compatibility with other formulation ingredients and 4) enhancement of formulation's herbicidal activity Overall, hundreds of fatty acid formulations containing various organic acids and emulsifiers were screened to: a) evaluate formulation stability as concentrates and as emulsions of concentrates diluted in water (working solutions), and b) measure performance of candidate herbicides in replicated greenhouse and field trials at Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI), University of Nebraska (Lincoln, NE), USDA/ARS (Lane, OK) and Summerdale, Inc. (Verona, WI). From this screening program, several fatty acid formulations were identified having considerably better performance as herbicides over other combinations. Caprylic and pelargonic acids had improved activity relative to other low molecular weight, aliphatic, saturated, mono-carboxylic fatty acids. Improved emulsifiers and synergists have been identified. Formulations, even at high concentrations of C-8 or C-9 (80 - 85%), were clear, homogeneous and stable for one year or longer. Also, dilutions of the concentrated emulsions in water at 3 - 8%, v/v, were stable 15 - 40 minutes after shaking; i.e., no apparent phase separation, precipitation or flocculation was observed. Overall, the most effective formulation (as an organic herbicide), based on cost, performance, compatibility and safety of ingredients, was caprylic acid (octanoic acid or C8) combined with L-lactic acid (as a synergist) and emulsified with a natural plant extract. Replicated greenhouse and field trials examined numerous weed species at various stages of growth and under varied weather conditions. Test data demonstrates that several experimental formulations, representing some of the more active, Phase II herbicides, were superior to existing commercial herbicide products. Moreover, a cost analysis reveals that the experimental formulations are cost competitive with commercial products and in all cases, are much less expensive than products using essential oils as active ingredients. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The novel, "stand-alone" herbicide formulations, containing selected emulsifiers and synergistic combinations of fatty and organic acids, are highly effective as non-selective herbicides against a wide spectrum of weed species and under varied use conditions. The active ingredient, organic acid synergist and emulsifier are obtained from renewable raw materials rather than petrochemicals. Currently, most if not all commercial, non-selective herbicides used in organic agriculture are very expensive and ineffective against numerous weed species. The Phase II formulations are targeted for the grower and home user markets. Registration and use of the natural herbicide formulations for organic agriculture has been evaluated. USDA (NOP), OMRI, and EPA approval will be sought in cooperation with a licensee. The overall goal for developing safer, non-selective herbicide competitive with or superior to commercial herbicides for rapid, burn-down applications is near completion. Further work includes continued greenhouse and field trials to determine which experimental formulations have overall cost and performance advantages over other formulations. Formulation development evolved through an extensive screening program comprising both multi-year greenhouse and field testing by Summerdale, Inc., Michigan State University (MSU) and others. The herbicide formulations consist of GRAS (generally recognized as safe) ingredients and/or include ingredients already approved for organic use. The formulations are stable, easily mixed with water and potency of herbicidal activity is clearly superior to all known organic herbicide formulations currently used in organic agriculture
Publications
- Coleman, R. and D. Penner. 2006. Desiccant Activity of Short Chain Fatty Acids. Weed Technology. 20. 410 to 415.
- Coleman, R. and D. Penner. 2008. Organic Acid Enhancement of Pelargonic Acid. Weed Technology. 22. 38 to 41.
- Coleman, R. D. Fungicide Compositions. U. S. Patent 7,741,244, June 22, 2010.
- Coleman, R. D. Pesticide Compositions and Methods for Their Use. A continuation-in-part of Fungicide Compositions. Claims are accepted and issuance expected, October 2010.
|
Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities include: 1) extensive formulation development and testing to determine formulation and formulation dilution stabilities in water, 2) extensive field testing (replicated trials) by Summerdale, Inc., comparing experimental treatments and commercial organic herbicides, in both Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, 3) independent field trials by Dr. Charles Webber, USDA/ARS, South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory, and Dr. Mark Bernards, University of Nebraska, each investigator comparing promising fatty acid-based formulations relative to herbicidal activity of existing organic products, 4) greenhouse trials conducted by Dr. Donald Penner at Michigan State University and 5) interaction with patent attorney for issuance of patent application to protect fatty acid chemistry's commercial use in organic agriculture. Events include: 1) presentation of technology to IR-4 workshop, Cleveland, OH, October 7-8, 2009 Dissemination: 1) introduction to potential licensees via both technical and marketing reports PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A novel emulsification system for fatty acid-based formulations has been identified that now provides the following: 1. Concentrated formulation that includes an active ingredient, emulsifier, synergist and diluent, all of which as a concentrate, is very stable during storage and only requires shaking prior to dilution in water to prepare working solutions. 2. Dilutions in water (working solutions for use as an herbicide spray) are very stable 30-60 minutes after preparation. 3. The emulsifier would be accepted for use in organic agriculture. 4. Formulation performance relative to existing commercial, herbicide products is outstanding. 5. Cost of new experimental formulation is competitive with and generally, is superior to existing products.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
|