PESTICIDE DELIVERY FROM CULIGEL SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS: MOSQUITO AND COCKROACH CONTROL STUDIES

Abstract:
Several types of Culigel@ superabsorbent polymers were evaluated as matrices for the controlled release and/or encapsulation of insect growth regulators, bacteria, or organophosphates for long-term control of immature mosquitoes or adult and immature cockroaches. Bioassays against mosquito larvae with Culigel'*-insecticide granules indicated that insecticide formulation loading levels, controlled release profiles, and duration of efficacy in an aquatic habitat were regulated by the inert ingredients admixed with the insecticide formulations. Bioassays against German cockroach adults or nymphs with agglomerated wafer-like disquets that were fabricated by agglomerating admixtures of a Culigelm superabsorbent polymer, an insect growth regulator and/or organophosphate, and bait/inert materials suggested that single- or joint-action insecticidelbait formulations can be encapsulated within a solid Culigelw superabsorbent polymer matrix to provide slow, long-term cockroach control. Data indicated that insecticide release profiles and the duration of effectiveness were affected by the baitlinert ingredients incorporated in the disquets.