Spray oil and method of use thereof for controlling turfgrass pests

摘要

A paraffinic spray oil and a method of using the spray oil for controlling turfgrass pests is disclosed. The spray oil comprises paraffinic oil and a quick break emulsifier, which is formulated as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion for use. The paraffinic oil and emulsifier are present in a weight ratio ranging from about 95:5 to about 99.95:0.05, and preferably from about 98.5:1.5 to about 99.9:0.1. When applied to turfgrass, the O/W emulsion quickly releases the oil phase upon application to the turfgrass to contact pests thereon. When provided at sufficient paraffinic oil dosages, generally at least about 0.5 gal oil/acre and preferably in the range of about 0.5 gal/acre to about 60 gal/acre, the spray oil is effective in controlling a variety of turfgrass pests, particularly insect and fungal pests, with little or no phytotoxic effects. Further, use of the spray oil as indicated for controlling turfgrass pests also enhances the growth of turfgrass.

主权项

1. A method for controlling a turfgrass pest comprising:
applying to turfgrass an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a paraffinic oil and a quick break emulsifier, wherein the oil-in-water emulsion quickly breaks upon application to the turfgrass to release the paraffinic oil from the oil-in-water emulsion, and the oil-in-water emulsion is applied to provide a dosage of paraffinic oil to the turfgrass that is effective for controlling the turfgrass pest; wherein: the paraffinic oil comprises a paraffin having a carbon number ranging from about C16 to about C35, and the paraffinic oil has a paraffin content of at least about 80%; and the dosage of paraffinic oil ranges from about 0.5 gal/acre to about 60 gal/acre; wherein the turfgrass pest is selected from the group consisting of an insect, a fungus, and a microorganism wherein the oil-in-water emulsion is effective in controlling turfgrass pests without added synthetic chemical pesticides.