ARS researchers developed and patented a device for spraying beneficial insect eggs, such as green lacewings, directly onto plants. The device uses a pressurized air system to spray trees, plants and crops with an aqueous solution containing lacewing eggs. The eggs will stick to the foliage where they will eventually hatch. Lacewing larvae munch on harmful insects that damage agricultural crops ranging from grapes to cotton, barley, citrus, pecans and even Christmas trees. This delivery system will help growers cut down insecticide use. Farmers and companies can use biological controls to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides that can be hazardous to the environment and destroy beneficial insects.
The new device is timely, since there is no practical way to deliver large quantities of predaceous insects onto pest-infested plants. Lacewings are widely produced throughout the world. Growers must now manually shake lacewing eggs from a container onto plant foliage. But many eggs are wasted, some fall on the ground and others are eaten by predators.
Companies that develop agricultural equipment could use this device. Also, insect biological control companies could use this invention. This invention will benefit farmers worldwide.
Reference:
Please refer to Patent Number 5,718,377, "Beneficial Insect Egg Spraying Device," which issued on February 17, 1998.
Inventors:
John L. Blythe (retired) Fruit and Nut Research Byron, GA 31008-9805
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W. L. Tedders (retired)
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