Patent Number: 6524601
Docket Number: 20500
Serial Number: 9875972
Date Patented: 02/25/2003

Technology Description: ARS researchers have developed a method to use nematode-containing insect cadavers coated with a special formulation to suppress pest insects in agricultural crops. These infected cadavers are spread across a farmer’s field, garden, or greenhouse where the beneficial nematodes emerge, invade, and kill crop pests and then reproduce inside the killed pest, repeating the cycle. Without the special formulation, the infected cadavers may rupture or stick together during transport or application. Using ARS’s technique, the nematodes encased inside the dead insects survive longer, and have a chance to emerge in the field where pest control is required. This invention should enhance the use of biological control agents, thus reducing reliance on chemical controls. In addition to beneficial nematodes, this invention can also be used with other natural pesticidal agents, like insect-killing viruses, protozoa, bacteria, and fungi. Reference: Please refer to uspn 6,524,601 (Docket #0205.00), "Formulated Arthropod Cadavers for Pest Suppression," which issued on February 25, 2003.  Foreign rights are available. Inventors: David I. Shapiro-Ilan Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Byron, Georgia 31008 (478) 956-6444 / Fax: (478) 956-2929 dshapiro@saa.ars.usda.gov Robert Behle Bioactive Agents Research Peoria, Illinois 61604 (309) 681-6225 / Fax: (309) 681-6693 behlerw@mail.ncaur.usda.gov Michael R. McGuire Western Integrated Cropping Systems Research Shafter, California 93263  (661) 746-8001 / Fax: (661) 746-1619 mrmcguire@ucdavis.edu Edwin E. Lewis Department of Entomology Price Hall, VPI and SU (540) 231-6614