Control And Protection Tools For Integrated Pest Management Of Mosquitoes And Filth Flies

Docket Number: 12206
Serial Number: 11716499

Technology Description:  Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists invented a way to develop molecular pesticides, which can be used as a safe alternative to chemical insecticides.  This technology prevents insects from producing essential proteins needed for their survival and results in their death.  Although methods exist to develop alternative pesticides, ARS’s invention has certain advantages.  This technology allows scientists to design molecular pesticides that target individual pest species, thus maximizing safety and minimizing environmental impact on beneficial insects.  In addition, molecular pesticides should be effective against pest species that are resistant to conventional chemical pesticides.  This technology provides a novel approach to pesticide development, and could greatly reduce the time and costs associated with regulatory approval of new products.  It also serves as a model system for developing novel insecticides.  Successful development of molecular pesticides could represent a quantum leap in developing new toxicants for pest control.    This invention is still in the experimental stage.  ARS is seeking a cooperative research and development partner to develop appropriate formulations that can be marketed and sold commercially.  The pesticide industry would benefit from this invention because it provides a novel way for developing new, safe, species-specific pesticides.  Companies that manufacture chemical pesticides could apply this technology.   Reference:  Please refer to S.N. 11/716,499 (Docket #0122.06), “Pesticidal Double Stranded RNA Composition and Method of Use Thereof,” which was filed on March 9, 2007.  Foreign patent rights are available for a limited period of time.   Inventors:   Julia W. Pridgeon Mosquito and Fly Research Gainesville, FL  32608 Phone: (352) 374-5806    Fax: (352) 374-5922 Julia.Pridgeon@ars.usda.gov   James J. Becnel (Same as first inventor) Phone: (352) 374-5961    Fax: (352) 374-5922 James.Becnel@ars.usda.gov Daniel A. Strickman Animal Production and Protection Beltsville, MD  20705 Phone: (301) 504-5771     Fax: (301) 504-4873 Daniel.Strickman@ars.usda.gov