SEDL / STP / STP1146-EB / STP20196S

Culigel® Controlled-Release and Pest-Management Systems

Levy, R
research entomologist/coordinatorresearch assistantdirector, Lee County Mosquito Control District, Fort Myers, Florida

Nichols, MA
research entomologist/coordinatorresearch assistantdirector, Lee County Mosquito Control District, Fort Myers, Florida

Miller, TW
research entomologist/coordinatorresearch assistantdirector, Lee County Mosquito Control District, Fort Myers, Florida

Pages: 19    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

Culigel® Systems encompass novel controlled-release and water-management technology for pest-management applications in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Culigel® technology is based on nontoxic and degradable acrylamide and acrylate superabsorbent polymers that are formulated to entrap/encapsulate one or more bioactive agents used in pest-management applications, and then release them at controlled rates when activated by water. Bioactive agents encapsulated within Culigel® matrices are protected from environmental degradation or loss due to sunlight, volatilization, oxidation, microbial attack, run-off or drainage. Controlled release of mosquitocides from Culigel® granules is regulated by one or more inert dispersants that are admixed in the pesticide formulation to accelerate or slow the release of a liquid or solid bioactive agent from the microporous structure of the granular matrices. Release profiles of organophosphate larvicides, growth regulators, and larvicidal bacilli can be tailored to specific pest-control requirements by altering the type and/or concentration of inerts such as surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, alcohols or salts used in the formulation. Culigel® polymers alone can also be used to physically control immature mosquitoes.