DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to methods for controlling mites infesting crop plantations. In particular, the present disclosure provides an essential oil based acaricide composition for controlling mites infesting crop plantations and a method of preparing the same.

BACKGROUND
Spider mites (family Tetranychidae), thread-footed mites (family Tarsonemidae), and the gall mites (family Eriophyidae) are major pests affecting crop plantations in India. Oligonychus coffeae (Tetranychidae: Acarina), commonly known as the Tea Red Spider mite, is a representative pest affecting several crops namely tea, coffee, cotton, jute, cashew, rubber, and several fruit crops. Oligonychus coffeae attacks mainly during the dry summer season. They attack the upper surface of the mature leaves, the infestation starting from the midrib and vein regions and further spreading to the entire surface. The infested leaves turn rusty, purple or yellow brown colored and may show a web of silken threads. During times of heavy infestation, the presence of red spider mite may extend to the lower surface of the leaves ultimately causing defoliation. Red Spider Mite sucks the sap from the leaves and reduces chlorophyll content thus affecting the photosynthetic activity. The life cycle of Oligonychus coffeae takes about 10-14 days to complete. Adult females are elliptical in shape, bright crimson anteriorly and dark purplish brown posteriorly. Eggs are spherical and reddish in color but turns light orange before hatching. Incubation period is 4-6 days. Developmental stages include hexapod larva, protonymph and deutonymph. Each developmental stage is followed by a quiescent stage.
Control measures for crop mites broadly include chemical, biological, physical, mechanical and cultural methods. Chemical methods of control include spraying formulations of sulphur and lime sulphur. Chemical acaricides like dicofol 18.5 EC @ 1000 mL/ha, ethion 50 EC @ 750 mL /ha, fenpropathrin 10 E @ 500 mL/ha, combination of dicofol and ethion 500 mL each and dicofol and quinalphos @ 500 + 350 mL are useful in controlling the red spider pests. However, due to the known bad effects of chemical insecticides on humans and environment and developing resistance among pests, such methods are limited to situations of uncontrollable pest infestation.
Cultural control measures are preventive methods of control and require a lot of pre-planning and prior study of the host-pest-environmental relationships. These methods work by the principle of making the environment less attractive to pests and less favorable for their survival, dispersal, growth and reproduction. Biological control measures include allowing the build-up of natural insect predators (Phytoseiid mites and Coccinellid beetles) in the ecosystem. For example, Phytoseiulus persimilis eat adult spider mites, their eggs, and all developmental stages between. Physical pest control methods include using physical means such as fences, barriers or electronic wires. Mechanical methods of control include handpicking, traps, vacuuming and tillage to disrupt breeding. Integrated pest management (IPM), also known as Integrated Pest Control (IPC) is an approach that integrates various practices (non-chemical methods of controlling pests) towards growing of a healthy crop with a minimum disruption to agro-ecosystems. Principally, Integrated Pest Control encourages natural systems to control pest reducing the ecological imbalance caused by use of classical insecticides. However, a disadvantage of these methods (cultural and biological) is that they take long time, large scale set-up and planning and can turn out to be very expensive. Mechanical and physical methods are non-specific and inefficient.
Thus, there is a need for a method of controlling pests in crop plantations, which is inexpensive, easy to set up and also does not suffer from disadvantages of chemical toxicity to humans and the environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to an acaricide composition. The acaricide composition comprises an essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange oil; water and an emulsifier, wherein Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil are in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5: 1 to 0.1: 1 to 0.1 and wherein the essential oil mixture comprises at least 25 weight percent of the composition.
The present disclosure further relates to a method of preparing an acaricide composition. The method comprises preparing an essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5: 1 to 0.1: 1 to 0.1, adding an emulsifier to the essential oil mixture with continuous stirring, intermittently adding distilled water to the mixture comprising essential oils and the emulsifier to form a stable emulsion; and optionally adding at least one mineral nutrient to the emulsion with continuous stirring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the disclosed composition and disclosed method, and such further applications of the principles of the invention therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” “an embodiment” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The present disclosure provides an acaricide composition. The acaricide composition comprises:
an essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5: 1 to 0.1: 1 to 0.1;
water; and
an emulsifier.
In accordance with a specific embodiment, the composition comprises Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil in a concentration ratio of 1:0.5:0.5.
The acaricide composition as described herein includes composition having activity against one or more developmental stages of mites. For example, the composition may exhibit ovicidal and/or adulticidal, and/or ovipositional deterrence activity. The acaricide composition also exhibits field bio-efficacy against crop mites.
In accordance with an embodiment, the essential oil mixture further comprises any one of Lemon Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Citronella Oil, Catnip Oil, Lemon grass Oil, Ocimum Oil and mixtures thereof.
In accordance with an embodiment, the essential oil mixture comprises at least 25 weight percent of the composition. In accordance with an embodiment, the essential oil mixture comprises about 25 to 35 weight percent of the composition.
In accordance with an embodiment, the composition further comprises mineral nutrients. The mineral nutrient is selected from Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Silica, Boron, Manganese, Iron, Molybdenum, Selenium and mixtures thereof. The amount of the mineral nutrients may depend upon a number of factors like the type of nutrient, the host type, the soil conditions etc. In accordance with an embodiment, the mineral nutrient may be in a physiologically acceptable form such as salts, solvates, hydrates, complexes.
In accordance with a specific embodiment, the mineral nutrients are Zinc, Boron, Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate and Copper silicate.
In accordance with an embodiment, the composition comprises mineral nutrients in a concentration of about 1 to 15 weight percent.
Addition of mineral nutrients to the composition comprising essential oils not only provides enhanced insecticidal activity but also provide benefits like supporting growth of damaged leaves, supporting plant growth in areas where soil conditions are poor, and combatting pesticide-induced phytotoxicity.
In accordance with an embodiment, the emulsifier is selected from one or more surfactants having an HLB of about 12 to 16. By way of an example, the emulsifier is a mixture of Tween 80 and OT85AE having an HLB of 12.
In accordance with an embodiment, the emulsifier comprises 10 to 20 weight percent of the composition.
In accordance with an embodiment, the composition is a foliar composition that is the composition is applied to the foliar parts of crop plantation. By way of an example, the composition is applied to the foliar parts of Tea plantations.
In accordance with an embodiment, the composition is in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate (EC).
In accordance with an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a sprayable solution. In accordance with an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a water dispersible emulsified solution.
In accordance with an embodiment, the water dispersible emulsified solution is prepared by diluting the EC with water. In accordance with an embodiment, the water dispersible emulsified solution is prepared by diluting 2 to 100 ml of EC with water to form 1 litre of a sprayable water dispersible emulsified solution. By way of an example, the water dispersible emulsified solution is prepared by diluting 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10 ml of EC with water to form 1 litre of the sprayable solution.
The present disclosure also provides a method of preparing an acaricide composition.
The present disclosure provides a method of preparing an Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC). The method comprises first preparing an essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5: 1 to 0.1: 1 to 0.1; adding an emulsifier with continuous stirring and intermittently adding distilled water to form a stable emulsion.
In accordance with an embodiment, the method further comprises adding the mineral nutrients to the emulsion and the stirring additionally for at least 30 minutes.
The present disclosure also provides a method of preparing a water dispersible emulsified solution. The method comprises diluting the EC composition with distilled water with continuous stirring to obtain a sprayable water dispersible emulsified solution.
In accordance with an embodiment, preparing the essential oil mixture further comprises adding any one of Lemon Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Citronella Oil, Catnip Oil, Lemon grass Oil, Ocimum Oil and mixtures thereof.
In accordance with an embodiment, preparing the essential oil mixture comprises adding about 25 to 35 weight percent of the composition.
In accordance with an embodiment, the emulsifier is selected from one or more surfactants having HLB (Hydrophobic-Lipophillic Balance) of 12 to 16. In accordance with a specific embodiment, the emulsifier has an HLB of 12.
In accordance with an embodiment, the emulsifier is a mixture of Tween 80 and OT85AE.
In accordance with an embodiment, the emulsifier comprises 10 to 20 weight percent of the composition.
In accordance with an embodiment, one or more mineral nutrients selected from Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Silica, Boron, Manganese, Iron, Molybdenum, Selenium and mixtures thereof is added. In accordance with an embodiment, the mineral nutrient in a physiologically acceptable form such as salts, solvates, hydrates, complexes is added.
In accordance with a specific embodiment, Zinc, Boron, Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate and Copper silicate are added.
In accordance with an embodiment, the mineral nutrients are added in a concentration of about 1 to 15 weight percent of the composition.
EXAMPLES
The following examples provide a non-limiting exemplary acaricide composition and its method of preparation. Examples further provide inhibitory activity of the acaricide composition against Red Spider Mites in a tea plantation of 1 acre.

Example 1: Preparation of an acaricide composition
Table 1: Ingredients of composition
S.No. Ingredient Amount (gm)
1 Neem Oil 250
2 Orange Oil 125
3 Eucalyptus Oil 125
4 ZnSiB 66.6
5 MgSO4.7H2O 102.6
6 Cu silicate 28.5
7 Tween 80 183
8 OT85AE 83
9 Water 800
Method of Preparation:
Essential oils, in the required amounts, were mixed to provide an oil mixture. The oil mixture was further mixed with the surfactant(s) using an overhead stirrer and 800 mL of distilled water was added in intervals, while stirring to form an emulsion. After forming the stable emulsion, the nutrients were added and the emulsion was again stirred for additional 30 minutes.
Stability of the Composition: The stability of the emulsion was evaluated for 24 hrs. The composition was found to be stable under room temperature conditions.
Application of the Composition: The contents of the emulsion were diluted to 200 L with water and sprayed on a tea plantation of 1 acre.

Example 2: Control of Red Spider Mite
The composition as described in Example 1 was diluted with water to obtain solutions having strength of 1.25 mL/L, 2.5 mL/L, 5 mL/L, 7.5 mL/L and 10 mL/L and these solutions were then evaluated for adulticidal, ovicidal, and ovipositional deterrence activities against Red Spider Mite. The diluted compositions were also evaluated for field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite.
Lab bio-efficacy on Red Spider Mite Adults
1.25 mL/L, 2.5 mL/L, 5 mL/L and 7.5 mL/L solutions were evaluated for adulticidal activity against Red Spider Mite using Leaf Disc Application Method. The percent mortality was calculated after intervals of 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. The percent mortality was calculated as mean of five replications.
% Adult Mortality = (No. of RSM killed/Total no. of RSM exposed) x 100
Table 2: Adulticidal activity against RSM under laboratory conditions.
Rate of Application (mL/L) Adult Mortality (%)* (mean ± SE; n = 5)
24 h 48 h 72 h 96 h
1.25 8.0 ± 2.0 b 16.0 ± 5.1 bc 26.0 ± 8.1 b 40.0 ± 7. b
2.50 28.0 ± 3.7 d 48.0 ± 4.9 de 62.0 ± 4.9 c 70.0 ± 3.2 c
5.00 32.0 ± 4.9 d 50.0 ± 4.5 de 66.0 ± 6.0 c 80.0 ± 4.5 cd
7.50 48.0 ± 7.3 e 76.0 ± 2.4 f 84.0 ± 2.4 d 92.0 ± 3.7 de
Control 0.0 ± 0.0a 0.0 ± 0.0a 0.0 ± 0.0a ± 0.0a
* Means followed by the same letter do not differ significantly at P= 0.05 according to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test

Ovicidal activity against Red Spider Mite eggs
2.5 mL/L, 5.0 mL/L, 7.5 mL/L and 10.0 mL/L solutions were evaluated for ovicidal activity against Red Spider Mite eggs using Leaf Disc Application Method. The percent egg mortality was calculated 11 days after the application.
Percent Egg Mortality = (No. of eggs killed/Total no. of eggs exposed) x 100
Table 3: Ovicidal activity against RSM under laboratory conditions.
Dosage (mL/L) No. of eggs
exposed Egg mortality on 11th Day (%)
2.5 58 27.1
5.0 70 58.0
7.5 62 59.6
10.0 59 70.4
Untreated control 81 3.6

Fig.1: Ovicidal activity against RSM under laboratory conditions

Ovipositional deterrence effect against Red Spider Mite
2.5 mL/L, 5.0 mL/L, 7.5 mL/L and 10.0 mL/L solutions were evaluated for ovipositional deterrence effect against Red Spider Mite using Leaf Disc Application Method. The percent reduction of eggs after the application of composition over control was calculated 24 hours after the application. Three adult females per leaf disc and 15 females per treatment were taken.
Percent Reduction = (No. of eggs laid 24h after application/ No. of eggs laid in control) x 100
Table 4: Ovipositional deterrence and DQ (Duncan Multiple Range) value against RSM
Rate of Application (mL/L) Number of eggs laid at 24 h* (mean ± SE; n = 5) Percentage reduction of
eggs over control DQ Value
2.5 3.4 ± 1.03 bc 74.24 0.59
5.0 3.2 ± 0.80 bc 75.76 0.61
7.5 3.0 ± 1.34 bc 77.27 0.63
10.0 2.2 ± 1.28 b 83.33 0.71
Untreated control 13.2 ± 1.59 d - -
* Means followed by the same letter do not differ significantly at P= 0.05 according to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test; 3 adult females/ leaf disc; total number of adult feamles exposed for egg-laying per treatment (n=15)

Field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite
Sampling procedure: Red spider mite populations were assessed at weekly interval by collecting 75 leaves from 25 bushes selected at random from each block. From each leaf, number of spider mites was counted.
The composition of Example 1 (Formulation 1) was evaluated for field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite using Leaf Disc Application Method according to treatment method given and the percent bio-efficacy was calculated.
Percentage bio-efficacy calculated as per the formula (Henderson and Tilton, 1955)
% Bio-efficacy=1-((Ta ×Cb))/(Tb ×Ca)×100

Ta - treatment after; Tb - treatment before
Ca - control after; Cb - control before

4a. Field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite infesting tea in Munnar, Kerala
Formulation 1 was evaluated for field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite after five successive sprays. Herein, second spray was applied 8 days after the first spray, third spray 12 days after the second spray, fourth spray 10 days after third spray, and fifth spray 12 days after fourth spray. (Spray volume: 450 L/ha).

Table 5: Field Bio-efficacy against RSM infesting tea in Munnar, Kerala
Treatment and Dosage Number of red spider mites / 75 leaves % Bio-efficacy*
Pre-
treatment
I week
II week
III week
IV week
V week
T1- Form. 1
@1000 mL / ha 667 274 198 339 233 104 41.87
(40.9) (27.3)ab (24.0)bc (31.8)bc (26.0)bc (17.5)ab
T2- Form. 1
@1500 mL / ha 682 254 178 311 227 96 47.14
(44.0) (27.7)ab (22.6)bc (30.6)bc (26.1)bc (17.2)ab
T3- Form. 1
@2000 mL/ ha 668 245 127 283 211 89 51.63
(44.3) (27.0)ab (19.6)b (28.7)b (24.1)b (16.4)ab
T8- Untreated control 659 445 382 686 365 154 0.0
(44.3) (36.0)b (33.5)d (45.3)e (33.1)c (21.6)b
CD at P = 0.05 NS 10.73 6.56 7.23 7.35 4.65 -
Dates of chemical application : I spray : 17.02.2015; II spray : 25.02.2015; III spray : 09.03.2015; IV spray : 19.03.2015 (T4, T5 & T6); V spray : 31.03.2014 (T1, T2,T3,T4,T5 &T6)
Notes: Figures in parentheses are transformed values of vx+1; Figures followed by the same alphabets in a vertical column are not significantly different at 5% level according to the DMRT (Duncan’s Multiple Range Test).
*Mean percentage bio-efficacy of five post-treatment observations according to Henderson and Tilton (1955).

4b. Field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite in medium infested areas of Teok, Assam
Formulation 1 was evaluated for field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite according to following treatment schedule.
Table 6: Field Bio-efficacy against RSM in medium infested areas of Teok, Assam
Treatment and Dosage Number of red spider mites / leaf
Pre- treatment 2nd day
after
I spray 4th day
after
I spray 7th day
after
I spray 1st day
after
II spray 5th day
after
II spray 7th day
after
II spray 10th day
after
II spray 12th day
After
II spray
T1- Form. 1
@3000 mL/ ha 16.9 14.7
(7.0) 15.3
(3.2) 27.2
(-72.2) 25.6
(5.9) 21.5
(21.0) 18.3
(32.7) 13.3
(51.1) 15.8
(41.9)
T2- Form. 1
@4000 mL/ ha 15.8 16.6
(10.3) 16.4
(11.4) 25.6
(-38.4) 22.5
(12.1) 17.8
(30.5) 13.6
(46.9) 10.6
(58.6) 14.2
(44.5)
T6- Untreated control 17.1 18.2
(-6.4) 19.4
(-135.0) 28.9
(-69.0) 29.5
(-2.1) 25.6
(11.4) 20.5
(29.1) 23.6
(18.3) 24.9
(13.8)
Dates of spraying: I spray: 24.02.2015; II spray : 04.03.2015;
Notes: Figures in parentheses are percentage bio-efficacy over untreated control.
T1, T2 & T3 are different plots where field trials were conducted.

4c. Field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite in moderate to highly infested areas of Teok, Assam
Formulation 1 was evaluated for field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite according to following treatment schedule.
Table 7: Field Bio-efficacy against RSM in moderate to highly infested areas of Teok, Assam
Treatment and Dosage Number of red spider mites / leaf
Pre-
treatment 1st day
after
I spray
3rd day
after
I spray 6th day
after
I spray
1st day
after
II spray
4th day
after
II spray
11th day
after
II spray
T1- Form. 1
@3000 mL/ ha 14.0 13.5
(3.6) 11.9
(15.0) 13.7
(2.1) 9.3
(32.1) 7.1
(48.2) 12.5
(8.8)
T2- Form. 1
@4000 mL/ ha 14.9 14.0
(6.0) 11.1
(25.5) 12.9
(13.4) 9.8
(24.0) 6.9
(46.5) 12.6
(2.3)
T6-Untreated control 14.7 15.2
(-3.4) 15.9
(-8.2) 16.4
(-11.6) 15.6
(-6.1) 14.0
(4.8) 16.9
(-15.0)
Dates of spraying: I spray: 03.07.2015; II spray: 10.07.2015;
Notes: Figures in parentheses are percentage bio-efficacy over pre-treatment assessment.

4d. Field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite in mild to moderate infested areas of Teok, Assam
Formulation 1 was evaluated for field bio-efficacy against Red Spider Mite according to following treatment schedule.
Table 8: Field Bio-efficacy against RSM in mild to moderate infested areas of Teok, Assam
Treatment and Dosage Number of red spider mites / leaf
Pre-
treatment 1st day
after
I spray 3rd day
after
I spray 7th day
after
I spray 11th day
after
I spray 15th day
after
I spray
T1- Form. 1
@3000 mL/ ha 15.2 7.8
(48.7) 3.9
(74.3) 2.2
(85.5) 0.0
(100.0) 0.0
(100.0)
T2- Form. 1
@4000 mL/ ha 16.2 7.9
(51.0) 3.2
(80.2) 1.0
(93.8) 0.0
(100.0) 0.0
(100.0)
T6-Untreated control 14.0 12.5
(10.5) 7.3
(47.9) 3.5
(75.0) 1.4
(90.0) 0.4
(97.1)
Dates of spraying: I spray: 13.08.2015
Notes: Figures in parentheses are percentage bio-efficacy over pre-treatment assessment.

Specific Embodiments are described below:
An acaricide composition comprising an essential oil mixture, water, and an emulsifier. The essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5 : 1 to 0.1 : 1 to 0.1 and the essential oil mixture comprising at least 25 weight percent of the composition.
Such composition(s), wherein Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil are in a concentration ratio of 1:0.5:0.5.
Such composition(s), wherein the essential oil mixture further comprises any one of Lemon Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Citronella Oil, Catnip Oil, Lemon grass Oil, Ocimum Oil and mixtures thereof.
Such composition(s), wherein the essential oil mixture comprises about 25 to 35 weight percent of the composition.
Such composition(s), wherein the emulsifier is selected from one or more surfactants having Hydrophillic Lipophilic Balance of about 12 to 16.
Such composition(s), wherein the emulsifier is a mixture of Tween 80 and OT85AE.
Such composition(s), wherein the emulsifier is in a concentration of about 10 to 20 weight percent of the composition.
Such composition(s), further comprising at least one mineral nutrient selected from Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Silica, Boron, Manganese, Iron, Molybdenum, Selenium, and salts, solvates, hydrates, and complexes thereof.
Such composition(s), wherein the mineral nutrients are Zinc, Boron, Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate and Copper silicate.
Such composition(s), wherein mineral nutrients comprise about 1 to 15 weight percent of the composition.
Such composition(s), wherein the composition is any one of an emulsifiable concentrate or a water dispersible emulsified solution.
Further Specific Embodiments are described below:
A method of preparing an acaricide composition comprising preparing an essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5 : 1 to 0.1 : 1 to 0.1; adding an emulsifier to the essential oil mixture with continuous stirring; intermittently adding distilled water to the mixture comprising the essential oils and the emulsifier to form a stable emulsion; and optionally adding at least one mineral nutrient to the emulsion with continuous stirring.
Such method(s), further comprising diluting the composition with distilled water to obtain a water dispersible emulsified solution.
Such method(s), wherein preparing the essential oil mixture further comprises adding any one of Lemon Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Citronella Oil, Catnip Oil, Lemon grass Oil, Ocimum Oil and mixtures thereof.
Such method(s), wherein preparing the essential oil mixture comprises adding 25 to 35 weight percent of essential oil to the composition.
Such method(s), wherein the emulsifier is selected from one or more surfactants having Hydrophillic Lipophilic Balance of about 12 to 16.
Such method(s), wherein the emulsifier is a mixture of Tween 80 and OT85AE.
Such method(s), wherein the emulsifier is added in a concentration of 10 to 20 weight percent of the composition.
Such method(s), wherein at least one mineral nutrient selected from Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Silica, Boron, Manganese, Iron, Molybdenum, Selenium, and salts, solvates, hydrates, complexes and mixtures thereof is added.
Such method(s), wherein Zinc, Boron, Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate and Copper silicate are added.
Such method(s), wherein the mineral nutrients are added in a concentration of about 1 to 15 weight percent of the composition.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
Use of natural compounds, such as essential oils obtained from plant sources, having known insecticidal properties offers a method of controlling pests which falls in line with the principles of Integrated Pest Management without carrying its disadvantages. The natural compounds have improved biodegradability and increased insect selectivity, and are environment-friendly.
The present disclosure provides an essential oil based acaricide composition. The acaricide composition may be in the form of an emulsifiable composition or a water dispersible emulsified solution. The water dispersible emulsified solution provides a sprayable formulation for easy application to the plant foliage. The acaricide composition may further comprise mineral nutrients. Addition of mineral nutrients to the formulation comprising essential oils not only provides enhanced insecticidal activity but also provide benefits like supporting growth of damaged leaves, supporting plant growth in areas where soil conditions are poor, combatting pesticide-induced phytotoxicity.
The acaricide composition of the present disclosure exhibits ovicidal, adulticidal and ovipositional deterrence activity against Red Spider Mite of Tea. The composition also provides promising bio-efficacy results against Red Spider Mite of Tea.
A method of preparing the acaricide composition is also provided.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An acaricide composition comprising:
an essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil;
water; and
an emulsifier;
wherein Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil are in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5 : 1 to 0.1 : 1 to 0.1 and wherein the essential oil mixture comprises at least 25 weight percent of the composition.

2. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil are in a concentration ratio of 1:0.5:0.5.

3. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the essential oil mixture further comprises any one of Lemon Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Citronella Oil, Catnip Oil, Lemon grass Oil, Ocimum Oil and mixtures thereof.

4. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein the essential oil mixture comprises about 25 to 35 weight percent of the composition.

5. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emulsifier is selected from one or more surfactants having Hydrophillic Lipophilic Balance of about 12 to 16.

6. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the emulsifier is a mixture of Tween 80 and OT85AE.

7. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emulsifier is in a concentration of about 10 to 20 weight percent of the composition.

8. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one mineral nutrient selected from Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Silica, Boron, Manganese, Iron, Molybdenum, Selenium, and salts, solvates, hydrates, and complexes thereof.

9. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mineral nutrients are Zinc, Boron, Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate and Copper silicate.

10. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein mineral nutrients comprise about 1 to 15 weight percent of the composition.

11. The acaricide composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is any one of an emulsifiable concentrate or a water dispersible emulsified solution.

12. A method of preparing an acaricide composition comprising:
preparing an essential oil mixture comprising Neem Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Orange Oil in a concentration ratio of 2 to 0.5 : 1 to 0.1 : 1 to 0.1;
adding an emulsifier to the essential oil mixture with continuous stirring;
intermittently adding distilled water to the mixture comprising the essential oils and the emulsifier to form a stable emulsion; and
optionally adding at least one mineral nutrient to the emulsion with continuous stirring.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising diluting the composition with distilled water to obtain a water dispersible emulsified solution.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein preparing the essential oil mixture further comprises adding any one of Lemon Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, Citronella Oil, Catnip Oil, Lemon grass Oil, Ocimum Oil and mixtures thereof.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein preparing the essential oil mixture comprises adding 25 to 35 weight percent of essential oil to the composition.

16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the emulsifier is selected from one or more surfactants having Hydrophillic Lipophilic Balance of about 12 to 16.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the emulsifier is a mixture of Tween 80 and OT85AE.

18. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the emulsifier is added in a concentration of 10 to 20 weight percent of the composition.

19. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein at least one mineral nutrient selected from Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Silica, Boron, Manganese, Iron, Molybdenum, Selenium, and salts, solvates, hydrates, complexes and mixtures thereof is added.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein Zinc, Boron, Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate and Copper silicate are added.

21. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the mineral nutrients are added in a concentration of about 1 to 15 weight percent of the composition.

Dated this 22nd day of July, 2015

Aparna Kareer
Of Obhan & Associates
Agent for the Applicant
Patent Agent No. 1359