CLIAMS:I CLAIM:

1. A herbal composition having pesticidal activity for prevention or control of plant pests, the herbal composition comprising at least a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays.

2. A herbal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said part of Polygonum glabrum and said part of Zea mays is selected from a group comprising whole Polygonum glabrum and whole Zea mays, extracts of Polygonum glabrum and extracts of Zea mays, crushed Polygonum glabrum and crushed Zea mays, pulverized Polygonum glabrum and pulverized Zea mays, severed Polygonum glabrum and severed Zea mays, chemical constituents of Polygonum glabrum and chemical constituents of Zea mays, and any combination thereof.

3. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said herbal composition further comprise additional herbs.

4. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition further comprise additional herbs selected from Annona squamosa, Adhatoda vasica, Murraya koenigii, Basella alba, and any combination thereof.

5. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition further comprises one or more of additives, selected from a group comprising auxiliary agents, coloring agents, fragrance, fillers, preservatives, thickening agents, stabilizing agents, and any combination thereof.

6. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition is in forms selected from a group comprising of solid form; liquid or fluid form; semi-solid form, gaseous form or in form of aerosols, suspension form, and any combination thereof.

7. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition prevents or controls pests selected from a group comprising Leptocorisa acuta, Hispa armigera, Leptocoriza varicornis, yellow stem borer (Tryporyza incertulas), swarming caterpillar (Spodoptera mauritia), Pamripoka (Dicladispa armigera), green bug (Schizaphis graminum), Thrips: Stenchaetothrips biformis, Green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens, Rice case worm: Nymphula depunctalis, Paddy stemborer: Scirpophaga incertulas, Swarming caterpillar: Spodoptera mauritia, Paddy stemborer: Scirpophaga incertulas, Gall midge: Orseolia oryzae, Swarming caterpillar: Spodoptera mauritia, Rice skipper: Pelopidas mathias, Leaf folder (or) leaf roller, Cnaphalocrocis mainsails, Rice horned caterpillar, Melanitis ismene, Yellow hairy caterpillar, Psalis pennatula, Grasshopper, Hieroglyphus banian, Spiny beetle / Rice hispa, Dicladispa armigera, Whorl maggot, Hydrellia sasakii, Green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens, Brown plant leafhopper, Nilaparvata lugens, White backed plant hopper, Sogatella furcifera, Mealy bug, Brevennia rehi, Rice earhead bug: Leptocorisa acuta, Thrips: Stenchaetothrips biformis, Tryporyza innotata, Sesamia inferens, Procerus indius, C. simplex, C. zonellus, Leptocorisa varicornis, L. acuta, Pachdiplosis oryzae, Leptispa pygmaea, Nymphula depunctalis, Mythimna unipuncta, M. albistigma, Hieroglyphus banian, H. Nigrorepletus, H.furcifer, H.oryzaevorus, Acrida exultata, A. turrita, Aelopus tumulus, A. Aularaches, Loxya bidentata, O. multidentata, O.velox, Nephotettix apicalis, N. impicticeps, Tettigella spectra, Nilaparvartha lugens, Cloethrips oryzae, Hydrellia sp., Ripersia oryzae, Tetraneura hirsute, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Pelopides mathias, Echinocnemus oryzae, Odontotermes obesus, Microtermes obesi, Tanymecus indius, Agrotis ipsilon, A. flammantra, Anaphothrips flavinctus, Schizaphis (Toxoptera) graminum, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Sitobion avenae, Chrotogonus trachypterus, Atherigona naqvii, Atherigona soccata, Contarinia sorghicola, Phopalosiphum maidis, Colemania sphenaroides, Hieroglyphus Bolivar, Calocoris angustatus, Peregrinus maidis, Agrotis ipsilon, Amsacta moorei, Eublemma (Heliothis) armigera, Oligonychus indicus, Schizotetranychus andropogoni, Chilo zonellus, Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus, Amsacta moorei, A. albistriga, Rhopalosiphum maidias, Lytta tenuicollis, Marasmia trapezalis, Geromyia pennisetti, Saluria inficita, Estigmene exigua, Spcdoptera exigua, Tetraneura hirsute, Cicadulina bipunctella, Chrotogonus spp, Mealy Bug (Homoptera Pseudococcidae), Gram caterpillars (Helicoverpa armigera), Aphelenchoides spp. (Foliar nematodes), Pseudococcus Planococcus citri (Citrus mealy bug), (Meloidogyne spp. (Root-knot nematodes), Ditylenchus dipsaci (Stem and bulb nematode), Belonolaimus longicaudatus (Sting nematode). Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Pine wilt nematode), Tylenchulus semipenetrans (The Citrus nematode), Radopholus similis (Burrowing nematode), Xiphinema americanum (The Dagger nematode), Macroposthonia xenoplax (Ring nematode), Tylenchorhynchus spp. (Stunt nematodes), Rotylenchulus spp. (Reniform nematode), Pratylenchus spp. (Lesion nematode). Hoplolaimus galeatus (The Lance Nematode), Criconemoides species (Ring Nematode). Heterodera schachtii (Sugar beet cyst nematode), Nacobbus aberrans (False root-knot nematode), Heterodera glycines (Soybean cyst nematode), Meloidogyne chitwoodi (Columbia Root-knot Nematode), Globodera rostochiensis (Golden Nematode), Meloidogyne hapla (Northern Root Knot Nematode), Ditylenchus destructor (Potato Rot Nematode), Globodera pallida (Pale Potato Cyst Nematode), Helicotylenchus (Spiral Nematodes), Heterodera zeae (The Corn Cyst Nematode), Longidorus (The Needle Nematode), Pratylenchus (The Lesion Nematode), Paratrichodorus (Stubby-Root Nematodes), Tylenchorhynchus (Stunt Nematodes), Saltmarsh caterpillar, Woollybear caterpillar, Imported cabbageworm, Hornworms, Loopers, Squash vine borers, Parsley worm, Potato tubeworm, Tomato pinworm, Diamondback moth, Tomato fruitworm, Tobacco budworm, Melon worm, Cabbage worm, Mexican rice borer, Sugarcane borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), Adisura atkinsoni (Moore), Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke), Cydia ptychora (Meyrick), Exelastis atomosa (Walshinghan) and Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus), Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Spilosoma oblique Walker, Green semiloopers Trichoplusia ni, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel, Asphondylia sesami Felt, Aphis gossypii Glover, Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida, Bemisia tabaci, Earias insulana Boisd, E. vittella, Pectinophora gossypiella Saund, Corchorus olitorius, C. capsularis, Apion corchori Mshll, Spodoptera exigua, Exelastis atomosa Walsingham, and any combination thereof.

8. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition prevents or controls pests in food crops selected from a group comprising Rice (Oryza sativa), Wheat, bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), Durum wheat, macaroni wheat (Triticum durum), Corn or maize (Zea mays), Job's Tears, salay, tigbe (Coix lachryma-jobi), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Millet (Panicum miliaceum, Eleusine coracana, Setaria italica, Pennisetum glaucum), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), Oat (Avena sativa), Rye (Secale cereale), Triticale (Triticosecale), Teff, taf or khak shir (Eragrostis tef), Fonio (Digitaria exilis), Wild rice, Canada rice, Indian rice, water oats (Zizania spp.), Spelt (Triticum spelta), Canary grass (Phalaris sp.), Pseudocereals: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), Amaranth or Grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), Pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri), chick pea (kabuli chana), red kidney beans (rajma), green moong and moong split dal, chawli, black eye beans (black gram), black matpe and split matpe (urad dal), pea (matar), grams (chana), arhar or moong dal, lentil (masoor), mungbean, whole red and red split lentils, pigeon pea, cow pea, soyabean, field pea, moth dal, yellow millet, small red beans, broad beans and any combination thereof.

9. A process for preparing a herbal composition for prevention or control of plant pests comprising the steps of:
a) cutting a part of Polygonum glabrum; and a part of Zea mays; and
b) preparing agriculturally acceptable formulation thereof.

10. A process for preparing a herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:
a) cutting a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays;
b) mixing the part of Polygonum glabrum and the part of Zea mays to a part of an additional herb; and
c) preparing agriculturally acceptable formulation thereof. ,TagSPECI:FORM – 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10)

HERBAL COMPOSITIONS FOR PREVENTION OR CONTROL OF PLANT PESTS

PRASAD, Raghunath
A citizen of India
VILLAGE PARSA, BAHLOLPUR POST,
VIA DHAKA, DISTRICT EAST CHAMPARAN,
STATE: BIHAR 845 418. INDIA.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
 
HERBAL COMPOSITIONS FOR PREVENTION OR CONTROL OF PLANT PESTS

BACKGROUND:
A pest may be defined as a plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns such as agriculture or livestock production. The control of pest, is one of the fundamental requirements for profitable cereal production. However, the large number of organisms that can threaten a crop makes management challenging. Pests infesting plants are important as they cause heavy economic loss of agricultural crops, commercial crops, horticultural crops, herbs, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, native plants etc. Of the diverse pests detrimental to agricultural crops, Arthropods or Worms are the most significant, attributing to massive damage to crops causing heavy economic losses. Agricultural pests are a major source of loss of revenue for commercial growers all over the world. They also infest the food and other stored products in go-downs, storage structures, and packages, causing substantial loss to the stored food and also deterioration of food quality.

Pests that cause injury to plants and stored products are grouped into two major groups namely chewing pests and sucking pests. The former group chews off plant parts and swallow them thereby causing damage to the crops. Sucking pests pierce through the epidermis and suck the sap. Many of the sucking pests serve as vectors of plant diseases and also inject their salivary secretions containing toxins that cause severe damage to the crop.

Pests are generally crop and region specific. There are large numbers of pests, which damage crops right from nursery sowing to the harvest causing considerably high yield losses. Meteorological factors play an important role in seasonal abundance, distribution and population build up of insect pests. It is difficult to find a direct cause and effect relationship between any single factor and pest activity because the impact of meteorological factor on pests is usually compounded.

Cereal crops are interchangeably called grain crops. The world’s top 3 cereals in 2008 ranked on the basis of monetary value are rice, wheat and corn. The other cereal crops are barley, millet, sorghum, oat, rye etc. Maize, wheat and rice together accounts for 87% of all grain production worldwide.

Some of the major pests of cereal crops are the stem borers, rice leaf folder, leafhoppers, plant hoppers, rice grasshoppers, thrips, green leaf hopper, rice case worms, paddy stem borer, swarming caterpillar etc. and other minor pests are; gall midge, rice skipper, pod borers, rice horned caterpillar, yellow hairy caterpillar, spiny beetle, whorl maggot, mealy bug, rice earhead bug, wheat midge, wireworms, cutworms, wheat stem sawfly etc. These pests normally cause laceration, yellowing, folding, falling of leaves, drying of central shoot, formation of galls, patches and blisters on crops etc.

Another important and valuable crop is that of pulses. Pulses are considered as a principle source of protein in India. India is the largest producer as well as consumer of pulses. India is the largest producer of pulses in the world, with 24% share in the global production. The important pulse crops are chickpea (48%), pigeonpea (15%), mungbean (7%), urdbean (7%), lentil (5%) and fieldpea (5%). More than 250 insect species are reported to affect pulses in India. Among these, nearly one dozen cause heavy crop losses. On an average 2-2.4 million tonnes of pulses with a monetary value of nearly Rs 6,000 crore are lost annually due to ravages of insect - pest complex. Some major pests affecting pulse crops are the pod borers complex which includes Maruca testulalis (Geyer), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), Adisura atkinsoni (Moore), Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke), Cydia ptychora (Meyrick), Exelastis atomosa (Walshinghan) and Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus). The spotted pod borer is an important pest of grain legumes and appear on the crop from vegetative to reproductive stage and cause substantial damage to flowers, by webbing and also boring into the pods. The damage inflicted by H. armigera is generally confined to flower heads, seeds and pods. The young larvae of L. boeticus damage flowers and pods.

The control of pests has often relied on extensive use of pesticides, which disrupts the beneficial predators of insect pests which play an important role in the biological control of insect pests. Other insect fauna such as those beneficial for pollination are also affected by the use of pesticides and in addition, it also contributes to environmental pollution and ground water contamination, also the toxic chemicals of pesticides can enter the human body through the food chain by consumption of food grains exposed to the toxic chemicals and are known to cause serious health issues. The heavy use of pesticides and high fertilizer rates seem to favour outbreaks of different pest population as they become resistant due to the rampant use of pesticides. Owing to the high cost of chemical pesticides and problems associated with their injudicious use there is a dire need for the prevention or control of plant pests with a more safe, effective and less expensive method such as herbal preparations which are environment friendly and have a broad pesticide activity. The advantage in the use of herbal composition lies in selective mode of action, killing only the pests and sparing non-target flora and fauna which includes beneficial predators and parasites which tend to maintain a natural balance of the pest species and also there is no fear of development of resistance. The present invention addresses the problems by providing herbal compositions for the prevention or control of plant pests.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
The object of the invention is to provide a novel herbal composition for the prevention or control of plant pests.

Typically, the invention provides a herbal composition for the prevention or control of arthropod and nematode pests.

Typically, the invention provides a herbal composition which is less toxic to human handlers as well as to human health even if it enters the food chain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides herbal compositions, having "pestistatic effect" or "pesticidal activity"; for prevention or control of plant pests; the composition comprising at least a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays, to which parts of one or more additional complimentary herb may be optionally added, wherein the additional complimentary herb may also be a herb for prevention or control of plant pests such as but not limited to parts of Annona squamosa, Adhatoda vasica, Murraya koenigii, Basella alba, or any combination thereof. The invention also provides for methods of preparation of the herbal compositions.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides herbal compositions, having "pestistatic effect" or "pesticidal activity"; for prevention or control of plant pests; the composition comprising at least a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays, to which parts of one or more additional complimentary herb may be optionally added, wherein the additional complimentary herb may also be a herb for prevention or control of plant pests such as but not limited to parts of Annona squamosa, Adhatoda vasica, Murraya koenigii, Basella alba, or any combination thereof. The invention also provides for methods of preparation of the herbal compositions.

Polygonum glabrum is a plant belonging to Polygonaceae family. It is found commonly in India. It possesses anti–inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, astringent, rubefacient and anti-rheumatic activity. The root stocks used in treatment of piles, jaundice debility.

Zea mays is a plant belonging to Poaceae family. It is found commonly in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and some other states in India.

In an embodiment of the invention, a process for preparing the herbal compositions for prevention or control of plant pests, comprising the steps of:
a) cutting a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays;
b) mixing the part of Polygonum glabrum and the part of Zea mays; and
c) preparing agriculturally acceptable formulation thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, a process for preparing the herbal compositions for prevention or control of plant pests, comprising the steps of:
a) cutting a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays;
b) mixing the part of Polygonum glabrum and the part of Zea mays to a part of an additional herb; and
c) preparing agriculturally acceptable formulation thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention providing herbal composition for prevention or control of plant pests, comprises a method of preventing or controlling pests with an “effective dose” of the herbal composition of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions for prevention or control of plant pests having "pestistatic effect" and "pesticidal activity" is capable of preventing or controlling different growth stages of the pests such as but not limited to eggs, larvae, nymph, pupal stage and adult forms of the pests.

In an embodiment of the invention, the plant of interest is a crop plant, such as but not limited to food crops, plant grown for commercial and industrial use.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions for prevention or control of plant pests wherein the crop of interest is a cereal crop such as but not limited to Rice (Oryza sativa); Wheat, bread wheat (Triticum aestivum); Durum wheat, macaroni wheat (Triticum durum); Corn or maize (Zea mays); Job's Tears, salay, tigbe (Coix lachryma-jobi); Barley (Hordeum vulgare); Millet (Panicum miliaceum, Eleusine coracana, Setaria italica, Pennisetum glaucum); Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor); Oat (Avena sativa); Rye (Secale cereale); Triticale (xTriticosecale); Teff, taf or khak shir (Eragrostis tef); Fonio (Digitaria exilis); Wild rice, Canada rice, Indian rice, water oats (Zizania spp.); Spelt (Triticum spelta); Canary grass (Phalaris sp.); Pseudocereals: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa); Amaranth or Grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.); Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum); Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule); Pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri).

In an embodiment of the invention, the foliar pest is the pest of cereal crops such as but not limited to the stem borers, rice leaf-folder, leafhoppers, plant-hoppers, rice grasshoppers, thrips, green leaf hopper, rice case worms, paddy stem borer, swarming caterpillar etc. and other minor pests are; gall midge, rice skipper, pod borers, rice horned caterpillar, yellow hairy caterpillar, spiny beetle, whorl maggot, mealy bug, rice ear-head bug, wheat midge, wireworms, cutworms, wheat stem sawfly, or any combinations thereof.
In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions for prevention or control of plant pests wherein the crop of interest is a pulse crops such as but not limited to chick pea (kabuli chana), red kidney beans (rajma), green moong and moong split dal, chawli, black eye beans (black gram), black matpe and split matpe (urad dal), pea (matar), grams (chana), arhar or moong dal, lentil (masoor), mungbean, whole red and red split lentils, pigeon pea, cow pea, soyabean, field pea, moth dal, yellow millet, small red beans, broad beans, or any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the foliar pests is a pod borers complex which includes Maruca testulalis (Geyer), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), Adisura atkinsoni (Moore), Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke), Cydia ptychora (Meyrick), Exelastis atomosa (Walshinghan) and Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus); Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Spilosoma oblique Walker, Green semiloopers Trichoplusia ni, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel, Asphondylia sesami Felt, Aphis gossypii Glover, Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida, Bemisia tabaci, Earias insulana Boisd, E. vittella, Pectinophora gossypiella Saund, Corchorus olitorius, C. capsularis, Apion corchori Mshll, Spodoptera exigua, Exelastis atomosa Walsingham, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention is used in the control of pests such as but not limited to flying, crawling, chewing and sucking pests.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention possess selective killing property targeting only the pests and sparing non-target flora and fauna including beneficial predators and parasites which tend to maintain a natural balance of the pest species.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention may be rendered airborne to effectively control flying or crawling pests, so that the pest becomes at least partially coated with the herbal compositions rendered alone or in combination with at least one biological, synthetic or natural pesticide as a killing agent.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions in addition to insecticidal property may exhibit insect repellant activity, anti feed-ant activity and bio attractant activity.

In an embodiment of the invention, the parts of Polygonum glabrum and the part of Zea mays, may be severed by different methods such as but not limited to cutting, slicing, pounding, grinding, mashing or mincing, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the parts of a herb, such as Polygonum glabrum and the part of Zea mays, may be fresh or dried or dehydrated or desiccated or semi-dried, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the parts of a herb, such as Polygonum glabrum, for the purpose of this invention includes the whole Polygonum glabrum, extract of Polygonum glabrum, pulverized form of Polygonum glabrum, crushed form of Polygonum glabrum, pieces cut from Polygonum glabrum, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the parts of a herb, such as Zea mays, for the purpose of this invention includes the whole Zea mays, extract of Zea mays, pulverized form of Zea mays, crushed form of Zea mays, pieces cut from Zea mays, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the parts of a herb, such as Polygonum glabrum, include but are not limited to leaves, fruits, shoots, seeds, inflorescence, roots, buds and flowers of Polygonum glabrum.

In an embodiment of the invention, the parts of a herb, such as Zea mays, include but are not limited to leaves, fruits, shoots, seeds, inflorescence, roots, buds, cobs, and flowers of Zea mays.

In an embodiment of the invention, an additive may be used for the herbal compositions of the present invention, which may include but is not limited to soy oil, canola oil, citronella oil, anise oil, bergamot oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, corn oil, almond oil, cashew oil, hazelnut oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, lavandin oil, mint oil, mustard oil, orange oil, castor oil, cedarwood oil, macadamia oil, mongongo oil, pracaxi oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, plukenetia volubilis oil, bottle gourd oil, buffalo gourd oil, butternut seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, watermelon seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, amaranth oil, apricot oil, apple seed oil, argan oil, artichoke oil, avocado oil, babassu oil, ben oil, borneo tallow nut oil, cape chestnut oil, cassia oil, cocklebur oil, cohune oil, coriander seed oil, dika oil, flax oil, hemp oil, kapok seed oil, kenaf seed oil, lallemantia oil, mustard oil, marula oil, nutmeg oil, okra seed oil, papaya seed oil, perilla seed oil, pequi oil, pine nut oil, poppyseed oil, peach kernel oil, pistachio kernel oil cherry stone oil, salmon oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, sweet birch oil ,prune kernel oil, quinoa oil, ramtil oil, royle oil, taramira oil, tea seed oil, thistle oil, tigernut oil, tomato seed oil, wheat germ oil, copra oil, radish oil, jatropha oil, jojoba oil, petroleum nut oil, algae oil, bladderpod oil, javanica oil, burdock oil, candlenut oil, carrot seed oil, crambe oil, mango oil, cuphea oil, neem oil, rose hip seed oil, rubber seed oil, tall oil, and their variants or derivatives or by-products or types or modifications, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions are broad spectrum pesticides active against several classes of insects and used for prevention and control of plant pests such as but not limited to Leptocorisa acuta, Hispa armigera, Leptocoriza varicornis, yellow stem borer (Tryporyza incertulas), swarming caterpillar (Spodoptera mauritia), Pamripoka (Dicladispa armigera), green bug (Schizaphis graminum), Thrips: Stenchaetothrips biformis, Green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens, Rice case worm: Nymphula depunctalis, Paddy stemborer: Scirpophaga incertulas, Swarming caterpillar: Spodoptera mauritia, Paddy stemborer: Scirpophaga incertulas, Gall midge: Orseolia oryzae, Swarming caterpillar: Spodoptera mauritia, Rice skipper: Pelopidas mathias, Leaf folder (or) leaf roller, Cnaphalocrocis mainsails, Rice horned caterpillar, Melanitis ismene, Yellow hairy caterpillar, Psalis pennatula, Grasshopper, Hieroglyphus banian, Spiny beetle / Rice hispa, Dicladispa armigera, Whorl maggot, Hydrellia sasakii, Green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens, Brown plant leafhopper, Nilaparvata lugens, White backed plant hopper, Sogatella furcifera, Mealy bug, Brevennia rehi, Rice earhead bug: Leptocorisa acuta, Thrips: Stenchaetothrips biformis, Tryporyza innotata, Sesamia inferens, Procerus indius, C. simplex, C. zonellus, Leptocorisa varicornis, L. acuta, Pachdiplosis oryzae, Leptispa pygmaea, Nymphula depunctalis, Mythimna unipuncta, M. albistigma, Hieroglyphus banian, H. Nigrorepletus, H.furcifer, H.oryzaevorus, Acrida exultata, A. turrita, Aelopus tumulus, A. Aularaches, Loxya bidentata, O. multidentata, O.velox, Nephotettix apicalis, N. impicticeps, Tettigella spectra, Nilaparvartha lugens, Cloethrips oryzae, Hydrellia sp., Ripersia oryzae, Tetraneura hirsute, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Pelopides mathias, Echinocnemus oryzae, Odontotermes obesus, Microtermes obesi, Tanymecus indius, Agrotis ipsilon, A. flammantra , Anaphothrips flavinctus, Schizaphis (Toxoptera) graminum, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Sitobion avenae, Chrotogonus trachypterus, Atherigona naqvii, Atherigona soccata, Contarinia sorghicola , Phopalosiphum maidis, Colemania sphenaroides, Hieroglyphus Bolivar, Calocoris angustatus, Peregrinus maidis, Agrotis ipsilon, Amsacta moorei, Eublemma (Heliothis) armigera, Oligonychus indicus, Schizotetranychus andropogoni, Chilo zonellus, Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus, Amsacta moorei, A. albistriga, Rhopalosiphum maidias, Lytta tenuicollis, Marasmia trapezalis, Geromyia pennisetti, Saluria inficita, Estigmene exigua, Spcdoptera exigua, Tetraneura hirsute, Cicadulina bipunctella, Chrotogonus spp, Mealy Bug (Homoptera Pseudococcidae), Gram caterpillars (Helicoverpa armigera), Aphelenchoides spp. (Foliar nematodes), Pseudococcus Planococcus citri (Citrus mealy bug), (Meloidogyne spp. (Root-knot nematodes), Ditylenchus dipsaci (Stem and bulb nematode), Belonolaimus longicaudatus (Sting nematode). Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Pine wilt nematode), Tylenchulus semipenetrans (The Citrus nematode), Radopholus similis (Burrowing nematode), Xiphinema americanum (The Dagger nematode), Macroposthonia xenoplax (Ring nematode), Tylenchorhynchus spp. (Stunt nematodes), Rotylenchulus spp. (Reniform nematode), Pratylenchus spp. (Lesion nematode). Hoplolaimus galeatus (The Lance Nematode), Criconemoides species (Ring Nematode). Heterodera schachtii (Sugar beet cyst nematode), Nacobbus aberrans (False root-knot nematode), Heterodera glycines (Soybean cyst nematode), Meloidogyne chitwoodi (Columbia Root-knot Nematode), Globodera rostochiensis (Golden Nematode), Meloidogyne hapla (Northern Root Knot Nematode), Ditylenchus destructor (Potato Rot Nematode), Globodera pallida (Pale Potato Cyst Nematode), Helicotylenchus (Spiral Nematodes), Heterodera zeae (The Corn Cyst Nematode), Longidorus (The Needle Nematode), Pratylenchus (The Lesion Nematode), Paratrichodorus (Stubby-Root Nematodes), Tylenchorhynchus (Stunt Nematodes), Saltmarsh caterpillar, Woollybear caterpillar, Imported cabbageworm, Hornworms, Loopers, Squash vine borers, Parsley worm, Potato tubeworm, Tomato pinworm, Diamondback moth, Tomato fruitworm, Tobacco budworm, Melon worm, Cabbage worm, Mexican rice borer, Sugarcane borer, and shall include other pests of their respective species or family or genus.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention may be used in a solid form, such as but not limited to powder, dust, coarse dust, micro granules, granules, wettable powder, emulsifiable concentrate, pellets, granules, tablets, bars, blocks, slabs, ingots or cakes, or any combination thereof. Granules may comprise of porous or non-porous particles. The solid form of herbal compositions may be further subdivided into unit dosage forms containing an effective amount of compositions of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal composition may be used in liquid or fluid form such as but not limited to aqueous suspension, oil-based suspension, tinctures, tisanes, macerates, or any combination thereof. Liquid form of the herbal composition may take the form of, for example, solutions or suspensions, or it may be presented as a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicles before use.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal composition can be used in semi-solid form such as but not limited to gel, paste, jelly, chutney or crystalline substance, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be delivered as a gaseous form or in the form of aerosols which includes but not limited to spray, fumes, or mist, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be applied as sprays using methods such as but not limited to conventional high-gallonage hydraulic sprays, low gallonage sprays, ultra low volume sprays, airblast spray, aerial sprays, dusts or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be applied to the infested crops through an irrigation system using micro- sprinklers.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be applied by any suitable method such as but not limited to spraying the pest controlling composition onto the soil, where the plants are growing or onto the foliage of the plants and applying the composition in the vicinity of the plants by means of impregnated pellets, sticks, poles and woven fabrics.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention may be in the form of a suspension such as but not limited to an emulsifiable concentrate (EC), microemulsion (ME), soluble liquid (SL), Emulsion oil-in-water (EW) suspension concentration (SC), wettable granule (WG), or wettable powder (WP), Microencapsulated Suspension, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention may be sprayed on the plant. Alternatively, a part of plant may be soaked in a solution or immersed in a formulation comprising the herbal composition or derivative thereof. The compositions of the present invention may be applied to the substrate used to grow the plant, which may include but is not limited to soil, peat moss, sand, agar suspension, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention may contain additives such as but not limited to auxiliary agents, coloring agents, fragrance, fillers, preservatives, thickening agents, stabilizing agents, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may comprise parts of Polygonum glabrum and the parts of Zea mays, alone or in combination with other pesticides.

In an embodiment of the invention, the parts of Polygonum glabrum and the parts of Zea mays, can be given chemical treatment or made to react with other chemical reagents to form mixtures or herbal compositions which are used for control of pests.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention may be in the form of a decoction or may be prepared using a decoction process.

The term ‘herbal composition’ for the purpose of this invention means a substance or mixture comprising of at least one natural component having pesticidal property, wherein the natural component shall include a component extracted or derived from a natural source such as a herb or a plant or a tree or parts thereof.

The herbs used for the compositions in accordance with the present invention, shall include other herbs of their respective species or family or genus which display similar insecticidal properties.

In an embodiment of the invention, the “effective dose" of the herbal compositions, utilized in admixture with the carrier vehicle, depends on factors such as but not limited to the type of equipment employed, method of application, area to be treated, types of pests to be controlled degree of infestation or any combination thereof.

As used herein, the term "pestistatic effect" refers to inhibiting, maiming or generally interfering with the pest.

"Pesticidal activity" refers to any direct or indirect action on the target pest that results in reduced feeding damage on parts of one or more plants affected or which may be affected by pests including but not limited to seeds, roots, shoots and foliage. Such direct or indirect actions include but is not limited to; control of pests; elimination of pests; inducing death of the pest; repelling the pest from parts of plants including but not limited to seeds, roots, shoots and foliage; inhibiting feeding of the pest on, or the laying of its eggs on parts of plants including but not limited to seeds, roots, shoots and foliage; and inhibiting or preventing reproduction of the pest.

As used herein, the term "foliage" are to be understood to be the shoots, stems, branches, leaves and other appendages of the stems and branches of the plant.

The term “pesticidal” shall include but is not limited to insecticidal, fungicidal, vermicidal, nematicidal, rodenticidal, pediculicidal, biocidal, acaricidal, or any combination thereof.

The terms "pest" and "pest population" refer to organisms, including pathogens that negatively affect plants by colonizing, attacking or infecting them. These organisms include insects and particularly flying, crawling, sucking or chewing insects.

The terms "control" employed, means "pesticidal" or protecting plants from damage due to pests.

The term "effective dose" intends the dosage of active substance sufficient to exert insect "control."

The term "contacting" as employed is to be construed as applying to at least one of (a) such pest and (b) the corresponding habitat thereof (i.e., the locus to be protected, for example, to a growing crop or an area where a crop is to be grown).

The term "controlling" does not include killing of the pest population but encompasses the act of repelling the pest population by changing, effecting and disturbing the settling behavior of the pest population and promoting the mobility of non-settled individuals. This is done by either a direct repelling effect or by inducing or mediating the plant's self-defense against attack by the pest population.

The term "foliar" refers to leaves, stems, flowers, fruits and other parts of plants not covered by or immersed in the growing medium.

The term "antifeedant" refers to a composition that prevents an insect or other pest from feeding.

The term “bio – attractant activity” refers to a composition that attracts the pests.

"Plant of interest," refers to a plant that is a host plant for the target insect; it is naturally attractive to target insects. In some instances, the plant of interest is selected by the target insect for egg laying and the plant of interest serves as a source of food for the emerging larvae. The plant of interest typically possesses commercial or aesthetic properties that impart value to the plant. The plant of interest is one sought to be protected, but is also a plant that target insects are naturally attracted to feeding or breeding on in the wild.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention have desirable low toxicity to plants and excellent insecticidal activity.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions have low production cost and effectiveness against insects, resistant to many known insecticides.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be used as but not limited to insecticide, nematicide, disinfectant, fertilizer, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal composition is mixed with conventional inert agronomically acceptable (i.e., plant compatible and/or pesticidally inert) diluents or extenders such as solid type usable in conventional compositions or formulations as is well known in the art.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be mixed with, adjuvants such as but not limited to surfactants, stabilizers, antifoam agents and antidrift agents or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be mixed with an antioxidant such as but not limited to sodium benzoate, vitamin E and α-tocopherol or any combination thereof to increase the product shelf life, inhibit decomposition of the active compound in the pest controlling composition or improve the stability of the controlling effects when the composition is applied to hosts infested with the pest population in question.

In an embodiment of the invention, the said invention can be used to protect plants including but not limited to crops, ornamental plants, vines, plantations, forage, forest trees, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions can be used by any standard seed treatment methodology, including but not limited to, direct mechanical application, tumbling, spraying, and immersion, treating seeds by mixing them with compositions or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may comprise a carrier or diluent. The term, ‘carrier’ as used herein means an inert, organic or inorganic material, with which the active ingredient is mixed or formulated to facilitate its application to the soil, seed, plant or other object to be treated, or its storage, transport and/or handling. Examples of carrier vehicles to be used when applying to growth substrates may include, but are not limited to, active charcoal; corn gluten meal; soybean meal; vermiculite; bentonite; kaolinite; wheat germ; almond hulls; cottonseed meal; Fuller's earth; orange pulp; rice hulls; sawdust; Gum Arabic; plant essential oils such as but not limited to cinnamon, clove, thyme, wintergreen, soy methyl ester, citronella or pine oil, citrus oil and the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions of the present invention may alone or in the presence of the carrier vehicles, may be dissolved in solvents such as but not limited to, water, or organic solvent such as one or more of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, hexane, heptane, petroleum ether, cyclohexane, diethyl ether, dusopropyl ether, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl formate, methyl formate, isobutyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, methylene chloride, ethylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, acetone, ethyl methyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, 1,4- dioxane, toluene, ammonia solution, glacial acetic acid, hexane, heptane, petroleum ether, diethyl ether, dusopropyl ether, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl formate, methyl formate, isobutyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, methylene chloride, ethylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, acetone, ethyl methyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, water and other solvents known by those of skilled in the art and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may comprise an adhesive to improve the adherence of this insecticide such as but not limited to carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetate or any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may comprise a lubricant such as but not limited to calcium stearate or magnesium stearate, stearic acid, hydrogenated vegetable oil, mineral oil, Polyethylene Glycol 4000 -6000 (PEG), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glyceryl Palmitostearate, Glyceryl Behenate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Stearyl Fumarate or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the herbal compositions may be employed alone and/or with other known plant protection agents, such as but not limited to other insecticides, arthropodicides, nematicides, fungicides, bactericides, rodenticides, herbicides, fertilizers, growth-regulating agents, synergists and any combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the compositions may further comprise an additional pesticidal agent such as but not limited to 2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane, hexachloro epoxy octahydro dimethanonaphthalene, N-methyl-1-naphthylcarbamates, 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol, 2-(2-butyl)-4,6-dinitrophenyl-3,3-dimethylacrylate, dimethyl-2-methoxy-3-carbonyl-1-methylvinyl phosphate, 0,0-diethyl-0-p-nitrophenylphosphorothioate, p-chlorobenzyl, 2,4,4′,5-tetrachlorodiphenyl-sulfide,
4,4-dichloro-1-trichloromethylbenzhydrol, methylquinoxaline dithio-carbonate, N′-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl) N, Allethrin, tricyclohexyltin hydroxide, Piperonyl butoxide, phenylmercuryacetate, methylmercurycyanoguanide, triphenyltin hydroxide, triphenyltin acetate, Bacillus subtilus, myclobutanil, and fenhexamide, azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin combination, boscalid, copper sulfate, chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, cymoxanil, dimethomorph, dechloropropene, fosetyl-aluminum, fludioxonil, fenamidone, iprodione, mefenoxam, mancozeb, metalaxyl, metam sodium, potassium bicarbonate, pyraclostrobin, propiconazole, propicocarb, thiram, thiabendazole, thiophanate-methyl, trifloxystrobin, vinclozolin, sulfur, ziram, or any combination thereof.
   
It is observed that when more than one herb is used in the herbal compositions of the present invention, there is enhanced efficacy and the combination of herbs lead to synergistic effect.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude or rule out the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example:
In an example in accordance to the invention, the herbal composition comprising of fresh stalks, leaves and stem of Polygonum glabrum and the cob of Zea mays, was used in paddy field and a substantial decrease in pests was noted.

In another example in accordance to the invention, the herbal composition comprising of fresh stalks, leaves and stem of Polygonum glabrum and the cob of Zea mays, was used on a pulse crop and a substantial decrease in pests was noted.
 
I CLAIM:

1. A herbal composition having pesticidal activity for prevention or control of plant pests, the herbal composition comprising at least a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays.

2. A herbal composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said part of Polygonum glabrum and said part of Zea mays is selected from a group comprising whole Polygonum glabrum and whole Zea mays, extracts of Polygonum glabrum and extracts of Zea mays, crushed Polygonum glabrum and crushed Zea mays, pulverized Polygonum glabrum and pulverized Zea mays, severed Polygonum glabrum and severed Zea mays, chemical constituents of Polygonum glabrum and chemical constituents of Zea mays, and any combination thereof.

3. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said herbal composition further comprise additional herbs.

4. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition further comprise additional herbs selected from Annona squamosa, Adhatoda vasica, Murraya koenigii, Basella alba, and any combination thereof.

5. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition further comprises one or more of additives, selected from a group comprising auxiliary agents, coloring agents, fragrance, fillers, preservatives, thickening agents, stabilizing agents, and any combination thereof.

6. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition is in forms selected from a group comprising of solid form; liquid or fluid form; semi-solid form, gaseous form or in form of aerosols, suspension form, and any combination thereof.

7. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition prevents or controls pests selected from a group comprising Leptocorisa acuta, Hispa armigera, Leptocoriza varicornis, yellow stem borer (Tryporyza incertulas), swarming caterpillar (Spodoptera mauritia), Pamripoka (Dicladispa armigera), green bug (Schizaphis graminum), Thrips: Stenchaetothrips biformis, Green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens, Rice case worm: Nymphula depunctalis, Paddy stemborer: Scirpophaga incertulas, Swarming caterpillar: Spodoptera mauritia, Paddy stemborer: Scirpophaga incertulas, Gall midge: Orseolia oryzae, Swarming caterpillar: Spodoptera mauritia, Rice skipper: Pelopidas mathias, Leaf folder (or) leaf roller, Cnaphalocrocis mainsails, Rice horned caterpillar, Melanitis ismene, Yellow hairy caterpillar, Psalis pennatula, Grasshopper, Hieroglyphus banian, Spiny beetle / Rice hispa, Dicladispa armigera, Whorl maggot, Hydrellia sasakii, Green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens, Brown plant leafhopper, Nilaparvata lugens, White backed plant hopper, Sogatella furcifera, Mealy bug, Brevennia rehi, Rice earhead bug: Leptocorisa acuta, Thrips: Stenchaetothrips biformis, Tryporyza innotata, Sesamia inferens, Procerus indius, C. simplex, C. zonellus, Leptocorisa varicornis, L. acuta, Pachdiplosis oryzae, Leptispa pygmaea, Nymphula depunctalis, Mythimna unipuncta, M. albistigma, Hieroglyphus banian, H. Nigrorepletus, H.furcifer, H.oryzaevorus, Acrida exultata, A. turrita, Aelopus tumulus, A. Aularaches, Loxya bidentata, O. multidentata, O.velox, Nephotettix apicalis, N. impicticeps, Tettigella spectra, Nilaparvartha lugens, Cloethrips oryzae, Hydrellia sp., Ripersia oryzae, Tetraneura hirsute, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, Pelopides mathias, Echinocnemus oryzae, Odontotermes obesus, Microtermes obesi, Tanymecus indius, Agrotis ipsilon, A. flammantra, Anaphothrips flavinctus, Schizaphis (Toxoptera) graminum, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Sitobion avenae, Chrotogonus trachypterus, Atherigona naqvii, Atherigona soccata, Contarinia sorghicola, Phopalosiphum maidis, Colemania sphenaroides, Hieroglyphus Bolivar, Calocoris angustatus, Peregrinus maidis, Agrotis ipsilon, Amsacta moorei, Eublemma (Heliothis) armigera, Oligonychus indicus, Schizotetranychus andropogoni, Chilo zonellus, Hieroglyphus nigrorepletus, Amsacta moorei, A. albistriga, Rhopalosiphum maidias, Lytta tenuicollis, Marasmia trapezalis, Geromyia pennisetti, Saluria inficita, Estigmene exigua, Spcdoptera exigua, Tetraneura hirsute, Cicadulina bipunctella, Chrotogonus spp, Mealy Bug (Homoptera Pseudococcidae), Gram caterpillars (Helicoverpa armigera), Aphelenchoides spp. (Foliar nematodes), Pseudococcus Planococcus citri (Citrus mealy bug), (Meloidogyne spp. (Root-knot nematodes), Ditylenchus dipsaci (Stem and bulb nematode), Belonolaimus longicaudatus (Sting nematode). Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Pine wilt nematode), Tylenchulus semipenetrans (The Citrus nematode), Radopholus similis (Burrowing nematode), Xiphinema americanum (The Dagger nematode), Macroposthonia xenoplax (Ring nematode), Tylenchorhynchus spp. (Stunt nematodes), Rotylenchulus spp. (Reniform nematode), Pratylenchus spp. (Lesion nematode). Hoplolaimus galeatus (The Lance Nematode), Criconemoides species (Ring Nematode). Heterodera schachtii (Sugar beet cyst nematode), Nacobbus aberrans (False root-knot nematode), Heterodera glycines (Soybean cyst nematode), Meloidogyne chitwoodi (Columbia Root-knot Nematode), Globodera rostochiensis (Golden Nematode), Meloidogyne hapla (Northern Root Knot Nematode), Ditylenchus destructor (Potato Rot Nematode), Globodera pallida (Pale Potato Cyst Nematode), Helicotylenchus (Spiral Nematodes), Heterodera zeae (The Corn Cyst Nematode), Longidorus (The Needle Nematode), Pratylenchus (The Lesion Nematode), Paratrichodorus (Stubby-Root Nematodes), Tylenchorhynchus (Stunt Nematodes), Saltmarsh caterpillar, Woollybear caterpillar, Imported cabbageworm, Hornworms, Loopers, Squash vine borers, Parsley worm, Potato tubeworm, Tomato pinworm, Diamondback moth, Tomato fruitworm, Tobacco budworm, Melon worm, Cabbage worm, Mexican rice borer, Sugarcane borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), Adisura atkinsoni (Moore), Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke), Cydia ptychora (Meyrick), Exelastis atomosa (Walshinghan) and Lampides boeticus (Linnaeus), Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Spilosoma oblique Walker, Green semiloopers Trichoplusia ni, Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel, Asphondylia sesami Felt, Aphis gossypii Glover, Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida, Bemisia tabaci, Earias insulana Boisd, E. vittella, Pectinophora gossypiella Saund, Corchorus olitorius, C. capsularis, Apion corchori Mshll, Spodoptera exigua, Exelastis atomosa Walsingham, and any combination thereof.

8. A herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said herbal composition prevents or controls pests in food crops selected from a group comprising Rice (Oryza sativa), Wheat, bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), Durum wheat, macaroni wheat (Triticum durum), Corn or maize (Zea mays), Job's Tears, salay, tigbe (Coix lachryma-jobi), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Millet (Panicum miliaceum, Eleusine coracana, Setaria italica, Pennisetum glaucum), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), Oat (Avena sativa), Rye (Secale cereale), Triticale (Triticosecale), Teff, taf or khak shir (Eragrostis tef), Fonio (Digitaria exilis), Wild rice, Canada rice, Indian rice, water oats (Zizania spp.), Spelt (Triticum spelta), Canary grass (Phalaris sp.), Pseudocereals: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), Amaranth or Grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), Pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri), chick pea (kabuli chana), red kidney beans (rajma), green moong and moong split dal, chawli, black eye beans (black gram), black matpe and split matpe (urad dal), pea (matar), grams (chana), arhar or moong dal, lentil (masoor), mungbean, whole red and red split lentils, pigeon pea, cow pea, soyabean, field pea, moth dal, yellow millet, small red beans, broad beans and any combination thereof.

9. A process for preparing a herbal composition for prevention or control of plant pests comprising the steps of:
a) cutting a part of Polygonum glabrum; and a part of Zea mays; and
b) preparing agriculturally acceptable formulation thereof.

10. A process for preparing a herbal composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:
a) cutting a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays;
b) mixing the part of Polygonum glabrum and the part of Zea mays to a part of an additional herb; and
c) preparing agriculturally acceptable formulation thereof.

Dated this 16th day of January 2013.

Signature :-
Name : (ABHISHEK PANDURANGI)
(closer2patents)
(APPLICANT’S AGENT)

ABSTRACT

HERBAL COMPOSITIONS FOR PREVENTION OR CONTROL OF PLANT PESTS.

The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides herbal compositions, having "pestistatic effect" or "pesticidal activity"; for prevention or control of plant pests; the composition comprising at least a part of Polygonum glabrum and a part of Zea mays, to which parts of one or more additional complimentary herb may be optionally added. The invention also provides for methods of preparation of the herbal compositions.