Controlled-release pesticides and methods for preparation and use thereof

Abstract

A particulate controlled-release pesticide composition having a pesticide encapsulated in a polymer matrix of starch-borax-urea and method of preparation and use thereof is provided. The release rates and release duration of the pesticide compositions are controllable by adjusting the urea content in the compositions. The pesticide composition is preparable by admixing starch, pesticide, urea and water together to form a mixture and agitating the same at a temperature sufficient to gelatinize the mixture and to disperse the mixture. Borax is then added to the mixture in an amount effective to convert the mixture into a rubbery mass. The rubbery mass is then comminuted into small particles, in the presence of added starch, and dried.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.