Proof of concept for a new insecticidal soap

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Insecticidal soaps, based on natural fatty acids, have been known for many years and areapproved for use in controlling a wide range of insects. However, their application is severelylimited by the fact that, if they are applied at a concentration above 2 %, they can causeextensive damage to the plant itself. In some markets, such as the US, this has meant that theiruse has been severely restricted, and often there is no alternative available, particularly for'organic' crops. We have developed a novel modified insecticidal soap and shown that it isequally effective in controlling a range of insects, but that it causes no phytotoxicity at 4 - 6 %application levels. We have carried out a detailed market survey of potential applications,have been provided with support in patenting the invention, and identified potential partnercompanies keen to take the product to market. This award would allow us to take the initialsmall scale formulation work and field trials we have already done to provide a completedproof of concept that the product can be produced at a commercially acceptable cost, that it isa very effective insecticide (against a range of species such as mites, thrip, aphids andwhitefly), that it shows low phytotoxicity (towards a number of sensitive plants such as vines,peach, nectarine, cucumber, ornamentals, peppers, aubergine) and that there is a clear route tomarket, with partner companies in place to provide security of supply, and distribution intomarkets in the UK, Europe, US and the developing world.