Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Acadia University
$33,250.00
Insecticidal and behavioral effects of granite dust byproducts
FY 2017-18
Summary
Heritage Memorials Ltd., located in Windsor, Nova Scotia, is a manufacturer of high quality memorial and monument products, primarily comprised from granite. Industrial rock-cutting for memorial manufacturing generates a significant amount of rock dust powders (byproduct) as a result of the stone-cutting process. Preliminary research by the company has shown promise for this 'ai' (active ingredient) as a beneficial soil amendment and a potential insect control method. Preliminary research (funded by an NSERC Engage grant) has revealed several effects of granite dust (ai) application. Foliar application of ai directly reduces larval damage and results in oviposition avoidance by females in selected insect species. Furthermore, application of ai to fruit reduces survivorship of frugivorous pests, and inhibits fungal growth. The mode of action may be multifaceted: First, larvae may actively avoid material. Second, given its structure, it may function in a similar manner to diatomaceous earth (resulting in water loss). Finally, it may also cause damage within the gut tissue inhibiting feeding.The objectives of this 2 year project will be to: 1) elucidate the mode of action; 2) improve delivery technology through improved sprayability and waterfastness; 3) expand the range of crops and pest targets in greenhouse trials; 4) validate targets for retail markets, including household insect pests (e.g. ants) and horticultural pests; 5) test the safety of ai application on non-target beneficial species (e.g. pollinators); 6) integrate studies of plant vigour to determine if pest resistance is indirectly linked to improved plant vigour in soil amendment application of ai.This endeavor will provide critical data for product development and registration for Heritage Memorials Ltd., and if these products are commercialized, will result in market delivery of innovative inert rock dust powders, which may provide environmentally safe alternatives to standard chemical insect repellents.
Program
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Recipient
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
500477-2016
Name nom
Hillier, Kirk
Department département
Biology
Organization id
78
Institution établissement
Acadia University
Province en
Nova Scotia
Province fr
Nouvelle-Écosse
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2017
Competition year année de concours
2016
Award amount
33250
Program id
CRDPJ
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
506
Area of application group en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application group fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Area of application en
Agricultural chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides)
Area of application fr
Produits chimiques agricoles (engrais, pesticides, herbicides)
Research subject code
4705
Research subject group en
Evolution and ecology
Research subject group fr
Évolution et écologie
Research subject en
Ecotoxicology
Research subject fr
Écotoxicologie
Partie
1
Nb partie
2
Application title
Insecticidal and behavioral effects of granite dust byproducts
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Heritage Memorials Ltd., located in Windsor, Nova Scotia, is a manufacturer of high quality memorial and monument products, primarily comprised from granite. Industrial rock-cutting for memorial manufacturing generates a significant amount of rock dust powders (byproduct) as a result of the stone-cutting process. Preliminary research by the company has shown promise for this 'ai' (active ingredient) as a beneficial soil amendment and a potential insect control method. Preliminary research (funded by an NSERC Engage grant) has revealed several effects of granite dust (ai) application. Foliar application of ai directly reduces larval damage and results in oviposition avoidance by females in selected insect species. Furthermore, application of ai to fruit reduces survivorship of frugivorous pests, and inhibits fungal growth. The mode of action may be multifaceted: First, larvae may actively avoid material. Second, given its structure, it may function in a similar manner to diatomaceous earth (resulting in water loss). Finally, it may also cause damage within the gut tissue inhibiting feeding.The objectives of this 2 year project will be to: 1) elucidate the mode of action; 2) improve delivery technology through improved sprayability and waterfastness; 3) expand the range of crops and pest targets in greenhouse trials; 4) validate targets for retail markets, including household insect pests (e.g. ants) and horticultural pests; 5) test the safety of ai application on non-target beneficial species (e.g. pollinators); 6) integrate studies of plant vigour to determine if pest resistance is indirectly linked to improved plant vigour in soil amendment application of ai.This endeavor will provide critical data for product development and registration for Heritage Memorials Ltd., and if these products are commercialized, will result in market delivery of innovative inert rock dust powders, which may provide environmentally safe alternatives to standard chemical insect repellents.
