Controlled-release organic potato sprout inhibition device
A consumer-level, controlled-release device that delivers organic sprout inhibitors (eugenol, clove oil, or mint oil) to potatoes in retail packaging over 30 to 60 days. Designed as an EPA 25(b) minimum risk pesticide for organic potato production and sale.
Overview
This project develops a controlled-release device that delivers organic sprout-inhibiting compounds to potatoes within retail sacks, eliminating the need for thermofog or spray applications at the bulk storage level. The device is designed to release active ingredients such as eugenol, organic clove oil, or organic mint oil at concentrations of 15 to 90 ppm over a 30 to 60 day period, keeping potatoes sprout-free without altering their taste. The end product targets consumer-level retail packaging and is intended to qualify as an EPA 25(b) minimum risk pesticide, making it suitable for organic potato markets.
Technical specifications
- Active ingredients: Eugenol, organic clove oil, or organic mint oil
- Release duration: 30 to 60 days sustained release
- Target concentration: Minimum 15 ppm active ingredient within an 80-liter volume
- Form factor: Compact device packaged directly inside consumer potato sacks
- Stability: Chemical stability validated for 90 days at 20°C
- Regulatory pathway: Eligible as an EPA 25(b) minimum risk pesticide
- Manufacturing: Designed for mass production at a reasonable factory cost
- Builds on: Existing proprietary eugenol controlled-release technology previously developed for insect attractant applications
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid development stage. Prototype devices (10 each for eugenol, organic clove oil, and organic mint oil) will undergo laboratory testing for release rates and chemical stability over 90 days. Prototypes meeting the 15 ppm threshold over 60 days will be sent to a third-party collaborator for efficacy verification. Device adjustments to active ingredient type, mass, or release rate will follow based on those results. The final deliverable is a commercial-ready product ready for shipment, leveraging the team's prior experience commercializing controlled-release insect attractant devices.
About BanfieldBio Inc.
BanfieldBio Inc. is a technology contract research company specializing in the development of innovative pest control biotechnologies and insect monitoring solutions. Based at an 8-acre research facility near Seattle, Washington, the firm focuses on creating novel methods to mitigate pests that impact global health, including forestry and vector-borne disease research. The company operates through a collaborative model, partnering with universities, NGOs, and government agencies—such as the USDA and various military health centers—to investigate new technologies, demonstrate their efficacy, and commercialize effective products. Their proprietary offerings include specialized insect trapping devices like the blue vane trap and multiple funnel traps, alongside intellectual property developed for monitoring and managing pest populations.
This expertise is critical for clients and partners involved in entomological research, public health, and vector biology, where understanding and controlling pest movement is essential. BanfieldBio solves complex challenges in the pest control market by applying advanced biological, chemical, and mechanical insights to develop tools that do not rely on standard, off-the-shelf ingredients. Their work is supported by federal research grants and contracts, with a proven history of developing patented trapping systems and diagnostic methods, such as integrated frameworks for arthropod acquisition and pathogen identification. Through these efforts, the company provides essential support for large-scale field studies, pollinator research, and public health initiatives worldwide.
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