2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): 1-Develop a media type of "patch or rod" containing embedded basil oil and determine the rate of diffusion during storage, evaluating the effect of the release of oil aroma on the mortality rate, feeding rate and repellency to insects. An insect such as Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil) will be used because it is an important a contaminant of cereals and easy to raise in the laboratory. 2-To characterize the physicochemical properties of the broadcast medium and evaluate the rate of diffusion of active compounds during storage. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): The physical matrix or patch will be developed by polymer engineers at the University of Quebec. Various concentrations of basil or other essential oils will be embedded in the polymer matrix. The patch emitting basil oil aroma in various concentrations will be tested for their effects on rice weevil mortality, repellency and feeding in a series of bioassays. 3.Progress Report: One goal of the cooperative agreement is to develop a diffusion delivery medium for bioactive compounds of natural plant product origin; this understanding directly contributes to objective 1 of the in-house project. Plant essential oils are known to be toxic to a range of insect pests and diseases. Stored product pests and diseases are good targets for aromatic toxicants due to their occurrence within containers or packages with limited air exchange. This project aims to develop a patch or rod containing embedded plant essential oils for placement in packaged foods for control of stored products pests. Tests will determine efficacious concentrations of the bioactive natural fumigants, and the diffusion rates and longevity when these compounds are embedded in various polymer matrices. Methods and polymer designs will be developed and tested using Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil,) a frequent contaminant of cereals such as rice and wheat, and basil oil. Concurrent studies will evaluate synergistic effects between bioactive plant compounds and irradiation treatment. This proposed project will be conducted in cooperation with the Institut Armand Frappier at the University of Quebec.