Method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil

Abstract

A method and formulation for eliminating moss with oregano oil extracts. Oregano oil extract is applied to moss or a locus where moss exists to substantially kill the moss. An aqueous solution of oregano oil can be sprayed onto the moss or the locus and hydrocolloids can be added to the solution to improve the efficacy of the oregano oil.

1 . A method of eliminating moss comprising application of oregano oil to said moss in an amount efficient to substantially kill said moss. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said oregano oil is in an aqueous solution. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said oregano oil is about 0.5% to about 100% weight percent of said aqueous solution. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said aqueous solution of said oregano oil includes about 0.25 to 25% weight percent of at least one hydrocolloid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said at least one hydrocolloid is agar, alginates, acacia, arabinogalactan, caragum, carrageenan, chicory, guar, pectin, inulin, or xanthum. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said aqueous solution of said oregano oil includes a plurality of hydrocolloids. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said aqueous solution of said oregano oil includes about 0.25 to 20 weight percent of at least one surfactant. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said aqueous solution of said oregano oil further includes about 0.25 to 25 weight percent of at least one hydrocolloid as an emulsifier. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said aqueous solution of said oregano oil is applied to said moss by spraying said oregano oil thereon. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said aqueous solution of said oregano oil is applied to a surface bearing said moss. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said surface is grass, a lawn, landscaping material, a stone wall, wood, or an asphalt or composite roofing material. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the oregano oil is about 50% to about 95% by weight of said aqueous solution. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said aqueous solution of said oregano oil is reapplied to said surface after about two weeks to prevent recontamination. 
     
     
         14 . A composition for eliminating moss, said composition comprising:
 oregano oil extract;   at least one hydrocolloid;   water.   
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 14  wherein said composition comprises:
 about 0.5 to about 99.75 weight percent to oregano oil extract;   about 0.25 to about 25 weight percent at least one hydrocolloid;   about 0.25 to about 99.5 weight percent water.   
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15  wherein said hydrocolloid is agar, alginates, acacia, arabinogalactan, caragum, carrageenan, chicory, guar, pectin, inulin, or xanthum. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 15  wherein said composition is sprayable. 
     
     
         18 . A method for controlling growth of moss at a locus which comprises applying to said locus an effective amount of an aqueous solution of oregano oil extract. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said oregano oil is sprayed onto said locus. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said locus is grass, a lawn, landscaping material, a stone wall, wood, or an asphalt or composite roofing material.