Description:TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention described herein relates to a pest management device. More specifically, it relates to methodically designed novel pheromone and color influenced Gum Prism Trap to monitor and control, mass trap and mating disruption of pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (PBW) pest in infested agricultural fields.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Increased global cotton consumption, year on year with a trajectory of 12.4% increase in 2020-21 and has reached 25.5 million tons. Global cotton production is expected to increase in the coming years to meet the growing demands. The world’s largest producer USA is projected to reach 3.8 million tons for the year 2020-21, up 22% from the season before. India’s production of cotton is expected to remain high, with projected cotton production of 5.9 million tons, followed by Brazil producing about 2.3 million tons, followed by Australia, Mexico and Uzbekistan contributing to the growing demand for cotton. In India alone, an estimated 60 million people are directly dependent on cotton production. The major cotton-producing states are grouped into three different zones of production, that is the northern (Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan), central (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha), and southern zone (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu).

The cotton bollworm (Lepidopteran insects) is a major pest, limiting cotton productivity worldwide. Three bollworm species cause main damage on cotton in India: the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (PBW), the spotted bollworm (Earias vitella), and the American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). PBW, a major destructive pest of cotton, requires multiple insecticide applications, but still reduces the preharvest yields because of pest’s resistance to number of pesticides.

The cotton bollworm (Lepidopteran insects) not only infests cotton, but many other plant species including Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Abutilon (Indian mallow), Abutilon abutiloides, Abutilon amplum, Abutilon hirtum (Indian mallow), Abutilon incanum, Abutilon indicum (country mallow), Abutilon otocarpum, Abutilon trisulcatum, Acacia wrightii, Alcea rosea (Hollyhock), Althaea (hollyhocks), Cienfuegosia drummondii, Croton capitatus (Woolly croton), Croton texensis, Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust), Gossypium (cotton), Gossypium arboreum (cotton, tree), Gossypium australae, Gossypium barbadense (Gallini cotton), Gossypium herbaceum (short staple cotton), Gossypium hirsutum (Bourbon cotton), Gossypium thurberi (Arizona wild cotton), Hibiscus (rosemallows), Hibiscus aculeatus, Hibiscus bifurcatus, Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf), Hibiscus cardiophyllus, Hibiscus dasycalyx, Hibiscus dongolensis, Hibiscus incanus, Hibiscus lasiocarpos, Hibiscus micranthus, Hibiscus mutabilis (cottonrose), Hibiscus panduriformis, Hibiscus phoeniceus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese rose), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle), Hibiscus striatus subsp. Lambertianus, Hibiscus syriacus (shrubby althaea), Hibiscus trilobus, Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (bush morning glory), Kosteletzkya althaeifolia, Kosteletzkya tubiflora, Malachra capitata, Malva parviflora (pink cheeseweed), Malva sylvestris, Malvaceae, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Malvaviscus arboreus (wax mallow), Malvaviscus drummondii, Medicago sativa (lucerne), Montezuma speciosissima, Prosopis juliflora (mesquite), Pseudabutilon virgatum, Ricinus communis (castor bean), Sesbania punicea (red sesbania), Sida cordifolia (heartleaf sida), Sida spinosa (teaweed), Thespesia populnea (portia tree).

Genetically engineered (GE) seed technologies were developed to equip cotton plants with built-in protection against these damaging pests. BT crops produce endotoxins of the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium, which have lethal effects on Lepidopteran insects. The BT hybrid cotton (GM cotton) was introduced to India in 2002 resulted in new revolution of cotton cultivation. Initially with the introduction of GM cotton proclaimed to be guarding the cotton cultivation against bollworm, failed to meet the objective. However, some bollworm species have developed resistances against GM cotton. Consequences of this technological failure have reflected in the return of the PBW to Indian BT cotton fields causing crop loss of 25% to 80% of the harvest. Recent attacks of PBW pests in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in the cotton season, with widespread 40 to 95% of PBW infestation on BT cotton is a serious concern for farmers in India. Furthermore, the introduction of BT hybrids came along with a progressive population of sucking pests such as cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii), cotton jassids (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), thrips (Thrips spp.), and whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). These pests were not sensitive to the BT toxins and resulted in increased usage of pesticides.

Growing awareness and understanding of environmental impacts of the pesticides has increased demand for non-genetically modified (non-GM) cotton fibre in Europe (labelled as clean, green, or organic cotton) created a niche for an organic cotton production. Presently, India is the major organic cotton supplier producing about 51% of world’s organic cotton. However, organic cotton accounts for less than 1% of the total cotton production worldwide. Cotton is a significant cash crop accounting for 30% of India’s agricultural gross domestic product.

The reappearance of bollworm and its severe attack on cotton crops including BT strains of cotton crops has affected the livelihoods and income for around 10 million cotton growing farmers in India. This re-entry with a retaliation attack of PBW not only attacks cotton, but also okra (bhindi), Hibiscus, and jute. This threat also puts organic cotton farmers under severe distress. Organic farming cultivation requires to eliminate the use of GM strains of cotton and pesticides. Cultivation of organic cotton is challenging as it relies on effective pest control based on natural methods.

At present, there are no effective methods available for controlling or trapping the PBW infestation in cotton, okra (bhindi), Hibiscus, and jute. Even pesticides are not effective in controlling these harsh pests due to gradual resistance development by the pests to almost every pesticide.

In this prevailing situation, where there is no effective method available to monitor and control PBW pest, the present invention offers an eco-friendly, safe, affordable, and effective solution to the farmers cultivating cotton, okra (bhindi), Hibiscus, jute along with other crops infested by the PBW. It effectively overcomes the drawbacks of the antiquated, and ineffective methods used to control the PBW pest by effectively monitoring, mass trapping, mating disruption and controlling PBW and to promote organic cotton crop cultivation thereby assisting farmers to meet the growing demand.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the invention is to provide an Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap (100) precisely designed with a yellow-colored Polypropylene Sheet, featuring specific folds and slots to maximize trapping efficiency.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device for controlling and managing the Pink Bollworm pest population, thereby reducing crop damage and losses.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sticky gum formulation with a specific viscosity to enhance the trap's attractiveness to Pink Bollworm pests through chemoreception and chemotaxis.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable, activated cellulose matrix lure impregnated with formulated and stabilized pheromones, which acts as a long-lasting attractant for Pink Bollworm pests.
Another object of the present invention to provide a twist tie tag for easy and firm attachment of the lure to the support stick within the trap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple manner that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended to determine the scope of the disclosure.
The present invention discloses an Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 for monitoring and controlling the pink bollworm (PBW) pest comprising of a yellow colored Polypropylene Sheet (50) matching to the PANTONE 116 C color code precisely designed to have two folds (2) and (4) in length direction bisecting the said sheet into three segments (6), (8) and (10), wherein the Polypropylene Sheet (50) is provided with at least two horizontal slots 12 and 14 each towards the outer peripheral edges of segment 10; at least four inclined slots of which two (16) and (18) are placed towards the peripheral edges of segment 10 and two (20) and (22) are placed towards the peripheral edges of segment 8; at least four side tuck flaps of which two (28) and (30) are towards the peripheral edges of segment 8 which gets locked with the inclined slots (20) and (22) and two side tuck flaps (32) and (34) are towards the peripheral edges of segment 6 which gets locked with the inclined slots (16) and (18); at least two centrally designed center crossed slots (24) and (26) one at the middle of the segment 6 (24) and other at the midpoint of second folding 4 (26) respectively.
The present invention further discloses a sticky gum formulation (48) with specific viscosity, with diffused kairomone or semio-chemical to place onto said sheet for enhanced chemoreception and chemotaxis influence on the pest PBW; a biodegradable, activated cellulose matrix lure (40) impregnated with formulated and stabilized pheromones to attract the pest PBW for a specified long period of time; a twist tie tag (44) for tying firmly and placing the lure (40) to the support stick (46) in the Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The nature and scope of the present invention will be better understood from the accompanying drawings, which are by way of illustration of a preferred embodiment and not by way of any sort of limitation. In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows a specifically designed Polypropylene (PP) Sheet 50 of Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows schematic illustration of first folding, 2 made in specifically designed Polypropylene (PP) Sheet from which Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 is made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 3 shows side view of the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 after first and second folding made at 2 and 4 to form two mountain folds, 8 and 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 4 shows schematic illustration of the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 with interlocking of slots with the respective flaps in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 5 shows isometric view of the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 6 shows top view with centre crossed slot 26 of the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 7 shows bottom view with centre crossed slot 24 of the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig 8 shows the pheromone lure (40), activated cellulose matrix impregnated with
the stabilised pheromone formulation, Gum Pouch (42) filled with specifically formulated sticky gum formulation (48) and sealed and Twist Tie Tag (44) used to tie the pheromone lure (40) to the support stick (46) passing through (24) and (26) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 9 illustrates installation of a Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 and Support Stick 46, inserted through the centre cross slots 24 & 26 and pheromone lure 40 is tied with to the stick support 46 by the twist tie tag 44, illustrating the sticky gum formulation applied to the inner surface of the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap may also be referred to as ET – Trap in the following description.
Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting.
In accordance with the embodiments discussed herein, the present invention provides a scientific, eco-friendly, safe, and cost-effective Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 for monitoring, trapping and the management of pink bollworm (PB) pest.

The present invention discloses pest trapping device with biodegradable cellulose matrix lure containing pheromones which is effectively used for pink bollworm pest infestation monitoring purpose, as well as for effectively mass trapping, mating disruption and controlling of pink bollworm. The trap device is designed and developed by considering pink bollworm pest’s flying pattern, color attraction, perception (chromotaxis) and its biological and flying behaviour influenced by the pheromones signal (chemo signal). The efficiency and specification of the present invention was concluded with in-vitro studies, in-vivo experimental studies, and open agriculture field efficacy studies.
The disclosed Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 is in a specific yellow color, matching to the PANTONE 116 C color code. This specific yellow color influences chromotaxis/color perception of PBW pest along with effective chemo signal generated by biodegradable lure containing aggregation pheromones. This Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 with lure containing sex pheromones (Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate) optimally blended in a specific ratio, impregnated into the biodegradable activated cellulose matrix or impregnated into to the angstrom void polymer (AVP) gel matrix formulation for slow and sustained release of pheromones into the atmosphere to effectively attract and trap PBW pest. The PBW pest under the Chemotaxis influence of pheromones (chemo signal) and pest’s color perception/attraction (chromotaxis), to the specific yellow color of the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100, the pest gets effectively attracted to the Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100, wherein the specifically designed Equilateral Triangular Hollow Prism Trap 100 captures the PBW pest.

The present invention discloses precisely designed Polypropylene (PP) Sheet to help farmers for the ease of shaping and fixing it into ET - Trap. PP sheet can be easily folded, shaped, and fixed to form ET – Trap and installed in the pest infested agricultural fields along with the pheromone lure, an activated cellulose matrix impregnated with the stabilized sex pheromone formulation containing specific ratio of Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and the lure technology is ensured for the slow and sustained release of pheromones for desired number of days for effectively monitoring, mass trapping, induce mating disruption and controlling of pest, PBW in pest infested agricultural fields.

When shaped, the Polypropylene (PP) Sheet forms an ET – Trap. The trap device is specifically designed equilateral triangular hollow prism shaped trap, consisting of two equilateral triangular open base ends, having wide open surface area of 149.8 cm2 for facilitating the dispersion of pheromones into surrounding and flowing air through the open ends of the ET – Trap. The open ends facilitate the ease of entry of pest/insect into the trap, under the influence of pheromones (Chemotaxis). The open ends facilitate the ease of entry of pests or insects into the trap, under the influence of pheromones (Chemotaxis), taking into consideration the flight patterns of the target flies, which require a specific entry area for successful trapping. These equilateral triangular open base ends are connected by three rectangular surfaces (lateral faces) 18.6 cm X 31 cm. This provides the sufficient and required flight path within the ET – Trap for easily trapping the pest/insect. The triangular open ends of the ET triangular prism trap are congruent (exactly same) to each other. The mountain folds of the trap hold the biodegradable pheromone lure formulation at its central portion of the hollow prism, facilitating the uniform and slow dispersion of pheromones into the surrounding air for effectively attracting the PBW pest. The open triangular base ends having adequate open surface facilitate the uniform dispersion of pheromones into the air currents for prolonged period, to attract and guide the flight path of PBW pest into the trap. Entire inner surface of the ET – Trap, having adequate surface area of 2029.41 cm2 and is made highly sticky due to the application of glue formulation. As the pest enters the ET - Trap designed to obstruct the flying path of the PBW pest through 3600, the pest under the influence chemotaxis due to pheromones (chemo signal) and pest’s color perception / attraction (chromotaxis) due to the specific yellow coloured ET - Trap, the pest enters the trap and hits the lateral faces of the hollow prism shaped ET – Trap and gets trapped.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the trap comprises of four components:
• Component 1 – precisely designed PP sheet 50 of 595mm X 310mm, designed for ease of shaping and fixing, can be easily folded with interlocks to form ET – Trap.
• Component 2 – Biodegradable activated cellulose matrix lure 40 impregnated with formulated and stabilized pheromones.
• Component 3 – Glue pouch 42, containing specifically formulated sticky gum formulation with specific viscosity for the ease of application of gum onto PP sheet. The sticky gum formulation may contain a semio-chemical for enhanced chemoreception and chemotaxis influence on the pest PBW, and
• Component 4 – Twist Tie Tag 44, for tying firmly and placing the lure to the support stick in the ET - Trap

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet of 595mm X 310mm is designed to have two folds 2 and 4 in the length direction bisecting the ET-trap sheet into three segments; segment 6 (186mm), segment 8 (186mm) and segment 10 (186mm) as depicted in the fig 1.
Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to have two (2) horizontal slots (12 &14) of 3mm X 50mm each towards the outer peripheral edges of segment 10; four (4) inclined slots (16,18,20 and 22) [two (2) inclined slots placed at a distance of 18mm from horizontal slots towards the peripheral edges of segment 10 and other two (2) inclined slots at a distance of 18mm from fold 2 towards the peripheral edges of the segment 8, nearby the fold 2, as depicted in the fig 1.
Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to have two (2) side tuck flaps (28 & 30) of 25mm towards the peripheral ends of segment 8, nearby fold 2, which gets locked with the inclined slots (20 & 22) respectively designed on segment 8, nearby fold 2 as depicted in the fig 1.
Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to have two (2) side tuck flaps (32 & 34) of 25mm towards outer peripheral ends segment 6, which gets locked with the two (2) inclined slots (16 & 18) respectively placed at 18mm from horizontal slots towards the outer peripheral edges of segment 10 as depicted in the fig 1.
Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to have two (2) anchor tuck flaps (36 & 38) of 66mm designed towards outer peripheral ends segment 6, acts as anchor locks, and gets locked with the two (2) horizontal slots (12 & 14) of 3mm X 50mm respectively designed towards the outer peripheral edges segment 10 as depicted in the fig 1.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to have two centrally designed centre crossed slots (24 & 26), one at the midpoint of the fold 4 and the other at the middle of the segment 6.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to have two centre crossed slots which facilitates the placement of the pheromone lure or tying of the pheromone lure to the support stick 46 passing through centre crossed slots 24 & 26 of the ET-Trap for attracting and trapping of PBW pest.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to hold support stick 46, passing through two centre crossed slots 24 & 26 which facilitates the placement of pheromone lure, which is either cellulose matrix impregnated with the pheromones or an Angstrom Void Polymer (AVP) gel matrix pouch, a sustained release formulation containing pheromones for the slow and sustained release of the pheromones to attract the pest PBW for a specified long period of time.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is designed to have two centre crossed slots 24 & 26 which facilitates the insertion of a support stick 46 to the ET - Trap, so that it can be either placed or tied at a required level of height, chosen with respect to the height of the plants in the agricultural fields.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the PP sheet is precisely designed to help farmers for the ease of shaping and fixing the ET - Trap, so that fully shaped ET - Trap along with the pheromone lure can be easily installed for effectively monitoring, mass trapping, mating disruption and controlling PBW pest in agriculture fields.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the ET - Trap once moulded, holds a 4643.96 cm2 [volume (V)] of pheromone saturated air for effectively attracting the pest PBW. The moulded ET - Trap has a surface area (A) of 2029.41 cm2, provides a sufficiently wider and larger flying area, inside the ET - Trap to attract, effectively interfering and obstructing the flying path of the pest PBW. This precisely designed ET - Trap facilitates the easy capture of target pest PBW under the influence of pheromone and colour que / perception of the pest in pest infested agricultural fields.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the assembled trap with biodegradable activated cellulose matrix lure impregnated with pheromones should be fixed onto the ground at a required height with the support inserted through the ET - Trap or tied to the upper branches of the plants in the agricultural fields.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, sex pheromone formulation of Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate, blended in a specific ratio of 1:1, and not limited to 1:1, impregnated into the biodegradable cellulose matrix, ensures slow and sustained release of pheromones to effectively attract the PBW pest for prolonged period.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, sex pheromone formulation of Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate, blended in a specific ratio incorporated into the angstrom void polymer (AVP) gel matrix and formulated to ensure slow and sustained release of pheromones to effectively attract the pest / insects PBW towards the trap.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, under the influence of pheromones on to the flying pattern / behaviour and color que / perception of the pest, the PBW pest is effectively attracted into the ET – Trap and the pest is immobilized when it hits/falls into the trapping area containing gum.
The PBW with its flying pattern and behaviour, under the influence of pheromones, flying with zigzag and wiggle flying path enters the ET - Trap and gets its flying path obstructed through 3600, hits the trap’s inner sticky surface with force. Thus, the pest sticks onto the inner trapping area of the trap and can’t escape, thereby effectively capturing the target pest PBW in the pest infested agricultural fields.
The present invention discloses an ET - Trap device for monitoring or mass trapping of pest/insect PBW. The present invention is a combination of trap and formulation of semio-chemicals consisting of mixture of pheromones and impregnated into the biodegradable activated cellulose matrix or into a sustained release formulation. The trap is designed based on physiological acts of the pest with respect to pest’s flying pattern and chromatic perception / color cue of the insect/pest PBW. Insect trap has improved design, depicted as ET - Trap device which provides an efficient, logical, and accurate mode for monitoring, mass trapping, effectively induce mating disruption and complete control of pest/insect PBW.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the ET – Trap device for monitoring or mass trapping or achieving mating disruption and to effectively control the infestation of the insect/pest PBW using biodegradable activated cellulose matrix impregnated with the pheromones for slow and sustained release of sex pheromones Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate, blended in a specific ratio to effectively attract and trap PBW is disclosed.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the ET – Trap device for monitoring or mass trapping or mating disruption and to effectively control the insect/pest PBW, the inner surface of the trap is coated with the sticky gum formulation using any of the following category non-drying gums, Polyisobutylene (PIB) which are Medium Molecular Weight Polyisobutylene, Butyl Rubber (Isobutylene-isoprene Copolymer), Polybutene (Poly-1-butene/Poly isobutene), Natural Rubber of the class Poly(1,4-cis-isoprene), Rosin Esters (Glycerol and Pentaerythritol Ester of Rosin), Terpene Resins (Poly-terpene Resin/Terpene Phenolic Resin), Silicone-based Gums belonging to the class of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Poly (methyl phenyl siloxane), Hot Melt Adhesives belonging to Ethylene-vinyl Acetate Copolymers (EVA) and Amorphous Poly alpha olefins (APAO), C5/C9 Hydrocarbon Resins belonging to both Aliphatic C5 Hydrocarbon Resin and Aromatic C9 Hydrocarbon Resin. The sticky gum formulation may contain a semio-chemical for the enhanced or added influence of chemoreception of the PBW pest and the sticky gum formulation may have a viscosity ranging from 1000cps to 2500cps, preferably 2000cps for the ease of spreading.
The trap is designed based on physiological acts, behaviour, flying pattern and color perception (chromatic attraction) of the insect/pest PBW. Insect trap has improved design based on the flying pattern, color perception, (where ET - Trap with a specific yellow color, matching to the PANTONE 116 C color code) under the influence of pheromones (chemo signal) which provides an efficient, logical, and accurate trap device for monitoring, mass trapping and for mating disruption of pest/insect PBW.

The fully shaped ET - Trap along with biodegradable activated cellulose matrix lure impregnated with the combined blend of Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate sex pheromones, in a specific blend ratio for the slow and sustained release of pheromones to efficiently influence the chemoreception of the insect/pest PBW. The specific yellow color of the ET - Trap is chosen based on the color cue / color perception (Chromotaxis) influence of the PBW pest, thus, influencing onto the biological behaviour and flying pattern of the pest PBW. ET - Trap provides the sufficient area for the attracted pest to fly and get attracted to the pheromone lure placed centrally in the ET - Trap. The ET design obstructs the flying path of the PBW effectively at 3600, thus the PBW insect/pest easily hits the inner surface of the ET - Trap and gets trapped due to presence of the specially formulated gum spread onto the inner surface of the ET - Trap. This scientifically and logically designed trap offers an economic, easily usable, eco-friendly, and safe solution to farmers to identify, monitor, mass trap, mating disruption and control of PBW pest effectively, when shaped and deployed in the pest infested agricultural fields.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the size and the position of the horizontal slots (12) (14); inclined slots (16), (18), (20) and (22); tuck flaps (28), (30), (32) and (34); anchor lock flaps (36), (38) and crossed slots (24) and (26) and protrusions may be varied according to future needs and facts.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the color of the trap is yellow, more preferably colour of the trap matching to the PANTONE 116 C color code.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the biodegradable activated cellulose matrix may vary with the different formulations of pheromones. The activated cellulose matrix containing respective formulated pheromones can be placed in the trap.
B) A Biodegradable Lure formulated with pheromones.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the Lure formulated with pheromone consists of biodegradable, activated cellulose matrix ensuring the spaces of the in the intra/inter cellulose fibres are made available for entrapment of pheromones, wherein the sex pheromone formulation of Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate blended in a specific ratio are impregnated into the angstrom void spaces in activated cellulose matrix in an amount varying from 0.5 % to 5.0 % by weight, more preferably 1% (of blend of pheromones). The cellulose matrix acts as a sustained release dispensing medium. The pheromones retain their stability, and the active ingredients are allowed to release at a continuous slow and sustained release rate for a prolonged period. Further, the lure formulation is protected from the degradative effect of UV light, moisture, and elevated temperature by addition of antioxidants, pH stabilizers, moisture retainers, anti-microbial agent, surfactants, and UV blockers.
In another embodiment of the present invention, to increase the shelf life and to protect from the natural degradable agents (UV light, moisture, and high temperature), antioxidants, pH stabilizers, moisture retainers, anti-microbial agent, surfactants, UV blockers and preservatives are added.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the antioxidant agents are selected from a group consisting of Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), vitamin E, vitamin C. However, more preferably BHT and BHA are used.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the moisture retaining agents are selected from a group consisting of PEG (polyethylene glycol), PPG (polypropylene glycol), Glycerine. More preferably PEG and Glycerine are used.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the UV-blockers are selected from a group consisting of Para-Amino Benzoic Acid, benzophenone-2 and other photoprotective agents which protect the bioactive agent from degradation may be added in amount vary from 0.01% to 5.0 % by weight.
In an embodiment of the present invention, organic acids or bases are added in small amounts, including Triethanolamine which maintains the pH of pheromone formulation.
Advantages of the present device
By considering the disadvantages and risks associated with the use of pesticides, as well as the emerging issue of PBW pest resistance to several pesticides and recognizing the demerits of existing irrational and ineffective methods adopted by farmers to control the infestation of PBW pests, we have invented a biodegradable pheromone-based, eco-friendly, affordable, safe, easy-to-shape, and fix ET – Trap. This innovative solution, combined with biodegradable pheromone lures, addresses the pressing need for an effective and pesticide-free approach to monitoring and controlling PBW pests in agriculture fields.
The ET – Trap is specifically yellow coloured and matching to the PANTONE 116 C color code. When deployed along with biodegradable activated cellulose matrix lure impregnated with sex pheromone blend formulation of Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate blended in a specific ratio, effectively influencing the chemoreception of the pest PBW and has demonstrated effective attraction and trapping of the high-risk pest PBW during field efficacy studies. Our innovative and logically designed trap design effectively obstructs the flying path of PBW and traps the pests, is an eco-friendly, safe, economical, easy to install & manage and less cumbersome to use. This scientifically developed trap is based on biological behaviour of insects, flying pattern and chemotaxis influenced by the pheromones (chemo signal), along with the color perception/attraction (chromotaxis) preferred by the pest/insect PBW.
This ET – Trap is a combination of specifically designed, yellow coloured poly propylene (PP) sheet for quick & ease of fixing and shaping it into a trap along with biodegradable activated cellulose matrix lure, impregnated with the stabilized pheromones formulation. The cellulose matrix ensures slow and sustained release of pheromones into the air for a prolonged period. The trap is designed for easy installation into the ground or firm tying to the upper branches of the plant, at desired height for effectively attracting and trapping of PBW pest in agriculture fields.
, C , Claims:CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 for monitoring and controlling the pink bollworm (PBW) pest comprising of
a. a yellow-colored Polypropylene Sheet (50) matching to the PANTONE 116 C color code precisely designed to have two folds (2) and (4) in length direction bisecting the said sheet into three segments (6), (8) and (10), wherein the Polypropylene Sheet (50) is provided with
i. at least two horizontal slots 12 and 14 each towards the outer peripheral edges of segment 10;
ii. at least four inclined slots of which two (16) and (18) are placed towards the peripheral edges of segment 10 and two (20) and (22) are placed towards the peripheral edges of segment 8;
iii. at least four side tuck flaps of which two (28) and (30) are towards the peripheral edges of segment 8 which gets locked with the inclined slots (20) and (22) and two side tuck flaps (32) and (34) are towards the peripheral edges of segment 6 which gets locked with the inclined slots (16) and (18);
iv. at least two centrally designed center crossed slots (24) and (26) one at the middle of the folding 4 and other at the midpoint of segment 6 respectively.
b. a sticky gum formulation (48) with specific viscosity to place onto said sheet for enhanced chemoreception and chemotaxis influence on the pest PBW;
c. a biodegradable, activated cellulose matrix lure (40) impregnated with formulated and stabilized pheromones to attract the pest PBW for a specified long period of time;
d. a twist tie tag (44) for tying firmly and placing the lure (40) to the support stick (46) in the said Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100.

2. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Polypropylene Sheet (50) is of length 595mm X width 310mm (length ranging from 515mm to 600mm and width of 310mm), with a thickness ranging from 0.18mm to 0.4mm.

3. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said center crossed slots (24 & 26) enable positioning of pheromone lure and said trap on support stick (46).

4. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said Polypropylene Sheet (50) is shaped into trap and its inner surface is coated with specially formulated sticky gum formulation, containing semio-chemical to immobilize PBW pests upon contact.

5. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pheromone lure is a biodegradable activated cellulose matrix impregnated with stabilized pheromone formulation, comprising blend of isomer specific sex pheromones Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate in specific established ratios, and stabilized with antioxidants, UV stabilizer, moisture retaining agents, pH modifiers and surfactants to attract the pest PBW for a specified long period of time;

6. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pheromone lure is a biodegradable angstrom void polymer (AVP) gel matrix formulation pouch containing blend of isomer specific sex pheromones Z-7, 11 Hexadecadienyl acetate and Z-7, E-11 Hexadecadienyl acetate in specific established ratios, and stabilized with antioxidants, UV stabilizer, moisture retaining agents, pH modifiers and surfactants to attract the pest PBW for a specified long period of time;

7. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the equilateral triangular open base ends with a wide-open surface area of 149.8 cm2, designed to facilitate the dispersion of pheromones into the surrounding environment by the unobstructed flow of air through the open ends, and accommodating insect’s flight patterns to ensure effective trapping.

8. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trap's surface area is designed to obstruct the flying path of PBW pests through 360 degrees, facilitating interception and trapping of the PBW pest.

9. An Equilateral Triangle Prism Trap 100 as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trap is adapted for pest identification, monitoring, controlling, mass trapping, and mating disruption by varying the number of traps per acre area to achieve the desired pest management outcome.