DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bait composition comprising a yeast extract.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Insect pests are known to cause huge economic losses in agriculture. Insect pests, for an instance fruit flies (family Tephritidae) are among the most destructive agricultural pests in the world. The fruit flies are known to be destroying citrus crops and other fruit and vegetable crops at an alarming rate and forcing food and agriculture agencies to spend millions of dollars on control and management measures. Insect pests are widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. Several measures are deployed to reduce these pests including chemical insecticides. Application of such chemical insecticides on large scale might be effective to reduce the number of insects, however, raises environmental concerns and can result in toxicity to consumers of fruit. Applying insecticides typically does not allow targeting of specific types or species of insect pests, which results in destruction of other types or species of insects that may be beneficial to the crop or to the ecological balance of the area being treated. Also, indiscriminate application methods are wasteful of insecticide, and frequent application is generally required, particularly against mobile insect pests. The problems associated with chemical insecticides can be overcome with a solution which effectively reduces or eliminates insect infestation without adversely impacting the environment or the consumers.
In recent decades, substantial attention has been given to biological control of fruit flies and other insect pests as an alternative to the use of chemical insecticides. One strategy is to use pheromone traps using pheromones/para-pheromones as the active ingredient which can attract male insects. However, this technique of attracting male insect pests has limited effectiveness because they are sex-specific. For an instance, in case of the fruit fly infestation begins when females oviposit eggs 2–5?mm deep into the flesh of ripe fruit and where, upon hatching, larval feeding leads to early-onset of fruit decay while still on the plant. Hence, attracting and killing female insect pests is very important because they are the dominant factor for the multiplication of the pest.
To target this problem several protein and food baits are used. Existing protein and food baits are relatively expensive and are unsuited in economically depressed areas. Another disadvantage of existing baits is that though they are expensive, they do not last for longer duration and are required to change frequently to achieve the required prevention and control of insect pests. Hence, there is a clear need for economic bait composition having sufficient activity. The bait composition according to present invention is effective to provide for continuously attracting members of target insect populations over an extended period of time. The bait composition can be used either without an insect toxicant or by including at least one insect toxicant in small quantity in the bait composition, the bait composition can be used in an “attract and kill' system for controlling insect populations.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable and long-lasting bait composition.
It is another object of present invention to provide a process for preparing a bait composition.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an economic and ecofriendly method of effectively controlling insect infestation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an aspect of present invention there is provided a bait composition comprising a yeast extract.
In an aspect of present invention there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract; and
b) at least one anionic surfactant.
In an aspect of present invention there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant; and
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant.
In an aspect of present invention there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water.
In an embodiment, the yeast extract has total nitrogen content of about 5% to about 20% by weight.
In an aspect of present invention there is provided a process for preparing a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water,
wherein the process comprises steps of
i) preparing a solution comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant and water;
ii) adding at least one anionic surfactant and a yeast extract to the solution; and
iii) mixing the suspension obtained in step ii).
In an aspect of present invention there is provided a method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait composition in a location that is accessible to said insect pests, wherein the bait composition comprises of
a) a yeast extract; and
b) at least one anionic surfactant.
In an aspect of present invention there is provided a method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait composition in a location that is accessible to said insect pests, wherein the bait composition comprises of
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant; and
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Those skilled in art will be aware that invention described herein is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention described herein includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all such steps, features, compositions and methods referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more said steps or features.
Definitions:
For convenience, before further description of the present invention, certain terms employed in the specification, examples are described here. These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms used throughout this specification are defined as follows, unless otherwise limited in specific instances.
The terms used herein are defined as follows.
As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “about” shall be interpreted to mean “approximately” or “reasonably close to” and any statistically insignificant variations therefrom. The term refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like and is meant to include variations of +/-15% or less, specifically variations of +/-10% or less, more specifically variations of +/-5% or less, even more specifically variations of +/-1% or less, and still more specifically variations of +/-0.1% or less of and from the particularly recited value, in so far as such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosure described herein.

As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to.
The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. In an embodiment, the aspects and embodiments described herein shall also be interpreted to replace the clause “comprising” with either “consisting of” or with “consisting essentially of” or with “consisting substantially of”.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure as used herein.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The term “semiochemical/s” means sign or signal. Insects use semiochemicals to locate mate, host, or food source, avoid competition, escape natural enemies, and overcome natural defence systems of their hosts. The term semiochemical encompasses pheromones, para-pheromones, allelochemicals, kairomones, phagostimulant or any other attractant/s. The term “semiochemical/s” is used interchangeably with the term “attractant” throughout the specification.

The term “bait station” as used herein means any means/device used to hold the bait composition securely inside to prevent drying or spillage of the bait composition.
The term “fungistatic agent” as used herein means a substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of fungi.

In an embodiment of present invention there is provided a bait composition comprising a yeast extract.
In an embodiment, said yeast extract has a total nitrogen content ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the extract.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract; and
b) at least one anionic surfactant.
In an embodiment, said composition further comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant; and
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) at least one diluent.
In an embodiment, the diluent used is selected from water or organic solvents such as alcohols, hydrocarbons, glycols, esters, amides or combinations thereof.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water.
The term “yeast extract” includes ingredients extracted from yeast by conventionally known methods, unless especially indicated, and usually contains organic acids, amino acids, peptides, nucleic acids, minerals, and so forth.

In an embodiment, the yeast extract comprises a cell-free fermentation extract, cell-free spent media, yeast hydrolysate, cell-free yeast hydrolysate, yeast autolysate, cell-free yeast autolysate, fermentation extract comprising live or dead cells, spent media comprising live or dead cells, or an unfiltered extract comprising lysed cells and cell debris.

Form of the yeast extract is not particularly limited, and it may be in the form of concentrate, partially purified crude product, liquid, dry substance, powder, granule, or the like.

The yeast to be used is not particularly limited, so long as a yeast usually used in the field of food manufacturing is chosen.

In an embodiment, the yeast is preferably a baker’s yeast used for manufacturing foods, feeds, and so forth, or brewer’s yeast used for beer manufacturing. The yeast is more preferably a yeast belonging to the genus Saccharomyces. Examples of the yeast belonging to the genus Saccharomyces include Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In an embodiment, the yeast extract is derived from yeast belonging to genus Saccharomyces.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w yeast extract.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w yeast extract.

In a preferred embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 10% w/w to about 35% w/w yeast extract.

In an embodiment, said yeast extract has a total nitrogen content ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the extract.
In another embodiment, said yeast extract has a total nitrogen content ranging from about 8% to about 16% by weight of the extract.

In another embodiment, said yeast extract has a total nitrogen content ranging from about 8% to about 12% by weight of the extract.

The source of nitrogen in the yeast extract is attributed to the presence of various forms, not limited to, free amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates, vitamins, nucleotides, and trace elements.

In another embodiment, the yeast extract has a total amino acid content of about 40% to about 90% by weight of the extract.

In another embodiment, the yeast extract has a total amino acid content of about 50% to about 80% by weight of the extract.

In yet another embodiment, the yeast extract has a total amino acid content of about 60% to about 80% by weight of the extract.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises at least one anionic surfactant selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, anionic derivatives of fatty alcohols having 10-24 carbon atoms, their ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) or organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); anionic derivatives of copolymers consisting of ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO) and/or butylene oxide (BO) units, their ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) or organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); derivatives of alkylene oxide adducts of alcohols, their ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) or organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); derivatives of fatty acid alkoxylates, their ether carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, their inorganic salts (e.g., alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts) or organic salts (e.g., salts based on amine or alkanolamine); alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl sulfate and its salts, alkyl benzene sulfonate or its salts, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensates, alkyl sulfosuccinate mono ester or diester salts, olefin sulfonic acid salts or combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the bait composition comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl benzene sulfonate or its salts, alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group comprising of salts of polystyrene sulphonic acids, salts of polyvinylsulphonic acids; salts of naphthalenesulphonic acid and formaldehyde condensates; salts of condensates of naphthalenesulphonic acid, phenolsulphonic acid and formaldehyde; salts of lignosulphonic acid, and lignosulphonate, such as sodium lignosulphonate and modified sodium lignosulfonate; polycarboxylate and their salts, alkylnaphtalene sulphonates; sodium diisopropylnaphthalene sulphonate; sodium alkylnaphthalene sulphonate; sulfosuccinate and their salts; copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters.
In a preferred embodiment, the bait composition comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group comprising of sodium salt of sulfonated aromatic polymer, modified styrene acrylic polymer, potassium polycarboxylate or combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 20% w/w anionic surfactant. In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w anionic surfactant. In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w anionic surfactant. Preferably, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 2% w/w anionic surfactant.
In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, alkylpolyglycosides, alcohol ethoxylate, alkyl glucamide, alkyl amine oxides having C8 to C20 carbon atoms, fatty acid methyl ester, sorbitan ester and ethoxylated sorbitan ester, ethoxylated alkylphenol, ethoxylated tristyrylphenol and alkyl amide, fatty alcohols having 10-24 carbon atoms with 0-60 EO and/or 0-20 PO and/or 0-15 BO in any order; fatty acid alkoxylates and triglyceride alkoxylates; fatty acid amide alkoxylates; alkylene oxide adducts of alkynediols; sugar derivatives such as amino sugars and amido sugars; polyacrylic and polymethacrylic derivatives; polyamides such as modified gelatins or derivatized polyaspartic acid; surfactant polyvinyl compounds such as modified polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); polyol-based alkylene oxide adducts; polyglycerides and derivatives, alkoxylates of vegetable oil or combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the bait composition comprises a non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylates of vegetable oil such as ethoxylated vegetable oil, propoxylated vegetable oil, ethoxylated propoxylated vegetable oil and combinations thereof. Preferred example of such non-ionic surfactant is ethoxylated castor oil.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w non-ionic surfactant. In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 20% w/w non-ionic surfactant. In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w non-ionic surfactant, more preferably from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w non-ionic surfactant.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 3% w/w non-ionic surfactant.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w yeast extract;
b) about 0.1% w/w to about 20% w/w anionic surfactant; and
c) about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w a non-ionic surfactant.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w yeast extract;
b) about 0.1% w/w to about 20% w/w anionic surfactant;
c) about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w a non-ionic surfactant; and
d) optionally, water.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w yeast extract;
b) about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w anionic surfactant;
c) about 0.1% w/w to about 20% w/w a non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 5% to about 20% by weight;
b) about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w anionic surfactant;
c) about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w a non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water.
In an embodiment, the bait composition further comprises a fungistatic agent.

Microscopic fungi and fungal spores are prevalent in nature, and unfortunately, bait compositions containing yeast extract are prone to fungal infections when exposed to environmental conditions. Fungal growth can occur due to various factors such as airborne transmission, water droplets, running water, and physical contact. If this fungal growth is not addressed, the bait composition will lose its effectiveness and fail to deliver the desired results. Therefore, it is essential to develop a bait composition that not only effectively attracts insect pests but also inhibits the growth of unwanted fungal infestations. The inventors have successfully developed a bait composition using a fungistatic agent, which addresses the aforementioned problem without compromising the stability or efficacy of the composition.

In an embodiment, the fungistatic agent is selected from group comprising of alkali, alkaline or ammonium salts selected from carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, phosphonates, phosphites, silicates, chlorides, sorbates, propionates, benzoates and the likes.

In an preferred embodiment, the fungistatic agent is selected from calcium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, calcium silicate, potassium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium phosphonate, sodium phosphonate, calcium phosphonate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, aluminium chloride, calcium chloride, manganese chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium phosphite, calcium phosphite, sodium phosphite, calcium propionate, calcium sorbate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the fungistatic agent is calcium carbonate.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w fungistatic agent. Preferably, the bait composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w fungistatic agent, more preferably from about 3% w/w to about 8% w/w fungistatic agent.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) at least one fungistatic agent;
wherein fungus growth on composition is inhibited when exposed to environmental conditions.
In an embodiment, the bait composition further comprises water.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w yeast extract;
b) about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w anionic surfactant;
c) about 0.1% w/w to about 20% w/w a non-ionic surfactant;
d) about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w fungistatic agent; and
e) water
wherein fungus growth on composition is inhibited when exposed to environmental conditions.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 5% to about 20% by weight;
b) about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w anionic surfactant;
c) about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w a non-ionic surfactant;
d) about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w fungistatic agent; and
e) water;
wherein fungus growth on composition is inhibited when exposed to environmental conditions.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bait composition comprising
a) about 10% w/w to about 35% w/w yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 5% to about 20% by weight;
b) 0.1% w/w to about 2% w/w anionic surfactant;
c) about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w a non-ionic surfactant;
d) about 3% w/w to about 8% w/w fungistatic agent; and
e) water
wherein fungus growth on composition is inhibited when exposed to environmental conditions.
In an embodiment, the bait composition optionally, comprises one or more of the following
a) an insecticide;
b) one or more semiochemical/s selected from pheromones, para-pheromones, allelochemicals or combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the bait composition may further comprise an insecticide.

In an embodiment, the insecticide is selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, GABA -gated chloride channel blockers, Sodium channel modulators, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators, Glutamate -gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators, Juvenile hormone mimics, Chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators, Mite growth inhibitors, Microbial disrupters of insect midgut membranes, Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase, Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers, Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis , Moulting disrupters, Ecdysone receptor agonists, Octopamine receptor agonists, Mitochondrial complex electron transport inhibitors, Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, Inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase, Chordotonal organ Modulators, multi-site miscellaneous insecticides, bioinsecticides or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the insecticide is Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers like pyrethoids, DDT are used.

In an embodiment, the insecticide is pyrethoid insecticide selected from the group consisting of cypermethrin, deltamethrin and the likes..

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.01% w/w to about 5% w/w insecticide.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 2% w/w insecticide.

In an embodiment, the insecticide is added to the bait composition to obtain a tank-mix composition.

In an embodiment, the bait composition may further comprises one or more semiochemical/s selected from pheromones, para-pheromones, allelochemicals or combination thereof. Pheromones are substances which are secreted to the outside by an individual and received by a second individual of the same species. Para-pheromones are compounds, often originally derived from plants, that attract sexually mature males and more rarely, females. The alleolochemical/s may be selected from (a) allomones, (b) kairomones or (c) synomones. Kairomones are defined as attractants, arrestants, excitants and phagostimulants.

In an embodiment, the semiochemical is selected from a synthetic/naturally occurring pheromones or para-pheromones.

Semiochemical selected is either individual active ingredient or blend of active ingredients selected from (Z, Z)-7, 11- hexadecadien-1-yl acetate, (Z, E)-7, 11- hexadecadien-1-yl acetate, Z 9- Tetradecenyl acetate, Z7- Dodecenyl acetate, Z11- Hexadecenyl acetate, E-11-hexadecen-1-yl acetate, (E)-11-hexadecen-1-ol, 3E,8Z,11Z-Tetradecatrienyl acetate, 3E,8Z-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-Hexadeca trien-1-al, Z-11-Hexadecenal, Z-11-Hexadecenyl-1-acetate, Z-11-Hexadecenol, Z-9- Hexadecenal, (Z,E)-9,11-Tetradecadienyl acetate, Z9,E-12-Tetradecadienyl acetate, Cis-3-Hexenyl acetate, 2E- Hexen-1-ol, 11-Z,13-Z-Hexadeca dienal, 4 methyl 5 nonanol, 4 methyl 5 nonanone, Ethyl-4-Methyl octanoate, Methyl eugenol, Cuelure, (E,E) -8,10-Dodecadien-1-ol, (Z)-8-Dodecen-1-yl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecen-1-yl-acetate, (Z)-8-Dodecen-1-ol, (1R)-cis-4,6,6-Trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one, trans-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol, cis-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol, Z-13-Octadecynyl acetate and Z-13-Octadecenol, (E,E)-10,12-hexadecadienal, (E,E)-10,12-hexadecadienol, E-10-hexadecenal, Z-9 Tetradecenol, (Z)-8-Dodecen-1-yl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecen-1-yl-acetate, (7E,9Z) dodeca- 7,9-dien-1-yl acetate, 4-vinyl Anisole, Methyl Isonicotinate, Mono terpenes, Terpene alcohols, a-copaene, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 4-oxo octanoic acid, 4 oxo decanoic acid.

Other semiochemicals that can be used, are selected from, (Z,Z,E)-3,6,8-Dodecatrien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Tetradecadien- 1–ol, (Z,Z)-9, 11-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienol, (Z,Z)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7,9-Dodecadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-7, 11-Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-5,9-Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-5,8-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z,Z)-9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienal, (Z,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienal, (Z,Z)-4,7-Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-4,7-Tridecadien-1-ol , (Z,Z)-4,7-Decadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-4,7-Decadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-3,8-Dodecadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-2,4-Decadienal , (E, E)-10, 14-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Tetradecadienyl, (Z,Z)-11 , 13-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadienal, (Z,E)- 10,12-Hexadecadienal, (Z)-11-Heptadecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Heptadecen-1-ol, (Z,Z)-5,8-Tetradecadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-5,8-Tetradecadienal, (Z)-8-Heptadecen-1-ol, (E)-8-Heptadecenyl acetate, (Z,Z)-4,7-Decadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)- 9,11-Pentadecadienal, (E,Z)-9, 1 1-Pentadecadienal, (Z,E)-7,1 1 -Hexadecadienal (E,Z)-8,10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-9-Tetradecadienal, (Z,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E,E)-3,6,8-Dodecatrien-1-ol, (Z,E)-9,11-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienyl acetate (Z, E)-10, 12-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadienal, (E,Z)-9, 11-Hexadecadienal, (Z,E)-9,11–Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Octadecadienal, (Z,E)-7,11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (E)-10-Heptadecenyl acetate, (Z, E)-9, 12-Tetradecadienal , (Z, E)-9, 11 –Tetradecadienal, (Z, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z, E)- 11 , 13-Hexadecadienal, (Z,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-1-ol , (E,Z)-9, 11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-5-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-10-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-10-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-10-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Tetradecenal, (Z)-9-Tetradecen-1-ol, (Z)-9-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Dodecenal, (Z)-9-Dodecen-1-ol, (Z)-8-Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Tetradecenal, (Z,Z)-9, 11-Tetradecadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-9,11-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienal (Z,E)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-7,9-Dodecadien-1-ol, (Z,E)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-5,7-Dodecadienal, (Z,E)-3,5-Tetradecadienyl acetate (Z,E)-3,5-Dodecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-3,5-Decadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-5,9-Tridecadienyl acetate, (Z, E)-9, 12-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (Z, E)-9, 12-Tetradecadien-1-ol, (Z, E)-9, 11 -Tetradecadien-1 -ol, (Z, E)-8, 10-Dodecadienal, (Z, E)-8, 10-Dodecadien-1-ol, (Z, E)-5,7-Dodecadien-1 -ol, (Z, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadien-1-ol (Z)-13-Octadecen-1-ol, (E, E,Z,Z)-4,6,11,13-Hexadecatetraenal, (Z,Z)-2, 13-Octadecadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-7, 10-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E)-6-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-10, 12,14-Hexadecatrienal, (E,Z)-2, 13-Octadecadienyl acetate (E,Z)-2, 13-Octadecadienal, (E,Z)-2, 13-Octadecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-4,6-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-4,6-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-1 ,3-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (Z)-5-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E,E,E)-10,12,14-Hexadecatrienal, (Z)-13-Octadecenyl acetate, (E)-13-Octadecenal, (Z)-8-Tetradecen-1-ol, (Z)-8-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Dodecen-1-ol, (Z)-7-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Tetradecenal, (Z)-7-Tetradecen-1-ol, (Z)-7-Dodecenyl acetate (Z)-7-Dodecenal, (Z)-7-Dodecen-1-ol, (Z)-7-Decenyl acetate, (Z)-6-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Tetradecenal, (Z)-5-Tetradecen-1-ol, (Z)-5-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Dodecenal, (Z)-5-Dodecen-1-ol, (Z)-5-Decenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Decen-1-ol, (Z)-4-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-4-Tridecenal, (Z)-4-Decenyl acetate, (Z)-4-Decenal, (Z)-3-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-3-Tetradecen-1-ol, (Z)-3-Dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-3-Dodecen-1-ol, (Z)-2-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-12-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-12-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Hexadecenal, (Z,Z, E)-7, 11 , 13-Hexadecatrienal, (Z)-11-Octadecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Octadecenal, (Z)- 11 -Octadecenol, (E)-11-Hexadecen-1-ol, (E)-11-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-10-Hexadecenal, (Z,Z)-6,9-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-9-Octadecenal, (E)-5-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Octadecenal, (Z)-9-Octadecen-1-ol, (E)-9-Octadecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Hexadecenal, (E)-9-Hexadecen-1-ol, (E)-12-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z)-10-Pentadecenal, (E,Z,Z)-4,6,10-Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-4,6,11 -Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (Z)-8-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Pentadecenyl acetate, (E)-2-0ctadecenal, (E)-2-0ctadecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Hexadecen-1-ol, (E)-7-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-4,6,10-Hexadecatrien-ol, (E,E)-5,9-Octadecadien-1-ol, (Z)-2-Heptadecenal, (Z, E)-3, 13-Octadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-11-Tetradecenal, (Z)-10-Dodecen-1-ol, (Z)-7-Undecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-Decenal, (Z)- 11 -Tetradecen-1-ol, (E,Z,Z)-4,7, 10-Tridecatrienyl acetate, (E,Z)-9,11-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Tetradecadienal, (E,Z)-11 , 13-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienal, (E,Z)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-10, 12-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z)-9-Heptadecenal, (E,Z)-8, 11-Hexadecadienal, (E, E)-9, 11-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-13, 15-Octadecadienal, (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-Octadecatrienyl acetate, (E)-8-Heptadecen-1-ol, (E, E, E)-9, 12, 15-Octadecatrien-1 –ol, (E, E)-11 , 14-Octadecadienal, (Z,Z)-9, 12-Octadecadienyl acetate, (Z,E)-7, 11-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-8, 10-Pentadecadien-1-ol, (E, E)-10, 12-Hexadecadienal, (Z, Z)-8 ,10- Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-11,13-Octadecadienal, (E,E)-9,11-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-10, 12-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z,Z)-9, 12, 15-Octadecatrienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7,11-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-7, 11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7, 11-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (Z,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-7, 10-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (Z)-5-Hexadecen-1-ol, (Z)-12-Pentadecenyl acetate, (E,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadienal, (E, E)-4,8-Heptadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadienal, (E,Z)-8, 10-Dodecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadienal, (E,Z)-5,9-Tridecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-5,7-Dodecadienal, (E,Z)-4,9-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-4,9-Tetradecadienal, (E,Z)-4,7-Tridecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-4, 10-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-3,8-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-3,5-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-3,5-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-2,4-Decadienal, (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-5,7-Dodecadien-1-ol, (E,Z)-3,7-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,E,E)-10,12,14-Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (E,E)-8, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-7,9-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-5,8-Tetradecadienal, (E,E)-5,7-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-5,7-Dodecadien-1-ol, (E,E)-4, 10-Dodecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-3,5-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E,E)-3,5-Decadienyl acetate, (E,E)-9,12-Octadecadien-1-ol, (Z,E)-8,10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-9, 2-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadienal, (E,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadien-1-ol, (E,E)-11 ,13-Hexadecadienal, (E,E)-5,9-Octadecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-8, 10-Pentadecadienyl acetate, (E,E,Z)-4,6, 10-Hexadecatrienyl acetate, (E)-9-Octadecen-1-ol, (Z)-2-Octadecenyl acetate, (E)-5-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-10-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z, E)-2, 13-Octadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-6, 11 -Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-6,11 –Hexadecadienal, (E)-9-Tetradecen- 1 -ol, (E)-9-Dodecenal, (E)-9-Dodecen-1-ol, (E)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-9-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-8-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-13-Octadecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Hexadecen-1-ol, (Z)-11-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-11-Hexadecenal, (Z,Z)-6,9-Pentadecadienal, (E)-11-Octadecenal, (E)-11-Octadecen-1-ol, (E)-10-Hexadecenal, (Z)-10-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-10-Hexadecen-1-ol, (Z,Z)-8,9-Pentadecadien-1-ol, (E,E,Z)-4,8,11 –Hexadecatrienal, (E,E,Z)- 10,12,14-Hexadecatrienyl, (E, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadienyl acetate, (E, E)-8, 10-Dodeeadien-1 -ol, (E, E)-8, 10-Dodecadienal, (E, E)-2,4-Tetradecadienal, (E, E)-2,4-Decadienal, (E)-5-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-,5-Tetradecenal, (E)-5-Tetradecen- 1 -ol, (E)-5-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-5-Decenyl acetate (E)-10-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-10-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-10-Dodecenal, (E)-9-Tridecenyl acetate, (Z)-13-Octadecenal, (Z)-14-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-12-Hexadecenal, (E)-14-Octadecenal, (E)-14-Hexadecenal, (E)-8-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-8-Dodecenal, (E)-8-Dodecen-1-ol, (E)-8-Decen-1-ol, (E)-7-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-7-Tetradecen- 1 -ol, (E)-7-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-7-Dodecenal, (E)-7-Dodecen-1-ol, (E)-7-Decenyl acetate, (E)-6-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-6-Tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Octadecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-Hexadecenal, (Z)-9-Hexadecen-1-ol, (Z)-7-Hexadecenal, (E)-9-Pentadecenyl acetate, (Z)-2-Octadecenal, (E,Z,Z)-4,6,10-Hexadecatrien-1 –ol, (Z)-7-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-8-Pentadecen-1-ol, (Z,Z)-8, 11 -Heptadecadienyl acetate, (Z,Z)-8, 10-Heptadecadien-1-ol, (E)-7-Hexadecenal, (Z)-3-Hexadecenyl acetate, (E)-5-Hexadecen-1-ol, (Z, E)- 1,14-Hexadecadienyl acetate, (E)-7-Hexadecen-1-ol, (Z,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadienal, (E, E)-3, 13-Octadecadienyl acetate, (E,Z)-4,6-Hexadecadienal, (Z,Z)-2, 13-Octadecadienyl acetate, (E)-2-Heptadecenal, (E,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadienyl acetate, (E)-6-Dodecenal, (E)-6-Dodecen-1-ol, (E)-5-Dodecen-1-ol, (E)-5-Decen-1-ol, (E)-5-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-4-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-4-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-4-Decenyl acetate, (E)-3-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-3-Tetradecen-1-ol, (E)-3-Dodecenyl acetate, (E)-2-Undecenyl acetate, (E)-2-Undecenal, (E)-2-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-2-Dodecenal, (E)-12-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-11-Tetradecenyl acetate, (E)-10-Dodecen-1-ol, (E)-11 -Tetradecen-1-ol, (E)-11-Tridecenyl acetate, (E)-11-Tetradecenal, (E, E)-8, 10-Tetradecadien- 1-ol.

In an embodiment, the semiochemical is selected from a synthetic/naturally occurring pheromones such as hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 4-oxo octanoic acid, 4 oxo decanoic acid, (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-7-Dodecadecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-Hexadecenol, 9,11 (Z,E)-tetradecadienyl acetate, 9,12 (Z,E)-tetradecadienyl acetate and the likes.

In a preferred embodiment, the semiochemical is a para-pheromone such as methyl eugenol, cue-lure, a-copaene and the likes.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises a semiochemical from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises a para-pheromone from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the semiochemical is a kairomone such as phagostimulant selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, carbohydrates or amino acids; an attractant selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, phenylacetaldehyde, ammonium acetate, phenylacetic acid, ethyl phenylacetate and ethyl acetate.

The carbohydrates such as sucrose (sugar), fructose, arabinose, sorbitol, maltose, glucose and lactose; the amino acids such as proline glycine, alanine, ornithine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and valine; or combinations thereof can be used as a kairomone.
In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises a kairomone from about 1% w/w to about 20% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the bait composition according to present invention further comprises of the total weight of the composition
a) about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w pheromone or para-pheromone; and/or
b) about 1% w/w to about 20% w/w kairomone.

In an embodiment, the bait composition may further comprise an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

In an embodiment, said agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising aqueous or organic solvent(s), buffering agent(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), anti-settling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), viscosity modifier (s), defoaming agent(s), photo-protector(s), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), preservative (s)or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises a preservative such as potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, methyl hydroxybenzoate, propylparaben and the like.

In an embodiment, the preservative used is potassium sorbate.

In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises an anti-freeze agent such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, methanol and the like.

In an embodiment, the anti-freeze agent used is propylene glycol.

In an embodiment, the bait composition according to present invention is in a form of a suspension concentrate, a suspo-emulsion concentrate, a tank mix composition or a ready -to-use liquid composition.

The composition is supplied to the end-user as a liquid concentrate, such as a suspension concentrate, a suspo-emulsion concentrate, or a solution. The end-user then dilutes the concentrate with water to form a tankmix composition having the desired concentration. The end-user can also mix various additives, insecticides or semiochemicals with the concentrate; and water.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparing a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water;
wherein the process comprises steps of
i) preparing a solution comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant and water;
ii) adding at least one anionic surfactant and a yeast extract to the solution; and
iii) mixing the suspension obtained in step ii).

In yet another embodiment, step i) or ii) of the process comprises adding at least one semiochemical/s.In yet another embodiment, the solution of step i) optionally comprises semiochemical/s.

In yet another embodiment, the semiochemicals are selected from synthetic/naturally occurring pheromones, para-pheromones, kairomones or combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the solution of step i) may additionally comprise an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

The agrochemically acceptable excipient is selected from the group comprising aqueous or organic solvent(s), buffering agent(s), acidifier(s), surfactant(s), wetting agent(s), spreading agent(s), tackifier(s), sticker(s), carrier(s), filler(s), thickener(s), emulsifier(s), dispersant(s), sequestering agent(s), anti-settling agent(s), coalescing agent(s), rheology modifier(s), viscosity modifier(s), defoaming agent(s), photo-protector(s), anti-freeze agent(s), biocide(s), penetrant(s), mineral or vegetable oil(s), pigment(s) and drift control agent(s), preservative (s) or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is aqueous or organic solvent(s).

In an embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipient is a thickener(s).

In an embodiment, the thickener is selected from the group consisting of alginate, cellulose, gellant gum, xanthan gum, rhamnose, silk fibroin, sericin, chitosan, carrageenan, dextrin, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, hydroxypropyl chitosan, sodium alginate, potassium alginate, propylene glycol alginate, starch, pectin, maltodextrin, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, psyllium and combinations thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the thickener is xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol or combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the step ii) may further comprise adding another semiochemical/s selected from kairomone/s or an attractant.
In an embodiment, the semiochemical/s is kairomone such as phagostimulant selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, carbohydrates or amino acids; an attractant selected from group comprising of, but not limited to, phenylacetaldehyde, ammonium acetate, phenylacetic acid, ethyl phenylacetate and ethyl acetate; or combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the suspension of step ii) may comprise an agrochemically acceptable excipient.

In an embodiment, the step ii) of the process further comprises adding at least one fungistatic agent.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparing a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant;
d) at least one fungistatic agent; and
e) water;
wherein the process comprises steps of
i) preparing a solution comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant and water;
ii) adding at least one anionic surfactant, at least one fungistatic agent and a yeast extract to the solution; and
iii) mixing the suspension obtained in step ii).

In an embodiment, the process for preparing bait composition is carried out at temperature ranging from 20°C to 45°C.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait composition in a location that is accessible to insect pests, wherein the bait composition comprises of
a) a yeast extract; and
b) at least one anionic surfactant.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait composition in a location that is accessible to insect pests, wherein the bait composition comprises of
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait composition in a location that is accessible to insect pests, wherein the bait composition comprises of
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) at least one fungistatic agent.; and
e) water
The bait composition according to present invention is not sex-specific and attracts both male and female insects.
In an embodiment, the insect pests are from order and family- Coleoptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Heteroptera, Neuroptera, Homoptera, Psocoptera, Araneae, Stylommatophora, and the like; or of the family – Anobiidae, Neriidae, Phoridae, Proctotrupidae, Sciaridae, Hydropsychidae, Cetoniidae, Cetoniinae, Milichiidae, Madizinae, Syrphidae, Syrphinae, Eulophidae, Tetrastichinae, Crambidae, Crambinae, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Otiorhynchini, Nitidulidae, Carpophilinae, Carpophilini, Scarabaeidae, Valginae, Valgini, Calliphoridae, Calliphorinae, Polleniini, Drosophilidae, Drosophilinae, Drosophilini, Muscidae, Coenosiinae, Coenosiini, Muscidae, Phaoniinae, Atherigonini, Phoridae, Metopiinae, Metopinini, Sarcophagidae, Miltogrammatinae, Miltogrammatini, Tephritidae, Dacinae, Ceratitini, Tephritidae, Dacinae, Dacini, Ulidiidae, Ulidiinae, Lipsanini, Miridae, Orthotylinae, Orthotylini, Braconidae, Opiinae, Opiini, Papilionidae, Papilioninae, Papilionini, Tortricidae, Olethreutinae, Vespidae, Grapholitini, Chrysopidae, Chrysopinae, Ankylopterygini, and Chrysopini.
In an embodiment, the insect pests are fruit flies.
In an embodiment, the insect pests belong to family-Tephritidae.
The insects include but not limiting to Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera correcta and Bactrocera zonata, Bractrocera cucurbitae, Bactrocera tau, Bactrocera diversa, Cceratitis capitata, Drosophila suzuki, Musca domestica and other fruit flies. In an embodiment, the bait composition is in bait station.
In an embodiment, the bait station is McPhail trap or locally handmade bottle traps.
In an embodiment, the bait station comprises 10ml to 30 ml of bait composition in 300ml to 500ml of water.
In an embodiment, the method for attracting insect pests comprises of placing 10 to 15 bait stations comprising bait composition according to present invention per acre of the infested land/area.

In an embodiment, the bait station comprising bait composition is placed, at the time of flowering or at early fruiting stage, in a location that is accessible to insects at least 3 feet above ground level in a zig-zag manner while maintaining the distance between two bait stations of at least 15 metres.
In an embodiment, the insects are attracted to the bait composition and killed by drowning in the liquid composition placed in bait station.
In another embodiment, the bait composition optionally comprises an insecticide.
In an embodiment, the insecticide is either added in premix or is mixed externally in tank mix with the composition of the present invention.
In an embodiment, the insects are attracted to the bait composition and killed by insecticide present in the composition.

In an embodiment, the bait station optionally comprises a wooden lure adsorbed with pheromone or parapheromone or a kairomone; positioned inside the bait station.
In an embodiment, the wooden lure is hung inside the bait station.
In an embodiment, the bait composition may comprise a pheromone or para-pheromone or a kairomone.
In an embodiment, the bait composition may comprise a pheromone that attracts insects of the order or family - Coleoptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Heteroptera, Neuroptera, Homoptera, Psocoptera, Araneae, Stylommatophora, and the like; or of the family – Anobiidae, Neriidae, Phoridae, Proctotrupidae, Sciaridae, Hydropsychidae, Cetoniidae, Cetoniinae, Milichiidae, Madizinae, Syrphidae, Syrphinae, Eulophidae, Tetrastichinae, Crambidae, Crambinae, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Otiorhynchini, Nitidulidae, Carpophilinae, Carpophilini, Scarabaeidae, Valginae, Valgini, Calliphoridae, Calliphorinae, Polleniini, Drosophilidae, Drosophilinae, Drosophilini, Muscidae, Coenosiinae, Coenosiini, Muscidae, Phaoniinae, Atherigonini, Phoridae, Metopiinae, Metopinini, Sarcophagidae, Miltogrammatinae, Miltogrammatini, Tephritidae, Dacinae, Ceratitini, Tephritidae, Dacinae, Dacini, Ulidiidae, Ulidiinae, Lipsanini, Miridae, Orthotylinae, Orthotylini, Braconidae, Opiinae, Opiini, Papilionidae, Papilioninae, Papilionini, Tortricidae, Olethreutinae, Vespidae, Grapholitini, Chrysopidae, Chrysopinae, Ankylopterygini, and Chrysopini.
In an embodiment, the bait composition comprises a pheromone that attracts insects of the order Tephritidae.
In an embodiment, the bait composition may comprise a para-pheromone such as methyl eugenol.
In an embodiment, the bait composition may comprise a para-pheromone such as cuelure.
In an embodiment, there is provided a method for attracting and killing insect pests, comprising: placing the bait composition according to present invention, in a location that is accessible to insects.
In an embodiment, there is provided a method for attracting and trapping insect pests, comprising: placing the bait composition according to present invention, in a location that is accessible to insects.In an embodiment, there is provided a method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait station comprising bait composition according to present invention at the time of flowering or at early fruiting stage in a location that is accessible to insects at least 3 feet above ground level in a zig-zag manner with a distance between two bait stations of at least 15 metres.
In an embodiment, the bait station comprising bait composition is placed at the time of flowering or at early fruiting stage in a location that is accessible to insects at least 3 feet above ground level in a zig-zag manner with a distance between two bait stations of at least 15 metres.
In an embodiment, the bait station is placed at about 5 feet above the ground level.
In an embodiment, the distance between two bait stations is of about 20 to 25 metres.
The term “zig-zag manner” means a series of short, sharp angles or turns in alternate directions, as in a line.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling insect pests, comprising:
(i) placing a bait composition in a location that is accessible to insect pests,
(ii) exposing the insect pests with an effective amount of insecticide.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait station comprising bait composition and a wooden lure adsorbed with pheromone or parapheromone or a kairomone in a location that is accessible to insect pests;
wherein the bait composition comprises of
(i) a yeast extract;
(ii) at least one anionic surfactant;
(iii) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
(iv) at least one fungistatic agent.
In an embodiment, the bait station is McPhail trap or locally handmade bottle traps.
In an embodiment, the wooden lure adsorbed is positioned inside the bait station.
In an embodiment, the wooden lure is hung inside the bait station.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided use of composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water;
for attracting insects in applications, including
i. Agriculture
ii. Pest control
iii. Animal husbandry
In an embodiment, said composition is used to attract and/or kill insect pests as a tactic in integrated management of pests of agricultural crops.
In an embodiment, said composition is used to attract insect pests in animal husbandry application such as poultry farm, piggery farms and the like; to control insect infestation.
EXAMPLES
The following examples are presented to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of procedures and conceptual aspects of this invention. The examples provided below are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the same to disclosed embodiments. Variations and changes obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope and nature of the invention.

Nitrogen content analysis of Yeast Extract:
The nitrogen content of yeast extract was measured by the Kjeldahl method. For one of the sample the total nitrogen content was found to be 10.84%; said sample of yeast extract was used for preparing bait composition in examples provided below.
Example 1: Bait composition
Ingredients % (w/w)
Yeast Extract 20
sodium salt of sulfonated aromatic polymer
(anionic surfactant) 0.25
Ethoxylated castor oil
(non-ionic surfactant) 2
Phagostimulant 5
Kairomone 2
Fungistatic agent 5
Preservative 2
Xanthan gum
(Thickener) 0.6
Water Q.S.
*Quantities in above table is provided in weight percentages
*Q.S. is an abbreviation for Quantum satis

To required quantity of ethoxylated castor oil (non-ionic surfactant) was added water under continuous agitation to obtain a solution. To this solution was then added sodium salt of sulfonated aromatic polymer (anionic surfactant), potassium sorbate (preservative), sugar (phagostimulant), ammonium acetate (kairomone), calcium carbonate (fungistatic agent) and yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 10.84% by weight. To the mixture obtained xanthan gum (thickener) was added under stirring to obtain a bait composition.

Comparative Example 1:
Ingredients % (w/w)
Yeast Extract 20
Ethoxylated castor oil 2
Phagostimulant 5
Kairomone 2
Fungistatic agent 5
Preservative 2
Xanthan gum 0.6
Water Q.S.
*Quantities in above table is provided in weight percentages
*Q.S. is an abbreviation for Quantum satis
The composition was prepared according to example 1 provided above, except for anionic surfactant i.e., sodium salt of sulfonated aromatic polymer was not added in the composition.
Example 2: Bait composition with insecticide
Ingredients % (w/w)
Yeast Extract 20
Anionic surfactant 0.75
Non-ionic surfactant 2
Cypermethrin 0.55
Sugar 5
Preservative 2
Kairomone 2
Fungistatic agent 5
Thickener 0.7
Water Q.S.

To required quantity of non-ionic surfactant was added cypermethrin and water under continuous agitation to obtain a solution. To the solution was then added anionic surfactant, preservative, sugar, kairomone, fungistatic agent and yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 10.84% by weight. To the mixture obtained the thickener was added under stirring to obtain a bait composition.

The non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, preservative, kairomone, fungistatic agent and thickener used are in accordance with example 1.

Example 3: Bait composition with para-pheromone (methyl eugenol)
Ingredients % (w/w)
Yeast Extract 20
Anionic surfactant 0.25
Non-ionic surfactant 2
Methyl Eugenol 5.2
Sugar 5
Preservative 2
Kairomone 2
Fungistatic agent 5
Thickener 1.3
Water Q.S.

To required quantity of non-ionic surfactant was added methyl eugenol and water under continuous agitation to obtain a solution. To the solution was then added anionic surfactant, preservative, sugar, kairomone, stabilizer and yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 10.84% by weight. To the mixture obtained the thickener was added under stirring to obtain a bait composition.
The non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, preservative, kairomone, fungistatic agent and thickener used are in accordance with example 1.

Example 4: Bait composition with insecticide and para-pheromone
Ingredients % (w/w)
Yeast Extract 20
Anionic surfactant 0.75
Non-ionic surfactant 2
methyl eugenol 5.2
Cypermethrin 0.55
Sugar 5
Preservative 2
Kairomone 7
Fungistatic agent 5
Thickener 1.5
Water Q.S.

To required quantity of non-ionic surfactant was added pheromone, cypermethrin and water under continuous agitation to obtain a solution. To the solution was then added anionic surfactant, preservative, kairomone/s, fungistatic agentand yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 10.84% by weight. To the mixture obtained the thickener was added under stirring to obtain a bait composition.

The non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, preservative, kairomone, fungistatic agent and thickener used are in accordance with example 1.
Examples 5-7 & Comparative Example 2:
Ingredients Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Comparative example 2
% (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w)
Yeast Extract 20 20 20 20
sodium salt of sulfonated aromatic polymer 0.25 0 0 0.25
Modified styrene acrylic polymer 0 0.25 0 0
Potassium polycarboxylate 0 0 0.25 0
Ethoxylated castor oil 2 2 2 2
Sugar 5 5 5 5
Ammonium acetate 2 2 2 2
Calcium carbonate 5 5 5 0
Potassium Sorbate 2 2 2 2
Propylene Glycol 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
Xanthan gum 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6
Polyvinyl alcohol 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
Water Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.
*Quantities in above table is provided in weight percentages
*Q.S. is an abbreviation for Quantum satis

The composition of examples 5 to 7 and comparative example 2 were prepared according to example 1 provided above, except for in comparative example 2 fungistatic agent i.e., calcium carbonate was not added.

Physico-chemical characterization
The composition of above examples Example-1, 3, 4 and comparative example 1 was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters. The composition appeared to be light brown to brown liquid composition and remained as such in accelerated heat storage (AHS) study conducted at 54°C for 14 days. The active content of methyl eugenol and cypermethrin remained quite stable in composition, wherever used. The composition according to present invention did not show any visible signs of agglomeration/sedimentation or phase separation. The composition was found to be stable at 0°C after 7 days as per CIPAC guidelines (MT 39.3); and at 54°C after 14 days as per CIPAC guidelines (MT 46.3).

Table 1:
Example No. 1 Comparative Example 1 3 4
Test Parameter Ambient 2 Weeks (54°C, AHS) Ambient 2 Weeks (54°C, AHS) Ambient 2 Weeks (54°C, AHS) Ambient 2 Weeks (54°C, AHS)
Colour Light Brown Brown Light Brown Brown Light Brown Brown Light Brown Brown
Methyl Eugenol - - - - 5.12 5.02 5.26 5.09
Cypermethrin - - - - - - 0.52 0.52
Phase Separation Not observed Not observed Curdy 16% phase separation Not observed Not observed Not observed Not observed
pH (1% Aq. Suspension) 6.96 7.4 Not tested Not tested 7.01 7.5 7.1 7.4

Demonstration of effect of fungistatic agent in composition
The 5g of composition of Example 5 and comparative example 2 were taken and diluted with 100ml of water. Each test sample 15 mL was dispensed in sterilized petri plates in triplicate and inoculated with 100 µL spores suspension plates were incubated for 6-7 days at 28-30 °C. The spore suspension was prepared by scrapping spores from guava leaves and adding to 0.05% Tween 80 solution in sterilized distilled water. The mixture was mixed vigorously to get uniform spores suspension (For the inoculum, spores density was adjusted to 5 x 106 per ml of spores suspension). The amount of fungus growth inhibition was assessed visually across the surface of the plate. These were scored from 0-5, where 0 indicates greatest relative inhibition, and 3 indicates no inhibition; results are shown in Table below.

Sample Sooty Mold Growth visual observations
Example 5 0
comparative example 2 5

It can be concluded from above table that the fungus growth on bait composition as per the present invention is inhibited as compared to composition provided in comparative example 2.
Field trials

1) For Fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis)
Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most economically important pest species in the world, attacking a wide range of fruits and fleshy vegetables, fruit flies comprise over 4000 species distributed globally throughout all the temperate, subtropical and tropical climatic zones. The genus Bactrocera alone includes about 500 species and in India, about eight species of genus Bactrocera are identified. These species are highly devastating crop pests and suppression/eradication of these fruit flies has often been the goal of control programs. However, most of programs involve use of pheromones/para-pheromones to attract male insects; without targeting female insects. It is to be note that an adult female of species Bactrocera dorsalis produces an average of over 1,400 eggs in a life span of about 80 days. The oviposition rate is reported to be about 130 eggs per day. The female inserts eggs in small clusters inside the mesocarp of the fruit, after hatching the young larvae feed on the pulp thus making the fruits unmarketable/unconsumable. Hence, it is crucial to suppress/eradicate both the sexes of the fruit flies to control the damage of fruit/vegetable crops. The bait composition of present invention targets both male and female insects, the field trials were conducted using tank-mix composition and premix composition as follows.
Experiment No. 1: Determination of efficacy of bait composition to attract fruit flies (Location: Nasik, India)

20ml of bait composition according to example 3 was added to 100ml of water, to this mixture commercially available Deltamethrin 11% emulsion concentrate @0.5ml was then added. The composition thus obtained was used as a tank mix composition in field trials.

Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of bait composition of present invention for control of fruit flies in Guava field. The tank mix composition was poured in McPhail trap and the trap was hung on the branch of tree without touching other branches and approximately, 5 feet above the ground. Between two McPhail traps gap of 20 meters- 25 meters was maintained.

Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Crop Guava
2 Target Pest Oriental fruit fly
3 Crop Stage Fruiting
4 No of Traps 3

Methodology & Observations:
Studies were conducted and the insect captured in traps were counted manually, and the observations were recorded on weekly basis in order to evaluate efficacy of the bait composition. The total fruit flies captured during this period are calculated and presented in Table 2.

Table 2
Treatment Mean No. of Fruit Fly Catches/trap Total fruit flies catches/Trap
Week1 Week2 Week 3 Week 4
Experiment No. 1 21.0 200.7 370.7 106.0 698.3

Experiment No. 2: Determination of efficacy of bait composition to attract fruit flies (Location: Ratnagiri, India)
20ml of bait composition according to example 3 was added to 100ml of water, to this mixture commercially available cypermethrin @0.5ml was then added. The composition thus obtained was used as a tank mix composition in field trials.
Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of bait composition of present invention for control of fruit flies in Mango field. The tank mix composition was poured in McPhail trap and the trap was hung on the branch of tree without touching other branches and approximately, 5 feet above the ground. Between two McPhail traps gap of 20 meters- 25 meters was maintained.
Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Crop Mango/Alphanso
2 Target Pest Oriental fruit fly
3 Crop Stage At the time of flowering/early fruiting stage
4 No of Traps 4
5 Trap Height Installed at lower branch about 5 feet above ground level
6 Trial area 1 acre

Methodology & Observations:
Studies were conducted and the insect captured in traps were counted manually, and the observations were recorded on 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th day in order to evaluate efficacy of the bait composition. The total fruit flies captured during this period are calculated and presented in Table 3 below.

Experiment No. 3: Determination of efficacy of bait composition to attract fruit flies
A premix bait composition as prepared in example 4 used for field trial. Experimental conditions, methodology and location was same as provided in Experiment 2. The insect captured in traps were counted manually, and the observations were recorded on 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th day in order to evaluate efficacy of the bait composition. The total fruit flies captured during this period are calculated and presented in Table 3 below.

Experiment No. 4 (Comparative): Using conventional method
A comparative study was conducted using a commercially available methyl eugenol lure instead of bait composition according to present invention. Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of bait composition of present invention for control of fruit flies in Mango field. The lure was hung inside the McPhail trap with mixture of 100ml of water and 0.5ml of commercially available cypermethrin poured in McPhail trap.
All other condition were kept same as in experiments 2 and 3. The insect captured in traps were counted manually, and the observations were recorded on 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th day. The total fruit flies captured during this period are calculated and presented in Table 3 below.

Table 3
Treatment Mean No. of Fruit Fly Catches/trap
10th day 20th day 30th day 40th day 50th day 60th day 70th day
Experiment No. 2 2749 2401 2144 1802 3003 2243 1418
Experiment No. 3 3542 3194 2937 2595 3796 3036 2211
Experiment No. 4 (comparative) 750 602 470 348 904 644 319

It can be concluded from above table that the bait composition as per the present invention exhibits better efficacy in attracting/catching the fruit flies than the commercially available lure.

Experiment No. 5: Determination of efficacy of bait composition to attract fruit flies of both sexes.
20ml of bait composition according to example 3 was added to 100ml of water, to this mixture commercially available Deltamethrin 11% emulsion concentrate @0.5ml was then added. The composition thus obtained was used as tank mix composition in field trials.
Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of bait composition of present invention to attract fruit flies of both sexes in Mango field. The tank mix composition was poured in McPhail trap and the trap was hung on the branch of tree without touching other branches and approximately, 5 feet above the ground. Between two McPhail traps gap of 20 meters- 25 meters was maintained.
Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Crop Mango
2 Target Pest Oriental fruit fly
3 Crop Stage Fruiting
4 No of Traps 2

Methodology & Observations:
Studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of bait composition to attract both male and female fruit flies. The insects captured in Mcphail trap on 10th, 20th and 30th day were taken and segregated with respect to sex of insect for determination of sex ratio. The insects were counted manually, and the results are presented in Table 4.
Note: Only adult female fruit flies having slender and sharply pointed ovipositor were segregated as females, females without ovipositor were considered in male insects.
Table 4
Treatment Mean No. of fruit Fly catches/ trap Total catches/trap Sex (M:F) Ratio
10th Day 20th Day 30th Day
M F M F M F M F
Experiment No. 5 79 45.5 220 46.5 264 41 563 133 4.23:1
M = Number of male flies trapped;
F = Number of male flies trapped.

It is therefore concluded that the bait composition according to present invention attracted both male and female fruit flies efficiently and hence, is effective in controlling population of fruit flies to great extent.

2) For Melon fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae)
Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of bait composition of present invention for attracting/mass trapping of melon flies in watermelon field. The composition comprising 20ml of bait composition according to example 5 and 200ml of water was poured in McPhail trap and a wooden block lure containing cuelure was tied on transparent dome / cover of McPhail trap. This trap was hung on the branch of tree without touching other branches and approximately, 5 feet above the ground. Between two McPhail traps gap of 20 meters- 25 meters was maintained.
Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Crop Watermelon
2 Target Pest Melon Fly- Bactrocera cucurbitae
3 Crop Stage At the time of Flowering/ early fruiting Stage.
4 No of Traps 30 Traps Per ha

Methodology & Observations:
The insect captured in traps were counted manually, and the observations were recorded on weekly basis in order to evaluate efficacy of the bait composition. It was observed that the bait composition efficiently attracted both male and female melon flies. On day 1 of application, after 24 hours 12 flies on an average were trapped per trap; after a week the count was more than 1000 flies per trap. After about 20 days, the number of flies trapped were weighed and found to be 200g per trap (as the number of flies were too many to count).

3) For Mediterranean fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata)
Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of bait composition of present invention for attracting/ mass trapping of mediterranean fruit fly in fruit crops. The composition comprising 20ml of bait composition according to example 5 and 200ml of water was poured in McPhail trap and a wooden block lure containing a-copene was tied on transparent dome / cover of McPhail trap. This trap was hung on the branch of tree without touching other branches and approximately, 5 feet above the ground. Between two McPhail traps gap of 20 meters- 25 meters was maintained.

Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Crop Fruit crops
2 Target Pest Mediterranean fruit Fly- Ceratitis capitata
3 Crop Stage At the time of Flowering/ early fruiting Stage.
4 No of Traps 30 Traps Per ha

Methodology & Observations:
4) The insect captured in traps were counted manually, and the observations were recorded on weekly basis in order to evaluate efficacy of the bait composition. It was observed that the bait composition efficiently attracted both male and female Mediterranean fruit Fly- Ceratitis capitata.For housefly (Musca domestica)
Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of bait composition of present invention for attracting/ trapping of houseflies. The composition comprising 20ml of bait composition according to example 5 and 200ml of water was poured in McPhail trap. This trap was hung on the branch of tree without touching other branches and approximately, 5 feet above the ground. Between two McPhail traps gap of 20 meters- 25 meters was maintained.

Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Crop Mango
2 Target Pest Houseflies-Musca domestica
3 Crop Stage Fruiting Stage.
4 No. of Traps 30 Traps Per ha

Methodology & Observations:
The insect captured in traps were counted manually, and the observations were recorded on weekly basis in order to evaluate efficacy of the bait composition. It was observed that post 2 weeks, the bait composition efficiently attracted houseflies (Musca domestica). The total house flies captured during this period are calculated and presented in Table 5.
Table 5
Treatment Mean No. of house flies Catches/trap Total house flies catches/Trap
Week2 Week 3 Week 4
Composition according to example 5 14.25 40.5 278 332.7

It is therefore concluded that the bait composition according to present invention efficiently attracts houseflies and hence, is effective in controlling population of these flies to great extent.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. A bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the yeast extract is derived from yeast belonging to genus Saccharomyces.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 1% w/w to about 50% w/w yeast extract.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein said yeast extract has a total nitrogen content ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the extract.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 20% w/w anionic surfactant.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 30% w/w non-ionic surfactant.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a fungistatic agent.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fungistatic agent is alkali, alkaline or ammonium salts selected from carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, phosphonates, phosphites, silicates, chlorides, sorbates, propionates, or benzoates; preferably the fungistatic agent is selected from calcium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, calcium silicate, potassium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium phosphonate, sodium phosphonate, calcium phosphonate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, aluminium chloride, calcium chloride, manganese chloride, ammonium chloride, potassium phosphite, calcium phosphite, sodium phosphite, calcium propionate, calcium sorbate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bait composition comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w fungistatic agent.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition optionally, comprises one or more of the following
a) an insecticide;
b) one or more semiochemical/s selected from pheromones, para-pheromones, allelochemicals or combination thereof.

11. A bait composition comprising
a) about 5% w/w to about 40% w/w yeast extract having total nitrogen content of about 5% to about 20% by weight;
b) about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w anionic surfactant;
c) about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w a non-ionic surfactant;
d) about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w fungistatic agent; and
e) water;
wherein the fungus growth on composition is inhibited when exposed to environmental conditions.

12. A process for preparing a bait composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water;
wherein the process comprises steps of
i) preparing a solution comprising at least one non-ionic surfactant and water;
ii) adding at least one anionic surfactant and a yeast extract to the solution; and
iii) mixing the suspension obtained in step ii).

13. A method for attracting insect pests, comprising:
placing a bait composition in a location that is accessible to insect pests, wherein the bait composition comprises of
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bait composition is in bait station.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bait station is McPhail trap or locally handmade bottle traps; and said bait station comprises 10ml to 30 ml of bait composition diluted with 300ml to 500ml of water.

16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises of placing 10 to 15 bait stations per acre of the infested land/area.

17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bait station comprising bait composition is placed, at the time of flowering or at early fruiting stage, in a location that is accessible to insects at least 3 feet above ground level in a zig-zag manner while maintaining the distance between two bait stations of at least 15 metres.
18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bait station optionally, comprises a wooden lure adsorbed with pheromone or parapheromone or a kairomone; positioned inside the bait station.

19. Use of a composition comprising
a) a yeast extract;
b) at least one anionic surfactant;
c) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and
d) water
for attracting insects in applications, including
i. Agriculture
ii. Pest control
iii. Animal husbandry

Dated this 09th day of April 2025