DESC:
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a mating disruption dispenser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mating disruption dispenser comprising a pheromone composition. The present invention further relates to a mating disruption dispenser releasing pheromone at a constant-rate and method of controlling the population of pink bollworm using said dispenser.

Background of the Invention:
Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a lepidopteran insect that causes severe damage to cotton and is the most destructive pest of cotton, worldwide. Pink bollworm management in cotton is complex because of its concealed feeding habit within the cotton bolls. It burrows into cotton bolls and feeds on the cotton seeds. In the process they destroy the cotton lint. This insect pest is difficult to control, and conventional pesticides have not provided desirable results due to resistance development.

In recent years there has been an increased awareness and interest in biological control of insect pests as an alternative to the use of chemical pesticides. Reasons for this interest include insect resistance to traditional pesticides, public concern for the environment, food safety, and user’s health.

One biological control method proven to be successful is the use of synthetic insect sex pheromones for pest control by mating disruption. Pheromones are behavior modifying chemicals, that act as signals to other insects of the same species. Typically, for mating disruption, a small amount of pheromone is released from a dispenser or carrier material at a level above the concentration released by female insects. Because of this, the male insects are unable to locate female insects and this inability to find a mate will then control future populations of the insect pest.

Insect control with pheromones requires a controlled- release of the target pest's sex pheromone at the appropriate time, location, and concentration to prevent males from chemically locating and mating with fertile females, and thus control future generations. To make mating disruption with pheromones competitive with conventional methods of insect control, an efficient application and system that release the pheromones in a constant-rate and continuous manner throughout the field or orchard are needed.

Sustained release dispenser wherein pheromone is packed in tubes is disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,600,146 and 4,834,745. The application of these tube dispensers suffers from a limitation with regards to their flexibility in manufacture of the dispensers and in with regards to loading of the dispensers with active ingredients.

U.S. Patent No. 4,923,119 discloses a bag-like sustained-release dispenser which contains pink bollworm sex pheromone compound of insects in form of liquid. Use of pheromone in liquid form might lead to spillage, further in hot conditions the liquid might release more pheromone than that is required leading to wastage of chemical and replacement of dispenser multiple times.

IN202041042517 discloses sustained release solid formulations containing pink bollworm pheromone viz., mono-layered tablets, bi-layered tablets and mini tablets or polo type tablets which are capable of gradually releasing a pheromone substance. The solid formulation consists of multiple excipients and high amount of lubricant along with the pheromone.

Thus, there is a need for to develop a mating disruption product which overcomes one or more drawbacks of prior art stated above, is simple, economic and which allows constant-rate release of the pheromone throughout the life cycle of cotton plant with least exposure of pheromones to end users.

Object of the invention:
1. An object of the present invention is to provide a mating disruption dispenser for pink bollworm.
2. Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly effective mating disruption dispenser for pink bollworm that allows constant-rate release of the pheromone.
3. Another object of the present invention is to provide a single dose mating disruption dispenser for pink bollworm that is effective throughout the life cycle of cotton plant avoiding re-application.
4. Another object of the present invention is to provide a granular pheromone composition for effective mating disruption of pink bollworm.

Summary of the invention:
The present invention relates to a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition in a sealed chamber. The present invention further relates to a mating disruption dispenser releasing pheromone at a constant-rate and method of controlling the population of pink bollworm using said dispenser.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and
wherein said dispenser is effective throughout the life cycle of cotton plant.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and
wherein said dispenser in single dose is effective throughout the life cycle of cotton plant.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said pheromone composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and
wherein the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.05 to 2.5mg/day.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the population of pink bollworm in an agriculturally used area, comprising installing a mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention in the agriculturally used area and/or on the plants growing in said area wherein said dispenser releases pheromone to disrupt the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention for disrupting the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

Brief Description of Drawings
Fig. 1 illustrates residual pheromone content (%) over 120 days in mating disruption dispenser according to present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates image of mating disruption dispenser in accordance with present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates an image of mating disruption dispenser in accordance with present disclosure installed/mounted on a cotton plant.

Fig. 4a shows quality of cotton in fields wherein mating disruption dispenser in accordance with present disclosure are installed.

Fig. 4b shows quality of cotton in untreated fields.

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 terms “dispenser” used herein the specification means a permeable polymeric chamber along with solid carrier containing pheromone composition.

The terms “mating disruption dispenser” and “mating disruptor” are used interchangeably throughout the specification.

The term “life cycle of cotton plant” used herein means duration of plant life i.e., about 120 to 160 days.

The terms “applying” or “installing” or “mounting” or “placing” or “stationing” or “positioning” used throughout the specification with reference to mating disruption dispenser according to present invention have same meaning, unless specified otherwise.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruptor comprising a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruptor comprising a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate, and wherein said solid carrier is in the form of granules.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier is composed of an inorganic material and a binder.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is selected from, but not limited to, precipitated silica, colloidal silica, attapulgite, china clay, talc, kaolin, amorphous silica, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, magnesium aluminum silicate, white carbon black, pyrophyllite, dolomite, soap stone and/or combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier comprises from about 80% w/w to about 99% w/w of inorganic material based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is selected from precipitated silica, talc, china clay, kaolin or combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is combination of precipitated silica, talc and kaolin.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is combination comprising about 20% w/w to about 70% w/w of talc; about 10% w/w to about 70% w/w of kaolin; and about 0.5% w/w to about 50% w/w of precipitated silica.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is combination comprising about 30% w/w to about 70% w/w of talc; about 30% w/w to about 70% w/w of kaolin; and about 0.5% w/w to about 5% w/w of precipitated silica.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is combination comprising about 20% w/w to about 40% w/w of talc; about 10% w/w to about 30% w/w of kaolin; and about 20% w/w to about 50% w/w of precipitated silica.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is combination of china clay and kaolin.
In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is combination comprising about 30% w/w to about 70% w/w of china clay and about 30% w/w to about 70% w/w kaolin.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material used is combination comprising about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w of china clay and about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w kaolin.

In an embodiment, the binder comprises a water-soluble macromolecular substance.

The water-soluble macromolecular substance is selected from, but not limited to polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene imide, and synthetic or natural gum like hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, lignin and sugar.

In an embodiment, the binder used is selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w of binder based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier comprises from about 0.3% w/w to about 15% w/w of binder based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier comprises from about 0.5% w/w to about 12% w/w of binder based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier may optionally comprise of a colouring agent.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier used is in any form selected from, but not limited to, powder, granules, pellets, rod-shaped, lozenges, blocks and the likes. Preferably, the solid carrier is used in form of granules.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser comprising a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate, and wherein said solid carrier is in the form of granules.
In an embodiment, the diameter of the carrier granules ranges from about 0.1mm to about 10mm and the length ranges from about 1mm to about 40mm.

In an embodiment, the diameter of the carrier granules ranges from about 0.2mm to about 8mm and the length ranges from about 2mm to about 30mm.

In an embodiment, the diameter of the carrier granules ranges from about 0.3mm to about 5mm and the length ranges from about 3mm to about 20mm.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises of (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises of (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 10:90 to 90:10, preferably in the ratio of about 20:80 to 80:20.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises of (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 30:70 to 70:30, preferably in the ratio of about 40:60 to 60:40.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises of (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 50:50.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier contains from about 0.5% w/w to about 20% w/w of pheromone composition based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier contains from about 0.5% w/w to about 10% w/w of pheromone composition based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier contains from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w of pheromone composition based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the dispenser contains from about 1g to 5g of pheromone composition per 100g of solid carrier.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition further comprises a stabilizer and a solvent.

The stabilizer used is selected from, but not limited to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate (PG) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) epoxide of a natural occurring oil, natural occurring vitamins C and E, selenium, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, a-tocopherol and the likes.

In an embodiment, the stabilizer used is butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

In an embodiment, the solvent used is selected from, but not limited to, water, n-hexane, heptane, petroleum ether, toluene, ethyl acetate and the likes.

In an embodiment, the solvent used is n-hexane.

In an embodiment, said pheromone composition is prepared by mixing pheromone compounds i.e. (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate with stabilizer optionally in presence of a solvent.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises the pheromone compounds in an amount ranging from about 0.5% w/w to 20% w/w based on the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises said stabilizer in an amount ranging from about 0.5% w/w to 20% w/w based on the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment, the pheromone composition comprises said solvent in an amount ranging from about 0.5% w/w to 20% w/w based on the total weight of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser comprising a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said solid carrier comprises
i) about 80% w/w to about 99% w/w of an inorganic material based on the total weight of the solid carrier
ii) about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w of a binder based on the total weight of the solid carrier
iii) about 0.5% w/w to about 20% w/w of the pheromone composition based on the total weight of the solid carrier; and wherein the pheromone composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 90:10 to 10:90.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser comprising a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said solid carrier comprises
i) about 80% w/w to about 99% w/w of an inorganic material based on the total weight of the solid carrier
ii) about 0.5% w/w to about 12% w/w of a binder based on the total weight of the solid carrier
iii) about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w of the pheromone composition based on the total weight of the solid carrier; and wherein the pheromone composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 50:50.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier containing a pheromone composition is sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein the wall/s of the permeable polymeric chamber is made of a polymer film/s.

The polymer film used is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, copolymers of ethylene and amide, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polymers of vinyl chloride/alcohol and copolymers thereof, polymers of an acrylic acid ester or copolymers thereof, polymers of a methacrylic acid ester and copolymers thereof, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, or combinations thereof. Preferably, polyethylene or copolymers of ethylene and polyamide are used.

In an embodiment, the polymer film of polyethylene comprises of a combination of low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene.

In an embodiment, the polymer film of polyethylene comprises of a combination of low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene and metallocene.

In an embodiment, the polymer film of copolymer of ethylene and amide comprises of a low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene and polyamide.

In an embodiment, the polymer film of polyethylene or the copolymer of ethylene and amide may further comprise a binder and/or an adhesive.

In an embodiment, the polymer film of polyethylene or the copolymer of ethylene and amide is a metallocene-catalysed polyethylene or the copolymer of ethylene and amide.

In an embodiment, the polymer film is obtained by coextrusion.

It was observed that the permeability of the polymer film used for enclosing the solid carrier containing pheromone composition plays important role in the present invention. Different polymer film had different rate of emission for different sex pheromone, it may be too large for one sex pheromone while the rate of emission may be too small for other. When the rate of pheromone emission from a dispenser is too large, the serviceable life of the dispenser form is naturally unduly short. An unduly short serviceable life of a dispenser form may cause an uneconomically large consumption of manpower since distribution of the dispenser forms over the field must be repeated several times during a season in which the effect of the sex pheromone compound should be continuedly exhibited. Moreover, a serious problem may be sometimes caused that the desired effect of the pheromone compound can no longer be exhibited entirely at the latest stage of the serviceable life of the dispenser form due to exhaustion of the pheromone compound contained in the dispenser form.

When the rate of emission is too small, the desired effect of mating disruption shall not be achieved, and an economic disadvantage may be caused because a considerable portion of the sex pheromone compound initially contained in the dispenser form may be left unutilized therein still after expiration of the necessary length of time.

Hence, the inventors of present invention have skilfully selected the polymer film for enclosing/sealing solid carrier comprising pheromone composition.

In an embodiment, more than one films of polymer are laminated with another to obtain a laminated sheet, using conventionally known processes such as heat lamination or by using suitable adhesive. These laminated sheets form wall/s of the permeable polymeric chamber.

In an embodiment, the two laminate sheets are stacked are heat sealed along three sides, and then filled in with solid carrier and then heat lead on fourth side to form chamber.

In an embodiment, the two laminate sheets are stacked, and heat sealed along the four sides to form a chamber on inside.

Said chamber has capacity to hold about 1g to 20g of solid carrier containing a pheromone composition.

In an embodiment, the wall/s of the permeable polymeric chamber is made up of the laminated sheet composed of at least two or more layers of polymer films.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the wall/s of the permeable polymeric chamber is in the range from 80 microns to 400 microns.

In an embodiment, the wall/s of permeable polymeric chamber is composed of at least two layers of polymer films.

In an embodiment, the wall/s of permeable polymeric chamber is composed of at least two layers of polymer films of polyethylene having thickness in the range of 10 to 150 microns.

In an embodiment, the wall/s of permeable polymeric chamber is composed of at least two layers of polymer films of which one is of polyethylene having thickness in the range of 20 to 100 microns; and the other or each of the others, is of copolymer of ethylene and amide having thickness in the range of 80 to 160 microns.

According to an embodiment, the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.05 to 2.5mg/day.

According to an embodiment, the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.1 to 2mg/day.

According to an embodiment, the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.3 to 1.5mg/day.

In an embodiment, the dispenser has a means to attach to a plant/crop, said means is a wire, hook, rope, thread etc. to tie/hang the dispenser on the plant body.

In an embodiment, the dispenser contains from about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w of pheromone composition.

In an embodiment, the dispenser/s according to present invention, is/are packed in trilaminated aluminium pouch or high density polyethylene jars for storage and/or transportation.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for preparation of a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising at least one inorganic material and a binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce solid carrier; and
c) treating solid carrier obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment, step a) further comprises use of solvent.
In an embodiment, the solvent used is selected from, but not limited to, water, n-hexane, heptane, petroleum ether, toluene, ethyl acetate or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the solvent used is n-hexane.

In an embodiment, step a) further comprises use of a stabilizer for preparation of the dough.

The stabilizer used is selected from, but not limited to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate (PG) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) epoxide of a natural occurring oil, natural occurring vitamins C and E, selenium, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, a-tocopherol and the likes.

In an embodiment, the stabilizer used is butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

In an embodiment, the solid carrier is in form of granules.

In an embodiment, the diameter of solid carrier obtained in step b) is in the range of 0.3mm to 5mm.

In an embodiment, the length of granules obtained in step b) is in the range of 3mm to 20mm.

In an embodiment, the inorganic material is selected from talc, kaolin, precipitated silica, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the solid carrier produced in step b) are dried and then treated with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment, said pheromone composition is prepared by mixing pheromone compounds i.e. (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate with stabilizer optionally in presence of a solvent.

In an embodiment, said pheromone composition comprises of (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate, a stabilizer, and a solvent.

In an embodiment, said pheromone composition is impregnated into the carrier.

In another embodiment, said pheromone composition is sprayed onto the carrier.

In another embodiment, said pheromone composition is coated onto the carrier.

In another embodiment, said pheromone composition is adsorbed onto the carrier.

In another embodiment, said carrier is dipped into the pheromone composition.

In an embodiment, the solvent used for spraying or impregnation of pheromone composition onto the carrier is completely removed/evaporated.

In an embodiment, the solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition can be prepared using any of the conventional means, as known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. There are no limitations on the means, for example the means in which said carrier is immersed in the pheromone composition to impregnate the pheromone into the carrier, means in which the pheromone composition is sprayed onto the carrier so as to support the pheromone on the carrier, or any alike method can be adopted.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparation of the solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprises steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising talc, kaolin, precipitated silica and a binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules; and
c) treating granules obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparation of solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising about 20% w/w to about 70% w/w talc; about 10% w/w to about 70% w/w kaolin; about 0.5% w/w to 50% w/w of precipitated silica; and about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules; and
c) treating granules obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparation of solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising about 30% w/w to about 70% w/w talc; about 30% w/w to about 70% w/w kaolin; about 0.5% w/w to about 5%w/w precipitated silica; and 0.5% w/w to about 10% w/w binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules; and
c) treating granules obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparation of solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising about 20% w/w to about 40% w/w talc; about 10% w/w to about 30% w/w of kaolin; about 20% w/w to about 50% w/w precipitated silica; and about 5% w/w to about 12% w/w binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules; and
c) treating granules obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparation of solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising china clay; kaolin and a binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules; and
c) treating granules obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparation of solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising about 20% w/w to 70% w/w china clay; about 20% w/w to 70% w/w kaolin; and about 0.1% w/w to 5% w/w binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules; and
c) treating granules obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the process for preparation of solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
a) preparing a dough comprising about 40% w/w to 60% w/w china clay; about 40% w/w to 60% w/w kaolin; and about 0.1% w/w to 2% w/w binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce granules; and
c) treating granules obtained in step b) with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and
wherein said dispenser is effective throughout the life cycle of cotton plant.

According to an embodiment, the dispenser according to present invention is a single dose packet that is effective throughout the life cycle of cotton plant avoiding re-application.

According to an embodiment, the dispenser according to present invention is effective for the period of 120 to 160 days.

According to an embodiment, the dispenser is effective for the period of 120 to 160 days with a constant rate of pheromone emission.

According to an embodiment, the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.05 to 2.5mg/day.

According to an embodiment, the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.1 to 2mg/day.

According to an embodiment, the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.3 to 1.5mg/day.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and wherein said dispenser in single dose is effective throughout the life cycle of cotton plant.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprsing a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and wherein the rate of pheromone emission from said dispenser is in the range of 0.05 to 2.5mg/day.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and wherein said dispenser is effective for the period of 120 to 160 days with the rate of pheromone emission in the range of 0.05 to 2.5mg/day.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and wherein said dispenser is effective for the period of 120 to 160 days with the rate of pheromone emission in the range of 0.1 to 2mg/day.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate; and wherein said dispenser is effective for the period of 120 to 160 days with the rate of pheromone emission in the range of 0.3 to 1.5mg/day.

The cotton yield is highly reduced due to attack of pink bollworm bollworms. For controlling these pests, many insecticidal sprays were applied, which is harmful for environment and human health. The unseen residue of chemicals is continuously degrading the health of human, animals, soil, and plants. However, the present invention caters the need of controlling these pests without any adverse impact on human, animals, soil, or plant heath. This goal is achieved by using single dose mating disruption dispenser according to present invention and disrupting the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the population of pink bollworm in an agriculturally used area, comprising installing a mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention in the agriculturally used area and/or on the plants growing in said area wherein said dispenser releases pheromone to disrupt the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

In an embodiment, the mating disruption dispenser contains a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

In an embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling the population of pink bollworm in an agriculturally used area, comprising disrupting the mating behaviour of pink bollworm by installing/applying a mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention in the agriculturally used area and/or on the plants growing in said area.

In an embodiment, the mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention are installed/applied in the agriculturally used area and/or on the plants growing in said area after 10 to 70 days of sowing.

In an embodiment, the application rate is from about 100 to about 1000 dispensers per hectare.

In another embodiment, the application rate is from about 200 to about 900 dispensers per hectare.

In yet another embodiment, the application rate is from about 300 to about 800 dispensers per hectare.

In preferred embodiment, the application rate is from about 400 to about 700 dispensers per hectare.

In an embodiment, the method controls population of pink bollworm for more than about 100 days.

In an embodiment, the method controls population of pink bollworm for about 100 to 200 days.

In an embodiment, the method controls population of pink bollworm for about 120 to 160 days.

In embodiments, the method of the present disclosure comprise controlling the population of pink bollworm by at least about 50% after installing the mating disruption dispenser of the present disclosure to the agriculturally used area.

In embodiments, the methods comprise controlling the population of pink bollworm by at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least about 100% after installing the mating disruption dispenser of the present disclosure to the agriculturally used area. In an embodiment, the method includes controlling the population of pink bollworm relative to an untreated field.

In an embodiment, agriculturally used area is cotton growing farm/field. The plants growing in said area are cotton plants.

In an embodiment, the mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention are contacted with agriculturally used area and/or the plants growing in said area by tying said dispenser to the petiole/stem/branch of the plants.

In an embodiment of present invention, said method comprises installing about 100 to 700 mating disruption dispensers per hectare of agriculturally used area and/or the plants growing in said area.

In an embodiment, said method comprises releasing pink bollworm pheromone; disrupting the chemical communication between males and females of the species and thereby affecting overall reproduction of pink bollworm.

According to another embodiment there is provided a method of controlling infestation of a pink bollworm in cotton fields comprising releasing pink bollworm pheromone in infested area using a mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention and disrupting the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

Thus, in an embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling pink bollworm in cotton fields comprising installing a mating disruption dispenser comprising a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said pheromone composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

According to an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention reduces green boll damage by about 60% to 90% relative to an untreated field.

In an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention reduces green boll damage by at least 80% relative to an untreated field.

In an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention reduces green boll damage by 80% to 90% relative to an untreated field.

According to an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention reduces locule damage by about 30% to 90% relative to an untreated field.

In an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention reduces locule damage by about 40% to 90% relative to an untreated field.

In an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention, improves the yield of cotton by about 20% to about 40% relative to an untreated field.

In an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention, improves the yield of cotton by more than 30% relative to an untreated field.

In an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention, improves the yield of cotton by about 30% to 40% relative to an untreated field.

According to an embodiment, the method of controlling pink bollworm according to present invention provides better quality of cotton as represented in fig. 4a.

According to embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of improving yield and quality of cotton by controlling the population of pink bollworm in an agriculturally used area, comprising installing a mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention in the agriculturally used area and/or on the plants growing in said area wherein said dispenser releases pheromone to disrupt the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a mating disruption dispenser according to the present invention for disrupting the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

The invention shall now be described with reference to the following specific examples. It should be noted that the example(s) appended below illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLES
Example 1: Preparation of a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition (in form of granules)
Step 1: Preparation of solid carrier (in form of granules)
Ingredients Composition A (% w/w)
Precipitated Silica 2
Talc 50
Polyvinyl alcohol 3
Kaolin Q.S.
Total 100

Premixing talc, kaolin, and precipitated silica for about 15 to 30 mins to obtain a homogenous mixture. To this mixture was added 8% polyvinyl alcohol solution (prepared by mixing water with polyvinyl alcohol at temperature of about 40 to 70°C) to obtain a dough. Dough was extruded in suitable extruder to obtain granules of 1mm diameter. The granules obtained were dried in FBD for 45 min at 70°C. The granules were sieved to remove dust and over size particles.

Alternatively solid carrier compositions B and C according to table 1 were prepared and used; the process for preparation of these granules is similar to that provided above.
Table 1
Ingredients Composition B
(% w/w) Composition C
(% w/w)
Precipitated Silica 40 0
Talc 30 0
China clay 0 49.3
Colouring agent 0.25 0
Polyvinylpyrrolidone 0 0.7
Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose 10 0
Kaolin Q.S. Q.S.
Total 100 100

Step 2: Impregnating the granules obtained in step 1 with pink bollworm pheromone
Ingredients Quantity
grams
(Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate (50:50) 2.25
Stabilizer 2.05
Solvent 27

(Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate (50:50), stabilizer and solvent was mixed to obtain clear solution. 100 grams of granules obtained in step 1 were taken in a suitable mixer, the clear solution of pheromone composition obtained was sprayed onto it and granules were mixed well to obtain homogenous granules which were dried at temperature 22°C ± 2 to obtain a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition (in form of granules).

Example 2: Sealing the solid carrier containing a pheromone composition obtained in example 1 in permeable polymeric chamber to form a mating disruption dispenser

Type A:
A bi-layered laminate film having an overall thickness of 160 micron was prepared by laminating two films of polyethylene (comprising a combination of low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene). Two rectangular sheets of this laminate film were stacked one on the other and heat-sealed together along the three sides to form a chamber in which 5g of a solid carrier as prepared in example 1 containing about 2% of pheromone composition i.e. (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 50:50 is filled in and the fourth side is also heat sealed to obtain a dispenser.

Type B:
A bi-layered laminate film having an overall thickness of 179 micron was prepared by laminating a film of polyethylene (comprising low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene) with a film polyethylene polyamide film (comprising low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, polyamide) Two rectangular sheets of this laminate film were stacked one on the other and heat-sealed together along the three sides to form a chamber in which 5g of granular composition as prepared in example 1 containing about 2% of pheromone composition i.e. (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 50:50 is filled in and the fourth side is also heat sealed to obtain a dispenser.

Example 3: Analysis of residual pheromone content to study release rate of dispensers of present invention
50 dispensers as prepared as per example 2 type A were placed in cotton field to study the release rate of the pheromone in the dispenser of the present invention. The dispensers were aged in cotton field under natural climatic conditions in Kharif season and 3 dispensers were randomly collected from field and studies for analysis of residual pheromone content using gas chromatography was performed. The collection process was continued each week for 120 days. The zero (0) week set of dispensers were not placed in the field; they were fresh and unexposed.

Amount of pheromone remaining in triplicate samples of the mating disruption dispenser of present invention according to gas chromatographic analysis is provided in Table 2.
Table 2
No. of Days Mean residual pheromone content (mg) Mean quantity of pheromone released (mg) Release rate per day
(mg) Residual pheromone content (%)
0 101.8 - - 100%
21 73.15 28.666 1.365 71.85%
34 55.8 46 1.354 54.81%
58 42.3 59.5 1.026 41.55%
78 32.3 70.5 0.904 30.74%
120 22.75 79.08 0.659 22.34%

Fig 1. Illustrates graphical representation of Table 2 for residual pheromone content (%) over 120 days.

Conclusion:
The analysis of residual pheromone content indicated consistency in release rate throughout 120 days. Further the retention of more than 20% of pheromone on 120th day implies that the dispenser shall perform for more than 120 days.

Example 4: Field trial
Determination of efficacy of mating disruption dispenser of present invention for control of Pink Bollworm
Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of mating disruption dispenser of present invention for control of Pink Bollworm in cotton field. Between two treatments gap of 500 meters- 1000 meters was maintained.

Typically, the incidence of pink bollworm (PBW) starts at 65–70 days after sowing; however, mating disruption dispensers according to present invention were intentionally applied from 25-30 days after sowing.

The effectiveness of mating disruption dispensers according to present invention, was compared with control treatment.

Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Crop Cotton
2 Target Pest Pink Bollworm
3 First Application Time At 25-30 days after sowing
4 Application area on plants
5 Type of Application Tagging the dispensers to the upper portion of plants in uniform grid manner
6 Application Rate 500 dispensers/ ha
7 No of applications 1
8 Monitoring traps 2 per acre
9 Plot size 2- 5 ha/treatment X 2 places

Methodology & Observations:
Studies were conducted at two locations. From each section, plants were selected randomly to demonstrate observations on pink bollworm representing locule damage and green boll damage; and recorded the observation at interval of 15 days starting from 45 days of sowing.

In order to know the percent boll damaged on number basis, 250 bolls were randomly selected and studied for the damage.

The data on percent boll damaged is calculated by using following formula.

In order to know the percent locule damaged on number basis, 250 locules were randomly selected and studied for the damage.

The data on percent locule damaged is calculated by using following formula.

Table 3: Demonstrates Locule damage and green boll damage in treatment locations
Table 3
Treatment Location 1 Location 2
% Boll Damaged
% Control in Boll Damage % Locule Damaged % Control in Locule Damaged % Boll Damaged
% Control in Boll Damage % Locule Damaged % Control in Locule Damaged
Control Treatment 36.0
0 13.4
0 44.4 0.0 33.5 0
mating disruption dispensers (Example 2) 5.6
84.4
4.8
64 16.9 61.9 19.5 41.7

Similarly, adult male moths captured in pheromone traps (installed previously at the rate of two per acre) once in 15 days were also recorded. Subsequently, observation was recorded at fortnight intervals till the complete harvest of the crop.

Table 4: Demonstrates number of adult male moths captured in pheromone traps in treatment locations
Table 4
Treatment Mean No. of PBW Adult catches (per Trap) in Location 1
Mean No. of PBW Adult catches (per Trap) in Location 2

15 DAA
30 DAA
45 DAA
60 DAA
75 DAA
90 DAA
15 DAA
30 DAA
45 DAA
60 DAA
75 DAA
90 DAA

Control Treatment 10.0 19.5 24.7 31.6 29.6 41.1 4 19 27 315 591 629.2
Example 2 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.7 0 0.9 0 0.2 0.4 3.6
% Control using Example 2 (per trap) 94.5 100.0 99.3 98.3 98.2 98.2 100 95 100 100 100 99

Conclusion:
It is clear from the above that when the mating disruption dispenser as per the present invention were used, it demonstrated better efficacy in controlling green boll damage and locule damage as compared to control treatment. Furthermore, the mating process was ceased by the required amount of sex pheromone released by each mating disruption dispenser. Males were diverted away from females due to the powerful allure of the pheromone being emitted by said dispensers, as these dispensers emit high doses of pheromone continuously. The infestation of pink bollworm was controlled by installing 500 dispensers per hectare at 25-30 days after sowing as compared to control treatment.

Example 5: Field trial
Determination of efficacy of mating disruption dispenser of present invention for control of Pink Bollworm
Field trials were carried out for determination of efficacy of mating disruption dispenser of present invention for control of Pink Bollworm in cotton field.

Typically, the incidence of pink bollworm (PBW) starts at 65–70 days after sowing; however, mating disruption dispensers according to present invention were applied from 40-45 days after sowing.

The effectiveness of mating disruption dispensers according to present invention, was compared with control treatment.

Experimental details:
# Particular Details
1 Location 3 Raichur (India)
2 Crop Cotton
3 Target Pest Pink Bollworm
4 First Application Time At 40-45 days after sowing
5 Application area on plants
6 Type of Application Tagging the dispensers to the upper portion of plants in uniform grid manner
7 Application Rate 500 dispensers/ ha
8 No of applications 1
8 Monitoring traps 2 per acre
9 Plot size 5 acres

Methodology & Observations:
To demonstrate observations on pink bollworm representing locule damage, green boll damage and yield; and recorded the observation at interval of 15 days starting from 55 days of sowing.

In order to know the percent locule damage and green boll damage on number basis formula mentioned in example 4 was applied.

Table 5: Demonstrates Locule damage and green boll damage in treatment locations

Table 5
Treatment Location 3
% Boll Damaged
% Control in Boll Damage % Locule Damaged % Control in Locule Damaged Yield (q/ha) Yield increment (%)
Control Treatment 59.2
0 65.3
0 26.9 -
mating disruption dispensers (Example 2) 10.9
81.6
11.4
82.6 36.8 36.8

Similarly, adult male moths captured in pheromone traps (installed previously at the rate of two per acre) once in 15 days were also recorded. Subsequently, observation was recorded at regular intervals till the complete harvest of the crop.

Table 6: Demonstrates number of adult male moths captured in pheromone traps in treatment location
Table 6
Treatment Mean No. of PBW Adult catches (per Trap) in Location 3

15 DAA
30 DAA
45 DAA
60 DAA
75 DAA
100 DAA
125 DAA
Control Treatment 8.6 17.2 40.8 217.4 262 770 1392
Example 2 0.1 0.9 0.4 1.6 1.9 2.9 5.6

Fig 4a & 4b demonstrates visually the quality of the cotton produced in fields with mating disruption dispenser as per the present invention were applied and in field with control treatment, respectively.

Conclusion:
It is clear from the above that when the mating disruption dispenser as per the present invention were used, as compared to control treatment it demonstrates
1. better efficacy in controlling green boll damage;
2. better efficacy in controlling locule damage;
3. improved yield of cotton; and
4. better quality of cotton.

Furthermore, the mating disruption dispensers were effective in controlling the infestation of pink bollworm for more than 125 days after application of the dispensers. It was observed the yield of cotton was improved by more than 35% by installing 500 dispensers per hectare at 40-45 days after sowing as compared to control treatment.
,CLAIMS:
1. A mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

2. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid carrier is composed of an inorganic material and a binder.

3. The dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inorganic material is selected from the group comprising precipitated silica, colloidal silica, attapulgite, china clay, talc, kaolin, amorphous silica, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, magnesium aluminum silicate, white carbon black, pyrophyllite, dolomite, soap stone and/or combination thereof.

4. The dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solid carrier comprises from about 80% w/w to about 99% w/w of inorganic material based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

5. The dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inorganic material is a combination comprising about 20% w/w to about 70% w/w of talc; about 10% w/w to about 70% w/w of kaolin; and about 0.5% w/w to about 50% w/w of precipitated silica.

6. The dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inorganic material is a combination comprising about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w of china clay and about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w kaolin.

7. The mating disruption dispenser according to claim 2, wherein said binder comprises a water-soluble macromolecular substance.

8. The mating disruption dispenser according to claim 2, wherein said binder is a water-soluble macromolecular substance selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose.

9. The mating disruption dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solid carrier comprises from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w of binder based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

10. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pheromone composition comprises of (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio from about 10:90 to about 90:10.

11. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid carrier contains from about 0.5% w/w to about 20% w/w of pheromone composition based on the total weight of the solid carrier.

12. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the permeable polymeric chamber is made of a polymer film/s selected from the group comprising of polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, copolymers of ethylene and amide, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polymers of vinyl chloride/alcohol and copolymers thereof, polymers of an acrylic acid ester or copolymers thereof, polymers of a methacrylic acid ester and copolymers thereof, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, or combinations thereof.

13. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the permeable polymeric chamber is made of a laminated sheet composed of at least two or more layers of polymer films.

14. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of the wall/s of the permeable polymeric chamber is in the range from about 80 microns to about 400 microns.

15. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rate of pheromone emission from the dispenser is in the range of 0.05 to 2.5mg/day.

16. A mating disruption dispenser comprising a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said solid carrier comprises
i) about 80% wt/wt to about 99% wt/wt of an inorganic material based on the total weight of the solid carrier;
ii) about 0.5% w/w to about 12% w/w of a binder based on the total weight of the solid carrier;
iii) about 1% w/w to about 5% w/w of the pheromone composition based on the total weight of the solid carrier; wherein the pheromone composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate in the ratio of about 50:50.

17. A process for preparation of a solid carrier containing a pheromone composition comprising steps of
(a) preparing a dough comprising at least one inorganic material and a binder;
b) extruding said dough to produce solid carrier; and
c) treating solid carrier with pheromone composition comprising (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate.

18. The process as claimed in claim 17, wherein the step a) further comprises a solvent.

19. The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein the solvent is selected from the water, n-hexane, heptane, petroleum ether, toluene, ethyl acetate or combinations thereof.

20. The process as claimed in claim 17, wherein the step a) further comprises a stabilizer.

21. The process as claimed in claim 20, wherein the stabilizer is selected from, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate (PG) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) epoxide of a natural occurring oil, natural occurring vitamins C and E, selenium, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin or a-tocopherol.

22. A method of controlling a population of pink bollworm comprising installing a mating disruption dispenser containing a solid carrier comprising a pheromone composition sealed in a permeable polymeric chamber, wherein said composition comprises (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadienyl acetate;
in the agriculturally used area and/or on the plants growing in said area wherein said dispenser releases pheromone to disrupt the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the method controls the population of pink bollworm throughout the life cycle of cotton plant.

24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the method controls the population of pink bollworm for about 100 to 200 days.

25. A use of a mating disruption dispenser as claimed in claim 1 for disrupting the mating behaviour of pink bollworm.