DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention described herein, relates to pest controlling device. More specifically, it relates to pheromone and kairomone lure along with trap to monitor and control Rhinoceros Beetle in agricultural fields.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Varity of Palm trees are a valuable resource for many communities in US, Europe, Asia, Middle east, and North Africa. Dates have been a basic food staple for centuries and are now an important economic crop. More than seven million tonnes of dates are produced annually. In total, around 100 million date palm trees are cultivated today, 60 percent of them in Arab countries. Coconuts, Oil palms, Areca nut and others form an important group of Palm plantations across the globe, contributing largely to the social and economic development of the farmer communities.

Rhinoceros Beetle (RBs), commonly known Asiatic rhinoceros beetle, coconut rhinoceros beetle or coconut palm rhinoceros beetle, (O. rhinoceros) and are large in size, polyphagous insects (usually =30 mm long) belonging to family Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera). The other species include Oryctes agamemnon, Oryctes elegans, Oryctes monoceros.

The RB reported to infest Coconut palms, Date Palms, Oil Palms, Banana, Papaya, Sugarcane, Areca palms, Sisal, Agave, Pineapple, and other species worldwide in diverse Agro ecosystems affecting the socio-economic status of farmers due to huge crop loses.

Many species of RBs’ are borers of palms in different regions of the world; the most economically important species are members of the genus Oryctes (Carpenter & Elmer 1978; Giblin-Davis 2001). Oryctes spp. infests on different parts of the palm trees and a subspecies, Oryctes agamemnon., Sinaicus Walker is abundant in Israel, affecting date palms. This was first recorded in the late 1980s and rapidly became an important pest in date plantations in the Arava Valley and the southern Jordan Valley (Eitam & Ucko 1993).

The RB pest is one of the serious and economically important devastating pests of palm species in India. This beetle is widespread in all date palm growing areas of India. Besides, date palm it attacks and damages other crops like pineapple, sugarcane, palmyrah, coconut, African oil palm, tali-pot palm, and royal palm and other crops. When the attack is on the unopened spathe, the inflorescence becomes badly damaged and can cause more than10 per cent annual reduction in yield. Frequent infestation results in reduction of leaves and stunting of trees. The damage can cause death in seedlings and young palms, but adult palms can withstand infestations. The adult beetle burrows and remains between leaf sheaths near the crown and cuts the leaf in the folded stage thereby causing permanent damage.

Adult beetles are brown to black, shiny 44–49 mm long and 20–23 mm wide with prominent horn on head (Bedford, 1974). The males can be differentiated from females by the longer horn on their heads and by the absence of reddish colored hairs on the last ventral segments of the abdomen. Both males and females of many species of the Dynastinae possess a dorsal horn on the head and a forward facing pronotal concavity; both features are larger in the male than in the female of the same size.

Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate was identified as male aggregation pheromone, produced and released by Rhinoceros Beetle (RB), and was first synthesized in the early nineteen nineties. Though it was not explored for the possibilities of monitoring or control of the pest effectively.

The major injury to the palm is caused by the grubs, which feed on the roots and bore into the underground bases and even the trunks. Severe damage is inflicted particularly to offshoots and young palms, in which the mortality rates may be very high. Mature and old palms also infested with grubs, which results in yellowing of the palms and reduction in yield. This rhinoceros species is an opportunistic feeder and easily survives by feeding on roots of grasses also (Eitam & Ucko 1993.). An attack by rhinoceros beetles may facilitate lethal secondary attacks by palm weevils (Rhynchophorus spp.) and by pathogens (Bedford 1980). Adult activity begins in early May, peaks during June–July and ends in September. The female lays eggs that hatch in approximately 2-3 weeks; they are white when laid, but within a few days their color changes to glossy brown and they reach their final size of 4 x 3 mm. The insect has three larval instars. The duration of the larval instars is 10 to 21, 12 to 21 and 60 to 165 days, respectively. The pre-pupa stage lasts 8 to 13 days and the pupa period lasts 17 to 28 days. The pupae are caramel-brown in color, forms a protective shell and shelters in the soil. The adult beetle stays in the shell for at least three weeks which undergoes maturity. The adult could live up to 5 to 9 months and the female would lay an average of fifty eggs per life cycle (Waterhouse & Norris 1987).

Severe damage due to manifestations of RBs’ and economic impact, makes it a global challenge to prevent and control its infestation.

Various control measures and integrated pest management strategies that have been applied in field to monitor and control the RB pest, has failed its objectives. Constant research & developments efforts were undertaken to improvise the control measures as well as to improve the understanding on the pest Oryctes rhinoceros. But all efforts are in vain as RB has become resistant to pesticides and has become stubborn pest causing huge loss to the farmers.

At present, no effective prophylactic method for trapping the RB pest is available, posing a big challenge to the farmers and to the scientific community.

In this prevailing situation, where farmers are baffled in controlling the infestation of RB pest, the present invention offer an effective pheromone and kairomone lure with trap device for monitoring and control of the pest Rhinoceros Beetle (RB). The present invention is safe, eco-friendly, affordable, easy to use, easy to monitor and control the RB pest.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the invention is to provide a lure i.e. semio chemical Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate formulation that enables monitoring and controlling of Rhinoceros Beetle (RB) pests in agricultural field.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device for placing the lure for effectively attracting Rhinoceros Beetle (RB) pests.
Another object of the present invention to provide a device wherein the Crescent Base Bowl has an outer surface with rough furrows and a diamond polished inner surface assisting RB pest to crawl into trap easily.
Another object of the present invention to provide a Rhinoceros Beetle trap device with lure that is eco-friendly, cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a process for preparation of activated cellulose matrix for slow and sustained release of semio chemical Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate formulation, comprising steps of activating of cellulose matrix by soaking it in ethyl alcohol for 7-9 hrs and removing the ethyl alcohol by applying vacuum, and heating it at 1000 - 1100C using hot air oven for 30 – 45 min; preparing primary pheromone formulation by adding moisture retaining agent in ethyl acetate while mixture being continuously stirred; adding to the mixture obtained in previous step with antioxidant and UV-blockers, while continuously stirring; adding the Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate dissolved in ethyl acetate to the mixture obtained in the previous step while being continuously stirred, thereby obtaining primary pheromone formulation; and adding organic pH adjuster to adjust pH of the said formulation to 6.0 - 6.8; preparing secondary pheromone formulation by adding moisture retaining agent in ethyl alcohol while mixture being continuously stirred; adding to the mixture obtained in previous step with anti-oxidant and UV-blockers, while continuously stirring; adding Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate dissolved in ethyl alcohol to the mixture obtained in the previous step while being continuously stirred, thereby obtaining secondary pheromone formulation; and adding organic pH adjuster to adjust pH of the said formulation to 6.0 - 6.8; Infusing primary pheromone formulation into activated cellulose matrix for 60 - 90 min thereby ensuring complete sorption of the primary pheromone formulation Infusing secondary pheromone formulation into pheromone infused activated cellulose matrix for 60-90 min, thereby obtaining cellulose matrix for a slow and sustained release of Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate
The present invention further discloses a Rhinoceros Beetle crescent trap consisting of: Crescent Base Bowl (710), characterized in that the outer surface is configured with rough furrows and inner surface is diamond polished to be smooth and slippery, which helps the RB pest to crawl into trap easily; Central axle (720), with upper end diameter smaller than the lower end diameter; three flat, diamond polished and trapezoid shaped wings (730); and a flat crescent shaped Cap (750) with six holes for fixing the three vertical wings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The nature and scope of the present invention will be better understood from the accompanying drawings, which are by way of illustration of a preferred embodiment and not by way of any sort of limitation. In the accompanying drawings:
Fig 1 illustrates installation of a crescent wing trap (800) to trunk of a tree in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 2 is an exploded view of assembled crescent wing trap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 3 illustrates a front, top and side view of crescent bowl in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 3.1 illustrates an isometric view (710) of crescent bowl in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 4 is a side view of wing (730) with the peripheral guided projection marked as (734) and the push fit built-in rivets marked as (732;733) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 4.1 illustrates an isometric view of the wings (740) with push fit built-in rivets marked as (732;733), the peripheral guided projection marked as (734) which when all the three wings are fixed forms a groove marked as (731) in the trap and holds the lure and peripheral inward projections marked as (735), which helps in fixing the wings to the central axle and push fit built-in rivets fixes to the bottom crescent bowl and the top cap/shield of the trap accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 5 Illustrates front view of a central axle (720) which connects wings with the base bowl (710) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 6 illustrates a perspective view of a cap/shield (750) along with the holes marked as (751) in the fig 6, to fix the push fit built-in rivet present on the outer edges of the wings to the cap/shield in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale.

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

The present invention discloses lure along with device which is effectively used for prophylaxis as a monitoring purpose of the RB infestation; as well as for effectively Mass Trapping and controlling of RB. The disclosed invention is developed by considering the biological behavior of insects, crawling/flying pattern influenced by the pheromone signal (chemo signal) along with food bait and colour cue/ attraction (chromotaxis) preferred by the insects and field efficacy studies, that have been demonstrated for the effective attraction of the RB pest by the pheromone lure device.
The present invention discloses a crescent wing trap with a specific maroon color, influencing chromotaxis along with chemo signal generated by aggregation pheromone. This trap with lure containing Pheromone, impregnated into the solvent activated cellulose matrix for slow and sustained release of pheromones into the atmosphere, along with food bait formulation and is designed for easy tying to the trunk of tree firmly, with the help of vertical wings, which acts as guide for falling insect/pest RB and increase the possibility of insects to hit wing and fall into the crescent bowl.
Inventive features of the present device:
The device is a combination of crescent shaped bowl for easy tying to the trunk of tree firmly and specifically colored and designed trapezium (trapezoid) shaped, diamond polished vertical wings, acts as flight obstacle to the RB pest. These trap wings are designed based on the crawling/flying path, biological behavior and crawling/flying pattern influenced by the pheromones and kairomones. Chemotaxis effect of pheromones and kairomones, Chromotaxis or the color cue influence onto the RB pest increases the possibility of pest/insects to crawl/hit wings and fall into the crescent bowl under the influence of lure containing pheromones or a combination of pheromones and kairomones. The lure is an activated cellulose matrix, which is impregnated with pheromones or pheromones and kairomone formulation, specifically formulated for slow and sustained release of pheromones. And it may also contain specially formulated food bait prepared from plant source for the added attraction of the target pest Rhinoceros beetle (RB), which is either used together with the pheromone in the lure or used separately as a food bait in the base bowl. The outer rough (furrowed) surface design of the crescent bowl supports the crawling of RB pest guiding/leading it into the crescent bowl and gets trapped. The limited flying RB pest under the influence of pheromones and kairomones may also hit the diamond polished wings and effectively falls into the crescent base bowl and gets trapped. The inner diamond polished surface of the crescent bowl prevents the escape of RB pest, thus effectively trapping the RB pest
The device comprises two main elements, element (A) a Pest/Insect trap and element (B) a Lure formulated with pheromones along with specially formulated food bait or a Lure formulated with pheromones and kairomones.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the trap comprises of four components:
Component 1 – Crescent bowl (710): It is a single component which is a hollow extrusion of intersection of major arc and minor arc of two variant circles (Different diameters). It will be filled with water to drown the insects. It has protrusions (712) with holes (713) for interlocking with built-in push fit rivet of the vertical wings, has notches (716) for draining of excess water also. It is uniquely designed with diamond polished inner surface and outer rough (furrowed) surface.
Component 2 – Central axle (720): it is a single component which is a circular pipe having smaller radius (721) at the upper portion and bigger radius (725) at the lower portion, where in which the wings slots glide into upper portion (721) of the central axle (720) and the bottom portion (725) of the central axle (720) will get placed into the circular outward projected ring (711) of the inner side of the crescent base bowl.
Component 3 - Vertical wings (730): They are three in numbers which are flat and trapezoid in shape and are diamond polished, with smooth and shiny surface which forms a C shaped cavity (731), formed at upper side and having push fit built-in rivet, two at the top edge (732) and one (733) at the bottom edge which locks in with the holes (751) of the cap through top two push fit built-in rivets (732) and one bottom push fit built-in rivet (733) and locks into the holes of the crescent base bowl with intermediate guided central axle which fixes into the crescent base bowl.

When the trap is assembled, At the upper central portion of the three vertical wings below the cap a cavity (731) is formed in the vertical wings’ assembly (740) where in which the lure can be placed.
Component 4 – Cap (750): it is a single component which is a flat crescent shaped top part of the trap with the six holes (751) for fixing the three vertical wings.

The Assembled trap with activated cellulose matrix impregnated with pheromone blend along with formulated food bait should be installed at the trunk of the tree at the ground level. The slow and sustained release of aggregation pheromone in cellulose matrix and formulated food bait will effectively attract the pest / insects RB towards the trap and traps.
Pest/Insects RB with its crawling/flying pattern behaviour, influenced by the pheromone and kairomone signals (chemo-signal influenced chemotaxis) crawls on the outer rough (furrowed) surface/flies with discrete path and falls into the crescent bowl, also RB with its limited flying capability flies in discrete circles, approach the trap and the pest hits the assembled trap wing with force and fall into the crescent base bowl.
The present invention discloses a crescent trap device for monitoring or mass trapping of pest/insect RB. The present invention is a combination of trap and formulation of semio-chemicals and food bait.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a crescent trap device for monitoring or mass trapping of insect/pest RB (Oryctes rhinoceros) using solvent activated cellulose matrix impregnated with the pheromone formulation for slow and sustained release of Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate along with specifically formulated food bait formulation is disclosed.
The trap is designed based on physiological acts, crawling behaviour, flying pattern and chromatic attraction of the insect/pest RB. Insect trap has improved design based on the crawling/flying pattern, colour attraction/color cue under the influence of pheromone (chemo signal) and formulated food bait which provides an efficient, logical, and accurate monitoring and mass trapping crescent trap device for monitoring and mass trapping of pest/insect RB.

Figs 3 and 3.1 illustrate a front view of the crescent bowl, a top view of the crescent bowl, and an isometric view of the crescent bowl, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The Crescent bowl is a crescent shaped bowl having a base geometry of intersection of a major arc of smaller diameter and a minor arc of larger diameter and drafted outward at certain angle. The extruded top surface of major arc of smaller diameter is provided with an outward brim. Brim contains three flat protrusions having hole at centre for the assembly of vertical wing using spike and an outer brim helps in tying the trap using rope to the trunk of a tree. The extruded surface of major arc of smaller diameter has notches for draining of excess water. The extruded surface of minor arc of larger diameter has made plane to allow the tying of the trap to the trunk of a tree smoothly. The rough texture (furrowed) has provided on outer surface of the extruded surface, to facilitate the grip for the crawling RB insects to climb easily.
Figs 4, 4.1 illustrate a front view (isometric view) of a wing, side view of wings assembly and top view of the wings assembly respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wing comprises of a trapezium (trapezoid) shaped flat surface with two built-in push-fit rivets at the upper end of the wing and one built-in push-fit rivet on to the lower end of the wing respectively. All the three wings when assembled with the central axle support, which is a pipe like structure facilitating three vertical wings to be fixed perpendicularly at its periphery. The bottom extreme tip of the wings having push fit built-in rivet protrusions (of same dimensions of holes provided to the crescent bowl) with a hole at centre to assemble using central axle. The top interior tips of wings assembly along with the supporting axle pipe designed to form a cavity space for firmly holding the formulated lure. The cavity space between the wings provides a firmness to hold the lure and the cut surface of the flat circular pipe acts as a base. The interior extreme ends of the wings are configured to be wider to provide aeration to the lure for the better release and dispersion of the pheromone. The wing surface are diamond polished and are made slippery so that the flying insect hit the wing and fall into the crescent bowl easily.
Fig 6 and Fig 6.1 illustrates a perspective view of a cap/shield is a flat crescent shaped plate placed above the wings. It should be inserted horizontally between the horizontal slots provided on the cap with the push fit built-in rivet protrusions on the vertical wings at the centre in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the surface texture of crescent bowl may be rough (furrowed) having depressions or projections and texture of vertical wing made slippery through diamond polishing. The number of wings may vary.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the extrude cuts and protrusions may be varied according to future needs and facts.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the colour of the trap may be red, maroon, brown and black, more preferably crescent wing trap with a specific maroon color and all components of the trap matching to the PANTONE 7421 C color code.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the solvent activated cellulose matrix may vary with the different formulations of pheromone blend along with kairomone. The activated cellulose matrix containing respective formulated pheromone blend along with kairomone can be placed in the trap.
B) A Lure formulated with pheromone with or without kairomone.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the Lure formulated with pheromone consists of biodegradable, solvent activated cellulose matrix ensuring the angstrom void spaces in the intra/inter cellulose fibres are made available for entrapment of pheromone, wherein the pheromone Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate is impregnated into the angstrom void spaces in activated cellulose matrix in an amount varying from 0.5 % to 5.0 % by weight, more preferably 1% blend of pheromone formulation. The cellulose matrix acts as a sustained release dispensing medium. The pheromone(s) retains their stability, and the active ingredients are allowed to release at a continuous slow-release rate for a prolonged period. Further, the lure formulation is protected from the degradation of UV light, moisture, and elevated temperature by addition of antioxidants, pH stabilizers, moisture retainers, anti-microbial agent, surfactants, and UV blockers.
In accordance with the present invention, to increase the shelf life and to protect from the natural degradable sources (UV light, moisture, and high temperature), antioxidants, pH stabilizers, moisture retainers, surfactants and UV blockers are added.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the antioxidant agents are selected from a group consisting of Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), vitamin E, vitamin C. However, more preferably BHT and BHA are used.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the moisture retaining agents are selected from a group consisting of PEG (polyethylene glycol), PPG (polypropylene glycol), Glycerine. More preferably PEG and Glycerine are used.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the anti-microbial agents are selected from a group consisting of sodium benzoate, sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, propylene oxide. More preferably sodium benzoate, sodium sorbate.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the UV-blockers are selected from a group consisting of Para-Amino Benzoic Acid, benzophenone-2.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the preservation agents are selected from a group consisting of 2-chloroacetamide, methyl paraben, chloroprene, citric acid, bromochlorophene (BCP), benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid potassium sorbate, sodium nitrate, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, potassium benzoate, potassium lactate, sodium acetate, propyl paraben, methenamine. More preferably 2-chloroacetamide and benzyl alcohol.
In an embodiment of the present invention, Triethanolamine or other organic acids and bases are added in small amount which modulates the pH and stabilises the pheromone formulation.
C) Food Bait
The specially formulated food bait, acting as Rhinoceros Beetle (RB) attractant, is kept in the crescent base bowl. In an embodiment of the present invention, the food bait contains a source of proteins and carbohydrate from natural source.
Example
Process for preparation of 1L of sustained release pheromone formulation.

Step 1: Activation of Cellulose
The cellulose matrix is activated by soaking in ethyl alcohol for 8 hrs and removing the ethyl alcohol by applying vacuum, after which heating it at 1050 C using hot dry air for 30min.

Step 2: Preparation of primary pheromone formulation using ethyl acetate.
In a 400ml measured volume of ethyl acetate, 2.5gms of glycerine is added slowly with continuous stirring. The resulting mixture is continuously stirred and added with 0.002% Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) and 1%Para-Amino Benzoic Acid. Further, 5gms of Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate is added to the resultant mixture and the final volume is adjusted to 500ml using ethyl acetate. The pH of formulation is adjusted to 6.8 using triethanolamine to stabilise the primary pheromone solution.

Step 3: Preparation of secondary pheromone formulation using ethyl alcohol.
To a 400ml measured volume of ethyl alcohol, 2.5gms of glycerine is added slowly with continuous stirring followed by 2.5gms of vitamin E. The resulting mixture is continuously stirred and added with 0.002% Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) and 1%Para-Amino Benzoic Acid. Further, 5gms of Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate is added slowly to the resulting mixture with constant stirring and the final volume was adjusted to 500ml using ethyl alcohol. The pH of formulation was adjusted to 6.8.

Step 4: Infusion of primary pheromone solution into the activated cellulose matrix
The activated cellulose matrix is slowly added with primary pheromone formulation prepared in step 2, ensuring the complete sorption of the primary pheromone formulation. The infused matrix is then allowed to stand for 50 - 60 min.
Step 5: Infusion of secondary pheromone solution into the pheromone infused activated cellulose matrix obtained in the step 4
In step 5, the secondary pheromone formulation is added slowly to the infused activated cellulose matrix obtained in the step 4 ensuring the complete sorption of the secondary pheromone formulation. The secondary pheromone formulation forms a surface coating onto the primary sorption. The resultant infused matrix is allowed to stand for 1hr to obtain the pheromone infused activated cellulose matrix for the slow and sustained release of pheromone.

Advantages of the present device
By considering the disadvantages and health risks associated with the use of pesticides and demerits of existing methods adopted in controlling the infestation of RB pest in agricultural fields, the designed trap is an eco-friendly, safe, economical, easy to manage & install and less cumbersome to use. This scientifically developed pheromone trap, is based on biological behaviour of insects, crawling/flying pattern influenced by the pheromone signal (chemo signal) and formulated food bait containing kairomone, influence of colour cue/attraction (chromotaxis) preferred by the pest and open field efficacy studies demonstrated, we have invented this crescent wing trap with a specific colour, along with effective chemo signal generated by aggregation pheromone (influencing chemotaxis). This trap with pheromone lure, which is solvent activated cellulose matrix, impregnated with pheromone formulation for slow and sustained release of pheromone and specially formulated food bait, containing kairomones. This trap device is a combination of crescent shaped bowl for easy tying to the trunk of tree firmly and vertical wings acts as flying obstacle and falling guide which increase the possibility of insects to hit wing and fall into the crescent bowl and the outer rough (furrowed) surface of the crescent bowl facilitates the crawling of RB pest and guiding the crawling path to the crescent bowl, leading to the effective trapping of the pest. ,CLAIMS:We Claim
1. A process for preparation of activated cellulose matrix for slow and sustained release of semio chemical Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate formulation, comprising steps of:
a. activating of cellulose matrix by soaking it in ethyl alcohol for 7-9 hrs and removing the ethyl alcohol by applying vacuum, and heating it at 1000 - 1100C using hot air oven for 30 – 45 min.
b. preparing primary pheromone formulation by
adding moisture retaining agent in ethyl acetate while mixture being continuously stirred;
adding to the mixture obtained in previous step with antioxidant and UV-blockers, while continuously stirring;
adding the Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate dissolved in ethyl acetate to the mixture obtained in the previous step while being continuously stirred, thereby obtaining primary pheromone formulation; and
adding organic pH adjuster to adjust pH of the said formulation to 6.0 - 6.8.
c. preparing secondary pheromone formulation by
adding moisture retaining agent in ethyl alcohol while mixture being continuously stirred;
adding to the mixture obtained in previous step with anti-oxidant and UV-blockers, while continuously stirring;
adding Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate dissolved in ethyl alcohol to the mixture obtained in the previous step while being continuously stirred, thereby obtaining secondary pheromone formulation; and
adding organic pH adjuster to adjust pH of the said formulation to 6.0 - 6.8

d. Infusing primary pheromone formulation into activated cellulose matrix for 60 - 90 min thereby ensuring complete sorption of the primary pheromone formulation
e. Infusing secondary pheromone formulation into pheromone infused activated cellulose matrix for 60-90 min, thereby obtaining cellulose matrix for a slow and sustained release of Ethyl-4-methyl Octanoate

2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antioxidant agents are selected from a group consisting of Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT), Butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA), vitamin E, vitamin C; more preferably BHT and BHA.

3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moisture retaining agents are selected from a group consisting of PEG (polyethylene glycol), PPG (polypropylene glycol), Glycerine; more preferably PEG and Glycerine.

4. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV-blockers are selected from a group consisting of Para-Amino Benzoic Acid, benzophenone-2.

5. A Rhinoceros Beetle crescent trap consisting of:
a. Crescent Base Bowl (710), characterized in that the outer surface is configured with rough furrows and inner surface is diamond polished to be smooth and slippery, which helps the RB pest to crawl into trap easily;
b. Central axle (720), with upper end diameter smaller than the lower end diameter;
c. Three flat, diamond polished and trapezoid shaped wings (730); and
d. A flat crescent shaped Cap (750) with six holes for fixing the three vertical wings.

6. A Rhinoceros Beetle crescent trap as claimed in claim 5, wherein a semio-chemical formulation, containing kairomones is placed in the crescent bowl

7. A Rhinoceros Beetle crescent trap as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lure can be easily replaced, and the trap can be cleaned and reused multiple times.

8. A Rhinoceros Beetle crescent trap as claimed in claim 5, is easy to use, and is a cost-effective solution for the farmers for controlling RB infestations in agricultural fields.