A female amphibiantus beetle attractant and use thereof

Abstract

The application provides a honeycomb beetle female insect attractant and application thereof, and relates to the technical field of pest control. The ester compound in the honeycomb beetle female insect attractant includes one or more of ethyl tetradecanoate, ethyl dodecanoate and ethyl acetate. Through careful screening and optimization combination, the attractant with significant attraction to honeycomb beetle female insects is formed. When ethyl tetradecanoate, ethyl dodecanoate and ethyl acetate are used alone, the volume fraction of 1% and 10% of ethyl tetradecanoate and ethyl dodecanoate can effectively attract honeycomb beetle female insects, but has certain repellent effect on male insects. The volume fraction of 1% and 10% of ethyl acetate has strong repellent effect on honeycomb beetle male and female adults. When two-component compounds are mixed, ethyl tetradecanoate+ethyl dodecanoate mixed can effectively enhance the attraction of honeycomb beetle female insects. When any two are mixed, the addition of the auxiliary agent ethanol can effectively enhance the attraction to honeycomb beetle female insects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pest control technology, and in particular to an attractant for female honeycomb beetles and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Invasive alien species are one of the most intractable ecological and environmental problems in the world today, causing severe social, economic, and ecological damage. Honeybees are important pollinators and indispensable members of the ecosystem, playing a bridging role in the food chain and possessing significant agricultural, ecological, and economic value. The honeycomb beetle, a parasite native to bee colonies south of the Sahara Desert in Africa, initially poses minimal threat to local bee populations. However, its invasion of the United States and Australia has caused enormous economic losses to the local beekeeping industry. Today, the honeycomb beetle has spread to all continents except Antarctica, becoming a major pest affecting bee colonies. After invading beehives, the honeycomb beetle primarily feeds on bee bread, bee larvae, and pupae, and then lays eggs to reproduce. During this process, honey and other products ferment, and the bee bread gradually emits a putrid odor, causing bees to abscond, leading to a large-scale outbreak of the honeycomb beetle population. With the frequent transportation of bee colonies and bee products, the distribution range of the honeycomb beetle is gradually expanding northward, and its harmfulness is increasing daily.

[0003] The honeycomb beetle is a strong flier, capable of spreading across different apiaries, and prefers to fly at dusk. It spends most of its life in the dark of its host's nest, where olfactory cues play a crucial role in foraging, mating, and egg-laying. Adult honeycomb beetles have long lifespans, can mate multiple times, and are predominantly female. Females and males exhibit significant sex differences in their responsiveness to the scents emitted by bee colonies, with females being more sensitive. Females have a high reproductive rate; a single mating female can lay over 2000 eggs in its lifetime. This high reproductive rate can easily lead to exponential population growth of the honeycomb beetle in a short period. Currently, my country lacks a comprehensive integrated control system for the honeycomb beetle, and control efforts still rely heavily on chemical pesticides. The honeycomb beetle thrives in hot and humid environments, therefore outbreaks often occur during the rainy season, making physical and chemical control measures ineffective. Furthermore, chemical control can easily pollute bee products and the environment, cause bee poisoning, and lead to pesticide resistance in the beetle.

[0004] The inventors' preliminary research revealed that the honeycomb beetle prefers to lay its eggs on bee pupae. Based on this, they developed an attractant specifically for female honeycomb beetles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, this invention proposes an attractant for female honeycomb beetles and its application.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0007] An attractant for female honeycomb beetles, comprising an ester compound, said ester compound being one or more selected from ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate.

[0008] Ethyl myristate, molecular formula: C 16 H 32 O2, molecular weight 256.424; CAS No.: 142-06-1; purity ≥ 99%. It has the aroma and oily scent of iris oil and is naturally found in cheese, pear, iris oil and tobacco.

[0009] Its structural formula is shown below: .

[0010] Ethyl laurate, molecular formula: C 14 H 28 O2, molecular weight 228.37; CAS number: 106-33-2; purity ≥ 99%, with floral and fruity aroma.

[0011] Its structural formula is shown below: .

[0012] Ethyl acetate, molecular formula: C4H8O2, molecular weight: 88.105; CAS number: 141-78-6; purity ≥ 99%. It has a floral and fruity aroma at low concentrations and a pungent odor at higher concentrations.

[0013] Its structural formula is shown below:

[0014] .

[0015] Furthermore, the attractant also contains the auxiliary agent anhydrous ethanol.

[0016] Furthermore, the attractant is composed of ester compounds, auxiliaries, and solvents.

[0017] Furthermore, the solvent is n-hexane.

[0018] Furthermore, the volume fraction of the ester compound in the attractant is 0.1% - 10%, and the volume fraction of the auxiliary agent is 5%.

[0019] Furthermore, the volume fraction of the ester compound is 0.1%, 1%, or 10%.

[0020] Furthermore, the attractant is ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and anhydrous ethanol.

[0021] Furthermore, the volume ratio of ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate and anhydrous ethanol is 3:1:2, 4:2:3, 1:1:1, 2:4:3, or 1:3:2.

[0022] The application of a female honeycomb beetle attractant in the preparation of attractants or devices for monitoring or controlling honeycomb beetles.

[0023] Application of a female honeycomb beetle attractant in the preparation of products that attract honeycomb beetles to forage and lay eggs.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0025] The ester compounds in the attractant for female honeycomb beetles of the present invention include one or more of ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate. Through careful screening and optimized combination, an attractant with a significant attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles has been formed.

[0026] As verified by examples, when ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate are used alone, 1% and 10% (v / v) of ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate can effectively attract female honeycomb beetles, but have a certain repellent effect on males. 1% and 10% (v / v) of ethyl acetate have a strong repellent effect on both male and female adult honeycomb beetles.

[0027] When binary compounds such as ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate are mixed, the combination of ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate effectively enhances the attraction of female honeycomb beetles. When any two of ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate are mixed, the addition of the adjuvant ethanol effectively enhances the attraction to female honeycomb beetles.

[0028] When a ternary mixture of ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate is combined with the adjuvant ethanol, its attraction to female honeycomb beetles is not significantly different from that of a binary mixture of ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate with the adjuvant ethanol, and may even be less effective than the attraction of the binary mixture itself. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 The diagram shows the EAG response intensity of male and female adult honeycomb beetles to ethyl myristate.

[0030] Figure 2 The diagram shows the EAG response intensity of male and female adult honeycomb beetles to ethyl lauroyl ester.

[0031] Figure 3 The diagram shows the EAG reaction intensity of male and female adult honeycomb beetles with ethyl acetate.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the Y-tube of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 A graph showing the number of male and female adult honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl myristate.

[0034] Figure 6 A graph showing the number of male and female adult honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl lauryl ester.

[0035] Figure 7 A graph showing the number of male and female adult honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl acetate.

[0036] Figure 8 A graph showing the number of female honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl myristate + ethanol.

[0037] Figure 9 A graph showing the number of female honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl lauroyl ester + ethanol.

[0038] Figure 10 A graph showing the selectivity of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl acetate + ethanol.

[0039] Figure 11 A graph showing the number of female honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate.

[0040] Figure 12 A graph showing the number of female honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl myristate + ethyl acetate.

[0041] Figure 13 A graph showing the number of female honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl dodecanoate + ethyl acetate.

[0042] Figure 14 A graph showing the number of female honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate + ethanol.

[0043] Figure 15 A graph showing the number of female honeycomb beetles that select for ethyl myristate, ethyl acetate, and ethanol.

[0044] Figure 16 A graph showing the selectivity of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl lauryl ester, ethyl acetate, and ethanol.

[0045] Figure 17 A graph showing the selectivity of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate + ethyl acetate + ethanol. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To better understand the technical content of this invention, specific embodiments are provided below to further illustrate the invention.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods used in the embodiments of this invention are all conventional methods.

[0048] Unless otherwise specified, all materials and reagents used in the embodiments of this invention are commercially available.

[0049] The hexane, anhydrous ethanol, and ethyl acetate used in this invention were all purchased from Guangdong Xilong Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0050] Both ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate of this invention were purchased from Shanghai Maclean Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Example 1 - Determination of volatile odor of bee pupae

[0051] Experimental Methods: Thirty pupae of both the Chinese honeybee and the Italian honeybee with reddened eyes (6-8 days after capping) were collected, with 10 pupae per replicate. Headspace adsorption-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was used to collect volatile substances released by the pupae. These substances were then analyzed by gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS). The components of the volatile substances emitted by the pupae were identified by comparing the spectral library and the retention times of the standards.

[0052] Results: The top 10 volatile substances identified from the pupae of the Chinese honeybee and the Italian honeybee were: ethanol, ethyl tetradecanoate, dodecane, ethyl hexadecanoate, propylene glycol, acetaldehyde, ethyl dodecanoate, ethyl hexadecenoate, heptadecane, and ethyl acetate.

[0053] Example 2 - Measurement of antennal potential (EAG) of male and female adult honeycomb beetles

[0054] Experimental Methods: Fifteen male and fifteen female adults, aged 5-7 days after emergence, were selected. Under a stereomicroscope, the antennae were completely removed from the base using a scalpel, and the flagellum tip was removed to enhance conductivity. The treated antennae were fixed to the electrode holder of an EAG probe (PRG-2, Syntech, Germany), and conductive adhesive (Spectra 360, Netherlands) was used to ensure good contact between the base and tip of the antennae with the two electrodes, respectively. The entire sample preparation process was controlled within 2 minutes to maintain cell viability.

[0055] Ten compounds with high content in bee pupa volatiles were selected as stimuli. Four concentration gradients were prepared using n-hexane as the solvent: 0.1 µL / mL (0.01% v / v), 1 µL / mL (0.1% v / v), 10 µL / mL (1% v / v), and 100 µL / mL (10% v / v). Hexane was used as a blank control. All samples were sealed and stored at 4°C. For stimulation, 10 μL of sample solution was added dropwise to a qualitative filter paper strip and placed in a Pasteur tube. A clean airflow system was maintained at a flow rate of 50 mL / min, humidified with distilled water, and then blown onto the antennae. Each stimulation lasted 0.5 seconds. A 60-second interval was maintained between stimulations to allow the antennae to recover. Each compound was measured three times, and each concentration was tested using 15 antennae for biological replication.

[0056] Results: The EAG test revealed that volatile substances in bee pupae, including ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate, could induce varying degrees of EAG responses in both male and female adult beetles. Details are as follows:

[0057] See Figure 1 The EAG response intensity diagrams of male and female adult honeycomb beetles to ethyl myristate show that the EAG response intensity of female honeycomb beetles to ethyl myristate is dose-dependent, with a stronger response at higher concentrations; while male honeycomb beetles only respond to 10% (100 µL / mL) ethyl myristate.

[0058] See Figure 2 The EAG response intensity diagrams of male and female adult honeycomb beetles to ethyl dodecanoate show that the EAG response of female honeycomb beetles to 1% (10 µL / mL) and 10% (100 µL / mL) ethyl dodecanoate was significantly higher than that of the control group (n-hexane), and there was no significant difference in the EAG response between the two groups of 1% (10 µL / mL) and 10% (100 µL / mL) ethyl dodecanoate. However, there was no significant difference in the EAG response of male honeycomb beetles to ethyl dodecanoate at all four concentration gradients.

[0059] See Figure 3 The EAG reaction intensity diagrams of male and female adult honeycomb beetles to ethyl acetate show that the female honeycomb beetles exhibit significantly higher EAG reactions to 1% (10 µL / mL) and 10% (100 µL / mL) ethyl acetate than the control group (n-hexane), with no significant difference in EAG reactions between the two ethyl acetate concentrations. In contrast, the male honeycomb beetles only show a significant difference in EAG reactions to 10% (100 µL / mL) ethyl acetate.

[0060] Example 3 - Measurement of the olfactory behavior of honeycomb beetles towards volatile substances

[0061] Experimental Method: Before the experiment, 7-day-old adult honeycomb beetles were separated into males and females and raised in separate cages. Figure 4 As shown, the Y-shaped tube (10 mm in diameter, with both the main arm and branch arm being 18 cm long) is connected to the Pasteur tube on both sides by rubber hoses. The Pasteur tube is then connected to the flow meter, distilled water humidifier bottle, activated carbon air purifier bottle, and air pump in sequence by rubber hoses. (The last part, "2 cm," appears to be an unrelated instruction and is left untranslated.) 2 Qualitative filter paper was used as the reagent carrier, with n-hexane as the solvent as the control. The filter paper was placed in two Pasteur tubes, and the air flow rate was adjusted to 0.2 L / min. The ambient temperature was 25±1℃. A halogen lamp placed 30 cm above the Y-tube was used to activate the honeycomb beetles. During the experiment, the honeycomb beetles were introduced through the main arm of the Y-tube, and timing began. At the bifurcation of the Y-tube, the beetles made a choice, heading towards different branches. Each beetle was recorded for 2 minutes. Crawling to a branch 8 cm and staying there for more than 30 seconds was considered a choice; otherwise, it was considered no choice. Every 5 adult beetles tested, a new Y-tube was used, and the position of the Y-tube was changed to eliminate the possible influence of tube arm position and residual odor on behavior. The replaced Y-tubes were cleaned with methanol and dried for later use.

[0062] The adult honeycomb beetles used in the test were 7-9 days old. They were starved for 18 hours before the experiment. A single adult was introduced into the inlet of its own arm and observed for 2 minutes. If it crawled more than 8 cm into one arm and remained there for more than 30 seconds, it was considered a valid selection; otherwise, it was considered unresponsive. After testing every 5 individuals, the Y-tube was replaced and the positions of the left and right arms were reversed to eliminate interference from positional preferences and residual odors.

[0063] All compounds were tested at three concentrations: 1 µL / mL (0.1% by volume), 10 µL / mL (1% by volume), and 100 µL / mL (10% by volume). Each group consisted of 120 male and female adults, and each individual participated in only one test.

[0064] 1. Effects of a single compound on the olfactory response of a honeycomb beetle.

[0065] 1.1 Preparation of a single compound (solvent n-hexane)

[0066]

[0067] The prepared compound solutions were then used to test the attraction behavior of adult honeycomb beetles using a Y-shaped olfactory instrument. The results are as follows: Figure 5 - As shown in Figure 7.

[0068] 1.2 Results Analysis

[0069] See Figure 5 The selection of male and female adult honeycomb beetles for ethyl myristate is shown in the figure. Compared with the control group CK (100% n-hexane), the ethyl myristate treatment groups of 10 µL / mL (1% v / v) and 100 µL / mL (10% v / v) showed significant attraction to female honeycomb beetles, with the 100 µL / mL (10% v / v) ethyl myristate treatment group showing the most significant attraction. P< 0.01). However, the number of male *Aegilops spp.* exhibiting selective attraction to 100 µL / mL (10% v / v) ethyl myristate was significantly lower than that of the control group (CK) (100% n-hexane). Therefore, the 100 µL / mL (10% v / v) ethyl myristate treatment group had a significant repellent effect on male *Aegilops spp.* Furthermore, the 10 µL / mL (1% v / v) ethyl myristate treatment group had no repellent effect on male *Aegilops spp.*, and the 1 µL / mL (0.1% v / v) ethyl myristate treatment group had neither an attraction nor a repellent effect on either male or female adult *Aegilops spp.*

[0070] See Figure 6 The selection of male and female adult honeycomb beetles for ethyl dodecanoate is shown in the graph. It can be seen that, compared with the control group CK (100% n-hexane), the ethyl dodecanoate treatment groups at 10 µL / mL (1% v / v) and 100 µL / mL (10% v / v) showed significant attraction to female honeycomb beetles, with the 100 µL / mL (10% v / v) ethyl dodecanoate treatment group exhibiting particularly strong attraction. P< 0.01). However, the 100 µL / mL (10% by volume) ethyl dodecanoate treatment group had a significant repellent effect on male honeycomb beetles. P< 0.05). In addition, the 10 µL / mL (1% by volume) ethyl dodecanoate treatment group had no significant attraction or repulsion effect on male *Begonia solani*; the 1 µL / mL (0.1% by volume) ethyl dodecanoate treatment group had no significant attraction or repulsion effect on either male or female adult *Begonia solani*.

[0071] From the above Figure 5 and Figure 6 Analysis shows that male and female adults of the honeycomb beetle exhibit similar directional behaviors toward ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate.

[0072] See Figure 7 The selection of male and female adult honeycomb beetles for ethyl acetate is shown in the graph. It can be seen that, compared with the control group CK (100% n-hexane), the ethyl acetate treatment groups of 10 µL / mL (1% v / v) and 100 µL / mL (10% v / v) have a highly significant repellent effect on both male and female adult honeycomb beetles.P< 0.001 and P< 0.01). In addition, the ethyl acetate treatment group with 1 µL / mL (0.1% by volume) had no obvious repulsive effect on adult male and female honeycomb beetles.

[0073] In summary, the single compounds ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate exhibited a repulsive effect on male *Begonia solani*, therefore subsequent experiments only studied female *Begonia solani*.

[0074] 2. Effects of a single compound plus the adjuvant ethanol on the olfactory response of the honeycomb beetle.

[0075] Based on the results analysis in section 1.2, the single compound with the best effect at a volume fraction of 10% (v / v) was investigated by introducing anhydrous ethanol as an adjuvant, as detailed below:

[0076] 2.1 Preparation of a single compound plus ethanol (solvent: n-hexane, total volume 100%)

[0077]

[0078] The prepared compound solutions were then used to test the attraction behavior of female honeycomb beetles using a Y-shaped olfactory instrument. The results are as follows: Figure 8 - As shown in 10.

[0079] 2.2 Results and Analysis

[0080] See Figure 8 The graph shows the selectivity of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl myristate + ethanol. It can be seen that when the volume ratio of 10% ethyl myristate to anhydrous ethanol is 1:1 and 2:1, it has a significant attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles. P< (0.01), where the attraction effect is more pronounced when the volume ratio of 10% ethyl myristate to anhydrous ethanol is 2:1.

[0081] See Figure 9 The selective abundance diagram of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl lauryl ester + ethanol shows that when the volume ratio of 10% ethyl lauryl ester to anhydrous ethanol is 1:1 and 2:1, it has a significant attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles. P< (0.01), where the attraction effect is more pronounced when the volume ratio of 10% ethyl dodecanoate to anhydrous ethanol is 2:1.

[0082] from Figure 8 and Figure 9 The analysis results show that ethyl myristate + ethanol and ethyl dodecanoate + ethanol have similar attraction trends for honeycomb beetles.

[0083] See Figure 10 The selectivity diagram of female honeycomb beetles towards ethyl acetate + ethanol shows that, regardless of the volume ratio of 10% ethyl acetate to anhydrous ethanol (1:1, 2:1, or 2:3), the female honeycomb beetles exhibit no attraction to the compound. With the addition of anhydrous ethanol as an adjuvant, the repulsive effect of the honeycomb beetles on the compound is significantly weakened.

[0084] 3. Effects of binary compounds on the olfactory response of honeycomb beetles

[0085] 3.1 Preparation of binary compounds (total volume fraction of binary compounds is 10%, solvent is n-hexane, total volume is 100%)

[0086]

[0087] The prepared compound solutions were then used to test the attraction behavior of female honeycomb beetles using a Y-shaped olfactory instrument. The results are as follows: Figure 11 - As shown in 13.

[0088] 3.2 Results and Analysis

[0089] See Figure 11 The selection graph of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate shows that when the total volume fraction of the binary compound of ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate is 10% (v / v), the mixture of ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate in volume ratios of 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 all have a significant attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles. P< 0.01).

[0090] See Figure 12 The selection graph of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl myristate + ethyl acetate shows that when the total volume fraction of the binary compound of ethyl myristate + ethyl acetate is 10% (v / v), the mixture of ethyl myristate + ethyl acetate at a volume ratio of 3:1 has a significant attraction for female honeycomb beetles. P< 0.05), while other proportions of the mixture had no attraction or repulsion effect on female honeycomb beetles.

[0091] See Figure 13 The selectivity diagram of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl dodecanoate + ethyl acetate shows that when the total volume fraction of the binary compound of ethyl dodecanoate + ethyl acetate is 10% (v / v), the mixture of ethyl dodecanoate and ethyl acetate at a volume ratio of 1:2 has a significant repulsive effect on female honeycomb beetles. P< 0.05), while other proportions of the mixture had no attraction or repulsion effect on female honeycomb beetles.

[0092] In conclusion, ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate, regardless of their volume ratios of 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3, can effectively attract female honeycomb beetles. However, neither ethyl myristate nor ethyl dodecanoate is suitable for mixing with ethyl acetate.

[0093] 4. Effects of a binary compound plus ethanol on the olfactory response of honeycomb beetles

[0094] Based on the results analysis in section 3.2, binary compounds with volume ratios of 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 were investigated using anhydrous ethanol as an auxiliary agent, as detailed below:

[0095] 4.1 Preparation of a binary compound with ethanol as an auxiliary agent (solvent: n-hexane, total volume 100%)

[0096]

[0097] The prepared compound solutions were then used to test the attraction behavior of female honeycomb beetles using a Y-shaped olfactory instrument. The results are as follows: Figure 14 - As shown in 16.

[0098] 4.2 Results and Analysis

[0099] See Figure 14 The selectivity graph of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate + ethanol shows that when the total volume fraction of the binary compound of ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate is 10% (v / v) and the volume fraction of the adjuvant anhydrous ethanol is 5% (v / v), the volume ratio of ethyl myristate:ethyl dodecanoate:ethanol, regardless of any ratio among 3:1:2, 4:2:3, 1:1:1, 2:4:3, and 1:3:2, all have a significant attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles. P< (0.001), wherein the volume ratio of ethyl myristate: ethyl dodecanoate: ethanol is 1:3:2, which is most effective in attracting female honeycomb beetles.

[0100] See also Figure 15 The graph showing the selectivity of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl myristate + ethyl acetate + ethanol indicates that when the total volume fraction of the binary compound of ethyl myristate + ethyl acetate is 10% (v / v) and the volume fraction of the adjuvant anhydrous ethanol is 5% (v / v), the volume ratio of ethyl myristate:ethyl acetate:ethanol, regardless of whether it is 3:1:2, 4:2:3, 1:1:1, 2:4:3, or 1:3:2, all have a significant attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles. P< 0.001).

[0101] See also Figure 16The graph showing the selectivity of female honeycomb beetles for ethyl dodecanoate + ethyl acetate + ethanol indicates that when the total volume fraction of the binary compound of ethyl dodecanoate + ethyl acetate is 10% (v / v) and the volume fraction of the adjuvant anhydrous ethanol is 5% (v / v), the volume ratio of ethyl dodecanoate:ethyl acetate:ethanol, regardless of whether it is 3:1:2, 4:2:3, 1:1:1, 2:4:3, or 1:3:2, all have a significant attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles. P< 0.001).

[0102] In conclusion, when ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate are mixed, the addition of ethanol as an adjuvant can effectively enhance the attraction to female honeycomb beetles.

[0103] 5. Effects of a ternary compound plus ethanol as an adjuvant on the olfactory response of the honeycomb beetle.

[0104] Based on the results analysis in section 4.2, the best-performing binary compound, combined with the auxiliary agent ethanol, was introduced into a ternary mixture with a third ester compound, ethyl acetate, as follows:

[0105] 5.1 Preparation of ternary compound + ethanol (total volume fraction of ternary compound 10%, solvent n-hexane, total volume 100%)

[0106]

[0107] The prepared compound solutions were then used to test the attraction behavior of female honeycomb beetles using a Y-shaped olfactory instrument. The results are as follows: Figure 17 As shown.

[0108] 5.2 Results Analysis

[0109] See Figure 17 The graph showing the selectivity of female honeycomb beetles for a mixture of ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, ethyl acetate, and ethanol indicates that any volume ratio of ethyl myristate:ethyl dodecanoate:ethyl acetate:ethanol, whether 1:3:12:8, 1:3:8:6, 1:3:4:4, 1:3:2:3, or 3:9:4:8, significantly attracts female honeycomb beetles. P< (0.001), but compared to the binary compound mixture of ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate + ethanol, the attraction effect of the ternary compound mixture of ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate + ethyl acetate + ethanol is not obvious.

[0110] Analysis of the results from Example 3 shows that when a single compound (ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate) is used alone, both 1% and 10% (v / v) of ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate effectively attract female *Aegilops spp.*, but have a certain repellent effect on males. However, 1% and 10% (v / v) of ethyl acetate have a strong repellent effect on both male and female adult *Aegilops spp.* When the two compounds are mixed, the combination of ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate effectively enhances the attraction to female *Aegilops spp.*. When any two of ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate are mixed, the addition of the adjuvant ethanol can effectively enhance the attraction to female *Aegilops spp.* When ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and ethyl acetate are mixed in a ternary formulation and ethanol is added as an adjuvant, the attraction effect on female honeycomb beetles is not much different from that of a binary formulation of ethyl myristate and ethyl dodecanoate with ethanol added as an adjuvant, and is even less effective than the attraction effect of the binary formulation. Therefore, ethyl myristate + ethyl dodecanoate + ethanol is the best attractant formulation for attracting female honeycomb beetles.

[0111] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An attractant for female honeycomb beetles, characterized in that, It includes ester compounds and auxiliaries; the volume fraction of the ester compounds in the attractant is 10%, and the volume fraction of the auxiliaries is 5%. The ester compounds are ethyl tetradecanoate and ethyl dodecanoate; the auxiliary agent is anhydrous ethanol. The volume ratios of ethyl myristate, ethyl dodecanoate, and anhydrous ethanol are 3:1:2, 4:2:3, 1:1:1, 2:4:3, and 1:3:

2.

2. The attractant for female honeycomb beetles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The attractant is composed of ester compounds, auxiliaries, and solvents.

3. The attractant for female honeycomb beetles as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The solvent is n-hexane.

4. The use of the female beetle attractant of claim 1 in the preparation of attractants or devices for monitoring or controlling beetles.

5. The use of the female beetle attractant of claim 1 in the preparation of products that attract beetles to forage and lay eggs.

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