Compositions, methods and devices for controlling and monitoring insects

Abstract

The present invention provides a composition for attracting Carpophilus truncatus beetles, wherein the composition preferably comprises one or more pheromone compounds produced by a male beetle of the species Carpophilus truncatus. The present invention also relates to kits, methods and devices for attracting, capturing and monitoring Dioscorea obscura.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus, compositions, and methods for insect control, and more specifically, to multi-component compositions for use in combination with devices for releasing the compositions, and to apparatus for using the compositions to attract, capture, and / or monitor insects, more specifically, the truncated carpophilus beetle. Background Technology

[0002] The truncated almond beetle is a major pest that causes severe damage to the developing kernel. Current “luring and killing” strategies for controlling this pest rely on bait consisting of (i) beetle aggregation pheromones (produced by adult male truncated almond beetles that attack the kernel) and (ii) microbial synthetic food attractants.

[0003] Recently, the truncated tail beetle has also been identified as a pest of other nuts, including walnuts and pistachios.

[0004] As early as the 1990s, pheromones and analogues of various Carpophilus species were synthesized and discovered; however, the pheromone of the truncated carpophilus has not been adequately studied (Bartelt et al. 1990, 1992; Bartelt 2010). Furthermore, existing baits developed for controlling carpophilus beetles that attack drupe fruits are ineffective against the truncated carpophilus.

[0005] Common problems in developing control strategies for the genus *Ceratophorus* include trap type, trap placement, the type of food-related odor used in the traps, pheromones and formulations, and the duration of bait / attractant effectiveness. In some cases, the release rate of some key attractants decreases as early as one day after bait deployment in the field. Furthermore, targeting specific beetle species is problematic because generic compositions fail to achieve the desired specificity and exhibit diminished efficacy in crop protection (Bartelt 2010).

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to overcome or at least alleviate one or more difficulties and shortcomings associated with the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] On one hand, the present invention provides a composition for attracting the truncated carpophilus beetle, the composition comprising 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene or its geometric isomer and one or more C6-C 16 aldehyde.

[0008] As used herein, the term "composition" refers to a mixture of components, which may be in the form of a solid, liquid, gas, vapor, gel or any other suitable mixture of phases.

[0009] Geometric isomers of 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene may be selected from the following:

[0010] (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0011] (2E,4E,6E,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0012] (2E,4E,6Z,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0013] (2E,4Z,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0014] (2Z,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0015] (2E,4E,6Z,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0016] (2E,4Z,6E,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0017] (2Z,4E,6E,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0018] (2E,4Z,6Z,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0019] (2Z,4E,6Z,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0020] (2Z,4Z,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0021] (2E,4Z,6Z,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0022] (2Z,4E,6Z,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0023] (2Z,4Z,6E,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0024] (2Z,4Z,6Z,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene

[0025] (2Z,4Z,6Z,8Z)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene is (E,E,E,E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene.

[0027] In some embodiments, the composition does not include (2E,4E,6E,8E)-7-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl-2,4,6,8-decatetraene.

[0028] In one implementation, the one or more C6-C 16 The aldehydes are saturated aldehydes. In another embodiment, the one or more C6-C... 16 Aldehydes are straight-chain aldehydes. In yet another embodiment, the one or more C6-C... 16 Aldehydes are straight-chain saturated aldehydes. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more C6-C... 16 Aldehydes are selected from hexadecaldehyde, pentadecaldehyde, tetradecaldehyde, tridecaldehyde, dodecaldehyde, undecaldehyde, decanaldehyde, nonanaldehyde, octaldehyde, heptanaldehyde, and hexanal, especially tetradecaldehyde, hexanal, and nonanaldehyde, with tetradecaldehyde being the most important.

[0029] In some embodiments, 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecathatene and C6-C 16 The ratio of aldehydes, especially (E,E,E,E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene and tetradecanal, is such that 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene and C6-C 16 The aldehydes are released in a ratio of 2:1 to 1:5, especially in a ratio of 2:1 to 1:2, and even more so in 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene and C6-C 16 The aldehydes are in an approximately 1:1 ratio. In some embodiments, 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene and C6-C 16The aldehydes in the composition are in the ratio of 2:1 to 1:5, especially 1:1 to 1:4, more especially 1:2 to 1:4 or 1:3 to 1:3.5, and most especially about 1:3.3. Compositions containing one of these ratios can produce 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetene and C6-C 16 Aldehydes are released in a 1:1 ratio.

[0030] In one embodiment, the composition described herein further comprises dimethylpyrazine. Therefore, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition for attracting the truncated-tailed beetle, the composition comprising 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene or its geometric isomer, one or more C6-C 16 Aldehydes and dimethylpyrazines, wherein 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecathetene or its geometric isomers, one or more C6-C 16 Aldehydes are as defined above. In a preferred embodiment, the dimethylpyrazine is selected from 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2,6-dimethylpyrazine.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the composition described herein further comprises an antioxidant. Examples of suitable antioxidants include butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and citric acid. In a particular embodiment, the antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0032] In one embodiment, the composition described herein further comprises a carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier may be a solid, semi-solid, gel, or liquid, or a combination thereof. Suitable liquid carriers are volatile solvents, such as volatile nonpolar solvents capable of dissolving components of the composition. In a particular embodiment, the carrier is a nonpolar hydrocarbon. Examples of suitable volatile nonpolar hydrocarbons include pentane, hexane, heptane, and cyclohexane, or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier is hexane. In some embodiments, the carrier is used to prepare the composition and load it into a releaser. In some embodiments, the carrier may be allowed to evaporate at least partially from the releaser before the releaser is contained or deployed in a trap.

[0033] In some embodiments, the composition is prepared as containing 10 mg / mL of 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene and 5 to 50 mg / mL of C6-C6 hexane. 16 Aldehydes and antioxidants at 1 mg / mL, especially 10 mg / mL of 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetene, and 10 to 50, 20 to 40, or 30 to 35 mg / mL of C6-C 16Aldehydes and 1 mg / mL of antioxidant. In a particular embodiment, the composition is a hexane composition comprising about 10 mg / mL of (E,E,E,E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene, about 33.3 mg / mL of tetradecanal, and 1 mg / mL of BHT.

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides a release device comprising the composition described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the release device enables the continuous release of the composition described herein.

[0035] In some embodiments, the releaser includes a septum (e.g., a rubber septum), resin or inert polymer beads, granules, pellets, or strips. In a preferred embodiment, the releaser includes a septum.

[0036] In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising the composition described herein and / or a releaser, and a shell for attracting the truncated-tailed beetle.

[0037] As used herein, the term "casing" refers to any suitable element capable of housing the composition and / or the releaser, thereby enabling the release of the composition to the surrounding environment outside the casing. Release of the composition from the casing can be passive or active.

[0038] In some embodiments, the device further includes a container for receiving captured beetles of the genus *Ceratophyllum* and a cover for the container, the cover allowing the beetle to enter the container and preventing it from leaving. In some embodiments, the container is detachable from the cover, allowing the removal of the captured beetle. A shell capable of receiving and releasing the composition can be attached to the container or the cover in a manner that lures the beetle through the cover to the entrance of the container. In some embodiments, the cover and the shell of the container are green, for example, medium green, medium dark green, or dark green. In some embodiments, the container is transparent or opaque, particularly transparent. A suitable device is shown in Figure 7.

[0039] Another exemplary device described herein may include the device described in international patent application number PCT / AU2021 / 050240, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] In some embodiments, the device further includes one or more of the following:

[0041] One or more co-attractant compounds; and

[0042] Insecticide.

[0043] In one particular embodiment, one or more attractant compounds may be selected from C1-C6 alcohols, C1-C4 aldehydes, indoles, and C1-C6 compounds. 12 Esters. In a preferred embodiment, one or more attractant compounds may be selected from ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, acetaldehyde, isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, ethyl 2-phenylacetate, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), methyl benzoate, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. In a particular embodiment, one or more attractant compounds include ethanol and isoamyl alcohol, especially aqueous ethanol and isoamyl alcohol.

[0044] As used herein, the term "aqueous" refers to a water-based solvent, preferably containing at least about 40% water, especially distilled water, and may contain other water-soluble or water-miscible components.

[0045] In some implementations, the aqueous ethanol is 30% to 60% ethanol soluble in water, especially 40% to 55% ethanol soluble in water, and even more especially 40% to 50% ethanol soluble in water, such as 45% ethanol soluble in water.

[0046] In one embodiment, the device may include one or more attractant compounds, each of which is in a separate container or deposition element.

[0047] As used herein, a deposition element refers to any suitable substance in which compounds can be contained and from which they can be released. In one embodiment, the deposition element may be a cotton roll / dental tampon, or any other such substance suitable for containing and releasing the attractant compound.

[0048] In some embodiments, a deposition element containing an attractant compound is located within a container capable of releasing the attractant compound at a desired rate. In a preferred embodiment, the container is made of low-density polyethylene. In one embodiment, the thickness of the low-density polyethylene is sufficient to achieve a controlled release rate of the attractant compound. Preferably, the container is made of low-density polyethylene with a thickness between about 25 μm and 250 μm, more preferably between about 35 μm and 225 μm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is made of low-density polyethylene with a thickness between about 50 μm and 200 μm.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the device may include one or more attraction-enhancing compounds, wherein the attraction-enhancing compounds are present in an attraction-enhancing mixture.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the device may include one or more attractant compounds as described above, the attractant compounds being present in an attractant mixture, wherein the mixture is in the form of a solid, liquid, gas, vapor, gel, or any other suitable phase mixture thereof, preferably in liquid or gel form. In one embodiment, the device may include one or more attractant compounds being present in a mixture, wherein the mixture is in solution form, and wherein the attractant mixture contains ethanol and isoamyl alcohol, particularly aqueous ethanol and isoamyl alcohol. In another embodiment, the device may include one or more attractant compounds being present in a mixture, wherein the mixture is in gel form, and wherein the attractant mixture contains aqueous ethanol and isoamyl alcohol. Examples of suitable gel-forming components include carbomer, glycerol, and tertiary amines (e.g., triisopropanolamine).

[0051] In one embodiment, the insecticide is an organophosphate. In a preferred embodiment, the insecticide is selected from dichlorvos, methyl methacrylate, dibromophos, parathion, malathion, and S-benzyl diisopropyl thiophosphate (IBP), especially dichlorvos.

[0052] In some embodiments, the device or releaser is capable of regulating the release of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the device or releaser is capable of regulating the release of the composition for about 1 to 8 weeks. In a further preferred embodiment, the device or releaser is capable of regulating the release of the composition for about 2 to 8 weeks. In a more preferred embodiment, the device and / or releaser is capable of regulating the release of the composition for about 4 to 8 weeks.

[0053] In some embodiments, the device is capable of regulating the release of the attractant compound or mixture of attractants. In a preferred embodiment, the device is capable of regulating the release of the attractant compound or mixture of attractants for about 1 to 8 weeks. In a further preferred embodiment, the device is capable of regulating the release of the attractant compound or mixture of attractants for about 2 to 8 weeks. In a more preferred embodiment, the device is capable of regulating the release of the attractant compound or mixture of attractants for about 4 to 8 weeks.

[0054] In some embodiments, the device is capable of replacing one or more of the composition, attractant compound or mixture, and insecticide. These component replacements can be made when the release is reduced (e.g., no longer effectively attracting and / or killing truncated-tailed beetles).

[0055] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising the composition and / or releaser described herein, and a capture device. In some embodiments, the kit comprises the composition or releaser described herein, and the capture device is a device comprising a housing and a receiving portion with a cap as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the kit comprises the releaser and capture device described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the components of the kit can be assembled such that, under normal use, the releaser enables continuous release of the composition described herein, and the capture device captures the truncated-tailed beetle. In another preferred embodiment, the components of the kit can be assembled such that the capture device and composition are suitable for or can be used in the methods of the present invention described herein.

[0056] In one particular embodiment, the kit further includes one or more of the following:

[0057] One or more attractant compounds described herein; and

[0058] The insecticides described in this article.

[0059] In some embodiments, the kit may include a variety of compositions of the present invention, a mixture of a variety of attractants packaged in separate containers, or a combination of attractants and / or a variety of insecticide components, which enable the periodic replacement of these components in the trapping device during the growing / harvest season or during monitoring (e.g., when the efficacy of the composition, attractant, and / or insecticide activity diminishes).

[0060] In another aspect of the invention, a method for attracting and / or capturing a cut-tailed exposed-tail beetle is provided, the method comprising exposing the composition, releaser and / or device described herein to an environment infested with the beetle.

[0061] In some implementations, the contaminated environment is an orchard, more specifically a nut orchard, particularly an almond orchard, pistachio orchard, walnut orchard, cashew orchard, kemiri nut orchard, macadamia nut orchard, and / or Brazil nut orchard. In particular implementations, the orchard may be an almond orchard, a pistachio orchard, or a walnut orchard.

[0062] In other embodiments, the contaminated environment is the storage location (warehouse) for nuts, particularly for almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, kukui, macadamia nuts, and / or Brazil nuts. In a particular embodiment, the storage location for nuts may be a storage location for almonds, pistachios, or walnuts.

[0063] In a specific implementation plan, the contaminated environment is an almond orchard or almond storage site, especially an almond orchard.

[0064] When used in nut orchards (e.g., almond orchards) infested with the truncated shriveled beetle, the composition is optionally placed in a trapping device, and preferably deployed in the orchard at intervals of 10 m to 100 m, particularly 20 m to 80 m, more particularly 30 m to 70 m, and even more particularly 40 m to 60 m, for example, 50 m. In some embodiments, the density of traps is 3 to 25 traps per hectare, particularly 10 to 20 traps per hectare, for example 15 to 17 traps per hectare.

[0065] In another aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring the presence of a truncated-tailed beetle is provided, the method comprising the step of arranging the composition, releaser and / or device described herein in an environment in which the presence of the beetle needs to be monitored.

[0066] In a particular implementation, the environment for monitoring the presence of the truncated-tailed beetle is a nut orchard, nut storage area, or nuts prepared for export or recently imported. The nuts may be selected from almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, kukui nuts, macadamia nuts, and Brazil nuts, especially almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. In a particular implementation, the environment is an almond orchard, almond storage area, or almonds prepared for export or recently imported.

[0067] In some embodiments, the composition and attractant, along with optional insecticide, can be periodically changed during the infestation or monitoring period. For example, the composition and / or attractant mixture can be changed sometime between 1 and 8 weeks after trap deployment, and then every 1 to 8 weeks during the growing / harvest season or monitoring period. For example, the composition and / or attractant mixture can be changed every 2 to 8 weeks or every 4 to 8 weeks. In some embodiments, the insecticide can be changed simultaneously with the change of the composition and / or attractant mixture.

[0068] In this specification, the term "comprising" and its variations are not intended to exclude the presence of other elements, components, or steps.

[0069] In this specification, any reference to prior art does not constitute and should not be construed as an admission or any form of implication that the prior art constitutes part of common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction, or that a person skilled in the art would reasonably expect to incorporate the prior art.

[0070] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying embodiments and drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as a general limitation of the invention described above. Attached Figure Description

[0071] Figure 1: A device used for dynamic headspace sampling and pheromone collection.

[0072] Figure 2 GC-MS chromatogram of amygdala kernels infected by male (♂) or female (♀) beetles. Hexanal and dimethylpyrazine are compounds associated with beetle infection (absent in beetle-free kernels) but not with beetle sex. The remaining shaded compounds are characteristic of male beetle infection.

[0073] Figures 3a-e: GC-MS chromatograms of live beetle odors and synthetic pheromones (shown in gray). Compound IDs were identified and their authenticity verified by comparing the retention indices of natural and synthetic pheromones. a) Chromatogram of the odor of male beetles fed artificial feed; b) Chromatogram of the odor of male beetles fed almond kernels; c) Chromatogram of synthetic pheromone 2 provided by Boron Molecular (Melbourne); d) Chromatogram of a synthetic male-specific compound (a newly discovered pheromone, commercially available); e) Overlay of Figures 3a-3d. The gray overlay matches the retention times of each synthetic pheromone with the retention times of natural pheromones detected from live beetle extracts, namely pheromone #2 (pheromone 2) and pheromone #3 (probable pheromone).

[0074] Figure 4 SPME-GC-MS chromatogram of the odor mixture produced by a septum loaded with pheromone #2, pheromone #3 (tetradecanoic acid) and antioxidant (butylated hydroxytoluene) before field experiments.

[0075] Figure 5 : Orchard block map used for pheromone septum field assessment. Numbers indicate the location of each trap in the orchard. Arrows indicate the different blocks used in a randomized complete block design (10 blocks = 10 replicates, each replicate containing 6 treatment groups).

[0076] Figure 6 This is a bar chart characterizing beetle capture rates when different pheromone baits were used in combination with standardized attractant mixtures in a field experiment. Gray bars represent the capture of *Ceratocercus truncatederi*, and white bars represent the number of other *Ceratocercus* species captured in the trap (primarily *Ceratocercus hemipterus*). Error bars represent standard errors. Lowercase letters above the gray bars indicate statistical differences in *Ceratocercus truncatederi* capture rates between treatments, and uppercase letters above the white bars indicate statistical differences in capture rates of other *Ceratocercus* species. Each treatment group was replicated ten times, and beetle samples were collected every two weeks.

[0077] Figure 7: Representative capture devices used with the compositions of the present invention. Figure 7a In the assembled state, Figure 7b It is in the disassembled state.

[0078] Figure 8 The bar chart shows the average number of *Begonia truncatula* (grey bars) and other *Begonia* species (white bars) captured during a two-week trial. Error bars represent the 95% confidence level after inverse transformation. Uppercase and lowercase letters indicate statistically significant differences in capture numbers between *Begonia truncatula* and other *Begonia* species when different pheromone treatments were used.

[0079] Figure 9 The bar chart shows the number of larvae produced by every 3 adult females using various nut food sources.

[0080] Figure 10 The bar chart shows the number of larvae that developed to the final instar in each repeat using various nut food sources.

[0081] Figure 11 : Schematic diagram of the trap layout in the experimental area of ​​the mass trapping method. X represents a trap, and the shaded area represents a sampling sub-region; NP represents the nonpareil row.

[0082] Figure 12 A photo of a trap fixed in an orchard.

[0083] Figure 13 The bar chart shows the total number of truncated tailed beetles captured in each experimental area every two weeks.

[0084] Figure 14 The bar chart shows the average percentage of nucleolar damage caused by tail truncation and exposure of the tail carapace under the control and mass trapping treatments. Error bars represent SEM images. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Example 1 - Sample and Pheromones Collection

[0086] i. Plants and insects

[0087] All raw almonds used in the experiments were collected from a commercial almond orchard near Mildura (Victoria, Australia). The truncated truncated beetles used to infect the almonds were taken from a laboratory population preserved at the AgriBio Centre for AgriBiosciences (Bundoora, Australia); this population was established from wild-captured beetles collected from the same orchard. Newly emerged beetles were collected prior to nut infestation and subsequently sexed under a stereomicroscope.

[0088] ii. Chemicals

[0089] The previously discovered truncated pheromone compound, pheromone 2: (E,E,E,E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetene (disclosed above in PCT / AU2021 / 050242), was synthesized by Boron Molecular (Noble Park, VIC, Australia). The newly discovered pheromone compound—tetradecane—was purchased from Ambeed Products (Ambeed, USA) through its regional distributor (Sigma-Aldrich Australia). Dichloromethane, ethanol (96% purity), nonyl acetate, butylated hydroxytoluene, and isoamyl alcohol were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Castle Hill, NSW, Australia).

[0090] iii. Collection of volatiles

[0091] Adopting such Figure 1 The apparatus shown collects volatiles released from nucleoli of both uninfected and infected beetles via dynamic headspace sampling. Three odor samples were collected: (i) from male beetles, (ii) from female beetles, and (iii) from beetles-free individuals. For each treatment group, 25 nucleoli (15 whole and 10 halved) were placed in a 300 mL glass container for volatile collection. Treatment groups containing beetles (i and ii) consisted of 60 adults of a specified sex. The beetles were fed nucleoli for one week prior to sampling. Volatile collection was performed by passing an airflow through two glass inlets on opposite sides of the container (serving as the inlet and outlet, respectively). Purified air passed through an activated carbon filter installed at the inlet (outer side) at a set flow rate (100 mL / min). -1 The volatile substances in the chamber are transported to an adsorption filter connected to the outlet (inside, where a vacuum is applied). The collection container is wrapped with aluminum foil to create a dark environment that beetles prefer. A six-armed manifold made of PVC pipe (such as...) connected to a single vacuum interface is used. Figure 1(As shown) Multiple collections were performed simultaneously. Airflow in different arms of the manifold was regulated using small valves and controlled by a gas flow meter. The adsorption filter used to capture volatiles consisted of 100 mg of Porapak Q packing material (powder); this packing material filled between two silanized glass wool plugs inside a glass Pasteur pipette. Volatiles were collected from 12 samples from each treatment group over 7 days. At the end of the collection, volatiles were eluted from the adsorption filter using 2 mL of dichloromethane. 500 ng of nonyl acetate was added to the sample as an internal standard (IS), and the sample was then concentrated to a final volume of approximately 100 μL by evaporating the solvent under a gentle nitrogen flow.

[0092] Example 2 - Chemical Analysis of Pheromone Samples

[0093] Subsequently, the pheromone samples obtained in Example 1 were used for chemical analysis and field experiments.

[0094] Volatile compounds dissolved in dichloromethane were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Two µL aliquots were injected at 250 °C in splitless mode. The injection was performed using an Agilent 7650 ALS autosampler on an Agilent 7890B GC system equipped with an Ultra Inert HP-5MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm) coupled with an Agilent 5977B single quadrupole mass spectrometer. The initial oven temperature was set to 40 °C for 2 minutes, followed by a 10 °C / min incubation period. -1 Raise the temperature to 220°C, then reduce it to 20°C / min. -1 The temperature was increased to a final temperature of 300°C and held for one minute. Mass spectra were acquired in EI mode (70 eV) with a mass scan range of 35 to 550. The quadrupole temperature and ionization source temperature were set to 150°C and 230°C, respectively. Preliminary identification of the compounds was performed using the NIST 14 mass spectrum library and by comparing their Kovats indices with those directly available in the literature, or by injecting commercially synthesized compounds.

[0095] Data Analysis

[0096] GC-MS analysis of almond and beetle volatiles was performed using the built-in deconvolution and peak alignment tools in the eRah data package in R Studio (Domingo-Almenara et al., 2016). The extracted peak areas were compared with the peak areas of the internal standard to estimate the amounts of different compounds in ng IS equivalents per week. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrix was then used in ANOSIM (similarity analysis) to examine the differences in estimated amounts in the headspace of the nucleolus from the control, male-infected, and female-infected groups. Multilevel pattern analysis was performed using the indicspecies data package (De Cáceres et al., 2011) to investigate the characteristic compounds corresponding to different odor spectra.

[0097] Results - Volatile Analysis of Infected and Beetle-Free Almonds

[0098] GC-MS analysis of odor extracts ( Figure 2 This study confirmed the difference in chemical spectra between beetle-free and infected almonds. Regardless of beetle sex, dimethylpyrazine compounds (2,5- or 2,6-) were present in the infected samples, while these compounds were almost absent from the headspace of the beetle-free nuclei. Simultaneously, elevated hexanal concentrations were observed in the odor of nuclei infected by both male and female beetles. Multilevel pattern analysis identified four compounds specific to male beetle infection.

[0099] Among these compounds are (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetene (pheromone 2 or pheromone #2), which has previously been identified as the main pheromone of the truncated-tailed beetle (see PCT application PCT / AU2021 / 050242 for relevant identification, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference); an unidentified compound (mw = 218); and a compound identified with high confidence as tetradecanal by a mass spectrometry library. Nonanal showed a weak but significant increase, which was correlated with male beetle infestation. The GC-MS analysis results and the statistical significance of the correlations with different spectra are listed in Table 1.

[0100] GC-MS chromatogram of apricot kernels infected by male (♂) or female (♀) beetles. Figure 2 .

[0101] Table 1. GC-MS analysis results of apricot kernels from the control group (beetle-free), the adult female beetle-infected group, and the adult male beetle-infected group, expressed in nonyl acetate (IS) ng equivalents / week, (± standard error).

[0102]

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] Use synthesis to verify compound IDs

[0106] The authenticity and purity of the compound were verified by GC-MS analysis. Specifically, the mass spectrum and retention index of the synthesized compound were compared with the mass spectrum and retention index of the odor extract taken from beetles fed with apricot kernels (see Figures 3a-e).

[0107] The mass spectra of the synthesized compounds matched those of their natural counterparts, and their retention indices were similar enough to infer their authenticity (pheromone 2 [(2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetene]: 1486 vs 1489; pheromone 3 [tetradecane]: 1616 vs 1613). The purity of the newly prepared synthetic pheromone (pheromone 2) was 86%, and the purity of pheromone 3 (tetradecane) was approximately 97%. SPME-GC-MS analysis was used to adjust the amounts of the two compounds loaded on the rubber septum to ensure that they were released at approximately equal rates. The results of this analysis are as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0108] Example 3 - Field Experiment of Pheromone Samples

[0109] The inventors designed field experiments to test the attractancy of the aforementioned truncated tail beetle pheromone 2 under field conditions, as well as the pheromone (attractant) activity of the newly identified pheromone 3. The inventors conducted individual and combination tests on the pheromones, using proportions comparable to those found in biological samples. The experiments also included commercially available pheromone mixtures (“tri-species lure”, Catcha). ® Pheromone lures (Insect Management Services, Baccus Marsh, VIC, Australia) – this pheromone mixture was used to control the drupe fruit beetle genus *Ceratophorus*. All pheromones were tested in combination with aqueous ethanol and isoamyl alcohol solutions as attractants. The attractant mixture and pheromones worked synergistically to elicit a strong behavioral response in *Ceratophorus truncatedus*.

[0110] Pheromone test decoys were loaded onto white Precision Seal® rubber septa (8 mm OD, Sigma-Aldrich product code: Z553913) using butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as an antioxidant. SPME-GC-MS analysis of the test septa on days 1 and 3 determined the amount of each individual compound loaded onto the septa, aiming to achieve approximately equal release rates of the two pheromones. Based on existing literature, the antioxidant amount was selected as 10% of the major pheromone ratio (Table 2). A hexane dilution of pure pheromones was prepared and loaded onto the septa in the required amount. The loaded septa were dried overnight in a fume hood and stored in heat-sealed foil bags at -20°C until use in field trials.

[0111] Table 2. Pheromones used as treatment groups in field experiments and attraction-enhancing solutions applied in combination with them and tested simultaneously.

[0112]

[0113] The field experiment was conducted in December 2021 at a commercial almond orchard near Mildura, Victoria, Australia. Orchard groups were selected based on the following criteria: the size of the orchard group (large enough to accommodate the experiment) and the confirmed presence of the truncated tarantula population through monitoring traps and fallen nuts. Pheromone septa were suspended by paperclips inside black barrel-shaped traps (trap model: Caprophilus Catcha trap, Bugs for Bugs, Toowoomba, QLD). These traps contained 250 mL of an attractant solution optimized for trapping the truncated tarantula (PCT / AU2021 / 050242, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) and insecticide strips (Killmaster, dichlorvos, 15 mm × 15 mm). The traps were spaced at least 50 m apart, and the treatment groups were arranged in a completely randomized block design (each block corresponding to a transect containing 6 traps), with 10 replicates (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown). The bait septum and attractant solution were replaced every two weeks, and beetle samples were collected during the replacement. Beetles present in different traps were identified and counted under a stereomicroscope. The experiment lasted a total of 6 weeks.

[0114] Data Analysis

[0115] Field data were analyzed using the glmmTMB data package (Brooks et al., 2019) by fitting a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with a negative binomial distribution. The number of truncated brevis beetles and other brevis beetles captured was used as the response variable, with the "bait treatment group" set as a fixed factor. Other random variables were added as random factors when they could improve the fit; these included, for example, the assessment of "date" explaining the evolution of beetle populations over time, and "block" and "row" representing the heterogeneous spatial distribution of beetles within the control block. The lsmeans data package (Lenth, 2016) was used for multiple comparison tests (adjusted Tukey post-hoc tests).

[0116] The attractability of previously identified pheromones and newly hypothesized pheromones in field experiments

[0117] The optimal model fitting scheme for capturing data of the truncated tailed beetle (*Ceratophora stylosa*) is to treat the treatment group as a fixed factor and "date" and "block" as random factors (because there is a gradient in beetle population size between blocks). The number of truncated tailed beetles captured varies significantly based on the pheromone mixture loaded on the septum (x0). 2 = 822, df = 5, p < 0.001). The results of this study are shown in Figure 6 .

[0118] The number of truncated brevicor beetles captured by septa loaded with pheromones 2 and 3 was significantly higher than that of all other treatment groups (p < 0.001). In addition, the number of beetles captured by septa containing only pheromones 2 was also significantly higher than that of the three commercially available septa (p < 0.001).

[0119] Data on the capture of other species of the genus *Ceratophyllum* (with *Ceratophyllum fulvicula* being in great excess) were analyzed using a similar model, with the addition of "rows" as a random variable to account for the higher capture rates observed at orchard edges. There were no significant differences in the capture rates of these beetles among the different treatment groups.

[0120] Example 4 - Field Experiment of Pheromone Samples

[0121] A short-term trial lasting over two weeks was conducted. Treatment groups were randomly arranged and replicated in a 10-row tree, with approximately 50 m spacing between traps (10 rows × 2 treatment groups – each treatment group had 20 replicates; 3 treatment groups with 20 replicates each used 60 traps). The treatment groups are shown in Table 3:

[0122] Table 3. Bait treatment groups used in the field experiment

[0123]

[0124] The data were analyzed using GLMM in a manner similar to that of Example 3, with the trap catch as the response variable, the bait treatment group as a fixed factor, and the rows and columns as random factors (spatial features). A Turkey-corrected post-hoc test was performed on the multiple alignments of the three estimates. The results for the mixed model were: Wald 2 = 62.5, df = 1, p = 2.64. -14 Multiple comparisons are shown in Table 4.

[0125] Table 4:

[0126]

[0127] Figure 8 The results showed that pheromone 3 attracted significantly fewer truncated tarantulas and other tarantula species than pheromone 2 and pheromone 2 + pheromone 3, indicating a synergistic effect between pheromone 3 and pheromone 2. However, although pheromone 2 + pheromone 3 attracted more truncated tarantulas than pheromone 2, the difference was not statistically significant. These results differ from those in Example 3, where pheromone 2 and 3 were the most effective treatments with significant advantages. In Example 4, the relatively high beetle population in the orchard (as reflected in the higher trapping rates of each treatment group) likely influenced the trapping results for each treatment group—for example, in fruit fly bait formulations, field experiments conducted under high pest stress showed a similar lack of statistical significance compared to field experiments under low pest stress (Henneken et al., 2022; Cunningham et al., 2018). Results like these highlight that baiting techniques are most likely to be most effective under lower pest stress.

[0128] Example 5 - Nut Feeding Experiment

[0129] A laboratory population of the truncated-tailed beetle was established using mummy nuts collected from a commercial almond orchard in the Sunraysia plantation region of Victoria, Australia. The insects were cultured on a sugar-soybean diet at 25°C, a 12-hour diurnal cycle, and 60% relative humidity. This population was maintained by the AgriBioCentre for AgriBioscience in Bundoora, Victoria, and all beetles used in the experiments were taken from this laboratory population.

[0130] Based on the known or potential host uses of the truncated nut beetle, nine nut or seed commodities, encompassing both economic crops and native plant species, were selected for host adaptability trials to determine the basic host range of the truncated nut beetle on nut substrates. In adult survival and larval development trials, ten replicates were prepared for each nut species by roughly chopping 1.5 g of the nut to allow the beetle access to its interior. The chopped nut was placed in 5 mL plastic specimen tubes, sealed with plain-weave cloth, and secured with a screw cap with 3.5 mm holes to allow airflow while maintaining a humid microclimate. For the control group, an equal volume of chopped, sealed polystyrene was used to provide the microhabitat and maintain similar humidity as the treatment group, but without edible resources, to establish baseline parameters for life characteristics.

[0131] Adult survival rate and acceptability

[0132] Six newly hatched adult *Ceratophyllum* beetles—three males and three females—were placed in individual specimen tubes, and their survival and F1 generation larval development were monitored daily. This number was chosen to avoid premature mortality, especially in the first few days of the experiment, as the species tends to cluster and perform poorly when solitary, unfeeding beetles are exposed to a nut substrate environment. All specimen tubes were misted daily to maintain adequate humidity. The dates of death of all adults and the number of 5th instar larvae produced in each specimen tube during the experiment were recorded until the experiment was completed on day 100. Adults were transferred to new specimen tubes containing chopped nuts when the nuts became too moist due to the activity of many F1 larvae, or when the market was nearly exhausted. After the experiment, all adults and larvae were removed and preserved in 100% ethanol. A portion of the F1 larvae from each treatment group were reared to adulthood to ensure that the adults were reproductively viable and free from deformities. The average number of larvae produced is shown in the figure. Figure 9 .

[0133] Larval development

[0134] Using a sterile, moistened brush, carefully transfer six newly laid eggs of the truncated brevis beetle onto chopped nuts in each specimen tube. Monitor the tubes daily and record the development of the fifth instar larvae and the date of pupation. After observing the last larva, continue monitoring the tubes for one month, assuming that any remaining larvae have died. A sample of insects from each treatment group is reared to adulthood to ensure the adults are reproductively viable and free from deformities. The number of days to reach the fifth instar is shown in the table below. Figure 10 .

[0135] Example 6 - Field Trial of Induction and Extermination

[0136] Purpose

[0137] It was determined that using attractants to trap large numbers of *Ceratophora stenophylla* can damage the kernel of an almond.

[0138] Materials and methods

[0139] Experimental site

[0140] The experiment was conducted in a mature commercial almond orchard in the Robin Valley region of Victoria. Based on block size and the extent of damage to the kernels by *Aspergillus* recorded in previous harvest seasons, 15 orchard blocks were identified as potential experimental sites. These blocks contained 16- to 17-year-old trees, were irrigated with double-row drip irrigation, and had tree and row spacing of 4.65 m and 7.25 m, respectively.

[0141] In mid-September 2023, the infestation of mummified nuts by the genus *Aspergillus* was assessed in 15 orchard blocks. The assessment was conducted at intervals of six rows (43.5 m) and every ten trees (46.5 m) or fifteen trees (69.75 m). At each assessment point, up to 10 nuts were opened and checked for *Aspergillus* surviving; inspection was stopped once beetles were found. Based on this assessment and the relatively wide distribution of surviving *Aspergillus* within the blocks, 10 blocks were selected for this experiment.

[0142] Experimental Design

[0143] This experiment employed a paired randomized block design. Ten selected orchard plots were paired based on previously recorded damage levels from the genus *Ceratophorus*. Each pair of plots was randomly assigned to either a "mass trapping" or "control" treatment group, with five replicates per treatment group.

[0144] During the winter, severe kernel damage had previously been observed on trees up to 90 m away from areas heavily infested by *Exterminus truncatula*. Based on this finding, a 5.67-hectare experimental plot (1,683 trees) was used to minimize edge effects in this experiment. This created a capture zone of at least 100 m around each of the 35 “sampling subplots,” including 21 *Nonpareil* trees used to collect nut samples to assess the extent of damage. The control plot used the same plot / subplot layout.

[0145] Each large-scale trapping zone is equipped with 94 traps (see Figure 11), with a density of 16.6 traps per hectare.

[0146] Capturer Components and Maintenance

[0147] All the traps used in this experiment are identical and consist of the following components:

[0148] • Bucket / funnel trap (26.5 × 31 × 41 cm), featuring a transparent bucket with a green rain cover and funnel, obtainable via the commercially available "Carpophilus Angler Trap" (GroChem, Melbourne, Australia). Each trap is secured to the ground with custom-made metal stakes and rings, and further secured in place with rubber tree straps, as described above. Figure 12 As shown.

[0149] • Rubber pheromone septum (Precision Seal™ white rubber septum) loaded with (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetene (3 mg), tetradecanal (10 mg) and BHT (0.3 mg).

[0150] • Place 250 mL of attractant containing 45% aqueous ethanol and isoamyl alcohol (800 µL / 100 mL) in a plastic basin and seal the basin with fine gauze to prevent beetles from entering.

[0151] • 1 cm x 1 cm Killmaster insecticide strips (Dichlorvos) (Barmac Industries Pty Ltd, Queensland, Australia) for killing beetles that enter the trap.

[0152] Prepare a fresh attractant solution in advance and store it at 4°C for later use. Replace the attractant and pheromone septum every two weeks, and replace the insecticide strips monthly.

[0153] Timeline

[0154] The trapping device hardware was installed in late September / early October, and the pheromone septa, attractant, and insecticidal strips were first loaded on October 10th and 18th. The traps in each experimental area were maintained until nut samples were collected from the experimental areas, with the earliest samples collected on February 15th, 2024, and the latest samples collected on March 1st, 2024.

[0155] Data collection

[0156] Trapping capacity of trap

[0157] The trap catch was collected every two weeks. Insects captured in each of the five trapping zones were combined into individual samples for each zone, sealed in labeled plastic zip-lock bags, and temporarily stored at 4°C. Any non-*Ceratophora* species were removed, and the samples were then stored at -20°C and subsequently sent to Agriculture Victoria's AgriBio Centre (Bundoora, Victoria) for identification. The volume of all samples was measured using a graduated cylinder.

[0158] For each sampling date, 2 mL subsamples taken from each capture area were sorted and identified using a morphological identification key and stereomicroscopy to determine the species. Subsequently, based on the number of truncated tailed beetles per mL, the total volume of beetles was converted to the total number of truncated tailed beetles captured in each experimental area.

[0159] For 15 samples collected over six sampling dates between early December 2023 and early February 2024, the sex ratio of the captured truncated tail beetles was determined. To this end, 20 beetles were randomly selected from the truncated tail beetles sorted from the aforementioned 2 mL subsamples, and their sex was determined under a stereomicroscope.

[0160] Nucleolus damage

[0161] Ten nonpareil trees out of 21 trees in each sampling sub-region were randomly selected for nut sampling. Immediately after the trees were shaken for commercial harvesting, one hundred newly harvested nuts were collected from the ground beneath each of the ten selected trees. All nut samples were placed in open-faced woven onion bags and stored at approximately 4°C to maintain dryness and prevent further kernel damage from beetles (such as the carob moth). Kelp damage caused by beetles was assessed by manually breaking the shells; if necessary, visual inspection was performed using a Maggylamp or stereomicroscope after breaking the shells.

[0162] Data Analysis

[0163] All statistical tests were performed using GenStat (VSN International, 2023). To determine whether the observed pest levels could be explained by the experimental treatment, a restricted maximum likelihood (REML) model was performed, which included block IDs as random effects.

[0164] Results and Discussion

[0165] Trapping capacity of trap

[0166] As of February 1, the beetle samples captured by the traps had been processed, and the total number of beetles with truncated tails and exposed tails trapped up to that date was nearly 684,000 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0167] On average, the truncated tail beetle accounted for 96.4% of the total beetle capture, highlighting the species-specific nature of the bait. Notably, the average sex ratio of truncated tail beetles in the 15 samples was 68% female. This female-preferred phenomenon enhances the value of the capture program, as it increases the impact of the capture on the reproductive potential of the truncated tail beetle population.

[0168] Nucleolus damage

[0169] REML modeling showed that the treatment method had a significant impact on the degree of nucleolar damage. Compared with the control group, significantly lower damage was observed in the large-scale trapping treatment group ( Figure 14 (df ​​= 1, F = 6.78, p = 0.031). Block IDs accounted for only 0.26% of the observed insect damage variable, indicating good matching of the block pairing groups. Table 5 shows the mean nucleolar damage rate for each experimental pairing group, as well as the damage rate reduced by the large-scale trapping treatment.

[0170] Table 5. Average percentage of nucleolar damage in the experimental areas of the trapping group and the control group.

[0171]

[0172] The first trapping and killing (A&K) experiment showed that the lure has the potential for mass trapping.

[0173] One anomaly in these data is that the percentage reduction in nucleolar damage in experimental pairing group 4 was lower (18.8%) compared to the average percentage reduction (66%) in the other four experimental pairing groups. Nut judges believe that the samples from the control experimental area in experimental pairing group 4 contained a large number of nuts with closed shells, which are less likely to have suffered nucleolar damage from *Ceratophyllum* genus infestation, thus leading to the biased results.

[0174] in conclusion

[0175] The extensive use of "entrapment and kill" treatments in this experiment resulted in an average and maximum reduction rate of 56% and 79% in nucleolus damage, respectively, a highly promising outcome. Equally promising is that the nucleolus damage rate in two of the five capture groups was kept below the industry's informal threshold of 2%.

[0176] The improved attractant and novel pheromone mixture exhibited high selectivity for the truncated tail beetle, which accounted for over 96% of the total number of beetles captured. Therefore, growers can use the traps and baits used in this study as a reliable monitoring tool for this species.

[0177] Finally, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and / or additions can be made to this invention without departing from the concept set forth herein.

[0178] References

[0179] Bartelt RJ (2010), "Volatile Hydrocarbon Pheromone in Beetles." In Blomquist GJ, Bagnières A-G (eds.), *Insect Hydrocarbons: Biology, Biochemistry and Chemical Ecology*. Cambridge University Press, pp. 448-476.

[0180] Bartelt RJ, Dowd PF, Plattner RD, Weisleder D (1990), "Aggregation pheromone of the fruit beetle, wind tunnel bioassay of the yellow-spotted tassel beetle, and identification of two novel tetraenes." *J Chem Ecol* 16:1015-1039. doi: 10.1007 / BF01021008

[0181] Bartelt RJ, Weisleder D, Dowd PF, Plattner RD (1992), "Male-specific tetraenes and trienes of the yellow-spotted beetle: structure and pheromone activity." *J Chem Ecol* 18:379-402. doi: 10.1007 / BF00994239

[0182] Brooks ME, Kristensen K, Darrigo MR, et al. (2019). Statistical modeling of annual reproductive rate patterns. *Ecology* 100: e02706. https: / / doi.org / 10.1002 / ecy.2706

[0183] De Cáceres M, Sol D, Lapiedra O, Legendre P (2011). "A framework for estimating niche indices based on qualitative resource similarity." *Oikos* 120:1341-1350. https: / / doi.org / 10.1111 / j.1600-0706.2011.19679.x

[0184] Domingo-Almenara X, Brezmes J, Vinaixa M et al. (2016) "ERah: A computational tool integrating spectral deconvolution, alignment, and GC / MS metabolomics for metabolite quantification and identification." Anal Chem 88:9821-9829. https: / / doi.org / 10.1021 / acs.analchem.6b02927

[0185] Lenth RV (2016) "Least Squares Mean: R Dataset lsmeans". J Stat Softw 69:1-33. https: / / doi.org / 10.18637 / jss.v069.i01.

Claims

1. A composition for attracting the truncated-tailed beetle (Carpophilus truncatus), said composition comprising 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene or its geometric isomer and one or more C6-C 16 aldehyde.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the 3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene is (E,E,E,E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecanetetraene.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or more C6-C 16 Aldehydes are saturated aldehydes.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein one or more C6-C 16 Aldehydes are selected from tetradecanal, hexanal, and nonanal.

5. The composition according to claim 4, wherein one or more C6-C 16 The aldehyde is tetradecanal.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising dimethylpyrazine.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an antioxidant.

8. The composition according to claim 7, wherein the antioxidant is selected from butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and citric acid.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a carrier.

10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the carrier is a nonpolar hydrocarbon.

11. A release device comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The releaser according to claim 11, which allows for the continuous release of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The release device according to claim 12, comprising a septum, resin or inert polymer beads, particles, pellets or strips.

14. The release device according to claim 13, comprising a septum.

15. An apparatus comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or a releaser according to any one of claims 11 to 14, and a shell for capturing a truncated-tailed beetle.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising one or more of the following: One or more attractant compounds; Insecticides; A container for holding captured beetles; and The cover for the container allows the beetle to enter the container.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein one or both of the following are applicable: a. The container used to hold the captured beetle is transparent; b. The cover used for the housing is green.

18. A kit comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the releaser and capture device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

19. The kit of claim 18, further comprising one or more of the following: One or more attractant compounds; and Insecticide.

20. The device of claim 16 or 17 or the kit of claim 19, wherein the attractant compound is selected from C1-C6 alcohols, C1-C4 aldehydes, indoles, and C1-C6 compounds. 12 Esters.

21. The device or kit according to any one of claims 16, 19 or 20, wherein the attractant compound is selected from ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, acetaldehyde, isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, ethyl 2-phenylacetate, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), methyl benzoate and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate.

22. The device or kit of claim 21, wherein each of the attractant compounds is in a separate container.

23. The device or kit according to any one of claims 16 and 20 to 22, wherein the attractant compound is present in the mixture.

24. The device or kit of claim 23, wherein the attractant mixture comprises ethanol and isoamyl alcohol.

25. The device or kit according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the insecticide is an organophosphate.

26. The device or kit according to claim 25, wherein the insecticide is selected from dichlorvos, methyl methacrylate, dibromophos, parathion, malathion, and S-benzyl diisopropyl thiophosphate (IBP).

27. A method for attracting or capturing a truncated-tailed beetle, the method comprising the step of exposing the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the releaser according to any one of claims 11 to 14, or the device according to any one of claims 15 to 17 and 20 to 26 to an environment infested with the beetle.

28. A method for monitoring the presence of a truncated-tailed beetle, the method comprising the step of arranging a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a releaser according to any one of claims 11 to 14, or a device according to any one of claims 15 to 17 and 20 to 26 in an environment in which the presence of the beetle needs to be monitored.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the contaminated environment is selected from nut orchards and nut storage sites.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the environment is selected from a nut orchard, a nut storage site, or nuts prepared for export or already imported.

31. The method according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein one of the following applies: i) The nut orchards mentioned are selected from almond orchards, pistachio orchards, walnut orchards, cashew orchards, kukui orchards, macadamia nut orchards, and Brazil nut orchards; and / or ii) Nuts stored at the location of export or those already imported are selected from almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, nutnuts, macadamia nuts and Brazil nuts.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein one of the following applies: i) The nut orchards mentioned are selected from almond orchards, pistachio orchards, and walnut orchards; and / or ii) The nuts are selected from almonds, pistachios and walnuts.

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