Repellent VOC mixture and composition comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) repellent for insects, in particular for aphids, which comprises as VOCs at least linalool and eugenol. The invention also relates to a composition repellent for insects comprising said mixture, and use thereof in agriculture, in particular in fields for protecting plants against damage caused by insect pests.

Description

[0001] REPELLENT VOC MIXTURE AND COMPOSITION COMPRISING SAME

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) repellent for insects, in particular for aphids, which comprises as VOCs at least linalool and eugenol. The invention also relates to a composition repellent for insects comprising said mixture, and use thereof in agriculture, in particular in fields for protecting plants against damage caused by insect pests.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Protecting plants against insect pests is mainly based on the use of insecticidal molecules that have the advantage of effectively eliminating the pests, but the drawback of also eliminating other insects, such as pollinators, and forming residues that pollute the surrounding soil and water table. This is in particular the case with neonicotinoids, which act at small doses on the central nervous system of both harmful insects and pollinators.

[0006] Legislations in various countries have led to a prohibition on the use of these insecticides, but it is important to be able to provide concrete and effective alternatives to insecticides to enable farmers to produce more durably.

[0007] A particular problem relates to protecting plants against attacks by aphids, and in particular protecting sugar beet cultivation for preventing the so-called yellows disease of sugar beet caused by the beet yellows virus or BYV, which is carried by aphids. It is therefore essential to be able to repel aphids so that they do not reach beetroot cultivations, thereby preventing transmission of the virus and development of the disease in beetroots cultivations.

[0008] The ability of certain VOCs to repel insects is known (WO 2006 / 040766), in particular through the use of essential oils, complex mixtures of VOCs (WO 1996 / 039827; Kowalska, J. et aL, Molecules, 2021 ; Deletre et or aL, 2015; Obeng-Ofori et aL, 1997; Araujo et aL, 2012; Zhang et aL, 2013) or certain mixtures that have repellent or attractive properties (EP 3 031 322; EP 3 874 948). The use thereof for repelling aphids is also described (Dardouri, Tarek, et aL, Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 2019; Dardouri, Tarek, et aL, Pest management science, 2019; Dardouri, Tarek, et aL, IOBC-WPRS Bull, 2017; Hori, Masatoshi, Journal of Chemical Ecology, 1998).

[0009] Some major compounds in these complex mixtures have been identified. Eugenol has been identified as repellent for cockroaches and other Coleoptera (Obeng-Ofori D and Reichmuth C, 1997; Zhang Q-H et aL, 2013; WO 2003 / 051121 ).

[0010] However, the physicochemical properties of each individual molecule do not make it possible to envisage effective use in the field, either because they are rapidly degraded, like cinnamaldehyde, evaporate too rapidly or have excessively limited action. Likewise, combinations of VOCs are not obvious when it is noted that combining two VOCs may cause a drastic drop in their efficacy (Dardouri & al. 2018; Bruce & Pickett, 201 1 ). Repulsion may also be associated with the presence of minor VOCs, which is sometimes difficult to detect (McCormick et aL, 2014; Bruce et al. 2005). Finally, known application methods often depend on trap systems that do not allow normal use in agriculture.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to propose a biocontrol solution effective for use thereof in agriculture.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that comprises at least linalool and eugenol.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the linalool / eugenol weight ratio ranges from approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 2 / 3.

[0015] The invention also relates to a VOC mixture that comprises at least linalool, eugenol and trans-cinnamaldehyde.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a repellent composition which comprises said mixture of VOCs and a carrier suitable for use thereof in agriculture.

[0017] The invention also relates to the use of the VOC mixture or of the repellent composition in agriculture.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Definitions

[0020] "Volatile organic compound" or "VOC" means organic compounds volatile at ambient temperature.

[0021] “Volatile” means having a vapour pressure greater than 0,001 kPa.

[0022] "Ambient temperature" means a temperature ranging from 15 to 40°C, more generally from 20 to 30°C.

[0023] "VOC mixture" means a composition consisting of VOCs selected from kairomones and allomones. It may comprise negligible traces of non-volatile impurities. The VOC mixture consists of at least 99% VOC, more generally 100% VOC. The VOC mixture is a "synthetic" or so-called "manufactured" mixture, i.e. it is not found as such in nature. It is obtained by mixing VOCs that are pure or already in mixtures with other VOCs.

[0024] "Kairomones" are VOCs produced by an emitting living organism, which produce an effect favourable for another so-called receptor living organism, when they are released into the environment.

[0025] "Allomones" are VOCs produced by individuals of a first, so-called emitting, species that cause, in the individuals of another, so-called receptor species, a favourable reaction to the emitting species.

[0026] "Carrier" means a material enabling the VOC mixture to be preserved, the dosing and the use thereof.

[0027] "Carrier suitable for use thereof in agriculture" means a carrier that is further adapted for applying the repellent composition in accordance with methods that are usual in agriculture and for the release of the VOCs after application.

[0028] "Use in agriculture" or "usage in agriculture" means the application of the VOC mixture or the repellent composition in fields in proximity to cultivated plants, on the plants or at the roots of the plants. "In fields" means both in an open-air field and in a greenhouse. It is a case of cultivation conditions in a non-controlled atmosphere (in a field) or little controlled (in a greenhouse), only some temperature and / or humidity parameters generally being controlled.

[0029] Unless indicated to the contrary, the percentages, contents and ratios are expressed by weight.

[0030] An indication of numerical ranges by the end points is intended to include all the numbers included in this range (for example a recitation of 1 to 5 comprises in particular 1 , 1 .25, 1 .5, 1 .75, 2, 2.45, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 4.32, 4.45 and 5).

[0031] The term "approximately" is used here explicitly or not. Each quantity given in the present description refers to the given real value, and to the approximation of this given value that would be reasonably deduced on the basis of the ordinary competences of the art, including equivalents and approximations due to experimentation and / or measurement conditions for this given value. In general, the term "approximately" in the context of a given value refers to said value and to a range that encompasses said value by + / - 5% of said given value, in particular by + / - 1 %.

[0032] VOC mixture

[0033] The VOCs used in the mixture according to the invention may be of natural origin, extracts of plants in particular, or synthetic. Whether they are of natural or synthetic origin, the VOCs used in the mixture according to the invention have a purity of at least 95%, advantageously at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%.

[0034] The synthetic VOC mixture according to the invention comprises at least linalool and eugenol.

[0035] Linalool (CAS N°: 78-70-6) is a VOC of formula

[0036] Linalool is a product of natural origin that is found abundantly in natural oils such as essential oils of bergamot, lavender or rosewood. It is also produced by chemical synthesis.

[0037] Eugenol (CAS N°: 97-53-0) is a VOC of formula

[0038] Eugenol, also called 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol, is a product of natural origin that is found abundantly in natural oils such as clove oil. It is also produced by chemical synthesis.

[0039] According to the invention, the VOC mixture comprises less linalool than eugenol.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the linalool / eugenol weight ratio ranges from approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 2 / 3, and in particular approximately 2 / 7, approximately 1 / 3, approximately 3 / 8, approximately 2 / 5, approximately 3 / 7, approximately 4 / 9, approximately 1 / 2, approximately 5 / 9 and approximately 3 / 5. In particular, the linalool / eugenol weight ratio is between any one of these fractions, in particular between approximately 2 / 7 and approximately 1 / 2, between approximately 1 / 3 and approximately 5 / 9, and between approximately 3 / 8 and approximately 3 / 5. According to a particular embodiment, the linalool / eugenol weight ratio is at least approximately 1 / 3, in particular at least approximately 3 / 8, more particularly at least approximately 2 / 5. According to another particular embodiment, the linalool / eugenol weight ratio is less than approximately 1 / 2, in particular less than approximately 4 / 9. According to another particular embodiment, the linalool / eugenol weight ratio ranges from approximately 3 / 8 to approximately 4 / 9. Advantageously, the linalool / eugenol weight ratio is approximately 2 / 5 or approximately 3 / 7.

[0041] According to a particular embodiment, the VOC mixture comprises at least linalool, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, in particular trans-cinnamaldehyde.

[0042] Trans-cinnamaldehyde (CAS N°: 104-55-2) is a VOC of formula

[0043] Trans-cinnamaldehyde, or cinnamic aldehyde, also called 3-phenylpropenal, is a product of natural origin that is found abundantly in natural oils such as essence of cinnamon. It is also produced by chemical synthesis.

[0044] The proportion of trans-cinnamaldehyde in the VOC mixture is less than or equal to the proportion of linalool + eugenol mixture, preferably less.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the trans-cinnamaldehyde / (linalool+eugenol) weight ratio ranges from approximately 2 / 7 to approximately 1 / 1 , and in particular approximately 1 / 3, approximately 3 / 8, approximately 2 / 5, approximately 3 / 7, approximately 4 / 9, approximately 1 / 2, approximately 5 / 9, approximately 3 / 5 and approximately 2 / 3. In particular, the trans-cinnamaldehyde / (linalool+eugenol) weight ratio is between any one of these fractions, in particular between approximately 1 / 3 and approximately 3 / 5, between approximately 3 / 8 and approximately 5 / 9, and between approximately 2 / 5 and approximately 1 / 2. According to a particular embodiment, the trans-cinnamaldehyde / (linalool+ eugenol) weight ratio is at least approximately 1 / 3, in particular at least approximately 3 / 8, more particularly at least approximately 2 / 5. According to another particular embodiment, the trans- cinnamaldehyde / (linalool+eugenol) weight ratio is less than approximately 5 / 9, in particular less than approximately 1 / 2, even more particularly less than approximately 4 / 9. According to another particular embodiment, the trans- cinnamaldehyde / (linalool+eugenol) weight ratio ranges from approximately 2 / 5 to approximately 1 / 2. Advantageously, the trans-cinnamaldehyde / (linalool+eugenol) weight ratio is approximately 3 / 7.

[0046] In this definition, the quantity of linalool and of eugenol in the linalool+eugenol+trans-cinnamaldehyde mixture is preferably in a linalool / eugenol weight ratio as defined above.

[0047] The VOC mixture according to the invention may comprise other VOCs selected from kairomones and allomones. Geraniol and caryophyllene will in particular be cited.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the proportion of linalool and eugenol (linalool + eugenol) is at least 30% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, more particularly at least 35%, 40%, 45% or 50% by weight of the VOC mixture. According to a more particular embodiment, the proportion of linalool and eugenol is at least 60% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, more particularly at least 65% to 100% by weight of the VOC mixture.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the proportion of linalool is ranging from 5% to 40% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, more particularly ranging from 15% to 35% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, even more particularly ranging from 15% to 25% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture. In a particular embodiment, the proportion of linalool is about 20% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture. In a particular embodiment, the proportion of eugenol is ranging from 25% to 80% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, more particularly ranging from 40% to 75% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, even more particularly ranging from 45% to 55% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture. In a particular embodiment, the proportion of eugenol is about 50% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, the proportion of trans-cinnamaldehyde is at most 50% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, more particularly at most 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% by weight of the VOC mixture. In a particular embodiment, the proportion of trans-cinnamaldehyde is about 30% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture. In a particular embodiment, the proportion of trans- cinnamaldehyde is ranging from 10% to 40% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture, more particularly ranging from 25% to 35% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the VOC mixture comprises a. 5 to 40% linalool, in particular 15 to 35% b. 25 to 80% eugenol, in particular 40 to 75% c. 0 to 50% trans-cinnamaldehyde, in particular 10 to 40% the sum of a+b+c being less than or equal to 100% and the relative proportions of each constituent being defined above.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the VOC mixture comprises a. 15 to 25% linalool, in particular approximately 20% b. 45 to 55% eugenol, in particular approximately 50% c. 25 to 35% trans-cinnamaldehyde, in particular approximately 30%, the sum of a+b+c being equal to 100%.

[0053] When the total a+b+c is less than 100%, the mixture comprises other VOCs, more particularly other kairomones or allomones described previously in relative quantities the addition to a+b+c of which equals 100%.

[0054] Mention will be made in particular of a composition comprising a. 5 to 20% linalool, b. 25 to 40% eugenol, c. 30 to 45% trans-cinnamaldehyde, d. 5 to 15% geraniol, and e. 5 to 15% caryophyllene the sum of a+b+c+d+e being equal to 100%.

[0055] Repellent composition The repellent composition according to the invention comprises the VOC mixture and a carrier. Said carrier may be solid and is particularly adapted for use in agriculture.

[0056] The composition is repellent in that the VOC mixture that it contains is adapted for repelling insects attacking plants. According to a preferred embodiment, the repellent VOC composition is in solid form, in particular in the form of powder or granules with a granulometry of 0.0001 to 6 mm.

[0057] The powders advantageously have a granulometry 0.1 pm to 1000 pm. According to an embodiment, the powders advantageously have a granulometry of 0.1 to 5 pm. According to one embodiment, the powders advantageously have a granulometry of 1 to 1000 pm.

[0058] The granules advantageously have a granulometry of approximately 1 to approximately 10 mm in diameter. According to one embodiment, the granules advantageously have a granulometry of approximately 1 to approximately 5 mm in diameter, in particular approximately 1 to 3 mm in diameter, in particular approximately 1 .5 to approximately 3 mm in diameter, for example 1 .75, 2, 2.25, 2.35, 2.5, 2.6, 2.75 or 3 mm in diameter. According to one embodiment, the granules advantageously have a granulometry of 2.5 to 6 mm in diameter, in particular approximately 3 to 6 mm in diameter, in particular 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 mm in diameter. The granules may be spherical or oblong in shape. In this case, the length is longer than the diameter and generally ranges from approximately 3 to approximately 6 mm, in particular approximately 3 to approximately 5 mm, for example 3.25, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.75, 3.8, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 4.85 or 5 mm. The diameter and length values are given as mean values for the granules according to the invention.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the granulometry of the granules is between 3 and 6 mm in diameter, with a distribution centred between 3.5 and 4.5 mm in diameter. One kg of granules includes between 30,000 and 50,000 grains.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the granules advantageously have a bulk density of approximately 0,50 to approximately 1 ,5 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,60 to approximately 1 ,3 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,70 to approximately 1 ,1 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,75 to approximately 1 ,05 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,80 to approximately 1 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,85 to approximately 1 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,85 to approximately 0,95 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,87 to approximately 0,91 kg / L. According to one embodiment, the granules have a bulk density of approximately 0,89 kg / L.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the granules advantageously have a hardness of approximately 0,65 to approximately 6 kg / cm2, preferably approximately 0,70 to approximately 4 kg / cm2, preferably approximately 0,70 to approximately 3 kg / cm2, preferably approximately 0,70 to approximately 1 kg / cm2, preferably approximately 0,75 to approximately 0,85 kg / cm2, preferably approximately 0,76 to approximately 0,82 kg / cm2. According to one embodiment, the granules have a hardness of approximately 0,79 kg / cm3.

[0062] The granules according to the invention may be used with other compositions such as compositions comprising kairomone, allomone or pheromone.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the proportion of VOC mixture in the repellent composition is approximately 0.1 to approximately 20% by weight, advantageously approximately 1 to approximately 10% by weight. In particular, this proportion of VOC in the repellent composition is 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% by weight. In particular, quantities will be cited of at least approximately 1 %, approximately 2%, approximately 3%, approximately 4%, approximately 5%, approximately 6%, approximately 7%, approximately 8%, approximately 9%, or at least approximately 10% by weight. Quantities will also be cited of less than or equal to approximately 20%, approximately 19%, approximately 18%, approximately 17 %, approximately 16%, approximately 15%, approximately 14%, approximately 13 % or less than or equal to approximately 12% by weight. Ranges of values for the quantities of VOC can be from 1 to 5% by weight, from 2 to 6%, from 3 to 7%, from 4 to 8%, from 5 to 9%, from 6 to 10%, from 7 to 1 1%, from 8 to 12%, from 9 to 13%, from 10 to 14%, from 1 1 to 15%, from 12 to 16%, from 13 to 17%, from 14 to 18%, from 15 to 19%, from 16 to 20% or any ranges of values lying between approximately 0.1% and approximately 20% by weight.

[0064] According to a particular embodiment, the repellent composition comprises at least 10% VOC mixture, in particular from approximately 10% to approximately 16% VOC.

[0065] The proportion of VOC in the composition will depend in particular on the carrier used.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of VOC mixture to carrier is at least 1 / 5, in particular at least 1 / 4, at least 2 / 7, at least 2 / 5, at least 1 / 2, at least 3 / 5 up to 3 / 4 or more.

[0067] The carrier, also referred to as a matrix, is suitable for use thereof in agriculture, i.e. it allows the application of the repellent composition in fields in proximity to cultivated plants, on the plants or at the roots of the plants, in accordance with the usual agronomic methods.

[0068] The carrier is inert vis-a-vis the VOC mixture, i.e. it does not produce reactions with the VOCs of the mixture in a substantial manner such that the mixture would be modified during the preservation and storage of the repellent composition.

[0069] The VOC mixture may be dissolved in an inert matrix, or absorbed or adsorbed on such a matrix, depending on the type of carrier used.

[0070] Carriers for such solid compositions are well known and comprise in particular mineral carriers such as clays, talc, oxides or hydroxides, carbonates, or silica and silicate, or organic carriers such as lactose or waxes.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the carrier is a mineral carrier, preferably mineral carrier based on silica. The mineral carrier based on silica, is porous and the VOC mixture is absorbed in the mineral carrier. Among mineral carriers based on silica, mention will be made in particular of diatomaceous earth, precipitated silica, clays, lithothamnion, kaolinite and zeolites and mixtures thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the mineral carrier based on silica comprises diatomaceous earth. According to a particular embodiment, the mineral carrier comprises at least approximately 50% by weight of diatomaceous earth, at least approximately 60%, more particularly at least approximately 70%, at least approximately 80%, approximately 90%, at least approximately 95%. According to a more particular embodiment, the mineral carrier consists essentially of diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth, also called diatomite, celite or kieselguhr, is a siliceous sedimentary rock of organic and fossil origin, composed of fossilised remains of diatoms.

[0072] The mineral carriers based on silica and in particular diatomaceous earth are commercially available, in particular sold under the name DIAMOL® by the company IMERYS as well as manufactured by companies such as Atlantic Equipment Engineers, Inc., Twin Specialties, Noah Chemicals, Barentz, EP Container Corp., BariteWorld etc. Various diatomaceous earth producers are in particular referenced on the website https: / / www.thomasnet.com / products / diatomaceous-earth-25193400-1.html.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the carrier is saturated with a VOC mixture.

[0074] The VOC mixture / carrier weight ratio will depend on the support used and the specific surface area thereof. For diatomaceous earth, the VOC mixture / diatomaceous earth weight ratio is at least 3 / 5, in particular from 3 / 5 to 3 / 4, in particular approximately 2 / 3. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention with diatomaceous earth as mineral carrier, the repellent composition comprises from 16 to 25% by weight VOC mixture.

[0075] The mineral carrier based on silica and in particular diatomaceous earth is in a powdery form with a granulometry generally between 1 and 200 pm. Advantageously, the mineral carrier has a distribution D50 of at least 5 pm, preferentially at least 6 pm, more preferentially at least 7 pm. Preferably, the mineral carrier based on silica and in particular diatomaceous earth has a specific surface area of at least 20 m2 / g, in particular at least 25 m2 / g, at least 30 m2 / g. In particular, the specific surface area of the mineral carrier ranges from 20 to 60 m2 / g, more particularly from 25 to 55 m2 / g, preferably from 30 to 50 m2 / g, in particular from 30 to 45 m2 / g.The granule may also comprise binding compounds or coatings usual in formulating powders and granules, such as derivatives of cellulose, talc, starch, molasses, dextrins, gelatin, waxes, mineral waxes or vegetable waxes, gums, polymers or oils (vegetable, mineral, synthetic, natural, etc.).

[0076] The carrier may also comprise normal binding compounds, such as derivatives of cellulose, starch, dextrins, gums, polymers or oils.

[0077] It can also comprise other additives usual for preparing powders and granules, such as dyes, preservatives, anti-foaming agents or anti-agglomerants.

[0078] The granules may also comprise a coating, such as gelatin, waxes, mineral waxes or vegetable waxes.

[0079] The repellent compositions according to the invention are prepared in accordance with the usual methods for preparing powders and granules, coated or not.

[0080] The preparation comprises, in particular, the steps of:

[0081] 1. impregnating the mineral carrier with the VOC mixture, in particular by spraying the carrier with the VOC mixture and / or immersing the carrier in the VOC mixture,

[0082] 2. optionally film-coating and / or coating the impregnated mineral carrier, and

[0083] 3. optionally drying the impregnated mineral carrier, where applicable film- coated and / or enrobed.

[0084] In particular for compositions in the form of granules, the method comprises obtaining the mineral carrier in the form of granules. The mineral carrier is generally initially in powder form, which it is necessary to granulate in accordance with usual techniques by mixing the powder with a binder until the required granulometry is obtained. It is also possible to procure granules, in particular diatomaceous earth granules.

[0085] Advantageously, preparing the composition in the form of granules comprises at least one coating step after impregnation with the VOC mixture.

[0086] The coating material, in particular vegetable wax, more particular rapeseed wax, is melted and sprayed onto the impregnated carrier granules, or the impregnated carrier granules are immersed in the molten material. The coating can be implemented by repeating the spraying or immersion several times.

[0087] The preparation method may comprise a drying step, in particular after film-coating of the granules.

[0088] The proportion of VOC mixture will generally range from 10 to 35% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the repellent composition, in particular from 15 to 30% by weight.

[0089] According to a particular embodiment, the repellent composition is in the form of granules with a core comprising the mineral carrier and a VOC mixture both as defined previously, and a coating. According to a particular embodiment, the repellent composition is in the form of granules with a core consisting of the mineral carrier and a VOC mixture both as defined previously, and a coating. The coating is produced with any usual coating means / material used in agriculture. It is selected so that it does not constitute a barrier to the diffusion of the VOCs, in particular so that the coating is neutral vis-a-vis the diffusion of each VOC, i.e. the diffusion takes place without modifying the relative proportions of each VOC of the mixture diffused. The means for coating is in particular selected from vegetable waxes, such as candelilla wax, coconut wax, soy wax, sunflower wax, beeswax, olive wax, palm wax, rapeseed wax. According to one embodiment, the means for coating is rapeseed wax.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the coating is generally ranging from 0.01 to 5 mm, in particular from 0.01 to 3 mm, in particular from 0.01 to 1 mm, in particular from 0.05 to 0.5, in particular from 0.05 to 0.3, in particular from 0.05 to 0.2, in particular from 0.05 to 0.15.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the proportion of the coating is generally ranging from 1 to 30% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the repellent composition, namely VOC mixture, carrier and coating, in particular from 5 to 30% by weight, in particular from 5 to 25% by weight, in particular from 10 to 20% by weight.

[0092] In particular, this proportion of the coating in the repellent composition, namely VOC mixture, carrier and coating, is 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30% by weight. In particular, quantities will be cited of at least approximately 1%, approximately 2%, approximately 3%, approximately 4%, approximately 5%, approximately 6%, approximately 7%, approximately 8%, approximately 9%, or at least approximately 10% by weight.

[0093] Quantities will also be cited of less than or equal to approximately 30%, approximately 29%, approximately 28%, approximately 27 %, approximately 26%, approximately 25%, approximately 24 %, approximately 23 % or less than or equal to approximately 22% by weight.

[0094] According to a particular embodiment, the repellent composition is in the form of granules with diatomaceous earth as mineral carrier, a VOC mixture as defined previously and a coating of rapeseed wax

[0095] Diatomaceous earth is known for various uses in agriculture in relation to its absorbent properties, which cause desiccation of gastropods, and / or abrasive properties, which cause the death of crawling insects on contact therewith. The protective effect revealed for the present invention is independent on any putting of insect pests in contact with the carrier comprising diatomaceous earth. The protective effect is due to the VOC mixture of the composition, which is a repellent mixture, for distancing insect pests from the plants to be protected.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the carrier is a diffusion matrix.

[0097] A diffusion matrix for VOCs is a supporting material that is used for releasing the VOCs in a controlled manner.

[0098] Diffusion matrices must have sufficient porosity to allow gradual release of the VOCs, capable of retaining them so as to avoid an excessively quick or excessively slow release. They must be non-toxic and compatible with the substances to be diffused.

[0099] These diffusion matrices are known to persons skilled in the art and comprise in particular paper, cardboard or plastic carriers, which are generally impregnated with the VOC mixture. Other materials can also be used, such as polymers, porous ceramics or materials based on natural fibres.

[0100] There are several types of diffusion matrix for VOC mixtures such as slow-release diffusers, for example capsules, sachets or impregnated strips that slowly release the substance in the air, or electric diffusers that use heat or vibrations for diffusing the VOCs, or atomisation diffusers that vaporise the VOCs in the form of fine droplets in the air, or gel diffusers (gel or paste) the gel of which solidifies at ambient temperature and slowly releases the VOCs in the air, or other types of diffusion carrier for VOCs, such as ultrasound diffusers, membrane diffusers, pellet diffusers, etc.

[0101] The form and composition of the carrier will be selected for the adaptation thereof to the use in agriculture that is envisaged.

[0102] Use in Agriculture

[0103] The VOC mixture and the repellent composition according to the invention are particularly appropriate for use in agriculture, in particular for repelling insect pests, distancing them from plants that it is sought to protect and in the vicinity of which or on which the repellent composition or the VOC mixture has been applied.

[0104] The invention therefore relates to the use in agriculture of a VOC mixture or of a repellent composition according to the invention, for protecting plants against damage caused by insect pests.

[0105] "Protecting plants against damage caused by insect pests" means the action of repelling the insect pests on the cultivated plots. This action can be measured by the reduction in the number of aphids on a cultivated plot compared with a non-treated plot. This number of aphids must be reduced by at least 30%, advantageously by at least 50% or more.

[0106] The invention therefore also relates to a method for protecting plants against damage caused by insect pests, said method consisting in applying, to the plant and / or in proximity to the plant, an appropriate quantity of repellent composition according to the invention.

[0107] The method of application will depend on the plant being protected. It will be able to be done by passive diffusion (application of a composition that allows controlled release of the VOC mixture over time) or by active diffusion (direct application of the VOC mixture to the plant or in proximity to the plant).

[0108] Thus, for a crop plant, the application will be on the plant and / or on the ground in proximity to the plant. For trees or bushes, the application will be done on the plant or in proximity to the above-ground parts of the plant.

[0109] The application is done in accordance with the usual methods employed in agriculture, depending on whether the product applied, composition or VOC mixture, is in liquid or solid form. For the particular embodiment where the composition is in solid, powder or granule form, the application will be done with normal means for spreading and / or applying powders or granules on or at the roots of the plants.

[0110] According to an embodiment; the granules can be spread with a self-supported spreader of the anti-snail spreader type, also referred to as a seed spreader According to one embodiment, other spreading methods, by drone or by autonomous robot, can also be envisaged.

[0111] The spreader may be coupled to a quad bike, a tractor or any other compatible motorised equipment. The granules may be spread in continuous bands. The width between two spreader passes is generally between 20 and 30 m. The spreader generally spreads the granules by spraying over a width of between 10 and 15 m on each side. The spreading dose in kg / ha may be adjusted according to a ratio between speed of advance in km / hr and flow-flap opening diameter in mm. Some equipment makes it possible to adjust the rotation speed of the disc that projects the granules, which makes it possible to adjust the spreading width. The characteristics of the granules allow spreading of the granules that is as homogeneous as possible for a dose of between 3 and 10 kg / ha.

[0112] It can be done alone, or combined with other improvement products and / or products for controlling pests and other diseases of cultivated plants. Advantageously, applying the repellent composition according to the invention makes it possible to limit, and preferentially to avoid, the use of insecticides.

[0113] Four crop plants, “in proximity to the plant" generally means a distance between the zone of application of the repellent composition and the plant stem that will depend in particular on the surface area of the ground covered by the leaves at the development stage of the application. It ranges in particular from 0 (in contact) to approximately 80 cm.

[0114] For trees and bushes, the VOC mixture will be able to be applied by means of passive diffusers disposed in proximity to the above-ground parts of the trees or bushes, or even actually in these aerial parts for trees or on the trunks of trees. In proximity means that the passive diffusion is positioned at a distance ranging up to 1 m from the ligneous parts (trunks and branches) of the trees or bushes.

[0115] The appropriate quantity of repellent composition applied to the plot will depend on its VOC content and on the matrix used, and its ability to diffuse the VOC mixture in a controlled manner over time. It will be able to be from 100 g / ha to 3 kg / ha according to the composition used.

[0116] The composition according to the invention is applied as needed in prevention from the moment when the aphids are likely to appear or in treatment after the appearance of the aphids on the plants.

[0117] According to a particular embodiment appropriate for protecting crop plants, the repellent composition is applied in preventive manner as soon as the seedlings emerge (cotyledon stage). Depending on the pressure exerted by the insects during the growth of the plants, the application of the repellent composition can be renewed at least once.

[0118] The mixture according to the invention is particularly adapted for repelling aphids and therefore for protecting plants against ravages caused by aphids. Aphids cause large losses in cultivated plants (ww6.inrae.fr / encyclopedie-pucerons / Pucerons-et- agriculture). Plants susceptible to aphid ravages are crop plants, market-gardenning plants, ornamental plants or trees or bushes. Apart from the ravages caused by the development of insects themselves, aphids are also

[0119] Among crop plants, mention will be made of Apiaceae (Umbellifers), such as carrots, celery or radish, or aromatic plants such as parsley, fennel, angelica, cumin; Asteraceae, comprising oleaginous plants such as sunflower, oleaginous plants or market-gardening plants such as lettuce, chicory, endive, artichoke, salsify, scorzonera, or aromatic, medicinal or ornamental plants such as asters or chrysanthemums; brassicas (cruciferous vegetables), comprising oleaginous plants such as rapeseed, or vegetable brassicas; Chenopodiaceae such as beetroots, spinach, beet or chard; Cucurbitaceae, such as melons, marrows, courgettes, cucumbers, gherkins, pumpkins, watermelons; Fabaceae (leguminous) of field crops such as clover, sainfoin, alfalfa, vetch, proteinaceous peas, horse bean or lupine, market-gardening cultivation such as beans, peas, lentils or broad beans; Liliaceae (Alliaceae), such as leeks, onions, shallots, garlic or asparagus; Poaceae, including cereals, wheat, barley, oats or rye, forage grasses, orchard grass, fescue, timothy or ray grass or maize; Rosaceae, fruit trees including apricot, cherry, peach, pear, apple, plum, strawberry, raspberry or blackberry; Solanaceae such as potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines and chillies.

[0120] The mixture according to the invention is particularly adapted for protecting Chenopodiaceae, in particular beetroots, more particularly sugar beets.

[0121] The mixture according to the invention is particularly adapted for brassicas (cruciferous vegetables), in particular oleaginous plants, more particularly rapeseed.

[0122] The mixture according to the invention is particularly adapted for protecting Rosaceae, in particular apricot, cherry, peach, pear, apple, plum, strawberry, raspberry or blackberry, more particularly peach.

[0123] The mixture according to the invention is particularly adapted for protecting Solanaceae, in particular potatoes, more particularly of seed potatoes.

[0124] Among the aphids that attack cultivations of these plants, mention will be made of the aphids of the genera Acyrthosiphon (Acyrthosiphon pisum, Acyrthosiphon malvae), Aphis (Aphis lambersi, Aphis spiraecola, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Aphis nastutii, Aphis craccivora, Aphis forbesi, Aphis frangulae), Aulacorthum (Aulacorthum solani, Aulacorthum circumflexum), Brachycaudus (Brachycaudus helichrysi), Brevicoryne (Brevicoryne brassicae), Cavariella (Cavariella aegopodii), Chaetosiphon (Chaetosiphon (Pentatrichopus) fragaefolii), Diuraphis (Diuraphis spp), Dysaphis (Dysaphis apifolia, Dysaphis crataegi, Dysaphis plantaginea), Hyadaphis (Hyadaphis foeniculi, Hyadaphis passerini), Lypaphis (Lipaphis erysimi), Macrosiphum (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), Megoura (Megoura viciae), Metopolophium (Metopolophium dirhodum, Metopolophium festucae), Myzus (Myzus persicae, Myzus ascalonicus, Myzus ornatus), Nazonovia (Nazonovia ribisnigrii), Neactaphis (Nearctaphis baked), Neotoxptera (Neotoxoptera formosana, Neotoxoptera oliveri), Rhodobium (Rhodobium porosum), Rhopalosiphoninus (Rhopalosiphoninus staphyleae, Rhopalosiphum padi, Rhopalosiphum insertum, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon), Schizaphis (Schizaphis graminum), Semiaphis (Semiaphis dauci), Sipha (Sipha (Rungsia) elegans, Sipha (Rungsia) maydis), Sitobion (Sitobion avenae, Sitobion fragariae), Smynthurodes (Smynthurodes betae), Trama (Trama spp) and Therioaphis (Therioaphis trifolii). The VOC mixture or the composition according to the invention can be employed alone or in combination with other repellent or attractive compounds or compositions, whether it be a case of VOCs or other known products such as pheromones.

[0125] Apart from the ravages caused by the development of insects and cells, aphids are also virus transmission and propagation vectors that increase the ravages caused on plants (https: / / www6.inrae.fr / encyclopedie-pucerons / Pucerons-et- agriculture / Virus / Pucerons-vecteurs). This is the case in particular with the beetroot yellows virus (BYV et BMYV).

[0126] In this case, the aphids that are transmission vectors of the virus are in particular Myzus persicae, M. ascalonicus, Aphis fabae, Aulacorthum solani. The VOC mixture according to the invention is particularly adapted for repelling aphids of the Myzus genera, in particular of the species Myzus persicae.

[0127] According to a particular embodiment, the VOC mixture and the composition according to the invention are particularly adapted for protecting beetroot, in particular sugar beet, against aphids and the damage caused by the beet yellows virus.

[0128] The invention therefore relates to the use in agriculture of a VOC mixture or of a repellent composition according to the invention, for protecting beetroot, in particular sugar beet, against the damage caused by aphids, in particular of the species Myzus persicae.

[0129] The invention therefore relates to the use in agriculture of a VOC mixture or of a repellent composition according to the invention, for protecting brassicas (cruciferous vegetables), in particular oleaginous plants, more particularly rapeseed, against the damage caused by aphids, in particular of the species Myzus persicae.

[0130] The invention therefore relates to the use in agriculture of a VOC mixture or of a repellent composition according to the invention, for protecting Rosaceae, in particular apricot, cherry, peach, pear, apple, plum, strawberry, raspberry or blackberry, more particularly peach, against the damage caused by aphids, in particular of the species Myzus persicae.

[0131] The invention therefore relates to the use in agriculture of a VOC mixture or of a repellent composition according to the invention, for protecting Solanaceae, in particular potatoes, more particularly of seed potatoes, against the damage caused by aphids, in particular of the species Myzus persicae.

[0132] The invention also relates to a method for preventing damage caused by aphids on cultivations, said method comprising applying, to the plants cultivated, before or at the time of appearance of the aphids, an appropriate quantity of VOC mixture according to the invention, or a repellent composition according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for preventing damage caused by aphids on beetroot cultivations, in particular sugar beet, said method comprising applying, to the beetroot plants cultivated, before or at the time of appearance of the aphids, an appropriate quantity of VOC mixture according to the invention, or a repellent composition according to the invention.

[0133] The invention also relates to a method for preventing damage caused by aphids on oleaginous plants cultivations, in particular rapeseed, said method comprising applying, to the oleaginous plants cultivated, before or at the time of appearance of the aphids, an appropriate quantity of VOC mixture according to the invention, or a repellent composition according to the invention.

[0134] The invention also relates to a method for preventing damage caused by aphids on Rosaceae cultivations, in particular peach, said method comprising applying, to the Rosaceae cultivated, before or at the time of appearance of the aphids, an appropriate quantity of VOC mixture according to the invention, or a repellent composition according to the invention.

[0135] The invention also relates to a method for preventing damage caused by aphids on Solanaceae cultivations, in particular potatoes, more particularly of seed potatoes, said method comprising applying, to the Solanaceae cultivated, before or at the time of appearance of the aphids, an appropriate quantity of VOC mixture according to the invention, or a repellent composition according to the invention.

[0136] The invention also relates to the use of the VOC mixture defined above for repelling aphids, in particular of the genera Aphis and Myzus, more particularly of the genus Myzus, even more particularly of the species Myzus persicae.

[0137] The invention also relates to a method for repelling aphids, in particular of the genera Aphis and Myzus, more particularly of the genus Myzus, even more particularly of the species Myzus persicae, said method comprising the diffusion, in proximity to said aphids, of a VOC mixture as defined above or of a VOC composition as defined previously.

[0138] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0139] Figure 1 shows the mean results of countings of winged aphids (on the ordinate axis) on beetroot plants cultivated in the field at various stages of development (on the abscissa axis) of 2, 4, 6 or 8 leaves for untreated plots (Control) or plots treated with a mixture according to the invention (Mixture H).

[0140] Figure 2 shows the mean results of countings of wingless aphids (on the ordinate axis) on beetroot plants cultivated in the field at various stages of development (on the abscissa axis) of 2, 4, 6 or 8 leaves for untreated plots (Control) or plots treated with a mixture according to the invention (Mixture H). An aphicide treatment is implemented between the 6 and 8 leaf stages.

[0141] Figure 3A-3E are a combination of histograms. Fig. 3A shows the mean results of pre-reproductive period of aphids, in days, in absence of mixture (control) or in presence of a mixture according to the invention (Mixture H or G). Fig. 3B shows the mean results of the oviposition period of green aphid, in days, in absence of mixture (control) or in presence of a mixture according to the invention (Mixture H or G). Fig. 3C shows the mean results of the number of days for the doubling of the aphid population, in absence of mixture (control) or in presence of a mixture according to the invention (Mixture H or G). Fig. 3D shows mean results of the intrinsic rate of growth of aphid, in absence of mixture (control) or in presence of a mixture according to the invention (Mixture H or G). Fig. 3E shows mean results of the daily fertility of aphid in absence of mixture (control) or in presence of a mixture according to the invention (Mixture H or G).

[0142] Figure 4 is a electropenetrography signal of aphid feeding.

[0143] Figure 5A and 5B are a combination of histograms. Fig. 5A shows the mean results of total duration of the search phase C, in second, in absence of mixture (control) or in presence of a mixture according to the invention (Mixture G). Fig. 5B shows the mean results of total duration of the ingestion phase E2, in second, in absence of mixture (control) or in presence of a mixture according to the invention (Mixture G).

[0144] Figure 6 shows the mean results of countings of aphids (winged and wingless) on rapeseed cultivated in the field at various stages of development for untreated plots (control) or plots treated with a mixture according to the invention (Mixture G).

[0145] Figure 7 shows a plan of the peach trees plot.

[0146] Figure 8 the mean results of countings of aphids (winged and wingless) on peach trees plot for untreated plots (control) or plots treated with a mixture according to the invention (Mixture G).

[0147] MEASUREMENT METHODS OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

[0148] Granulometry

[0149] The granulometry is measured in accordance with the usual techniques for measuring the size of granules on a sieve.

[0150] Bulk density

[0151] Bulk density is determined in accordance with the following method.

[0152] A 1 L sample is taken using a dosing device. The dosing device is placed on a transparent test tube and the granules are poured into the transparent test tube. The top of this sample is levelled off using a ruler. The test tube is gently shaken so that the granules are well positioned and level. The transparent tube with the granules is placed on an electronic balance and the value is recorded. The weight of the empty transparent tube is recorded, the bulk density of the granules is determined by subtracting the weight of the empty tube from the total weight. The unit of the bulk density thus obtained is kg / L.

[0153] Hardness

[0154] Hardness is measured using a durcimeter (the average value of 10 granules is recorded).

[0155] Thickness of the coating

[0156] The thickness of the coating layer is measured using a calliper (the average value of 10 granules is recorded) after the granule has been cut into two hemispheres using a scalpel.

[0157] EXAMPLES

[0158] The following examples illustrate the invention and the implementation thereof for various VOC compositions on sugar beet plants in the presence of aphids.

[0159] Tests were performed in the laboratory, under conditions modelling a natural environment, and other tests were performed in the open field.

[0160] Example 1 : Comparison of repellent effects in the laboratory after 24 hr

[0161] The non-choice test is used for evaluating the repellent effect of the VOCs on aphids in the presence of the host plant. It is performed using an airflow test cage in which the aphids are exposed to the repellent VOCs and to the host plant. The aphids are then observed to determine the choice between remaining on the plant or leaving it, thus measuring the repellent effect of the VOCs on their colonisation behaviour.

[0162] Equipment and methods

[0163] Plant equipment

[0164] The sugar beet plants of the Arum variety are cultivated to a state of two leaves in individual pots 8 cm high and 7x7 cm wide. The cultivation conditions are maintained at a temperature of 22°C ± 1 °C, full-spectrum lighting and a long-day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants.

[0165] Animal equipment

[0166] The individual green aphid adults (Myzus persicae) of the wingless form are raised on sugar beet var. Arum under controlled temperature (22°C ± 1 °C) and lighting conditions (full-spectrum with a long-day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours) to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants. In order to minimise the variations in age of the individuals tested, cohorts of aphids are raised while synchronising their age at approximately one week before the start of the experiments.

[0167] Chemical products

[0168] The VOCs are bought from Sigma-Aldrich: Linalool (CAS n° 78-70-6, >97%), Eugenol (CAS n° 97-53-0, >98%), Trans-cinnamaldehyde (CAS n° 104-55-2, >99%), Geraniol (CAS n° 106-24-1 , >98%) and Carophyllene (CAS n° 87-44-5, >98%).

[0169] VOC mixtures

[0170] Several VOC mixtures were prepared, identified in Table 1 below.

[0171] The proportion of each VOC in the mixture is given as a proportion by weight with respect to the total weight referred to 10.

[0172] Table 1

[0173] Controls

[0174] VOC diffuser - Repellent compositions

[0175] Rapeseed-wax beads are used for diffusing the VOCs. These beads have a volume of 0.17 ml and a weight of 150 mg, and contain a 2.5% proportion of VOC.

[0176] Experimental device

[0177] In order to perform non-choice tests, transparent Plexiglas enclosures are disposed on a transparent Plexiglas sheet. A constant air flow is created by means of an air pump at the inlet and outlet of the enclosure, with an airflow of 1 .5 L / min at the inlet and 1 L / min at the outlet, thus making it possible to maintain a constant airflow in the enclosure.

[0178] In order to avoid any contamination of the interior air of the enclosure by foreign VOCs, the inlet air is filtered through an active carbon filter. In the centre of the enclosure, three cultivated beetroot plants in individual pots are disposed at equal distances from the walls of the enclosure. The aphids are transferred onto each plant by means of a watercolour paint brush with a number of 10 aphids per plant. After a stabilisation period of 1 hour, the number of aphids present on the beetroot leaves is counted using a suitable method. The VOCs incorporated in wax beads are placed at the middle of the enclosure. After a period of 24 hours, the number of aphids remaining on each plant is once again counted to evaluate the effect of the VOCs on their colonisation behaviour. Results

[0179] The repellent effects were tested in the laboratory for the various mixtures and for linalool (Li), eugenol (Eu) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (TransC) alone.

[0180] The results are reported in Table 2 below.

[0181] Table 2

[0182] A repulsion rate value greater than or equal to 19 demonstrates a marked aphid repulsion effect.

[0183] A value greater than 19 will be noted for the control mixture C. However, the behaviour of cinnamaldehyde and the contradictory effects observed when it is combined with other VOCs according to the relative proportions of each component (control mixture D) does not make it possible to envisage using trans-cinnamaldehyde in combination with only one other VOC as a solution to the technical problem.

[0184] On the other hand, the mixture B according to the invention shows the best result, whereas adding trans-cinnamaldehyde to a similar mixture in proportions as described above also makes it possible to obtain a positive result, without substantially affecting the repulsion rate.

[0185] Example 2: Treatment in the field with mixture H

[0186] Tests were performed in the field, in a non-controlled atmosphere, with formulations of mixture H (Linalool 1 , Eugenol 3, Trans-cinnamaldehyde 4, Geraniol 1 , Carophylene 1 ). An aphicide treatment is implemented with a flonicamid formulation between the 4 and 6 leaf stages to eliminate the wingless insects.

[0187] The results are reported in Table 3 below, and shown in figures 1 (winged) and 2 (wingless). Table 3

[0188] The results show the efficacy of a mixture according to the invention for repelling aphids, wingless or winged, under cultivation conditions in the field in non-control atmosphere.

[0189] At the end of the treatment, the auxiliaries were counted. The results are reported in Table 4 below.

[0190] Table 4

[0191] A treatment with a composition according to the invention (mixture H) maintains functional biodiversity in sugar beet fields.

[0192] Example 3: Impact on reproduction of green aphids

[0193] Plant equipment

[0194] The sugar beet plants of the Arum variety are cultivated to a state of two leaves in individual pots 8 cm high and 7x7 cm wide. The cultivation conditions are maintained at a temperature of 20°C ± 2°C, full-spectrum lighting and a long-day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants.

[0195] Animal equipment

[0196] The green aphid larvae (Myzus persicae) are raised on sugar beet var. Arum under controlled temperature (20°C ± 1°C) and lighting conditions (full-spectrum with a long- day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours) to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants.

[0197] The 4-day green aphid larvae, used for the experiment, are from a standard cohort of 6-8 hour.

[0198] VOC mixtures

[0199] Tests were performed with formulations of mixture G (Linalool 2, Eugenol 5, Trans- cinnamaldehyde 3) and mixture H (Linalool 1 , Eugenol 3, Trans-cinnamaldehyde 4, Geraniol 1 , Carophylene 1 )

[0200] VOC diffuser - Repellent compositions

[0201] Rapeseed-wax beads are used for diffusing the VOCs. These beads have a volume of 0.17 ml and a weight of 150 mg, and contain a 2.5% proportion of VOC.

[0202] Granules with diatomaceous earth as mineral carrier, a VOC mixture, and a coating of rapeseed wax with a granulometry of 3 to 6 mm are also used for diffusing the VOCs. Granules comprise approximately 72% diatomaceous earth, approximately 13% VOC and approximately 15% rapeseed wax coating.

[0203] Experimental device

[0204] In order to perform the impact on reproduction test, transparent Plexiglas enclosures are disposed on a transparent Plexiglas sheet. A constant air flow is created by means of an air pump at the inlet and outlet of the enclosure, with an airflow of 0.5 L / min at the inlet and 0.3 L / min at the outlet, thus making it possible to maintain a constant airflow in the enclosure.

[0205] In order to avoid any contamination of the interior air of the enclosure by foreign VOCs, the inlet air is filtered through an active carbon filter. In the centre of the enclosure, 9 Petri dishes fitted with a fabric lid to allow the VOCs to diffuse through are disposed. Each petri dish contains agar-agar, and a sugar beet leaf placed on the agar-agar with the underside facing upwards.

[0206] The aphids are transferred onto each leaf by means of a watercolour paint brush with a number of 1 aphid larvae per leaf. The VOCs incorporated in wax beads or in granule with diatomaceous earth as mineral carrier are placed at the middle of the enclosure. After a period of 3 days, the number of neonate larvae on each leaf is counted and then removed. Then, every 24h during 5 days, the number of neonate larvae on each leaf is counted and then removed.

[0207] Results

[0208] The results obtained with rapeseed wax beads are reported in Table 5 below. Table 5

[0209] Mixture G reduced green aphid reproduction on sugar beet plants by 31%. Mixture H reduced green aphid reproduction on sugar beet plants by 35%. This was a very significant effect compared with the control. The odours released reduce the reproduction rate, slowing the overall development of the aphid population.

[0210] Similar results were obtained by using granule with diatomaceous earth, the VOC mixture and the coating of rapeseed wax.

[0211] Example 4: Impact on development

[0212] Plant equipment

[0213] The sugar beet plants of the Arum variety are cultivated to a state of four leaves in individual pots 8 cm high and 7x7 cm wide. The cultivation conditions are maintained at a temperature of 20°C ± 2°C, full-spectrum lighting and a long-day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants.

[0214] Animal equipment

[0215] The individual green aphid adults (Myzus persicae) of the wingless form are raised on sugar beet var. Arum under controlled temperature (20°C ± 2°C) and lighting conditions (full-spectrum with a long-day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours) to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants.

[0216] In order to minimise the variations in age of the individuals tested, cohorts of aphids are raised while synchronising their age at approximately one week before the start of the experiments

[0217] VOC mixtures

[0218] Tests were performed with formulations of mixture G (Linalool 2, Eugenol 5, Trans- cinnamaldehyde 3).

[0219] VOC diffuser - Repellent compositions

[0220] Rapeseed-wax beads are used for diffusing the VOCs. These beads have a volume of 0.17 ml and a weight of 150 mg, and contain a 2.5% proportion of VOC.

[0221] Experimental device

[0222] In order to perform the impact on development test, transparent Plexiglas enclosures are disposed on a transparent Plexiglas sheet. A constant air flow is created by means of an air pump at the inlet and outlet of the enclosure, with an airflow of 1 L / min at the inlet and 0.7 L / min at the outlet, thus making it possible to maintain a constant airflow in the enclosure.

[0223] In order to avoid any contamination of the interior air of the enclosure by foreign VOCs, the inlet air is filtered through an active carbon filter. In the centre of the enclosure, two cultivated beetroot plants in individual pots are disposed at equal distances from the walls of the enclosure.

[0224] The aphids are transferred onto clip cage by means of a watercolour paint brush with a number of 2 aphids per clip cage. The clip cages are placed onto each plant with a number of 2 clip cages per plant. The VOCs incorporated in wax beads are placed at the middle of the enclosure.

[0225] After 24h, the 2 green aphid adults are removed and the 2 neonate larvae are left in each cage clip.

[0226] From the pre-reproductive phase to the oviposition phase, the presence and survival of larvae is checked until they become adults.

[0227] Then, during the oviposition phase, the number of neonate larvae in each clip cage is counted every 24h. The experiment ends at the double of the pre-reproductive period. DEMP 1 .5.4 is used to analyse the results and calculate the pre-reproductive period.

[0228] Results

[0229] The results are reported in Table 6 below and in Figure 3.

[0230] Compositions according to the invention (Mixture G and H) increase the pre- reproductive period of the aphids, and decrease the oviposition period, thus the population doubling rate is increased, the intrinsics rate growth is decrease and the daily fertility is also decreased. The odours released reduce the reproduction rate, slowing the overall development of the aphid population

[0231] Example 5: Impact on feeding of green aphid with mixture G

[0232] Plant equipment The sugar beet plants of the Arum variety are cultivated to a state of two leaves in individual pots 8 cm high and 7x7 cm wide. The cultivation conditions are maintained at a temperature of 20°C ± 2°C, full-spectrum lighting and a long-day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants.

[0233] Animal equipment

[0234] The individual green aphid adults (Myzus persicae) of the wingless form are raised on sugar beet var. Arum under controlled temperature (20°C ± 2°C) and lighting conditions (full-spectrum with a long-day photoperiod of 16 hours and a short night of 8 hours) to guarantee standardised reproducible development of the study plants.

[0235] The 10-day green aphid female, used for the experiment, are from a standard cohort of 24 hour. The females are subjected to a 1 -hour fast to homogenise their physiological state.

[0236] VOC mixtures

[0237] Tests were performed with formulations of mixture G (Linalool 2, Eugenol 5, Trans- cinnamaldehyde 3)

[0238] VOC diffuser - Repellent compositions

[0239] Granules with diatomaceous earth as mineral carrier, a VOC mixture, and a coating of rapeseed wax with a granulometry of 3 to 6 mm are used for diffusing the VOCs. Granules comprise approximately 72% diatomaceous earth, approximately 13% VOC and approximately 15% rapeseed wax coating.

[0240] Experimental device

[0241] The feeding behavior of the aphids is assessed using electropenetrography (EPG).

[0242] In order to perform the impact on feeding behavior test, transparent Plexiglas enclosures are disposed on a transparent Plexiglas sheet. A constant air flow is created by means of an air pump at the inlet and outlet of the enclosure, with an airflow of 1 L / min at the inlet and 0.5 L / min at the outlet, thus making it possible to maintain a constant airflow in the enclosure. In order to avoid any contamination of the interior air of the enclosure by foreign VOCs, the inlet air is filtered through an active carbon filter. In the centre of the enclosure, eight cultivated beetroot plants in individual pots are disposed. The enclosure is placed into a Faraday box in order to avoid background noise outside the electrical circuit.

[0243] The copper electrodes, the first electrodes connected to the current generator, are implanted in the plant substrate. The gold wires, the second electrodes, are stuck to the aphid's abdomen. The second electrodes are connected to the amplifier, then the aphids are placed on the plants. The EPG signal is recorded for 8 hours. Results

[0244] As it can be seen in Figures 5A and 5B, the total duration of the search phase C is increase in presence of mixture H and the total duration of the ingestion phase E2 is reduced in presence of mixture H. Aphids are disturbed by the odors in the mixture H, reducing their feeding time and therefore the likelihood of transmitting sugar beet yellow virus.

[0245] Example 6: Treatment in the field with mixture H - Rapeseed

[0246] Tests were performed in the field, in a non-controlled atmosphere, with formulations of mixture G (Linalool 2, Eugenol 5, Trans-cinnamaldehyde 3). At the start of the experiment, at least one aphid is present on 80% of the plants of rapeseed. At the 2-leaf stage, the mixture H is spread in the field at a concentration of 4kg / ha

[0247] Result

[0248] The results are reported in Table 7 below, and shown in figures 6.

[0249] Table 7

[0250] A single application of mixture H shows a reduction in aphid populations at the sensitive stages.

[0251] Example 7: Treatment in the field with mixture H - Peach trees

[0252] Tests were performed in the field, in a non-controlled atmosphere.

[0253] Plant equipment

[0254] The tests were carried out on peach trees of the Orine variety with a planting distance of 6m x 3m (556 trees / ha). The plot was divided into 3 zones with buffer trees (FIG 7). 2 zones are treated and 1 zone is untreated; The trees studied are the 6 central trees for the trees treated with the H-mixture and the 8 central trees for the untreated trees (control).

[0255] VOC mixtures

[0256] Tests were performed with formulations of mixture G (Linalool 2, Eugenol 5, Trans- cinnamaldehyde 3)

[0257] VOC diffuser - Repellent compositions

[0258] The VOC mixture is introduced into passive diffusers (Ependorph™ tube type). Experimental device

[0259] Twelve passive diffusers are disposed per tree, the diffusers being distributed throughout the canopy. The diffusers were installed before the buds started to swell, before BBCH 51 stage. The diffusers are replaced with new diffusers after 14 days.

[0260] Results

[0261] The results are reported in Table 8 below, and shown in figures 8.

[0262] Table 8

[0263] The presence of diffusers with a formulation according to the invention (mixture G) shows a reduction in aphid populations.

[0264] REFERENCES

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Claims

CLAIMS1. Mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that comprises at least linalool, eugenol and trans-cinnamaldehyde, the proportion of trans-cinnamaldehyde being at most 50% by weight of the total weight of the VOC mixture.

2. VOC mixture according to claim 1 , characterised in that the linalool / eugenol weight ratio ranges from 1 / 4 to 2 / 3, in particular at least 3 / 8, more particularly approximately at least 2 / 5.

3. VOC mixture according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the trans- cinnamaldehyde / (linalool+eugenol) weight ratio ranges from approximately 2 / 7 to approximately 1 / 1 , in particular between approximately 1 / 3 and approximately 3 / 5, between approximately 3 / 8 and approximately 5 / 9, and between approximately 2 / 5 and approximately 1 / 2.

4. VOC mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises a. 5 to 40% linalool, in particular 15 to 35% b.25 to 80% eugenol, in particular 40 to 75% c. 0 to 50% trans-cinnamaldehyde, in particular 10 to 40% the sum of a+b+c being less than or equal to 100% and the relative proportions of each constituent being defined according to claims 2 and 3.

5. Repellent composition characterised in that it comprises the VOC mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a carrier.

6. Repellent composition according to claim 5, characterised in that the carrier is a mineral carrier based on silica.

7. Repellent composition according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the mineral carrier based on silica comprises diatomaceous earth, preferably comprises at least approximately 50% of diatomaceous earth by weight of the mineral carrier.

8. Repellent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that it is in solid form, in particular in the form of powder or granules.

9. Repellent composition according to claim 8, characterised in that it is in the form of powder with a granulometry of 0.1 pm to 5 pm or in the form of granules with a granulometry of 3 to 6 mm.

10. Repellent composition according to claim 9, characterised in that it is in the form of granules with a granulometry of 3 to 6 mm.

11. Repellent composition according to claim 10, characterised in that the granules have a bulk density ranging from approximately 0,50 to approximately 1 ,5 kg / L, preferably approximately 0,80 to approximately 1 kg / L, preferably approximately0,85 to approximately 0,95 kg / L and / or a hardness ranging from approximately 0,65 to approximately 6 kg / cm2, preferably approximately 0,70 to approximately 3 kg / cm2, preferably approximately 0,70 to approximately 1 kg / cm2.

12. Repellent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 11 , characterised in that the proportion of VOC mixture in the repellent composition is approximately 0.1 to approximately 20% by weight, in particular approximately 1 to approximately 10% by weight.

13. Repellent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterised in that the repellent composition is in the form of granules with a core comprising the mineral carrier and the VOC mixture, and a coating.

14. Repellent composition according to claim 13, characterised in that the coating is selected from vegetable waxes, such as candelilla wax, coconut wax, soy wax, sunflower wax, beeswax, olive wax, palm wax, rapeseed wax, preferably is rapeseed wax.

15. Repellent composition according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the thickness of the coating is ranging from 0.01 to 5 mm, preferably ranging from 0.01 to 1 mm, preferably ranging from 0.05 to 0.3, preferably ranging from 0.05 to 0.15.

16. Use in agriculture of a VOC mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or of a repellent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 15, for protecting plants against damage caused by insect pests.

17. Use according to claim 16, characterised in that the insect pests are aphids, in particular of the Myzus genus, more particularly of the Myzus persicae species.

18. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 17, characterised in that the plants are selected from Chenopodiaceae, in particular beetroots, more particularly sugar beets.

19. Use of a VOC mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or of a repellent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 15, for repelling aphids, in particular of the Myzus genus, more particularly of the Myzus persicae species.

20. Method for repelling aphids, in particular of the genera Aphis and Myzus, more particularly of the genus Myzus, even more particularly of the species Myzus persicae, said method comprising the diffusion, in proximity to said aphids, of a VOC mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or of a repellent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 15.

21. Method for preventing damage caused by aphids on cultivations, said method comprising applying, to the plants cultivated, before or at the time of appearance of the aphids, an appropriate quantity of VOC mixture according to any one ofclaims 1 to 4 or of a repellent composition according to any one of claims 5 to 15.

22. Method for preventing damage caused by aphids according to claim 21 , the cultivation being beetroot cultivations, in particular sugar beet.

23. Method for preventing damage caused by aphids according to claim 21 , the cultivation being on oleaginous plants cultivations, in particular rapeseed.

24. Method for preventing damage caused by aphids according to claim 21 , the cultivation being on Rosaceae cultivations, in particular peach trees.

25. Method for preventing damage caused by aphids according to claim 21 , the cultivation being on Solanaceae cultivations, in particular potatoes, more particularly of seed potatoes.

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