Controlling flight behavior of lepidopteran insects using microultrasonic pulses

Abstract

To provide a novel method for inhibiting, according to purposes, and controlling behaviors (coming flying and the like) by flying of arguloida insects, as a novel effective technique for pest control of arguloida ingurious insects including, owlet moth.SOLUTION: There is provided a method for controlling behaviors by flying of arguloida insects, comprising following steps of: (1) generating an ultrasonic pulse by a micro ultrasonic pulse having two or more pulse lengths being shorter than a pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse; and (2) applying the ultrasonic including the ultrasonic pulse generated in the step (1) to the arguloida insects, for controlling behaviors by flying of the arguloida insects.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the flight behavior, in particular the migratory behavior, of Lepidoptera insects including adult noctuid moths such as Helicoverpa armigera and Amplexicaule moth, adult borer moths such as the European corn borer, and adult sucking moths such as the lesser striped moth, which are important Lepidoptera pests of vegetables, cereals, flowers, and fruit trees, by using micro-ultrasonic pulses, and a method for controlling Lepidoptera pests using such a control method, or a method for reducing damage to agricultural and horticultural crops caused by Lepidoptera pests. [Background technology]

[0002] Pest control methods that use behavioral control have the advantage of being free of the problems of drug resistance, which are common problems with chemical synthetic insecticides, and of adverse effects on humans, the environment, and non-target organisms. Therefore, such methods contribute to the development of environmentally friendly pest control technologies that can replace drugs, which has been a social demand for many years due to the emergence of pests resistant to drugs and the growing awareness of environmental and food safety and security.

[0003] The following conventional techniques are exemplified as pest control methods using behavior control. Prior Art (1) Environmentally friendly pest control materials are being developed, such as mating disruptants that use synthetic sex pheromones and moth repellent lights that use yellow LEDs. (2) There have already been attempts to use ultrasound to control lepidopteran pests that damage agricultural crops, including synthetic ultrasound that mimics the ultrasound emitted by bats. (3) Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 5924470 "Pest Control Device" (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tokushima Prefecture, New Delta Industries Co., Ltd., Yamaguchi University)) prevents damage caused by fruit-sucking moths in orchards by outputting a combination of ultrasonic pulses with a component frequency of 43 to 39 kHz (frequency modulation), a repetition rate of 2 to 6.6 Hz (= inter-pulse interval of 1.5 to 350 ms) and a pulse length of 150 ms, and a repetition rate of 20 to 33.3 Hz (= inter-pulse interval of 10 to 42 ms) and a pulse length of 8 to 20 ms, which serve as a barrier to the arrival of fruit-sucking moths.

[0004] (4) Patent Document 2 (Patent No. 6950883, "Gypsy Moth Repellent Device for Ships, Ship, and Gypsy Moth Repellent Method" (JRCS Co., Ltd., Yamaguchi University)) describes a method for repelling gypsy moths that may lay eggs on ships, in which a combination of ultrasonic pulses with a repetition rate of 0.47 to 1.12 Hz (= inter-pulse interval of 835 to 2045 ms) and a pulse length of 55 to 65 ms, and a repetition rate of 0.47 to 1.12 Hz (= inter-pulse interval of 730 to 1945 ms) and a pulse length of 155 to 170 ms is output among sound waves including ultrasonic waves. (5) In Patent Document 3 (Patent No. 5818274, “Method for suppressing the migration of lepidopterous pests using synthetic ultrasound” (NARO), ultrasonic pulses with a component frequency of 10 to 100 kHz, a repetition rate of 12.5 to 50 Hz (= interpulse interval of 10 to 30 ms) and a pulse length of 10 to 50 ms are output in order to inhibit the migration of field moths. (6) In Patent Document 4 (Patent No. 5904473, “Method for repelling stored grain lepidopteran pests with synthetic ultrasound” (NARO), in order to deter the Indian meal moth from flying into food storage facilities, 3 to 7 ultrasonic pulses with a component frequency of 40 to 60 kHz, a repetition rate of 11.11 to 20 Hz (= pulse interval of 30 to 50 ms) and a pulse length of 20 to 40 ms are made into one pulse group, and these are output with an interval between pulse groups of 100 to 140 ms. (7) In Patent Document 5 (Patent No. 6353503, “An insect control method and an insect control device using noise” (Tohoku Gakuin University), in order to deter the arrival of armyworm moths, ultrasonic pulses are output that have broadband noise with component frequencies of 10 to 100 kHz, a repetition rate of 1.66 to 166.67 Hz (= inter-pulse interval of 5 to 400 ms) and a pulse length of 1 to 200 ms. (8) In Patent Document 6 (Patent No. 6644299, “Method for inhibiting the flight behavior of lepidopteran pests toward fruit vegetable cultivation facilities using synthetic ultrasound” (Tohoku Gakuin University, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization)), in order to deter the arrival of cutworms in fruit vegetable cultivation fields, ultrasonic pulses with broadband noise having a component frequency of 20 to 70 kHz, a repetition rate of 5.58 to 27.03 Hz (= inter-pulse interval of 35 to 170 ms) and a pulse length of 2 to 9 ms are output. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5924470 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6950883 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5818274 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 5904473 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 6353503 [Patent Document 6] Patent No. 6644299 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the conventional techniques have the following problems. (1) Mating disruptants using high concentrations of synthetic sex pheromones are very costly to produce, so the species they can be used on are limited. In addition, moth repellent lights using yellow LEDs attract various stink bugs, scarab beetles, and winged ants, and are ineffective depending on the covering material of the cultivation facility. (2) Among the intellectual property that contributes to pest control using ultrasound, the pest species for which a repellent effect has been confirmed are fruit-sucking moths in Patent Document 1: Patent No. 5924470 "Pest Control Device" and fruit-sucking moths in Patent Document 2: Patent No. Patent Document 3: Patent No. 5818274 "Method for deterring the arrival of lepidopteran pests using synthetic ultrasound" targets the peach moth, Patent Document 4: Patent No. 5904473 "Method for repelling grain storage lepidopteran pests using synthetic ultrasound" targets the Indian meal moth, Patent Document 5: Patent No. 635350 "Insect repellent method and insect repellent device using noise" targets the common cutworm and the cotton bollworm, and Patent Document 6: Patent No. 6644299 "Method for inhibiting the flight behavior of lepidopteran pests at fruit and vegetable cultivation facilities using synthetic ultrasound" targets the common cutworm, but these patents do not disclose any control effects against agricultural pest species other than these, i.e., inhibition of the arrival of already mated adult females to agricultural crops, which are their host plants. In particular, with regard to the tobacco budworm, one of the major lepidopteran pests in Japan, whose larvae damage various vegetables, there have been no reports, including those in the above patents, of ultrasonic acoustic parameters that can effectively suppress the arrival of adult females prior to egg-laying on their preferred host plant, the tomato.

[0007] Lepidoptera pests that damage vegetables and other crops cause considerable economic losses, and noctuid moths such as the cotton bollworm are particularly important pests that damage a wide range of agricultural crops. For this reason, the cotton bollworm is a target for control in vegetable cultivation, but from the perspectives of maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food safety, there is also an urgent need to develop environmentally friendly control techniques. "Method for inhibiting the flight behavior of lepidopteran pests toward fruit vegetable cultivation facilities using synthetic ultrasound" (Patent Document 6) describes that in order to deter the arrival of the common cutworm to a fruit vegetable cultivation field, ultrasonic pulses with broadband noise having a component frequency of 20 to 70 kHz, a repetition rate of 5.58 to 27.03 Hz (= inter-pulse interval of 35 to 170 ms) and a pulse length of 2 to 9 ms are output (Fig. 1A). Ultrasonic pulses with these parameters are not sufficiently effective against the arrival of the cotton bollworm.

[0008] Under the above circumstances, there is a strong demand for the development of a new technology that is effective for controlling lepidopteran pests including noctuid moths. One objective of the present invention is to find a new method for controlling the flight behavior (e.g., flight) of lepidopteran insects and inhibiting them according to purpose, as a new technology that is effective for controlling lepidopteran pests including noctuid moths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of intensive research into solving the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that by using pulses, which had not previously been used, it may be possible to control the flight behavior of a wide range of lepidopteran insects. As a result of further research, they have completed the present invention.

[0010] That is, the present invention relates to at least the following inventions: [1] A method of controlling flight behavior of lepidopteran insects, including: (1) generating an ultrasonic pulse by two or more micro ultrasonic pulses having a pulse length shorter than a pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse; (2) applying ultrasonic waves including the ultrasonic pulses generated in step (1) to the lepidopteran insect to control its flight behavior. [2] The method according to [1], wherein the ultrasonic pulse is an ultrasonic pulse having a pulse length and an inter-pulse interval that controls the flight behavior of at least one species of lepidopteran insect. [3] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the pulse length of the micro-ultrasonic pulse is 0.1 to 0.6 ms, and the pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse is greater than 0.0 ms and less than or equal to 0.6 ms. [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is 0.4 to 47.2 ms and the inter-pulse interval is 5 to 200 ms. [5] The method according to any of [1] to [4], wherein the ultrasonic pulse is composed of 2 to 50 micro ultrasonic pulses. [6] The method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the Lepidoptera insects are Noctuidae (Noctuidae) insects, Pyralidae (Crombidiidae) insects and / or Sucker moths (Egridae; Tomoeidae). [7] The method according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the Lepidoptera insect is one or more species selected from the group consisting of Helicoverpa armigera, Nectariniidae, Spodoptera litura, European corn borer and Oriental moth. [8] The method according to [6], wherein the Lepidoptera insect is one or more species from the family Pyralidae, and the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is 0.4 to 6 ms and the inter-pulse interval is 5 to 10 ms. [9] The method according to [8], wherein the pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse are 0 to 0.3 ms.

[10] A method for controlling lepidopteran pests, comprising a step of controlling the flying behavior of lepidopteran pests by any one of the methods [1] to [9].

[11] Control of flight behavior, and / or Facilitating escape or avoidance The method of claim

[10] , Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to control and inhibit flight behavior, such as migration, of adult lepidopteran insects, including noctuid moths. According to the above-mentioned method of the present invention, lepidopteran pests including noctuid moths can be controlled, and damage to agricultural crops caused by lepidopteran pests can be reduced. None of the prior art is directed to or suggests the use of multiple ultrasonic pulses to control the flight behavior of lepidopteran insects. For example, the pulse length of the ultrasound emitted by insectivorous bats that can prey on lepidopteran pests just before preying is approximately 0.1 to 1 ms, and it has been found that even if ultrasonic pulses that mimic such a pulse length are continuously presented to tobacco moths and the like, the inhibitory effect on their flying behavior is low (Patent Document 6: Patent No. 6644299). In contrast, in the present invention, by using ultrasonic pulses different from those used in the above-mentioned prior art, it is possible to control the flying behavior of the cotton bollworm and the like. Therefore, the present invention is an invention that could not have been arrived at based on the prior art.

[0012] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is speculated that one of the reasons the method of the present invention is effective is that by subdividing an ultrasonic pulse, which is composed of a specific pulse length and inter-pulse interval, and providing a silent section of approximately the same length as the pulse between each of the sub-divided pulses, the original ultrasonic pulse is made up of finer pulses, thereby increasing the response of the target adult lepidopteran insect to ultrasound. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an ultrasonic pulse structure in the prior art. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram (lower diagram) showing a schematic diagram of an example of a pulse structure of micro-ultrasonic waves used in the method of the present invention in comparison with an example of a pulse structure of the prior art (upper diagram). [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 shows the system and principles used for behavioral testing. [Figure 2C] The flapping of the wings of an adult lepidopteran insect generates pressure on the insect's body, but when ultrasound is presented (top figure), the wing flapping changes, and so does the generated pressure (bottom figure). In the top figure, which shows an oscillogram (waveform) of the sound input to a microphone placed near a flapping adult insect, as the sound pressure of the ultrasound stimulus increases, a change occurs in the flapping of the wings, and the sound generated at this time is also shown. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 shows the minimum sound pressure of the micro-ultrasonic pulse that induced a pressure change in a mated female adult of Helicoverpa armigera. Sound pressure was increased in 1 dB increments from 40 dB peSPL (0 dB SPL = 20 μPa). Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval of the mean. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the effect of the present invention on adult moths, including Helicoverpa armigera, Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera litura, Mamestra brassicae, and European corn borer. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows the effect of the present invention on adult Eriocheir moths. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram showing the effect of the present invention on mated adult females of Helicoverpa armigera. The control was background noise recorded in the laboratory (indicated as "noise" in the figure), and the sound pressure of micro-ultrasonic pulses with inter-pulse intervals of 0.0 to 0.6 ms was 100 dB peSPL at a distance of 10 cm (the position of the lepidopteran insect used in the experiment). Each circle with a localization rate of 0.0 or 1.0 represents one individual. Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval of the mean value. [Figure 5B] This is a diagram showing the effect of the present invention on already-mated adult females of the armyworm, Pseudokirchneriella oryzae. The control was background noise recorded in the laboratory (indicated as "noise" in the figure). The sound pressure of the micro-ultrasonic pulses with interpulse intervals of 0.0-0.6 ms was 100 dB peSPL at a distance of 10 cm (the position of the lepidopteran insects used in the experiment). Each circle with a localization rate of 0.0 or 1.0 represents one individual. The error bars represent the 95% confidence interval of the mean value. [Figure 6A]This is a diagram showing the effect of the present invention on mated adult female Spodoptera litura. The control was background noise recorded in the laboratory (labeled "noise" in the figure), and the sound pressure of micro-ultrasonic pulses with inter-pulse intervals of 0.0 and 0.2 ms was 100 dB peSPL at a distance of 10 cm (the position of the lepidopteran insect used in the experiment). Each circle with a localization rate of 0.0 or 1.0 represents one individual. Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval of the mean value. [Figure 6B] This is a diagram showing the effect of the present invention on mated adult females of the European corn borer. The control was background noise recorded in the laboratory (labeled "noise" in the figure), and the sound pressure of the micro-ultrasonic pulses with inter-pulse intervals of 0.0 and 0.2 ms was 100 dB peSPL at a distance of 10 cm (the position of the lepidopteran insect used in the experiment). Each circle with a localization rate of 0.0 or 1.0 represents one individual. Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval of the mean value. [Figure 6C] This is a diagram showing the effect of the present invention on adult male and female moths. The control was background noise recorded in the laboratory (labeled "noise" in the figure), and the sound pressure of micro-ultrasonic pulses with inter-pulse intervals of 0.0 and 0.2 ms was 100 dB peSPL at a distance of 10 cm (the position of the lepidopteran insect used in the experiment). Each circle with a localization rate of 0.0 or 1.0 represents one individual. Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval of the mean value. [Figure 7]This figure shows that ultrasonic pulses with shorter duration and interval than the ultrasonic pulse presented in FIG. 6B have a higher flight inhibition effect on mated female adults of the Asian corn borer. In three patterns of pulse length 6 ms (interpulse interval 94 ms), pulse length 1 ms (interpulse interval 8.6 ms), and pulse length 0.6 ms (interpulse interval 7.0 ms), micro-ultrasonic pulses with interpulse intervals of 0.0 ms or 0.2 ms (interpulse interval of 0.0 ms for micro-ultrasonic pulses means no micro-ultrasonic pulse) were presented at a sound pressure of 100 dB peSPL at a distance of 10 cm (position of the lepidopteran insect used in the experiment). Each circle with a localization rate of 0.0 or 1.0 represents one individual. Error bars represent the 95% confidence interval of the mean value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In this specification, a combination of ultrasonic waves having a predetermined pulse length and inter-pulse interval is sometimes referred to as a "pulse structure." In this specification, a group of multiple pulses output intermittently at short intervals may be referred to as a "pulse group." As used herein, the term "ultrasound" includes synthetic ultrasound. In this specification, the micro-ultrasonic waves are ultrasonic waves having a pulse length of, for example, about 0.08 to about 1 ms. In this specification, "controlling flight behavior" means exerting some influence on the flight behavior of an individual insect whose adult can fly. Examples of "controlling flight behavior" include inhibiting the insect from flying to its habitat, and promoting flight-based escape from its habitat or flight-based repellency.

[0015] In this specification, "behavior" includes the movement (motion) of an individual's body parts, such as flapping wings, and also includes an event that may involve movement, such as flying, that occurs as a result of a motion or a series of motions. "Behavior" also includes "flight," which is an event that involves movement toward a specific place or area, and "escape" or "avoidance," which are events that involve movement away from the place or area.

[0016] The behaviors to be controlled by the method of the present invention for controlling the flight behavior of lepidopteran insects include flight and escape or repulsion. In the method of the present invention for controlling lepidopteran pests, control of behaviors such as inhibition of flight or promotion of escape or repulsion can be used.

[0017] The present invention is based on the following invention: A method of controlling flight behavior of lepidopteran insects, including: (1) generating an ultrasonic pulse by two or more micro ultrasonic pulses having a pulse length shorter than a pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse; (2) applying ultrasonic waves including the ultrasonic pulses generated in step (1) to the lepidopteran insect to control its flight behavior.

[0018] In the method of the present invention for controlling flight behavior of lepidopteran insects, the control of flight behavior is and / or Facilitating escape or avoidance A method is preferred in which

[0019] <Process (1)> Step (1) is a step of generating the ultrasonic pulse used in the method of the present invention. The ultrasonic pulse used in the method of the present invention is an ultrasonic pulse having a predetermined pulse length and inter-pulse interval, and is composed of two or more, preferably three or more, micro ultrasonic pulses having a pulse length shorter than the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse. The pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulses do not have to be constant and may include different ones.

[0020] Micro-ultrasonic pulse The micro-ultrasonic pulses used in the methods of the present invention may be defined by a pulse length and an inter-pulse interval.

[0021] The pulse length of the micro-ultrasonic pulse used in the method of the present invention is not limited as long as it is a pulse length that produces the desired effects of the present invention. The pulse length of the micro ultrasonic pulse is, for example, in the range of 0.08 to 1.0 ms, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 ms, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 ms.

[0022] The interpulse interval (length of the silent portion between pulses) of the micro-ultrasonic pulses used in the method of the present invention is not limited as long as the interpulse interval provides the desired effect of the present invention. The range of the pulse interval of the micro ultrasonic pulse is exemplified by a range of more than 0.0 ms to 1.0 ms, preferably more than 0.0 ms to 0.8 ms, more preferably 0.1 ms to 0.6 ms (same meaning as "0.1 to 0.6 ms"), and even more preferably 0.1 ms to 0.4 ms. By setting the pulse interval of the micro ultrasonic pulse to a range of more than 0.1 ms to 0.4 ms, the flying behavior of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura, Mamestra brassicae, Fall armyworm, and European corn borer can be efficiently controlled. The interpulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic waves does not always have to be constant and may vary.

[0023] The pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse used in the method of the present invention may not be constant, and may include micro-ultrasonic pulses having different pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals. That is, the pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulses constituting one ultrasonic pulse may be changed within the range in which the desired effect of the present invention is achieved.

[0024] The number of the micro-ultrasonic pulses constituting one pulse group used in the method of the present invention is not limited as long as it is the number that produces the desired effect of the present invention. Such number may be determined in consideration of the pulse length of the pulse group composed of the micro-ultrasonic pulses, the pulse length and pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulses. The number of the micro ultrasonic pulses is, for example, in the range of 2 to 50, preferably in the range of 5 to 40, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 30. Also, for example, when the pulse length is 6 ms, the micropulse length and the interpulse interval are equal, and the number of microultrasonic pulses is 30 when the pulse length is 0.1 ms, 15 when the pulse length is 0.2 ms, 10 when the pulse length is 0.3 ms, 8 when the pulse length is 0.4 ms, 6 when the pulse length is 0.5 ms, and 5 when the pulse length is 0.6 ms.

[0025] In the micro-ultrasonic pulses used in the method of the present invention, for example, when the number of micro-ultrasonic pulses is 30, the following combinations of pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulses are preferable: The pulse length of the micro-ultrasonic pulse is 0.1-0.8 ms, and the pulse interval is greater than 0.0 ms and less than 0.8 ms (the pulse length of one pulse group is 3.0-47.2 ms). A combination of a micro-ultrasonic pulse with a pulse length of 0.1-0.6 ms and a pulse interval of more than 0.0 and less than 0.8 ms (the pulse length of one pulse group is 3.0-41.2 ms) A combination of micro-ultrasonic pulses with a pulse length of 0.1-0.8 ms and a pulse interval of 0.1-0.6 ms or less (the pulse length of one pulse group is 5.9-41.4 ms) The pulse length of the micro-ultrasonic pulse is 0.1-0.6 ms, and the inter-pulse interval is 0.1-0.6 ms or less (the pulse length of one pulse group is 5.9-35.4 ms). When the number of microultrasonic pulses is other than 30, the pulse length of one pulse group of microultrasonic pulses having the combination of pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals for that number is determined using the numerical values ​​exemplified for each pulse length and inter-pulse interval. For field moths, a mode in which the pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse are 0 to 0.5 ms is preferable, and a mode in which the pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse are 0 to 0.3 ms is more preferable.

[0026] The constituent frequency of the micro-ultrasonic pulse used in the method of the present invention is not limited as long as it is a constituent frequency that produces the desired effect of the present invention. The constituent frequency of the above-mentioned micro ultrasonic pulse is exemplified as 10 to 60 kHz, but considering the attenuation of sound in the atmosphere, the constituent frequency is preferably 15 to 50 kHz, and more preferably 20 to 40 kHz. Note that, in the method of the present invention, a pure sound consisting of a single frequency component may be used, or an ultrasonic wave consisting of multiple frequency components may be used.

[0027] The sound pressure of the micro ultrasonic pulse used in the method of the present invention is not limited as long as it is a sound pressure that produces the desired effects of the present invention. The sound pressure of the micro ultrasonic pulse is, for example, 40 dB SPL or more (measurement distance 1 m), preferably 50 dB SPL or more, and more preferably 60 dB SPL or more. Note that the value of the sound pressure at a certain measurement distance can be converted to the value of the sound pressure at a different measurement distance. In the method of the present invention, the sound pressure of the micro ultrasonic pulses does not need to be constant and may vary. A higher sound pressure may be preferable because it allows the flying behavior of lepidopteran insects to be controlled from a longer distance.

[0028] The micro ultrasonic pulse having the pulse interval that controls the flight behavior of each of the Lepidoptera pests requires a significantly lower sound pressure to start inducing the flight behavior control than the ultrasonic pulse that does not have a micro pulse structure. Taking note of this point, the pulse interval of the ultrasonic pulse of the present invention may be determined.

[0029] Ultrasonic Pulse The ultrasonic pulse used in the method of the present invention is an ultrasonic pulse composed of two or more of the above-mentioned micro-ultrasonic pulses. When two or more ultrasonic pulses are used as the ultrasonic pulses, the pulse length of each ultrasonic pulse and the inter-pulse interval between the ultrasonic pulses do not need to be constant, and may include different pulse lengths.

[0030] The pulse length of the ultrasonic pulses used in the method of the present invention may be defined or pre-set by the pulse length, inter-pulse interval and number of pulses of the micro-ultrasonic pulses used in the configuration.

[0031] The pulse length and inter-pulse interval (length of the silent portion between pulses) of the ultrasonic pulses used in the method of the present invention to control flight behavior may be modified depending on the species of lepidopteran insect whose flight behavior is to be controlled.

[0032] The pulse length is not limited, and is, for example, 0.4 to 50 ms, and may be selected within the range of 0.4 to 47.2 ms. For example, for noctuid moths and spotted moths, the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is 0.8 to 50 ms, preferably 4 to 20 ms, and more preferably 5 to 6 ms. For example, for field moths, the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is 0.1 to 20 ms, preferably 0.2 to 10 ms, and more preferably 0.5 to 8 ms. For the European corn borer among the borer species, the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is preferably 0.4 to 6 ms, and more preferably 0.5 to 5 ms.

[0033] When two or more ultrasonic pulses are used to control the flying behavior in the method of the present invention, the pulse interval is, for example, 5 to 200 ms, preferably 50 to 200 ms, more preferably 60 to 150 ms, and even more preferably 80 to 100 ms. In this case, as long as the desired effect of the method of the present invention is obtained, the pulse interval of the ultrasonic waves does not always have to be constant and may be changed within one pulse group or for each pulse group. In addition, the pulse interval may be appropriately changed according to the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse, and for example, it is preferable to shorten the pulse interval in response to shortening the pulse length. For edible moths, the inter-pulse interval is, for example, 5 to 200 ms. For edible moths, the inter-pulse interval may be preferably 1 to 20 ms, and preferably 5 to 10 ms, depending on the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse. For edible moths, an embodiment in which the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is 0.4 to 6 ms and the inter-pulse interval is 5 to 10 ms is preferred. The method of the present invention can achieve a higher flight inhibition effect for edible moths by using ultrasonic pulses with a shorter pulse length and inter-pulse interval than for other lepidopteran insects.

[0034] It is known that some lepidopteran insects temporarily stop reproductive behavior when they detect ultrasound, but the effect is reduced by continuous exposure to ultrasound. In the method of the present invention, the interpulse interval of the ultrasound is set as described above, and the occurrence of "habituation" as described above can be avoided.

[0035] In the method of the present invention, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave is, for example, 40 dB SPL or more (measurement distance 1 m), preferably 50 dB SPL or more, and more preferably 60 dB SPL or more. Note that the value of the sound pressure at a certain measurement distance can be converted to the value of the sound pressure at a different measurement distance. The sound pressure of the ultrasound does not have to be constant and can vary within a pulse group or from one pulse group to another. Higher sound pressure may be preferable since it allows for greater distance control of the flight behavior of lepidopteran insects.

[0036] The acoustic parameters of the ultrasound used in the method of the present invention do not need to be maintained throughout the time the method of the present invention is performed, and different values ​​may be adopted, for example, during a certain period of time, as long as the effects of the method of the present invention are achieved.

[0037] The ultrasonic pulse used in the present invention may be an ultrasonic pulse having a pulse length and inter-pulse interval that have a small effect on the flying behavior of lepidopteran insects. By dividing such an ultrasonic pulse into micro ultrasonic pulses, the effect on the flying behavior of lepidopteran insects is increased, leading to the control of the behavior. The ultrasonic pulse used in the present invention may be an ultrasonic pulse that affects the flight behaviour of one or more species of lepidopteran insects. The ultrasound pulse length does not have to be constant and may vary within a pulse group or from pulse group to pulse group.

[0038] A preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention will now be described. For example, a micro ultrasonic pulse with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.0 to 0.8 ms is provided among ultrasonic pulses with a pulse length of 0.4 to 50 ms and an inter-pulse interval of 1 to 200 ms. In other words, ultrasonic waves consisting of a pulse group with a length of 5 to 7 ms consisting of multiple micro pulses with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.0 to 0.8 ms are preferable. For moths, an embodiment in which the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is 0.4 to 6 ms, the inter-pulse interval is 5 to 10 ms, and the pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse are 0 to 0.5 ms is preferred, and an embodiment in which the pulse length of the ultrasonic pulse is 0.6 to 2 ms, the inter-pulse interval is 6 to 9 ms, and the pulse length and inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse are 0 to 0.3 ms is more preferred. Also, non-noise ultrasound, which is not limited to broadband noise and is composed of frequencies having sound pressure peaks simultaneously at two or more frequencies of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 kHz, is preferred. Note that "noise" in this specification refers to sound or ultrasound generated by a sequence of random values.

[0039] In the method of the present invention, the method for generating ultrasound and the device for generating it are not limited, and an electrostatic speaker may be used.

[0040] <Process (2)> Step (2) is a step of applying ultrasound containing two or more of the ultrasonic pulses generated in step (1) to the lepidopteran insect to control its flight behavior.

[0041] The lepidopteran insects to which the method of the present invention can be applied are not particularly limited. Examples of such lepidopteran insects include noctuid moths (Noctuidae) including the tobacco budworm, the fall armyworm, the common cutworm, and the armyworm, etc., borer moths (Cranial moths) including the European corn borer, the rice leaf borer, the white-striped borer, and the conspicuous peach borer, and sucker moths (Ectocritidae; Tomoyidae) including the red eye moth and the small eye moth. The method of the present invention is preferably used for insects of the Noctuidae family and for insects of the Pyralidae family, and is preferably used for the following insects of the Noctuidae family: Helicoverpa armigera, Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera litura and Mamestra brassicae; and for insects of the Pyralidae family: The European corn borer, and is particularly preferably used for Helicoverpa armigera and Fall Armyworm. The method of the present invention is also preferably used for one or more lepidopteran insects selected from Helicoverpa armigera, Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera litura, European Corn Borer and Lesser Egg Moth.

[0042] Methods for controlling lepidopteran pests The present invention also relates to a method for controlling lepidopteran pests by the above-mentioned method for controlling the flight behavior of lepidopteran insects. This method uses any one of the above-mentioned methods for controlling the flying behavior of lepidopteran insects to inhibit the flight of lepidopteran pests that damage agricultural and horticultural crops to the agricultural and horticultural crops, and / or promotes the escape or repelling of the lepidopteran pests from the agricultural and horticultural crops in which the lepidopteran pests live, thereby reducing the density of the lepidopteran pests. In this control method, a preferred method of the above-mentioned methods for controlling the flying behavior can be appropriately used.

[0043] In the method for controlling lepidopteran pests of the present invention, the control of flight behavior is and / or Facilitating escape or avoidance A method is preferred in which

[0044] In order to control lepidopteran pests by the method of the present invention, a device that generates the ultrasonic waves (synthetic ultrasonic waves) may be installed in or near a location where lepidopteran pests are occurring or are expected to occur, such as a field of crops requiring control, an orchard, or an agricultural or horticultural facility.

[0045] The type of ultrasonic output device to be installed is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected depending on the scale of the area where control is required, and the output, etc. may be adjusted. The number of output devices to be installed may be appropriately determined depending on the scale of the area where control is required, etc.

[0046] Although there is no limitation on the type of output device, an output device with low directivity or a device capable of outputting on a surface having a wide area is preferable, and for example, the use of a piezoelectric film on an ultrasonic output surface is preferable.

[0047] Male and female adults of lepidopteran pests are active during a specific time period, and therefore it may be preferable to output the synthetic ultrasound during this time period, since this allows for labor-saving and efficient control of the pests. For example, after mating, adult female lepidopteran pests actively fly to the egg-laying substrate during the one-hour period immediately following the onset of the dark period, and therefore it may be preferable to output the synthetic ultrasonic wave during this period. In addition, adult female lepidopteran pests may fly to the egg-laying substrate at times other than the above-mentioned times, and therefore it may be more preferable to output the synthetic ultrasonic wave from about the last 2 hours of the light period through the entire dark period.

[0048] In general, in lepidopteran pests, the time period during which female adults release sex pheromones to attract male adults is also species-specific. Therefore, outputting the synthetic ultrasound during this time period is preferable when preventing the arrival of male adults. For example, in the case where unmated adult females of lepidopteran pests release sex pheromones mainly during the first half of the dark period, it is preferable to output the synthetic ultrasound during a period that includes this time period, and it is even more preferable to output the synthetic ultrasound from about the last 2 hours of the light period throughout the entire dark period.

[0049] Furthermore, if lepidopteran pests are continuously exposed to ultrasound with a short inter-pulse interval (e.g., less than 50 ms), they will become accustomed to the sound and the control effect will decrease. Therefore, it may be preferable to combine a method of outputting ultrasound only when lepidopteran pests fly in with the method of the present invention, which is less likely to cause "habituation."

[0050] In the method for controlling lepidopteran pests of the present invention, the parameters and techniques used in the method for controlling the flight behavior of lepidopteran insects of the present invention may be adopted. The lepidopteran pests to which the method for controlling lepidopteran pests of the present invention is applicable are not limited. Examples of such pests include noctuid moths (Noctuidae) pests including Helicoverpa armigera, Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera litura, and Mammalian armyworm, corn borer, rice leaf borer, white-striped borer, and peach borer, and stalk moths (Cranial moths; Tomoyidae) pests including red leaf borer and small leaf borer. The method for controlling lepidopteran pests of the present invention is preferably used for noctuid moth (Noctuidae) pests and borer (Craminger) pests, and is preferably used for noctuid moth (Noctuidae) pests such as Helicoverpa armigera, Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera litura and Mamestra brassicae, and for borer (Craminger) pests such as the European corn borer, and is particularly preferably used for Helicoverpa armigera and Fall Armyworm. The method for controlling lepidopteran pests of the present invention can also be preferably used for one or more lepidopteran insects selected from the group consisting of Helicoverpa armigera, Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera litura, European corn borer and Lesser Egg Moth. EXAMPLES

[0051] The present invention will be described in more detail by the following examples, which are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0052] [Example 1-1] Focusing on ultrasonic pulses emitted by insectivorous bats that can prey on lepidopteran pests, the above acoustic parameters include the time structure of ultrasonic pulses emitted when the bat searches for and begins to approach the prey insect. On the other hand, the pulse length of ultrasonic pulses emitted just before preying is shorter than the above, about 0.1 to 1 ms, but it has been found that even if ultrasonic pulses mimicking this are continuously presented to cotton bollworms, etc., the inhibitory effect on flight is low (Patent Document 6: Patent No. 6644299). Therefore, we searched for pulses that are effective in controlling the flight behavior of lepidopteran insects, unlike the above pulses.

[0053] Among the ultrasonic pulses with a pulse length of 6 ms and a pulse interval of 94 ms, microultrasonic pulses with a pulse length and pulse interval of 0.0 to 0.6 ms were included (Figure 2A). In other words, ultrasonic waves were generated consisting of a pulse group with a length of 6 ms, which is composed of multiple micropulses with pulse lengths and pulse intervals of 0.0 to 0.6 ms. The frequencies used were completely different from conventional ultrasound, which is known to have an effect on insects, and had sound pressure peaks at 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 kHz. Ultrasound was generated using an electrostatic speaker (ES1 speaker and ED1 speaker driver; Tucker-Davis Technologies) connected to an analog / digital-digital / analog converter (USB-1604HS; Measurement Computing).

[0054] In order to efficiently control the flight behavior of lepidopteran insects, it was considered that ultrasound, which promotes flight behavior, i.e., wing flapping, may be effective in inducing escape behavior at low sound pressure. Therefore, we connected a pressure sensor to the back of adult moths such as Helicoverpa armigera, and conducted behavioral tests using a system capable of detecting pressures that occur periodically up, down, left, and right when flapping their wings, and investigated changes in wing flapping depending on the presence or absence of changes in the pressure (Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C). Through these tests, we identified the sound pressure that caused changes in wing flapping for the ultrasonic pulses consisting of the micropulses, which were composed of frequencies that simultaneously had sound pressure peaks at 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 kHz. The starting sound pressure was 40 dB peSPL and was increased in 1 dB increments for each pulse group.

[0055] The lepidopteran insect used was the cotton bollworm, a serious pest of field crops. Mated adult females of the lepidopteran insect were presented with ultrasonic pulses consisting of multiple micropulses with pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 ms.

[0056] As a result, as shown in Fig. 3A, it was revealed that the sound pressure required to induce a change in wing flapping (escape behavior) for a pulse group composed of micropulses with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.1 and 0.2 ms was significantly lower than that for an ultrasonic pulse without a micropulse structure (indicated as 0.0 ms in Fig. 3A). In other words, it was revealed that the microultrasound of the present invention can promote the escape behavior of the cotton bollworm, repel it, and suppress its flight behavior, which is a flying behavior. [Example 1-2] Tests were also conducted on lepidopterous insects other than the cotton bollworm to determine whether the ultrasonic micropulse of the present invention having the micropulse structure of the present invention can control flight behavior. Ultrasonic pulses consisting of multiple micropulses with pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 ms were presented continuously to mated female adults of the lepidopteran insects, Pseudokirchneriella nigra, Pseudokirchneriella litura, Mamestra brassicae, and European corn borer, as well as male and female adults of the lesser striped moth, with an inter-pulse interval of 94 to 94.6 ms.

[0057] As a result, as shown in Figures 3B and 4, in the common cutworm and cutworm moth, as in the cotton bollworm, the pulse groups consisting of micropulses with pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals of 0.1 and 0.2 ms were significantly lower in sound pressure to induce changes in wing flapping (escape or repellency by flight) than the ultrasonic pulse without a micropulse structure (denoted as 0.0 ms in Figures 3B and 4). In the fall armyworm, the pulse groups consisting of micropulses with pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 ms were significantly lower in the European corn borer, the pulse groups consisting of micropulses with pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals of 0.1-0.3 ms, and in the small striped moth, the pulse groups consisting of micropulses with pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals of 0.1-0.4 ms.

[0058] [Example 2] In controlling lepidopteran pests using synthetic ultrasound, it is preferable to inhibit mating adult females from flying to a host plant to lay eggs and from flying to a food plant. Therefore, using a wind tunnel (length 66 cm, diameter 11.5 cm, wind speed 1 m / s) with an ultrasonic speaker (sound pressure 100 dB peSPL at a distance of 10 cm) and host or bait plants and a 10 cm square sticky plate installed upwind, 19 to 63 individuals (a total of 227, 342, 115, 90 and 189 for each pest species) of Helicoverpa armigera, N. nigricans and N. litura that had mated the previous day, adult females of the European corn borer that had mated two days earlier, and adult males and females of the lesser striped moth (almost equal numbers) were released from downwind, and the number of insects captured on the sticky plate in 10 minutes was counted to quantify the flight inhibition effect of the ultrasonic pulse having the micropulse structure of the present invention. As host plants, tomato seedlings were used for the tobacco budworm, sweet corn seedlings for the fall armyworm, soybean seedlings for the common cutworm, sweet corn seedlings for the European corn borer, and ripe plum fruits were used as a food plant for the lesser striped moth.

[0059] As a result, it was revealed that for both the tobacco budworm (Figure 5A) and the armyworm (Figure 5B), ultrasonic pulses composed of micropulses with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.2 ms (inter-pulse interval of 94.2 ms) were highly effective in inhibiting the arrival of the insects. In particular, in the case of the cotton bollworm, the arrival rate was 46.2% when an ultrasonic pulse without a micropulse structure (micropulse interval of 0.0 ms) was presented, whereas the arrival rate was 13.8% when an ultrasonic pulse consisting of micropulses with a pulse length and interpulse interval of 0.2 ms was presented (Fig. 5A). In addition, three patterns of ultrasonic stimulation were presented: no ultrasonic stimulation, an ultrasonic pulse without a micropulse structure (with an inter-micropulse interval of 0.0 ms), and an ultrasonic pulse composed of micropulses with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.2 ms.It was found that the ultrasonic pulse composed of micropulses with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.2 ms (inter-pulse interval of 94.2 ms) had a high flight inhibition effect for all of the common cutworm (Figure 6A), the European corn borer (Figure 6B), and the lesser striped moth (Figure 6C). Furthermore, a follow-up test was conducted on the European corn borer in which ultrasonic pulses consisting of micropulses with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.0 ms or 0.2 ms were presented consecutively with a length of 1 ms and an inter-pulse interval of 8.6 ms, and a length of 0.6 ms and an inter-pulse interval of 7.0 ms. As a result, the ultrasonic pulses with shorter pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals (ultrasonic pulses with a pulse length of 1 ms and an inter-pulse interval of 8.6 ms, and ultrasonic pulses with a pulse length of 0.6 ms and an inter-pulse interval of 7.0 ms) showed a higher flight-inhibiting effect than the ultrasonic pulses with a pulse length of 6 ms and an inter-pulse interval of 94 ms consisting of micropulses with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval of 0.2 ms shown in Figure 6B. Therefore, it was revealed that ultrasonic pulses with shorter pulse lengths and inter-pulse intervals have a higher flight-inhibiting effect on the corn borer than other lepidopterous insects (Figure 7). These results demonstrate that the method of the present invention may be useful as a lepidopteran pest control technology that controls the flying behavior of lepidopteran insects and suppresses the influx of lepidopteran pests into crop fields, orchards, agricultural and horticultural facilities, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] According to the present invention, lepidopteran pests can be controlled more efficiently and safely than conventional methods, and therefore the present invention will greatly contribute to the development of agriculture and its related industries.

Claims

1. 1. A method of promoting escape or repellency of lepidopteran insects with ultrasound comprising pulse groups comprising: (1) generating said pulse group by two or more micro-ultrasonic pulses having a pulse length of 0.1-0.6 ms shorter than the pulse length of said pulse group, and an inter-pulse interval of more than 0.0 ms and less than or equal to 0.6 ms; (2) applying ultrasound waves containing the pulse groups produced in step (1) to said lepidopteran insects, thereby promoting escape or repellency by said ultrasound waves.

2. The method described in claim 1, wherein the pulse group is a pulse group configured with a pulse length and inter-pulse interval that promotes escape or repulsion of at least one species of lepidopteran insect.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pulse length of the micro-ultrasonic pulse is 0.1-0.6 ms, and the inter-pulse interval of the micro-ultrasonic pulse is greater than 0.0 ms and less than or equal to 0.6 ms.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pulse length of the pulse group is 0.4 to 47.2 ms and the inter-pulse interval is 5 to 200 ms.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a pulse group is composed of 2 to 50 microultrasonic pulses.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the Lepidoptera insect is one or more of the following: Helicoverpa armigera, European corn borer and Oriental moth.

7. A method for controlling lepidopteran pests, comprising a step of controlling the flight behavior of lepidopteran pests by the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control of the flight behavior is the promotion of escape or repellency.

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