Packaging for crop beneficials

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (102) for use with crops, the device comprising: - packaging (104) forming a main chamber, and - one or more population(s) of crop-beneficial arthropods, the arthropods being located in the chamber, the packaging having at least one precut (14) extending in at least one wall (16) of the packaging, the packaging being configured such that breaking the wall along the precut causes the packaging to be opened across the chamber, the opening placing the chamber in communication with the outside of the packaging. The packaging has a single plane along which the one or more precuts extend and breaking creates a fold in the packaging.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Packaging for crop auxiliaries

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to packaging containing arthropods that are beneficial for crops.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] To effectively use beneficial insects or mites for biological control of pests or weeds, it is advantageous to have packaging that protects these beneficial organisms from both predators and the external environment. Such packaging is described, for example, in document EP-3218273.

[0007] Indeed, beneficial insects or mites are typically packaged in their adult, larval, or egg stages (parasitized or not), and can be either mobile or immobile. The beneficials are chosen according to their hatching period, or more generally, according to the period or date when they will be able to emerge from the packaging to fulfill their role as predators or parasitoids of pests and / or antagonists of weeds. It is thus possible to determine the date on which a package containing beneficials should be used and placed in the desired environment.

[0008] The packaging must fulfill two distinct, even conflicting, functions: firstly, to prevent beneficial insects from escaping the packaging until it is placed in a suitable location for use in crops; secondly, once in this location, to facilitate their release as much as possible for optimal dispersal. This is why installing the packaging in crops often requires intervention by the operator to allow the release of the beneficial insects. This might involve, for example, removing the outer covering surrounding the packaging.

[0009] One aim of the invention is to facilitate the release of beneficial organisms while effectively protecting them before use. In this context, it also more generally targets beneficial organisms for crops, particularly pollinating insects and parasitoids.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION To this end, a device is provided for the crops,

[0011] the system comprising:

[0012] - a packaging system forming a main chamber, and

[0013] - one or more populations of beneficial arthropods for crops, the arthropods being located in the chamber,

[0014] the packaging having at least one pre-cut extending into at least one wall of the packaging,

[0015] the packaging being configured so that a break in the wall following the pre-cut generates an opening in the packaging across the chamber, the opening putting the chamber in communication with the outside of the packaging.

[0016] The packaging presents a single plane along which the pre-cut(s) extend and the breakage generates a fold in the packaging.

[0017] Because the rupture creates an opening across the chamber, the exit of the arthropods is facilitated without compromising their protection in the packaging before use.

[0018] The invention is particularly applicable to crop protection and crop pollination.

[0019] It can be predicted that the device will also have at least one of the following characteristics:

[0020] - the pre-cutting extends over only part of a circumference of the packaging or over the entire circumference;

[0021] - the device is configured so that the rupture of the wall generates a separation of the wall into two parts of the wall completely separate from each other, the conditioning comprising a connecting element configured to connect the two parts of the wall to each other before and after the rupture, the conditioning being configured so that the fold forms in the connecting element;

[0022] - the connecting element includes a strip.

[0023] - the pre-cutting extends across the entire thickness of the wall;

[0024] - the pre-cutting extends into two non-parallel walls of the packaging;

[0025] - the pre-cut intercepts at least one edge of the packaging;

[0026] - the pre-cutting extends along a median plane of the packaging;

[0027] - the packaging includes a main body having a cylindrical shape over a greater part of the body; and- the body has a polygonal, circular or oval cross-section profile.

[0028] In one embodiment, the main body is unique.

[0029] In another embodiment, the packaging includes a case and a drawer mounted to slide into the case, the case and the drawer each having a pre-cut.

[0030] It can be anticipated that the drawer is open on one side of the drawer or part of the circumference of the drawer.

[0031] It can be expected that the device will include at least one of the following characteristics:

[0032] - it also includes in the chamber at least one of the following: a water supply, food for arthropods and a substrate for arthropods;

[0033] - it includes a stop configured to limit movement within the chamber of one of these elements, in particular the water reservoir;

[0034] - Arthropods are able to protect crops by acting as predators, particularly pathogen predators, the arthropods being for example of the genus Macrolophus, in particular of the species Macrolophus pygmaeus;

[0035] - Arthropods are able to protect crops by acting as parasitoids; - Arthropods are able to protect crops by being prey for other beneficial insects.

[0036] And

[0037] - Arthropods are insects, especially pollinating insects.

[0038] It is worth remembering that a parasitoid has the particularity of laying its eggs inside the pest to be eliminated.

[0039] An article is also planned comprising several devices according to the invention fixed to each other.

[0040] Such a device allows for a set of units that can be separated and distributed, for example, in different locations within a crop. This results in the fractionation of a dose of beneficial insects into small release units, ensuring good distribution throughout the crop, while giving the operator control over the geographical distribution within the crop.

[0041] We can expect that the article will also have at least one of the following characteristics: - the devices form a single row;

[0042] - the devices are connected to each other by a strip extending in a single plane;

[0043] - the strip forms the strips of the respective devices;

[0044] - the strip extends to the pre-cut area of ​​each device; and

[0045] - the strip has a pre-cut between the or each pair of adjacent devices.

[0046] The invention also provides a method in which:

[0047] - a packaging is broken along a pre-cut extending into at least one wall so as to generate an opening across a main chamber of the packaging, the opening allowing arthropods from the chamber to pass directly outside the packaging, and

[0048] - the packaging is placed in or near crops.

[0049] We can predict that:

[0050] - we implement the breaking step so that the conditioning forms a fold and, - we place the conditioning so that it rests on a culture by the fold.

[0051] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0052] We will now present, by way of non-limiting example, embodiments of the invention, supported by the attached drawings, in which:

[0053] [Fig. 1]

[0054] Figure 1 is a view of a packaging according to a first embodiment of the invention

[0055] [Fig. 2]

[0056] Figure 2 is a view of an item including packaging from Figure 1.

[0057] [Fig.3] [Fig.4]

[0058] Figures 3 and 4 are stage views of the manufacturing of the packaging in Figure 1 and the item in Figure 2.

[0059] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 7] Figures 5 to 7 are views of the steps of a process of crop protection using the conditioning of Figure 1.

[0060] [Fig. 8]

[0061] Figure 8 is a view of another embodiment of the conditioning.

[0062] [Fig. 9] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 11]

[0063] Figures 9 to 11 are views of a third embodiment of the device.

[0064] All these views are perspective views.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] First method of implementation

[0067] The device

[0068] We will present a first embodiment of device 102 for crop protection with the support of figures 1 to 7.

[0069] Device 102 includes:

[0070] - a 104 packaging, and

[0071] - one or more population(s) of arthropods 39 auxiliaries for crops, in particular for crop protection, the arthropods being in the packaging 104 and illustrated in figure 4.

[0072] In this case, the packaging 104 comprises a single main body 6, which is cylindrical over a larger portion 8. A cylinder is defined here as a ruled surface formed by a sheet of parallel generatrices resting on a closed curve. This curve forms the profile or cross-section of the cylinder. This portion corresponds to the entire packaging 104, with the exception of its longitudinal end sections 10. In this example, over this larger portion 8 of the body, the body 6 has a polygonal cross-section, in this case rectangular. However, this profile could also be triangular, square, or hexagonal, for example. It could also be circular or oval. The packaging 104 is closed at both its longitudinal ends 10. It defines a single internal main chamber 12 extending along the entire length of the packaging. Alternatively, the body 6 could be truncated conically shaped.Packaging 104 is a single piece here. For example, it has a pyramid shape.

[0073] It can be made of paper or cardboard, molded cellulose, or even biodegradable plastic, for example. The chosen material must be rigid enough to provide sufficient robustness to the packaging once it is made. Depending on the material chosen, the packaging, or even the system comprising several packages, can be made biodegradable or compostable.

[0074] The packaging 104 has a pre-cut 14. In this case, the pre-cut extends along a single median plane of the packaging, which forms its plane of symmetry. The pre-cut can also be located in an area adjacent to the median plane. This arrangement of the pre-cut allows for a fold to be created after opening, enabling the packaging to rest in equilibrium on a plant, as will be seen later. However, the pre-cut 14 could be positioned closer to one end 10 than the other, for example, and therefore outside the plane of symmetry.

[0075] The pre-cut 14 extends in this case into at least two non-parallel walls 16 of the packaging. Each of these walls delimits the chamber 12. In this case, since the packaging 104 has four main flat walls 16 due to its rectangular profile, the pre-cut 14 extends into three of the contiguous walls 16, for example, the two narrower walls 16 and one of the wider walls 16. It therefore has a U-shaped configuration and extends over only part of a circumference of the packaging 104. In this example, the pre-cut 14 is continuous from one wall 16 to the other. Consequently, it intersects two edges 18 of the packaging 104. However, it could be foreseen that the pre-cut 14 is not continuous from one wall 16 to the other and is interrupted at a distance from each edge 18.

[0076] The pre-cut 14 forms, in this case, a dotted cut in the walls 16. It extends across the entire thickness of each wall, which it therefore penetrates. It is thus formed of perforations, elongated or not, arranged successively along a line. However, it could be envisaged that the pre-cut 14 is formed by a thinning zone in the wall along a line, without penetrating the wall.

[0077] The packaging 104 allows for manual rupture along the pre-cut 14, creating an opening 20 across the chamber 12. This opening allows arthropods to exit the packaging, as will be seen later in the operating procedure. Similarly, since the pre-cut 14 extends over only a portion of the packaging's circumference, the rupture creates a fold 19 in the packaging.

[0078] Arthropods are beneficial to crops, particularly as crop protection agents (also called biological control agents). These include insects and / or mites. For example, they belong to the genus Macrolophus, preferably the species Macrolophus pygmaeus.

[0079] The term "population of beneficial arthropods for crop protection" refers to any population comprising at least two living individuals belonging to at least one of the arthropod species among the biological control agents. This population may consist of individuals belonging to one or more developmental stages of the biological control agent. For example, the population may include eggs, larvae, pupae, adults, or mixtures of these different stages.

[0080] For example, in packaging 104, we can expect 100 individuals. This number can vary. It can range from 1 to 10,000 and be, for example, 20, 50, 200, or 500. This number represents the number of individuals present when the product is manufactured. One advantage of such packaging is the ability to place a precisely defined dose of arthropods at each release point, thus better controlling the even distribution of beneficial insects throughout the crop.

[0081] The conditioning may also include food, a water supply and / or a substrate as we will see below.

[0082] The article

[0083] Figure 2 illustrates an article 23 according to the invention. It comprises several devices 102. Here it includes 10, but this number can vary from 2 or 3 up to 20 or 30, for example.

[0084] It can be foreseen that the devices 102 extend side-by-side when fixed to one another, for example by forming a single row. In particular, their upper ends 10 are aligned with each other, as are their lower ends.

[0085] The devices 102 are connected to each other by a band 24 extending in a single plane. In this case, the band 24 has a width less than or equal to the length of the main part 8 of the body it covers on each device. The band 24 therefore extends in this case at the pre-cut 14 of each device. It is possible, as is the case here, for the wall 16 of each device facing the band 24 to be without the pre-cut 14. The opposite is also possible. For example, the band 24 forms the label of item 23.

[0086] In this case, the strip 24 has pre-cuts 26. Each pre-cut extends between the pair or pairs of adjacent devices 102. Therefore, there are nine in our example, with ten devices. Only a few pre-cuts have been drawn. This pre-cut 26 facilitates the separation of a device 102 from the other devices in the article.

[0087] It can also be provided that the band 24 is glued onto the devices 102 with an adhesive which allows it to be completely removed from the devices without tearing off the part of each package on which it is glued, and thus detaching all the devices 102 from the band.

[0088] In one variant, the connection between the devices 102 can be made not by means of a strip such as the strip 24 but by means of double-sided adhesive pads, for example repositionable, arranged between the contiguous devices, or by means of a layer of glue, for example non-permanent and repositionable, arranged between the contiguous devices.

[0089] Article 23 can be marketed in this form. Alternatively, the device shown in Figure 1 could be marketed as is.

[0090] As an example, the chamber receiving the auxiliaries can be sized as follows: 20 cm in length with a cross-section of 20 mm x 20 mm.

[0091] More generally, one can plan to give the chamber a length between 2 cm and 30 cm.

[0092] Preferably, this length is sufficient so that, after breaking the pre-cut 14, it is possible to balance the packaging on the plant. Preferably also, the total length is not too great so that the device is not too heavy and can be supported by the plant (for example, a branched tomato plant branch).

[0093] The manufacturing process

[0094] We will now present an implementation method for manufacturing a protective device 102 according to the first method, with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the method, with reference to Figure 3, the packaging 104 is made, having the pre-cut 14, the packaging being configured to allow manual rupture of the packaging along the pre-cut 14 in order to create an opening 20. The ends of the packaging include marks 25 for the folds which will be used to form the closed ends 10 of the device 102.

[0095] In this example, the 104 packages are initially flat thanks to the parallelogram deformation allowed by the rectangular profile.

[0096] It can be foreseen that each packaging 104 includes a stop or wedge 35, illustrated in figure 3, extending into the chamber 12 at a distance from the ends 10. This stop is configured to limit a displacement in the chamber of one of the elements introduced into the chamber and presented below.

[0097] In this case, the stop is formed by a segment of the same material as the packaging wall. Here, the stop is S-shaped and consists of three flat parts. Its two end parts are rigidly fixed, for example glued, to two facing packaging walls when the packaging is unfolded so that the middle part of the stop 35 extends across the chamber. The stop can also be Z-shaped, U-shaped, or V-shaped, with its ends fixed to the same wall.

[0098] The stop 35 is here fixed closer to one end 10 than to the other.

[0099] In this example, a water reservoir 37 for the arthropods is inserted into each container. This reservoir is a section 37 of plant material. For example, a semi-dry or fresh bean in its pod, produced from a variety of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) of the dwarf grain type, harvested before full maturity, could be used. A flat coco bean could also be used. This section 37 is sized so that it cannot pass through the stop 35. A piece of bean pod can be used instead of the bean. It is therefore secured between this stop and the nearest end 10.

[0100] One end 10 of the packaging is formed and then sealed, for example by heat sealing using a heat sealer. For this purpose, it is advantageous for the packaging material, for example cardboard, to have a heat-sensitive adhesive layer on its inner surface, thus allowing the ends 10 to be sealed without the addition of glue at this stage. The strip 24 forming the product label is then applied to the packaging, ensuring that the packaging 104 is aligned side by side so that it is in the correct position for applying the strip.

[0101] Referring to Figure 4, the arthropods 39 and optionally food 42 for the arthropods are introduced into the containers through the other, still open, end. A substrate may also be introduced.

[0102] Then this end 10 of the packaging 104 is closed, for example by heat sealing. Each packaging 104 is therefore now completely closed.

[0103] The manufacturing of item 102 is complete.

[0104] The usage process

[0105] The crop protection process in this implementation method includes the following steps.

[0106] Referring to Figure 5, one of the packages 104 is separated from the others in item 23. Advantageously, this is one of the end packages in the alignment, since it is then sufficient to break only a pre-cut 26 of the strip 24 to separate it from the adjacent package. The broken strip fragment 46 is visible in Figure 5. As mentioned above, breaking the pre-cut is only one example of a method for separating one of the packages from the others; this separation can also occur without breaking the strip.

[0107] Referring to Figure 6, the operator holds the packaging 104 with both hands, one hand on each longitudinal end 10. The wall 16 without the pre-cut 14 is the bottom wall. By flexing the item to push its middle part upwards, the operator breaks the pre-cut 14 on the other three walls and forms a fold 19 in the bottom wall.

[0108] The rupture creates two openings 20 across the chamber 12, forming openings on two respective portions of the chamber and the packaging, with the openings 20 facing each other. In this case, each opening has an area extending along the entire cross-section of the chamber 12. The exit of the arthropods is therefore facilitated without compromising their protection within the packaging prior to use.

[0109] Referring to Figure 7, the operator then places the conditioning unit 104 in or near crops to be protected by arthropods, for example, on a branch of a crop so that it rests on the crop by the fold 19. As the fold is in the median plane of the conditioning unit, the equilibrium is stable. In this position, the arthropods emerging from the conditioning unit are in direct contact with the crops to be protected.

[0110] The packaging provides satisfactory protection for the arthropods before use. It is easy to use. It allows for quick and easy contact between the arthropods and the cultures.

[0111] Second embodiment

[0112] We will now present a second embodiment of device 202 with support of figure 8. Only the differences with the first embodiment will be presented.

[0113] This time, the 204 package includes a 50 case and a 52 drawer mounted to slide into the case.

[0114] The case 50 has in this instance a rectangular parallelepiped shape. It is closed at one longitudinal end 54 and open at the opposite end 56. This is its only opening before use.

[0115] Drawer 52 is also rectangular in shape. It is open on one side face 58. This is its only opening before use. It is mounted to slide into the case 50 through the open end 56 of the latter.

[0116] It could be predicted that the case and the drawer each have not a rectangular parallelepiped shape but a cylindrical or even triangular shape.

[0117] The case 50 and the drawer 52 each have a pre-cut 14, for example, in a median plane. This may be a single median plane common to both the case and the drawer. The pre-cut 14 of the case 50 extends over at least three walls of the case. The pre-cut of the drawer 52 extends over at least two walls. If the drawer has a wall without a pre-cut 14, it is preferable that this wall be located against the wall of the case without a pre-cut 14.

[0118] The manufacture of this packaging includes the step of filling the drawer 52 with the arthropods, the food 42, and the water reservoir. The drawer is then slid into the case 50 to close the packaging. The end 56 of the case used for inserting the drawer can then be sealed by additional means, for example, an adhesive strip. The packaging units 202 can be assembled to form an item 23 using a strip 24 as described previously.

[0119] To use the packaging 202, it is broken as before, which involves breaking the case and the drawer at the same time along their pre-cuts 14. This creates, as in the first mode, two openings 20 forming mouths over the entire cross-section of the packaging, across the chamber 12, allowing the arthropods to exit the packaging.

[0120] A fold 19 is formed on the face of the case 50 without pre-cut 14, which can be used as before to place the packaging in the crops.

[0121] The invention can be modified in numerous ways. For example, the packaging could be sold individually rather than in groups as individual items. The pre-cut 14 could extend around the entire circumference of the packaging, for instance, to allow the packaging to be completely separated into two parts.

[0122] Third mode of implementation

[0123] Figures 9 to 11 illustrate a third embodiment of device 302 with its conditioning 304. It is very close to the first embodiment so that only the differences with the latter will be presented.

[0124] As these three figures show, the pre-cut 14 extends around the entire circumference of the packaging 304. In this case, it covers its four main rectangular faces. A flap 17 is also provided to close the packaging so that, once formed, it retains a rectangular profile. In this case, before the packaging is formed, when it is still flat, the pre-cut 14 forms a continuous straight segment extending across the packaging.

[0125] Conditioning 304 is configured so that wall rupture generates a separation of the wall into two wall parts 19a, 19b completely separate from each other, as seen in Figure 11.

[0126] This time, the packaging 304 includes a connecting member 46 configured to link the two wall parts 21a, 21b to each other before and after rupture. The connecting member comprises a strip 46 in this example, but this member could be formed differently. The packaging is therefore configured so that the fold 19 forms in the connecting member 46 as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. Thus, whereas in the first mode the fold forms in one of the walls 16, this time it forms only in the connecting member.

[0127] In this case, it is the strip fragment 46 linking the devices together, as explained in the first embodiment, which forms the strip of each device 302 after it has been separated from the other devices.

[0128] The internal stop 35 is visible in figures 9 and 11 respectively in the unfolded and folded states.

[0129] The invention also applies to packaging containing pollinating insects for crops. In this case, the open packaging is placed in or near the crops to be pollinated.

[0130] The invention is applicable with populations of arthropods used as crop auxiliaries, in particular selected from the class Arachnida, preferably from the subclass Acari, or from the class Insecta.

[0131] In one embodiment, the auxiliary arthropods can be selected from among the mites (subclass Acari).

[0132] Mites can be selected from species of the orders Mesostigmata and Trombidiformes.

[0133] For example, mites can be selected from species in the families Phytoseiidae, Macrochelidae, Laelapidae, Tydeidae, Cheyletidae, Cunaxidae, Erythraeidae, Stigmaeidae, Anystidae, Ascidae, or Parasitidae.

[0134] The mites may in particular be selected from species of the Phytoseiidae family, for example from the subfamily Amblyseiinae, in particular from the genus Amblyseius, for example Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius largoensis or Amblyseius andersoni, or from the genus Euseius, for example Euseius ovalis, Euseius scutalis, Euseius finlandicus, Euseius gallicus, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius tularensis or Euseius hibisci, or from the genus Neoseiulus, for example Neoseiulus womersleyi, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus fallacis or Neoseiulus longispinosus, or from the genus Iphiseius, for example Iphiseius degenerons, or from the genus Amblydromalus, for example Amblydromaluslailae, Amblydromalus limonicus or Amblydromalus manihoti, from the genus Typhlodromips (also called Transeius), for example Typhlodromips montdorensis (also called Transeius montdorensis), ou du genre Phytoseiulus, par example Phytoseiulus persimilis, ou du genre Iphiseiodes,for example Iphiseiodes zuluagi, or of the genus Typhlodromalus, for example Typhlodromalus aripo, Typhlodromalus lailae or Typhlodromalus peregrinus; or for example of the subfamily Typhlodrominae, in particular of the genus Galendromus, for example Galendromus occidentalis, or of the genus Metasieulus, for example Petaseiulus flumenis, or of the genus Gynaeseius, for example Gynaeseius liturivorus, or of the genus Typhlodromus, for example Typhlodromus exhilarates, Typhlodromus phialatus, Typhlodromus recki, Typhlodromus transvaalensis, Typhlodromus pyri, Typhlodromus doreenae or Typhlodromus athiasae.

[0135] Mites can in particular be selected from species of the family Macrochelidae, for example from the genus Macrocheles, for example Macrocheles robustulus.

[0136] Mites can in particular be selected from species of the family Laelaipdae, for example from the genus Hypoaspis, for example Hypoaspis aculeifer, Hypoaspis miles (or Stratiolaelaps scimitus) or Hypoaspis scimitus, or from the genus Gaeolaelaps, for example Gaeolaelaps aculeifer, or from the genus Androlaelaps, for example Androlaelaps casalis, or from the genus Cosmolaelaps, for example Cosmolaelaps claviger or Cosmolaelaps jaboticabalensis.

[0137] Les acariens peuvent en particulier être selectionné parmi les spèces de la famille des Tydeidae, par exemple du genre Homeopronematus, par exemple Homeopronematus anconai, or du genre Tydeus, par exemple Tydeus Iambi or Tydeus caudatus; ou parmi les spèces de la famille des Cheyletidae, par exemple du genus Cheyletus, par exemple Cheyletus eruditus or Cheyletus malaccensis; ou parmi les spèces de la famille Cunaxidae, par exemple du genus Coleoscirus, par exemple Coleoscirus simplex, ou du genus Cunaxa, par exemple Cunaxa setirostris; ou parmi les spèces de la famille Erythraeidae, par exemple du genus Balaustium, par exemple Balaustium putmani, Balaustium medicagoenses, Balaustium murorum, Balaustium hernandezi or Balaustium leanderi; ou parmi les spèces de la famille des Stigmaeidae, par exemple du genus Agistermus, par exemple Agistemus exsertus, ou du genus Zetzellia, par exemple Zetzellia mali;or from the species of the family Anystidae, for example from the genus Anystis, for example Anystis baccarum. The mites can in particular be selected from the species of the family Ascidae, for example from the genus Proctolaelaps, for example Proctolaelaps pymaeus, or from the genus Blattisocius, for example Blattisocius tarsalis or Blattisocius keegani, or from the genus Lasioseius, for example Lasioseius fimetorum, Lasioseius floridensis, Lasioseius bispinosus, Lasioseius dentatus, Lasioseius scapulatus or Lasioseius athiasae, or from the genus Arctoseius, for example Arctoseius semiscissus, or from the genus Protogamasellus, for example Protogamasellus dioscorus; or from the species of the family Parasitidae, for example from the genus Pergamasus, for example Pergamasus quisquiliarum, or from the genus Parasitus, for example Parasitus fimetorum, Parasidtus bituberosus, Parasitus mycophilus or Parasitus mammilatus.;

[0138] In another embodiment, the mites can be selected from species of the family Pyroglyphidae, the family Acaridae, the family Carpoglyphidae or the family Glycyphagidae.

[0139] Les acariens peuvent en particulier être selectionné parmi les spèces de la famille des Acaridae, particulier du genus Acarus, for example Acarus siro, Acarus farris, Acarus immobilis or Acarus chaetoxysilos, or du genus Tyrophagus, for example Tyrophagus iongior, Tyrophagus similis, Tyrophagus putrescentiae or Tyrophagus tropicus, or the genre Aleuroglyphus, for example Aleuroglyphus ovatus, or the genre Lardoglyphus, for example Lardoglyphus konoi, or the genre Caloglyphus, for example Caloglyphus mycophagus or Caloglyphus berlesei, or the genre Suidasia, for example Suidasia nesbitti or Suidasia medanensis, or the genus Thyreophagus, par exemple Thyreophagus entomophagus; ou parmi les spèces de la famille Carpoglyphidae, particulier du genus Carpoglyphus, par exemple Carpoglyphus lactis ou Carpoglyphus munroi;or among species of the family Glycyphagidae, in particular of the genus Glycyphagus, e.g. Glycyphagus domesticus, or of the genus Lepidoglyphus, e.g., Lepidoglyphus destructor, or of the genus Blomia, e.g., Blomia freemani, or of the genus Chortoglyphus, e.g. genus Diamesoglyphus, for example Diamesoglyphus intermediusor, or of the genus Ctenoglyphus, for example Ctenoglyphus plumiger, Ctenoglyphus canestrinii or Ctenoglyphus palmifer, or of the genus Austroglycyphagus, for example Austroglycyphagus geniculatus, or of the genus Aroglyphus, for example Aeroglyphus robustus, or of the genus Gohieria, e.g. Gohieriafusca, or of the genus Coproglyphus, e.g. Coproglyphus stammeri ;or among the species of the family Pyroglyphidae, in particular of the genus Dermatophagoides, for example Dermatophagoides pteronysinus or Dermatophagoidesfarinae, or of the genus Eu rog typhus, for example Eu rog typhus longior or Euroglyphus maynei, or of the genus Pyroglyphus, for example Pyroglyphus africanus.;

[0140] In another embodiment, the mites can be selected from species of the family lolinidae, in particular of the genus Pronematus, for example Pronematus u bi qui tus.

[0141] Preferably, the mites are selected from Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius largoensis, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus fallacis, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Amblydromalus lailae, Typhlodromips montdorensis, Euseius ovalis, Euseius scutalis and Euseius hibisci.

[0142] In one embodiment, the arthropods that assist crops can be selected from the class Insects.

[0143] Les insectes peuvent être choisis parmi spèces de l'ordre Hemiptera, par exemple de la famille Miridae, particulier du genus Nesidiocoris, par exemple Nesidiocoris tenuis or Nesidiocoris spp., or du genre Dicyphus, par exemple Dicyphus hesperus, or du genus Macrolophus, par exemple Macrolophus pygmaeus ; or for example of the family Anthocoridae, in particular of the genus Orius, for example Orius laevigatus, Orius insidiosus, Orius majusculus or Orius spp., or of the genus Anthocoris, for example Anthocoris nemoralis; or for example of the family Lygaeidae, in particular of the genus Geocoris, for example Geocoris spp; or for example of the family Pentatomidae, in particular of the genus Podisus (Picromerus), for example Podisus maculiventris; or for example of the family Nabidae, in particular of the genus Nabis, for example Nabis pseudoferus ibericus.

[0144] Insects can be selected from species of the order Coleoptera, for example of the family Coccinellidae, in particular of the genus Cryptolaemus, for example Cryptolaemus montrouzieri or Cryptolaemus spp, or of the genus Adalia, for example Adalia bipunctata, Chilocorus dumple, Chilocorus, for example nigritus, or of the genus Delphastus, e.g. Delphastus catalinae, or of the genus Exochomus, e.g. Exochomus quadripustulatus, or of the genus Ceratomegilla, e.g. Ceratomegilla (Hippodamia) undecimnotata, or of the genus Rhyzobius, e.g. example Rodolia cardinalis, or of the genus Scymnus, e.g. Scymnus nubilus, or of the genus Stethorus, e.g. Stethorus punctillum, or of the genus Clistostethus, e.g. Clitostethus arcuatus, or of the genus Coccidophilus, e.g. Coccinella septempuntata, or of the genus Cycloneda, for example Cycloneda limbifer, or of the genus Diomus,or of the genus Harmonia, e.g. Harmonia axyridis, or of the genus Leis, e.g. Leis dimidiata, or of the genus Lemnia, e.g. Lemnia biplagiata, or of the genus Nephus, e.g. Propylea quadricepunctate ; or of the family Staphylinidae, in particular of the genus Atheta, for example Atheta (Dalotia) coriaria, or of the genus Aleochara, for example Alerochara bilineata, or of the genus Holobus, for example Holobus flavicornis.,

[0145] The insects may be chosen from species of the order Neuroptera, for example from the family Chrysopidae, in particular from the genus Chrysoperla, for example Chrysoperla carnea or Chrysoperla spp, or from the genus Chrysopa, for example Chrysopa sinica, or from the genus Coniopteryx, for example Coniopteryx tineiformis, or from the genus Conwentzia, for example Conwentzia psociformis, or from the genus Sympherobius, for example Sympherobius fallax; or from the family Hemerobiidae, in particular from the genus Micromus, for example Micromus angulatus.

[0146] The insects may be chosen from species of the order Lepidoptera, for example from the family Pyralidae, in particular from the genus Ephestia, for example Ephestia kuhniella, Ephestia elutella, or Ephestia cautella; or from the genus Corcyra, for example Corcyra cephalonica; or from the genus Plodia, for example Plodia interpunctella; or for example from species of the subfamily Gelechiidae, in particular from the genus Sitotroga, for example Sitotroga cerealella.

[0147] The insects can be chosen from species of the order Hymenoptera, for example from the family Encyrtidae, in particular from the genus Anagyrus, for example Anagyrus fusciventris or Anagyrus pseudococci, or from the genus Cocci doxenoi des (Coccidencyrtus), for example Cocci doxenoi des perminutus, or from the genus Leptomastidea, for example Leptomastidea abnormis, or from the genus Leptomastix, for example Leptomastix dactylopii or Leptomastix epona, or from the genus Metaphycus, for example Metaphycus flavus, or from the genus Microterys, for example Microterys flavus, or from the genus Acerophagus, for example Acerophegus maculipennis or Aceropagus artelles, or from the genus Aenasius, for example Aenasius arizonensis, or from the genus Arrhenophagus, for example Arrhenophagus albitibiae, or from the genus Blastothrix, for example Blasthothrix brittanica, or of the genus Comperiella, for example Comperiella bifasciata, or of the genus Cryptanusia, for example Cryptanusia comperei or Cryptanusia aureiscutellum, or of the genus Dicarnosis,for example Dicarnosis ripariensis, for example Encyrtus, for example Encyrtus aurantii or Encyrtus infelix, for example Gyranusoidea, for example Gyranusoidea litura, for example Ooencyrtus, for example Ooencyrtus kuwanae or Ooencyrtus pityocampae, for example Tetracnemoidea, for example Tetracnemoidea brevicornis or Tetracnemoidea peregrina, or the genre Tamarixia, for example Tamarixia triozae; or of the family Aphelinidae, in particular of the genre Aphelinus, for example Aphelinus abdominalis, or of the genre Aphytis, for example Aphytis melinus, or of the genre Coccophagus, for example Coccophagus scutellaris, or of the genre Encarsia, for example Encarsia formosa, or of the genre Eretmocerus, for example Eretmocerus eremicus or Eretmocerus mundus, or the genre Cales, for example Cales noacki; or of the family Braconidae, in particular of the genus Aphidius, for example Aphidius colemani, Aphidius ervi or Aphidius matricariae, or of the genus Dacnusa, for example Dacnusa sibirica, or of the genus Ephedrus,for example Ephedrus cerasicola, or of the genus Praon, for example Praon volucre, or of the genus Bracon, for example Bracon brevicornis, or of the genus Cotesia, for example Cotesia flavipes Cotesia glomerata or Cotesia rubecula, or of the genus Habrobacon, for example, Habrobracon, or of the genus Lysiphon, for example Lysiphlebus fabarum, or of the genus Meteorus, e.g. Meteorus bakeri or Meteorus gyrator, or of the genus Opius, e.g. Opius pallipes, or of the genus Psyttalia, e.g. Psyttalia concolor ; or of the family Eulophidae, in particular of the genus Diglyphus, e.g. Diglyphus isaea, or of the genus Thripobius, e.g. Thripobius javae, or of the genus Anastatus, e.g. Anastatus japonicus, or of the genus Aprostocetus, e.g. Chouioia cunea, or of the genus Elasmus, e.g. Elasmus nudus, or of the genus Neochrysocharis, e.g. Neochrysocharis formosa, or of the genus Necremnus, e.g. Necremnus artynes,or of the genus Tetrastichus, for example Tetrastichus coeruleus; or of the family Trichogrammatidae, in particular of the genus Trichogramma, or of the genus Trichogrammatoidea; or of the family Scelionidae, in particular of the genus Trissolcus, for example Trissolcus basalis, or of the genus Telenomus, for example Telenomus podisi or Telenomus remus; or of the family Ampulicidae, in particular of the genus Ampulex, for example Ampulex compressa; or of the family Bethylidae, in particular of the genus Cephalonomia, for example Cephalonomia tarsalis; or of the family Diapriidae, in particular of the genus Trichopria, for example Trichopria drosophilae; or of the family Drynidae, in particular of the genus Neodryinus, for example Neodryinus typhlocybae; or of the family Figitidae, in particular of the genus Leptopilina, for example Leptopilina heterotoma; or of the Mymaridae family, in particular of the genus Anagrus, for example Anagrus atomus, or of the genus Anaphes,par exemple Anaphes iole ; or of the family Platygastriae, in particular of the genre Allotropa, for example Allotropa convexifrons or Allotropa musae; ou de la famille Pteromalidae, en particulier du Anisopteromalus, par exemple Anisopteromalus calandrae, ou du genre Catolaccus, par exemple Catolaccus hunteri ou Catolaccus grandis, ou du genre Dibrachys, par exemple Dibracys microgastri, oudu genre Lariophagus, par exemple Lariophagus contraddindus, ou du genre Muscidifurax, par exemple Muscidifurax raptor, Muscidifurax raptorellus, ou Muscidifurax zaraptor, ou du genre Nasonia, par exemple Nasonia vitripennis, ou du genre Ophelosia, par exemple Ophelosia crawfordi, ou du genre Scutellista, par exemple Scutellista carculea, ou du genre Spalangia, par exemple Spalangia cameroni.,

[0148] The insects may be chosen from species of the order Diptera, for example from the family Cecidomyiidae, in particular from the genus Aphidoletes, for example Aphidoletes aphidimyza, or from the genus Feltiella, for example Feltiella acarisuga, or from the genus Coenosia, for example Coenosia attenuata, or from the genus Hydrothea, for example Hydrothea aenescens; or from the family Syrphidae, in particular from the genus Episyrphus, for example Episyrphus balteatus, or from the genus Eupeodes, for example Eupeodes corollae, or from the genus Sphaerophoria, for example Sphaerophoria rueppellii.

[0149] The insects may be chosen from species of the order Thysanoptera, for example from the family Aeolothripidae, in particular from the genus Franklinothrips, for example Franklinothrips vespiformis, or from the genus Aeolothropis, for example Aeolothrips intermedius; or from the family Phlaeothripidae, in particular from the genus Aleurodothrips, for example Aleurodothrips fascipennis, or from the genus Haplothrips, for example Haplothrips brevitubus, or from the genus Karnyothrips, for example Karnyothrips melaleucus; or from the family Thripidae, in particular from the genus Scolothrips, for example Scolothrips sexmaculatus.

[0150] The invention is typically applicable with auxiliary arthropods preferably having an average length between 0.01 mm and 30 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 7 mm and / or an average width between 0.01 mm and 3 mm.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device (102; 202; 302) for crops (22), the system comprising: - a conditioning unit (104; 204; 304) forming a main chamber (12), and - one or more populations of arthropods (39) beneficial to crops, the populations being located in the chamber, the packaging having at least one pre-cut (14) extending into at least one wall (16) of the packaging, the packaging having a single plane along which the pre-cut(s) extend, the packaging being configured so that a break in the wall following the pre-cut generates a fold (19) in the packaging and an opening (20) in the packaging across the chamber, the opening putting the chamber in communication with the outside of the packaging.

2. Device according to the preceding claim in which the pre-cut (14) extends over an entire circumference of the packaging.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, configured such that the rupture of the wall generates a separation of the wall into two wall parts (21a, 21b) that are completely separate from each other, the packaging comprising a connecting element (46) configured to connect the two wall parts to each other before and after rupture, the conditioning being configured so that the fold (19) forms in the connecting element.

4. Device according to the preceding claim in which the connecting member (46) comprises a strip.

5. Device (102-302) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the pre-cut extends into two walls (16) of the packaging which are not parallel to each other.

6. Device (102-302) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pre-cut (14) extends along a median plane of the packaging.

7. Device (102-302) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the packaging comprises a main body (104; 50, 52; 304) having a cylindrical shape over a greater part (8) of the body.

8. Device (102-302) according to the preceding claim in which the body (104; 50, 52; 304) has a polygonal, circular or oval cross-section profile.

9. Device (202) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the packaging (204) comprises: - a case (50) and - a sliding drawer (52) mounted in the case, the case and the drawer each having a pre-cut (14).

10. Device (202) according to the preceding claim in which the drawer (52) is open on a lateral face (58) of the drawer or a part of the circumference of the drawer.

11. Device (102-302) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising in the chamber at least one of the following: - a water reserve (37), - food (42) for arthropods, and - a substrate for arthropods.

12. Device (102-302) according to the preceding claim which includes a stop (35) configured to limit a displacement in the chamber of one of the elements of the preceding claim, in particular of the water reservoir (37).

13. Device (102-302) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the arthropods (39) are capable of protecting crops by acting as predators, in particular pathogen predators, the arthropods being for example of the genus Macrolophus, preferably of the species Macrolophus pygmaeus.

14. Device (102-302) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the arthropods (39) are capable of protecting crops by acting as parasitoids.

15. Device (102-302) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the arthropods (39) are able to protect crops by constituting prey for other crop auxiliaries.

16. Device (102-302) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the arthropods (39) are insects, in particular pollinating insects.

17. Article (23) comprising several devices (102-302) according to any one of the preceding claims, the devices being fixed to each other.

18. Article (23) according to the preceding claim in which the devices (102-302) are connected to each other by a band (24) extending in a single second plane.

19. Article (23) according to claims 4 and 18 in which the strip (24) forms the strips (46) of the respective devices.

20. Article (23) according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the strip (24) has a pre-cut (26) between the or each pair of adjacent devices (102; 302).

21. Method in which: - a packaging (102-302) is broken along a pre-cut (14) extending into at least one wall (16) so that the packaging (104-304) forms a fold (19) and in such a way as to generate an opening (20) across a main chamber (12) of the packaging, the opening allowing arthropods (39) of the chamber to pass directly outside the packaging, and - the conditioning is placed in cultures (22) so that it rests on a culture (22) by the fold.

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