Multicomponent Ester Lure for Female Fruit Fly Trapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing tephritid fruit fly pests, such as the Queensland fruit fly, are inefficient and environmentally harmful, particularly in attracting and trapping female fruit flies, which are difficult to control using existing chemical and protein bait systems.

Innovation Solution

A multicomponent composition comprising short chain esters, long chain esters, and alcohols, including ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl butyrate, hexyl acetate, and fungal volatiles like isoamyl alcohol, is used in combination with a regulated release apparatus to attract and trap fruit flies, specifically targeting female fruit flies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical based lure systems (cue-lure) are used to attract male fruit flies, then monitoring and trapping of males is effective, but female fruit flies are not attracted except under very limited circumstances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of trappingVSAvoidattraction to different fruit fly species

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple chemical components (short chain esters, long chain esters, and alcohols) into a single multicomponent composition that attracts both male and female fruit flies, merging the functionality of separate male and female attractants into one versatile formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite chemical composition comprising multiple ester and alcohol components that work synergistically to attract different fruit fly species and sexes, creating a more effective and versatile attractant than single-component systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If protein bait sprays and insecticide cover sprays are used for pest management, then some level of pest control is achieved, but the crop may be damaged or contaminated and environmental effects are unfavourable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidcrop damage and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a chemical lure composition as an intermediary substance that attracts fruit flies to traps without requiring direct application of insecticides or protein baits to the crop, thereby achieving pest control while avoiding crop damage and contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the attractive chemical components from fruit flies' natural attractants and formulates them into a separate lure composition that can be deployed in traps away from the crop, separating the attraction function from the crop treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If liquid-protein and orange-ammonia traps are used to control female B. tryoni, then some attraction is achieved, but the traps are inefficient and/or logistically difficult to use and manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefemale fruit fly attractionVSAvoidlogistical ease of use and management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the attractant by using a specific multicomponent composition of esters and alcohols that is more effective at attracting female fruit flies, and the apparatus is designed to deliver these chemicals in a controlled manner that simplifies operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition effectively attracts and traps female fruit flies, improving control measures and reducing crop infestation, with the multicomponent blend showing higher attractiveness than commercial lure systems in field trials, particularly for the Queensland fruit fly.

Implementation Method 1

The composition is a liquid and/or gas mixture that attracts fruit flies through volatile chemical compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The regulated release apparatus delivers the composition into the surrounding environment, allowing chemicals to diffuse through air to attract flies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

The apparatus may include a deposit element for storage of the composition and a casing for housing the deposit element with means for regulated release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240000071A1Devices, compounds and methods for insect control

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 AGRI VICTORIA SERVICES PTY LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a composition for attracting a variety of fruit flies and related pests, said composition including short chain esters, long chain esters, alcohols and/or additional elements. The present invention also relates to apparatus for administering said composition, devices for attracting and trapping fruit flies and methods for use thereof.