BRPI0713456A2 - DOUBLE ACTION SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF ARTHROPODS POPULATIONS, AND, METHODS FOR CONTROLLING THE POPULATION OF AN ARTHROPODS IN A REGION AND PREPARING A SYSTEM DISPERSIBLE SYSTEM FOR USE IN ARTHROPODS POPULATION CONTROL - Google Patents

Abstract

DOUBLE-ACTING SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF ARTHROPODS POPULATIONS, AND, METHODS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE POPULATION OF AN ARTHROPOD IN A REGION, AND OF PREPARING A DISPERSABLE SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE CONTROL OF THE ARTHROPODS POPULATION. The present invention presents systems and methods for the control of arthropod populations. The systems include a polymeric substrate, a semiochemical that is reactive on an arthropod in the adult stage, and an insecticide that is toxic to an arthropod in the immature stage. The semiochemical can be a sexual pheromone that interrupts the act of mating the arthropod in the adult stage. The insecticide may be an insecticide that affects only the arthropod in the immature stage. The arthropods to be controlled may be moths, in which case the semi-chemical may be the disparlure and the insecticide may be the spinosad. Methods for preparing systems for use in the control of arthropod populations are also presented.

Description

"DOUBLE ACTION SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF ARTHROPOD POPULATIONS, AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF THE ARTHROPOD POPULATION IN A REGION, AND PREPARATION OF A DISPERSABLE SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE CONTROL OF THE ARTHROPOD POPULATION" REFERENCES RELATED TO SOLUTIONS

This application claims the benefit of US Interim Application No. 60 / 857,749, filed November 7, 2006, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

DECLARATION ON FEDERAL SUPPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The US Government has paid license for this invention and the right under limited circumstances to apply for patent ownership to license third parties on reasonable terms as set forth by the terms of grant number 2006-33610-18426 obtained by the United States Department of Agriculture.

BACKGROUND

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling leaf-eating insect populations. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling larval and adult "gypsy moth" s populations using a long-lasting wax emulsion formulation for the controlled release of a larvicide. and a mating interruption pheromone, which can be applied mechanically using conventional spraying equipment.

Background of the invention

Chemicals secreted externally by an organism to send information to members of the same species, known as pheromones, are widely used by arthropods to communicate with one another and can be used in pest control strategies.

Direct control of insect pests using pheromones for mating disruption or "attraction and death" strategies can produce excellent elimination of important lepidopteran pests in agriculture and forests. Large-scale implementation projects have produced significant reductions in pesticide use while maintaining acceptably low crop damage levels. There are, however, some difficulties with large pest populations.

The "gypsy moth" (GM), Lymantria dispar, is one of the most devastating forest pests in North America. The species originally developed in Europe and Asia and have existed for thousands of years. In 1868 or 1869, the "gypsy moth" was accidentally introduced near Boston, Massachusetts, by Leopold Trouvelot. About 10 years after this introduction, the first attacks began in the neighborhood of Trouvelot and in 1890 the state and federal governments began their attempts to eradicate the gypsy moth. These attempts have always failed and since that time, the gypsy moth's area of activity has continued to spread. Each year, isolated populations are discovered beyond the contiguous area of the gypsy moth, but these populations are eradicated or disappear without intervention. It is inevitable that "gypsy moth" will continue to expand its area of activity in the future.

Gypsy moth is known to feed on the foliage of hundreds of plant species in North America, but its most common hosts are oak and aspen. Gypsy moth hosts are located in most of the United States, but the highest concentrations of host trees are in the Appalachian insulin mountains, Ozark mountains, and northern lake states. Gypsy moth populations are typically eruptive in North America; In any forest, breeding densities may fluctuate from around 1 egg per hectare to 1000 per hectare. When densities reach very high levels, trees may be completely defoliated. Several successive years of defoliation, together with contributions by other biotic and abiotic stressors, may eventually result in tree mortality. In most northeastern forests, less than 20% of the trees in a forest have died, but occasionally tree mortality may be very heavy.

As females of the European "gypsy moth" formed in the United States are unable to fly, natural spread is very limited. The estimated expansion due to the larval dispersion range alone is expected to be around 1.4 miles per year. The highest rate of spread of 13 miles per year that was observed from 1960 to 1990 is probably the result of introductions that occur when humans accidentally move the gypsy moth life stages to transition or non-infested zones. outdoor household articles, children's articles, vehicles, and other objects. These stages of life establish colonies that reproduce and expand over successive years. Eventually, these "point" infestations coalesce with the continuously infested area, which produces a high spread rate. A consortium led by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is controlling gypsy moth ahead of expansion to reduce its spread rate by utilizing control tools that are very limited in flexibility and longevity.

Following a successful pilot project started in 1992, the USDA Forest Service, together with state and federal operators, implemented in 1999 the "National Slow the Spread" (STS) of the "gypsy moth" project along the 1,200 mile border. "gypsy moth" from North Carolina to Minnesota. The objective of the STS project is to use new integrated pest control (IPM) strategies to reduce the gypsy moth spread rate in non-infested areas. Implementation of the STS is expected to reduce new territory invaded by the "gypsy moth" each year from 15,600 square miles to 6,000 square miles, protect forests, forest-based industries, urban parks, rural parks, and private property, and avoid at least $ 22 million per year in damage and control costs. This new IPM strategy is dependent on intensive monitoring of low insect populations along with time control of isolated population growth. Although traditional strategies for gypsy moth control are directed to populations with potential for defoliation occurring in generally infested areas, the STS project is aimed at low-level populations in the transition zone between areas generally considered infested and generally uninfested. .

The USDA, state and local governments jointly participate in programs to locate and eradicate new populations of "gypsy moth" in currently uninfested areas. The project consists of an effort coordinated by the USDA (Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)) and 9 state governments: North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The annual cost to oversee approximately 80,000 traps and treat approximately 275,000 acres is less than $ 11 million. The benefits associated with reducing the spread rate outweigh the implementation cost by an estimated 3 to 1 ratio.

Pheromone bait trap screens spaced at 2 km intervals are used for detecting isolated colonies in the transition zone, a 100 km wide strip covering the entire length of the generally infested area in the United States. When trapping insects indicates a possible colony, a 0.5 km boundary screen is placed between the traps to delineate the colony boundaries prior to treatment. This ensures that air treatments are targeted precisely. The areas to be delimited or treated initially are determined by a computer algorithm designed to analyze insect capture patterns against project standards and priorities. Then the recommendation maps are posted on the Internet, which are used by federal and state representatives to begin planning the actions that will be taken the following year. Plans are discussed, prioritized and finalized at project level. The final action plan is then compared to the computer's initial recommendations to ensure it meets project standards.

The large-scale use of mating interruption, a non-insecticidal treatment, is one of the key elements in the STS project. Mating interruption is based on the application of controlled release distributors that emit sexual pheromones for several months. The pheromone emitted by the distributors interferes with the normal female seeking behavior by males. As a result, females are not fertilized and lay eggs that are not viable.

There are currently two controlled release products registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that can be used to stop mating between gypsy moth. Disrupt® II is manufactured by Hercon Environmental (Emigsville, PA, EPA Reg. No. 8730 - 55). The pheromone is injected between thin plastic sheets and then cut into small pieces (1/32 χ 3/32 inches). Prior to application, the flakes are mixed with an adhesive called Gelva (Surface Specialties UCB, Smyrna, GA) to ensure that they adhere at all levels in the upper forests, where the gypsy moth is found. Plastic flakes slowly release pheromones into the environment over a period of 2 - 3 months. The second is a 3M® MEC (micro-encapsulated) spray gypsy moth pheromone manufactured by 3M Canada (London, Ontario, EPA Reg. No. 10350-62). The pheromone is encapsulated in small polymeric capsules (5-100 μm in diameter) that are suspended in a thick liquid that holds the formulation. The pheromone begins to release through the capsule walls soon after the product is applied and continues to release for up to 6 weeks.

Operationally, flakes are typically applied at a rate of 75 g a.i./ha based on the results of dose-response studies conducted with soil-applied and air-applied disparlure.

As a result of the gypsy moth mating interruption tests using manually applied pheromone dispensers placed 1.5 m above the ground, it was found that mating disruption success was greatest at a height of 15 - 20 m from the ground. that at 1.5 m. Soil pheromone distributors failed to impact population growth, presumably because the pheromone did not penetrate far enough into the upper forest where mating takes place. Based on these results, it was concluded that pheromone distributors should be scattered throughout the upper forest so that mating could be interrupted at all times. This leads to the development of suitable equipment for the aerial application of flakes with a bonding agent (adhesive). Special devices mounted on each wing of the airplane mix the flakes and adhesive just before dispersing through a propeller cone. Using this system in an operational flake application with an effective adhesive, it was found that approximately 25% of the applied flakes were deposited on the highest part of the trees, 28% on the average height, and 25% on the bottom, 12%. in the undergrowth, and 10% on the ground.

Aerial pheromone application studies have established that mating success declined as the application rate was increased from 7.5 to 75 g of dispalure / ha (or 30 g / a). It has also been shown that 30 g per acre eliminates mating in low density populations. Recent experience has indicated that mating in low density populations at even lower doses of 15, 6, and 3 g per acre can be avoided. Thus, in 2001 - 02 the recommended dose for the STS project dealing with low density populations was reduced to 15 g per acre at a cost of approximately $ 17 per acre, which compares favorably with alternative treatments such as applications. B.thuringiensis doubles ($ 26 - $ 28 per acre) or a single application of diflubenzuron ($ 12 - $ 15 per acre). The current recommended doses for the STS project are 15 and 6 g of active ingredient disparlure per acre. When using Hercon Disrupt® the recommended 15 g is equivalent to 85 g of flake formulation per acre mixed with 2 oz. adhesive fluids, producing 1 or 2 adhesive flakes per square foot of forest top area. When using 3M MEC product, the dose of 15 g is equivalent to 2.6 oz. Product fluid mixed with water and applied at a dosage of 1 quart per acre.

Mating disruption has been shown to be as effective in controlling isolated gypsy moth colonies as B. thuringiensis treatments, and the scope of their use in the STS project has increased dramatically. Specific tactics for this purpose, such as disruption of mating, will continue to be critical in the STS to protect specific and rare, endangered, or endangered species within the project area.

The efficiency of gypsy moth mating interruption with current formulations, however, decreases with increasing gypsy moth population density, and there is evidence that the tactic is effective only when insect populations are scarce. ; which helps explain the success of mating interruption in the STS program. Stopping mating as it is, however, does not seem to be a promising technology for restoring the eastern area where gypsy moth is already established.

Current formulations of "disparlure" are also inefficient in their release of pheromones. For example, the flake retains the disparlure, and as a result, more than half of the active ingredient remains unreleased at the end of the male insect's flight period. Only 27 - 40% of the applied pheromone is released during the flight period of the male insect, or within 42 days after application. This indicates that if more efficient controlled release formulations were developed that released most of their pheromones, the result would be a substantial reduction (as much as 60%) of the amount of disparity applied per treated area without compromising the effectiveness of the disruption.

The use of new, more efficient formulations, or a reduction in the dose of existing formulations, could reduce the amount of active ingredient required for control, resulting in a reduction in cost per acre of this control tactic.

Studies of the vertical profile of the disparlure after an aerial application at the top of the forests indicated that the vertical disparl distribution follows the vertical distribution of the distributors. It follows that when flakes are applied without the adhesive and most of it falls to the ground, there should be a lower concentration of tree tops than when an adhesive is used. The effect of the distribution of the aerosol dispensers on the efficiency of mating interruption was investigated. Strong evidence has been shown that mating interruption is less effective when flakes are applied without an adhesive agent. There is little effect of interrupting the gypsy moth mating at the top of the trees after a flake application to the forest floor which would occur if the flakes were applied without the adhesive. The proportion of wild egg masses collected in 1998 with more than 5% fertile eggs was significantly higher in the non-adhesive agent treatment.

The problem is that using an adhesive in an airborne flake application not only increases the cost of materials, but also requires the installation of rare, specialized distribution equipment on airplanes and helicopters. It also causes system clogs, resulting in localized applications and frequent loss of proper calibration. In addition, there are situations where it might be desirable to apply the pheromone formulation without the adhesive, such as over residential areas, to avoid damage to individual properties (the adhesive creates a problem where it settles).

Disrupt II application requires specialized application equipment because of the glue and because of the large size and irregular shape of the flakes. These rare special "devices" should be mounted on each wing of the airplane so that the flakes and adhesive are mixed just before dispersing through a propeller cone to the forest floor. In addition to restricting the application of pheromone to aircraft equipped with such specialized devices, pilots and campers complain that system clogging is a constant problem, resulting in a larger than desired variation of MD applications.

Formulations of other materials, such as microencapsulated materials, gels or grease emulsions, which may be applied with conventional spray equipment, would open competition among a larger group of aerial applicators and lead to a substantial reduction in application costs and facilitate operations that should be scheduled each year of applying pheromone formulations on over half a million acres of forest in a short time. Previous tests involving a polymethacrylate bead or microencapsulated formulations (Decoy GM Beads, Biosya, Palo Alto, California) that can be applied with conventional spray equipment have suggested that the pheromone release profile may be more favorable than that of the pheromone. flakes, microcapsules release a higher percentage of pheromones. However, current tests with the MEC 3M indicated that the microencapsulated formulations released pheromones too quickly to maintain adequate application period emission rates throughout the male's flight period.

Treatments prescribed for elimination in areas under the STS program include the use of two biological insecticides, the bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis, kurstaki variety (B.t.k.) and the nucleopolyhedrosis virus (Gypchek®) and a synthetic chemical insecticide, diflubenzuron (Dimilin®). Here we further suggest the use of Spinosad, an organic insecticide that has proven to be a highly effective larvicide on Lymantria dispar with extraordinary elimination activity, as discussed below.

Gypchek® containing the gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrosis virus is the only insecticide available that is specifically targeted to the gypsy moth. When gypsy moth larvae ingest the product containing the virus, it invades the wall of the intestines and attacks the tissues causing death. Gypchek® has been used extensively in the STS program and has not been shown to affect any species other than gypsy moth larvae, both in the laboratory and in field tests. No adverse risks to human health from Gypchek® are known. If adequate supplies are available, this would be the best insecticide to use to avoid impact on non-target species.

In most STS cases, two applications of Gypchek® are sufficient to prevent defoliation. The typical application rate of Gypchek® is 1011 body / acre exclusions. Airplanes flying at low altitude (fixed wings or helicopters) apply these pesticides to tree tops on separate flights during the second and third larval development periods.

B.t.k. It is less specific and will affect lepidopteran larvae (butterflies and moths) that are being fed during the treatment period and are not known to have significant direct effects on any other animal or plant species. These bacteria contain a crystalline structure and when ingested act as a poison to the stomach in the larvae of various species of butterflies or insects that feed on the treated leaf tissue and ingest a lethal dose. Only lepidopterans that are feeding during this active period can suffer mortality. The impact is also partially diminished when applied partially to highly infested areas. This allows non-target lepidopterans in adjacent untreated forests to migrate to treated areas for the remainder of the season. In most cases STS, only one application of B.t.k. is sufficient to prevent defoliation. Typical application rates of B.t.k. are 36 BlU / acre. Airplanes flying at low altitude (fixed wing or helicopter) apply this pesticide to tree tops during the second and third period of larval development.

Diflubenzuron is the least specific and most potentially dangerous pesticide of the three recommended by the Forest Service.

Spinosad is a new, natural insecticide derived from Saccharopolyspora spinosa Mertz & Yao, a new species of Actinomycetes isolated from the soil sampled from a sugar milling distiller. Spinosad is a mixture of two complex organic molecules, spinosyn A (C41H65N016) and spinosyn D (C42H67N016), and is produced by Dow Agrosciences (DAS). DAS indicates that spinosad is primarily a stomach poison with some contact activity; It has broad spectrum activity in all insect species, and is especially effective against Lepidoptera and Diptera; little or no toxicity in mammal and bird species; and favorable environmental characteristics. Spinosad has a new neurotoxic mode of action that causes rapid paralysis and feeding interruption. Laboratory and field evaluations indicate that gypsy moth larvae are highly susceptible to spinosad. Bioassays using spinosad-treated oak leaf discs in a Potter spray tower yielded an LC 5 O value of 0.0015 mg Al / cm2 (3 days exposure; 13 day evaluation; second larval development period). Applied to laboratory foliage (potted red oak seedlings) and to the field (4 m tall trees), spinosad effectively controlled the second period of larval growth at concentrations ranging from 3 to 50 mg / l.

Laboratory studies confirmed field observations that control was obtained in part through elimination due to paralysis. In addition, laboratory results have shown that creep contact activity can play an important role in field efficacy because 50% of the treated larvae were paralyzed 16 h after a 2 minute creep exposure in glass coated with a 4% solution. mg / l spinosad solution. Toxicity in the laboratory, and efficacy and persistence in the field, were found to be comparable to those obtained with permethrin. Spinosad at concentrations in the range of 3 ± 50 mg / l over-applied effectively controls gypsy moth larvae in ornamental style applications. At these concentrations, control was obtained rapidly, larval populations were reduced by 95 ± 100% and residual activity was high. Even an application rate of 0.75 mg / l eventually resulted in large population reductions. They found that contact with low concentrations of Spinosad caused paralysis (letting the larvae crawl on contaminated surfaces for 2 minutes) rather than the rapid mortality of gypsy moth larvae. Although recovery after exposure by low-dose screening contact activity is possible, weak larvae that fall from trees in the field are unlikely to survive mating and reproduce.

The main reported activity of spinosad in Lepidoptera is caused by ingestion, not contact. Thus, the great elimination effect of gypsy moth larvae after transient contact with spinosad is remarkable.

Gypchek® is preferred over B.t.k. as a treatment option, mainly due to its host specificity. However, Gypchek® is only available in limited quantities because of its specialized production process that requires the use of live gypsy moth larvae. Gypchek® supplies are produced and distributed by Forest Service, and no commercial sources are available. Forest Service has set a clear priority for the use of Gypchek® to protect endangered species at federal and other sensitive areas. Gypchek® has been made available for the STS program, but its future availability remains uncertain.

Pesticides should be applied immediately following the emergence of the insect caterpillar in early May. In some areas where the population of gypsy moth is high as indicated by egg mass sizes and quantities, Forest Service recommends an additional application of B.t.k. 5-7 days after initial treatment to ensure successful elimination of the population. Gypchek®'s short life also requires two separate flight applications during the second and third larval development periods.

The larvicidal effect of all formulations mentioned above, Gypchek, B.t.k., Diflubenzuron and Spinosad, is severely impaired if application is followed by rain. Rinsing the chemical from leaves and tree trunks by rain dramatically reduces the likelihood that gypsy moth larvae will find a sufficiently high dose of larvicide to cause the effect of contact or poisoning on the stomach.

Because of the short life of current larvicide formulations, the timing of application is everything: low-flying aircraft (fixed wing or helicopter) should apply these pesticides to tree tops during flights during the second and third periods of flight. larval development.

Improving longevity and eliminating the effect of rain on these formulations, even if only for 2 to 4 months, would make it easier to ensure that larvicide would be present in all detected high-risk areas prior to egg mass opening. shocked. One of the biggest advantages would be to extend the opportunity for sprinkler timing, thereby facilitating the programming and execution of larvicidal sprinklers: aircraft would be able, based on each size and quantity of eggs in each area, to start sprinkling in target areas, perhaps a month or more in advance, before the larvae emerge.

Based on the above considerations, we believe that Spinosad may be the best candidate larvicide to be formulated with the specialized gypsy moth pheromone application (SPLAT GM) technology of the present invention because of the strong elimination effect. from low-dose "gypsy moth" larvae, which are economically viable; It is commercially produced in large quantities, is marked as organic and is registered for "all crops"; and is a stable molecule (as long as protected by UV and anchored by SPLAT).

For the elimination of "gypsy moth" in protected areas of endangered and threatened species, federally and other sensitive areas, the candidate larvicide to be formulated with SPLAT GM could be Gypchek®. BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for controlling arthropod populations at both the developmental and adult stages. The systems and methods of the present invention utilize insecticides that are toxic to an immature stage arthropod, along with a semiochemical that is reactive to an adult stage arthropod.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a dual action system for controlling arthropod populations. Arthropods are characterized by an immature plant feeding stage and an adult stage affected by the semiochemical. The system of this embodiment includes a polymeric substrate, a semiochemical, is an insecticide. The semiochemical is reactive with the arthropod in the adult stage and is mixed within the polymeric substrate. The insecticide is of the variety per os (ingested by the mouth), is toxic at the immature stage of the arthropod, and is also mixed within the polymeric substrate. The semiochemical may be a pheromone, and may specifically be a sexual pheromone that disrupts the mating behavior of the adult arthropod. As such, the system is capable of acting on two different life stages of the arthropod in two different ways, i.e. by the semiochemical that interferes with adult stage processes as well as an insecticide that is toxic to the immature stage. The immature stage may be a larva stage, for example lepidopteran insects and coleopteran insects.

The polymeric substrate may be present in numerous different configurations, including, but not limited to, microspheres, latex solutions, hot melt adhesives, resins, plastic flakes, and wax emulsions. Waxes which may be used in the wax emulsion include, but are not limited to, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, fruit wax, lanolin, shellac wax, bayberry wax, cane wax. of sugar, microcrystalline wax, ozocerite, ceresine, montana wax, and combinations thereof. Hot melt adhesives include, but are not limited to, adhesives including ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or a polyester. A wax emulsion may be made with 30% paraffin wax, 4% soybean oil, 2% Span 60, 1% Vitamin E, and distilled water. Another wax emulsion provided by the present invention includes 45% microcrystalline wax, 6% soybean oil, 3% Span 60, 1% Vitamin E, and distilled water.

The semiochemical may be dissolved within the polymeric substrate, including within the wax emulsions. As discussed above, the semiochemical may be a pheromone, or more specifically, it may be a sexual pheromone. One specific sexual pheromone that may be used is disparlure. When disparlure is used, it may be present in the system in a range from about 0.03 wt% to about 3.0 wt%. More especially, the disparlure may be present in the system in an amount of about 1.5% by weight. The system may further include a second semiochemical. This second semiochemical may be mixed within the polymeric substrate and may be reactive at the immature stage of the arthropod. More particularly, the second semiochemical may be an attractive or phage-stimulating arthropod of the developing stage.

The insecticide may be dissolved within the polymeric substrate, including within the wax emulsions. The insecticide may be a "per os" insecticide where the insecticide can be ingested by the immature stage of the arthropod. An insecticide per os can be used in spinosad. Spinosad may be present in the system in an amount of about 0.4% by weight. Exemplary types of insecticides which may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, bacterial, organo phosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid, chloronicotinyl, and other types. Some bacterial insecticides which may be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, spinosad, abamectin indoxacarb, emamectin benzoates Bacillus Thuringiensis var. israelensis, Bacillus thuringiensis Aizawai, and Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki. Some organophosphate insecticides which may be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to terbufos, dimethoate, disulfoton, oxidemetonmethyl, forate, acefate, parathion, monocrotophos. Some carbamate insecticides which may be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, carbofiiran, aldicarb and carbaryl. Some pyrethroid insecticides which may be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, cipemetrin, permetrin, deltametrin, and ciflutrin. Some chloronicotinyl insecticides which may be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and acetamiprid. Diatomaceous earth may also be used as an insecticide in the present invention. Although it is considered that the present invention utilizes insecticides per se that are ingested by the developing arthropod, the present invention does not exclude the use of insecticides which may also have contact toxicity, especially insecticides having only minor contact toxicity, unlike of a toxic effect per os principal.

Although the system can be used to control the population of a wide range of arthropods, this realization is also well suited for controlling insect populations, and more especially lepidopteran and coleopteran populations. The system may be in a fluid form that leads to use within conventional overhead spray equipment. The system may be prepared to release pheromone and insecticide over a long period of time, for example over a period of 2 - 4 months.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for controlling the population of an arthropod in a region. Arthropod is characterized by having both an immature plant-fed stage and an adult stage affected by the semiochemical. In this method, a system is added to the top of the forest trees of a region to be treated. As used herein, the upper part of forest trees includes not only the upper level of a forest tree, but also the outer layers of individual trees, orchids, gardens, and individual plants. The system administered to the upper forest is of the type described above, that is, the system is made of a polymeric substrate, a semiochemical, and an insecticide per os. The semiochemical is reactive with the adult stage of the arthropod and is mixed within the polymeric substrate, while the insecticide per os is toxic to the immature stage of the arthropod and is also mixed within the polymeric substrate.

The system may be administered by aerial spraying equipment. In addition, the system may be administered by conventional aerial spraying equipment mounted on a fixed wing of the aircraft or in a helicopter. The system may also be administered by ground based methods. For example, the system may be administered through land based sprinkler systems by dispersing the system through paintballs.

The method allows the novel effect of both interfering with the behavior of the arthropod in the adult stage and being detrimental to the immature stage of the arthropod. As such, the method controls the arthropod population through interaction with two arthropod life stages. Thus, the system may be administered during the immature stage of the arthropod, and in the form of a controlled release, rainproof substance, the system remains present until the adult stage of the arthropod is reached. For example, in the case of gypsy moth population control, the system may be administered in the spring (for example, late April or early May) and the system may remain within the upper forest trees in the region for at least four months, thus being present throughout the life cycle of the gypsy moth and being present to interfere with both larval developmental stages and the adult stage of the gypsy moth. Thus, the insecticide per os can kill or affect the larval stage of the gypsy moth so that reproduction does not occur, thereby reducing the number of gypsy moth reaching the adult stage. In addition, the same system remains present in the region and the semiochemical may disrupt the mating behavior of any adult gypsy moth, thereby reducing the number of fertilized gypsy moth eggs in the region.

As discussed above, the semiochemical may be a pheromone, or more especially, it may be a sexual pheromone. A sexual pheromone intended for use in the method is disparlure. An insecticide per os intended for use in the method is spinosad. A specific embodiment of the method includes administering the system to the region, so that each hectare, or "subcel," of the region receives 15 g of disparlure and 4 g of spinosad.

The other embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of preparing a dispersible system for use with arthropod population control. Steps of this method include providing a polymeric substrate, adding a semiochemical to the polymeric substrate, and adding an insecticide to the polymeric substrate. The semiochemical is reactive with an arthropod in the adult stage. The insecticide is also toxic to an immature arthropod.

In addition, the semiochemical may be a pheromone. Especially, the pheromone may be a sexual pheromone. One specific sexual pheromone that may be used is disparlure. The insecticide may be an insecticide per os, and more especially it may be spinosad. The polymeric substrate may be a wax emulsion. In this embodiment, the wax emulsion may be formed by melting a wax, adding an oil, emulsifier, preservative, and water heated above the wax melting point to the melt wax to form a wax emulsion, and cooling of the wax. wax emulsion. Although various waxes are considered, waxes may include, but are not limited to, paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax. Additionally, the oil may be soybean oil, the emulsifier may be Span 60, and the preservative may be vitamin E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description given below is intended to be a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only way in which the present invention may be constructed or used. The description presents the functions and sequence of steps for the construction and operation of the invention. It should be understood, however, that such equal or equivalent functions and sequences may be performed by different embodiments, and that they are also intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Semiochemical formulations should have a release rate of the order of 0 and maintain release levels above a certain lower limit for an extended period of time, where release levels below the lower limit would have only a negligible detrimental effect on the behavior of the drug. Targeted insect. With a couple of exceptions, when formulated with less than 10% active ingredient (AI), specialized pheromone attraction and application technology (SPLAT) consistently exhibits a near zero semiochemical release rate with negligible "flash-on" application. off around the time ".

The initial research and development that culminated in existing SPLAT technology was done using Grapholita molesta, the Eastern Fruit Bug (OFM), a serious apple pest worldwide, as the model bug. When formulated with less than 10% OFM pheromone, SPLAT consistently produced a near zero release rate with negligible flash-off. Field experience in large commercial apple operations in South America indicated that SPLAT formulations containing 15 g pheromones per acre maintained almost complete shutdown of the traps for more than 180 days, which actually means a significant reduction in fruit damage by OFM when compared to those found in traditional chemical control of breeders. in the field indicated that there were different levels of pheromones remaining at the SPLAT supply point at the end of the 180-day test period, and it was related to the position of the mass at the top of the trees (receiving more or less sunlight) as well as the actual size of the analyzed mass: the pheromone in micro-masses was not detectable, while 1 g mass still contained 5-10% and 5 to 10 g mass retained between 10 and 25% AI.

In addition, we found that the addition of contact insecticides (eg pyrethroids, OPs) in OFM SPLAT formulations increased both their efficiency and longevity (as population killers). We have also found that SPLAT formulated with attractive, phage stimulants and a stomach poison such as Spinosad has proven to be efficient and long lasting as an attraction and death agent targeting one of several species of fruit flies.

In the case of "gypsy moth" we believe that an attraction-and-death formulation with a generic contact insecticide could pose a higher than acceptable risk to the STS program because of the large areas being treated, because of the effects on non-target species and because some of the treated areas are urban or semi-urban. However it would be acceptable if in addition to the mating disruption effect SPLAT GM had a larvicidal effect. This larvicidal effect could be achieved by adding to SPLAT a safe, organically certified insecticide such as Spinosad or GypCheck, a recommended baculovirus formulation used by the STS program. SPLAT GM application could occur in early spring on new leaves in late April or early May, thereby reducing the number of larvae, and staying in place and emitting pheromones would also disrupt the mating of emerging adults between July and August. .

This new formulation, a SPLAT disparlure formulation that is larvicidal and disrupts mating, can be applied using conventional defensive application apparatus, will last for four months or longer, releases almost all pheromone it contains, and is biodegradable and safe.

This formulation will be revolutionary, providing the American Forest Service with ease of use and substantial savings. The SPLAT cost for Disrupt II equivalent 15 g of disparlure / Ha and spinosad at 4 mg / hectare will be around $ 30 per hectare, which represents a savings of S 12 / hectare only considering the Disrupt cost. Now if this formulation also replaces the two usual treatments of B.t.k. at a cost of $ 64 - 69 / hectare, so the savings will be $ 39 / hectare. The treated areas are vast, and based on the historical use of MD and Btk, the savings for using SPLAT GM over a four-year period would be $ 27,429,528 in pheromone applications and $ 20,943,507 in pheromone applications. BTK for a total savings of $ 48,373,035 that the STS program could have had if SPLAT GM had been used.

Our savings calculations is very conservative. It does not take into account the additional savings for the STS program that would be gained by having more competitors competing to provide air services and applications; or the savings made by simplifying the STS control operation with a single-acting double-action solution for larvae and adults, a formulation so long-lived that it allows one application for the entire gypsy moth cycle. More savings will be gained by eliminating crisis situations and their associated costs. In addition, we believe we overestimate the manufacturing cost of SPLAT.

It is probably high because it is based on the price we currently pay our suppliers, which does not reflect the discounts available from commercial suppliers when we buy bulk materials in bulk. In addition, production line efficiency increases with larger volumes, requiring fewer hours of work per volume of SPLAT produced. These additional savings were not taken into account.

It is possible that, because of its dual action, SPLAT GM may provide population control not only in areas with low and medium population densities, such as on the border of expansion, but also allow us to recover those areas with low levels. of the historically high gypsy moth population east of the expansion frontier, producing immense benefit for the forest industry and the general population. Therefore, if we consider the other consumer markets for infested areas, then the savings and benefits for US taxpayers and the forest industry would be substantially greater than reported.

It is believed that the ideal disparlure formulation should be applied using conventional sprinkler equipment, lasts at least two to three months, adheres to foliage where it falls, quickly acquires rain-resistant qualities, protects pheromone degradation, works synergistically with "adulticides" so that it possibly controls populations of "gypsy moth" at low as well as high densities, is biodegradable, if possible organic, does not damage private property, and lastly Formulation must be inexpensive to adopt and must be not only technically but also economically viable.

The present invention is expected to address all desired factors by providing an optimal semiochemical solution for effective control of gypsy moth, regardless of population density. We present here the innovation of using a larvicidal agent together with a mating disruption formulation. The general object of this invention is to provide effective season-wide field control for gypsy moth populations using a Wax Emulsion System (SPLAT) that provides both the disparlure pheromone and a larvicidal agent. We produce SPLAT GM using flowable wax emulsions of different characteristics to determine in the laboratory the emission rate and pheromone stability and larvicide stability. Two of the formulations used were field tested, to which we added high pressure on the gypsy moth. Field aged SPLAT formulation samples were analytically quantified and bioassayed to determine the residual stability and effectiveness of the pheromone and larvicide components.

Some of the objects of the invention include: 1) a formulation lasting four months while being protected against degradation while applying disparlure; 2) a formulation that works synergistically with killing agents; 3) a SPLAT formulation that works with conventional aerial spraying equipment, adheres to foliage and quickly becomes rain resistant; and 4) a formulation that controls gypsy moth populations at low as well as high densities. However, it is considered that in some embodiments of the invention only a few or even none of the objectives can be achieved.

The SPLAT GM pheromone release formulation, a new amorphous flowable emulsion, can be applied as a microliter source in all 10 g masses. The SPLAT wax application formulations of this invention belong to the "matrix type" or "monolithic" category of controlled release devices. These "matrix" or "monolithic" type dispensers are defined as devices where the active ingredient is dispersed or dissolved in a polymer matrix. Release of the active ingredient from a monolithic device occurs by diffusion and can be described macroscopically by Fick's law. Fick's law states that the motion of a molecule by diffusion is directly proportional to the concentration of that molecule in a system. Microscopically, if we follow the movement of a molecule of an active agent through a matrix, this molecule can begin its journey in one of two ways. If it is dispersed in the matrix, it begins its journey by dissociating itself from other molecules in its crystal cell and being solubilized in the polymer phase. If it is dissolved in the matrix then this step is bypassed. The molecule is then diffused through the amorphous regions in the matrix that is made up of the free volume of the system. The molecule can be moved through the matrix also in one of two ways. If it is very small compared to the size of the amorphous spaces in the matrix, then it diffuses through the matrix moving from one space to another. If it is too large compared to the size of those spaces, then the polymer segments that make up the matrix will have to be rearranged for the active agent molecule to diffuse. The crystalline regions in the matrix are virtually impermeable to the active agent molecules. When it reaches the matrix surface, it will be released into the environment.

A number of factors influence the release rates of an active agent from a monolithic device and include properties of the matrix material as well as properties of the active agent. The matrix temperature influences the release of the active agent; at higher temperatures the free volume is increased and diffusion occurs more rapidly. At lower temperatures, free volume is reduced and diffusion is slower. Thermal history of a polymer can also increase or decrease the free volume of the system and increase changes in the diffusion rate of an active agent.

The property of the active agent having the greatest influence on its release rate is its molecular weight. Generally, larger molecules take longer to traverse the free space of a matrix. Branching into a molecule can also reduce its rate of diffusion through a matrix. The active agent partition coefficient between the matrix and the environment can also influence the release rate of that agent. If the agent rapidly leaves for the environment, then its release rate will be controlled by diffusion and is of the first order. If, however, the partition of the active agent to the environment is relatively slow, then its partition coefficient will determine its matrix release rate and the device will display zero release kinetics. The partition of the active agent into the environment is a function of the active agent solubility in the matrix; The more soluble compounds in the matrix partition will go into the environment more slowly. SPLAT paraffin emulsions in a field environment exhibit diffusion-controlled release. The surface area of the device also influences its release speed. Paraffin dispensers with larger surface areas release the active agent at faster speeds.

The rate of release of a SPLAT formulation containing a fixed amount of semiochemical may be modulated simply by changing some of the formulation parameters, including the type of components used (eg wax composition, emulsifiers used), their proportion in the formulation (eg percentage of water, oil or wax content), the stage in the manufacture of the different components added, the rheology, and finally the application characteristics of SPLAT in the field (eg applied as micro- 1-10 æg each or large masses of 10 g each).

The result is a biochemical formulation that is extremely malleable and meets the various needs and uses that cannot be supported by any other commercial formulation on the market.

A 30% paraffin wax emulsion was prepared consisting of 30% paraffin wax (Gulf Wax, Royal Oak Sales, Inc., Roswell, GA), 4% soybean oil (Spectrum Naturals, Inc., Petaluma, CA ), 2% Span 60 (Sorbitan Monostearate, Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, MO), 1% Vitamin E α-tocopherol, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO), and 58% Water distilled. A 45% microcrystalline wax emulsion consisting of 45% microcrystalline wax (Blended Waxes, Inc., Oshkosh, WI), 6% soybean oil, 3% Span 60, 1% vitamin E, was also prepared. 40% distilled water.

The wax is melted (paraffin: 60 - 65 ° C; microcrystalline: 78 - 80 ° C) and water heated above the wax melting temperature (paraffin emulsion: 65 - 70 ° C; microcrystalline emulsion: 78 - 88 ° C ). Soybean oil, Span 60, and vitamin E are added to the molten wax and mixed thoroughly, followed by the addition of hot water. This mixture is then transferred to an industrial laboratory mixer. The emulsion is mixed immediately, and then placed in a cold water bath and mixed every 15 minutes until the solution has cooled to 25 - 30 ° C when placed in a plastic bucket and stored until used. Immediately prior to use, 0.03% (3 g), 1.0% (10 g) and 3.0% (30 g) by weight of the racemic disparl emulsion (ISP) is intensely mixed into the emulsion using a laboratory mixer with high voltage.

Preliminary work with generic SPLAT formulations containing 3% racemic disparl using flow cells indicates that it releases pheromone at a very constant level for long periods. We collected the 5 g effluvium of 3% SPLAT GM containing 150 mg of disparlure and found that it releases the disparlure at a speed of 44.6 ± 13.08 æg / day for about 170 days. By comparison, 5 g of Disrupt II containing 894 mg of disparlure emit 51.45 ± 2.33 µg / day. It is important to realize that although both flow chambers had 5 g of formulation, Disrupt II actually had six times more pheromone than SPLAT while it released only 15% more pheromone than SPLAT, a difference that is probably not It has no biological effect to talk about. These results suggest that SPLAT is a much more efficient formulation than Disrupt II in controlled release of disparlure; in fact, six times more efficient. As such, one would need to apply six times less disparity using SPLAT than using Disrupt II. Usually the most expensive component of a mating interrupt formulation is the active ingredient, in this case disparlure. Accordingly, SPLAT is believed to be substantially less expensive than prior art formulations.

A 0.4% (4 g / kg) larvicide by weight of Spinosad Technical Emulsion (DAS) emulsion was added to the generic SPLAT and SPLAT disparlure through intense emulsion mixing using a high tensile mixer. SPLAT applied in conjunction with disparlure and a larvicide effectively kills the larva in the third and fourth period of gypsy moth growth, which is a very difficult stage to kill. In addition, the pheromone required for the interruption of mating will not result in a reduction in the gypsy moth's larval death effect.

With SPLAT, a person can change the consistency of the emulsion by changing the proportion of components or by changing the rheology of component mixing. The word "rheology" usually refers to the flow and deformation of "non-classical" materials such as rubber, molten plastics, polymer solutions, suspensions and pastes, electro-rheological fluids, blood, muscles, compounds, soils and paints. These materials can have impressive external and internal structures because of their rheological properties that classical fluid mechanics and elasticity cannot describe. Our experience is that SPLAT's formula with 45% microcrystalline wax emulsion (45% microcrystalline wax, 6% soybean oil, 3% Span 60, 1% vitamin E, and 40% distilled water) it can be applied mechanically and clings quickly to vegetation, and as long as it has a couple of hours to decant it becomes rain resistant.

High tensile, high speed mixing regimes can be used to create highly flowable formulations that can be easily manipulated by the spraying aircraft pumping system. By modulating time and / or speed and / or traction (dictated by the type and number of blades used) of the mixture, a person can create reliable formulations of different density and flow characteristics.

Using approximately 20 gallons of each formulation type for test flight situations, a Cessna Ag equipped with a standard commercial sprinkler system was piloted by an APHIS pilot who had extensive experience with precision research work. The aircraft was also equipped with differential corrected and recorded guidance systems. However, the first guidance was provided by ground staff, who measured each stretch and collected weather data during application. The aircraft was additionally equipped with small wings (DBA-AG Tips; Clark Oberholtzer, Alberta Canada). Prior to application, the aircraft sprinkler system was calibrated to operate under parameters that resulted in sprinkler administration within 1% of the desired flow rate per acre for each of the applied treatments. During calibration with generic SPLAT, formulated material temperatures ranged from 80 ° F to 96.2 ° F (27 to 35 ° C) in the aircraft silo. SPLAT applied to the air was rapidly deposited on the plants to which it was applied.

Specialized Pheromone Application & Attraction Technology (SPLAT) is a basic matrix formulation of biologically inert materials used to control release of semiochemicals and / or odors with or without pesticides. Extensive SPLAT research using a variety of attractants demonstrates that this matrix emits semiochemicals at effective levels of plague suppression for a time period ranging from 2 - 16 weeks. With a wide range of viscosities and application methods (eg, spray applicator, aerial spray applicator, sealing gun type tubes, etc.), SPLAT increases productivity by mechanizing the application of pheromone administration points. . The amorphous and flowable quality of this highly adaptable product allows for an easy transition from small-scale manual applications to large-scale mechanical applications.

As discussed in detail above, there are no disparate formulations on the market today that have long life and can be applied using conventional spray equipment. The present invention is an optimal semiochemical solution for the effective control of gypsy moth, regardless of population density. The present invention is effective in field control of "gypsy moth" populations during the season using a Wax Emulsion System (SPLAT) that provides both the disparlure sex pheromone and a larvicidal agent. The rate of release of the disparlure of two SPLAT formulations, one with 10% pheromone in the squirt composition, was applied in the field with source points of three sizes, 1- 5 mg, 15 mg and 100 mg each. SPLAT formulations retained and continued to emit pheromones for 60 days, with the formulations still retaining 30% - 80% of their pheromone (depending on dose and source point size). This suggests that these formulations would probably last another 30 to 1290 days in the field (depending on dose and source point size). This indicates that if the formulation is sprayed in the field at the time of larval infestation, it lasts until the end of the adult flight. This allows for the first time a formulation that can be sprayed to control gypsy moth larva while also subsisting in the field to promote mating disruption by emitting effective amounts of pheromone during adult flight. This is a new revolutionary formulation (it joins a larvicide together with a pheromone that promotes mating disruption or attracts and kills) that achieves results never seen before.

The invention may be used at the limit of expansion (i.e., the STS project area) as well as in areas where the gypsy moth has already been established. In addition to the mechanically sprinkled formulation, for ease of disposal in urban areas, the wax matrix may be used in a paintball formulation.

This realization is a new plague control process for gypsy moth control, but may also be used to control other pests. The present invention provides an economical and effective method for controlling gypsy moth according to the STS. Reduced insecticide use while retaining and retaining effective control is a great desire of the USDA and other federal and state agencies. The use of a gypsy moth-specific pheromone plus the spinosad formulations of the present invention will protect natural resources by increasing specific control actions by reducing the amount of toxic pesticides applied to achieve control. These two benefits will result in minimal impact on non-target organisms and will reduce application rates of active ingredients, thereby minimizing spreading and non-targeting toxicity problems. The problem of food chain bioampliation, as observed with other insecticides, will be reduced due to the lower doses of insecticide used.

By targeting the gypsy moth with a safe, effective, organic formulation, non-target organisms will be minimally affected by any extra use of the insecticide, so insect species diversity will be maintained where the semiochemical formulation is used. This in turn protects vertebrate animals that depend on insects for their diet. Flora and fauna may return to their original condition and flourish for the pleasure of the public and the importance of retaining ecological diversity.

In one performance of the SPLAT GM, spinosad and pheromone last the entire season, but only for the "gypsy moth" season, no more, to avoid undesirable residual problems and exposure to non-target species. The systems and methods of the present invention may be used for many other pests and invasive species (e.g., fruit flies, Sirex wasps, PBW and others).

The present invention may allow easier, more economical ways to apply pheromones in the field. The present invention may be dispersed through aerial applications (using conventional equipment). In addition, the use of paintball guns for formulation application may be used in urban areas (as well as other areas) for mating disruption or attraction-and-death formulations on tall or hard-to-reach structures. such as palm and chestnut trees. Using paintball guns, a single worker can accurately apply more than 20 evaporators per minute to the trunk or top of tall trees. Although described herein with respect to gypsy moth, the systems and methods presented herein may be used to control populations of diverse pest species such as nut codling moth, the Med fly in tropical countries, etc. They can also be used to control vertebrates, such as pigeons and rats, as repellent granules precisely placed in hard-to-reach places.

The above description is provided for example purposes and not for limitation. Following the above presentation, one skilled in the art may imagine variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention presented herein, including various polymeric substrates for the transport of semiochemical and insecticide. The present invention may also be used to control populations of a wide variety of animals, including a broad spectrum of arthropods. Furthermore, the various features of the embodiments presented herein may be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other, and are not intended to be limiting to the specific combination described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the claims is not limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Claims (25)

1. Double acting system for controlling arthropod populations, the arthropod being distinguished by an immature plant-fed stage and an adult stage affected by semiochemical, the system characterized by the fact that it comprises: a polymeric substrate; a semiochemical mixed within the polymeric substrate, the semiochemical being reactive in an adult arthropod; and an insecticide per os intermixed within the polymer matrix, the insecticide being toxic to an immature stage arthropod. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the polymeric substrate is a wax emulsion. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the wax emulsion is composed of a wax vehicle chosen from the group consisting of paraffin wax, carnauba wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, fruit wax, lanolin. , shellac wax, baynerry wax, sugar cane wax, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite, ceresine, montana wax, and combinations thereof. System according to Claim 3, characterized in that the wax emulsion comprises: - 30% paraffin wax; - 4% soybean oil; - 2% Span 60; - 1% vitamin E; and QS with distilled water. System according to Claim 3, characterized in that the wax emulsion is composed of: - 45% microcrystalline wax; - 6% soybean oil; - 3% Span 60; - 1% vitamin E; and QS with distilled water. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the semiochemical and insecticide are dissolved within the wax emulsion. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the polymeric substrate is chosen from the group consisting of microspheres, a latex solution, heat-reversing glue, resin, and plastic flakes. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that the thermosetting glue is composed of a polymer chosen from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, a polyamide, or a polyester. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the semiochemical is a pheromone. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the pheromone is a sexual pheromone. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the sexual pheromones are disparlure. System according to Claim 11, characterized in that the disparity is present in the system in a range from about 0.03 wt% to about 3.0 wt%. System according to Claim 12, characterized in that the disparlure is present in an amount of about 1.5% by weight. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the insecticide per os is spinosad. System according to Claim 14, characterized in that the spinosad is present in the system in an amount of about 0.4% by weight. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is further composed of a second semi-chemical intermixed within the polymeric substrate, the second semi-chemical being an attractive or phage stimulant for an immature stage arthropod. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the arthropod is an insect. System according to Claim 17, characterized in that the insect is a lepidopteran. 19. Method for controlling the population of an arthropod in a region, the arthropod being distinguished by an immature stage of plant-fed development and an adult stage affected by semiochemical, the method comprising: administering a system to the part superior of the trees of a forest of the region, the system comprising: a polymeric substrate; a semiochemical mixed within the polymeric substrate, the semiochemical being reactive to arthropod in the adult stage; and an insecticide per os intermixed within the polymeric substrate, the insecticide being toxic to an immature stage arthropod. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the system is administered by aerial spray equipment mounted on a fixed wing aircraft or helicopter or by a ground based spray system. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the semiochemical is disparlure is the insecticide per os spinosad. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the system is administered in such a way that each hectare of the region is administered with 15 g of disparlure and 4 g of spinosad. 23. Method of preparing a dispersible system for use in controlling the arthropod population, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises: providing a polymeric substrate; addition of a semiochemical to the polymeric substrate, the semiochemical being reactive to the arthropod in the adult stage; and the addition of an insecticide to the polymeric substrate, the insecticide being toxic to an immature arthropod. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the polymeric substrate is composed of a wax emulsion, the wax emulsion being formed by the following steps: melting a wax; adding to the molten wax an oil, an emulsifier, a preservative, and water heated above the wax melting temperature to form the wax emulsion; and the cooling of the wax emulsion. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the wax is paraffin wax or microcrystalline wax, the oil is soybean oil, the emulsifier is Span 60, and the preservative is vitamin E.