MX2015015785A - Mechatronic device for controlling the grasshopper pest in agriculture. - Google Patents

Abstract

In the agricultural sector many techniques have been implemented for capturing the grasshopper pest, but so far no efficient trap has been developed to capture and store them. Besides, all capturing forms imply either a great effort or a great loss in production. Therefore, there is no trap that could be considered as environmentally friendly, self-supporting, and not requiring a great effort from crop owners. This trap is technological, considered as mechatronic, given the use of mechanics, electronics and programming for its operation; a different alternative for the agricultural area. The present invention is formed by a plurality of devices for capturing and storing grasshoppers; additionally comprising an LCD screen that shows when the grasshopper level is too high inside the trap, so that the same does not get damaged. At the same time, the invention uses solar cells to power the electronic components making the same self-supporting, since no batteries or electric power is used, therefore taking care of the environment. To attract the insects, molasses and infrared lights are used, since the traditional form to attract grasshoppers with sugar and breadcrumbs also attracts other insects and does not always works; this is because the attracting substance does not have a strong enough aroma to draw its attention in a large expanse of land, only in a few meters. With the use of these attracting agents, is sought to achieve a greater extension of land to attract them, since the infrared light reaches different observation distances depending on the amount of LEDs that are added to the trap; additionally, the molasses aroma will be spread with the help of a small fan.