NZ521850A - Composition comprising a disclosed pheromone for control of guava moth - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition for manipulating the behaviour of male guava moth, Coscinoptycha improbana is disclosed, wherein the composition includes at least one chemical selected from the group of: (Z)-7-octadecene-11-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-11-one and (Z)-7-tricosne or analogues or precursors thereof. A release device for releasing controlled amounts of the selected chemical into the environment at a controlled rate is also disclosed.

Description

521850 Patents Form No. 5.

Patents Act 1953 Complete (After-Provisional) Specification.

COMPOSITION AND METHODS FOR PEST CONTROL We, (1) John Russell Clearwater of 63 Peter Buck Road, New Windsor Heights, Auckland New Zealand 1007, a citizen of New Zealand, and (2) Northern Branch; New Zealand Tree Crops Association (Inc) a society incorporated in New Zealand, of c/o GJ & ML Lees, 1274 Old North Road Waimauku 1250 do hereby declare this invention to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Intellectual Property 1 Office of NZ - 8 OCT 2003 RECEIVED TITLE Composition and methods for pest control.

FIELD This invention relates to pest control, to insect pest control, and to control of a population of a flying pest using specific attractants such as pheromones.

BACKGROUND The guava moth (Coscinoptycha improbana Meyrick (LEPIDOP1ERA: CARPOSIN1DAE) is a native of Australia, occurring mainly in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland but has been found in Tasmania. This moth is also known as the fruit driller. C. improbana is now found in the northern part of Northland, New Zealand 10 where it has become a significant pest by damaging 80-90% of tree crops in some cases, including macadamia, guava, feijoa, plum, peach, and citrus. Attack is not evident for some time and there is a strong risk of exporting live larvae to countries that are presently free. C. improbana is also established in Norfolk Island and may have been wind-borne from there or from continental Australia possibly via Houhora, where it was 15 first found, to Kerikeri. Clearly the damage rate implies at least a capability for explosive growth in New Zealand, where natural predators appear to be absent.

Note: by October 2003 (a year after this text was originally prepared), the moth has been detected in significant numbers 100 miles south, such as in and around Whangarei and at Mangawhai Heads. It is likely that it can also multiply at least in the Bay of Plenty.

Accordingly there is a need to eradicate, or at least control this pest in order to reduce crop damage. Because the area in which C. improbana is at present endemic is on average poor land and orchards are very widely spread between the Kaitaia region and the Kerikeri region, grower-initiated control, not eradication is likely. There will be many isolated reservoirs of infection in the region. Such control is likely to be limited to 25 repeated use of specific attractants in order to reduce the number of the species, 2 typically by combining a lethal compound with the attractant. Therefore sufficient amounts of an effective attractant, in association with a suitable trap, are needed.

PRIOR ART Prior art in terms of identified pheromones and means for their application in 30 population control and eradication measures exists for many other species of insect, see for example US 5766616 Gries et al "Method and composition of chemicals for attracting and controlling the Douglas-fir moth". The text and diagrams of the above patent specification are hereby considered to be imported in their entirety. Because naturally occurring attractants (pheromones) must in combination and at effective levels 35 be species-specific in order that the particular species breeds efficiently within its own members, the process of elucidation of pheromone composition, then deployment, usually must be repeated anew.

(Z)-7-Tricosene which is one of the three putative pheromones to be described later in this specification in relation to the guava moth, has previously been claimed to be a 40 pheromone component of the staphylinid beetle Aleochara cartula (Battu et al. 1999; Indian Journal of Chemistry, Sect. B).

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED To elucidate an effective composition of attractants (pheromones) for the moth species Coscinoptycha improbana, and to effectively deploy an effective composition so that the 45 wild population can be controlled and substantially eradicated, in order to reduce the adverse effect of this pest on horticulture and exports.

OBJECT It is an object of this invention to provide compositions and methods for control of the moth species Coscinoptycha improbana Meyrick, or at least to provide the public with a 50 useful choice. 3 STATEMENT OF INVENTION In a first broad aspect this invention provides an identified group of chemical entities comprising at least a part of a set of pheromones released by the guava moth C. improbana, the chemical entities including (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one, (Z)7-nonadecene-ll-55 one, and (Z)7-tricosene, or analogues or precursors thereof.

In a related aspect the chemical entities are capable of manipulating the behaviour of male guava moth, Coscinoptycha improbana. in a manner suggestive of pheromone-like activity.

In a subsidiary aspect the invention includes at least one chemical selected from the 60 group consisting of : (Z)-7-octadecene-ll-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-ll-one, and (Z)-7-tricosene, or analogues or precursors thereof.

In a related aspect the invention provides a separate method for the synthesis of each of the identified group of chemical entities comprising at least a part of the set of pheromones released by the guava moth C. improbana, namely (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one, (Z)7-65 nonadecene-ll-one, and (Z)7-tricosene; details of an example synthesis of each being specified elsewhere in this specification.

In a second broad aspect, this invention provides a lure capable of releasing at least one specified component of the identified set of pheromones released by the guava moth C. improbana. 70 In a first related aspect, the invention provides a composition for use as a monitoring lure for the guava moth C. improbana; the composition being capable of releasing (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one chemical and releasing (Z)7-tricosene chemical in a weight ratio of about 200:1-50 (at room temperature and as tested by gas chromatograph).

More preferably the invention provides a composition for use as a monitoring lure for 75 the guava moth C. improbana; the composition being capable of releasing (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one chemical and releasing (Z)7-tricosene chemical in a weight ratio of about 200:9.

In an alternative aspect, the invention provides a composition for use as a component of an "attract and kill" formulation for the guava moth C. improbana; the composition 80 being capable of releasing (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one chemical and releasing (Z)7-tricosene chemical in a weight ratio range of about 200:1-50.

More preferably the invention provides a composition for use as a component of an 4 "attract and kill" formulation for the guava moth C. improbana; the composition being capable of releasing (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one chemical and releasing (Z)7-tricosene 85 chemical in a weight ratio of about 200:9.

In an alternative aspect, a physiologically effective lure includes a composition as previously described in this section wherein the composition includes (Z)-7-octadecene-11-one and (Z)-7-nonadecene-ll-one within storage means capable of slowly releasing the chemicals (or analogues or precursors thereof). 90 Optionally the chemicals are present in a microencapsulated form within the storage means.

More particularly the composition of a lure includes (Z)-7-octadecene-ll-one and (Z)-7-tricosene in a ratio of one part of (Z)-7-octadecene-ll-one to about ten parts by weight of (Z)-7-tricosene; this ratio providing an approximately desired ratio within the released 95 mixture (as measured by gas chromatography at room temperature).

In a third broad aspect the invention provides a lure for attracting moths of the species C. improbana, wherein the or each lure includes a storage means comprising a permeable mass capable of releasing (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one over a period of time at a rate of about 200 ng/day (ng = nanogram); the storage means being modified by addition of a 100 further permeable mass capable of holding and then releasing (Z)7-tricosene from a surface of the mass over a period of time at a rate of about 9 ng/day.

In a fourth broad aspect, the invention provides a composition for causing mating disruption within a population of the guava moth C. improbana, the composition including at least one identified component of the set of pheromones previously 105 described in this section, so that when the composition is applied to an infested area and at least one pheromone is released into the area, the moths are unable to rely on naturally produced specific attractants as part of a mating process.

In a first related aspect, the invention provides a component of a composition for causing mating disruption to the species C. improbana, comprising the identified chemical 110 entity (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one.

In a second related aspect, the invention provides a component of a composition for causing mating disruption to the species C. improbana, comprising the identified chemical entity (Z)7-nonadecene-11 -one.

In a third related aspect, the invention provides a component of a composition for 115 causing mating disruption to the species C. improbana, comprising the identified chemical entity (Z)7-tricosene.

In a fourth related aspect, the invention provides a component of a composition for causing mating disruption to the species C. improbana, the composition including (Z)-7-nonadecene-ll-one and (Z)-7-tricosene. 120 In a fourth related aspect, the invention provides a set of components for a composition for causing mating disruption for the species C. improbana, the components including the identified chemical entities (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one and (Z)7-tricosene in a combination capable of releasing, over a period, an about 200:9 respective ratio of chemical entities by weight into the environment. 125 In a fifth related aspect, the invention provides a method for alleviating damage in orchard crops caused by Coscinoptycha improbana which method comprises deployment of at least one of: release devices, attract & kill formulations, or microencapsulated pheromone into the field, said pheromone being at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-ll-one and (Z)-7-130 tricosene.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The description of the invention to be provided herein is given purely by way of illustration and the provision of any example is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention. For instance, although certain chemical entities have 135 been identified and are named herein, related chemicals either capable of causing a similar biological effect by virtue of having similar or identical active moieties included as part of a larger molecule, or capable of being broken down on or after release into any one of the identified chemical entities shall be included within the scope of the invention. 140 DRAWINGS Fig 1: is a diagram showing a septum for use as bait, with a modification for the simultaneous release of chemicals having differing rates of vaporisation in a controlled ratio. 6 Fig 2: is a graph showing relative success in the catching of males by various combi-145 nations of the pheromones incorporated within a grey rubber septa. (Table 1) Isolation, characterisation, and synthesis of putative pheromones.

Putative components of the pheromone were extracted from the pheromone glands of unmated female C. improbana and identified using methodology known in the art: passage through a gas chromatograph, followed by splitting the effluent from the 150 column and directing part to a flame ionisation detector and part to a portion of a male C. improbana antenna connected to an electrical detection system according to standard electroantennogram techniques, also using methodology well known in the relevant art. See for instance Y Kunawa et al, Biosensors and Bioelectronics 14 (1999) 195-202.

Three components were found that caused an electrical response from the antenna 155 preparation and with the aid a mass spectrometer these were identified to be (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one, (Z)7-nonadecene-ll-one and (Z)7-tricosene. These components are found in the ratio 10:1:100 in the female pheromone gland. The first two components have not previously been described. Synthetic versions and methods for synthesis of these two components at least are novel. (Z)7-nonadecene-ll-one may actually have 160 some inhibitory effects if tested individually. (Z)7-octadecene-ll-one particularly with (Z)7-tricosene has excitatory effects. Interestingly, (Z)7-tricosene is a larger molecule with a significantly lower rate of evaporation.

Note that it is always likely that yet further components not specified herein may be capable of effectively exciting a moth when presented to the moth in combination, 165 whereupon a synergistic effect may occur between the components either at the level of the receptor cell, or elsewhere within the nervous system of the moth. A sequential test of putative pheromones is not necessarily complete.

Synthesis of (Z)7-octadecene-11-one.

The reaction of the lithium salt of 1-nonyne with l-O-tetrahydropyrano-3-bromopropane 170 afforded the tetrahydropyranic ether of 4-undecyne-l-ol. The protective THP-group was removed in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid in methanol to yield 4-undecyne-l-ol. Reduction of the triple bond with hydrogen using Ni-P2 catalyst yielded (Z)4-undecene-l-ol. Oxidation of the alcohol with pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) to the corresponding aldehyde, and coupling of the aldehyde with heptynylmagnesium bromide 7 afforded (Z)-octadecene-ll-ol. Final oxidation with PCC afforded (Z)7-octadecene-ll-175 one (47% overall yield).

Synthesis of (Z)7-nonadecene-11-one.

The reaction of the lithium salt of 1-nonyne with l-O-tetrahydropyrano-3-bromopropane afforded the tetrahydropyranic ether of 4-undecyne-l-ol. The protective THP-group was removed in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid in methanol to yield 4-undecyne-l-ol. 180 Reduction of the triple bond with hydrogen using Ni-P2 catalyst yielded (Z)4-undecene-l-ol. Oxidation of the alcohol with pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) to the corresponding aldehyde, and coupling of the aldehyde with octynynylmagnesium bromide afforded (Z)-nonadecene-ll-ol. Final oxidation with PCC afforded (Z)7-nonadecene-ll-one (48% overall yield). 185 Synthesis of (Z)7-tricosene.

The reaction of heptyl-triphenylphosponium bromide with the THF solution of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, and then with freshly prepared hexadecanal yielded (Z)7-tricosene (Z/E = 97:3; 77% yield).

The above procedures are inherently capable of being scaled up to the level of industrial 190 manufacture appropriate for pheromone-based population control, where one gram of (Z)7-tricosene and 100 mg of for example (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one are sufficient for 4,000 lures.

Behavioural aspects: effective ratios The most effective lure established so far for male C. improbana consists of 250 micro-195 grams of (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one plus 2,500 micrograms of (Z)7-tricosene on a grey rubber septa, used as bait in a standard sticky trap (a procedure well known to those skilled in the art). A grey rubber septa comprises a storage means, capable of holding a quantity of a pheromone and then of allowing it to evaporate over an extended period into the enviironment. This effective lure is composition A in table 1, and fig 2. The 200 septum loaded with (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one was measured to be releasing the chemical at 200 ng/day and the additional portion loaded with (Z)7-tricosene was releasing the chemical at 9 ng/day (by gas chromatography, both at room temperature).

Composition B (see table 1, and fig 2): 25 micrograms of (Z)7-nonadecene-l 1-one with 250 micrograms of (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one plus 2,500 micrograms of (Z)7-tricosene - 46 8 205 caught.

Composition C (see table 1, and fig 2): 25 micrograms of (Z)7-nonadecene-l 1-one with 250 micrograms of (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one - 9 caught.

Composition D (see table 1, and fig 2): A septum loaded with 250 micrograms of (Z)7-tricosene in place of 2,500 micrograms (presumably releasing at 0.9 ng/day) had only 5% 210 of the attractiveness of the first blend.

Table 1 shows the above results, where the numbers to the right of Ph X are the amount of pheromone used, in micrograms per septa, and "catch" is the number of moths.

Composition A B :C D Ph 1 250 250 250 250 Ph 2 Ph 3 2500 2500 250 Catch 112 46 9 6 Here Ph 1 is (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one, Ph 2 is (Z)7-nondecene-l 1-one, and Ph 3 is (Z)7-215 tricosene. Fig 2 shows the above table in graphical form. It should be realised that these amounts and ratios are not necessarily optimal and have so far been tested on a "very coarse pitch" only.

Fig 1 shows an example septum 100 with a base 101, a body 102, and a central aperture 103 containing a rolled-up paper wick 104 for bimodal pheromone release although of 220 course many other physical layouts could be used - such as incorporating the (Z) 7-tricosene in septa of one colour, and (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one in separate septa of another colour; one of each to be used in each trap. Cotton wicks or other dissipating masses may be used instead of the paper wick 104. A similar bimodal release device may be applicable to control of insect pests other than C. improbana and this aspect of this speci-225 fication hence may apply to other species.

The blend herein called Composition A, releasing (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one chemical at 200 ng/day and releasing (Z)7-tricosene chemical at 9 ng/day (both at room temperature) is suitable for use both as a monitoring lure and as a component of any one of a variety of "Attract and Kill" formulations for C. improbana. We favour an 230 adherent tarry composition including a rapidly acting contact insecticide.

The chemicals (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one, (Z)7-nonadecene-l 1-one and (Z)7-tricosene are 9 suitable for use, preferably together or singly (perhaps depending on manufacturing costs and stability during storage) as components of mating disruption products for C. improbana. In this form of population control, an area would be saturated with high 235 levels of pheromone(s) so that the moths are unable to use them as attractants, and so most if not all moths fail to mate. At this time, mating disruption is likely to be handled by placement of disruption products from the ground although it is conceivable that aerial distribution of mating disruption products may be carried out for control of this insect pest in larger concentrated areas of horticulture. 240 Methods for population control At this point we consider that use of a district-wide general insecticide such as aerial spraying with a B. thuringiensis preparation (BtK) or an insecticide, and/or introduction of a host-specific parasite from the country of origin to be relatively infeasible.

A specific attractant (set of pheromones) can be used: (a) to entice males away from 245 females and in most cases to kill them within lethal lures, or (b) to flood an area with pheromone so that the signals emanating from females are swamped thereby confusing the moths and causing disruption of mating. In both cases the specific attractants have the effect of reducing the number of successful matings. A measure of the active population is the count of dead males killed by lethal traps. 250 VARIATIONS This specification relates to three distinct chemical entities comprising a set of chemicals believed to be the pheromones of C. improbana and at least having an attractant property or effect. There may be yet further distinct chemical entities remaining to be isolated and then included in the known set of pheromones of C. improbana. 255 This specification includes within its scope other methods of use of the specifically described pheromones and use with other pheromones, in any effective combination, for control of the insect pest or indeed with other insect pests.

This specification also includes alternative means for synthesis of the identified pheromones, and means for manufacture of the identified pheromones, as well as alternative 260 means for the distribution and deployment of the pheromones especially where the apparently preferred ratios of individual components is preferred.

COMMERCIAL BENEFITS or ADVANTAGES Given the fact that this moth inhabits the valuable harvested portion of the target species (such as macadamia nuts, guava, feijoa, plum, peach, and citrus), and that 265 parasitism therein is difficult to identify, there is a strong risk that exports from New Zealand will be banned from countries free of infestation by this parasite. Therefore, effective control of the parasite is called for, at least in order to prevent the disruption caused by loss of export markets if not also to minimise damage to the product itself.

A specific attractant conserves resources so that the target species only is manipulated at 270 low cost, while expensive and non-specific lethal sprays are avoided. Furthermore, introduction of specific parasites, which may then find alternative hosts, is avoided.

The compositions and methods of the invention provide an optimal cost method of population control at least in relation to an area of land to be protected. It is useful that the chemicals identified as forming at least part of the entire set of pheromones are 275 relatively effective and specific as bait.

Finally, it will be understood that the scope of this invention as described and/or illustrated herein is not limited to the specified embodiments or to the specified chemicals or to methods for synthesising the specified chemicals. Those of skill will appreciate that various modifications, additions, known equivalents, and substitutions are possible 280 without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 11

Claims (12)

NOW AMENDED We Claim:

1. A composition for manipulating the behaviour of male guava moth, Coscinoptycha/ improbana, wherein the composition includes at least one chemical selected from the, 285 group consisting of: (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-l 1-one, and . tricosene or analogues or precursors thereof.

2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the composition includ octadecene-11 -one.

3. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the composition 290 nonadecene-11-one. 295 300 305 5lude/(Z)-7-

4. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the composynon includes (Z)-7-tricosene.

5. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cqAposiJfbn includes (Z)-7-octadecene-11-one and (Z)-7-nonadecene-l 1-one.

6. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein *ne composition includes (Z)-7-octadecene-11-one and (Z)-7-tricosene in a patio of about ten parts by weight of (Z)-7-tricosene to one part of (Z)-7-octadecene/;7. A composition as claimed in claim ly nonadecene-11-one and (Z)-7-tricos therein the composition includes (Z)-7-;8. A release device, wherein the release jaevice includes a chemical selected from one or more of the group consisting/of: {fo-l-octadecene-ll-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-l 1-one, and (Z)-7-tricosene and thst release device is capable of releasing the chemical into the environment at a controlled rate.;9. A release device as tffaimecf in claim 8, wherein the release device includes the chemicals (Z)-7-o0tadecene-l 1-one and (Z)-7-tricosene, and the release device capable of releasing corftrolledramounts of the chemicals in a weight ratio of about 200 ng/day ((Z)-/octad/cene-l 1-one) to a range of about from 1 to 50 ng/day for (Z)-7-tricosene into th/environment (as tested by gas chromatograph).;12;!.Si I ii:-;U w '_;23FEB2CS;>r'.v'Fr>;AS AMENDED;We Claim:;1. A composition for manipulating the behaviour of male guava moth, Coscinoptycha improbana, wherein the composition includes (A) at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of: (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-l 1-one and analogues or precursors thereof, and (B) includes the group consisting of (Z)-7-tricosene and analogues or precursors thereof.;2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the composition includes (A) a chemical selected from the group consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one and analogues or precursors thereof, and (B) the chemical (Z)-7-tricosene and analogues or precursors thereof; in a ratio of about ten parts by weight of (Z)-7-tricosene to one part of (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one.;3. A composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the composition includes (Z)-7-octadecene-11-one and (Z)-7-tricosene in a ratio such the composition is capable when held at room temperature of releasing in proportion (Z)7-octadecene-l 1-one chemical at a rate of about 200 units by weight per unit time and at the same time releasing (Z)7-tricosene chemical at a rate of from about 1 unit to about 50 units by weight per unit time.;4. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the composition includes (Z)-7-nonadecene-11-one and (Z)-7-tricosene.;5. A release device, wherein the release device includes the chemical (Z)-7-tricosene and a chemical selected from one or more of the group consisting of: (Z)-7-octadecene-;11-one and (Z)-7-nonadecene-l 1-one, and the release device is capable of releasing the chemical into the environment at a controlled rate.;6. A release device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the release device includes (A) a chemical selected from one or more of the group consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene-ll-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-l 1-one or analogues or precursors thereof, and (B) the chemical (Z)-7-tricosene or analogues or precursors thereof and the release device is capable in use of releasing controlled amounts of the chemicals in a weight ratio of about 200 ng/day for (A) to about from 1 to about 50 ng/day for (B) into the environment (as tested by gas chromatograph).;

7. A release device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the release device includes (A) a chemical selected from one or more of the group consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene-ll-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-l 1-one or analogues or precursors thereof, and (B) the;12;NOW AMENDED;10. A release device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the release device includes the 310 chemicals (Z)-7-octadecene-ll-one and (Z)-7-tricosene, and the release device capable,;of releasing controlled amounts of the chemicals in a weight ratio of about ng/day to at about 9 ng/day respectively, into the environment (as tested pty gas ^ chromatograph).;11. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein th§/chemj<$als are 315 microencapsulated.;12. A trap that captures attracted male Coscinoptycha improbana, whereiiythe trap includes means capable of releasing a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.;13. A formulation that kills attracted male Coscinoptychajfmprobc/na, wherein the 320 formulation includes a composition as claimed in j*ny om/of claims 1 to 11 together with an effective amount of a contact insecticide/ 14. A method of causing mating disruption forme species C. improbana, the method comprising use of a release device containing a meromone or microencapsulated pheromone, said pheromone being a chemical/selected from one or more of the 325 group consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene^l-one/(Z)-7-nonadecene-ll-one, and (Z)-7-tricosene or analogues or precursor thereof. 15. A method of alleviating damage in o/chard crops caused by Coscinoptycha improbana which comprises deployment of at least one of: release devices, attract & kill devices or mating disruption devi/es into/the field, each device including a composition 330 containing and capable/of releasing a pheromone composition including at least one chemical selected frprn the/roup consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-1 l-oi)6 and 6&)-7-tricosene or analogues or precursors thereof, as claimed in my Am of/Claims 1 to 11; the composition also containing a contact insecticide, so that m use each device is capable of selectively destroying insects of a 335 type attra^d to Jfie device by the pheromone composition. Ensor and Associates, for Nor/kern Region Branch; New Zealand Tree Crops Association, and John Russell Clearwater. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z - 8 MAR 2004 RECEIVED 13 AS AMENDED chemical (Z)-7-tricosene or analogues or precursors thereof, and the release device is capable of releasing controlled amounts of the chemicals in a weight ratio of about 200 ng/day for (A) to about 9 ng/day for (B) into the environment (as tested by gas chromatograph).

8. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the chemicals are microencapsulated.

9. A trap that captures attracted male Coscinoptycha improbana, wherein the trap includes means capable of releasing a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A formulation that kills attracted male Coscinoptycha improbana, wherein the formulation includes a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 together with an effective amount of a contact insecticide.

11. A method of causing mating disruption for the species Coscinoptycha improbana; the method comprising use of a release device containing a pheromone or microencapsulated pheromone, said pheromone comprising (A) one or more chemicals selected from the group consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-11-one or analogues or precursors thereof, and (B) the chemical (Z)-7-tricosene or analogues or precursors thereof.

12. A method of alleviating damage in orchard crops caused by the species Coscinoptycha improbana which comprises deployment of at least one of: release devices, attract & kill devices or mating disruption devices into the field, each device being capable of releasing a pheromone composition comprising (A) one or more chemicals selected from the group consisting of (Z)-7-octadecene-l 1-one, (Z)-7-nonadecene-11-one or analogues or precursors thereof, and (B) the chemical (Z)-7-tricosene or analogues or precursors thereof; the composition also containing a contact insecticide, so that in use each device is capable of selectively destroying insects of a type attracted to the device by the pheromone composition. Ensor and Associates, for Northern Region Branch; New Zealand Tree Crops Association, and John Russell Clearwater. 13 3HHffflrnfiii<n it intellectual property OFRCE- OF N.Z 2 0 m 200<I RECEIVED ABSTRACT Compositions, methods and devices for controlling infestation in local areas by the guava moth (or fruit driller) Coscinoptycha improbana Meyrick (LEPIDOPTERA: CARPOSINIDAE) are described. The invention provides 340 species-specific pheromone attractant compositions each including one or more of the chemical entities (A) - (Z)7-octadecene-11-one, (B) - (Z)7-nonadecene-11-one, and (C) - (Z)7-tricosene in prescribed ratios. A and B are novel compounds. A ratio of A:C of 200:9 (as release rates, by weight) is the most effective composition so far tested. Procedures for synthesis of 345 these entities are also described. Lures, lethal traps, and pheromone dispersal devices are described. 'nt6rwtua' froPerty Office of nz - 8 OCT 2003 RECEIVED 14