Patent Description:
As one method for controlling harmful insects, a mating disruption method has been put into practical use to suppress the density of harmful insects by releasing synthetic sex pheromone substances of the target insects in the air so as to disrupt their mating behaviors and to thereby inhibit the breeding of the next generation. As for control enabled by copulative communication disruption, a pheromone preparation for releasing synthetic sex pheromones should satisfy such a requirement that it is capable of being stably installed for a long term in a predetermined location where the effects of the synthetic sex pheromone substances are expected to be exhibited, and is capable of releasing such synthetic sex pheromone substances significantly gradually and in a continuous manner.

As a sustained-release pheromone preparation developed in view of the above object, a tubular sustained-release pheromone preparation has been proposed, in which a polymer tube is filled with synthetic sex pheromone substances and is sealed at both ends thereof. The tubular sustained-release pheromone preparation has been shown to be able to stably release synthetic sex pheromone substances over a long period of time; however, there is a problem in an approach to stably hold their set up for a long time period without causing any harmful effect and/or damages to the growth of the plants.

As a method for solving this problem, there are known, for example, a sustained-release pheromone preparation with a synthetic sex pheromone substance being contained in a tube made of a polymer material and a metal wire(s) joined (additionally provided) in an axial direction of the tube (Patent document <NUM>); a type of sustained-release pheromone preparation that is configured in an annular shape with the ends of two polymer tubes being joined together, and is thus capable of being hung on a fruit tree or other trees and the like without adding a metal wire (Patent document <NUM>); a sustained-release pheromone preparation produced by twisting together two polymer tubes and then joining together both ends thereof, where a holding strength is further improved by utilizing the restoring and repelling forces of the polymer tubes (Patent document <NUM>); and a sustained-release pheromone preparation of a shape having a loop(s) formed by bending and turning a polymer tube (Patent document <NUM>).

Since the sustained-release pheromone preparation disclosed in Patent document <NUM> is configured to have a metal wire additionally provided therein, it can be installed and stably held due to the shape-retaining property of the metal wire. However, this preparation has shown flaws such as that there are incurred a high production cost and a high filling cost of a synthetic sex pheromone substance due to the usage of the metal wire; that it is somewhat time-consuming to install the preparation as the preparation is to be fixed by twisting the metal wire; that it is troublesome to remove the preparation after use; and that a pruning blade may be damaged by the metal wire when carrying out a pruning operation on a fruit tree or other trees and the like.

Further, while the sustained-release pheromone preparations disclosed in Patent documents <NUM> and <NUM> can solve the problem of having metal wires remaining in an orchard or the like, they are not yet able to alleviate the troublesomeness in installation as a branch of a fruit tree or other trees has to be inserted through the annular loop, and there are required an operation performed with both hands, or an operation using a dedicated jig or the like.

Further, in the case of the sustained-release pheromone preparation disclosed in Patent document <NUM>, at a crossover point of the tube, the tube may be fused, adhered or in contact with each other, or even have a gap that is three times the size of the diameter of the tube or smaller; if the tube is fused or adhered, the loop formed has to be put around a branch of a fruit tree or other trees, which shall impose limitations on the installation location. Further, if the tube is configured to be in contact with each other or have a slight gap therebetween, there is a problem that while the preparation can be hung on a branch of a fruit tree or other trees through such gap, it will fall off due to, for example, natural wind or a wind pressure from an agrochemical sprayer or the like. In this regard, it is desired that there be developed a sustained-release pheromone preparation that is suitable for controlling the release of a synthetic sex pheromone over a long period of time, can be easily installed and stably retained in an installation location, and requires an inexpensive production cost.

The inventor of the present invention diligently conducted a series of studies to achieve the above object, and completed the invention as follows. That is, the inventor found that by forming a polymer tube or a polymer rod into a given shape, there can be obtained a sustained-release pheromone preparation that is capable of being easily installed and stably retained in an installation location.

According to the present invention a sustained-release pheromone preparation comprised of at least one pheromone substance-containing polymer tube with both ends sealed or pheromone substance-containing polymer rod, according to claim <NUM> is provided.

Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided the above sustained-release pheromone preparation wherein an angle at the intersection of tangent lines to the arc at two end portions of the arc that is formed by bending the polymer tube or polymer rod in an arc is <NUM> to <NUM>°.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided the above sustained-release pheromone preparation wherein the polymer tube or polymer rod is made of polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polyethylene succinate, polybutylene adipate, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoate, or a copolymer or blended polymer of these polymers.

According to the present invention, there can be provided a sustained-release pheromone preparation that can, while maintaining a release control capability, be easily installed on a fruit tree or other trees and the like, and be stably retained in an installation location without falling off even when exposed to for example a strong natural wind, a wind pressure from an agrochemical distributor or the like and shaking, whereby a reliable sustained release performance can be achieved over a long period of time.

At first, the shape of the sustained-release pheromone preparation of the present invention is described, the shape serving as a characteristic of the invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the sustained-release pheromone preparation is configured to have at least two closed spaces (closed spaces <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) and an opening portion <NUM> in a front view by bending in an arc(s) and crossing at least one pheromone substance-containing polymer tube or polymer rod.

There are no restrictions on the shape of the closed space(s) so long as it satisfies a later-described curvature radius, linear distance and repelling force. For example, there may be employed a configuration in which the space <NUM> closed by a crossover point <NUM> has a circular shape, and the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> and a crossover point <NUM> has an oval shape, as shown in <FIG>; a configuration in which the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> has an oval shape, and the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> and the crossover point <NUM> has a semicircular shape, as shown in <FIG>; a configuration in which the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> has a hexagonal shape, and the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> and the crossover point <NUM> has a semicircular shape, as shown in <FIG>; or a configuration in which the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> has a star shape, and the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> and the crossover point <NUM> has a semicircular shape, as shown in <FIG>.

Further, the number of the closed spaces may be greater than two; for example, there may be employed a configuration in which the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> has a circular shape, the space <NUM> closed by the crossover point <NUM> and the crossover point <NUM> has an oval shape, and there are additionally two other oval closed spaces <NUM> and <NUM> established by providing crossover points <NUM> and <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. However, in the case of the configuration shown in <FIG>, if it ends with the crossover point <NUM> without having the crossover point <NUM>, when pressing the opening portion <NUM> located between two sealed ends <NUM> against a branch or the like, the tube will overlap to make it impossible for the branch or the like to enter. Thus, in view of fall prevention by increasing the number of the crossover points in such manner, it is critical that the number of the crossover points always be an even number.

As shown in <FIG>, the opening portion <NUM> may be configured in such a manner that the tube part or rod part located between the crossover point <NUM> and each sealed end <NUM> remains unprocessed. However, as shown in <FIG>, if a semicircle is further formed between the crossover point <NUM> and each sealed end <NUM> as a result of performing a bending processing, an attachability can be further improved as it is less likely that the tube part or rod part will slip sideways when pressing the opening portion <NUM> located between the two sealed ends <NUM> against a branch.

The aforementioned sustained-release pheromone preparation is a sustained-release pheromone preparation that is not crossed in a side view. As shown in <FIG>, by pressing a branch <NUM> or the like against the opening portion <NUM>, the branch <NUM> or the like will pass through the closed space <NUM>, and the sustained-release pheromone preparation will thus be able to be hung on the branch or the like at the site of the closed space <NUM>. Due to the closed space <NUM> formed between the crossover point <NUM> and the crossover point <NUM>, the sustained-release pheromone preparation hung on the branch is prevented from falling off.

The polymer tube or polymer rod may be in contact with itself in the side view, or may form such a slight gap in the side view that it will not contribute to falling. A poor workability in an installation and collection operations will be exhibited if the crossover point <NUM> and the crossover point <NUM> are crossed in the side view, fused or bonded. Since this sustained-release pheromone preparation is not crossed in the side view, the installation and collection operations can for example be easily performed with one hand, thus contributing to an improvement in work efficiency.

A curvature radius established by bending in an arc and crossing the polymer tube or polymer rod is <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. It is not appropriate if the curvature radius is smaller than <NUM>, because at the time of performing a bending and turning processing on the tube or rod, the tube or rod may break as a result of exceeding their ranges of elastic deformation. Meanwhile, it is not practical if the curvature radius is greater than <NUM>, because the repelling force will be impaired.

Here, as shown in <FIG>, the curvature radius refers to a radius R of an arc formed by bending the tube or rod in an arc.

A linear distance D from a top point <NUM> of an arc formed by bending the polymer tube or rod in an arc to the crossover point <NUM> that is closest to such top point is <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. It is not economical If this linear distance is shorter than <NUM>, because the entire length of the tube or rod will be <NUM> or shorter. A lack in installation stability will be observed if the linear distance is greater than <NUM>, because a repelling force cannot be achieved at the portion of the crossover point <NUM> even when employing a tube or rod having a certain level of rigidity.

Here, as shown in <FIG>, the linear distance refers to the distance D from the inner side of the top point <NUM> of the arc formed by bending the tube or rod in an arc to the center of the crossover point <NUM> that is closest to the top point.

Next, the repelling force of the sustained-release pheromone preparation is described.

In the present invention, assuming that the preparation is to be actually installed on and then collected from a branch or the like, evaluated was a repelling force when opening the crossover point that is closest to the arc (top point) to establish a clearance of <NUM> in the front view. The actual use of a sustained-release pheromone preparation is such that it is installed outdoors or the like over a long period of time starting from immediately before the emergence of a target harmful insect(s) on plant bodies, poles and the like in a field until the end of the emergence thereof. The sustained-release pheromone preparation should not fall off during such period due to, for example, natural phenomena such as rains and winds, and machine-aided agricultural tasks such as agrochemical spraying, picking and pruning. For this reason, the repelling force is <NUM> N or larger, preferably <NUM> N or larger, more preferably <NUM> N or larger, even more preferably <NUM> N or larger.

A method for measuring such repelling force is described hereunder.

As shown in <FIG>, the measurement of the repelling force as an index is conducted in a manner where one part of the sustained-release pheromone preparation that has been subjected to the bending and turning processing is to be horizontally fixed by a metal chuck <NUM>, and a force gauge <NUM> (DST-20N by IMADA CO. ) is to be hung from the other part of the preparation that has been subjected to the bending and turning processing via a small hook <NUM> as an attachment, followed by keeping pulling the force gauge <NUM> downward until a clearance G at the crossover point that is closest to the arc has reached <NUM> while making sure that the polymer tube or rod will not be apart from each other in the side view. A peak value at that time was measured as the repelling force.

In terms of maintaining a favorable repelling force, it is preferred that the angle of the arc formed by bending the polymer tube or rod in an arc be <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>°, even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>°. The smaller the angle of the arc is, the larger the repelling force of the polymer is, whereby fall prevention can be more expected as the ends will not open easily.

Here, as shown in <FIG>, the angle of the arc refers to an angle θ at the intersection of the tangent lines to the arc at the two end portions of the arc that is formed by bending the tube or rod in an arc.

Next, the polymer tube or rod is described.

The polymer tube is a tube filled with a pheromone substance and whose both ends are sealed.

Although the inner diameter of the polymer tube varies depending on the pheromone substance required per each preparation, in terms of formability of the preparation or filling the tube with a sex pheromone, it is preferred that the inner diameter thereof be <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. In terms of maintaining an easiness in processing and a favorable repelling force, it is preferred that the wall thickness of the tube be <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. In terms of maintaining an easiness in processing and a favorable repelling force, it is preferred that the outer diameter of the tube that encompasses the inner diameter and wall thickness thereof be <NUM> to <NUM>.

The polymer rod is, for example, one prepared by kneading a pheromone substance or a pheromone substance-supported inorganic filler into a later-described polymer material, or one prepared by impregnating such polymer material with a pheromone substance.

In terms of maintaining an easiness in processing and a favorable repelling force, it is preferred that the diameter of the rod be identical to the outer diameter of the polymer tube, which is <NUM> to <NUM>.

The supporting amount of the pheromone substance in the polymer tube if injecting a pheromone substance into the polymer tube is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, when the effective length is L <NUM> as the most common effective length. If the supporting amount is smaller than <NUM>, the amount of the pheromone liquid released during the installation period will be insufficient whereby a controlling effect on harmful insects by mating disruption may be impaired. Meanwhile, a supporting amount of larger than <NUM> leads to an excess capacitance whereby the pheromone may remain and thus be wasted even after the emergence period of harmful insects has elapsed. Here, even in a case where a pheromone substance is diluted with a solvent before use so as to control the release amount thereof, the preferable supporting amount of the pheromone substance is within the above range(s).

The contained amount of the pheromone substance in the polymer rod if kneading a pheromone liquid into the polymer rod is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, when the effective length is L <NUM>. Further, it is preferred that the pheromone substance in the polymer rod be contained at a ratio of <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass, per a total mass of the polymer rod including the pheromone substance. If the pheromone substance is contained at a ratio of smaller than <NUM>% by mass, there may not be secured a sufficient releasing speed; if the pheromone substance is contained at a ratio of larger than <NUM>% by mass, release control may not be exercised in a sufficient manner.

The pheromone substance may be a natural pheromone substance extracted and separated from a harmful insect; a synthetic pheromone substance is preferred in terms of, for example, cost and availability in a large quantity.

There are no particular limitations on the shape of the cross-section of the polymer tube or rod; the cross-section thereof may have various shapes.

As for the polymer tube, the cross-section thereof may for example have a circular shape shown in <FIG>, an oval shape shown in <FIG>, or a rectangular shape shown in <FIG>; it is advantageous if the cross-section has an oval or rectangular shape with a thickened side surface wall, because a larger repelling force can be achieved after processing.

Further, as for the polymer rod, the cross-section thereof may for example have a circular shape shown in <FIG>, a star shape shown in <FIG>, or a hollow circular shape shown in <FIG>.

The polymer tube or rod needs to have a length of at least <NUM> in order to form, for example, a circular, semicircular, oval, hexagonal or star-shaped closed space(s); in terms of installation stability and easiness in installation and collection, it is preferred that the polymer tube or rod have a length of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. A length of greater than <NUM> is not preferable, because when processing a tube or rod-like object of such length, the linear distance from the top point of the arc to the crossover point will be excessively long whereby not only installation will be burdensome, but a required repelling force cannot be achieved.

The polymer material making up the polymer tube or rod used in the sustained-release pheromone preparation is preferably, for example, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polyethylene succinate, polybutylene adipate, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoate, or a copolymer(s) of these polymers. Here, any one of these polymer materials may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in a mixed manner.

As is the case with the polymer tube or rod molded into an elongated shape having a relatively small outer diameter, the molded product needs to possess a repelling force in order to be hung from and retained on a fruit tree or other trees and the like. A preparation processed by bending, in an arc(s), a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinyl chloride is not suitable, because such preparation undergoes plastic deformation instead of elastic deformation, whereby as a result of opening the portion of the crossover point to hang the preparation on a tree or the like, the preparation will not be restored to its original shape with the crossover point remaining opened. The abovelisted polymer materials are suitable in terms of elastic deformation property of the molded product. Of the above examples, in terms of easiness in processing, particularly preferred are polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate, and polybutylene succinate adipate.

As for the polymer tube or rod making up the sustained-release pheromone preparation, there is required at least one; however, as shown in <FIG>, there may for example be employed a configuration where two or three polymer tubes <NUM> are aligned in parallel. Further, as shown in <FIG>, there may also be employed a configuration where three polymer tubes <NUM> are stacked and combined together. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, there may also be employed a configuration where the polymer tube <NUM> and a polymer rod <NUM> are provided in a combined manner. Here, in the configuration where the polymer tube <NUM> and the polymer rod <NUM> are provided in a combined manner as shown in <FIG>, there may also be employed a mode where a polymer rod containing no pheromone substance and a polymer tube are provided in a combined manner. Also, depending on the type of the pheromone substance as well as the type of the target harmful insect(s), there may be required multiple polymer tubes or rods of different materials and different dimensions such as inner and outer diameters; in such case, for example as shown in <FIG>, a product with multiple polymer tubes <NUM> being twisted together may be used for processing.

The pheromone substance may also be a solid pheromone substance other than a pheromone substance liquid at <NUM> and a pheromone liquid-containing support.

Specific examples of the pheromone substance used in the present invention include Z,Z-<NUM>,<NUM>-hexadecadienyl acetate and Z,E-<NUM>,<NUM>-hexadecadienyl acetate as sex pheromones of the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), Z-<NUM>-dodecenyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), E-<NUM>-decenyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella), Z-<NUM>-dodecenyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the grape berry moth (Eupoecilia ambiguella), E,Z-<NUM>,<NUM>-dodecadienyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the European grape vine moth (Lobesia botrana), E-<NUM>-tetradecenyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), E,E-<NUM>,<NUM>-dodecadienol as a sex pheromone of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella), Z-<NUM>-tetradecenyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the leaf roller (Tortricidae), Z,Z-<NUM>,<NUM>-octadecadienyl acetate and E,Z-<NUM>,<NUM>-octadecadienyl acetate as sex pheromones of the peach tree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa), Z-<NUM>-hexadecenal as a sex pheromone of the American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), Z-<NUM>-hexadecenal as a sex pheromone of the oriental tobacco budworm (Heliothis assulta), E,E-<NUM>,<NUM>-dodecadienyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the soybean pod borer (Leguminivora glycinivorella), Z-<NUM>-hexadecenyl acetate and Z-<NUM>-hexadecenal as sex pheromones of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), Z-<NUM>-hexadecenyl acetate, Z-<NUM>-hexadecenol and n-hexadecyl acetate as sex pheromones of the cabbage armyworm (Mamestra brassicae), Z, E-<NUM>,<NUM>-tetradecadienyl acetate and Z-<NUM>-tetradecenol as sex pheromones of the beat armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), Z,E-<NUM>,<NUM>-tetradecadienyl acetate and Z,E-<NUM>,<NUM>-tetradecadienyl acetate as sex pheromones of the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura), Z-<NUM>-tetradecenyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the fall armyworm, E-<NUM>-tridecenyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the tomato pinworm, Z-<NUM>-hexadecenal and Z-<NUM>-octadecenal as sex pheromones of the rice stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas, Chilo suppressalis), <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylpentadecane and <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylhexadecane as sex pheromones of the coffee leaf miner, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-octadecene as a sex pheromone of the peach leaf miner (Lyonetia clerkella L. ), Z-<NUM>-icosen-<NUM>-one as a sex pheromone of the peach fruit moth (Carposina sasakii), <NUM>,<NUM>-epoxy-<NUM>-methyloctadecane as a sex pheromone of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Z-<NUM>-hexadecen-<NUM>-ynyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the pine processionary moth, <NUM>-butanol as a sex pheromone of the Dasylepida ishigakiensis, Z-<NUM>,<NUM>-hexadecadien-<NUM>-olide as a sex pheromone of the yellowish elongate chafer (Heptophylla picea), n-dodecyl acetate as a sex pheromone of the sugarcane wireworm (Melanotus okinawensis), E-<NUM>,<NUM>-dodecadienyl butyrate and E-<NUM>,<NUM>-dodecadienyl hexanate as sex pheromones of the sugarcane wireworm (Melanotus sakishimensis), (R)-Z-<NUM>-(oct-<NUM>-enyl)-oxacyclopentan-<NUM>-one as a sex pheromone of the cupreous chafer (Anomala cuprea), hexyl hexanoate, E-<NUM>-hexenyl hexanoate and octyl butyrate as sex pheromones of the rice leaf bug (Trigonotylus caelestialium), hexyl butyrate, E-<NUM>-hexenyl butyrate and E-<NUM>-oxo-<NUM>-hexenal as sex pheromones of the sorghum plant bug (Stenotus rubrovittatus), 6R-Z-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-isopropenyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-decadienyl propionate and 6R-Z-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-isopropenyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-decadienol as sex pheromones of the white peach scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona), S-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-propen-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hexenyl <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butenoate as a sex pheromone of the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus), Z-<NUM>-tricosene as a sex pheromone of the housefly (Musca domestica), gentisyl quinone isovalerate as a sex pheromone of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), and olean as a sex pheromone of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae).

In addition, examples of the pheromone substance used in the present invention may also include a spiroacetal, an aliphatic linear aldehyde, an aliphatic linear acetate that is saturated or has one or more double bonds, an aliphatic linear alcohol, an aliphatic linear ketone, an aliphatic hydrocarbon, and a carboxylic acid.

Specific examples of the spiroacetal include <NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]decane, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]nonane, <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]decane, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]decane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]nonane, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]dodecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]dodecane, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]decane, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]decane, <NUM>,<NUM>-diethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]nonane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]nonane, <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-propyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-diethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]decane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dipropyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]nonane, <NUM>-butyl-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]decane, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane, and <NUM>-propyl-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaspiro[<NUM>]undecane.

It is preferred that the aliphatic linear aldehyde have <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific examples of such aliphatic linear aldehyde having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms include Z-<NUM>-decenal, <NUM>-undecenal, n-dodecanal, Z-<NUM>-dodecenal, E5Z10-dodecadienal, E8E10-dodecadienal, n-tetradecanal, Z7-tetradecenal, Z9-tetradecenal, Z11-tetradecenal, Z9E11-tetradecadienal, Z9Z11-tetradecadienal, Z9E12-tetradecadienal, Z9E11,<NUM>-tetradecatrienal, Z10-pentadecenal, E9Z11-pentadecadienal, n-hexadecanal, Z7-hexadecenal, E6Z11-hexadecadienal, E4Z6-hexadecadienal, E4E6Z11-hexadecatrienal, E10E12E14-hexadecatrienal, n-octadecanal, Z9-octadecenal, E14-octadecenal, E2Z13-octadecadienal, Z3Z13-octadecadienal, Z9Z12-octadecadienal, and Z9Z12Z7Z15-octadecatrienal.

It is preferred that the aliphatic linear acetate that is saturated or has one or more double bonds have <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific examples of the aliphatic linear acetate that is saturated or has one double bond, and has <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, include decyl acetate, Z3-decenyl acetate, Z4-decenyl acetate, undecyl acetate, Z7-undecenyl acetate, Z8-undecenyl acetate, E9-undecenyl acetate, dodecyl acetate, E7-dodecenyl acetate, Z7-dodecenyl acetate, E8-dodecenyl acetate, E9-dodecenyl acetate, <NUM>-dodecenyl acetate, <NUM>-methyldodecenyl acetate, tridecyl acetate, Z4-tridecenyl acetate, E6-tridecenyl acetate, E8-tridecenyl acetate, Z8-tridecenyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate, Z7-tetradecenyl acetate, E8-tetradecenyl acetate, Z8-tetradecenyl acetate, E9-tetradecenyl acetate, Z9-tetradecenyl acetate, E10-tetradecenyl acetate, Z10-tetradecenyl acetate, E12-tetradecenyl acetate, Z12-tetradecenyl acetate, <NUM>-methyltetradecenyl acetate, pentadecyl acetate, Z8-pentadecenyl acetate, E9-pentadecenyl acetate, hexadecyl acetate, Z3-hexadecenyl acetate, Z5-hexadecenyl acetate, E6-hexadecenyl acetate, Z7-hexadecenyl acetate, Z9-hexadecenyl acetate, Z10-hexadecenyl acetate, Z12-hexadecenyl acetate, heptadecyl acetate, Z11-heptadecenyl acetate, octadecyl acetate, E2-octadecenyl acetate, Z11-octadecenyl acetate, and E13-octadecenyl acetate.

Specific and preferable examples of the aliphatic linear acetate that has two or more double bonds and has <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, may include conjugated diene and/or <NUM>,<NUM>-pentadiene-based acetate compounds. More specifically, there may be listed, for example, Z3E5-decadienyl acetate, Z3E5-dodecadienyl acetate, E3Z5-dodecadienyl acetate, Z5E7-dodecadienyl acetate, E5Z7-dodecadienyl acetate, Z9Z9-dodecadienyl acetate, Z8Z10-dodecadienyl acetate, <NUM>,<NUM>-dodecadienyl acetate, E4Z7-tridecadienyl acetate, <NUM>-methyl-Z9,<NUM>-tridecadienyl acetate, E3E5-tetradecadienyl acetate, E8E10-tetradecadienyl acetate, Z10Z12-tetradecadienyl acetate, Z10E12-tetradecadienyl acetate, E10Z12-tetradecadienyl acetate, E10E12-tetradecadienyl acetate, E11,<NUM>-tetradecadienyl acetate, Z8Z10-pentadecadienyl acetate, Z8E10-pentadecadienyl acetate, Z8Z10-hexadecadienyl acetate, Z10E12-hexadecadienyl acetate, Z11Z13-hexadecadienyl acetate, Z11E13-hexadecadienyl acetate, E11Z13-hexadecadienyl acetate, and Z11E14-hexadecadienyl acetate.

It is preferred that the aliphatic linear alcohol have <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific and preferable examples of the aliphatic linear alcohol having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms include saturated aliphatic linear alcohols, or aliphatic linear alcohols having one or at least two double bonds. More specifically, there may be listed, for example, n-heptanol, Z4-heptenol, Z6-nonenol, Z6,<NUM>-nonadienol, E6,<NUM>-nonadienol, n-decanol, Z5-decenol, E5-decenol, n-undecanol, undecenol, <NUM>-chloro-E8E10-undecadienol, n-dodecanol, Z5-dodecenol, Z7-dodecenol, E7-dodecenol, Z8-dodecenol, E8-dodecenol, Z9-dodecenol, E9-dodecenol, E10-dodecenol, <NUM>-dodecenol, Z5E7-dodecadienol, E5Z7-dodecadienol, E5E7-dodecadienol, Z7Z9-dodecadienol, Z7E9-dodecadienol, E7Z9-dodecadienol, <NUM>,<NUM>-difluoro-E8E10-dodecadienol, <NUM>,<NUM>-difluoro-E8E10-dodecadienol, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tetrafluoro-E8E10-dodecadienol, Z9,<NUM>-dodecadienol, E9,<NUM>-dodecadienol, n-tridecanol, n-tetradecanol, Z5-tetradecenol, E5-tetradecenol, Z7-tetradecenol, Z8-tetradecenol, Z11-tetradecenol, E11-tetradecenol, Z9Z11-tetradecadienol, Z9E11-tetradecadienol, Z9Z12-tetradecadienol, Z9E12-tetradecadienol, Z10Z12-tetradecadienol, E10E12-tetradecadienol, n-pentadecanol, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-<NUM>-pentadecanol, n-hexadecanol, Z9-hexadecenol, Z11-hexadecenol, E11-hexadecenol, Z7Z11-hexadecadienol, Z7E11-hexadecadienol, E10Z12-hexadecadienol, E10E12-hexadecadienol, Z11Z13-hexadecadienol, Z11E13-hexadecadienol, E11Z13-hexadecadienol, E11Z13-hexadecadienol, Z13-hexadec-<NUM>-en-ol, E4Z6Z10-hexadecatrienol, E4E6Z10-hexadecatrienol, n-octadecanol, Z13-octadecenol, E2Z13-octadecadienol, Z3Z13-octadecadienol, E3Z13-octadecadienol, and n-eicosanol.

It is preferred that the aliphatic linear ketone have <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Examples of the aliphatic linear ketone having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms include heptadecan-<NUM>-one, Z12-nonadecen-<NUM>-one, Z6Z9-nonadecadien-<NUM>-one, Z7-nonadecen-<NUM>-one, Z7-eicosen-<NUM>-one, Z6-heneicosen-<NUM>-one, Z6-heneicosen-<NUM>-one, Z6E8-heneicosadien-<NUM>-one, Z6E9-heneicosadien-<NUM>-one, Z6Z9-heneicosadien-<NUM>-one, and Z7-tricosen-<NUM>-one.

It is preferred that the aliphatic hydrocarbon have <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms include 1E11-pentadecadiene, 1Z11-pentadecadiene, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylpentadecane, <NUM>-methylhexadecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylhexadecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylhexadecane, n-heptadecane, <NUM>-methylheptadecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylheptadecane, <NUM>-methylheptadecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylheptadecane, <NUM>-methylheptadecane, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylheptadecane, Z3Z6Z9-heptadecatriene, Z6Z9-heptadecadiene, Z7-octadecene, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-octadecene, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyloctadecane, <NUM>-methyloctadecane, <NUM>-methyloctadecane, Z3Z6Z9-octadecatriene, n-nonadecane, <NUM>-methylnonadecane, <NUM>-methylnonadecane, Z3Z6Z9Z11-nonadecatetraene, 1E3Z6Z9-nonadecatetraene, Z3Z6Z9-nonadecatriene, Z6Z9-nonadecadiene, Z9-nonadecene, n-eicosane, Z9-eicosene, Z3Z6-eicosadiene, Z3Z6Z9-eicosatriene, 1Z3Z6Z9-eicosatetraene, 1Z3Z6Z9-heneicosatetraene, n-heneicosane, Z3Z6-heneicosadiene, Z6Z9-heneicosadiene, Z6Z9,<NUM>-heneicosatriene, Z3Z6Z9-heneicosatriene, Z6-<NUM>-methylheneicosene, Z9-heneicosene, n-docosene, Z3Z6Z9-docosatriene, Z6Z9-docosadiene, n-tricosane, Z3Z6Z9-tricosatriene, Z6Z9-tricosadiene, n-tetracosane, n-pentacosane, Z3Z6Z9-pentacosatriene, n-hexacosane, n-heptacosane, n-octacosane, and n-nonacosane.

There are no particular limitations on the carboxylic acid so long as it is a compound having a carboxyl group; it is preferred that the carboxylic acid have <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific examples of the carboxylic acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms include those having multiple methyl groups in the carbon skeleton, and those having double bonds. More specifically, there may be listed, for example, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyldodecanoic acid, Z-<NUM>-undecenoic acid, E-<NUM>-undecenoic acid, and (E, Z)-<NUM>,<NUM>-tetradecadienoic acid.

If necessary, an additive(s) such as an antioxidant and an ultraviolet absorber may be added to the pheromone substance.

Examples of the antioxidant include <NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenol (BHT), butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, hydroquinone, <NUM>,<NUM>'-methylenebis(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-t-butylphenol), and vitamin E.

Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include <NUM>-(<NUM>'-hydroxy-<NUM>'-tert-butyl-<NUM>'-methylphenyl)-<NUM>-chlorobenzotriazole (HBMCBT), <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-octoxybenzophenone, <NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>-di-t-butyl-<NUM>-hydroxyphenyl)-<NUM>-chlorobenzotriazole, and <NUM>,<NUM>-di-t-butylhydroquinone.

Described hereunder is a method for producing the sustained-release pheromone preparation of the present invention.

At first, there is prepared a polymer tube with a pheromone substance being encapsulated therein; or a polymer rod with a pheromone substance being kneaded thereinto. The polymer tube is obtained by extruding a polymer material into the shape of a tube, and injecting and encapsulating the pheromone substance thereinto. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a polymer tube with an unlimited length that is filled with a pheromone liquid A is subjected to extrusion molding in a continuous manner. A polymer tube member <NUM> is to be formed by extruding a melted polymer material B in a feeder <NUM> into the shape of a tube from a die <NUM>, where at that time, a synthetic pheromone liquid is continuously injected into the polymer tube member <NUM> so as to fill the same through a conduit <NUM> provided in a mandrel <NUM> of the die, after which the polymer tube member is reeled on a reel. Further, the polymer rod is obtained by mixing and stirring a pheromone liquid or a pheromone liquid-containing support such as a pheromone liquid-containing inactive substance into a polymer material, and then extruding the mixed and stirred product into the shape of a rod. For example, a pheromone liquid or a pheromone liquid-containing support may be dispersed into a melted polymer material, followed by extruding the product thus prepared into the shape of a rod from a die so as to form a polymer rod member before having it reeled on a reel.

There are no particular limitations on the above support, and any support may be used so long as it is an inorganic or organic filler, or a polymer material having a property of yielding a solution or suspension by a pheromone at a temperature not lower than the melting point of the polymer material used.

Examples of the polymer material used as the support include poly-ε-caprolactone, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polymethacrylate, a cellulose derivative such as cellulose acetate butyrate, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene, and polyisoprene.

There are no limitations on the filler used as the support, and any filler may be used so long as it is an inorganic or organic one. The filler may for example be an inorganic filler including, for example, a metallic powder such as an iron powder, silicic acid, silicate, alumina, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, gypsum, a slate powder, mica, kaolin, clay, talc, graphite, carbon black, and cement; or an organic filler such as linter and wood flour. Since a pheromone retention capability varies depending on the types of these fillers as well as the sizes and shapes of their particles, preferred is one having an oil absorption of not smaller than <NUM>, more preferably not smaller than <NUM>. This is because the larger the oil absorption is, the higher the pheromone retention capability is, which makes it easy to mix and disperse a pheromone(s). Here, the oil absorption is based on a test method prescribed in JIS K5105-<NUM>, and refers to an amount of oil than is capable of being kneaded with respect to <NUM> of a filler.

It is preferred that such support be used in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass, per <NUM>% by mass of a total amount of the pheromone substance and the support. An amount of smaller than <NUM>% by mass may be insufficient in terms of retaining the pheromone; an amount of greater than <NUM>% by mass makes it impossible to control the release of the pheromone, whereby releasing over a long period of time may not be possible. Any one of these supports may be used alone, or a number of them may be used in a mixed manner. Further, in order to make production easy, it is more desired that there be used a polymer material-based support and a filler-based support in a mixed manner.

Described hereunder is a method for processing the polymer tube or rod into a given shape. There are no particular limitations on the processing method; for example, there may be used a fixing jig <NUM> having multiple protrusions provided at proper locations on a plate as shown in <FIG>, and the polymer tube or rod with both ends already sealed can then be fixed on such fixing jig. As shown in <FIG> which is a schematic diagram, this fixing jig(s) <NUM> is continuously conveyed via a conveyer belt <NUM>, where each fixing jig <NUM> will spend a given amount of time passing through a warm water bath <NUM> before spending a given amount of time passing through a cooling water bath <NUM>, after which the polymer tube or rod will come off the fixing jig and then be air-dried by an air-drying device <NUM>, thereby enabling mass production. Although depending on the polymer material employed, the temperature of the water in the warm water bath <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. Further, although depending on the polymer material employed, the temperature of the water in the cooling water bath <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

As another processing method(s), there are for example processing methods employing a heat gun or a heat box, where processing is carried out by utilizing thermocouple.

For example, in the case of a tube or rod made of polybutylene succinate or polybutylene succinate adipate, the tube or rod with both ends sealed may be bended and turned into a desired shape, heated to <NUM> (melting point is <NUM>), and then cooled while maintaining its shape, whereby a given shape can thus be imparted to the tube or rod.

The present invention is described in detail hereunder with reference to working and comparative examples; however, the present invention shall not be limited to the following working examples.

Using an extruder (die temperature <NUM>), there was produced an elongated tube made of polybutylene succinate (BioPBS FZ91PB by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), in which two tubes having an inner diameter of <NUM>, a wall thickness of <NUM> and an outer diameter of <NUM> were aligned in parallel.

This elongated tube was cut into a length of <NUM>, and one end of such elongated tube was then dipped into a solution prepared by adding <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenol (antioxidant) and <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>-(<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenyl)-p-cresol (ultraviolet absorber) to (Z)-<NUM>-dodecen-<NUM>-yl acetate as a sex pheromone of Grapholita molesta, followed by using a pump to perform suction from the opposite end of the elongated tube so as to allow the tube to be filled with the sex pheromone solution.

After subjecting the <NUM> elongated tube filled with the sex pheromone to ultrasonic sealing (amplitude <NUM>, pressure <NUM> kPa, sealing time <NUM> sec) at an interval of <NUM>, the sealed portion(s) was cut by a cutter to obtain <NUM>,<NUM> sustained-release pheromone preparations made of polymer tubes whose entire length is <NUM> each.

As shown in <FIG>, with regard to this sustained-release pheromone preparation, the polymer tube was then bended and turned by rollers of Φ <NUM>, Φ <NUM> and Φ <NUM>, and was fixed to the plate before dipping the same in a warm water of <NUM> for <NUM> sec and then putting it in a water bath of <NUM> to obtain a sustained-release pheromone preparation shown in <FIG>. The sustained-release pheromone preparation thus produced had two closed spaces in the front view, and was not crossed in the side view. Further, the curvature radius of the arc at the closed part of the sustained-release pheromone preparation produced was <NUM>, the angle of the arc was <NUM>°, and the linear distance from the top point of the arc to the crossover point that was closest to the top point was <NUM>. As a result of measuring the repelling force of this sustained-release pheromone preparation by the method illustrated in <FIG>, the repelling force was found to be <NUM> N. In the case of this sustained-release pheromone preparation, simply by holding, with fingers, the arc portion formed by bending the tube in an arc, and then pressing a tree branch against the opening portion located between the two sealed ends, the branch was able to enter the arc portion (closed space <NUM>) formed by bending the tube in an arc, and once the tree branch had entered the closed space <NUM>, the preparation never disengaged from the tree branch as the two crossover points between the two sealed ends were now overlapped.

Using an extruder (die temperature <NUM>), there was produced an elongated tube made of a resin obtained by mixing polybutylene succinate (BioPBS FZ91PB by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) and polybutylene succinate adipate (BioPBS FD92PB by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) at a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> on a mass basis, in which two tubes having an inner diameter of <NUM>, a wall thickness of <NUM> and an outer diameter of <NUM> were aligned in parallel.

This elongated tube was cut into a length of <NUM>, and one end of such elongated tube was then dipped into a solution prepared by adding <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenol (antioxidant) and <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>-(<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenyl)-p-cresol (ultraviolet absorber) to (E,Z)-<NUM>,<NUM>-dodecadien-<NUM>-yl acetate as a sex pheromone of European grapevine moth, followed by using a pump to perform suction from the opposite end of the elongated tube so as to allow the tube to be filled with the sex pheromone solution.

The sustained-release pheromone preparation obtained was formed by a similar method as the working example <NUM>. The sustained-release pheromone preparation thus formed had two closed spaces in the front view, and was not crossed in the side view. Further, the curvature radius of the arc at the closed part of the sustained-release pheromone preparation produced was <NUM>, the angle of the arc was <NUM>°, and the linear distance from the top point of the arc to the crossover point that was closest to the top point was <NUM>. As a result of measuring the repelling force of this sustained-release pheromone preparation by the method illustrated in <FIG>, the repelling force was found to be <NUM> N. In the case of this sustained-release pheromone preparation, simply by holding, with fingers, the arc portion formed by bending the tube in an arc, and then pressing a tree branch against the opening portion located between the two sealed ends, the branch was able to enter the arc portion (closed space <NUM>) formed by bending the tube in an arc, and once the tree branch had entered the closed space <NUM>, the preparation never disengaged from the tree branch as the two crossover points between the two sealed ends were now overlapped.

This sustained-release pheromone preparation was then formed in a similar manner as the working example <NUM>. Here, there was obtained a sustained-release pheromone preparation whose completed shape was analogous to that of the working example <NUM>. As a result of measuring the repelling force thereof by the method illustrated in <FIG>, the repelling force was found to be <NUM> N. In the case of this sustained-release pheromone preparation, by holding, with fingers, the arc portion formed by bending the tube in an arc, and then pressing a tree branch against the opening portion located between the two sealed ends, the branch was able to enter the arc portion (closed space <NUM>) formed by bending the tube in an arc; however, due to the small repelling force at the bended and turned portion, the preparation disengaged and fell from the branch by wind pressure and shaking of the branch.

An installation operation was conducted in an apple orchard to study a workability for installing the sustained-release pheromone preparation obtained in the working example <NUM>. The operation conducted was one in which in a <NUM>-are apple orchard where apple trees were planted at an interval of <NUM>, the operators installed three sustained-release pheromone preparations on each apple tree (installation of <NUM> preparations/<NUM> ares). The installation was possible with one hand; and the time it took for one person to install <NUM> preparations was <NUM>, which indicated that the operation time was able to be shortened as compared to a comparative example <NUM>.

As is the case with the working example <NUM>, there was conducted an operation in which the operators installed three such obtained sustained-release pheromone preparations on each apple tree in a <NUM>-are apple orchard where apple trees were planted at an interval of <NUM> (installation of <NUM> preparations/<NUM> ares). As for this type of preparation, the annular preparation had to be expanded before allowing a branch to pass therethrough, and the time it took for one person to install <NUM> preparations was <NUM>.

At first, <NUM> parts by mass of pellets of polybutylene succinate adipate (BioPBS FD92PB by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) and <NUM> parts by mass of a solution prepared by adding <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenol (antioxidant) and <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>-(<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenyl)-p-cresol (ultraviolet absorber) to (Z)-<NUM>-dodecen-<NUM>-yl acetate as a sex pheromone of Grapholita molesta, were mixed by a V-type mixer to the extent that blocking of the pellets (i.e. a phenomenon where the pellets stick together and agglomerate) was no longer observed, followed by extruding the polymer from a die (die temperature <NUM>) having a Φ <NUM> circular hole, and then passing it through water baths (first water bath: length <NUM>, temperature <NUM>; second water bath : length <NUM>, temperature <NUM>) to cool and solidify the same so as to obtain a molded rod of a cylindrical shape. By reeling this rod at a constant speed, there was produced a molded product as an elongated polymer rod impregnated with the sex pheromone. With the reeling speed being set constant, by adjusting the number of revolutions of an extruding screw of an extruder, the diameter (outer diameter) of the cylinder can be arbitrarily changed. When the constant reeling speed was set to <NUM>/min, and the number of revolutions in an extruder with a Φ <NUM> screw was set to <NUM> RPM, there was obtained an elongated pheromone-containing rod having an outer diameter of <NUM>. Likewise, when the reeling speed was set to <NUM>/min, and the number of revolutions of the screw was set to <NUM> RPM, the outer diameter became <NUM>. The outer diameter became <NUM> when the number of revolutions was <NUM> RPM. Further, a rod-shaped molded product having an outer diameter of <NUM> was obtained as a result of performing molding with the diameter of the circular hole of the die being changed to Φ <NUM>, the reeling speed being <NUM>/min, and the screw speed being <NUM> RPM. Furthermore, a rod-shaped molded product having an outer diameter of <NUM> was obtained as a result of performing molding with the diameter of the hole of the die being Φ <NUM>, the reeling speed being <NUM>/min, and the number of revolutions of the screw being <NUM> RPM. Furthermore, a rod-shaped molded product having an outer diameter of <NUM> was obtained as a result of performing molding with the diameter of the hole of the die being Φ <NUM>, the reeling speed being <NUM>/min, and the number of revolutions of the screw being <NUM> RPM.

Next, using an extruder (die temperature <NUM>), there was produced an elongated tube made of polybutylene succinate adipate (BioPBS FD92PB by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), where there were prepared a type of polymer tube (with one tube) and a type of polymer tube (with two tubes aligned in parallel) as described in Table <NUM>.

Each of these elongated tubes was cut into a length of <NUM>. One end of the tube in the case of the configuration with one tube was, whereas one ends of both tubes in the case of the configuration with two tubes aligned in parallel were then inserted into a solution prepared by adding <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenol (antioxidant) and <NUM>% by mass of <NUM>-(<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-tert-butyl-<NUM>-methylphenyl)-p-cresol (ultraviolet absorber) to (Z)-<NUM>-dodecen-<NUM>-yl acetate as a sex pheromone of Grapholita molesta, followed by using a pump to perform suction from the opposite end(s) of the tube so as to allow the tube to be filled with the sex pheromone solution.

After subjecting the <NUM> elongated tube filled with the sex pheromone to ultrasonic sealing (amplitude <NUM>, pressure <NUM> kPa, sealing time <NUM> sec) at an interval of <NUM>, the sealed portion(s) was cut by a cutter to obtain, for each type of the polymer tube, <NUM> sustained-release pheromone preparations made of polymer tubes whose entire length is <NUM> each.

The obtained sustained-release pheromone preparations made of the polymer rods and tubes were then each formed in a similar manner as the working example <NUM>. The sustained-release pheromone preparation thus formed had two closed spaces in the front view, and was not crossed in the side view. Further, the curvature radius of the arc at the closed part of the sustained-release pheromone preparation produced was <NUM>, the angle of the arc was <NUM>°, and the linear distance from the top point of the arc to the crossover point that was closest to the top point was <NUM>. Table <NUM> shows the repelling forces of the sustained-release pheromone preparations that were measured by the method illustrated in <FIG>.

Next, there was used a fixed log member having a diameter of <NUM> and a length of <NUM>, and having protrusions with a thickness of <NUM> and a length of <NUM> provided thereon at an interval of <NUM>; five such sustained-release pheromone preparations were then installed between these protrusions. After exposing the hanging sustained-release pheromone preparations to a wind speed of <NUM>/sec for <NUM> sec, the number of the sustained-release pheromone preparations that had fallen was counted to obtain a fall rate. The results thereof are shown in Table <NUM> and <FIG>. These results indicate that a fall rate of not higher than <NUM> (one to two out of five fell; or none of them fell) was exhibited by the sustained-release pheromone preparations having a repelling force of not smaller than <NUM> N when measured by the above measurement method, and that these sustained-release pheromone preparations were thus superior in installation stability.

Claim 1:
A sustained-release pheromone preparation comprised of at least one pheromone substance-containing polymer tube with both ends sealed or pheromone substance-containing polymer rod, wherein
(a) a curvature radius established by bending in an arc and crossing the polymer tube or polymer rod is <NUM> to <NUM>;
(b) a linear distance from a top point of an arc formed by bending the polymer tube or polymer rod in an arc to a crossover point that is closest to the top point is <NUM> to <NUM>;
(c) a repelling force when opening the crossover point that is closest to the arc to establish a clearance of <NUM> in the front view is <NUM> N or larger, and characterized in that:
(d) at least two closed spaces and an opening portion are formed in a front view by bending in an arc and crossing the polymer tube or polymer rod, and the sustained-release pheromone preparation is not crossed in a side view.