FR3090274A1 - High activity palm control treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of treatment against attacks by parasitic insects of the palm characterized in that a synergistic composition is made to penetrate into the apical bud of a palm comprising (i) at least one citrus essential oil, and (ii) at least one surfactant, and (iii) at least one biocide, and (iv) at least one fungicide, which composition also has (v) a viscosity of between 80 and 100,000 mPa.s, and the use of such a composition as a means of controlling parasitic palm insects. The parasites die within 60 minutes of contact with the composition, the infestation is over. The composition, in the recommended concentrations, is neither toxic for palm, nor for humans, nor for the environment, nor for living beings other than those parasitizing the interior of the plant.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: High-activity palm pest control treatment

The present invention relates to the technical field of biological control against harmful insects. It relates more particularly to the use of a specific composition for combating palm parasitic insects such as Paysandisia archon and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, as well as against most other parasitic palm insects.

Prior art

The Paysandisia archon butterfly is a palm pest moth belonging to the family Castniidae, subfamily Castniinae. This palmivorous insect is native to Argentina and Uruguay. In Argentina, P. archon attacks local palm trees as well as exotic species. Until recently, this insect was little studied, because it did little damage on the South American continent. During the 1990s, Paysandisia archon was accidentally introduced into Spain and France by imports of adult palms from Argentina. Since its introduction, the butterfly has spread in Europe both by the flight of adults (natural dispersion) and by the transport of infested palm trees, ensuring the spread of the pest over long distances. Studies carried out in France suggest that this butterfly has a long development cycle. P. archon lays his eggs on palm leaves. The larvae (caterpillars) then dig galleries in the stipe (trunk) or in the new leaves, and then feed on the heart of the palm tree. In the apical bud, sheltered from the cold, they pass to the chrysalis stage thanks to a cocoon made inside the galleries with palm fibers. At the end of its development, the adult butterfly is released from the envelope at the end of the cocoon located opposite the exit from the gallery. The damage observed on the palm tree is characteristic of the passage of P. archon: presence of sawdust on the base of the crown and / or the stipe, perforated or nibbled palms, presence of axial and transverse galleries in the stipe, abnormal development of axillary buds , abnormal deformation or twisting (spin) of the stipe, abnormal drying of the palms, and in particular of the central leaves. The decline of the palm occurs in a variable period of time, which depends on the number of larvae. When these are numerous, death can occur quite quickly (1 to 2 years). In addition to the species originating in South America, the known hosts in Europe of P. archon are in particular the following species: Chamaerops humilis, Livistona chinensis, L. decipiens, L. saribus, Sabal spp., Phoenix canariensis, P. dactylifera, P. reclinata, Trachycarpus fortunei,

Washingtonia filifera and Washingtonia spp. The species Trachycarpus fortunei (or Chamaerops excelsa, Chinese palm) and Chamaerops humilis (saw palmetto) are particularly sensitive because they have a tender heart and the fibers of their stipe facilitate the laying of eggs.

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (generally called red palm weevil) is a beetle belonging to the super-family of Curculionoidae and to the family of Dryophthoridae. This parasite, native to Indonesia and the coasts of southern India, is responsible for serious damage to palm plantations. Measuring 3 to 4 centimeters long in adulthood, this insect swarms by flying short distances from palm to palm. It was with the help of man and the transit of infected palm trees that individuals were able to reach the Arab Emirates in the 1980s, and from there the species spread in the Middle - East and in the countries of the Mediterranean basin. In 1994, the first specimens were reported in Spain and in 2006 in Corsica and on the Côte d'Azur. Rhynchophorus ferrugineus affects the most common ornamental palm trees in the Mediterranean such as Phoenix canariensis and Chamaerops humilis, but also species of economic interest such as the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera '), the coconut palm (Cocos nue if era) or the palm tree oil (Elaeis guineensis). Attacks have been reported on other species such as Areca catechu, Arecastrum romanzofftanum, Arenga pinnata, Borassus flabellifer, Brahea armata, Butia capitata, Calamus merillii, Caryota maxima, Caryota cumingii, Chamaerops humilis, Corypha elata, Corypha gebanga, Howea forsteriana, Jubea chilensis, Eivistona australis, Eivistona decipiens, Metroxylon sagu, Oreodoxa regia, Phoenix theophrasti, Phoenix sylvestris, Sabal umbraculifera, Trachycarpus fortunei and Washingtonia spp. The aggressiveness of this species is such that species first identified as protected from infestation, for example Chamaerops humilis (known as saw palmetto and which produces a sticky secretion which prevents the rooting of parasites) have been attacked. The female lays eggs by the hundreds (between 100 and 300), which she deposits at the level of the central palms of the palm heads. The larvae feed on the living tissue at the base of the palms and dig galleries to finally reach the terminal bud causing the palm's death. Initially asymptomatic, the infestation can only become evident at a late stage. The first symptoms correspond to an unusual change in the crown of the tree, which takes on the flared appearance of an open umbrella. The infestation then progresses with the progressive loss of the leaves, until the final collapse of the plant. At this last stage, the parasite colonies leave the attacked plant and migrate to adjacent individuals.

Many other parasitic insects around the world affect palm trees but do not have the harmful effect of the two named above.

Because of these two parasites, a large number of palm groves, some of which are of great historical value, are currently threatened in Europe, and most cities in the Mediterranean basin must take uprooting measures.

Currently, the means of combating these two main species are of four types: mechanical, chemical, biological and repellent.

For mechanical means, three techniques are used. The first consists of the use of nets: the trees infested or likely to be infested are covered with a winter veil or an anti-hail net. Ultimately, they must be systematically uprooted, crushed and then burned. The second lies in the application of a glue on the terminal bud which will prevent the females from laying their eggs on the palm. Finally, olfactory traps can be used to lure adults away from the palm trees and capture them.

In terms of chemical means, multiple treatments are used, including the use of organophosphorus compounds that inhibit cholinesterase, such as chlorpyrifos (Suxon vert®, Nufarm), acephate, dimethoate (Dimézyl 40 EC®, Agriphyt), and phosalone (Zolone®, Eertiligène) or from the neonicotinoid family (Confidor vert®, Kiros®, Bayer Cropscience). However, they are not very effective in the recommended dosages. In addition, the cocoons and eggs of these insects are impermeable to insecticides. To overcome these difficulties, these insecticides must be used repeatedly, at a frequency chosen according to the extent of the infestation: for example, when the infestation is low, two single treatments may suffice, one in June and the other in August; when the infestation is significant, treatment should be monthly throughout the period of flight of the parasites. In addition, these chemicals prove to be extremely harmful to humans and the environment.

For biological means, they consist of the use of predators or parasites of the insect to target. As entomopathogenic agents, one can thus quote Beauvaria bassiana, Steinemema carpocapsae and Steinememafeltiae.

For repellents, it is the use of garlic manure, Neem oil and Lenugreek extract (Stifénia).

In Europe and in all the countries affected by these parasites, the current means of control against P. archon and R. ferrugineux have the major drawback of not producing satisfactory results. None of these means of control has made it possible to stem or eradicate the proliferation of these pests. The losses due to these parasites represent several hundred million euros per year worldwide. The situation is critical and palm trees are threatened with short-term extinction in many areas. There is therefore an urgent need to improve the fight against them.

Detailed description of the invention

Consequently, the inventors have given themselves the goal of providing for effective control needs against Paysandisia archon and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus which better meet the needs of the practice than those used until now.

The inventors have been able to demonstrate that the use on a palm tree infested with P. archon or by R. ferrugineus of a composition comprising at least one citrus essential oil, at least one surfactant, one or more biocides, and one or more fungicides, and having a viscosity between 80 and 100,000 mPa.s, preferably between 90 and 10,000 mPa.s, and particularly preferably between 100 and 1,000 mPa.s allowed '' to eradicate the infestation of Paysandisia archon and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

Consequently, a first object of the invention consists in a method of treatment against attacks by parasitic insects of the palm tree, characterized in that a composition comprising:

- at least one citrus essential oil

- at least one surfactant

- at least one biocide

- at least one fungicide and also having a viscosity of between 80 and 100,000 mPas.s.

The palm trees to which the method according to the invention is applicable can be an agricultural palm (for example oil palm, date palm, coconut palm) or even an ornamental palm. Said palm is for example selected from the group consisting of palm trees of the genera Areca, Arecastrum, Arenga, Borassus, Brahea, Butia, Calamus, Caryota, Chamaerops, Cocos, Elaeis, Howea, Jubea, Latania, Livistona, Metroxylon, Oreodoxa, Phoenix , Sabal, Trachycarpus, Trithrinax and Washingtonia.

Advantageously, the palm is chosen from the group comprising Areca catechu, Arecastrum romanzoffianum, Arenga pinnata, Borassus flabellifer, Brahea armata, Brahea decumbens, Brahea edulis, Butia capitata, Butia eriospatha, Butia odorata, Calamus merillit, Caryotaa maxima cumingii, Chamaerops humilis, Cocos nucifera, Corypha gebanga, Corypha elata, Elaeis guineensis, Howea forsteriana, Jubea chilensis, Eivistona australis, Livistona chinensis, Livistona decipiens, Livistona nitida, Metroxylon sagu, Phoenix darling, Phoenix canarians theophrastii, Phoenix sylvestris, Sabal umbraculifera, Sabal causiarium, Sabal minor, Sabal palmetto, Trachycarpus fortunei, Trachycarpus wagnerianus, Trithrinax acanthocoma, Washingtonia filifera, Washingtonia robusta and Washingtonia spp ..

Palm parasite insects in connection with which the method of the invention is used are chosen from the group comprising Acanthophorus arabicus, Alumus humeralis, Amitermes stephensoni, Apate monachus, Aspidiotus destructor, As pongopus viduatus, Bellicositermes spp., Castnia licoides, Castnia spp., Coptotermes spp., Cosmopolites sordidus, Dinapate wrightii, Elaphidion villosum, Ibostoma spp., Julodis spectabilis, Julodis caillaudi, Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa, Eapaeunides dedalus, Microcerotermisisusus, Microtermisis odus, Microtermisis najdus sudanensis, Oryctes agamemnon, Oryctes boas, Oryctes elegans, Oryctes monoceros, Oryctes nasicomis prolixus, Oryctes rhinoceros, Oryctes sahariensis, Paysandisia archon, Pistoria dactiliferain synchusus rhinopuschus rhinusus Rhynchusus, Rhostophorus rhinophorus, Rhostophorus rhinophorus, Rhostopus rhinophorinus, Rheumatus rhinophorus, Rheumatus rhinophorus, Rheumatus, Rheumatus, Rheumatus, Rheumatus, Rheumatus, Rheumatus, Rheumatus. , Sphenophorus parampunctatus, Strategus julianus, Strategus spp. and Xyleborus perforate.

Preferably, parasitic palm insects are chosen from the families Castniidae and Dryophthoridae.

More preferably, the parasitic palm insects in connection with which the process of the invention is used are chosen from the group consisting of Paysandisia archon, and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

Citrus is understood to mean the fruits of plants of the genera Citrus, Fortunella, Microcitrus, Eremocitrus and Poncirus (family of Rutaceae), among which are lemons, clementines, kumquats, bergamots, limes, limes , mandarins, oranges, grapefruits, pomelo, tangerines, combavas, yuzus and cedars.

Preferably, the citrus fruit from which the essential oil is derived is a lemon, which belongs to a species chosen from the group comprising Citrus amblycarpa, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus australasica, Citrus australis, Citrus benikoji, Citrus bergamia, Citrus celebica , Citrus Clementina, Citrus deliciosa, Citrus depressa, Citrus erythrosa, Citrus garrawayae, Citrus glauca, Citrus gracilis, Citrus halimii, Citrus hanaju, Citrus hassaku, Citrus hindsii, Citrus hongheensis, Citrus hystrix, Citrus ichangensis, Citrus indica, Citrus inica iyo, Citrus jambhiri, Citrus japonica, Citrus junos, Citrus kama, Citrus kinokuni, Citrus latifolia, Citrus latipes, Citrus leiocarpa, Citrus limetta, Citrus limettioides, Citrus limon, Citrus limonia, Citrus limonimedica, Citrus longispina, Citrus macrophylla, Citrus macropter Citrus macrosperma, Citrus mangshanensis, Citrus maxima, Citrus medico, Citrus megaloxycarpa, Citrus meyeri, Citrus micrantha, Citrus montana, Citrus myrtifolia, Ci trus natsudaidai, Citrus neoaurantium, Citrus nippokoreana, Citrus nobilis, Citrus obovoidea, Citrus paradisii, Citrus platymamma, Citrus pseudogulgul, Citrus pseudolimon, Citrus reshni, Citrus reticulata, Citrus sinensis, Citrus southwickii, Citrus sphaerocarpa Citrus , Citrus swinglei, Citrus tachibana, Citrus tamurana, Citrus tangerina, Citrus trifoliata, Citrus tumida, Citrus unshiu, Citrus volkameriana, Citrus warburgiana, Citrus webberiet, Citrus wintersil.

More preferably, the lemon essential oil is an essential oil of Citrus paradisii.

Such an essential oil can be obtained by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, such an essential oil obtained by cold extraction.

Advantageously, the composition according to the invention comprises a content of lemon essential oil of between 0.001 and 5.00%, preferably between 0.05 and 1.5%, and particularly preferably between O, let 1 %.

The composition further comprises at least one surfactant.

By surfactant is meant anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants.

Advantageously, these surfactants are chosen from the group of anionic surfactants (sulfonates, lipoamino acids, sulfates) such as Ammonium laureth sulfate, Ammonium lauryl sulfate, Caprylyl / Capryl glucoside, Cetylbetaine, Cocamidopropylbetaine, Coco-betaine, Coco-betaine, Coco -glucoside, Decyl glucoside, Disodiumcocoamphodiacetate, Disodiumlaurethsulfosuccinate, Disodiumlauryisulfosuccinate, Disodiumstearoyl glutamate, Glycol stearate, Lauramidopropylbetaine, PEG-100 stearate, Potassium setyl phosphate, Sodium cocoamurodium sulfate, Sodium cocoamodium phosphorate

More simply, the composition used in the method according to the invention may advantageously comprise liquid soap, which preferably contains one or more anionic surfactants.

The soap content thereof is between 0.001 and 99.998% preferably between 50 and 99.99% and particularly preferably between 80.00 and 99.90%.

Such a soap has a content of surfactants of between 1 and 20%, preferably between 5 and 15%.

By biocide is preferably meant a compound of the family of isothiazolinones; which compound is selected from the group comprising chloromethylisothiazolinone, methylisothiaolinone, benzisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone, and dichlorooctylisothiazolinone.

Preferably, the composition used in the process according to the invention will also comprise at least two biocides.

Advantageously, the composition used in the process according to the invention comprises a biocide content of between 0.0001 and 0.1%, preferably between 0.0005 and 0.05%, and particularly preferably between 0.001 and 0.01%.

The composition used in the process according to the invention may, in addition, comprise at least one, preferably at least two fungicides such as, for example, the extract of citrus seeds, in particular grapefruit seeds ( EPP), garlic essential oil or Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol).

Preferably, said at least one fungicidal agent is citrus seed extract and / or garlic essential oil.

Preferably, the citrus seed extract is grapefruit seed extract (EPP). Such an extract can be obtained by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. By way of example, such an extract can be obtained through successive macerations with the addition of organic acids (lactic, citric and ascorbic acids). Advantageously, the composition according to the invention comprises a content of extract of grapefruit seeds of between 0.001 and 5%, preferably between 0.05 and 1.5%, and particularly preferably between 0.1 and 1%.

The composition may include an essential oil of garlic. By garlic is meant a plant of the genus Allium. Advantageously, this plant is chosen from the group comprising Allium flavum, Allium moly, Allium neapolitanum, Allium oleraceum, Allium roseum, Allium sativum, Allium scorodoprasum, Allium sphaerocephalon, Allium tricoccum, Allium triquetrum, Allium tuncelianum, Allium ursinum, Allium victorialis Allium vineale. Preferably, garlic essential oil is an essential oil of Allium sativum. Again, such an essential oil can be obtained by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. By way of example, such an essential oil obtained by complete distillation by entrainment with steam. Still advantageously, the composition used in the process according to the invention comprises a garlic essential oil content of between 0.0001 and 0.5%, preferably between 0.005 and 0.15%, and particularly preferably between 0 , 01 and 0.1%.

Preferably, the composition used takes the form of a gel. This gel allows the product to more easily fill the galleries created by the larvae as well as to stay and act much longer inside the apical bud, the meristem and the galleries.

The composition used advantageously has a viscosity between 90 and 10,000 mPa.s and preferably between 100 and 1,000 mPa.s.

Optimization of the viscosity is obtained by incorporating a gelling agent.

By gelling agent is meant an agent which makes it possible to give the composition the consistency of a gel.

Such agents are well known to those skilled in the art and include in particular gum arabic (or acacia gum), xanthan gum, gelatin, pectin, alginates, carrageenans, or even agar -agar.

The combination of pectin and agar-agar has shown, in connection with the composition according to the invention, great ease of application for the user.

The gelling agent content of the composition according to the invention is dependent on the gelling agent used and can be simply adapted by a person skilled in the art. It is typically greater than 0.1%.

The composition used in the process according to the invention may also comprise other agents, such as antioxidants, texturing agents, minerals, natural oils, dyes, or even preservatives.

As examples of preservatives, mention may be made of potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate or ascorbyl palmitate (antioxidant).

The composition used in the process according to the invention may include a texturing agent such as glycerin.

The application of the composition on the palm will ideally be on the apical bud. Ideally, this will be done, by gravitation, by removing the palms which come out of the apical bud, then by pouring the product in the center of the new leaves. The product will flow along these leaves, penetrate directly into the heart of the apical bud to the meristem and re-stack all the galleries created by the larvae as well as the natural crevices. This application may be carried out from the ground (by pouring the product directly into the heart of the palm trees located at breast height or for example using a ramp and a pump for large subjects), or good from a high point, such as a gondola or a ladder.

Now, the application will be done gradually, preferably until saturation, the consistency of the composition advantageously allowing it to remain durably inside the apical bud thus limiting the impact on the flora and fauna peripheral, as well as water and soil pollution.

The composition acts according to four action principles:

By a mechanical action: the composition is poured directly into the heart of the palm up to the limit of overflow. It quickly colonizes the galleries dug by the larvae and comes into contact with them. Due to its very viscous consistency, it cannot be absorbed by the tissues of the palm tree and remains contained for a long time in the center of the apical bud of the plant (precisely where the larvae are found).

By an insecticidal action: in contact with the larvae, the insecticidal substances push them out of the palm tree. Some die before being able to leave and others die shortly after leaving.

By a fungicidal action: this composition (in synergy with essential oils) cleanses the galleries full of excrement of these larvae and also containing the decomposing bodies of the larvae killed by the treatment. These droppings often contribute to the development of various pathogenic fungi (eg Gliocladium known as pink rot) harmful to the apical bud and the meristem of palm trees.

Without treatment, these fungi sometimes lead to the death of palm trees. By a repulsive action: the addition of essential oils based on Citrus sp. also aims to reproduce the Terpenes that naturally produce certain palm trees (Trithrinax campestris, Butia yatay, ...) to repel or control the attacks of the Paysandisia archon in Argentina. The Limonenes produced by Citrus sp. closely resemble the Terpenes emitted by the Argentinian Trithrinax. Due to its composition and its mode of administration, the composition which is the subject of the patent has practically no negative impact on the environment.

The air can not be polluted because the product is not volatile and its application does not require spraying likely to propagate it in the air.

Its consistency allows it to remain durably inside the apical bud (little or no runoff along the stipe and contact with the earth) thus limiting the impact on the peripheral flora and fauna, as well as the water and land pollution.

All the components of this treatment present, in the proportions used, no risk of toxicity for humans. The applicator and the people around are therefore protected from any risk of toxicity during the handling and application of the product.

Such an application is suitable for both curative and preventive treatment without damaging the plant.

The curative term is used here to qualify the treatment of an already infested palm, in particular by Paysandisia archon or Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. This is for example the case when said palm contains eggs, larvae, and / or pupae of the parasites. This is also the case when the parasite is in the adult stage, for example when it is about to lay eggs on the palm leaves or when it leaves the cocoon before escaping from the palm.

Said curative treatment can be implemented whatever the stage of development of the insect (egg, larva, pupa, adult).

The preventive term is used here to designate the treatment of a palm not yet infested with a parasitic insect of the palm such as P. archon or R. ferrugineus. It also refers to the treatment of a palm that has already been infested at least once but that no longer contains eggs, larvae, pupae or adults of the parasitic insect.

The application may possibly be carried out inside the stipe of said palm. For example, such an application could be carried out by injecting the composition under pressure into the stipe (trunk) using a suitable injector. The composition may also be directly injected into the galleries dug by the larvae of insects infecting the palm tree such as P. archon and R. ferrugineus.

The application of the composition on the palm can optionally be done on one, several or all aerial part (s) of said palm (for example, the stipe and / or the palms of a palm).

This application can finally possibly be done on the root system of the plant.

On a practical level, the doses applied per palm are generally between 10 and 10000mL, preferably between 50 and 7000mL, and particularly preferably between 100 and 5000mL. The quantity of product poured depends on the species of palm, its height, its diameter and / or the extent of the infestation.

This application can be done all at once or recurrently with, for example, one application per month during the entire pest flight period.

Another object of the invention relates to the use of a composition as described above as a means of combating parasitic insects of the palm tree.

Said use then corresponds to the curative or preventive treatment of a palm against parasitic insects of the palm.

The invention may be used to treat other plants such as Cycadales (Cycas, Zamias, ...), Agavaceae (Agaves, ...), Musaceae (Banana trees), also affected by these same parasites .

A final object of the invention relates to a composition as described above.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention and should in no way be considered as a limit to the scope of the invention.

Preparation of a composition

The composition is prepared by mixing the ingredients described in the table below.

[0069]

[Tables 1]

INGREDIENTS PROPORTION FOR 1000 mt Liquid soap comprising from S to 15% of anionic surfactants 800 to 999 mL Chloromethiisothiazolinone 0.00075 to 0.0075% Methiisothiazolinone 0.00025 to 0.0025% Bronapol 0.00.1 to 0.1% Lemon essential oil 1 to 10 ml Garlic essential oil 0.1 to 1 mL Grapefruit seed extract (PPE) 1 to 10 mL Gelling agent 1 to 10 g Water Qsp 1000 mL

Table inserted as an image:

The exact proportions being defined so that the composition does not cause any damage to the plant, its environment (soil, air and water), humans and animals (other than plant parasites processed).

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the process according to the invention

The effectiveness of the process according to the invention was tested in two series of experiments on palm trees infested with Paysandisia archon (PA) and / or with Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (CRP - Red Palm Weevil).

a) 2013 tests

From September to October 2013, 12 Chamaerops humilis palms which were infested with 1 to 5 larvae of Paysandisia archon (PA) (20/60 cm stipe) and 4 Trachycarpus fortunei palms which were infested with 1 to 5 larvae of P. archon ( PA) (120 cm stipe) were treated with the method according to the invention.

After the application of the composition mentioned above at the apical bud of these palm trees, and this until saturation, it was possible to observe, within 5 to 60 minutes after application, an exit of the larvae from the heart of the palm trees, which larvae died quickly after emergence. Some died before they even had time to go out. All the larvae contained in the palm trees treated during these tests were killed. No new infestation having appeared in the 6 months following the first treatment, no additional application was necessary.

b) 2014 tests

As for the first test phase, palms infested with P. archon (PA) and R. ferrugineus (CRP) (1 to 124 larvae per subject) were treated with the same corn12 position.

[Tables!]

SPECIES PARASITES Number of palm trees Stipe height (cm) Palm tree height (cm) Brahea àrmata PA 12 40/120 * Brahea decubens PA 5 60 Brahea edulis PA 7 - 30/200 Butta capitata PA 1 40/60 - Butta eriospotha PA 1 30 - Butta sriaspatha PA 14 - 80 Butte adarata ................................................ ................................... PA 1 30/40 - Chàmaemps humiiis van cerifera PA 4 40/50 Chamaerops humiiis PA 20 20/220 * Cocos nuciferçt CRP 8 20/30 - LMstona australis PA 1 80 * · LMstona chtnensis PA 4 40 - LMstona nittâa PA 4 20 - Phoenix amaffensis PA + CPP 10 20/40 Phoenix canariensis PA + CRP 15 40/300 Phoenix touch PA + CRP 4 120 Phoemx dactiiïfera PA + CR P .12 80 - Phoenix theophrosii PA + CPP 10 20/50 - Sabal causianjm PA 1 40/50 - His bay minor PA 4 - 60/80 Sabal palmetto PA B 40/60 - Trachycharpns fortune! PA o 140 - Trachycharpus wagrierianus PA 2 120 Trithrinax acanthocoma PA B 20/70 - Washingtonia fill will do PA 11 60/120 - Washirigtonia robusta PA 7 80/200 -

Table inserted as an image:

As before, we could observe within 5 to 60 minutes, following the application until saturation at the apical bud of the composition mentioned above, an exit of the larvae from the heart of the palm trees, which larvae are, there again, died quickly after their release. Some died before they even had time to go out. All the larvae contained in the palm trees treated during these tests were killed. No new infestation having appeared in the 6 months following the first treatment, no additional application was necessary.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] A treatment method against attacks by parasitic palm insects, characterized in that a composition is applied to a palm comprising: - at least one citrus essential oil, and - at least one surfactant, and - at least one biocidal agent, and - At least one fungicidal agent, which composition also has a viscosity between 80 and 100,000 mPa.s .. [Claim 2] The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parasitic palm insects are selected from the group comprising Paysandisia archon and Ferruginous Rhynchophorus. [Claim 3] The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the citrus essential oil is a lemon essential oil. [Claim 4] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the application of the composition is carried out on the apical bud of the palm tree, which application is preferably carried out until saturation, the consistency of the composition allowing it advantageously to remain durably inside the apical bud thus limiting the impact on the peripheral fauna and flora, as well as water and soil pollution. [Claim 5] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the composition used takes the form of a gel, which has a viscosity of between 90 and 10,000 mPa.s and preferably between 100 and 1,000 mPa .s. [Claim 6] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one biocide is a compound of the family of isothiazolinones. [Claim 7] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said at least one fungicidal agent is garlic essential oil and / or citrus seed extract. [Claim 8] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said composition additionally includes at least one gelling agent chosen from the group comprising gum arabic, xanthan gum, gelatin, pectin, alginates, carrageenans or [Claim 9] still Γagar-agar. Use of a composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, as a means of controlling parasitic palm insects. FRENCH REPUBLIC