| abstract |
A novel composition is described which comprises a mixture of at least one aliphatic aldehyde in the range of two to seven carbon atoms (C 2 -C 7 ), at least one sulfide, disulfide or mercaptan, ranging from one to fourteen carbon atoms (C 1 -C 14 ), at least one diketofuran in the range from five to seven carbon atoms (C 5 -C 7 ), at least one carboxylic acid, ranging from one to fourteen carbon atoms (C 1 -C 14 ) in an appropriate carrier, which when applied to a tree in a form of a closed band, prevents Gypsy Moth larvae and other hardwood defoliators to ascend the tree and thus interrupts the feeding cycle of these defoliators. The method of the composition and a preferred device for the application to trees are described. |