PEELABLE ADHESIVE PROTECTIVE FILM TO PROTECT PALM TREES FROM THE ATTACK OF RED PALM WEEVIL PESTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/648,954 filed March 28, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a multilayered film that may or may not include insecticide, and methods for protecting trees from insects, specifically protecting palm trees from red palm weevils.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] The“background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

[0004] The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus , infests palm trees worldwide, from Asia to Africa, Europe, Australia, and North and South America. Adult weevils are large reddish-brown beetles approximately three centimeters long, with a characteristic long curved rostrum. Adult weevils have wings, and can fly long distances. Female weevils lay about 200 eggs at the base of young leaves or in wounds to the leaves and trunk of trees.

[0005] Larvae of the red palm weevil feed on the soft fibers and terminal bud tissues of the tree, reaching a size of more than five centimeters. Before pupation, the larvae burrow into the trunks of palm trees, excavating holes up to a meter long. The larvae can be found anywhere within the palm, even in the very base of the trunk where the roots emerge. This burrowing weakens and eventually kills the tree. Although adult weevils can damage trees by feeding on them, larvae can cause greater damage by burrowing.

[0006] External symptoms of infestation include a progressive yellowing of the leaf area, destruction of the rising leaf and necrosis in the flowers. Leaves begin to dry in ascending order in the crown; the apical leaf bends and eventually drops. However, these external symptoms are not enough for a clear identification. Internally, the excavated holes and damage to leaf- stems produced by the larvae are easily detected in seriously infested trees. Pupae and old larvae are frequently found on the crown of infested plants. Affected plant tissue turns foul, producing strong characteristic odors. These symptoms are usually only visible long after the palm has become infested, however, and by the onset of visual symptoms the damage is usually sufficient to kill the tree.

[0007] Control of the red palm weevil is problematic for several reasons. Adults are mobile and easily bypass or evade containment barriers thereby expanding infestation outbreaks. Conventional pesticide and insecticidal products, normally efficient against other infesting species, are inefficient against red palm weevil and fail to kill the parasite shortly after contact and/or fail to terminate infestation without compromising the viability and quality of the palm. Treatments are made even more difficult in that infestation often becomes evident only when the infestation is advanced and is characterized by a high number of differently distributed parasites in different life stages, e.g., egg, larva, pupa, emergent adult and/or adult. Some conventional insecticides are toxic to the palms and any resulting partial control of infestation is associated with a decay of viability and ornamental appearance of the palm.

[0008] Known methods of controlling the red palm weevil rely on systemic insecticides, for example applying an insecticide through a hole in the trunk above an infested area, or spraying an insecticide on the ground surrounding a palm. Such systemic insecticides enter the vascular system of the tree, including the phloem and xylem, and are transported throughout the plant or palm tree. Drawbacks to using systemic insecticides include the relatively large amount of insecticide required for effectiveness, and the loss of insecticide to the environment or seepage into ground water.

[0009] Conventional treatment methods for applying insecticides to palm trees include utilizing the vascular system of the plant to systemically deliver an insecticide. The palm tree trunk, which serves as a conduit for transporting nutrients from the roots of the palm tree to its crown, contains numerous hard fibrous-sheathed vascular bundles, which are embedded in a matrix of water- and carbohydrate-storing parenchyma cells. The vascular bundles are dispersed throughout the diameter of the palm tree trunk which is covered and separated from the environment by a hard sheath epidermis.

[0010] The vascular bundles each contain a phloem and xylem portion serving to transport nutrients and moisture throughout the palm tree trunk. Within each vascular bundle the phloem functions to transport carbohydrates and the xylem functions to transport water and minerals. A cross section of a palm tree trunk shows several distinct regions including a central cylinder in which the vascular bundles are dispersed and a cortex representing the periphery of the palm tree trunk. The epidermis representing the outermost portion of the cortex includes sclerified cells which are, in some respects, similar to the bark of a coniferous and/or deciduous tree or plant. The parenchyma cells of the central cylinder provide storage for both moisture and carbohydrates such as starch. The underground portion of a palm tree is represented by a root system containing numerous non-woody roots initiating at a root zone and concentrated in a relatively small root ball. The roots of a palm tree serve to transport moisture and nutrients from the ground into the vascular system and into the crown and fruits of a mature palm tree.

[0011] The crown of the palm tree has a single meristem from which numerous leaf blades may emerge through a petiole. During a year’s growth cycle of a palm tree, periods of leaf growth, maturity and fall are observed. Fruit appearing at inflorescences in the crown ripen to provide a sweet and nutritious fruit known as a date.

[0012] Palm trees do not have a peripheral vascular cambium, but instead the vascular system is dispersed throughout the palm tree trunk. Palm tree trunks typically do not thicken substantially on growth but instead grow vertically. In contrast, deciduous and coniferous trees are characterized by a peripheral vascular cambium underneath a bark layer. This layer is able to withstand damage and regenerate or repair trauma suffered by the tree. Palm trees on the other hand do not have this repair mechanism.

[0013] The absence of a peripheral vascular cambium places palm trees in danger of mortality when their internal tissues are damaged. For example, the burrowing red palm weevil larvae may intersect and sever vascular bundles inside the palm tree’ s trunk and thereby disrupt the vascular system and impede the transport of nutrients within the palm tree. Palm trees are especially susceptible to pests that have entered the interior portion of the palm tree trunk.

[0014] Conventional treatment methods for palm trees infected with pests such as the red palm weevil include administering an insecticide either directly to the tree or in the ground surrounding the tree. The pesticide is applied as a composition that includes a carrier and, optionally, a penetrant. In ground applications, the insecticide is absorbed by the root bundle of the palm tree, then dispersed, and transported through the vascular system of the palm tree. Application of insecticide compositions to the trunk or leaf portions of a palm tree are also intended to result in transport of the insecticide from the exterior portion of the leaf and/or trunk portions of the palm tree into the palm tree’s vascular system. [0015] Conventional methods of applying insecticides to palm trees have significant disadvantages. Conventional spraying or ground application requires transport of the insecticide throughout the palm tree’s vascular system. As a pest ingests or chews on a portion of the palm tree the insecticide is absorbed by the pest. The insecticide is present throughout the vascular system of the palm tree including the trunk, palm tree leaves, palm tree roots and/or fruit. Systemic application of the insecticide requires a relatively large amount of insecticide to treat an individual tree. Only a small portion of the systemically applied insecticide is delivered directly to a targeted portion of the palm tree or a targeted pest. Moreover, dispersal of the insecticide throughout the entire internal portion of the tree’s vascular system requires that a relatively high insecticide dosage be administered in order to deliver a lethal dose to an insect or pest penetrating, ingesting or otherwise damaging any portion of the palm tree.

[0016] The conventional application of an insecticide to the root portion of a palm tree requires an even greater quantity of insecticide than conventional application to the trunk or crown. Not all of the insecticide applied to the ground beneath a palm tree is absorbed and transported within the palm tree’s vascular system and thus ground application is especially inefficient. Of course, ground application of insecticide has other disadvantages such as risk of contamination of ground water supplies.

[0017] Conventional means of applying insecticide to palm trees are therefore substantially disadvantaged with respect to the quantity of insecticide that must be applied in order to effectively protect, treat or prevent infestation. Systemic application and transport of insecticide through the palm tree vascular system results in relatively short term protection or treatment. Insecticide may be subject to decomposition and degradation by biological processes occurring within the palm tree’s vascular system and/or the insecticide may be lost over time as the palm tree sheds leaves, pollen, sap or fruit. Further, systemic application of insecticide risks inclusion of insecticide into the fruit portion of a palm tree thus placing at risk the use of the palm tree as a food source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [0019] In one aspect, a method is disclosed for treating or preventing infestation of a palm plant by a pest, the method can include applying a removable multilayered film to a surface of the palm plant, the multilayered film can include a first backing layer, a polymeric layer that can include one or more polymers and optionally a pesticide, and an adhesive layer, where at least a portion of the polymeric layer is positioned between the first backing layer and the adhesive layer, and where at least a portion of the adhesive layer is in direct contact with the surface of the palm plant.

[0020] In another aspect, the pest is a red palm weevil and the palm plant is a palm tree.

[0021] In another aspect, the palm tree is Phoenix dactylifera or Phoenix canariensis.

[0022] In another aspect, the first backing layer is removably attached to the polymeric layer, and wherein the first backing layer is removed from the polymeric layer after application of the multilayered film to the surface of the palm plant.

[0023] In another aspect, the first backing layer is a paper layer or a second polymeric layer.

[0024] In another aspect, at least one of the one or more polymers is biodegradable.

[0025] In another aspect, the one or more polymers comprises polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl vinyl alcohol, ethyl vinyl acetate, polylactic acid, polyvinyl acetate, polycaprolactone, or a blend thereof.

[0026] In another aspect, the one or more polymers forms a thermoplastic matrix, preferably a polyethylene, a polypropylene, or a polycarbonate polymeric matrix, or a blend thereof.

[0027] In another aspect, the polymeric layer does not include a pesticide.

[0028] In another aspect, the polymeric layer includes a pesticide in an amount effective for treating or preventing infestation of the palm plant by the pest, preferably without the pesticide entering a vascular system of the palm plant.

[0029] In another aspect, the pesticide can include tefluthrin, chlorpyrifos, linseed oil, neem oil, or eucalyptus oil, or any combination thereof.

[0030] In another aspect, the adhesive layer can include polyvinyl acetate, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylic, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polysaccharide, natural latex, or synthetic latex, or any combination thereof.

[0031] In another aspect, the multilayered film further can include a second backing layer that is attached to the adhesive layer such that at least a portion of the adhesive layer is positioned between the second backing layer and the polymeric layer, and where the second backing layer is removed from the film prior to application of the film to the surface of the palm plant.

[0032] In another aspect, the surface of the palm plant is at least a portion of the trunk of the palm plant.

[0033] In another aspect, a multilayered film for treating or protecting a palm plant from a pest, the multilayered film can include: a first backing layer; a polymeric layer that can include one or more polymers and optionally a pesticide; and an adhesive layer, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric layer is positioned between the first backing layer and the adhesive layer, and wherein at least a portion of the adhesive layer is capable of being removably attached to a surface of the palm plant.

[0034] In another aspect, the film is configured into a roll such that at least a portion of it can be un-rolled and applied to the palm plant.

[0035] In another aspect, the multilayered film has a total thickness of 300-1000 pm, and further wherein the first backing layer is 100-500 pm, the polymer layer is 100-200 pm, the adhesive layer is 50-100 pm and the second backing layer is 50-100 pm.

[0036] In another aspect, the first backing layer is removably attached to the polymeric layer.

[0037] In another aspect, a second backing layer that is removably attached to the adhesive layer, wherein at least a portion of the adhesive layer is positioned between the polymeric layer and the second backing layer.

[0038] In another aspect, the film is removably attached to the surface of the palm plant, preferably a Phoenix dactylifera plant or a Phoenix canariensis plant.

[0039] In the context of the present invention 20 embodiments are described. Embodiment 1 is a method of treating or preventing infestation of a palm plant by a pest, the method can include : applying a removable multilayered film to a surface of the palm plant, the multilayered film comprising: a first backing layer; a polymeric layer comprising one or more polymers and optionally a pesticide; and an adhesive layer, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric layer is positioned between the first backing layer and the adhesive layer, and wherein at least a portion of the adhesive layer is in direct contact with the surface of the palm plant. Embodiment 2 is the method of embodiment 1, wherein the pest is a red palm weevil and the palm plant is a palm tree. Embodiment 3 is the method of embodiment 2, wherein the palm tree is Phoenix dactylifera or Phoenix canariensis. Embodiment 4 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first backing layer is removably attached to the polymeric layer, and wherein the first backing layer is removed from the polymeric layer after application of the multilayered film to the surface of the palm plant. Embodiment 5 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first backing layer is a paper layer or a second polymeric layer. Embodiment 6 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the one or more polymers is biodegradable. Embodiment 7 is the method of embodiment 6, wherein one or more polymers comprises polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl vinyl alcohol, ethyl vinyl acetate, polylactic acid, polyvinyl acetate, polycaprolactone, or a blend thereof. Embodiment 8 is the method of embodiment 6, wherein the one or more polymers is formed into a thermoplastic matrix, preferably a polyethylene, a polypropylene, or a polycarbonate polymeric matrix, or a blend thereof. Embodiment 9 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the polymeric layer does not include a pesticide. Embodiment 10 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the polymeric layer includes a pesticide in an amount effective for treating or preventing infestation of the palm plant by the pest, preferably without the pesticide entering a vascular system of the palm plant. Embodiment 11 is the method of embodiment 10, wherein the pesticide comprises tefluthrin, chlorpyrifos, linseed oil, neem oil, or eucalyptus oil, or any combination thereof. Embodiment 12 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the adhesive layer comprises polyvinyl acetate, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylic, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polysaccharide, natural latex, or synthetic latex, or any combination thereof. Embodiment 13 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the multilayered film further comprises a second backing layer that is attached to the adhesive layer such that at least a portion of the adhesive layer is positioned between the second backing layer and the polymeric layer, and wherein the second backing layer is removed from the film prior to application of the film to the surface of the palm plant. Embodiment 14 is the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the surface of the palm plant is at least a portion of the trunk of the palm plant. [0040] Embodiment 15 is a multilayered film for treating or protecting a palm plant from a pest, the multilayered film comprising: a first backing layer; a polymeric layer comprising one or more polymers and optionally a pesticide; and an adhesive layer, wherein at least a portion of the polymeric layer is positioned between the first backing layer and the adhesive layer, and wherein at least a portion of the adhesive layer is capable of being removably attached to a surface of the palm plant. Embodiment 16 is the multilayered film of embodiment 15, wherein the film is configured into a roll such that at least a portion of it can be un-rolled and applied to the palm plant. Embodiment 17 is the multilayered film of any one of embodiments 15 to 16, wherein the film has a total thickness of 300-1000 pm, and further wherein the first backing layer is 100-500 pm, the polymer layer is 100-200 pm, the adhesive layer is 50-100 pm and the second backing layer is 50-100 pm. Embodiment 18 is the multilayered film of any one of embodiments 15 to 17, wherein the first backing layer is removably attached to the polymeric layer. Embodiment 19 is the multilayered film of any one of embodiments 15 to 18, further comprising a second backing layer that is removably attached to the adhesive layer, wherein at least a portion of the adhesive layer is positioned between the polymeric layer and the second backing layer. Embodiment 20 is the multilayered film of any one of embodiments 15 to 18, wherein the film is removably attached to the surface of the palm plant, preferably a Phoenix dactylifera plant or a Phoenix canariensis plant

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a multilayer film.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a portion of a palm tree wrapped with a film.

PET ATT, ED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Aspects of the present disclosure include a multilayered film that may or may not include insecticide, and a method for protecting a tree from pests by applying the film to the tree.

[0045] The present inventive multilayer film can include at least three layers: a first backing layer; a polymeric layer; and, an adhesive layer. The multilayer film may also contain a second backing layer covering the adhesive layer. The multilayer film is adhered onto the parts of the palm trees to actively and passively protect them from the attack of the red palm weevil and similar pests. As this film can be directly adhered onto the parts of the palm trees, the challenges associated with the coating of a formulation with multiple ingredients such as the dispersing the pesticide masterbatch in the coating formulation and maintaining the stability of such synthetic pesticide master-batch dispersed coating formulations over a long time, the careful application of synthetic pesticide containing coating formulation onto the parts of the trees without spilling onto the ground soil and onto the edible parts of the trees such as fruits, are alleviated. The efficacy of the present inventive multilayer film can be altered by either increasing the thickness of the film, adding additional layers or incorporating different loading of pesticide in the film. The durability of the present inventive multilayer film under the external field conditions can be enhanced with the incorporation into the polymeric layer of hardening additives, anti-oxidants, hydrolysis resistant additives and other stabilizing additives, all contained in the polymeric layer or in one or more additional layers. The multilayer film can be manufactured as a continuous roll, or as a collection of sheets.

[0046] The multilayer film can be applied to the palm trees or any type of trees, shrubs etc., in the following manner. First remove the optional second backing layer, if so equipped. Then apply the adhesive layer of the multilayer film directly onto the tree. Then, if required, apply some force to the surface of the multilayer film, similar to how typical adhesive tapes are applied. Finally, separate the first backing layer from the now-applied multilayer film that is adhered to the tree. Thereby, the tree is protected from red palm weevils or any other pests.

[0047] The multilayer film having pesticides can be either natural pesticide (e.g., linseed oil, neem oil, eucalyptus oil, etc.,) or chemical pesticide (e.g., chlorpyrifos, tefluthrine, etc.) and the polymers can be either biodegradable polymers (e.g., PVAc, polycaprolactone, etc.,) or thermoplastic polymers (e.g.,. polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), etc.). The major advantages of the present invention are easy to handle, no spillage and wastage (i.e., safe to soil and environment), can use the required amount and the remaining roll can be preserved for another application later. The multilayer film can also be used to other type of trees or shrubs.

[0048] The application of a long-lived multilayered film to exterior portions of a palm tree provides several significant advantages in comparison to conventional treatment compositions and methods. Applying the film itself on exterior surfaces of the palm tree provides a first barrier of defense against infestation of the palm tree and/or defense against penetration by a burrowing pest. When a pest such as a red palm weevil lays an egg on the film the resultant hatchling larva must first burrow through the film and epidermis of the palm tree before entering the cortex and central cylinder of the palm tree trunk or the vascular system of the leaves or roots.

[0049] The multilayered film may also contain insecticide in one or more layers in addition to the polymeric layer. As the red palm weevil larvae burrow through a multilayered film an effective or lethal dose of insecticide is absorbed by the pest. Early ingestion of the insecticide by the pest kills quickly and minimizes and/or eliminates damage caused by further burrowing or destruction of the palm tree cortex, vascular system or structural integrity of the palm tree trunk. A multilayered film is also effective for controlling infestations during which insects emerge from a palm tree prior to reproduction. While burrowing out of or emerging from a palm tree the mature larvae ingest a lethal dosage of the insecticide which results in death of the emerging insect and disruption of the insect’s reproduction cycle. In this way heavy pest infestations can be disrupted before significant tree damage occurs.

[0050] A red palm larva weevil that begins burrowing into a palm tree will ingest a lethal dose of the insecticide as the larva burrows through the multilayered film that is present on the exterior of the palm tree. While the red palm weevil may have ingested a lethal dose of the insecticide when burrowing into the plant, the larva is not killed until after having at least partially entered the central cylinder or cortex of the palm tree trunk. Any insecticide that is transported into the interior of the palm tree by a pest, for the purposes of the present disclosure, is not considered to have migrated or have been transported from the multilayered film into the palm tree, i.e., the multilayered film does not allow transport the insecticide into the plant’s vascular system.

[0051] The use of a multilayered film eliminates the need for systemic insecticide dispersal throughout the palm tree’s vascular system, or application of a spray that will end up in many places besides on the tree. Thus, the film provides a means for effectively protecting the palm tree against red palm weevil attack and infestation using a significantly lower amount of pesticide than would otherwise be used for conventional treatment. Application of insecticide to the root system of the palm tree may be completely eliminated using only a multilayered film. Likewise, use of the multilayered film on the external portions of a palm tree may entirely eliminate the need for injecting any insecticide into the vascular portion of the palm tree plant. This strategy for applying multilayered film may entirely eliminate the presence of insecticide anywhere within the vascular system or interior cells of the palm tree plant. [0052] The multilayered film may be applied to various external portion of the palm tree including the palm tree trunk and/or the root initiation zone. Preferably the multilayered film is applied to all exterior exposed epidural surfaces of the palm tree including the root initiation zone (above ground portion) and the palm tree trunk. Preferably the majority of the external surfaces of the palm tree are covered with the multilayered film including a major portion of the palm tree trunk and a major portion of the root initiation zone.

[0053] It is not necessary that the multilayered film cover 100% of the area of each surface of the palm tree. It is also not necessary that the multilayered film provide continuous and uninterrupted coverage of the entire palm tree plant.

[0054] It is advantageous to cover at least 50% of the entire surface of any of the palm tree trunk with the multilayered film, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80% and most preferably at least 90%.

[0055] Preferably, the palm tree includes an area that is 100% covered with the insecticide- containing multilayer film. Such areas may represent at least 100 square centimeters, at least 1 square meter, at least 5 square meters and/or at least 10 square meters. Although the multilayered film is not uniformly dispersed over the entire surface of the palm tree, it is continuous and provides sufficient coverage to effectively prevent infestation and/or propagation of an infestation in a palm tree.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the multilayer film comprises a first backing layer, a polymeric layer, and an adhesive layer. The first backing layer serves the purpose of providing handling protection, abrasion resistance, ultraviolet radiation protection, leakage prevention, and some passive protection against the weevils, prior to application of the film onto a tree. The top / first backing layer, is removed once the film has been applied to a tree. The first backing layer can be made anything readily removable, such as paper or certain plastics, as are well known in the art.

[0057] Underneath the first backing layer is a polymeric layer. The polymeric layer is the primary carrier of the insecticide. Underneath the polymeric layer is an adhesive layer. This layer is the surface of the multilayer film that is applied directly to the epidermis of the palm tree, causing it to be retained there. The adhesive layer also helps to prevent the insecticide from penetrating the tree. And, finally, and optionally, underneath the adhesive layer can be a second backing layer. The second backing layer is a peelable layer that is removed just prior to application of the multilayer film to the tree. Use of a peelable layer will make the multilayer film easier to handle and work with. Additionally, other layers may be added to provide either additional insecticide or to provide other features to the film, like UV resistance.

[0058] For the insecticide contained in the polymeric layer, it is preferable that the insecticide is dispersed homogeneously in such a layer. The insecticide is not present in the form of capsules, microcapsules or other physical containers that function to prohibit direct contact between the insecticide molecules and the polymeric layer.

[0059] The adhesive layer may, however, contain one or more naturally-occurring insect repellants such as camphor oil, any of the insect repellant components present therein and/or a pyrethrin.

[0060] Although it is preferable that the adhesive layer is free of a synthetic pesticide, in other embodiments the adhesive layer may contain an amount of pesticide that is less than the amount of pesticide in any other layer subsequently applied to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may also contain one or more additional adhesives to make a longer lasting bond or weather durable bond between the adhesive layer and the bark or the exterior of the palm tree that would otherwise be utilizing the insecticide-containing adhesive composition. For example, a matrix containing certain polymer species may be preferable in order to obtain advantageous immobilization of a pesticide within a layer. Such pesticide immobilization may, however, result in decreased adhesion to the exterior portion of a palm tree.

[0061] In another aspect the immobilization, weather fastness and preservation (lack of degradation/efficacy) properties of the insecticide are improved by including one or more additions layers having no pesticide or an amount of insecticide that is less than the amount of insecticide in one or more interior layers. The thickness and coverage amounts of any of the aforementioned layers may be the same as the layer thicknesses disclosed herein for other layers.

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention the outermost layer of insecticide-containing composition present on a palm tree surface has the greatest amount of insecticide in comparison to any other layer or any other portion of a layer that is closer to the epidermis of the palm tree surface. A high concentration of insecticide on an outermost surface ensures that insecticide most quickly enters a pest upon ingestion by activity such as burrowing through the multilayered film.

[0063] The multilayered film is present on the surface of the palm tree in a thickness that is sufficient for ingestion of a lethal dose of insecticide by a pest attempting to enter or bore into the palm tree. The thickness of the multilayered film may vary depending on the concentration of insecticide present therein. In embodiments the multilayered film has a total thickness of 300-1000 pm, and further wherein the first backing layer is 100-500 pm, the polymeric layer is 100-200 pm, the adhesive layer is 50-100 pm and the second backing layer is 50-100 pm. The thickness of the multilayered film is an average determined by cross sectional analysis or the use of a thickness gauge such as an Erichsen 455 paint inspection gauge.

[0064] The multilayered film includes an insecticidally-effective amount of one or more of the insecticides. The term“insecticidally-effective amount” describes a concentration of insecticide in the multilayered film sufficient to deliver a lethal and/or repellent dose of insecticide to a pest as it ingests or absorbs a portion of the multilayered film while feeding on a palm tree covered with the multilayered film or attempting to burrow into the palm tree through the multilayered film. An insecticidally-effective amount is an amount sufficient to kill the pest in one or more of its life cycle forms including pupa, egg, larva, emergent and adult. A repellent-effective amount is an amount that is sufficient for deterring a pest from penetrating the epidermis or cortex of a palm tree and/or an amount sufficient to deter a pest from depositing an egg thereon.

[0065] The amount of insecticide that is present in the multilayered film may vary depending on the effectiveness (lethality) of the pesticide. A pesticide such as tefluthrin is preferably present in an amount of from 0.01 to 1% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 0.9% by weight, 0.1 to 0.8% by weight, 0.2 to 0.7% by weight, 0.3 to 0.6% by weight or 0.4 to 0.5% by weight where % by weight is based on the total weight of the multilayer film and the total weight of the insecticide. The total weight of the multilayered film may be determined based on the total weight of the composition applied to the palm tree to form the multilayered film not including a solvent portion such as water and/or an organic solvent.

[0066] An insecticide such as chlorpyrifos is preferably present in an amount of from 0.1- 5% by weight, more preferably 0.2-4.5% by weight, 0.3-4% by weight, 0.4-3.5% by weight, 0.5-3% by weight, 0.6-2.5% by weight, 0.7-2.0% by weight, 0.8-1.5% by weight, 0.9-1.0% by weight.

[0067] The amount of insecticide present in the polymeric layer present on a palm tree surface may also be expressed in terms of multiples of the LD50 of the insecticide. For example, the insecticide may be present in one or more layers of the multilayered films in an amount of 0.1-50 x the LD50, preferably 0.5-40 x the LD50, preferably 1-40 x the LD50, preferably 2-30 x the LD50, preferably 3-25 x the LD50, preferably 4-20 x the LD50, preferably 5-15 x the LD50, preferably 6-12 x the LD50, preferably 7-10 x the LD50, preferably 8-9 x the LD50.

[0068] The amount of pesticide present in the multilayered film may also be expressed as a matter of weight per area. The amount of insecticide may be, for example, 1-200 pg/cm ² , 5- 150 pg/cm ² , 2-125 pg/cm ² , 3-120 pg/cm ² , 4-110 pg/cm ² , 5-100 pg/cm ² , 6-90 pg/cm ² , 7-80 pg/cm ² , 8-70 pg/cm ² , 9-60 pg/cm ² , 10-50 pg/cm ² , 15-45 pg/cm ² , 20-30 pg/cm ² , or any range or value there between.

[0069] Secondary insecticides may be present in equal amounts or amounts present as a fraction or multiple of the amount of one or more other insecticides such as 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 5 times, or 0.1 to 5 times the amount of a primary insecticide such as tefluthrin or chlorpyrifos.

[0070] Diffusion of insecticide from any one of the layers present on a palm tree surface is desirably minimized in order to reduce loss of insecticide, improve the time of effective protection by the multilayered film and to reduce contamination of the environment with insecticide from a multilayered film.

[0071] Advantageously the multilayered film present on the palm tree has an effective lifetime of preferably more than six months, eight months, ten months and most preferably more than one year. An effective lifetime for a multilayered film corresponds with the ability for the layers to repel and/or kill a red palm weevil attack with no more than a 5% infestation or 0 to 5% infestation rate six months, eight months, ten months or one year after exposure to red palm weevils. In order to achieve an improved effective lifetime both the immobilization and weather fastness of the pesticide is preferably ensured. Immobilization is improved with adhesive-containing polymer compositions that are based on vinyl acetate. One or more additional polymer materials may be present in an amount of 10-50%, 20-40% or about 30% or any value or range there between by weight based on the total weight of the polymer materials in the adhesive-containing composition. Addition of one or more functionalized vinyl acetate materials may thus improve the ability of the insecticide to be immobilized in one or more layers present on a palm tree. Immobilization may also be enhanced by separating one or more insecticide containing polymeric layers by one or more other layers that are substantially or totally free of insecticide. [0072] Weather fastness may likewise be important to maintaining an effective amount of insecticide for repelling and/or killing the red palm weevil. Under the harsh temperature and light exposure conditions often encountered for palm trees, it is important for the multilayered film to remain adhered to a palm tree surface and to maintain its capability to immobilize an insecticide. The weather fastness of a particular adhesive and multilayered film may be measured with a weatherometer under test conditions specified in ASTM D4329, ASTM D4587, ISO 4892, SAE J2020, ASTM D2565, ASTM D4459, G155, SAEJ 1885, J1960 where such tests function to describe the weather fastness, adhesion to tree surface and/or insecticide immobilization properties.

[0073] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the inventive multilayer film 10. The film 10 shown here includes four layers. First is the first backing layer 20, which provides protection for the remainder of the film while it is in transport and during handling prior to application to a tree. This first backing layer 20 is removed after the film 10 has been applied to the tree.

[0074] Next comes the polymeric layer 30, containing at a minimum the insecticide. It may also contain other ingredients to perform various functions, such as UV protection, etc. There may also be other layers added either above or below the polymeric layer 30.

[0075] Underneath the polymeric layer 30 is an adhesive layer 40. This adhesive layer is what causes the film to adhere to the tree.

[0076] And finally, a second backing layer 50 may preferably be included underneath the adhesive layer 40, to allow for easy transportation and handling of the film 10 prior to application. The second backing layer 50 is removed prior to the film being applied to a tree.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows a palm plant 100 that has been treated with the multilayer film 120 described herein. The multilayered film 120 is present on portions of the palm plant including at the base of the leaf stem 130 and at the base of the leaf petiole 140. A cross-section of a previous live palm leaf is shown as 150. The internal portion of the base of leaf stem is covered with the multilayered film. This further ensures that any eggs laid by a beetle are laid onto the multilayered film. Beetles that have a tendency to lay eggs at the portion of the palm plant where the leaf base meets and enters the tree trunk, e.g., where eggs are deposited between the base of leaf stem, can therefore be covered with film. The multilayered film is present on the cross-sectional cut surface 150 of the old leaf. The portions of the palm tree where a leaf base meets the palm tree trunk and especially such areas which include green and live leaf surfaces near the trunk are most susceptible to attack by the red palm weevil.

[0078] As used herein a "surface" of a palm tree is an outer boundary of any portion of the palm tree and the environment surrounding the tree, e.g., an exterior surface of a plant that is sufficiently exposed to permit application of a multilayered film thereon.

[0079] The method, composition and film described herein are effective on plants including palm trees such as coconut palm (i Cocos nucifera ), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis ), Areca catechu , Arenga pinnata, Borassus flabellifer, Calamus merillii, Cargota maxima, Cargota cumingii, Corypha gebanga, Corypha elata, Livistona decipiens, Metroxglon sagu, Oreodoxa regia, Phoenix sylvestris, Sabal umbraculifera, Trachycarpus fortunei, Washingtonia spp., and other palm like plants such as Agave Americana , Saccharum officinarum , and Chamaerops humilis (known as Mediterranean dwarf Palm). Preferably the palm trees of the Phoenix canariensis and Phoenix dactylifera are treated.

[0080] The palm plants and palm trees to which the insecticide layer is applied may be in different growth stages. In an early juvenile phase the palm tree may be in the form of a shrub, vine or seedling. In more mature phases the palm tree exhibits a characteristic trunk topped by a crown of palm leaves. The palm trees to which the insecticide layer is applied may be positioned sparsely or at high density with respect to one another. For example, the palm trees may be located close to one another in the form of an orchard or organized growing pattern.

[0081] The insecticide is effective for preventing and/or treating infestations of numerous insect pests including the red palm weevil. Other insects that may be effectively treated include the following: (1) Coleptera family insects such as Callosobruchus Chinensis (adzuki bean weevil), Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevil), Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle), Epilachna vigintioctomaculata (large 28-spotted lady beetle), Agriotes fiiscicollis (barley wireworm), Anomala rufocuprea (soybean beetle), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Diabrotica spp., Monochamus alternatus (Japanese pine sawyer), Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice water weevil), Lyctus (powderpost beetle), etc:, (2) Lepidoptera family insects such as Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Malacosoma neustria, Pieris rapae, Spodoptera litura (common cutworm), Mamestra brassicae (cabbage armyworm), Chilo suppressalis (Asiatic rice borer), Pyrausta nubilalis (oriental corn borer), Ephestia cautella, Adoxophyes orana (smaller tea tortrix), Carpocapsa pomonella, Agrotis (cutworm), Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth), Plutella maculipennis (diamondback moth), Heliothis Phyllocnistis citrella, etc:, (3) Hemiptera family insects such as Nephotettix cincticeps (green rice leafhopper), Nilaparvata lugens (brown rice planthopper), Pseudococcus comstocki (Comstock mealyburg), Unaspis yanonensis (arrowhead scale), Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), Aphis pomi (green apple aphis), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphid), Rhopalosiphum pseuddobrassicas (turnip aphid), Stephanitis nashi (pear lace bug), Nazara spp., Cimex lectularius, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly), Psylla spp. (jumping plantlice), etc. (4) Orthoptera family insects such as Blatella germanica (German cockroach), Periplaneta americana (American cockroach), Gryllotalpa africana (mole cricket), Locusta migratoria migratoriodes, etc.] (5) Isoptera family insects such as Reticulitermes speratus (Japanese white birch aphid), Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite), etc., Thysanoptera, such as Thrips palmi karny; (6) Diptera family insects such as Musaca domestica (oriental house fly), Aedes aegypti, Hylemia platura (seed-corn maggot), Culex pipiens , Anopheles sinensis , Culex tritaeniorhynchus, etc. ] (7) Acarina family insects such as Tetranychus telarius (carmine spider mite), (tow-spotted spider mite), Panonychus citri (citus red mite), Aculops pelekassi (pink citrus rust mite), Tarsonemus spp. (tarsonemid mites), etc.; and (8) Nematoda family insects such as Meloidogyne incognita (southern root-knot nematode), Bursaphelenchus lignicolus mamiya et kiyohara, Aphelenchoides bessey (rice white-tip nematode), Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode), Pratylenchus spp. (root-lesion nematode), etc.

[0082] The insecticide may be any single insecticide or combination of insecticides including: carbamates, sodium channel modulators/voltage dependent sodium channel blockers, pyrethroids such as DDT, oxadiazines such as indoxacarb, acetylcholine-receptor agonists/antagonists, acetylcholine-receptor-modulators, nicotine, bensultap, cartap, chloronicotyinyls such as acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidac loprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam, spinosyns such as spinosad, cyclodiene organochlorines such as camphechlor, chlordane, endosulfan, gamma-HCH, HCH, heptachlor, lindane, methoxychlor, fiproles such as acetoprole, ethiprole, fipronil, vaniliprole, chloride- channel, mectins such as avermectin, emamectin, emamectin-benzoate, ivermectin, and milbemycin, juvenile-hormone mimics such as diofenolan, epofenonane, fenoxycarb, hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, pyriproxyfen, and triprene, ecdysone agonists/disruptors, diacylhydrazine, chromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, chitin biosynthesis inhibitors, benzoylureas such as bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, fluazuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, penfluron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, buprofezin, cyromazine, oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors, ATP disruptors, diafenthiuron, organotins such as azocyclotin, cyhexatin, fenbutatin-oxide, pyrroles such as chlorfenapyr, dinitrophenols such as binapacryl, dinobuton, dinocap, DNOC, site-I electron transport inhibitors, METI's such as fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyrimidifen, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, hydramethyinon, dicofol, rotenone, acequinocyl, fluacrypyrim, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, tetramic acids, carboxamides such as flonicamid, octopaminergic agonists such as amitraz, magnesium- stimulated ATPase inhibitors such as propargite, BDCA's such as N2-[ 1,1 -dimethyl-2 - (methylsulfonyl)ethyl]-3-iodo-Nl-[2-methyl-4-[l,2,2,2-tetraf luoro-l

(trifluoromethyl)ethyl]phenyl]-l, 2-benzene, nereistoxin analogues such as thiocyclam hydrogen oxalate, and thiosultap sodium. Preferably the insecticide is one or more of chlorpyrifos and tefluthrin.

[0083] The insecticides used in the multilayered film may include biological microorganisms suitable for controlling undesirable animal and plant pests and nuisance pests (such as harmful arthropods and nematodes, broad-leaved weeds and grass weeds, harmful bacteria and fungi). In general, the activity of these microorganism insecticides is based on the antagonistic action (parasitization, toxin formation, competition behavior) of the microorganisms against pests, resulting in their containment or destruction.

[0084] Preferred biological microorganism insecticides include all microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) capable of forming resting forms, such as spores or conidia. The microorganisms can be present in the multilayered film in various forms and development stages (for example in the form of mycelia, spores, blastopores etc.). Preferably, they are present as resting forms, in particular in the form of spores or conidia.

[0085] The formation of resting forms, in particular blastopores, spores and conidia, can be effected by a multitude of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi), preferably by fungi from the taxonomic classes of the Phycomycetes, Ascomycetes, for example Chaetomium, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes, in particular by the representatives of the Fungi imperfecti, such as, for example, various species of Aspergillus, Altemnaria, Aphanocladium, Beauveria, Coniothyrium, Colletotrichum, Meria (Drechmeria), Penicillium, Fusarium, Gliocladium, Pseudocercosporella, Trichoderma, Verticillium, Paecilamyces, in particular also of Metarhizium and Gliocladium , especially preferably of Metarhizium. Numerous strains of these fungi exhibit an antagonistic activity towards soil-borne, phytopathogenic fungi, such as, for example, Trichoderma hamatum, Glioclacium roseum, and Gliocladium virens or apathogenic strains of otherwise phytophathogenic strains, such as, for example, apathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strains, against weeds, such as, for example, Alternatia cassiae, Fusarium lateritum, Fusarium solani , or against harmful insects, such as, for example, Verticillium lecanii, Aspergillus parasiticus , and in particular Metarhizium anisopliae. Examples of bacteria which can be used include Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus subtilis. Preferred microorganisms are fungicidal, nematopathogenic and entomophathogenic microorganisms (in particular fungi from the class Deuteromycetes). Especially preferred are nematophatogenic and entomophatogenic microorganisms.

[0086] The polymeric adhesive used in the adhesive layer is preferably a vinyl acetate and/or vinyl alcohol-derived polymeric adhesive. The polymeric adhesive may be synthetic or derived from naturally occurring plant extracts such as linseed oil, and may be thermoplastic or thermoset. Synthetic adhesives including elastomers, thermoplastics, emulsions, and thermosets such as thermosetting adhesives, epoxy, polyurethane, cyanoacrylate, acrylic polymers, pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used.

[0087] Natural adhesives may be made from organic sources such as vegetable starch (dextrin - soya), natural resins, or animals (e.g., gelatin, blood, milk protein casein and hide- based animal glues) as well as asphalt and bitumen based glues. Starch based adhesives, casein glue, albumen glue, lignin glue may be used.

[0088] A natural polymeric adhesive includes linseed oil which, in its natural and fresh form, is a triglyceride derived, for example from linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid and/or oleic acid. Heat treating a naturally occurring organic material such as linseed oil leads to polymerization and formation of a polymeric adhesive that may function to entrap and immobilize an insecticide.

[0089] The polymeric adhesive is preferably a viscoelastic material which adheres instantaneously to most substrates with the application of very slight pressure and remains tacky. Adhesives include mixtures of different polymers, copolymers and mixtures of polymers, such as polyisobutylenes (PIB), hydrocarbon polymers such as natural and synthetic polyisoprene, polybutylene and polyisobutylene, styrene/butadiene polymers styrene-isoprene- styrene block copolymers, hydrocarbon polymers such as butyl rubber, halogen-containing polymers such as, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylics, polyacrylates, cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polysaccharides, natural and synthetic latexes, and polychlorodiene, and copolymers, graft polymers and mixtures thereof. The polymeric adhesive is preferably the major portion by weight of the matrix (cured layer) in which the insecticide is present on the palm tree.

[0090] Other useful adhesives include acrylic-based adhesives and silicone-based as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,474,783 to Miranda et al, and 5,656,386 to Scherer et al. (each incorporated by reference in its entirety), including pressure-sensitive adhesives. Suitable commercially available acrylic-based polymers include commercially available adhesives such as poly acrylate adhesives sold under the trademarks Duro-Tak by National Starch and Chemical Corporation, Bridgewater, N.J., such as Duro-Tak 87-2194, Duro-Tak 87-2196, Duro-Tak 87-1197, 87-4194, 87-2510, 87-2097 and 87-2852. Other suitable acrylic-based adhesives are those sold under the trademarks Gelva-Multipolymer Solution (GMS) (Monsanto; St. Louis, Mo.), such as GMS 737, 788, 1151, 3087 and 7882.

[0091] Suitable silicone-based adhesives can include those described in Sobieski, et al., "Silicone Pressure Sensitive Adhesives," Handbook of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Technology, 2nd ed., pp. 508-517 (D. Satas, ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, N.Y. (1989), incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other useful silicone-based pressure sensitive adhesives are described in the following U.S. patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,591,622; 4,584,355; 4,585,836; and 4,655,767 (each incorporated by reference in its entirety). Suitable silicone- based pressure-sensitive adhesives are commercially available and include the silicone adhesives sold under the trademarks BIO-PSA 7-4503, BIO-PSA 7-4603, BIO-PSA 7-4301, 7- 4202, 7-4102, 7-4106, and BIO-PSA 7-4303 by Dow Corning Corporation, Medical Products, Midland, Mich.

[0092] Pressure-sensitive adhesives form a bond by the application of light pressure when contacted with a substrate such as a palm tree surface. Both permanent and removable pressure- sensitive adhesives may be used. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are preferably in the form having a liquid carrier although pure, e.g., 100%, adhesives may also be used. Low viscosity polymers that are reacted with radiation to increase molecular weight and form the adhesive are especially preferred, as are high viscosity materials that are heated to reduce viscosity then cooled to final form. Pressure-sensitive adhesives include acrylate based polymers. Natural rubber and polychloroprene may be used as contact adhesives. After application it is preferred to allow pressure-sensitive adhesives to dry. [0093] Polymeric adhesives including those having cross-linking components such as acrylics, urethanes, and epoxies may be used; including, polyester resin - polyurethane resin, polyol - polyurethane resin, and acrylic polymers - polyurethane resins.

[0094] Moisture curing adhesives such as cyanoacrylates and urethanes may also be used.

[0095] Examples include: cellulosic such as cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate butyrate, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose; vinyls such as polyvinyl, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl ether may be used; acrylics in an emulsion or solvent soluble form, and repolymeric acrylic bases that differ from the standard acrylics such as second generation acrylics, anaerobic, cyanoacrylate.

[0096] Synthetic rubbers such as polyisoprene, polychloroprene, styrene (butadiene, styrene-diene-styrene), polyisobutylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene, polyurethane, polysulfide, silicone, aldehyde condensation resins, e.g., phenolics, resorcinol, and epoxide resins may be used as a major or minor component of the adhesive-containing composition. Polyamides, polyimide, polybenzimidazole, di-phthalates like, e.g., 3,3'-diaminobenzidine and di- phenylisophthalate, polyquinoxaline, polyethylenimine, polyester resin, dipolyalcohol and a polybasic acid reaction product, unsaturated polyolefin polymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene-ethyl acrylate, and ionomers.

[0097] Commercially available polymer adhesives such as those available from Vinavil (Vinavil S.p.A., Italy) are preferred. Included are Vinavil vinyl acetate, modified vinyl acetate Vinavil®, Vinavil EVA®, Ravemul®, Raviflex®, Crilat® and Vinaflex® products lines including polymer types polyvinylacetate, vinylacetate/ethylene, vinylacetate/vinylversatate, vinylacetate/acrylate, vinylacetate/dibutylmaleate, acrylic, styrene/acrylic, vinylacetate/crotonic acid, e.g., VINAVIL CA/R, VINAVIL 2160 L, RAVEMUL 0 13, VINAVIL 2154 L, VINAVIL SA 55, VINAVIL SA, VINAVIL KA/R, RAVEMUL 0 16, VINAVIL 2150 H, RAVEMUL O 15, RAVEMUL O 17, VINAVIL 1150 L, VINAVIL 2140 H, VINAVIL 2560 M, VINAVIL 2257 M, VINAVIL 2252 M, VINAVIL 2251 L, VINAVIL 2253 M, VINAVIL 2254 M, VINAVIL 2255 M, VINAVIL 2258 M, RAVEMUL M 18, VINAVIL KM, RAVEMUL M 11, VINAVIL 2550 M, VINAVIL SK, RAVEMUL P 15, VINAVIL 2354 H, VINAVIL KA 25, RAVEMUL P 13, RAVEMUL P 18, VINAVIL MV 15 S, VINAVIL 2350 L, RAVEMUL P 18, VINAVIL 2335 L, VINAVIL EVA 015, VINAVIL EVA 203, VINAVIL EVA 204, VINAVIL EVA 201, VINAVIL EVA 202, VINAVIL EVA 2603 L, VINAVIL EVA 09, VINAVIL 2428, VINAVIL EVA 04, VINAVIL EVA 479 RS, VINAVIL EVA 1604, VINAVIL EVA 50-R, RAVEMUL T 33, RAVEMUL O 23, VINAVIL 1438 L, VINAVIL HC, CRILAT 1815, CRILAT 2821, CRILAT 2816, VINAVIL 2415, CRILAT 2430, CRILAT 2951 L, CRILAT 2953 LHV, VINAVIL EVA 6615, VINAVIL 6915, VINAVIL F 30, VINAVIL SA 25, VINAVIL 4425, VINAVIL 4555, VINAVIL 03 V, VINAVIL 4528, RAVEMUL PC 2, RAVEMUL C 26, RAVEMUL T 33, RAVEMUL T 37, VINAVIL EVA 4612, VINAVIL EVA 04, CRILAT D 120 S, CRILAT 4724, CRILAT 4724 L, CRILAT 4732, CRILAT 4706, CRILAT 4710, CRILAT 4735, CRILAT 4720, CRILAT 4860, T 4816, CRILAT 4818, CRILAT D 117, CRILAT 4830, CRILAT 7829, CRILAT 4815, VINAVIL T 01, VINAVIL 5526, VINAVIL E 06, VINAVIL 5603 P, VINAVIL 5603 PB, VINAVIL SL 11 P, VINAVIL 5605 HP, VINAVIL 5415 HP, VINAVIL K 40, VINAVIL K 50, VINAVIL K 55, VINAVIL K 60, VINAVIL K 70, VINAVIL K 115, VINAFLEX CR 25, VINAFLEX CR 50, VINAFLEX CR 95, RAVIFLEX BL 1 S,RAVIFLEX BL 5 S, RAVIFLEX BL 6 S, and RAVIFLEX BL 7 S; VINAVIL 59 is especially preferred.

[0098] The multilayered film may further comprise one or more of a surface-polymeric agent, a preservative, an aromatic, a deodorizer, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, an antimicrobial agent, a biocide agent, a sunscreen polymeric agent or other adjuvants. The term "antibacterial agents" refers to substances which may destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria; "antifungal agents" refers to substances which may destroy or inhibit the growth of fungi; "antimicrobial agents" refers to substance which may kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms and "biocide agents" refers to chemical substances or microorganisms which may be capable of destroying living organisms.

[0099] The multilayered film may further include one or more synthetic or naturally derived repellants. The term "repellent" is used herein to describe a composition or component of a composition that functions to repel a pest such as an insect. Repellants may include, for example, essential plant and herb oils where an "essential oil" is any hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants extracted by distillation or solvent extract and a "herb oil" refers to any of the oils derived from herbs, e.g., a plant lacking a permanent woody stem and include mint and geranium oils. Essential oils may include eucalyptus oil, castor oil, mint oil, jasmine oil, camphor oil, hinoki oil, tohi oil, pomegranate oil, turpentine oil, cinnamon oil, bergamot oil, mandarin oil, calamus oil, pine oil, lavender oil, bay oil, clove oil, hiba oil, rose oil, lemon oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, rose oil, sage oil, menthol, cineole, eugenol, citral, citronellal, borneol, linalool, geraniol, camphor, thymol, spilanthole, pinene, limonene, and terpene compounds. [0100] Other repellants include milk, bitrex, thiram, methyl ammonium saccharide, thymol, garlic, garlic powder, garlic oil, capsaicin, hot pepper, white pepper, oil of black pepper, piperine, chemically formulated pepper, urea, naphthalene (moth balls), pyrethrine, blood, blood meal, bone meal, sulfurous emitting items (eggs, sulfur, meats, etc), denatonium benzoate, ammonium of fatty acids, butyl mercaptan, clove, fish oil, onion, ammonia, mineral oil, orange oil, kelp (seaweed), whole eggs, powdered eggs, putrescent eggs, egg whites, egg yolks, rotten eggs, rosemary, wintergreen, 2-propenoic acid, potassium salt, 2-propeniamide, 2-phenethyl propionate, acetic acid, latex, animal glue, clay, formaldehyde, and thyme.

[0101] The repellent is preferably distributed homogeneously in the polymeric layer of the multilayered film, the polymeric layer made of a suitable plastic. In circumstances where the repellent is a volatile oil some transfer of repellent out of the multilayered film and away from the palm tree into the environment may occur and likewise some transfer of repellent from the multilayered film into the palm tree may occur. However, the insecticide remains immobilized in the multilayered film and does not enter the vascular system of the palm tree.

[0102] The repellent may be present in the multilayered film in amounts substantially greater than the insecticide. For example, a repellent such as camphor oil may be present in the multilayered film in an amount equal to the amount of the polymer adhesive. For example, a multilayered film may contain equivalent amounts of a polymer adhesive and a repellent in addition to relatively lesser amounts of an insecticide. Preferably a repellent is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the multilayered film present on a palm tree surface. Preferably the repellent is present in an amount of 0.5-50% by weight, 1.0-30% by weight, 5%-25% by weight, l0%-25% by weight and preferably about 15% by weight or any range or value there between. Additional and/or other additives described herein may be present in an amount equivalent to or any fraction or multiple ranging from 0.1 to 10 times, preferably 0.5-5 or 1.0 times the amount of any amount of the insecticide, repellent or other component described herein.

[0103] The addition of cedar oil to the composition enhances the effectiveness of the multilayered film as a repellent. It also adds ability to repel insects and kill mosquito larvae in water. Cedar oil may be added at between 0.03% and 10%, or any range or value there between. It may be added between 1 % and 5%, between 2% and 4% or between 5% and 10%, or any range or value there between. [0104] Camphor is a waxy, white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor. It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C10H16O. It is found in wood of the camphor laurel ( Cinnamomum camphora ), a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Borneo and Taiwan). It also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably Ocotea usambarensis . Camphor has been used as an insect repellent and may be added to the multilayered film in amounts of (by weight percent) of from 0.01 % to 15%. It may be added between 1 % and 5%, between 2% and 4% or between 5% and 10%.

[0105] Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide sometimes characterized as a repellant. Pyrethrins are natural organic compounds that have potent insecticidal activity. Pyrethrin I and pyrethrin II are structurally related esters with a cyclopropane core. They differ by the oxidation state of one carbon and exist as viscous liquids. The pyrethrins are contained in the seed cases of the perennial plant pyrethrum ( Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium ), which is grown commercially to supply the insecticide.

[0106] When present in amounts not fatal to insects, pyrethrins have an insect repellent effect. They are harmful to fish, but are far less toxic to mammals and birds than many synthetic insecticides. Pyrethrins are non-persistent, biodegradable, break down easily on exposure to light or oxygen and are considered to be among the safest insecticides for use around food. Pyrethrins may be present in the multilayered film at between 0.001 wt.% and l0wt.%, or from 1% and 5%, between 2% and 4% or between 5% and 10 wt.% or any range or value there between.

[0107] The multilayered film and the insecticide-containing composition may be mixtures with finely divided solids such as talc, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, pyrophyllite, chalk, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, calcium phosphates, calcium and magnesium carbonates, sulfur, flours, and other organic and inorganic solids which act as carriers. These finely divided solids, or dusts, preferably have an average particle size of less than about 50 microns. A typical dust formulation useful for controlling pests contains 1 part of insecticide-containing composition and 99 parts of diatomaceous earth or vermiculite. Granules may include porous or nonporous particles. The granule particles are relatively large, a diameter of about 400-2500 microns typically. The particles are either impregnated or coated with the inventive repellent compositions from solution. Thus, the multilayered film and the insecticide-containing composition can be formulated with any of the following solid carriers or diluents such as bentonite, fullers earth, ground natural minerals, such as kaolin, clay, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, and ground synthetic minerals, such as highly-dispersed silicic acid, alumina and silicates, crushed and fractionated natural rocks such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite and dolomite, as well as synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals, and granules of organic materials such as sawdust, coconut shells, com cobs, tobacco stalks and other natural cast off products that may or may not be a by-product of manufacturing or harvest such as walnut or nut shells or egg shells.

[0108] Preservatives may be present in the multilayered film and the insecticide-containing composition. As used herein a "preservative" is any substance or compound that is added to protect against decay, decomposition or spoilage. Means of preservation may also be utilized. Preservatives may be natural or synthetic. They may be antimicrobial preservatives, which inhibit the growth of bacteria or fungi, including mold, or antioxidants such as oxygen absorbers, which inhibit the oxidation of food constituents. Common antimicrobial preservatives include calcium propionate, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sulfites (sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfite, potassium hydrogen sulfite, etc.) and disodium EDTA. Antioxidants include BHA and BHT.

[0109] Other preservatives include formaldehyde (usually in solution), glutaraldehyde (kills insects), ethanol and methylchloroisothiazolinone. A preservative, such as potassium sorbate can be added to the compositions or formulations. Typically, preservatives appear in the compositions at between 0.03 to 3% by weight percent or any range or value there between.

[0110] Optional components such as one or more dilute acids, other naturally occurring insecticides, sodium chloride and potassium soaps increase the range of activity of the base repellent composition with regard to the number of animal species repelled and the duration of the repulsive effect. Therefore, these may be added in suitable weight percent amounts. Other possible additives are perfumes, mineral or vegetable, optionally modified oils, waxes and nutrients (including trace nutrients), such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

[0111] During seasons of the year or during seasons of the reproductive cycle of the red palm weevil when the red palm weevil is laying eggs to a particular of a palm tree, the insecticide layer may be selectively applied to the surface of the palm tree, which is most susceptible to attack, or infestation by the red palm weevil. For example, the insecticide layer may be selectively applied only to the trunk and not to the leaves of the palm tree during times of the year or during seasons of the red palm weevil reproductive cycle during which the red palm weevil is actively laying eggs mainly on the trunk of a palm tree. During other seasons or times of the year where red palm weevil activity may be concentrated in the leaf and crown area of a palm tree the insecticide layer may be selectively applied to the palm leaves or root initiation zone without or with minor application to the other surfaces of the palm tree.

[0112] In a preferable embodiment of the invention a multilayered film that has previously been applied to a tree can be removed and a new portion of multilayer film can be applied to a surface of a palm tree at an interval/frequency of no shorter than 3 months. Preferably the multilayered film is applied to the surface of the palm tree no more than once every 6 months, 8 months, 10 months, or once per year during which a single application of the multilayered film is effective at preventing red palm weevil infestation and/or treating red palm weevil infestation for at least 3 months without application of any other insecticide or treating agent targeted at the red palm weevil.

[0113] Within the intervals of treatment the palm tree may be treated with one or more other insecticides that are effective for treating or prevent infestations of other pests besides the red palm weevil but are otherwise not targeted at the red palm weevil. For example, a palm tree may be treated with an insecticide-coating layer as described herein and, within a period of less than 3 months, treated with one or more other insecticides that enter the palm tree vascular system. An example of such treatment includes, for example, first applying an insecticide-coating layer to a palm tree to treat or prevent infestation by the red palm weevil then, within a period of from 1 day to 3 months treating the same palm tree with a neonicotinoid insecticide for treating, for example, nematode worms or other sucking or chewing insects present either in the soil or in the environment surrounding the palm tree. Such neonicotinoid pesticides may include imidacoloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, sulfoxaflor or nitenpyram.

[0114] While it is acceptable for the secondary pesticides such as the neonicotinoid to enter and function in the vascular system of the palm tree, the primary mode of red palm weevil control and lethality is the multilayered film present on the exterior surface of the palm tree which serves to deliver a lethal dose of insecticide to the red palm weevil or red palm weevil larvae as it boars into or through an exterior surface of the palm tree. Any secondary insecticide used to treat the palm tree within a 3 month or 6 month treatment period after application of the insecticide-coating layer to the palm tree preferably includes only pesticides other than pesticides present in the pesticide-containing layer. [0115] Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachings herein, define, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.

[0116] The terms“about” or“approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

[0117] The term“substantially” and its variations are defined to include ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.

[0118] The terms“inhibiting” or“reducing” or“preventing” or“avoiding” or any variation of these terms, when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

[0119] The term“effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

[0120] The use of the words“a” or“an” when used in conjunction with any of the terms “comprising,”“including,”“containing,” or“having” in the claims, or the specification, may mean“one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of“one or more,”“at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

[0121] The words“comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as“comprise” and “comprises”),“having” (and any form of having, such as“have” and“has”),“including” (and any form of including, such as“includes” and“include”) or“containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and“contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0122] The methods or films of the present invention can“comprise,”“consist essentially of,” or“consist of’ particular ingredients, components, compositions, etc. disclosed throughout the specification. With respect to the transitional phrase“consisting essentially of,” in one non- limiting aspect, a basic and novel characteristic of the methods and/or films of the present invention are their abilities to treat or prevent infestation of a palm plant by a pest.