REPELLENT COMPOSITION AND USES

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of at least one fatty acid, advantageously volatile and odorous, selected from the group comprising propionic acid, butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof as a repellent active principle and/or for controlling the reproduction of brachycera, and to the use of an, in particular phytosanitary, composition comprising at least one fatty acid, advantageously volatile and odorous, selected from the group comprising propionic acid, butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof as a repellent active principle and/or for controlling the reproduction of brachycera advantageously by olfaction, and non-insecticidal. The present invention can be used in the agricultural, veterinary and phytosanitary fields.

Claims

1. Use of at least one fatty acid selected from the group comprising propionic acid and butyric acid as a repellent active principle and/or for controlling the reproduction of brachycera.

2. Use according to claim 1, wherein the brachycera are selected from the group comprising the insects of the family of the oestridae, the hippoboscidae, the nycteribiidae, the syrphidae, the tachinidae, the thaumatoxena, the thermitoxena, the trypetidae.

3. Use according to claim 1, wherein the brachycera are selected from the group comprising insects of the genus drosophila, glossina, calliphora, auchmeromyia, lucilia, sarcophaga, stomoxys.

4. Use according to claim 1, wherein the brachycera are selected from the group comprising Drosophila suzukii, Bactrocera oleae, preferably Drosophila suzukii.

5. Use according to claim 1, wherein the propionic acid is at a concentration of 0.1% to 30% by volume (v/v).

6. Use according to claim 1, wherein the butyric acid is at a concentration of 0.1% to 2% by volume (v/v).

7. Use according to claim 1, wherein the propionic acid and/or the butyric acid are in a composition further comprising an acceptable support.

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein the acceptable support is paraffin oil.

9. Use according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid or a composition comprising the fatty acid and an acceptable support is applied by means of a diffuser, a spray, an atomizer, or an impregnated support.

10. Use according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid or a composition comprising the fatty acid and an acceptable support is present in a case, the case further comprising a support comprising usage instructions.

11. Method for protecting at least one biotic and/or abiotic surface from brachycera, comprising the application, onto said surface, of at least one fatty acid as defined in claim 1 or a composition comprising the fatty acid and an acceptable support, wherein the abiotic surface is a surface of all or part of a vegetable and/or plant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0102] FIG. 1 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of courtship of male Drosophila suzukii towards females (ordinate), in the absence or in the presence of a composition comprising 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% propionic acid (abscissa). In the figure, (*), (**), (***) and (****) denote a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of propionic acid and calculated by performing a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test.

[0103] FIG. 2 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of courtship of male Drosophila suzukii towards females (ordinate), in the absence or in the presence of a composition comprising 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% butyric acid (abscissa). In the figure, (*), (**), (***) and (****) denote a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of butyric acid and calculated by performing a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test.

[0104] FIG. 3 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of courtship of male Drosophila suzukii towards females (ordinate), in the absence or in the presence of a composition comprising, respectively, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% propionic acid or 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% butyric acid or mixtures corresponding to 0.1%, 0.25% or 0.5% propionic acid and butyric acid (abscissa). In the figure, (*) denotes a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of fatty acids. The statistical test performed is a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test.

[0105] FIG. 4 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of copulation of Drosophila suzukii (ordinate), in the absence or in the presence of a composition comprising, respectively, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% propionic acid (abscissa). In the figure, (*) denotes a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of propionic acid. The statistical test performed is a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test.

[0106] FIG. 5 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of copulation of Drosophila suzukii (ordinate), in the absence or in the presence of a composition comprising, respectively, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% butyric acid (abscissa). In the figure, C) denotes a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of butyric acid. The statistical test performed is a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a bar chart showing the time elapsed leading to the anesthesia of male or female Drosophila suzukii (abscissa), in minutes and in seconds (ordinate) in the presence of a composition comprising 2% propionic acid. A Mann-Whitney (nonparametric t-test) does not reveal the difference associated with the time leading to the anesthesia of flies depending on their sex.

[0108] FIG. 7 is a bar chart showing the time elapsed leading to the anesthesia of male or female Drosophila suzukii (abscissa), in minutes and in seconds (ordinate), in the presence of a composition comprising 2% butyric acid. A Mann-Whitney (nonparametric t-test) does not reveal the difference associated with the time leading to the anesthesia of flies depending on their sex.

[0109] FIG. 8 is a photograph showing a portion of the inside of a transparent test box of 1250 cm.sup.3, in which 2% propionic acid has been deposited in a petri dish covered by a gauze (outside the scope of the image shown). The black dots on the figure correspond to Drosophila suzukii flies. The arrow indicates a Drosophila suzukii fly on its back, in the anesthetized position.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a photograph showing a portion of the inside of a transparent test box of 1250 cm.sup.3, in which 2% butyric acid has been deposited in a petri dish covered by a gauze (outside the scope of the image shown). The black dots on the figure correspond to Drosophila suzukii flies. The arrow indicates a Drosophila suzukii fly on is back, in the anesthetized position.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of courtship of Drosophila melanogaster (ordinate), in the absence or in the presence of a composition comprising, respectively, 0.5% and 1% propionic acid (abscissa). In the figure, (*) denotes a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of propionic acid and calculated by performing a Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric test).

[0112] FIG. 11 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of courtship of Drosophila melanogaster (ordinate), in the absence or in the presence of a composition comprising, respectively, 0.5% and 1% butyric acid (abscissa). In the figure, (***) denotes a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of butyric acid and calculated by performing a Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric test).

[0113] FIG. 12 is a bar chart showing the time elapsed leading to the anesthesia of male or female Drosophila melanogaster (abscissa), in minutes and in seconds (ordinate), in the presence of a composition comprising 2% propionic acid. In the figure, (****) denotes a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of propionic acid and calculated by performing a Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric test).

[0114] FIG. 13 is a bar chart showing the time elapsed leading to the anesthesia of male or female Drosophila melanogaster (abscissa), in minutes and in seconds (ordinate), in the presence of a composition comprising 2% butyric acid. In the figure, (***) denotes a statistical difference between the different conditions exhibiting variable quantities of propionic acid and calculated by performing a Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric test).

[0115] FIG. 14 corresponds to three photographs of the same test box (in its entirety in FIG. 14A, and in a partial view from below (FIG. 1413 and FIG. 140)) used for studying the repellent and/or distance anesthesia behavior of a melanogaster and D. suzukii. In this transparent box, of volume 1250 cm.sup.3, 2 Petri dishes are deposited: one, covered with a gauze (visible on the right-hand side of the image showing the entirety of the test box), containing 2%, 6% or 20% propionic acid, the other containing synthetic food (visible on the left-hand side of the image). The black dots on the figure correspond to Drosophila melanogasfer flies.

[0116] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing one of six cylindrical alveolae of the behavior device used for studying the courtship of D. melanogaster. A filter paper soaked in an odor is deposited at the base of the cylinder, the central part of which paper holds a netting on which the flies tested move, and this cylinder is finally closed. For the tests of the courtship of D. melanogaster, a red light illuminates the device.

[0117] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a behavior device used for studying the courtship of D. suzukii. It is similar to that used for D. melanogaster, but is illuminated by white light.

[0118] FIG. 17 is a bar chart showing the time elapsed leading to the anesthesia of male or female Drosophila suzukii in minutes and in seconds (ordinate) in the presence of a composition comprising 2% butyric acid, 2% propionic acid, 5% ethyl propanoate, 10% ethyl propanoate, or 30% ethyl propanoate (abscissa).

[0119] FIG. 18 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of courtship, of males towards females, of Bactrocera oleae flies aged from 3 to 6 days (ordinate), in the absence (without odor or solvent) or in the presence of a composition comprising, respectively, 2%, 4% and 5% propanoic acid (abscissa). In the figure, the numbers represent the number of pairs observed.

[0120] FIG. 19 is a bar chart showing the measurement of the proportion, in percentage, of courtship, of males towards females, of Bactrocera oleae flies aged from 13 to 19 days (ordinate), in the absence (without odor or solvent) or in the presence of a composition comprising, respectively, 2% and 5% propanoic acid (abscissa). In the figure, the numbers represent the number of pairs observed.

[0121] FIG. 20 is a bar chart showing the time (in minutes or in seconds) required for the male and female Drosophila melanogaster flies (abscissa) to wake up from the anesthesia (ordinate) caused by exposure to a composition comprising, respectively, 2% propanoic acid (left-hand side on the abscissa), or 2% butyric acid (right-hand side on the ordinate). In the figure, the numbers represent the number of individuals tested, respectively, 20 males and 30 females previously exposed to 2% propanoic acid, and 6 males and 7 females previously exposed to 2% butyric acid.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Effect of Propionic Acid and/or Butyric Acid on the Reproduction of Brachycera

[0122] In this example, the brachycera used were the flies (muscina) Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila suzukii, In this example, a study of the courtship and the copulation was carried out.

[0123] A) Material and Method

[0124] 1. Evaluation of the Courtship

[0125] 1.1. Drosophila melanogaster

[0126] Drosophilae (Drosophila melanogaster) aged from 3 to 9 days are used for the courtship tests as described Grosjean et al. Nat. Neurosci. 2008 [1] and Grosjean et al. Nature 2011 [2].

[0127] Naive males were isolated in tubes, individually, upon emerging from their puparium. The females were selected to be virgin and were stored in tubes of 10 individuals. These tubes were placed in incubators, for which a temperature of 25° C. was kept constant. A 12 hour/12 hour day/night cycle was applied. The courtship tests were carried out in the morning, between 1 and 3 hours after the start of the day cycle.

[0128] These tests were conducted in devices made up of 6 cylindrical, transparent, and closed alveolae (see FIG. 15) of a volume of 1.52 or cm.sup.3. A disk of filter paper (Whatman, filter paper 42) of 6 mm in diameter is deposited on the base thereof. Said paper is soaked in 10 μl of a composition comprising propionic acid and/or butyric acid diluted in paraffin oil (solvent). The different compositions used comprised, respectively, 0.5% or 1% propionic acid, 0.5% or 1% butyric acid. For each concentration, the number of pairs of flies tested was, respectively, 23, 23, 19 and 19. At the time of the test, 1 pair per alveolus was introduced into the behavior device (i.e. 6 pairs). Said pair was made up of one male and one female, each originating from the tubes mentioned above. The drosophilae were physically isolated from the odor source (said paper) by a netting which prevents any direct contact, the female had been decapitated but remained alive. In addition, the device was illuminated by red light (red far from the wavelength of between 625 and 630 nm) so as to eliminate any behavior associated with the visual perception which, in D. melanogaster, is between 300 and 550 nm)). Thus, the behavior observed depends only on the olfactory perception by the male of the compound introduced into the device at the time of the assembly thereof.

[0129] The behavior was filmed for 10 minutes, using a Sony HDR-XR550 camera. Each film was recorded and kept for subsequent analysis.

[0130] A proportion of courtship, expressed as a percentage, was then calculated, and represents the time during which the male courts the female during the 10 minutes of recording the test. The courtship of the Drosophila melanogaster is decomposed into recognizable stereotypical events, and described precisely in scientific literature (Greenspan & Ferveur, Annu. Rev. Genet, 2000 [3]). A statistical test (Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric test, GraphPad, Prism8)) was carried out in order to evaluate the influence, on the behavior, of the composition in which the paper is soaked; this involving a release of volatile compounds and an odor perceived by the drosophilae.

[0131] A negative control was carried out and corresponded to soaking the filter paper in a solution of paraffin oil alone (the solvent) in order to verify the absence of any effect on the flies.

[0132] 1.2. Drosophila suzukii

[0133] Drosophilae (Drosophila melanogaster) aged from 3 to 9 days are used for the courtship tests according to the method described above.

[0134] Naive males were isolated in tubes, individually, upon emerging from their puparium.

[0135] The females were selected to be virgin and were stored in tubes of 10 individuals. These tubes were placed in an inclined manner in incubators, for which a temperature of 25° C. was kept constant. A 12 hour-12 hour day/night cycle was applied. The courtship tests were carried out in the morning, between 1 and 3 hours after the start of the day cycle.

[0136] At the time of the test, a 6 mm disk of filter paper (Whatman, filter paper 42) was deposited per alveolus of the device for studying the courtship behavior. Each alveolus was cylindrical, transparent and closed, and of a volume of 1.52 or 0.9 cm.sup.3. FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an alveolus of the device used.

[0137] The paper was then soaked in 10 μl of a composition of 0.1%, 0.5% or 1% propionic acid, or 0.1%, 0.5% or 1% butyric acid, or a mixture comprising 0.1% propionic acid and 0.1% butyric acid, 0.25% propionic acid and 0.25% butyric acid or 0.5% propionic acid and 0.5% butyric acid. A gauze (netting) makes it possible to physically isolate the drosophilae from the odor. 6 pairs (one per alveolus) were observed independently. Each pair was made up of one male and one intact female, each originating from the tubes mentioned above.

[0138] The behavior was filmed for 10 minutes, under white light, using a Sony HDR-XR550 camera. Each film was recorded and then analyzed. For each concentration of the compositions used, the number of pairs of flies was, respectively, 33, 39, 27, 38, 33, 27, 12, 6 and 12.

[0139] A negative control was carried out comprising only the solvent, i.e. paraffin oil, in order to verify the absence of an effect of the solvent on the flies.

[0140] A courtship percentage was calculated, and represents the time during which the male courts the female during the 10 minutes of observation (recording). The courtship of the Drosophila suzukii is decomposed into recognizable stereotypical events, and described precisely in scientific literature (Revadi S et al., Insects 2015 [4]). Statistical tests, i.e. a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test, were carried out (GraphFad, Prism6) in order to evaluate the influence, on the behavior, of the composition in which the paper is soaked; this involving a release of volatile compounds and an odor perceived by the drosophilae.

[0141] 2. Evaluation of the Copulation

[0142] From the films recorded for studying the courtship behavior of Drosophila suzukii, a percentage of the number of pairs copulating during the 10 minutes of observation was calculated on the basis of the composition in which the filter paper was soaked. A statistical evaluation was carried out, and different tests were performed. In particular, a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test were carried out (GraphPad, Prism6) in order to quantify the influence, on the number of copulating individuals, of the composition in which the paper is soaked and which involves a release of volatile compounds and an odor perceived.

[0143] B) Results

[0144] 1. Evaluation of the Courtship

[0145] FIGS. 1 to 3 show the results obtained using Drosophila suzukii flies, depending, respectively, in particular on the presence or absence of propionic acid, butyric acid, or a mixture of propionic acid and butyric acid.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 1, in the presence of 0.5% propionic acid in the solvent the courtship was significantly reduced, compared with the solvent alone (**). In the presence of 1% propionic acid in the solvent, the courtship was significantly reduced compared with the solvent alone (****); likewise, compared with a composition comprising 1% (****) vs. 0.1%, or 1% vs. 0.5% propionic acid (*).

[0147] As shown in FIG. 2, in the presence of 0.5% butyric acid in the solvent the courtship is significantly reduced, compared with the solvent alone (**); likewise, compared with 0.1% butyric acid in the solvent (**).

[0148] In the presence of 1% butyric acid in the solvent the courtship is significantly reduced, compared with the solvent alone (****); likewise, compared with 0.1% (****) and 0.5% (*).

[0149] As shown in FIG. 3, in the presence of 0.25% propionic add and 0.25% butyric add in the solvent the courtship was reduced, compared with the solvent alone. In the presence of 0.5% propionic add and 0.5% butyric add in the solvent the courtship was significantly reduced, compared with 0.1% propionic acid and 0.1% butyric acid in the solvent (*), and with 0.5% propionic acid and 0.5% butyric acid in the solvent. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the results obtained using Drosophila melanogaster flies, depending, respectively, in particular on the presence or absence of propionic acid or butyric acid.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 10, the proportion of courtship of males towards females was significantly changed (*) in the presence of the composition comprising 1% propionic acid, compared with the solvent alone. The courtship was also significantly reduced (*) in the presence of 1% propionic acid in the solvent, compared with 0.5% propionic acid in the solvent.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 11, the proportion of courtship of males towards females was significantly reduced (*) in the presence of a composition comprising 0.5% butyric acid, compared with the courtship in the solvent alone. The courtship was also significantly reduced (***) in the presence of a composition comprising 1% butyric acid, compared with the courtship in the solvent alone.

[0152] 2. Evaluation of the Copulation

[0153] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the results obtained using Drosophila suzukii flies, depending, respectively, in particular on the presence or absence of propionic acid, butyric acid, or a mixture of propionic acid and butyric acid.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 4, the proportion of copulation was reduced by 58% in the presence of a composition comprising 0.1% propionic acid diluted in the solvent. In the presence of a composition comprising 0.5% propionic acid ((*) vs. solvent alone) or 1% propionic acid ((*) vs. solvent alone), the proportion of copulation is zero; no copulation was observed.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 5, the proportion of copulation was reduced by 70.55% in the presence of a composition comprising 0.1% butyric acid. In the presence of a composition comprising 0.5% butyric acid, the proportion of copulation was reduced by 83.03% (going from 17.86% to 3.03%), and in the presence of a composition comprising 1% butyric acid ((*) vs. solvent alone), the proportion of copulation is zero; no copulation was observed.

[0156] As shown above, the presence of butyric acid and/or propionic acid makes it possible to control the reproduction of brachycera. In particular, as shown above, examples of compositions according to the invention make it possible to both reduce the courtship of males towards females, and also to reduce or even suppress the copulation of brachycera.

[0157] This example also demonstrates that propionic acid, butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof are useful as an active principle for controlling the reproduction of brachycera.

[0158] This example moreover demonstrates that propionic acid, butyric acid and/or a derivative thereof are useful as an active principle for controlling the reproduction of brachycera at low concentrations, advantageously making it possible to obtain a rapid effect while reducing and/or avoiding any possible side effect associated, for example, with high concentrations.

Example 2: Effect of Propionic Acid and/or Butyric Acid and/or a Derivative of Propionic Acid on the Reproduction of Brachycera and/or as Repellent Active Principles

[0159] In this example, the brachycera used were the flies Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila suzukii. The drosophilae (Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila suzukii) were as described in example 1, although the D. melanogaster females had not been decapitated.

[0160] In this example, a study of an anesthetic effect and of a repellent effect of propionic acid and/or butyric acid was carried out.

[0161] A) Material and Method

[0162] 1. Anesthesia Tests:

[0163] The devices used were similar to the devices for studying the courtship (example 1 above), except for the volume of the space into which the files were introduced, which was 45.24 or 22.62 cm.sup.3. 9 discs of filter paper (Whatman, filter paper 42), each soaked in 10 μl of a composition comprising butyric acid and/or propionic acid and/or a derivative of propionic acid diluted in paraffin oil were deposited in the device. The different compositions used comprised, respectively, 2% propionic acid or 2% butyric acid or 5% ethyl propanoate or 10% ethyl propanoate or 30% ethyl propanoate. For each composition, the number of flies was, respectively, 30 and 24 males, 30 and 11 females for Drosophila melanogaster, and 24, 16 and 4 males, 28, 26, 6, 5 and 4 females for Drosophila suzukii. In order to avoid any contact of the flies with the soaked disks of paper, a gauze (netting) was arranged above said papers. The drosophilae could move freely on said gauze. The quantity of compound, butyric acid or propionic acid, or of ethyl propanoate (odor) volatilized in the behavior chamber was equivalent to that of the device used for the courtship. Likewise, the flies were never in direct contact with the composition (no taste perception), only with the volatile particles (olfactory perception). The flies tested were introduced simultaneously, by group, into the enclosure. Their behavior was filed for 10 minutes, and a time required for leading to anesthesia was calculated over this period, depending on the concentration of butyric acid or propionic acid or ethyl propanoate used. The flies were considered anesthetized when they stopped moving and fell on their side. A Mann-Whitney test (nonparametric test, GraphPad, Prism 6 or Prism 8) did not reveal any difference in the time elapsed before anesthesia for the males or the females tested.

[0164] 2. Tests “in a Box” (Repellent Effect)

[0165] The sensitivity of the drosophilae was evaluated over a period of between 0 minutes and 24 hours, according to the conditions (see results) in closed and transparent boxes of 1250 cm.sup.3.

[0166] An odor source, i.e. a composition comprising butyric acid or propionic acid in paraffin oil, was deposited on a filter paper at the base of a 50 mm petri dish. The petri dish is introduced into a test box and covered with a gauze Securimed M8202 sterile gauze pad) in order to prevent the flies from getting stuck on the oily odorous compound.

[0167] The concentrations used were 2%, 6% or 20% propionic acid.

[0168] A second Petri dish containing 5 to 6 grams of synthetic food used for breeding drosophilae in laboratories was placed in the test box, i.e. 6.5% maize flour, 6.5% (v/v) yeast extract, 1% (v/v) agar-agar, and 3% (v/v) of a 0.1% (v/v) antifungal solution (Tegosept (Apex)) in ethanol at 95%. This latter provides the water and/or the food which the flies needed during the test, and eliminated the possibility of an event due to dehydration of the individuals tested.

[0169] Drosophila melanogaster or suzukii were then introduced by groups into the test box, and moved there freely over time. Their behavior in the presence of a composition as mentioned above was observed and photographed (Apple iPhone 6S).

[0170] B) Results

[0171] 1. Anesthesia Tests.

[0172] FIGS. 6 to 9 and FIG. 17 show the results obtained using Drosophila suzukii flies, depending, respectively, on the presence or absence of propionic acid or butyric acid or ethyl propanoate.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 6, in the presence of 2% propionic acid the male flies and the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 4 minutes. A statistical evaluation (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.7056) showed no significant difference in the time required for males or females to be anesthetized.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 7, in the presence of 2% butyric acid the male flies and the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 5 minutes. A statistical evaluation (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.43) showed no significant difference in the time required for males or females to be anesthetized.

[0175] FIG. 8 is a photograph showing the anesthesia of Drosophila suzukii flies following their introduction into a transparent test box of 1250 cm.sup.3, in which propionic acid diluted to 2% in the solvent has been deposited in a petri dish covered by a gauze in order to avoid any direct contact. The individuals first remained preferably away from said odor, and then the males and the females were anesthetized in the hour which followed. The photograph indicates the location of the flies and one individual on its back, in the anesthesia position, in the hour following its introduction into the box.

[0176] FIG. 9 is a photograph showing the anesthesia of Drosophila suzukii flies following their introduction into a transparent test box of 1250 cm.sup.3, in which butyric acid diluted to 2% in the solvent has been deposited in a petri dish covered by a gauze in order to avoid any direct contact. The flies present in the transparent test box remained away from the filter soaked in butyric acid, the males and females were anesthetized, and died after 20 hours in this environment. The photograph indicates the location of the flies and one individual on its back, in the anesthesia position, in the hour following its introduction into the box.

[0177] FIGS. 12 and 13, obtained in the devices described in A1 show the results obtained using Drosophila melanogaster flies, depending, respectively, in particular on the presence or absence of propionic acid or butyric acid.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 12, in the presence of 2% propionic acid the male flies were anesthetized in approximately 3 minutes, and the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 5 minutes. A statistical evaluation (nonparametric Mann-Whitney test) between the time required for the male or female flies to be anesthetized demonstrated a greater sensitivity of the males (****).

[0179] As shown in FIG. 13, in the presence of 2% butyric acid the male flies were anesthetized in approximately 5 minutes, and the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 17 minutes. A statistical evaluation (nonparametric Mann-Whitney) between the time required for the male or female flies to be anesthetized demonstrated a greater sensitivity of the males (****).

[0180] FIG. 17, obtained in the devices described in A1 shows the results obtained using female Drosophila suzukii flies in the presence of 2% butyric acid or 2% propionic acid or 5% ethyl propanoate or 10% ethyl propanoate or 30% ethyl propanoate. As shown in FIG. 17, in the presence of 2% butyric acid the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 5 minutes, and in the presence of 2% propionic acid the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 4 minutes. A statistical evaluation (nonparametric Mann-Whitney) of the time required for the females to be anesthetized shows an increased sensitivity (**) in the presence of 2% butyric acid in the solvent compared with 2% propionic acid in the solvent. In the presence of 5% ethyl propanoate the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 6 minutes, in the presence of 10% ethyl propanoate the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 4 minutes, which does not demonstrate any statistical difference with respect to 2% propionic acid and 2% butyric acid. Furthermore, in the presence of 30% ethyl propanoate the female flies were anesthetized in approximately 2-3 minutes, which corresponds to a significant statistical difference with respect to 2% butyric acid (****) and with respect to 2% propionic acid (***).

[0181] 2. Tests of the Repellent Effect (Tests “in a Box”)

[0182] FIG. 14 shows the results obtained using Drosophila melanogaster flies. In a box containing propionic acid diluted to 2% or to 6% in the solvent (paraffin oil), the flies are still alive after 24 hours. During this period, males and females court and copulate (FIG. 14); removed from the box they will have viable offspring.

[0183] At 20% propionic acid diluted in the solvent, the individuals keep away from the filter paper soaked with the odorous composition, and then are anesthetized in the test hour.

Example 3: Effect of Propionic Acid and/or Butyric Acid and/or a Derivative of Propionic Acid on the Reproduction of Brachycera and/or as Repellent Active Principles

[0184] In this example, the brachycera used were the flies Bactrocera oleae aged 3 to 6 days or 13 to 19 days, respectively.

[0185] A) Material and Method

[0186] 1. Evaluation of the Courtship [0187] Olive flies (Bactrocera oleae) aged from 3 to 6 days or sexually mature (from 9 to 13 days) were used for the tests of courtship of males towards females (Bonelli G., J. Insect Behay. 2012 [6] and Menage Cindy, personal communication). Naive males were isolated in tubes, individually, upon emerging from their puparium. The females were selected to be virgin and were stored in tubes, together. These tubes were placed in an inclined manner in incubators, for which a temperature of 25° C. was kept constant. A 12 hour/12 hour day/night cycle was applied. The courtship tests were carried out in the morning, 1 hour before the end of the day cycle, when the males are at their most active (Bonelli G., J. insect Behav. 2012 [6]). [0188] At the time of the test, 3 disks of filter paper (Whatman, filter paper 42) of 6 mm in size were deposited per alveolus of the device for studying the courtship behavior. Each alveolus was cylindrical, transparent and closed, and of a volume of 5.9 cm.sup.3. FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an alveolus of the device used. [0189] The papers were then each soaked in 10 ml of a composition of 2%, 4% or 5% propionic acid. A gauze (netting) made it possible to physically isolate the B. ° lea from the odor corresponding to the propionic acid. 2 pairs (one per alveolus) were observed independently. Each pair was made up of one male and one female, each originating from the tubes mentioned above. [0190] The behavior was filmed for 10 minutes, under white light, using a Basler acA1920-155 um USB 3.0 camera. Each film was recorded (Basler Video Recording Software V1.3) and then analyzed. For each concentration of the compositions used, the number of pairs of flies was, respectively, 2, 5, 2, 2, 2 and 6, 6, 4, 4. [0191] A negative control was carried out comprising only the solvent, i.e. paraffin oil, in order to verify the absence of an effect of the solvent on the flies.

[0192] A courtship percentage was calculated, and represents the time during which the male courts the female during the 10 minutes of observation (recording). The different steps consist in movement of the wings (rapid “buzzing” and/or vertical vibrations), face movements, lateral movements, “dances” in rapid circles and in the direction of the female (Benelli, J. Insect Beahv 2012 [6] and Ménagé Cindy, personal communication).

[0193] B) Results.

[0194] FIGS. 18 and 19 show the results obtained using Bactrocera plea flies, depending on the presence or absence of propionic acid and according to their age.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 18, in the presence of 2% propionic acid in the solvent the courtship of males towards females was significantly reduced, compared with the solvent alone. In the presence of 4% and 5% propionic acid in the solvent, the courtship was virtually nonexistent.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 19, in the presence of a composition comprising 2 or 5% propionic acid, in other words in the presence of 2% and 5% propionic acid in the solvent, the courtship of males towards females is significantly reduced, compared with the solvent alone.

[0197] As demonstrated above, the presence of propionic acid makes it possible to control the reproduction of brachycera. In particular, as demonstrated above, examples of compositions according to the invention make it possible to both reduce the courtship of males towards females.

[0198] This example also demonstrates that propionic acid is useful as an active principle for controlling the reproduction of brachycera without an insecticide effect.

[0199] Furthermore, this example clearly demonstrates that the presence of propionic acid advantageously allows for a reduction and/or inhibition of the courtship and/or copulation of brachycera. This example also clearly demonstrates that the presence of propionic acid a control of the reproduction prior to egg-laying.

[0200] This example moreover demonstrates that propionic acid is useful as an active principle for controlling the reproduction of brachycera at low concentrations, advantageously making it possible to obtain a rapid effect while reducing and/or avoiding any possible side effect associated, for example, with high concentrations.

Example 4: Effect of the Suppression/Reversible Effect of Propionic Acid and/or Butyric Acid and/or a Derivative of Propionic Acid on the Anesthesia of Brachycera

[0201] In this example, the brachycera used were the flies Drosophila melanogaster. Said drosophilae (Drosophila melanogaster) were those described in example 2.

[0202] In this example, a study of a reversible and non-toxic effect of propanoic acid and/or butyric acid was carried out.

[0203] A) Material and Method

[0204] Test of the Reversible Effect.

[0205] The devices used were those described for the study of the anesthesia such as described in example 2 above. The application conditions for the propanoic acid or the butyric acid were similar to those of the anesthesia test described in example 2 above. The flies were brought into the presence of 2% propanoic acid or 2% butyric acid for 10 minutes. At the end of 10 minutes of observation of the anesthesia (example 2 above), the flies were removed from the device and placed into another device which was identical but “empty”, i.e. without solvent or odor (odor=2% propanoic acid in the solvent or 2% butyric acid in the solvent, respectively). For each empty device, the total number of flies introduced and observed were 20 males and 30 females previously exposed to 2% propanoic acid and removed from this anesthetizing environment, and 6 males and 7 females previously exposed to 2% butyric acid and removed from this anesthetizing environment.

[0206] The behavior of the flies in the empty devices was observed for 25 minutes and filmed.

[0207] The flies were considered as woken from the anesthesia when they got back up on their legs and moved in the device.

[0208] The time required for waking the flies following their anesthesia was then measured.

[0209] B) Results.

[0210] FIG. 20 shows the results obtained using Drosophila melanogaster flies, male and female respectively, following their exposure to 2% propanoic acid and/or to 2% butyric acid, respectively.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 20 (left-hand side of the X-axis), the males woke up fully from the anesthesia after 23 minutes when they had previously spent 10 minutes in the presence of 2% propanoic acid and had then been removed from this odorous device in order to place them in an empty device. The females woke up fully after 9 minutes when they had previously spent 10 minutes in the presence of 2% propanoic acid and had then been removed from this odorous device in order to place them in an empty device.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 20 (right-hand side of the X-axis), the males woke up fully from the anesthesia after 6 minutes when they had previously spent 10 minutes in the presence of 2% butyric acid and had then been removed from this odorous device in order to place them in an empty device. The females woke up fully after 4.5 minutes when they had previously spent 10 minutes in the presence of 2% butyric acid and had then been removed from this odorous device in order to place them in an empty device.

[0213] As demonstrated in this example, an example of a composition according to the invention advantageously allows for reversible anesthesia on the brachycera. Furthermore, this example clearly demonstrates that the use of an example of a composition according to the invention is, in particular on account of the reversible effect thereof, non-toxic with respect to brachycera.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0214] 1. Grosjean, Y., Grillet, M., Augustin, H., Ferveur, J. F. and Featherstone, D. E. A glial amino-acid transporter Controls synapse strength and courtship in Drosophila. Nature Neuroscience 2008. Volume 11, pages 54-61. DOI: 10.1038/nn2019 [0215] 2. Grosjean Y, Rytz R, Farine J P, Abuin L, Cortot J, Jefferis G S, Benton R. An olfactory receptor for food-derived odours promotes male courtship in Drosophila. Nature 2011. Volume 478(7368), pages 236-240. DOI:10.1038/nature10428. [0216] 3. Greenspan & Ferveur, Courtship in Drosophila. Annu. Rev. Genet. 2000. Volume 34, pages 205-232. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.genet.34.1.205 [0217] 4. Revadi S, Lebreton S, Witzgall P, Anfora G, Dekker T and Becher PG. Sexual Behavior of Drosophila suzukii. Insects 2015. Volume 6(1), pages 183-196 (2015). DOI: 10.3390/insects6010183, [0218] 5. Remington Pharmaceutical Sciences, sixteenth edition, E. W. Martin (Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1980). [0219] 6, Benelli G. Male Wing Vibration in the Mating Behavior of the Olive Fruit Fly Bactrocera olea (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). J. insect behav. 2012 Volume 25, pages 590-603. DOI: 10.1007/s10905-012-9325-9