Entry No. 006
Junior (under 14)/ Senior (14 and above)
Senior (14 and above)
Category
6.2.1.1(3) Agriculture
Classification
C. combination
Country / Region Thailand
Name of Invention/Artwork Insect Trap That Converts Captured Insects into Organic Fertilizer
Outline of the entry
This study aimed to develop an insect-trapping device that converts captured insects into fertilizer, providing a chemical-free method for pest control in vegetable plots. Inspired by Sarracenia plants, which naturally trap and digest insects, the device was designed using biomimicry techniques. Modified plastic bottles imitating the color patterns of Sarracenia (red, green, red-green, and green-red) were used along with bio-fermented liquids made from kaffir lime, lime, and pineapple. Laboratory experiments showed a whitefly capture rate of 34.20±1.30%, while field tests indicated the ability to attract pest and beneficial insects at a ratio of 11:4, turning insect remains into plant fertilizer. To enhance efficiency, colored lights (purple, red, white, blue, yellow, and green) were added, achieving a 37.40±1.67% capture rate for the common cutworm moth (Spodoptera litura), especially improving the trapping of nocturnal insects. The system operated automatically using clean solar energy, contributing to an environmentally friendly solution. Results showed that vegetable plots using the device had fewer pests, and chili plants exhibited healthy growth without significant insect damage.
Keywords: Chili, Sarracenia, Solar Energy, Vegetable Plot, Automation System
Characteristics of the entry
Chili is an essential crop in Thailand, widely incorporated into daily consumption and traditional cuisine, playing a crucial role in both domestic markets and exports. However, chili cultivation faces significant challenges from pests such as whiteflies and the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura), often leading to the extensive use of chemical pesticides. Thailand imports approximately 80,000 tons of pesticides annually, resulting in concerns regarding food safety and environmental sustainability.
Inspired by the Sarracenia, a carnivorous plant native to North America known for its vibrant, insect-attracting pitcher-shaped leaves, this study aimed to develop a bio-inspired insect-trapping device that simultaneously supplies liquid fertilizer to plants. The device replicates the elongated, tubular structure of Sarracenia leaves, incorporating fermented organic liquids to lure and decompose captured insects, thus generating natural fertilizer. An automatic system enables the distribution of nutrients, and colored lighting is utilized to enhance the attraction of nocturnal insects. This research examined the effects of structural form, artificial leaf color, types of fermented liquids, and light colors on trapping efficiency. The resulting device offers a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pest control, promoting healthier crop production while reducing environmental impact.
Demonstration details
-Hardware The invention is solar-powered, utilizing sunlight to generate electricity for the ESP8266 board.
It controls both the water pump and LED light with a scheduled timer and can be remotely operated via a mobile application.
-Software Programming Components The device operates using an ESP8266 microcontroller, and the code is composed of the following parts:
1. Libraries and variable declarations
2. Object creation
3. Functional control via the Blynk platform
4. setup function
5. loop function
Other notes about the entry (if any)
Describe the clip (Version English) : https://drive.google.com/file/d/11J0kvpM1cTLXeWTf7mRHC0TYdjifhJCa/view?usp=sharing
Describe the poster (Version English) : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KnPp0iNBF7IZlc9bvTsP61bpb683JEVO/view?usp=sharing
Information on patent, utility model, trademark, etc. application
No.2503001268 Insect Trap That Converts Captured Insects into Organic Fertilizer
Number of Team Members
1
Student
Master Wuttichai Polasean September 28, 2011 wuttichaipolsaen@gmail.com
Master