The automated AELT is an economic and eco-friendly insect trapping device which is easy-to-use and requires low maintenance helps in handling insects in large numbers very efficiently there by reducing the operational cost.
The advanced solar based Alternate Energy Light Trap (AELT) Device invented by the scientists of the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha was awarded the patent. The AELT Device helps in trapping the several flying insects in the crop fields by utilizing solar powered system (to light the lamp at night) that is the first of its kind in India. The Institute filed the application on 18th March, 2014. The device has been invented by Dr Shyamaranjan Das Mohapatra, Principal Scientist (Entomology) and Dr Mayabini Jena, Former Principal Scientist & Head, Crop Protection Division of ICAR-NRRI.
The AELT includes a light trap unit for attracting the flying insects; a collector unit coupled to the light trap unit for receiving the trapped insects from light traps. A funnel is fitted to direct the lured insects into the Insect Collecting Unit. The funnel supports three baffles joined at the top. A hook has been provided at the top portion for installing the light trap in the crop fields. Above the light trap unit, a solar panel has been fitted to charge a battery which supplies required power to the Light Trap Unit.
Once, the mesh will start vibrating, the tiny beneficial insects will fall down and collect in the second chamber. The tiny non-target insects, mostly natural enemies trapped so can easily be escaped to the crop environment. The facility of escaping of non-target / natural enemies from the main Insect Collection Unit is a desirable attribute for bio-intensive approach of pest management. The Light Trap Unit is also provided with a sensor which will automatically get lighted during twilight and switched-off after three to four hours as per time set by the user in the timer. A higher capacity battery has been fitted with the device to store and operate the device even in the cloudy and foggy weather. The battery can store sufficient power in fully charged condition to supply required power to the unit to run for four to five days. It is cost effective as it will run on solar power, besides being portable. The device is easily dismantled and stored when not in use. The automated AELT is an economic and eco-friendly insect trapping device which is easy-to-use and requires low maintenance helps in handling insects in large numbers very efficiently there by reducing the operational cost.
