Evaluation of lure dispensers for fruit fly surveillance in New Zealand

BACKGROUND: Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a major biosecurity threat to the horticulture sector of New Zealand, which is entirely free of these invasive pests. A nationwide surveillance programme is conducted to ensure any incursion is detected as early as possible. A review of the lure dispensers used is reported here. RESULTS: Lure dispenser emission trials found that the currently used lure plugs release lure more slowly under New Zealand subtropical to temperate climates than wafer dispensers. Subsequent trapping experiments at high altitude in Hawaii (as a mimic of New Zealand meteorological and expected fruit fly ecological conditions) compared Lynfield traps baited with the existing lure plug dispensers and newer wafer dispensers. Catches of wild Oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), were 9.5-fold higher with methyl eugenol wafers than with the plugs. Recaptures of sterile melon flies, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillet), were 2.6-fold higher with cuelure wafers than with the plugs. Recaptures of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata Weid., were not significantly higher with trimedlure wafers than with the plugs.CONCLUSIONS: Release rate and trapping experiments found new lure dispensers differed in release rate characteristics from existing dispensers under temperate and subtropical conditions, and indicated some potential for improvement in surveillance efficacy.     

Detection of Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) using trimedlure versus enriched ginger oil in citrus orchards

Abstract

Successful fruit fly control requires effective monitoring to make pest management decisions. Ceratitis capitata (Medfly) is typically monitored in Tunisia with parapheromone commercialised as trimedlure (TM). Chemical treatment is applied when the economic threshold (3 flies/trap/day) is reached. In this study, C. capitata populations in a commercial citrus orchard captured in McPhail traps baited with TM or enriched ginger oil (EGO) were compared over two seasons (2011 and 2012). Females of C. capitata were not attracted to TM or EGO. Trimedlure was significantly more attractive to C. capitata males than EGO under low and high population densities over sampling dates. The TM used in McPhail traps was adequate to attract male medflies in citrus orchards under a wide range of Medfly population levels. The use of the best attractant can help to make control decisions when population levels of flies are low, thus preventing unnecessary application of insecticides and/or other control methods.     

Estimation of fly population density of Bactrocera oleae in olive groves of Crete

Population density of adults of Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was obtained from olive trees during a two-year study by means of two different methods, namely, knock down by an insecticide applied as a fog (‘sondage’) and trap captures (of yellow sticky panels and McPhail traps baited with ammonium). First it was concluded that yellow sticky panel traps give a poor representation of the olive fruit fly population density of the olive grove. Yellow panel trap captures were significantly lower than McPhail’s (September) and than the actual population of B. oleae as recorded in olive tree canopy (August of 2008). When only McPhail captures were compared to the olive fruit fly population in the tree canopy, B. oleae captures in McPhail traps represented only a small percentage of the population that was recorded in the olive tree canopy (July and August of 2009). It was estimated that traps captured only 0.5% of the flies present within a radius of 20 m in the studied field (which consists of approximately 25 trees). However, during autumn (September), low trap captures of B. oleae can occur even when the fly population in the field is near zero.     

Evaluation of commercial traps of various designs for capturing the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

The attractiveness of six different traps, one hand-made and five commercially available, on olive fruit fly adults, was compared in the field. Experiments were undertaken at three different localities of Messinia Co., SW Greece, with varying conditions of fruit load and pest population density. The Glass-Plastic Elkofon Trap attracted more adult flies than any other type of trap. Satisfactory catches were also given by the Glass McPhail trap, the Plastic McPhail trap and the Plastic Elkofon trap, whereas low attractiveness was demonstrated by the Bottle trap and the Pouch trap. It is clear from the findings of this study that trap captures of the olive fruit fly are significantly influenced by trap design (e.g. shape, materials, special features), especially during the period of the high population peak (mid-September – early November) as well as in olive orchards with a high pest population density. In olive orchards with a low pest population density no significant differences were recorded among captures of different trap types. We discuss ways of improving the mass-trapping technique as a control method against olive fruit fly.     

(Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and 1-undecanol increase male attraction to sex pheromone trap in Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The effects of host-plant volatiles (HPVs) on male oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and response to sex pheromone trap were studied in a pear orchard. Two HPVs compounds, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and 1-undecanol, combined with sex pheromone of G. molesta in traps were tested. The results showed that most of the male moths were captured in the traps baited with the sex pheromone combined with these two HPVs compounds than by the pheromone alone. Also, more males were captured by the trap containing pheromone plus (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate than by the one containing 1-undecanol. It appeared that these HPVs act as sex pheromone synergists to enhance the attraction of male G. molestato pheromone traps, since males were not captured in the traps baited only with (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and/or 1-undecanol.     

A push–pull strategy to suppress stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) attacks on pasture cattle via a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and traps with m-cresol lures

BACKGROUND

Stable flies [Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)] are economically important pests of cattle and other livestock. As an alternative to conventional insecticides, we tested a push–pull management strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and an attractant-added stable fly trap.

RESULTS

In our field trials we found that weekly applications of a push–pull strategy can reduce stable fly populations on cattle as well as a standard insecticide (permethrin). We also found that the efficacy periods of the push–pull and permethrin treatments following on-animal application were equivalent. Traps with an attractant lure used as the pull component of the push–pull strategy captured sufficient numbers of stable flies to reduce on-animal numbers by an estimated 17–21%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first proof-of-concept field trial demonstrating the effectiveness of a push–pull strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid-based repellent formulation and traps with an attractant lure to manage stable flies on pasture cattle. Also notable is that the push–pull strategy had an efficacy period equivalent to that of a standard, conventional insecticide under field conditions. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Laboratory and field cage studies on female‐targeted attract‐and‐kill bait stations for Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae)

BACKGROUND: Development of attract‐and‐kill bait stations for pest fruit flies has been limited by the water solubility of sugar needed as a feeding stimulant and by the volatility of chemical attractants. A wax‐based matrix was developed that provides the longevity needed for field use and is biodegradable. RESULTS: Laboratory bioassays with the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew), confirmed the efficacy of bait stations containing avermectin, methomyl, spinosad and phloxine B. Field cage studies demonstrated that significant mortality occurred with either 1% (w/v) spinosad or 1% (w/v) methomyl bait stations versus pesticide‐free bait stations. Bait stations were exposed to environmental conditions by placing them in trees at the ARS station in Miami, Florida, between tests. There was no loss in efficacy, in spite of exposure to over 360 mm of rainfall over the 56 days of the study, indicating that the bait stations could provide population suppression for at least 1–2 months when used in subtropical environments. CONCLUSION: A long‐lasting, female‐targeted fruit fly bait station, such as the one developed herein, could provide a cost‐effective option for fruit fly population suppression that would be an important tool in tephritid pest management and control. Additional studies are needed to demonstrate efficacy against wild fruit fly populations and determine deployment strategies. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Raspberry ketone feeding makes Queensland fruit fly,Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), more vulnerable to desiccation but not starvation

Background

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) males exhibit accelerated sexual maturation when their diet is supplemented with raspberry ketone (RK) for 48 h following emergence, which is beneficial for sterile insect technique operation. The present study tests whether RK supplementation makes Qfly more vulnerable to starvation or desiccation.

Results

Flies were fed for 48 h with a yeast hydrolysate and sugar diet (1:3) that contained 0% RK (control), 1.25% RK (low dose) or 5% RK (high dose) to test subsequent vulnerability to starvation and desiccation. RK feeding decreased body weight and water content in males and increased lipid levels in both sexes before exposure to any stress treatment. Under nutritional stress, flies fed the low RK dose, but not the high RK dose, had higher survival than controls. Under desiccation stress, flies fed both the low and high RK doses had lower survival than the controls. Body weight, water content and lipid reserves at death were all affected by RK dose when under nutritional stress, but not when under desiccation stress. In the absence of stress, body weight at death was higher than controls in flies provided with the high RK dose and lipids were lower than controls in flies provided with the low RK dose.

Conclusion

Feeding with RK makes Qflies more vulnerable to desiccation but not starvation. In most conditions, it is expected that the disadvantage of increased desiccation vulnerability would be outweighed by the benefits of accelerated sexual maturation in RK-fed young adult Qflies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on three species of Rhagoletis fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

BACKGROUND: Chlorantraniliprole formulated as a 350 g kg^?1 WG (Altacor 35WG) for management of apple maggot Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), blueberry maggot R. mendax Curran and cherry fruit fly R. cingulata (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was evaluated in laboratory assays and field trials. RESULTS: A tarsal contact toxicity bioassay showed that a surface residue of 500 mg L^?1 of chlorantraniliprole caused significantly higher mortality of male and female flies of all species compared with a control. Male apple maggot and blueberry maggot mortality was significantly higher than that for females, but there was similar mortality of male and female cherry fruit flies. An ingestion toxicity bioassay showed that 500 mg L^?1 of chlorantraniliprole in diet caused significantly higher mortality of male and female flies of all species than the control, but there were no significant differences among the sexes. Delayed egglaying by females that had ingested chlorantraniliprole was found, but there were no significant sublethal effects on either the number of eggs laid or the egg hatch. Field trials with apple maggot and cherry fruit fly showed that protection of fruit by chlorantraniliprole was comparable with that of standard broad‐spectrum insecticides. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that chlorantraniliprole has suppressant activity against Rhagoletis fruit flies, preventing fruit infestation primarily through direct lethal effects. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Captures ofEarias insulana males in water traps and dry funnel traps baited with synthetic pheromone or virgin females

(E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienal (HDD) effectively attracted males ofEarias insulana (Boisduval) when released from polyethylene vials but not from rubber dispensers. Traps baited with 3 mg HDD/trap were as effective in luring males as traps baited with four virgin females. Funnel traps baited with either HDD or virgin females captured significantly more males than water traps baited with the same lures.     

Efficacy of the pear ester as a monitoring tool for codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in New Zealand apple orchards

BACKGROUND: The behavioural response of both sexes of codling moth, Cydia pomonella to the pear-derived kairomone (ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate), codling moth sex pheromone (E,E-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol), and sex pheromone combined with the pear derived kairomone loaded into red rubber septum were investigated in trapping experiments in New Zealand apple orchards. A range of 0.01-10.0 mg of pheromone loading in rubber septum dispensers was tested and the highest catch of males was in traps baited with 1.0 mg. No dose response in trap catch of males was seen in traps baited with different amounts of pear-derived kairomone (0.01-10.0 mg). RESULTS: The number of females caught was significantly affected by the amount of pear derived kairomone used to bait traps, with the highest catch obtained at 10 mg loading. The attractiveness of sex pheromone was not enhanced by the addition of the kairomone either when used in the same bait or in a separate bait. The mean number of males captured in traps was reduced by 44% when the pheromone and kairomone were combined at ratio of 1:1 (0.1 mg pheromone: 0.1 mg kairomone) in separate sources. CONCLUSION: Kairomone baited traps showed some potential for monitoring the flight activity of female C. pomonella in apple orchards in two locations (Canterbury and Hawke's Bay). However, the number of male moths caught was low as compared to the number of male moths caught in pheromone-baited traps, and therefore the sex pheromone should continue to be used for monitoring male activity.     

The distribution of olive fruit fly captures with McPhail traps within an olive orchard

The spatial distribution of olive fruit flyBactrocera (Dacus) oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) field captures with McPhail traps within an experimental orchard was evaluated. Contour maps were constructed to examine the patterns in the 3-year trapping data. Captures varied widely inside the olive orchard, with traps suspended on wild olive trees exhibiting the poorest performance. Favorable microclimate, created by a standing water pool, appeared to be responsible for increased trap captures during the hot summer months. The positive role of the olive tree fruit load is also discussed. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Feb. 2, 2003.     

云南桔小寡鬃实蝇种群动态研究

经过水平和垂直地带的性诱观测与室内外调查试验，发现云南桔小寡鬃实蝇年发生４－５代。第二代为主害代，主要为害芒果、桃、番石榴等。成虫诱集高蜂期除柑桔点（高峰期为９－１０月）、甜橙点（高峰期为１０－１２月）外，蓁各点均在６－７月间。各年高峰期早晚和诱集量不同。同年各点成虫高峰期出现的时间也有差异，主要表现为从南到北高峰期推迟。冬季除昆明外，其它各点均可诱到成虫。以高温高湿的西双版纳数量最多。同一地区随     

Note:Capparimyia savastani (Martelli, 1911): A new record of tephritidae of economic significance for Spain

During a trial in Majorca (Balearic Islands) conducted in 2007 for the detection of parasitoids of the olive flyBactrocera oleae by using yellow sticky traps, a single female of the tephritidaeCapparimyia savastani (Martelli, 1911) was captured. This species had never been recorded previously either in the Balearics or mainland Spain. The larvae of this species feed on the edible flower buds of the common caper (Capparis sp.), thus being a potential pest of this crop. There has not been any previous study of the response of this diptera to the traps and attractants most commonly used in the area for the monitoring of other tephritidae of economic importance, such asB. oleae and the Mediterranean fruit flyCeratitis capitata. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting May 30, 2008.     

Feeding and attraction of non-target flies to spinosad-based fruit fly bait

A spinosad-based fruit fly bait, GF-120, has recently become a primary tool for area-wide suppression or eradication of pest tephritid fruit flies. The present study assessed the attraction and feeding of five non-target fly species to GF-120 in Hawaii. These non-target flies include three beneficial tephritid species [Eutreta xanthochaeta (Aldrich), Tetreuaresta obscuriventris (Loew), Ensina sonchi (L.)] introduced for weed biological control, an endemic Hawaiian tephritid [Trupanea dubautiae (Bryan)] (all Diptera: Tephritidae) and the cosmopolitan Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae). All five non-target fly species were susceptible to GF-120, as was the target pest Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Feeding on, or even brief tasting of, GF-120 killed all fly species within 2 h. When individual flies were provided with a choice of GF-120 or honey solution, there was no difference in the frequency of first food encounter by E. xanthochaeta, D. melanogaster or C. capitata. The other three non-target species approached honey more often than GF-120 in their first food encounter. Feeding times on GF-120 and honey were not significantly different for D. melanogaster and C. capitata, while the other four non-target species fed longer on honey than on GF-120. There was no significant difference in feeding time on honey versus GF-120 between males and females of each species. These results suggest that area-wide treatment using GF-120 for the purpose of eradication of pest fruit flies has potential negative impacts on these and other non-target fly species in Hawaii.     

Sex pheromone traps for detecting and monitoring the raisin moth,cadra figulilella,in date palm plantations

Field tests were carried out to determine whether pheromone traps, baited with (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12-14:Ac) impregnated in rubber septa (Maavit, Israel), could provide a reliable tool for monitoring the raisin moth,Cadra figulilella (Gregson), in date palm plantations. No significant differences were detected between captures of males in traps baited with 1 or 10 mg pheromone/dispenser. However, traps baited with 1 mg pheromone captured significantly more males than those baited with 0.1 mg pheromone/dispenser. No differences were found between captures of males in traps hung at a height of 8 m (near the bunches) or 2–3 m (on palm trunks). Two peaks of male capture were detected, one in May-June and the other during September-October (ripening period). Results indicate a positive relationship between captures in traps and infestation levels by larvae. Pheromone traps baited with 1 mg Z9,E12–14:Ac impregnated in rubber septa and hung on palm trunks (at a height of 2–3 m), were very useful for monitoringC. figulilella populations and for determining the accurate timing of insecticide applications.     

瓜实蝇、桔小实蝇、南瓜实蝇在广州地区的种群动态

利用Ｓｔｅｉｎｅｒ诱捕器和灯笼式诱捕器，内放有诱捕剂ｃｕｅ－ｌｕｒｅ或ｍｅｔｈｙｌ ｅｕｇｅｎｏｌ和化学农工马拉硫磷混合物的棉芯，在广州地区６个不同生境，从１９８９－１９９２年，连续诱捕结果表明，３种果实蝇的自然种群密度依交为瓜实蝇、南瓜实蝇和村小实蝇，它们每年有两个密度高峰，瓜实蝇和桔小实蝇的第１个高峰出现的１－３月；第２个高峰出现在７－１１月上旬，第２个高峰比第１个高峰的密度大。南瓜实蝇的第１     

Effects of moon phases and of various trap colors on the capture ofprays citri males in sticky traps

Field experiments with sticky traps baited with live females showed that significantly latger numbers ofP. citri males were captured during full-moon than during new- or old-moon phases. Significantly smaller numbers ofPrays citri males were captured in white sticky traps than in black, green, red, yellow or blue ones, placed during day and night in citrus groves in various areas of the country; no significant differences were noted between any of the colored traps.     

Mediterranean fruit fly suppression using chemosterilants for area‐wide integrated pest management

BACKGROUND: The chemosterilisation technique has been demonstrated to reduce the population and fruit damage of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in citrus orchards. Field trials showed efficacy by reducing the fruit fly population, which was progressively achieved by continuous application of lufenuron to several generations. Different authors have suggested that field trials should be carried out in isolated or wide areas in order to reduce fruit fly intrusion and obtain best results. To this end, a wide‐area trial over 3600 hectares has been under investigation in Valencia (Spain) since 2002 to validate the chemosterilisation technique against the fruit fly. The whole area was treated with 24 traps ha^?1, using more than 86 000 traps in the field trial. RESULTS: A continuous decrease in fruit fly population was observed over the 4 years under trial. Moreover, results showed a significant reduction in persimmon damage in the chemosterilant treatment area compared with a malathion aerial treatment area. In the case of citrus damage, no significant differences were obtained between malathion and chemosterilant treatments. CONCLUSION: The chemosterilant method reduces Mediterranean fruit fly populations, and therefore it is a candidate treatment to replace aerial treatments with insecticides in order to suppress this pest. In addition, the efficacy of chemosterilant treatment is increasing year after year. The possibility of using this technique combined with other control methods is discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Floral attractants for the female soybean looper, Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND: The soybean looper, Thysanoplusia orichalcea (F.), is a polyphagous insect pest of vegetable crops. Indonesian in origin, it has spread to Europe, India, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The identification of an attractant for female T. orichalcea could enable the development of alternative pest management strategies to those provided by insecticides or sex pheromones, which are often only attractive to males. RESULTS: Traps baited with synthetic lures derived from Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., floral volatiles attracted female T. orichalcea. Phenylacetaldehyde, a floral compound attractive to many Lepidoptera and present in C. arvense, was tested alone as an attractant for the soybean looper and caught significantly more female than male T. orichalcea. Trap catch was greatest when phenylacetaldehyde was combined with five prevalent volatiles present in C. arvense headspace collections: 2‐phenylethyl alcohol, methyl salicylate, dimethyl salicylate, benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol. Twice as many female moths as males were collected. CONCLUSION: Successful trapping of female T. orichalcea in either a lure‐and‐kill or a mass trapping system may offer an effective way to manage its population size. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry