Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• somayeh ranjbar ¹
• hamid rahimzade behzadi ²

¹ Plant Protection Research Department, South Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Jiroft, Iran

² South Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Jiroft, Iran

Abstract

Keywords

• food attractant
• trap
• baiting
• Tephritidae family

Extended Abstract

Introduction

Ceratitis capitata, commonly known as the Mediterranean fruit fly, is one of southern Kerman's most significant citrus pests. This polyphagous pest selects its host based on factors such as weather conditions, host availability, and the physical and chemical properties of the fruit, often causing extensive damage to specific crops. The larvae feed on the inner tissues of the fruit, rendering direct insecticide sprays ineffective for controlling this pest. Currently, mass trapping and baiting methods are employed to manage Mediterranean fruit fly populations. This research aimed to: 1) Evaluate the efficiency of various traps and attractants in capturing adult medflies, including comparing domestic attractants and foreign materials. 2) Compare the effectiveness of different baiting methods in reducing fruit fly damage

Method

Results

    The results showed that the highest capture of medfly adults was achieved using the McPhail trap containing Ceratinex, with an average of 52.48 males and 62.83 females per trap. Conversely, the Ceratrap containing Medlure recorded the lowest number of captured fruit flies, with averages of 12.84 males and 15.24 females per trap. The correlation coefficient indicated a positive relationship between the number of medfly adults captured and the number of ripe fruits on the tree. In the second experiment, the lowest citrus fruit infection rates were observed in baits containing attractants combined with Malathion or Fenthion insecticides applied through spot spraying, with averages of 22.3% and 28.06%, respectively. However, placing the bait with Ceratel attractant and Fenthion insecticide on a sponge two meters away from the tree and under the tree resulted in the highest fruit contamination rates, at 76.16% and 64.63%, respectively. Overall, the use of the McPhail trap with Ceratinex and baits prepared from Ceratel mixed with Malathion proved to be the most effective in capturing adult medflies and reducing fruit infection.