Evaluation of chemicals for the development of female attracting trapping systems for peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders)

Experiments were conducted to evaluate various chemicals for the development of female peach fruit fly targeted trapping systems. Results indicated that the percentage of female catches was comparatively higher in the traps baited with Ammonium Acetate (AA) + Puterscine (PT) and in NuLure (hydrolysate protein) + Diammonium Phosphate using a 3:7 ratio than the other food baits. None of the chemicals captured male flies up to the level of Methyl Eugenol, which was almost 10 times higher than the other baits. It was observed that 300 ml water and 2 drops of Triton proved very effective for retention and catching of the fruit flies. Based on these findings it is apparent that synthetic food attractants provide an effective system for capturing the peach fruit fly. Field management studies revealed that based on adult catches in traps and fruit infestation, male annihilation technique (MAT) in conjunction with bait sprays (BAT) and cultural practices proved significantly more effective for the control of peach fruit fly in guava and mango orchards as compared to MAT + BAT without cultural practices and BAT + cultural practices. (author)