Standardization of medfly trapping for use in sterile insect technique programmes: Experiments in Mexico with released mass-reared flies during 1987-1991

The efficiency of traps for detection and monitoring of tepthrids may vary depending on the climatic and ecological conditions of a particular region. Based on this argument, the main objective of the standardization was to evaluate the capture of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) with different trap designs, odor attractants and colors under tropical conditions. Seven different traps were evaluated over a period of five years (1987-1991) using a standard methodology recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The results, following statistical analysis, showed that under relative humidities from 36-98% and temperatures from 17-35 deg., the Jackson trap with white or yellow sticky insert was the most effective for catching the Mediterranean fruit fly. Other practical aspects, such as response to yellow color, position of trimedlure (TML) within the MacPhail trap, repellency of TML, the use of TML together with hydrolyzed protein, etc., that may be used to improve the efficiency of traps, were determined. The performance of the same traps for capture of Anastrepha fruit flies was also determined. (author). 13 refs, 9 figs, 5 tabs