Attraction of Ceratitis capitata, C. rosa and C. cosyra (Diptera: Tephritidae) to proteinaceous baits

Abstract

AbstractAttractiveness of commercially available protein baits to three congeneric fruit fly species: Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis rosa and Ceratitis cosyra was evaluated in field cage assays. Protein baits tested were HymLure, GF‐120 Naturalyte and M3 bait (also known as Questlure, used in M3 bait station registered for fruit fly control in South Africa). The influence of concentration on attractiveness of HymLure and GF‐120 was determined and the effect of ageing of M3 bait on response of the three fly species was evaluated. Responses to the three types of bait were species specific. C. cosyra had a low response to HymLure but responded well to the other two baits tested. C. capitata and C. rosa responded well to all baits tested. Ceratitis capitata was the most responsive of all species tested to protein baits. Female flies responded more to commercial baits than male flies, irrespective of fruit fly species. Concentration of HymLure and GF‐120 influenced attractiveness of flies but this was species and sex specific. Attractiveness of M3 bait did not change with ageing of the bait. A novel method of bait evaluation was used in this study and can be adopted for future screening of food attractants. The practical implications of this study were discussed with respect to control strategies adopted in areas of multiple fruit fly pest species, particularly on choice of baits to be used.