Attractiveness of Methyl Eugenol to the Fruit Fly Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Indonesia

Abstract

The attractiveness of methyl eugenol (ME) to the fruit fly Bactrocera sp. carambolae (Drew & Hancock) was examined in Indonesia. This fly was first discovered in Suriname in 1975 and it is the subject of an eradication effort in South America centered around Suriname. Approximately 600 newly emerged males and females were released into an outdoor screened cage when they were 2 d old. An ME trap, a potted carambola fruit tree, and adult food were placed in the screened cage. Males began to respond to ME immediately after release. At least 2 males mated with females during exposure to ME, whereas >99% of the males were considered dead by trapping or other factors. These results indicate that the male annihilation technique using ME fiber blocks may be effective in controlling or eradicating B. caramborae. Although many females also responded to ME, at dusk in relative absence of males, only a small number of them were killed with a Steiner-type trap. By changing the trap to a plastic-board ME trap coated with glue, many females were captured, suggesting that development of an ME trap suitable for females would accelerate the control of this fly.