Abstract
A Decision Support System (DSS) was developed and evaluated to control the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedermann), by incorporating a semi-automatic pest monitoring and a precision targeting approach in multi-varietal orchards. The DSS consists of three algorithms. DSS1, based on the degree days calculation, defines when the traps should be deployed in the field initiating the medfly population monitoring. DSS2 defines the areas to be treated and the type of treatment based on the number of adult medfly captures, harvesting time, and phenological stage of the host cultivar. DSS3 defines the spraying procedure considering the technical registration properties of the selected insecticide (e.g., withholding period and efficacy duration time) and weather conditions. The DSS was tested in commercial orchard conditions near Rome, central Italy, with a randomized complete blocks experimental design, comparing DSS-assisted and conventional management. In the DSS-assisted plots, a semi-automatic adult medfly monitoring system was deployed, composed of real-time, wireless electronic traps. The output of the functioning DSS is a map of spraying recommendation, reporting the areas to be treated and the treatment type (bait or cover insecticide spraying). The farmer was left free to follow, or not, the DSS indications. The first medfly captures were observed on June 30, whereas the DD threshold was reached on July 3 when the DSS started to operate. The field test produced 29 DSS decisions from July 3 to September 1 and confirmed that medfly management using the DSS substantially reduced the number of pesticide applications, the treated area, and the volumes of pesticide utilization. No significant differences in infested fruit were observed between DSS-assisted and conventional management. The level of acceptance of the DSS by the farmer was 78%. This evidence confirmed the requirement of fully involving farmers and pest managers during the evaluation process of DSS.
Highlights
As it is known, the Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedermann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a highly invasive, extremely polyphagous species that is attacking a wide variety of fruit
The Decision Support System (DSS) that was developed in the present study was mainly based on qualitative data, combined with a quantitative approach, related to the DSS1 module
The incorporation of DSS in current pest control practices is still slow. An important aspect they must overcome is their level of acceptance by the end users [29]. This is a paramount aspect to be considered because a DSS, even if technically valuable, may not be considered reliable by end users that aim at reducing risks and unwilling to take risks during performance, stop following DSS recommendations
Summary
The Mediterranean fruit fly or medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedermann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a highly invasive, extremely polyphagous species that is attacking a wide variety of fruit. The current list of medfly host plants comprises more than 300 fruit species including many cultivated ones, such as citrus, pome, and stone fruits, as well as several tropical and subtropical fruit species of high economic value [1,2,3]. The risk of medfly attack is related to various factors, such as the period of ripening during the season and the physical–chemical characteristics of the fruit [4,5]. Peaches (Prunus persica (L.)) are susceptible to medfly infestation, especially as far as late ripening cultivars with smooth peel are concerned. A bait spray consists of a suitable insecticide mixed with a protein bait. Both male and female medfly are strongly attracted to protein sources releasing ammonia and “consume” the insecticide
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