Usage of agricultural DAP-fertilizer and Eucalyptus essential oils as potential attractants against the mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Tephritidae)

Abstract

• Increase of concerns associated on pesticides and fertilizers use in oasis. • Essential oil sand their compounds are important natural sources of attractants. • DAP/ Eucalyptus essential oils achieved synergistic attractant effects to medfly. In Tunisia, oasis ecosystem is characterized by fragility due to the abusive application of insecticides and fertilizers. Moreover, in oasis Ceratitis capitata is a major pest. Its control relied on synthetic pesticides. This work aims to assess the efficiency of the two formulations based on the combination of DAP and Eucalyptus essential oils. X-Ray Diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area were used to characterize DAP fertilizer. GC–MS analysis were performed for analyze oils composition and adsorption of oil compounds. Kinetics adsorption/desorption was determined by measuring the mass of solid samples over time. Repellent/attractant and contact toxicity tests of Eucalyptus cinerea and E. maidenii oils and their formulations were evaluated against Medfly adults. GC–MS analysis indicated that 1,8-cineole was the dominant major common compound ( E. cinerea: 74.58%, E. maidenii 66.70%). Moreover, the adsorption efficacy depends on the abundance of each compound in crude essential oils and the polarity of terpenic components. Indeed, percentage of 1,8-cineole adsorption in the formulation was 76.15%for E. cinerea and 65.24% for E. maidenii . Results indicated the attractant potential of both essential oils (class III) and that DAP/essential oils formulations accomplished better attractant performance (class IV). Besides, formulations were toxic towards C. capitata adults (80% and 100% mortality for E. cinerea and E. maidenii). Results pointed out that the commercial lure Ceratrap®, traps baited with DAP/ E. maidenii and DAP/ E. cinerea formulations were attractant against C. capitata adults under field conditions. This work supports the use of essential oils and fertilizers-based formulations as an innovative tool for the management of Medfly.