Utilization of methyl eugenol bait traps on fruit flies (Bactrocera spp) (Diptera: Tephritidae) caught at dusung of fruits in Ambon Island

Abstract

Fruit fly (Bactrocera sp) is one of the most harmful pests in fruit cultivation. This pest is detrimental because it directly attacks agricultural products, namely fruit produced by plants. Methyl eugenol is an insect-attractant compound, especially for male fruit flies. This study was carried out from May to October 2022 to determine the number of fruit flies caught using methyl eugenol bait traps at dusung of fruits in four villages namely Allang, Suli, Hutumuri, and Soya in Ambon Island. In each village, 1 dusung was chosen and 5 observation plots measuring 10 m × 20 m each were put diagonally. A bait trap using methyl eugenol on cotton was placed in a 600 ml mineral water bottle. Two bait traps were placed in each observation plot. Totally, there were 825 individuals of fruit flies belonging to three species, namely Bactrocera carambolae B. dorsalis and B. umbrosa caught during the study. The highest number of individuals was caught in Suli village, while the lowest was caught in Soya village. Based on species of fruit flies, B. carambolae had the highest number of individuals, followed by B. dorsalis and then B. umbrosa.