Bait Sprays Research Articles

Diurnal resting behavior of adult Culex pipiens in an arid habitat in Israel and possible control measurements with toxic sugar baits

The distribution of resting Culex pipiens s.l., L. in vegetation at the margins of breeding sites and the effects of a narrow, surrounding, sprayed belt of sugar, food dye and toxin on adult mosquitoes were studied near two pairs of control and experimental sewage ponds close to human habitation in the Judean hills. Control belts were without toxin. A sprayed belt of sugar and toxin 0.5m from the water gradually reduced the population to an average of 38.3 mosquitoes per trap, 7.6% of the highest catch, which was 504.6 mosquitoes per trap in the control site. In the second experiment, in which bait belts were 5m from the water, the toxic bait spraying was followed by a rise in catches from 207.9 to 274.9 mosquitoes. This was 41% of the 670.2 mosquitoes per trap in the parallel control site. In areas without toxin treatment, diurnal catches by net amounted to 20,705 mosquitoes. Of these, 86.1% (17,825) were caught within 1m of the water while only 8.2% (1701) were caught at a distance of 3m. The remainders were caught up to 20m away. Parity status was determined for female samples caught by net. In areas without toxin, parous females accounted for 37% of the catch and 13.2% were young, meconium containing specimens. The population diminished following spraying of toxic bait 1m from the water and included 13% parous females and 17.6% had meconium in the gut.

Effect of Melia extracts on oviposition, gonad development and field infestation of melon fruit fly (Bactrocera tau) in cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Studies on the effect of darek (Melia azedarach L.) seed kernel extract (DSKE) in aqueous and bait forms on the oviposition, gonad development and field infestation of melon fruit fly (Bactrocera tau walker) in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) revealed that of the treatments evaluated under laboratory conditions, 2% aqueous DSKE gave maximum oviposition deterrence (79.1%) after 24 hr of treatment over control. The deterrent effect decreasing with time lasted for 168 hr. In bait treatments, mean number of eggs laid at 24 hr intervals after 144 hr was minimum (8.1 eggs/five females) in fruits treated with Bait IV (DSKE 2% + diet) as compared to 11.0 eggs in standard malathion bait and 24.3 eggs in control/24 hr. Upon dissection, it was found that fruit flies fed on Bait IV had significantly under developed ovaries measuring 1.9±0.06 × 1.7±0.03mm in size against 3.4±0.08 × 2.8±0.04mm in those fed on normal proteinaceous diet. Moreover, baits carrying higher concentration of DSKE than in Bait IV caused significant adult mortality. Among the concentrations tested, Bait VIII (DSKE 6.0% + diet) caused maximum mortality (59.1%) 24 hr after treatment. Under field conditions, fruit fly infestation was lowest (3.1%) in plots sprayed with Bait X (DSKE 12.0% + diet) against 11.1 and 64.8% in standard bait sprayed plot and the untreated, respectively. No phyto-toxic effects were observed. The Melia bait sprays proved more effective than standard malathion bait in the management of melon fruit fly and increasing the total crop yield.

Spatial and temporal foraging patterns of Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), for protein and implications for management

AbstractFruit flies require protein for reproductive development and actively feed upon protein sources in the field. Liquid protein baits mixed with insecticide are used routinely to manage pest fruit flies, such as Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt). However, there are still some gaps in the underpinning science required to improve the efficacy of bait spray technology. The spatial and temporal foraging behaviour of B. tryoni in response to protein was investigated in the field. A series of linked trials using either wild flies in the open field or laboratory‐reared flies in field cages and a netted orchard were undertaken using nectarines and guavas. Key questions investigated were the fly's response to protein relative to: height of protein within the canopy, fruiting status of the tree, time of day, season and size of the experimental arena. Canopy height had a significant response on B. tryoni foraging, with more flies foraging on protein in the mid to upper canopy. Fruiting status also had a significant effect on foraging, with most flies responding to protein when applied to fruiting hosts. B. tryoni demonstrated a repeatable diurnal response pattern to protein, with the peak response being between 12:00–16:00 h. Season showed significant but unpredictable effects on fruit fly response to protein in the subtropical environment where the work was undertaken. Relative humidity, but not temperature or rainfall, was positively correlated with protein response. The number of B. tryoni responding to protein decreased dramatically as the spatial scale increased from field cage through to the open field. Based on these results, it is recommend that, to be most effective, protein bait sprays should be applied to the mid to upper canopies of fruiting hosts. Overall, the results show that the protein used, an industry standard, has very low attractancy to B. tryoni and that further work is urgently needed to develop more volatile protein baits.

To push, pull or push–pull? A behavioural strategy for protecting small tomato plots from tephritid fruit flies

The protective effects of protein bait spays and oil emulsion sprays against fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt)) were compared in an experiment with a simple split plot design using tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) of two varieties. The sprays were then used in a second experimental design based on the ‘push–pull’ technique that would be relevant to home gardens and village horticulture. Each replicate of each treatment in each of two experiments was represented by a small group of fruiting tomato plants (that represented a small crop in a real garden to be protected by the technique). These were surrounded by other tomato plants (that were stripped of fruit) or by weeds (that represented other food plants or weeds in a real garden). Each category of plant was given either no treatment or imparted with a ‘push’ or a ‘pull’ stimulus with a bait spray or an oil spray to act on foraging fruit flies. A simultaneous comparison of all nine possible combinations of these treatments revealed that oil spray applied only to the central plants or to both the central and surrounding plants were two of the three most effective treatments for preventing fruit damage by fruit flies. Bait spray on its own was not always effective and, when paired with oil spray, was no more successful than no treatment paired with oil spray. Another experiment, restricted to combinations of oil spray and no spray, confirmed that plants were best protected by direct application of oil spray and that spraying surrounding plants as well was no better and that spraying surrounding plants alone was worse. These results were related to the small size of each ‘crop’ and known aspects of fruit fly behaviour.

Lethal and Sublethal Toxicity of Fipronil and Imidacloprid on Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Psyttalia concolor (Szèpligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of several species of tephritid (Diptera) larvae, such as Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Here, we report on the effects of imidacloprid and fipronil on P. concolor females, when different routes of exposure were evaluated: residual contact (cover and bait sprays) and via treatment of host species. Moreover, the persistence of the bait formulated compound also was studied. For each experiment, lethal (mortality) and sublethal effects (parasitization rate or longevity) were studied. Fipronil produced 100% mortality irrespective of exposure route, and it was very persistent, because 34-d-old residues still produced this high mortality rate, being as toxic or even more toxic than the reference product dimethoate. Toxicity of imidacloprid depends on the mode of exposure, although always remained less toxic than dimethoate. Imidacloprid caused high mortality or sublethal effect to the progeny in cover sprays and when applied via treated host, being harmless in bait sprays application. In conclusion, our results suggest that fipronil should not be used in the field when the parasitoid is present. On the contrary, although imidacloprid is physiologically active against females of P. concolor, ecological selectivity may result through the use of bait treatment.

Efficacy of spinosad bait sprays to control Bactrocera oleae and impact on non-target arthropods

A field study was conducted during 2005 and 2006 in Terra Quente, northeastern Portugal, to evaluate the efficacy of the spinosad-based insecticide Spintor Cebo® (Dow Agrosciences Iberica, S.A.) against the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), as well as the impact of the treatments on non-target arthropods. Results suggest that this insecticide could be as effective as dimethoate and since it was reported as having more benign toxicological and ecological profiles, it seems to be a good alternative to control the pest in Continental Mediterranean climates such as Terra Quente. However, its use should be evaluated carefully, mainly in conditions that increase the arthropod biological control agents’ propensity for feeding on it (e.g. absence of pollen, nectar and honeydews) to identify unintended impacts on conservation biological control of olive pests as a result of its application.

Behavioral responses, rate of mortality, and oviposition of western cherry fruit fly exposed to malathion, zeta-cypermethrin, and spinetoram

Western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a pest of sweet and tart cherry, Prunus avium L. (L.) and P. cerasus L., respectively, in western North America. This fly is commonly controlled with spinosad bait sprays. Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is potentially a new pest of cherries in this region that could be a threat to orchards at the same time as R. indifferens. Drosophila suzukii apparently is not controlled using spinosad bait sprays, but may potentially be controlled using malathion, zeta-cypermethrin, and spinetoram. However, how well these last three materials protect fruit against reproductively mature R. indifferens is not known. In laboratory observations, R. indifferens spent the least amount of time on cherries treated with zeta-cypermethrin, possibly because of its toxicity and irritant effects. In laboratory experiments, zeta-cypermethrin killed flies more quickly than malathion and spinetoram, causing up to 100% mortality 2 h after exposure. Zeta-cypermethrin prevented all oviposition when flies walked on dried residues for 20–25 min or were directly sprayed, and then exposed to cherries with dried residues, simulating exposure of mature female flies in a treated orchard. Malathion and spinetoram reduced oviposition compared with controls, but did not prevent it, when flies contacted residues or were directly sprayed at a high volume. Results suggest zeta-cypermethrin is the most effective of the three materials at protecting cherries against mature R. indifferens and could be used in an integrated control program for it and D. suzukii.

Effectiveness of foliar protein bait sprays in controllingBactrocera invadens(Diptera: Tephritidae) on sweet oranges

Introduction. Damage caused by tephritid fruit flies has been identified as a major limiting factor to citrus production in Nigeria. Presently, no control measure is applied by the majorityofthefarmers.Thisstudythereforeseekstoevaluatetheefficacyoflocally-madeprotein bait sprays and the differences in the susceptibility of sweet orange varieties in reducing fruit fly damage. Materials and methods. In 2006 and 2007, one, two and three spot applications of locally-made protein bait mixed with chlorpyrifos insecticide were administered to Agege, ParsonBrownandValenciaLatesweetoranges.Treatmentswerearrangedinarandomizedcom- plete block design. Efficacy of the bait sprays in reducing fruit attack was assessed by randomly sampling 10 ripe or ripening fruits per stand as well as dropped fruits. Results and discussion. The bait sprays significantly (p < 0.05) reduced damage of sweet orange by lowering the infes- tation level of Bactrocerainvadens Drew Tsurata & White, and consequently reducing the num- ber of dropped fruits. Application of three spots of bait was most effective in reducing damage due to B. invadens on sweet orange varieties. The infestation level of B. invadens and the num- ber of dropped fruits of the variety Agege were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the varieties Parson Brown and Valencia Late. Conclusion. Our study shows that three spot appli- cations were most efficacious in reducing fruit damage, and that the Valencia Late variety was the least damaged, followed by Parson Brown. Nigeria / Citrus sinensis / fruits / Tephritidae / insect control / damage / fruit drop / chemical control / application methods / application rates

Eradication ofBactrocera invadens(Diptera: Tephritidae) in Limpopo Province, South Africa

On 5 May 2010, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White was detected in a methyl eugenol-baited surveillance trap in the northernmost part of the Limpopo Province in South Africa, an area adjacent to the Zimbabwe border. A delimiting survey was carried out to determine extent of spread in the area by trapping with both methyl eugenol and Biolure-3-component lures. A quarantine area of approximately 1100 km2 (surrounding the area of detection) was implemented to regulate movement of host fruits. Eradication of the pest was achieved in the quarantine area through male annihilation technique (MAT) using fibreboard blocks containing methyl eugenol and malathion in combination with protein bait sprays (application of GF-120 and LokLure mixed with malathion) and orchard sanitation. Eradication measures were carried out for a period of 12 weeks. Thereafter, MAT blocks were removed and trapping continued for a period of four weeks to confirm eradication. No B. invadens was caught in the area during the four weeks after control measures had stopped. No B. invadens was captured within a period of 12 weeks (approximately three generations) after the last fly find in the area. This constitutes the first successful eradication of B. invadens from an area of incursion.

Efficacy of Ground Spray Application of Bait Sprays With Malathion or Spinosad on Mexican Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Texas Citrus

An important component in the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), eradication program is bait spray application to knock down localized A. ludens infestations enhancing the sterile to wild fly ratio and increasing the effectiveness of the sterile insect release program. Efficacy tests were conducted using spray equipment that applies ultralow application rates of malathion NU-LURE or GF-120 spinosad by ground into citrus. Trapit Dome traps located in fields treated with malathion NU-LURE and GF-120 spinosad high rate caught significantly fewer flies than the control in all replications. Treatments reduced the Mexican fruit fly populations by 99.1 and 92.5% with malathion and 98.2 and 89.9% with GF-120 spinosad high rate. Traps in plots with lower rates of GF-120 reduced fly populations by 76.3 and 74.3% in winter and summer test, respectively. There was no indication of fly repulsion from either malathion or GF-120 spinosad during this test. The bait spray option using ground spray equipment to apply ultra-low rates of either malathion NU-LURE or GF-120 spinosad high rate is a viable cost effective treatment method to treat small acreages for A. ludens. For organic growers, the ground spray equipment is effective in applying GF-120 spinosad at the labeled rates.

Response of &lt;I&gt;Psyttalia humilis&lt;/I&gt; (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to Olive Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Conditions in California Olive Orchards

The larval parasitoid, Psyttalia humilis (Silvestri), reared on Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann), by USDA-APHIS-PPQ, San Miguel Petapa, Guatemala was imported into California for biological control of olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi). This study reports the results of field releases and recovery of P. humilis in California, and laboratory investigations to determine the effects of food provision, high temperature, and insecticidal bait spray on the parasitoid's survival and fecundity. Parasitoids (3,613-7,823) were released in Orland, San Juan Bautista, Cayucos, Sylmar, Santa Barbara, and San Diego during October through December 2006. Mean daily temperatures at the release sites ranged from 10.7°C in Orland to 20.9°C in San Juan Bautista. The lowest (0.5) and highest (29.7) mean number of adult B. oleae per day per trap was captured in Orland and Sylmar, while the lowest (0.01) and highest (2.21) number of third instar larvae per fruit was collected on 11 December in Orland and on 5 October in San Diego in prerelease samples, respectively. Parasitoids were recovered from all release sites, the lowest (0.3%) and highest (100%) parasitism occurred on 25 January in Sylmar and on 26 October in Cayucos, respectively. At 24°C, parasitoids reared from B. oleae larvae survived 36 d on honey, 31 d on orange juice, and 28 d on honeydew, which was significantly longer than on cut olive fruit (8 d) or without food (11 d), but was similar to those reared from C. capitata larvae under the same food conditions. Under a high diurnal temperature regime (18.3-35°C) reflecting the summer olive growing conditions in the California Central Valley, the parasitoids survived <5 d when no food or only water was provided. Its longevity and life-time fecundity significantly increased by provision of honey or honeydew. There was no difference in the parasitoid's longevity between females and males or between food and sexes. Percent mortality of parasitoid adults was not significantly affected by the exposure to insecticidal fruit fly bait (GF-120) in four different types of choice tests with artificial honeydew and GF-120.

Assessment of Attractiveness of Cassava as a Roosting Plant for the Melon Fly,Bactrocera cucurbitae, and the Oriental Fruit Fly,B. dorsalis

Application of bait spray to crop borders is a standard approach for suppression of melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) populations and may also be of value for suppression of oriental fruit fly, B. dorsalis (Hendel) populations. Establishment of preferred roosting hosts as crop borders may help to improve suppression of both fruit fly species by providing sites for bait spray applications. In an area-wide B. cucurbitae suppression trial, the question was raised as to whether cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiales: Euphorbiaceae), could be used as a B. cucurbitae roosting host. M. esculenta was of interest as a roosting host because, in contrast to many other identified preferred roosting hosts, it would also be a crop potentially increasing the productivity of the crop production system overall. As a short-lived and shrubby perennial, M. esculenta potentially constitutes a crop with more persistent roosting foliage than an annual crop such as corn, Zea mays L. (Cyperales: Poaceae), that has often been planted as a roosting host for B. cucurbitae control. Using protein-baited traps set amidst potted plants placed adjacent to a papaya Carica papaya L. (Violales: Caricaceae) orchard known to have established populations of B. cucurbitae and B. dorsalis, the effectiveness of M. esculenta as a roosting host was assessed by comparing its attractiveness to that of castor bean, Ricinus communis L (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae), previously identified as one of the most attractive roosting hosts for B. cucurbitae, and to corn, a crop which has been planted as a roosting host for help in B. cucurbitae control. The results showed that use of M. esculenta as a roosting host is comparable to use of R. communis by both B. cucurbitae and B. dorsalis. These results provide encouragement to incorporate M. esculenta on a farm as a trap crop (i.e. site for bait spray application). This has the advantage of having the trap crop be a crop on its own (as opposed to castor bean) and, among prospective crops that could be used as a trap crop, has foliage more persistent than an annual trap crop such as corn.

Efficacy of soil application of Metarhizium anisopliae and the use of GF-120 spinosad bait spray for suppression of Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) in mango orchards

Field trials were conducted for two seasons in mango orchards at Nthagaiya, Kenya, to evaluate the efficacy of soil inoculation with Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and GF-120 spinosad bait sprays, applied either alone or in combination, for suppression of the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae). During the 2006/2007 season, average post-treatment samples showed that B. invadens catches from the control orchards were four times higher than the number of flies captured in the plots receiving M. anisopliae+GF-120. Fruit infestation was 16, 45, 30 and 60% in the M. anisopliae+GF-120, M. anisopliae alone, GF-120 alone and control orchards, respectively. In the 2007/2008 season, average B. invadens post-treatment samples in the control orchards were seven times higher than the treatment with M. anisopliae+GF-120; and fruit infestation was 11, 38, 28, and 52% in the orchards assigned to M. anisopliae+GF-120, M. anisopliae alone, GF-120 alone and control treatments, respectively. Enumeration of conidial densities from soil samples on agar plates showed initial densities of 1.1–2.1×105 colony forming units (cfu)/g of dry weight of soil but decreased to 1.0–1.4×103 cfu/g at the end of the experimental period. Exposure of laboratory-reared pupariating larvae to soil samples taken from fungus-treated fields showed significant reduction in B. invadens adult emergence (25–36%) compared with the control (80–82%). Our results suggest that the combined use of soil application of M. anisopliae and GF-120 spinosad bait spray is an effective IPM strategy for field suppression of B. invadens on mango.

Comparison of Rain-Fast Bait Stations Versus Foliar Bait Sprays for Control of Oriental Fruit Fly,Bactrocera dorsalis, in Papaya Orchards in Hawaii

Bait stations represent an environmentally friendly attract-and-kill approach to fruit fly population suppression. Recently a novel, visually attractive, rain-fast bait station was developed in Hawaii for potential use against multiple species of pestiferous fruit flies. Here, we compared the efficacy of GF-120 NF Naturalyte Fruit Fly Bait applied either as foliar sprays or onto bait stations in reducing female oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), population density and level of fruit infestation in commercial papaya orchards in Hawaii. Trapping and infestation data were used as indicators of the effectiveness of the two bait application methods. For the first 10 weeks of the study, captures of female B. dorsalis in monitoring traps were significantly greater in control plots than in plots treated with foliar sprays or bait stations. Six weeks after the first bait spray, incidence of infestation (i.e. number of fruit with one or more B. dorsalis larvae) of quarter to half-ripe papaya fruit was reduced by 71.4% and 63.1% for plots with bait stations and foliar sprays, respectively, as compared to control plots. Twelve weeks after first spray, incidence of infestation was reduced by only 54.5% and 45.4% for plots with bait stations and foliar sprays, respectively, as compared to control plots. About 42% less GF-120 was used in orchard plots with bait stations compared to those subject to foliar sprays. The impact of field sanitation on the outcome is also discussed. The results indicate that bait stations can provide a simple, efficient, and economical method of applying insecticidal baits to control fruit flies and a safer alternative to foliar sprays.

Area-Wide Suppression of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly,Ceratitis capitata,and the Oriental Fruit Fly,Bactrocera dorsalis, in Kamuela, Hawaii

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service initiated an area-wide fruit fly management program in Hawaii in 2000. The first demonstration site was established in Kamuela, Hawaii, USA. This paper documents suppression of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), and the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in a 40 km2 area containing urban, rural and agricultural zones during a 6 year period. The suppression techniques included sanitation, GF-120 NF Naturalyte Fruit Fly Bait sprays, male annihilation, Biolure® traps, and parasitoids against C. capitata and B. dorsalis. In addition, small numbers of sterile males were released against B. dorsalis. Substantial reductions in fruit infestation levels were achieved for both species (90.7 and 60.7% for C. capitata and B. dorsalis, respectively) throughout the treatment period. Fruit fly captures in the 40 km2 treatment area were significantly lower during the 6 year period than those recorded in three non-treated areas. The strategy of combining suppression techniques in an area-wide approach is discussed.

Field evaluation of Mediterranean fruit fly mass trapping with Tripack® as alternative to malathion bait-spraying in citrus orchards

The mass trapping technique based on the use of the female-targeted attractant lure Tri-pack® as an alternative to malathion bait-spraying (control treatment) was tested in two citrus orchards in the North of Tunisia against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata during 2006 and 2007. Results of mass trapping trials in 2006 and 2007 indicated that adult males Medfly captures showed reductions respect to control of 37.62% and 40.2% respectively in mandarin orange variety (Citrus reticulata) orchard compared to 36.48% and 47.29% in Washington navel orange variety (Citrus sinensis) field. Fruit damage assessment showed significant differences between the mass trapping with Tripack® and malathion bait-spraying techniques in the reduction of the percentage of fruit punctures. The percentage of punctured fruit at harvest was significantly different between the treated and the control field in 2006 and in 2007 in the mandarin orange orchard. Nevertheless, in the Washington navel orange orchard, the percentage of punctured fruit at harvest was significantly different between the treated and the control field only in 2006. Thus, results obtained from this study showed that the mass trapping technique based on the use of the female-targeted lure Tri-pack® could be involved as an appropriate strategy for the control of the Medfly and is as effective as malathion bait spraying treatment without leaving pesticide residues on fruit.

Cucumber Volatile Blend Attractive to Female Melon Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)

The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), is a serious crop pest throughout the Asia Pacific sub-continent and Southeast Asia, causing damage to tree fruits, cucurbits, and related crops. Attractants for female melon flies are of particular interest as they could be used in control tactics to reduce pest levels. Previous work has shown that freshly sliced cucumbers are attractive to female melon flies, but the compounds responsible for this attraction were not identified. The objective of the present study was to create a synthetic lure for female B. cucurbitae based on its close association with Cucurbitaceae. Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) analysis of fresh and aged puréed cucumbers identified 31 compounds that were detected by females. Compounds that elicited EAD responses initially were screened as single components in glass McPhail traps in outdoor rotating olfactometer experiments. Four criteria were used to select compounds for testing in blends: a) strength of EAD response elicited; b) amount of compound present; c) relative attractiveness of a single compound; and d) compound novelty to Cucurbitaceae. Several synthetic blends attracted significant numbers of females in outdoor rotating olfactometer experiments; a nine-component blend (lure #7) was the most attractive. Field captures of female B. cucurbitae in traps baited with lure #7 were twice those in traps baited with Solulys protein bait. Besides having a female-biased attraction, this lure may have several advantages over protein baits: it can be used with a dry trap, is long lasting, and it captured low numbers of non-target species. Possible applications of this lure include trapping (for detection and/or monitoring/delimitation) and control/eradication (e.g., mass trapping, attract-and-kill, or as an attractant for existing protein insecticide bait sprays such as GF-120).

Extension of the use of Augmentoria for Sanitation in a cropping system susceptible to the alien terphritid fruit flies (Diptera: terphritidae) in Hawaii.

Tephritid fruit flies are a major problem of fruit and vegetable crops throughout the world. Management programs for the control of these pests use a range of techniques, but sequestering fruit to prevent progeny survival is often overlooked. This study reports efforts to demonstrate to growers of fruiting crops a technique to sequester emerging adult flies while conserving their parasitoid natural enemies. Demonstration trials were conducted in 4 phases to determine whether growers on the Island of Hawaii would use a tent-like structure (augmentorium) to sequester fruit-fly infested, culled fruit. In phase 1 it was shown that 1127 Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) were recovered from cull fruit removed to the augmentorium, and that the combination of bait spray, male lure trapping and sanitation could reduce the level of infestation. Subsequently phase 2 confirmed the three techniques disrupted the breeding cycle and 2 farmers were convinced to use these techniques. In phase 3, further expansion to 12 farms, whose 15 augmentoria were monitored, indicated that over 80% of the growers used the tents (22,217 adult flies recovered from the tents over 1260 days). In phase 4, success of phases 1 to 3 convinced 30 farms to requested 40 augmentoria and an opinion survey of those growers is reported. Implications for use of augmentoria to sequester other insect pests and release their natural enemies, is discussed.. @JASEM

Potential for insecticide resistance in populations of Bactrocera dorsalis in Hawaii: spinosad susceptibility and molecular characterization of a gene associated with organophosphate resistance

AbstractThe potential for populations to become resistant to a particular insecticide treatment regimen is a major issue for all insect pest species. In Hawaii, for example, organophosphate (OP)‐based cover sprays have been the chemical treatment most commonly applied against oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), populations since the 1950s. Moreover, bait spray treatments using spinosad were adopted as a major control tactic in the Hawaii area‐wide fruit fly pest management program beginning in the year 2000. To determine the current level of spinosad and OP tolerance of wild B. dorsalis populations, bioassays were conducted on flies collected from a range of geographic localities within the Hawaiian islands. Adult B. dorsalis flies were tested (1) for the level of susceptibility to spinosad using LC50 diagnostic criteria, and (2) for the presence of alleles of the ace gene previously shown to be associated with OP resistance. Regarding spinosad tolerance, only flies from Puna, the one area lacking prior exposure to spinosad, showed any significant difference compared to controls, and here the difference was only in terms of non‐overlap of 95% fiducial limit values. With respect to OP tolerance, specific mutations in the ace gene associated with resistance to these insecticides were found in only two populations, and in both cases, these alleles occurred at relatively low frequencies. These results suggest that at the present time, populations of B. dorsalis in Hawaii show no evidence for having acquired resistance to the insecticides widely used in control programs.

Efficacy of Spinosad, Lufenuron and Malathion against olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Spinosad, Lufenuron and Malathion were evaluated in controlling olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) under field conditions by using partial bait spray and killing bags during fruiting seasons of 2008 and 2009. The obtained results showed that the percentages of B. oleae populations and fruit infestation were obviously low in treated plots with Lufenuron, Spinosad and Malathion, respectively in comparison with control plot which were relatively high. The mean reduction percentages in B. oleae population in treated plots with Lufenuron, Spinosad and Malathion were 86.2±8.2, 77.3±3.0 and 71.3±11.2% during 2008 season and 74.8±10.1, 71.9±9.4 and 70.2±7.2% during 2009 season, respectively. While, the mean reduction percentages in fruit infestation by B. oleae larvae in treated plots with Lufenuron, Spinosad and Malathion were 77.5±6.5 & 73.1±5.1, 76.9±5.2 & 71.5±5.1 and 70.8±6.8 & 64.9±6.2% during 2008 & 2009 seasons, respectively.