Trap Catches Research Articles

Influence of trap type on the captures of Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): trials from different European countries

Abstract The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Eribidae), is a serious pest of deciduous forests and causes widespread defoliation. Despite this, few studies have evaluated the wide-ranging surveillance of adult male L. dispar using different types of pheromone-baited traps. We evaluated the effect of trap type on captures of adult male L. dispar at 18 sites in Europe; two in Slovenia, two in Spain, 12 in Greece, one in Hungary, and one in Croatia. Seven different trap types, G trap and eGymer 1–6, were evaluated June–September 2022 and 2023. Generally, captures of L. dispar started in late June and lasted until mid-August. Trap type affected captures. The G trap (consisting of a dark brown plastic rectangular parallel-piped body) caught significantly more L. dispar than other trap types in many instances, particularly when the peak of the flight period occurred. Captures of L. dispar in pairs of different trap types showed a significant correlation in trap catch in most investigations, suggesting that most detected comparable fluctuations in L. dispar abundance. We recommend that the G trap be used for wide-ranging surveillance of L. dispar in Europe.

Successful management of Stegasta bosqueella (Lepidoptera Gelechiidae) in peanut with an attract-and-kill strategy.

Rednecked Peanutworm Stegasta bosqueella control is primarily achieved using broad spectrum insecticides targeting the larval stage. However, due to inconspicuous behavior and limited movement of the larvae within the peanut crop, foliar insecticides alone have been insufficient to reduce S. bosqueella populations. The poor effectiveness of chemical products, combined with the necessity of frequent fungicide applications, leads to an overuse of pesticides in peanuts. Given the challenges associated with targeting the larval stage, alternative strategies are needed to improve pest management. Our hypothesis was that by targeting the adult stage, the most mobile stage of the insect, we could decrease the levels of S. bosqueella damage in peanut crops while being less aggressive to the environment. Over 2 years, our study demonstrated that semiochemical-food-based attract and kill treatments significantly reduced the number of S. bosqueella adults captured per food-baited trap per week. This reduction was associated with fewer larvae and decreased plant damage compared to untreated control areas. To optimize this strategy, several key practices must be followed: (a) Prompt treatment application (chemical associated with attractant) should be applied upon detection of an increase in adult trap catches; (b) Timing applications to coincide with peak adult movement (6 pm to 9 pm); and (c) Applying treatments strategically on two peanut rows, 50 m apart, per hectare. The attract-and-kill method can effectively reduce S. bosqueella damage in peanut crops, and has the potential to target other moth species that act as peanut defoliators. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

How far should adjacent pan traps be placed for bee sampling?

AbstractAmong several methods of active and passive sampling bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), pan traps, also known as bee bowls, are commonly utilized for their efficiency and as a means of avoiding collector bias. When comparing pan‐trap samples using traditional statistical methods, the assumption of independence among samples needs to be met. To determine the necessary distance between pan traps to obtain independent samples, we investigated spatial dependence in bee catches using pan traps at four sites. At each site, a regular grid of pan traps was laid out, with each sample having two colors of fluorescent trap (i.e. blue and yellow). These trap pairs were separated by 10 m, with 100–109 points in the grid. In addition, five points within the grid were chosen randomly, and an additional 40 traps were placed at 2 m and 4 m from the five sample points to sample bees at a minimum 2 m trap distance. Traps collected bees for five consecutive days and bees were counted for each point and each trap color. Bee count data were analyzed using geostatistics to determine the spatial dependency in trap catches for yellow traps, blue traps, and both colors combined. The highest value of the range parameter of the semivariogram found across the four sites and pan trap colors was 17 m for blue traps. From this, we recommend a conservative minimum distance of 17 m between adjacent pan traps to obtain spatially independent samples for optimizing sampling plans when independent samples are necessary.

Phenology of the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus in the UK under past, current and future climate conditions

Summary The European spruce bark‐beetle, Ips typographus, is a major pest of Norway spruce across mainland Europe; however, until 2018, it was considered absent from the United Kingdom (UK). The finding of a breeding population of I. typographus in Kent, England, in 2018 and subsequent findings in pheromone traps across the southeast of England, has led to an urgent need to improve understanding of environmental suitability across the UK. Two distinct published phenological models for I. typographus, developed in Sweden and Austria, were adapted for use in the UK and validated against pheromone trap data collected at the original site of infestation and in the surrounding area from 2019 to 2022. Both models captured some, but not all, of the within‐season variation in trap catches. One, the PHENIPS model, more accurately captured early season flight patterns. The climate in the southeast of England is mild enough to facilitate two generations of the beetle, while further north the pest is expected to be univoltine. At high altitude in Scotland, there is insufficient thermal warming within a season for the completion of one annual generation. Phenological modelling does not explain why the pest failed to establish in England prior to 2018 including when a large amount of infested material was imported to sawmills in the 1940s. Under 2 and 3°C global warming scenarios, we might expect to see an increase in potential voltinism across the UK in the next few decades, increasing the risk of large outbreaks of I. typographus were it allowed to establish. Societal impact statementIn 2018, a breeding population of the European spruce bark‐beetle, Ips typographus, was discovered in woodland in southeast England. Ips typographus is a major forest pest in continental Europe; however, despite previous findings at ports and sawmills, this was the first recorded infestation in the UK. The number of generations per year (voltinism) varies with latitude and altitude. Applying a phenological model, we find that the current climate in southern UK could support two generations, while temperature accumulation in parts of Scotland may be insufficient to support one generation. Global warming will increase voltinism and hence the risk of establishment.

Attraction of pitfall trap preservation fluids complicates the estimation of Collembola density

Collembola (springtail) communities consist of three eco-morphologically defined life forms: the euedaphics dwell inside the soil matrix, the epedaphics (including atmobiotics) live on the ground and in vegetation, and the hemiedaphics are intermediate. The vast majority of springtail community studies focus on the belowground (eu- and hemiedaphic) forms that are generally collected by taking and extracting soil cores. Few investigations have dealt with epedaphic Collembola that are usually captured with pitfall traps, and only very few studies so far covered all three life forms. When epedaphic and belowground species are sampled using both methods simultaneously, core data (true densities, [individuals m-2]) and pitfall data (activity abundances, [individuals trap-1 length of trapping period-1]) may be analyzed independently, but are incompatible in a common statistical framework. As a remedy, two competing numerical approaches to estimate true densities from activity abundances have been described in literature: the nested-cross array and the two-circle method. Attraction or deterrence effects of trap preservation fluids bias the density estimation of the nested-cross array, but not of the two-circle method. To determine whether this bias may be expected for Collembola, and thus which of the two methods should be used in future studies, we experimentally tested potential effects of preservation fluids on trap catch rates. Three preservation fluids (sodium benzoate, propylene glycol, formaldehyde) and a detergent (Tween80) significantly increased the number of captured springtails, thus demonstrating an attraction effect and the deficiency of the nested-cross array. In future studies of collembolan communities, we therefore suggest complementing the traditional focus on the eu- and hemiedaphic life forms by sampling epedaphic species using pitfalls, and subsequently remodelling the trapping data with the two-circle method.

Estimating the Economic Threshold Levels of Spodoptera frugiperda through Larval Damage and Adult Moth Trap Catches in Andhra Pradesh, India

The experiment was conducted during kharif (June–September, 2022) in the Rayalseema region of Kurnool, Chittoor, Kadapa and Ananthapuramu districts, Andhra Pradesh, India to determine the percentage of leaf and cob damage caused by Fall armyworm. The roving surveys were carried out throughout the crop’s vegetative (7 to 45 DAS) and reproductive (50 to 70 DAS) stages in the major Maize growing areas. The findings of the roving survey on the incidence of FAW during the kharif (June–September, 2022) showed that, of the districts surveyed, Kurnool (82.62%) and Chittoor (71.20%) recorded the highest percentage of leaf damage, followed by Kadapa (65.14%) and Ananthapuramu (52.82%) during vegetative stage. The districts with the highest percentage of cob damage during the reproductive stage were Chittoor (67.99%) and Kurnool (58.88%), followed by Kadapa (54.21%) and Ananthapuramu (53.21%), Through these surveys the extent of damage in each stage of Maize can be assessed. Using pheromone traps to study population dynamics of FAW is a great way to keep a watch on pest populations which not only improves early detection but also helps to determine the ETL levels of adults as a forewarning signal to the Maize cultivators. The Phermone trap catches during kharif, 2022 showed that at 28 days after planting (V5, V6, and V7 stages of Maize), Chandragiri recorded the highest trap catches for the entire season, with 70.99 moths trap-1 week-1 followed by Narayanavanam at 21 DAS with 73.11 moths trap-1 week-1 which exceeded the ETL level.

Catch composition and fishing season of blue swimming crab using a collapsible trap in Pemalang coastal water, Central Java

Abstract The blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is an economically important fishery resources that has penetrated the export market that requires proper management. Pemalang Regency is still entirely dependent on natural catches, so information on seasonal patterns of blue swimming crab fishing is essential for fishermen to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the fishing activity. This research was conducted in Danasari village, Pemalang sub-district, in January–December 2022 with the aim of determining the composition of collapsible trap catches based on the crab fishing season in the waters of Pemalang Regency. Danasari fishermen classify the blue swimming crab fishing season into two, the west season starts in November–May (high rainfall), and the east season starts in June–October (low rainfall). The survey method was performed by collecting data of blue swimming crab catch as the main target and bycatch. Carapace width of the blue swimming crab was also measured. The data obtained was analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel 2010 software. The results showed that the catch composition of collapsible traps in Pemalang consisted of crustaceans, fish, and mollusks. The best season to catch blue swimming crabs was during the west season because the catch is more stable than during the east season.

Effect of temperature and humidity on insect DNA integrity evaluated by real-time PCR.

Insects collected in dry traps can degrade rapidly, especially in warm, humid environments where many biodiversity and biosecurity surveillance activities are undertaken. Degradation can severely impact diagnostics, as trap catches can become difficult to identify to species level using morphological characters or, of increasing importance, molecular approaches. This is especially problematic for biosecurity surveillance of exotic tephritid fruit flies, where diagnostics are heavily reliant on morphological characters. We tested the effects of differing temperature and humidity conditions on mock samples of tephritid fruit flies in a controlled environment and compared our results to field trap catches. DNA degradation was quantified using real-time PCR assays, including one assay newly developed and tested here. We observed a correlation between increasing DNA degradation and increasing temperature and humidity. The greatest DNA degradation occurred under combined high humidity (90% relative humidity) and constant high temperature (35 °C). Unexpectedly, fluctuating temperature did not have a significant impact on DNA. Other factors, such as trap design, time in the field, and rainfall, did not significantly correlate with DNA quality across the field samples tested. When plotted against mock samples, field samples clustered together, with no clear pattern or predictability regarding the quantity of DNA preserved, indicating other untested environmental variables may be at play. Predictably, increased exposure time was found to have a detrimental effect on DNA quality for all treatments. These findings will improve the delivery of surveillance activities through the implementation of shorter trap clearance timeframes and improved trap designs and procedures.

Identification of Aggregation Pheromone as an Attractant for Odontothrips loti, A Serious Thrips Pest on Alfalfa.

Odontothrips loti (Haliday) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the most serious pests on alfalfa, causing direct damage by feeding and indirect damage by transmitting plant viruses. This damage causes significant loss in alfalfa production. Semiochemicals offer opportunities to develop new approaches to thrips management. In this study, behavioral responses of female and male adults of O. loti to headspace volatiles from live female and male conspecifics were tested in a Y-tube olfactometer. The results showed that both male and female adults of O. loti were attracted to the odors released by conspecific males but not those released by females. Headspace volatiles released by female and male adults were collected using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The active compound in the volatiles was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis showed that there was one major compound, (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate. The attractive activity of the synthetic aggregation pheromone compound was tested under laboratory and field conditions. In an olfactometer, both male and female adults showed significant preference for synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate at certain doses. Lures with synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate significantly increased the trap catches of sticky white traps at doses of 40-80µg in the field. This study confirmed the production of aggregation pheromone by O. loti male adults and identified its active compound as (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate, providing a basis for population monitoring and mass trapping of this pest.

Multimodal interactions in Stomoxys navigation reveal synergy between olfaction and vision

Stomoxys flies exhibit an attraction toward objects that offer no rewards, such as traps and targets devoid of blood or nectar incentives. This behavior provides an opportunity to develop effective tools for vector control and monitoring. However, for these systems to be sustainable and eco-friendly, the visual cues used must be specific to target vector(s). In this study, we modified the existing blue Vavoua trap, which was originally designed to attract biting flies, to create a deceptive host attraction system specifically biased toward attracting Stomoxys. Our research revealed that Stomoxys flies are attracted to various colors, with red proving to be the most attractive and selective color for Stomoxys compared to the other colors tested. Interestingly, our investigation of the cattle–Stomoxys interaction demonstrated that Stomoxys flies do not prefer a specific livestock fur color phenotype, despite variation in the spectrum. To create a realistic sensory impression of the trap in the Stomoxys nervous system, we incorporated olfactory cues from livestock host odors that significantly increased trap catches. The optimized novel polymer bead dispenser is capable of effectively releasing the attractive odor carvone + p-cresol, with strong plume strands and longevity. Overall, red trap baited with polymer bead dispenser is environmentally preferred.

Trap Catches of Bark Beetle Predators Unaffected by the Ips Pheromone Lanierone in Southeastern United States1

Trap Catches of Bark Beetle Predators Unaffected by the <i>Ips</i> Pheromone Lanierone in Southeastern United States1

Lure specificity, phenology, and damage caused by Epiphyas moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Western Australian apple orchards.

Multiple Epiphyas species inhabit southwestern Western Australia, including Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a globally significant, polyphagous pest. This study evaluated the efficacy and specificity of lures designed for 3 Epiphyas species: E. postvittana, Epiphyas pulla (Turner), and the undescribed Epiphyas sp. (1) (Common). Additionally, the study sought to determine the presence and distribution of Epiphyas species in 3 significant apple-growing localities. Trapping, together with partial sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene, found LBAM to be restricted to the Perth Hills and E. pulla, to apple orchards near Manjimup and Pemberton. This geographic disjunction remains unexplained. Epiphyas sp. (1) was not recorded despite using a specifically designed lure. The E. pulla and LBAM traps demonstrated superior efficacy in capturing their target species, while the catch in Epiphyas sp. (1) traps did not significantly differ between the 2. Both E. pulla and LBAM exhibited peak abundance from late spring to the end of summer (October-February), with variations in timing and peak catch of male moths across species, locations, and years. Surveys conducted in April during the harvest period (February-May), when moth traps caught an average of 1-1.8 moths/trap/week, found no Epiphyas larvae or damage on 140,400 mature apples or on 26,000 leaves. While E. pulla and LBAM traps effectively monitor their target moths, genetic identification of trap catch would be necessary if they co-occurred. Encouragingly, the results indicate that both species become relatively rare as harvest season approaches, and neither inflicts significant damage to mature apples under existing management.

Potential applicability of SPLAT® Verb for management of European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.)

AbstractThe European spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.), is the most important forest pest in Europe due to the profound impacts of periodic outbreaks on ecosystem goods and services. Herein, we evaluated the responses of I. typographus to different doses of verbenone (SPLAT® Verb, 10% (−)‐verbenone by weight; ISCA Inc., Riverside, CA, USA) in traps baited with its aggregation pheromones. Results are based on 1,492,289 I. typographus collected in five experiments over 3 years. SPLAT® Verb inhibited the response of I. typographus to baited traps out to 14 m from the point of release (dollop) and for &gt;80 days at a dose of 75 g per dollop. Reductions in trap catch ranged from 34% to 93% depending on the dose of verbenone, age of SPLAT® Verb dollops, distance from dollops and the environment. In forest stands, significant reductions in trap catch were observed at distances up to 14 m from the point of release, with the largest reductions observed at 0 m (93%) and 2 m (64%). In an open area, significant reductions in trap catch were observed at distances up to only 2 m from the point of release, with the largest reduction observed at 0 m (66%). The much lower active inhibitory range of verbenone in the open area appears to be explained by less stable accumulations of verbenone in the surrounding air. There was a significant negative correlation between trap catch and the amount of verbenone measured in air in the vicinity of traps. We also observed inhibition of the sixtoothed spruce bark beetle, Pityogenes chalcographus (L.), another important forest pest in Europe, at all doses (20, 40, 75 and 100 g) of SPLAT® Verb that were evaluated. The implications of these and other results to the management of I. typographus are discussed.

Population Dynamics and Integrated Pest Management of the Fall Armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Maize in Rivers State, Nigeria

Population dynamics and integrated pest management investigations of the fall armyworm (FAW) on maize conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research farm, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria, made notable findings for the effective management of this notorious pest. This study involved 3 maize varieties namely Bende White (a local white variety), Oka (a local yellow maize) and Oba Super 98 (an improved white variety); two cropping patterns i.e. sole maize, and maize-yam intercrop; pheromonal trapping and pesticide (Kartodim 315EC). Pesticide applications were at 3 different phases (2WAP, 4WAP, and zero application as control, respectively). The pheromonal trap catches aided tracking of the pest’s population dynamics over the study duration showing the arrival times, build-up, peaks and falls. There was no significant difference in FAW populations between sole and intercrop plots; although 3 population peaks were found in maize-yam intercrop (at day 5, 7 and 17) against 2 peaks (day 4 and 15) in the sole maize. Oka variety showed significantly higher mean maize ear damages from FAW attacks (6.36 ± 2.45), compared to Bende (5.71 ± 2.87) and Oba 98 (4.77 ± 2.64) (p &lt; 0.05), implying that Oba 98 may be the best maize variety for cultivation in this locality.

Attractiveness, longevity, and release rates of multilure wafers for trapping males of the oriental fruit fly and melon fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Invasive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose a serious threat to the production and export of many commercially important fruits and vegetables. Detection of the agricultural pests Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) relies heavily on traps baited with male-specific attractants. For B. dorsalis, traps are typically baited with liquid methyl eugenol (ME), and for Z. cucurbitae, traps are baited with liquid cue-lure (CL). Operating large-scale trapping networks is costly, consequently, there is much interest in identifying ways to maintain network sensitivity while reducing costs. One cost-cutting approach is the possibility of combining different male lures in the same dispenser, thus reducing the number of traps requiring servicing. The chief objective of this study was to compare captures of B. dorsalis and Z. cucurbitae males in Jackson traps baited with polymeric wafers impregnated with both ME and raspberry ketone (RK, a hydrolyzed form of CL) versus traps baited with liquid ME or CL freshly applied to cotton wicks. Captures were measured when the ME/RK wafers had been weathered for 12, 18, or 24wk. Captures of B. dorsalis and Z. cucurbitae males were similar between fresh lure and weathered wafers over all trapping periods, with a single exception apparently due to the lessened potency of the associated killing agent. The residual amount and release rate of ME and RK from the wafers were also measured to examine possible relationships between wafer chemistry and trap catch. The possible implications of the present results to area-wide trapping programs are discussed.

Mating Disruption of a Flighted Spongy Moth, Lymantria Dispar Japonica (Motchulsky) in Japan.

Mating disruption of a flighted spongy moth, Lymantria dispar japonica (Motchulsky)(Lepidoptera: Lymantridae), with a synthetic version of its sex pheromone, (+)-disparlure ([7R,8S] -cis-7,8-epoxy-2- methyloctadecane), was tested in the forests in Japan. Pheromone trap catches and the percentage mating of tethered females were measured in the pheromone-treated and untreated control forests. The attraction of male moths to pheromone traps placed at a height of 1.5m was significantly disrupted when the pheromone dispensers were placed at 1.5m height, but many moths were captured in control plots. Mating of tethered females placed at 1.5m was inhibited entirely, while 44% of females were mated in an untreated control forest. We report the first trial of mating disruption against a flighted spongy moth, and these results suggest that mating disruption with the synthetic sex pheromone appears promising for reducing damage caused by L. dispar japonica.

Exploring the Nature of Arhopalus ferus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Spondylidinae) Pheromone Attraction.

Cerambycid species of the Spondylidinae subfamily are distributed worldwide and are known for being prolific invaders that infest conifers. In New Zealand, Arhopalus ferus (Mulsant), the burnt pine longhorn beetle, is well-established and requires monitoring at high-risk sites such as ports, airports, and sawmills as part of the requirements to meet pine log export standards set by the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). Currently, its surveillance relies on traps baited with host volatiles (i.e., ethanol and α-pinene). We used volatile collections from adult beetles, electroantennograms, and field trapping bioassays to identify the pheromones emitted by the burnt pine longhorn beetle A. ferus and their effects on its behaviour. We show that A. ferus males emit mainly (E)-fuscumol and geranylacetone, as well as the minor components, α-terpinene and p-mentha-1,3,8-triene, and that all four compounds elicit a dose-dependent response in antennae of both sexes. Traps baited with the binary combination of geranylacetone plus fuscumol captured significantly more female A. ferus than did unbaited traps in two of three field experiments. α-Terpinene did not affect A. ferus trap catches and effects of p-mentha-1,3,8-triene on trap catch were not determined. Our findings provide further evidence of the use of fuscumol and geranylacetone as aggregation-sex pheromones by longhorn beetles in the Spondylidinae subfamily, and suggest that their deployment in survey traps may improve the efficacy of A. ferus monitoring in New Zealand and elsewhere.

An enhanced lure for eastern populations of the North American spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Regional variation in pheromone production and response has practical implications for the use of semiochemical lures to monitor and control bark beetle populations. We tested 4 lure formulations including 2 new formulations that reflect the pheromone production profiles of western and eastern populations of spruce beetles, Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), as well as 2 commercially available formulations (current Rocky Mountain lure and current Atlantic lure), in 2 locations in New Brunswick, Canada. In 2 separate years, the new eastern lure containing seudenol, MCOL, and spruce terpenes captured 4 times (2021) and 11 times (2022) more spruce beetles than the current Atlantic lure that consisted of frontalin, seudenol, and spruce terpenes. In 2021, we also captured more eastern larch beetles, Dendroctonus simplex LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with the new eastern lure, whereas in 2022, we captured the most D. simplex with the current Atlantic lure, suggesting that more research is needed on D. simplex pheromone production and response across its range. The bark beetle predator, Thanasimus dubius (Fabr.; Coleoptera: Cleridae), did not respond well to the new eastern blend that lacks frontalin, suggesting that response to frontalin is important in finding prey and might be conserved in predator populations. The reduced trap catch of T. dubius to the enhanced lure is beneficial because it does not inhibit natural population control by removing predators from the community. Our study reveals an improved trap lure for eastern populations of spruce beetles and highlights gaps and research needs in bark beetle pheromone ecology.

Vertical and temporal flight patterns of coffee berry borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Hawaii.

Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the most damaging insect pest of coffee worldwide, causing significant losses in coffee yields and quality. Knowledge of vertical and temporal flight patterns in coffee berry borer could be used to optimize spray timing and precision targeting of areas within the coffee tree, which may be more susceptible. In the present study, we estimated the vertical distribution of coffee berry borer females using traps set at 1-m intervals up to 5 m in height. We also quantified coffee berry borer infestation in the low, mid, and high canopy and documented fruit availability. Temporal flight patterns were estimated using timer traps, and correlation analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between the timing of daily flight and weather variables. Across the 4 study sites, we observed that 77%-84% of the trap catch was at 1 m, 11%-20% was at 2 m, and 1%-4% was at 3-5 m in height. Fruit infestation was significantly higher in the low branches (35%) relative to the high branches (17%). Flight height remained the same year-round, regardless of fruit availability. Coffee berry borer flew in low numbers during the day and night but peaked from 12 to 4 PM. Daily flight was positively correlated with an increase in air temperature and wind speed and negatively correlated with relative humidity. Findings from this study suggest that pesticide sprays should target low- to mid-level branches at 1-2 m in height and aim to be conducted in the early afternoon when coffee berry borer are actively flying and most vulnerable to chemical controls.

Evaluation of different concentrations of Cue-lure for effective management of the melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), in cucurbits ecosystem

Aim: To identify the effective concentration of Cue-lure (CL) for efficacious management of melon fruit fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae), associated with the cucurbits. Methodology: Wooden blocks were soaked in different concentrations of Cue-lure (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), installed in trap bottles along with commercially used McPhail traps baited with tablet lures, were tested for higher trap catches, in the bitter gourd field. The infested cucurbits were collected from the fields and placed in insect-rearing cages to check for the emergence of the adults. Results: The mean number of flies trapped/trap/week (FTW) was significantly highest in 25% Cue-lure compared with the remaining concentrations along with Tablet lures. On the basis of adults emerged from infested fruits, Z. cucurbitae proved to be the major fruit fly species infesting bitter gourd, with a sex ratio (♂:♀) of 1:1.3. However, in sponge gourd, a ♂:♀ of 1:1.9 was observed for Z. cucurbitae and 1:1.27 for Z. tau. Interpretation: Z. cucurbitae is the most damaging fruit fly species for cucurbits in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. 25% Cue-lure solution was found best for mass trapping of responsive fruit flies. Key words: Adult emergence, Cucurbits, Cue-lure, Parapheromone, Melon fruit fly