Field evaluation of Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) female selective attractants for use in monitoring programs

Field trials were conducted on the island of Chios, Greece, to compare captures of the Mediterranean fruit ny, Ceratitis capitata (wiedemann), in several types of traps baited with female-targeted lures. Female-targeted trapping systems included food-based synthetic attractants of ammonium acetate and putrescine alone (2 component lure) and in combination with trimethylamine (3 component lure) tested in plastic McPhail-type traps. Additionally, Frutect traps baited with proprietary liquid protein bait and McPhail-type traps baited with an aqueous solution of NuLure and borax, which is the standard female-targeted trapping system for C. capitata in Greece, were tested. More females, as indicated by relative trap efficiency, were captured in traps baited with the 3 component lure than in traps baited with other female-targeted lures and the, captured more females than the NuLure/borax-baited traps. Traps baited with the 3 component synthetic lure were more C capitata specific than the other female-targeted trapping systems and captured fewer nontarget insects than the 2 component lures and liquid protein-baited traps. Jackson traps baited with male specific trimedlure captured more males than were captured in traps baited with the female attractants. However, the total capture of C. capitata was significantly less in trimedlure traps than in plastic McPhail-type traps baited with the 3 component synthetic lure. The demonstration of a potent synthetic attractant for female C. capitata may provide a new improved system for detection, survey and possibly suppression by mass trapping of C. capitata. The female selectivity of the synthetic attractant observed will be of considerable value when used with C. capitata single-sex release of males and will further increase efficacy of the sterile insect technique for C. capitata by removal of the feral females without removal of sterile males.