Field evaluation of female-targeted trapping systems for Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in seven countries

Field trials were conducted in Greece, Honduras, Mauritius,Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey to compare captures of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), among several types of traps baited with female-targeted attractants. Most of the field trials were conducted in Citrus orchards, although tests were also conducted in other C. capitata hosts. C. capitata population levels, as indicated by average (standard deviation) number of males captured in male-targeted trimedlure-baited Jackson traps, varied from 0.2 (0.10) to 54.4 (17.49) flies per trap per day. Female-targeted trapping systems included: food-based synthetic lures of ammonium acetate and putrescine alone (2 component attractant) and in combination with trimethylamine (3 component attractant) tested in either wet traps (with water) or dry traps (with pesticide or sticky insert); Frutect traps baited with proprietary liquid protein bait; and McPhail-type traps baited with an aqueous solution of NuLure and bow, which is the standard female-targeted trapping system for C. capitata. Traps baited with the 3 component attractant captured equal or greater numbers of females than the McPhail-type traps baited with NuLure/borax solution and Frutect traps in 10 of the II tests conducted. In 3 of the trials with the lowest C. capitata population levels, traps baited with the 3 component attractant captured more flies than the trimedlure-baited Jackson traps. Females accounted for 43-90% of the total capture in the female-targeted trapping systems.