Ammonia Formulations and Capture of Anastrepha Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

Fruit flies in the genus Anastrepha, especially the reproductive age females, are attracted to protein baits. Synthetic lures based on the principal components of protein degradation, especially ammonia along with acetic acid, were tested against 3 of the most economically important species. The results varied among the species, perhaps in part because of the different environmental conditions where these pests are prevalent. In Mexico and Florida, A. ludens and A. suspensa , respectively, were caught in higher numbers by traps baited with synthetic lures containing ammonium acetate and putrescine. But, in the Dominican Republic where A. obliqua is the dominant pest, traps with whole aqueous protein baits outperformed the synthetic blends. Ideally, a single attractant formulation could be deployed by a regional crop protection program for detection of an array of pest fruit flies. Our results suggest that the optimal blend may vary among species and from one region to another.

Efficacy of New Commercial Traps and the Lure Ceratrap® AgainstAnastrepha obliqua(Diptera: Tephritidae)

“…Similar results, in which liquid lures outperformed dry lures, were described by Pingel et al (2006) with torula yeast in orchards of mamey zapote and sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.) but not in orchards of carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.; Oxalidales: Oxalidaceae) in Puerto Rico. Thomas et al (2008) year (Jenkins et al 2011). Weather conditions are also likely to influence efficacy, with liquid lures like torula yeast, Captor, and Nulure being more attractive during dry periods than in wet seasons (Heath et al 1997).…”

Electroantennogram and Behavioral Responses ofAnastrepha suspensa(Diptera: Tephritidae) to Putrescine and Ammonium Bicarbonate Lures

“…The commercial two-component lure containing ammonium acetate and putrescine (BioLure; Suterra, Bend, OR) has been shown to be equal to or better than aqueous torula yeast/borax for capture of A. suspensa in Florida (Thomas et al 2001, Hall et al 2005, Holler et al 2006 but less effective in tests conducted in Puerto Rico (Pingel et al 2006). Capture of other Anastrepha species with synthetic lures versus liquid protein baits has been variable as well , Thomas et al 2008.…”

Traps to capture fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae)

“…Some research has shown the greatest trapping ability with liquid bait as compared to solid baits (Pingel et al, 2006;Thomas et al, 2008).…”