Attractiveness of 79 Compounds and Mixtures to Wild <I>Ceratitis capitata</I> (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Field Trials

Abstract

Seventy-nine volatile compounds chosen from those emitted by Mediterranean fruit fly males, fruits and food baits, were tested for their attractiveness to females of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) in field trials with a wild population. To correct for density fluctuations, the results were presented as a percentage of males caught in the same type of traps baited with trimedlure, a known male attractant. The mixtures of corn steep liquor with ammonia compounds and amines were the most effective attractants for females. Other compounds exhibiting C. capitata attraction were a mixture ethyl acetate+acetic acid+ethanol for both sexes, and p-cymene, 1,3-diethylbenzene and borneol for females.

Trapping and the Detection, Control, and Regulation of Tephritid Fruit Flies

“…Field trials further revealed that total male extracts as well as synthetic blends of major components were highly attractive to wild females, the majority of which were virgin. Thus, in contrast to other studies (Heath et al 1991;Casaña-Giner et al 2001), the total extracts and blends tested by Mavraganis et al (2008) appear to be highly attractive to female medflies and clearly merit additional field testing.…”

“…Although females showed greatest attraction to live males, the five component blend was more attractive than the individual compounds and appeared to elicit a much greater female response than the 3-component blend used by Landolt et al (1992a). While the above studies reveal the attractiveness of simple pheromone blends, Casaña-Giner et al (2001) reported very low catch of female medflies in traps baited with a 6-component mixture and questioned the long-range effectiveness of male pheromone-baited traps.…”

“…Subsequently, Buttery et al (1983) identified acetic acid as one of the major components released from NuLure. Casaña-Giner et al (2001) evaluated the attractiveness of protein baits and 79 chemicals identified from protein baits, host fruit, and C. capitata male emissions in field tests conducted in Spain. Chemical groups tested included (1) heterocyclic nitrogen compounds, (2) male compounds, and (3) proteinaceous and ammonia compounds, which included corn steep liquor, Buminal, ammonia, methylamine-HCL, putrescine and cadaverine.…”

Potential of locally sustainable food baits and traps against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata in Bolivia

“…NuLure), but less effective than Torula yeast . In Spain, corn‐steep liquor mixed with ammonia and amines were the most effective attractants for female C. capitata . In Mexico, commercial proteinaceous baits (Torula yeast and Ceratrap) were tested against grape juice for attraction of Anastrepha fruit flies in citrus .…”

“…22,23 In Spain, corn-steep liquor mixed with ammonia and amines were the most effective attractants for female C. capitata. 24 In Mexico, commercial proteinaceous baits (Torula yeast and Ceratrap) were tested against grape juice for attraction of Anastrepha fruit flies in citrus. 25 Low efficacy, male-biased captures, high non-target and beneficial insect captures, and the need for frequent re-baiting were the main drawbacks.…”