Combination of edible vegetable oil and artificial fruit to reduce Bactrocera dorsalis oviposition in chilli fruits

Abstract

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major pest of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This study aimed to evaluate the potency of combining edible vegetable oil application and artificial fruit provision to reduce the oviposition of B. dorsalis in chilli fruits. Experiments were conducted in laboratory using a 20‐L plastic container provided with chilli fruits and in semi field using a fruit‐bearing chilli plant caged with insect screen. The laboratory test revealed that the combination of coconut oil application and artificial fruit provision significantly reduced fruit fly visits, eggs laid and the number of infested chilli fruits no matter when the chilli fruits were without prepuncture or with prepuncture. Further study using a caged chilli plant also found that this combination had significant effects on fruit fly visits and infestation in chilli fruits. These results provide an indication that coconut oil and artificial fruit can work together to reduce fruit fly attacks on chilli fruits. Combining the use of coconut oil and artificial fruit is likely to create an integrated behavioural manipulation (push and pull) of female B. dorsalis that lead to a much lower fruit fly infestation in chilli fruits.

The potency of minerals to reduce oriental fruit fly infestation in chili fruits

“…Physical factors that hinder a fruit fly from finding its host fruits could be one of the processes through which minerals reduce oriental fruit fly infestations. Fruit flies locate their host fruits by detecting the color, shape, and aroma of the fruits ( Hidayat et al, 2019 ). However, after dipping chili fruits in a mineral suspension at a concentration of 2%, the color of the fruits did not alter significantly in this investigation.…”

“…It is intriguing to think about using these minerals as the push component of a push-pull strategy in controlling fruit fly infestation. Artificial fruit ( Hidayat et al, 2019 ) and Ladd traps ( Schutze et al, 2016 ) could be used as pull components. The principles of push-pull strategy in insect pest management and its potential components were previously described by Cook, Khan & Pickett, 2007 .…”

Overview and future research needs for development of effective biocontrol strategies for management of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) in sub‐Saharan Africa

“…The ‘push‐pull’ techniques involving the use of ‘edible coconut [ Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae)] oil vs artificial fruits’, ‘protein bait sprays vs oil emulsion sprays’ or ‘pheromone sprays vs GF120™ sprays’ modified field environments against tephritid fruit flies 149–151 . In effect, uninfested fruits were recovered.…”

“…These ‘push‐pull’ strategies largely involve the use of nonlethal materials to conserve parasitoids and the weaver ant species ( Oecophylla spp.) against fruit flies in fields 149–155 . On the other hand, zero tillage, including application of weedicides, will conserve EPNs in soils because EPNs are not generally affected by pesticides, except some nematicides 156 .…”