Field assessment of baits for frugivorous flies (Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae)

Abstract

Hydrolyzed proteins are used as attractive agents in McPhail traps for monitoring of fruit flies (Tephritidae). There has been no defined role for monitoring of insects belonging to the Lonchaeidae family. Currently, there is a great concern in using most efficient and low-cost attractive materials. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the attractiveness of solid and liquid baits in capturing of frugivorous flies (Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae). Therefore, we carried out four trials in coffee plantations (Coffea arabica L.) during two different periods (May/ 2013 and July/ 2014). A randomized block design with four treatments and five replications was used in the first period, and ten treatments with four replications the following year. Two distinct experiments were carried out, one using baits in solid and another in liquid form, which consisted of applying 10 g for trap (solid) or 200 mL solution of the same compounds diluted in water (5%: p/ v). In 2013, we tested yeast extract with and without sugar, brewer's yeast, citrus pulp and hydrolyzed protein as control. In 2014, five additional baits were tested: açai, plum and grape flours, passion fruit fiber and poultry feces. In all experiments, a 5% hydrolyzed protein solution was used as control. Eight days after being set, traps were assessed. Even the yeast extract, with and without sugar, and the brewer's yeast, in solid form, were as attractive as control treatment in capturing flies. The poultry feces and yeast extract, with and without sugar in solution form, can be used to replace hydrolyzed protein in capturing tephritids. Lonchaeids are barely attracted by the hydrolyzed protein. Additionally, yeast extract and poultry feces can be used for monitoring and biodiversity studies of the Lonchaeidae fauna.