Evaluation of candidate systems for mass trapping against Ceratitis spp. on La Réunion island.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Two Ceratitis spp. coexist on the island of La Reunion, Ceratitis rosa (Karsch) and C. capitata (Wiedemann). The effectiveness of candidate systems based on attractants and traps to control both species was evaluated through comparative studies of trap types, attractants, insecticides and commercial complete systems.

RESULTS: The Ceratitis spp. most captured in all trials was C. rosa. Captures of C. rosa and C. capitata were not significantly different when Maxitrap or Tephri-trap were used. Captures with the Easy-trap were lower for both species. The BioLure Med Fly lure showed higher catches of C. rosa than Ferag CC D TM. The proportion of dead C. rosa did not differ significantly when deltamethrin or dichlorvos was used. There were no significant differences in the capture of C. rosa and C. capitata between commercial systems composed of the lure Ferag CC D TM, the Maxitrap and dichlorvos and the BioLure Unipak, the Tephri-trap and dichlorvos. The Cera Trap system performed less effectively.

CONCLUSION: The most effective traps for the capture of C. rosa and C. capitata were Maxitrap and Tephri-trap; the most effective attractants were BioLure Med Fly for C. rosa and BioLure Med Fly, BioLure Unipak and Ferag CC D TM for C. capitata. However, for both species the most effective commercial combinations of trap and attractant were Maxitrap with Ferag CC D TM and Tephri-trap with BioLure Unipak, both using dichlorvos. The insecticide deltamethrin showed good efficacy when used inside traps.