ARS | Publication request: Development of new lures and bait stations for fruit flies

Submitted to: Fruit Flies of the Western Hemisphere
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 4, 2008
Publication Date: November 4, 2008
Citation: Epsky, N.D., Midgarden, D.G., Kendra, P.E., Heath, R.R. 2008. Development of new lures and bait stations for fruit flies. Fruit Flies of the Western Hemisphere.

Technical Abstract: Attractants and trapping methods form the basis for effective detection, delimitation and control systems needed for pest tephritid fruit flies. Female-targeted attractants are based primarily on protein-based chemical cues in combination with visual cues. Identification of powerful attractants for female fruit flies has facilitated development of female population suppression approaches. We will discuss research needs and directions for development of new/improved attractants for tropical pest fruit flies as well as for development of bait stations that use female-targeted attractants. Liquid protein baits are promising sources of additional attractant chemicals for pest fruit flies. However, there are other sources of potential attractants such as host fruit volatiles and male-produced pheromones that should be investigated further. Field tests of these potential attractants in combination with putrescine and/or ammonia are needed to determine if they could be synergistic with the currently used synthetic lures. Development of highly effective female-targeted trapping systems has facilitated new fruit fly control approaches. These include border/perimeter trapping and mass trapping using fruit fly traps and newly developed attract-and-kill bait stations. We will present a review of various bait stations that have been developed and tested for fruit flies, as well as a research update on a wax matrix bait station that has been developed by scientists at SHRS, Miami.