ARS | Publication request: Effective sampling range of food-based synthetic attractants for pest Tephritidae.

Submitted to: XXI International Congress of Entomology, Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 15, 2008
Publication Date: July 8, 2008
Citation: Epsky, N.D., Kendra, P.E., Heath, R.R. 2008. Effective sampling range of food-based synthetic attractants for pest Tephritidae. XXI International Congress of Entomology Proceedings.

Technical Abstract: Detection and monitoring systems are critical components of tephritid fruit fly trapping programs. Effective sampling range, that is, the maximum distance from which insect can reach a attractive source in a given period of time is an important component of a semiochemical attractant. Mark-release-recapture studies were conducted with sterile Anastrepha suspensa females to determine effective sampling range for female-targeted synthetic food-based lure and for liquid protein bait. Sexually immature and mature sterile females, marked with different pigments, were released from a centrally-located point source. 25 Multilure traps total were placed in concentric circles between 9 and 46 m from the release point. Recapture was determined after 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 6 d. Separate tests were conducted with Multilure traps baited with a two component synthetic lure (ammonium acetate and putrescine) or liquid protein bait (torula yeast/borax). In all tests, recapture of immature females was higher than recapture of mature females. Most of the flies were recaptured within the first 24 h of release in traps located within 17-27 m of the release point. Results were similar for immature and mature flies, and for traps baited with synthetic lures or liquid protein. Few females were recaptured by 6 d of release. Additional studies will be conducted to compare response of wild flies with sterile flies. This information is needed to determine coverage of traps used for population delimitation or for mass trapping control strategies, or to pin-point areas of infestation for precision targeting of control measures