ARS | Publication request: PESTICIDE-TREATED TRAPS POSSESSING LONG RESIDUAL ACTIVITY FOR CONTROLLING TEPHRITID FRUIT FLIES

Submitted to: Entomology International Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 31, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Large populations of apple maggot flies (Rhagoletis pomonella) have been controlled successfully in commercial apple orchards in Massachusetts (USA) by ringing perimeter-row apple trees with odor-baited sticky (Tangletrap-coated) red spheres that capture immigrating adults before they enter the orchard interior. Sticky-coated spheres are too messy to handle for the large numbers needed for widespread commercial use. Also, sticky spheres require cleaning every 1-2 weeks to maintain capturing power. We have developed two different types of long-residual-activity pesticide-treated spheres that are equally or more effective than sticky spheres in controlling apple maggot flies and are far easier to handle. The first is a wooden or plastic sphere coated with a mixture of dimethoate (very low dose), sucrose, latex paint and shellac. The second is a inexpensive biodegradable polymeric substance shaped as a sphere, impregnated with feeding stimulant and coated with a mixture of dimethoate (very low dose) and latex paint. This technology is applicable to other forms of traps that could kill tephritid flies that feed on sucrose upon alighting on the traps.