ARS | Publication request: Ammonium Acetate and Ammonium Bicarbonate in Traps for Anastrepha Fruit Flies

Submitted to: Tephritid Workers of Europe Africa and the Middle East (TEAM)
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 14, 2008
Publication Date: April 7, 2008
Citation: Epsky, N.D., Thomas, D.B., Serra, C., Hall, D.G., Kendra, P.E., Heath, R.R. 2008. Ammonium Acetate and Ammonium Bicarbonate in Traps for Anastrepha Fruit Flies. Tephritid Workers of Europe Africa and the Middle East (TEAM).

Technical Abstract: Fruit flies in the genus Anastrepha, especially the reproductive age females, are attracted to protein baits. Synthetic lures based on the principal components of protein degradation, especially ammonia along with acetic acid, were tested against three of the most economically important Anastrepha species in Florida, USA; Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The results varied among the species, perhaps in part because of the different envionmental conditions where these pests are prevalent. In Mexico and Florida, A. ludens and A. suspensa, respectively, were caught in higher numbers by traps baited with ammonium acetate and putrescine. But, in the Dominican Republic where A. obliqua is the dominant pest, traps with liquid protein baits outperformed the synthetic blends. Identification of additional attractants from liquid protein baits is needed to improve efficacy of the synthetic lures for A. obliqua as well as other species that prefer liquid protein baits.