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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Hilo, Hawaii » Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center » Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #207890
Title: Recent Developments in Semiochemical-based Control of Fruit Flies in Hawaii

Author
item Jang, Eric
item Schneider, Esther
item Nagata, Janice
item Carvalho, Lori
item Nagai, Kellie

Submitted to: Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2007
Publication Date: 5/5/2007
Citation: Jang, E.B., Schneider, E.L., Nagata, J.T., Carvalho, L.A., Nagai, K. 2007. Recent Developments in Semiochemical-based Control of Fruit Flies in Hawaii. Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting.

Interpretive Summary: Chemical attractants are the basis for most of the detection and control methods used in Hawaii against fruit flies. Existing lures are being registered and could be available for general use in the coming months. New and improved attractants are being developed and evaluated for the next generation of lure. The new lures may further improve our ability to detect and control these invasive pests.

Technical Abstract: Tephritid fruit flies are one of the most feared invasive species due to its ability to invade undetected (internal feeder), its high reproductive capacity, the large number of hosts that they infest and the multitude of economically important species worldwide which impact regional and international trade of agricultural commodities. Like many invasive species early detection is a key component in reducing the risk of establishment into areas where the flies do not occur. Similarly the need for improved methods for eradication of invasive species is highlighted by the massive costs of such programs, especially when the pests are not detected early. Detection of fruit flies has relied on semiochemical attractants that can be placed into traps as early detection tools. In the US, more than 160,000 fruit fly detection traps are deployed in key agricultural areas of the Southern U.S. such as California, Florida and Texas. In Hawaii were four species of tephritid fruit flies are established, we are working on new and improved lures for detection of fruit flies. These new lures are improvements for current male attractants trimedlure, and cuelure. A new attractant for melon fly has also been developed which will capture female flies as well as males. Augmenting these new lures are newer technologies aimed at automating detection, that could significantly reduce costs of monitoring programs worldwide.