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Title: RASPBERRY KETONE FORMATE AS AN ATTRACTANT FOR THE MELON FLY, BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

Author
item CASANA-GINER, VICTOR - ARS POST-DOC
item Oliver, James
item Jang, Eric
item Carvalho, Lori
item Khrimian, Ashot
item DEMILO, ALBERT - ARS
item McQuate, Grant

Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/5/2002
Publication Date: 7/5/2002
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The melon fly is a world-wide pest of great economic importance, and strenuous efforts are continually being made to prevent its establishment in the continental U.S. and certain other parts of the world where it is not currently found. Efficient traps are essential for continual monitoring of possible infestations, but a limitation of current trapping methodology is the effectiveness of available attractants. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center report the discovery of a new attractant that is nearly twice as effective as the bait currently used.

Technical Abstract: Raspberry ketone formate was compared to curlure (raspberry ketone acetate) as an attractant for male melon flies, Bactrocera cucurbitae. Raspberry ketone formate was 1.7 times more attractive over at least one month under field conditions.