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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #135976
Title: DEVELOPMENT OF BAIT STATIONS FOR SUPPRESSING FRUIT FLY POPULATIONS

Author
item Heath, Robert
item Schnell, Elena
item Lavallee, Stephen
item VILLATORO, D - USDA/APHIS-IS GUATEMALA
item Epsky, Nancy
item Midgarden, David

Submitted to: Fruit Flies of Economic Importance International Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2002
Publication Date: 5/15/2002
Citation: Heath, R.R., Schnell, E.Q., Lavallee, S.G., Villatoro, D., Epsky, N.D., Midgarden, D.G. 2002. Development of Bait Stations for Suppressing Fruit Fly Populations. Fruit Flies of Economic Importance International Symposium.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Research is being conducted to develop a user friendly and cost-effective bait station. The bait station concept is a logical extension of the Malathion eradication bait that has been a standard for eradicating fruit flies, but the bait station minimizes costs and risks to the environment. A bait station, which is placed in the insect host habitat, contains an attractant and insecticide, and is spatially localized. We have developed a matrix that provides a potent feeding stimulant. When an attracted fruit fly contacts the bait station, the insect feeds on the bait station and consumes the toxicant. Toxicants tested include Spinosad, Methomyl, SureDye and Dimethoate. When exposed to the environment in Florida and Guatemala, the bait stations were effective for approximately three months for the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa, and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, respectively. Bait stations with the same matrix composition and 1, 2, and 4 grams of an odor attractant were prepared. These baits were hung inside a McPhail Plastic trap and tested in guava for capture of Anastrepha suspensa. Results from these experiments indicated that the attractant in the bait station was as effective as commercially used formulations. The presentation will address the current status of the bait station matrix and efficacy of the bait stations in laboratory and field cage bioassays.