Additional tests on the efficacy of ginger root oil in enhacing the mating competitiveness of sterile males of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Authors: SHELLY, TODD - USDA-APHIS; STEINER, E. - GOV'T OF WESTERN AUSTRALI; BOSCO, VANESSA - GOV'T OF WESTERN AUSTRALI; McInnis, Donald

Submitted to: Hawaiian Entomological Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2006
Publication Date: 12/1/2006
Citation: Shelly, T., Steiner, E., Bosco, V., Mcinnis, D.O. 2006. Additional tests on the efficacy of ginger root oil in enhacing the mating competitiveness of sterile males of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae). Hawaiian Entomological Society Proceedings. 38:41-48.

Interpretive Summary: Recent studies have shown that the exposure of ginger root oil to males of the Mediterranean fruit fly can significantly improve their mating competitiveness against wild males for wild females under field conditions. In this study, we compared ginger root oil from several sources around the world in the degree to which they boosted male performance in field cage mating tests. Indeed, there was a significant difference found in the performance of males exposed to each of the ginger oils; however, in each case, the exposed males still outperformed the control, unexposed males to a significant degree, resulting in a 2-3 fold improvement in competitiveness.

Technical Abstract: Recent studies have shown that exposure to the aroma of ginger root oil (Zingiber officinale Roscoe; termed GRO hereafter) increases the mating competitiveness of males of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). This result suggests that pre-release exposure of sterile males to GRO might increase the effectiveness of the Sterile Insect Techniques (SIT) against this important agricultural pest. Here, we present the results of two experiments that further investigate the utility of GRO in medfly SIT. In the first, we compare the effectiveness of GRO obtained from three different suppliers in enhancing the mating success of sterile males relative to wild-like males in competition for wild-like females. Following adult exposure to GRO in large holding boxes, we found significant variation in the mating success of sterile males exposed to GRO from different sources. However, regardless of the source, GRO-exposed males obtained significantly more matings than control, non-exposed males. In the second experiment, we found that the introduction of GRO (using two different doses) to closed, paper buckets at the time of pupal placement resulted in increased mating success of subsequently emerged sterile males. The use of GRO in SIT programs is discussed in light of these findings.