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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #394806
Research Project: Mitigation of Invasive Pest Threats to U.S. Subtropical Agriculture

Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research

Title: Insecticide Resistance Detection and Management of Caribbean Fruit Fly, Anastrepha Suspensa Using Plant Essential Oils

Author
item Yang, Xiangbing
item Tabanca, Nurhayat
item Kendra, Paul

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2022
Publication Date: 6/20/2022
Citation: Yang, X., Tabanca, N., and P.E. Kendra. 2022. Insecticide Resistance Detection and Management of Caribbean Fruit Fly, Anastrepha Suspensa Using Plant Essential Oils. 103rd Annual Meeting of the Florida Entomological Society. Gainesville, FL. 20-22 Jun 2022.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa, is a major pest to over 100 host species in Florida, the Caribbean islands and countries in Central America. Currently, conventional insecticidal bait sprays are commonly used in commercial groves for control of this pest. However, extensive insecticide applications can lead to development of insecticide resistance. To evaluate the resistance level of A. suspensa in South Florida, field collected flies were evaluated by topical bioassays using insecticide (i.e. methomyl) to determine the median lethal dose (LD50), which was then compared to the LD50 obtained with a susceptible lab colony to determine the resistance ratio. The results showed that both female and male A. suspensa had a resistance ratio < 6, indicating development of mild resistance to methomyl. To manage further development of resistance, research has focused on plant extracted essential oils (EO) with demonstrated insecticidal effects as a safer alternative to conventional synthetic insecticides. We evaluated nine EOs extracted from Cupressaceae, Zygophyllaceae, Myrtaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Apiaceae to determine the contact toxicity against female A. suspensa under laboratory conditions. The results showed that six EOs were effective against A. suspensa, with varied LD50 levels. Results also showed that anisole (EO extracted from Apiaceae) was not only effective against A. suspensa via contact, but also showed strong fumigation and residue effects. Our study showed that the tested EOs have potential to be used as environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional insecticides for control of Caribbean fruit fly.