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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #70650
Title: PESTICIDE-TREATED TRAPS POSSESSING LONG RESIDUAL ACTIVITY FOR CONTROLLING TEPHRITID FRUIT FLIES

Author
item PROKOPY, R - UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSET
item HU, X - UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSET
item SHASHA, B - BIOTECH RESEARCH
item McGuire, Michael

Submitted to: Entomology International Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/31/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Large populations of apple maggot flies (Rhagoletis pomonella) have been controlled successfully in commercial apple orchards in Massachusetts (USA) by ringing perimeter-row apple trees with odor-baited sticky (Tangletrap-coated) red spheres that capture immigrating adults before they enter the orchard interior. Sticky-coated spheres are too messy to handle for the large numbers needed for widespread commercial use. Also, sticky spheres require cleaning every 1-2 weeks to maintain capturing power. We have developed two different types of long-residual-activity pesticide-treated spheres that are equally or more effective than sticky spheres in controlling apple maggot flies and are far easier to handle. The first is a wooden or plastic sphere coated with a mixture of dimethoate (very low dose), sucrose, latex paint and shellac. The second is a inexpensive biodegradable polymeric substance shaped as a sphere, impregnated with feeding stimulant and coated with a mixture of dimethoate (very low dose) and latex paint. This technology is applicable to other forms of traps that could kill tephritid flies that feed on sucrose upon alighting on the traps.