Use of Para-pheromone Methyl Eugenol for Suppression of the Mango Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Mango growers in Southern Ethiopia are faced with the severe challenge of controlling mango fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. Semiochemicals have become a valuable tool for monitoring and suppression of pest populations in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Since pheromone traps are relatively easy to use, cost-effective, species-specific and environmentally friendly tools for IPM programs, we evaluated the performance of methyl eugenol (ME) vs. B. dorsalis in Gamo-Gofa zone, in Southern Ethiopia. A 3-month (February–April 2018) trial on B. dorsalis population reduction was implemented in six intervention sites of Arba minch zuria district, and three control sites of Mierab Abaya district. Results showed that continuous application of ME was effective in reducing the fruit fly population. Fruit fly captures and fruit infestation in six intervention sites were significantly lower during the 3 months than those recorded in the three control sites. Therefore, the strategy of including mango fruit fly suppression techniques using pheromone and/or parapheromone lures such as ME (related to mating behaviour) in IPM approach, is recommended.