Management of fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) in guava (Psidium guajava) by pheromone traps

Abstract

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most important commercial fruits grown in Punjab. Fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are considered the key insect pest of guava causing yield losses and quality degradation during rainy season and thus decreasing fruit production. The present studies emphasis on ecofriendly management of fruitflies using the methyl eugenol pheromone traps (PAU traps) during 2017 and 2018. Fruit flies analysis by traps installation in guava orchard characterized high population of fruit flies (24.8-760.9) captured per trap per week (pooled mean of two years) in July to September. Population of fruit fly increased rapidly reaching its peak with weekly trap catches of 801.5 and 720.4 fruit flies/trap/week during the second week of August (32ndSMW) during 2017 and 2018 respectively, when the trees were at the maximum fruiting period. Maximum fruit infestation in control was observed in 34thand 35thSMW, i.e 67 and 81% as compared to 45 and 48% in treatment. The marketable fruits/ tree was 96 and 85 fruits/tree in treated plots as compared to 52 and 47 fruits/tree in untreated plots during 2017 and 2018 respectively. Mean fruit yield was 15.4 kg/tree and 12.6 kg/tree in treatment as compared to control with 8.8 kg/tree and 8.1 kg/tree during 2017 and 2019 respectively. There was significant increase in number of marketable fruits/tree and fruit yield. The results clearly depict that fruit fly traps offer one of the most effective method for the management of fruit flies especially in the rainy season.