Performance of Static Spinosad Traps against Bactrocera Spp. at Different Heights in Guava Orchard

Abstract

Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera dorsalis species of fruit fly are considered to major insect pests of vegetables and fruit orchards in the throughout world. Fruit flies may be controlled by several methods (chemical, mechanical, cultural, and biological). The attractive methods have been shown to be more effective and critical for reducing insect pest infestations and monitoring insect numbers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pheromone traps (Static Spinosad + Methyl eugenol) on fruit flies (B. zonata and B. dorsalis) at different heights of 0, 1, 2, and 3 meter on the guava orchard. The population of flies were counted weekly basis. The results regarded that the maximum number of B. zonata was recorded 460.2 flies on 22^nd October, 2020 at 2-meter height and the minimum number of 48.6 flies was noted at 0-meter (ground level) on 4^th February, 2021. Moreover, the highest B. dorsalis 103.0 flies were recorded at 2-meter height on 29^th October, 2020 and the lowest 7.0 flies were observed on 4^th February, 2021 at height of 0-meter (ground level). Similarly, the overall higher population of B. zonata and B. dorsalis was noted at 2-meter height (326.9 and 89.01 flies) and lower was noted at ground (142.8 and 9.11 flies). The population of B. zonata and B. dorsalis correlated positively (r= 0.2943** and r= 0.0537**) with temperature and negatively correlated (r= -0.0223^NS and r= -0.0023^NS) with relative humidity. It is concluded that the pheromone traps (Spinosad+Methyl eugenol) installed at a height of 2-meter showed the highest catches number of fruit flies (B. zonata and B. dorsalis) in guava orchards and further studies are recommended to control fruit flies (male) in orchards and vegetables at different heights of traps.