Behavioral tests were conducted with laboratory-reared melon flies to determine attraction and feeding on various protein bait (Dow GF-120, Nu-Lure, Provesta 621, and Mazoferm) and insecticide (spinosad or malathion) combinations in 2000. Highest and lowest attraction was observed with Dow GF-120 and Nu-Lure, respectively. Lures with spinosad showed higher attraction than those with malathion, and four-day-old lures were unattractive. Feeding was highest on Mazoferm and flies fed more on baits containing spinosad than those containing malathion. In 2001 a more sensitive assay was developed for observation of small numbers of wild melon flies. Cucumber and kabocha squash were the most attractive host fruits. Few differences were observed in attraction to proteins, but protein-deprived flies fed more than protein-fed flies. In tests comparing protein against host odors, protein-fed flies preferred the host odor, while protein-deprived flies showed no preference. Results are discussed with respect to development of more environmentally sound protein bait sprays for intervention of melon flies attacking preferred hosts.
Species 1: Diptera Tephritidae Bactrocera cucurbitae (melon fly)
Keywords: Melon Fly, Attraction
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA