Economically important fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are among the most serious agricultural pests throughout Oceania. Over 90% of the Bactrocera species respond to either methyl eugenol (ME) or cue-lure (CL). Results from recent fruit fly eradication programs with the insecticide, fipronil, in French Polynesia and Nauru suggest an effective substitute for organophosphate insecticides in both male annihilation treatments (Amulet® (Bactromat®) ME and CL) and protein bait sprays (Bactrogel®). However, fipronil has not been registered for fruit fly control in the United States. Recently there has been interest in registration of Amulet® dispensers for use on nonfood plants in Hawaii. We tested Amulet® dispensers under Hawaiian weather conditions for suppression of melon fly and oriental fruit fly. Amulet® CL dispensers were effective up to 90 days or more. Amulet® ME dispensers were effective up to 35 days. Our results suggest that the Amulet® CL dispensers are satisfactory for use in Hawaii, however, the load capacity of Amulet® ME dispensers could be increased to extend longevity. These results are important to reduce the use of organophosphate insecticides in fruit fly area-wide suppression programs.
Species 1: Diptera Tephritidae Bactrocera dorsalis (Oriental Fruit Fly)
Species 2: Diptera Tephritidae Bactrocera cucurbitae (Melon Fly)
Keywords: fipronil, male annihilation
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