Evaluation of Mass Trapping and Bait Stations to Control Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) Fruit Flies in Mango Orchards of Chiapas, Mexico

The use of insecticide baits is one of the most common and efficient methods worldwide to control fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). However, this strategy has commonly been associated with environmental contamination and undesirable effects on non-target organisms. The use of lure-and-kill devices (bait stations) or mass trapping could be alternative control methods to overcome these ecological concerns. In this study, we evaluated several mass trapping devices and attractants in comparison with ground-applied insecticide bait sprays for the control of Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) and Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in mango orchards in Chiapas, Mexico. Among the bait stations evaluated, we found that a wide-mouth 2 L plastic bottle baited with Cera Trap®, an enzymatic hydrolyzed protein, and used at the density of 25 traps per ha was most efficient at reducing the fruit fly populations. Our results showed that bait stations to control fruit flies, in addition to using less insecticide, were as effective as ground sprays and were superior under rainy conditions. These properties represent a great advantage considering the tropical conditions in several mango production zones around the world.