Field studies on melon fly (Dacus cucurbitae) and attractant experiment in southern Taiwan.
Wen H. C.
Author Affiliation: Dep. Plant Protection, Fengshan Trop. Hort. Exp. Sta., TARI, Fengshan City, Kaohsiung Hsien, 830, Taiwan.
Journal of Agricultural Research of China 34 : 228-235
Abstract : In studies of their population dynamics in southern Taiwan, adults of Dacus cucurbitae were trapped in different habitats during July 1983-June 1984. Population densities were higher in stands of bamboo and mango and waxapple trees than in the vicinity of lemon, starfruit [Averrhoa carambola], litchi [Litchi chinensis] or guava trees. There appeared to be 2 population peaks, in August-October and May-June. Monitoring of infestations in cucurbits revealed damage by the tephritid to cucumbers (an average of 17.01% of fruits), vegetable sponges [loofah] (15.65%), balsam pears [Momordica charantia] (9.78%), muskmelons (7.55%), watermelons (4.02%), pumpkins (3.02%) and calabash gourds [bottle gourds] (1.55%). Four attractants were evaluated for their efficacy in bait traps. Cue-lure and Isolan [3-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl dimethylcarbamate] were more effective and more persistent attractants than methyl eugenol and protein hydrolysate.