Mass trapping and bait station techniques as alternative methods for IPM of Ceratitis capitata Wiedmann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in citrus orchards

ABSTRACTMalathion bait sprays to control medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), in Tunisian citrus orchards is expected to be phased out in the near future due to low residue tolerance in the fruits by consumers. Attract and kill strategy that encompasses mass trapping and bait station techniques has become a widespread method for controlling medfly. Effectiveness of two bait station methods (AAL&K® and Ceranock®) and two attractants for mass trapping (Ceratrap® and Starce®) was, respectively, compared with malathion and spinosad in Grombalia and Chott-Mariem experimental sites. Ceranock® and AAL&K® provide effective protection of citrus fruits from medfly attack as confirmed by low rate of damaged fruits of respectively 3.88 and 2.26% compared with malathion (21.63%). Medfly population and rate of fruit damage were significantly lower in Ceratrap® than in Starce® and spinosad treated plots. Rate of fruit damage on Starce® treated plots increased at least three times more than in Ceratrap®, an...