Attractiveness of methyl eugenol to Bactrocera carambolae
In Indonesia, the attractiveness of methyl eugenol to Bactrocera carambolae (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) was studied. Approximately 600 newly emerged males and females were released in an outdoor screen cage which contained a potted carambola fruit tree, adult food and a methyl eugenol trap (Steiner-type trap). The male annihilation technique, using this type of trap (fiber blocks baited with methyl eugenol and insecticide, e.g. malathion) has been successfully applied to eradicate for example B. dorsalis in Japan and California. Immediately after release, males of B. carambolae were attracted by methyl eugenol, and more than 99;% of the males were considered dead by trapping or other factors, but at least two males mated with females during the exposure to methyl eugenol. The authors felt that the male annihilation technique with this type of trap could be effective against B. carambolae. With the Steiner-type trap only a small number of females were killed, but when changing to a plastic-board trap with glue and methyl eugenol, many females were caught. The authors suggested that the development of suitable traps for females could accelerate the control of B. carambolae.
Sources
Iwahashi, O.; Syamusdin-Subahar, T.S.; Sastrodihardjo, S. (1996) Attractiveness of methyl eugenol to the fruit fly Bactrocera carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Indonesia.
Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 89(5), 653-660.