Evaluation of parapheromone male lures for monitoring and trapping tephritid fruit flies in Mango orchards in Uganda

Abstract

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) significantly constrain commercial horticulture in developing African nations, causing substantial economic losses. The Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) targets adult males using species-specific lures. Evaluating the efficacy of different lures is crucial for robust management strategies. This study assessed the effectiveness of three male lures—methyl eugenol (ME), cue-lure (CL), and a combination of ME and raspberry ketone (MAT Block)—in a mango orchard at Kawanda Research Institute from May to July 2021. It also identified fruit fly species infesting mangoes by incubating collected fruit samples in the laboratory. Results indicated that baiting traps with male lures significantly increased catches of adult male fruit flies (p < 0.05). Five Tephritidae species were captured, with Bactrocera dorsalis being the most prevalent, followed by Dacus bivittatus, D. punctatifrons, B. cucurbitae, and Trirhithrum coffae. Notably, only adult Bactrocera dorsalis emerged from the incubated mango samples. The MAT Block captured significantly more methyl eugenol- and cue-lure-responding species compared to single lures. The study concludes that MAT Blocks are highly effective, attracting a broad range of fruit fly species and proving more cost-efficient than standalone lures. Their use in monitoring and suppressing Bactrocera dorsalis populations in mangoes and other horticultural crops is strongly recommended to enhance pest management outcomes.