How to control and manage the Bactrocera cucurbitae (melon fly)

Timing of Trapping

It is best to place traps for the first time when the pests are at low density, or at least 1 month before harvest and maintain traps between cropping cycles. Trapping during the post harvest period is important. During the post harvest period many males emerge from drying plants and the soil and their capture lowers pest pressure for the next crop cycle. 

Trap selection

The Fruit fly trap is most sensitive trap to use for mass trapping Bactrocera cucurbitae.

Trap density 

For mass trapping about 45-75 traps per hectare would be for open fields.

Put the traps 1.5m from the floor. Peripheral dense, thin in the middle.

Pay attention to the wind direction. Put more at the place where wind come from.

Lures

Lures can be changed every 4-6weeks to get the most accurate results.

Replace the lures every 4-6weeks. The fruit fly trap can be reused.

Lures handling 

Pheromone lures are very sensitive tool. They can be affected by exposure to elevated heat and direct sunshine. Direct touching by hand may cause cross contamination leading to mixed catches in the trap. Some contaminants such as Nicotine may have repellent effect reducing trap catch.

Lure Storage

In cool dry place, the shelf life is 12 months.

In refrigerator under -5~-15 degree, the shelf life is 24 months up.