Evaluation of trap deployment patterns for behavioural control of apple maggot flies (Dipt., Tephritidae) |
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Authors: | R J Prokopy R E Mittenthal S E Wright |
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Institution: | Department of Entomology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA |
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Abstract: | Abstract: We evaluated three different deployment patterns of sticky red sphere traps, baited with a five-component blend of synthetic attractive fruit odour and placed on perimeter apple trees bordering adjacent habitat (front-row trees), for control of apple maggot flies, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), in small plots of apple trees (about 30 × 30 m) in Massachusetts commercial apple orchards. Degree of fly penetration from front-row to interior apple trees was assessed for R. pomonella of wild origin and for marked adults released in habitats adjacent to front-row trees. Traps placed 10 and 5 m apart on front-row trees or grouped on a single central front-row tree performed as well as grower-applied insecticide sprays in preventing penetration of plots by wild and released flies and in preventing fruit injury . This was equally true for plots whose front-row trees consisted of cultivars comparatively susceptible to apple maggot as for plots whose front-row trees were comprised of comparatively tolerant cultivars. It was also true for each seasonal period during which sampling for treatment performance occurred. |
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Keywords: | Rhagoletis pomonella apple pests behavioural control odour-baited traps |
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