Modifications in Male Annihilation Technique for Attracting Bactrocera zonata Under Field Conditions

The peach fruit fly (PFF), Bactrocera zonata (Saunders, 1841) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a destructive polyphagous pest infesting a lot of horticultural fruits and some vegetables. At Damietta governorate, Egypt, the present study aimed to maximize the efficiency of the male annihilation technique (MAT) by estimating different types of blocks (as dispensers) impregnated with different doses (3, 6, and 9 cm3/block) of methyl eugenol to attract PFF males in guava orchards. Two different types of blocks [Hard woodpulpluff (HWF) and plant fibers] were selected for the present study. These blocks were tested as uncovered blocks and covered with aluminum polyethylene polyester. The study was carried out over eight successive weeks (from 27th September to 15th November 2023). The obtained results showed that the covered HWF blocks impregnated with the dose of 9 cm3/block were superior in attracting PFF males all over the investigation period followed by uncovered plant fibers, uncovered HWF, and covered plant fibers’ blocks. There were positive relationships between the captured PFF males and the concentration of methyl eugenol. The covered HWF blocks were relatively more stable against elapsed time in comparison with uncovered HWF or plant fibers’ blocks. In conclusion, the covered HWF blocks were more effective dispensers all over eight weeks for methyl eugenol to attract PFF males in comparison with uncovered HWF blocks and plant fibers.