Efficiency of some Essential Oils as Attractants for Bactrocera Zonata Males under Field Conditions

Comparative efficacy of eight plant essential oils (camphor, mint, sweet almond, thyme, basil, black seed, local clove and frankincense stones) and methyl eugenol were evaluated as attractants for PFF males, either individually, or in mixed with methyl eugenol, in a citrus orchard situated at Aga district, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt.Statistical analysis indicated that in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks camphor and methyl eugenol traps lure significantly high numbers of PFF adults, they came in the superior compared with the other tested essential oils. Mint and sweet almond ranked the second in order followed by thyme. In contrast, basil, black seed, local clove, and frankincense essential oils attracted the fewest individuals. The attraction levels of camphor, mint, sweet almond, and thyme oils in relation to methyl eugenol were 84.68%, 71.95%, 47.27%, and 26.49%, respectively, in terms of the number of PFF males lured to methyl eugenol. Jackson traps baited with mixture of camphor and methyl eugenol at ratio of 1:1, showing significantly higher attraction rates without notable differences compared to traps using methyl eugenol alone. Further, the camphor-methyl eugenol mixture as well as methyl eugenol alone demonstrated similar stability over time.