Interactive Response of Methyl Eugenol and Cue Lure against Bactrocera zonata (Hendel) and B. cucurbitae (Coquillett) in Different Host Habitats

The management of tephritid fruit flies, particularly Bactrocera zonata (Hendel) and B. cucurbitae (Coquillett), poses a significant challenge to fruit and vegetable exports. These pests inflict severe damage on a wide range of fruits and vegetables, directly affecting crop yields and quality. Moreover, due to the highly invasive nature of these species and their potential to establish in new environments, many importing countries have imposed stringent phytosanitary regulations, making effective pest management critical for ensuring compliance and maintaining export potential. This study aimed to optimize male annihilation techniques using methyl eugenol (ME) and Cue-lure (Cu) to enhance their attractiveness and cost-effectiveness in different host plants- bitter gourd, bottle gourd, guava, and mango. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring trap configurations to specific host environments for optimal efficacy. Furthermore, the study highlights the antagonistic interactions observed when ME and Cu are mixed, which diminishes their individual attractiveness to their respective target species.