Effectiveness of Insect Growth Regulator Based Baits and Sanitation for Controlling Fruit Fly (Bactrocera zonata) in Guava Production

The commercially significant tropical fruit guava (Psidium guajava) is grown extensively across Pakistan, particularly in the province of Faisalabad. However, Bactrocera zonata, a fruit fly, has a significant negative impact on guava production. It lowers fruit output and quality, which results in significant financial losses for producers. To address this issue, an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy was evaluated through a field study conducted at four selected sites of the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of different treatments in managing fruit fly infestations. The treatments included: T1 (Lufenuron + protein hydrolysate), T2 (Pyriproxyfen + protein hydrolysate), T3 (protein hydrolysate alone), and T4 (control), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replications of each. The control treatment (T4) at Site IV showed the highest infestation rate (92% with no bait application) while treatment T1 showed 48% infestation. Sanitation performances along with T2 and T3 at Site II and III recorded intermediate infestation rates (75%) and 80%, respectively. All tested bait formulations attracted adult B. zonata, but protein hydrolysate alone was the least attractive. The addition of insect growth regulators (IGRs) like lufenuron and pyriproxyfen significantly enhanced adult capture rates, attracting both male and female flies. Sanitation practices also contributed to reducing infestation levels, with the site treated with lufenuron + protein hydrolysate showing the most substantial decrease in fruit fly populations. The study also recorded yield and income per acre for each site, showing that an integrated management approach combining lufenuron + protein hydrolysate with effective sanitation practices can significantly reduce fruit fly infestations and improve yield and economic returns in guava orchards.