Field Study on Mass-Trapping for the Control of Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824), in Orange Orchards in Türkiye

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a destructive quarantine pest that causes significant economic damage to fruit crops. Chemical control is a common method used against this pest, but it has harmful effects on the environment and human health. Biotechnical control is one of the most eco-friendly control methods and has been used successfully against C. capitata. The main objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of mass trapping as a biotechnical control method in orange orchards located in three different regions of Türkiye: Mersin, Aydın, and Adana. The study found that the average number of C. capitata in decis traps was 94.5, 30.9, and 114.4 in Mersin, Aydın, and Adana, respectively. The corresponding numbers in pheromone traps (control parcels) were 193.3, 70.4, and 221.1. The efficacy of traps was determined with four traps per decare for each location and efficacy was 90.05%, 93.43%, and 94.01% in Mersin, Aydın, and Adana, respectively. Mass trapping can be an effective strategy to control C. capitata populations as part of Integrated Pest Management programs. By adopting sustainable and effective methods like mass trapping, the negative effects of chemical control can be reduced. Farmers should be informed about the effectiveness and importance of biotechnical control methods and consider adopting them as part of their pest control practices to protect their fruit crops and preserve the environment and the community's health.