Field Efficacy of Alternative Trap-Lure Types for Trapping Fruit Flies in Mango Ecosystem

Fruit flies (Bactrocera sp) are a major threat to mango (Mangifera indica) cultivation in India, especially during the rainy season causing severe damage to fruit yield and quality. To identify effective control measures, a field trial was conducted in 2024 in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, evaluating various trap designs. The study observed that the trapping efficiency remained unaffected by different time intervals, confirming the consistency of the tested methods. Among all the traps, the tumbler trap with a transparent lid captured the highest number of fruit flies, making it the most effective option. The hanging and frulure traps also performed well, showing statistically good results. These findings support previous research highlighting the reliability of tumbler traps with clear lids as a cost-effective and practical approach for managing fruit fly infestations. Additionally, methyl eugenol-based attractants have been successfully developed for large-scale trapping. Implementing these environmentally friendly techniques can help protect mango production while promoting sustainable pest control strategies in horticultural systems.