Comparative Efficacy and residues of Insecticides Applied singly or in mixture with attractants Against fruit fly affecting long melon (Cucumis utilissimus Duthie & Fuller).

Effect of malathion and carbaryl with or without gur has been studied on the incidence of fruit fly, Dacus cucurbitae Coq. on long melon. Carbaryl was better than malathion in reducing the infestation of fruit fly at 3, 7 and 10 days interval. The mixing of gur with any of these insecticides did not reduced the incidence but increased the infestation of fruit fly on the fruits, probably because of its attractiveness. Residues of malathion and carbaryl were estimated and it was found that both dissipated very rapidly reaching below detectable level in 3 and 10 days respectively.