Luring ability of indigenous food baits for fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.)

Efficiency of indigenous food baits for attracting the adults of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.) was assessed under field condition. The bait containing pulp of over-ripe banana 1 kg + Furadon 10 g + citric acid 1 g was found to be best in luring the fruit fly adults during peak activity period of the pest. However, addition of sweet basil leaf extract reduced the attractiveness of the bait. The bait remained effective upto 10 days after installation in the field.