Effect of heights of food bait trap on attraction of melon flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in cucumber

Melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillet) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a serious pest of cucurbitaceous vegetables in Kerala (South India). Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a preferred host of the pest. Use of food baits forms an eco-friendly strategy for managing the fruit fly. In the present study on cucumber in Southern Kerala, the maximum trap catches were observed at a height of 30 cm from ground level. This was significantly superior to all other heights observed. The lowest trap catch was recorded at a height of 120 cm. Hence, the recommended height of the trap placement to obtain catch is 30 cm from ground level.