Determination of an adequate attractant and its concentration in mass-trapping of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) by a hand-made trap

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare the attractive effects of different attractants in different concentrations in mass-trapping of Ceratitis capitata by a hand-made trap. The study was conducted in late peach, mandarin and orange orchards in Aydın and İzmir provinces, in 10-15 yr-old orchards. Experiments were done with three replications in randomized complete block design. Traps were produced from transparent plastic bottles of 500 ml volume with 250 ml attractive solution inside. Ammonium acetate and ammonium carbonate solutions were prepared in the concentrations of 2, 5, and 10%. Control traps were filled with 250 ml of water. Another group of traps with Nu-Lure in the concentration of 2% were used in the same volume like others as positive control. Traps were placed in 1.5- 2 m height on the branches in south part of the trees right after first C. capitata catches on parapheromone traps in the same orchards, and all traps were counted once a week. The parapheromone traps were the most effective in terms of C. capitata numbers caught in traps. They were followed by either Nu-Lure or any concentration of ammonium acetate according to orchards and localities. Ammonium carbonate was the least effective in all cases.