Mango fruit fly trap

Mango, the king of fruits, has a great export potential due to exquisite taste and flavor. Our country ranks first in area and production of mango with 2.31 million ha and 12.75 MT, respectively. But infestation with oriental Fruit Fly (Bactocera dorsalis) has been a major impediment to mango export. It accounts for about 27 percent of the harvesting loss.

A simple, eco-friendly, cost-effective trap developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta, Bangalore has come as a respite for mango exporters and growers across the country. The trap has resulted in increased yield and better returns to the mango growers. Field trials in mango orchards have shown encouraging results in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) System.
 

The trap works on a simple Male Annihilation Technique (MAT). The trap consists of a small plastic container with a piece of plywood treated with methyl eugenol and dichlorovos which in hung on the tree. This trap attracts the male fruit fly. In the absence of males, females fail to procreate and hence the fruit will be free from infestation. Six to eight traps are required for each acre.

There is substantial decrease in losses consequent to adoption of this technology. This has facilitated export of mangoes to several countries like USA, Japan, New Zealand and Australia which had previously banned Indian Mangoes because of fruit fly.

Indian Institute of Horticultural Research is in the process of patenting this farmer friendly technology.