Agricultural Research Service

February 1, 2000

The invention relates to synthetic insect attractants. Compositions and combinations of alpha-ionol and cade oil are effective attractants for the fruit fly Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel). By attracting adult males to field traps or baits, the attractants provide a means for detecting, surveying, monitoring, and controlling this agricultural pest. The invention is directed to lures wherein a mixture or combination of alpha-ionol and cade oil is held in a dispenser which releases the mixture or combination to form the attractant vapor blend. An important feature is that the invention improves the effectiveness of alpha-ionol alone for use to detect and monitor Bactrocera latifrons population levels to determine whether control measures are needed. Thus, the composition offers an important tool in an integrated pest management program for control of this pest. The novel attractant of the invention provides a more effective tool for the detection of Bactrocera latifrons, and provides a means for population control and population density estimation of this pest.

Grant McQuate U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center P.O. Box 4459 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (808) 959-4339 / Fax: (808) 959-5470

Nicanor J. Liquido (retired) Roy T. Cunningham (retired) Robert A. Flath (retired)

insect control, detection, attractants, fruit flies, Bactrocera lataifrons, baits

The invention relates to synthetic insect attractants. Compositions and combinations of alpha-ionol and cade oil are effective attractants for the Malaysian fruit fly, Bactrocera latifrons. By attracting adult males to field traps or baits, attractants provide a means for detecting, surveying, monitoring, and controlling this agricultural pest, which lays its eggs in peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and cucurbits. The invention is directed to lures wherein a mixture or combination of alpha-ionol and cade oil is held in a dispenser which releases the mixture or combination to form the attractant vapor blend. An important feature is that the invention improves the effectiveness of alpha-ionol alone for use to detect and monitor Bactrocera latifrons population levels to determine whether control measures are needed. Thus, the composition offers an important tool in an integrated pest management program for control of this pest. The novel attractant of the invention provides a more effective tool for detecting Bactrocera latifrons, and provides a means for estimating and/or controlling pest populations. Companies developing insect detection and monitoring traps could use this technology, as well as pesticide companies. Commercialization of this technology will benefit growers with Malay fruit fly problems.

Please refer to Patent Number 6,019,964, "Attractants for Bactrocera Latrifrons (Hendel)," which issued February 1, 2000.