Evaluation of the efficiency of mass trapping of Ceratitis capitata in citrus orchards of Northern Iran

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is one of the most destructive pests of citrus fruits in Mazandaran province of Iran. The mass trapping approach based on using female and male-targeted attractants was carried out in a citrus grove, mainly early ripening clementine variety with a few number of fig, persimmon and pomegranate trees (1 ha) using Tephri-trap (with Cera-lure as a food attractant for females) and Jackson trap (with Trimedlure as a sexual attractant for males) and control plot (0.5 ha) in two successive years. In total 93 traps were installed and distributed on one-third of citrus trees in treated plots. All traps were placed 1.5-2 m above the ground, slightly inside of trees canopy. For each Jackson trap, three Tephri -traps were set. Monitoring of adult populations of Medfly in the treated and control plot was performed using two Delta traps per plot. Tephri-traps were serviced once every two weeks and Trimedlure dispensers of Jackson traps were replaced every two months. The achievement of mass trapping was on randomly examining of 100 fruits every week from September until harvesting time (i.e. November). At the end of experiment, approximately 35010 female and 4333 male flies were trapped in the treated orchard. Data analysis indicated significant differences (P<0.0001, df=11, t=32.22) between fruit infestation percentage to the Medfly in treated and control plots. The pest control was fully satisfactory and fruit damage by Medfly was less than 0.5%, compared to the control plot (40%).