Poster Display
Plant-Insect Ecosystems
Amber R. Arellano
Biological Science Laboratory Technician
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas
frank Dirrigl
Professor
University of Texas
Edinburg, Texas
Jason Carlson
Entomologist
USDA-APHIS
Edinburg, Texas
This study was conducted at the request of Plant Protection and Quarantine Field Operations to evaluate the efficacy of a new lot, an old lot, and a batch of weathered bait stations for causing mortality to adult Mexican fruit flies (Anastrepha ludens). The new lot of bait stations appeared to be a lighter color and have a thinner application of wax matrix with Spinosad than those previously produced in Guatemala. In addition, bait stations weathered in dooryard citrus trees for 16 weeks were tested to determine their efficacy for program use. Laboratory cage evaluations using adult Willacy County Mexican fruit flies (Mexflies) were tested for mortality with each of the bait station types and a no bait station control. Analysis of the data indicated that at 24 hours post exposure mortality was less than 20% in cages with a bait station (new, old, weathered). All the bait station types caused nearly 100% mortality in the adult Mexflies at 96 hours post exposure, and all were significantly different than the no bait station control. The new lot of bait stations were less green in color with less of a waxy coating but remained as effective as the old lot bait stations. Furthermore, these results are consistent with previous studies that indicated the effectiveness of wax bait stations for longer than 16 weeks in the field.