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Size of orchard trees as a factor affecting behavioural control of apple maggot flies (Dipt., Tephritidae) by traps
Author(s) -
Prokopy R. J.,
Wright S. E.,
Black J. L.,
Rull J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of applied entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1439-0418
pISSN - 0931-2048
DOI - 10.1046/j.1439-0418.2001.00562.x
Subject(s) - rhagoletis , biology , orchard , canopy , tephritidae , horticulture , fruit tree , tree canopy , botany , maggot , apple tree , pest analysis
Over a 3‐year period (1997–1999), we examined the influence of tree size on effectiveness of traps for behaviourally controlling apple maggot flies, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), in small blocks of trees in Massachusetts commercial apple orchards. Traps were red spheres coated with Tangletrap and baited with an attractive synthetic host fruit odour (butyl hexanoate). Traps were placed 6 m apart on perimeter apple trees of each block and were designed to intercept apple maggot flies immigrating into blocks from unmanaged host trees. Based on captures of adults by unbaited red spheres placed near the centre of each block to monitor degree of adult penetration into the interior and on percentages of fruit injured by apple maggot, traps surrounding blocks of small trees (1.5 m canopy diameter) planted at high density were more effective in controlling apple maggot flies (relative to control obtained by insecticide sprays used in comparison blocks) than were traps surrounding blocks of large trees (3.7 m canopy diameter) planted at low density, with traps surrounding blocks of medium‐size trees (2.5 m canopy diameter) planted at medium density generally providing an intermediate level of control.