Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Ming-Yao Chiang, Ching-Hua Kao*, Yu-Bing Huang, Edward Y. Cheng and Mu-Chuan Lee

Abstract:

    The area-wide (AW) control of the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), OFF) was tested, using the conditions defined by Lindquist, in Juan-Nan area of Mei-Shan township, Chia-Yi county, where wax apple is the major crop with significant economical importance. Growers in this area show a common interest in wax apple production, hence are highly cooperative in managing the fruit fly population. All available OFF control techniques have been utilized, e.g., methyl eugenol bait for male annihilation; protein bait for female fly control; bagging of the fruits; and thorough field sanitation in all wax apple orchards. A well organized OFF density monitoring program was established with 12 monitoring sites, which covered 500 ha testing area. By using 3D aero-photos display system, control planning and farmer education were conducted under the AW control scheme. In two years of AW control practice, the OFF population droped below the economic threshold and fruit production was in excellent quality with a financial gain of NT$ 4 million ($122,000) in 2005. In 2006, the OFF population density was further reduced 50% from that of 2005, and the estimated economic gain on fruit value combining with the saving of pest control cost exceeded NT$ 9 million ($286,000). The evaluation of the AW control program also included a survry of farmers’ inputs, which concluded a score of 4.0 in the scale of 1 to 5. The control practice covering 500 ha was considered small in the AW control model for OFF, as if did not have any buffer zone established. Despite the high mobility of OFF, no serious re-invasion problem from the adjacent area occurred due to the scarcity of alternative hosts in that area. This study, though confirmed the AW control requirements as proposed by Lindquist, recommends the requirements supplemented with such additional elements as effective control tactics, continuous farmer education, new and available technologies.

Key words:Bactrocera dorsalis, Area-wide control, Wax apple, Small acreage model

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