Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Yaw-Jen Dong and Chien-Chung Chen*

Abstract:

    Various concentrations of Phloxine B were added into the artificial diets (yeast : sugar=1 : 3) and fed to adult melon flies, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), to determine the toxic effects of Phloxine B to the flies. Tests were carried out in the dark as well as under the photoperiod of 12 : 12 (L : D) hr with different intensity of lights to evaluate the influence of light and its intensity on Phloxine B toxicity. Phloxine B elicited toxicity to melon flies and the toxic effects increased with Phloxine B concentration and light intensity. For a short period of feeding (e.g., 4 hr), Phloxine B could cause fly deaths with the light. The concentrations of 1% or higher caused 100% mortality in the flies of both sexes within 4 hr. The Phloxine B-induced mortality in all concentrations occurred within 24 hr and did not increase further thereafter. Without the light, Phloxine B caused death in the flies only with a longer period of feeding (2 days or higher). The 100% mortality were obtained for the flies fed continuously in the dark with 2% and 4% Phloxine B for 5 day and 4 day, respectively. In addition, Phloxine B diets inhibited egg production and at high concentrations impeded feeding as well in melon flies.

Key words:Fruit flies, Xanthene dye, Poisoned bait, Fecundity, Pest control

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