D3270: Comparison of different protein odor sources to identify attractants for female oriental fruit fly

Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most destructive and invasive pests of tropical fruit and vegetable crops worldwide. Although methyl eugenol is a highly potent attractant, it only attracts males and cannot monitor OFF females, which are responsible for actual fruit damage and ensuing population establishment. Liquid torula yeast-baited traps can attract both sexes and thus have been used for detection of female OFF. However, TY is considered a weak attractant; furthermore, TY traps are difficult to maintain, attracts many non-target insects, and may changes attractiveness with time. Several different protein baits and protein sources are being compared to determine the best source material to develop as synthetic chemical lure.