SUMMARY FOR PRACTITIONERS ON THE MAIN FINDING(S)/INNOVATIVE SOLUTION(S):
Objective:
To develop an accessible and easy-to-use manual that guides citizens in identifying and monitoring Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly) on citrus trees to which they have access.
CERBERUS is a European research and development project being carried out with farmers in Spain, Italy, and Cyprus. Its aim is to create an early warning system for pests in Mediterranean crops, with the goal of eradicating pests sustainably and reducing pesticide use.
The active participation of citizens in the Cerberus project by data collection, interpretation, and even in the design of the platform, adapting it to the needs of the users.
Results (and practical recommendations):
Ceratitis capitata, commonly known as the Mediterranean fruit fly, is a widespread pest in citrus orchards. Direct damage occurs when females lay eggs in the fruit and the larvae feed, leading to pulp decay, premature ripening, and fruit drop. Indirect damage results from export restrictions on fruit that may be infested.
Trap and pheromone characteristics
To monitor Ceratitis capitata, a conventional trap with “Attract and Kill” technology will be used. It contains 0.015 g of Deltamethrin, a collection receptacle, and a dispenser with the male-attracting pheromone TRIMEDLURE, which duration on the field depends on the manufacturer and it will be replaced when necessary, during the monitoring period.
Identification of the male
The adult is about 5 mm in length. And has the following features:
- Yellow, white, and black bands on the chest and abdomen.
- Large reddish to maroon eyes.
- Transparent wings, with yellowish spots and bands characteristic of the species.
When identifying the male, it is important to pay attention to a couple of distinctive features of sexual dimorphisms: - The male presents a pair of black spatulate postocular silks on the head
- The female is larger than the mail.
Protocol
What does monitoring consist of?
For monitoring, the operator will need to choose an accessible tree in the farm, plot, garden, or yard. This will be the REFERENCE TREE for the entire monitoring period.
From that moment on, ONCE A WEEK the operator will need to visit the tree to carry out various different monitoring tasks.
Monitoring will take place approximately from May until harvest (December – January or later) depending on the citrus variety and will be divided into 3 phases. The transition from one phase to another will depend on the phenological stage of the crops.
Phase 1. Approximately MAY/JULY
From First Flower to Fruit set
The operator WILL ONLY NEED TO OBSERVE THE PHENOLOGICAL STAGE OF THE TREE and register this information.
Phase 2. Approximately from AUGUST to OCTOBER
IN ADDITION TO OBSERVING THE PHENOLOGICAL STAGE, the operator will need to COUNT THE NUMBER OF MALE FRUIT FLIES captured. The operator will also need to take A PHOTOGRAPH and empty the trap.
At some point, the operator will also need to replace the pheromone.
Phase 3. Approximately from OCTOBER until HARVEST
IN ADDITION TO FOLLOWING THE PREVIOUS STEPS, the operator will be able to OBSERVE THE INSECT STINGS on the fruits and how the larva develops inside them.
Once the harvest is about to begin, the operator can remove the trap and the pheromone, and your monitoring period will be complete.
How to place the trap and the pheromone?
The first time you place the trap, the operator should take the following guidelines into account:
- It is necessary to use reusable gloves to avoid accidental contact with deltamethrin.
- Select a branch on the tree where the trap will be hung, making sure it is at a height between 1.40 and 1.80 meters from the ground.
- Remove the pheromone from its packaging and insert it into the center of the cone. Note that to ensure the pheromone’s effectiveness, the packaging should not be opened until the moment of use.
- Take the trap lid and close it. Be careful with the lid, as it is the part impregnated with the contact insecticide (deltamethrin).
- Hang the trap on a branch of the selected tree. Make sure to choose branches that will not be pruned in the summer and that are horizontal with a thickness of 2–3 cm.
- The trap must be placed facing the southeast side.