Development of Effective, Economical Killing Stations for New World Fruit Fly Management and Eradication

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The potential impact of widespread establishment in the US of Mexican Fruit fly is estimated at $927.75 million dollars. Rhagoletis species are key pests of important deciduous fruit and nut crops (apple, cherry, blueberry and walnut). This project will develop an effective killing station that will provide a sustainable alternative to insecticide cover sprays aimed at tephritid fly management and eradication. Effective non-insecticidal tephritid management will facilitate the expansion of North American sustainable and organic fruit and nut production and substantially lessen grower reliance on conventional broad-spectrum, high-risk pesticides, maintaining grower profitability as the Food Quality Protection Act is implemented. There is also a very substantial need and market for environmentally low impact Anastrepha control technology in Latin America.