Halt fruit-fly cycle with sanitation
| • | Use right lures, destroy males to win fruit-fly war |
By Jari Sugano
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Part 2 of 2 parts.
In my previous column on Jan. 26, I described the different types of fruit flies found in our state. Using the right type of lure is essential to reducing the number of males in the area. Now, what about those females, which sting and damage our fruits and vegetables?
To reduce fruit-fly damage, there are several things you can do. First of all, clear damaged fruit from the garden. Removing damaged fruit can minimize fruit flies by preventing eggs from developing into larvae (worms) then into adult fruit flies. Sanitation practices such as composting, burying, bagging, grinding or converting damaged fruits into animal feed can greatly minimize fruit-fly buildup in your garden.
Second, fruit flies need sugar and protein to survive and develop. Protein bait sprays help control fruit flies by attracting them. These sprays contain protein, sugars and an approved insecticide. Female and male flies die after feeding on the bait. New commercially available baits such as GF-120 are designed for multiple fruit-fly species and are available through local agricultural chemical companies. As always, read the label prior to application. Follow safety precautions and use directions.
Apply protein bait at the flowering stage. For melon-fly control, a host plant (such as corn, castor, cassava or sudex) can be planted on the border of your garden to serve as a trap crop. Spot-spray protein bait on the underside of trap crop leaves. For Oriental and Mediterranean fruit-fly control, spot-spray protein bait on the underside of leaves in or around fruit trees. Protein bait works best when applied on a seven- to 14-day interval. Re-apply bait after rain.
A few weeks ago, Mr. Lum, a backyard bittermelon gardener, reminded me about bagging. Bagging fruits is a simple, inexpensive and nonchemical approach to protecting fruits. Use a breathable material such as old newspapers to create a non-accessible barrier. Certain fruits need insects for pollination. In these cases, bags should be installed shortly after fruit set.
Reap the benefits of your hard work. But don't forget to continue sanitation practices and protein bait applications throughout harvest. Managing fruit flies in the garden is an ongoing effort.
For more information, consult the UH CTAHR master gardener program by calling the Pearl City Urban Garden Center, 453-6055, or visiting our fruit-fly Web site: www.extento.hawaii.edu/fruitfly.
