Abstract:
Laboratory and field experiments were carried out in Morogoro Region from August 2008
to June 2009 to evaluate effectiveness of locally formulated baits in managing the melon
fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Cocquillett) (Diptera:Tephritidae). An assay was design to
determine the quantity of D. elliptica that could kill more than 50% of B. cucurbitae
populations, where by roots of D. elliptica were sun dried and prepare a crude extracts then
were mixed with brewer’s yeast and the other one mixed with molasses at different
concentration and time of exposure then administered to the adult of B.cucurbitae. LD 50
value of the extracts of D. elliptica in Molasses and Brewer’s yeast against B. cucurbitae
was observed at 24 hours and 36 hours time of exposure at concentrations of 1.5 g/l to 2.5
g/l respectively, mortalities were increased with concentrations and the time of exposure to
D. elliptica in either Molasses or Brewer’s yeast. Completely Randomized Block Design
(CRBD) in three locations was used with four treatments each applied on an individual
plot. Four weeks after sowing baits were sprayed on the roosting host plant while an
insecticide was sprayed on the crop following recommended doses. D. ellipica extracts
mixed in molasses sprayed on border crop show significance difference compared with the
Dimethoate 40 EC sprayed on crop, and Spinosad (GF-120) sprayed on border crop. The
efficiency of locally formulated baits in monitoring the B. cucurbitae population was tested
on plots of watermelon crop. McPhail traps were hung on a wooden pole 1.5 m above the
ground and prepared recommended bait solutions were added to each trap. Significant
different were observed in the efficacy of brewer’s waste, solulys, molasses and Protein
baits in monitoring B. cucurbitae population. Molasses was proved to be more effective in
attracting large means number of B. cucurbitae followed by brewer’s waste.
