Raju Raj Pandey¹

Abstract

Tephritid fruit-flies are among the most important pests of many fruits and fruit- vegetables. Uses of attractants such as methyl-eugenol, cuelure and protein - bait- sprays have become the major pest control tactics against fruit-flies worldwide. At least eight Bactrocera fruit-flies are found in Nepal, of which B. dorsalis and B. zonata are attracted to methyl-eugenol whereas B. cucurbitae, B. tau, B scutellaris and B. yoshimotoi are attracted to cuelure. Two other species, believed to be present in Nepal, incude B. latifrons(a solanaceous fruit-fly infesting wild Solanum spp.) and B. minax (a severe citrus-pest in the eastern mountains of Nepal), which are suspected to fall under non-responsive group. Various attractants and their importance in fruit-fly management programs are discussed.