Area-wide Control of the Oriental Fruit Fly and Melon Fly in Taiwan

Area-wide control have been tested for the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, OFF) and melon fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett) in Taiwan. The control tactics depend mainly on methyl eugenol, Culure and protein bait containing spinosad. The non-chemical efforts are concentrated on (1) organizing involved farmers, (2) establishing geological information, (3) monitoring fruit fly density, (4) establishing fruit production information, (5) holding training programs and (6) maintaining the orchard sanitation. Area-wide OFF control had been tested from 2000 to 2005 in 21 districts, and the results indicated that farmers with common interest, mainly in a monocropping system, will cooperate better than those planting multiple crops. Taitung area presented a fruitful result due to sugar apple, Annona squamosa L., that constituted 95% of its fruit production, and OFF density ratio monitored in inner quarter, buffer zone, and outskirt was 1: 10: 30-100. Within three year, control acreage in Taitung has expanded from 4000 ha to 10,000 ha and then to 15,000 ha. Although GIS/GPS technologies have been used in density monitoring and control strategy planning, 3-dimentional aerial photo have gained stronger echo from the local farmers. The 3 -D digital displayed system creates a “virtual reality” of targeted areas on screen which ignites farmers’ interest because they can overlook their own orchards and the whole control area. Bring ing farmers from the whole area into a conference room has inspired enthusiastic participation in the ongoing area-wide control program, providing updated pest density data also give farmers motivation for plan work, and more details on control strategy could be discussed.