Data from: A novel protein-based fruit fly trap in melon flies Bactrocera cucurbitae for effective pest control management

Agriculture remains a major source of subsistence for local communities in
India. However, agricultural yield can be strongly affected by
agricultural pest outbreaks. This can result in economic losses for
small-scale farmers who already experience socioeconomic challenges, such
as lack of appropriate infrastructure and subsidies. Sophisticated pest
management techniques (e.g., sterile insect technique) are less accessible
to small farmers in developing countries and therefore, alternative
cost-effective approaches for pest management are needed. Here, we report
our findings of a three-year-long field trial (2018 to 2020) in India
which was designed to test for the potential effectiveness of a novel,
slow-release formulation protein-based trap, compared to standard Cuelure
traps against melon flies Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae).
Protein-bait traps can attract flies from both sexes (as opposed to
males-only, chemical traps), bearing the potential to have greater
long-term impact on pest populations by decreasing future reproductive
potential of trapped individuals. We found that Cuelure had overall higher
trapping performance, while protein-bait traps, despite trapping at lower
efficiency, were equally effective for males and females. Simulations with
our field data revealed that protein-bait traps can have an ‘inclusive’
advantage by trapping females and thereby preventing future individuals.
Overall, our study highlights the potential benefits of using this
alternative trapping technique to supplement pest management in developing
countries.