GF-120 and Control of Cucurbit crops in Benin

Fruit flies belong to family Tephritidae are the most destructive pests of horticultural crops in Benin, West Africa. Given their economic losses in zucchini and watermelon crops, the protein bait GF-120 was evaluated for its effectiveness to control cucurbits-infesting fruit flies The protein bait was applied to clusters of sorghum and castor bean planted in four corners alternately as a border crops. For over 2 years – 2008 to 2009, we conducted on-station trials at IITA-Benin to identify 1) the most attractive roosting hosts to fruit flies among 12 tested, and 2) evaluate the effectiveness of GF-120 bait spray on the selected roosting hosts. The benefit obtained in applying GF-120 to protect zucchini and watermelon plants was assessed. The experimental design consisted of a "Complete Random Block Design" with two treatments – untreated and GF-120 treated plots, replicated three times. The results revealed that the castor bean and sorghum were identified as the best roosting hosts naturally attractive to fruit flies. The protein bait GF-120 was therefore applied to the underside of young leaves of castor bean and sorghum every Monday morning from 7am to 9am during the test period. The GF-120-treated castor bean, attracted more fruit flies than GF-120-treated sorghum. Infestation rates on the zucchini and watermelon were significantly lower (29% and 20%) on GF-120-treated plots than on untreated plots (73% and 77%) respectively. The use of GF-120 in integrated fruit flies management is therefore benefic and advantageous for the vegetable growers.