Integrated Control of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) by Mass Trapping in Tirana, Albania

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata is one of the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide. It is one of the most difficult pests to handle. It is extremely polyphagous, it breeds a number of generations per year and its attacks occur close to harvest time. Mass trapping control techniques has been developed, in order to control medfly with the minimum amount of pesticide residue. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Tephry and Jackson traps that we used to control the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) C. capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera Tephritidae). The medfly is strongly attracted, enters into the traps and, being unable to escape, and dies. The efficacy of traps was compared with control strategies (mass trapping), assessing medfly captures and fruit damage (infested fruits on host trees and at the ground). Tephry and Jackson traps successfully control the pest population, decreases medfly fruit damage and provides long-term control (from fruit ripening until harvest) reducing pesticide application to a minimum or even making it completely unnecessary. This paper reports on trials undertaken to control established pest population.