Optimizing Torula Bait for Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae) Trapping in the Dominican Republic

Torula yeast is the most common bait used by growers and agriculture professionals for trapping of tephritid flies in Dominican Republic. However, efficiency influenced weather conditions, aging, contamination with undesirable microorganisms. Thus, additives such as benzalkonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound, have been together torula stabilizer. This study evaluated effect addition chloride to bait, time renewal guava orchards Caribbean fruit (Anastrepha suspensa Loew; Diptera: Tephritidae). A field was conducted 2 consecutive 8-wk periods between Oct 2019 Feb 2020. Six treatments were based on type (torula or + chloride) frequency (weekly, biweekly, without renewal). Treatments arranged randomized complete block design 4 replications. Data indicated that attractive 85.2% 80.2% more males females compared respectively. Similarly, traps attracted an average 49.8% than renewed weekly regardless type. Analysis both baits showed rapid decrease pH yeast. The may affected microbial activity solution, leading reduced decomposition and, therefore, captures.