The ‘lure and kill’ technique in Bactrocera oleae (Gmel.) control: effectiveness indices and suitability of the technique in area-wide experimental trials

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘lure and kill’ technique, commonly called Mass Trapping (MT), compared with the larvicidal technique in olive fruit fly control. Data from different agro-ecological and management conditions were collected in several mass trapping areas in the regions of Tuscany and Liguria during 1999, 2000 and 2001. Data were organized and stored using a web-based data management system. To compare the results obtained in different MT trials, we define infestation indices (IIs) and relative effectiveness indices (REIs), in order to verify the degree of success of the mass trapping technique by comparing active and damaging infestation recorded on an MT area with control farms adopting conventional pest management practices. In three out of four cases Mass Trapping was found to better facilitate reducing active infestation and damaging infestation compared with the larvicidal technique. A rule for the evaluation of MT suitability is formulated and tested. A suitability threshold index is defined which gives an accurate estimate to rate the likely success of the MT technique in relation to agro-ecological factors. Finally, the agro-ecological and management factors influencing effectiveness and the suitability of the control technique are discussed.