Studies on Varietal Susceptibility of Oriental Fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) on Guava and its Attraction to different Poison Baits

Seven guava varieties viz. Lucknow-49, SeedLess, Behat Coconut, Red Flesh, Allahabad Safeda, Local and Pear Shaped were screened for their susceptibility to Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, (Hendel) infestation at Dhaula Kuan, Distt. Sirmour (H.P.) during 2005-06. Smooth skinned varieties namely Red Flesh, Allahabad Safeda and Local were found to be highly susceptible to the fly attack (Infestation range 64.2 to 80.4%) whereas rough skinned Pear Shaped variety was least susceptible (35.1%) as compared to other varieties where the infestation ranged between 45. 7 to 56.5 per cent. Five baits namely fruit pulps of banana, guava and apple along with jaggery (l0% M:V) and jaggery alone @ 250 ml/bait and aqeous extract of Shyam tulsi (Ocimum sanctum var. Krishna) (1g crushed leaves in 4 ml water) @ 370 ml/bait were evaluated for their efficacy in attraction and killing of the fly. Fruit pulps of banana attracted maximum number of flies (23.2/week) followed by guava (18.2) as compared to other baits where the number ranged between 4.8 to 12.0/week.Use of less susceptible varieties and fruit pulps of banana and guava in poison baits have been suggested for better management of the pest.