Studies of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Lures in Florida1

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Abstract
The program to eradicate the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), from Florida requires highly efficient trapping methods to detect the few remaining flies. Angelica seed oil, which is considered the best lure, is in short supply. Two available synthetic esters of 6 methyl cyclohexene carboxylic acid, the secondary butyl ester (ENT 21486, now named siglure) and the isopropyl ester (ENT 21478), were of necessity adopted as supplemental lures. Studies of the volatilization of these lures under summer and winter conditions in Florida led to modifications of vaporizers and dosages for the Steiner trap that greatly improved field trapping operations. A 2-inch length of ¾-inch diameter cotton dental roll is a satisfactory vaporizer for siglure. A 9-m1. dose is effective for 2 weeks in the field. Partially wrapping this roll with aluminum foil permits the marc volatile ENT 21478 lure to be used at a similar dosage. A ¾-inch by 2-inch cotton dental roll partially wrapped with foil is the preferred vaporizer for angelica oil. For best use of this expensive lure, adjustment of initial and renewal dosage is necessary to compensage for variations in volatility and luring power of different lots of oil.

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