Attractiveness for Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Dipt., Tephritidae) of mango (Mangifera indica, cv. Tommy Atkins) airborne terpenes

The airborne volatiles of the Tommy Atkins cultivar of mango ( Mangifera indica L.), a fruit frequently damaged by Ceratitis capitata , were analysed by aeration of fresh fruits, adsorption and thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Ethanol and acetic acid were identified as the major components, together with longifolene, which has not been described before in the mango aroma and other terpenes (α‐pinene, 3‐carene, p ‐cymene, limonene and α‐terpinolene). The attractiveness of the identified terpenes for C. capitata was tested in laboratory cages and the results showed that p ‐cymene and limonene were the best terpene attractants for both males and females.