A trial was conducted in Tampa, Florida to test an automated ground release machine as an alternative to aerial methods for release of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Twenty-four Jackson traps baited with trimedlure at three release sites yielded lower than expected numbers of ground released Medflies. Recaptures per trap ranged from 2.8 (±0.7 S.E.) to 6.8 (±1.7 S.E.). Average recovery of sterile flies at each site for all releases combined (144 observations) was similar, 3.4 (±0.5 S.E.), 4.4 (±0.5 S.E.), 4.5 (±0.5 S.E.) for sites 1, 2 and 3 respectively. There was a significant reduction in flight ability from 67.5 (±2.1 S.E.) to 53.6 (±2.9 S.E.)%, from the time of pre-chilling to when immobilized flies were released after 2.5 h in the release container. Further tests are needed to determine what mortality factors may influence recovery and how the automated ground release machine compares to the aerial release method.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Salvato et al. (2003) studied this question.