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Demonstrating the effectiveness of protein bait in field crops
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Protein bait spray provides an effective sustainable method for controlling fruit flies without the use of toxic pesticides. It is economically sound, socially acceptable and environmental friendly. To introduce and convince the farmers to adopt this technology, various farmer training programmes and field demonstration need to be conducted.
Field demonstration using ground sheet is a convenient approach as the efficacy and effectiveness of the protein bait, determined by counting the number of flies that fall onto the ground sheet, could be visibly witness by the farmers within a few minutes of application, if the protein bait is incorporated with a contact insecticide such as malathion.
Plot selection
- High population of fruit fly. Traps using male attractant ‘lures' can be set up in the field to determine the population level
- The plot has not being treated with insecticide cover spray. (An abandon fruit orchard during fruiting season would be the ideal choice)
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Materials needed for the demonstration
- Handheld sprayer – for home gardening use
- Measuring jars and cups
- White canvas sheet measuring about 2 metres square. (or any other suitable material e.g. Plastic or PVC sheet)
- Treatments
- Prima protein bait & malathion
- Control - (imported protein bait and/or malathion without protein bait
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Preparation of spray solution
- For treatment with Prima Fruit Fly Bait, dilute 1part with 9 part clean water and incorporate 0.2% malathion
- For the control treatment, dilute the product according to its label recommendation
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Method of Application
Apply individual treatment as a spot spray on the foliage of the lower canopy of the tree crop. Use approximately 20-50 ml solution per spot to cover an area measuring about 1 metre square. Lay down the canvas sheet on the ground directly below the area where the treatment was applied. Randomly select 3 trees per each treatment
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Notes:
- Apply when fruit flies is most active around 8.00 –10.00 am
- For good result select the border trees
- Refer product label for application timing
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Demonstration Pictures |
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Apply 20-50 ml solution per tree on the lower canopy
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Place the canvas sheet directly below treated area
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Fruit flies (mainly female) will be attracted treated foliage
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Fruit flies collected on canvas sheet
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