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Insect Trap and Method of Use

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for trapping insects, such as fruit flies, and its use in methods of monitoring and/or controlling and/or eradicating insect infestations and monitoring for the presence of insects such as fruit flies.

Background of the Invention

Fruit fly species in the family Tephritidae are recognised world wide as the most destructive and economically damaging insect pests of fruit and many above-ground vegetable crops. The subfamily Dacinae which is distributed across Africa, South East Asia and the Pacific regions contains some 48 major pest species and another 20 species of lesser importance.

Annual costs of plant protection, quarantine surveillance programmes, losses of International trade and, in some countries like Australia, losses of interstate trade, run into billions of dollars. The average annual value of fruit fly susceptible

Australian horticulture is AU$4.8 billion, of which 25% is interstate trade. From

2003-2008, according to the Australian government and industry groups, the costs of fruit fly management was about AU$128 million. It is estimated by the International Centre for the Management of Pest Fruit Flies that Australian producers have annual expenses of pre-harvest and post-harvest fruit fly management to be about AU$200 million dollars and fruit fly induced crop losses and trade restrictions across South East Asia and the South Pacific regions is about AU$1 billion.

Current management strategies for controlling and monitoring fruit flies include:

1 . Field Pest Management

• Insecticide cover sprays using organophosphates such as dimethoate and lebaycid. These insecticides are systemic and thus kill eggs and larvae within fruit. Their use in Australia is restricted and a complete ban is expected to be imposed by APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority).

• Protein bait sprays where substances such as yeast proteins are combined with an organophosphate insecticide such as malathion and are "spot" sprayed at the rate of 10 L/hectare. This method is successful in many crops - - but difficult to apply to some field vegetable crops, breaks down under heavy rainfall conditions and is less effective in tropical countries. It cannot be used in some countries where fruit crops are susceptible to attack during the summer monsoon period, e.g. Bhutan citrus.

· A combination treatment of protein bait sprays and male lure "blocking". The protein baits are applied to crops as described above while the male lure (Cue-Lure® or methyl eugenol) is soaked in an absorbent material with an insecticide added, and these small "blocks" are attached to trees (host or non- host) at approximately 300-400 per km ² . This approach is often expanded over large areas under the concept of Pest Free Areas or Areas of Low Pest

Prevalence and recommendations for these strategies are governed by policies set up under the World Trade Organisation.

2. Fruit Fly Eradication

• When pest species of fruit flies are introduced into a new country, they must be eradicated.

Current eradication strategies are Male Annihilation using male lure "blocking" described above and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). The effectiveness of SIT is improved by killing out fertile females by protein bait and fertile males by "blocking". "Blocking" is limited as it must be terminated when the Sterile males are released so as not to kill them. However, a female trapping programme could be continued throughout the eradication programme. 3. Surveillance programmes

• Many countries such as Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan and Pacific Island nations conduct permanent fruit fly surveillance using male lures in plastic traps. The lures, Cue-Lure® and methyl eugenol, have an insecticide added to kill the flies once they enter the trap. One example is the North Australian Quarantine Survey (NAQS) first set up as a northern fruit fly survey to detect exotic pest species entering Australia in the late 1970s.

• Permanent fruit fly surveillance programmes are a compulsory strategy for International and interstate trade in fresh horticultural commodities. These surveys are conducted in production areas from which crops are harvested and exported. The surveys are based on male lure trapping using Cue-Lure® - - and methyl eugenol, conducted under government guidance and regulations laid down by the World Trade Organisation.

Studies into fruit fly biology and ecology show that:

1 . The host plant is the "centre of activity" for a localised fruit fly population. 2. The host plant with ripening fruit attracts sexually mature male flies and sexually immature female fruit flies.

3. After the female fruit flies reach sexual maturity, the males and females mate within the host plant.

4. After mating (i.e. fertilization of eggs), the female oviposits fertile eggs into ripening fruit.

While there are chemical lures available for attracting male fruit flies and protein baits can be attractants for female fruit flies in the subfamily Dacinae, these baits are not effective for attracting mature egg laying female flies into traps. The most effective current traps include lures that attract only male fruit flies. This leaves the females able to mate with untrapped males and therefore they are still able to oviposit in ripening fruit and vegetables. Damage to crops still occurs.

There is a need for a simple fruit fly trapping apparatus that is easy to manufacture and use and which may be adapted to include components such as chemical lures, protein baits and insecticides. There is also a need for traps that trap both male and female fruit flies, especially female fruit flies, more especially mature egg laying female fruit flies. Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides an insect trap comprising a plurality of members joined at a central region and extending outwardly therefrom to form a structure approximating an open spheroid, the members providing a surface wherein at least 25% of the total surface is coated with an insect trapping adhesive.

It has been found that fruit flies are attracted to structures and objects of a spheroid nature, namely structures that mimic the shape and, to some extent, the size of fruit. Providing an open spheroid not only enables the trap to be more easily and - - economically manufactured, but also provides a relatively large surface area on which insects can land and be trapped or killed.

In one embodiment the members comprise at least four extensions that extend from a central region of the structure wherein the four extensions extend radially outwardly of the central region to form the structure approximating a spheroid, and namely a structure occupying a volume akin to a spheroid. In other embodiments there may be more than four extensions extending in a radial direction from the central region, including 6, 8, 10 or 12 extensions, or an odd number of extensions, where the more extensions there are extending from the central region, the closer the structure will approach a spherical or spheroid shape. The members may themselves form each extension, or one member may comprise two or more extensions, for example, in the embodiment where the members are discs, as described below, each disc comprises two extensions.

In one embodiment of the trap the members are substantially rigid to hold the spheroid-approximating structure. Furthermore, the members may be planar.

In a preferred embodiment the members are made of two discs, preferably planar discs, that are interconnected perpendicularly across centrelines defining

hemispheres. In this embodiment the discs can be provided as cut-out blanks (which can be identical) having engagement slots extending from a circumferential edge of each disc to the centre point of the disc. The discs can then be

interconnected by sliding the discs in a cross orientation at the respective engagement slots to form a structure that occupies a spheroid envelope in three- dimensions. A bracing clip may be provided between discs to maintain the relative positions of the discs and/or reduce the likelihood of the discs folding in strong winds. The discs may vary in size and could comprise diameters of 150mm, 200mm,

250mm, 300mm, 350mm, 400mm or 450mm.

The central region of the structure can be a centre point of the spheroid- - - approximating structure or a central axis that extends through a centre point of the structure. The central region is defined as being the point or axis or area at which the component members of the trap cross and extend from in a radial direction. In a particular embodiment the members of the trap are coloured to attract specific insects, namely flies, especially fruit flies, where particular colours attract particular species of flies or one sex more than the other. The members may be coloured in the same colour or in different colours. The colours include, but are not limited to, blue, cobalt blue, white, orange, yellow, green, red, black, or a combination of any two or more of the preceding colours.

The members forming the structure, whether they are discs or not, may be joined by assembling interconnectable members, or may be integrally formed as a single structure, for example by a plastics moulding process. In assembling interconnecting members the members may be held together using a slot interconnection system (as discussed above), or may be clipped together, or fastened using fasteners such as staples, pins, nails or screws. The members may be provided in a flat-pack arrangement for the trap user to assemble. In one embodiment a large portion of the surface of the members is coated with the insect trapping adhesive. The insect trapping adhesive is a sticky composition that will trap insects to the surface, and can comprise any known insect trapping glue.

An embodiment of the insect trap may comprise a lure. The lure may be a chemical attractant in the form of a solid block, semi-solid gel or liquid lure. A liquid lure may be contained in a container such as a bottle with a wick or fine pores for slow release. In some embodiments, a container of liquid lure may be suspended from the trap, for example attached through one or more holes in the bottom of one or more of the trap members or may be attached to a hook attached to the bottom of the trap. The solid lure may be accommodated within the structure, and specifically within a recess cut-out of the structure, optionally in a container, or may be suspended from the structure in a container or bottle or the like. Possible lure compositions are discussed in more detail herein. - -

In another embodiment, the lure may be incorporated in a solid composition, for example, a polymer composition. The polymer composition comprising the lure may be incorporated into the insect trap by any suitable means. For example, the polymer composition comprising the lure may be formed into strips and stuck to the surface of the discs in the spheroid-like structure or may be suspended from the trap.

The lure may be formulated as a gel and applied in spots on the surface of the discs in the spheroid like structure or the gel may be contained in a container and suspended from the trap or the container may be attached to the adhesive surface of the discs in the spheroid like structure.

The trap may further include an attachment for attaching a cord or hook to the trap for suspending the trap from a tree, pole or other structure. The attachment may be in the form of a hole in a component member of the spheroid-like structure through which a string can be threaded. Further holes in the member(s) may be provided to enable other objects to be suspended beneath the trap itself, such as lures, or chambers containing insecticides or pesticides. In a further embodiment, the means of attaching a hook to the trap also provides a bracing clip that fits between discs to reduce the likelihood of the discs folding in strong winds.

In a further embodiment, the fruit fly trap comprises an insecticide whereby the insecticide is carried by container or on a surface of a body suspended from the trap or within the sticky surface of the trap. In other embodiments, no insecticide is included in the trap.

In another aspect the present invention provides an insect trap comprising at least two discs interconnected to form a structure approximating an open spheroid, the discs having surfaces wherein at least 25% of the surfaces are coated with an insect trapping adhesive. - -

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of attracting insects including exposing the above described insect trap to at least one insect. The insect may be exposed by hanging the trap from or in the vicinity of a fruit tree to which the insect is attracted.

In still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring insects in a vicinity, including attracting and trapping insects using the above described insect trap, and identifying the insects trapped. In yet another embodiment, there is provided a solid or semi-solid composition comprising a lure.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising:

(i) at least two discs, each disc having an engagement slot so that they may be interconnected to form a structure approximating an open spheroid,

(ii) an adhesive, and

(iii) a lure formulation.

Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an upper isometric view of a first embodiment of an insect trap in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a lower isometric view of the insect trap;

Figure 3 is a side view of the insect trap;

Figure 4 is a top view of the insect trap;

Figure 5 illustrates in isometric view a first disc forming a component of the insect trap; - -

Figure 6 illustrates in isometric view a second disc forming a component of the insect trap; Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate in isometric view, side view and bottom view

respectively, an attractant container used with the insect trap; and

Figure 10 illustrates an insect trap in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 1 illustrates an insect trap in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention where the attractant or lure is contained in a polymer strip located on the surface of the discs of the insect trap. Figure 12 illustrates an insect trap in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention where the attractant or lure is contained in a gel spot located on the surface of the discs of the insect trap.

Figure 13 illustrates an insect trap in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention where the attractant or lure is a semi-solid gel formulation which is contained in sachet type container located on the adhesive surface of the discs of the insect trap.

Figure 14 illustrates an insect trap in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention where the attractant or lure is a semi-solid gel formulation which is contained in resealable tube located on the adhesive surface of the discs of the insect trap.

Description of the Invention Definitions

The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element. - -

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

The term Open spheroid' as used herein refers to a spheroid that is not closed to form an enclosed spherical, or spheroidal, volume. Rather, an open spheroid comprises components that are assembled or formed together to create an open structure having no significant enclosure but which structure approximates a spheroid. Put another way, the structure is made of interconnected members extending radially from a central region of the structure and that occupies a spherical volume, or envelope, in three dimensions.

It is understood that the term 'spheroid' and 'approximating' a spheroid will include volumes that are not necessarily perfectly round geometrical objects, as defined by a 'sphere' (although of course will include spheres), but also include similar three dimensional objects to spheres, including prolate spheroids, oblate spheroids or other three dimensional shapes resembling fruit to which insect pests are attracted, such as pear-shapes.

As used herein, the term "about" refers to a quantity, level, value, dimension, size, or amount that varies by as much as 30%, 25%, 20%, 15% or 10% to a reference quantity, level, value, dimension, size, or amount.

As used herein, the term "lure" or "attractant" refers to a volatile compound - - containing composition that causes, either directly or indirectly, a fruit fly to displace itself toward the source composition.

The term "environment" may be a "horticultural environment" where crops of plants that may be infested by fruit flies are being grown. For example a horticultural environment may include where above ground vegetable or fruit crops are grown, such as orchards of fruit trees or single fruit trees in a garden, garden beds of vegetables or fruits such as tomatoes, or commercial enterprises growing large quantities of fruits or vegetables. The environment may also include the location in which vegetables or fruit are stored post-harvest for example, before being

transported to market, during transport to market or during storage before sale.

As used herein the term "vicinity" refers to an apparatus being placed in a location that will trap a population of fruit flies, reducing or preventing infestation of fruit. In this case, the vicinity refers to a position from which the apparatus is able to be detected by the population of fruit flies to be trapped. The term "vicinity" is also used with reference to borders such as international and interstate borders. The term vicinity used here may refer to a quarantine point where imported or interstate horticultural products are inspected, including sea ports and airports, or vicinity may refer to areas surrounding ports of entry of horticultural products to detect fruit flies not detected at quarantine points. Vicinity of a border may also refer to a defined location known to be fruit fly free which is located close to a location which is not fruit fly free. In this case, the spread of a fruit fly population may be monitored and control measures used if the population of fruit flies approaches the fruit fly free border.

Apparatus of the Invention

The presently described fruit fly trap 10 as illustrated in the accompanying drawings can be broadly described as an apparatus comprising a structure 12 approximating a spheroid in shape where it is thought by the applicant that, to an insect such as a fruit fly pest, the structure resembles a fruit, and hence attracts the fruit fly pest.

Once attracted and when landing on the surface of the structure, the pest is trapped by an insect trapping adhesive coated on at least 25% of the surface structure, but may be coated on all major exposed faces of the structure. - -

In particular embodiments, at least 30% of the surface of the members is coated with insect trapping adhesive. In some embodiments, at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% of the surface of the members is coated with insect trapping adhesive. In particular embodiments, where the trap is assembled from

interconnecting members, there is a portion of the surface at the top and/or bottom of each member that remains uncoated with adhesive to allow easy assembly of the trap. Therefore, in these embodiments, 25 to 90% of the surface of the trap is coated with adhesive, especially 30% to 90%, 40% to 90%, 50% to 90%, 60% to 90%, 70% to 90% or 80% to 90%.

It is understood that the presently described trap is an apparatus for trapping insects, and particularly insect pests. Similarly, the method of controlling and/or eradicating described herein relates to insects and insect pests. The insect pests specifically referred to herein, and from hereon, are fruit flies although it is understood that the apparatus and method may be adapted to attract and capture other insect pests, especially flying insect pests.

The spheroidal-like structure 12 is not an enclosed spheroid defining an enclosed space, but rather is an open spheroid as described above in that the circumference of the spheroid is open and the structure is formed from an inside and outwardly by a plurality of members (which are discs 14 in the embodiments illustrated) joined at a central region 15 to extend outwardly from the central region and form the structure 12 that occupies a volume having a spheroidal envelope in three dimensions.

The members forming the structure could comprise a variety of configurations and shapes. For example, the members could comprise extensions in the form of elongate arms joined at a central point in the spheroid structure and extending radially outward as a three dimensional star. Alternatively, the members could be more planar, sheet-like members that are cross-joined to create a structure resembling a fruit shape. The number of members will vary depending on the size and shape of the members and structure to be formed and may include 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 or 12, or more members extending outwardly from a central region. - -

In the embodiments of the trap 10 specifically described and illustrated herein the members are planar discs 14 made of a substantially rigid waterproof material, such as Corflute™ - a lightweight ribbed plastics sheet, or any other similar plastics, cardboard or composite sheet material. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the discs 14 are interconnected perpendicularly across their centrelines 16 to form a cross connection (see Figure 4). Accordingly each hemisphere of each disc 14 forms an extension 20 that extends outwardly from a central region, which in this case is a central axis 18 of the structure 12. This results is four extensions 20 from the central axis, where the extensions form a structure 12 that approximates a spheroid, namely when considering the structure's three dimensional envelope.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the two discs 14 assembled to make the structure 12 of fruit fly trap 10, referred to herein as a 'double disc trap'. The discs are cut-out blanks, and in the embodiment illustrated, are identical so that the same cutting tool is used to make both discs. Each disc has an engagement slot 22 extending from a circumferential edge 23 of the disc 14 to a centre point 25 of the disc. The discs are interconnected by sliding the discs in a cross orientation by engaging the slots 22 to form a cross structure. Once engaged, a bracing clip (not shown) may be used at the top or bottom of the join to maintain separation of the discs and reduce the likelihood of their folding in high winds. The bracing clip may also include a hook which is used to suspend the trap in an environment or to suspend a container below the trap, for example a container of lure, bait or pesticide. The discs will vary in size depending on the desired envelope size of the spheroid. A preferred range of disc diameters will include 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm, 350mm, 400mm or 450mm. The disc size is preferably 200 mm to 450 mm, especially 300 mm to 450 mm, more especially 300 mm to 400 mm in diameter. The radius of the trap members measured from the central point to the widest point of each member extending from the central point or axis is in the range of 75 mm to 225 mm, for example, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm, 200 mm or 225 mm. In particular the radius of the trap is between 100 mm and 225 mm, especially - -

150 mm to 225 mm and more especially 150 mm to 200 mm. The diameter of the trap at its widest point in the spheroid structure is between 150 mm and 450 mm, especially 200 mm to 450 mm, more especially between 300 mm and 450 mm or 300 mm to 400 mm.

In some embodiments attachment holes 26 are provided near a circumferential edge of the discs. When assembled the holes can be oriented to lie near a top and/or bottom of the structure and hence are used to suspend the trap 10 from another structure (eg. a tree, a pole, etc) by locating a chain, or string, or hook through one or both holes 26 at the top of the structure. Similarly, the holes 26 located at the bottom of the structure 12 can be used to suspend an object from and below the trap, as discussed in more detail below.

Suspending the trap from a cord or similar has the advantage that the trap can spin, particularly when windy, which will cause the trap to appear as a closed or solid sphere. To an insect the spinning trap even further resembles a fruit item. The spinning of the trap may also assist the dispersion of an insect lure, when present as part of the trap. Faces 28 on both sides of each disc are coated with an insect trapping adhesive that produces a sticky surface on the faces 28 that the flies will adhere to. The insect trapping adhesive is a sticky composition that will trap insects to the surface, and can comprise any known insect trapping glue, such as, for instance, Tanglefoot™ or Trappit™.

In practice the trap 10 could be delivered by postal service in a flat pack

arrangement and assembled by the trap user. In this arrangement the faces 28 of the discs will be provided with a backing substrate (not shown) to cover the sticky surface of faces 28 until the trap is ready for use. The substrate is peeled off before use.

Faces 28 of discs 14 present a large surface area which is not only coated with an insect adhesive but also coloured to attract particular species of flies to the surface - - of the disc. The colour of the trap apparatus depends on the species of fruit fly to be trapped as described in Drew et al. 2003, Drew et al. 2006 and Vargas et al. 1991 . For example, Bactrocera tryoni responds to cobalt blue spheres, or cobalt blue and white spheres. Bactrocera minax responds to orange, yellow and green spheres of about 5 cm in diameter and Bactrocera dorsalis responds to white, or yellow and white spheres of about 4 cm in diameter. Bactrocera cucumis responds to green, yellow, white and orange spheres about 10 cm in diameter. Female Bactrocera jarvisi respond to red and/or green spheres having at least 10 cm diameter, whereas male B. jarvisi fruit flies respond to yellow spheres having at least 10 cm diameter. The apparatus may be a single colour or may have different colours on different faces. Suitable colours include, but are not limited to, blue, cobalt blue, white, orange, green, yellow, red, black or a combination of any two or more of these colours. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a lure 30 that is used with the fruit fly trap 10 to attract flies to the trap 10 using an olfactory attractant composition. One exemplary embodiment of lure 30 is illustrated separately in Figures 7, 8 and 9. The lure 30 illustrated comprises a boxed container 32 with openings 33 that contains a chemical attractant in the form of a solid block 34 inside the container 32. Alternatively, the lure may be provided as only the solid block 34 itself without the container 32.

The lure 30 is shown in Figures 1 to 4 as being accommodated in a holding recess 36 within the structure 12. Recess 36 is formed by the assembly of discs 14, where each disc has a recess cut-out 38 that forms the holding recess 36 when the discs are assembled together.

The recess 36, and hence recess cut-outs 38, may be of any size or shape to accommodate a correspondingly sized and shaped lure (container or block).

Furthermore, the lure and recess may also be provided with inter-engaging profiles to more securely hold the lure 30 in place within the structure. For example, there may be provided a lip (not shown) on the lure container 32 that can engage with a corresponding rebate (not shown) in the recess cut-out 38 to ensure a more secure engagement of the lure within the recess 36. - -

Figure 10 illustrates a second embodiment of the fruit fly trap 10 where there is no lure recess provided within the structure, and rather, the lure 30 is suspended below the structure 12 (by string 41 threaded through holes 26) and is in the form of bottle 42 containing an attractant in liquid or solid form. Accordingly in this embodiment, the discs 14 are solid across their faces 28 aside from the slots 22 used to engage the discs into a crossed structure approximating a spheroid.

In Figure 1 1 , a further embodiment of the fruit fly trap 10, the lure is provided in polymeric strips 43 attached to the faces 28 of the discs 14. The poylmeric strips may be adhered to the faces of the discs 14 by use of adhesive or by attachment to the insect adhesive used to adhere fruit flies to the insect trap. In some

embodiments, the polymeric strips are 1 cm x 2 cm, especially 1 cm x 1 cm in size. The polymeric strips 43 may be formed from any suitable polymer, for example, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinylacetate (PVA), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, high density polyethylene or polyurethanes.

The polymeric strips may be formed by mixing the polymer with the lure composition until the lure composition is absorbed into the polymer. For example, EVA resin beads may be extruded and formed into a flat sheet, the flat sheet is die cast to form strips of the required size. The strips are then mixed slowly with the lure, for example the volatile 5-Mix Lure composition until the composition is absorbed into the polymeric strip. The time taken to absorb the lure into the polymeric strip depended on the amount of lure that was desired in the strip. In some embodiments, the absorption of the lure into the polymeric strip took about 30 minutes to 5 hours, especially 30 minutes to 4 hours, 30 minutes to 3 hours or 30 minutes to 2 hours. After about 2 hours, the amount of lure in the polymeric strip was about 25 % w/w of the polymeric strip. Typically the polymer will be present in an amount of 70-99% w/w of the strip, and the lure will be present in an amount of 1 to 30 % w/w of the polymeric strip. In particular embodiments, the lure is present in an amount of 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % or 25 % w/w of the strip. - -

It should be noted that for a less volatile lure, the lure may be added to the polymer beads before extrusion.

In the case of a non-volatile lure, the mixing may be done in a non-sealed container such as a "pan" mixer or a cement mixer. In the case of a volatile lure, a sealed container is used for mixing, for example a "V" blender, a "twin cone" blender, a pressure vessel or similar equipment commonly used for mixing volatile, flammable liquids. Increasing the pressure during mixing will reduce volatility and flammability of the lure.

The polymer strips 43 may be applied to the surface 28 of the insect trap 10 at the time of manufacture or they may be supplied separately and applied to the trap by the user. The polymer strips comprising lure may be a component of a flat pack kit. In another embodiment, shown in Figure 12, the lure is provided in a semi-solid gel form attached to faces 28 of the discs 14. The gel may be applied from a container such as a tube or a sachet, to an adhesive coated surface or a non-adhesive coated surface of the faces 28. The size of the gel spot 44 applied will vary depending on the concentration of lure present in the gel and the means of application. The gel may be smeared on the surface or may be applied as a spot. A typical spot has a diameter of 0.5 to 2 cm, for example, 1 to 1 .5 cm. The gel may be applied by the user of the trap upon assembly of the trap. The container of gel lure formulation, such as a tube or sachet, may form part of the flat pack kit. The gel may be formed by mixing binding and/or thickening agents with a liquid lure composition to form a gel. Suitable binding agents include natural gums and surfactants with varying polarity. Suitable thickening agents include cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymers, carbomers, starches, pectins, xanthates, agar, gelatin and siliceous acids and derivatives. Examples of suitable binding and thickening agents include Carbopols, non-ionic, anionic and cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof, siliceous earth, alginic acid, agar, carrageenan, locust bean gum, pectin and gelatin or mixtures thereof. The amount of binding agents and thickening agents used will depend on the extent of gelation required or the viscosity of the gel required. In a - - typical gel formulation, the lure is present in an amount in the range of from 2 % to 55 % w/w of the composition, binding agents may be present in an amount in the range of from 3% to 25 % w/w of the composition and thickening agents may be present in an amount in the range of from 0.5 % to 45 % w/w of the composition.

Typically the gel may be prepared by mixing the binding agents, such as surfactants, in order of polarity from least polar to most polar, ensuring full mixing before addition of the next surfactant. Once blended the thickening agents and lure may be added. Typically, mixing occurs in the range of from 50 to 300 rpm.

In yet another embodiment, the semi-solid gel lure formulation may be provided in a container that is suitable to apply to the surface of the trap, for example, adhered to the surface of at least one member of the trap. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the gel lure formulation may be in a container 45 such as a sachet or tube and attached to the adhesive surface of at least one disc 14. One or more containers of gel formulation may be included as a component of the flat pack kit and may be applied to the adhesive surface by the user. The containers are sealed when not in use and at the time of attaching to the adhesive surface of the disc 14, or at the time of use of the trap in an environment, the container is opened. For example if the container is a tube, the lid of the tube may be removed to expose the gel to the environment. Alternatively, if the container is a sachet, the end of the sachet may be removed by cutting or tearing or the like or split to expose the gel or the sachet may be split lengthwise to expose the gel. In Figure 13, the container 45 shown is a sachet that has a split 46 at one end to expose the gel. In Figure 14, the container 45 shown is a tube with a resealable lid, where the lid may be removed to expose the gel.

In some embodiments, the gel formulation comprises 30 to 55 % w/w lure, such as 5-Mix lure, especially 35 to 55%, 40 to 55 % or 45 to 55 % w/w of the gel

formulation. In some embodiments, the gel formulation comprises about 50% w/w lure composition.

The container comprising the gel lure formulation may be of any suitable size that fits - - on the surface of a disc member of the trap and is able to be retained by the adhesive on the surface of the trap member. In particular embodiments, the container may be a suitable size to contain 5 to 50 imL of gel lure formulation, for example, between 10 and 40 imL, 15 to 30 imL or 15 to 20 imL

In some embodiments, the container is optionally coloured with the same colour as the trap discs. For example, the container may be clear or opaque plastic or may be plastic or metal if in the form of a tube or may be coloured plastic that matches or approximates the colour of the disc upon which it is adhered. Alternatively, the container may be covered or coated with a material that approximates or matches the colour of the disc upon which it is adhered.

One or more containers of gel formulation may be adhered to the surface of the members of the trap. In some embodiments only one container is adhered per trap. However, in other embodiments, more than one container may be adhered to the surface of the trap, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven or eight or up to one container per member surface of the trap.

Once the lure or attractant has been dispensed from the trap, it may be replenished by replacing the solid block, refilling the liquid lure container, adding further gel spots or polymeric strips to the surface of the trap or replacing the gel formulation container. Optionally the replacement gel formulation container is fixed to the surface with extra adhesive. In some embodiments, the colour of the gel formulation may change over time. In some embodiments, the gel formulations may change colour when replenishment is required.

In yet another aspect, there is provided a solid or semi-solid composition comprising a lure. In some embodiments, the solid composition is a polymeric composition. In other embodiments, the semi-solid composition is a gel formulation. The lure may be present in the polymeric or gel composition in an amount of from 1 % w/w to 55 % w/w of the formulation. In particular embodiments, the polymeric composition - - comprises an ethylvinylacetate or polyvinylchloride polymer. In some embodiments, the lure is a lure suitable for attracting female fruit flies, especially mature female fruit flies, more especially, the lure is the 5-Mix Lure referred to below. The lure may be released from the polymer strip by evaporation. The rate of evaporation may be controlled by use of solvents, particularly low vapour pressure solvents (Raoult's Law). Combining the lure with a low vapour pressure or low volatility solvent slows the evaporation of the lure from the polymer strip. Suitable solvents include alkyl glycols such as butyl glycol, glycerol and dimethylsulfoxide.

In yet another embodiment, the lure may be included with the insect adhesive on the surface of the discs 14.

Suitable lures or chemical attractants that can be used in the apparatus of the invention include fruit fly sex pheromones, naturally occurring compounds such as a- copaene, methyl eugenol, raspberry ketone and zingerone, and synthetic

compounds such as 4-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-butan-2-one (Cue Lure), methyl eugenol derivatives or analogues such as E-3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol, E-3,4- dimethoxycinnamyl acetate and fluorinated derivatives, i-butyl-2-methyl-4- chlorocyclohexane carboxylate (Trimedlure), a-ionol (Latilure), 3-oxo-7,8-dihydro-a- ionone and raspberry ketone formate.

Other lures may be derived from volatile compounds obtained from ripening or ripe fruit. One such lure or attractant is described in WO 2014/053016. The lure described in WO 2014/053016 comprises at least two lower alkyl esters. An exemplary composition includes methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl propionate and ethanol in a ratio of 0.1 to 1 .5 : 2 : 0.1 to 1 .5 : 0.5 to 2.5, especially in a ratio of 1 : 2 : 1 : 2. Another exemplary composition includes ethyl butanoate, ethyl acetate, methyl butanoate, ethyl propionate and isobutyl acetate in a ratio of 0.5 to 1 .5: 1 : 0.5 to 1 .5 : 0.5 to 1 .5 : 0.5 to 1 .5, especially in a ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 (referred to herein as 5-Mix Lure).

In particular embodiments, the lure composition attracts female fruit flies, especially - - mature female fruit flies.

In some embodiments, the composition is used in neat form without other inactive components. In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise an agriculturally acceptable carrier. The composition may be formulated as a solution, emulsion, adhesive, foam, gel, paste, granules, aerosol or the composition may be impregnated into natural and synthetic materials.

Suitable liquid carriers include aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, toluene and alkyl naphthalene, chlorinated aromatic or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes and methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, alcohols such as butanol, glycol as well as their esters and ethers, ketones, such as cyclohexanone, polar solvents such as dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide and water.

Emulsifiers for emulsions and foams include polyoxyethylene-fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene-fatty alcohol ethers such as alkylaryl polyglycol ethers,

alkylsulfonates and arylsulfonates, and albumin hydrolysis products. Dispersing agents include methyl cellulose.

Suitable aerosol propellants include halogenated hydrocarbons, butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Suitable solid carriers include ground natural minerals such as kaolins, clays, talcs, quartzs, plaster of paris, attapulgites, montmorillonites or kieselguhrs, ground synthetic minerals such as highly dispersed silicic acid, alumina and silicate, crushed natural rocks such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite and dolomite, synthetic granules of inorganic or organic coarse powders and organic materials such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs, tobacco stalks and the like.

Suitable adhesives and gel or foaming agents include carboxymethylcellulose and natural and synthetic polymers such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, and

polyvinylacetate. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention may be - - carried in a gel matrix suitable for controlling release of odours. A suitable matrix is the Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT®).

In general the lure composition comprises 1 to 100% by weight active volatile compounds, especially 10 to 100%, 20 to 100%, 30 to 100%, 30 to 60%, 40 to

100%, 40 to 60%, 50 to 100%, 60 to 100%, 70 to 100%, 80 to 100% or 90 to 100% by weight active volatile compounds.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise an insecticide. The insecticide may be included in the lure composition or may be incorporated into the apparatus separately, for example coated on the surface of the members forming the fly trap structure along with the insect adhesive (namely on discs 14 in the

embodiment shown), or instead of the lure composition. Suitable insecticides include organophosphates such as acephate, azinphos-methyl, bensulide, chlorethoxyfos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diazinon, dichlorfos, dicrotophos, dimethoate, disulfoton, ethoprop, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fenthion, fosthiazate, malathion, methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, parathion-methyl, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phostebuprim, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, terbufos,

tetrachlorvinphos, tribufos and trichlorfon; organochlorides such as aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, dieldrin, endosulfan, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzine, lindane, methoxychlor, mirex and pentachlorophenol, neonicotinoids such as acetamiprid, clothiandin, dinotefuran, imidacoprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam, phenylpyrazoles such as acetoprole, ethiprole, fipronil, flufiprole, pyraclofos, pyrafluprole, pyriprole, pyrolan and vaniliprole, pyrethroids such as allethrin, bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, etofenprox, fenvalerate, permethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, resmethrin, tetramethrin, tralamethrin and transfluthrin, carbamates such as aldicarb,

bendiocarb, carbofuran, carbaryl, dioxacarb, fenobucarb, fenoxycarb, isoprocarb, methomyl and 2-(1 -methylpropyl)phenyl methylcarbamate; insect growth regulators such as benzoylureas including diflubenzuron and flufenoxuron, methoprene, hydroprene and tebufenozide; and plant derived insecticides such as anabasine, anethole, annonin, asimina, azidirachtin, caffeine, carapa, cinnamaldehyde, citral, - - deguelin, eugenol, linalool, myristicin, pyrethrin and spinosad. In particular embodiments, the insecticide is one that is registered or will be registered for the purpose of controlling fruit flies. The insecticide may be present in an amount sufficient to kill the insects and preferably in an amount that is within registered usage amounts.

In some embodiments, the trap does not contain an insecticide.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a protein bait. The protein bait may be used alone or in combination with a chemical lure and/or an insecticide. In some embodiments, the protein bait may include an insecticide or lure in its composition. Suitable protein baits include NATFLAV® 500, NaturaLure® Fruit Fly Bait, Amulet® Fruit Fly gel, Royal Tongalure and Pinnacle® Protein Bait. Methods of the invention

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of trapping fruit fly pests comprising exposing at least one fruit fly to a trap apparatus of the invention. Fruit fly pests can be exposed to the trap apparatus by hanging or suspending the trap from trees or shrubs to which the fruit flies are attracted, or from other structures in the vicinity of such trees, including poles, frames, building eaves and the like.

In some embodiments, at least one fruit fly is a population of fruit flies infesting an environment. Suitable environments include horticultural environments such as fruit crops and vegetable crops and harvested fruit and vegetable commodities, particularly fruit and vegetable crops that are susceptible to fruit fly infestation.

Examples of fruit and vegetable crops that are susceptible to fruit fly infestation include, but are not limited to, abiu, acerola, apple, achachairu, apricot, avocado, babaco, banana, black sapote, blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry, brazil cherry, breadfruit, caimito, cape gooseberry, capsicum, carambola, cashew apple, casimiroa, cherimoya, cherry, chilli, choko, citrus, cocoa berry, coffee berry, cumquat, custard apple, date (dried or fresh), dragonfruit, durian, eggplant, feijoa, fig, goji berry, granadilla, grape, grumichama, guava, hog plum, jaboticaba, jackfruit, jew plum, ju jube, kiwifruit, loganberry, longan, loquat, lychee, mandarin, mango, - - mangosteen, medlar, miracle fruit, monster, mulberry, nashi, nectarine, olive, papaya, passionfruit, peach, peacharine, pear, pepino, persimmon, plum, plumcot, pomegranate, prickly pear, prune, pummelo, pumpkin, quince, rambutan, raspberry, rollinia, santol, sapodilla, shaddock, soursop, strawberry, sugar apple, tamarillo, tomato and wax jambu, and a wide range of Cucurbitaceae crops.

The fruit fly pest is a pest from the family Tephritidae, especially from the subfamily

Dacinae. For example, the fruit flies may be from a tribe selected from Ceratitidini including Ceratitis such as Ceratitis capitata, Dacini including Bactrocera, Dacus and Monacrostichus. In particular embodiments, the fruit fly pest is selected from the

Genus Bactrocera, especially B. tryoni, B. cucumis, B. oleae, B. cucurbitae, B.

invadens, B. zonata, B. latifrons, B. aquilonis, B. neohumeralis, B. jarvisi, B.

papayae, B. philippinensis, B. dorsalis, B. minax, B. umbrosa, B. xanthodes, B. melanotus, B. trivialis, B. carambolae, B. decipiens, B. atrisetosa, B. albistrigata, B. bryoniae, B. caryeae, B. caudata, B. correcta, B. speculifera, B. curvifera, B.

curvipennis, B. diversa, B. facialis, B. frauenfeldi, B. kandiensis, B. kirki, B. kraussi,

B. musae, B. obliqua, B. occipitalis, B. passiflorae, B. psidii, B. pyrifoliae, B.

scutellaris, B. scutellata, B. strigifinis, B. tau, B. trilineola, B. tsuneonis and B.

tuberculata. In other embodiments, the fruit fly is from the Genus Dacus, especially D. ciliatus and D. solomonensis. Also included is Diroxa pornia in the subfamily

Trypetinae.

In some embodiments, the method is used to trap fruit flies and remove them from the environment they are infesting. In some embodiments, the method forms part of an integrated pest management (IPM) system using other field control strategies to reduce crop loss to fruit flies such as, for example, treatment using pesticides, Male Annihilation, protein baits and/or fruit fly detractants around the perimeter of a horticultural environment infested with or likely to be infested with fruit flies. In some embodiments, the method removes fruit flies from a horticultural

environment in which there is ripening fruit and/or vegetables that are a host for the fruit fly. In this embodiment, the damage to the fruit and/or vegetable crop caused by the fruit fly population is eliminated or is reduced compared to the damage that - - would occur in the absence of the trap.

The apparatus may be placed in any desired environment. In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, the apparatus is placed in the environment of a fruit or vegetable crop. In some embodiments, the apparatus is hung from a tree or a pole or other structure in the environment of a fruit or vegetable crop.

The number of apparatus deployed in a crop, will depend on many factors such as the crop, the species of fruit fly being trapped and the size of the fruit fly population. The number required may be easily determined by those skilled in the art by routine field trial. In some embodiments, where the crop is an orchard crop, the number of apparatus deployed may range from 1 per tree to 1 every five trees or 1 to every ten trees. In those trees which have dense foliage, more apparatus will be required, for example 1 per tree. In particular embodiments, there is between 1 apparatus per tree and 1 apparatus every four trees, especially 1 apparatus per tree and 1 apparatus every three trees, more especially either 1 apparatus per tree or 1 apparatus every second tree.

In some embodiments, where monitoring is being carried out, the number of traps per hectare is between 1 and 50, especially 1 and 30. For example, the number of traps per hectare may be 1 , 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 25 or 30, or any other number between 1 and 30.

In other embodiments, the method is used to monitor for the presence of fruit flies. Accordingly, in another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of monitoring for the presence of at least one fruit fly comprising placing an apparatus of the invention in an environment or vicinity in which monitoring for the presence of a fruit fly is required. In some embodiments, the method is used to monitor for the presence of fruit flies in the vicinity of a horticultural crop, prior to ripening of the crop. The method may be used to identify when the male fruit flies arrive at or in the crop and more importantly, when female fruit flies arrive at or in the crop. The monitoring for female fruit flies - - may form part of an IPM system where upon arrival of female fruit flies, the horticulturalist deploys other methods of control such as protein bait, male

annihilation and/or insecticide sprays to control or kill the fruit flies before they damage the crop. Alternatively, the monitoring for female fruit flies may inform the horticulturalist of the optimum time to deploy an additional number of traps to remove the fruit flies, both male and female, from the environment. The monitoring for fruit flies may also inform the horticulturalist of the absence of fruit flies in seasons in which perhaps climatic conditions have not been favourable for fruit flies. This may allow cost savings if fruit fly management is not required in a particular growing season.

In some embodiments, the method is used to monitor for the presence of fruit flies at locations or in environments which are considered "fruit fly free" or where the incidence of fruit fly infestation is carefully monitored. In some embodiments, the monitoring for the presence of at least one fruit fly occurs in the vicinity of a border, such as a national border or an interstate border. In this embodiment, the apparatus of the invention is placed in the vicinity of the border.

In some embodiments, the apparatus of the invention is used in a quarantine surveillance system, for example, at an airport, or sea port, or in an environment surrounding an airport or sea port, particularly an airport or sea port through which fruit and vegetables are being imported.

The method of monitoring for the presence of a fruit fly may be to identify the presence of exotic fruit fly species not common to the environment and which may affect crops not previously subject to fruit fly infestation in that area. The method of monitoring for the presence of a fruit fly may be to identify the presence of any fruit fly species in an area that is considered "fruit fly free" or "pest free". The

identification of fruit flies in areas not previously subject to fruit fly infestation or infestation by an exotic fruit fly allows for fruit fly management strategies to be introduced into the area to reduce or eliminate the risk of an infestation. For example, the movement of fruit and/or vegetables in and out of an area at risk may be limited or banned or insecticide spraying of a particular area or crop may be - - undertaken.

In some embodiments, the fruit flies trapped are removed from the apparatus and subject to species identification and/or sex determination (sexing).

The number of apparatus required to monitor for the presence of fruit flies will depend on the time in the crop growing cycle, the quantity of fruit and/or vegetable being imported, whether the crop originated in an area with an endemic fruit fly infestation, and the size of the area to be monitored. A horticulturist would readily be able to determine a suitable number of apparatus to use. For example, one apparatus per crop or orchard, up to one apparatus per 10 to 50 trees in an orchard or 0.5-5 hectares of crop, may be used. Exemplary numbers of apparatus used in a quarantine situation may be one per port or border point to 50 per port or border point.

Kits of the invention

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising:

(i) at least two discs, each disc having an engagement slot so that they may be interconnected to form a structure approximating an open spheroid, (ii) an adhesive, and

(iii) a lure formulation.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the discs may be coated with an insect adhesive as described above. The surface area coated with insect adhesive being covered by a protective layer that is able to be removed before use.

In other embodiments, the kit may comprise insect adhesive between two protective layers as a separate component or the adhesive may be supplied in a container, such as an aerosol container. At the time of assembly of the trap from the kit, the insect adhesive is applied to the surface of the disc, for example by spraying or by painting it on the surface of the disc.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises at least one hook to be affixed to the trap to allow the trap to be suspended from a wire, pole, tree or the like. - -

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises at least one bracing clip that may be applied to the top and/or bottom of the assembled trap to maintain separation between the faces of the discs.

In some embodiments, the kit may comprise at least one hook that is attached to or comprises a bracing clip.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a lure formulation that may be used with the assembled trap. The lure formulation may be a solid, semi-solid or liquid formulation as described above, especially a solid or semi-solid formulation.

In particular embodiments, the lure formulation is sealed to ensure the volatile components are retained in the formulation. For example, the liquid formulation may be provided in a plastic or glass screw cap container, the solid block or polymeric strips may be sealed in plastic or foil, and the gel formulation may be provided in a resealable tube or sachet.

In particular embodiments, the kit comprises a lure formulation in the form of a polymeric strip or a gel formulation in a container such as a tube or sachet.

In particular embodiments, the kit comprises a lure formulation which is the 5-Mix lure referred to above. In some embodiments, the kit is in the form of a flat pack, suitable for posting.

In some embodiments, the kit comprises components to make more than one trap, for example, 2 traps, 10 traps, 20 traps, 50 traps or 100 traps. Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the - - following examples which are intended for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the generality hereinbefore described.

Examples

Comparative Example 1 : Clear Plastic Container Trap

A fruit fly trap having a clear plastic container with a lid from which a spherical cobalt blue ball was suspended was used to trap fruit flies in experiments A. to C. below. The container included a fruit fly attractant (lure) placed inside the container. The lure composition contained a 1 :1 :1 :1 :1 mixture of ethyl butanoate, ethyl acetate, methyl butanoate, ethyl propionate and isobutyl acetate (Hereinafter referred to as the 5-mix lure). The container included apertures to allow the lure to diffuse out of the trap and to allow the fruit flies to enter the trap.

A. Imperial Mandarin tree covered by a field cage. One trap was suspended in the tree. About 200 2-3 week old Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies (1 :1 sex ratio) were released into the field cage and the number of fruit flies trapped in the trap was monitored over a three day period.

Results: After 3 days, a total of 18 fruit flies were trapped, 13 females and 5 males.

B. Citrus Orchard with three mandarin varieties, all with ripening fruit, and one Valencia orange tree, with green fruit. Each tree had one trap suspended in it. About 200 2-3 week old Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies (1 :1 sex ratio) were released into the orchard. The traps were monitored for 1 week.

Results: After one week, no fruit flies were trapped.

C. Fruit tree grove in the vicinity of a pumpkin patch and wild tobacco {Solarium mauritanum). The pumpkin patch was infested with Bactrocera cucumis and the tobacco was infested with Bactrocera cacuminata, a non-pest fruit fly species. Three traps were placed in the grove. About 200 2-3 week old Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies (1 :1 sex ratio) were released into the fruit tree - - grove. The traps were monitored for one day.

Results: After one day, one male Bactrocera cacuminata fruit fly was trapped. The above results demonstrate that a blue sphere enclosed in a container together with a lure was not efficient or effective in trapping male or female fruit flies. It is possible that the plastic container blocks UV light from reaching and reflecting off the cobalt blue sphere reducing its attractiveness. Comparative Example 2: Cobalt Blue Sphere Trap

Four 100 mm cobalt blue spheres coated with Tanglefoot - Tangle Trap Insect Trap Coating® on outer surface were used as traps. All spheres had the bottom removed. Two sphere had four vertical rows of 6 x 2 mm holes, the other two spheres had no holes. One of each type of trap, with holes and without holes included a tube containing a 5-mix fruit fly lure inserted in the sphere. The other two traps did not include a lure composition.

The traps were suspended in a fruit tree grove consisting of a pepperina tree, a Morton bay fig, wild tobacco (Solanum mauritianum) with pumpkin vines growing into the canopy. Two lots of about 200 2-3 week old Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies (1 :1 sex ratio) were released. The traps were monitored for one day.

Results: The results are shown in Table 1 :

Table 1 :

The trap without holes and with the lure trapped the most female fruit flies. The trap - - with holes and lure was most attractive to male fruit flies. Including holes to emit lure did not improve the efficacy for attracting female flies which are the target of our new trap.

Example 1 : Double Disc Trap

A cobalt blue double disc trap coated with Tanglefoot - Tangle Trap Insect Trap Coating® was prepared in two sizes, 100 mm and 150 mm in diameter. A 100 mm cobalt blue sphere coated in Tanglefoot - Tangle Trap Insect Trap Coating® was also used. The three traps were suspended in the tree grove referred to in Comparative

Example 2. About 200 2-3 week old Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies (1 :1 sex ratio) were released into the grove. The traps were monitored for one day.

Results: The results are shown in Table 2:

Table 2

The 150 mm double disc trap was more effective than the 100 mm double disc and the 100 mm sphere. Example 2: Double Disc Trap: Size of Disc

The method of Example 1 was repeated with three sizes of double disc trap, 150 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm in diameter.

Results: The results are shown in Table 3:

Table 3

Trap Total Number of Fruit Flies Trapped

150 mm double disc 2

300 mm double disc 26 - -

The 300 mm double disc trap trapped more fruit flies than the 400 mm trap and the 150 mm trap. This experiment was repeated and the 400 mm double disc trap trapped significantly more fruit flies than the 300 mm double disc trap, which in turn attracted more flies than the 150 mm double disc trap. The results are shown in Table 4:

Table 4:

Example 3: Double Disc Trap with Lure and/or protein bait

Two double disc cobalt blue traps coated with Tanglefoot - Tangle Trap Insect Trap Coating® were used. One trap had a tube of 5-mix lure suspended from the bottom of the trap. The other trap had two tubes suspended from the bottom, one containing 5-mix lure and the other containing Naturelure™ protein bait. The Naturelure™ protein bait contains the insecticide spinosad and therefore was enclosed in the tube covered by a gauze cloth.

The traps were suspended in the tree grove described in Comparative Example 2. About 200 2-3 week old Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies were released.

After the first hour, it was evident that the protein bait was not attractive when placed in a tube. The tube of Naturelure™ protein bait was replaced with an 18 x 20 cm sponge soaked in a composition of 1 part Pinnacle protein: 20 parts water. Over the following 7 hours, the trap + lure + protein attracted more flies than the trap + lure. The results are shown in Table 5: - -

Table 5:

Example 4: Double Disc Trap - different colours

Two double disc traps were prepared, one trap was cobalt blue, the other trap paler blue. Both traps were coated with Tanglefoot - Tangle Trap Insect Trap Coating®. The traps were suspended in separate areas of the tree grove used in Comparative Example 2. About 200 Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies (2 weeks old, 1 :1 sex ratio) were released. The traps were rotated every 30 minutes between east and west tangents of the grove to overcome positional effects.

The experiment began at 10.30 am with an air temperature of 23 ^Q C in the shade. The air temperature increased to 25 ^Q C by 12 noon. The experiment was terminated at 4.30 pm and the traps collected, the number of fruit flies trapped in each trap counted and the trapped fruit flies sexed.

Results: The results are shown in Table 6:

Table 6:

Both coloured traps attracted fruit flies but the cobalt blue trap was more efficient.

Example 5: Double Disc Trap, different colours with lure

The experiment of Example 4 was repeated where each trap also included a tube of 5-Mix lure suspended below the trap. About 200 three week old Bactrocera tryoni fruit flies (1 :1 sex ratio) were released. The experiment started at 1 1 .30 am with an air temperature of 21 ^Q C and concluded at 4.30 pm.

Results: The results are shown in Table 7 - -

Table 7

Both traps attracted and trapped fruit flies but the cobalt blue trap was more efficient. Significantly more female fruit flies were attracted by the presence of the lure. When the lure was not included, the traps attracted males and females in roughly equal numbers.

Example 6: Double Disc Trap in Mango Plantation

300 mm diameter cobalt blue double disc traps coated with Tanglefoot - Tangle Trap Insect Trap Coating® and having a 50 imL tube of lure suspended below the discs were prepared. Each tube of lure had a 4mm diameter cotton wick with 2 mm exposed through the tube cap, to release the lure. About 15 to 30 imL of lure was evaporated from the trap weekly therefore the lure was topped up weekly when the flies were collected from the traps.

The traps were placed in a plantation of 36 large Kensington Pride mango trees, ranging from 4-6 m high and 4-7 m diameter. The trees were planted in 4 rows. No pesticide or fungicide sprays were applied. The traps were used at a rate of 1 trap per tree.

The fruit were large, mature green and of generally good quality at the start of the trial. Some Anthracnose damage to the skin of a small number of fruit was present.

Two large Kensington Pride mango trees, ca. 250 m west of the 36 treated trees, were used as untreated controls.

The plantation was situated at Lake Clarendon, near Gatton, South-East

Queensland. The traps were placed in the trees on 14 January 2015 when fruit were mature green - - and maintained until 17 February 2015 at which time almost all fruit had been sampled or fallen to the ground.

Sampling:

Flies - All flies were taken off each trap weekly, identified and sexed using a light microscope.

Fruit -. over the 6 week period, fruit samples were taken from trees and held at the Griffith University laboratory at ca. 25 degrees C for 10-12 days, after which time they were dissected and examined for presence of fruit fly larvae. The most mature ripe fruit were selected and during weeks 4 and 5 many were soft ripe and/or pink coloured and past the commercial harvest stage.

Results

Six species of tephritid fruit flies were trapped, the majority of specimens being mature gravid females (Table 1 ). Table 1 - Specimens of fruit flies trapped during trial, total number of specimens, percent females and males, and male lure responses

All species are major pest species except B.halfordiae. B. jarvisi is the major fruit fly - - pest of mangoes in Northern Australia while B. cucumis is the major pest species along Eastern Australia in cucurbit crops.

Damage to crops such as mangoes has generally been attributed to B.tryoni (Queensland fruit fly). However, now that females can be trapped within cropping systems, it is evident from these trial results that species such as B. neohumeralis and B. jarvisi could also be involved. B. halfordiae and B. cucumis which are not recognized as pests of mangoes, were probably flying in the area and responded to the lure.

Fruit samples Fruit loss ranged from 2.8% to 8% in the treated area and 20% to 25% in the untreated control trees (Table 2).

Table 2 - Fruit samples, date collected and percent damage in treated and untreated control plots.

Treated Plot

Untreated Plot (Cont

Date Collected No. Fruit % Damage

3 February 2015 5 20

10 February 2015 8 25 - -

On 10 February 2015 and 17 February 2015, fruit that were past the commercial harvest stage, i.e. fully ripe (pink coloured) to soft in texture were sampled. Fruit at this stage has maximum chance of fruit fly attack. Conclusion

The lure and trap combination demonstrated a high level of efficacy in controlling pest fruit fly species in Kensington Pride mangoes. Also, the range of pest species trapped is quite extensive, given that some do not respond to known male lures. These results indicate that this trapping system has opportunities for use for both pest management purposes and quarantine surveys that are essential for export trade.

Example 7: Comparison of efficacy of different traps.

Four 300 mm cobalt blue double disc traps coated with Tanglefoot ^® and having 50 imL tube of 5 Mix lure suspended below were prepared. Each tube of lure had a 4 mm diameter cotton wick with 2 mm exposed through the tube cap, to release the lure. About 15 to 30 imL of lure was evaporated from the trap weekly therefore the lure was topped up weekly when the flies were collected from the traps. Three CERA traps containing liquid protein mixture as the lure, two Bugs for Bugs Cue lure traps and three Biotraps, one with protein gel and two with protein gel plus Cue lure were obtained.

The traps were placed in a disused peach orchard containing about 400 trees overgrown with grass, having rootstock growing out of base and having low set fruit. 80 - 90 % of fruit appeared on the rootstock and remained small, hard and green. These fruit were unattractive to fruit flies for the duration of the trial. The non- rootstock commercial crop ripened erratically but became attractive to fruit flies at about 8 weeks from start of trial. Variability in fruit type and maturation rate resulted in a low overall fruit fly population in the orchard.

Within the orchard, three blocks of approximately 50 trees were cleared of grass so that the test traps could be placed without obstruction from foreign vegetation. - -

Fruit Samples

Three sets of 50 fruit were harvested in week 1 (1 1 August 2015), then 3 sets of 20 fruit weekly to 19 October 2015. The fruit were held for 14 days and then examined for fruit fly damage.

Male fruit fly numbers

Numbers of male flies trapped can provide an indication of changes in local populations but cannot give an estimate of the numbers of mature egg laying females that enter the orchard. Bugs for Bugs traps (2 traps)

Week 1 - 0 flies

Weeks 2-7 - 1 to 3 male B. tryoni

Weeks 8-10- 9 to 25 male B. tryoni

1 to 2 male B. neohumeralis Biotraps (2 set with cue lure + protein gel on week 4)

Weeks 5-7 - 1 to 4 male B. tryoni Weeks 8-10- 40 to 63 male B. tryoni

3 to 8 male B. neohumeralis (No female flies were trapped in these 2 Biotraps) Female fruit fly numbers Cera Traps (3 traps)

Weeks 1 -7 - 0 flies trapped for B. tryoni and B neohumeralis

2 immature female B. cacuminata Weeks 8-10- 15 immature female B. tryoni 2 immature female B. neohumeralis

Biotraps (2 traps with cue lure and protein gel) (Results as above) - -

Biotrap (1 trap with protein gel only)

Weeks 6-7 0 flies

Weeks 8-10 2 immature female B.tryoni

DD trap (4 traps)

Weeks 1 -7 0 flies

Weeks 8-10 6 mature female B. tryoni

2 mature female B. neohumeralis

2 male B. tryoni

1 female Dirioxa pornia

Fruit Damage (3 samples of 20 fruit each week)

Week 1 0%

Weeks 2-7 - 0 to 15% Weeks 8-10- 80 to 92% CLUSIONS

The first female flies were trapped in Week 8 which coincided with a marked increase in fruit damage

There was a marked increase in male flies trapped in Week 8, also coinciding with increased fruit damage

The Cera traps and Biotraps trapped immature females, as would be expected with protein traps. The Biotrap was particularly poor. It appears protein bait sprays would be much cheaper and more effective than these traps and thus there is no useful application for these traps in pest control. The DD trap results were as follows:

a. All females trapped were mature egg lying flies of B. tryoni and B. neohumeralis

b. A female Dirioxa pornia was trapped

c. 80% females and 20% males were trapped.

The DD trap and lure is the only attractant system that attracts and kills mature egg laying females. As such, it has the potential to be highly effective - - in pest control strategies. The DD trap and lure was not attractive to non-pest species such as B. cacuminata.

The traps in this experiment cannot be directly compared on numbers of flies trapped as they attract flies of different maturity stages.

Example 8: Comparison of efficacy of different traps in attracting sexually mature B. tryoni.

One trap of each type

1 . DD trap with lure as used in Examples 6 and 7

2. CERA trap

3. Biotrap

were suspended at the points of a triangle in each of two sites, Cottage Grove and House Orchard, Beaudesert, Queensland. FRUIT FLIES

3 week old, protein fed, mature B. tryoni adults were used. Approximately 400 (50:50 sex ratio) were released into each study site, ie approximately 200 females released into each site.

METHODOLOGY

After the traps were placed in position, the fruit flies were released at 9am on 27 October 2015. Every 30 minutes, the traps were rotated clockwise for a 3 hour period. Each trap, therefore, was placed in each position for 2 x 30 minute periods during the experiment. After the 3 hour period, the traps were removed and the flies counted and sexed on each trap.

RESULTS

COTTAGE GROVE

Trap Number of Females Number of Males

DD Trap & Lure 98 0 - -

CONCLUSIONS

1 . The DD trap is a particularly effective trap in trapping fertile egg laying female fruit flies.

2. The Cera Trap and Biotrap, based on protein lure, attract immature female flies, not mature egg laying females.

3. The Biotrap is a particularly weak trap with regard to attracting female flies. 4. Traps using protein as the attractant have a record of being ineffective.

Protein bait sprayed on to host plants would be far more effective and economical.

Example 9: Comparison of different traps in attracting immature B. tryoni The methodology used was identical to that in Example 8 with the exception that protein starved immature fruit flies were used. The experiment was conducted on 16 November 2015. The temperature ranged from 22 to 26°C. - -

RESULTS COTTAGE GROVE

CONCLUSIONS

1 . The DD trap is unique in attracting sexually mature, fertile egg laying female fruit flies.

2. This experiment together with that conducted with mature B. tryoni on

Tuesday 27 ^th October 2015, confirmed that the Cera Trap and Biotrap attract immature female and male flies. They are poor performers in attracting sexually mature flies of both sexes.

3. The results of this experiment are consistent with the need of immature fruit flies to seek out and ingest protein for their development.

4. Immature fruit flies do not cause damage to fruit crops. When feeding on protein they take approximately 2 weeks to reach the mature egg laying stage capable of attacking fruit. - -

5. Growers would find protein bait sprays significantly more effective and

economical than the Cera Trap and Biotrap.

Example 10: Response of B. cucumis to different colours. TRAPS

Eight 100 mm diameter polystyrene balls were each painted with one of the following colours (Windsor & Newton acrylic artist pigments) - cobalt blue, sap green, sap green diluted with 5% cadmium yellow medium, cadmium yellow medium, cadmium orange, cadmium red medium, ivory black, titanium white. The spheres were coated with Insect Tanglefoot to trap flies.

FRUIT FLIES

Three week old, sexually mature adults of Bactrocera cucumis. Approximately 700 (50:50 sex ratio) were released in the grove of trees.

METHODOLOGY The eight coloured spheres were suspended in foliage equidistantly on a circle approximately 5 m in diameter. They were approximately 2 m above ground. After the traps were in position, the flies were released at 8am. At 4pm (i.e. after eight hours) the traps were removed and all flies identified, sexed and counted. The air temperature ranged from 23 to 30 degrees C. RESULTS

Colour Number of Number of Total

Females Males

RED 8 2 10

SAP GREEN 5 8 13

YELLOW 4 10 14

BLUE 4 1 5 - -

CONCLUSIONS

1 . Bactrocera cucumis is the major pest of cucurbit crops in Eastern Australia.

By nature, its biological behavior pattern is to fly close to ground level.

Consequently, low numbers of flies were trapped in the traps which were 2 m above ground.

2. As for B. jarvisi Vne Cadmium Red Spheres trapped more female flies while the Cadmium Yellow trapped more males. Example 11 : Response of B. cucumis to different colours. TRAPS

Eight 100 mm diameter polystyrene balls were each painted with one of the following colours (Windsor & Newton acrylic artist pigments) - cobalt blue, sap green, sap green diluted with 5% cadmium yellow medium, cadmium yellow medium, cadmium orange, cadmium red medium, ivory black, titanium white. The spheres were coated with Insect Tanglefoot to trap flies.

FRUIT FLIES

Three week old, sexually mature adults of Bactrocera cucumis. Approximately 750 (50:50 sex ratio) were released in the mixed orchard for each replicate. Two replicates were performed, one on 23 December 2015 and one on 26 December 2015.

METHODOLOGY

The eight coloured spheres were suspended on a circle approximately 5 m in - - diameter. They were approximately 0.4 m above ground. After the traps were in position, the flies were released at 10 am. At 4pm (i.e. after six hours) the traps were removed and all flies identified, sexed and counted. The air temperature ranged from 25 to 30 degrees C. The traps were then placed on a straight line wire 4 m above ground, 0.5 m apart, for 48 hours, after which all flies were identified, sexed and counted.

RESULTS

0.4m HEIGHT OF TRAPS ABOVE GROUND

Colour No. Females No. Males Total

YELLOW 35 31 66

ORANGE 31 28 59

SAP GREEN + 24 6 30

5% YELLOW

RED 22 7 29

BLACK 19 3 22

SAP GREEN 14 4 18

WHITE 12 13 25

BLUE 10 2 12 - -

4m HEIGHT OF TRAPS ABOVE GROUND

CONCLUSIONS

1 . In the previous experiment in the Cottage Grove, on 19 ^th November 2015, the traps were set approximately 2m above ground. In that experiment low numbers of flies were trapped and this result may have been due to the height at which the traps were set. That is, Bactrocera cucumis forages close to ground, a behavior pattern in line with it being a pest of cucurbit crops.

2. In this experiment, with the traps set closer to ground, a markedly increased number of female fruit flies were trapped.

3. The data proved that the positioning of traps is important for trapping males and females of different fruit fly species.

4. When traps are set correctly, close to ground level, Cadmium Yellow Medium would be the best colour for trapping B. cucumis females. It would also be the best colour for trapping B. cucumis males when set 2 to 4 metres above ground. - -

Example 12: Response of B. jarvisi to different colours TRAPS

Eight 100 mm diameter polystyrene balls were each painted with one of the following colours (Windsor & Newton acrylic artist pigments) - cobalt blue, sap green, sap green diluted with 5% cadmium yellow medium, cadmium yellow medium, cadmium orange, cadmium red medium, ivory black, titanium white. The spheres were coated with Insect Tanglefoot to trap flies.

FRUIT FLIES

Three week old, sexually mature adults of Bactrocera jarvisi. Approximately 700 (50:50 sex ratio) were released in the grove of trees.

METHODOLOGY

The eight coloured spheres were suspended on a circle approximately 5 m in diameter. They were approximately 2 m above ground. After the traps were in position, the flies were released at 8.30 am. At 12.30 pm (i.e. after four hours) the traps were removed and all flies identified, sexed and counted. The air temperature ranged from 22 to 27 degrees C. The experiment was carried out on 18 November 2015.

RESULTS

Colour Number of Number of Total

Females Males

RED 33 4 37

SAP GREEN 26 6 32

BLACK 17 4 21

ORANGE 10 7 17

YELLOW 10 90 100

BLUE 8 0 8 - -

CONCLUSIONS

1 . Bactrocera jarvisi is the major fruit fly pest of mango across Northern

Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory.

2. A trap with the colour Cadmium Red Medium would be preferable for trapping B. jarvisi.

3. In our mango trial at Gatton in early 2015, we trapped some mature egg

laying females of B. jarvisi at our Cobalt Blue traps. This may have been due to the 5-mix lure.

Example 13: Comparison of attractancy of protein-based technologies for monitoring and/or control of B. tryoni

Date experiment conducted: 4 ^th February 2016

Background

Certain protein-based substances have been proven to attract fruit flies in the family Tephritidae. In Australia, protein hydrolysates and yeast autolysates have been used in programmes for field control of Queensland Fruit Fly {B.tryoni), with inconsistent results. In recent experiments, it has been demonstrated that these protein lures attract immature fruit flies that seek protein diet for development to sexual maturity.

In this experiment, the most attractive protein bait spray (Eco Naturalure) was compared against two commercially available traps (Biotrap and Cera trap) that contain protein-based attractant, for attracting immature Queensland Fruit Fly. - -

Location: House orchard, Beaudesert, Qld.

Fruit Flies: 2 week old Bactrocera tryoni adults, fed only sugar and water, were used. Approximately 400 flies (50:50 sex ratio) were released into the study site.

Methodology

Three citrus trees on the point of a triangle approximately 5m apart were used. On one tree a 20 mL spot of Eco Naturalure with 0.2% Malathion was sprayed above a 2m x 2m cream-coloured ground sheet. The Malathion ensured feeding flies dropped directly onto the sheet. A Cera Trap was suspended on one other tree and a Biotrap charged with the provided Gel Bait and DDVP wick on the third tree. Dead flies collected off the ground sheet and flies removed from the traps, were sexed and counted.

The experiment began at 8am and was terminated at 12 noon, when fly activity was low.

Weather: Cloudy with 90% humidity, temperature 26-29 degrees C. Results

Conclusions

1 . Protein bait sprays such as Eco Naturalure are effective in attracting sexually immature fruit flies, but do not protect crops against mature egg-laying females

2. The Biotrap and Cera trap are ineffective in attracting and killing female flies, either immature or mature. - -

Example 14: Feijoa Trial

Double Disc traps with 5-Mix Lure were used in a feijoa orchard. The experiment was run over 8 to 10 weeks. The traps were monitored for the trapping of natural fruit fly populations.

Results at 3.5 weeks:

No. of fruit flies trapped: 580

No. of B. tryoni trapped: 525

Of the B. tryoni trapped, 92% were female and 91 % of the females were mature with eggs.

Example 15: Feijoa Trial in combination with protein bait

As an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, the trap was tested, in combination with protein bait applications, in a commercial feijoa plantation. In 2014, the grower lost 90%of his feijoa crop to fruit fly while using protein bait alone. In 2015 due to dry conditions, no fruit were set. Feijoa was chosen because it ranks with crops known as being most susceptible to fruit fly attack. Other such crops are stone fruit, pome fruit and persimmon in Queensland.

LOCATION

The feijoa plantation consisted of 80 large trees within a large, well curated commercial mixed orchard. Over the Spring to Autumn period, there was a series of fruit crops maturing in a sequence as follows -

September to October Stone fruit

November to January Mangos

February to March Persimmons

February to April Feijoa

April Custard apple

These are all major fruit fly host plants that have been under the protection of Eco Naturalure protein bait treatments. In the 2016 season, there were heavy fruit fly - - losses in mangos and persimmons. DATES OF TRIAL

Trial started 7 February 2016 and is ongoing as at 14/4/2016. The trial will end about mid-May 2016.

TRIAL DESIGN

The 80 trees are laid out over 5 rows. The plantation is surrounded by mangos on two sides which were heavily fruit fly infested prior to the Feijoa ripening.

64 Cobalt Blue DD traps (300 mm diameter) were set within the Feijoa plantation. The traps contained a 50 mL tube of synthetic lure (5 Mix Lure) evaporated via a 4 mm cotton wick. The lure was replaced weekly, at which time all flies were removed, identified, sexed and counted. Also weekly fruit samples were taken (20 of the largest available per row) and set up in the Griffith University fruit fly laboratory. They were examined after 2 weeks for fruit fly damage. Fruit were also sampled from an untreated tree at Tamborine, South-East Queensland and used as the untreated control sample.

The farmer applied weekly applications of Eco Naturalure protein bait, mixed at the label rate of 60 mL per litre. Approximately 15 Litres of bait mixture were applied over the 80 trees. These weekly treatments were applied from 4 ^th January to 2 ^nd March, at which time it was realised that the Spinosad toxicant in the bait was not killing the flies. Consequently, from 9 ^th March, a stronger bait spray formulation was applied, incorporating Malathion.

RESULTS

From the beginning of the trial to 1 1 th April, 2323 flies have been trapped, 2178 of these being Bactrocera tryoni (Queensland fruit fly).

For the first 10 weeks to 21 ^st March, 1380 B. tryoni were trapped. 92% of these were females, 8% males. 90% of the females were mature egg-laying flies.

All pest species known to occur in South-East Queensland were trapped -

Bactrocera tryoni

Bactrocera neohumeralis - -

Bactrocera jarvisi Bactrocera cucumis Bactrocera halfordiae Dirioxa pornia

Fruit damage in the treated plantation was recorded as follows -

0-1 percent for first 5.5 weeks (15/2/2016)

21 -43 percent to 14/3/2016

9 percent on 28/3/2016. Fruit damage in the untreated control tree was recorded as follows -

14% on 15 ^th February 2016

57-96% up to 28 ^th March 2016.

Our previous experience has shown that protein bait sprays alone will not control fruit flies in highly susceptible crops, with at least 50 percent damage resulting (the grower experienced 90% loss in 2014). With the protein bait in the early stages of the trial being ineffective, the damage levels increased under the trap as the only treatment. After the stronger bait was introduced, the combination brought the fruit damage levels to those experienced when systemic insecticides, now banned in Australia, were used.

CONCLUSIONS

1 . The DD trap is an effective female trap and primarily traps mature egg- laying females

2. In the feijoa trial, the DD trap trapped mature females 5 weeks before the first record of damage, indicating its value as a monitoring tool.

3. Following fruit fly infestation in the mangos and feijoas, some immature flies, within 24 hours of emergence from the soil, were trapped. This indicated

a. Which pest species were breeding in the orchard

b. When to intensify treatments, either increasing trap numbers in the general area or expanding protein bait spraying - - c. No other monitoring trap can achieve this as they only trap mature males.

All known pest species are attracted.

The DD trap with 5 Mix Lure is a valuable tool in an IPM program to control fruit flies in highly susceptible crops (NB: The protein bait attracts and kills immature flies and the DD trap attracts and kills mature egg- laying flies.) Consequently, this approach provides a strategy to attack the entire female population of fruit flies in an orchard.