Evidence of male attractants for fruit flies in the leaf extract of Schinus molle

Abstract

Attractiveness of odor from leaves of pepper tree (Schinus molle) to male Ceratitis rosa and C. capitata was evaluated in a wind-tunnel. Odor from the leaves was as attractive to male C. rosa as Trimedlure and more attractive to C. capitata males. Responses of both male and female C. cosyra, C. rosa and C. capitata when presented with an extract from S. molle leaves were also evaluated. The flies were highly activated and only males were attracted and landed on the treated dispenser. Onset of activation was more rapid for C. rosa and C. capitata than for C. cosyra. Similarly, large numbers of male C. capitata and C. rosa landed on treated dispenser than C. cosyra. Analysis of the S. molle extract by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed several monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Some of the terpenoids or their blend may constitute a male attractant (parapheromone) for C. capitata, C. rosa and possibly other fruit flies attracted to Trimedlure.

Keywords: fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, C. cosyra, C. rosa, parapheromone, Schinus molle, pepper tree

East and Central African Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7 2004: 27-33