Abbott, Kirsten L., and Seymour, Jamie (1998) Conserving rainforest insect species while managing a pest species, Bactrocera papayae Drew and Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae). In: Proceedings of the Sixth Australasian Applied Entomological Research Conference (2) pp. 209-216. From: AAERC 1998: Sixth Australasian Applied Entomological Research Conference, 29 September - 2 October 1998, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

In October of 1995 the QDPI implemented an eradication program to control the pest species Bactrocera papayae Drew and Hancock in North Queensland . The program was based on the annihilation of male flies, and employed two chemicals (methyl eugenol and malathion) to attract and kill the target species. A large area of the papaya fruit fly quarantine zone included tropical rainforest. The distribution of methyl eugenol and malathion throughout the rainforest environment, in the form of cordelitoes, was suggested in the event that B. papayae became established in this area. Both chemicals were already being used to monitor for B. papayae in small areas of the rainforest in modified Steiner traps.

Our studies found that methyl eugenol not only attracts the target species, but other species of rainforest Coleoptera and Diptera . In addition, malathion was found to leave cane-ite blocks with rainfall and contaminate soils for periods of up to six weeks. Significant amounts of malathion were also found in the soil when cane-ite blocks were in direct contact with the soil. The results discussed herein raise concerns for the conservation of fragile tropical rainforest invertebrate ecosystems whilst successfully managing pest species within them.

Item ID:	45685
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
ISBN:	978-1-86499-051-5
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2016 02:46
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060201 Behavioural Ecology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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