Efficacy of anisole against Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrapha suspensa

The Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa, is a major pest to over 100 host species in Florida, the Caribbean islands and countries in Central America. Female A. suspensa have a preference for infesting guava and overripe citrus, and infestation results in market unacceptable fruit. Insecticidal bait sprays are currently used for control of this pest in commercial groves. However, intensive use of insecticides may cause issues like environmental contamination, a threat to non-target organisms, and an increase in insecticide resistance in fruit fly populations. In this study, anisole, a plant based essential oil, was evaluated under laboratory conditions to determine the toxicity against A. suspensa. Results demonstrated that anisole was effective against all life stages of A. suspensa via contact, fumigation, and residue tests. Potential of using anisole as an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional insecticides, including methyl bromide, for control of Caribbean fruit fly will be discussed.