Effectiveness of Phytosanitary Control Measures on the Population Decline of the Carambola Fruit Fly (Bactrocera carambolae) under the Climatic Conditions of the Eastern Amazon.

Abstract

The carambola fruit fly (Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock) is a quarantine pest that poses a threat to Brazilian fruit production and export. In September 2023, the pest was recorded for the first time in the municipality of Oriximiná, in the state of Pará. Control methods were implemented by the Agricultural Defense Agency of Pará, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, aiming at eradicating the pest. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of phytosanitary measures in reducing the population of the carambola fruit fly under the climatic conditions of Oriximiná, Pará, Eastern Amazon, Brazil. Monitoring took place from September 12 to November 15, 2023, in a 182 hectare urban wooded area. A total of 317 specimens were captured, including 274 males and 43 females, with higher captures in Jackson type traps (67.5%) compared to McPhail type traps (32.5%). The fruiting phase was observed in 93.1% of the fruit trees where traps were installed. Relative humidity, solar radiation, and rainfall influenced the pest's population fluctuation, which was also associated with the collection of 1059 kg of fruit. A dissimilarity was observed between trapping density and pest incidence in traps, with a movement radius of 3.3 km, low spatial dependence [Moran's Index of 0.092 (p > 0.05)], low capture rates in the largest trapping coverage area, and greater abundance in areas with high boat traffic along the Amazon River in Pará. The maximum fly/trap/day index of 0.54 highlights the effectiveness of control efforts and underscores the importance of the eradication program's actions in containing the territorial spread of B. carambolae in the Eastern Amazon and ensuring the sustainability of the national fruit production chain. .