A comparison of the capture of non-target arthropods between control methods and monitoring traps of Anastrepha ludens in citrus agroecosystems

Control and monitoring of Anastrepha ludens Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) involve an underlying negative effect of the capture of non-target organisms. This study aimed to analyze and compare the capture of non-target arthropods between control methods and monitoring traps. Seven treatments were established in citrus orchards, with three replicates each in May to August 2022. Four treatments consisted of mass trapping, two using bait sprays, and a control treatment. Three monitoring traps per treatment baited with Cera Trap® and torula yeast borax pellets were used to monitor the capture of non-target organisms. Linear mixed models and contingency tables were used to evaluate the capture level between control treatments and monitoring traps. The total number of non-target specimens was 46,084, 41 families of Insecta and two of Arachnida. Diptera was the most diverse group, with 17 families. Fourteen families represented beneficial organisms in five orders. No effects were noted between control methods on the average capture of non-target arthropods and beneficial organisms. Monitoring traps showed differences in the average capture of non-target arthropods and beneficial organisms. Torula yeast was the attractant with the most insect captures. Mass trapping with Cera Trap® or GF 120® with traps baited with Cera Trap® revealed a decreased capture of beneficial organisms. Further research is needed to assess the impact of A. ludens control methods on non-target species for conservation purposes at the field level