Methyl eugenol and mating competitiveness of irradiated male Bactrocera philippinensis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Males of many dacine tephritids are strongly attracted to methyl eugenol, a natural compound occurring in a variety of plant species. Here, we investigated the effect of methyl eugenol on male reproductive behavior in Bactrocera philippinensis (Drew & Hancock). In mating trials conducted on caged host plants, irradiated males that fed on methyl eugenol 3 or 5 days before testing had a mating advantage over wild males that were not given access to the lure. Additional tests showed that feeding on methyl eugenol increased male signaling activity (wing-fanning) and hence male attractiveness to females. The tendency of males to feed on methyl eugenol following an initial exposure was also examined. Following an initial feeding on the lure, irradiated (but not wild) males were less likely to feed in tests conducted 5 days later. The possibility of releasing methyl eugenol-exposed, irradiated males as a control strategy is discussed.