From Lab to Orchard ICAR IIHR Fruit Fly Trap Technology Revolutionizing Mango Pest Management
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Source: iihr.res.in
Mango (Mangifera indica), popularly known as the ‘King of Fruits,’ is one of India’s most important horticultural crops, occupying the largest area under fruit cultivation in the country and contributing significantly to farmers’ livelihoods and export earnings. Despite its wide adaptability and cultivation across almost all states, mango production often faces challenges from insect pests and diseases. Among these, the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is one of the most destructive pests and also recognized as a quarantine pest in many importing countries, as its infestation can severely affect fruit quality and restrict international trade of fresh mangoes.
To address this challenge, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, developed an eco-friendly and economically viable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for effective management of mango fruit fly. A key component of this IPM package is the methyl eugenol based parapheromone trap, designed to attract and eliminate male fruit flies through the male annihilation technique. Farmers widely appreciate this technology because of its cost effectiveness, ease of installation and clear visibility in the field. When installed at 10 traps/acre along with other IPM strategies can reduce fruit fly infestation by more than 80 per cent ensuring safer and residue free produce suitable for domestic and export markets.
Recognizing its effectiveness, ICAR-IIHR facilitated the large scale dissemination and commercialization of the fruit fly trap technology. Beginning in 2009-10, the technology was licensed to several agro-input companies including Nandi Agro-Vet, Rainbow Seri Agro-Vet Technologies and Precision Agro-Vet Technologies. In subsequent years, companies such as Barrix Agro Sciences, Microplex Biotech & Agrochem Pvt. Ltd., Biopest Control Industries Suresh Organics Pvt. Ltd., Adiraj Agro Industries, Green Crop Technologies, Siri Agri Industries, Fine Trap (India), RGB Agrotech Pvt. Ltd., Agri Phero Solutionz Pvt. Ltd., Natura Crop Care, Bhoomi Bio-industries and the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd. also adopted the technology. Over time, the technology gained wider industry adoption across multiple states. Between 2009 and 2024, the technology was licensed 20 times to 19 firms, generating a cumulative revenue of about ₹24.12 Lakhs. The sustained licensing and adoption highlight the commercial viability and long term relevance of the technology, demonstrating how public sector research can deliver practical, sustainable solutions that benefit farmers, industry and the horticulture sector.
The mango fruit fly trap technology based on Methyl Eugenol is widely promoted through government support, where farmers receive subsidies through schemes such as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Currently, several state governments including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Sikkim provide subsidies for this technology through their horticulture departments have significantly enhanced the large-scale adoption and made it an integral component of eco-friendly fruit fly management in mango orchards. Further, through extensive promotion under national programmes such as the Scheduled Cast Sub Plan (SCSP), Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), Farmer FIRST Programme, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, the technology has been adopted by more than 6,000 mango farmers across several states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
The ICAR-IIHR fruit fly trap technology represents a successful example of translating scientific innovation into practical field solutions. By reducing pesticide use, improving fruit quality, enabling residue free production and supporting export compliance for quarantine pests, the technology has enhanced farmer income while promoting environmentally sustainable mango cultivation in India.Top of Form
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