Navsari-based scientist develops 'desi' trap for fruit fly

Surat, May 16 (UNI) A scientist working with Navsari Agriculture University has developed a trap to ensnare the most notorious pest -- fruit fly, the destroyer of fruits and vegetables.

Dr Zhina Patel said he has developed a ''desi trap'' after carrying out research for about two years with the support of Dr John Stonehouse and Dr John Mumford of Imperial College, London.

It could nail the fuit flies, which are the destroyers of fruits and vegetables worth about Rs 3,000 crore each year in India.

He said the trap, ''Nauroji-Stonehouse Fruit Fly Trap'', was designed on the basis of research work carried under Integrated Fruit Fly Management in India (IMFFI) project, which was undertaken by Fruit Research Station, Navsari Agriculture University. It had sanctioned Rs eight crore to five states, including Gujarat, to deal with fruit flies.

He said according to estimates, about 30 per cent loss was occurred due to fruit flies, as they reduced the quality of fruits and vegetables. In South Gujarat, farmers had to face Rs 25-30 crore losses in mangoes and chikoo during seasons. Mangoes are grown in 40,000 hectare, while chikoos and vegetables are cultivated in 20,000 hectares.

Until now, there was no efficient way to kill these flies, so they decided to develop one. In the trap, cubes of ''Mithayel Uginol'' and ''Culuor'' are placed in a cardboard tower, which attract and kills flies, Dr Patel said while explaining its functioning.

He said each trap has a capacity to kill flies between 2-3 km of range, and can last for around two seasons. Marginal and small framers can also implement this technique as it is relatively cheaper than other methods.

They have placed 5,000 traps at different farms in Surat, Valsad and Navsari districts until now and each trap could cost between Rs 35-60, Dr Patel added.

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