Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of conventional Jackson traps (JT) vs. modified JT with a photo camera added (TJCF) in the capture and identification of males of Ceratitis capitata in fruit orchards located in the Atacama Desert (Pica, Tarapaca Region). Both traps were baited with trimedlure. From October through December 2018, sterile C. capitata males were periodically released, and catches in the traps were compared. The capability of the TJCF to provide images for the identification of C. capitata was also evaluated. The results showed that male catches were not statistically different between trap types (p = 0.8901). On average, there was a high concordance (94%) between the identification of C. capitata from the images taken by the camera and the on-site assessment. The automatic counting algorithm presented an average error of 14%. When evaluating temperature values recorded by the sensors integrated into the TJCF and those obtained from a weather station nearby, concordance was 94%. Our results suggest that the use of modified traps is technically feasible for remote surveillance of C. capitata, however the algorithm must be improved in order to be eventually adopted by the Chilean Department of Agriculture in charge of C. capitata official control. Further research is required to evaluate their use in remote and difficult to reach areas, since this would allow saving human and material resources as well as collecting environmental data of the study site.