Fruit Fly Foe: BAU Scientist Develops Eco-Friendly Trap to Aid Export-Quality Crops
Fruit flies, a particularly destructive type of pest, continue to be a major hurdle for the global horticulture industry. In Bangladesh, these pests are a significant barrier to the export of mangoes and other fruits, as many international markets, including those in Europe, classify fruit flies as a “quarantine pest.”
To combat this challenge, Professor Dr. Mohammad Abul Manzoor Khan, an entomologist and researcher at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), has developed an innovative solution named the “Fruit Fly Trap.” This new technology aims to offer an effective, chemical-free method of controlling fruit fly infestations.
While various methods are used worldwide to manage fruit flies—such as the “mass trapping method” employed in Australia and the United States—these approaches often involve luring male flies into specialized traps to prevent reproduction. In Bangladesh, traditional traps typically use lures combined with soap water, but maintaining their effectiveness has posed practical difficulties.
Dr. Manzoor Khan’s research demonstrates that his newly developed trap offers significantly improved results compared to conventional methods. “The main feature of this trap is that it does not require any chemical agents (insecticides) or water to kill the flies. Attracted by the lure, different species of fruit flies easily enter the trap but cannot escape due to its unique structural design. Consequently, the flies die inside the trap,” he explained.
The researcher noted that the trap can be commercially produced and made easily accessible to farmers. “By reducing the use of insecticides, this technology can lower production costs, preserve crop quality, and help protect the environment,” he said. The trap is suitable for various crops such as pumpkin, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, watermelon, muskmelon, mango, guava, and dragon fruit.
Dr. Khan estimates the production and distribution cost of the trap to be around BDT 50 (approximately $0.45), making it highly affordable for farmers. He added, “The trap is so durable that a single unit can be used in the field for at least five years. Only the lure inside needs to be replaced periodically.”
The efficacy of the trap was showcased at a conference hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, where experts from around the world praised the innovation. One of the key advantages of the trap is its long-lasting lure and superior convenience compared to traditional systems. However, Dr. Khan emphasized the importance of securing a patent and institutional recognition to enable its large-scale commercial production.
Experts believe that this breakthrough could open a new chapter in Bangladeshi agriculture by significantly mitigating the impact of fruit flies and facilitating the export of fruits like mangoes, which currently face restrictions due to pest concerns.
Professor Dr. Manzoor Khan began his research after returning from Australia in 2017 and achieved final success in 2020. Further research into safe mango production using this trap is currently ongoing with funding from Standard Chartered Bank.
