Eco-Friendly Management of Fruit Flies (Bactrocera spp.) in Guava Orchards Using the Male Annihilation Technique: Impacts on Yield and Fruit Quality

Fruit fly infestations by Bactrocera spp. significantly reduce guava ( Psidium guajava ) yield and quality, posing economic challenges for growers in Punjab, India. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) using methyl eugenol-based traps across eight guava orchards in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, India during 2023–2024. MAT-treated orchards showed a significant reduction in fruit fly infestation (18.5%–23.0%) compared to untreated controls (32.7%–38.0%), resulting in up to 43.5% suppression. Treated orchards also recorded higher fruit yields (187.8–205.2 kg/ha) and more marketable fruits (145–160 fruits/tree) than controls. Physico-chemical analyses revealed improved fruit quality in MAT-treated orchards, with higher fruit weight, size, total soluble solids, vitamin C content, and titratable acidity. Regression analysis showed a strong negative correlation between infestation rate and fruit yield, underscoring MAT’s role in reducing economic losses. These findings validate MAT as an effective component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for guava, offering a cost-efficient and sustainable alternative to chemical controls while supporting long-term productivity and fruit quality in Punjab's guava orchards.