CLOVE OIL AS A SOURCE OF ATTRACTANT PHEROMONES TO THE FRUIT FLIES , Ceratits capitata (WIEDEMANN) AND Bactrocera zonata (SAUNDERS) (DIPETRA :TEPHRITIDAE)

The mediterranean fruit fly, ceratitis capitata( wiedemann) and the peach fruit fly, bactrocera zonata (saunders) are two of the worldwide most important pests of economic importance. the clove oil (eugenia caryophyllata, family myrtaceae) was studied as a source of attractant pheromones to both the fruit flies. the clove oil was characterized by ir spectroscopy; its constituents were identified by gc/ms analysis.essential oil yield found to be 30.30% w/w, major important components were found to be eugenol acetate,eugenol,iso-eugenol, β-caryophyllene oxide and methyl eugenol constituting 62.50 out of 79.76, i.e. 78.63%.clove oil at concentration of 50%, gave the highest attraction of c. capitata males, compared with trimedlure (as a reference attractant). the prepared (local) methyl eugenol (50,100% concentration) has approximately the same efficacy in attracting pff males as well as imported methyl eugenol.