Role of tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum) in control of mango fruitfly, Dacus correctus Bezzi (Tephritidae: Diptera).
Shah A. H., Patel R. C.
Author Affiliation: Gujarat Agricultural University, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Campus, Gujarat, India.
Current Science 45 : 313-314
Abstract : During studies in southern Gujarat in India on the extent and timing of attacks by Dacus correctus (Bez.) on mango, this fruit-fly was found for the first time on an aromatic plant, Ocimum sanctum (tulsi plant), but only males were attracted to it. Chemical analysis showed that 40% of the essential oil content of this plant consisted of methyl eugenol, which was found in subsequent studies to be a sex attractant for the males. This attraction to tulsi plants is now being used in observations on the population density of D. correctus.