Friendly Control of Cucurbit Fruit Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) in Experimental Bitter Gourd Field

Two studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of some botanicals for the control of cucurbit fruit fly ( Bact roc era cucurbitae ) in experimental Bitter gourd field during April 2025 to November 2025. The botanicals were bulb of Allium cepa (Onion), rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Ginger), leaves of Azadiracta indica (Nim), leaves of Lactuca sativa (Lettuce), leaves of Tamarindus indica (Tamarind), leaves of Trichosanthes dioica (Pointed gourd), leaves of Annona squamosa (Custard Apple), leaves of Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom), leaves and stems of clove of Swertia chirayita (Chirata), leaves of Musa spp. (Banana), seeds of Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany), seeds of Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) and seeds of Corchorus capsularis (Deshi Jute). In these two experiments, pesticide treatments were distinctly better than the botanical treatments in respect of controlling cucurbit fruit fly, fruit size and yield. A less number of cucurbit fruit fly attacks were found on Bitter gourd fruits in Ginger treatments in these two studies. In 1 st experiment, 41.67% fruits were infested by cucurbit fruit fly in Ginger 10% solution. On the other hand, in 2 nd experiment, 38.30% fruits were infested by cucurbit fruit fly in Ginger 20% solution. Cucurbit fruit fly infestations were 43.04% and 41.67% in Annona squamosa (Custard Apple) leaves 10% and 20% solution treatments in 1 st and 2 nd experiment respectively. Annona squamosa (Custard Apple) 20% solution treatment showed best performance on Bitter gourd yield (gm) among the botanicals. Therefore, Custard Apple ( Annona squamosa ) leaves solutions and Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) extracts can be used as bio-pesticide for eco-friendly control of cucurbit fruit fly in Bitter gourd field.