Melon flies in Hawaii -- what to do?

[Molokai_Bernie]

I am having a lot of trouble growing melons of any kind in Hawaii due to melon flies (Bactrocera cucurbitae) stinging the small, emerging fruits. I have learned how to create good growing conditions for the melons and produce healthy, luxuriant vines, but the melon flies destroy the crop. Is there an organic method of control that is actually effective? I've tried mechanical methods like wrapping fruit in paper or covering small fruits with leaf debris but without success. The area of vine’s spread has proven too large to cover with mesh or a cage as well. Thanks for any expert help offered!

[rainbowgardener]

Never heard of melon flies before, not something we have where I am.

But I looked up a couple articles for you:

https://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/type/bactro_c.htm

https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/fac/forms/123CGMelon.pdf

this one mentions GF 120 which has a protein bait and spinosad insecticide.

Spinosad is an organic product, a bacterial exudate. It can be harmful to honeybees if they contact it while wet. But if it is used in the evening after the honeybees are no longer active, by morning it is dry and then no longer harmful to them (but still effective against the target populations).

[Molokai_Bernie]

Thanks for the information and the comments on Spinosad. I think I might be able to utilize a bait jar with very small holes in the top. The melon flies are quite a bit smaller than bees. Small holes might allow entrance of the melon flies while protecting the honey bees (which are abundant!)

I don't know if the product is available or labeled for use in Hawaii however.

Thanks for the good lead! Does anyone know if it is available and labeled for use in Hawaii?

[cynthia_h]

According to [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinosad]Wikipedia[/url], spinosad is approved by the USEPA for specific uses within the United States. Even if some postal clerks don't know that Hawaii is a state, it nevertheless is and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary as such.

Wikipedia may not be the be-all and end-all of definitive sources, but it's a good place to start looking.

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

[Molokai_Bernie]

Thanks Cynthia_h. Good tip.