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 leaI 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!rned 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!
Bernie Strehler Molokai Hawaii
Help needed with melon flies in Hawaii
maybe cheesecloth?
Bernie - Psyttalia fletcheri and Fopius arisanus have been used in Hawaii for Parasitization of Melon Fly.
If you Google these two, you will find several references.