Description
MAT = male annihilation technique. These MAT cups are designed to be used in addition to protein bait sprays and fruit fly traps as part of our systems approach to improved fruit fly management. MAT cups are applied three times per year during Spring, Summer and Autumn to achieve an orchard-wide or area-wide approach.
We offer two styles of MAT cup:
- An impregnated cotton wick in a plastic housing
- A cardboard cup with an impregnated corrugated cardboard inner
Both MAT cup styles are designed to protect the ingredients from rain and UV degradation. We have developed the cardboard version as a biodegradable option.
The MAT cup contains both cue lure (a powerful male sex attractant) and maldison as a toxicant. When male Queensland fruit flies alight on the wick they ingest some toxicant leading to a reduction in the local male fly population. If used as directed over successive seasons, MAT cups can lead to a significant reduction in the local fruit fly population.
MAT cups are a powerful tool in the fight against Queensland fruit fly. However they must only be used as an adjunct to (not instead of) protein baiting with Fruit Fly Lure. Protein baiting remains the most important component of our systems approach.
Be aware that the placement of MAT cups in an orchard will lead to a reduction in fruit fly trap counts. This is a natural result due to the effect of competition. It is important to take this into account when assessing fruit fly activity. We suggest that you do not place too much emphasis on the actual numbers of fruit fly caught in traps but rather focus on population trends.
MAT cups are supplied in packs of 50 and should be used at the rate of 10 – 20 per hectare depending on crop sensitivity and local fruit fly pressure. Place into your orchard three times per year and leave each MAT cup in the field for a full 12 months.
