Bengaluru scientists develop cost-effective ‘Shatpada Trap’ to tackle fruit flies

ICAR–NBAIR Bengaluru scientists have developed the Shatpada Fruit Fly Trap, a low-cost, long-lasting, pheromone-based solution for fruit fly control, successfully tested across 11 states.

Farmers across India may soon have an effective and affordable solution to the perennial problem of fruit fly infestations in mango, guava, sapota, and citrus crops. Scientists at the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Bengaluru, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), have developed the ‘Shatpada Fruit Fly Trap’, a breakthrough pheromone-based device that promises long-lasting pest control at nearly one-fourth the cost of existing products.

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Developed at NBAIR’s PheraSense Nanotechnology and Chemical Synthesis Laboratory, the device uses a controlled-release technology to steadily emit insect pheromones for 45 to 90 days, attracting and trapping fruit flies effectively. Unlike traditional traps that rely on cotton wicks, glass vials, or rubber septa — which evaporate quickly and require frequent replacement — this device immobilises the pheromone in a semi-solid matrix, ensuring consistent release and reducing maintenance costs for farmers.

The Shatpada trap features a twin-funnel design made of durable, recyclable plastic that guides flies inside and prevents escape. The weather-resistant construction allows it to be used multiple times with fresh lures and eliminates the need for refrigeration during storage or transport.

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The device was tested over three years under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Fruits (AICRP-Fruits) across 11 states, from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Trials in major fruit belts revealed that the new device captured more flies than conventional traps, stayed effective for weeks longer, and significantly reduced the need for pesticide sprays, lowering costs and environmental impact.

With patent applications filed in the US, Europe, Japan, China, and Australia, the technology is now ready for transfer to industries for mass production. Once commercialised, the Shatpada trap is expected to offer Indian farmers an economical, eco-friendly, and scalable solution for protecting fruit crops from destructive fly infestations.

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