RN Desk: Fruit flies are a major obstacle to the global horticulture industry, as many countries classify them as “quarantine pests.” In Bangladesh, the presence of fruit flies creates challenges in exporting fruits like mangoes to Europe and other international markets. To combat this issue, Dr. Mohammad Abul Manjur Khan, an entomologist and researcher at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), has developed an innovative technology called the ‘Fruit Fly Trap.’

Various methods are used worldwide to control fruit flies. For example, in Australia and the USA, the ‘mass trapping method’ is employed, where specialized traps attract and eliminate male flies, preventing female flies from reproducing and gradually reducing their population. In Bangladesh, conventional traps typically use lures and soap water, but their effectiveness is often inconsistent and requires frequent maintenance.

Dr. Manjur Khan’s research has shown that his newly developed trap provides more effective results compared to conventional methods. The key feature of his trap is that it does not require chemical pesticides or water to eliminate fruit flies. The trap uses a lure to attract different species of fruit flies, which enter easily but cannot escape due to its unique structural design. As a result, the flies get trapped inside and eventually perish.

According to Dr. Manjur Khan, commercial production of this trap could make it widely available to farmers. This would significantly reduce their dependence on pesticides, lowering costs while maintaining crop quality and environmental sustainability. Research indicates that the trap can be successfully applied to crops such as pumpkin, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, watermelon, muskmelon, mango, guava, and dragon fruit.

He further mentioned that the total production cost of the trap is around 50 BDT ($0.50), making it highly affordable for farmers. The trap is also extremely durable, lasting up to five years in the field, with only the lure needing periodic replacement.

During an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Vienna, Austria, Dr. Khan presented the effectiveness of his trap to global experts, who praised the innovation. He emphasized that securing patents and institutional recognition would be essential for large-scale commercial production.

Dr. Manjur Khan began his research in 2017 after returning from Australia and successfully completed the development of this technology in 2020. Currently, further research is being conducted with funding from Standard Chartered Bank to ensure the safe production of mangoes using this trap.

This groundbreaking invention could revolutionize Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, significantly reducing export restrictions caused by fruit fly infestations and enhancing the country’s position in the global fruit market.