Ethylene is a volatile phytohormone that plays an important role in the physiological processes of coffee plants. However, the role of this compound as a semiochemical in the tritrophic interaction involving Hypothenemus hampei, Coffea canephora, and hymenopteran insects remains unknown. Ethylene-baited traps were used in a coffee plantation in the experimental field of Embrapa Rondônia in the municipality of Porto Velho, Rondônia state, Brazil. The experiment was conducted during the fruit maturation period (March and April). Ethylene did not attract H. hampei compared to control traps (distilled water) but was significantly attractive to hymenopterans suggesting that it acts as a synomone.

Various host compounds have been investigated to produce an alternative attractant for monitoring and controlling pest insects. Several studies evidenced that volatile molecules released by coffee and mangoes attracted both male and female Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), a significant pest in fruit crops. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of the commercial glycolic extract of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) and a commercial mango essence (Mangifera indica L.) to attract C. capitata. We identified the main volatile compounds (VOCs) emitted from such products. The experiments were conducted in field cages and showed that the glycolic extract of coffee attracts both sexes of C. capitata, while the mango essence attracts only males. After seven days, the pH of the coffee extract and mango essence did not change. These results indicate that attractants based on commercial fruit extracts and essences can be an option for integrated pest management of the Mediterranean fruit fly in orchards.