E-traps: A valuable monitoring tool to be improved

The increase in the number of non-native species invading new territories demands the use of more efficient monitoring methods. Among them, remote monitoring is a useful technological tool to integrate traditional pest monitoring techniques. It offers timely data from monitored sites, making the planning of a possible intervention of precision agriculture easier; in addition, it also allows pest biology and behaviour to be studied more accurately. To improve monitoring activities for Grapholita molesta and Bactrocera dorsalis, we tested five types of high-resolution electronic traps (e-traps) (Trapview products and iMetos®Scout models by Pessl Instruments). E-traps can offer real-time monitoring of catches via a remote connection, allowing a constant analysis of data via apps with different electronic devices. Data collected during the study period showed that not all tested products have fully satisfied expectations due to some malfunctions that caused a lack of catches in the Trapview products and problems in data transmission in Pessl products. According to this preliminary analysis, some improvements are needed to provide more efficient remote pest monitoring.