Demographic parameters of the two main fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species attacking mango inCentralTanzania

Abstract

AbstractFruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most important pests damaging fruit crops growing in Tanzania. Demographic parameters forCeratitis cosyra(Walker) andBactrocera invadens(Drew, Tsuruta & White) are reported and compared. These include pre‐adult survival and development rates, adult survival and fecundity and population parameters such as the intrinsic rate of increase, and mean generation time. Population and biological parameters of theC. cosyraandB. invadenswere measured in an environmental chamber at 25°C and 30°C with 75%RHand at room temperature ranging 23–28°C. The results showed thatB. invadenshad shorter embryonic, larval and pupal development times thanC. cosyraindependent of temperature. Life expectancy of maleB. invadenswas significantly greater than that ofC. cosyra, while life expectancy of femaleB. invadenswas greater than that ofC. cosyrabut not significantly. Average net fecundity was higher forB. invadensthan forC. cosyra. Both species attained their highest intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate at 30°C.B. invadensexhibited higher intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate thanC. cosyraat all temperatures tested.