Detection of an apple-infesting population ofRhagoletis pomonella(Walsh 1867) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the state of Colorado, USA

Abstract

The apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh 1867) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an economically important pest of apples (Malus domesica Borkh.) (Rosaceae) throughout much of the United States. The fly is endemic to the eastern U.S., where its primary host plants are several species of native hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) (Rosaceae). About 150 years ago the fly shifted to apples in the Northeast. More recently, the fly has been introduced to the western U.S. outside of its native range. In the state of Colorado, R. pomonella attacks the fruits of a number of different native and introduced hawthorn species, but is generally absent from apples. While orchards in apple growing regions are closely monitored, backyard and non-commercial apples often go largely unexamined. Here, we report results from a survey of non-commercial apples at 16 locations in eight counties across Colorado. We document the discovery of one R. pomonella infestation of apple at low density in Boulder, Colorado in close proximity to highly attacked, introduced downy hawthorn (C. mollis Scheele) in a residential neighborhood. Our finding represents the first confirmed infestation of apple in the state in 25 years. We discuss the implication of our findings for apple maggot management.