Features of Bioecology of Sea Buckthorn Flies Rhagoletis batava Hering in the Central Non-Chernozem Region of Russia

Abstract

Sea buckthorn fly Rhagoletis batava Hering (Diptera; Tephritidae) was first recorded in the Central Non-Chernozem Region of Russia in the early 21st century. The pest adapted in a short time and there are periodically massive outbreaks of reproduction. In some years, this phytophage damages more than 80% of susceptible sea buckthorn cultivars’ fruits. However, the bioecology of R. batava in the specified area has not been studied, which hampers the timely implementation of protective measures and ensuring of their high efficiency. The beginning of flight of flies, oviposition, and larval hatching strongly depend on weather conditions and they occur with a difference in the calendar period up to 25–30 days in different years. In the years of research, the sum of effective temperatures above 10°C at the beginning of flight of flies ranged from 252.1 to 319°С, from 339.5 to 390.3°C at the beginning of oviposition, and from 428.3 to 471.0°C at the beginning of larval hatching. The duration of the summer period in the exploration area ranges from 48 to 57 days. To track the dynamics of the summer and to more accurately determine the beginning of the individual phases of development of the pest, it is necessary to use yellow two-sided glue traps and fruit inspection under a microscope.