Occurrence and management of fruit flies in Cuba1

Abstract

In Cuba, fruit‐fly control is traditional and is sustained by phytosanitary regulations. Recent surveys have shown that Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha suspensa attack various fruits, especially guava and mango, whereas Toxotrypana curvicauda attacks papaya. New host plants are reported for Cuba: A. obliqua on coffee, peach and Pouteria sapota and A. suspensa on Spondias mombin and S. ciruela. Their occurrence was only occasional, and neither of these species was found on citrus. Populations of A. obliqua and A. suspensa were relatively low on guava and mango, occurring mostly in the months of May to September. Five causes are suggested for the relatively low incidence of fruit flies in Cuba: efficient natural regulation by Bracanastrepha anastrephae; predation of larvae by ants in the soil; high mortality of pupae because of surface soil temperature and generalist predators; the cropping system; and the phytosanitary control programme (with preventive approach). The results of the control programme are presented, especially for areas intended for fresh‐fruit export.