Parasitoids of Queensland Fruit Fly Bactrocera tryoni in Australia and Prospects for Improved Biological Control.

Ashley L Zamek,Geoff M Gurr,Jennifer E Spinner,Olivia L Reynolds,Jessica L Micallef

doi:10.3390/insects3041056

Abstract

This review draws together available information on the biology, methods for study, and culturing of hymenopteran parasitoids of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, and assesses prospects for improving biological control of this serious pest. Augmentative release of the native and naturalised Australian parasitoids, especially the braconid Diachasmimorpha tryoni, may result in better management of B. tryoni in some parts of Australia. Mass releases are an especially attractive option for areas of inland eastern Australia around the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone that produces B. tryoni-free fruits for export. Diachasmimorpha tryoni has been successful in other locations such as Hawaii for the biological control of other fruit fly species. Biological control could contribute to local eradication of isolated outbreaks and more general suppression and/or eradication of the B. tryoni population in endemic areas. Combining biological control with the use of sterile insect technique offers scope for synergy because the former is most effective at high pest densities and the latter most economical when the pest becomes scarce. Recommendations are made on methods for culturing and study of four B. tryoni parasitoids present in Australia along with research priorities for optimising augmentative biological control of B. tryoni.

Highlights

The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the major fruit fly pest for all of eastern Australia with literature on the species dating back more than 115 years [1]
The majority of B. tryoni adults are believed to disperse up to 1 km, larvae are readily transported in vehicles within infested fruit that pose a threat to many quarantined production areas within suitable climatic zones [3] such as those within New South Wales (NSW)
Bactrocera tryoni poses an enormous threat to the sustainability of Australian horticulture

Summary

Introduction

The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the major fruit fly pest for all of eastern Australia with literature on the species dating back more than 115 years [1]. It is a major economic pest as a consequence of its ability to survive in a wide range of climatic conditions, its polyphagous nature and its destructive damage to most cultivated fruits and fruiting vegetables. Within NSW, B. tryoni is best suited to the climate of the coastal and northern inland areas It can, thrive in less suitable areas such as the south and south-west of the state during years of favourable rainfall, with distribution shrinking back to irrigated areas during dryer years [2]. The majority of B. tryoni adults are believed to disperse up to 1 km, larvae are readily transported in vehicles within infested fruit that pose a threat to many quarantined production areas within suitable climatic zones [3] such as those within NSW

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