Population dynamics of melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) and damage level of fruits based on phenology and altitude

Abstract

The Melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the important pests on vegetables and fruits of Cucurbitaceae family. This study aims to observe population dynamics of fruit fly in three kinds of fruits based on altitude and the phenology of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), angled luffa (Luffa acutangula) and cucumber (Cucumber sativus). The observation was carried out through a transect line method at every five meters. Fruit sampling was taken every week. Population dynamics of Z. cucurbitae was significantly affected by altitude (< 250 m asl midland) and phenological fruits. With elevation < 250 m asl, the vast majority of Z. cucurbitae population was found in angled luffa fruit (237 ± 45.51) and the least was in cucumber (35.76 ± 17.95). In contrast, in midland or elevation 250-417 m asl, the most populated insect of interest was found in bitter gourd (222 ± 89.15). Fruit with 17-18 days maturation (scale 3) was the most visited by insect.