Priority host plants for Ceratitis capitata, mediterranean fruit fly, based on the host reproduction number for surveillance, trade and eradication programs

Abstract

Hosts of tephritids are known to vary in their capacity to support the life cycle from egg lay to adult. This capability is measured by the Host Reproduction Number (HRN) which the number of adults that emerge from one kg of fruit. Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) is one of the economically important fruit flies and is distributed worldwide. Many Medfly hosts are known but data to quantify their capacity to support the life cycle is scattered through many reports. Here, we reviewed published literature and found data on 146 potential hosts. We placed them in order of HRN and their Host Suitability Index. The HRN values ranged from bird plum (HRN = 1019) to three species of Syzygium which were non hosts (HRN = 0). The HRN order will help to inform and triage hosts for targeted surveillance and eradication programs and inform disinfestation activities associated with incursion response management, and for trade and risk mitigation.