Seasonal Distribution and Food Preference of the Peach Fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) on Different Types of Citrus Fruit Trees in Baghdad Governorate

Abstract

Al-Jassani, R.F. and A.H. Abou Rgheef. 2023. Seasonal Distribution and Food Preference of the Peach Fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) on Different Types of Citrus Fruit Trees in Baghdad Governorate. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(2): 93-97. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-41.2.093097 The study was conducted in an orchard in Baghdad city to monitor infestation rate and movement of Bactrocera zonata in infested fruits during different periods. Results obtained showed that the seasonal distribution of the peach fruit fly B. zonata was proportional to the presence of the fruits and their maturity stage in the orchard. Apricots infestation occurred in May and June, peach in June and July, yellow figs in July and August, mango in August and September, mandarin in October and November, oranges in November and December, and sour orange in December. The results of the study demonstrated that the peach fruit fly varied in its preference and infestation of the different citrus species fruits, based on fruits infestation rates and the average larvae number per fruit. Mandarin fruits were the most preferred types of citrus by B. zonata, followed by orange fruits, grapefruit, sindhi, sweet lemon, and sour orange. In contrast, the sour lemon fruits were not infested. The seasonal distribution of fruit types is important and can be used in the design of preventive control strategies to protect the various fruits from insect’s infestation. Keywords: Peach fruit fly, seasonal distribution, Baghdad, mandarin, sour orange