Population Dynamics Of Fruit Flies Research Articles

Adapting to climate disparities: Implications for fruit fly populations in citrus orchards

In the context of climate change, the agricultural sector faces the imperative of devising adaptive strategies to mitigate emerging challenges. This study aimed to know the relationship between climatic disparities and fruit fly populations in citrus orchards. Utilizing Steiner trap and Methyl Eugenol wooden blocks as monitoring, male annihilation controlling devices, and spraying protein bait, we conducted a comprehensive investigation across two distinct agroclimatic conditions. The main variations were monthly rainfall (mm), accentuating diverse agroclimatic dynamics. Surprisingly, an analysis comparing low rainfall (1-4 mm) to moderate rainfall (14-21 mm) periods did not affect fruit fly populations. Contrary to conventional assumptions, variations in only precipitation did not significantly impact fruit fly population dynamics. The critical factors were the dominant role of host plant availability and the efficacy of pest management practices in steering population trends. This study showed that climatic factors contribute to pest dynamics; however, they might not function as a single change factor. Instead, host plant availability and the implementation of effective pest control interventions held more significant influence. Based on the interconnected relationship between climate and pests, amid a continuously developing climate scenario, more careful management strategies are needed to increase the sustainability of citrus yields for food security and farmer welfare.

Population dynamics of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in mango orchards in the southeastern mango enclave of Ghana

Population dynamics of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in mango orchards in the southeastern mango enclave of Ghana

Impact of Weather Parameters on Population Dynamics of Fruit Flies (Bactrocera sp.) on Phalsa (Grewia asiatica Linn.)

Field experiments were meticulously conducted for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) at a phalsa orchard situated in the Regional Horticulture Research Station (RHRS), Raya, District-Samba. The primary aim of these experiments was to comprehensively examine the population dynamics of fruit flies and their susceptibility to variations in weather parameters. To this end, green valley fruit fly traps were strategically deployed throughout the orchard to monitor fruit fly populations. The outcomes of the study revealed that fruit fly activity commenced during the 15th standard week and reached its zenith during the 24th standard week in both years. Correlation analysis underscored a notably strong and positive correlation with maximum (0.575**) and minimum (0.696**) temperatures. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (–0.422*) was observed between morning relative humidity and fruit fly catches. However, the study did not find any statistically significant correlation between evening relative humidity, rainfall, and fruit fly captures. The weather conditions accounted for an impressive 59.70% of the observed variations in adult fruit fly trap catches of B. dorsalis and B. zonata on phalsa which highlighted the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the population dynamics of these fruit fly species in the phalsa crop ecosystem.

Population dynamics of fruit flies and correlation matrix with weather and host variables in mango (Mangifera indica) orchards

The present study was carried out in the Mango orchards at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 and aimed at analysing the population dynamics of fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) species after putting the requisite number of methyl eugenol traps (@6 per acre). Weekly monitoring of fruit fly populations was performed and correlated with various weather parameters. Among the fruit fly species, the oriental fruit fly was found to be the most prevalent and abundant, followed by B. zonata, B. correcta, and B. cucurbitae. Fruit fly populations peaked in mango plantations between June and July, coinciding with the ripening time and the occurrence of humid conditions and rainfall. Multiple factors, including weather conditions, the presence of preferred host plants, and alternative hosts, fruits characteristics were found to influence the dynamics of fruit fly populations. The seasonal trap captures of male fruit flies showed a moderately significant negative correlation (-0.612*) with maximum but significant positive correlation with the minimum temperature (0.701**). However, a positive correlation was observed between relative humidity (r = 0.924**) and rainfall (r = 0.721**) with the fluctuations of fruit fly populations across all the monitored orchard sites.

Efficacy of Abiotic Factors on Population Dynamics of Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) Larva and Pupa

The fruit fly B. dorsalis is a serious fruit and vegetable pest in South-East Asia. It causes 25-100% loss of horticultural crops by laying eggs under the skin of mangoes, peaches, guava, apricots and figs. Abiotic factors are ecological factors including temperature, humidity, and rainfall. These factors adversely affect the population dynamics of fruit fly larvae and pupae. Plants were randomly selected and installed with methyleugenol pheromone traps to study the population dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis and correlate with abiotic factors. The fruits that had fallen were retrieved after a gap of 7-8 days. The contaminated fruit samples were exposed in the lab after a 9-10 days incubation period, and the larvae were counted. To ascertain the relationship between the larval and pupal populations of fruit flies in citrus, the one-way ANOVA technique was used. Bactrocera dorsalis larvae and pupae populations were the greatest at high temperatures and low humidity.

Testing the Single and Combined Effect of Kaolin and Spinosad against Bactrocera oleae and Its Natural Antagonist Insects in an Organic Olive Grove.

The presence and infestation level of Bactrocera oleae was monitored in an organic olive orchard divided into differently treated parcels with kaolin (K), spinosad (S) and with kaolin and spinosad (K + S) in alternate rows. The treatments did not seem to affect olive fruit fly population dynamics, while statistically significant protective effects were recorded against total and harmful infestation, but not against the active one. Eventually, neither kaolin nor spinosad were shown to have a particular detrimental effect against naturally occurring B. oleae parasitoids.

Population Dynamics of Fruit Fly, B. dorsalis (Hendle) on Mango and Correlation with Weather Parameters

Investigation on the population dynamics of fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendle) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was carried out by installing "Nauroji-Stonehouse Fruit Fly Trap" in the mango orchard of organic farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India during 2021-22. The population of B. dorsalis prevailed throughout the year in mango orchard with its peak activity from 14th SMW to 31st SMW which coincided with the fruiting and harvesting period of fruits. The population of B. dorsalis decreased from August to February. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation of population of B. dorsalis with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average temperature, evening relative humidity, average relative humidity, rainy days, rainfall and wind velocity but a significant negative correlation with duration of bright sunshine hours. However, there was a nonsignificant correlation of population of B. dorsalis with morning relative humidity.

Weather-Based Fruit Fly Population Dynamics Prediction Model for the Mid-Hills of Eastern Himalayan Region of India

Across the globe, it is widely observed that current change in climate or weather pattern has marked effect on insect population dynamics and behavior, though with varied aspects and intensity. Understanding the correlations of insect population dynamics with weather parameters is the fundamental first step in formulating an effective integrated pest management programme. In the major citrus growing mid-hill regions of Arunachal Pradesh, fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the chief reasons for heavy loss leading to pre-harvest fruit drop in citrus. The current study aims to determine how changes in weather parameters influence the population dynamics of fruit flies and to develop an optimized weather-based population prediction model for fruit flies infesting citrus in the mid-hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The population was monitored through standard methyl eugenol para-pheromone traps and a model was developed using stepwise multiple regression technique. The study revealed that the population was highest during the fruit development and ripening stage and it was found that the number of flies per trap and meteorological parameters (temperature and humidity) is positively correlated with appreciable statistical significance. The optimized regression model was developed with variables temperature and humidity, and was found to be 79 percent accurate in the study site. This model will serve as an important tool in pre-estimation of the fruit fly population in the citrus growing mid-hills of Arunachal Pradesh and for formulation of effective preventive management strategies.

Evaluation of Methyl Eugenol Doses against Bactrocera zonata S. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Ber fruit Orchard in Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Among the fruit flies, Bactrocera zonata S. (Diptera: Tephritidae) is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is commonly found in India and Pakistan but it is also found in more than 20 countries in Asian and African regions. In this study, fruit fly male annihilation traps containing different doses of methyl eugenol (ME) attractant, ranging from 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 ml dose, and a control treatment (water only) were analyzed. Additionally, a uniform application of one milligram of toxicant Trichlorfon applied in all traps was installed in a Ber orchard in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The prime purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of ME doses against B. zonata in this region. Apart from this, knowledge of seasonal population change could help in controlling these pest insects. Therefore, experiment data for the population was recorded on fortnightly basis from Feb 7, 2018-April 04, 2018 and onward on a weekly basis till May16, 2021 after which the population started to decline. No fruit fly adults were attracted to traps containing water only during all observed dates. Maximum population of B. zonata on Feb 7, 2018, was 3 at ME concentrations of 0.2 ml, 0.75 ml, and 1.0 ml, on Feb 21, 2018, its population was 0.667 at 0.2 ml concentration, on March 07, 2018 the population was 14.667 at 1.0 ml concentration, on March 21, 2018, the population was 3.667 at 0.5 ml concentration, on April 04, 2018, the population was 60.333, on April 11, 2018, the population was 69.000 at 1.0 ml concentration, on April 18, 2018, the population was 94.667 at 0.5ml concentration, on April 26, 2018, the population was 400.670, on May 02,2018, the population was 247.333, on May 9, 2018, the population was 181.667, and on May16, 2018, population was 20.667 at 1.0 ml concentration of methyl eugenol. Thus, more concentrations of ME usually attracted more flies. B. zonata population remained low in February and March. In April the population started to build up and reached its peak at the end of April. In May, the population started to decrease and it declined after mid-May. Correlation with weather factors showed that temperature had a positive while relative humidity showed a negative effect on B. zonata population. This above collected data gave useful information about the population dynamics of fruit flies in the Asian region and an effective attractant dose for the better management of these fruit flies.

Mango phenology and fruit fly population dynamics in the transition zone of Ghana.

Crop phenological studies are vital in the formulation of effective integrated pest management packages. A 2-year phenological study spanning 2017-2019 was conducted in eight mango orchards in the transition zone of Ghana, to determine the relationship between the aggregation of culprit fruit fly species and the phenology of the mango crop. A total of 160 shoots were tagged and observed weekly for the plant's developmental processes using the Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie mango phenological scale as a guide. Fruit fly monitoring was conducted with two para pheromone attractants (methyl eugenol and terpinyl acetate) in 32 improvised traps. Host fruits sampled at colour break and ripe stages were incubated to identify culprit species. Significant infestation levels were assessed with one way analysis of variance. Three culprit species (Bactrocera dorsalis, Ceratitis cosyra and Ceratitis ditissima) emerged from incubated fruits. Co-infestation between B. dorsalis and C. cosyra was observed mostly at colour break. A residual population of B. dorsalis was observed throughout the crop cycle but peaked at the colour break phenological stage in May and early June, and dropped in August (at post-harvest). The interaction among fruit fly species, season, fruit source and phenological stage of the fruit was significant (P = 0.016). C. cosyra appeared at the beginning of anthesis, increased during flowering to fruit set and peaked in April when fruits were nearing maturity and green. It is therefore important that management practices are implemented throughout the phenological cycle of the crop but intensified from anthesis to post-harvest to reduce pest populations and damage.

An agent-based model to simulate the boosted Sterile Insect Technique for fruit fly management

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a method of biological control of pests and disease vector insects. It includes mass-rearing and release of sterile males of the target species so that wild females mated with sterile males would not produce offspring. An innovative version of this technique, called boosted SIT, relies on the use of sterile males as vectors of biocides to trigger an epizootic in the wild fruit fly population. We built an agent-based model to assess the feasibility of this technique and main modalities of field implementation for the control of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, using the entomopathogenic fungi, Metarizhium anisopliae, as a biocide. The model, called BOOSTIT (BactrOcera dOrsaliS boosTed sIT), simulates the spatio-temporal population dynamics of fruit flies in three different realistic landscape contexts. The releases of infected and uninfected sterile males were simulated and allowed the transmission of the pathogen within the wild fly population as a result of interactions between individuals. A main output was the measurement of losses in mango production. Validation of the model was done by comparing the simulated population dynamics with data from field monitoring (pheromone traps) in three landscapes of the Niayes area in Senegal. The population dynamics of wild flies were then simulated in an intensive cropping and mono-mango cultivar landscape under three scenarios: (1) without the release of sterile males, (2) with the release of non-contaminated sterile males (SIT) and (3) with the release of sterile contaminated males (boosted SIT). The results showed that SIT and boosted SIT strongly reduced the density of wild flies and the amount of infested fruits. Although parameters of the pathogen transfer between individuals need to be studied more deeply, results encourage the implementation of field trials to validate the efficacy of boosted SIT to control fruit flies.

Study on the population dynamics of fruit flies (Bactrocera spp) in guava orchard in southwest Haryana

Study on the population dynamics of fruit flies (Bactrocera spp) in guava orchard in southwest Haryana

Impact of abiotic factors on population dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) at different ecological zones in NW Plains of India


 In India, fruit flies have been identified as one of the ten most serious problems of agriculture because of their polyphagous nature and the huge economic loss it causes to the fruits and vegetables (2.5 to 100%). Study was carried to determine the population dynamics of fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata) and establish the correlation with abiotic factors in guava and citrus fruits crops in two agro ecological zones of North West India. Fruit flies population was recorded by installation of pheromone traps in different fruit crop ecosystems during the fruiting season of this zone. The data of trap catches of both the locations was correlated with the significantly influencing abiotic parameters. The peak fruit fly incidence varied between 31st to 34th standard weeks in guava ecosystem at both the locations. In citrus ecosystem, the incidence was highest during 35th and 39th standard weeks coinciding with the ripening of the fruits. At both the locations, trap catches of guava ecosystem were positively correlated with all the weather parameters, while under citrus ecosystem minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative correlation, but relative humidity was positively correlated. Information may be utilized in targeting suitable pest management techniques for respective zones.

The abundance and diversity of fruit flies and their parasitoids change with elevation in guava orchards in a tropical Andean forest of Peru, independent of seasonality.

Lower elevations are generally thought to contain a greater abundance and diversity of insect communities and their natural enemies than higher elevations. It is less clear, however, how changes in seasons influence this pattern. We conducted a 2-year study (2013‒2014) in guava orchards located in a tropical Andean forest of Peru to investigate differences in fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their parasitoid communities at two elevations and over two seasons. Fruit fly traps were installed, monitored, and guava fruits were sampled from eight orchards at low (800–950 m above sea level) and high (1,700–1,900 m above sea level) elevations and during the dry and rainy seasons. At each orchard, adult fruit fly trap captures and emergence of fruit flies and their parasitoids from guava fruit were quantified to determine their abundance and species composition. There was a greater abundance and species richness of fruit flies captured in traps at lower elevations, as well as higher abundance and species evenness of fruit flies that emerged from fruit, indicating that lower elevations are associated with larger fruit fly populations. The abundance, species richness and diversity of parasitoids were also greater at lower elevations. Consequently, guava fruit infestation and fruit fly parasitism rates were also greater at lower elevations. Seasonality also influenced fruit fly populations with a greater number of flies emerging from guava fruit and more fruit infested in the rainy season. However, seasonality had no effect on parasitoid population parameters or rate of parasitism, nor did it interact with elevation as an influence of populations of fruit flies or their parasitoids in guava orchards. This study highlights the importance of examining both elevation and seasonality for a better understanding of the population dynamics of fruit flies and their parasitoids in tropical agroecosystems.

Impact of Climate Change on Population dynamics of fruit fly in Mango Orchard and Control through Integrated Pest Management Practices in Agro-ecological Zone of Rahim Yar Khan Southern Punjab Pakistan

Impact of Climate Change on Population dynamics of fruit fly in Mango Orchard and Control through Integrated Pest Management Practices in Agro-ecological Zone of Rahim Yar Khan Southern Punjab Pakistan

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

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.

Population dynamics of Fruit flies, Bactriocera spp. in Bundelkhand Region

Population dynamics of Fruit flies, <i>Bactriocera</i> spp. in Bundelkhand Region

Resource landscapes and movement strategy shape Queensland Fruit Fly population dynamics

Animal population dynamics are shaped by their movement decisions in response to spatial and temporal resource availability across landscapes. The sporadic availability and diversity of resources can create highly dynamic systems. This is especially true in agro-ecological landscapes where the dynamic interplay of insect movement and heterogeneous landscapes hampers prediction of their spatio-temporal dynamics and population size. We therefore systematically looked at population-level consequences of different movement strategies in temporally-dynamic resource landscapes for an insect species whose movement strategy is slightly understood: the Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni) We developed a spatially-explicit model to predict changes in population dynamics and sizes in response to varying resources across a landscape. We simulated the temporal dynamics of fruit trees as the main resource using empirical fruiting dates. Movement strategies were derived from general principles and varied in directedness of movement and movement trigger. We showed that temporal continuity in resource availability was the main contributing factor for large and persistent populations. This explicitly included presence of continuous low-density resources such as fruit trees in urban areas. Analysing trapping data from SE Australia supported this finding. We also found strong effects of movement strategies, with directed movement supporting higher population densities. These results give insight into structuring processes of spatial population dynamics of Queensland Fruit Fly in realistic and complex food production landscapes, but can also be extended to other systems. Such mechanistic understanding will help to improve forecasting of spatio-temporal hotspots and bottlenecks and will, in the end, enable more targeted population management.

Species diversity and population dynamics of fruit flies in bitter gourd ecosystem

Species diversity and population dynamics of fruit flies in bitter gourd ecosystem

Occurrence, damage, and population dynamics of the olive fruit fly ( Bactrocera oleae Gmelin) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The olive is one of the most important crops of the Mediterranean region. Ninety-eight percent of the world?s olive production occurs in this region. However, pest control is a major concern of olive growers, and the olive fruit fly is one of the major economic pests. The aim of this research was to observe their population, infestation rates, and effect on the quality of olive oil. This research included 14 olive groves within 2 different locations. To determine the population dynamics of adult olive fruit flies, 6 yellow sticky traps were placed haphazardly within the tree canopies (approximately 1.5 m in height) of each olive grove between the months of July and December during 2015 and 2016. Results showed that the infestation rate decreases when relative humidity increases (Pearson correlation: -0.597; P = 0.01). On the other hand, negative weak correlation was observed between the altitude and infestation rate (Pearson correlation: -0.206; P = 0.01). Interestingly, positive moderate correlation was determined between average temperature and infestation rate (Pearson correlation: +0.523; P = 0.01). As expected, positive moderate to high correlation (Pearson correlation: +0.735; P = 0.01) was determined between the olive fruit fly infestation rate and oil/acid ratio. This research is the first comprehensive study of olive fruit fly population dynamics and provides valuable information of its ecology within the Mediterranean climate.