Seasonality and host utilization of the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens (Dipt., Tephritidae) in central Tanzania
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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Blackwell Verlag, Berlin
Abstract
The temporal occurrence of the invasive and economically important pest fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens was
studied in three agro-ecological areas of Morogoro Region, central Tanzania, during 2004–2005. Weekly and monthly
trappings were carried out with methyl eugenol, protein bait and synthetic food attractant. Bactrocera invadens was
permanently present at low and mid-altitudes (380–520 m a.s.l.) with peak periods coinciding with the fruiting season
of mango (Mangifera indica) and guava (Psidium guajava). At high altitude (1650 m a.s.l.) its incidence was only
temporal and apparently the result of dispersal from lower altitudes after the mango fruiting season. Rearing results
showed mango, loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), guava and grapefruit (Citrus · paradisi) to be the favoured commercial
host fruits. Other Citrus species, cucurbits, papaya (Carica papaya) and avocado (Persea americana) were less favoured.
Description
Keywords
Fruit production, Host preference, Invasive species, Mango, Phenology