Fruit fly damage on orange (Citrus sp.) and guava (Psidium guajava L) fruits in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most important pests of fruits and vegetables in the world. In Ethiopia, orange (Citrus sp.) and guava (Psidium guajava L) production are highly impacted by fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation and endanger the contribution of these fruits to the national economy. This study was conducted in the orange and guava growing areas of South Wollo and Oromia administrative zone, Ethiopia. In these areas, little is known on fruit fly incidence and the extent of damage on orange and guava fruits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess fruit fly damage on orange and guava fruits. We measured fruit fly incidence and the extent of fruit damage in four districts of 20 fruit farms of two zones in 2016/17. Mean percent damage of orange fruits was significantly higher at Worebabo (44.4%) and Dawachefa (40.4%) than Tehulederi (34.4%) and Kalu (29.2%). Similarly, the mean number of fruit fly larvae per fruit was significantly higher at Worebabo (5.8%) and Dawachefa (5.8%) than at Tehulderi (3.5%) and Kalu (3.8%). Fruit fly caused higher guava fruit damage (33.3-66.7%) than sweet orange (29.2%-44.4%) of different districts. The severity of damage by fruit fly was high in all economically important fruits. The presence of one or more larvae in fruits results in 100% marketable losses. In conclusion the damage caused by fruit fly on both locations was significantly high and need due attention to reduce the direct losses on marketable fruits. Therefore, we recommend that timely monitoring and forecasting, as well as integrated fruit fly prevention methods should be in place.