Studies on the ovipositional preference of fruit fly [Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae] for different host fruits

Abstract

Bactrocera dorsalis(Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a notorious pest which causes considerable damage directly and indirectly to fruits and vegetables production. Yield loss ranging between 40-70% has been documented on various fruits and vegetables in Nigeria. Host preference of fruit flies is determined by the presence of suitable hosts and if hosts which provide a proper breeding situation become scarce then alternative hosts are accepted. Studies were therefore, carried out in the laboratory to determine the oviposition  preference of Bactrocera dorsalison six host fruits: Avacado (Persia Americana), Mango (Mangifera indica), Bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), Guava (Psidium guajava), Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and banana (Musa spp) under free and no choice conditions.  Results showed that bush mango was preferred both in free choice and no choice test conducted. In free choice test a significantly higher pupal population (380.16), pupal weight (13.25mg) as well as percentage adult emergence (92.06 %) was observed in bush mango, while pupal population (248.76), pupal weight (22.57 mg) and 94.3 % adult emergence was recorded in the no choice test in relative to other fruits offered to the flies. Orange recorded the lowest of all the parameters measured. The order of preference of the flies to the host presented in the study was Bush mango> mango > banana > guava > avocado > orange.

Key words: Fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, host preference, oviposition, fruits.