Biodiversity and Bionomics for Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

Studies on biodiversity and bionomics of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) were conducted in Morogoro Region, Central Tanzania from 2004 to 2006. Specifically studies aimed at determining the biodiversity of fruit flies, their host range, infestation rate, incidence and seasonality. These are among the pre-requisites for formulating an ecologically based Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Flies were collected using McPhail traps baited with parapheromones (methyl eugenol, Trimedlure and cue lure) and synthetic food baits (hydrolyzed yeast and 3 Component lure). Flies were also collected from infested fruits after incubation in the laboratory. A total of four sites and neighboring areas representing the three agro-ecological zones of Morogoro Region were used. Two key fruit fly pests were determined based on abundance, host range and infestation rate. The invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White is the key pest in the low and medium altitude areas. On the other hand, the Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa Karsch is the key frugivorous pest in the high altitude areas. Other native species like C. capitata (Wiedemann) and Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) were less abundant, had narrower host ranges and lower infestation rates. An IPM program based on the ecology of the key pests B. invadens and C. rosa is hereby proposed. Components of such a program include male annihilation technique (MAT), use of baits, farm hygiene and sanitation, quarantine, surveillance and post harvest
treatment.

Key words: IPM, fruit flies, Tanzania