Population Dynamics of Tephritid Fruit Flies in Citrus and Mango Orchards of Multan, Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) species pose a significant threat to mango and citrus production worldwide including Pakistan. In the present study we identified and monitored the population dynamics of fruit flies species using male attractants Attrex (R) (methyl eugenol 98%, evyol group) and static Spinosad (R) (spinosad 2% and methyl eugenol 51%, target group) in mango and citrus orchards at different locations in Multan, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) was the most abundant fruit fly species in this study. Our results indicated a positive and significant correlation between the species of fruit flies and mean temperature in mango and citrus orchards at all locations. In mango orchards, peak population of fruit fly complex was recorded from June to July, a period when the mangoes ripe and mean temperature is high. In citrus orchards, minimum population was observed from January to February, a period when the citrus fruit is available in the orchard but the temperature is too low for larval development. Several factors such as temperature, availability of preferred host and alternate host could contribute towards the population buildup of fruit flies in this region.

Automated summary

This study identified and monitored the population dynamics of fruit fly species in mango and citrus orchards in Multan, Pakistan using male attractants. The most abundant fruit fly species was Bactrocera zonata, and a positive correlation was found between fruit fly species and mean temperature. In mango orchards, the peak population of fruit fly complex was recorded from June to July, while in citrus orchards the minimum population was observed from January to February. Various factors such as temperature and host availability contribute to the population buildup of fruit flies in this region.