OVIPOSITIONAL PREFERENCES OF THE PEACH FRUIT FLY (BACTROCERA ZONATA, SAUNDERS) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) AMONG DIFFERENT HOST FRUITS

Abstract

The Peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata S. (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a highly polyphagous pest responsible for significant damage to orchard fruits due to the egg-laying behavior of females. However, understanding and manipulating this ovipositional behavior can help mitigate fruit damage. This study aimed to assess the ovipositional preference behavior of B. zonata on different host fruits under controlled laboratory conditions. The experiments consisted of both "no-choice" and "choice" setups to evaluate various oviposition-related parameters: the number of fruit visits, duration of visits, oviposition attempts, successful ovipositions, and the duration of oviposition completion. Guava (Psidium guajava L.), banana (Mangifera indica L.), and papaya (Carica papaya L.) were selected as host fruits for this study. In the "no-choice" experiments, the type of host fruit significantly influenced the number and duration of fruit visits by B. zonata females. Banana was the most visited fruit, while papaya had the longest visit duration. Despite differences in fruit characteristics, no significant variation was observed in the number or duration of ovipositions among the fruits, and no oviposition activity was recorded on guava. In the "choice" experiments, the duration of fruit visits and the number of oviposition attempts varied significantly among the host fruits. Interestingly, guava was the only fruit where B. zonata females exhibited oviposition activity, while no oviposition behavior was observed on banana and papaya. These findings provide insights into the behavioral preferences of B. zonata females, which can inform pest management strategies. Incorporating this knowledge into biological control programs may contribute to reducing agricultural losses caused by this pest.