Control of fruit flies (Diptera:Tephritidae) using an environmentally safe methods in Shendi area, Sudan.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This work was carried out at Shendi area, River Nile State, from April 2012 to April 2014. Field and laboratory studies were undertaken surveying and monitoring fruit flies species found during the period, with emphasis on their population dynamics. Pheromone traps and food bait traps were used for detection and monitoring of fruit flies. Application of spinosad as pesticide and zonatrac as flies attractant was done. Results indicated that, fruit flies species found in the study area are the Asian fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens (Drew), Mango fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker)and Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedmann) Bactrocera invadens was found to be the dominant fruit fly species in the study area It was observed that host diversity of edible fruits and overlapping of fruiting seasons are highly preferable by fruit flies, especially Bactrocera invadens which constitute a threat to fruit production and fruit exportation in the Sudan. The Population abundance of fruit flies generally increase with the rainy season, High population was recorded during the humid months of July and August; while low population were recorded during March. Through the results of the First season, we noticed that B .invadens showed lower population in March (634.5±94.9) and grow up gradually until it reaches the peak in July and August (1869±48.5) and (1893±48.9) respectively.

C .capitata Was noticed during August, September and October .Its population Reached (287.8±32.4)( 211.8±17.3)( 195.8±23.1) respectively, the

mango fruit Fly C .cosyra was recorded through the year, but the highest month was August (296.3±38.5) While low population were recorded during March, the mango fruit Fly C .cosyra was recorded throughout the year but the highest count during August (296.3±38.5).

The second season 2013- 2014 the African fruit fly B .invadens peak was in August (1258.5±105.8) and also the lower number was catched in March (654.3±57.9). C .capitata was appeared in relatively few numbers since July (230.3±32.6) to November (206.3±8.7). C.cosyera in this season showed very low appearance, but the peak number was still in August (233.8±45.9). The evaluation of the spinosad in controlling fruit flies the resulted in highly decrease of the insects number. It was found that, in April the average of insects numbers collected was (947.22and 1001.67) for the treated and untreated orchards respectively. The numbers of insect were found decreased gradual during the months of May, June, July and August in the treated orchards 904.7, 760.22, 609.6 and 452.7, respectively, while in the untreated orchards it the number increased rapidly, the average numbers were 1003.67 , 1103.67, 1336.67and 1468.67 respectively for the months May, June, July and August .The statistical Analysis of the result showed that the decrease of the insects number every month is not significant between April and May but it was decrease in a highly Significant at (p<0.05) rate all through the treatment period .The infestation level of mango fruits in the treated orchards was found 2% compared with 68% for untreated one.

The zonatrac traps were found attracted less number of insects compared with that attracted by the Methyl Euginol traps. The difference was highly significant. The means of insects catches were (1671±808) and (355±150) for ME and Zonatrac traps respectively. The insects attracted by the ME were four fold than that attracted by zonatrac. Results showed that, all insects found was only Bacterocera invadens and there was no Bacterocera zonata in Shendi area