Population Dynamics of Fruit Fly, B. dorsalis (Hendle) on Mango and Correlation with Weather Parameters

Abstract

Investigation on the population dynamics of fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendle) (Diptera: Tephritidae) was carried out by installing "Nauroji-Stonehouse Fruit Fly Trap" in the mango orchard of organic farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India during 2021-22. The population of B. dorsalis prevailed throughout the year in mango orchard with its peak activity from 14th SMW to 31st SMW which coincided with the fruiting and harvesting period of fruits. The population of B. dorsalis decreased from August to February. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation of population of B. dorsalis with maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average temperature, evening relative humidity, average relative humidity, rainy days, rainfall and wind velocity but a significant negative correlation with duration of bright sunshine hours. However, there was a nonsignificant correlation of population of B. dorsalis with morning relative humidity.