Population Fluctuation of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Domestic Orchards in the Paraíba Swamp Region, Brazil

Abstract

Knowledge about the population fluctuation of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important tool for control methods adoption as recommended by Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The objective of the research was to evaluate the fruit flies population fluctuation in eight domestic orchards from Paraíba swamp region and to correlate this information with the plant phenology as well as the meteorological elements. This research was developed in two rural properties of each municipality, georeferenced, identified according to fruit species diversity criterion. Adult fruit flies capture were realized by plastic traps containing 300 ml of 5.0% hydrolyzed protein aqueous solution (Bio Anastrepha®) as food attractant. Climatic data were obtained daily by thermo hygrometers and through the Executive Agency of Water Management of the State of Paraíba - AESA. During the study period, a total of 3.159 fruit flies were collected, with 10 species belonging to the genus Anastrepha and one of the genus Ceratitis. Fruit flies infestation was observed monthly for both genera, Anastrepha and Ceratitis, however, this first stood out in the whole year. The MAD (captured flies number/traps installed number/collection days number) index in a few municipalities was superior to 0.5 being recommended to do fruit flies control in these areas. The seasonal occurrences, as well as the Tephritidae infestation rates in the domestic orchards are related to the availability of fruits.