Impact of Weather Parameters on Population Dynamics of Fruit Flies (Bactrocera sp.) on Phalsa (Grewia asiatica Linn.)

Abstract

Field experiments were meticulously conducted for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) at a phalsa orchard situated in the Regional Horticulture Research Station (RHRS), Raya, District-Samba. The primary aim of these experiments was to comprehensively examine the population dynamics of fruit flies and their susceptibility to variations in weather parameters. To this end, green valley fruit fly traps were strategically deployed throughout the orchard to monitor fruit fly populations. The outcomes of the study revealed that fruit fly activity commenced during the 15th standard week and reached its zenith during the 24th standard week in both years. Correlation analysis underscored a notably strong and positive correlation with maximum (0.575**) and minimum (0.696**) temperatures. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (–0.422*) was observed between morning relative humidity and fruit fly catches. However, the study did not find any statistically significant correlation between evening relative humidity, rainfall, and fruit fly captures. The weather conditions accounted for an impressive 59.70% of the observed variations in adult fruit fly trap catches of B. dorsalis and B. zonata on phalsa which highlighted the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the population dynamics of these fruit fly species in the phalsa crop ecosystem.