Population Dynamics of Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephretidae) on Mangifera indica (L.) (Anacardiaceae) and Correlation with Weather Parameters

Abstract

The population dynamics of fruit fly Bactrocera zonata Saunders (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 the period 2021-22. The population of B. zonata 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 was maximum in 27th SMW and minimum during second SMW. The population decreased from August to January. There was a significant positive correlation of population of B. zonata with maximum temperature (r=0.33), minimum temperature (r=0.83), average temperature (r=0.77), evening relative humidity (r=0.50), average relative humidity (r=0.41), rainy days (r=0.38), rainfall (r=0.37) and wind velocity (0.66). However, there was a nonsignificant correlation of population of B. zonata with morning relative humidity and duration of bright sunshine hours.