Tephritid Fruit Fly Species Composition, Seasonality, and Fruit Infestations in Two Central African Agro-Ecological Zones

<i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> and several Africa-native <i>Ceratitis</i> species are serious constraints to fruit production in sub-Saharan Africa. A long-term trapping and fruit collection study was conducted (2011–2016) in two contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Camero...

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Main Authors: Samuel Nanga Nanga, Rachid Hanna, Apollin Fotso Kuate, Komi K. M. Fiaboe, Ibrahim Nchoutnji, Michel Ndjab, Désiré Gnanvossou, Samira A. Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi, Champlain Djieto-Lordon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-11-01
Series:Insects
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/13/11/1045
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Summary:<i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> and several Africa-native <i>Ceratitis</i> species are serious constraints to fruit production in sub-Saharan Africa. A long-term trapping and fruit collection study was conducted (2011–2016) in two contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Cameroon to determine fruit fly species composition, seasonality, attraction to various lures and baits, and fruit infestation levels. Ten tephritid species from genera <i>Bactrocera</i>, <i>Ceratitis</i>, <i>Dacus</i>, and <i>Perilampsis</i> were captured in traps. <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> was the most dominant of the trapped species and persisted throughout the year, with peak populations in May–June. <i>Ceratitis</i> spp. were less abundant than <i>B. dorsalis</i>, with <i>Ceratitis anonae</i> dominating in the western highland zone and <i>Ceratitis cosyra</i> in the humid forest zone. Methyl eugenol and terpinyl acetate captured more <i>B. dorsalis</i> and <i>Ceratitis</i> spp., respectively than Torula yeast. The latter was the most effective food bait on all tephritid species compared with BioLure and Mazoferm. <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> was the dominant species emerging from incubated fruits, particularly mango, guava, and wild mango. Four plant species—<i>I. wombolu</i>, <i>Dacryodes edulis</i>, <i>Voacanga Africana</i> and <i>Trichoscypha abut</i>—were new host records for <i>B. dorsalis</i>. This study is the first long-duration and comprehensive assessment of frugivorous tephritid species composition, fruit infestations, and seasonality in Central Africa.
ISSN:2075-4450