Competitive Interactions between Immature Stages of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) and Bactrocera tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), and the pumpkin fly, Bactrocera tau (Walker), are economically important pests that attack mainly cucurbitacean fruits. The two fruit fly species have similar natural distributions, host ranges, and population growth capacities. This study was designed to assess the asymmetrical competitions through resource exploitation between the larvae of B. cucurbitae and B. tau at different density levels and temperatures, and on different hosts by comparing the relative effects of interspecific and intraspecific interactions on four life history parameters: survival rate, puparial mass, puparial duration, and developmental duration. Our results showed that intraspecific and interspecific competitions occurred under some laboratory conditions, and B. cucurbitae took advantage over B. tau at the high-density level and at low and high temperatures on pumpkin, bitter gourd, and bottle gourd when interspecific competition took place. Intraspecific and interspecific competitions mainly affected the puparial mass and the survival rate of the two fruit fly species but had no marked effect on the puparial duration or development duration.

Evaluation of chromatic cues for trappingBactrocera tau

“…They also found that coloured trap position did not significantly influence attraction efficiency, which was similar to our results. Previous studies have shown that B. tau and B. cucurbitae have similar natural distributions, host ranges, population growth capacities and ecological niches . Thus, one or more factors must have produced similar results.…”

Niche shift of tephritid species after the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) invasion in La Réunion

“…In addition, competition between females for egg‐laying sites could be an issue if B. dorsalis has a greater capacity for locating or exploiting the resource or if B. dorsalis uses the resource at an earlier stage than other fruit fly species (Rwomushana et al., 2009). In the case of co‐infestation of the same fruit, interactions between larvae could create interference or competition (Duyck et al., 2008; Rwomushana et al., 2009; Shen et al., 2014). In larval competition, the short duration of larval development of Bactrocera species appears to be an advantage (Duyck, David, & Quilici, 2007).…”

Defensive Mechanisms in Cucurbits against Melon Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) Infestation through Excessive Production of Defensive Enzymes and Antioxidants

“…The melon fly (cucurbit fruit fly), which is called the Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), consists of 4000 species with a wide distribution in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions across the globe [2]. It is a serious pest of cucurbitaceous fruits, causing damage to 81 host plants with the extent of fruit loss varying between 30% and 100% depending on the species and season of occurrence [3]. It prefers young, green, soft-skinned fruits for infestation.…”