Effect of mixed orchards on Population dynamics and dominant on Tephritid flies in the New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Peach Fruit Fly (PFF) Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) and of the Mediterranean fruit fly (MFF) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) are the most of dominant and destructive key pests in fruit orchards in different agro-ecosystem in Egypt. Population fluctuations of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and the peach fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) was monitored with lure traps collections in three provinces in the New Valley oases, Western Desert, Egypt. Results showed marked temporal differences in peak trap catches of the two flies in the selected sites all over the entire studied areas. One annual peak of C. capitata was recorded during both October and February and coincided with the ripening period of citrus trees in Kharga oases. However, two annual peaks were recorded during June and September in Bodkholow province and coincided with the ripening period of apple and mango. On the other hand, two annual peaks of B. zonata were recorded in Kharga oases throughout May and September and coincided with the ripening periods of apricot, mango and guava. One annual peak only was recorded round up of September and/or October in both of Moot and Bodkholow in Dakhla oases and coincided with the ripening period of mango, guava and citrus. Occurrence of C. capitata was very limited in comparison with B. zonata. Population fluctuations of the two pests in the studied sites were significantly different. The ability of the used traps in capturing both of C. capitata and B. zonata indicated that the yellow sticky trap was more effective in capturing C. capitata. However, Abdel-Kawi trap was significantly efficient in trapping B. zonata. Occurrence of B. zontata in high numbers all over the study period than C. capitata is considered as a good proof that this invading fly may be consider a vigor competitive tephritid fly to the native fly C. capitata.