Effect of secretions from the ant species Camponotus compressus and Messor himalayanus on Bactrocera dorsalis

Abstract

The mango fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a devastating pest of mango fruit. The present study was performed to investigate the potential of ants as biocontrol agents against B. dorsalis. The two predatory ant species Camponotus compressus (Fabricius) and Messor himalayanus (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were used in field and laboratory experiments against B. dorsalis. Mangifera indica (L.) (Anacardiaceae) mangoes were exposed to various numbers of ants. Females of B. dorsalis were monitored for landing, oviposition, and time spent on treated and untreated mango fruits. In a Y‐tube olfactometer, the response was tested of B. dorsalis towards mangoes that were either exposed or not to ants. Results showed that female adults oviposited 5× more on unexposed mangoes than on exposed mangoes. Ant secretions affected the behavior of B. dorsalis and reduced oviposition, number of landings, and time spent on the fruits. It can be concluded that a population of B. dorsalis might be controlled using the secretions of ants.