Population fluctuations of the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel in relation to hosts and abiotic factors.
Shukla R. P., Prasad V. G.
Author Affiliation: Indian Inst. Hort. Res., Bangalore 560080, India.
Tropical Pest Management 31 : 273-275, 340, 344
Abstract : Fluctuations in adult populations of the tephritid Dacus dorsalis were studied in 2 guava orchards in Karnataka, India, in 1980 and 1981 using traps baited with methyl eugenol. Distinct population peaks were recorded in March-April, May-June and September-October each year. These coincided with ripening of guava and mango fruits, which are the major food-plants. Trap catches were significantly correlated with maximum and minimum temperatures, temperature sums and maximum relative humidity. The placement of traps in different directions and positions in orchards had no apparent effects on fly catches. However, traps placed in the edges of orchards caught significantly higher numbers of flies than traps placed in the centre.