Population dynamics of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) associated to mango varieties in the city of Jose de Freitas-Piauí-Brazil.
Feitosa S. S., Silva P. R. R., Pádua L. E. de M., Carvalho E. M. S., Paz J. K. da S., Paiva D. R. de
Author Affiliation: Institute Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária, Incra/Sede/DF, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura 30 : 112-117
Abstract : Piaui (Brazil) has a considerable mango area, being a great producer of this fruit. However, the presence of plagues such as fruit flies has provoked great impacts in the production chain, so these insects are part of a responsible group of great economic damages in mango tree culture. The knowledge of the population dynamics and the highest occurrence period of specific insect species of economic importance are indispensable requirement to establish an efficient and rational control. A study was conducted to determine the population dynamics of the fruit fly species associated to mango cultivars, as well as to correlate the fly occurrence with the monthly averages of temperature, precipitation and relative humidity, and evaluate the food baits used to capture the insects. The research was conducted from June 2004 to May 2005, in mango commercial orchards, with mango cultivars Tommy Atkins, Keitt, Kent and Palmer, located in José de Freitas, Piaui. Anastrepha obliqua and A. serpentina are the predominant fruit fly species in the mango crop.