Biology of 'fruit-flies' (Diptera, Tephritidae). II: Infestation indices in different food-plants and localities.
Malavasi A., Morgante J. S.
Author Affiliation: Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociencias, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira de Biologia 40 : 17-24
Abstract : In this second part of a series on the tephritid fruit-flies of Brazil [see preceding abstract], data are presented on the levels of infestation recorded for the 14 most common species of fruits attacked (not necessarily the species of greatest economic importance). In decreasing order of degree of infestation, these were Eugenia uniflora, loquat (medlar), E. uvalha, peach, Campomanesia spp., Japanese cherry (Malpighia sp.), Passiflora spp., plum, Inga spp., Spondias spp., guava, mango and Averrhoa carambola. Although citrus is normally considered one of the principal host-fruits, fewer than half the localities sampled yielded infested fruits; mango and citrus appear thus to be secondary host-fruits. Anastrepha spp. were the most abundant species in 11 of the fruits; only in citrus were Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) and Silba spp. more abundant. The importance of wild fruits as a reservoir of infestation throughout the year is discussed.