Interference of tritrophic (grape × medfly × parasitoid) interactions by mineral and biomaterial films.

Fruit fly infestation is one of the main obstacles to the exportation of fresh agricultural produce. Films of mineral particles and biomaterials have the potential to protect fruits against tephritid fruit fly infestation. The present study evaluated the effects of particle films on the tritrophic interactions of grape (Vitis vinifera L.), the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) under semi-field conditions. Grapes were biometrically characterised (i.e. colour, firmness, mass, length and diameter), treated with mineral particles, biomaterials or distilled water (control), and then used in oviposition and parasitism bioassays. In the oviposition bioassay, the treated grapes were exposed to 50 C. capitata pairs in field cages, and after 48 h, the punctures and eggs on each fruit were counted. In the parasitism bioassay, treated grapes were artificially infested with third-instar C. capitata larvae (two per fruit), exposed (2 h) to 50 D. longicaudata pairs in field cages to determine parasitism index, larval and pupal viabilities and number of flies and parasitoids emerged. Treatment with the mineral film affected fruit colour and reduced C. capitata oviposition but failed to significantly affect the parasitism capacity of D. longicaudata. The ability of the parasitoid to locate and parasitise C. capitata larvae in kaolin-coated fruits suggests that kaolin films could be used in conjunction with biological agents to control fruit flies.

Medfly Population Suppression through Augmentative Release of an Introduced Parasitoid in an Irrigated Multi-Fruit Orchard of Central-Western Argentina.

Biological control through the augmentative release of parasitoids is an important complementary tool that may be incorporated into other strategies for the eradication/eco-friendly control of pest fruit flies. However, not much information is available on the effectiveness of fruit fly parasitoids as biocontrol agents in semi-arid and temperate fruit-growing regions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of augmentative releases of the larval parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) on Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (medfly) populations over two fruit seasons (2013 and 2014) on a 10 ha irrigated fruit farm in San Juan province, central-western Argentina. The parasitoids were mass reared on irradiated medfly larvae of the Vienna-8 temperature-sensitive lethal genetic sexing strain. About 1692 (±108) parasitoids/ha were released per each of the 13 periods throughout each fruit season. Another similar farm was chosen as a control of non-parasitoid release. The numbers of captured adult flies in food-baited traps and of recovered fly puparia from sentinel fruits were considered the main variables to analyze the effect of parasitoid release on fly population suppression using a generalized least squares model. The results showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the medfly population on the parasitoid release farm when compared to the Control farm, demonstrating the effectiveness of augmentative biological control using this exotic parasitoid. Thus, D. longicaudata could be used in combination with other medfly suppression strategies in the fruit production valleys of San Juan.

Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Properties of Moroccan Lavandula dentata and Lavandula stoechas Essential Oils Against Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata.

The current study describes the chemical composition and insecticidal activities of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lavandula dentata L. and Lavandula stoechas L. against the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a worldwide fruit pest. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed that L. dentata oil contained camphor (50.8%), 1,8-cineole (6.6%), ß-selinene (5%), and borneol (3.2%) as major components. On the other hand, L. stoechas EO was characterized by high contents of camphor (44%), camphene (14.8%), fenchone (9.1%), and 1-10-diepi-cubenol (4.6%). The toxic impact of EOs against C. capitata was evaluated through ingestion and contact methods. All of the EOs were toxic to C. capitata, and insect mortality was dose and time-dependent. In ingestion toxicity assays, L. dentata was the most toxic oil with an LC50 (lethal concentration for 50% mortality) of 6.54% for males and 10.21% for females. Topical applications revealed that all the EOs had a good insecticidal activity at 24 h. The results of this study show that L. dentata and L. stoechas EOs may reduce the risks associated with the use of synthetic insecticides and may also be considered as a potent source for the production of botanical insecticides against C. capitata.

Impact of diseases and pests on premature fruit drop in sweet orange orchards in São Paulo state citrus belt, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Despite technical improvements in the citrus chain and leadership in orange production achieved in the past decades, premature fruit drop remains a major component of crop loss in São Paulo state citrus belt, the largest sweet orange production area in the world. The present study aimed to determine, during five consecutive seasons, the impact of the diseases and pests on premature fruit drop in the orange belt. RESULTS: Fruit drop due to the main diseases and pests averaged approximately 11.0%, which corresponded to approximately 63% of the annual fruit drop. The average fruit drop rate due to fruit borer and fruit flies combined was 4.0%, Huanglongbing (HLB) 3.3%, black spot 2.6%, leprosis 1.0% and citrus canker 0.3%. The average amount of fruit drop (million 40.8 kg boxes) and value of crop losses (million US$ dollars), in five seasons, were 12.7 and 66.2 for fruit borer/fruit flies, 11.0 and 57.9 for HLB, 8.1 and 42.2 for black spot, 3.1 and 15.6 for leprosis, and 0.9 and 4.9 for citrus canker, respectively. CONCLUSION: Fruit borer and fruit flies (combined), HLB, black spot, leprosis and citrus canker are, in this order, the main diseases and pests in the orange belt of São Paulo state. All of these causes significantly increased the overall fruit drop rate in the evaluated seasons. The results will contribute to the development of the Brazilian citrus industry, while showing to other citrus-growing regions the potential that diseases and pests have to jeopardize production. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tritrophic relations and spatial distribution of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Cerrado and Caatinga regions in Piauí, Brazil

ABSTRACT Knowledge about the spatial distribution of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and tritrophic interactions (fruit-fruit fly parasitoid) contributes to the monitoring and maintenance of the numerical density at a level lower than economic damage. The purpose of this study was to identify the spatial distribution and associations of fruit flies with their parasitoids and host plants in the municipality of Bom Jesus-PI. The flies were obtained from fruit collection from July 2018 to May 2019. A total of 1,711 individuals were obtained, represented by six species: Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835), An. fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830), An. alveata Stone, 1942, An. sororcula Zucchi, 1979, An. zenildae Zucchi, 1979 and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824). Anastrepha obliqua was the species with the widest distribution throughout the ecotone area. Ceratitis capitata is distributed only in the urban perimeter. A tritrophic relationship occurred between four species of parasitoids, Asobara anastrephae (Muesebeck, 1958) or Opius sp. associated with An. obliqua in Spondias mombin or S. tuberosa fruits. Opius sp. has also been associated with An. alveata in Ximenia americana. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae was obtained from C. capitata in Malpighia emarginata, in addition to An. obliqua in Averrhoa carambola. Therefore, fruit flies are associated with native fruit trees (S. tuberosa, S. mombin, S. purpurea, P. acutangulum, Inga laurina, X. americana) and exotic fruits (M. emarginata, A. carambola, P. guajava). Ceratitis capitata was recorded for the first time in the state of Piauí infesting I. laurina (Sw.) Willd. This is the first record of the parasitoid genus Spalangia. in An. obliqua in Piauí and in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Offseason Medfly Trapping Using Makeshift Fruit-Based and Wine Vinegar Baits.

Development of cost-effective traps and attractants is important for sustainable pest management. In the case of the Medfly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, a worldwide pest of fruit production, recent interest in development of mass trapping strategies and low-cost easy-to-get artisanal traps for resource poor grower use has prompted renewed interest in research on attractants and traps. Additionally, such interest is also rooted on the need for effective female attractants to monitor wild population dynamics under male-only sterile fly releases. Response of wild flies and sterile males to makeshift traps (modified polyethylene terephthalate (pet) bottles) baited with fruit juice and wine vinegar dilutions with and without the addition of sugar revealed that a 50% dilution of wine vinegar or sweetened orange juice were more attractive than the standard Torula baits during the offseason (after harvest) in a peach orchard in arid irrigated valleys of San Juan Argentina. Such results suggest that volatiles from orange peel and juice are good candidates for development of Medfly attractants, and that pet bottles baited with sweetened orange juice and wine vinegar may be used by small growers and homeowners as low-cost-effective traps for Medfly control. Our results also suggest that Medfly response to food-based and fruit-based volatiles may be seasonally dynamic, a finding with important pest management implications.

Side effects of a mixture of essential oils on Psyttalia concolor.

Integrated Pest Management programs do not always prioritize natural enemies when selecting control methods; too often these important pest reducing agents are negatively affected by the action of other methods in agroecosystems. The aim of this research was to evaluate side effects of a bioinsecticide, developed from the mixture of cedar (Cedrus atlantica), eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oils (EOs), in a ratio of 1:1:1, on Psyttalia concolor (Szèpligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) which is a parasitoid of some pests of the Tephritidae family, as Ceratitis capitata. The LD50 of the EOs mixture for C. capitata females was 3.09 µl/g, whereas the LD50 for P. concolor females was 20.45 µl/g which suggests the natural enemy is more tolerant to the EOs mixture. P. concolor parasitized L3 larvae of C. capitata through a voile treated with the mixture of EOs at 1.8% without causing any deleterious effects neither on the percentage of attacked hosts nor on the emergence rate, whereas at the highest concentration tested, 4.8%, decreased both parameters during the 2 first days after treatment. Semi-field assays showed that mixture of EOs was harmless to P. concolor when released 4 h after treatment whereas killed 55 ± 3.9% males and 37.5 ± 1.6% females of C. capitata. The mixture of EOs used jointly with lambda-cyhalothrin or kaolin, both compounds applied against C. capitata in conventional and organic farming, respectively, did not increase the toxicity and/or persistence against the pest.

Frugivorous flies and their parasitoids associated with native fruits in an urban area / Moscas frugívoras e seus parasitoides associados a frutos nativos em área urbana

This study aimed to know the species of frugivorous flies (Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) and their parasitoids associated with fruits in home orchards. It was conducted in the Gurgueia Valley, municipality of Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. Fruit collection was carried out from April to December 2016. A total of 959 fruits (12 kg) belonging to seven fruit species were sampled, such as acerola (Malpighia glabra), carambola (Averrhoa carambola), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), balsam pear (Momordica charantia), cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata), umbu-cajá (Spondias bahiensis), and purple mombin (Spondias purpurea). Only three among these species (acerola, umbu-cajá, and purple mombin) were host, with 2,770 frugivorous flies. Umbu-cajá hosted 316 specimens of Anastrepha obliqua, from which puparia have emerged 84 specimens of Opius bellus and four of Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Purple mombin hosted Ceratitis capitata (2,384 specimens), Neosilba pendula (69 specimens), and Anastrepha sp. (one male). Eleven specimens of Tetrastichus giffardianus emerged from the puparia of C. capitata. Acerola hosted only one female of C. capitata and six specimens of N. pendula. Ceratitis capitata and N. pendula were recorded for the first-time infesting fruits of purple mombin in Piauí. Tetrastichus giffardianus parasitizing C. capitata in purple mombin was first recorded in the state of Piauí. Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae is a new record in A. obliqua in umbu-cajá in Brazil.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer as espécies de moscas frugívoras (Tephritidae e Lonchaeidae) e seus parasitoides associados a frutos em pomares domésticos. O estudo foi conduzido no vale do Gurgueia, município de Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brasil. As coletas de frutos foram realizadas de abril a dezembro de 2016. Foram amostrados 959 frutos (12 kg), pertencentes a sete espécies de frutíferas, tais como, acerola [Malpighia glabra], carambola [Averrhoa carambola], citros [Citrus aurantifolia], melão-de-são-caetano [Momordica charantia], cereja-da-terra [Eugenia involucrata], umbu-cajá [Spondias bahiensis] e ciriguela [Spondias purpurea]. Dessas, apenas três espécies foram hospedeiras - acerola, umbu-cajá e ciriguela, das quais obtiveram-se 2.770 moscas frugívoras. Em umbu-cajá, obtiveram-se 316 espécimes de Anastrepha obliqua, de cujos pupários emergiram 84 exemplares de Opius bellus e quatro de Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Em ciriguela, obtiveram-se Ceratitis capitata (2.384), Neosilba pendula (69) e um macho de Anastrepha sp. Onze espécimes de Tetrastichus giffardianus emergiram dos pupários de C. capitata. Em acerola, obteve-se apenas uma fêmea de C. capitata, além de seis espécimes de N. pendula. Ceratitis capitata e N. pendula são registradas pela primeira vez infestando frutos de ciriguela no Piauí. Tetrastichus giffardianus parasitando C. capitata em ciriguela é registrado pela primeira vez no estado do Piauí. Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae é novo registro em A. obliqua em umbu-cajá no Brasil.(AU)

Frugivorous flies and their parasitoids associated with native fruits in an urban area / Moscas frugívoras e seus parasitoides associados a frutos nativos em área urbana

This study aimed to know the species of frugivorous flies (Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) and their parasitoids associated with fruits in home orchards. It was conducted in the Gurgueia Valley, municipality of Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. Fruit collection was carried out from April to December 2016. A total of 959 fruits (12 kg) belonging to seven fruit species were sampled, such as acerola (Malpighia glabra), carambola (Averrhoa carambola), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), balsam pear (Momordica charantia), cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata), umbu-cajá (Spondias bahiensis), and purple mombin (Spondias purpurea). Only three among these species (acerola, umbu-cajá, and purple mombin) were host, with 2,770 frugivorous flies. Umbu-cajá hosted 316 specimens of Anastrepha obliqua, from which puparia have emerged 84 specimens of Opius bellus and four of Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Purple mombin hosted Ceratitis capitata (2,384 specimens), Neosilba pendula (69 specimens), and Anastrepha sp. (one male). Eleven specimens of Tetrastichus giffardianus emerged from the puparia of C. capitata. Acerola hosted only one female of C. capitata and six specimens of N. pendula. Ceratitis capitata and N. pendula were recorded for the first-time infesting fruits of purple mombin in Piauí. Tetrastichus giffardianus parasitizing C. capitata in purple mombin was first recorded in the state of Piauí. Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae is a new record in A. obliqua in umbu-cajá in Brazil.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer as espécies de moscas frugívoras (Tephritidae e Lonchaeidae) e seus parasitoides associados a frutos em pomares domésticos. O estudo foi conduzido no vale do Gurgueia, município de Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brasil. As coletas de frutos foram realizadas de abril a dezembro de 2016. Foram amostrados 959 frutos (12 kg), pertencentes a sete espécies de frutíferas, tais como, acerola [Malpighia glabra], carambola [Averrhoa carambola], citros [Citrus aurantifolia], melão-de-são-caetano [Momordica charantia], cereja-da-terra [Eugenia involucrata], umbu-cajá [Spondias bahiensis] e ciriguela [Spondias purpurea]. Dessas, apenas três espécies foram hospedeiras - acerola, umbu-cajá e ciriguela, das quais obtiveram-se 2.770 moscas frugívoras. Em umbu-cajá, obtiveram-se 316 espécimes de Anastrepha obliqua, de cujos pupários emergiram 84 exemplares de Opius bellus e quatro de Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Em ciriguela, obtiveram-se Ceratitis capitata (2.384), Neosilba pendula (69) e um macho de Anastrepha sp. Onze espécimes de Tetrastichus giffardianus emergiram dos pupários de C. capitata. Em acerola, obteve-se apenas uma fêmea de C. capitata, além de seis espécimes de N. pendula. Ceratitis capitata e N. pendula são registradas pela primeira vez infestando frutos de ciriguela no Piauí. Tetrastichus giffardianus parasitando C. capitata em ciriguela é registrado pela primeira vez no estado do Piauí. Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae é novo registro em A. obliqua em umbu-cajá no Brasil.

Exposure to essential oils and ethanol vapors affect fecundity and survival of two frugivorous fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) pest species.

Plant-derived compounds can be an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticide use for pest management. Essential oils (EOs) in several plant families have been found to be toxic to various pest species of insects through topical application, ingestion, and as fumigants. Previous studies revealed that, among various environmentally friendly insecticides, the EOs of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Pinus elliottii and an ethanol extract of Solanum granulosoleprosum plus Ricinus communis, were toxic to Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) when applied topically to pupae or when ingested by adults. Here, we aimed to examine the potentially toxic effects of these plant-derived compounds when these two pestiferous fruit fly species were exposed to their vapors. We also examined their fumigant effect on female fecundity and fertility and compared it with water and ethanol controls. Exposure of C. capitata and A. fraterculus sexually mature adults to volatiles and vapors of both B. dracunculifolia and P. elliottii EOs resulted in lower longevity (half-life), survivorship, and female fecundity than the water vapor control. Toxicity of C. capitata was greater for P. elliottii than for B. dracunculifolia while the reverse was true for A. fraterculus. Exposure to vapors of S. granulosoleprosum + R. communis (S + R) had no effect on longevity but reduced survivorship of adults of both species. Interestingly, exposure to vapors of S + R, 50% (v/v) and pure ethanol resulted in greater fecundity of females of both frugivorous fly species than the water control. By contrast, fertility (% egg hatch) was in all cases high (>85%) and not different than the water control. Exposure to ethanol vapors appears to have similar effects on frugivorous tephritids as those reported on saprophagous and frugivorous species of Drosophila, a novel finding that may have important practical implications.

Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae) Is Not a Host of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Evidence from Multi-Year Field and Laboratory Studies in Colombia.

Scientifically-based, tephritid fly host status determination lies at the heart of strategic regulatory decisions impinging on international fruit trade. Here we conducted intensive field and laboratory studies with peaches as controls, to determine the host status of Physalis peruviana for the Medfly-Ceratitis capitata, as this fruit is experiencing a consumption boom worldwide. A total of 98,132 Uchuvas (local name), collected in Colombia from the plant or the ground over a three-year period (2016-2018) did not yield a single C. capitata larva or pupa, thus reaching a Probit 9 level with 99.9968% efficacy and 96% confidence level. Field-cage studies with enclosed fruit-bearing Uchuva plants, exposing fruit with an intact, damaged or totally removed husk to the attack of C. capitata, also failed to yield infestations. Highly artificial choice experiments, exposing gravid females to unripe and fully ripe fruit, resulted in an absence of infestations, even when overripe Uchuvas were artificially damaged. The husk and surface resins/waxes inhibit fly landings on fruit and oviposition activity. Considering our results and the fact that the foliage, husk and fruit of P. peruviana are repellent/toxic to insects, we conclude that this plant should be treated as a non-natural and non-conditional host of C. capitata.

Insecticidal effects of Vernonanthura nebularum against two economically important pest insects.

Vernonanthura nebularum (Cabrera) H. Rob. (Asteraceae), an endemic species from the north of Argentina, is a rich source of elephantopus-type sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds have proved to be promising antiparasitic agents, but there is no report about their action against pest insects. In this work we studied for the first time the antifeedant and toxic effects of V. nebularum natural products against the fall army warm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith and the oviposition deterrent activity against the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann. As a result, we found that extracts, fractions composed of sesquiterpene lactones and pure sesquiterpene lactones altered larval feeding behavior in the food choice test. Nutritional parameters of S. frugiperda larvae were also affected. Fraction II (300 µg/g of diet.), containing compounds 1, 2 and 3, was the most toxic substance with 80% pupal mortality and wing malformations in adults. In oviposition deterrent experiments against Ceratitis capitata, we observed a moderate effect at 30 µg/cm2 of the test compound. The most active substances were the methanolic extract, dichloromethane subextract and lactone 2. According to our results, V. nebularum natural products could be used for maximizing the effectiveness and specificity in future insecticide design with specific or multiple target sites, while ensuring the economic and ecological sustainability, in addition to combat the increasing resistance rates developed by synthetic pesticides.

Rearing two fruit flies pests on artificial diet with variable pH / Criação de duas moscas-das-frutas praga em dieta artificial com variação de pH

Abstract Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are considered the main fruit pests worldwide. In Brazil, two species are predominant: the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. In this study, we evaluated the effect of artificial diets with variable pH in their larval development and adult performance. The experiments were carried out in the laboratory at 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 12:12h (L:D) photoperiod. Semisolid diets with pH values of 6.0, 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0, adjusted by adding hydrochloric acid were tested. Results indicated that the diet with pH 6.0 did not support larval development of both species of fruit fly. Diets with greater acidic pH values did not allow egg, larvae or pupae development and adult reproduction of A. fraterculus. For C. capitata , the pH of artificial diet exerts greater influence compared to A. fraterculus on the duration and viability of the larval stage, number of pupae, sex ratio and longevity of males.

Resumo As moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) são consideradas as principais pragas da fruticultura mundial. No Brasil, duas espécies são predomindantes: a mosca-das-frutas Sul-americana, Anastrepha fraterculus e a mosca-do-Mediterrâneo, Ceratitis capitata. Neste estudo avaliamos o efeito de dietas artificiais com pH variável no seu desenvolvimento larval e performance de adultos. Os experimentos foram realizados em laboratório a 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% UR e fotoperíodo de 12:12 horas. Foram testadas dietas semi-sólidas com valores de pH de 6,0; 5,0; 4,0; 3,0; 2,0; 1,5 e 1,0, ajustados pela adição de ácido clorídrico. Os resultados indicaram que a dieta com pH 6,0 não suportou o desenvolvimento larval de ambas as espécies de mosca-das-frutas. As dietas com pH ácido não permitiram o desenvolvimento de ovos, larvas ou pupas e a reprodução de adultos de A. fraterculus. Para C. capitata o pH da dieta artificial exerceu maior influência do que para A. fraterculus nos parâmetros de duração e viabilidade do estágio larval, número de pupas, razão sexual e longevidade de machos.

Potential of locally sustainable food baits and traps against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata in Bolivia.

BACKGROUND: Small-scale farmers often take a double hit from pests such as tephritid fruit-flies. The high price of products against fruit-flies, together with the higher risk of reinfestation from neighboring orchards, limits options for control. Therefore, management requires low-cost local products and concerted action. Peach production in central Bolivia is increasingly affected by invasive Ceratitis capitata. To provide locally sustainable techniques that could incentivize area-wide cooperation of growers, we tested efficiency and specificity of low-cost lures and traps compared with commercial lures and traps (Tephritrap). RESULTS: In the laboratory, the local fermented beverage 'chicha' and baker's yeast were equally or more attractive than commercial lures. Both chicha and baker's yeast trapped more flies in field (average FTD 10.31 and 9.49), whereas commercially hydrolyzed protein lure (4.71) or Torula yeast (6.82). However, many non-target species were caught (57.3% and 53.4%). Of the six PET bottles-based traps used, the T-trap caught a similar number of flies (average FTD 5.55), but fewer beneficial insects (0.16) compared to the Tephritrap (0.92). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides fruit growers with an economical and effective method to capture large numbers of C. capitata, suitable to be part of integrated pest management programs for fruit fly control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oviposition preference and biological performance of Ceratitis capitata in Anacardiaceae, Cactaceae and Vitaceae fruit / Preferência de oviposição e performance biológica de Ceratitis capitata em frutos de Anacardiaceae, Cactaceae e Vitaceae

The objective of this study was to compare the use of fruits of great economic and social importance for the northeast of Brazil by Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) for oviposition, larval development, size and longevity of adults. Fruits of mango (Mangifera indica L.), quiabento (Pereskia bahiensis Gürke), forage palm [Opuntia fícus indica (L.) Mill] and grape (Vitis vinifera L.) were used, as well as flies from a hybrid laboratory population. Initially, four treatments (fruits) and six replications were used; the fruits were offered to 10 C. capitata couples, with later (96 hours) egg count. The second was conducted with six treatments and 10 replicates, offering two types of fruits simultaneously, combined two to two, to 10 C. capitata couples. The last bioassay comprised four treatments and six replicates, where 20 g of fruit were offered to 20 first-instar C. capitata larvae. After six days, the larvae were placed in plastic pots containing vermiculite until pupation, quantifying larval and pupal periods, viability and pupal mass, besides longevity and adult size. The data were submitted to ANOVA using the R Core Team software. Ceratitis capitata oviposits and completes its biological cycle in the four hosts studied, exhibiting no preference for oviposition and low biological performance in quiabento fruits. It yielded smaller adults and lower grape survival. Cactaceae palm and quiabento allow the survival of C. capitata in the laboratory, and this knowledge has been reported for the first time, proving that they can act as alternative hosts in the field.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a utilização de frutos de importância econômica e social para o nordeste do Brasil por Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) para oviposição, desenvolvimento larval, tamanho e longevidade de adultos. Foram utilizados frutos de manga (Mangifera indica L.), quiabento (Pereskia bahiensis Gürke), palma-forrageira [Opuntia fícus indica (L.) Mill] e uva (Vitis vinifera L.) e moscas procedentes de uma população híbrida de laboratório. Inicialmente, utilizaram-se quatro tratamentos (frutos) e seis repetições, com o oferecimento dos frutos a 10 casais de C. capitata, com posterior (96 horas) contagem de ovos. O segundo teste foi conduzido com seis tratamentos e 10 repetições, oferecendo-se dois tipos de frutos simultaneamente, combinados dois a dois, a 10 casais de C. capitata. O último bioensaio compreendeu quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, sendo oferecidos 20 g de fruto a 20 larvas de primeiro instar de C. capitata. Após seis dias, as larvas foram colocadas em potes plásticos contendo vermiculita até a empupação, quantificando-se: períodos larval e pupal, viabilidade e massa pupal e longevidade e tamanho do adulto. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) pelo Programa R Core Team. Ceratitis capitata oviposita e completa seu ciclo biológico nos quatro hospedeiros estudados, exibindo não preferência para oviposição e baixa performance biológica em frutos de quiabento. Este proporcionou adultos menores e a uva permitiu a menor sobrevivência. As cactáceas palma e quiabento permitem a sobrevivência de C. capitata em laboratório, sendo esse conhecimento relatado pela primeira vez, comprovando que essas espécies podem atuar como hospedeiros alternativos no campo.(AU)

Does Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have a preferential instar to parasitize Tephritidae (Diptera)? / Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) tem um ínstar preferencial para parasitar Tephritidae (Diptera)?

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) is a koinobiont parasitoid of Tephritidae larvae, the third instar larvae of which is considered preferential, but it is able to parasitize other larval stages and compete with native parasitoids. This study investigated the preference and parasitism capacity of D. longicaudata in larvae of different instar of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (AF) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (CC). The experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions, one instar being offered at a time in parasitism units, with the following choices among the hosts: 25 AF larvae and 25 CC larvae (first, second and third instar were evaluated). The other test was a multiple-choice in relation to the instar, for larvae of the same host species, with three parasitism units being offered, with 15 larvae of each instar. The mean number of formed pupae, emerged parasitoids, parasitized pupae, unviable pupae and sex ratio were evaluated. In the first bioassay, the mean number of emerged parasitoids and parasitized pupae in the AF host were significantly higher in treatments with first and second instar larvae. For CC there was no difference between the instars tested. In the second bioassay, the mean value of emerged parasitoids and parasitized pupae, was higher in second and third instar larvae for CC, and for AF was in second instar larvae. The sex ratio was biased for males in all treatments in both bioassays. The results show that D. longicaudata can parasitize and be successful in all available larval instars, being able to compete with parasitoids of any instar.(AU)

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) é um parasitoide coinobionte de larvas de Tephritidae sendo que o terceiro ínstar larval é tido como o preferencial, mas pode parasitar outros estágios larvais e competir com os parasitoides nativos. Este estudo investigou a preferência e capacidade de parasitismo de D. longicaudata em larvas de diferentes ínstares de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (AF) e Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (CC). Os experimentos foram realizados em condições laboratoriais, sendo oferecido um ínstar por vez em unidades de parasitismo, havendo escolha entre os hospedeiros: 25 larvas de AF e 25 larvas de CC (foram avaliadas larvas de primeiro, segundo e terceiro ínstar). O outro teste foi de múltipla escolha em relação ao ínstar, para larvas da mesma espécie hospedeira, sendo oferecidas três unidades de parasitismo, com 15 larvas de cada ínstar. Avaliou-se o número médio de pupários formados, parasitoides emergidos, pupários parasitados, pupas inviáveis e razão sexual. No primeiro bioensaio o número médio de parasitoides emergidos e pupários parasitados no hospedeiro AF foram significativamente superiores nos tratamentos com larvas de primeiro e segundo ínstar. Para CC não houve diferença entre os ínstares testados. No segundo bioensaio, o valor médio de parasitoides emergidos e de pupas parasitadas foi maior nas larvas de segundo e terceiro ínstar para CC, e para AF nas larvas de segundo ínstar. A razão sexual foi desviada para machos em todos os tratamentos, nos dois bioensaios. Os resultados demostram que D. longicaudata pode parasitar e ter sucesso em qualquer ínstar larval disponível, podendo competir com parasitoides de qualquer ínstar.(AU)

Rearing two fruit flies pests on artificial diet with variable pH / Criação de duas moscas-das-frutas praga em dieta artificial com variação de pH

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are considered the main fruit pests worldwide. In Brazil, two species are predominant: the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. In this study, we evaluated the effect of artificial diets with variable pH in their larval development and adult performance. The experiments were carried out in the laboratory at 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 12:12h (L:D) photoperiod. Semisolid diets with pH values of 6.0, 5.0, 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.5, and 1.0, adjusted by adding hydrochloric acid were tested. Results indicated that the diet with pH 6.0 did not support larval development of both species of fruit fly. Diets with greater acidic pH values did not allow egg, larvae or pupae development and adult reproduction of A. fraterculus. For C. capitata , the pH of artificial diet exerts greater influence compared to A. fraterculus on the duration and viability of the larval stage, number of pupae, sex ratio and longevity of males.(AU)

As moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) são consideradas as principais pragas da fruticultura mundial. No Brasil, duas espécies são predomindantes: a mosca-das-frutas Sul-americana, Anastrepha fraterculus e a mosca-do-Mediterrâneo, Ceratitis capitata. Neste estudo avaliamos o efeito de dietas artificiais com pH variável no seu desenvolvimento larval e performance de adultos. Os experimentos foram realizados em laboratório a 25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10% UR e fotoperíodo de 12:12 horas. Foram testadas dietas semi-sólidas com valores de pH de 6,0; 5,0; 4,0; 3,0; 2,0; 1,5 e 1,0, ajustados pela adição de ácido clorídrico. Os resultados indicaram que a dieta com pH 6,0 não suportou o desenvolvimento larval de ambas as espécies de mosca-das-frutas. As dietas com pH ácido não permitiram o desenvolvimento de ovos, larvas ou pupas e a reprodução de adultos de A. fraterculus. Para C. capitata o pH da dieta artificial exerceu maior influência do que para A. fraterculus nos parâmetros de duração e viabilidade do estágio larval, número de pupas, razão sexual e longevidade de machos.(AU)

Does Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have a preferential instar to parasitize Tephritidae (Diptera)? / Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) tem um ínstar preferencial para parasitar Tephritidae (Diptera)?

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) is a koinobiont parasitoid of Tephritidae larvae, the third instar larvae of which is considered preferential, but it is able to parasitize other larval stages and compete with native parasitoids. This study investigated the preference and parasitism capacity of D. longicaudata in larvae of different instar of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (AF) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (CC). The experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions, one instar being offered at a time in parasitism units, with the following choices among the hosts: 25 AF larvae and 25 CC larvae (first, second and third instar were evaluated). The other test was a multiple-choice in relation to the instar, for larvae of the same host species, with three parasitism units being offered, with 15 larvae of each instar. The mean number of formed pupae, emerged parasitoids, parasitized pupae, unviable pupae and sex ratio were evaluated. In the first bioassay, the mean number of emerged parasitoids and parasitized pupae in the AF host were significantly higher in treatments with first and second instar larvae. For CC there was no difference between the instars tested. In the second bioassay, the mean value of emerged parasitoids and parasitized pupae, was higher in second and third instar larvae for CC, and for AF was in second instar larvae. The sex ratio was biased for males in all treatments in both bioassays. The results show that D. longicaudata can parasitize and be successful in all available larval instars, being able to compete with parasitoids of any instar.

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) é um parasitoide coinobionte de larvas de Tephritidae sendo que o terceiro ínstar larval é tido como o preferencial, mas pode parasitar outros estágios larvais e competir com os parasitoides nativos. Este estudo investigou a preferência e capacidade de parasitismo de D. longicaudata em larvas de diferentes ínstares de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (AF) e Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (CC). Os experimentos foram realizados em condições laboratoriais, sendo oferecido um ínstar por vez em unidades de parasitismo, havendo escolha entre os hospedeiros: 25 larvas de AF e 25 larvas de CC (foram avaliadas larvas de primeiro, segundo e terceiro ínstar). O outro teste foi de múltipla escolha em relação ao ínstar, para larvas da mesma espécie hospedeira, sendo oferecidas três unidades de parasitismo, com 15 larvas de cada ínstar. Avaliou-se o número médio de pupários formados, parasitoides emergidos, pupários parasitados, pupas inviáveis e razão sexual. No primeiro bioensaio o número médio de parasitoides emergidos e pupários parasitados no hospedeiro AF foram significativamente superiores nos tratamentos com larvas de primeiro e segundo ínstar. Para CC não houve diferença entre os ínstares testados. No segundo bioensaio, o valor médio de parasitoides emergidos e de pupas parasitadas foi maior nas larvas de segundo e terceiro ínstar para CC, e para AF nas larvas de segundo ínstar. A razão sexual foi desviada para machos em todos os tratamentos, nos dois bioensaios. Os resultados demostram que D. longicaudata pode parasitar e ter sucesso em qualquer ínstar larval disponível, podendo competir com parasitoides de qualquer ínstar.

Does Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have a preferential instar to parasitize Tephritidae (Diptera)?

ABSTRACT Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) is a koinobiont parasitoid of Tephritidae larvae, the third instar larvae of which is considered preferential, but it is able to parasitize other larval stages and compete with native parasitoids. This study investigated the preference and parasitism capacity of D. longicaudata in larvae of different instar of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (AF) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (CC). The experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions, one instar being offered at a time in parasitism units, with the following choices among the hosts: 25 AF larvae and 25 CC larvae (first, second and third instar were evaluated). The other test was a multiple-choice in relation to the instar, for larvae of the same host species, with three parasitism units being offered, with 15 larvae of each instar. The mean number of formed pupae, emerged parasitoids, parasitized pupae, unviable pupae and sex ratio were evaluated. In the first bioassay, the mean number of emerged parasitoids and parasitized pupae in the AF host were significantly higher in treatments with first and second instar larvae. For CC there was no difference between the instars tested. In the second bioassay, the mean value of emerged parasitoids and parasitized pupae, was higher in second and third instar larvae for CC, and for AF was in second instar larvae. The sex ratio was biased for males in all treatments in both bioassays. The results show that D. longicaudata can parasitize and be successful in all available larval instars, being able to compete with parasitoids of any instar.

RESUMO Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) é um parasitoide coinobionte de larvas de Tephritidae sendo que o terceiro ínstar larval é tido como o preferencial, mas pode parasitar outros estágios larvais e competir com os parasitoides nativos. Este estudo investigou a preferência e capacidade de parasitismo de D. longicaudata em larvas de diferentes ínstares de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (AF) e Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (CC). Os experimentos foram realizados em condições laboratoriais, sendo oferecido um ínstar por vez em unidades de parasitismo, havendo escolha entre os hospedeiros: 25 larvas de AF e 25 larvas de CC (foram avaliadas larvas de primeiro, segundo e terceiro ínstar). O outro teste foi de múltipla escolha em relação ao ínstar, para larvas da mesma espécie hospedeira, sendo oferecidas três unidades de parasitismo, com 15 larvas de cada ínstar. Avaliou-se o número médio de pupários formados, parasitoides emergidos, pupários parasitados, pupas inviáveis e razão sexual. No primeiro bioensaio o número médio de parasitoides emergidos e pupários parasitados no hospedeiro AF foram significativamente superiores nos tratamentos com larvas de primeiro e segundo ínstar. Para CC não houve diferença entre os ínstares testados. No segundo bioensaio, o valor médio de parasitoides emergidos e de pupas parasitadas foi maior nas larvas de segundo e terceiro ínstar para CC, e para AF nas larvas de segundo ínstar. A razão sexual foi desviada para machos em todos os tratamentos, nos dois bioensaios. Os resultados demostram que D. longicaudata pode parasitar e ter sucesso em qualquer ínstar larval disponível, podendo competir com parasitoides de qualquer ínstar.

Oviposition preference and biological performance of Ceratitis capitata in Anacardiaceae, Cactaceae and Vitaceae fruit / Preferência de oviposição e performance biológica de Ceratitis capitata em frutos de Anacardiaceae, Cactaceae e Vitaceae

The objective of this study was to compare the use of fruits of great economic and social importance for the northeast of Brazil by Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) for oviposition, larval development, size and longevity of adults. Fruits of mango (Mangifera indica L.), quiabento (Pereskia bahiensis Gürke), forage palm [Opuntia fícus indica (L.) Mill] and grape (Vitis vinifera L.) were used, as well as flies from a hybrid laboratory population. Initially, four treatments (fruits) and six replications were used; the fruits were offered to 10 C. capitata couples, with later (96 hours) egg count. The second was conducted with six treatments and 10 replicates, offering two types of fruits simultaneously, combined two to two, to 10 C. capitata couples. The last bioassay comprised four treatments and six replicates, where 20 g of fruit were offered to 20 first-instar C. capitata larvae. After six days, the larvae were placed in plastic pots containing vermiculite until pupation, quantifying larval and pupal periods, viability and pupal mass, besides longevity and adult size. The data were submitted to ANOVA using the R Core Team software. Ceratitis capitata oviposits and completes its biological cycle in the four hosts studied, exhibiting no preference for oviposition and low biological performance in quiabento fruits. It yielded smaller adults and lower grape survival. Cactaceae palm and quiabento allow the survival of C. capitata in the laboratory, and this knowledge has been reported for the first time, proving that they can act as alternative hosts in the field.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a utilização de frutos de importância econômica e social para o nordeste do Brasil por Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae) para oviposição, desenvolvimento larval, tamanho e longevidade de adultos. Foram utilizados frutos de manga (Mangifera indica L.), quiabento (Pereskia bahiensis Gürke), palma-forrageira [Opuntia fícus indica (L.) Mill] e uva (Vitis vinifera L.) e moscas procedentes de uma população híbrida de laboratório. Inicialmente, utilizaram-se quatro tratamentos (frutos) e seis repetições, com o oferecimento dos frutos a 10 casais de C. capitata, com posterior (96 horas) contagem de ovos. O segundo teste foi conduzido com seis tratamentos e 10 repetições, oferecendo-se dois tipos de frutos simultaneamente, combinados dois a dois, a 10 casais de C. capitata. O último bioensaio compreendeu quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, sendo oferecidos 20 g de fruto a 20 larvas de primeiro instar de C. capitata. Após seis dias, as larvas foram colocadas em potes plásticos contendo vermiculita até a empupação, quantificando-se: períodos larval e pupal, viabilidade e massa pupal e longevidade e tamanho do adulto. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) pelo Programa R Core Team. Ceratitis capitata oviposita e completa seu ciclo biológico nos quatro hospedeiros estudados, exibindo não preferência para oviposição e baixa performance biológica em frutos de quiabento. Este proporcionou adultos menores e a uva permitiu a menor sobrevivência. As cactáceas palma e quiabento permitem a sobrevivência de C. capitata em laboratório, sendo esse conhecimento relatado pela primeira vez, comprovando que essas espécies podem atuar como hospedeiros alternativos no campo.(AU)