Effect of weather parameters on population fluctuation of guava fruit flies, Bactrocera Spp.

Abstract

Studies related to population dynamics of fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.), infesting guava were conducted by using methyl eugenol trap and per cent infested fruits. The maximum population of Bactrocera spp. was observed during the month of June to November with peak activity during II week of September, which coinciding with fruiting period of guava. The fly population decreased during January to April. The trap catch study carried out for two years was correlated with abiotic factors and it was found that it showed positive correlation with temperature (maximum, minimum and average), relative humidity (maximum, minimum and average), rainfall and wind velocity.