Biology and morphometrics of melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett on bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Abstract

Biology and morphometrics of Melon fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett) on Bitter gourd was carried out during 2018-19 at Department of Entomology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The mean incubation period of eggs of B. cucurbitae was 18.0 ± 6.32 hours. The total maggot period ranged from 5 to 7 days with a mean period of 5.8±0.78 days. Pupation took place inside the soil (5 to 6 cm thick) provided in cylindrical glass jar. Mean pupal duration was 6.9±0.87 days having a length and breadth of 5.98±0.38 mm and 2.54±0.14 mm, respectively. Total life period of male fruit fly ranged from 30 to 46 days with a mean of 36.2±5.77 days. In case of female fruit fly total life period was slightly longer ranging from 32 to 50 days with a mean of 40.4±6.24 days. Sex ratio in B. cucurbitae was recorded as 1:0.84 (male:female).