Studies on fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Bactrocera spp.) in mango orchards of Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The extensive damage caused by fruit flies to mango crops worldwide leads to substantial financial losses for farmers. In an effort to address this issue, a recent study utilized advanced morphological techniques to examine the diversity and distribution of fruit flies in mango farms in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The research identified a total of 10 fruit fly species, with Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera zonata, and Bactrocera correcta emerging as the most prevalent. Notably, the distribution of these pests was uneven, with higher concentrations observed on the orchard peripheries. The study revealed significant spatiotemporal fluctuations in both the quantity and variety of fruit flies, with a notable surge in infestations during the post-monsoon season. These findings hold substantial value for farmers and researchers engaged in fruit fly management, providing crucial insights for devising effective pest control strategies. The identification of prevalent species opens avenues for targeted interventions, potentially curbing financial losses for mango growers.