Screening of guava varieties against fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis, Hendel) Infestation in relation to rind thickness

Abstract

The study evaluated the susceptibility of five guava varieties (Taiwan Pink, Taiwan White, Allahabad Safeda, Nectar, and Seedless) to fruit fly infestation through field observations. Highly susceptible varieties, Taiwan Pink and Seedless, exhibited infestation rates of 82.50% and 77.50%, respectively, likely due to their thin and smooth rinds. Moderately susceptible varieties, Taiwan White and Nectar, showed infestation rates of 65.00% and 70.00%, respectively, with slightly thicker rinds than the highly susceptible ones. Allahabad Safeda was categorized as less susceptible with an infestation rate of 57.50% and exhibited a narrow range of maggot counts, likely attributed to its thicker and harder rind. These findings suggest that rind thickness and texture play significant roles in determining the susceptibility of guava varieties to fruit fly infestation. This study underscores the importance of selecting less susceptible varieties or implementing management practices to mitigate fruit fly infestation in guava orchards.