Non-host status of papaya cultivars to the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae), in relation to the degree of fruit ripeness
The study assessed the infestation of tephritid fruit flies on different stages of maturity of papaya
Abstract
Papaya is one of the most economically important tropical fruits that is cultivated in a number of African countries. Huge potential exists for expansion of papaya production in several African countries, but the fruit hosts a variety of tephritid fruit fly species, including Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), which is a major quarantine pest requiring appropriate post-harvest treatments of fruit before export.
The study assessed the infestation of tephritid fruit flies on different stages of maturity of papaya in Kilifi and Embu counties of Kenya and Manica Province, Mozambique, to determine its non-host stage of maturity, for market access. Results suggest that authorities should permit entry of target papaya cultivars of less than 40% yellow fruit ripening stage to quarantine-sensitive markets.
This work was supported in part by the UK Department for International Development, a core donor of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology.
Citation
Cugala D., Jordane J.J. and Ekesi S. (2017) Non-host status of papaya cultivars to the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae), in relation to the degree of fruit ripeness. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science 37, 19–29. doi:10.1017/S1742758416000242.