Fallen fruits a reservoir for Bactrocera cucurbitae
The impact of fallen fruits of Carica papaya (papaya) on the population dynamics of Bactrocera cucurbitae (EPPO A1 pest) was studied in Hawaii, US.
The results showed that the larval density of the melon fly was higher in papaya fruits on the ground than in the tree and the relative density of the population correlated significantly with the larval density in the fallen fruits, but not with larval density in tree fruits.
The authors suggest that fruits on the ground serve as a major breeding reservoir and that, therefore, the removal of fallen fruits from the ground should be an essential component in controlling the pest.
Sources
Liquido, N.J. (1991) Fruits on the ground as a reservoir of resident Melon Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) populations in papaya orchards.
Environmental Entomology 20, 620-625