Current status of Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Turkey

Abstract: The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most important insect pests of fruit and vegetables worldwide. In Turkey, C. capitata has a wide range of host plants, mainly fruits, where citrus is one of the most important. Medfly reduces fruit production and increases insecticide use, and therefore exerts a direct impact on the production cost. The control of the pest is based mainly on insecticide treatments. The use of traps for monitoring the pest population and determining the proper time to spray is important in the control of the pest. In this study the population dynamics of the pest was studied in a Washington navel orange orchard in Adana during 2008-2010. The flight activity of C. capitata was studied by using Jackson traps baited with trimedlure. Adult monitoring was conducted throughout the year. No adults were captured during the winter months. Captures started in April-May and reached a peak in June. The availability of other host fruit species in the vicinity of the grove may explain this abundance. There was a second peak in October during citrus fruit ripening period and the maximum catch was 249, 321, 287 flies/trap/week in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively at this period. The pest population was higher from mid September till mid November. Besides population dynamics, distribution, host plants and control of the pest in Turkey were discussed.