Pg. 19-21 Fruit Flies Associated with Litchi Production in Mpumalanga

Fruit flies were monitored in litchi orchards at Malelane, Hazyview and Nelspruit to determine the presence and abundance of species. Sensus traps with Capilure (trimedlure) and Ceratitis Lure (/3-caryophyllene) were used. The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Weideman), the Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa Karsch and the Marula fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) were observed at all three localities. Results indicated that C. rosa was responsible for the most damage caused by fruit flies in litchi orchards.

Summary:

• Fruit flies were monitored in litchi orchards at Malelane, Hazyview, and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga to determine species presence and abundance.
  Sensus traps baited with Capilure trimedlure and Ceratitis Lure 3-caryophyllene were used for monitoring.
• Three fruit fly species were observed at all sites: Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), Natal fruit fly (Ceratitis rosa), and Marula fruit fly (Ceratitis cosyra).
• Ceratitis rosa was the dominant species causing the most damage to litchi fruit in these orchards.
  Ceratitis capitata and Ceratitis cosyra were present but in much lower numbers compared to C. rosa.
• Monitoring took place in orchards that were either isolated or near other subtropical crops like mango and citrus.
• Fruit fly populations, especially C. rosa, increased notably at the beginning of December or January depending on the locality.
• Regular bait sprays were used in the orchards during the study period to manage fruit flies.
• The study confirmed previous findings that C. rosa is the major fruit fly pest in litchi production in the region.
• Ceratitis capitata was less important for litchi damage, although present in some areas.
• The findings support targeted fruit fly management efforts focusing mainly on C. rosa to reduce crop damage.
• The study acknowledged cooperation from local orchard managers and referenced earlier key research on fruit flies in subtropical crops of South Africa.