Pg. 53-56 Fruit Flies Present in Litchi Orchards

Fruit flies were monitored in litchi orchards at three locations in Mpumalanga to determine the presence and abundance of species. Sensus traps with Capilure (trimedlure), Ceratitis lure (beta-caryophyllene) and Questlure were used. The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the Natal fruit fly, Ceratitis rosa Karsch and the Marola fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) were observed. C. rosa was the most abundant species at all three localities.

Summary:

• The study monitored fruit flies in litchi orchards at three locations in Mpumalanga, South Africa, using Sensus traps with different lures (Capilure trimedlure, Ceratitis lure beta-caryophyllene, Questlure).
• Three fruit fly species were observed: Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann), Natal fruit fly (Ceratitis rosa Karsch), and Marula fruit fly (Ceratitis cosyra Walker).
• Ceratitis rosa was the dominant species at all three orchard locations.
• Although fruit flies sting litchi fruit during ripening, larvae rarely develop inside the fruit, so litchi is not a preferred host for fruit fly development.
• The study sites included the ARC-ITSC Friedenheim farm near Nelspruit, a commercial farm near Hazyview, and the ARC-ITSC Nelspruit farm, with different litchi cultivars and orchard isolations.
• Traps were placed in the tree canopy about 1.5 meters above ground and checked weekly for fly identification and counts.
• Results showed very low numbers of Ceratitis capitata and Ceratitis cosyra compared to Ceratitis rosa, which was overwhelmingly the most abundant species.
• More female flies than males were generally captured, indicating potential reproductive impact.
• The study confirmed previous findings that Ceratitis rosa is the primary fruit fly pest affecting litchi in the Mpumalanga region.
• Ceratitis cosyra was present but in very low numbers and not considered economically important for litchi production.
• The study helps guide control and management strategies by identifying the key pest species in litchi orchards.
• Regular bait spraying was used in the orchards for fruit fly control during the study period.
• The research was conducted with cooperation from local farms and contributed to ongoing monitoring and understanding of fruit fly pests in subtropical crop production.