8 - RiuNet - UPV

8 TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON FRUIT 

FLIES OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE 

VALENCIA, SPAIN 

From 26 th September to 1 st October 2010

First edition 2010 

© Of the present edition: Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València 

www.editorial.upv.es 

© All commercial names, brands, or distinctive marks of any kind included in this 

piece of work are protected by law. 

© Edited by Beatriz Sabater Muñoz, Vicente Navarro Llopis and Alberto Urbaneja 

© Cover design by Cristial Vidal Quist and María Juan Blasco 

© Print: 

ISBN: 978-84-693-4446-0 

Depósito Legal: 

Ref. editorial: 2367 

Any unauthorized copying, distribution, marketing, editing, and in general any other exploitation, 

for whatever reason, of this piece of work or any part thereof, is strictly prohibited without the 

authors’ expressed and written permission. 

Printed in Spain

8 th International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance. Valencia 2010. 

CONTENTS 

Welcome message ...................................................................................................... 5 

8 th ISFFEI Committees .................................................................................................. 6 

Organizing Committee .............................................................................................. 6 

Scientific Committee................................................................................................ 7 

Fruit Fly Steering Committee (as in June 2008) ................................................................ 8 

Acknowledgement to Official Organizing & Supporting Institutions ........................................... 9 

Acknowledgement to Sponsors & Exhibitors ...................................................................... 10 

About ISFFEI ............................................................................................................ 11 

General information ................................................................................................... 12 

Congress language ............................................................................................... 12 

Congress technical organizers ................................................................................. 12 

Congress venue................................................................................................... 12 

Registration desk & Technical secretariat .................................................................. 13 

Internet access & Stations ..................................................................................... 13 

Shuttle services & Public transport in Valencia city....................................................... 13 

Accompanying persons .......................................................................................... 13 

Speakers, audio visual & Technical desk .................................................................... 14 

Poster presenters ................................................................................................ 14 

Abstracts & CD provided ....................................................................................... 15 

Special Events .................................................................................................... 15 

Coffe breaks & Lunch ........................................................................................... 15 

Exhibition ......................................................................................................... 15 

SPONSORS ............................................................................................................... 17 

EXHIBITORS ............................................................................................................. 25 

Program at glance ..................................................................................................... 33 

PLENARY TALKS ........................................................................................................ 37 

ORAL PRESENTATIONS ................................................................................................. 43 

Session 1 Biology, Ecology & Behaviour...................................................................... 45 

Session 2 Morphology & Taxonomy ........................................................................... 57 

Session 3 Genetics & Evolution ................................................................................ 63 

Session 4 Risk Assessment, Quarantine & Post-harvest Treatments .................................... 73 

Session 5 SIT Principles & Application ....................................................................... 79 

Session 6 Area-Wide & Action Programs ..................................................................... 93 

Session 7 Natural Enemies & Biocontrol ................................................................... 103 

Session 8 Chemical Ecology, Attractants & Other Control Methods .................................. 117 

Workshop Longevity, Ageing & SIT ......................................................................... 133 

3


POSTER ABSTRACTS .................................................................................................. 139 

DATABASES ...................................................................................................... 141 

Session 1 Biology, Ecology & Behaviour .................................................................... 145 

Session 2 Morphology & Taxonomy .......................................................................... 175 

Session 3 Genetics & Evolution .............................................................................. 181 

Session 4 Risk Assessment, Quarantine & Post-harvest Treatments .................................. 199 

Session 5 SIT Principles & Application ...................................................................... 217 

Session 6 Area-Wide & Action Programs ................................................................... 237 

Session 7 Natural Enemies & Biocontrol .................................................................... 247 

Session 8 Chemical Ecology, Attractants & Other Control Methods ................................... 271 

Workshop Longevity, Ageing & SIT ............................................................................. 321 

AUTHOR INDEX ........................................................................................................ 325 

NOTES ............................................................................................................... 335

Welcome message 


On behalf of the Organizing Committee I wish to warmly welcome you to the 8th 

International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance (ISFFEI 2010) in Valencia, 

Spain, from 26th September to 1st October 2010. I would like to thank to all those people 

who have contributed to the preparation of this Symposium as well as all the sponsors of 

this event. 

We are living a very exciting scientific period, with considerable advances in the field of 

plant protection. The 8th ISFFEI symposium will reveal the increasing revealance of 

Tephritid research in the entire globe and the importance of fruit flies in world trade of 

fresh fruits. Recent genetic, biochemical, chemical, biological and microbiological 

breakthroughs have allowed new insights into the integrated fruit fly management 

programs. However, there is a constant need not only to keep aware of and develop new 

scientific approaches but also to identify adequate and effective environmentally safe 

control strategies for the different tephritids of economic importance. The members of the 

Organizing and Steering Committees have build a scientific program which will provide a 

balanced overview of advances in Tephritids’ basic and applied research, with special focus 

on control programs. 

The symposium venue is the Nexus building, the Congress centre of the Universidad 

Politécnica de Valencia, that will provide an appropriate and secure setting, with up-todate 

technical facilities for the meeting. In addition to an exciting scientific program, you 

will benefit from the end of the summer, one of the nicest seasons in Valencia. Moreover, 

the cultural background and historical landscape that make of Valencia one of the most 

attractive cities in Europe, should contribute towards making this event an unforgettable 

moment. We hope that this unique environment will be a perfect time to meet friends and 

colleagues, and to establish or reinforce collaborations with peers from elsewhere. 

Tephritid researchers from all over the globe have convened in Valencia and the 8th ISFFEI 

is already here. I expect that the symposium will be a great success and look forward to 

meeting all you during these days. 

Alberto Urbaneja 

8th ISFFEI Chairman 

5


8 th ISFFEI Committees 

Organizing Committee 

Chairman 

Dr. Alberto Urbaneja García 

Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología. Instituto Valenciano de 

Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA). 

Secretary team 

Dr. Beatriz Sabater-Muñoz (Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA) 

Ing. Rafael Argilés (Medfly SIT working program Spain - TRAGSA, IVIA) 

Ms. Tania Navarro (Secretariat Fundación Agroalimed) 

Members 

Staff 

Dr. Luis Navarro (Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA) 

Dr. Florentino Juste (Director IVIA) 

Dr. Pedro Castañera (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CIB CSIC) 

Mr. Fernando Hernandez (Fundación Agroalimed) 

Dr. Francisco Beitia (Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA) 

Dr. Josep A. Jacas (Departament de Ciències Agràries i del Medi Natural, 

Universidad Jaume I) 

Dr. Ferran García Marí (Unidad de Entomología Agroforestal. Instituto 

Agroforestal Mediterráneo. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV). 

Dr. Jaime Primo (Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola (CEQA), UPV) 

Dr. Vicente Navarro (Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola (CEQA), UPV) 

Dr. Joel González (CIB) 

Dr. Cristian Vidal-Quist (Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA) 

Ing. María Juan-Blasco (Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA) 

Dr. César Monzó (Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA) 

Dr. Victoria San Andrés (Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA) 

Dr. Tatiana Pina (Departament de Ciències Agràries i del Medi Natural, UJI) 

Staff for Technical visits 

Jaime García de Oteyza (TRAGSA, Medfly mass rearing facility) 

Igancio Pla (TRAGSA, Medfly & parasitoids releasing facility)


Miguel Ángel Utrillas (TRAGSA, Medfly & parasitoids releasing facility) 

Marta Briasco García (TRAGSA, Medfly & parasitoids releasing facility) 

Carles Tur Lahiguera (TRAGSA, Medfly & parasitoids releasing facility) 

Teresa Navarro Navarro (TRAGSA, Medfly mass rearing facility) 

Marta Martínez Gonzalvo (TRAGSA, Medfly & parasitoids releasing facility) 

Antonio Polido (TRAGSA, Medfly mass rearing facility) 

Luis Villanueva Gallent (TRAGSA, Medfly mass rearing facility) 

Germán Ceballos Chan (TRAGSA, Medfly mass rearing facility) 

Scientific Committee 

Dr. Alberto Urbaneja 

Dr. Beatriz Sabater-Muñoz 

Dr. Vicente Navarro 

Dr.Francisco Beitia 

Dr. Josep Jacas 

Dr. Ferran García Marí 

Mr. Rafael Argilés 

Dr. Brian Barnes 

Dr. Anna Malacrida 

Dr. Sunday Ekesi 

Dr. Nancy Epsky 

Dr. Yoav Gazit 

Dr. Nikos Kouloussis 

Dr. Pablo Liedo 

Dr. Aldo Malavasi 

Dr. Robert Mangan 

Dr. Pablo Montoya 

Dr. Serge Quilici 

Dr. Monica Spinetta 

Dr. Roberto Zucchi 

Dr. Kenneth Bloem 

Dr. Nicanor Liquido 

7


Fruit Fly Steering Committee (as in June 2008) 

Chairman 

Dr. Brian Barnes 

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Fruit, Vine & Wine Institute, Stellenbosch 

Members 

Sunday Ekesi (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, 

KENYA) 

Nancy Epsky (Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, USDA ARS, Miami, USA) 

Yoav Gazit (The Israel Cohen Institute for Biological Control, PPMB – Citrus Division, 

Rishon Le-Zion, ISRAEL) 

Nikos Kouloussis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Agriculture, 54124 

Thessaloniki, GREECE) 

Pablo Liedo (El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Tapachula, Chiapas, MEXICO) 

Anna Malacrida (Università di Pavia. Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, ITALY) 

Aldo Malavasi (Moscamed Medfly Program, Sao Francisco Valley, Bahia, BRAZIL) 

Robert Mangan (Crop Quality and Fruit Insect Research, USDA ARS, Weslaco, Texas) 

Pablo Montoya (Programa Moscafrut, SAGARPA-IICA, Tapachula Chiapas, MEXICO) 

Serge Quilici (CIRAD Réunion, Pôle de Protection des Plantes, La Réunion, FRANCE) 

Pedro Rendon (USDA/APHIS/PPQ, Methods Development Section, Guatemala City) 

Catherine Smallridge (South Australian Research and Development Institute, 

Adelaide, South Australia, AUSTRALIA) 

Mónica Spinetta (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA) 

de Argentina, Programa Nacional de Control y Erradicación de las 

Moscas de los Frutos, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA) 

Michael Stefan (Fruit fly Exclusion and Detection Programs, PPQ, APHIS, Riverdale) 

Roberto Zucchi (University of Sao Paulo (USP/ESALQ), BRAZIL)


Acknowledgement to Official Organizing & Supporting 

Institutions 

Organizing Institutions: 

o Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA) 

o Universitat Jaume I (UJI) 

o Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) 

o The Fundación Agroalimed 

The Organizing Committee would like to give thanks to the following Spanish and 

international institutions which had provided funds to develop this event: 

o Generalitat Valenciana (GVA ) project AORG/2010/031 

o Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA) 

project AC2009-00055-00-00 

o Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) project 2473 

o The Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture 

9


Acknowledgement to Sponsors & Exhibitors 

In the following pages delegates could read about our valuable sponsors and 

exhibitors. 

Sponsors: 

� Platinum: SYNGENTA 

� Golden: BAYER CROPSCIENCE, CERTIS and DOWAGROSCIENCES 

� Silver: FRUIT FLY SERVICES SL. 

� Bronze: BIAGRO SL. 

Exhibitors: 

� AGRISENT 

� BIOIBÉRICA 

� COLTEC 

� FRUIT FLY SERVICES SL. 

� MUBARQUI Servicios Aéreos 

� SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY SERVICES Pty. Ltd. 

� SUTERRA 

� SYNGENTA 

The Organizing Committee would like to give all them the thanks for their support 

to this event. 

Thank you!

About ISFFEI 


Initiated in 1982, the quadrennial fruit fly symposium is being well established as a 

key meeting for bringing together scientists and fruit fly workers from all over the 

world. 

The purpose of this Symposium is to bring together academic, industry, research and 

action people from the all over the world to discuss the various aspects of fruit flies 

and recent developments related to Pest Management Strategies. 

The meeting will encourage cooperation between participants, contribute to spread 

new findings, promote their practical use and highlight research needs as it has 

been done n the previous symposia. 

Past Symposia: 

• The First International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, Athens, 

Greece, November 16-19, 1982. 

• The Second International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, Crete, 

Greece, 16 - 21 September 1986. 

• The Third International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, 

Antigua, Guatemala, 14 – 20 October 1990. 

• The Fourth International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, Sand 

Key, Florida, USA, 5 – 10 June 1994. 

• The Fifth International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, Penang, 

Malaysia, 1 – 5 June 1998. 

• The Sixth International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, 

Stellenbosch, South Africa, 6 – 10 May 2002. 

• The Seventh International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance, 

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 10 – 15 September 2006. 

11


General information 

Congress language 

The official language will be English. However, due to legal requirements, our 

government representatives will use one of the two official languages in Valencia, 

Spanish or Valencian with English simultaneous translation for the Opening 

ceremony. 

Congress technical organizers 

Grupo Pacífico 

Paseo General Martínez Campos, 44, 1º 

28010 Madrid - SPAIN 

Tel. (34) 913.836.000 ext. 127 

Fax. (34) 913.023.926 

isffei2010@pacifico-meetings.com; cherrera@pacifico-meetings.com; 

broca@pacifico-meetings.com 

Congress venue 

The Nexus building (6G in the map) of the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia 

(UPV) harbors the Congress Centre of this Campus and will provide an appropriate 

and secure setting, with up-to-date technical facilities, to allow the perfect 

development of the Symposium program. 

This building can be reached from entry “L” or “K”, and is 1-2 minutes walking from 

Galileo Galilei Hall of Residence (6B in the map). 

The tram is running all along the UPV Campus, with four stops marked with a white 

“m” in a red circle in the map. The nearest tramp stop to the Symposium venues is 

“Tarongers” (which means orange trees in Valencian). 

The UPV Campus map is on page 18

Registration desk & Technical secretariat 


The 8 th ISFFEI technical secretariat is formed by personnel of Grupo Pacífico. The 

technical secretariat will be open for on-site registrations and for information about 

the Symposium, at the Symposium hours. 

The registration desk will be located in the main entrance hall level, please follow 

indications or ask Organizers Staff (easily to identify by their T-shirts and badges). 

Internet access & Stations 

All delegates will be provided with a personal key code (username and password) to 

access the wireless net. Internet stations and an area available to delegates to send 

and receive email messages free of charge will be located in the first floor. 

Shuttle services & Public transport in Valencia city 

A shuttle transport will operate between the appointed NH hotels and the ISFFEI 

venue as per the schedule on Program. Buses will depart twice in the morning and 

after all conferences with 20 minutes of difference between trips. More detailed 

timetable will be set up in the NH hotel hall. 

Shuttle buses will stop at the “L” entrance of the UPV Campus. 

Delegates hosted in other hotels are aimed to be in time in the NH hotel hall or have 

their own transfer to the UPV Campus. 

Valencia city transport guides will be provided to all the delegates within the 8 th 

ISFFEI bags and have been provided by the Valencia convention bureau. Other hotels 

have also information about public transport from any point of Valencia city to the 

ISFFEI venue. 

Accompanying persons 

Accompanying persons who are registered as such will receive a name badge and 

tickets for all the ceremonies. Accompanying persons holding the ID badges are 

entitled to travel on the official shuttle transportation, attend the opening 

ceremony, welcome reception and closing dinner, visit the exhibition hall and 

participate on the Accompanying Persons City Tour on Tuesday 28 th September from 

9:00 to 13:00. 

City Tour will depart at 9:00 from NH Las Artes I hotel. 

13


Speakers, audio visual & Technical desk 

World class audio-visual and technical services will be provided by an expert team of 

UPV, which will be located in the main entrance hall level. Please, follow 

indications or ask Organizing Staff. 

All presentations are to be computer generated, mainly with MS-PowerPoint (v2003- 

07) or compatible software, and provided as .ppt or .pps files. Speakers are required 

to report to this desk with their CD’s, memory sticks (USB) or laptops with at least 

24h prior to making their presentation. At Session breaks, presenters will be able to 

check the performance of their presentation with the hardware of the Auditorium. 

First day presenters are encouraged to report to the centre well in advance of their 

presentation times to avoid queues and possible delays in the Symposium timetable. 

All presentations should be uploaded to the Auditorium central computer. Own 

computers will not be admitted as source for the presentation in the Auditorium, 

the Organizer cannot guarantee projection of presentations that are handed in this 

way. 

If you didn’t submit a pdf copy of your talk by 24th September, please refer also to 

this desk to upload it for its inclusion in the USB key with all the information of the 

8th ISFFEI. You can upload a slightly modified version of your talk protecting your 

valuable data, but please give the opportunity to all delegates to keep a copy of the 

main ideas of your work. This USB key will be distributed among all participants. 

A presentation certificate will be delivered to the presenting delegate after talk in 

the Speaker Desk. Only one certificate, listing all the contributing authors, will be 

distributed for each talk. 

Poster presenters 

A Poster Information desk will be located within Poster room number one in the 

main entrance hall level. In this desk you will find your poster board number and 

double side tape to affix the poster to the poster board. Posters should be mounted 

on the poster boards early on Monday September 27th and will be hold during the all 

week. Posters must be removed on Thursday 30th September at 6 pm. Any poster 

not removed will be taken down by the Organizers and stored until Technical visit. 

Poster not collected during Technical visit will be discarded. 

If you did not submit a pdf copy of your poster by 24th September, please refer to 

the audio-visual desk to upload it for its inclusion in the USB key with all the 

information of the 8th ISFFEI. This USB key will be distributed among all 

participants. 

A presentation certificate will be delivered to the presenting delegate after poster 

holding in the Poster Desk. Only one certificate, listing all the contributing authors, 

will be distributed for each poster.

Abstracts & CD provided 


All talk and poster abstracts are included in this book as well as in the CD within the 

delegate bag. 

Special Events 

Welcome Reception: Sunday 26 th September at NH Las Artes I hotel 

Opening Ceremony: Monday 27 th September, at the Auditorium, by the Honourable 

Consellera of Agriculture of Valencia. 

Closing Ceremony: Thursday 30 th September, at the Auditorium. 

Farewell dinner: Thursday 30 th September, at the City of Arts & Science. 

Technical visit: Friday 1 st October, see schedule for further information. 

Bids for the 9 th ISFFEI: Tuesday & Wednesday, by the Steering Committee. 

Coffe breaks & Lunch 

Breaks are planned as in the 8 th ISFFEI schedule and will take place in a big top tentlike 

structure located outdoors at 200 meters from the building entrance. 

Morning coffee breaks will take place in this tent, whereas in the afternoon, a 

coffee station will be available in Poster room no.1 close to the Exhibition hall, just 

on the left side of the Auditorium. 

Exhibition 

The exhibition hall will be located in the main entrance hall level, and will be open 

in the same timetable as the Symposium. 

A list of participating Exhibitors appears in the following pages of this book and all 

delegates are encouraged to visit them. 

15

SPONSORS

8 th International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance. Valencia 2010.

Syngenta Crop Protection 

We bring plant potential to life 


Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 25,000 employees 

in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. 

Our Crop Protection and Seeds products help growers increase crop yields and 

productivity. We contribute to meeting the growing global demand for food, feed 

and fuel and are committed to protecting the environment, promoting health and 

improving the quality of life. 

Syngenta offers a uniquely broad product portfolio leader in crop protection and 

high-value commercial seeds, World-class science (leader in research and 

development with $1 billion R&D investments in 2009 and 5,000 people in R&D 

around the world), global reach and experience (over 25,000 employees in more 

than 90 countries) and commitment to working with customers (tailoring solutions to 

individual needs). 

Major product brands include Herbicides control weeds that compete with crops for 

light and nutrients, Fungicides to prevent and cure fungal disease, Insecticides to 

control pests which reduce yields by damaging crops, Seed Care products for 

protecting young plants against insects and disease and Seeds for corn, soybean, 

sugar beet, cereals, oil crops; vegetables and flowers. 

Since 2006, Syngenta commercializes in Spain and other Mediterranean countries 

Adress ® , a new method to control Med Fly based in the reduction of fly populations. 

Adress ® system was developed together by Syngenta and the University of Valencia 

helps farmers to control this important pest with technology respectful with the 

environment and beneficial insects and it is perfectly compatible with other 

methods such as sterile insect technique (SIT). 

Adress ® has been tested in many trials and different conditions in citrus, top fruits, 

table grapes and tropical fruits, including the complete protection of the whole 

Hierro Island (Canary Islands). 

For more information please visit: 

www.syngenta.com 

19


Bayer CropScience aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture, which means 

achieving a harmonious balance between economic success, environmental 

responsibility and social acceptability. 

With its considerable investment in R&D, Bayer CropScience is able to offer 

technologies and agricultural solutions that guarantee crops, reduce losses, improve 

the quality of produce from the fields and optimise the use of natural resources, 

contributing to meeting world food and animal feed requirements. 

Our company is one of the global leaders in the supply of innovative products, not 

only of insecticides and herbicides, fungicides and seed treatments but also of 

integral solutions and services. 

With respect to insecticides, Bayer CropScience has always had a high profile in the 

control of Ceratitis capitata, being the company that developed Fention (Lebaycid) 

that made it possible to control this pest for many years. Our company continues to 

conduct research to develop new solutions that will meet the demands of 

sustainable agriculture, in agreement with the demands we place on ourselves. 

In line with this strategy, Bayer CropScience will be launching an innovative 

solution as part of its Mass Trapping solutions this year. This is Decis Trap, which 

will enable us to contribute to the necessary modernisation required by all the 

Ceratitis control systems. We are also taking initial steps in cooperation with various 

official bodies, to conduct research into new solutions that will help to provide an 

integrated response for the correct management of this pest, which is of recognised 

importance to agriculture in the Mediterranean area. 


http://www.bayercropscience.es/ 

http://www.bayercropscience.com/


Since its launch in 2001, Certis Europe has developed and grown steadily. It has 

expanded its activities both geographically and in terms of technologies and product 

portfolio. Unique among suppliers to the horticultural and specialty crops sectors, 

Certis holds true to its original objectives to provide solutions for growers that take 

account of market demands and pressures, as well as crop production challenges. 

Constantly at the forefront of innovation, Certis Europe uses a number of new 

technologies in its product development to promote sustainability. Important 

amongst these are the beneficial insects, including predators and parasitoids, 

biopesticides and other compatible products used in Integrated Pest Management 

(IPM) programmes to provide effective and sustainable pest control. 

Virus-, bacteria- and pheromone-based products also offer important additions to 

the armoury and have proved a valuable asset in the development of integrated 

control strategies in both fruit and vegetables. A major advantage for all these 

products is that they leave no residues in fruit and have a zero harvest interval. 

Certis can thus provide growers with solutions to produce healthy, clean and safe 

crops, with protection available right up to harvest. 


http://www.certiseurope.com/ 

21


Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), courtesy of USDA-ARS) 

GF-120 ® Fruit Fly Bait. 

� Manage and eradicate populations of fruit flies quickly and easily using GF- 

120 ® . 

� GF-120 ® is a fruit fly bait consisting of natural feeding attractants with the 

active ingredient spinosad. 

� All ingredients are optimized for attraction of multiple tephritid species including: 

Mediterranean fruit fly, melon fruit fly, Oriental fruit fly, olive fruit 

fly, cherry fruit fly, walnut husk fly 

� Attract and control male and female of major fruit fly species of economic 

importance. 

� It has been used globally to eradicate and/or manage multiple species of fruit 

flies 

� Does not disrupt beneficial insect populations 

� Registered to be used in organic agriculture 

� For more information please visit: http://www.dowagro.com 

® Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Always read and follow label directions.


FRUIT FLY SERVICES, SL born as result of the union of two pioneer companies in 

rational control of agriculture pests by means of respectful systems with the 

environment, PROBODELT and OPENNATUR. 

It born with the intention to become a referent in pest control of different dipterans 

pests that affect nowadays at Spanish crops, as well as new species that could 

introduced and could be potentially harmful to our crops. 

PROBODELT, with a wide experience in pest control, was created with the target of 

design and execute rational pest control programmes based in integration of 

different techniques with easy application systems. Has been pioneer in introduction 

of mass trapping technique at commercial level against rice borer (Chilo 

supressalis). It’s specialized in insect traps manufacturing and patents makes it a 

reference in pest control sector. 

OPENNATUR, specialized in pest control by means environmentally respectful 

methods, was created as well as PROBODELT with the target of design and execute 

pest control programmes. Since the beginning, its bet was strong in I+D+I purposes, 

its allows to be a reference in the pest control sector with support of other different 

techniques as monitoring, mass trapping, and mating disruption. 

FRUIT FLY SERVICES unite in only one company the experience, knowledge and 

resources that had allows in a short period of time to become a reference company 

for pest control of Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera oleae. 


http://www.opennatur.com/ 

www.probodelt.com 

23


BIAGRO S.L. is a Spanish company operating in Vegetable Nutrition and Integrated Pest 

Management. Founded by Mr. Antonio Quesada in 1982, the company started operating as a 

consultant of big fruits and vegetables producers with a branch society called Consultant 

Centre of Plant Nutrition, whose funcion was the nutritional diagnosis, fertilisation 

programs, observation and checking of agricultural industries and advice on growing 

techniques. After 16 years of operation, BIAGRO SL. produces its own fertilizers, correctors 

and natural fungicides, and distributes insect pheromones and IPM products from a well 

know suppliers. BIAGRO S.L. believes in continuos and accelerated growth through its own 

I+D department and through strategic research alliances with academic partnerships. At the 

same time, the Company is involved and cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture in 

scientific programs to develop new IPM systems with pheromones and natural products. 

BIAGRO SL. is a charter member of AEFA (Spanish Manufacturer Agronutrients Association). 

It forces us to make high quality products, adjusted to the Spanish and European rules. 

BIAGRO SL. has achieved the quality procedure ISO 9001. 

Recently and regarding IPM of Tephritids in Spain BIAGRO SL. has developed STARCE a liquid 

bait with very interesting results (80% of medfly females captures vs 20% of males), and 

continues with the distribution of M3 traps (Green Trading Co.) for lure and kill medfly. M3 

traps are being recommended by the Department of Agriculture of the Valencia Region 

Government. 

Learn more at: 

www.biagro.es

EXHIBITORS


List of Exhibitors: 

� AGRISENT 

� BIOIBÉRICA 

� COLTEC 

� FRUIT FLY SERVICES SL. 

� MUBARQUI Servicios Aéreos 

� SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY SERVICES Pty. Ltd. 

� SUTERRA 

� SYNGENTA


Address: AGRISENT DE MEXICO SA de CV. Canales 170 Col. Alianza. Entre 

Av. Del Maestro y Sn Carlos. H. Matamoros Tamp. MEXICO 

Telephone: 868 1 49 10 94 

Email: ehcd@aol.com 

Web site: http://www.agrisent.com 

Information: Agrisent de México SA de CV, started in 1992. Is a líder in supply of 

diet ingredients (as corn cob, torula yeast), materials and other 

equipements for rearing beneficial insects including those used in SIT. It 

provides support to international, federal or state agencies and to the 

private sector, regarding the development, knowledge and production of 

beneficial insects and those used in SIT. In cooperation with several 

Mexican government agencies and SAGARPA, has developed and tested 

new products for monitoring and control of insects. The latest is the ECO- 

TML Plug Phermone (Ecological Trimedlure Capsule). Ingredients for 

larval diets: corn cob meal, torula 

Agrisent de México SA de CV, fue incorporada en 1992. Líder en el 

suministro de ingredientes para dietas larvarias (harita de olote, levadura 

de torula), materiales y equipos para los Mercado de insectos benéficos y 

Sistemas Administrativos Integrados para el control y erradicación de 

plagas a Agencias inter-nacionales y Agrícolas gubernamentales 

federales, estatales y al sector privado en apoyo al esfuerzo, al estudio, 

desarrollo y producción de insectos benéficos. En cooperación con 

algunas agencias estatales Mexicanas y SAGARPA, ha desarrollado y 

probado, nuevos productos para el monitoreo y control de insectos. El 

más nuevo es el ECO-TML Phermone Plug, (Capsula de Trimedlure 

Ecológica). 

27


Address: BIOIBERICA SA. Plaza Francesc Macià, 7. 08029 Barcelona, Spain. 

Telephone: (+34) 93 490 49 08 FAX (+34) 93 490 97 11 

Email: rplana@bioiberica.com 

Web site: http://www.bioiberica.com; www.ceratrap.com; www.plantstress.net 

Information: Since 1975 Bioiberica has specialized in the research, manufacturing and 

marketing of biomolecules extracted by enzymatic hydrolysis for the pharmaceutical, 

veterinary and agricultural industry. 

A firm commitment and extensive knowledge has consolidated Bioiberica as 

a leading producer of active ingredients such as amino acids, characterized 

peptides and proteins. The protein based formulations developed by 

Bioiberica are specific biological attractants that are highly selective against 

insects and harmless to beneficials. Their high attraction power allows controlling 

efficiently target pests without adding any insecticide. 

Plant Physiology Department offers a range of Biological Attractants that are 

effective and completely environmentally friendly solutions that work against 

different pests and fruit flies. 

Thanks to this, BIOIBERICA - Plant Physiology has contributed to significant 

improvements in agriculture, offering specific solutions for all kinds of 

plant stresses. Our products are commercialized in more than 50 countries and 

we produce more than 80 references. 

The R&D Department and its skilled staff of Agronomists, Biochemists and 

Pharmacists works on the development and preparation of new products in 

close collaboration with various Universities and International & National 

Scientific Institutions.


Address: COLTEC, COMERCIALIZADORA AGROTECNOLOGICA S.A. 

8 Calle 11-13 zona 1 Oficina #108, Guatemala, GUATEMALA. 

Telephone - Fax: (502) 2366 0937 - (502) 2366 0936 

Email: ebusto@coltec.com.gt 

Web site: http://www.bioiberica.com 

Information: COLTEC is a specialized company for the mass rearing, with nutrients 

for the diet, Yeasts, Proteins, Complete Diets, equipment, Trays and 

baits Atrapol. We represent Lallemand and Molded Fiber Glass 

Company. Fiber Glass Trays 

www.mfgtray.com 

29


Address: SERVICIOS AEREOS MUBARQUI. Blvd. Enrique Cárdenas Gonzáles 

1356 fracc. Los arcos. Ciudad Victoria Tamaulipas México C.P. 

87040. MEXICO 

Telephone - Fax: 834-3164921 - 834-3146841 

Email: rakoperations@yahoo.com.mx 

Web site: http://201.101.7.234/empresa/ 

Information: SERVICIOS AEREOS MUBARQUI is a specialized company for 

release of sterile insects used in SIT programs. Developing alternatives 

for eclosion of sterile insects to allow the development of more outcompeting 

insects being a key factor for SIT. 

SERVICIOS AEREOS MUBARQUI has developed aerial release automatic 

machines with intelligent refrigerated units, and MACX system 

(a real time release analysis system), which jointly allows a follow up of 

each sterile mexfly release in terms of quality controls.


Address: Scientific Advisory Services Pty Ltd. PO box 1056. Tully, Queensland 

4854, AUSTRALIA 

Telephone – Fax : 61 0417 644 660 61 7 4065 4991 

Email: info@saspl.com.au 

Web site: http://www.saspl.com.au/ 

Information: SAS has published a number of high quality wall posters on fruit flies 

(Tephritidae) of Australia and the World, as well as bell injection of 

bananas and insect pests and beneficials of bananas and papaws in Australia.These 

posters are valuable aids for primary producers as well as 

government quarantine agencies both in Australia and overseas. 

Scientific Advisory Services has recently formed a unique partnership 

with Starr, an exciting young Brisbane artist to produce a unique range 

of insect paintings. 

SAS offers also insects embed into resin, as key rings. Please have a 

look in the trials with fruitflies as paper-holders just made a few weeks 

ago! 

Some of the Starr insect paintings, beautiful! 

31


Address: SUTERRA Corporate. 20950 NE Talus Place Bend Oregon 97701, 

USA 

Telephone – Fax : 541-388-3688 541-388-3705 

Email: david.loughlin@suterra.eu; monica.dominguez@suterra.eu 

Web site: http://www.suterra.com/ 

Information: Suterra is dedicated to aiding farmers in finding workable solutions by 

researching, developing and commercializing alternative IPM solutions 

using naturally occurring attractants and semiochemical compounds to 

protect crops such as pome fruit, stone fruit, citrus and vegetables from 

insect attack. Headquartered in Bend, Oregon and with regional offices 

in Spain, Italy, Mexico and Argentina, Suterra is a market leader in the 

manufacture and supply of a broad range of IPM tools for a variety of 

crop pests. Suterra's pheromone and attractant based control products 

are already registered in many global markets in the Americas, Europe 

and the Southern Hemisphere and Suterra's reputation and expertise is 

recognized throughout the world by university entomologists, 

government agencies and farming organizations. For fruit flies, the 

range extends beyond attractants for monitoring males and females and 

now includes effective attractant solutions for use in area-wide, mass 

trapping control campaigns and the novel attract and kill Magnet 

tools for both Olive Fly and Mediterranean Fruit Fly: Magnet OLI 

and Magnet MED

Program at glance


26/09/10 

Sunday 

27/09/10 

Monday 

08.00 Registration and 

Poster holding 

08.30 

09.00 Opening ceremony 

09.30 Plenary confer- 

10.00 

ence 

28/09/10 

Tuesday 

10.30 Coffee break / Poster session 

11.00 

11.30 

12.00 

12.30 

13.00 

13.30 

14.00 

14.30 

15.00 

15.30 

16.00 

29/09/10 

Wednesday 

Plenary conferences 

30/09/10 

Thursday 

Session 8 Session 7 Session 4 

Session 3 Session 8 Session 7 Session 5 

Lunch 

Coffee break / 

Poster session 

Coffee break / Poster session 

Session 1 

Session 2 Session 5 

16.30 Session 6 / 

General discus- 

17.00 

Workshop Break sion 

General discussion 

17.30 

18.00 

18.30 

Registration 

to the 8th 

ISFFEI at 

NH Las 

General discussion 

Session 1 

Meeting 

TEAM 

of 

Closing session 

Poster removal 

19.00 

Artes I hotel 

General dis- 

19.30 

cussion 

20.00 

20.30 

21.00 

21.30 

Welcome 

reception at 

NH Las 

Artes I hotel 

Farewell dinner 

01/10/10 

Friday 

Exit from hotels 

Technical visit 

SIT facilities & 

IVIA 

Transfer to 

hotels

Sessions 

Session 1: Biology, Ecology & Behaviour 

Session 2: Morphology & Taxonomy 

Session 3: Genetics & Evolution 


Session 4: Risk Assessment, Quarantine & Post-harvest Treatments 

Session 5: SIT Principles & Applications 

Session 6: Area-wide & Action Programs 

Session 7: Natural Enemies & BioControl 

Session 8: Chemical Ecology, Attractants & other Control Methods 

Plenary Sessions 

Monday 27 th 

Insecticide resistance in fruit flies: the case of malathion resistance in Spanish 

populations of Ceratitis capitata by Dr. Félix Ortego (CIB CSIC, Spain) 

Tuesday 28 th 

A review of recent advances and future prospects in the study of fruit fly (Diptera: 

Tephritidae) - host plant relationships by Dr. Martin Aluja (Instituto de Ecología, 

Mexico) 

Wednesday 29 th 

Fruit fly semiochemicals: ‘Discovery and application of attractants and pheromones 

in fruit fly control methods’ by Dr. Eric Jang (U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural 

Research Center, USDA-ARS, USA) 

Thursday 30 th 

In and out of Africa: invasion history of fruit flies on the African mainland (diptera, 

tephritidae) by Dr. M. de Meyer (Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), 

Entomology Section, Belgium) 

35

PLENARY TALKS


INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN FRUIT FLIES: THE CASE OF MALATHION 

RESISTANCE IN SPANISH POPULATIONS OF CERATITIS CAPITATA. 

Ortego, Félix*; Couso-Ferrer, Francisco; Arouri, Rabeh; Perera, Nathalie; Beroiz, 

Beatriz; Cervera, Amelia; Hernández-Crespo, Pedro & Castañera, Pedro 

Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 

Departamento de Biología Medioambiental, Madrid, Spain. Email: ortego@cib.csic.es 

Fruit flies are considered pests of major economic importance worldwide. A wide range of 

management strategies are being implemented for the control of these species, but most control 

programs depend on the use of insecticides. Recent studies have reported resistance in field 

populations of some species, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata 

(Wiedemann), the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and the olive fly Bactrocera 

oleae (Gmelin). The establishment of resistant populations may become an important economic 

problem, particularly if cross resistance is detected in areas where pesticide application is 

restricted to a very few active ingredients. The identification of the mechanisms associated to 

resistance and the development of tools for the molecular or biochemical detection will be a 

key issue to be addressed in order to implement appropriate resistance management strategies 

counteracting the emergence and dispersal of resistance. 

Resistance to malathion in field populations of C. capitata was first reported by our group in 

the Comunidad Valenciana (Spain), where an intensive use of this insecticide was maintained 

for several years. A point mutation of the acetylcholinesterase gene (ace2) was elucidated as 

the main resistance mechanism, though metabolic resistance mediated by esterases may also be 

involved. We have developed a rapid and simple PCR-RFLP diagnostic method for detection 

of malathion resistance alleles. Analysis of field populations from different geographical areas 

revealed that the resistant allele is widespread all over Spain, whereas it was not detected in 

populations from other countries. 

Current medfly control in citrus orchards in Spain is mainly based on the use of spinosad and 

lamba-cyhalotrin, since malathion was disallowed in the European Union in 2009. The 

susceptibility of field populations to these insecticides and the cross-resistance exhibited by the 

malathion resistant strain is being evaluated. C. capitata populations tested so far have been 

highly susceptible to spinosad. However, remarkable differences in susceptibility to lambdacyhalotrin 

have been found when comparing laboratory and field populations. In addition, 

selection for resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin or spinosad performed in the laboratory has 

resulted in a decreased susceptibility for both insecticides. The mechanisms underlying this 

resistance are under study. 

Keywords: Medfly, malathion, cross-resistance, lambda-cyhalothrin, spinosad, esterases. 

39


A REVIEW OF RECENT ADVANCES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS IN THE STUDY OF 

FRUIT FLY (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) - HOST PLANT RELATIONSHIPS 

Aluja, Martín*; Birke, Andrea & Guillén, Larissa. 

Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico;. Email: martin.aluja@inecol.edu.mx 

We provide an overview of recent advances in the study of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) - 

host plant relationships as well as a look into the future of this fascinating research area of 

great basic and applied interest. We start by reviewing the evolutionary, ecological, 

physiological and behavioral mechanisms related to host finding and utilization. We then 

review recent work by us and various other groups worldwide on host plant use patterns, 

dwelling on host resistance, fitness costs to the herbivore and the effect of the host on 

nutritional and immune reserves and sexual performance of adult flies. Examples used stem 

from work with Anastrepha ludens, A. striata, A. fraterculus, Rhagoletis completa and 

Ceratitis capitata, among others. We also discuss recent work on host effects on the next 

trophic level, using native and exotic braconid parasitoids such as Utetes anastrephae and 

Diachamismorpha longicaudata as models to illustrate the phenomenon. Along the way we 

discuss the great potential of new research tools such as proteomics in elucidating the fine 

details of host plant use by true fruit flies. We finish by discussing recent advances in host 

plant status designation; among them the process of determination of the fundamental and 

realized host ranges which impinge directly on regulatory procedures related to the export of 

fresh fruit worldwide.


FRUIT FLY SEMIOCHEMICALS: DISCOVERY AND APPLICATION OF ATTRACTANTS 

AND PHEROMONES IN FRUIT FLY CONTROL METHODS 

Jang, Eric. 

U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, P.O. Box 4459, Hilo, HI 96720. Email: 

Eric.Jang@ARS.USDA.GOV 

Tephritid fruit flies are some of the most economically important pests of fruits and vegetables 

worldwide. As such the discovery and application of semiochemical attractants for detection 

and control have had a long history. Early attractants were “discovered” quite by chance but 

was quickly followed by both empirical and non-empirical research that lead to the 

identification of pheromones, kairomones for some flies. True pheromones have played only a 

minor role in control while the “parapheromones” have played a major role, especially for flies 

in the family Bactrocera. Fruit flies in the family Anastrepha, Rhagoletis, and Ceratitis have 

depended primarily on the application of proteinaceous food-based lures. This is also true of 

most of the other (non-Bactrocera) tephritids. Recently, improvements in food-based lures 

have resulted in improvements in the application of such attractants for some of the above 

species. 

The most successful example of the use of attractants for control involves the use of the 

parapheromone methyl eugenol for the control of certain Bactrocera fruit flies such as the 

oriental fruit fly, B. dorsalis. This technique coined male annihilation or MAT has been the 

centerpiece of semiochemical-based control and eradication technologies. 

Interestingly behaviorally based methods such as “pheromone disruption” has not been 

developed to date; perhaps due to the lack of truly powerful pheromones identified for this 

genera. Much of the current research has focused on improvements in attractants through 

chemical structure-activity type screening that as resulted in some improvements and well as a 

host of new host-based kairomone attractants. Formulation of multiple-component attractants 

continues to be a challenge but promise to further improve on the use of semiochemical attracts 

for detection and/or control. 

41


IN AND OUT OF AFRICA: INVASION HISTORY OF FRUIT FLIES ON THE AFRICAN 

MAINLAND (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE). 

De Meyer, Marc *1 ; Ekesi, Sunday 2 ; Virgilio, Massimiliano 1-3 ; Khamis, Fathiya 2 ; Mwatawala, 

Maulid 4 & Malacrida, Anna 5 

1 Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Entomology Section, Tervuren, Belgium; Email: 

marc.de.meyer@africamuseum.be; 2 International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya; 

3 Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Invertebrates Section, Brussels, Belgium; 4 Sokoine University of 

Agriculture, Department of Crop Science and Production, Morogoro, Tanzania; 5 Pavia University, Department of 

Animal Biology, Pavia, Italy 

Recent increases in trans-continental transport of tropical fruits and vegetables as a result of 

globalization in trade, as well as human traffic either for leisure (tourism) or business, is 

leading to the increased risk of inadvertently introducing alien invasive species to countries or 

regions where they not already occur with devastating economic impact if not controlled. Such 

human activities cause dispersal of organisms over long distances that could not be covered by 

natural means. The introduction of species into a new area can alter successional patterns, 

mutualistic relationships, community dynamics, ecosystem function, and resource distribution. 

Fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) are a group of organisms that are very susceptible to such 

human induced introductions and few insects have greater impact on international marketing 

and world trade in agricultural produce than tephritid fruit flies. As important pest species of 

several horticultural products like fruits and vegetables, migration and transport of horticultural 

produce has lead to (pre-) historic cases of accidental introductions. Although Africa is known 

to be the origin of several fruit fly introductions and establishments worldwide (the most 

notorious species being the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata), with the intensification 

of fruit trade, the continent has also become highly vulnerable to introduction of alien fruit fly 

species. Notable invasive species include Bactrocera zonata, Bactrocera invadens, Bactrocera 

latifrons and Bactrocera cucurbitae. 

Lately, molecular methodologies is providing useful tools in detecting and analysing alien 

introductions. DNA barcoding, using a short gene sequence taken from standardized portions 

of the genome, allow recognition of indigenous and alien species even in immature stages that 

are inseparable on morphological grounds. This allows quarantine officers and national plant 

protection agencies to identify intercepted material during inspections or surveying activities. 

Molecular phylogeny indicates the lineages among species, recognizing clusters of closely 

related taxa. Combined with host plant data, patterns in host-insect relationships can be 

revealed. Population genetics can provide an insight in the macrogeographic population 

structure and interrelationships between regions, indicating possible sources of introductions or 

migrations. Molecular phylogeography allows a reconstruction of pathways of geographic 

range expansion. The application of molecular tools in these fields is demonstrated here with 

some examples of fruit fly pests originating from or introduced to the African mainland.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Session 1 

Biology, Ecology & Behaviour


WOLBACHIA IN EUROPEAN, PERSIAN AND RUSSIAN RHAGOLETIS CERASI (DIP- 

TERA; TEPHRITIDAE) POPULATIONS. 

Rasool, Bilal 1,2* ; Arthofer, Wolfgang 3 ; Schuler, Hannes 2 ; Riegler, Markus 4 ; Mirak, Tohid 

N 5 . & Stauffer, Christian 2 

1 Nuclear Institute for Agriculture & Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan, bilalisb2001@yahoo.com; 2 Institute of Forest 

Entomology, Boku, University of Natural Resources & Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria. 3 Molecular Ecology 

Group, University of Innsbruck, Austria. 4 Centre for Plants and the Environment, University of Western Sydney, 

Australia. 5 Cereal Research Department; Karaj, Iran 

Background: The European Cherry Fruit Fly, Rhagoletis cerasi, is an established field model 

species for multiple Wolbachia infections and cytoplasmatic incompatibility CI. European 

populations of R. cerasi were described to be infected with at least five Wolbachia strains 

wCer1-5 and wCer2 causes almost complete CI between infected males and uninfected 

females. We will compare the wCer infection between R. cerasi specimens collected in 2002 

and those collected in 2009. In 2009, also specimens from Persia – the centre of origin of the 

host tree Prunus spp. – and from Central Russia were analysed. 

Methods: Pupae were collected in diverse areas of Europe, one location close to Teheran (Iran) 

and one location in Tomsk (Russia). Specimens were analyzed by sequencing wsp amplicons. 

Southern hybridization technique was applied for the detection of the recombinant low titre 

strain wCer3. 

Results: wCer1 was fixed in all populations whereas wCer2 was present only in South and 

Central Europe. The wCer2 spread in Europe from South to North had not changed much from 

2002 to 2009 confirming the low migration rate of R. cerasi. The abundance of wCer4 was 

homogenous across Iran and Russia and the frequency of wCer5 was highest in the Persian 

population. wCer5 showed significant differences in spatial distribution. 

Conclusions: No additional wCer strains were detected in Persia. Persia is described to be the 

center of origin for Prunus spp.. These centers are assumed to comprise the highest 

biodiversity and also genetic diversity. As wCer2 was not detected in Persia, a recent spread of 

wCer2 from South Europe is likely. Considering the low migration of R. cerasi and the 

presence of wCer1,4,5 in Iran and in the remote and isolated Russian area it is likely that these 

strains originate from Persia. From there, R. cerasi spread parallel to its host tree into the 

Palearctic region. 

Keywords: Rhagoletis cerasi, Wolbachia, cytoplasmatic incompatibility, Prunus, distribution 

47


INTRA AND INTERSPECIFIC LARVAL COMPETITION BETWEEN CERATITIS 

CAPITATA AND ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS. 

Liendo, M. Clara *1,3 ; Devescovi, Francisco 1,3 ; Parreño, María A. 1 ; Milla, Fabián H. 1 ; 

Carabajal Paladino, Leonela 1,3 ; Vera, M. Teresa 2,3 ; Segura, Diego F. 1,3 & Cladera, Jorge 

L. 1 

1 Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Genética Ewald Favret (IGEAF); De Los 

Reseros y N. Repetto, (1712), Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Email: mliendo@cnia.inta.gov.ar; 2 Estación 

Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres (EEAOC), Tucumán, Argentina; 3 CONICET. 

Background: Ceratitis capitata and Anastrepha fraterculus are two major fruit pests in 

Argentina where they are commonly found sharing its host fruit with conspecific and 

heterospecific larvae. As larvae are incapable of leaving the fruit, they are forced to share 

nutritional resources, and eventually compete for them with other larvae. Larval competition 

can occur by direct interference (contest) or exploitation (scramble). The impact of competition 

will depend both on the density of larvae within a particular fruit and the relative abundance of 

each species. Here we studied both the effects of competing with conspecific and 

heterospecific larvae for A. fraterculus and C. capitata. 

Methods: Intraspecific competition was analyzed by transferring newly hatched larvae into a 

fixed amount of larval diet at increasing densities. Interspecific competition was analyzed by 

keeping total density constant and transferring different proportions of larvae of the two 

species. We measured percentage of recovered pupae and adults, pupae weight, and larva-pupa 

and larva-adult developmental times. 

Results: Under intraspecific competition, C. capitata showed a density-dependent reduction in 

pupae weight and percentage of recovered pupae. A. fraterculus showed also a density 

dependent effect on pupae weight, and a decrease in larva-pupa developmental time. 

Comparing the two species, in C. capitata the reduction in pupae weight was more 

homogeneous among individuals, whereas in A. fraterculus a majority of pupae showed a 

marked decrease in weight and only few pupae showed slight negative effects. Under 

interspecific competition, we found that when the relative density of A. fraterculus larvae 

increased, the percentage of recovered pupae and the pupae weight increased for C. capitata. 

Likewise, A. fraterculus pupae weight increased when the relative density of C. capitata 

increased. 

Conclusions: Our results suggest that C. capitata larvae facing a shortage of resources develop 

a strategy of resource distribution similar to that described as scramble competition, because 

the individuals showed a homogeneous impact on their weight. Conversely, A. fraterculus 

larvae showed a response similar to that described as contest competition, because as the 

number of individuals in the container increases, the negative effect is not the same for every 

individual. Finally, we found that C. capitata and A. fraterculus larvae suffer more from 

sharing the resource with conspecific larvae than heterospecific larvae. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, Anastrepha fraterculus, interspecific competition, intraspecific competition, larval 

competition.


EFFECTS OF INTRASPECIFIC COMPETITION ON THE LARVAL DEVELOPMENT AND 

PUPAL WEIGHT OF DACINI (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) INFESTING CUCURBITS IN 

LA RÉUNION. 

Jacquard, Cathy*; Deguine, Jean-Philippe; Delatte, Hélène; Payet, Christine & Quilici, 

Serge 

Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Département 

des Systèmes Biologiques, Saint-Pierre (La Réunion), France. * Postal address: 7 chemin de l’Irat, Ligne Paradis, 

97410 Saint-Pierre; E-mail: cathy.jacquard@cirad.fr 

Background: In La Réunion, cucurbit crops suffer considerable damage due to fruit fly attacks. 

A complex of three species (The Melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, The Ethiopian fly, Dacus 

ciliatus, and the Indian Ocean fruit fly, Dacus demmerezi) coexist in the island and can infest 

16 different species of Cucurbitaceae. In order to develop sound and sustainable management 

methods for these pests, we need to know more about their behavior and ecology. The 

objective of this study is to clarify the interaction existing at larval stage, and particularly the 

competition which may occur between conspecific larvae in a same fruit. According to earlier 

studies, squash (Cucurbita pepo) was chosen for laboratory experiments because it is one of 

the most damaged cultivated cucurbit in La Réunion. 

Method: To measure the effect of intraspecific competition on the survivorship rate of larvae 

and on the pupal mass, infestations of squash were carried out in the laboratory with L1 larvae 

of B. cucurbitae, D. ciliatus or D. demmerezi, obtained from lab rearing. 

Five levels of infestation were selected e.g. A) One larva (L1) for two grams of squash, B) One 

larva/1 g, C) Two larvae/1 g, D) Four larvae/1 g and E) Eight larvae/1 g. Each level was 

replicated five times. Four days after infestation, pupae were collected daily, weighed 

individually and grouped by weight classes in a same box and when they emerged, the adults 

were sexed. 

Results: Larvae of B. cucurbitae and D. demmerezi don’t have the same response to an increase 

of intraspecific competition in a same fruit. Larvae of the first species show a good 

survivorship level (63% for level D) whereas larvae of D. demmerezi are more affected by a 

high level of competition (18% for level C). On the contrary, pupal weight of B. cucurbitae 

clearly decreases when the number of larvae increases in the fruit while pupal weight of D. 

demmerezi, does not seem to be affected by intraspecific competition. 

Conclusion: It seems that, in the complex of Dacini attacking cucurbits, the species do not have 

the same strategy regarding intraspecific competition. The larvae of B. cucurbitae are able to 

share resources and maintain a good survivorship finally giving more adults with low weight. 

Conversely, in D. demmerezi larval survivorship is decreased but the pupal weight of survivors 

remains high. Further studies will be needed on larval interspecific competition in this complex 

of fruit flies, in order to understand the performance of each species in situations of coinfestation. 

Keywords: larval intraspecific competition, La Réunion, Dacini, Cucurbita pepo 

49


OVIPOSITION CHOICE OF BACTROCERA PAPAYAE DREW & HANCOCK (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE): FULLY-RIPE FRUIT OR UNRIPE FRUIT WITH WOUND ON FRUIT 

SURFACE. 

Rattanapun, Wigunda* 1 & Amornsak, Weerawan 2 

1 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology and Community Development, Thaksin 

University, Phatthalung, 93110 Thailand. Email: rwigunda@tsu.ac.th; 2 Department of Entomology, Faculty of 

Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand. 

Background: The oviposition preference of many species of tephritid fruit fly relies on fruit 

firmness. To minimise aculeus wear, female tephritid flies are thought to prefer to oviposit in 

fruit wounds or softer exopericarp of ripe and fully-ripe fruits over harder exopericarp of 

unripe fruit. The fully-ripe fruit was suitable for larval growth and preferred for oviposition by 

female fly of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) more than unripe fruit, soft 

exocarp of fully-ripe fruit appeared to be the limiting factor of oviposition, with few successful 

ovipositions recorded in all studies, and very few in unripe fruit. In this study, we asked 

whether female flies that were exposed to both fully-ripe fruit without wound and unripe fruit 

with wound on fruit surface, would choose fully-ripe fruit for oviposition or not. The result of 

this study can enhance our understanding of host utilization by female fly. 

Methods: A choice experiment was conducted to determine the behavior of individual female 

Bactrocera papayae Drew & Hancock (Diptera: Tephritidae). Both fully-ripe mango without 

wound and unripe mango with wound on fruit surface of mango, Mangifera indica, 

Namdorkmai varity (Anacardiaceae) were offered simultaneously in a 30×30×30 cm 

observation cage. An individual, 21–22-day-old, mated female fly was released in an 

observation cage. Fruit fly behaviors observed and recorded were: (i) duration of fly visits to a 

fruit, (ii) number of attempted ovipositions (unsuccessful penetration), and (iii) duration of 

successful oviposition events. Observations were done from 09:00–15:00 hours. Twenty 

single-fly replicates were conducted. At the end of the day, female flies were dissected to 

check whether eggs were presented in their ovaries. All fruits that female flies had laid eggs 

into were dissected for number of egg count. 

Results: The total duration of visits differed significantly between the stages of ripening (t-test: 

t = 15.010, d.f. = 38, P < 0.0001), with unripe fruits being visited in longer and fully-ripe fruit 

significantly less. There were also significant differences in the number of attempted 

ovipositions between the various fruit ripening stages, with fewer attempted ovipositions into 

fully-ripe fruit and higher penetration into unripe fruit (t-test: t = 6.696, d.f. = 38, P < 0.0001). 

All female flies could not oviposit into full-ripe fruits. The average time of successfully 

oviposition duration into wound on unripe fruit of female flies is 35.05 ± 1.52 minutes. 

Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that fruit wound play an important role in the 

oviposition determination of female fly B. papayae. Female B. papayae chose unsuitable host 

that she could easier oviposit than nutritious host which was hard to oviposit. Thus, it is 

difficult to assume that oviposition preference of female flies relates solely to the performance 

of their larvae. 

Keywords: Bactrocera papayae, oviposition preference, mango, ripening.


PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY OF THERMAL TOLERANCE IN ADULT CERATITIS 

CAPITATA AND CERATITIS ROSA (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Nyamukondiwa, Casper * & Terblanche, Jonh S. 

Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, 

South Africa. Email; tetra@sun.ac.za. 

Background: The invasion success of Ceratitis capitata relative to its congener, Ceratitis rosa 

probably stems from physiological, morphological and behavioural adaptations which enable 

them to survive in different habitats. However, few studies have investigated thermal tolerance 

as a means to explain biogeographic differences or likely invasion potential. Here we report on 

two main questions. First, we ask if C. capitata is aided during the invasion process by 

phenotypic plasticity of thermal tolerance relative to a narrowly-distributed congener C. rosa. 

Second, we investigated thermal tolerance and their responses to temperature acclimation 

conditions in both species. 

Methods: First, we examined rapid cold hardening (RCH) and rapid heat hardening (RHH) in 

C. rosa and C. capitata by investigating the effects of sub-lethal low and high temperature 

pretreatments on low and high temperature survival respectively. Since RCH was more 

pronounced than RHH, we then further examined the time course of RCH. Using a population 

extinction model in various thermal habitat scenarios, coupled with microclimate data where 

both species cohabit, we then estimated the potential fitness effects that variation in RCH 

might afford C. capitata under natural conditions. Second, using a full-factorial design, the 

responses of upper and lower critical thermal limits (CTLs) to one week of acclimation at three 

mild temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C) and their interactions with 2 h exposures to these same 

temperature conditions were investigated. Lastly, the effects of temperature ramping rates on 

CTLs were investigated to better comprehend ecologically-relevant thermal limits to fruit fly 

activity. 

Results: The range of temperatures inducing RCH were similar for both species (5-10 °C) but 

at 5 °C C. capitata developed RCH significantly faster than C. rosa and which also persisted 

longer (8 h vs. 0.5 h) than its congener. A simple population survival model, based on the 

estimated time-course of RCH showed that time to extinction is greater for C. capitata than for 

C. rosa, especially in habitats where temperatures frequently drop below 10°C. Acclimation 

experiments showed improvement in heat tolerance with high temperature acclimation and an 

increase in low temperature tolerance following acclimation to cooler conditions although in 

some cases, significant interaction effects were evident for CTLs between short- and long-term 

temperature treatments. Slower heating rates also resulted in higher CTmax while slower 

cooling rates elicited lower CTmin. 

Conclusions: Variation in RCH responses may translate into significant variation in survival 

upon introduction to novel thermal habitats for C. capitata, particularly in cooler and more 

thermally variable geographic regions and may contribute to their ongoing invasion success 

relative to other, more geographically-constrained Ceratitis species. Acclimation results 

suggest that CTLs of adult fruit flies are moderated by temperature variation at both short and 

long timescales and may comprise both reversible and irreversible components 

Keywords: Acclimation; critical thermal limits; fruit flies; invasive; rapid cold-hardening 

51


FEMALE RECEPTIVITY MODULATION IN ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS: THE 

ROLE OF SPERM AND MALE ACCESSORY GLANDS PRODUCTS. 

Abraham, Solana *1,2 ; Willink, Eduardo 1 , Cladera, Jorge L. 3 & Vera, M. Teresa 1,2 

1 Sección Zoología, EEAOC, Tucumán, Argentina; Email: solanaabraham@yahoo.com.ar; 2 CONICET, Argentina; 

3 Instituto de Genética, INTA Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

Background: Renewal of receptivity in females may reduce reproductive success of the first 

male. It is expected that males develop ways to manipulate female receptivity and avoid mixture 

of rival’s sperm. In several fruit flies, at least two mechanisms were examined: sperm effect and 

male accessory glands products (AGPs) effect. Here we evaluated the role of sperm and AGPs 

in the renewal of A. fraterculus female receptivity and how this was affected by the diet the 

male was provided and male origin. 

Methods: First, females were mated with males fed either sugar, low quality protein (3:1 sugar: 

protein ratio), high quality protein (same ratio) and the standard adult diet (sugar, protein, 

vitamins and corn hydrolyze). Wild and laboratory flies were evaluated. After the first 

copulation, different sets of females were used to determine female remating rate, refractory 

period, and sperm stored. Second, we evaluated the receptivity of females microinjected with 

AGPs in two set of trials. In the first, laboratory females were injected with AGPs of laboratory 

males fed either with sugar or the standard diet. In the second, laboratory and wild females were 

injected with AGPs of laboratory and wild males, all of them fed with standard diet. Female 

receptivity was evaluated 48 h after injection and the control were females injected only with 

saline. Differences in the frequency of remating females among treatments were compared with 

� 2 -tests with Bonferroni’s correction. Refractory period and amount of sperm stored were 

analysed with ANOVA coupled with Tuckey’s test. 

Results: Wild females mated with sugar males presented a higher remating rate and a shorter 

refractory period than those mated with standard diet males. Amount of sperm stored in females 

mated with sugar or low quality protein males was significantly lower than that stored in 

females that mated with standard diet males. Laboratory females also showed a lower refractory 

period when mated with sugar males compared to females mated with protein males irrespective 

of the protein quality. However, remating rate and amount of sperm stored was not affected by 

the diet. Additionally, females injected with AGPs of laboratory standard diet males had lower 

receptivity than females injected with AGPs of laboratory sugar males, which in turn were equal 

to control females. Females injected with AGPs from laboratory males had lower receptivity 

than females injected with AGPs from wild males (which were equal to the control), 

irrespective of female origin. 

Conclusions: Male nutritional status and origin affects female renewal of the receptivity. In wild 

flies this seems to be related with the sperm stored in the female. However in laboratory flies, 

the sperm effect seems to be not the only responsible of modulating these changes. Male 

nutritional status and origin also affected female receptivity trough an AGPs effect. The later 

may be related to the crowded conditions under laboratory rearing where laboratory males may 

need to increase the effectiveness of their AGPs to ensure its paternity. 

Keywords: polyandry, remating inhibition, sperm effect, accessory gland effect, South American fruit fly.


ABUNDANCE OF FRUIT FLY SPECIES AND THEIR PARASITOIDS COLLECTED ON 

COFFEE CROPS UNDER SHADED AND SUN CONDITIONS IN COLOMBIA. 

Giraldo-Jaramillo, Marisol* 1 ; Benavides, Pablo 1 ; Farfán, Fernando 2; Rendon, José Raúl 3 , 

Mejia, Carlos Gonzalo 3 & Montoya, Diego 3 

1 Centro Nacional de Investigaciones de Café (Cenicafé), Disciplina de Entomología. Email: 

Marisol.Giraldo@cafedecolombia.com; 2 Disciplina de Fitotecnia, 3 Programa de experimentación. Planalto, Km. 4 

Antigua vía Chinchiná- Manizales, Caldas, Colombia. 

Background: This research is being conducted in order to identify Anastrepha species and their 

parasitoids related to two conditions of coffee systems: shaded and sun exposed coffee crops. 

Methods: Twenty-four McPhail traps with protein hydrolysate as feeding attractant were placed 

randomly on five farms in four departments, Quindio (1), Caldas (2), Risaralda(1) and Valle 

del Cauca (1), located at the main coffee crop region in Colombia. Half the traps were disposed 

in shaded coffee crops, while the others were set under sun exposed conditions. The shaded 

trees species were as follow: avocado Persea americana, guamos Inga spp., guava Psidium 

guajava, and Manga Mangifera indica. Sun exposed did not have any other tree species at all. 

Fruit fly adults have been weekly collected and registered from the traps up to eight months. 

We performed frequency and constancy analysis with this information. Simultaneously, we 

collected 30 samples of coffee berries of a pound each, in order to calculate the percentage of 

parasitism and to register parasitoid species. 

Results: Results showed total captures of 10,112 fruit fly individuals, where 5,512 

corresponded to females and 4,600 to males of the Anastrepha genus (Tephritidae: Diptera). 

Anastrepha fraterculus was the most frequent species accounting 80% of the total captures, 

followed by A. obliqua with 9% frequency and A. striata with 7%. Other five species were 

identified with only 4% of the total captures: A. distincta, A. grandis, A. mucronota, A. 

manihoti, and A. pallidipennis. While in Valle del Cauca, Quindio and Risaralda the species A. 

fraterculus was the dominant species ranging from 97 to 99% frequency, A. obliqua and A. 

striata represented 14% of the total captures in Caldas and A. fraterculus 65%. In the whole 

experiment, 77% of the fruit fly individuals were captured under shaded conditions. The 

parasitism found from the 30 samples evaluated was 18.5%. So far, three genera of parasitoids 

were registered only in coffee crops under shaded conditions: Doryctobracon sp., Microcasis 

sp. and Utetes sp. (Braconidae: Hymenoptera). Doryctobracon sp. was the most frequent 

species. 

Conclusions: Anastrepha was the only fruit fly genus collected at the main coffee growing area 

of Colombia. A. fraterculus was the most frequent species at both conditions shaded and sun 

exposed coffee crops.. Other seven species of fruit flies were identified living on coffee 

ecosystems. We found three parasitoids species of fruit flies under shaded coffee crop 

conditions which belonged to the Braconidae family. 

Keywords Fruit flies, Coffee grown, Anastrepha, Braconidae. 

53


FEMALE ANASTREPHA SUSPENSA (LOEW) RESPONSE TO THE VIBRATION 

COMPONENT OF MALE WING-FANNING SIGNALS. 

Mankin, Richard W.* & Egan, Mackenzie A. 

USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 1700 SW 23 rd Dr, Gainesville, Florida 

USA 32608; Email: Richard.Mankin@ars.usda.gov 

Background: Anastrepha suspensa is an important pest of fruit crops in the Caribbean region. 

Courtship and mating behaviors have been analyzed in many previous studies to develop 

control methods. During courtship, males group in leks on leaves of host trees, fan their wings, 

and release pheromone to attract females. The wing fanning vibrations are transferred though 

their legs to the leaves and nearby stems. We hypothesized that females detect these wingfanning 

vibrations, and their behavioral responses may affect the likelihood of mating. 

Methods: Wing-fanning vibrations of male A. suspensa on leaves of strawberry guava host 

branches were recorded with accelerometers. The vibrations were similar in spectral and 

temporal pattern to sounds detected simultaneously by microphones. A 2-min file was created 

from a representative, 11-s period of male calling with 1 min continuously repeating the 11-s 

call, followed by 1-min silence. The file was played back in an endless loop by a vibration 

exciter attached to a mesh cage containing 10 females. The behaviors of the females were 

observed remotely at the midpoint of each 1-min calling or silence period using a video camera 

during 20-min playbacks. Movement was defined as activities typical of avoidance or 

disturbance behavior, including spinning around, walking, wing-fanning, and flying. If the 

female was resting or grooming at the calling or silence midpoint, she was scored as quiet. The 

total numbers moving or quiet at each midpoint were summed to score each test. Two groups 

of females were tested to consider possible effects of prior exposure to males. One group (13 

tests) was exposed to pheromone produced by a cage of calling males on the day previous to 

testing. The other group (12 tests) was never exposed to males or male pheromone prior to 

testing. All tests were conducted during times of day optimal for mating. 

Results: Fewer females moved during the periods when calling vibrations were played than 

during periods of silence. For females who had never been exposed to male pheromone, a 

mean of 12.7 females per 20-min test were moving at the midpoint of the vibration period 

compared to 16.8 at the midpoint of the silent period (t = -2.44, df = 12, P = 0.03), i.e., 0.13 

movements/fly/min of broadcast compared to 0.17 movements/fly/min of silence. When 

females were pre-exposed to males on the day before testing, a mean of 14.4 were moving at 

the midpoint of the vibration period compared to 19.25 at the midpoint of the silent period (t = 

-2.84, df= 11, P = 0.02) or 0.14 movements/fly/min of broadcast compared to 0.19 

movements/fly/min of silence. 

Conclusions: The results suggest that female A. suspensa can detect the wing-fanning 

vibrations from the male calling song on the host plant, just as they detect the sounds of the 

calls, and that the vibrations may reduce the likelihood that the female will move away from 

the male who approaches her to mate. The observed effects of vibrations are similar in many 

respects to the effects of wing-fanning sounds on females, and the two signals may have 

synergistic effects. Could disruption of male vibrations be a potential control method?


SPATIAL AND DIURNAL PATTERN OF PROTEIN FORAGING BY BACTROCERA 

TRYONI (FROGGATT) ON A HOST PLANT. 

Balagawi, Solomon 1,2 *; Jackson, Kevin 2,3 ; Hamacek, Edward 3 & Clarke, Anthony R. 1,2 

1 Discipline of Biogeosciences, Queensland University of Technology, G.P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, 

Queensland, Australia. Email: solomon.balagawi@qut.edu.au; 2 Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant 

Biosecurity, Canberra, Australia; 3 Horticulture and Forestry Science, Agri-Science Queensland, Department of 

Employment Economic Development & Innovation, Brisbane, Australia. 

Background: Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, is the major pest fruit fly in Australia. 

Protein bait sprays, where insecticides are mixed with spot applications of a protein based food 

lure, are one of the sustainable pre-harvest fruit fly management strategies used in Australia. 

Although protein bait sprays do manage fruit fly infestation in the field, there is little science 

underpinning this technique and so improving its efficacy is difficult. Lacking information 

includes where and when to apply protein bait in order to best target foraging B. tryoni. As part 

of new work in this area, we investigated the effect of height of protein on tree and host plant 

fruiting status on the spatial and temporal protein foraging patterns of B. tryoni. 

Methods: The work was conducted in the field using nectarine and guava plants and wild B. 

tryoni at Redland Bay, Queensland, Australia. Spot sprays of protein bait were applied to the 

foliage of randomly selected fruiting and non-fruiting trees. Each tree received protein bait spot 

sprays on the lower and higher foliage at 0530hrs. The number, sex and species of flies that fed 

on each protein spot were recorded hourly from 0600hrs through to 1800hrs. 

Results: For nectarines, there was a significant difference in the number of B. tryoni feeding on 

protein bait placed at different locations within the tree (ANOVA, F = 8.898, p = 0.001). More 

flies fed on protein placed on higher foliage relative to lower, irrespective of the fruiting status 

of the nectarine trees. A significant difference was also observed in the diurnal protein feeding 

pattern of B. tryoni (ANOVA, F = 2.164, p = 0.024), with more flies feeding at 1600hrs. 

Results for guava are still being collected and will be presented at the meeting. 

Conclusions: We conclude that B. tryoni effectively forages for protein at heights higher than 

1.3m from ground, indicating greater efficacy of protein bait when applied at foliage higher in 

the canopy. Bactrocera tryoni actively forages for protein throughout the day, with a highest 

feeding peak at 1600hrs. The lack of significant difference in the spatial protein foraging 

pattern between fruiting and non-fruiting nectarine trees may be a real result, or may have 

resulted from the fruiting tree being very close (within 1 – 2 metres) of the non-fruiting tree. 

This hypothesis is being tested in the guava trial. 

Keywords: protein bait, resource use 

55


CLASSICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDY OF GUT BACTERIAL COMMUNITY STRUC- 

TURE IN ALIMENTARY TRACT OF BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT). 

Thaochan, Narit* 1 ; Chinajariyawong, Anuchit 2 & Drew, Rai 3 

1 Department of Pest Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 

Songkhla, 90110, Thailand. Email: narit_taochan@yahoo.com. 2 National Biological Control Research Center 

(NBCRC), Central Regional Center, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. 3 International Centre for 

the Management of Pest Fruit Flies, Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan 

Campus, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia. 

Background: Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) is recognized as an important insect 

pest species in many cucurbitaceous plants. The bacteria in fruit flies alimentary tract have 

been known in advantages in their biology of the insect hosts. The classical techniques of gut 

bacterial study in fruit fly were known with easy culturable gut bacteria but unculturable and 

not-yet culture bacteria could not be detected. Recently, molecular techniques can reveal real 

time of gut bacterial community structure in insect alimentary tract. In this research, we employed 

classical and molecular cloning techniques to study gut bacterial community structure 

in B. cucurbitae gathered from wild. 

Methods: Both males and females of B. cucurbitae were hand-collected from their natural host 

plants in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand. Crop and midgut of the flies were dissected 

with aseptic techniques. The classical technique was the isolation of the gut bacteria on 

culture media and identified with API 20 E test kit. For the molecular technique, DNAs were 

extracted from their alimentary tracts. Genomic DNAs were amplified with universal primer of 

16S rRNA gene for bacteria. PCR products were transfer to competent cell and selecting by 

cloning techniques. The clone containing interested gene were sequenced and analyzed on 

RDP II. The community diversity and community similarity were analyzed with Shannon- 

Weaver index, rarefaction analysis, Morisita’s index, multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) 

and phylogenetic tree analysis. 

Results: Classical technique revealed only one bacterial family Enterobacteriaceae that belonged 

to Gramma-proteobacteria in this fruit fly species. In molecular study, five bacterial 

taxa, Alpha-, Beta-, Gramma-proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, were found. The 

former three bacterial taxa were classified in phylum Proteobacteria. Interestingly, Wolbachia 

sp., known as bacterial arthropod pathogen and unculturable bacterium, was detected. Female 

midgut showed the highest values of gut bacterial community diversity. The gut bacterial 

community similarity competently distinguished the differences of their gut bacteria harbored 

between crop and midgut. 

Conclusions: Molecular cloning techniques in this study have exposed appreciation of the 

ecology of gut bacterial community structures in B. cucurbitae alimentary canal. More bacterial 

species, including unculturable bacteria and also rare species were detected. Grammaproteobacteria 

was the predominant bacterial taxon in this fruit fly species. 

Keywords: Gut bacterial community structure, Alimentary tract, Molecular cloning technique, Bactrocera cucurbitae, 

Gramma-proteobacteria

Session 2 

Morphology & Taxonomy


SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF TEN DIFFERENT SPECIES 

OF TEPHRITID FRUIT FLIES USING OLIGONUCLEOTIDE MICROARRAYS. 

Chen, Yen-Hou 1 , Liu, Lu-Yan 2 , Tsai, Wei-Huang 3 & Lu, Kuang-Hui 1 * 

1 Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, No. 250, Kuo-Kuang Rd., Taichung 40227, 

Taiwan. Email: khlu@dragon.nchu.edu.tw; 2 Graduate Institute of Plant Science, National Pintung University of 

Science and Technology, No. 1, Shuehfu Road, Neipu, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan. 3 Division of Plant Protection, 

Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yang, 9Dl., No. 

51, Sec. 2, Chungching S. Rd., Taipei 10075, Taiwan 

Background: Tephritid fruit flies are the most destructive insect pests of horticultural crops 

worldwide. To prevent the invasion of exotic tephritids, many countries set strict regulation on 

the quarantine inspection for imported fruits and vegetables. A method for rapid identification 

of the species of intercepted pests, which are most at their larval or even egg stages, are 

required to enhance the efficiency and quality of quarantine inspection and service. Here, we 

report that we have developed a microarray to meet the demand for rapid identification of 

insect species. 

Methods: Ten species of tephretid fruit flies, i.e., Bactrocera dorsalis, B. cucurbitae, B. tau, B. 

oleae, B. papayae, B. tryoni, B. carambolae, Ceratitis capitata, Anastrepha suspensa, 

Rhagoletis pomonella, were selected for the experiment. The mitochondrial genes, including 

cytochrome oxidase I and II (COI and COII) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 and 5 (ND4 

and ND5), were targeted for species-specific probe screening. The genes were amplified by 

PCR using appropriate universal primers; the PCR products were cloned and sequenced; and 

the DNA sequences of each gene of all species were aligned for designing oligonucleotide 

probes. The probes were spotted on the microarray polymer substrate and immobilized by a 

UV cross-linker. The hybridization and colorimetric reactions between each target DNA and 

probe were carried out with DR. Chip DIY TM Kit (DR. Chip Biotech, Miao-Li, Taiwan). 

Results: (1) a multiplex PCR with four pairs of primers, i.e., COI, COII, ND4 and ND5, were 

developed, and it was able to simultaneously amplify all four target DNA fragments of all 

tested flies. (2) Multiplex probes of different oligonucleotide sequences targeting the four 

genes were obtained, and they were capable of discriminating one species unambiguously from 

others except between B. dorsalis and B. papayae. 

Conclusions: We have developed an inexpensive microarray that enables to rapidly and 

simultaneously indentify at least ten species of major tephretid pests within 5 hours. 

Keywords: tephritid fruit fly, microarray, cytochrome oxidase, NADH dehydrogenase, plant quarantine 

59


A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DETERMINING SPECIES LIMITS BETWEEN 

MORPHOLOGICALLY SIMILAR PEST SPECIES OF THE BACTROCERA DORSALIS 

SPECIES COMPLEX: INITIAL RESULTS USING GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS. 

Schütze, Mark K. 1,2 *; Jessup, Andrew J. 3 & Clarke Anthony R. 1,2 

1 Discipline of Biogeosciences, Queensland University of Technology, G.P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane 4000, 

Queensland, Australia. Email: m.schutze@qut.edu.au. 2 Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant 

Biosecurity, Canberra, Australia. 3 Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear 

Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria. 

Background Particular pest species of the Bactrocera dorsalis species-complex are 

taxonomically indistinguishable with high intra-specific morphological variation. The most 

problematic species are B. dorsalis sensu stricto, B. papayae, B. carambolae, and B. 

philippinensis. Doubt remains over the taxonomic validity and species limits of these taxa. We 

aim to test this hypothesis by examining different biological aspects of these species. 

Methods The broad study incorporates multiple lines of evidence including cross-mating trials 

and comparing physiological characteristics among these species. This information will be 

coupled with genetic, morphological, and morphometric data. Work completed includes a 

preliminary geometric morphometric analysis of collection material to resolve fine scale 

differences among these taxa as currently described. For the geometric morphometric study, 15 

landmarks were applied to wings of 245 collection specimens coming from three populations 

of each of the above mentioned species, plus one outgroup, B. tryoni. Generalized Procrustes 

analysis was then performed, from which canonical variates analyses (CVA) were undertaken 

to determine if defined species could be discriminated. Hypothetical ‘unknown’ samples were 

also included to assess if this technique could assign unknown individuals to species based on 

shape data. 

Results The geometric morphometric study revealed that intraspecific wing size did not vary 

significantly between populations within species, but significant interspecific size comparisons 

did occur. Of the ingroup species, B. papayae had the smallest wings (average centroid size = 

6.002 ± 0.061 s.e.), while B. dorsalis s.s. had the largest (6.349 ± 0.066). CVA clustered 

together populations within a single species, but discriminated between species. The single 

exception was an intraspecific difference between one population of B. carambolae and the 

two other conspecific populations. This statistically unusual population was subsequently 

deemed an original misidentification and likely represents an undescribed species. Individuals 

were correctly reassigned to their respective species on average 93.27% of the time; the 

assignment of 15 ‘unknowns’ was 80% successful. 

Conclusions We conclude that geometric morphometric data is applicable to quantifying shape 

variation for these species. With the generation of further biological data, we anticipate our 

understanding of species limits for this group will significantly improve, as will our ability to 

develop diagnostic markers. 

Keywords: geometric morphometrics; species limits; cryptic species


THE ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS SPECIES COMPLEX: RECOGNITION OF THREE 

MORPHOTYPES FROM ANDEAN COUNTRIES USING THE MULTIVARIATE 

APPROACH. 

Hernández-Ortiz, Vicente* 1 ; Selivon, Denise 2 ; Bartolucci, Andrea 3 ; Morales-Valles, 

Pedro 4 & Frías, Daniel 5 

1 Instituto de Ecología A.C. (INECOL), Red de Interacciones Multitróficas, Apartado Postal 63. Xalapa, Veracruz 

91070, México. Email: vicente.hernandez@inecol.edu.mx; 2 Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Departamento de 

Biología, Instituto de Biociencias, Sao Paulo, Brazil; 3 Instituto de Sanidad y Calidad Alimentaria de Mendoza 

(ISCAMEN), Programa de Erradicación de Mosca del Mediterraneo, Ciudad Mendoza, Argentina; 4 Instituto de 

Investigaciones Agrícolas (INIA-CENIAP), Protección Vegetal, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela; 5 Universidad 

Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación (UMCE) Instituto de Entomología, Santiago, Chile. 

Background: One of the most important fruit fly species in continental America is the ASouth 

American fruit fly@ Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), recorded from southern Texas 

(USA) through Mexico, Central America, and South America. This nominal species is 

currently recognized as a cryptic species complex, based on karyotypic differences, isozymic 

analyses, mitochondrial DNA sequences, or host use patterns, among others. Despite all this 

evidence, to date there are no taxonomic elements to ascertain )how many species there are in 

this complex?, or )how they can be distinguished from each other?. A recent morphometric 

analysis from several Mexican populations of the nominal A. fraterculus showed that they can 

be distinguished from other samples belonging to South America. In this study we assessed the 

morphometric variability using the same approach in ten natural populations collected from 

four South American countries. 

Methods: We analyzed 10 population samples from Colombia (2), Venezuela (5), Ecuador (1) 

and Perú (2) using 15 specimens by sample. On the basis of structures as the aculeus, 

mesonotum and wing, 19 morphometric traits were assessed for each specimen. Discriminant 

function analysis (DFA) were applied to the full data set, grouping the specimens by locality of 

origin. The functions were tested by canonical correlation analysis to assess the significance of 

the discriminatory power of the model and variables involved in the segregation of the groups. 

Results: Our results showed that there are clear differences between populations, even though 

all of them become from the biogeographical sub-region of Northwestern South America. 

Samples from the highlands of Colombia and Venezuela were very similar to each; a second 

group was differentiated from a single population of the Venezuelan lowlands; while samples 

from the lowlands of Peru and Ecuador were grouped separately. 

Conclusions: In the Andean countries the AF complex would be represented by three natural 

groups here called morphotypes: the Venezuelan morphotype, which occurs at lowlands from 

that country; the Andean morphotype assembled by highland populations from Venezuela and 

Colombia; and the Peruvian morphotype recognized by populations that occur along the Pacific 

coastal slopes from Peru and Ecuador. 

Keywords: South American Fruit Fly, cryptic species, morphometry, morphotypes 

61


DIVERGENCE OF FRUIT FLIES IN THREE SPECIES GROUPS OF THE GENUS 

RHAGOLETIS IN MÉXICO. 

Rull, Juan 1* ; Aluja, Martín 1 ; Feder, Jefferey. L 2 ; Guillén, Larissa 1 & Tadeo, Eduardo 3 

1 

Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, México. 

juan.rull@inecol.edu.mx; 2 Department of Biological Sciences, Galvin Life Science Bld., University of Notre 

Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46530, USA; 3 Instituto de Neuro Etología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, 

México. 

Background: Fruit flies in the genus Rhagoletis spearheaded the long and heated debate about 

the possibility and later the frequency of occurrence of sympatric speciation via host shifting 

for more than forty years. Once sympatric speciation was accepted as a common route to 

divergence in phytophagous insects, careful study of Mexican populations of the apple maggot 

fly Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh revealed that differentiation in the pomonella group had been 

in fact possible due to a combination of periods of allopatric divergence, gene flow and 

introgression and recent sympatric speciation via host shifting events. 

Methods: Such findings led us to undertake detailed philogeographic studies of the genus in 

México. We first studied the distribution, divergence and evolution of reproductive isolation 

among hawthorn infesting populations of Rhagoletis in Mexico and the U.S. We are now 

conducting similar studies on black cherry infesting populations in the cingulata species group, 

and walnut infesting populations in the suavis species group. 

Results: Despite the fact that flies in the three species groups shared a similar climatic history 

of range contraction and expansion, divergence in the three groups appears to be quite 

different, with flies in the pomonella group exhibiting what is now known as speciation mode 

plurality, flies in the suavis group undergoing rapid morphological variation without 

reproductive isolation and introgression between some species, and flies in the cingulata group 

exhibiting classic vicariant speciation. 

Conclusions: We discuss hypotheses on the outcome of these studies. 

Keywords: Rhagoletis, philogeography, divergence, speciation

Session 3 

Genetics & Evolution


NEW TOOLS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND STABILIZATION OF TRANSGENIC LINES 

OF CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

Scolari, Francesca 1 ; Schetelig, Marc F. 3 ; Bertin, Sabrina 1 ; Handler, Alfred M. 3 ; Kittelmann, Sebastian 2 ; 

Malacrida, Anna R. 1* ; Gasperi, Giuliano 1 & Wimmer, Ernst A. 2 

1 Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. 2 Department of 

Developmental Biology, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of 

Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, GZMB, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 

Göttingen, Germany. 3 United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Center, Center for Medical, 

Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1700 Southwest 23 rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608. 

Background. The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) (Wiedemann; Diptera: Tephritidae), 

Ceratitis capitata, for which a successful SIT package has been developed and validated, was 

the first non-drosophilid insect to be transformed, opening the way for the genetic 

transformation of many other pest insects that are targets of SIT programmes. The efficacy and 

cost effectiveness of the SIT both at the mass-rearing, release and monitoring stages may be 

improved by using different medfly strains currently available, which provide i) genetic 

marking for the identification of transformed insects; ii) male-specific fluorescent sorting; iii) 

sexing for male-only strains; iv) reproductive sterility through embryonic lethality. 

Methods. For the efficient application of SIT programmes, effective monitoring to assess the 

number and mating success of the released flies is essential. With this aim, we developed a 

powerful sperm-specific marking systems based on the spermatogenesis-specific C. capitata 

β2-tubulin (Ccβ2t) promoter. Molecular characterization and preliminary laboratory 

competitiveness assays identified a target line which was then modified by the site-specific 

integration system from phage phiC31. Donor plasmids containing an attB site, with additional 

markers, and transposon ends were integrated into attP sites randomly integrated within 

transposon-based vector by phiC31 integrase-mediated recombination. Finally, transposaseencoding 

‘jumpstarter’ strains were created and mated to transgenic strains to produce postintegrational 

excision of transposon ends. 

Results. Several lines were generated in which the reporter genes tGFP or DsRedEx are 

expressed in a stable, persistent and sex-specific manner during spermatogenesis. Fluorescent 

sperm can be isolated from testes or spermathecae. The marking does not result in fitness costs 

in preliminary laboratory assays. Particularly, males of one sperm-marked line showed no 

significant reduction in their overall fitness, transmitting their genes to the next generation in a 

competitive way. Site-specific integration experiments performed on this line resulted in the 

post-integrational excision of a transposon end, which left stably integrated transgene 

insertions that could not be further remobilized. 

Conclusions. The development of a sperm marking system in the medfly and the subsequent 

stabilization of the transgenic lines represent a powerful tool since i) the use of such harmless 

transgenic markers are an ideal for the transfer of insect transgenesis technology from the 

laboratory to field applications; ii) effective and easily recognizable sperm marking will make 

novel studies possible on medfly reproductive biology which will in turn help to further 

improve environmentally safe, biological pest management approaches; iii) the newly 

developed integration and stabilization system will allow the combination of several transgeneencoded 

advantageous traits at evaluated genomic positions to generate optimized strains for 

pest control that minimize environmental concerns. 

Keywords: sperm marking, insect pest management, phiC31 integrase, transgene stability. 

65


GENETIC ENGINEERING OF THE OLIVE FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA OLEAE, FOR USE 

IN THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE (SIT). 

Ant, Thomas H. 1, 2 ; Koukidou, Martha* 1 ; Morgan, Sian A. 1 1, 2 

& Alphey, Luke 

1 Oxitec Ltd, 71 Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RX, Oxfordshire, UK; Email: martha.koukidou@oxitec.com; 

2 University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, Oxford, UK. 

Background: The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most 

destructive pest of olive fruit, causing considerable crop damage in the Mediterranean region 

and in California. Despite significant spending on insecticides the olive fly causes a reduction 

in crop yield and quality. Furthermore, some of the insecticides used are being phased out and 

olive fly is developing resistance to insecticides (even to relatively new insecticides such as 

Spinosad). The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a species-specific and environmentally nonpolluting 

method of pest control that involves the mass release of sterile insects that has been 

very effective against other fruit flies. Previous SIT attempts using irradiated mixed-sex insects 

achieved only limited success at suppressing populations of B. oleae. The released sterile males 

mated with the released sterile females, instead of dispersing and seeking the wild-type 

females. It was believed at the time that sterile flies preferred to mate earlier in the day, leading 

to partial reproductive isolation from with wild population. A genetic sexing system to allow 

male only release is therefore seen as essential for olive fly SIT; while also providing the 

several benefits provided by current Medfly genetic sexing strains 

Method: We used genetic transformation methods to develop engineered strains of olive fly 

(‘RIDL strains’) and used modifications of standard Medfly protocols to test strain 

performance. 

Results: Oxitec has developed genetic sexing strains of olive fly based on a conditional positive 

feedback design already successfully applied in two other tephritid species; the Mediterranean 

fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, and the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens. The strains are 100% 

effective in separating sexes and also incorporate a fluorescent marker allowing easy 

monitoring in the field. Furthermore, since females die without a dietary supplement 

(tetracycline) that is not available in the wild, significant bio-containment is also inherent in 

this design of sexing strain. Oxitec is currently conducting laboratory and greenhouse mating 

performance tests with these sexing strains to further optimize them for SIT. 

Conclusions: Our current RIDL strains of olive fly appear to give excellent sex-separation 

(‘genetic sexing’) without obvious negative effects on other performance parameters; our latest 

data on performance will be presented. The development of these strains greatly improves the 

prospects for the use of SIT to control field populations of olive fly. 

Keywords: olive fly (Bactrocera oleae), RIDL ® , SIT, genetic sexing


GENOMIC SEQUENCING OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY, CERATITIS 

CAPITATA. 

Handler, Alfred* 1 ; Gasperi, Giuliano 2 ; Richards, Stephen 3 ; Scherer, Steven 3 ; Gomulski, 

Ludvik 2 ; Schetelig, Marc 1 & Malacrida, Anna 2 

1 Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, USDA, ARS, 1700 SW 23 rd Drive, Gainesville, 

Florida 32608 USA; Email: ahandler@ufl.edu; 2 Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 

1, Pavia 27100, Italy; 3 Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center, Houston, TX 77030 

USA. 

Background: A joint project between the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome 

Sequencing Center, the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and the University of Pavia was 

initiated in 2008 to sequence the whole genome of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis 

capitata. 

Methods: The source material for the project was embryonic genomic DNA extracted from the 

medfly Ispra strain maintained as an inbred colony for more than 20 years at the University of 

Pavia, though this is considered to be polymorphic. Paired-end libraries were created for the 

454 Titanium sequencing platform. 

Results & conclusions: Pyrosequencing at 454 Titanium platform of paired-end libraries has 

produced 5,179 million bases of genomic DNA sequence after 13 fragment runs. This 

represents approximately 10x genomic sequence coverage with an average read length of 348 

bp. An initial assembly of the fragment data using 454 Newbler v.2.3 (pre-release-9/14/2009) 

software produced 215,255 sequence contigs longer than 500 bp. The average contig size was 

1,852 bp and the N50 was 2,709 bp, with the largest contig size of 70,001 bp. The current 

contig size data is sub-optimal, and is likely due to high repetitive DNA content and sequence 

polymorphism in the sample, negatively affecting the assembly. To improve the assembly 

product, new 3 kb insert paired-end libraries for Illumina sequencing have been created to 

order and orient the available contigs within the assembly, as well as to add data using a 

different sequencing technology. Sex-specific and embryonic RNAseq transcriptome 

sequencing is also anticipated. Upon completion of Illumina sequencing (expected in the 

summer/autumn of 2010) additional assemblies will be performed, and based on these results 

an interim assembly product will be released to public databases. 

Keywords: Whole genome sequencing, Medfly, 454 Titanium sequencing, Illumina sequencing 

67


APPLICATIONS OF GENOME SEQUENCING TO IDENTIFICATION, DETECTION, AND 

CONTROL OF BACTROCERA DORSALIS (HENDEL) AND OTHER TEPHRITID PESTS. 

Geib, Scott* & Jang, Eric 

U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, USDA-ARS, P.O. Box 4459, Hilo, HI 96720; Email: 

scott.geib@ars.udsa.gov. 

Background: Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies have increased the feasibility 

of performing large scale sequencing experiments in non-model organisms. Next-generation 

sequencing (NGS) technologies have allowed for whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing 

and assembly experiments to be performed in a matter of months for thousands of dollars 

compared to the years and millions that it previously took using traditional methods. The 

Bactrocera dorsalis genome project is one of the first projects to utilized only NGS 

technologies to produce a draft genome assembly of a non-model organism. 

Methods: The sequencing of the oriental fruit fly genome was performed by using a 

combination of shotgun and paired-end (8 and 20 kb) sequencing with 454 pyrosequencing 

utilizing Titanium based chemistry. Approximately 8 Gb of sequence was obtained. A draft 

assembly of the genome, utilizing de novo assembly strategies was created using both the 

Newbler and the Celera assemblers. From this draft assembly, gene identification and 

annotation is currently taking place, utilizing computational pipelines that identify coding 

regions, compare the sequence to previously identified genes, and assign function annotation 

based on gene ontology. This draft database will likely contain the majority of the genes 

present in the oriental fruit fly genome, and can then serve as a database for functional 

genomics and proteomics as well as be used as a basis for developing molecular tools for use in 

other research projects. 

Results: Pyrosequencing on a 454 sequencer using Titanium chemistry was able to produce a 

de-novo assembly at approximately 15x coverage. A draft genome of approximately 430 Mb in 

size was created. Currently, annotation and analysis of this dataset is ongoing. The utility of 

this dataset to the management of this and other Tephritid pests is broad, ranging from 

development of genetic markers, such as SNPs and microsatellites that can be utilized for 

molecular diagnostics, to functional genomics tools that can be applied to physiological 

questions, targeting insect resistance, olfaction, digestion, or other areas. 

Conclusions: The integration of a genomic perspective into other research areas opens the door 

for many new approaches to asking fundamental questions in invasive species research. 

Keywords: Oriental Fruit Fly, genome sequencing, functional genomics, genetic markers


HOST PLANT TOXICITY, STENOPHAGY AND EVOLUTIONARY RADIATION IN THE 

GENUS CERATITIS (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE). 

Erbout, Nathalie *1 ; Lens, Luc 1 ; Virgilio, Massimiliano 2-3 & De Meyer, Marc 2 

1 Ghent University, Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. 

Email: Nathalie.Erbout@ugent.be; 2 Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Entomology Section, Tervuren, 

Belgium. 3Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Invertebrates Section, Brussels, Belgium. 

Background: It is widely acknowledged that the evolution of insect-host relationships has been 

largely influenced by the chemistry of insect host plants. However, whether and to what extent 

secondary plant metabolites triggered the evolution of host plant specialization in 

phytophagous insects is still much debated. We here describe the phylogeny of host plant 

specialization within the genus Ceratitis and unravel the link with host plant toxicity as a 

possible mechanism that underlies the evolutionary radiation of stenophagous clades within 

this genus. 

Methods: Using molecular data from three protein encoding genes and 49 species (98 

specimens), we reconstructed the phylogeny of the genus Ceratitis and investigated the 

evolution of host plant specialization along the different recognized clades. We used HPLC 

analysis to compare the concentration of two toxic secondary metabolites (alkaloids) in host 

plants of stenophagous and polyphagous species. In an experimental set-up, we tested if, and to 

what extent, development and fitness of a polyphagous fruit fly is adversely affected by host 

plant toxicity by comparing rates of development, survival and reproduction on four media that 

differ in alkaloid concentration. 

Results: Bayesian tree reconstructions supported previously proposed monophyletic lineages. 

Reconstruction of ancestral character states for host plant relationships suggested that 

stenophagy evolved repeatedly and independently within the genus Ceratitis. HPLC analysis 

proved an overall significantly higher concentration of toxic alkaloids in fruits of the 

stenophagous host plants, even though their concentration gradually decreased during ripening 

process. Despite reduced pupal and adult sizes, polyphagous larvae developing under low 

alkaloid concentrations successfully developed to the adult stage, probably as a result of 

accelerated pupation and ensuing restricted exposure to the toxic environment. High alkaloid 

concentrations, however, impaired their development process and prevented subsequent 

reproduction. 

Conclusions: The proposed phylogeny shows a number of biological clades including 

stenophagous species which share host genera with genus-specific toxic secondary metabolites. 

The adverse effects of host plant toxicity on larval development in polyphagous fruit flies 

presented here indicate that these high concentrations pose a significant constraint on host use 

in polyphagous Ceratitis species. We conclude that the observed phylogenetic patterns for 

monophyletic stenophagous clusters are the result of an evolutionary process of ecological 

specialization to toxic hosts. 

Keywords: Ceratitis, phylogeny, host-plant toxicity, stenophagy, evolutionary radiation 

69


MACROGEOGRAPHIC POPULATION STRUCTURING IN THE COSMOPOLITAN 

AGRICULTURAL PEST BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Virgilio, Massimiliano 1,2* ; Delatte, Hélène 3 ; Backeljau, Thierry 2,4 & De Meyer, Marc 1 

1 Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren (Belgium). Email: 

massimiliano.virgilio@africamuseum.be; 2 Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Vautierstraat 29, B-1000 

Brussels (Belgium); 3 UMR C53 PVBMT CIRAD-Université de la Réunion, CIRAD Pôle de Protection des 

Plantes, 7 chemin de l’IRAT, Ligne Paradis, 97410 Saint Pierre, La Réunion (France) ; 4 Department of Biology, 

University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp (Belgium). 

Background: The melon fly Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) is a major, highly polyphagous, 

agricultural pest abundant throughout the African continent, the islands of Indian Ocean, Asia, 

New Guinea, the Mariana Islands and Hawaii. This species attacks more than 125 plants 

including commercial crops such as pumpkin, cantaloupe, watermelon, squash, gourd, 

cucumber, tomato, eggplant and bean as well as soft fruits such as mango, orange, papaya and 

peach. Although the economic importance of B. cucurbitae is well documented, its large-scale 

(i.e. inter-regional) patterns of genetic structuring are poorly known. Hence, the current 

quarantine methods and management plans still rely on general assumptions concerning its 

intraspecific variation. The objectives of this work were to 1) characterize the large-scale 

population structure of Bactrocera cucurbitae, 2) identify its geographic origin and 3) infer the 

dynamics of its range expansion. 

Methods: Individuals of B. cucurbitae were collected from 25 worldwide-distributed localities 

(n=570) and genotyped at 13 microsatellite loci specifically developed for this species. Genetic 

discontinuities among geographical regions and levels of population admixture were quantified 

through Bayesian clustering procedures 

Results: Five main groups of populations were identified. These corresponded to populations 

from 1) the African continent, 2) La Réunion, 3) Central Asia, 4) East Asia and 5) Hawaii. The 

proportions of inter-regional assignments and the higher values of genetic diversity in 

populations from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh suggest that B. cucurbitae originated in 

Central Asia and expanded its range to East Asia and Hawaii on one hand and to Africa and the 

islands of the Indian Ocean on the other. A number of outliers (10-19 specimens according to 

different clustering algorithms) show high levels of admixture (Q>0.70) with populations from 

different regions and reveal complex patterns of inter-regional gene flow. 

Conclusions: Anthropogenic transport is the most plausible promoter of the large-scale 

dispersal of B. cucurbitae. The recent African invasions of B. cucurbitae were mainly due to 

the expansion of local populations while, hitherto, the introduction of individuals from 

geographically distant regions did not have a relevant role. The dynamics of the recent 

invasions, as well as the possible corridors to gene flow created by contemporary 

anthropogenic activities could provide a useful background to better evaluate invasion risks 

and establish priorities for the management of this cosmopolitan agricultural pest. 

Keywords: Tephritidae, agricultural pests, biological invasions, population structure, microsatellites.


GENETICAL CHANGES IN BACTROCERA TRYONI DURING LABORATORY 

ADAPTATION, AND THE USE OF FOUR-WAY HYBRIDS TO REDUCE INBREEDING 

EFFECTS 

Gilchrist, Stuart; Sved, John* & Meats, Alan 

Fruit Fly Research Laboratory, School of Biological, Ecological and Earth Sciences, The University of New South 

Wales, Australia; Email: john.sved@sydney.edu.au 

Background: Domestication of wild strains for use in factories appears to be a problematic 

process in Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni), as in most tephritids. Early generations, in 

particular, are subject to large fluctuations apparently due to fertility bottlenecks. These are 

expected to lead to genetic changes due to the twin factors of inbreeding and selection, with 

associated detrimental effects on the performance of released SIT flies. The purpose of the 

present experiment is to use microsatellite markers to investigate the relative importance of 

these two factors in the process of introducing wild strains into the laboratory. 

Methods: Eight populations were set up using flies collected from different areas of the Sydney 

region. These populations were sampled over ten generations. All samples were typed for nine 

of the most variable of the established Q-fly microsatellites. For six of the eight lines, 48 flies 

were sampled at generations 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 10. For the remaining two lines, 48 flies were 

sampled at generations 0, 1 and 10. Data on the distribution of individual age-specific female 

fecundity were also collected. 

Results: The rate of inbreeding was shown to be highly repeatable. The observed inbreeding 

process was modelled by stochastic simulation of the random genetic drift occurring in the 

replicates line, taking into account the finite population size and distribution of family sizes. 

The model successfully predicted the rate of decline of heterozygosities in the replicate lines, 

showing that the inbreeding in new Q-fly lines is unavoidable, even in the absence of “hard” 

selection for increased early-age egg production. There was, however, also some evidence for 

selection as shown by repeatability of changes in two lines. Comparisons between factory flies 

and hybrids showed that it is possible to retain the high fertility of factory flies while 

improving performance in dispersal activity and stress resistance. 

Conclusions: Both selection and inbreeding are expected to have undesirable consequences in 

terms of the performance of SIT releases. This experiment indicates that inbreeding per se is a 

likely factor in the early generations of laboratory culture. It follows therefore, that measures to 

reduce the effects of inbreeding during the setting up of factory strains are of value. A protocol 

using four-way hybrids is outlined. 

Keywords: microsatellites, Q-fly, inbreeding 

71


A GENETICS COMPARATIVE WORK OF TWO DIFFERENT TEPHRITIDAE SPECIES, 

CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) AND BACTROCERA OLEAE (GMELIN): RAPD 

DATA. 

Ochando, María Dolores*; Fernández, Paz; Segura, M. Dolores & Callejas, Carmen 

Departamento de Genética, Facultad de CC. Biológicas, Universidad Complutense, C/ José Antonio Novais, nº2, 

28040- Madrid, Spain; Email: dochando@bio.ucm.es. 

Background: The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is a major pest of olive crops and its 

expansion is exclusively restricted to the cultivation zone of the olive tree. The medfly, 

Ceratitis capitata, however, is a highly polyphagous species that infest more than two hundred 

different vegetal species. Both constitute important pests in the Mediterranean area being 

responsible of important crops damages and economic losses. We report here a comparative 

work on the genetics structure of their populations based on RAPD molecular markers 

information. 

Methods: Flies from different geographical areas, mostly Mediterranean, were collected by 

harvesting infested fruit and allowing the larvae to pupate in the laboratory. Individuals from 

20 different locations for C. capitata and 21 for B. oleae, were analyzed on the basis of 

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR). 

Genomic DNA was extracted from individual flies according to Reyes, Ochando et al. (1997), 

and amplified with six or seven different primers (Sets A and C, Operon Technologies). DNA 

amplifications were performed under the conditions reported by Williams et al. (1990), with 

slight modifications. Each amplification reaction was performed at least twice: the results were 

consistently reproducible. The amplification products were separated according to their 

molecular size by electrophoresis in 2% agarose gels with TAE buffer. 

Results: The observed polymorphism was high in both species, even higher in B. oleae (0.49 

for Ceratitis and 0.66 for Bactrocera species). With respect to the distribution of the genetic 

variability, both species showed the same pattern. In both species the within population 

variation (between 76 and 90 %, AMOVA analysis) was significantly higher than the between 

populations variation. Genetics distances were low and similar for all North Mediterranean 

samples in both species without clear phylogenetics relationships. However the rest of the 

populations (Tunisia, Israel and USA for B. oleae, and Kenya, SouthAfrica, Tunisia and Israel 

for C. capitata) were clearly different. 

Conclusions: However the different ecological life of the two analyzed species, C. capitata and 

B. oleae, their genetic variabilities are roughly of the same level from the quantitative point of 

view and show similar characteristics from the qualitative point of view. Thus, the ecological 

and feed parameters can not explain those coincidences. Other aspects such as effective 

population numbers, gene flow and elapsed time from the colonization processes, must be 

taking into account for population structure in these pests. 

Keywords: C. capitata, B. oleae, RAPD-PCR, polymorphism, genetic distances.

Session 4 

Risk Assessment, Quarantine & 

Post-harvest Treatments


QUARANTINE SECURITY FOR COMMODITIES: DETERMINING THE NON-HOST 

STATUS OF FRUITS REGULATED FOR TEPHRITID FRUIT FLIES 

Liquido, Nicanor J.* 1 ; Hennessey, Michael K. 2 ; Griffin, Robert L. 2 ; Velapatiño, Jorge 

F. 3 ; Layme, Javier M. 3 & Gonzales, Luis B. 4 

1 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)-Plant 

Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Center for Plant Health Science and Technology (CPHST), 300 Ala Moana 

Blvd., POB 50002, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 USA. Email: Nicanor.J.Liquido@aphis.usda.gov; 2 USDA-APHIS- 

PPQ, CPHST, Raleigh, North Carolina USA; 3 Ministro de Agricultura, Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria 

(SENASA), Lima, Perú; 4 Asociacion Peruana de Productores de Palta Hass (ProHass), Lima, Perú. 

Background: Assessing the risk of fruit fly pests associated with the movement of various 

economically important commodities is paramount in facilitating global trade. Determining the 

fruit fly host status of a particular commodity is imperative in developing risk mitigation 

measures and establishing the intensity of quarantine treatments. Host suitability is a critical 

quarantine security parameter of several international and regional standards. In particular, we 

aim to review RSPM 30: “Guidelines for the Determination and Designation of Host Status of 

a Commodity for Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae).” Here we report on the parameters defined 

in RSPM 30 that we used in determining the host status of ‘Hass’ avocados in Peru to 

infestation by South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae). 

Methods: Experiments were conducted, following the RSPM 30 guidelines, to determine the 

host suitability of ‘Hass’ avocados to A. fraterculus under natural field conditions in five 

orchards located in Lima, Ancash and Piura. Both wild and laboratory-reared adults were used. 

The adult population density in test orchards was estimated by trapping and collecting natural 

host fruits. During the entire harvest season, commercial grade mature green ‘Hass” fruits were 

collected biweekly from trees in each test orchard, and the infestation level of A. fraterculus 

determined by peeling (removing skin and cutting pulp) and holding fruits in rearing 

containers. A. fraterculus infestation in fruits on the ground and culled fruits from packing 

houses was also determined. No-choice and choice oviposition tests using intact and punctured 

fruits were conducted in cages measuring 4-m high and 4-m diameter which covered an entire 

tree. No-choice forced oviposition tests were also conducted using sleeves measuring 1.5-m 

length and 1-m diameter that enclosed an entire branch. For oviposition tests, mangoes were 

used as control fruits. 

Results: Successful insertion of eggs by A. fraterculus into the skin (exocarp) and pulp 

(mesocarp) of mature green ‘Hass’ avocados was never observed in both choice and no-choice 

forced oviposition tests. All fruit samples collected from the field and packinghouses had no A. 

fraterculus infestation. The population density of A. fraterculus inside and outside the orchards 

was low. 

Conclusions: Based on the studies conducted following the guidelines of RSPM 30, mature 

green, commercial grade ‘Hass’ avocados appear to be conditional non-hosts of A. fraterculus, 

suggesting that the current mitigation options for A. fraterculus need to be evaluated based on 

the present results. 

Keywords: quarantine security, host suitability, systems approach; fruit flies; ‘Hass’ avocado 

75


THE POTENTIAL GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF NATAL FRUIT FLY, CERATITIS ROSA 

(KARSCH) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

De Villiers, Marelize* 1 ; Hattingh, Vaughan 1 & Kriticos, Darren J. 2 

1 Citrus Research International (CRI), Department of Conservation Ecology & Entomology, Stellenbosch 

University, P.O. Box 2201, Matieland 7602- Stellenbosch (South Africa); Email: dev@sun.ac.za; 2 CSIRO 

Entomology, Canberra, Australia. 

Background: Ceratitis rosa is an important pest of various commercially grown fruit crops in 

South Africa. Its present distribution is restricted to Africa, Mauritius and Reunion. 

Phytosanitary restrictions are imposed on international fruit trade to mitigate against the risk of 

introducing this pest into importing countries. Knowledge of its potential to invade other parts 

of the world makes it possible to evaluate the relevance of such measures. The potential future 

global distribution of C. rosa has previously been modelled using correlative species 

distribution modelling techniques. However, these models were built on presence data and did 

not incorporate information on the species’ relative abundance and seasonal phenology. The 

wide range of climatic conditions in South Africa, and related differences in the species’ 

abundance, makes the region well suited to obtain information on relative abundance and 

seasonal phenology of the species in relation to climate. The objective of the study was to 

model the potential global distribution of C. rosa based on its distribution, relative abundance 

and seasonal phenology in South Africa. 

Methods: Yellow bucket traps, bated with Biolure® Fruit Fly, were used to trap C. rosa in 

different climatic regions of South Africa. Traps were placed in host plants and serviced 

monthly for a two-year period. A CLIMEX niche model of the potential global distribution of 

C. rosa was fitted based on the collected trapping data and other distribution records from 

South Africa. Distribution records for elsewhere in Africa were reserved for independent 

model validation. CLIMEX is a generic dynamic simulation model that combines inferential 

and deductive modelling approaches. It can be used to infer what climatic conditions a species 

can tolerate based on where it lives or its phenology. 

Results: The CLIMEX model output conformed well to the data observed from trapping in 

South Africa, not only in terms of the species’ distribution, but also in terms of the relative 

abundance and seasonal phenology. The projected distribution also accords well with the 

pattern of presence records of the species elsewhere in Africa. The model predicts a large part 

of South America, Central America, Mexico and southern USA to be climatically suitable 

under recent climate conditions. In Europe, climatically suitable habitat is restricted to the 

coastal regions of the Mediterranean. In Asia, suitable climate is restricted mostly to the 

southern and south eastern countries, while in Australia it is mostly the wetter South and East. 

Conclusions: The independent cross-validation provided by relative abundance and seasonal 

phenology data, together with relevant species specific biological information enhanced the 

modelling of the species’ potential global distribution, thereby producing a more reliable 

model. 

Keywords: Biosecurity, CLIMEX, distribution, relative abundance, seasonal phenology


ASSESSMENT OF THE RELIABILITY OF EXISTING PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 

AGAINST THE INTRODUCTION OF NON-EUROPEAN TEPHRITIDAE INTO THE 

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY. 

Cobos-Suárez, José María 1 ; Guitián-Castrillón, José María* 2 & Catalán-Ruescas, Diana 2 

1 Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino (MARM), Subdirección General de Sanidad de la 

Producción Primaria, C/Alfonso XII 62; 28014 Madrid (Spain). Email: jcobossu@marm.es; 2 Tecnologías y 

Servicios Agrarios, S.A. (Tragsatec) C/Hnos. García Noblejas 37c, 2 nd floor; 28037 Madrid (Spain). 

Background: The Tephritidae family comprises 500 genera, including the Anastrepha, 

Bactrocera, Ceratitis and Dacus, and Rhagoletis genus, worldwide notorious for their 

destructive impact on agriculture. Except for Rhagoletis spp., which are found in temperate 

areas of Europe, few species of the other genera occur within the European Community (EC). 

As it includes transboundary pests of global concern, a key issue for pest risk analysts is to 

assess the reliability of the existing phytosanitary measures. We summarize here the current EC 

set of measures against non-European Tephritidae, identify their efficacy and compare them 

with those applied in third countries. 

Methods: The EC Plant Health Directive has been conscientiously revised in order to identify 

all references to Tephritidae and plant products with which the fruit flies have a possibility of 

being associated in a suitable life stage. We have checked the ability of fruit flies to survive the 

standard shipping methods by consulting the European interception database (Europhyt). 

Finally we have selected from the relevant pathways of introduction those which appear to 

pose a higher risk for the EC. 

Results: Two major pathways have been identified: (i) fresh fruits of host plant species and (ii) 

plants for planting (except seeds) accompanied by contaminated, attached growing media from 

countries where non-European Tephritidae occur. Frequently, only plants and plant products 

which are accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate are subject to a plant health inspection in 

the ports of entry. This common practice hinders the efficacy of the protective measures laid on 

the Directive and lead to visual inspection as the only requirement against fruit flies for most 

fruits (citrus are an exception). Regarding soil and growing medium attached, the recurring 

detection of harmful nematodes in these consignments shows the lack of implementation in 

practice of the requirements imposed to the EC trading partners. 

Conclusions: Visual inspection, as a single measure, is not enough to guarantee that fruits and 

plants with attached growing media are free from tephritids. This statement is supported by the 

regulation in force in third countries (e.g. USA, China, Australia or Japan) that do not rely 

solely on visual inspection of consignments. The EC, as major importer of plant products, is 

exposed to the entry of non-European Tephritidae and should impose stricter quarantine 

measures to prevent their spread within its territory. 

Keywords: Pest Risk Analysis, phytosanitary measures, reliability, pathway, introduction. 

77


DESIGNING PRACTICAL LABORATORY PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING HOST 

STATUS OF COMMODITIES TO FRUIT FLIES USING VARIOUS ANASTREPHA SPECIES 

AS EXAMPLES. 

Mangan, Robert L.* & Tarshis Moreno, Aleena 

USDA-ARS Crop Quality and Fruit Insects Research Unit, Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research, 

2413 E. Hwy 83, Weslaco Texas, (USA); Email: robert.mangan@ARS.USDA.GOV. 

Background: A critical component of assessing pest introductions and requirement for 

quarantines in fresh fruits/vegetables is the host status that determines risk of pest transport and 

introduction. Here we present a summary of laboratory procedures that address host evaluation 

and illustrate the procedure with summaries of laboratory experiments with the Mexican fruit 

fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew, the West Indian fruit fly A. obliqua (Macquart), and the Sapote 

fly A. serpentina (Weidemann) in tests with various Citrus species and cultivars. Based on 

earlier tests, we classified host status as either natural hosts or conditional hosts, and fruit fly 

species were classified as natural pests or conditional pests. 

Methods: Experiments tested survival and development of eggs and larvae of the fruit flies to 

compare tissue specific survival of the developmental stages of these species in natural and 

conditional citrus hosts and determine the tissue specific survival rates related to the maturity 

of the fruit. Experiments were performed by exposing fruit in laboratory cages (30 cm cubic/ 8 

fruit per cage, 8 mature females/fruit) using fruit wrapped to permit oviposition in a marked 

area for 24 h. Tests comparing fruit fly species were run in separate cages concurrently. Fruit 

were unwrapped, held in containers for maturation, then samples were dissected after 3 d, and 

weekly for 4 weeks to determine tissue and time specific survival of 4 (egg, and 1 st -3 rd instar) 

stages in flavedo, albedo, and pulp. 

Results: In all tests most mortality occurred during the first week after oviposition for eggs and 

first stage larvae in the albedo. The Mexican and sapote fruit flies oviposited into the albedo 

but West Indian fruit fly eggs were found mostly in the flavedo among the oil glands. Results 

showed large differences among the species for factors such as fruit maturity and senescence 

affecting mortality in the albedo but mortality was very low in larvae reaching the pulp for any 

of the species. 

Conclusions: The methods described here allowed identification of factors that affect host 

status for the 3 Anastrepha species of high economic importance in North America. The 

method could be tested under laboratory conditions during a single season. The Mexican fruit 

fly which is an economic pest on most citrus (but not Eureka lemons) was most sensitive to 

fruit maturity. Fly trapping triggers for quarantines in areas using a systems approach to meet 

requirements could be adjusted based on these factors for conditional hosts. 

Keywords: host status, quarantine

Session 5 

SIT Principles & Application


IMPROVING MASS REARING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE MEDFLY TEMPERATURE 

SENSITIVE LETHAL STRAIN (TSL): GEL LARVAL DIET DEVELOPMENT AND 

VALIDATION. 

Cáceres, Carlos. 

USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST/MOSCAMED PROGRAM GUATEMALA. San Miguel Petapa Fruit Flies Mass 

Rearing and Research Center Facility. Calle Real 3-60, Zona 9, San Miguel Petapa, Guatemala. Email: 

carlos.e.caceres@aphis.usda.gov, caceres-ce@hotmail.com 

Background: Mass rearing technology is a crucial element to establish a functional Sterile 

Insect Technique (SIT) program for any species. Insect rearing represents approximately 50% 

of the SIT cost. A Gel larval diet and its rearing system for Medfly (Ceratitis capitata) 

production were developed at San Miguel Petapa Facility in Guatemala. Benefits of a Gel diet 

technology include a reduction in waste diet; elimination of the bulking agent and reductions in 

diet ingredient storage needs and labor. 

Materials and Methods: Medfly eggs for both male only and colony productions lines were 

produced at the El Pino Facility, Guatemala. Eggs batch samples (250 ml for colony and 700 

ml for male only) were divided into equal parts. Half of the samples were sent to the Petapa 

Facility where the eggs were transferred onto the Gel diet. The diet is composed of Torula 

yeast, sugar, antifungal agents (sodium benzoate), hydrochloric acid, tap water and organic gel 

agent. Five replicas were conducted once per week during 5 consecutive weeks. Each 

experiment included approximately 60 trays for colony and 60 trays for male only production. 

The trays were loaded with two kilos of diet then male only trays were infested with 5.2 ml of 

eggs while the trays dedicated to the colony were infested with 1.8 ml of eggs. At El Pino the 

control eggs were seeded following normal rearing procedures. Trays were loaded with 5 kg of 

corn cob diet; male only trays were infested with 6.4 ml of eggs while colony trays were 

infested with 3.2 ml of egg. In both Facilities maturing larva were collected and measured 

every day to determine larva production quality. During the pupal development stage samples 

were separated and the quality assessed using standard QC tests. 

Results: Larval rearing of Medfly on this gel diet resulted in 30% increase in pupal production 

while increases in the colony production line resulted in 47% more female pupal production as 

compared to the control diet. Pupal weight, adult emergence, adult fliers, egg hatch and egg 

production are basically equal to insects reared on a conventional corncob diet. This first mass 

rearing assessment has shown a significant saving (23%) on the total cost of diet to produce the 

same quantity of insects. While it is now expected that the Gel diet can save some diet related 

costs during the rearing process other operational components such as energy consumption, 

labor, space, etc. need to be considered in the overall calculation of cost savings. 

Conclusion: The utilization of Gel diet technology may allow for considerable cost savings. 

However more research will be necessary in the future to design the best equipment and 

facility configuration for this new technology. The diet formulation may need to be revised so 

that more savings could be achieved without compromising the quality of the insects. 

Keywords: Medfly, SIT, Medfly larval diet, Mass rearing 

81


METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE SIZE TO ESTIMATE RECOVERED FLIES AND 

ABSOLUTE FLYER FLIES POST-CHILLING PROCEDURE OF STERILE MEDFLY, 

CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

Villaseñor, Antonio 1 ; Gonzalez, Ricardo 1 ; Rasgado, Milton 1 ; Romero, Moises 1 ; 

Hernández, Emilio* 2 & Montoya, Pablo 2 

1 Programa Moscamed-DGSV-SENASICA-México, Centro de Empaque de Adulto en Frío. Carretera Tapachula- 

Puerto Madero Km 3.6, Chiapas, México; 2 Desarrollo de Métodos, Moscafrut-Moscamed SAGARPA-IICA. Calle 

Central Poniente No. 14, Centro. 30700. Tapachula, Chiapas, México. E-mail: emilioho@prodigy.net.mx. 

Background: The efficacy of the Sterile Insect Technique is based on the quantity and quality of the 

adults released, which could be determined by the percent of post- chilling recovered flies 

(quantity) and absolute flyer flies (quality) after shipment, packaging, emergence, feeding, 

chilling and collection processes. In this work we described the adapted methodology for the 

daily estimation of the two parameters mentioned above for sterile male flies of Ceratitis 

capitata in Tapachula, México. 

Methods: The evaluation was carried on using emergence tower type “Guatemala” conformed 

by 25 double-screen tap trays. In 20 trays we collocate ~25, 000 pupae that were previously 

weighted. The trays remained in the emergence room at 24 °C and 60% RH, with food in form 

of fine flour (90% sugar, 10% vegetable proteins) and water. On the fifth day, the trays were 

moved into a cold room to slow down adults at 0 – 3 °C for 30 minutes. 

To determine the recovered flies and absolute flyers, standard procedures using total content of 

each screen-tray were compared with the new proposed method, which consisted in a sample 

of 30 ml of chilled flies from each tray. We used the proportion 9:1 between the weight of 

adult fly and its puparia as a constant. Each sample was weighted and placed in a plastic 

container of 33 x 20.5 x 10.6 cm talc impregnated, which were collocated in open space at 

environmental temperature to stimulate the flies flying and to get the residue of non-flying 

flies. The percent of recovered flies was estimated from the difference of the initial average 

weight of pupa and the final weight or residue inside the containers. To calculate the sample 

size we used the formula nE = (S / Ex) 2 (FAO/IAEA/USDA 2003). 

Results: The average percent and SD of recovered flies was 80% ± 0.62, while absolute flyer 

flies was 91 % ± 1.21. These results were compared with those obtained from standard 

procedures, 88% and 91%, respectively. The average weight in the sample of absolute flyers 

was 7.24 ± 0.36; using the formula with an accuracy level of 0.1 (90% reliability), the 

estimated number of samples was (0.36/(0.0135*7.24)) 2 = 12.96, which means that number of 

samples can be reduced from 20 to 13. 

Conclusions: The developed methodology provides reliable information about quality of 

managed flies by the chilled adult release system, while avoiding the use of large numbers of 

flies that could be destined for release purposes. 

Keywords: Medfly, Ceratitis capitata, sample size, recovered flies, absolute flyers.


IMPROVING THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE THROUGH SELECTION OF BEST 

PERFORMING MALES. 

Liedo, Pablo 1 *; Hendrichs, Jorge 2 ; Toledo, Jorge 1 ; Oropeza, Azucena 1 ; & Jessup, 

Andrew J. 2 

1 Departamento de Entomología. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur. ECOSUR, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, 

Tapachula, Chiapas, México 30700; Email: pliedo@ecosur.mx; 2 Insect Pest Control Subprogramme, Joint 

FAO/IAEA Division, Vienna, Austria. 

Background: The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) requires mass-production of sterile insects and 

mass-rearing is a selection process. There is evidence of favorable traits that have been 

inadvertently selected through colonization and mass-rearing, such as fast development, high 

fecundity, ovipositing in egging devices, and large size. However, there is also evidence of 

non-intentional negative selection. For example, selection for fast mating, the loss of predator 

evasion ability and requirements for high light intensity and temperatures. Our goal in this 

study was to evaluate if selection based on survival ability, predator avoidance and mating 

competitiveness can improve the performance of mass-reared flies for SIT application, and if 

this approach could be incorporated into new colony management strategies of ‘mother stocks’. 

Methods: Strains of two mass-reared species were evaluated, the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha 

ludens, and the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata. Selection was done on host plants 

under field cage conditions. Wild flies were used as controls. Males selected by their survival 

ability, predator avoidance and wild female mating choice were crossed with mass-reared 

females and their offspring was reared following standard laboratory protocols. Offspirng 

performance in the same traits was evaluated in the next generation. 

Results: After one selection cycle we did not observe significant improvements in the general 

performance of males of the two species. Differences in survival and predator avoidance were 

not significant. However, the number of matings achieved by selected males were significantly 

greater than those achieved by non-selected (control) males. 

Conclusions: The slightly better mating performance of selected males was consistently found 

in both species. Possible reasons for the lack of more significant effects will be discussed and 

new research lines will be proposed. The feasibility of incorporating such selection processes 

in the routine colony management of “mother stocks’ is analyzed. 

Keywords: Anastrepha ludens, Ceratitis capitata, mass-rearing, sterile males 

83


NINE YEARS OF MASS-REARED OF WEST INDIAN FRUIT FLIES ANATREPHA 

OBLIQUA (MACQUART) DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE IN THE MOSCAFRUT COMPLEX. 

Orozco-Dávila, Dina; Artiaga, Trinidad*; Hernández, M. Refugio & Domínguez, Julio 

Planta Moscafrut SAGARPA-IICA. Central Poniente No. 14. C.P. 30700. Tapachula, Chiapas. México. E-mail: 

tartiagal@hotmail.com 

Background: Anastrepha obliqua is the second most economically important species for 

mango Mangífera indica L. growing in México (Aluja et al. 1987). One of the methods for 

controlling this pest is the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). The Moscafrut mass rearing facility 

has produced this species. Since 2001, the rearing process has been optimized. In 2007 it was 

possible to rear the mother colony under more relaxed conditions and this improved the quality 

of the flies and male sexual competitiveness. In 2009 the highest competitiveness index was 

achieved. 

Methods: The rearing conditions have involved loading cages with 60,000 pupae for the relax 

colony and 88,000 for release. Environmental conditions have been: 26 ±1°C and 70±5 RH. 

Larval density in the diet has been 3.7 and 5.58 larvae/ per g of diet, for relax and release 

rearing, respectively. The diet formulation has been: 16.33% corncob powder, yeast 6.33%, 

8.66% corn flour, sugar 9.0%, 0.1% guar gum, Nipagin 0.18%, 0.33% sodium benzoate and 

citric acid 0.43%. The larvae are maintained for 3 days at 26-27 ° C, and then transferred to a 

room at 25 to 26 °C for 3 days and finally kept at 24-25 ° C until completing eight days in 

total. The mature larvae are separated by dissolving the diet in water. Pupation takes place at 

20 ± 1 °C for 24 hours, then the pupae are maintained at 26°C and 80% RH for 13 days. 

Finally, the pupae for the colony are selected and the rest is irradiated at 80 Gray and sent to 

release areas in Mexico. 

Results: From 2001 to 2009 egg production increased from 0.416 to 1.14 eggs/cage/day. 

Fertility increased from 82.43% to 89.32%. Egg to larva survival has increased from 57.73% to 

73.07%. Mean larva weight in the relax rearing has been 19.12 mg, and 18.71 for the release 

rearing. Pupae production increased from 262.649 to 2,286.885 million per year. Mean pupa 

weight has been 14.11 and 13.75 mg for relax and release rearing, respectively. The percentage 

of adult emergence and fliers gradually increased, reaching values of 86.66% and 79.82% 

respectively. With the implementation of the relax colony in 2007, the sexual behavior of the 

produced males has been successful. The RSI increased to 0.42, which has been the highest 

value. Competitiveness with wild flies has been acceptable with 0.63 competitiveness 

coefficient, above the acceptable values for the coefficient competitiveness parameter for 

sterile males (0.2-0.4 FAO/IAEA 2003). 

Conclusions: The Anastrepha obliqua mass-reared system has improved during the past 9 

years, accomplishing the goals of the National Campaign, both in quantity and quality. 

Keywords: mass-reared, Relative Sterile Index (RSI) and competitiveness.


EVALUATION OF GENETIC SEXING STRAIN “TAPACHULA-7” (T (Y-BP + )-7) OF 

ANASTREPHA LUDENS (LOEW) FOR STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE. 

De León-Crisóstomo, Ángel H.; García-Martínez, Víctor; Ibañez-Palacios, Jorge; Flores- 

García, Hector; Meza, J. Salvador & Zepeda-Cisneros, Cristina S. * 

National Fruit Fly Campaign. Moscafrut Program. Acuerdo SAGARPA-IICA. Central Poniente No. 14 Col. 

Centro Tapachula Chiapas, México. Email: cczepeda@hotmail.com 

Background: Genetic sexing strains (GSS) can significantly enhance Sterile Insect Technique 

applicability and efficiency, for Fruit Flies are becoming more relevant every day due to their 

operational advantages and substantial saving that represents for the action programs. A GSS 

based on the Y-autosome translocation system has been developed for A. ludens; typically 

pupaes are brown/males: black/females. This strain has been named “Tapachula-7” and after 

making small-scale assessments has been identified a “good potential” for semi-massive 

scaling. We report here the evaluation on viability and stability in a production that is being 

increased. 

Methods: A stock colony of the GSS “Tapachula-7” was maintained at densities of 1500 pairs 

of flies per cage each generation; viability parameters were measured and screened the total 

production recording the number of aberrants. Furthermore other cages has been maintained at 

densities of 3000-4000 pairs per cage, the total flies produced were revised each generation 

recording since F8 the crippled/half emerged flies. Production parameters were estimated in 

order to calculate the rearing efficiency. 

The genetic study of aberrants were done by means of individual crosses, each aberrant fly was 

crossed with a “wild type” insect first, and then with a "black pupae” mutant. Their offspring 

was recorded for two generations. 

Results: The stock colony “Tapachula-7” has been maintained during 19 generations and no 

aberrants has been found. The fertility has been maintained in 70%, which is a good value for a 

strain carrying a Y-autosome translocation. The viability was measured as percentage of 

transformations at different developmental stages: larvae-brown pupae=33.56; larvae-black 

pupae= 35.56, brown pupae-adult=92.34, black pupae-adult=76.59. The production was scaled 

and actually we maintain 5 cages with 3000 pairs each one. From these cages we obtained in 

average 10ml egg/day/cage and a production of pupaes of 9,000/day/cage. The percentage of 

crippled and half merged flies was less than 2%. Only “black pupae” male aberrants have been 

found, when we crossed individually these insects with wild type females, the F1 progeny was 

only wild type insects, but in F2 appeared “black pupae” and wild type flies. In these aberrants 

insects the crosses with “black pupae” females did not produce any offspring. 

Conclusions: Production and stability parameters of Genetic Sexing Strain “Tapachula-7” 

allow for reliable predictions on that the strain will perform properly under mass rearing 

conditions. 

Keywords: mexicanfruitfly, genetic sexing strain, Anastrepha ludens, translocation, new strain evaluation, SIT 

85


JUVENILE HORMONE TREATMENT AND PROTEIN SUPPLY IN ADULT DIET: THE 

CASE OF ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS. 

Segura, Diego 1,2* ; Vera, M. Teresa 2,3 ; Liendo, M. Clara 1 ; Devescovi, Francisco 1 ; Utgés, M. 

Eugenia 4 ; Abraham, Solana 3 ; Peralta, Patricia 1 ; Carabajal Paladino, Leonela 1 ; 

mann, Guillermo 1 ; Milla, Fabián 1 ; Teal, Peter 5 & Cladera, Jorge L. 1 

1 Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Los Reseros y Repetto, Castelar 

(1712), Buenos Aires, Argentina. dsegura@cnia.inta.gov.ar; 2 CONICET, Argentina. 3 Estación Experimental 

Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres, S. M. de Tucumán, Argentina. 4 Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, 

Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; 5 Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, USDA- 

ARS, Gainesville, FL, USA. 

Background: Anastrepha fraterculus is a major fruit pest in South America. Our research 

focuses on obtaining baseline data for the implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique. In 

this species, males have a long pre-copulatory period. We studied the effect of treating A. 

fraterculus with a juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene, which accelerates maturation in 

other Anastrepha. Because sexual development is tightly associated to protein intake, 

methoprene effects were analyzed under several nutritional regimes. 

Methods & Results: In laboratory, we found that methoprene treatment allowed a faster sexual 

maturation of A. fraterculus fertile as well as sterile (gamma-irradiated) males. Further studies 

showed no differences in transferred sperm between methoprene-treated males and mature, 

untreated males. Protein-fed, methoprene-treated males reached sexual maturity earlier than 

treated males that fed on sugar, or untreated males fed on sugar plus protein. However, this was 

not the case for every protein source; hydrolyzed yeast showed the highest percentage of 

matured males. We found that a 12:1 (sugar: hydrolyzed yeast) diet is enough for methoprene 

to shorten the pre-copulatory period. Under an SIT program, methoprene must be delivered to 

millions of males at once. Dipping pupae in a methoprene solution allowed males to mature as 

fast as topically treated males. Including methoprene in adult diet also induced an accelerated 

development, but it relies on methoprene solubility in water. In field cages, we found that 6 

days-old laboratory males treated with methoprene (by dipping pupae in methoprene) and fed 

sugar and hydrolyzed yeast at a 12:1 ratio were able to courtship, to attract of females, to mate, 

to transfer sperm and to induce a refractory period for mating in females as well as sexually 

mature wild males fed on a 3:1 diet. Young laboratory females showed lower performance 

(only 5% mated) than wild females irrespectively on the fact that they were treated with 

methoprene and fed a diet containing protein. 

Conclusions: Sexual maturation of A. fraterculus sterile males can be accelerated by treating 

the flies with methoprene, but protein is needed for methoprene to act. Methoprene and protein 

allow laboratory males to compete for wild females in field cages. Massive delivery of 

methoprene is possible through feeding and dipping, and future studies should focus on 

massive delivery of protein and sugar. In the absence of a genetic sexing system, the fact that 

females do not respond as males to methoprene acts as a physiological sexing effect. 

Keywords: South American fruit fly, SIT, sexing system, nutrition.


EFFECTS OF A JUVENILE HORMONE ANALOGUE, METHOPRENE, AND DIETARY 

PROTEIN ON BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT): IMPLICATIONS FOR SIT. 

Haq, Ihsan ul *1 ; Cáceres, Carlos 1 ; Hendrichs, Jorge 2 ; Teal, Peter 3 & Robinson, Alan S 1 

1 Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories, A-2444 Seibersdorf, 

Austria. E-mail: I.Haq@iaea.org; 2 Insect Pest Control Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, IAEA, Wagramerstrasse 

5, A-1400 Vienna, Austria. 3 Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, ARS, 

USDA, 1600-1700 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, Florida, USA. 

Background: Juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene treatment can reduce the time required 

for sexual maturation and access to diet including protein enhanced mating success in male 

melon fly, Bactrocera cuccurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) genetic sexing strain under laboratory 

conditions, supporting their use as a treatment for sterile males within the context of sterile 

insect technique (SIT). 

Methods: The effect of access to dietary protein (P) (hydrolyzed yeast) and/or treatment with a 

juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene (M), (in addition to sugar and water) on B. cucurbitae 

was assessed in the laboratory and in field cages. The males were exposed to either 1) protein 

and methoprene (M+P+), 2) only protein (M-P+), or 3) only methoprene (M+P-), and 

compared with untreated males (M-P-). The effect of methoprene and protein on mating 

behaviour of the four groups of males, when competing for virgin sexually mature females (M- 

P+), on starvation survival and on total body protein and lipids was studied. 

Results: Access to a diet including protein significantly increased male performance at leks and 

mating success as compared to only sugar fed males. Application of methoprene had a 

significant effect on accelerating sexual maturity only in males with access to a diet including 

protein, but not in males feeding only on sugar. Combined exposure to methoprene and protein 

also showed a significant effect on male performance at leks. More M+P+ males called and 

initiated and participated in lek activities than all other types of male, attaining a higher mating 

success. No adverse effect of methoprene and/ or protein on starvation survival was observed 

when compared with the untreated males. Treating males with methoprene and/ or protein 

didn’t inhibit female re-mating, however female mated with protein- or sugar-fed males during 

their first mating always preferred to re-mate with protein-fed males. Protein incorporation into 

the diet significantly increased the male body weight, total body carbon (TBC) and total body 

nitrogen (TBN) as compared to only sugar-fed males. Methoprene had no significant effect on 

males’ TBC and TBN. 

Conclusions: These studies provide strong evidence for the benefits of methoprene application 

and protein incorporation into the adult diet of sterile males. Treated males achieve higher 

sexual success, reach sexual development several days earlier, and are therefore much closer to 

sexual maturity when released as part of SIT action programmes after being held in the fly 

emergence and release facility. 

Keywords: Melon fly, methoprene, dietary protein, sexual success, sterile insect technique (SIT) 

87


IMPROVE MATING SUCCESS OF YOUNG STERILE MALES OF BACTROCERA 

DORSALIS (HENDEL) AND BACTROCERA CORRECTA (BEZZI). 

Orankanok, Watchreeporn*; Chinvinijkul, Suksom; Pinkaew, Supaap & Brohmsubha, 

Suttipun 

Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, 2143/1 Phahol Yotin Road, 

Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand. Email: watchreporn@doae.go.th; Watchreporn@yahoo.com 

Background: Two tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera 

dorsalis (Hendel), and the guava fruit fly, Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi), are two key insect pests 

of fruits production causing yield loss, quality degradation and restrict international trade in 

Thailand and some Asia-Pacific countries. The Sterile Insect Technique, SIT, has been 

implement to control fruit fly species in pilot areas of mango, Mangifera indica Linn. 

(Anacardiaceae). Up-scaling from a pilot areas project to a country-wide level needed to apply 

SIT in a cost-effective way. 

Metods: Two prerelease diet sugar, S, only and combination of sugar and protein hydrolysate, 

SP 3:1, were provided to sterile males during emerging, sexual separation and continuously 

until 2 and 3 day-old then followed with synthetic methyl eugenol, ME (1,2-dimethoxy-4-(2propenyl) 

benzene), exposed and not exposed at releasing age 2 and 3 days. Mating 

competitiveness experiments were conducted as 2x2 factorial in RCBD, (S without ME); (S 

with ME); (SP 3:1 without ME) and (SP 3:1 with ME) over five replications. Sterile males 

(2+n and 3+n, where n = 1-15 testing day) of B. dorsalis were set up; 50 sterile males and 50 

wild males, 23 day-old, were completed for 50 wild females, 21 day-old. But the observation 

day for B. correcta was 18 days. The same number of B. correcta sterile and wild males were 

designed for wild females competition as B. dorsalis but the wild females was 37 day-old. 

Results: Bactrocera dorsalis and B. correcta showed additive interaction of ME and both S and 

SP 3:1 as prerelease diet via significantly higher percent of mating. RSI of sterile males given 

S with ME and SP with ME presented higher the percentage of mating significantly than 

prerelease diet feeding without ME exposure. 

Conclusions: Based on our result, we would recommend for weekly sterile male released 

program. Sterile males should provide sugar/protein (3:1) into adult eclosion box for 2-3 days 

then they would be exposed to ME in the morning of release day. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera correcta, mating success, prerelease diet, methy eugenol.


EFFECT OF TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING IN THE QUALITY OF THREE MASS 

REARED SPECIES IN MEXICO. 

Hernández, M. Refugio*; Bravo, J.; Flores, S.; Domínguez, Julio & Orozco-Dávila, Dina 

Programa Operativo Moscafrut. Central Poniente No. 14 altos-Esq. 2ª Avenida Sur. CP 30700. Tapachula, 

Chiapas, MÉXICO. 

Background: The transport and shipment of fruit flies to be used in the Sterile Insect Technique 

(SIT) have to consider two basic aspects: 1) administrative and operational requirements and 2) 

Handling of biological material which includes type and conditions of packaging, 

transportation, distance traveled (shipping time), management in emergency areas, system for 

emergency and finally the release of biological material. The conditions that remain may affect 

the quality of adults produced, but even with optimal management, shipping time affect the 

emergence and flight ability of adults and negative effects in the performance of insects, 

competitiveness of flies or search capacity of parasitoids. 

Methods: Moscafrut Facility located in the south-east of Mexico have a mass rearing of 

Anastrepha ludens, A. obliqua and D. longicaudata. The biological material produced (sterile 

pupa or parasitized pupa) is separated from the substrate of pupation and packed in sausage 

bags, which are placed in cardboard boxes are then transported by air to the International 

Airport of Mexico City where they are transshipped to packaging and releases centers in the 

Northern states. During the packing, the pupae are maintained under hypoxic conditions for the 

sterilization of the flies, preventing the emergence of the material during the transportation. To 

measure the effect of shipping on the quality of both flies and parasitoid we compare the 

information generated during three years at origin and destination. 

Results: The transportation and shipment of the pupa to the destination resulted in a significant 

loss in quality parameters for each species distributed in the different states of Mexico. To 

Anastrepha ludens, the emergency of 92.78% and fligth ability of 90.37% were reduced by 

6.78% and 11.21% respectively. For A. obliqua, sent to two states, the values were 91.90% and 

86.51% with 2.63 and 6.34% loss for emergency and flight ability, respectively. The 

emergence of the parasitoid, D. longicaudata, was decreased by 9.14% at arrival with an initial 

value of 60.55%. The quality was affected significantly by the time of hypoxia, the effect being 

most noticeable when observing differences in travel times within a single destination. 

Conclusions: To minimize the effects on the quality of mass-produced insects, logistics must 

be organized in order to reduce the time of hypoxia. 

Keywords: emergence, flight ability, hypoxia, Anastrepha, Diachasmimorpha 

89


OPTIMUM DOSE OF GINGER ROOT OIL TO TREAT STERILE CERATITIS CAPITATA 

(WIEDEMANN) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) MALES. 

Paranhos, Beatriz J *1 ; McInnis, Donald 2* ; Morelli, Renata 3 ; Castro, Rosemary M 1 ; 

Garziera, Luiza 1 ; Paranhos, Lucas G 1 ; Costa, Karen 4 ; Gava, Carlos 1 ; Costa, Maria de 

Lourdes Z 4 & Walder, Julio M M 4 

1 Laboratory of Entomology, Embrapa Semi Arid, C.P. 23, 56302-970, Petrolina-PE, Brazil. E-mail: 

bjordao@cpatsa.embrapa.br; 2 USDA-ARS Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Honolulu-HI, USA; 3 Dept. 

of Entomology, Phytopathology and Agricultural Zoology-University of São Paulo (ESALQ), Piracicaba-SP, 

Brazil; 4 Laboratory of Food Irradiation and Radio-Entomology, University of São Paulo (CENA), Piracicaba-SP, 

Brazil. 

Background: The sterile insect technique (SIT) is widely used as part of an integrated approach 

to reduce field populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata, Diptera: 

Tephritidae). Aromatherapy based on exposure to ginger root oil (GRO) volatiles is known as a 

method to significantly improve the sexual performance of sterile medfly males, and is being 

used in many mass-rearing facilities around the world. However, the optimum dose of GRO is 

not well defined. 

Methods: This work evaluated in laboratory cages four different doses of GRO and a control 

(0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 ml/m 3 ), and two different methods to hold flies prior to release 

(paper bags and plastic cages). The objective was to find the lowest dose that provides optimal 

improvement in mating performance of sterile males when competing with wild males for wild 

females and optimal reduction in fertility of wild females. Egg hatch, copula duration, the 

Relative Sterility Index (RSI), and a Competitiveness (C) value (based on RSI) were calculated 

for each treatment to assess male sexual performance and induction of sterility. 

Results: The method used to hold flies did not influence the aromatherapy effect. The mean 

time spent by wild females in copula with wild males was significantly longer than with sterile 

males for all treatments, except when sterile males were treated with 0.1 ml of GRO/m 3 . 

Among all doses studied, the dose 0.1 ml of GRO/m 3 reached the highest levels for both RSI 

and induced sterility, and was not statistically different from the 0.25 and 0.5 GRO/m 3 doses. 

Conclusion: The flies can be treated aromatically with ginger root oil in either paper bags or 

ventilated plastic cages. It is recommended to apply the lowest dose, 0.1 ml of GRO/m 3 , 

because it showed the best cost/benefit ratio when used in the Mediterranean fruit fly SIT 

programme in the San Francisco River Valley, Brazil. 

Keywords: Aromatherapy, Sterile insect technique, Mediterranean fruit fly, Medfly, GRO.


FIELD CAGE STUDIES ON MATING ISOLATION BETWEEN SPECIES WITHIN THE 

BACTROCERA DORSALIS COMPLEX. 

Jessup, Andrew J.* 1 ; Schütze, Mark K. 2 ; Clarke, Anthony R. 2 ; Islam, Amirul 1 & 

Wornoayporn, Viwat 1 

1 Insect Pest Control Laboratory. Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. 

International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria; Email: a.jessup@iaea.org; 2 Discipline of Biogeosciences 

& CRC National Plant Biosecurity, Queensland University of Technology, G.P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane 4000, 

Queensland, Australia. 

Background: There is increasing demand, world wide, to address the issue of fruit fly species 

complexes, i.e. fruit fly species with distinct similarities that have been grouped together. 

There is concern that some of these insect lines are not separate species but geographical 

variants. Their uncertain taxonomic status is having significant implications for international 

trade and the efficacious use of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). 

Methods: Interspecific crosses between the following species were assessed: Bactrocera 

dorsalis, B. philippinensis, B. invadens and B. carambolae. 1) No-choice laboratory mating 

tests. Fly species were reared under identical conditions, sexed within 24h of adult emergence 

and housed in small cages with food and water. Five male flies of one species and 5 females of 

another species were housed in each cage and the experiment was replicated three times. Data 

on the numbers of eggs oviposited, egg fertility, egg-pupa recovery and the sex-ratio of F1 

hybrids were recorded. 2) Field cage mating tests. Flies were segregated by sex and “painted” 

with a dot of water-based paint when sexually mature. Each species / gender was painted with 

a different colour. Twenty males of each of the two species being tested were released into 

each of four field cages and, 30min later, 20 females of each of the two species were released. 

When mating couples formed the time of coupling was recorded, the mating couple was 

removed and identified through their colour code. 

Results: Under no-choice laboratory mating tests all attempted hybridisations produced viable 

offspring. However, under simulated field conditions various degrees of mating isolation 

between species were observed. 

Conclusions: Implications of these observations are discussed in regard to species separation, 

international trade and SIT. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, species complex, mating behaviour, interspecific hybridisation 

91

Session 6 

Area-Wide & Action Programs


HAWAII AREA-WIDE FRUIT FLY INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: A 

MODEL SYSTEM. 

Vargas, Roger* 1 ; Mau, Ronald 2 ; Jang, Eric 1 & Wong, Lyle 3 

1 USDA, ARS, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 4459, Hilo, HI (USA). Email: 

roger.vargas@ars.usda.gov; 2 University of Hawaii at Manoa, Cooperative Extension Service, 3050 Maile Way, 

Gilmore 310, Honolulu, HI 96822; 3 Hawaiian Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, 1428 South 

King St., Honolulu, HI 96814. 

Background: In Hawaii, fruit flies limit development of a diversified fruit and vegetable 

industry, require export fruits to undergo expensive quarantine treatments, and provide a 

reservoir for pest introduction into the mainland United States. Hawaii has four species that 

have become established, three of which (Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata 

(Wiedemann), melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), and oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera 

dorsalis (Hendel)) are considered major pests of agriculture worldwide. When these pests are 

introduced into the U.S. mainland, they often require large-scale eradication programs, often at 

great public expense. In California, where the total value of the fruit and vegetable industry has 

been estimated to be more than $14 billion annually, the California Department of Food and 

Agriculture has estimated that an established infestation of Mediterranean fruit fly would cost 

from $855 million to $1.4 billion during the first year of establishment. 

Methods: A partnership Hawaii Area-Wide Pest Management (AWPM) project implemented 

by ARS resulted in the first successful program to control fruit flies that have been devastating 

Hawaiian agriculture for almost 100 years. The control system based on a combination of 

techniques (sanitation, protein baits, male annihilation, and SIT), developed primarily by ARS, 

have been adapted and coordinated into an IPM initiative specifically designed to work in 

Hawaii’s environment. A hallmark of the program has been a network of partnerships 

involving ARS, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, the University of Hawaii Cooperative 

Extension Service and local communities, with the support of APHIS and other research, 

regulatory and government agencies. 

Results: New technologies transferred to farmers included new monitoring systems, new 

protein bait systems, and new male annihilations treatments. The 2,079 signed cooperating 

growers in the program, representing 6,798 acres, 491 farms, across five islands so far-Oahu, 

Hawaii, Molokai, and Maui--have already been able to cut conventional pesticide use by 75- 

90%, and reduced fruit fly infestation from 30-40% to less than 5%. Small farms are now 

growing crops they had previously been abandoned due to fruit fly damage. 

Conclusions: An economic assessment determined that the Hawaii AWPM program was easy 

to use, and initial economic benefits were estimated at $2.6 million per year and projected. 

Even using the most conservative economic analysis, without including the possible benefits 

category, the rate of return still came to 27%, according to a cost-benefit study. The success of 

the Hawaii AWPM program has had international impacts on fruit fly management, as many 

other countries facing similar problems. Researchers and officials from People’s Republic of 

China, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, French Polynesia, Guam, Senegal, 

and Taiwan, among others, have expressed interest in or adopted the program as a model for 

fruit fly suppression. 

Keywords: Mediterranean fruit fly, oriental fruit fly, melon fly, area-wide integrated pest management. 

95


STATUS OF BACTROCERA INVADENS MANAGEMENT IN AFRICA: RECENT 

ADVANCES, SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES. 

Ekesi, Sunday 1,* ; Vayssières, Jean-François 2 ; Hanna, Rachid 3 ; De Meyer, Marc 4 ; 

Goergen, Georg 5 & Malacrida, Anna 6 

1 ICIPE, PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Email: sekesi@icipe.org; 2 IITA-CIRAD,Cotonou, Benin; 3 IITA, 

Yaoundé, Cameroon; 4 RMCA, Tervuren, Belgium; 5 IITA, Cotonou, Benin; 5 Università di Pavia, Italia. 

Background: Bactrocera invadens was first detected at the Kenyan coast in 2003 and later 

described as a fruit fly pest that was completely new to science. It is probably native to Sri 

Lanka and has rapidly expanded its geographical range, now reported from over 28 African 

countries. The pest attacks numerous cultivated and wild host plants but mango is the primary 

host with damage ranging from 40-80%. Quarantine restrictions due to the insect have 

significantly restricted access to lucrative export markets abroad. For example, exports of host 

crops of B. invadens are already banned to Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa; and trade 

of several horticultural produce between Africa and the US has been severely hampered. 

Methods: Since its detection, several international and national partners have been involved in 

investigations related to its distribution, abundance, host range and interaction with native 

Ceratitis species. Morphometrics and molecular studies on the insect have been carried out to 

unravel its relationship with other Bactrocera species as well as its invasion history. Several 

attractants and fungal-based biological control agents have been evaluated for suppression. 

Assessments of the role of the weaver ant Oecophylla longinoda in significantly decreasing 

damage, as well as farmer perception of the ant, have been carried out. Exploration for natural 

enemies in the putative aboriginal home has been undertaken and parasitoids have been 

introduced into Africa from established laboratories from the USA. Releases of Fopius 

arisanus has commenced in several countries. Post harvest disinfestations trials on citrus and 

avocado has been initiated jointly with the private sector to recoup export markets. 

Results: A comprehensive assessment of the distribution of B. invadens in Africa and potential 

range of expansion based on ecological niche model will be presented. Field observation 

depicts rapid displacement of native Ceratitis species. Host range studies showed that the pest 

attacks over 40 plants species. Morphometric analysis shows clear relationships with 

Bactrocera kandiensis and ongoing DNA barcode analysis will be presented. Analysis of 

invasion history using microsatellite markers revealed 2 points of invasion in Africa – Kenya 

and Benin. Potent attractants (e.g. GF-120 and Mazoferm, local waste brewer’s yeast) and 

fungal-based biopesticide have shown considerable potential for field suppression. Field 

releases of Fopius arisanus have commenced in several countries with significant recoveries 

indicating potentials for establishment. Results from ongoing cold disinfestations trials on 

avocado and citrus will be discussed. 

Conclusions: An IPM package based on the use of protein bait, male annihilation technique, 

biopesticides, biological control (ants and parasitoids) and orchard sanitation is being 

advocated, and progressively implemented by growers for access to both domestic and 

international markets. However adoption seems far fetch from the reality and challenges to 

implementation across Africa will be discussed. 

Keywords: Bactrocera invadens, invasion, spread, bioecology, suppression.

PATAGONIA ARGENTINA. FRUIT FLY FREE AREA. 


Rial, Esteban J.*; Borges, Carlos A. & Mongabure, Alejandro P. 

Ingenieros Agrónomos. Fundación Barrera Zoofitosanitaria Patagónica. FunBaPa, Maipú 1634 General Roca 

(8332) Río Negro, Argentina. Email: erial@funbapa.org.ar. 

Background: The Patagonian Protected Region is a vast area of 835.000 km 2 and about 1.7 

million inhabitants. There are 150.000 hectares of irrigated valleys which form a real oasis 

within the typical semiarid plain landscape. These valleys are suitable for the production of 

vegetables, pome, stone and fine fruits (berries), all of which are in very good condition for 

export. The Region produces 1,000,000 tons of apples, 600,000 of pears (which represent the 

85% of the country´s production) and 100,000 tons of stone and fine fruits. 

Methods: The whole Region is naturally isolated by the Andean Range to the west, the Atlantic 

Ocean to the east and the Colorado and Barrancas Rivers, to the north. In addition to this, 13 

terrestrial inspection posts, 13 airports, 1 railroad control post and all the seaports of the 

Patagonian coast protect the area in order to prevent from any eventual re-infestation from the 

northern part of the country. 

Because of the presence of medfly in some urban areas, both Private and Public sectors in 

Patagonia decided, in 1997, to face the eradication of the pest in order to prevent quarantine 

restrictions imposed by some countries. After many years of hard work, combining regulation 

of incoming articles, Sterile Insect Technique, and cultural and chemical control, Patagonia 

was finally recognized as free of Fruit Flies by USDA/APHIS, by December 2005. 

The Program runs a 2.500 traps network, serviced every week, which demands 30 people 

working as trappers and samplers and identification laboratories. Control activities are 

concentrated, at present, on the implementation of the SIT through a Preventive Release 

Program over some urban areas where chances of a re-infestation are higher. 

Results: In case an outbreak occurs, an Emergency Plan, including focused control and 

regulatory activities, is immediately put into action. Since the eradication of the pest, two 

outbreaks occurred, one in 2006 and the other one in 2009. Both have been satisfied controlled 

and finally eradicated. 

Conclusions: This situation enabled Patagonia export to the United States for the fifth 

consecutive season without quarantine treatments. 

97


ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST NATIVE FRUIT 

FLIES IN SIX MEXICAN STATES (1994-2008). 

Salcedo Baca, Diznarda 1 *; Lomeli Flores, J. Refugio 1 ; Terrazas González, Gerardo H. 1 ; Rodríguez Leyva, 

Esteban & Enkerlin, Walther 2 

1 External consultants from the Interamerican Institute of Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA). Magnolias 20-B, 

Depto. 102, Col. Tlacoquemecatl del Valle, 03200 México, D.F., México; E-mail: diznarda.salcedo@cefprofit.com; 

2 Co-Director, Moscamed Regional Program. 

Background: The National Campaign against native fruit flies (Anastrepha spp.) was 

established by the Mexican Government in 1992 to prevent the negative effects of this pest in 

fruit loss in the field and quality of products, and through it, facilitate farmers the 

commercialization of their fresh fruits both in national and international markets. Thanks to the 

Campaign, several Mexican states and regions have been recognized as free areas (Baja 

California, Sonora, North & Central Sinaloa, Chihuahua and North of Zacatecas) and low 

prevalence areas of native fruit flies (South of Sinaloa, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas & 

Aguascalientes). This has facilitated observed increments in production and exports of 

Mexican fruits in the states where the Campaign has been operating. The different species of 

native fruit flies can cause up to 20% fruit loss in the field of sweet citrus and mango, 15% of 

guava and 30% of “mamey” and “chico zapote” if there were no phytosanitary measures 

implemented against this pest. 

Methods: Economic impacts were estimated through a retrospective model that was designed 

using as a guideline the “Cost-Benefit Analysis Model: A Tool for Area-Wide Fruit Fly 

Management” developed by FAO/IAEA. The designed model considered historical data of the 

observed variables, program costs and benefits (direct & indirect) for a 15 years period, to 

estimate the economic indicators: benefit-cost ratio (B/C), net present value (NPV), internal 

rate of return (IRR) and pay-back period. 

Results: Estimated economic indicators for each of the six evaluated states showed a B/C ratio 

much higher than one, positive NPV, very significant IRR and a pay-back period in only one 

year. A total investment in the Campaign of US $188 million for all six states during a 15 year 

period (6 for the state of Guerrero), generated direct and indirect benefits of US $1.8 and 1.5 

billion, respectively. Benefits for each state were: US $13 and 12 million, respectively, for Baja 

California, US $303 and 143 million for Guerrero, US $208 and 424 million for Nuevo León, 

US $578 and 340 million for Sinaloa, US $380 and 158 million for Sonora and US $347 and 

456 for Tamaulipas. For the mango produced in four of these states, direct benefits rose to US 

$960 million and indirect ones to US $548 million, while for the sweet citrus species cultivated 

in the six states, US $1.3 and 1.0 billion, respectively. 

Conclusions: Based on the obtained economic indicators, the decision of the Mexican 

government of establishing the National Campaign against Native Fruit Flies was rational from 

the economic point of view, since it has been significantly profitable to the six evaluated 

Mexican states during the analyzed period. Through this Campaign, Mexico has benefited 

from a growing production and exports of fruit, maintained employment in the agricultural 

sector and saved negative impacts to the environment. Keeping Mexico free of the 

Mediterranean fruit fly (a non native species) has been a strategic objective of the Mexican 

Government and a key in allowing the economic success of the National Campaign against 

Native Fruit Flies. 

Keywords: Native fruit flies, economic indicators, benefit to cost ratio


NEW TECHNOLOGY ON STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE FOR FRUIT FLIES ECLOSION 

AND RELEASE IN MEXICO. 

Gutierrez, J. Manuel 1 ; Villaseñor, Antonio 1* ; Zavala, J. Luis 2* ; de los Santos, Martín 1 ; 

Leal, Rubén 3 & Alvarado, Ricardo 4 

1 Programa Moscas de la Fruta DGSV-SENASICA-México; 2 Programa Operativo Moscamed SENASICA-IICA 

México; Email: joseluiszavalalopez@yahoo.com.mx; 3 Servicios Aéreos, Biológicos y Forestales “Mubarqui”; 

4 Better World Manufacturing Inc. 

Background: The National Service for Plant, Animal and Forest Health of Mexico 

(SENASICA) have invested in building new facilities for packing, eclosion and aerial release 

of chilled adults of fruit flies to improve the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). 

Methods: The technicians of Fruit Flies Program with the support of private enterprises have 

developed and improved new containers for packing and eclosion pupae and adults, towers 

type called “México” and “V&Z”, build with screened levels for lateral ventilation. With 

plastic accessories for pupae eclosion and to keep the puparia and residues for a clean free of 

paper process. A kind of plastic accessory increases surface and capacity to emerge a larger 

amount of pupae-flies as an easier alternative to “Worley” towers and PARC boxes containers. 

For feeding and drinking water, fruit flies in those new containers use a fruit flies balanced 

diet, 90% sugar and carbohydrates and 10% vegetable proteins, coming from a mixed of 

amaranth, peanut, egg powder, corn and sugar. Water is provided in a sponge or a cotton 

padded fabric. This is an alternative to the food made of Agar, sugar and water. 

For aerial release automatic machines are used with intelligent refrigerated boxes to keep 

temperature between 0-5 o C and humidity below 50%, for an optimal chilled adult flies release 

process. Those machines are provided with a conveyor (50cm. wide) working in transversal 

way to the axis of the plain. The released fly density per hectare is regulated by the speed of the 

conveyor and size of the gate of airplane chute. The precision release is made by aerial 

navigation system AGNAV, GPS. All process are recorded and monitored by an interactive 

Web site. 

Results and Conclusions: The new technologies for SIT have been applied since 2000 and have 

been released around 104,000 million of sterile flies of the Anastrepha genus and 61,200 

million of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). All this have contributed to achieve the goals of the 

Fruit Fly Programs of Mexico, with the creation and expansion of free and low prevalence 

areas around 49% of Mexican territory and in the containment and eradication of Medfly in 

Mexico and Guatemala border. 

Keywords: Medfly, fruitfly, packing and eclosion, balanced diet , aerial release, 

99


NATIONAL FRUIT FLY CONTROL AND ERADICATION PROGRAM (PROCEM) 

ARGENTINA. 

Quiroga, Diego; Ramírez, Wilda* & Ruiz, Cynthia 

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA) – Dirección Nacional de Protección Vegetal 

– Av. Paseo Colón 315 (1063) 4° B – Capital federal – Buenos Aires – República Argentina. E-mail: 

dquiroga@senasa.gov.ar 

Background: The National Fruit Fly Control and Eradication Program was created in Argentina 

in 1994, with the aim to suppress and eradicate the species Ceratitis capitata (Medfly) and 

Anastrepha fraterculus (South American Fruit Fly), according to the agrobiological conditions 

of each region. Considering that the production of fruits and vegetables accounts for 20% of 

total Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (pome and stone fruits: 126,952 ha; citrus fruit – 

excluding lemon–: 96,965 ha; grapes: 226,450 ha), the main objectives of the Program are to 

reduce economic losses caused by fruit flies and to facilitate the access of fruit and vegetable 

products to international markets. 

Methods: The Program is currently implemented in 910,000 hectares, with the support of 1,060 

professionals and technicians, developing the following activities: Surveillance (setting of traps 

and fruit sampling to monitor Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata, and to detect 

exotic fruit flies, like: Ceratitis spp., Anastrepha spp., Toxotrypana curvicauda, Bactrocera 

spp., Rhagoletis spp. y Dacus spp.), Control (sterile insect technique, chemical control 

methods, biological control activities, cultural practices and legal control), SIT production 

(there are two rearing facilities, located in the Provinces of Mendoza and San Juan, which 

provide the sterile material to the areas under official program), Quarantine Protection System 

(phytosanitary barriers inspection and control vehicles and loads, 24 hours a day, all the year, 

using organic material detectors and/or detector dogs), Quarantine Treatment Facilities 

(approved quarantine treatments are applied to fruit fly host products, prior to their entry into 

the protected areas), Quality Controls, Training, Diffusion and Communication. 

Results & Conclusions: The program has achieved different status of plague, including: Fruit 

Fly–Free Areas (Central and Southern Oases of Mendoza Province and the Patagonia Region), 

Areas with Low Prevalence of C. capitata and Free of A. fraterculus (Northern and Eastern 

Oases of Mendoza Province), Areas with Low Prevalence of C. capitata and Under Control of 

A. fraterculus (Calingasta’s Valley of San Juan Province), Areas Under Control of C. capitata 

y A. fraterculus (Cultivated Valleys of San Juan Province) and Uncontrolled Population subject 

to Monitoring Surveys (Monte Caseros–Colón, Provinces of Corrientes and Entre Ríos).


STUDIES ON SMALL MODEL AREA-WIDE CONTROL OF THE ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY 

FOR WAX APPLE IN TAIWAN. 

Chiang, Ming-Yao*; Kao, Ching-Hua & Huang, Yu-Bin 

Applied Zoology Division, Taiwan Agricultural Reserach Institute (TARI), Wufeng, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC. 

Email: mingyaw@tari.gov.tw 

Background: The area-wide (AW) control of the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis 

(Hendel), OFF) was tested, using the conditions defined by Lindquist (2000), in Juan-Nan area 

of Mei-Shan township, Chia-Yi county, where wax apple is the major crop with significant 

economical importance. Growers in this area show a common interest in wax apple production, 

hence are highly cooperative in managing the fruit fly population. 

Methods: All available OFF control techniques have been utilized, e.g., methyl eugenol bait for 

male annihilation; protein bait for female fly control; bagging of the fruits; and thorough field 

sanitation in all wax apple orchards. A well organized OFF density monitoring program was 

established with 12 monitoring sites, which covered 500 ha testing area. By using 3D aerophotos 

display system, control planning and farmer education were conducted under the AW 

control scheme. 

Results: Comparing OFF density from individual monitoring sites in 2005 and 2006, the high 

density sites almost the same to conjecture that sites are hot spot possibility. The similar result 

reappears next year. In two years of AW control practice, the OFF population dropped below 

the economic threshold and fruit production was in excellent quality with a financial gain of 

NT$ 4 million ($ 122,000) in 2005. In 2006, the OFF population density was further reduced 

50% from that of 2005, and the estimated economic gain on fruit value combining with the 

saving of pest control cost exceeded NT$ 9 million ($ 286,000). The evaluation of the AW 

control program also included a survey of farmers’ inputs, which concluded a score of 4.0 in 

the scale of 1 to 5. The control practice covering 500 ha was considered small in the AW 

control model for OFF, as if did not have any buffer zone established. Despite the high 

mobility of OFF, no serious re-invasion problem from the adjacent area occurred due to the 

scarcity of alternative hosts in that area. 

Conclusions: This study, though confirmed the AW control requirements as proposed by 

Lindquist, recommends the requirements supplemented with such additional elements as 

effective control tactics, continuous farmer education, new and available technologies. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, Area-wide control, Wax apple, Small acreage model. 

101


DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF AREA-WIDE 

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF MANGO FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA DORSALIS 

(HENDEL) IN SOUTH INDIA 

Verghese, Abraham 1 & Mumford, John M. 2 

1 Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesserghatta Lake PO, Bangalore 560089, India; Email: 

abraham.avergis@gmail.com; 2 Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL 5 7PY, UK. 

Background: The fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major pest of mango (Mangifera 

indica) causing on an average 27% loss in India. Additionally it has been an impediment in 

exports. So, an Integrated Management of Fruit Flies (IMFFI) project was initiated in India in 

2001, as a joint collaboration between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR, New 

Delhi) and Department for International Development (DFID, UK). The main objective was to 

develop an integrated management (IM) of the mango fruit fly B. dorsalis. 

Methods: The IM was developed and standardized, between 2001 and 2005. Between 2006 and 

2009, the IM was transferred to mango growers on an area-wide basis. The strategies 

investigated were male annihilation using methyl eugenol, field sanitation, bait application, 

visual (colour lures) and use of Oscimum extract. The economic impact of the IM was assessed 

using a semi-structured questionnaire in a major mango belt in South India. 

Results: It was found that methyl eugenol impregnated plywood (with dichorovos as toxicant) 

placed in a plastic container (500ml capacity) with two circular vents (1.5cm diameter) served 

as an ideal cost-effective trap [Cost per trap= 0.5 Euro]. It was worked out that 6-8 traps/acre 

could serve both as a surveillance tool and male annihilator (MA). A series of experiments with 

several indigenous baits showed that jaggery or banana pulp at 10% (mixed with a toxicant like 

malathion) was on par with protein hydrosylate, as splashes and could be used in IM as bait 

application technology (BAT). The number of BAT splashes were standardized to 40/acre, at 

the rate of 50-100ml bait solution per tree trunk (given two feet above the ground). Likewise, 

cultural approach of regular sanitation (weekly removal and destruction of fallen fruits) showed 

additive control. These measures, viz, MA, BAT and sanitation on an area-wide basis gave 

excellent control (95-100%). These areas were in pockets within a contiguous mango belt in 

south India between 12 0 E, 79 0 N. The impact analysis showed that these farmers realized at 

least 20-40% yield increase, with a cost: benefit ratio ranging from 1:4 to 1:20, depending on 

the commercial value of the mango variety. Visual and Oscimum lures were not effective. 

Conclusions: Farmers expressed high satisfaction with the area wide IM of fruit flies. So it is 

envisaged, to cover IM of fruit fly on a wider area, in 2010 and 2011 with financial support 

from ICAR and NABARD (National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development, India.). 

This will further strengthen the adoption of fruit fly IM in mango in India and South Asia 

where Bactrocera spp are a problem. 

Keywords: Bactrocera spp, Mango, area-wide, male annihilation, baits, integrated management, India

Session 7 

Natural Enemies & Biocontrol


INSECTICIDAL COMPOUNDS SECRETED BY ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI SHOW 

PROMISE FOR CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) CONTROL. 

Quesada-Moraga, Enrique*; Santiago-Álvarez, Cándido & Ortiz-Urquiza, Almudena 

Agricultural Entomology Unit. Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, University of Cordoba. Campus 

de Rabanales C4, 2º planta 14071 Córdoba, Spain. Email: cr2qumoe@uco.es. 

Background: The control of Ceratitis capitata is usually performed with protein bait sprays 

incorporating chemical insecticides that have adverse effects on humans, non-target organisms, 

and environment. For that, in the last decade, there has been an increasing interest for the so 

known natural insecticides for medfly control, including those from higher plants and microorganisms. 

Among microorganism, naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi (EF) not only 

are excellent candidates for medfly microbial control but also a new poorly explored source of 

novel insecticidal compounds of natural origin 

Methods: The crude soluble protein extract (CSPE) in liquid media of 130 isolates from our 

collection of autochthonous strains of EF obtained from the soil, insect and phyllo plane 

belonging to several EF species, with emphasis in Metarhizum anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, 

have been evaluated for insecticidal activity against newly emerged medfly adults when 

administered per os. The active fractions of the CSPE have been purified by liquid 

chromatography and gel electro-elution. The active protein fractions have been characterized 

and their acute, chronic and sublethal reproductive effects on medly adults evaluated. 

Results: To now, only three out of the 130 CSPEs evaluated have shown insecticidal activity 

against medfly adults. Among them, the CSPE of M. anisopliae EAMa 01/58-Su strain is the 

most active. The mortality in flies fed with this CSPE exhibits a dose and time-related 

response, a result likely due to a progressive deterioration on the fly midgut after ingestion of 

the extract. Four monomeric proteins from this crude extract have been purified by liquid 

chromatography and gel electro-elution. Although all four monomers seem to be involved in 

the insecticidal activity of the CSPE, the 15 kDa and the 11 KDa proteins appear largely 

responsible for the observed insecticidal effect. Besides, the activity of the CSPE of this isolate 

can be highly enhanced (by seven fold) by manipulating the nutrient conditions of the liquid 

medium (carbon and nitrogen sources and ratios). Likewise, a reduction of female fecundity 

levels during the first days after the treatment has been found in CSPE challenged flies. 

Conclusions: We have presented evidence that the CSPE of M. anisopliae 01/58-Su strain 

should be considered as a new tool for biocontrol of C. capitata adults that can be combined 

with an attraction bait-system to increase its efficiency while minimizing the impact on 

beneficial insects. 

Keywords: natural insecticides, medfly, fungal proteins, metabolites, Beauveria, Metarhizium, baits, fungal 

extracts, macromolecules, toxicity 

105


CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CYT1AA TOXIN FROM 

BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (BERLINER). 

Vidal-Quist, J. Cristian 1* ; Castañera, Pedro 2 & González-Cabrera, Joel 2 

Unidad Asociada de Entomología UJI-IVIA-CIB CSIC. 1 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA). 

Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología; Ctra. Moncada-Náquera km 4.5; E-46113-Moncada. Spain. e-mail: 

vidal_josqui@gva.es; 2 Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB CSIC). Madrid, Spain. 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, is one of the major threats to fruits 

crops worldwide. Current control methods rely mostly on synthetic insecticides. Their impact 

on human health and the environment along with the development of resistances make 

necessary the implementation of sustainable control methods. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) 

based-products should be a good alternative since they have been used for decades for 

controlling economically important pests. Though δ-endotoxins are highly toxic and specific 

against many insect pests, including dipterans, previous works performed in our group have 

reported that C. capitata is not susceptible to spore and crystal (S+C) mixtures (containing δendotoxins) 

obtained from a wide array of Bt isolates. The goal of this work was to overcome 

the reported inefficiency of Bt S+C mixtures against C. capitata by the administration of 

solubilised and/or activated δ-endotoxins. 

Methods: Our first approach was to test the in vitro solubilized crystal protoxins obtained from 

cultures of 35 native selected strains and 5 standard strains. Proteolytic activation of δendotoxins 

produced by the most toxic strains was also tested; the crystals were in vitro 

solubilised and thereafter incubated with gut extracts from 3 insect species (C. capitata, 

Sesamia nonagrioides and Culex pipiens). 

Results: Bioassays on neonate C. capitata larvae showed significant sublethal effects of 

solubilised protoxins at 20 µg/cm 2 on one standard and two native strains, all belonging to the 

Bt serotype israelensis (Bti). Protein electrophoresis revealed that protoxin activation was 

strongly dependent on the source of proteases. Dose-response assays showed that in vitro 

proteolytic processing of Bti protoxins increased lethal effects on C. capitata neonate larvae, 

being significantly higher when protoxins were activated with Culex pipiens proteases, a 

dipteran species highly susceptible to Bti. LC50 of C. pipiens activated Bti toxins was 31.26 

µg/cm 2 . Additionally, the use of a recombinant Bt strain allowed the identification a single δendotoxin, 

Cyt1Aa, responsible for the lethality found on C. capitata larvae. LC50 of this 

protoxin after solubilisation was: 4.93 µg/cm 2 . 

Conclusions: We have shown that in vitro emulation of events from Bt mechanism of action 

may increase the activity against recalcitrant pests such as C. capitata. The identification of a 

single δ-endotoxin with larvicidal activity may be the basis for new engineered Bt strains 

effective on C. capitata control. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, Sesamia nonagrioides, Culex pipiens, proteases, bioassays


COMPATIBILITY OF A NEW ATTRACTANT-CONTAMINANT DEVICE CONTAINING 

METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE WITH MEDFLY SIT PROGRAMS. 

San Andrés, Victoria 1,2 ; Moya, Pilar 3* ; Ayala, Ildefonso 3 ; Abad, María 3 ; Primo, Jaime 1 & 

Castañera, Pedro 2 

1 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Unidad Asociada de Entomología IVIA– CIB CSIC. 

Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5; Moncada 46113- Valencia (Spain); 2 Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas 

(CIB) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Departamento Biología de Plantas, Madrid, 

Spain; 3 Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola (CEQA), Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), Camino de 

Vera s/n. 46022. Valencia, Spain. Email: mmoyasa@ceqa.upv.es. 

Background: The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is one of the most useful strategies to control 

the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), medfly. However, new or 

improved eco-friendly control methods are required to synergise or complement SIT programs. 

One of the new tools currently being studied is the use of entomopathogenic fungi. Recently, a 

new C. capitata attractant-contaminant device, containing Metarhizium anisopliae 

(Metschnikoff) Sorokin, developed by our group, showed a high field efficacy on this citrus 

pest. The aim of this work was to evaluate the compatibility of ongoing SIT programs in the 

Comunidad Valenciana with this “attractant -contaminant” technique. The combination of 

these two techniques would be feasible providing that at least the sterile males do not show a 

higher susceptibility to M. anisopliae than the wild population, and that the mating 

performance of the sterile male is not affected. 

Methods: Susceptibility of C. capitata Vienna 8 males to M. anisopliae was evaluated by 

topical application and compared with that previously obtained from a C. capitata laboratory 

strain, annually refreshed with wild medflies (WTL strain). A comparative mating performance 

bioassay between sterile and WTL medfly males exposed to attractant-contaminant devices 

(fungus contaminated or fungus-free) was also carried out. One day after the exposure, healthy 

virgin WTL females were allowed to mate with each male group. Mating pairs were 

individually collected during three hours and the number of mating and their duration recorded. 

Mated medfly females were kept in separated cages for two days, and then allowed to remate 

with non-treated WTL males. Then, remated females were maintained individually in separated 

cages to determine the fecundity and fertility. 

Results: The pathogenicity bioassays established that the susceptibility of C capitata Vienna 8 

males to our M. anisopliae strain was similar to that showed by the WTL strain, and did not 

impair the percentage of mating. However, the duration of the copula increased significantly 

for copulating WTL male treated with M. anisopliae. No significant differences on fecundity 

were found between females mated with the M. anisopliae treated and not treated males, but 

the fertility of remated females was significantly higher for those mated twice with males of 

the WTL strain, despite of the treatment. 

Conclusions: M. anisopliae does not adversely affect any of studied parameters linked to 

medfly mating performance, suggesting that the “attractant-contaminant” technique would be 

compatible with SIT programmes. 

Keywords: Medfly, entomopathogenic fungi, biological control 

107


PEST, PARASITOID AND FRUIT INTERACTIONS IN BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE 

OLIVE FRUIT FLY IN CALIFORNIA. 

Yokoyama, Victoria Y.* 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center 

(USDA-ARS-SJVASC), 9611 South Riverbend Avenue, Parlier, California 93648 USA. Email: 

Victoria.Yokoyama@ars.usda.gov 

Background: Olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, has become a key pest in olives, Olea europaea, 

since it was first discovered in California in 1998. Biological control is an economical 

alternative for costly bait sprays in commercial orchards of olives grown for canning and oil. 

Several years of augmented releases of an imported parasitoid, Psyttalia humilis, has resulted 

in successful parasitism of olive fruit fly, but the parasitoid has not yet become established. 

Methods: The life cycle of olive fruit fly and P. humilis was studied in the laboratory, 

greenhouse, and field. Survival of the adult and immature stages of olive fruit fly and the adult 

stage of P. humilis was investigated at constant temperatures (15-25°C) and humidities (35- 

65%) in laboratory incubator tests, and in two greenhouse climates with fluctuating diurnal 

(32-36°C, 31-37% hot vs. 26°C, 61-63% cool) and nocturnal conditions, and with and without 

honey for food and water. Seasonal field temperatures and humidities were monitored with 

data loggers. Olive fruit fly adult infestations were determined in the field with yellow sticky 

traps baited with ammonium carbonate baits and pheromone lures. Fruit samples were 

collected to determine natural larval infestations and parasitism after parasitoid releases. 

Results: Olive fruit fly and P. humilis required cool temperatures, high humidities, and food 

and water for prolonged survival (≈6 months for host) in laboratory and greenhouse tests. Life 

span was greatly shortened by high temperatures, low humidities, and the absence of food and 

water. The observations were consistent with high populations of the pest found in cool coastal 

areas and low numbers that occur in dry, arid inland valleys. The parasitoid was effective for 

biological control (≤100% parasitism) when fruit infestations were high such as in coastal olive 

growing areas. Non-establishment of the parasitoid was related to the lack of infested olive 

fruit remaining in the trees during winter. The major factors that caused infested fruit suitable 

for development of P. humilis to drop from trees were high larval infestations and occasional 

freezing winter conditions. The parasitoid could survive (≈4 months at 15°C) and reproduce 

(10°C) in the host during winter. Olive fruit fly larvae were found to complete development in 

immature fruit 1 cm long increasing availability of host between annual crops. 

Conclusions: Successful biological control of olive fruit fly in California is dependent on the 

presence of infested fruit which is destroyed by high larval numbers and inclement weather. 

The parasitoid is long-lived and capable of overwintering as adults, but the host may be 

unavailable due to fruit condition. 

Keywords: Olive fruit fly, Psyttalia humilis, biological control, olives


CONSERVATION BIOLOGICAL CONTROL STRATEGIES IN CITRUS AS A TOOL TO 

REGULATE MEDFLY POPULATIONS. 

Monzó, César* 1,2 ; Urbaneja, Alberto 1 ; Sabater-Muñoz, Beatriz 1 & Castañera, Pedro 2 


Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5, Moncada 46113- Valencia (Spain); Email: cmonzo@ivia.es; 2 Centro de 

Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Departamento 

Biología de Plantas, Madrid, Spain. 

Background: In recent years, emphasis has been placed on implementing environmentally 

friendly methods to control medfly. Within this context, biological control measures based on 

predators have hardly been used. In medfly there are three developmental stages that are 

susceptible to being preyed upon by ground-dwelling predators: late third instars larvae, which 

jump from the fruit to pupate underground, pupae and teneral adults, which remain on the soil 

until they are able to fly. We report here on the importance of these ground-dwelling predators 

in citrus groves and their influence upon C. capitata. 

Methods: A 3-years study of the ground-dwelling predator assemblages associated to citrus 

orchards has been conducted in Valencia Region (Spain) using pit-fall traps. Activity-density 

patterns, community structure, species richness and abundance parameters of these 

assemblages were evaluated. Functional responses against the medfly developmental stages 

susceptible of being preyed upon were obtained under laboratory conditions for the prevalent 

predator species of each group. A C. capitata specific PCR marker was designed and used to 

assess medfly predation by means of predator gut-content analysis. 

Results: This work reveals the presence of a rich and abundant complex of ground-dwelling 

polyphagous predators inhabiting the ground surface of citrus orchards throughout the year. 

Indeed, 17,526 ground-dwelling predator specimens belonging to 110 different species were 

captured. The prevalent predators found were the lycosid Pardosa cribata (Araenae), the 

ground beetle Pseudophonus rufipes (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and the earwig Forficula 

auricularia. All these prevalent predators were able to prey upon C. capitata under laboratory 

conditions. Pseudoophonus rufipes was the most efficient predator, while F. auricularia was 

the least. Pseudoophonus rufipes preyed mainly upon pupae, with an estimated attack rate of 

3.07 d -1 and a handling time of 0.048 d, P. cribata used teneral adults as the main prey, with an 

estimate attack rate of 0.771 d -1 and a handling time of 0.051 d, and F. auricularia showed the 

highest preference for third-instar larvae, with an estimated attack rate of 0.269 d -1 and a 

handling time of 0.065 d. The carabid P. rufipes turned out to be the most efficient predator 

under field conditions, with 23% specimens testing positive after PCR gut-content analysis, 

while the proportion of P. cribata testing positive was 5%. 

Conclusions: Ground-dwelling predators could play an important role on regulating C. capitata 

populations. A challenge for the future will be how to enhance their populations, to increase 

their efficiency against this pest, and consequently, to incorporate them in current citrus 

conservation biological control strategies. 

Keywords: Ground-dwelling polyphagous pedators, medfly, functional response, PCR gut-content analysis, 

conservation biological control. 

109


A NEW OVIPOSITION-DETERRING ANT CUE PROTECTS MANGOES FROM FRUIT 

FLIES. 

Vayssières, Jean-François* 1 ; Sinzogan, Antonio 1 ; Adandonon, Appolinaire 1 ; 

Ouagoussounon, Issa 1 & Van Mele, Paul 2 

1 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Centre International de Recherche (IITA-CIRAD), 08 BP 0932, 

Cotonou, Benin. Email: j.vayssieres@cgiar.org; 2 Africa Rice Center (ARC), Cotonou, Benin. 

Background: The mango fruit industry in sub-Saharan Africa suffers quality losses from fruit 

flies. The impact of African weaver ant (Oecophylla longinoda) on fruit fly damage to earlier 

mango cultivars (cv) was studied, along with the tritrophic interactions between mangoes 

(Mangifera indica), two frugivorous fly species (Bactrocera invadens and Ceratitis cosyra) 

and weaver ants. These observations showed that olfactory and visual factors from the presence 

of O. longinoda could help deter these pests. We investigated ant impact on season and late 

cultivars and the extent to which the density of the pheromone of ants affects the oviposition 

behaviour of two major mango fruit fly species and resultant damage. 

Methods: In the field, we investigated weaver ant impact on three seasonal mango cv (Ifac 3, 

Améliorée du Cameroun, Kent) and two late cv (Smith and Brooks). We used three blocks in 

2008 (Ifac 3, Kent, Smith) and three other blocks in 2009 (Améliorée, Smith and Brooks), each 

with two treatments repeated 10 times: (i) without ants = control, (ii) with ants. In the lab, the 

effect of Oecophylla cues on B. invadens and C. cosyra oviposition behaviour were studied 

using ant-exposed and unexposed mangoes as treatments in 10 replicates. Individual fruits 

were placed in separate cages and confined with three gravid females of either B. invadens or 

C. cosyra. 

Results: (1) mean damage inflicted by fruit flies was significantly reduced by 58% and 81% in 

2008 and 2009, respectively; (2) tephritid species oviposited significantly less in fruits 

previously patrolled by ants; (3) for landing, C. cosyra seemed twice as sensitive to the ant 

cues than B. invadens on exposed fruits vs. unexposed; (4) although B. invadens generally 

takes longer than C. cosyra to oviposit, there was no significant difference between species 

when confined with ant-exposed fruit; (5) damage from B. invadens was six times lower and 

from C. cosyra four times lower for ant-exposed fruits vs. unexposed fruits;(6) B. invadens had 

significantly more pupae per kg of fruit than C. cosyra when confined with unexposed 

mangoes. No significant difference was detected between species when confined with antexposed 

fruits. We discuss the significance of prey recognition of cues from generalist 

predators and resulting avoidance, together with ecological and behavioural implications. 

Conclusions: The use of Oecophylla colonies is well-suited to perennial cropping systems in 

sub-Saharan Africa, as they are efficient, constantly available, widespread and selfregenerating. 

The effect of cues from generalist predators, such as ants, on the foraging 

behaviour of frugivorous insects and more generally on pests in terrestrial systems is a 

relatively new finding likely to have crucial consequences for future research on developing 

protection strategies against tephritid pests. 

Keywords: conservation biological control, predator avoidance, tritrophic relationship, Mangifera indica.


REARING THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT DIACHASMIMORPHA KRAUSSI 

(FULLAWAY) (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) ON IRRADIATED LARVAE OF THE 

QUEENSLAND FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA TRYONI (FROGGATT) (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE). 

Reynolds, Olivia L. 1 *; Harris, A.R. 2 ; Pratt, C.F. 2 ; Jessup, Andrew J. 3 ; Banos, C. 4 ; 

Lindhout, K. 5 & Gurr, Geoff M. 6 

1 EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Industry & Investment New South Wales, Private Bag 4008, 

Narellan NSW, Australia 2567; Email: olivia.reynolds@industry.nsw.gov.au; 2 Imperial College London, Division 

of Biology, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; 3 Insect Pest Control Sub-programme, 

FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, A-2444 Seibersdorf, Austria; 4 Australian Nuclear Science 

and Technology Organisation, Menai, NSW, 2234; 5 Industry & Investment New South Wales, Narara, NSW, 

Australia 2250; 6 EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, 

Australia 2800. 

Background: The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni is one of the most damaging pests in 

Australia. Biological control would be a welcome technology. This paper presents results from 

a study which aimed to assess scope for mass rearing parasitoid wasps on gamma irradiated 

host larvae. The practical advantage of such a rearing system is that flies and wasps would not 

need to be separated, thus reducing cost of production. Wasp production could also be done 

without fear of adverse biological or political consequences arising from escapees. 

Methods: Diachasmimorpha kraussii adults of both sexes emerged from hosts that were 

irradiated and exposed as second instar larvae irrespective of dose (0, 4.7, 9.1, 15.9, 27.6, 47.0 

and 79.9 Gy). 

Results: The fitness of wasps appeared unaffected by the host irradiation; adults from all 

treatments produced equally numerous offspring. For hosts that were not parasitised, fertile 

adult B. tryoni of both sexes emerged from the control treatment and at the lowest two 

irradiation doses. Only two flies emerged from the 15.9 Gy treatment and both died within two 

days. High levels of sterility were not observed for B. tryoni at any dose. In similar work in 

which hosts were irradiated and exposed as third instar larvae, wasps developed regardless of 

dose. Adult B. tryoni of both sexes emerged from the control treatment and the 4.7 and 9.1 Gy 

doses for all replicates. Emergence declined as the irradiation dose increased and only one fly 

emerged from the 79.9 Gy dose and this died within a day. 

Conclusions: Overall results suggest scope to develop a protocol involving a carefully 

calibrated irradiation dose and host material of a specific developmental stage that will allow 

mass production of D. kraussii, yet either excludes fly emergence or renders flies sterile from 

any unparasitised hosts. 

Keywords: parasitoid, gamma irradiation, opine, natural enemy 

111


EFFECT OF HOST REARING DIET ON FITNESS PARAMETERS OF FOPIUS ARISANUS 

(SONAN) (BRACONIDAE: HYMENOPTERA). 

Mohamed, Samira A. 1 *, Ekesi, Sunday 1 & Hanna, Rachid 2 

1 International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box, 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Email: 

sfaris@icipe.org; 2 The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Yaounde, Cameroon. 

Background: Bactrocera invadens, an alien invasive pest in Africa poses a significant threat to 

the livelihoods of millions of African farmers and the entire African economy which is largely 

agricultural based. To combat the devastating effect of this aggressive pest an IPM package 

was developed and validated by icipe. Classical biological control using a coevolved 

parasitoid, Fopius arisanus (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) constitutes an essential component of 

this IPM package. However, to insure the releases of this parasitoid on a large scale in all 

invaded countries, a sustainable and affordable rearing media for mass production of good 

quality wasps is urgently needed. In this study the effect of three host rearing media; on various 

fitness parameters of Fopius arisanus was evaluated. 

Methods: Parasitized B. invadens eggs were reared on three media; liquid diet, carrot based diet 

and mango pulp. Number of recovered puparia, puparia weight, percentage uneclosed puparia, 

percentage of total emerged wasps, developmental time, potential fecundity, adult wasp’s size 

and adult’s longevity were recorded. 

Results: Total puparia recovery, puparia weight and percentage emerged wasps were 

significantly higher on liquid diet compared with other diets. Also wasps that emerged from 

hosts reared on liquid diet had shorter developmental time, larger in size, and their females 

were more fecund. Wasps’ longevity was comparable across the diets. However females lived 

longer than males in all diet types tested. Uneclosed puparia significantly varied with the diet 

types being lowest when the host was reared on mango but comparable for liquid and carrot 

diet. 

Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, F. arisanus wasps from the host reared on the 

liquid diet were of superior quality for almost all the tested parameters. The potential of 

adopting the use of liquid diet on a large scale and replacing some of its ingredients with less 

expensive and readily available local alternatives will be discussed. 

Keywords: Bactrocera invadens, Fopius arisanus, mass rearing, quality control


FIELD SUPERPARASITISM OF DIACHASMIMORPHA LONGICAUDATA 

(HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) ATTACKING ANASTREPHA LARVA ON MANGO 

FRUITS. 

Montoya, Pablo 1 ; Ruiz, Lía 1 ; Cancino, Jorge 1 ; Pérez-Lachaud, Gabriela 2 & Liedo, Pablo 2 

1 Subdirección de Desarrollo de Métodos, Programa Moscafrut SAGARPA-IICA. Central Poniente 14, Col Centro, 

CP 30700, Tapachula, Chiapas, México. Email: pmontoya@prodigy.net.mx; 2 El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, 

Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, CP 30700, Tapachula, Chiapas, México 

Background: Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is one of the fruit flies larval parasitoids more 

used as augmentative biological control agent worldwide, given the relative ease of its mass 

rearing and the high efficiency of its releases in the field. Recent laboratory studies revealed 

that superparasitism in this species might have adaptive connotations; since it was found a 

significant correlation between the level of superparasitism and sex ratios biased to females, 

without detriment in other fitness parameters as fertility and longevity. Our aim in this work 

was to determine the presence of superparasitism in this species at field level, and study its 

possible relationship to variables such as host fruit size, size of parasitized larvae, and sex ratio 

of the emerged adults. 

Methods: We collected 498 mango fruits var. Creole (Manguifera indica) in the Valley of 

Mazapa de Madero, Chiapas, Mexico. We obtained 14,450 Anastrepha spp. larvae, which were 

placed in 1L containers with humid vermiculite to facilitate pupation. Once the pupae were 

formed, they were measured (length x diameter) with a digital micrometer, and weighed on an 

analytical balance. The presence of superparasitism was determined by counting the number of 

scars on each puparium, and sex ratio was determined at the emergence of adult parasitoids (n 

= 279). 

Results: We found that only 37.66% of the larvae were parasitized, and that 22% of them 

experienced superparasitism. The number of oviposition scars per pupa ranged between 2 and 

29 scars, although high levels were rare. The percentage of pupae with more than three scars 

was 8.11%. Fruit size showed no relationship to levels of parasitism and superparasitism, but it 

was found that the length and width of the pupae were positively related to superparasitism 

level (F1, 278 = 16.52, P = 0.0001, F1, 278 = 14.74, P = 0.0002, respectively). Through a logistic 

regression, we determined that a sex ratio biased to females was positively correlated with the 

number of scars per pupa and to the length of the pupa, but not with the width (� 2 1 for number 

of scars = 11.24, P = 0.0008; for pupal length = 4.303, P = 0.038; for pupa width = 1.157, P = 

0.21 NS). The adult emergence and a female biased sex ratio were favored when 

superparasitism levels were high (> 6 scars / pupa). 

Conclusions: Superparasitism is present in natural populations of D. longicaudata, and shows 

advantageous features such as increased adult parasitoid emergence and a female biased sex 

ratio. These findings are consistent with data found under mass rearing conditions, and support 

the election of this species as a viable candidate for biological control programs against fruit 

flies. 

Keywords: Parasitoids, Biological control, Fruit flies, sex ratio, oviposition scars. 

113


ASEXUAL VERSUS SEXUAL STRAINS: WOLBACHIA INFECTION EFFECTS ON THE 

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL POTENTIAL OF ODONTOSEMA ANASTREPHAE BORGMEIER 

PARASITOIDS OF FRUIT FLIES. 

Davies, Andrew P. 1 ; Aluja, Martin 2 & Sivinski, John* 1 

1 United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Center for Medical, 

Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida, USA. Email: John.Sivinski@ars.usda.gov; 2 

Instituto de Ecologia, A.C., Apartado Postal 63, 91000 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. 

Background: The maternally inherited intracellular bacterium, Wolbachia pipientis, induces 

reproductive alterations in host insect populations such as male-killing, feminization, 

parthenogenesis induction (PI, or reproduction without males) and cytoplasmic incompatibility. 

Both thelytokous (asexual) and arrhenotokous (sexual) Odontosema anastrephae populations 

attack Anastrepha spp. fruit flies on guava in Mexico. Here we report that PI in Mexican O. 

anastrephae populations is caused by Wolbachia infection. In addition, we discuss implications 

derived from laboratory based bionomic comparisons of sexual and asexual O. anastrephae 

strains on their respective mass rearing and fruit fly biological control potentials. 

Methods: Wolbachia infection in field collected and laboratory reared O. anastrephae was 

detected and sequence typed using PCR. That Wolbachia is the likely cause of PI in asexual O. 

anastrephae was determined by PCR screening for alternative bacterial infections (both 16S 

rDNA general eubacterial primers and primers specific for other bacteria that cause PI) and 

antibiotic curing (0.5% tetracycline hydrochloride in 10% honey solution). For comparative 

bionomic studies, treatments of 10 asexual and mated sexual O. anastrephae females were 

each supplied with 10% honey solution as food and equal volumes of late instar Anastrepha 

suspensa larvae in diet as hosts. The experiment incorporated three replications and repetitions 

and A. suspensa larvae controls devoid of parasitoids. The numbers of emergent fruit flies, 

parasitoids and fruit fly pupae that did not eclose per exposure were counted. 

Results: Multi locus sequence typing determined that asexual O. anastrephae from Mexico are 

infected with a novel Wolbachia strain (ST 165). That no other bacterial infections were 

detected and exposure to antibiotics induced males suggests that Wolbachia causes PI in 

Mexican O. anastrephae populations. Asexual and sexual O. anastrephae sex ratios were 

1:64.7 and 1:2.5, respectively, and both strains displayed protandry. The proportion of 

emergent fruit flies (0.11:0.03) and percentage parasitism (0.33:0.20) in asexual treatments was 

higher than that in sexual treatments, while a higher proportion of fruit fly pupae demonstrated 

no eclosion in the latter (0.56:0.77). 

Conclusions: Wolbachia infection causes PI in O. anastrephae producing a higher proportion 

of females relative to uninfected sexual strains, yet potential infection benefits on mass 

production of the parasitoid remain unclear. Ongoing experiments aim to further elucidate 

strain differences and model their relative potential as biological control agents attacking fruit 

flies on guava in Mexico. 

Keywords: Parthenogenesis induction, endosymbionts, MLST, biological control


BACTEROCERA ZONATA (SAUNDERS) STATUS AND ITS NATURAL ENEMIES IN 

EGYPT. 

El-Heneidy, Ahmed H. * 1 & Ramadan, Mohsen M. 2 

1 Department of Biological Control (DBC), Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Agricultural Research 

Centre (ARC), Giza, EGYPT. P.O. Box # 915, Postal Code 11728, Maadi, Cairo, EGYPT. E-mail: 

aheneidy@link.net; 2 State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, Plant Pest Control 

Branch, Honolulu, HAWAII 96814 (USA) 

Background: The tephritid peach fruit fly (PFF), Bacterocera zonata is a recently introduced 

exotic fruit fly species that has established and become a widespread pest in Egypt. It was 

ranked as an A1 serious quarantine pest. B. zonata threatens countries in the Near East and 

North Africa and to a lesser extent in Southern Europe. PFF has not established yet in any other 

region of the Mediterranean or Africa so quarantine concerns are likely to be much more 

significant for Egypt. PFF poses a threat to many of Egypt’s export markets and a more 

immediate threat to the welfare of the industry than the Medfly and for this reason is likely to 

prevent further spread. PFF populations are building up slowly from early April reaching high 

levels in July which persist well in to the fall. Its major host plants in Egypt are; mango, guava, 

peach, apricot and citrus. PFF has been also recorded as a secondary pest species on some 

vegetable crops; cucurbits, tomatoes, paprika, eggplant and potatoes in Egypt. Such transaction 

of the pest from mainly fruit crops to some vegetable crops threats the production and export of 

those crops in the future in Egypt. 

Methods: PFF detection in Egypt depends on scattered traps using non-toxic methyl eugenol 

plugs. Control methodology, using killing bags, bait spraying of tree trunks beside chemical 

control has relatively limited effect on the pest control. 

Results: Through a wide survey, natural enemies, particularly native parasitoid species, seem to 

be absent. For nonnative pests, conservation is likely to be inadequate because sufficiently 

effective natural enemies will be absent. In such cases, introducing new effective natural 

enemy species as additional mortality factors against the pest is absolutely essential, and is an 

approach that historically has been extremely successful. Therefore, an US-Egypt collaborative 

project was proposed for utilizing the experience of the Plant Protection Dept., in Hawaii, USA 

in validating and implementing a biological control program for controlling the target fruit flies 

in Egypt, through testing some exotic specific parasitoid species, as well exchange some of the 

potential indigenous parasitoid species for the benefit of both sides. Five parasitoid species; 

Aganaspis daci, Diachasmimorpha kraussi and D. tryoni, D. longicaudata and Fopius arisanus 

were introduced from Hawaii for evaluation. The parasitoid species have been maintained 

under the quarantine conditions for laboratory studies and pilot field trials in Egypt. 

Preliminary results showed some success of 2-3 parasitoid species. 

Conclusions: Establishment of some of those parasitoid species under Egyptian agroecosystems 

will be an additional mortality factor towards the pest control. 

Keywords: Bacterocera zonata, Status, Natural enemies, Egypt 

115

Session 8 

Chemical Ecology, Attractants & 

Other Control Methods


LETHAL MALE-FEMALE TRANSFER OF INSECTICIDE FROM A FIPRONIL-BASED 

MALE ANNIHILATION DEVICE BY BACTROCERA TRYONI (FROGGATT). 

Bull, Richard M* 

9 Goldieslie Park, Indooroopilly Q4068, Australia. Email: brichard42@optusnet.com.au 

Background: Male annihilation technique (MAT) devices are an essential component of 

eradication and crop protection programs for Tephritid fruit flies responding to various 

parapheromones. In eastern Australia, a mixture of Cue-lure (4-(p-acetoxyphenyl)-2-butanone) 

and malathion toxicant is commonly used in MAT devices to attract only the male Queensland 

fruit fly (B. tryoni), and on contact, cause rapid death. This paper reports the results of 2 large 

field cage experiments that demonstrated male B. tryoni transferred lethal doses of slow acting 

fipronil from a new commercial MAT product (Amulet Cue-Lure�) to virgin females during 

courtship and mating activities. 

Methods: In 2 experiments, 50 sexually mature, virgin, laboratory bred male and female B. 

tryoni were released into 3 large (4x4x3 m) field cages, each enclosing a fruiting custard apple 

(Anona reticulata :ANONACEA) tree in a commercial orchard. Release was 1.5 hours prior to 

their mating time at nightfall and immediately following placement of a single Amulet Cuelure 

station in the trees within 2 cages and a non-toxic Cue-lure (control) wick in the 3 rd . 

Mortality of flies was determined in both experiments by collection of cadavers from cages for 

4 days post-treatment. In the 2 nd experiment an observer in each cage recorded fly behaviour 

from time of release until dark. At d-1, 14 female cadavers were collected from the Amulet 

MAT cages and analysed by LC/MS/MS for integument surface residues of fipronil. 

Results: Both sexes dispersed into foliage on release. After 2 minutes males aggregated on and 

around the Cue-lure sources, responding similarly to Amulet MAT and control wicks. Some 

spent long periods imbibing Cue-lure and regurgitating repeatedly, but on Amulet MATs 

debilitation of engorged males occurred within 15-30 minutes. Others alighted briefly (1-2 

minutes) before flying to adjacent leaves, forming groups of 3-10 individuals, leaf-licking and 

preening before engaging in aggressive behaviour (head-butting and jostling) to defend a 

position for stridulation (pheromone release). At dusk, activity increased, females flying to 

higher leaves and males forming a milling swarm above the tree. Females then moved to leaves 

near Cue-lure sources where males had stridulated and regurgitated, located a male and 

copulated. Mating was observed in all cages, but most in the control. Several females alighted 

on an Amulet MAT. In Amulet cages (Exp.1) male and female mortality at 4-d was 97 & 65% 

respectively and Cue-lure 28 & 16%. All 14 cadavers analysed (Exp.1 & 2) had fipronil (as 

total fiprole) residues of 8-1849pg/mg of fly. 

Conclusions: The experiments confirmed slow insecticidal activity of fipronil in the Amulet 

Cue-lure device enabled 2 methods of transmission of lethal residues to female B. tryoni to 

occur: 1. By direct transfer from contaminated male tarsi during copulation, confirmed by 

analyses; 2. By attraction of females to fipronil contaminated locations on leaves (and Amulet 

MAT) where males had stridulated and released pheromone. 

Keywords: fipronil, Queensland fruit fly, Amulet Cue-lure, MAT. 

119


EFFICACY TRIALS ON EPA K-LIP®-MF, A NEW ATTRACT&KILL DEVICE FOR 

THE CONTROL OF CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

de Alfonso, Ignacio* 1 ; Navarro, Ismael 2 

1 Ecología y Protección Agrícola, S.L. c/ Gregal, 11; Pol. Ind. Aptdo. de Correos nº 50, Carlet 46240 – Valencia, 

Spain; Email: igdeal@epa-ecologia.com; 2 Centro de Ecología y Química Agrícola (CEQA), Instituto Agroforestal 

del Mediterráneo (IAM) - Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), Valencia, Spain. 

Background: Attract&Kill based control of Medfly has shown to provide excellent results in 

fruit crop protection. We report here outlined results of efficacy trials on a new device named 

EPA K-LIP®-mF, which possess noteworthy advantages over existing competitors. 

Methods: Devices were provided by manufacturer (Ecología y Protección Agrícola, S.L.). 

Assays were performed in citrus, stone fruit and persimmon groves in Valencia and Huelva 

(Spain). Dose effect was studied for each crop. Plot size for each thesis had a surface of 

approximately one hectare. Damage evaluation was carried on over fruit samples that were 

kept at evolutionary for 7-10 days before analysis. Female population dynamics was 

monitorized employing McPhail traps baited with Biolure®. 

Results: Suitable dose for citrus is found to be 50 units/Ha. For stone fruits and persimmon the 

proper dose is standing between 100-150 units/Ha depending on sensitivity of fruit variety. 

Average fruit damage is below 1% when stated dose are employed. Border effect is clearly 

observed. These positive results are remarkable due to high levels of infestation in the 

surroundings attending to damage values of blank plots. Spoiled fruit values for standard 

chemical treatment plots are clearly higher than those found in EPA K-LIP®-mF treated plots 

at recommended doses. 

Conclusions: EPA K-LIP®-mF has demonstrated to be a helpful tool for protecting fruit crops 

from Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) attacks, affording an average damage of less than 1% in 

small plots with high pest pressure. This method shown to be more efficient than conventional 

chemical treatments and yields residue-free fruits. 

Keywords: Medfly, control, field trials, attract and kill, long-life device.


MONITORING POPULATION DYNAMICS OF ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY WITH WSN 

TECHNOLOGY. 

Jiang, Joe-Air 1 ; Chen, Chia-Pang 1 ; Lin, Tzu-Shiang 1 ; Liu, Kevin J. 2 ; Ho, Kun-Yaw 3 ; 

Chen, Chien-Chung 4 ; Hsu, Ju-Chun 2 ; Yang, En-Cheng 2* 

1 Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. 

2 Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Email: ecyang@ntu.edu.tw; 3 Chia-Yi 

Agricultural Experiment Station, Agricultural Research Institute, Chia-Yi, Taiwan. 4 Agricultural Research 

Institute, Council of Agriculture, Taichung, Taiwan 

Background: Traditional monitoring method on the oriental fruit fly (OFF) population is based 

on poisoned methyl eugenol trap and labor-intensity counting work. This study adopts wireless 

sensor network (WSN) technology which combines sensor modules and wireless signal 

transmission to develop a specialized sensor module to detect the attracted OFFs. With the 

monitoring system, a sub-hour timescale monitoring database is accomplished, and the wireless 

signal transmission network allows the distribution of a hectare-wide sensor array to monitor 

the spatial distribution of the pests. 

Methods: The WSN technology was applied to build up an ecological monitoring system for 

monitoring the OFF population in the Chiayi county, Taiwan since April, 2009. Twenty 

poisoned methyl engenol traps were deployed as a 5 � 4 array in an orchard (25 m × 50 m). 

Each of the traps was coupled with a two-paired infra-red module specially designed for 

counting the male fly number automatically and equipped a set of sensor node to record the 

environmental factors as well. The recorded data was then transmitted to a local gateway by 

wireless network and to the database by Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) 

module as a short message (SM) every 30 minutes. The auto-counting data of the traps were 

individually counted by human twice a week for checking the accuracy of the system. 

Results: The year-round population variation just like most surveys, the population climbs high 

by May, drops in October and keeps low to the following April. However, the hourly 

population data shows that the male fruit fly is active in the daytime. The earliest trapped 

individuals are positive correlated to sunrise time, and more individuals are attracted in the 

morning than afternoon. In terms of spatial distribution, more than 40% of the trapped flies 

were constantly captured by the most western 4 traps of the orchard through the year. Our 

results suggest that the OFFs reside in and come directionally from the nearby. 

Conclusions: Using the specialized fruit fly sensor module and WSN technology, a nearly realtime 

monitoring system for the methyl eugenol-attracted male OFF has been accomplished. 

The hourly data reveals that the fruit flies are attracted in the daytime and mostly in the 

morning. This auto-counting system provides easier and detailed population data than ever 

before. Furthermore, grouped sensor array represents the coming direction of local population. 

Some hot-spots appear in the survey area and the trapped flies of the most western 4 nodes 

represent more than 40% of the total surveyed number. With the powerful spatial and temporal 

resolution of population survey provided by the WSN technique, getting insight of the pest 

population dynamics for future pest control is promising. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, wireless sensor network, population dynamics, methyl eugenol. 

121


EXPLORING STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS IN THE PHENYLPROPANOIDS 

TO PROCURE NEW MALE LURES FOR NON-RESPONSIVE BACTROCERA AND DACUS. 

Fay, Harry A. C. 

Horticulture and Forestry Science, Agri-Science Queensland, Dep. of Employment, Economic Development and 

Innovation, 28 Peters Street, Mareeba Q. 4880 Australia. Email: harry.fay@deedi.qld.gov.au 

Background: It is generally thought that between 30 and 50% of Bactrocera and Dacus spp. do 

not respond to either of the two recognised male lures, cuelure (CL) and methyl eugenol (ME). 

Included among these species are pests of quarantine or market access importance, such as 

Bactrocera atrisetosa, B. cucumis, B. decipiens and B. jarvisi. Regulatory authorities are under 

increasing pressure to report on such pests, making an ability to monitor activity and to use 

male annihilation as a control/eradication option clearly desirable. While several past studies 

have looked at structural variants of CL and ME for B. cucurbitae and B. dorsalis respectively, 

there has been little research on new male lures for non-responding species in Dacinae endemic 

areas. 

Methods: The study reported here examined 50 different phenylpropanoids (selected on their 

chemical structures) in a series of trials at a field site in north-east (tropical) Australia, and 

mostly compared their attractiveness to Bactrocera and Dacus spp. against raspberry ketone 

(RK) (the hydrolysed form of CL) and ME. The phenylpropanoids were applied to dental 

wicks with maldison in 1L modified Steiner traps and left in the field for 6-9 weeks during the 

wet season. 

Results: Ten of the 50 compounds tested did show activity, which varied from weak to very 

strong attraction. Zingerone (4-hydroxy, 3-methoxyphenyl-2-butanone), which structurally lies 

between RK and ME, was highly attractive to B. jarvisi. It also attracted small numbers of 

some CL species, the non-lure responding B. aglaiae, the rarely caught Dacus secamoneae and 

a totally new species, B. speewahensis. The non-lure responding B. aurea also came to this 

compound in a related study in south-east Queensland. Methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate 

was the next most powerful lure and attracted a similar range of species (11) to RK (14). If 

differs structurally from RK in having an additional oxygen molecule in the primary 

substituent attached to the phenyl ring i.e. methyl propionate instead of 2-butanone. This 

compound was substantially more attractive than anisylacetone, a precursor of CL. Twomethoxy-4-propyl 

phenol was the only compound that attracted both B. jarvisi and B. visenda 

(a ME species), and the only one that didn’t possess a double bond in the primary substituent. 

Both isoeugenol and methyl isoeugenol are structurally similar to ME but were less attractive 

to those species that came to the latter. However, isoeugenol attracted a species that is possibly 

new although similar to B. kraussi (a CL species), while methyl isoeugenol attracted B. 

nigrovittata, a non-lure responding species only known previously from New Guinea. 

Conclusions: A number of phenylpropanoids have been identified which are attractive to a 

range of Bactrocera that do not respond to either CL or ME and further exploration of their 

potential through the Asia-Pacific region could prove profitable. 

Keywords: Dacinae, phenylpropanoids, new male lures, Australia


IDENTIFICATION OF ROOSTING HOSTS AND THEIR INTEGRATION INTO BAIT 

APPLICATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CUCURBIT FLIES IN WEST AFRICA. 

Hanna, Rachid 1 *; Azandémé, Ginette 1 & Gnanvossou, Desiré 1 

1 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cotonou, Benin; 08 BP 0932 Tri Postal, Cotonou Benin. 

Email: r.hanna@cgiar.org. 

Background: Several types of protein baits have been used successfully in fruit fly 

management. In some cases, roosting hosts have been integrated into bait spray programs. Here 

we report on experiments that identified the most appropriate roosting hosts for cucurbitinfesting 

fruit flies in Benin (West Africa) and their use as border plants for the spot 

applications of GF-120. 

Methods: Two experiments were conducted at IITA station near Cotonou, Benin. In the first 

experiment, three main plots (30m x 30m), separated by at least 100m were used. The main 

plots were planted with zucchini and watermelon. Twelve potential roosting hosts were planted 

in 5m x 5m plots along the borders - three roosting host plots equally spaced on each side of 

main plots. Abundance and identity of adult fruit flies were recorded during 10-min visits twice 

a day (starting at 1200h and at 1800h) at weekly intervals over a period of 2.5 months. Fruit fly 

infestations of cucurbit fruits were evaluated at two-week intervals. Sorghum and castor bean 

were selected as most suitable roosting hosts for integration with GF-120 spot sprays in an 

experiment that followed a design similar to the first experiment, but with six plots – three for 

GF-120 and three for control. The two roosting hosts were planted in alternating fashion in the 

four corners of each of the cucurbit plots. Plots were separated by at least 100m. Spot 

applications of GF-120 at the rate of 2.5 l/ha of cucurbits (1 litre GF-120:1.5 litre water) were 

carried out at weekly intervals (0700h-0800h) starting at 25 days after planting of cucurbits. 

Fruit fly monitoring schedules on cucurbits and resting host was similar to the first experiment. 

Results: Of the 12 roosting hosts, castor bean was consistently the most suitable for all five 

species of cucurbit fruit flies encountered in the study site, followed by sorghum; but the latter 

was most attractive when it was infested with aphids. GF-120 spot sprays were much more 

attractive to fruit flies on castor bean compared with sorghum. Fruit fly infestations on zucchini 

and watermelon in GF-120 plots were reduced to 77% and 69% respectively. Dacus ciliatus 

and D. vertebratus were the dominant fruit flies infesting zucchini and watermelon 

respectively. Other fruit flies included B. cucurbitae, D. punctatifrons and D. bivittatus. 

Conclusions: GF-120 spot applications on castor bean border plants can be successfully used in 

integrated management of tephritid fruit flies in cucurbit crops in Benin and likely other 

countries in West Africa. Large economic returns can be expected from the recommended 

system because of the high losses in unprotected cucurbits and the efficacy of GF-120 in 

reducing fruit fly infestations. 

Keywords: GF-120, protein bait, Dacus spp., Bactrocera cucurbitae, integrated management 

123


THE INFLUENCE OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AGE OF CERATITIS CAPITATA 

(WIEDEMANN) FEMALES ON THEIR PREFERENCES FOR TWO MASS TRAPPING 

SYSTEMS. 

Restrepo-Ortiz, Claudia X. *1 ; Botta, Anna 2 ; Marín, Cándido 2 ; Pujade-Villar, Juli 1 

1 Universidad de Barcelona (UB), Facultat de Biologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Av. Diagonal 645, 

08028 Barcelona (Spain). Email: claudiaximenaro@gmail.com. 2 R&D Plant Physiology Division, BIOIBERICA, 

S.A, Palafolls, Barcelona (Spain). 

Background: Mass trapping techniques have been consolidated as an effective solution to 

control Medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) worldwide. One of the reasons for 

their success is the strong attraction that ammonia odor exerts to the females, which are the 

damaging fruit agent and the dominant factor for pest multiplication. Among females, it is 

believed that the youngest are more attracted to proteinic compounds due to the need for an 

external supply of protein for ovary maturation. With these findings as background, this report 

further evaluates the influence of the physiological age of the Medfly female on the attraction 

to two different kinds of mass trapping systems. 

Methods: We performed three different crop trials (fig, pome granate and mandarin trees) 

during Medfly season in the south-east of Spain in order to compare the effectiveness of two 

mass trapping systems; a solid attractant which contains ammonium acetate, trimethylamine, 

putrescine and that requires DDVP insecticide (named Standard) and a liquid protein 

formulation obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis and free of pesticides (Cera Trap � ). In each trial, 

system effectiveness was evaluated during three weeks by assessing: (i) the number of 

captures, (ii) percentage of females and males and (iii) percentage of different physiological 

females in each system. In order to classify the physiological age of females, we studied their 

internal reproductive organs through dissection and three categories of ovarium development 

were established: pre-ovoposition stage, ovoposition stage and senile ovarium. 

Results: Total Medfly captures per trap in the three trials performed were significantly higher 

with the Cera Trap system than with the Standard one. In both systems, the percentage of 

females was three times larger than males; however, regarding the higher number of total 

captures of Cera Trap, more females were captured with this system in the three trials. 

Concerning the physiological age classification, pre-ovoposition and mature flies were highly 

captured in both Cera Trap and Standard, which implies a significant reduction of the pest 

pressure for the next generations. The capture of senile flies was considered accidental in both 

systems. The percentage of total pre-ovopositing females shows a statistical significantly larger 

amount of captures of these younger flies with the Cera Trap system (60%) compared with the 

Standard system (40%). 

Conclusions: Both mass trapping systems show a great performance on the control of Medfly 

populations due to the large number of captures per trap during the whole Medfly season, 

especially for the higher percentage of female flies captured. However, this study shows that 

Cera Trap system is the most effective, not only for capturing a greater number of Medflies, 

but especially for its attraction effect on young flies, thus providing control of Medfly 

population before females are able to damage fruits and multiply the pest population. 

Keywords: Medfly, Mass trapping, Ceratitis capitata, physiological age


USE OF LIVE-CAUGHT INSECTS EXPANDS THE SCOPE OF TRAPPING. 

Kouloussis, Nikos* 1 ; Papadopoulos, Nikos 2 ; Katsoyannos, Byron 1 & Carey, James 3 

1 Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Laboratory of 

Applied Zoology and Parasitology, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Email: nikoul@agro.auth.gr; 2 University of 

Thessaly, Depart. of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, Laboratory of Entomology and 

Agricultural Zoology, Volos, Greece; 3 University of California, Depart. of Entomology, Davis, CA, USA. 

Background: Insect traps are commonly used to draw a sample from wild populations and then 

use information gained from this sample to infer parameters that apply to the entire population. 

Insects are almost always killed during the process of trapping, so the datum used is the 

number of dead flies captured. Extrapolations are then made regarding the actual size of the 

population and a number of other parameters. Several types of traps, however, can be modified 

to capture live insects from which we may then derive additional valuable “latent” information 

on biology and behavior. 

Methods: In recent studies [e.g. J. R. Carey et al., Aging Cell 7: 426–437 (2008)], Ceratitis 

capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) were trapped alive with the use of McPhail-type traps baited 

with a food-based synthetic attractant. The survival patterns of wild-caught individual insects 

of unknown age were then used to estimate age structure in the populations from which these 

individuals were derived. Several important findings were obtained from that study. For 

example, it was found that major changes in age structure occur in wild populations of C. 

capitata and that a substantial fraction of individuals survive to middle age and beyond. The 

time of capture during the season had a significant effect on the captive lifespan, the average 

daily reproduction and on the patterns of egg-laying. 

Conclusions: The above example provides an illustration of how live-caught insects may be 

used in trapping as a means of extracting information that cannot be obtained by dead insects. 

Live-caught insects have a history (related to food, symbiont acquisition, mating, exposure to 

hardiness, etc) and are loaded with information related not only to aging and reproduction but 

also to several other parameters in their biology and behavior. Certain of this latent information 

could be derived in the lab post-capture, thus considerably advancing the scope of sampling 

science. 

Keywords: Trapping, sampling, reproduction, age structure, Ceratitis capitata, natural population 

125


EFFICACY ASSESSMENT OF BAIT STATIONS AS A CONTROL METHOD FOR 

CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) IN FIELD TRIALS. 

Navarro-Llopis, Vicente*; Sanchis, Juan; Vacas, Sandra, Alfaro Cañamás, Cristina; 

Primo, Jaime 

Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola - Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo. Universidad Politécnica de 

Valencia. Camino de Vera s/n. 46022. Valencia. Spain. Email: 

Background: Mass trapping or lure and kill methods have been widely used to control fruit fly 

populations during last century. But the efficacy of these techniques depends on the efficacy of 

female attractants and the cost and easy to hand properties of the devices. Using high efficacy 

female attractants the number of required devices can be reduced and, therefore, the 

replacements of devices that increase the final cost can be prevented. Moreover a well designed 

device reduces hand labor and increase the killing efficacy. In this work we report the efficacy 

of new designed bait station devices with more long lasting and efficient female attractants in 

field trials. 

Methods: Two types of bait stations were tested: a chemosterilant one with lufenuron in the 

bait using 24 traps per ha, and an insecticide bait with cypermethrin applying between 50 and 

100 devices per ha. Field trials were conducted in citrus, persimmon and peach orchards and 

for efficacy assessment fruit fly population and fruit damage before and during harvest were 

evaluated. Chemosterilant treatment was compared with malathion aerial bait sprays and 

insecticide baits were compared with terrestrial sprayed insecticides and mass trapping 

technique. 

Results: Chemosterilant devices reduced significantly fruit fly populations regard malathion 

aerial treatment since the first year of application, but the best results were obtained in the third 

and fourth year after chemosterilant treatment, when a reduction of 80% of C. capitata 

population was reached. Fruit damage showed a significant reduction in persimmon in the third 

and fourth year. C. capitata populations were also reduced significantly in field with 

insecticide baits regard insecticide sprayed fields. Fruit damage was maintained below 1% in 

bait stations treated fields, without significant differences with mass trapping fields. However, 

in untreated fields, fruit damage was over 25%. 

Conclusions: Bait stations were efficient enough to represent an alternative to chemical control 

with insecticides. In addition, the effect of bait station is long lasting and therefore cumulative 

effect could be observed if wide areas are treated with this technique. Finally, bait stations add 

several advantages like non residues in fruit, specificity affectation of target pest and avoid 

insecticide exposure by applicators. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, chemosterilization, bait station, lure and kill.


SPLAT-MAT SPINOSAD ME A NEW CONTROL STRATEGY FOR INVASIVE 

BACTROCERA SPECIES. 

Gomez, Luis E.* 1 ; Mavrotas, Costas 2 ; Lysandrou, Michael 2 ; Paroonagian, Doris 1 ; 

Vargas, Roger, 3 Borges, Rafael 4 & Mafra-Neto, Agenor 5 

1 Dow AgroSciences LLC 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268; Email: egomez2@dow.com; 2 Dow 

AgroSciences Lavrion, Greece. 3 USDA, ARS, HI USA. 4 ISCA Technologias Ltda, Brazil. 5 ISCA Technologies, 

INC. CA USA. 

Background: Tephritid fruit flies include some of the world’s most destructive insect pests. 

Areas infested with fruit flies are quarantined and fruit cannot be shipped to non-infested areas 

without expensive radiation, cold, or heat treatments that can reduce fruit quality and shelf life. 

Fruit fly control tactics include the use of cover sprays, toxicant-laced baits, and Male 

Annihilation Techniques (MAT) that still rely on pyrethroid and organophosphate (OP) 

insecticides. Public concern over the use of these actives has grown around the world. 

Methods: Dow AgroSciences and ISCA Technologies embarked in developing a sprayable 

novel MAT that would match performance to existing pyrethroid and OP-based options. 

Spinosad, a green chemistry insecticide, is the toxicant and methyl eugenol (ME) is the 

attractant. SPLAT, a monolithic passive dispenser, is the basis of the formulation that protects 

the components from the environment (e.g. rain and UV light) and provides a metered release 

of the attractant and toxicant, making them available for longer time. This novel product 

attracts male fruit flies from long distances making it suitable for off-crop applications thus 

eliminating pesticide and attractant residues on the fruit. 

Results: Product was evaluated in Hawaii, USA to assess residual, and rainfastness. SPLAT- 

MAT Spinosad ME and Min-U-Gel-naled MAT were aged for up to 12 weeks with average 

monthly rainfall of 158 mm during the trial period. Samples were exposed weekly to endemic 

oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) populations. The novel MAT had similar performance to 

Min-U-Gel-naled MAT during the first 6 weeks and outperformed it from weeks 7-12. In 

Brazil, two large trials were established to compare one single application of this product to the 

local MAT standard, wooden blocks dipped in a solution of malathion+ME applied every 20 

days, against the carambola fruit fly (Bactrocera carambolae). A single application of SPLAT- 

MAT Spinosad ME outperformed multiple applications of the standard treatment during 3 

months. In Pakistan a single application of this technology outperformed weekly applications 

of the standard cover spray, Dipterex, for the peach fruit fly (Bactrocera zonata) control in two 

trials. 

Conclusions: SPLAT-MAT Spinosad ME, a novel green chemistry-based MAT was 

developed and is currently registered in Brazil and the USA. It has been tested against three 

Bactrocera species in different geographies. Within each scenario the product outperformed 

the local standard MAT or cover spray program. Fewer applications were required to regulate 

male and subsequent female populations while resulting in reduced damaged and infested fruit. 

Benefits from this technology are: reduction in application costs, elimination of insecticide 

residues on fruit, increased marketable fruit, and reduction of infested fruit being transported to 

fruit fly free zones. 

Keywords: MAT, Spinosad, oriental fruit fly, peach fruit fly, carambola fruit fly. 

127


ATTRACTION AND FEEDING RESPONSES OF THREE CERATITIS SPECIES TO 

PROTEIN BAITS. 

Manrakhan, Aruna*; Kotze, Charl & Daneel, John-Henry 

Citrus Research International, PO Box 28, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa; E-mail address: aruna@cri.co.za 

Background: Recommendations for fruit fly control using baits are usually generic. Insecticidal 

baits applied as sprays or stations are often assumed to result in the same level of control 

irrespective of pest fruit fly species. In South Africa, three congeneric species: Ceratitis 

capitata, C. rosa and C. cosyra co-exist in the north/north east and eastern areas. The attraction 

and feeding responses of the three species to proteinaceous baits used in fruit fly control were 

evaluated in field cages and laboratory bioassays respectively. 

Methods: Mature protein-deprived, laboratory-reared C. capitata, C. rosa and C. cosyra were 

used in all tests. Species were evaluated separately. Attractiveness of HymLure, GF 120 

Naturalyte and M3 bait (also known as Questlure and used in the M3 bait station registered for 

fruit fly control in South Africa) was evaluated in field cages. A novel method of bait 

evaluation was used where baits tested were each placed in an aerated plastic container which 

was in turn suspended in an open-ended plastic cylinder lined with a sticky insert to trap 

attracted flies. Feeding responses of HymLure, Solbait and M3 bait were evaluated separately 

in the laboratory in aerated plastic containers fitted with a removable glass top. Female flies 

were released in the containers one hour before bait exposure. All baits were combined with a 

green food dye at the rate of 1%. Baits were exposed as dried droplets (a drying period of 30 

minutes at 30° C) on glass slides which were weighed before exposure to flies. Feeding tests 

ended after 24 hours when the number of flies containing the green dye was counted and the 

glass slide containing the bait was weighed to determine the amount of bait consumed per 

female. 

Results: Attraction responses to baits were species-specific. C. cosyra had a low response to 

HymLure but responded well to the other baits. C. capitata was the most responsive of all 

species tested. There was variability in consumption between baits for each species and 

between species for similar baits. 

Conclusions: The study showed differences in responses to protein baits even between closely 

related congeneric species. As such, in areas of multiple fruit fly pest species, it is essential to 

choose the appropriate bait or combinations of bait that will work effectively against all species 

present. 

Keywords: C. capitata, C. rosa, C. cosyra, baits


USE OF MAGNET MED TECHNOLOGY FOR THE ATTRACT AND KILL OF 

MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY (CERATITIS CAPITATA). 

Casagrande, Enzo*. & Martí, Salvador 

Suterra Europe Biocontrol, S.L. Director of Technology. C/ Argenters, 5. Parc Tecnològic del Vallès 08290 

Cerdanyola del Vallès. Spain. enzo.casagrande@suterra.es 

Background: The optimization of potent Medfly attractants identified by the USDA has 

revolutionized the strategies used for the control of this important pest of fruit crops replacing 

both chemical cover sprays and bait sprays. Till now, however, these attractants have been 

formulated for use mainly for the mass trapping of Medfly where they applied in combination 

with suitable traps and killing agents. While very effective these systems are cumbersome and 

costly. Magnet MED moves this technology on to the next level by combining the attractants; 

the target device and the killing agent into a single ready to use attract and kill (A&K) system. 

Methods: Developed and tested over the last 4 years, Magnet MED offers a highly effective 

system for the control of Medfly. The presentation will detail the development of the 

technology and will present the results of trials carried out mainly in Italy and Spain. These 

demonstrate that A&K gives control equal or better than the current mass trapping systems and 

is as effective as any conventional insecticide program used for Medfly control. 

Results: The system uses very low rates of Deltamethrin insecticide at between 0.5 to 0.75g per 

hectare for season long control up to 5 months. The system has been optimized so that the 

application of 50 devices per hectare can now be recommended for most crops with the option 

to increase to 75 per hectare in vulnerable crops such as peaches. Because the insecticide is not 

applied directly to the crop and can be removed at the end of the season, the formulation is 

approved for use in organic orchards in the European Union. 

129


SPINTOR CEBO ® 

(GF-120 ® ), A UNIQUE CONTROL STRATEGY FOR 

SUSTAINABLE FRUIT FLY MANAGEMENT IN SPAIN. 

Torné, Maria 1* & Mavrotas, Costas 2 

1 DowAgroSciences Ibérica, Ribera del Loira 4-6 4ª, 28042 Madrid (Spain); Email: mtorne@dow.com; 

2 DowAgroSciences, Lavrion, Greece. 

Background: SPINTOR ® CEBO (GF-120 ® , SUCCESS ® , SPINTOR ® FLY), is a unique premixed 

fruit fly bait containing spinosad, an organic insecticide, and an optimized blend of 

feeding attractants. It offers improved efficacy and attractiveness with a favorable 

environmental and toxicological profile when compared to current toxicant bait mixtures. 

SPINTOR ® CEBO attracts and controls males and females of multiple species of tephritid fruit 

flies. SPINTOR ® CEBO delivers very low quantities of insecticide per ha (0.24-0.36 grams) 

decreasing environmental load by 600 to 8,000 times per season when compared to 

conventional fruit fly control products commonly used in Spain. Spinosad is derived from the 

fermentation of a soil bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa, with a unique mode of action on 

the insect nervous system. SPINTOR ® CEBO is currently the only pre-mixed bait authorized in 

Spain for ground and aerial applications in citrus and olives. 

Methods: Field, laboratory research, and commercial applications over the past 10 years in 

Spain in citrus and olives are summarized. Applications were done using ground or air, 

equipment customized to achieve optimum spray parameters. 

Results: Our experience with SPINTOR ® CEBO clearly demonstrates that in order to obtain 

the maximum attraction and residuality the product must be applied as a concentrated bait at 

rates of 1 – 1.5 L product/ha in 4 to 10 liters of total mixture (with water). The application 

should deliver droplet sizes of 4-6 mm and should be aimed to the top part of the trees, where 

adult flies are more active. Ground application equipment was developed to deliver SPINTOR ® 

CEBO at the right rates and recommendations resulting in a significant reduction of spray 

volume (90-95%) versus conventional bait sprays. Since this application method represented a 

significant change for farmer practices, an extensive training program was implemented. Aerial 

applications have been adapted resulting in a reduction of spray volume of more than 50%, 

reducing the total cost and time to treat crops. 

Conclusions: Extensive experience on efficacy against Ceratitis capitata in citrus and 

Bactrocera oleae in olive has been gathered in the last decade in Spain. When used according 

to application recommendations, SPINTOR ® CEBO consistently delivers excellent efficacy for 

fruit fly control and crop selectivity. SPINTOR ® CEBO provides key attributes to the growers 

such as lower application cost, short pre-harvest interval (1 day), EU and USA authorization in 

Organic farming, favorable environmental and toxicological profile, and compatibility with 

beneficial arthropods and pollinators. SPINTOR ® CEBO should be a key component of an 

integrated fruit fly control strategy for a sustainable agriculture to meet present and future 

farmer and export market needs. 

Keywords: Medfly, olive fruit fly, spinosad bait, organic, aerial application, efficacy


TRITROPHIC INTERACTIONS IN THE COMPLEXES OF FRUIT FLIES DAMAGING 

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CROPS IN LA REUNION ISLAND 

Quilici, Serge*; Duyck, Pierre-François; Brévault, Thierry; Rousse, Pascal; Jacquard, Cathy; Delatte, 

Hélène; Deguine, Jean-Philippe; Lereculeur, Anabel; Wattier, Christopher; Atiama, Toulassi; Hurtrel, 

Béatrice; Franck, Antoine; Simiand, Christophe & Chiroleu, Frédéric 


des Systèmes Biologiques, Saint-Pierre (La Réunion), France; E-mail: serge.quilici@cirad.fr 

Background: The study of tri-trophic interactions is a vast field of basic ecological studies 

which are also of paramount importance for the development of environment-friendly methods 

of pest management. Within the Diptera, the Tephritidae family represents an interesting model 

for such studies because of the variable host-specificity of species in this group, and the 

important role that some natural enemies may play in the regulation of their populations. 

Furthermore, the great economic importance of many species in this family offers a large array 

of applications to research results. La Réunion, a French island situated in the south-west of the 

Indian Ocean, is a favourable area for studying such interactions, because of the number of 

tephritid species present in the island, and the great variability of its climatic conditions. On 

fruit crops, a complex of three polyphagous species of tephritids cause considerable damage: 

the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, the Natal fruit fly, C. rosa, and the Peach fruit 

fly, Bactrocera zonata. In addition, another complex of Dacini is harmful to cucurbit crops: the 

Melon fly, B. cucurbitae, the Ethiopian cucurbit fly, Dacus ciliatus, and the Indian Ocean 

cucurbit fly, D. demmerezi. Conversely, on Solanaceous crops such as tomato, the Tomato fruit 

fly Neoceratitis cyanescens, is the only species of economic importance. 

Methods: Over the last twenty years, many field studies allowed us to specify the host-range 

and relative importance of the different species on cultivated crops. Of particular interest are 

some host preferences observed in the field in some otherwise very polyphagous species, such 

as C. capitata. Detailed studies (lab, wind tunnel and field cages) were also devoted to the host 

location behaviour of stenophagous species, taking as a model the tomato fruit fly, N. 

cyanescens. Other behavioural studies also highlighted the preferences of the different species 

for particular host-plants during foraging or egg-laying behaviour. More recently, studies were 

focused on the quality of various host or non-host fruits for the pre-imaginal development of 

the different species, and its influence on their fitness. Though some indigenous parasitoids of 

the Mediterranean fruit fly have been recorded in the island, most of the natural regulation by 

parasitoids is due to exotic species imported through classical biological control programmes. 

This is particularly the case with two species imported from Hawaii, in collaboration with 

USDA Hawaii and the University of Hawaii: Psyttalia fletcheri, a larvo-pupal parasitoid of the 

Melon fly, and, more recently, Fopius arisanus, an egg-pupal parasitoid of some Bactrocera 

spp. Following the acclimatization of these two species, field studies allowed us to evaluate 

their host range, favourite habitats, and impact on host species populations. In addition, 

laboratory, field-cage and wind tunnel studies improved our knowledge of the stimuli involved 

in host habitat and host selection behaviours. 

Results: Results of these studies are summarized and discussed in relation to the current state 

of knowledge of insect-plant and host-parasitoid interactions in tephritids, and to their possible 

applications in pest management. 

Keywords: Tephritidae, tri-trophic interactions, insect-plant relationship, host-parasitoid relationship. 

131

Workshop 

Longevity, Ageing & SIT


A HIGH-RESOLUTION SYSTEM FOR RECORDING THE DAILY AND LIFETIME 

BEHAVIORAL AND MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF INDIVIDUAL MEXICAN FRUIT FLIES. 

Carey, James R. 1 ; Zou, Sige 2 ; Altamirano, Leopoldo 3 ; Ingram, Donald 4 & Liedo, Pablo 5 * 

1 Department of Entomology, University of California Davis, Davis CA 95616 USA; 2 Laboratory of Experimental 

Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore MD 21224 USA; 3 Laboratorio de Visión por Computadora, 

Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Óptica y Electrónica, Tonanzintla, Pue. México; 4 Pennignton Biomedical 

Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA 70808 USA; 5 Departamento de Entomología. El 

Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Tapachula, Chiapas, México; Email: pliedo@ecosur.mx 

Background: We developed a system in which the lifetime behavior and movement patterns of 

the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens, maintained in 27 cm 3 cages is recorded every fifth of 

a second for one minute three times per hour for 24 hours each day throughout their lives. The 

data generated from the behavioral monitoring system (BMS) include date, time, 1-of-6 

behaviors, and locations in 3-dimensional space (XYZ location). This yields over 12 million 

data-points for a single fly that lives 100 days. The raw data enable researchers to analyze: (1) 

behavior including frequency, sequence, age and diel patterns; (2) movement including age and 

diel patterns, rates, and pathways; and (3) location within the cage by age and time-of-day. 

Methods: The hardware of the BMS consists of a pair of cameras, a nine-cage tray to house 

individual flies in each cage, visible and infrared lights. The cameras are connected to an image 

processor for short term storage of video images, which are fed to a computer for behavior 

detection and long-term data storage. The BMS records 3-D coordinates of individual flies and 

automates classification of six behaviors, termed as resting, moving, walking, flying, feeding 

and drinking. Two BMS were used to monitor lifetime behaviors of 16 A. ludens females with 

each BMS holding four females on the full diet and four females on sugar only diet. The 

recording was initiated at the eclosion of the flies and stopped at day 134 when approximately 

half of the flies were dead. 

Results: Flies on both diets spend more than 60% of their time on resting every day over their 

lifetime. The next most frequent daily behaviors were walking and moving, which, combined, 

counted approximately 25% of a fly’s daily time. Flies on sugar diet had significantly higher 

walking frequency than those on the full diet. Flying, feeding and drinking occured at very low 

frequencies, which counted less than 5% of all the behaviors in most of the days. The 

frequency of daily walking reached the peak around the age of 20 days and then gradually 

decreased with age for flies on both diets, suggesting that walking frequency is an age-related 

parameter. Overall, the frequency of daily flying declined with age after reaching the peak 

around the age of 20 days, while the frequency of daily feeding and drinking appear to 

increased with age. During night time between 7 pm when the light is off and 7 am when the 

light was on, flies spent almost all of their time (>95%) on resting, presumably in sleep, while 

other behaviors were rare. Walking and flying showed hour-dependent changes and reached 

the peak period in late afternoon from 3-7 pm. The daily total distance gradually increased in 

the first 15 days, reached the peak at the age of approximately 20 days and then gradually 

declined with age for flies on both diets. 

Conclusion: This BMS can be easily adopted for a regular research lab. It is the first high 

resolution machine vision system to have the capacity to record lifetime 3-D positions of an 

animal and automatically classify lifelong behaviors for months. 

Keywords: Anastrepha ludens, lifetime behavior, aging, biodemography. 

135


DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE OF A LONG AND A SHORT-LIVED MEDFLY POPULATION 

TO LARVAL CROWDING. 

Diamantidis, Alexandros 1,2 ; Carey, James R. 2 & Papadopoulos, Nikos T. 1 

1 Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural 

Environment, University of Thessaly Greece, Phytokoy St. Nea Ionia (Volos), 38446 Magnisia, Greece; Email: 

nikopap@uth.gr; 2 Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis CA 95616 

Background: Fruit fly larval competition, within infested fruits, may arise because of increased 

population densities. This is a form of scramble, intra-specific competition that may affect vital 

life history traits for immature and adult stages. Older studies have addressed effects of larval 

crowding on aspects of development and survival of immatures. Nevertheless, little is known 

regarding the effects of larval crowding on adult life history traits. And, it still remains 

unknown if different populations (biotypes) selected for short or long adult lifespan exhibit the 

same response under stressful conditions imposed by larval crowding. Here we investigated 

the effect of larval crowding on the life-history traits of a long and a short-lived Mediterranean 

fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, (Wiedemann; Diptera: Tephritidae) populations. 

Methods: Experiments were conducted during 2006 – 2007 under constant laboratory 

conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 65 % R.H., 14:10 L: D). We used a long, and a short-lived medfly 

population originating from Greece and Guatemala respectively. Newly hatched larvae of the 

two populations were randomly assigned in six treatments in relation to larval density: 1, 5, 15, 

30, 60, and 120 larvae per 3 ml of larval diet. We recorded larval and pupal survival, pupal size 

(length and weight), and duration of larval and pupal development. Soon after adult emergence 

pairs consisting of a male and a female from four (1, 15, 60, and 120 larvae per 3 ml of food) 

out of the six treatments in relation to larval density for both medfly populations used, were 

placed into cages containing adult diet, water, and oviposition substrates (domes). Mortality 

and female fecundity were recorded daily until death. 

Results & Conclusions: The short and the long – lived medfly populations responded 

differently to stress induced by larval crowding. Increased larval density (a) reduced larval and 

pupal survival only in the case of the short-lived population (Guatemala), and (b) increased 

duration of larval development only for the long-lived population (Greece). Pupal size (length 

and weight), adult lifespan, and female fecundity were reduced in response to larval density for 

both populations used. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, intraspecific competition, stress, life-history, fitness


AGE AFFECTS THE MATING COMPETITIVENESS OF MALE MEDITERRANEAN 

FRUIT FLIES. 

Papanastasiou, Stella 1 ; Diamantidis, Alexandros 1 ; Carey, James R. 2 & Papadopoulos, 

Nikos, T. 1 

1 Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural 

Environment, University of Thessaly Greece, Phytokoy St. Nea Ionia (Volos), 38446 Magnisia, Greece; Email: 

nikopap@uth.gr; 2 Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis CA 95616 

Background: Mating behavior of male Mediterranean fruit flies Ceratitis capitata 

(Wiedemann) has been extensively studied the last few decades mostly in the frameworks of 

the implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). However, the effect of age of males 

on mating success remains largely unknown, especially for the older males. When sperm 

resources are not exhausted in successive matings, theory predicts that the older males would 

be more successful against young males in receiving matings. We used medfly males, a male 

lekking species, to test the above hypothesis. 

Methods: Experiments were conducted during 2007 – 2008 under laboratory conditions. Wildlike 

flies, reared in laboratory for 1 – 3 generations were used. We run mating tests under 

competitive (two choice) and non competitive (no choice) conditions. In choice tests, 10 young 

(12-14 days old), sexually mature, virgin females were brought to choose between 10 control 

(sexually mature, non mated, young, 12-14 days old) and 10 older males (15, 20, 30, 40, 50 

days old). In no choice tests, the performance of 10 non mated males of different age (10, 15, 

20, 30, 40, 50 and 70 days old) to mate with 10 young, sexually mature virgin females was 

assessed. In choice tests we recorded the number of copulas of young (control) and older 

males. In no choice tests we further recorded the copula duration, the latency time, the amount 

of sperm transferred to female spermathecae, and the sperm abundance in testes of mated, and 

not mated males. 

Results:In choice tests male mating competitiveness dramatically decreased in ages older than 

30 days. Fifty days old males achieved only 15% of matings compared to younger – control 

males. The proportion of matings decreased in older ages in no choice tests. Nevertheless, 

more than 30 and 20% of 50 and 70 days old males achieved copulations respectively. Mean 

duration of copula decreased in older males while the latency time to mate increased. Old 

males transferred to female spermathecae comparable amounts of spermatozoids with that of 

younger males. The number of sperm cells increased in testes of both mated and non mated 

males at older ages. 

Conclusions: Our results indicate that (I) C. capitata male mating competitiveness decreases in 

advanced ages (II) although ageing negatively affects the ability of males to mate (even in no 

competitive conditions), older males can still become accepted as mating partners, transferring 

comparable amounts of spermatozoids with that of younger males to female spermathecae. 

And (III) our data suggest that spermatogenesis occurs in adult males until extreme ages. The 

importance of our findings to understand the role of older males for the reproductive behavior 

of male lekking species is discussed. 

Keywords: Medfly, aging, mating competitiveness, sperm transfer 

137

POSTER ABSTRACTS

DATABASES

8 th International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance. Valencia (Spain) 26 th September to 1 st October 

RIESPO: IBERIAN NETWORK ON THE EVALUATION OF EFFICACY AND SIDE 

EFFECTS OF CONTROL TREATMENTS AGAINST OLIVE PESTS 

Adán, Angeles 1 ; Bento, Albino A. 2 ; Budia, Flor 1 ; Campos, Mercedes 3 ; Cotés, Belén 3 ; 

González, Manuel 4 ; Jerez, Carlos 5 ; Paredes, Daniel 3 ; Nave, Anabela 6 ; Medina, Pilar 1 ; 

Pascual, Felipe 5 ; Pascual, Susana* 4 ; Pereira, José A. 2 ; Porcel, Mario 3 ; Rei, Fernando 7 ; 

Ros, J. Pedro 4 ; Ruano, Francisca 5 ; Ruíz, Manuel 8 ; Sánchez-Ramos, Ismael 4 ; Santos, 

Sónia A.P. 2 ; Seris, Elena 4 ; Torres, Laura 6 & Viñuela, Elisa 1 

1 Departamento de Producción Vegetal: Botánica y Protección Vegetal. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros 

Agrónomos (ETSIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. 2 Centro de Investigação da Montanha 

(CIMO), Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal. 3 Estación Experimental 

de Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain. 4 Departamento de Protección 

Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA). Carretera de A Coruña 

km 7,5 28040 Madrid, Spain. Email: pascual@inia.es. 5 Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, 

Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain. 6 Departamento de Agronomia. Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto 

Douro, Vila Real, Portugal; 7 Departamento de Fitotecnia/ICAAM, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal; 

8 Laboratorio de Producción y Sanidad Vegetal, Consejería de Agricultura y Pesca, Junta de Andalucía, Jaén, 

Spain. 

The Iberian network on efficacy and side effects evaluation of control treatments against olive 

pests (RIESPO) was constituted in 2009 and funded by a Complementary Action (AC2009- 

00045-00-00) of the National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology 

(Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, INIA). The main 

objectives of this network is unifying and standardize methodologies applied in field trials, 

from the setting up of the assays in the field to the sampling methods used to characterize the 

arthropod community of olive groves and the statistical methods used for data analysis. 

Currently, the network consists of researchers and technicians from eight centres in Spain and 

Portugal. Members participate in research projects focused on pest control in olive groves, 

paying special attention to the key pest of this crop, the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae). This 

communication aims to present the network RIESPO to those researchers who may be 

interested in its activities. 

Keywords: Bactrocera oleae, Field trials, Control methods, Efficacy and side effects assessment 

143


NEW PROGRESS IN TEPHRITID WORKERS NETWORKING 

Bakri, Abdeljelil* 1 ; Hendrichs, Jorge²; Reyes, Jesus²; Liedo, Pablo 3 & Robinson, Alan² 

1 Insecte Contrôle, Marrakech 40080, Morocco (bakri@ucam.ac.ma). ²Insect Pest Control Section, Joint 

FAO/IAEA Programme Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 

Vienna, Austria. 3 El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, ECOSUR, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. 

Tephritid Workers Database (TWD) was established in 2004, and since then the number of its 

member keeps growing to reach 1046. To ensure excellence and relevance in networking 

among tephritid workers, TWD intends to evolve to achieve this mission. In 2009, TWD knew 

two major developments, the establishment of the Tephritid Workers of Western Hemisphere 

Database (TWWH) and the reinstatement of the Fruit Fly News (FFN) newsletters. 

It took almost one year of hard work to establish the TWWH since the decision was taken at 

the 7th Meeting of the Working Group on Fruit Flies of the Western Hemisphere in Mazatlan, 

Mexico on November 2008. At present, TWWH is the largest regional group, including 425 of 

tephritid workers from 21 countries. The TWWH database is bringing together scientists from 

major universities, research institutes and agriculture agencies in the Americas. Their field of 

expertise is extending from ecological theory and laboratory investigation to area-wide 

programs using the latest technology to control fruit flies. 

Fruit Fly News (FFN) was initially produced in hardcopy form in the 1980’s, and used to be 

the communication tool of the IOBC Global Working Group on Fruit Flies of Economic 

Importance. A total of 11 annual or semiannual issues were produced until 1992. Now, 17 

years later, FFN is back and is provided online from the issue FFN 12. The goal of FFN is to 

become the communication tool of the worldwide groups working on tephritid fruit flies, 

providing timely information on management of tephritid fruit flies, research activities, 

publications, ongoing action programs, upcoming events, job opportunities, and news. As a 

community means of communication, efforts are made to ensure its sustainability and regular 

frequency of delivery. Up to now, there are three issues a year. All contributions and 

suggestions are welcome and highly appreciated. 

Keywords: Database, newsletter, tephritid, fruit flies, pest

Session 1 

Biology, Ecology & Behaviour


SEXUAL COMPATIBILITY AMONG POPULATIONS OF ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS 

(WIEDEMANN, 1981) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) OF DIFFERENT REGIONS OF 

PERU. 

Alburqueque, Mónica*; García, Juliana & Quintanilla, Luis. 

Desarrollo de Métodos, Unidad de Centros de Producción de Moscas de la Fruta-La Molina (UCPMF) Del 

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria (SENASA), La Molina 1915 Lima, Perú Email: 

malburqueque@senasa.gob.pe. 

Background: An essential requirement for the application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) 

is the evaluation of sexual behavior of wild flies to predict the expected performance of 

laboratory colonies under field conditions, the aim of this study was evaluated the sexual 

behavior of mass-reared flies and wild populations of Anastrepha fraterculus from six regions 

of Peru where the SIT could be applied. 

Methods: We evaluate the sexual compatibility among populations of the Peruvian Coast: 

Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Ancash, Lima, Ica and mass-reared flies, six field cages 

installed on plants of Persea americana Mill were used; the wild flies were 16 days old and 

laboratory flies 9 days old. 30 females and 30 males from each population (two at a time) were 

released in each cage, in four replicates and couples from a single population as witnesses were 

released in the other ones (two cages). After each test the crosses: females of the 2 nd population 

with males of the 1 st population and females of the 1 st population with male of the 2 nd 

population were carried to laboratory and reproduce them in host fruits. 

Results: The results showed that populations were sexually active showing more activity 

around noon with some differences in the starting time, 9:00 and 10:00 am and peaks of sexual 

activity at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00. Nevertheless the index of sexual isolation (ISI) ranging 

from -0.07 to 0.28, reflecting sexual compatibility between the populations and the mass-reared 

strain, indicating that wild individuals successfully mate with each other and with the 

laboratory strain. Also the male relative performance index (MRPI) and insect females (FRPI) 

ranging from -0.26 to 0.36 reflecting both sexes of insects produced in the laboratory is as 

effective as the wild to mate. 

Conclusions: Our results of behavior, it is confirmed that the colony used for mass rearing of 

sterile insects for the implementation of sterile insect technique for pest control is compatible 

with the flies from the regions studied. Efforts should be initiated to determine if populations of 

other natural mountain and forest regions in the same group and the feasibility of applying the 

sterile insect in these regions. 

Keywords: Anastrepha fraterculus, Tephritidae, SIT, sexual compatibility, Peru. 

147


SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SECHIUM EDULE TO FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN 

LABORATORY CONDITIONS 

Atiama, Toulassi * ; Deguine, Jean-Philippe; Douraguia, Elisabeth & Quilici, Serge 


des Systèmes Biologiques, Saint-Pierre (La Réunion), France. E-mail: toulassi.atiama@cirad.fr 

Background: Sechium edule (chayote) is a climbing cucurbit largely cultivated under arbour in 

La Réunion but its production has strongly declined in recent years. Farmers attribute the yield 

losses to fruit flies (Tephritidae, Dacini) (Bactrocera cucurbitae, Dacus ciliatus and Dacus 

demmerezi), accordingly current studies are carried out in order to evaluate in the field the 

damage of fruit flies. Our study aimed to assess in laboratory the susceptibility of S. edule to 

fruit flies (B. cucurbitae, D. ciliatus, D. demmerezi), particularly in studying (i) the future of 

eggs laid naturally in fruit by gravid females, and (ii) the development of larvae artificially 

deposited in fruit. 

Methods: Two types of experiments were conducted in 2009 and three types of fruit were 

compared: S. edule (young fruit 10cm) and C. pepo as a control. In 

the first trial, for each species of flies, fruit (S. edule and C. pepo) were individually exposed to 

cohorts including gravid females and the number of pupae obtained and adult flies emerged 

from each fruit were then counted after two weeks. In a second trial, pieces of fruit were 

artificially infested by L1 larvae of each species, and their survival rate was measured over six 

days. 

Results: Development of the three species was better in C. pepo than in S. edule, for B. 

cucurbitae (a mean of 615 pupae per fruit of C. pepo versus 0 pupae in S. edule), for D. 

demmerezi (445 versus 250 pupae), and for D. ciliatus (15 versus 10 pupae). The mean number 

of B. cucurbitae pupae obtained per fruit of C. pepo was not significantly different (P>0.05) 

from that of D. demmerezi. Complete development (eggs to adult flies) on S. edule was 

observed only for D. demmerezi and D. ciliatus. However, D. demmerezi showed better larval 

survival and emergence rate on S. edule than D. ciliatus. For both species, larval development 

was better in younger fruits than in mature ones. 

Conclusions: These results provide new information on the development of fruit flies in S. 

edule. The low levels of infestation observed and the difficulties of development for the larvae 

suggest that fruit flies might not be the only cause of yield losses in chayote crops. These 

results are important to provide guidelines and to adapt the fruit flies management scheme to 

the particular case of S. edule crops. 

Keywords: Sechium edule, fruit flies, larval development, emergence rate, pupae


HOW DO ALTERNATIVE HOST FRUIT TREES INCREASE CERATITIS CAPITATA 

(WIEDEMANN) POPULATIONS IN CITRUS CLEMENTINE GROVES? 

Campos, José M.*; Martínez-Ferrer, María T. & Fibla, José M. 

IRTA-Amposta. Ctra. de Balada, Km 1. E- 43870 Amposta (Tarragona) Spain. E-mail: jmiguel.campos@irta.es 

Background: Ceratitis capitata is a polyphagous specie that causes great losses in citrus crops. 

The presence of alternative host fruit trees has been proved to lead the Medfly dynamics in 

citrus groves. Frequently, home gardens and also isolated host trees are close to early 

Clementine varieties that ripen during the same period. Thus, sanitary measures are promoted 

to prevent medfly populations to migrate to citrus orchards. 

Methods: During 4 years the influence of alternative host fruit trees was studied in Clementine 

citrus orchards. From 6 to 7 Tephri-Trap lured with Tri-Pack, plus DDVP as a toxicant were 

placed along the citrus orchard. The number of adults caught per trap was recorded weekly. 

Fruit maturity was determined by measuring the rind colour index with a Minolta CR-400® 

chromameter. In addition, during 2 years, 274 samples of 14 different fruit species were 

collected weekly from all the citrus growing area and placed in containers at 25º C where 

medfly larvae emerged were counted. Fruits were counted and weighted, thus the number of 

larvae per fruit and kg of fruit was quantified. 

Results: All the sampled fruit species, both cultivated and wild were attacked by medfly. Figs 

and jujube fruits produced the highest amount of medfly larvae, over 100 larvae per kilo. The 

sanitary measures on stone fruit orchards (basically peaches) surrounding citrus had a strong 

influence on medfly populations, but did not threaten the harvest since did not coincide with 

citrus ripening. Medfly adults from overripe fruits in orchard borders moved and achieved 

distances as shown by captures in traps. Medfly control by mass-trapping in those fruit trees 

was not enough to prevent the migration of insects to the citrus crop, since captures on the 

border of the orchard were high. 

Conclusions: Both fig and jujube trees that grow in the nearness of citrus crops, produce the 

highest medfly populations when early Clementine varieties are susceptible to be attacked by 

this pests. Consequently, enhancing mass trapping technique in areas is required even when 

pest control in alternative host fruit trees is performed. 

Keywords: Medfly, Ceratitis capitata, Clementine, alternative host trees, traps. 

149


PERFORMANCE OF AUGMENTORIUM AS A SANITATION TECHNIQUE AGAINST 

FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN REUNION ISLAND 

Deguine, Jean-Philippe*; Atiama, Toulassi; Douraguia, Elisabeth; Jacquard, Cathy; 

Simiand, Christophe; Delatte, Hélène & Quilici, Serge 

CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), Département 

des Systèmes Biologiques, Saint-Pierre (La Réunion), France ; E-mail: jean-philippe.deguine@cirad.fr 

Background. Tephritid fruit flies cause severe damage to fruit and vegetable crops in Reunion 

Island. Instead of the curative approach to reduce existing populations, the first step proposed 

for their management is sanitation. This method is based on an original technique firstly 

developed by USDA in Hawaii utilizing a tent-like structure called an “augmentorium” which 

aims to sequester adult flies emerging from infested fruit while allowing the parasitoids to 

escape, via a net placed at the top of the structure. This study focused on the performance and 

the efficiency of the augmentorium prototype recently tested in Reunion Island and particularly 

(i) the number of adult flies that can potentially be sequestered in an augmentorium in the field; 

(ii) the efficiency of the net mesh for fly sequestration and parasitoid escape; (iii) the feasibility 

of producing compost with infested fruit collected in the field. 

Method. The potential number of flies that could be sequestered was estimated by measuring in 

the lab the emergence of several species of flies from infested fruit collected in the field from 

2005 to 2009 in different sites of the island. Emergence of adult flies was measured for six 

species of flies: (i) Bactrocera cucurbitae, Dacus ciliatus and D. demmerezi attacking three 

species of Cucurbits (pumpkin: Cucurbita maxima; cucumber: Cucumis sativus and courgette: 

Cucurbita pepo); (ii) Bactrocera zonata, Ceratitis rosa and C. capitata attacking one species of 

fruit (mango: Mangifera indica). The sequestration of three of these fly species (B. cucurbitae, 

B. zonata and C. capitata) and the escape of two of their parasitoids (Psyttalia fletcheri and 

Fopius arisanus) were assessed in the Cirad laboratory in Saint-Pierre in 2008. Preliminary 

tests on the feasibility of producing compost were then conducted in Saint-Pierre in 2009, 

mixing courgette and other components. 

Results. Collections of infested fruits showed the following means of emerged adults per kg of 

fruit: 76 for mango (B. zonata, C. rosa, C. capitata); 217 for cucumber, 340 for pumpkin and 

594 for courgette (B. cucurbitae, D. ciliatus, D. demmerezi). The efficiency of the mesh chosen 

for the prototype of augmentorium (hole area 1.96 mm²) proved to be perfectly effective in the 

lab with 100% of sequestration of adult flies. In the same way, 100% of the parasitoids were 

able to escape from the mesh if they choose to do so. In addition, we showed that a ratio of 

50:30:20 of courgette, sugar cane stem and chicken litter respectively was well adapted to 

produce compost. 

Conclusion. These results confirm the relevance and the efficiency of the augmentorium in an 

agroecological crop protection. As a sanitation technique against fruit flies, the augmentorium 

sequesters on average several hundreds of adult flies per kg of infested fruit. As a biological 

control method, it may contribute to increase parasitoid populations which are often low 

because of the previous and significant pesticide pressure. The augmentorium can also be 

considered as a useful tool to produce compost in the context of sustainable agriculture. The 

technique of sanitation using the augmentorium is now well accepted by farmers in pilot areas 

in Reunion Island.


IMPACT OF FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) ON CHAYOTE (SECHIUM 

EDULE) IN REUNION ISLAND. 

Deguine, Jean-Philippe*; Atiama, Toulassi; Douraguia, Elisabeth; Gilles, Benoît; 

François, Thomas & Quilici, Serge. 

CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), Département 

des Systèmes Biologiques, Saint-Pierre (La Réunion), France; E-mail: jean-philippe.deguine@cirad.fr 

Background. Chayote is a popular vegetable in Reunion Island. Traditionally and extensively 

cultivated for its leaves, it is nowadays usually intensively cultivated under treillises for the 

production of fruit. A high number of fruit fallen on the ground result in a significant loss in 

production. Farmers attribute this to three fruit fly species (Bactrocera cucurbitae, Dacus 

ciliatus and Dacus demmerezi) which roost in the trellises. This situation provokes major 

insecticide applications in the chayote trellises to combat fruit flies. The present study aimed 

therefore at evaluating the real incidence of fruit flies in chayote cultivation. 

Methods. The experiments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 and observations in trellised 

crops were performed in different sites on the island. In 2008, hundreds of fruit were collected 

at a single site to study the susceptible stage of the chayote fruit while the development of 

samples of 20 recently blemished fruit and 20 unblemished fruit was regularly followed in the 

field. In addition, 120 blemished fruit were collected in 2008 in two sites 20 fruit were weekly 

collected at a site in 2009 and the emergence of adult flies was measured in the Cirad 

laboratory over 15 days. In addition, bird nets were placed under the trellis of three fields in 

2009 to collect fallen fruit and the number of blemishes and the infestation of the fruit gathered 

were examined. In the lab, eight chayote fruit were exposed to gravid females per fly species 

and dissected. 

Results. In situ, fruit smaller than 6 cm length appeared to be unaffected by female blemishes. 

Two to four weeks after blemishes under the trellis, the blemished fruit did not show any 

morphological difference compared to unblemished fruit. This observation was strengthened 

by the results of emergence tests: only one of 120 blemished fruit collected in 2008 and only 

five fruit collected from 219 fruit harvested in the crop in 2009 showed emergence of flies. D. 

ciliatus appeared to be the only species able to emerge not only from these infested fruit 

collected in the field but also from the fruit exposed to gravid females in the lab. A defence 

reaction of the fruit to eggs or L1 larvae of B. cucurbitae and D. demmerezi was also observed 

by dissecting infested fruit in the lab. Finally, other field observations showed that only 13 of 

197 fruit fallen from the trellis were infested by larvae, meaning that 93 % of fruit fell for other 

reasons. 

Conclusion. This study provides first results on the real incidence of fruit flies in chayote crops 

in Reunion Island. Although fly adults roost in chayote trellis, these pests are not responsible 

for the significant production losses recorded by the farmers. This suggests that the chemical 

protection used against fruit flies in chayote trellis is not appropriate, especially when one 

considers the secondary negative effects of the chemical treatments. A physiological shedding 

caused by an overloaded production of fruit under this type of intensive cultivation under trellis 

could be the main cause of the fruit fall and this requires further research. 

Keywords: fruit flies, chayote, Sechium edule, Reunion Island 

151


INFERENCES ON COMPETITIVE INTERACTIONS FROM DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF 

COEXISTING ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS AND CERATITIS CAPITATA POPULATIONS. 

Devescovi, Francisco 1 ; Segura, Diego F. *1 ; Liendo, María C. 1 ; Bachmann, Guillermo 1 ; 

Vera, M. Teresa 2 ; Milla, Fabián H. 1 ; Bouvet, Juan P 3 & Cladera, Jorge L. 1 

1 Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Genética “Ewald A. Favret” (IGEAF), De 

los Reseros y Repetto s/n (1712), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Email: dsegura@cnia.inta.gov.ar; 2 Estación 

Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) INTA Concordia, Entre Ríos, Argentina; 3 Estación Experimental Agropecuaria 

Ovispo Colombres (EEAOC), Tucumán, Argentina. 

Background: Anastrepha fraterculus (native to South America) and Ceratitis capitata (exotic 

species in this region) have shared host fruit species in Argentina for more than one century. 

Little is known about the mechanisms that allow the coexistence of these tephritids. Previous 

works suggested that avoidance of infested fruit would act as a stabilizing force minimizing the 

negative effects of interspecific competition. We tested here the hypothesis that these species 

exploit available resources avoiding larval competition by analyzing the spatial distribution of 

infestation, particularly co-occurrence patterns. 

Methods: A. fraterculus and C. capitata infestation patterns were evaluated from pupae 

obtained from Psidium guajava. Fruit were collected in Northeast region of Argentina 

(Concordia) and were processed individually. Frequencies of fruit infested by one, both or 

none species were compared with two theoretical distributions, expected under a random 

oviposition hypothesis and under an avoidance (of already infested fruits) hypothesis. As an 

alternative method we use null models (Ecosim 7.0). Each method was tested at three spatial 

scales, for each sampling date. 

Results: Both methods showed that infestation patterns varied according to the spatial scale. At 

the largest scale there was a tendency towards co-infestation, while at a reduced scale 

(particularly at the tree scale), the pattern revealed either a random oviposition behavior or 

avoidance of infested fruit. At this scale, a tendency towards avoiding infested fruit occurred 

only when fruit infestation levels were moderate. 

Conclusions: Our study suggests that competition avoidance behavior could be densitydependent. 

This mechanism could, at least partially, permit the coexistence of A. fraterculus 

and C. capitata. Other factors, such as environments and host species associated with agroecosystems 

could also be playing a role in structuring population densities. 

Keywords: Interspecific competition, distribution patterns, EcoSim, spatial and temporal heterogeneity.


LIFE CYCLE ASSAY AND ESTIMATING SURVIVAL FUNCTIONS OF KONAR FRUIT 

FLY, CARPOMYA VESUVIANA COSTAL IN SOUTH OF IRAN. 

Farrar, Nasser 1* ; Golestaneh, S.R. 1 ; Mohammadi, M. 2 & Alemansoor, H. 3 

1 Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Bushehr Province, Iran; Email: farrar29@yahoo.com; 2 Research 

Institutes of Forests and Rangelands; 3 Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Shiraz Province. Iran. 

Background: The Konar fruit fly, Carpomya vesuviana Costa (Diptera: Tephritidae) cause high 

damage in quality and quantity of (Konar) Ziziphus spp. in south of Iran. The life table is one 

of the most important tools in demographic and gerontology research because it is used to 

characterize the mortality and survival properties of cohorts and to quantify the actuarial rate of 

aging. 

Methods: Field and laboratory studies on the Life cycle of Carpomya vesuviana were carried 

out for the three consecutive years in south of Iran. The materials of the Tephritid (Eggs, 

Larva, Prepupa and Pupa) were collected by weekly sampling in nature and reared in Petri 

dishes containing the soft well aerated soil. The Konar fruit fly was reared on three kinds of 

Ziziphus fruits (Z. spina-christi, Z. nummularia, Z. mauritiana) as well as an artificial diet to 

study the life cycle parameters under laboratory conditions. 

Results: The longevity of adults was from 14.6±4.2 to 25.8±6.3 days in different months. The 

sex ratio was 1: 1. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods lasted 2 to 8, 3 

to 35 and 0 to 12 days, respectively. The female lays egg after mating under fruit skin. The 

number of eggs/ovipunctures observed in a single fruit is generally 1 to 4 and a maximum of 8. 

Females laid averagely 19.1±5 eggs. Eggs-laying in most females (about 72.8%) is carried out 

in the first 3 to 7 days of their life. Females have higher fecundity during November and 

February and lower fecundity in March. The incubation period was 1-4 days and about 70.4 to 

91.9 percent eggs turned out to be viable. The larval period was 6 to 22 days. Larvae had 

longer during December (15.5±3.6) and lived short during March (average 8.5±1.6). The 

maggots took 1.8 to 5 hours to prepare puparium. Pupal duration was variably different 

between 8-320 days. The shortest was 8 days in March April and the longest was 320 days in 

September. 

Conclusions: The insect completed 8 to 10 overlapping generations each year. The shortest 

time for a complete cycle belonged to the flies which laid eggs in March, April and January. 

The longest time for a complete cycle was about 330 day which refers to the eggs laid in 

September-October. The over wintering and summering was a pupa within soil profile. This 

insect has diapause or might not have any diapause at all. Insect attack intensity was estimated 

between 30 and 100 percent in randomly inspected fruits. 

Keywords: Carpomya vesuviana, Konar, Ziziphus, Life cycle, Iran 

153


MATING COMPETITIVENESS OF STERILIZED MASS-REARED MALES AND WILD 

POPULATIONS OF ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS (WIEDEMANN, 1981) (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE). 

García, Juliana*; Alburqueque, Mónica & Quintanilla, Luis. 

Desarrollo de Métodos, Unidad de Centros de Producción de Moscas de la Fruta-La Molina (UCPMF) Del 

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria (SENASA), La Molina 1915 Lima, Perú Email: jgarciac@senasa.gob.pe 

Background: The South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann 1830), is one 

of the most important agriculture pest in Peru. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) would be a 

powerful no-pollutant method for its direct control which has been used successfully against a 

parental specie Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann 1829) in Peru. The success of SIT depends on 

the quality and the ability of sterile males mate with wild females. Competitiveness tests 

measure the ability of sterile males to achieve copulations with wild females and the degree of 

the sterility of the eggs produced by wild females when wild and sterile males compete to mate 

with them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mating ability of sterilized mass-reared 

(two doses 0.07 and 0.08 KGy/hour) A. fraterculus in comparison with wild males from 5 

regions of the Peruvian coast: Lima, Ica, Ancash, La Libertad and Lambayeque. 

Methods: “competitiveness” cage (field cage) into which 120 insects sterile males were release 

along 40 wild males and 40 wild females; “wild control” cage (plexiglas cage 30 cm×30 

cm×40cm) into which 25 males insects wild were release along with 25 wild females; “sterile 

control” cage (cages with panel 20x15x15cm) into which 25 sterile males were released along 

with 25 females fertile insect. Plums were placed into each cage for a period of 8 days in order 

to collect the eggs to measure the induced sterility. The fruits hosts were changed daily and the 

percent of eggs hatched was evaluated. Fried's competitiveness index (C) was used whose 

values range from 1 to 0, values close to zero indicate superior competitiveness of the wild 

male. The weight of the pupae were registered in order to correlate the average weight of the 

irradiated pupae and the C value 

Results: The results obtained in the Fried test (Which measures induced sterility in eggs) with 

irradiated pupae with 0.08 KGy/hour showed a competitiveness coefficient ranging from 0.27 

to 0.47; on the other hand irradiated pupae with 0.07 KGy/hour showed a competitiveness 

coefficient ranging from 0.30 to 0.45. The lowest sexual performance of the sterile males was 

with the Ica population (in both doses), while the highest ones was with the La Libertad 

population (0.08 KGy/hour) and Ancash (0.07 KGy/hour); this suggests that sterile males 

successfully compete with flies from different parts of the Peruvian coast. 

Conclusions: Mating competitiveness is an important quality control parameter that affects the 

performance of released sterile insects. The results suggest that sterile males successfully 

compete with flies from different parts of the Peruvian coast. This paper shows that despite the 

strain of mass rearing A. fraterculus used in the test has been reared since 2001 is still 

appropriate for the purposes of implementing the SIT. 

Keywords: Anastrepha fraterculus, SIT, sexual Competitiveness, sterile male, wild flies.


DISPERSAL DYNAMICS OF AN INVASIVE FRUIT FLY SPECIES, BACTROCERA 

INVADENS, ALONG AN ALTITUDINAL GRADIENT. 

Geurts, Katrien 1* ; De Meyer, Marc 2 ; Mwatawala, Maulid 3 ; Erbout, Nathalie 1 & Lens, 

Luc 1 

1 Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium; Email: 

marc.de.meyer@africamuseum.be; 2 Entomology Section, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium; 

3 Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. 

Background: Bactrocera invadens, a fruit fly species originating from Asia, has become an 

invasive pest in Africa. This fruit fly causes a lot of damage to crops and threatens fruit export, 

leading to considerable economic losses. In Africa it seems to be spreading not only in latitude 

but also in altitude. The ongoing spread of B. invadens can be limited by certain barriers: 

climatic conditions, host availability and suitability, and interspecific competition with coldtolerant, 

Ceratitis rosa, a native species. 

Methods: This study tried to determine the boundaries for the extension of the distribution area 

of B. invadens by placing traps and collecting fruit along an altitudinal transect (580-1789 m) 

in Morogoro, Tanzania from September 2008 until September 2009. Concurrently 

environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity and host availability) were measured 

along the transect at the different collection sites. 

Results: Diversity increased with rising altitude and was determined by host availability and 

suitability. B. invadens abundance and infestation declined with rising altitude and was largely 

determined by temperature and host availability. Interspecific competition could also play a 

part in determining abundance and diversity. In peach B. invadens was dominated in numbers 

by C. rosa, but in mango B. invadens dominated all other fruit fly species, even mango 

specialist: C. cosyra. There was an annual dispersal (in January and February) of B. invadens 

towards higher altitudes in periods with population surplus. Its reproduction in high altitude 

fruits such as peach and pear could mean a colonization of this area. 

Conclusions: Because of B. invadens’ strong r- and K-selection and its broad climatic and host 

range it is possible that this species will continue to spread to high altitude areas and possibly 

pose a threat to subtropical areas, even more so considering the influence of climate change. 

Keywords: B. invadens, altitude, dispersal, Africa 

155


TEPHRITIDS IN THE MAIN CITRUS-GROWING AREA IN COSTA RICA (2007 – 2008). 

Hernán Camacho, V.* 

Retired Professor University of Costa Rica. Adviser in Tico Frut, Costa Rica. P.O. Box 2100 – 3000. Heredia. 

Costa Rica. E-mail hcamachov@hotmail.com 

Background: In Costa Rica, 27,000 hectares of land currently produce citrus fruits, these being 

mainly sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). There are 4,519,219 trees for monoculture crops 

planted in a total of 20,000 hectares. 15,153 hectares are located in the Huetar Zone, which 

occupies a significant part of the northern sector of the country. This area is where most of the 

nation’s orange crop is raised. These plantations are located on the border with Nicaragua, and 

they extend into that country’s territory, making oranges the most important crop in that region. 

In this same zone, the Tico Frut Company operates its plants and other facilities. Tico Frut is 

Central America’s largest industrial fruit processing enterprise, and the most important fruit 

harvest collection and storage center in all of Costa Rica. In order to best ascertain how to 

select the most effective and suitable strategies for tephritid control, the diverse tephritid 

populations present in the aforementioned region were studied. 

Methods: The study was carried out at six orange plantations (Farms No. 9, 12, 13A, Naranya, 

Mefisa, and LBA), these having a total joint area of 5,604 hectares, during the harvest periods 

of 2007 - 2008. Yellow Multilure Traps that had been baited with Nu Lure were used, with 

checks carried out each week in order to collect and identify the insects that were captured. 

Simultaneously, a weekly sampling of 60 ripe oranges took place in the same lots where the 

traps had been placed. Larvae and pupae were collected on a weekly basis, as their eclosion 

was expected, which would make it possible to identify them. 

Results: A total of 1093 traps were set at the plantations; in these traps, 9,009 diptera 

specimens were collected, of which 69 were Tephritidae, 803 were Lonchaeidae, and 907 were 

Ulididae. The number of tephritid orange pests was low. There were only 2 Mexican fruit flies 

(Anastrepha ludens) and 2 Medflies (Ceratitis capitata). Other potential orange pest specimens 

of the Anastrepha genus were captured. These were 14 A.striata, 33 A.obliqua, 5 A serpentina 

and, 2 A fraterculus. None of these specimens were trapped in or on fruits, but rather only in 

traps. In the orange crop sampling, 22,920 fruits were analyzed (382 total samples comprised 

of 60 oranges each) and from these samples, the following pests were obtained: 1,154 

Lonchaeidae, as well as 380 Muscidae, but no Tephritidae or Ulididae flies. An unforeseen 

outcome was that the Lonchaeidae Neosilba batesi caught in traps and in the fruit sampling 

accounted for the majority of the pests collected. Another unexpected result was the number of 

the Ulídidae Xanthacrona bipustulata captured in traps. The largest number and widest 

diversity of tephritids were captured in the area of the industrial plant facilities. In 2007, 112 

traps were set, and 1,360 diptera were collected, of which 152 were tephritids (6 A ludens, 1 C 

capitata, 116 A striata, 18 A obliqua, and 4 A fraterculus), in addition to 85 lonchaeids. In 

2008, 75 traps were set, and these caught 383 flies, of which 28 were tephritids (2 A ludens, 2 

C capitata, 18 A striata, and 6 A obliqua), but no lonchaeids. This greater diversity was due to 

the large quantity of fruit stored at this locale, originating from crops harvested at a number of 

sites around the country. 

Keywords: Medfly, Mexican Fruit Fly, Anastrepha spp., Lonchaeidae, Ulididae.


DYNAMIC POPULATION OF FRUIT FLIES IN CASSAVA CROPS (Manihot esculenta) 

Montes, Sônia M. N. M.* , ¹; Raga, Adalton² & de Souza-Filho, Miguel F.² 

¹Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios-Polo Alta Sorocabana, P.O. Box 298, 19015-970 Presidente 

Prudente, SP, Brazil. E-mail: soniamontes@apta.sp.gov.br; ²Instituto Biológico/Laboratório de Entomologia 

Econômica, P.O. Box 70, 13001-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil. 

Background: Cassava is a subsistence crop, especially for small proprietiers in the north and 

NE regions of Brazil. Many insect pests infest cassava crops in Brazil. The damage increases 

according to technological level and its intensive production. Tephritidae larvae infest easily 

fruits and stems. The purpose of this work was to determine the dynamic population and 

identify de fruit fly diversity in a mixed cassava cultivars. The cassava crops is situated in 

Presidente Prudente municipality, State of São Paulo, Brazil (UTM 7545288.76 m N, 

459930.31 m E and altitude 424.29 m). 

Methods: The experiment was conducted from February to May 2005, January 2006 to 

December 2007 in cassava field composed by industry and table cultivars ÌAC-12´, ÌAC-13´, 

ÌAC-14´, ÌAC-15´, Èspeto´, `Branca de Santa Catarina´, `Roxinha´, ´Fécula Branca´, `Fibra´ 

and ÌAC 576-70´. The flies were weekly collected by two yellow McPhail plastic traps at 

1.20m high, using 400 mL per trap of 5% hydrolisated protein. Mature cassava fruits were 

picked at random for evaluation of fruit fly species incidence. The area was kept free of 

insecticide sprays. 

Results: We captured a total of 600 flies from the genus Anastrepha (372 males and 228 

females), related to: A. montei Lima (152), A. sororcula Zucchi (6), A. pickeli Lima (22) and A. 

fraterculus Wied. (2). Based on the flies per trap per day (FTD), the peak reached 1.64 

(13/4/2005), 1.43 (12/04 and 17/05/2006) and 2.21 (18/04/2007). The infestation rate in fruits 

was 2.0% in Èspeto´ and ÌAC 14´. Only A. montei was recovered from cassava fruits. 

Conclusions: Low fruit fly diversity was registered in cassava crops by McPhail trapping, 

which only A. pickeli and A. montei was related with cassava plants. We obtained low 

population in cassava fruits by A. montei. 

Keywords: McPhail traps, FTD, Anastrepha, occurrence. 

157


OCCURRENCE OF FRUIT FLIES IN MANGO ORCHARD IN THE WEST REGION OF 

THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL. 

Montes, Sônia M. N. M. * 1 ; Raga, Adalton 2 & de Souza-Filho, Miguel F. 2 

¹Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios-Pólo Regional Alta Sorocabana Rodovia Raposo Tavares 

km561, Caixa 298, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil, 19015-970. E-mail soniamontes@apta.sp.gov.br; 2 Instituto 

Biológico/Laboratório de Entomologia Econômica, P.O. Box 70 Campinas, SP, Brazil 13001-970. 

Background: The mango crops are widely distributed in the majority of tropical and 

subtropical countries. Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are key pests in mango crops in Brazil. 

The objective of the present work was evaluate the fruit fly population dynamic and diversity 

in an mixed orchard of Haden, Tommy Atkins and Palmer, in Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. 

Methods: From August 2005 to December 2007, flies were captured weekly in nine yellow 

McPhail traps. Inside the trap we disposed 400 mL of 5% hydrolisated protein (Isca 

Tecnologias Ltda.), renewed weekly. 

Results: We collected a total of 65,956 flies: 2,788 of Anastrepha spp. (4.23%) and 63,168 of 

Ceratitis capitata Wied. (95.77%). From the Anastrepha spp. specimens, 55.45% are males 

and 44.55% females. For medfly, we captured 43.69% males and 56.31% females. During 

2006 we obtained 85.65% of C. capitata and 94.08% of Anastrepha spp. from the captured 

flies. The following species were identified: Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart) (91.92%), A. 

fraterculus (Wied.) (3.24%), A. sororcula Zucchi (1.37%), A. pseudoparalella (Loew) 

(1.11%), A. striata Schiner (0.77%), A. barbiellinii Lima (0.26%), A. daciformis Bezzi 

(0.09%), A. haywardi Blanchard (0.09%), A. leptozona Hendel (0.60%), A. zenildae Zucchi 

(0.09%) and A. montei Lima (0.85%). Only A. obliqua was considered constant species. 

Conclusions: During the monitoring C. capitata was dominant. Among eleven Anastrepha 

species, only A. obliqua was constant and dominant. Mango is a common host for Ceratitis 

capitata, A. fraterculus and A. obliqua in the State of São Paulo. 

Keywords: Anacardiaceae, population dynamic, Tephritidae, faunistic analyses.


PROLONGED PUPAE DIAPAUSE AFFECTS VITAL FITNESS COMPONENTS OF 

RHAGOLETIS CERASI ADULTS. 

Moraiti, Cleopatra A. & Papadopoulos, Nikos T. 

Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural 

Environment, University of Thessaly Greece, Phytokoy St. Nea Ionia (Volos), 58446 Magnisia, Greece. Email: 

nikopap@uth.gr. 

Background: Diapause is a physiological process allowing insects to exploit seasonally 

fluctuating resources, diversify, and colonize harsh environments. Although several 

physiological and ecological aspects of diapause have been studied in detail, little is known 

regarding the effects of prolonged diapause on adult life history traits. The European cherry 

fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a univoltine species undergoing 

obligatory pupae diapause for, usually, one or more years. Thus, it forms an excellent model 

organism to test whether prolonged pupae diapause tradeoffs adult fitness components. 

Methods: In 2007-2009, we studied the demography of R. cerasi adults of three Greek 

populations, emerging from pupae that terminated diapause after one (1 st year) or two (2 nd year, 

prolonged diapause) cycles of high-low-high temperatures. The three populations were 

originating from: i) Mikra (Thessaloniki), ii) Kamari (Magnisia), and iii) Kernitsa (Achaia). In 

all populations, pupae, recovered from field infested, ripe sweet cherries, were placed at 25 ο C 

for 2.5 months, then at 3 ο C for 6 months, and finally at 25 ο C until adult emergence (1 st 

adults). Overlaying pupae were held at 25 ο C for 2.5 months, and then at 3 ο C for an additional 

period of 6 months, and ultimately, returned to 25 ο C until adult emergence (2 nd year adults). A 

pair of newly emerged adults (one male and one female) were held into individual cages 

containing oviposition substrates (five ceresin domes), standard adult diet and water. Fifty such 

pairs (replicates) were established for each population and diapause regime. Daily egg 

production and female and male ages at death were recorded under constant laboratory 

conditions (25 ± 1 ο C, 65 ± 5% R.H., and L14:D10). Additionally, the size of the body of each 

adult (female and male) was assessed at death by measuring thorax length and width, and head 

width. Somatometric data showed that both males and females emerging after prolonged pupal 

diapause were larger than their counterparts emerging the first year. Average longevity, for 

both males and females, differed significantly among populations the first year, but not among 

adults emerging after prolonged pupae diapause. Within each population, average longevities 

of adults emerging the second year were either similar or longer than of those emerging the 

first year. Average fecundity was higher for females emerging the first year than that of their 

second year counterparts. Fecundity varied substantially among the different populations the 

first year (260 – 380 eggs/female), but it was similar after prolonged pupae diapause (≈100 

eggs/female). Oviposition and postoviposition periods of females emerging the second year 

were 15 and 5 days shorter and longer, respectively, than that of females emerging the first 

year. 

Conclusions: Collectively, these data suggest that prolonged pupae diapause: i) is associated 

with larger adult body size, ii) decreases lifetime female fecundity rates, iii) alters the age 

specific patterns of oviposition, and iv) does not substantially affect the adult lifespan. 

Keywords: European cherry fruit fly, life history traits, demographic parameters, body size, fitness cost, 

Tephritidae 

year 

159


THE INFLUENCE OF HOST FRUIT AND TEMPERATURE ON THE BODY SIZE OF 

ADULT CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) IN THE LABORATORY AND IN FIELD 

POPULATIONS. 

Navarro-Campos, Cristina *1 ; Martínez-Ferrer, María T. 2 ; Alcaide, Juan 1 ; Campos, José 

M. 2 ; Bargues, Laura 1 ; Fibla, José M. 2 ; Marzal, Carmen 1 & Garcia-Marí, Ferran 1 . 

1 Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo (IAM), Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022, 

Valencia, Spain; Email: crinacam@posgrado.upv.es; 2 IRTA Amposta. Carretera de Balada, Km 1. E- 43870- 

Amposta (Tarragona), Spain. 

Background: The adult body size of medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: 

Tephritidae), varies in natural conditions. Both temperature during larvae development and 

host fruit quality have been cited as possible causes for this variation. Body size is an important 

fitness indicator in insects; larger individuals usually exhibit increased survival, longevity, 

mating success and fecundity. We studied the influence of host fruit and temperature during 

larvae development in adult body size in field populations of medfly with the aim to quantify 

body size variation throughout the year. 

Methods: The size of adult C. capitata was measured and analyzed using wing surface area as 

an estimate of adult size. Flies measured had three origins. Firstly, flies periodically collected 

along the year in field traps from 32 groves in Spain, during the period 2003-2007. Secondly, 

flies evolved from field collected fruits. Finally, flies reared in laboratory on different foods 

and in different temperature regimes. 

Results: In the lab, wing area of male and female adult medflies varied significantly with 

developing temperature of larvae, being larger at the lowest temperature (females: F = 114.06; 

df = 4, 209; P < 0.0001, males: F = 107.89; df = 4, 209; P < 0.0001). Adult size was also 

significantly different depending on host fruit in which larvae developed (females: F = 11.23; 

df = 3; 127; P < 0.0001; males: F = 7.84; df = 3; 131; P = 0.0001). Females developed in 

apricot were the largest followed by those developing in peach, plum and orange. The size of 

the flies captured at the field varied seasonally showing a gradual pattern of change along the 

year. The largest individuals were obtained during winter and early spring and the smallest 

during late summer. Size of adult flies showed less variation according to host fruit in which 

larvae developed in the field. 

Conclusions: Adult size in field populations of C. capitata changes periodically influenced 

mainly by temperature, and secondarily by species of host fruit. These observations could 

improve our current background on the behavior of C. capitata in the field. The importance of 

final adult size and its implication in the sterile insect technique are discussed. 

Keywords: medfly, body size, host, temperature-size rule.


FRUIT FLIES OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO 

BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE, A GLOBAL REVIEW. 

Nikpay, Amin 1 & Kahrarian, Morteza 2 

1 Division of Plant Protection, Sugarcane & By-Product Development Company, Salman Farsi Unit, Ahwaz, Iran; 

Email amin_nikpay@yahoo.com; 2 Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Branch. 

Background: Tephritids are one of the most destructive and diversified group of insects. There 

are more than 4000 species of fruit flies in the world in 500 genera which the melon fly 

Bactarocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important pest of 

Cucurbitaceae (melon, watermelon, pumpkin, squash) in different countries such as most Asian 

countries, Middle East and Hawaii. This species is responsible for both direct economic losses 

in vegetable production and for the considerable efforts implemented for the detection and 

eradication programs in those countries where this pest is found. Also fruit flies of the family 

Tephritidae are considered the most important quarantine insect pests in terms of international 

trade. Chemical control, first used as the only management strategy, led to insect resistance, 

high cost and contamination of fruits and the environment and negative effect on beneficial 

arthropods. Due to this reason, in recent years several tactics and strategies such as sterile 

insect techniques, bait spray, Biological controls, legislative control and pheromone traps, 

alone or in combination have been used. However, in spite of the tremendous investments and 

efforts made to date, the pest has not been pushed out of all invaded areas and the war is far 

from being won. In this study, we reviewed several control strategies and focus on success or 

failure of each method. 

Keywords: Melonfly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, Sterile Insect Technique, Pheromones 

161


TEPHRITIDAE ASSOCIATED WITH MANGO DAMAGES IN THE WEST OF BURKINA 

FASO: IDENTIFICATION AND IMPORTANCE OF THE DAMAGES. 

Ouédraogo, S. Nafiba* 1 , Vayssières, Jean-François 2 , Dabiré A Rémy 3 & Rouland-Lefèvre 

Corinne 4 

1 Université Paris Est, 32 Avenue Henry Varagnat 93-140, Bondy, France. osylvainn@yahoo.fr; 2 Centre 

International de Coopération et de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement/ Institut International 

d’Agriculture Tropicale (CIRAD/IITA), Cotonou, Bénin; 3 Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherche Agricoles 

(INERA), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; 4 Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) UMR 

BIOEMCO/IBIOS, Bondy, France. 

Background: Mango fruits export constitutes an important source of currency for Burkina 

Faso. However, the damages inflicted by Tephritidae (fruits fly) to mangos threaten the 

viability of this sector. Poor knowledge of fruits fly species responsible for these damages 

makes difficult the development of an adapted control strategy. The present study aims to 

identify the Tephritidae species associated with these damages and to assess their importance 

on eight cultivars. Two hypotheses were formulated i) The damages caused by Tephritidae on 

the mango in the West of Burkina are caused by several fruits fly species and, ii) The 

infestation rate of the mangos by Tephritidae varies significantly depending on the cultivar. 

Methodology: Fruits of six grafted cultivars (Amélie, Brooks, Keitt, Kent, Lippens and 

Springfield) and two non-grafted ones (Mango vert and Sabre) of mango (Mangifera indica) 

served as plant material. During mango seasons 2008 and 2009 (March to August), a sample of 

36 fruits per cultivar was taken every 2 weeks from eight orchards. Fruits were incubated using 

the method described by Vayssières et al. (2004), so as to determine infestation rates. Pupae 

collected from the infested fruits allowed after hatching, identification of fruits fly species 

(Diptera: Tephritidae) associated with the damages. The analysis of variance at 5 % threshold 

after data transformation allowed comparison of the infestation rates. 

Results: Seven species of Tephritidae of the genus Bactrocera (1species) and Ceratitis (6 

species) were identified. B. invadens and C. cosyra appeared from most of the infested fruits 

(61.14 % and 36.1 % of the hatched adults, respectively). The rates of mango infestation varied 

between 2.4 % for Springfield at the beginning of the season (April, 2008) and 69.2 % for 

Brooks at the end of the season (August, 2008). The comparison test of the averages has 

distinguished five classes of cultivars according to infestation rates (F = 6.181; P = 0.0001). 

Amélie was the grafted cultivar most weakly infested whereas Keitt was found to be most 

strongly infested. 

Conclusions: This study has demonstrated (1) the existence of seven Tephritidae species 

infesting the mango among which B. invadens and C. cosyra are the most associated with the 

damages and (2) the significant influence of cultivars on the rate of mango infestation by 

Tephritidae. These results suggest a much better comprehension of the biology and ecology of 

these two species in the study zone for a more effective control strategy of fruits fly damages. 

Keywords: Bactrocera invadens, Ceratitis cosyra, Mangifera indica, quarantine insects, infestation rate.


NATURAL FRUIT FLY INFESTATION IN STONE FRUITS IN THE STATE OF SÃO 

PAULO, BRAZIL. 

Raga, Adalton* 1 ; Paula, Laís Ívina Silva de²; de Souza-Filho, Miguel F. 3 & Lopes de 

Castro, Jairo 4 

¹Instituto Biológico, P.O. Box 70, 13001-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil. E-mail: adalton@biologico.sp.gov.br; 

²Pontificia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Av. John Boyd Dunlop - s/n°, 13060-904, Campinas – SP, Brazil. 

3 Instituto Biológico, P.O. Box 70, 13001-970, Campinas, SP, Brazil. 4 Experiment Station, APTA, P.O. Box 62, 

18300-970, Capão Bonito, SP, Brazil. 

Background: Fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae) were considered key pests in Rosaceae 

crops in Brazil, causing fruit losses and increasing its costs due to cover insecticide sprays. In 

the case of peaches, the growers provide additionally fruit bagging after reaching 2.0 cm in 

diameter. We report in the study the fruit fly species recovered from peaches, nectarines and 

plums in the southwest region of the São Paulo, Brazil. 

Methods: The study was conducted in the Germoplasm Bank installed at the Experimental 

Station of Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios, in the municipality of Capão 

Bonito. During 2004, 2005 and 2006, mature fruits from 34 varieties were picked up at random 

from the canopy of unsprayed trees. The samples were bring to the laboratory and each fruit 

were placed on sieved sand in an isolated plastic container covered by a fine mesh cloth. Fruit 

fly puparia were extracted from the sand with a sieve and kept in a small cage until adult 

emergence. 

Results: Except `Harry Pieckstone´, all remainder varieties were infested by Tephritidae: 

Àurora 1´, `Flor da Prince´, `Douradão´, `Dourado 1´, `Dourado 2´, Òuromel 2´, Áurora 2´, 

`Joia 1´, `Joia 2´, `Joia 4´, `Regis´, Òuromel 3´, `Centenária´, `Rubrosol´, `Diamante´, 

`Rosalina´, `Brasão´, `Josefina´, `Reubennel´, `Januaria ´, `Grancuore´, `Gema de Ouro´, `Roxa 

de Itaquera´, `Kelsey 31´, `Kelsey Paulista´, `Tropical´, `Carmesin´, `Fla 680/13´, `Fla 87-7´, 

`Fla 87-1´, Òkinawa´ and Mume (Prunus mume). From a total of 1,454 puparia of Tephritidae 

emerged 1,328 adults. We obtained only 669 Ceratitis capitata Wied. (361 females and 308 

males) and 659 Anastrepha fraterculus Wied. (302 females and 357 males). 

Conclusions: Ceratitis capitata and A. fraterculus are the most poliphagous fruit fly species in 

the state of São Paulo. Consequentelly, the IPM strategies in stone fruit crops depend on the 

knowledge of suitable hosts for both fruit fly species in the local agroecossystem. 

Keywords: medfly, south-american fruit fly, Rosaceae; peach, plum 

163


WOLBACHIA IN THE ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY BACTROCERA DORSALIS (DIPTERA, 

TEPHRITIDAE) IN PAKISTAN. 

Rasool, Bilal 1,2* ; Schuler, Hannes 2 ; Riegler, Markus 3 ; Arthofer, Wolfgang 4 & Stauffer, 

Christian 2 

1 Nuclear Institute for Agriculture & Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan, bilalisb2001@yahoo.com. 2 Institute of Forest 

Entomology, Boku, University of Natural Resources & Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria. 3 Centre for Plants 

and the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Australia. 4 Molecular Ecology Group, University of 

Innsbruck, Austria. 

Background: Wolbachia are a common and widespread group of endosymbiontic bacteria 

which is capable of manipulating reproduction of arthropod and nematode hosts. This 

bacterium causes a variety of reproductive abnormalities including cytoplasmic incompatibility 

CI. Wolbachia has been recently reported as a possible means for insect pest population 

control. Bactrocera dorsalis is an important economic pest of orchards and vegetables and is 

found in Asia including Pakistan. A Wolbachia strain was identified in 19 specimens analyzing 

over 1500 Bactrocera dorsalis individuals from China. Here we report on the identification of 

a different Wolbachia strain from a Pakistani B. dorsalis population. 

Methods: Collection of B. dorsalis adults was done from two regions in Pakistan. DNA was 

extracted from individual adult flies. Analysis was done by PCR using general wsp primers, 

cloning and sequencing. Individuals without visible amplicon were tested for low titer 

infections by Southern blot. 

Results: In most B. dorsalis individuals a PCR amplicon was detected using the general wsp 

primers. Comparison of the wsp sequences showed differences between Pakistan and China 

specimens. Analysing the individuals without visible amplicon by Southern blot revealed a 

100% Wolbachia infection rate in Pakistan. 

Conclusions: All individuals analyzed revealed to be infected by one Wolbachia strain 

contrasting the data of the Chinese population. MLST markers will be applied to this new 

Wolbachia strain to bring more insight into its phylogenetic relationships. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, Wolbachia, Pakistan, phylogeny, wsp


COLOR AND VOLATILES RESPONSES OF FEMALE BACTROCERA DORSALIS 

(HENDEL) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) TO DIFFERENT MANGO RIPENING STAGES. 

Rattanapun, Wigunda* 1 ; Amornsak, Weerawan 2 & Clarke, Anthony R. 3 

1 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology and Community Development, Thaksin 

University, Phatthalung, 93110, Thailand. Email: rwigunda@tsu.ac.th; 2 Department of Entomology, Faculty of 

Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand. 3 School of Natural 

Resource Sciences and CRC for National Plant Biosecurity, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 

2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia. 

Background: Tephritid females locate their host plants using both visual and olfactory cues. 

The color and volatiles preferences of female fruit flies tend to relate to their host fruits. The 

responses of female fruit flies to fruit abundance are partially the consequence of the 

stimulation by host fruit volatiles and physiological stage of female flies. Understanding the 

visual and olfactory responses of tephritid female flies is important for the development of trap 

design, trap deployment and orchard design strategies. 

Methods: This study isolated host visual and olfactory cues for three mango ripening stages. 

The artificial mangoes of the three mango ripening stages (unripe, ripe and fully-ripe) were 

used to study the effect of color to host preference of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis 

(Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). A Y-tube olfactometer was used to determine the preference 

of B. dorsalis female flies on volatiles of each mango ripening stage. A 21-22-day-old, gravid 

female B. dorsalis, which had no prior oviposition experience, were used to study on color and 

volatile preferences. All experiments were carried out between 07:00-15:00 hours. 

Results: Analysis did not detect a significant differential response by female flies to the three 

different ripening stages of artificial mango (female response to unripe fruit = 23 flies; ripe 

fruit = 31; fully-ripe = 36; χ 2 = 2.867, d.f. = 2, P = 0.239, n = 90). Many female flies were 

observed attempting to oviposit in artificial mangoes after arrival at fruit. Female flies showed 

a significant preference to the volatiles of fully-ripe mango over the volatiles of ripe mango (χ 2 

= 11.267, d.f. = 1, P = 0.001, n = 60) and unripe mangoes (χ 2 = 48.60, d.f. = 1, P < 0.0001, n = 

60). When female flies were presented with the volatiles of ripe and unripe mangoes, female 

flies significantly preferred the ripe mango volatiles over the unripe mango volatiles (χ 2 = 

48.60, d.f. = 1, P < 0.0001, n = 60). 

Conclusions: Host fruit color played only a minor role in host quality assessment by B. dorsalis 

female flies, whereas host fruit volatiles played an important role in the determination of host 

quality. Many female fruit flies tried to oviposit into artificial mango demonstrates that color 

and shape of host fruit alone can stimulate oviposition behavior of female fruit flies. 

Keywords: artificial mango, Bactrocera dorsalis, host fruit, oviposition, Y-tube. 

165


FRUIT FLY SPECIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) DIVERSITY IN THREE REMNANT 

AREAS OF THE HIGLY ENDAGERED ATLANTIC RAINFOREST IN THE STATE OF 

BAHIA, BRAZIL. 

Silva, Janisete G. 1* ; Santos, Mirian S. 1 ; Navack, Kelly I. 1 & Araujo, Elton L. 2 

1 Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC) Email: jgs10@uol.com.br; 

2 Departamento de Ciências Vegetais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, BR 110, km47, Mossoró, RN, 

59625-900, Brazil 

Background: The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil is considered one of the richest biomes on earth 

and southern Bahia harbors one of the few and largest remnants of the highly endangered forest 

and an important center of endemism. 

Methods: This study was carried out in three remnants of the Atlantic rainforest in the 

municipalities of Belmonte, Ituberá, and Una, in the state of Bahia, for two years. We 

documented the diversity and dynamics of the three most frequent fruit fly species. Fruit flies 

were collected using 10-12 plastic McPhail traps baited with hydrolyzed protein and set up in 

tree canopies for each fragment. 

Results: A total of 7,470 fruit fly adults was captured (4,376 females and 3,094 males). 

Seventeen Anastrepha species were recorded, Anastrepha antunesi Lima, Anastrepha 

bahiensis Lima, Anastrepha dissimilis Stone, Anastrepha distincta Greene, Anastrepha 

fraterculus (Wied.), Anastrepha furcata Lima, Anastrepha grandis (Macquart), Anastrepha 

leptozona Hendel, Anastrepha minensis Lima, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), Anastrepha 

pickeli Lima, Anastrepha pseudoparallela (Loew), Anastrepha quiinae Lima, Anastrepha 

serpentina (Wied.), Anastrepha simulans Zucchi, Anastrepha sororcula Zucchi, and 

Anastrepha zenildae Zucchi. Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) specimens were trapped only in the 

fragment in Belmonte. A. minensis and A. simulans are reported in the state of Bahia for the 

first time. In the fragment in Belmonte, A. fraterculus showed two population peaks in 

December 2007 and August 2008, whereas A. leptozona and A. distincta showed a population 

peak in April de 2008. In the remnant in Ituberá, A. distincta, A. bahiensis, and A. fraterculus 

showed a population increase from March to June 2008, A. distincta showed a population peak 

in April and A. bahiensis and A. fraterculus in May. In the fragment in Una, few specimens 

were trapped during the study period and A. fraterculus showed a population peak in February 

and April 2008, A. distincta and A. antunesi showed a small population increase in April 2008. 

In the three fragments, the capture of flies was restricted to a few months during the study 

period coinciding with the host fruiting period. 

Conclusions: This is the first fruit fly survey in the Atlantic rainforest in Bahia. Our results 

elevated to 33 the number of Anastrepha species registered in the state. Most Anastrepha 

species recorded were monophagous or oligophagous. 

Financial support: FAPESB, Plantações Michelin da Bahia, CNPq and UESC. 

Keywords: Anastrepha, population fluctuation, Atlantic rainforest.


FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) AND PARASITOIDS ASSOCIATED TO 

SPONDIAS MOMBIM L. IN UNA, BAHIA, BRAZIL. 

Silva, N. M. O. 1 ; Araujo, Elton L. 2 ; Silva, Janisete G. 1* 

1 Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna km 

16, Ilhéus, Bahia, 45650-000, Brazil. Email: niveamosilva@yahoo.com.br; 2 Departamento de Ciências Vegetais, 

Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, BR 110, km47, Mossoró, RN, 59625-900, Brazil 

Background: Yellow mombim (Spondias mombim L.) fruit have a very characteristic flavor 

and are greatly appreciated in Brazil. In southern Bahia, the collection of this fruit has been a 

source of income for local producers who produce frozen concentrate juice for the domestic 

market. There are no studies regarding levels of infestation by fruit flies or control methods for 

this Anacardiaceae species in southern Bahia, which may be attributed to the fact that the fruits 

are still obtained in an extractive way. This study aimed at identifying the fruit fly species and 

associated parasitoids that use yellow mombim (‘cajá’) as a host. 

Methods: We carried out a survey from June 2005 to June 2007 collecting fruit samples weekly 

from tree canopies and from the ground on an experimental 1 ha orchard in Una, southern 

Bahia, Brazil The fruit were individually placed in plastic vials covered with cloth to avoid 

reinfestation until adults and parasitoids emerged. We determined infestation rates, pupal 

viability, emergence rates, parasitism rates and fruit loss due to infestation. 

Results: A total of 1,003 fruits (13.18 Kg) were collected from which 729 puparia were 

obtained. A total of 331 tephritid adults and 183 parasitoids emerged, representing a pupal 

viability of 70.50%. The mean infestation rate was 0.73 puparia/fruit and 55.3 puparia/Kg of 

fruit. The mean emergence rate was 45.4%. Only two Anastrepha species were recovered from 

the infested fruit, Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha antunesi. A. obliqua showed a 78% 

emergence rate and A. antunesi showed a 22% emergence rate. The parasitism rate recorded 

was 35.6%. Three braconid species emerged from Anastrepha larvae/puparia, Doryctobracon 

areolatus and Utetes anastrephae (Opiinae) and Asobara anastrephae (Alysiinae). Parasitoids 

in the subfamily Opiinae showed a frequency of 84% and thes only species in the subfamily 

Alyssinae showed a frequency of 16 %. D. areolatus was the most frequent parasitoid 

associated to A. obliqua and A. antunesi. Fruit loss ranged from 11% to 93.4%. Infestation rates 

over 87.54 puparia/Kg of fruit corresponded to more than 50% of fruit loss. 

Conclusions: Our results indicate that A. obliqua and A. antunesi damage yellow mombim fruit 

during the period of highest fruit production and that any action directed at controlling these 

fruit flies in the field should be applied prior to or during this period. 

Financial support: from CNPq, FAPESB, and UESC. 

Keywords: Anastrepha, Spondias mombim, parasitoids. 

167


THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON ANASTREPHA SCHINER (DIP., TEPHRITIDAE) IN 

THE STATE OF AMAPÁ, BRAZIL. 

Silva, Ricardo A. *1 ; Deus, Ezequiel G. 1 ; Pereira, Júlia D. B. 2 & Zucchi, Roberto A. 3 

1 Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa Amapá), Rodovia JK, km 5, n. 2600, CEP 68903-419, 

Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. E-mail: adaime@cpafap.embrapa.br; 2 Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), 

Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. 3 Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo 

(USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. 

Background: Until the 1990s, studies with fruit flies in the state of Amapá located in northern 

Brazil were virtually nonexistent. However, studies were intensified after the official detection 

of the carambola fruit fly (Bactrocera carambolae) in Oiapoque border with French Guiana in 

1996. B. carambolae is a quarantine pest for Brazil and is restricted to the state of Amapá, 

under official control of the Brazilian government. This study aims to list the species of fruit 

flies of Amapá, highlighting those that have no known host. 

Methods: In recent years, periodic and intensive surveys of fruits (cultivated and wild species) 

have been conducted in almost all counties of Amapá, generating a significant amount of 

information on the diversity of fruit flies and host plants. 

Results: Currently 32 species of the genus Anastrepha are recorded for Amapá. Of these, 17 

species are known hosts: A. anomala, A. antunesi, A. atrigona, A. bahiensis, A. coronilli, A. 

distincta, A. fraterculus, A. hastata, A. leptozona, A. obliqua, A. parishi, A. pseudanomala, A. 

serpentina, A. sororcula, A. striata, A. turpiniae and A. zenildae. For 15 species there is no host 

record in the state of Amapá by having been captured only in McPhail traps: A. amita, A. 

binodosa, A. dissimilis, A. duckei, A. flavipennis, A. furcata, A. limae, A. minensis, A. mixta, A. 

pickeli, A. pseudoparalella, A. shanonni, A. sodalis, A. submunda and Anastrepha aff. 

mucronota. The diversity of tephritid species probably is related to the diversity of fruit species 

in the state. On the other hand, little is known about the influence of meteorological factors on 

tephritid populations in the region. 

Conclusion: Despite reasonable knowledge about the Tephritidae diversity in the state of 

Amapá, the knowledge about host plants and natural enemies is still scarce, especially studies 

on biology and population ecology. 

Keywords: Fruit fly, Bactrocera, diversity, survey, Amazon.


AMAZON NETWORK FOR RESEARCH ON FRUIT FLIES. 

Silva, Ricardo A. *1 ; Pereira, Júlia D. B. 2 ; Deus, Ezequiel G. 1 ; Godoy, Maria J. S. 3 & 

Zucchi, Roberto A. 4 

1 Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa Amapá), Rodovia JK, km 5, n. 2600, CEP 68903-419, 

Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. E-mail: adaime@cpafap.embrapa.br; 2 Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), 

Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. 3 Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), Departamento de 

Proteção de Plantas, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil. 4 Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" 

(ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. 

Background: Little is known about the diversity of fruit flies species (Diptera: Tephritidae); 

reported as one of the main pests affecting agriculture worldwide, in addition to with the low 

number of researchers working on this biological group in the Amazon region, it motivated the 

structuring of a research project in the Amazon to allow the integration between institutions 

and generation of information on the families Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae. With funding from 

the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – Embrapa was create the "Amazon Network 

for Research on fruit flies" led by Embrapa Amapá (August/2007 to July/2010). Bringing 

together researchers from research institutions in 10 Brazilian states, the Network aimed to 

generate and spread information on the diversity, distribution, host plants and natural enemies 

of fruit flies in the Amazon, with emphasis on the carambola fruit fly (Bactrocera 

carambolae), quarantine pest, restricted to the state of Amapa and under official control of the 

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. The research priorities on B. carambolae were 

established by the Scientific Committee of the National Eradication Program of carambola fruit 

fly, aiming at to support the actions in the state of Amapá. 

Methods: Samplings of fruits and surveys with McPhail traps in various states of the Brazilian 

Amazon were performed. In the laboratory, fruits were processed according to the 

methodology used to obtain fruit flies. 

Results: As results of this project were obtained new records of fruit flies (Tephritidae) and 

"lance flies" (Lonchaeidae) species, host plants and parasitoids in the Brazilian Amazon and 

Brazil, generating a significant advance in scientific knowledge on these flies. Team members 

were also trained mainly in the taxonomy of fruit flies. New research projects were approved in 

the network, emphasizing knowledge of fruit flies species of economic importance. 

Conclusion: The greater impact of the scientific network will be obtained at the end of 2010 

with the book "Fruit flies in Brazilian Amazon: diversity, hosts and natural enemies”, which 

will present the innovative results added to the knowledge previously available in the literature. 

Keywords: Tephritidae, Lonchaeidae, Bactrocera carambolae, diversity, host. 

169


CUCURBITACEAE HOSTS FOR NATURAL INFESTATION OF ANASTREPHA GRANDIS 

(MACQUART) IN THE OF SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL. 

de Souza-Filho, Miguel F.* 1 ; Raga, Adalton 1 ; Montes, Sônia M. N. M. 2 ; Azevedo-Filho, 

Joaquim A. de 3 ; Garcia, Maria J. De M. 4 ; Almeida, Aparecida M. de 4 & Matioli, André 

L. 1 . 

1 Instituto Biológico, Caixa Postal 70, CEP 13012-970, Campinas, São Paulo (Brazil). Email: 

miguelf@biologico.sp.gov.br; 2 APTA Regional, Pólo Alta Sorocabana, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo (Brazil); 

3 APTA Regional, Pólo Leste Paulista, Monte Alegre do Sul, São Paulo (Brazil); 4 APTA Regional, Pólo Centro 

Oeste, Bauru, São Paulo (Brazil). 

Background: Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) is the most important pest of cucurbits in Brazil 

due to the direct damages and restrictions for its exportation. Growers from the western region 

of the State of São Paulo export squash under the System Risk Mitigation for A. grandis. The 

objective of the present study was investigated the infestation of A. grandis in cucurbits in the 

remainder regions of the State of São Paulo. 

Methods: From April 2009 to March 2010, 153 cucurbit fruit samples were collected from 22 

municipalities. The samples were brought to the laboratory, weighed and kept into plastic box 

containing a thin layer of vermiculite and covered with cotton cloth. The fruits were kept for 

about 30 days. The pupa were transferred to the glass cup (500 cc) with vermiculite under 

transparent glass jars (6000 cc) and kept at 25°C±2°C and 70±10% relative humidity until 

adult emergence. 

Results: Only six municipalities have showed cucurbit fruits infested by A. grandis: Bauru, 

Campinas, Ituverava, Monte Alegre do Sul, Platina and Socorro. The following species and 

respective cultivars showed infestation by A. grandis (pupae/fruit; pupae/kg of fruit): Cucumis 

sativus ‘Caipira’ (14.5; 29.2), Cucurbita maxima 'Exposição' (55.9; 40.0), Cucurbita moschata 

'Caravela' (84.7; 21.4), Cucurbita moschata 'Menina Brasileira' (38.4; 17.7), Cucurbita 

moschata 'Canhão' (5.0;0.9), Cucurbita pepo 'Caserta’ (29.5; 46.6) and hybrid C. moschata x 

C. maxima 'Tetsukabuto'. No infestation was registered on C. moschata 'Paulistinha'; C. 

moschata 'Goianinha'; Cucurbita mixta ‘Caipira’; Lagenaria siceraria and Cucumis sp. 

Conclusions: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), squash (Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita 

moschata), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) and the hybrid squash (C. moschata x C. maxima) are 

suitable hosts for A. grandis in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. 

Keywords: South American Cucurbit Fruit Fly, Cucumis, Cucurbita, Lagenaria, infestation.


FRUIT FLY ON CHILLI IN THAILAND: SPECIES AND ITS BIOLOGY. 

Srikachar, Sunyanee*; Plodkornburee, Wipada & Jamroenma, Kriengkai 

Entomology and Zoology Group, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Department of Agriculture, 

Bangkok, Thailand. Email: nutaa2000@yahoo.com 

Background: Fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the major insect pests of chilli cultivation in 

Thailand. The Solanum fruit fly, Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) is known as an insect pest of 

Solanaceae crop. This species is distributed throughout South-East Asia, Taiwan, India and southern 

China. We studied on species and biology of fruit flies on chilli plantation. 

Methods: Study on fruit fly species and its biology on chilli were conducted both in the laboratory 

and field conditions during 2005-2008. Monitoring and collection fruit fly species on chilli 

were carried out in Nakornpatom, Kanchanaburi, Bangkok, Ubon-Ratchathani, Khon-Kaen and 

Chaiyaphum provinces during December 2005 - August 2008. The damaged chilli fruits were 

collected and kept in the laboratory until fruit flies emerged for identification. The conditions 

of laboratory were 23.95+0.82 �C and 90.24+2.635% relative humidity (RH). 

Results: Remarkably, we found only the Solanum fruit fly, B. latifrons at the number of 4,551 

individuals with sex ratio 1:1 from the total number of 19,779 infested chilli. Biological study 

of B. latifrons was conducted in the laboratory during 2005-2008. Adult females laid their eggs 

singly after her preoviposition period of eight days. Egg stage lasted 44-68 hours with the 

average of 192.17+75.18 eggs/female. Percentage of egg hatching was 88%. Larval 

development period was three instars. Total larval development period was ranged 8-10 days 

and averaged 8.76+0.71 days. Pupal period averaged 11.97+0.77 days with the range of 11-14 

days. The longevity of adult female and male were averaged 147.90+29.03 and 131.50+12.79 

days, respectively. Life table study of B. latifrons in bush red pepper revealed that the 

appearance mortality of the first instar was remarkably high up to 31.82% but the third instar 

was low to 10.20%, whereas the survival rate was decreased but stage and age were increased 

Conclusion: The results revealed that the Solanum fruit fly, B. latifrons is the only one fruit fly 

species infested on chilli in Thailand. Life cycle of B. latifrons was 23.56+0.98 days and thhe 

survival rate of egg to adult was 33% under laboratory conditions. Egg parasitoid, Forpius 

arisanus (Sonan) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and larval parasitoid, Diachasmimorpha 

longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were found to be the natural enemies of 

B. latifrons. 

Keyword: biology, Solanum fruit fly [Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel)]. 

171


POPULATION OF CHILI FRUIT FLY AND ITS DAILY ACTIVITY IN CHILI PEPPER 

(CAPSICUM ANNUM) CROP IN LEMBANG WEST JAVA - INDONESIA. 

Syamsudin, Tati Suryati 1 ; Arief, M. Ardelia 1 ; Susanto, A. 1,2 & Setyawati, W. 3 

1 School of Life Sciences and Technology – Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesa no 10 Bandung 40132. Indonesia. 

Email: tati@sith.itb.ac.id; 2 Faculty of Agriculture, Pajajaran University, jalan Raya Jatinangor, Bandung 

Indonesia; 3 Center for Vegetables Research, Department of Agriculture, Jalan Raya Lembang, Indonesia. 

Background: Chili fruit fly is one kind of pest which attack chili pepper fruit (Capsicum 

annum) which has economic impact. However, in Indonesia, the species of Bactrocera dorsalis 

(complex) always present on the same localities. Many control measure has been apply to 

control the population such as application of attractant. More than twenty sibling species are 

attracted to methyl eugenol. In order to control Chili fruit fly, we need the information on the 

species and its behavior. The objectives of this research are to identify fruit fly species from 

chili pepper, daily activity and its damages in the field. 

Methods: Chili fruit fly collection was done from chili invested fruit and by methyl eugenol 

trap at Lembang, West Java - Indonesia. Morphological character was measured to confirm 

species identification such as: male & female genital organ of fruit fly from infested fruit and 

from trap caught. Daily activity of fruit fly in the field was observed every hour using methyl 

eugenol trap. Fruit fly damage on chili pepper was observed in 20 chili plants in the field. 

Results & Conclusions: From invested fruit, the length of aculeus was about 1.9 - 2.19 (2.02 ± 

0.09) micron, aedeagus length was about 3219 – 3853 (3534.7 ± 192.9) micron. However the 

length of male fruit fly aedeagus caught from the trap was about 3195 – 3975 (3658.3 ± 156) 

micron. It was concluded that fruit fly species from chili pepper was Bactrocera papayae. 

Male’s fruit fly respond to methyl eugenol trap in the field showed significant activity at 08.00 

to 15.00 and the highest activity was at 11.00 to 14.00. From 20 chili plants, almost 100% of 

chili plant was damage by chili fruit fly and the intensity of damages for each plant varied 

between 4-94%. 

Keywords: B papayae, Capsicum annum, fruits damage, morphological character.


COMPARISON STUDY OF VALATILES PRODUCED BY CALLING MALE OF CERATITIS 

CAPITATA FROM DIFERENT POPULATIONS. 

Vaníčková, Lucie* 1,2 ; Do Nascimento, Ruth R. 3 ; Júnior, Cyro R. C. 4 ; Kalinová, Blanka 1 

& Hoskovec, Michal 1 . 

1 Infochemicals Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Science of 

the Czech Republic, Flemingovo nám. 2, CZ-166 10 Praha, Czech Republic; Email: lucielisboa@gmail.com; 

2 Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, Praha, Czech 

Republic; 3 Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil; 4 Faculdade de 

Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil. 

Background: Ceratitis capitata is one of the most worldspread member from the fruit fly 

family (Tephritidae). There have been numerous SIT (Sterile Insect Techniques) programs 

running all around the world to control natural populations of this pest. In these programs, 

males originating from mass produced laboratory colony are sterilized by irradiation and 

released into the field. It is supposed that sterile males which mate with wild females generate 

no progeny. The efficency of these programs is based on the assumption that laboratory males 

reared on artificial diet are able to compete with wild males. In fruit flies, mating behavior is 

quite complex and involves chemical, visual and acoustic communication. Chemical 

communication is based on sex pheromone released by males to attract females. 

Methods: In order to provide adequate studies concerning compatibility or incompatibility of 

laboratory and wild populations of C. capitata, we analyzed and compared the chemical 

composition of volatiles released by calling males of one laboratory and two wild populations 

of C. capitata using GC×GC/TOFMS technique and Principal Component Analyses (PCA). 

Results: Our results indicate that there is a strong correlation between laboratory and wild 

populations of C. capitata studied, suggesting that males from these populations use the same 

chemical language to attract females. 

Conclusions: These results are of significance for the successful implementation of the SIT 

program. 

Keywords: Medfly, pheromone, populations, SIT, GC×GC/TOFMS, PCA 

173


EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF ANASTREPHA LUDENS (LOEW). 

Zepeda-Cisneros, Cristina S. * ; García-Martínez, Víctor & De León-Crisóstomo, Ángel H. 

National Fruit Fly Campaign. Moscafrut Program. Acuerdo SAGARPA-IICA. Central Poniente No. 14 Col. 

Centro Tapachula Chiapas, México. Email: cczepeda@hotmail.com 

Background: The egg stage and the embryonic development of Anastrepha ludens is one of the 

less studied despite the great importance for mass rearing facilities where it is necessary obtain 

high percentages of egg hatch. Peculiar mechanisms of elimination of yolk during gastrulation 

and final head lobules development has been described for other Anastrepha species. However 

A. ludens has not been studied previously. We describe the different egg stages and time during 

embryonic development and the emergency process. This knowledge contributes to the 

developmental embryonic of this species and is useful in early evaluation of egg hatch, which 

is a valuable date to calculate egg density and at the moment of seeding. 

Methods: Samples of eggs of a colony maintained in the laboratory during generations, named 

“Chiapas”, were collected in oviposition panels with water during 30 minutes; they were 

incubated in petri dishes with a humid filter paper and maintained in a bioclimatic chamber at 

26 o C. Observations with a transmitted light stereomicroscopy were made each two hours. It 

was not necessary to remove the chorion, because the egg covers are transparent. It was 

identified the anterior and posterior poles and registered the moment when appear o disappear 

the yolk masses. It was observed the movements of larvae near the emergence and identified 

the place where it hatches. 

Results: The morphological changes of the egg were monitored during the embryonic 

development. Based in yolk masses extruded during the embryonic development of A. ludens 

four types of eggs were identified: Type 1 without mass yolk, Type 2 only anterior mass yolk, 

Type 3 only posterior mass yolk and, Type 4 anterior and posterior mass yolk. The class 3 and 

4 were the most abundant, and corroborated that type 1 and 2 presented embryonic 

development. It is possible to predict at the third day after oviposition the egg hatch, with 

reliability of 99%, because the unfertilized eggs are clearly identified. Near the emergence the 

larvae twist 180 o and the majority hatch near the posterior pole. 

Conclusions: The egg stages during the embryonic development permit to estimate the 

maximum egg hatch one day before seeding. 

Keywords: mexfly, extrusion of yolk mass, Anastrepha ludens, embryogenesis, egg hatch, fertility egg

Session 2 

Morphology & Taxonomy


DNA BARCODING AS IDENTIFICATION TOOL IN FRUIT FLY 

INTERCEPTION AND SURVEYING ACTIVITIES 

Breman, Floris 1 ; Jordaens, Kurt 1 , De Meyer, Marc 2 & Virgilio, Massimiliano 2-3 

1 Joint Experimental Molecular Unit (JEMU), Brussels & Tervuren, Belgium. 2 Royal Museum for Central Africa, 

Entomology Section, Tervuren, Belgium. 3 Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Invertebrates Section, 

Brussels, Belgium 

Background: DNA barcoding uses the sequences of a particular part of the mitochondrial gene 

COI as a unique identifier for all zoological species. DNA barcodes can provide a valuable 

alternative to morphological identification in cases where morphological characters do not 

provide diagnostic features. Complete taxon coverage is currently not feasible because of the 

unavailability of specimens for the rarer species. However, for quarantine interception, and 

field survey and monitoring activities with para-pheromone traps, identification of fruit flies 

through DNA barcodes could be considered. This activity fits within the TBI (Tephritid 

Barcoding Initiative) and the flagship project on Diptera of JEMU 

Methods: Our study focuses on the African fauna of the main fruit fly genera of economic 

importance (EI): Ceratitis, Dacus, Bactrocera and to a lesser extent Capparimyia and 

Trirhithrum. A DNA barcode library will be established for all EI taxa within these genera, as 

well as for all taxa regularly encountered in para-pheromone trapping activities in different 

parts of the continent. 

Separate sets of intercepted fruit fly samples of European NPPO’s and material recently 

collected during surveying and monitoring activities in different parts of Africa will be 

requested. This material will be identified independently based upon morphological characters 

by a taxonomic specialist, and upon DNA barcodes. The efficiency and reliability of both 

methodologies will be compared. 

Results: Currently, a DNA library has been compiled for more than 120 African taxa. This 

includes all major EI species belonging to the target taxa, several congeneric species, and 

outliers of related genera. For widespread species, representatives of different geographical 

regions were included in order to cover for intraspecific variability. The library also includes 

more than 75% of all taxa regularly trapped in para pheromone traps in the last 20 years. As 

test material, samples were obtained from French and UK NPPO’s, resulting from fruit fly 

interception in fruit consignments from the last five years. In addition, recent material from 

survey programs in western and southern Africa was also obtained. Testing is ongoing but 

preliminary results show that DNA barcodes can provide an alternative as identification tool, 

especially with regard to juvenile stages like larvae found in intercepted fruit consignments. 

Difficulties in species differentiation are mainly encountered in recognized species complexes 

such as the Ceratitis FAR complex (C. fasciventris, C. anonae, C. rosa). 

Keywords: DNA barcoding, taxonomy, Africa 

177


COULD BE ANASTREPHA OBLIQUA (MACQUART) A COMPLEX OF CRYPTIC 

SPECIES? 

Canal, Nelson A.*; Castañeda, Maria del R. & Osorio, Armando 

Universidad del Tolima, Facultad de Ingeniería Agronómica. Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia. 

E-mail nacanal@ut.edu.co 

Background: Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera, Tephritidae) is an important pest in Neotropical 

countries, specially damaging mangoes. This species belong to the fraterculus group, within 

one a complex of cryptic species had been described, especially in the A. fraterculus 

(Wiedemann) s.l. Resolution of cryptic species status is important for management tactics like 

SIT or other advising the pest biology. An artificial rearing of A. obliqua has been performed 

for last 10 years in the “Universidad del Tolima” and two populations were collected from 

fruits of hobo (Spondias mombin) and Mango (Manguifera indica) in May 2009. Specimens 

from mango were reared easily following our protocol; however specimens from hobo can not 

be rearing under laboratory conditions, suggesting a difference in the biology. 

Methods: Mature fruits from hobo (H), mangoes (M) and plum (P) (Spondias purpurea) were 

collected in Prado, Espinal and Guamo (respectively), three neighboring municipalities in the 

Department of Tolima, Colombia. Previous fruit flies collect from these hosts had been always 

identified as A. obliqua. Adults flies were obtained and third instar larvae from them were 

taken from artificial diet when specimens were collected from mango or plum, and from 

papaya for specimens collected from hobo. Measurements of adults (thorax, wings and 

aculeus) and larvae (long, depth of mandible and long of anterior and posterior spiracles) were 

done. Number of tubules in the anterior spiracles and hairs in the posterior spiracles were 

observed too. 

Results: Aculeus is longer and thinner in H population (1.54±0.04 mm long, 0.088±0.007 mm 

wide VS 1.53±0.08, 0.097±0.006 (M) and 1.50±0.01, 0.096±0.006 (P)); however the aculeus 

tip was shorter in H (0.182±0.01 mm VS 0.197±0.006 (M) and 0.189±0.01 (P)). The serrate 

part was shorter but no wider in the H populations (0.130±0.096mm long, 0.076±0.007mm 

wide VS 0.139±0.00, 0.076±0.00 (M) and 0.144±0.01, 0.078±0.005 (P)). The mandible in the 

larvae was less depth in H population (0.035±0.01mm) than in other populations (0.080±0.009 

(M), 0.076±0.00 (P)) and conspicuous longer (0.272±0.007mm VS 0.265±0.01 (M), 

0.261±0.007 (P)); then, the mandibles ratio is so different (0.128±0.04 (H), 0.304±0.04 (M) 

and 0.290±0.008 (P)). The anterior spiracles have 11-12 tubules in the H populations and 14-16 

in the M and P populations. The posterior spiracles have fewer hairs in the H specimens than in 

the other two populations (approximately a half). 

Conclusions: Morphological differences and the biological rearing behavior of specimens 

collected from hobo suggest two different species (cryptic species) in the A. obliqua s.l. Other 

studies like karyotipes, molecular or crossing will help to clear these findings and experiments 

had been performed and started in our University. 

Keywords: Morphology, adults, larvae, West Indian Fruit Fly, taxonomy.


SPECIES ANASTREPHA SCHINER (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) “FRUIT FLIES” AND 

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION IN PERU. 

Nolazco, Norma*. 

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria (SENASA), Área de Desarrollo de Métodos (DM). Unidad del Centro de 

Producción de Moscas de la Fruta (UCPMF). Área de Taxonomía y Sistemática de Moscas de la Fruta. Unidad del 

Centro de Diagnóstico de Sanidad Vegetal (UCDSV). Av. La Molina 1915, La Molina; Lima (Perú). Email: 

nnolazco@senasa.gob.pe 

Background: The growing economic importance of the losses caused by fruit flies has been 

ongoing concern and justified the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Service of 

Agrarian Health (SENASA). In Peru, where he performed work for the control, suppression or 

eradication of fruit flies, you need a reliable practice of identifying, measuring and evaluation 

of the populations of Anastrepha, to demostrate the presence or absence pest and thus obtain 

the results for the implementation of Integrated Control work their decline. The main objective 

of this study was: to know the species of fruit flies present, captured in Mc Phail traps and their 

geographical distribution in Peru, carrying out this analysis based on morphological 

characteristics of male and female genitalia. 

Methods: The specimens were captured in Mc Phail Traps baited weekly during 2003 January- 

2009 December, installed in 19 Departments, the flies were preserved in alcohol 70% in sealed 

bottles labeled and sent monthly to the entomology laboratory for taxonomic identification to 

species level by analysis of male and female genitalia, which in some specimens were 

performed for assemblies. For the determination of species it was used the Identification 

Manual for fruit flies prepared by Korytkowski in 2007. 

Results: The results obtained were distributed in 29 species, in alphabetical order these are as 

follows: Anastrepha alveata, A. atrox, A. barnesi, A. chiclayae, A. curitis, A. dissimilis, A. 

distincta, A. fraterculus, A. flavipennis, A. grandis, A. hamata, A. kuhlmanni, A. lambda, A. 

lanceolate, A. leptozona, A. macrura, A. manihoti, A. montei, A. nigripalpis, A. obliqua, A. 

ornata, A. pickeli, A. pseudoparallela, A. schultzi, A. serpentina, A. shannoni, A. striata, A. 

tecta and A. willei, being the most widely distributed species and predominance A. fraterculus, 

considered the most important species, having been found in abundant populations in almost all 

ecological zones of the region. Of all specimens tested, 51.2% were females and 48, 8% were 

males, it had a sex ratio of 1:1 approximately. 

Conclusions: Anastrepha species captured in Mc Phail traps in Peru is 29, but the most 

common are: Anastrepha fraterculus, A. distincta, A. serpentina, A. striata and A. obliqua. The 

most widely distributed species are Anastrepha fraterculus and Anastrepha distincta and lower 

distribution is A. willei and A. tecta. Departments that had great diversity were Cajamarca, 

Junín, Tumbes, Lambayeque and Huánuco. 

Keywords: Anastrepha, McPhail Traps, species, fruit flies. 

179


EGG MORPHOLOGY OF ANASTREPHA SPP (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN THE 

FRATERCULUS GROUP. 

Ronchi-Teles, Beatriz 1 ; De Siqueira Dutra, Vivian 1 ; Gomes Silva, Janisete 2 & Steck, Gary 

J. 3 

1 Coordenação de Pesquisas em Entomologia, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, C. P. 478, 69011-970 

Manaus, AM, Brazil. ronchi@inpa.gov.br; 2 Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa 

Cruz, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna km 16, Ilhéus, BA, 45650-000, Brazil; 3 Florida Department of Agriculture and 

Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry,Gainesville, FL 32614-7100. 

Background: The fraterculus group is the largest and most widespread species group 

comprising 29 species, 17 of which occur in Brazil. The need to explore additional 

morphological characters, such as those present in eggs and larvae, besides molecular ones, to 

better understand the phylogenetic relationships among Anastrepha species has been pointed 

out. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of information on egg morphology and relatively few 

studies have described the eggs of only 25 species of Anastrepha. This paper describes the egg 

morphology of Anastrepha antunesi Lima, 1938, Anastrepha bahiensis Lima, 1937, 

Anastrepha coronilli Carrejo & González, 1993, Anastrepha distincta Greene, 1934, 

Anastrepha turpiniae Stone, 1942, and Anastrepha zenildae Zucchi, 1979 using SEM. 

Methods: The length and the width measures of the entire egg were taken with an ocular 

micrometer and a Wild M3C stereoscopic microscope at Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da 

Amazônia – INPA, Manaus, Brazil. In preparation for SEM, eggs were transferred to silicone 

capsules and dehydrated in an ethanol series, then critical point dried in CO2 for 3 hours, and 

sputter-coated with a gold layer. The eggs were examined in a LEO 1450VP scanning electron 

microscope at Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Brazil and under an optical microscope 

(Leica M165C) at INPA. Twenty to thirty five eggs per female of at least three females of each 

species studied were prepared for light microscopy. SEM was used to examine the chorion in at 

least 10 eggs. 

Results: This SEM study on eggs of six species of Anastrepha shows basic similarities to other 

species whose eggs have already been described as well as some differences previously 

unreported. Anastrepha coronilli and A. distincta belong into the category of eggs with a 

smooth or faintly reticulated chorion – the reticulation in eggs of A. antunesi, A. bahiensis and 

A. distincta is very faint whereas it is absent in eggs of A. coronilli. Anastrepha turpiniae and 

A. zenildae are in the category of those species with a sculptured chorion and both species 

show a very pronounced reticulation. 

Conclusions: The results presented here broaden our knowledge of eggshell morphology in 

Anastrepha species in the fraterculus group, however more detailed work is needed on 

additional species to answer important questions regarding phylogenetic relationships within 

the species groups and the genus as a whole. We expect our results to increase our knowledge 

of the morphology of Anastrepha eggs in the fraterculus group and to be useful for taxonomic 

and systematic purposes. 

Keywords: Morphology, fruit flies, Amazon, Brazil

Session 3 

Genetics & Evolution


CROSS-AMPLIFIED MICROSATELLITE MARKERS IN THE EUROPEAN CHERRY FLY, 

RHAGOLETIS CERASI (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE), REVEAL AN EXTENDED 

STRUCTURING OF THE SPECIES NATURAL POPULATIONS IN GREECE. 

Augustinos, Antonios 1,2,3 ; Asimakopoulou, Anastasia K. 3 ; Papadopoulos, Nikos T.* 4 & 

Bourtzis, Kostas 1 

1 Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Ioannina, 2 Seferi st., 30100 

Agrinio, Greece. 2 Department of Biology, University of Patras, Greece. 3 Department of Biochemistry and 

Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Greece. 4 Department of Agriculture, Crop Production, and Agricultural 

Environment, University of Thessaly, Greece. 

Background: The European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a major 

pest of cherries in Europe and parts of Asia. Despite its big economic significance, there is a 

lack of studies on the genetic structure of its natural populations. Knowledge about an insect 

pest on molecular, genetic and population levels facilitates the development of environmentally 

friendly control methods. In this study we present the development of 13 microsatellite markers 

for the European cherry fly through cross-species amplification and their evaluation through 

the genotyping of 220 wild flies collected in Greece. Microsatellites constitute very useful tools 

for population analyses, since they are highly polymorphic, dispersed in the genome, codominant 

inherited Mendelian markers. 

Methods: Thirty-nine primer pairs designed for the amplification of microsatellite markers in 

other Tephritidae species were evaluated for their ability to amplify specific amplicons with R. 

cerasi DNA as template. Those that did so were used for the genotyping of a small sample 

consisting of 20 individuals. The primer pairs that proved polymorphic, easily scorable and 

gave reproducible results were used for a preliminary analysis of R. cerasi natural populations 

in Greece. 

Results: Thirteen primer pairs conformed to the aforementioned criteria and were used for the 

genotyping of 220 individual flies, collected from 8 different sampling locations. Two to nine 

alleles per locus were observed and the vast majority of the markers conformed to Hardy- 

Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) in each sample. Genetic distances were very high, pointing 

towards an extensive structuring of R. cerasi natural populations. 

Conclusions: Our results indicate that (a) cross-species amplification is a versatile and rapid 

tool for developing microsatellite markers in Rhagoletis spp., (b) the microsatellite markers 

presented here constitute an important tool for population studies on this pest, and (c) there is 

clear structuring of natural European cherry fruit fly populations. 

Keywords: Rhagoletis cerasi, Tephritidae, microsatellites, population genetics, cross-species amplification 

183


THE ROLE OF ESTERASES IN MALATHION AND LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN 

RESISTANCE IN THE MEDFLY CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

Cervera, Amelia*; Arouri, Rabeh; Couso-Ferrer, Francisco; Castañera, Pedro; 

Hernández-Crespo, Pedro & Ortego, Félix 


Departamento de Biología Medioambiental, Madrid, Spain. *Email: ame@cib.csic.es. 

Background: The insecticide malathion has been widely used in Spain for control of the 

Medfly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), and as a result, resistance has developed in 

field populations. The main resistance mechanism described so far is a point mutation in the 

acetylcholinesterase gene (ace2), the target molecule of malathion, although metabolic 

resistance mechanisms mediated by esterases may also be involved, as revealed by bioassays 

with the synergist DEF. In 2009, malathion was withdrawn from the EU market, being mostly 

replaced by the insecticides spinosad and lambda-cyhalothrin for Medfly control in citrus 

orchards. We are maintaining in our laboratory a 200-fold malathion-resistant strain, as well as 

different isolines carrying homozygous mutations in the aliesterase gene ae7- which has been 

previously associated with malathion resistance in Musca domestica and Lucilia cuprina - 

although none corresponds to the resistance mutations reported in those species. The 

malathion-resistant strain is also 5 times less susceptible to lambda-cyhalothrin than the 

susceptible strain, and has been further selected with lambda-cyhalothrin to give a 40-fold 

resistant population. Susceptibility in this strain is partially regained with the synergist DEF, 

which suggests that esterases could also be playing a role in resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin. 

We have analysed therefore the possible involvement of both carboxylesterases and 

aliesterases in malathion and lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in C. capitata. 

Methods: Carboxylesterase specific activity towards the substrate α-naphtylacetate (αNA) has 

been measured spectrophotometrically in abdomen homogenates of single insects. Aliesterase 

specific activity towards the model substrate methylthiobutyrate (MTB) has been measured in 

the same way. Two malathion-resistant strains carrying the point mutation in ace2, a lambdacyhalothrin 

selected strain and a susceptible laboratory strain, as well as isolines carrying 

different ae7 mutations have been analysed. 

Results: Enzyme assays revealed that esterase activities were altered in some of the resistant 

strains and isolines when compared to the susceptible strain. Those populations that showed 

differences in carboxylesterase or aliesterase activity were further studied by native acrylamide 

gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using the same substrates, and their isoenzyme profiles compared. 

Conclusions: The role of esterases in malathion and lambda-cyhalothrin detoxification is 

discussed in terms of Medfly control strategies in field conditions. 

Keywords: Medfly, insecticide resistance, esterase, aliesterase, malathion, lambda-cyhalothrin


GEOGRAPHICAL DISPERSION OF GLY328ALA ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE 

MUTATION ASSOCIATED TO MALATHION RESISTANCE IN C. CAPITATA 

(WIEDEMANN, 1824). 

Couso-Ferrer, Francisco*; Perera, Nathalie; Beroiz, Beatriz; Cervera, Amelia; Ortego, 

Félix; Castañera, Pedro & Hernández-Crespo, Pedro. 


Departamento de Biología Medioambiental, Madrid, Spain. Email: fcferrer@cib.csic.es 

Background: A point mutation in acetylcholinesterase gene (ace2) resulting in a Gly328Ala 

substitution has been associated to malathion resistance in the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis 

capitata (Wiedemann, 1824). In addition, differences in susceptibility among field populations 

were related to the frequency of the treatments. We have developed a simple PCR-RFLP 

method useful to detect the resistant allele in field populations, and performed an analysis of 

the geographical dispersion of this allele among C. capitata populations collected in Spain and 

other countries worldwide. 

Methods: Primers allowing a PCR-RFLP method directed to determine the presence of ace2 

gene mutation in genomic DNA have been designed. 20 individuals from 38 C. capitata 

populations (27 from Spanish and 11 from other countries) were analyzed. 

Results: Analysis by PCR-RFLP revealed that the resistant allele is widespread all over Spain, 

being present in 25 from 27 Spanish populations analysed, including populations from different 

regions such as Comunitat Valenciana, Catalunya, Andalucia, La Rioja, Aragón, Illes Balears 

and Islas Canarias. The resistant allele was not detected in other populations collected in 

Guatemala, Brazil, South Africa, Israel, Australia, Morocco, Tunis, Greece, Turkey, Portugal 

(Madeira Island) and France (La Réunion). The frequency of individuals carrying a resistant 

allele (in homocigosis or heterocigosis) was related to malathion susceptibility as determined 

by bioassays. 

Conclusions: 1. PCR-RFLP is an effective method to detect the presence of the malathion 

resistant allele Gly328Ala in field populations of C. capitata. 2. Gly328Ala AChE mutation is 

widespread all over Spain, but is not present in populations from other countries. 3. The 

frequency of individuals carrying a resistant allele (in homocigosis or heterocigosis) is related 

to malathion susceptibility determined by bioassays. 

Keywords: Medfly, organophosphorus resistance. 

185


POPULATION GENETICS OF TWO FRUIT FLIES DAMAGING CUCURBITS IN LA 

REUNIÓN: BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE AND DACUS CILIATUS. 

Delatte, Hélène*; Jacquard, Cathy; Simiand, Christophe; Deguine, Jean-Philippe & 

Quilici, Serge. 

CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), Département des 

Systèmes Biologiques -UMR PVBMT CIRAD / Université de la Réunion, Saint-Pierre (La Réunion), France. Postal address: 7 

chemin de l’IRAT, 97410 Saint Pierre, France. E-mail: helene.delatte@cirad.fr. 

Background: Bactrocera cucurbitae and Dacus ciliatus are two fruit fly species damaging 

various cucurbit crops. Of Asiatic origin, B. cucurbitae has become an invasive pest in many 

countries especially on the African continent. Conversely, D. ciliatus, which originates in 

Africa has increased its distribution during the last years and is now becoming a pest in 

different Asiatic countries. Both species rank among invasive pests and has been introduced in 

La Réunion, a French island in the South-Western Indian Ocean over the last 50 years. They 

now damage the whole range of cucurbits cultivated in the island and cause important yield 

losses. La Reunion is a subtropical island, with high altitudinal gradient (up to 3000 m) and 

two seasons (hot and rainy summer, milder and drier winter). Nevertheless, those two fruit fly 

species are found in most of the areas, regardless of the season and the altitude. However, they 

show some altitudinal preferences: B. cucurbitae is more abundant in the lowlands and D. 

ciliatus at medium altitudes. The aim of this work was to 1) characterize the population 

structures of B. cucurbitae and Dacus ciliatus, 2) test host races 3) and seasonal or altitude 

effects. 

Methods: 2500 Individuals of B. cucurbitae were collected from 32 sites at high, medium and 

low altitudes during winter and summer on different host plants all over Réunion island. In 

order to study the population structure of both species, we developed sets of microsatellite 

markers for both species, and genotyped at those populations. Genetic differentiations among 

geographical regions were quantified through hierarchical analysis of molecular variance 

(ARLEQUIN) and levels of population admixture were quantified through Bayesian clustering 

procedures (STRUCTURE, TESS). 

Results: We obtained 13 polymorphic and specific markers for each species. Those markers 

were used for genotyping both species. No clear structuration was found for both species 

according to altitude, season or host plants. Between all sites we had high levels of admixture 

and reveal patterns of inter-regional, and inter seasonal gene flow. 

Conclusions: The low differentiation found between sites among all populations tested is 

coherent with the recent invasion by one population for both pests into La Réunion. The 

productions of those 2 sets of molecular markers are a good tool to evaluate small and large 

scale diversity of both species, and trace back the invasion routes. 

Keywords: population genetic analysis, microsatellites, Dacus ciliatus, Bactrocera cucurbitae.


EXTENSION OF THE PATHWAY ANALYSIS FOR CERATITIS CAPITATA 

(WIEDEMANN) IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA. 

Hammouti, Nasera 1* ; Griebeler, Eva M. 1 ; Barr, Norman 2 ; Mazih, Ahmed 3 & Seitz, 

Alfred 1 . 

1 Institute for Zoology, Department for Ecology, University of Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becherweg 13, D-55128 

Mainz, Germany. Email: hammouti.nasera@yahoo.com. 2 Center for Plant Health and Technology, Mission 

Laboratory, USDA-APHIS, Moore Air Base, Edinburg, TX 78541, USA. 3 Département Protection des Plantes, 

Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, BP 121 Aït Melloul, Agadir, Morocco 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is one of the most 

destructive agricultural pests worldwide. Once introduced, programs to manage or eradicate 

medfly populations can have tremendous economic costs. To avoid the establishment of this 

species, non-infested countries (or regions) can apply strict quarantine standards on the import 

of fresh fruits produced in infested areas. Recently, a worldwide pathway analysis of medfly 

based on mitochondrial DNA sequences (i.e., a portion of the cytochrome oxidase I [COI] gene 

and a locus including the NADH-dehydrogenase subunits 5 and 4 [N5N4] genes) has been 

published by Barr (2009). This diagnostic tool applies an exclusionary principle to gain 

knowledge of probable geographic sources of an introduction, considering six predefined 

geographical regions: Mediterranean area, Central America, South America, Hawaii, Australia 

and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Methods: In Morocco, the medfly is the most serious pest infesting citrus orchards. In our 

study, we sequenced both COI and N5N4 markers from Moroccan populations and used the 

data to assign the Moroccan population to one of the six predefined regions using the 

exclusionary principle. Moreover, we compare diversity within the country, and update the 

reference database of medfly diversity. In a second approach to pathway analysis, we applied a 

SAMOVA (Spatial Analysis of MOlecular VAriance, a without a priori method) on the whole 

samples (from Barr 2009 and Morocco) to refine the geographical grouping described by the 

pathway analysis. 

Results: For both markers, the most common haplotype among the medfly populations from 

Morocco supports that they are genetically similar to the Mediterranean region. We found four 

new haplotypes for COI and eight new haplotypes for N5N4. One COI haplotype is common in 

Kenya, a probable source for the Moroccan populations. For the more variable marker N5N4, 

the SAMOVA assumes a subdivision of the Mediterranean unit in two groups, a Western one 

(Morocco, Spain and Portugal) and an Eastern one (Tunisia, Egypt, Italy, Israel, Greece and 

Malta). 

Conclusions: We conclude that the generation of additional DNA sequences of N5N4 and COI 

genes for individuals from many regions increases the discrimination power of the pathway 

analysis tool. The construction of a large reference database from worldwide medfly 

populations will contribute to identify potential sources of introduction. Such information can 

help to improve quarantine procedures. 

Keywords: Medfly, pathway analysis, mitochondrial DNA, SAMOVA, Mediterranean area 

187


IMPROVEMENT OF GENETIC SEXING STRAINS THROUGH THE INDUCTION OF 

CHROMOSOMAL INVERSIONS IN ANASTREPHA LUDENS LOEW (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE). 

Ibañez-Palacios, Jorge*; Zepeda-Cisneros, Cristina S. & García-Martínez, Víctor. 

Nacional Fruit Fly Campaign. Moscafrut Program. Acuerdo SAGARPA-IICA. Central Poniente No. 14 Col. 

Centro, CP. 30700. Tapachula Chiapas, México. Email: jorgeip05@hotmail.com 

Background: Genetic Sexing Strains (GSS) has been development to be included in the Sterile 

Insect Technique (SIT) programs. These GSS have been constructed on the basis of induced 

translocations Y-autosome which allows discriminate and eliminate the females in early 

development stages so that only males could be released in the field. Because meiotic 

recombination presented in males, the GSS have a certain percentage of insect aberrant product 

of recombination between the marker selected for the GSS construction (black pupae bp) and 

the break point of translocation, it is needed to develop colonies in which the phenomenon of 

recombination is reduced or nullified in its entirety through the induction of chromosomal 

inversions. For this, it is necessary to have another phenotypic marker linked to bp mutation; 

this new mutant found in 2009 was named “purple iridescence” (im), for what is this current 

work. 

Methods: To induced and isolate chromosomal inversions irradiated bp males were crossed to 

im females. The resultant F1 females were then crossed in single pairs to bp/bp; im/im double 

mutant males and the F2 offspring were screened for families showing absence or a low 

percentage of recombinant phenotypes. When such families were observed, to produce an 

homozygous inverted strain, the bp males were crossed to im females, then the F3 wild type 

males and females were inbreeding and finally the homozygous bp insects F4 offspring are in 

homozygous condition. 

Results: The mutation im is a monogenetic, autosomal recessive gene characterized by the 

presence of a bright purple halo in the eyes of the insects easily to identify; these insects also 

present pupae more elongated and thinner than the wild type. There have been eight trials from 

witch have been obtained five families carrying chromosomal inversions: Family 4, 154, 63, 79 

and 120. Families 63 and 79 showing 3.70% and 3.95% of recombinant phenotypes 

respectively. The families 4 and 120 presented very weak insects when the chromosomal 

inversions were in homozygous condition in the F4 and they could not survive by themselves. 

Finally, the family 154 was successfully established as a homozygous colony with 500 insects 

and has not been recovered recombinant insects from this colony. 

Conclusions: It was established a recombinant suppressor strain for A. ludens using the new 

phenotypic marker purple iridescence. This chromosomal inversion will help to reduce the 

recombination frequency in genetic sexing strain Tapachula-7. 

Keywords: genetic sexing strains, inversion A. ludens


DEVELOPMENT OF A GENETIC SEXING STRAIN FOR ANASTREPHA LUDENS USING A 

BLACK PUPAE (bp + ) TRANSLOCATION IN EGFP/Y-INSERTION MALES. 

Meza, J. Salvador 1* , Handler, Alfred M. 2 , & Zepeda-Cisneros, Cristina S. 1 

1 National Campaign Fruit Flies. Programa Moscafrut. Acuerdo SAGARPA-IICA, México. Central Poniente No. 

14 Col Centro CP 30700 Tapachula Chiapas México. Email: mezajs@hotmail.com; 2 Center for Medical, 

Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Gainesville FL USA. 

Background: In order to improve the sterile insect technique (SIT) several germ-line 

transformation systems have been developed in pest insects. The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha 

ludens, in particular was transformed using piggyBac vector constructs, pXL-PUbEGFP/Asb2t- 

DsRed.T3. During this transformation one transgenic line with Y-linked insertion was obtained, 

expressing EGFP only in males, although the red fluorescence from the testes was not 

observed. In addition, a black pupae mutation (bp) was previously isolated from the mass 

rearing MOSCAFRUT facility, and this marker has the potential to create a genetic sexing 

strain (GSS-bp) by translocating the wild type allele of the mutation (bp + ) to the Ychromosome. 

In a bp - /bp - mutant strain having the Y-bp + translocation, male brown pupae 

males can be separated from the mutant black pupae females for genetic sexing. 

Methods: To improve the male-specific Y-linked marking (and sex-specific selection) in the 

GSS-bp strain, we translocated autosomal bp + allele onto the Y-EGFP chromosome to create 

Y-EGFP/bp + . Pupae from the Y-EGFP/bp + strain were irradiated with 30 Gy using a Co 60 

source, with subsequent appropriate crosses to select for Y-EGFP/bp + translocations for GSS. 

Results and Conclusions: Seven hundred (700) male progeny were screened, from which three 

potential lines were selected where all females had the mutant black pupae phenotype, while 

all males had the brown pupae (bp + ) wild type phenotype, in addition to green fluorescence 

observed under epifluorescent optics. These lines were maintained for four generations with no 

detection of recombinant individuals. One line had fertility higher than 50% and good fitness, 

which indicates good potential for development into a new GSS line allowing male-specific 

selection and marking necessary for SIT. This transgenic line is also being tested for remobilization 

of the vector to a new Y-linked autosomal site that may allow enhanced 

expression of the EGFP and sperm-specific DsRed markers. Y-linked fluorescence will provide 

the possibility for male-specific selection, especially if embryonic expression is detectable, for 

fluorescence-based embryonic sexing. 

Keywords: Mexfly, transgenic, genetic sexing strain, black pupae mutation, EGFP 

189


MITOCHONDRIAL DIVERSITY OF FIVE TUNISIAN CERATITIS CAPITATA 

POPULATIONS (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) EVALUATED BY SINGLE STRAND 

CONFORMATION POLYMORPHISM. 

M’saad Guerfali, Meriem 1* ; Hemdan, Heitham 1 ; Sellini, Lotfi 1 ; Raies, Aly 2 & 

Mathiopoulos, Kostas 3 

1 Unité de Production des mâles Stériles de la Cératite, Centre National des Sciences et Technologies Nucléaires, 

Technopole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Tunis, Tunisie. E-mail: msaad_tn@yahoo.fr.; 2 Laboratoire de Biomolécules 

Actives et de Microbiologie, Université Tunis El Manar Faculté des Sciences Naturelles de Tunis Campus 

Universitaire Tunis 2092 Tunisie; 3 Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 

Ploutonos 26, Larissa 41221, Greece. 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) (Diptera:Tephritidae) 

(Wiedemann) is an established pest in regions of north Africa. Little is known on the 

population structure and dynamics of north African populations. Nonetheless, effective control 

of this pest depends on knowledge of patterns of colonization of this economically important 

pest, such as the determination of invasion sources and the elucidation of demographic 

parameters. The aim of this present work was to analyze the genetic structure of medfly 

populations in this region, in an effort to understand the colonization process in the area. 

Methods: Mitochondrial DNA variation was studied in five natural populations from the 

northern, north-western, central and southern parts of Tunisia by amplifying three different 

mitochondrial loci (ND4, ND5 and COII) and subjecting them to Single Strand Conformation 

Polymorphism analysis (SSCP). The single stranded amplified DNA was electrophoresed on a 

non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel. 

Results: At least three distinct haplotypes were detected. These haplotypes are in the process of 

additional analysis: amplified bands are being isolated and sequenced in order to determine the 

exact nature of the detected polymorphisms. Further analysis will also resolve population 

structuring of Tunisian medfly populations. 

Conclusion: SSCP is a convenient, rapid and relatively inexpensive approach of surveying 

mitochondrial genetic variation. The three loci chosen for the analysis of medfly populations in 

Tunisia (ND4, ND5 and COII) present substantial sequence variation that can yield in 

meaningful results. 

Keywords : medfly, mitochondrial DNA, SSCP, polymorphism.


TRANSGENIC CONDITIONAL LETHALITY STRAINS FOR THE BIOLOGICAL 

CONTROL OF ANASTREPHA SPECIES. 

Nirmala, Xavier; Schetelig, Marc F. & Handler, Alfred M.* 

Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, USDA, ARS, 1700 SW 23 rd Drive, Gainesville, 

Florida, 32608 USA. Email: ahandler@ufl.edu 

Background: A variation of the sterile insect technique (SIT) for the biological control of pest 

species is the release of transgenic insects carrying dominant conditional lethal genes. Two 

approaches towards lethality include use of dominant temperature-sensitive (DTS) mutations, 

and tetracycline (tet)-suppressible lethality systems, in particular an embryo-specific system 

proven effective in medfly. For DTS lethality in Anastrepha spp. we tested a heat-sensitive 

mutation in the 20S proteasome subunit gene, Prosβ2 1 , first described in D. melanogaster. A 

missense mutation results in an antimorph at 29°C that disrupts proteasome function, resulting 

in late larval or pupal death. For tet-suppressible embryonic lethality we have initiated tests of 

genetic elements isolated from Anastrepha species for promoter-driver and lethal effector gene 

cassettes. 

Methods: For DTS lethality, proteasome subunit genes were isolated from A. suspensa 

embryonic cDNA libraries by degenerate PCR, with 5' and 3' genomic sequences isolated by 

inverse PCR. DTS mutant alleles, created by in vitro mutagenesis, were transformed into a 

wild strain using piggyBac transposon vectors. Homozygous lines for the DTS transgene were 

reared at 25°C and 29°C to evaluate viability from larval to adult life stages. For tetsuppressible 

lethality embryonic gene promoters and cell death gene cognates were identified 

from EST sequences by similarity searches and isolated by PCR. 

Results: The caribfly AsProsβ2 cognate was isolated and mutated to create a Gly170Arg 

substitution (AsProsβ2 1 ). Five transgenic lines homozygous for the mutant transgene pupated 

at frequencies similar to wild type at 25°C and 29°C, but exhibited pupal lethality rates of 96 to 

100% at 29°C. Embryonic gene cognates whose promoters may be used to drive lethality 

(linked to the tTA transcriptional activator), or from which dsRNA may act as lethal effectors 

(linked to the tet-response element; TRE) were isolated, including serendipity and slam. Their 

promoters were isolated, linked to tTA and are being tested with the TRE-hid ala5 lethal effector 

cassette (used in medfly) in A. suspensa transformant lines. Potential cell death gene cognates 

for hid, reaper and sickle were isolated from A. suspensa and A. ludens and are being tested 

functionally by cell death assays in Drosophila and Anastrepha embryonic cell lines. 

Conclusions: A DTS conditional lethal strain has been created for A. suspensa, yielding 

complete pupal mortality when reared at 29°C. While highly effective in caribfly, and likely 

useful in mexfly, post-larval lethality is less than optimal for immediate population control. A 

tet-suppressible embryonic lethality system, that uses lethal effector genes from Anastrepha, 

will potentially improve upon a similar system successfully tested in medfly. While embryonic 

lethality is highly preferable to pupal death, for transgenic release use of the two lethal systems 

together may be advantageous to ensure that reversion or modification of either one does not 

allow transgenics to survive in the field, that might result in re-population of the targeted 

species. 

Keywords: Anastrepha, SIT, conditional lethality, DTS mutations, tet-suppressible lethality 

191


GENETICS ANALYSIS OF CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) POPULATIONS 

USING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA SEQUENCES. 

Ochando, Maria Dolores; Hernandez, Sofia, Matallanas, Beatriz & Callejas, Carmen. 

Departamento de Genética, Facultad de CC. Biológicas, Universidad Complutense, C/ José Antonio Novais, nº2, 28040- 

Madrid, Spain. Email: dochando@bio.ucm.es. 

Background: The Ceratitis capitata species, is, among the Tephritidae family, one of the most 

damaging pests. From its putative origin in Africa, this species colonized the Mediterranean 

area and then, expanded all over the world with tropical or temperate climate. The present 

work reports a molecular phylogenetic study on geographic samples of Ceratitis capitata 

species. 

Methods: Flies from six different geographical origins, three from Spain, Mediterranean area, 

and other three from Africa origin (Kenya, Morocco, and Tunisia), were used for sequencing. 

A mitochondrial DNA region encompassing 344 bp have been sequenced. The segment include 

cytb, tRNA Ser and ND1 genes. DNA was extracted from individual flies, and amplified with 

primers CBF1: 5’-ACATGAATTGGAGCTCGACCAGT-3’ and N1R1: 5’- 

GGTACATTACCTCGGTTTCGTTATGAT-3’, designed by Dr. Fleming (Applied Plant 

Science, The Queen’s University of Belfast, United Kingdom) and based on Drosophila 

yakuba sequences (Clary and Wolstenholme, 1985). Total DNA was extracted from individual 

flies according to Reyes, Ochando et al. (1997). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was 

used to amplify and DNA amplifications were performed in 100 �l reaction volumes 

containing 4 �l DNA, 10 �l Ecotaq PCR buffer (Ecogen), 2mM MgCl2, 10 pmol CBF1, 10 

pmol NR1, 0.2 mM dNTPs and 2.5 U EcoTaq DNA polymerase (Ecogen). Double-stranded 

amplified products were purified using the High Pure PCR Product Purification Kit 

(Boehringer-Manheim) and used as templates for sequencing reactions. These reactions were 

performed using an ABI PRISM 377 DNA sequencer in the “Servicio de Secuenciación de la 

Universidad Complutense”. 

Results: The amplified segments correspond to positions 11523-11867 in the Drosophila 

yakuba mtDNA sequence. All the flies, European and African, showed the same haplotype. 

The obtained unique sequence was compared with those obtained in previous work and 

published in the GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Genbank) from C. cosyra, C. rosa, B. 

oleae, B. cucurbitae, B. dorsalis, and B. tryoni (accession numbers: AY096092, AY096094, 

AY096087, AY096081, AY096083, AY096088). Sequences were different for different 

species. 

Conclusions: The mitochondrial segment analyzed show a very high conservative sequence. 

However the time elapsed from colonization and the high density numbers of the populations 

of C. capitata, no variability is detected, and even, surprisingly enough, no variability is 

detected in African populations. The sequence is useful for taxonomic purposes. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, mitochondrial sequences, haplotypes.


FEMALE-SPECIFIC EMBRYONIC LETHALITY SYSTEM FOR CERATITIS CAPITATA 

(WIEDEMANN). 

Ogaugwu, Christian E.* 1 ; Schetelig, Marc F. 1, 2 & Wimmer, Ernst A. 1 

1 Georg-August University Goettingen, Johann-Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, 

Department of Developmental Biology, GZMB, Ernst-Caspari-Haus, Justus von Liebig-Weg 11, 37077 

Goettingen, Germany; Email: cogaugw@gwdg.de; 2 USDA/ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary 

Entomology, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. 

Background: The principle of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) involves mass production, 

mass rearing and mass release of sterile pest insects in the field to control the wild population. 

SIT is more effective when only sterile males are released and production of only males also 

reduces the general cost of carrying out an SIT programme. A female-specific lethality system 

based on a female specific splicing intron was developed for transgenic sexing in Ceratitis 

capitata, possibly to overcome the fitness problems of classical genetic sexing strains (GSS). 

However, this transgenic sexing system showed lethality predominantly during the pupa stage. 

To create an early-acting lethality system, we combined the principle of this female-specific 

lethality system with an embryonic lethality system to yield a female-specific embryonic 

lethality system. 

Methods: A sexing effector construct driven by the heterologous transactivator tTA and 

containing a female-specifically spliced intron inserted into the coding region of the 

proapoptotic gene hid was created and inserted into C. capitata via piggyBac-mediated 

transposition. Germ-line transformed flies were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy on G1 

adults. The resulting transgenic sexing effector lines were crossed with driver lines mediating 

early embryonic expression of the tetracycline-controlled tTA to generate lethal lines. To 

assess female-specific embryonic lethality, adults and larvae of these lethal lines were reared 

on tetracycline-free media and the sex of the subsequent adult progeny checked. Lethality was 

assessed for both heterozygous and homozygous adult progeny. 

Results: Different lethal lines showed varying strengths of female-specific embryonic lethality, 

with some lines showing complete female-specific lethality. This lethality does not affect male 

flies in any way observable to us. Female-specific lethality was suppressed on rearing adult 

flies and their larvae on 10µg/ml tetracycline media. In situ hybridizations showed the 

expected sequential activation of the components of this female-specific embryonic lethality 

system. 

Conclusion: The result of our study establishes female-specific embryonic lethality in the pest 

insect C. capitata, and such a system would also be relatively easy to develop for other 

tephritid species of agricultural importance. Early-acting female-specific lethality systems 

should offer cost-effective sexing of pest insect strains once introduced into SIT programmes. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, integrated pest management, germ-line transformation, fluorescence microscopy, 

female-specific embryonic lethality 

193


MOLECULAR TOOLS FOR THE PATHWAY ANALYSIS OF CERATITIS CAPITATA. 

Ruiz-Arce, Raul* 1 ; Barr, Norman 1 , & De Meyer, Marc 2 

1 United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Center for Plant Health 

Science & Technology [USDA APHIS CPHST] Mission Lab, 22675 N. Moorefield Rd S6414, Edinburg, TX. 

78541 USA; Email: raul.a.ruiz@aphis.usda.gov; 2Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium. 

Background: Outbreaks of medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), occur frequently 

in the United States. Determining the source of these introductions is key to the eradication of 

this pest. Unfortunately, morphological characters cannot be used to identify captures to 

populations-level. However, there are various molecular methods available for population 

analysis of medfly. These pathway tools are important to the eradication of this pest because 

they can be used to help develop better quarantine programs, for settling trade disputes, and to 

help provide valuable information for evaluating eradication programs. The USDA APHIS 

Mission Lab is assessing the utility of two mitochondrial and twenty-two nuclear markers for 

their use in the development of a comprehensive set of diagnostic tools for this pest. In order to 

facilitate the development, we are testing these markers with specimens from worldwide 

collections of recently-gathered wild and sterile insect technique (SIT) Mediterranean fruit 

flies. 

Methods: In order to evaluate the performance of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA for pathway 

analysis, we are examining the genetic diversity of numerous Mediterranean fruit fly 

collections. We are using the polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of mitochondrial 

COI and ND5/ND4 DNA. We are also exploring 22 previously developed microsatellite 

makers for their use in examining these collections. 

Results: Approximately 1900 individual flies from 53 collections and 19 different countries 

were gathered and submitted to the USDA APHIS Mission Lab fruit fly repository in the 

spring of 2010. Both COI and ND5/ND4 sequences from the flies were analyzed along with 

microsatellite loci. Our initial assessment of the mitochondrial DNA sequences suggests that 

haplotypes maintain a regional specificity. The microsatellite markers we evaluated show an 

increased resolution as compared to mtDNA and may serve for fine scale population analyses. 

Conclusions: Both mitochondrial and nuclear sets of markers provide have a high potential for 

effective pathway analysis tool development. Further work is needed in order to properly 

evaluate their utility and develop an effective set of reliable pathway analysis tools. 

Keywords: Mediterranean fruit fly, PCR, DNA


PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE PRESENCE OF TWO HAPLOTYPES OF THE OLIVE 

FLY SYMBIONT “CANDIDATUS ERWINIA DACICOLA” IN ITALY. 

Savio, Claudia*; Martinez-Sañudo, Isabel; Mazzon, Luca & Girolami, Vincenzo. 

Dipartimento di Agronomia Ambientale e Produzioni Vegetali (DAAPV), Università di Padova. AGRIPOLIS – 

Viale dell’Università 16 – 35020 Legnaro, Padova (Italy). Email: claudia.savio@unipd.it 

Background: A very close association between the olive fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: 

Tephritidae) and bacteria has been known for more than a century since Petri firstly described 

Pseudomonas savastanoi as its symbiont. Recently, using molecular techniques, the presence 

of an hereditary, host specific, unculturable symbiotic bacterium, designated as ‘Candidatus 

Erwinia dacicola’, has been confirmed in all wild specimens even when adults emerged from 

previously surface sterilized pupae. The present work aims to characterize the possible 

existence of different haplotypes of “Ca. E. dacicola” and their distribution in Italian territory. 

Methods: Two-three day-old flies (n= 281), collected from 26 locations across the Italian range 

of the olive tree, were aseptically dissected to remove the oesophageal bulbs. The DNA of their 

content was extracted using a salting-out protocol, and an amplification by PCR was performed 

on the 16s rRNA, using universal bacterial primers. The contents of some olive fly oesophageal 

bulbs were also cloned using the P-GEM-T Easy vectors (Promega). PCR products and clones, 

randomly chosen from the constructed libraries, were subjected to DNA sequencing and 

restriction enzyme detection. 

Results: With the exception of a few cases (1.15%) GenBank similarity search showed that the 

amplified DNA fragment was similar to 16S ribosomal RNA gene of “Ca. E. dacicola”. When 

aligning the sequences obtained two “Ca. E. dacicola” haplotypes were found, one being 

slightly more prevalent than the other (56%). Populations were significantly different from 

each other in the relative frequencies of the two haplotypes; in particular there seems to be a 

positive, significant correlation in their distribution along the Tyrrhenian coast that does not 

occur along the Adriatic coast. Moreover the two haplotypes never co-exist in the same fly, as 

confirmed by cloning. Populations monitored for three consecutive years show no significant 

differences in the haplotype frequency. 

Conclusions: “Ca E. dacicola” presents at least two haplotypes in Italy whose distribution is 

not random but significantly different in different regions with an evident gradient of transition, 

not influenced by sampling in terms of time. Extending the sampling to the Mediterranean area 

will be the next step in this research. 

Keywords: Bactrocera oleae, “Candidatus Erwinia dacicola”, symbiont, haplotypes. 

195


OLFACTION IN INSECTS: MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND EXPRESSION 

PROFILES OF PUTATIVE PHEROMONE-BINDING PROTEIN GENES FROM THE 

MODEL PEST SPECIES CERATITIS CAPITATA (DIPTERA:TEPHRITIDAE). 

Siciliano, Paolo 1 ; Scolari, Francesca 1 ; Gabrieli, Paolo 1 ; Gomulski, Ludvik M. 1 ; Guglielmino, Carmela R. 2 ; 

Falchetto, Marco 1 ; Bonomi, Angelica 1 ; Malacrida, Anna R. 1* & Gasperi, Giuliano 1 

Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. 2 Dipartimento di 

Genetica e Microbiologia, Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. 

Background: In insects, pheromones play an important role in intra- and inter-sex 

communication, inducing specific behavioural responses in terms of sexual attraction for matefinding, 

mating aggregation, or host-marking of oviposition sites. Odour perception is 

regulated by a fine molecular pathway that involves multigene families including odorantbinding 

proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs). According to the type of ligand, 

OBPs are classified in general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) and pheromone-binding 

proteins (PBPs). Although notable progress in the study of pheromone perception has been 

achieved in several species, the molecular basis underlying the outstanding selectivity and 

sensitivity of olfaction in pests such as the Mediterranean fruitfly, Ceratitis capitata, is still 

unknown. In this study we aimed at furnishing the first insights on the pheromone perception 

process in this species. 

Methods: A well established C. capitata ISPRA strain reared under standard conditions was 

used for the experiments. Two different cDNA libraries were investigated by BlastX and 

tBlastX analyses to identify medfly PBP homologues. The five sequences that showed high 

similarity to PBP genes of other insect species were first characterized (cloning, 5’-3’RACE- 

PCR, PCR) and then analyzed to define their expression profiles in relation to sex, tissue, 

maturation and mating status (RT-PCR, Northern Blot, qPCR). In silico analyses were 

performed to verify the presence of all the features of the PBP family and to obtain a 

hypothetical 3D protein structure. 

Results: We report the cloning, characterization and expression profiles of five putative PBP 

genes (CcPBP1 to CcPBP5) isolated from two cDNA libraries. Molecular analyses revealed 

the presence of all the features of the PBP family (signal peptide, hydrophobic domain, six 

conserved cysteines). Gene structures showed high similarity to Drosophila putative 

homologues, except for the presence of longer introns in the medfly. Expression profile 

analyses showed that i) all the genes were highly over-expressed in head; ii) transcription 

levels were higher in females than in males, apart from CcPBP4; iii) sexually mature males and 

females showed higher transcript levels of each gene; iv) after mating the transcript levels in 

females tended to decrease, while males did not experience such a strong effect. 

Conclusions: The finding of multiple potential PBPs in the medfly suggests that PBPs may also 

play a role in the differentiation of pheromone components by differential binding capacities. 

Future biochemical, functional, behavioural and transgenic assays, will clarify the mechanisms 

underlying odour and pheromone perception. This knowledge will enable the identification of 

PBP ligands, to determine their roles in medfly chemoreception and, in the long term, to use 

pheromone components as target molecules in field studies to develop synthetic attractants or 

repellents for pest control programs.


EXPRESSED SEQUENCE TAGS (ESTS) IN THE OLIVE FLY, BACTROCERA OLEAE 

(DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Tsoumani, Konstantina 1 ; Augustinos, Antonios 1,2 ; Kakani, Evdoxia 1 ; Drosopoulou, 

Eleni 3 ; Mavragani-Tsipidou, Penelope 3 & Mathiopoulos, Kostas 1 

1 Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; 2 Department of 

Biology, University of Patras, Rion, Greece; 3 Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 

Thessaloniki, Greece 

Background: The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is the major pest of the olive tree. Despite 

its importance, very little genetic and molecular knowledge is available. The present study is a 

first attempt to identify and partially characterize B. oleae expressed sequence tags (ESTs). A 

few possible uses are also explored. 

Methods: Random cDNA clones were isolated from an adult B. oleae library and the generated 

ESTs were annotated through BLASTX similarity searches. A few of them were physically 

mapped by in situ hybridization. Codon usage was determined for the resulting open reading 

frames. Seventeen Exon-Primed-Intron-Crossing (EPIC) primers were developed and tested on 

eleven Tephritids. 

Results: One hundred and ninety-five randomly selected cDNA clones and the generated ESTs 

were annotated through BLASTX similarity searches. A set of 159 unique putative transcripts 

were functionally assigned using Gene Ontology terms in broad categories of biological 

process, molecular function and cellular component based on D. melanogaster matches. 

Moreover, the cytogenetic location of 35 ESTs by in situ hybridization to B. oleae polytene 

chromosomes was defined. The deduced codon usage of the isolated ESTs suggested a 

conserved pattern of B. oleae with its closest relatives. Additionally, the comparative analysis 

of B. oleae ESTs with the homologous D. melanogaster genes led to the development of 17 

nuclear EPIC-PCR markers for the amplification of intron sequences of 11 Tephritids. 

Sequencing analysis of several cross-amplified intron sequences revealed a high degree of 

conservation among Bactrocera species and a varying transferability of the generated markers 

across the examined genera. 

Conclusions: The generated B. oleae EST collection constitutes the largest set of putative 

expressed genes in the species. The resulting low resolution EST map more than doubles the 

available entry points to the insect’s genome and can assist syntenic comparisons with other 

distant species. EPIC analysis can provide a useful tool for the clarification of phylogenetic 

relationships among different species, particularly in cases of species complexes. 

Keywords: Gene Ontology (GO), in situ hybridization, EPIC markers, codon usage 

197

Session 4 

Risk Assessment, Quarantine & 

Post-harvest Treatments


DETECTION OF ANASTREPHA GRANDIS (MACQUART) IN CUCURBITS WITH THE 

USE OF INTEGRATED MEASURES IN A SYSTEM APPROACH FOR PEST RISK 

MANAGEMENT IN THE STATE OF GOIÁS, BRAZIL. 

Caixeta, Claudini V. D. 1* ; Pereira, André F. 2 ; Veloso, Valquíria da R. S. 3 ; Rabelo, Lílian 

R. S. 4 & Rios, Anderli D. F. 3 

1 Superintendência Federal de Agricultura em Goiás/MAPA/DSV, Praça Cívica n° 100, 6° andar, Centro, Goiânia- 

Goiás, Brasil, claudini.caixeta@agricultura.gov.br. 2 Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia de 

Brasília, Campus Planaltina, Rodovia DF 128, Km 21, Zona Rural - Km 18 da BR 020, Caixa Postal: 08202, 

Planaltina-DF, Brasil; Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG). 3 Escola de Agronomia e Engenharia de Alimentos, 

Campos Samambaia, Caixa Postal 131; Goiânia-GO, Brasil; 4 Agência Goiana de Defesa Agropecuária- 

AGRODEFESA, Av. Portugal, 591, qd.j-10, Lt.06, Setor Oeste, Goiânia-GO. 

Background: The presence of fruits flies in trade fruit crops, represents an obstacle to the 

production and marketing of fresh fruits in Brazil as well as worldwide, due to the direct 

damages caused by the attack of the larvae as well as to the impediments to exportation, in the 

form of quarantine measures imposed by importer countries. Fruits of the Cucurbitaceae family 

are hosts of Anastrepha grandis (Macquart), which is among the fruit fly species that are 

subject to quarantine restrictions. Detection survey of Anastrepha grandis was concluded to 

provide information regarding the occurrence of this species. The results might serve as 

scientific basis so that several municipalities in Goiás State can implement the Integrated 

Measures in a Systems Approach for Pest Risk Management and ensure the phytosanitary 

security of Brazil’s fruit exportation. 

Methods: The monitoring was conducted at productions units in the properties registered in the 

Integrated Measures in a Systems Approach for Pest Risk Management in the municipalities of 

Carmo do Rio Verde, Cristalina, Goianésia, Ipameri, Itapuranga, Jaraguá, Maurilândia, Rio 

Verde, Santa. Helena, São Miguel do Araguaia and Uruana, on watermelon, melon and 

pumpkin crops. It used McPhail traps with 5% hydrolyzed corn protein (food attractant), with 

density of 1 trap/5 hectares and inspection on a weekly basis, within the period of December 

2004 to February 2010. After each service, the traps were washed and the attractant was 

replaced. All the captured insects were transferred to vials containing 70% alcohol, and sent to 

the Insect Identification Laboratory at the Escola de Agronomia e Engenharia de Alimentos da 

Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG) for further identification. 

Results: The Index fly/trap/day keep on the acceptable limit in the Brazilian legislation for 

implementation and maintenance the Systems Approach for Pest Risk Management. Number 

of specimens of Anastrepha. grandis (Macquart) detected in 2008 and 2009: Ipameri (01), 

Cristalina (01), Jaraguá (01), Uruana (03), Rio Verde (01) and Goianésia (07). 

Conclusions: The species Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) was detected in 2008 and 2009 in the 

municipalities of Ipameri, Cristalina, Jaraguá, Uruana, Rio Verde and Goianésia, at Goiás 

State, in Brazil. The results show the low density of A. grandis (Macquart) registered in the 

fields of production of cucurbits throughout the year and in the general population remained 

within non-detectable levels in the most of the years. Detection survey confirm previous 

studies which concluded that the pest populations have low density, therefore, they are more 

important due to quarantine controls, than the damages it actually causes. 

Keywords: Cucurbitaceae, fruit fly, Anastrepha grandis, Pest Risk Management, detection. 

201


IMPLANTATION OF THE INTEGRATED MEASURES IN A SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR 

PEST RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE STATE OF GOIÁS, BRAZIL. 

Caixeta, Claudini V. D. 1 ; Pereira, André F. 2 ; Veloso, Valquíria da R. S. 3 ; Rabelo, Lílian 

R. S. 4 & Rios, Anderli D. F. 3 

1 Superintendência Federal de Agricultura em Goiás/MAPA/DSV, Praça Cívica n° 100, Centro, Goiânia-Goiás, Brasil, 

claudini.caixeta@agricultura.gov.br; 2 Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia de Brasília, Campus Planaltina, 

Rodovia DF 128, Km 21, Zona Rural - Km 18 da BR 020, Caixa Postal: 08202, Planaltina-DF, Brasil; Universidade Federal de 

Goiás (UFG); 3 Escola de Agronomia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Campos Samambaia, Caixa Postal 131; Goiânia-GO, Brasil; 

4 Agência Goiana de Defesa Agropecuária-AGRODEFESA, Av. Portugal, 591, qd.j-10, Lt.06, Setor Oeste, Goiânia-GO. 

Background: The presence of fruit flies in trade fruit crops represents an obstacle to the 

production and marketing of fresh fruits in Brazil as well as worldwide, due to the direct 

damages caused by the attack of the larvae as well as to the impediments to exportation, in the 

form of quarantine measures imposed by importing countries. Fruits of the Cucurbitaceae 

family are hosts of Anastrepha grandis (Macquart), which is among the fruit fly species that 

are subject to quarantine restrictions. To export fresh fruits of cucurbits crops to countries 

devoid of fruit flies, the countries with the presence of fruit flies should have their fruit coming 

from pest free areas or areas with implementation of the Integrated Management Measures for 

Risk Management (SMR) officially recognized, ensuring products free of fruit flies. The work 

aimed at implementing the Integrated Measures in a Systems Approach for Pest Risk 

Management - RMS for pest Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) in the State of Goiás, in order to 

meet the requirements of importing countries which impose fitossanitary restrictions of 

cucurbitaceous trade. 

Methods: The implantation of the RMS is subject to the detection of the pest Anastrepha 

grandis (Macquart) in the proposal area, according to Instruction Normative 16/2006, which 

establishes the monitoring for at least six uninterrupted months before the request for official 

recognition. The Farms of properties inscribed on watermelon, melon and pumpkin cultivation, 

were registered in the State Board of Plant Protection Plant and monitoring Anastrepha grandis 

(Macuart) within the period of December 2004 up to June 2005, from April to September 2007 

and from April to September 2008. The farms were audited and recognized by the Plant 

Protection Division of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply through the 

Normative Instruction 41/2006, 22/2008 and Resolution 1/ 2009. 

Results: The state of Goiás in Brazil, implemented and obtained official recognition by the 

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply the Mitigation Risk System -RMS for pest 

Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) in 2006, 2008 and 2009 in the municipalities of Carmo do Rio 

Verde, Cristalina, Ipameri, Itapuranga, Jaraguá, Maurilândia, Rio Verde, Santa Helena and 

Uruana. 

Conclusions: The implantation of SMR has allowed, since 2006, the exportation of 

watermelon, melon, pumpkin fresh fruits which led to the expansion of trade and the opening 

of new markets for the State of Goiás. 

Keywords: Cucurbitaceae, fruit flies, Integrated Measures in a Systems Approach for Pest Risk Management, 

Anastrepha grandis, exportation


WHEN FRUIT FLIES FLY. DATA ON THREE YEARS OF TEPHRITIDAE 

INTERCEPTION BY THE FRENCH NPPO IN ROISSY CHARLES-DE-GAULLE 

AIRPORT. 

Balmès, Valérie 1 , Germain, Jean-François1*; Salin, Daniel 2 & Gourdon, Aude 2 

1 Laboratoire National de la Protection des Végétaux, station de Montpellier. CBGP Campus international de 

Baillarguet CS 30016, FR-34988 Montferrier-sur-Lez cedex; E-mail: germain@supagro.inra.fr; 2 SRAL-DRAAF 

antenne régionale de Roissy Charles de Gaulle BP 10112 FR-95701 Roissy CDH cedex. 

Background: All non european Tephritidae are in quarantine pest list for EU area. In Roissy 

Charles de Gaulle airport, the NPPO inspectors control commodities (fresh fruits/ vegetables) 

that come from different parts of the world. Main pathways, commodities and fruit flies groups 

are presented. 

Methods: The inspectors are formed to recognized Tephritidae larva and other quarantine pests. 

When they found larvae, several are send to LNPV* for confirmation allowing official 

notification. If possible, the other available larvae are reared and resulting adults are sent to 

LNPV for species identification. Presented datas correspond to the results of these rearings 

during the years 2007 to 2009. 

Results: Over the followed period 716 rearings gave adults identified to species (5433 

specimens). Four genus are represented, by order of importance: Bactrocera, Ceratitis, 

Anastrepha and Dacus. Fruits Flies were taken on fourteen varieties of fresh fruits/vegetables. 

The main is Mangifera indica, followed by Annona spp., Capsicum spp., Syzygium spp. and 

Psidium guajava. The geographical origin is mainly Asia, then Africa and to a lesser extent 

neotropical area. 

Conclusion: Data collecting during last there years allow identifying possible pathways of 

introduction of the fruit flies in EU. Only species of agronomic importance are recorded 

pointing out a strong link between the species and its host-plant (ex: Bactrocera invadens and 

mango) or between the species and the area of origin (ex: Anastrepha spp. and neotropical 

area). The observation of Bactrocera invadens in the records shows the importance of the 

survey and the interest of the identification at species level in following pathways. 

Keys words: quarantine, pathway, interception 

203


FRUIT FLY MANAGEMENT BEGINS AT HOME. 

Barnes, Brian* 1 & Sutherland, Ian 2 

1 ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Institute for Fruit, Vine & Wine, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Email: 

barnesb@arc.agric.za; 2 SIT Africa (Pty) Ltd, Stellenbosch, South Africa. 

Bacground: Three species of fruit flies of economic importance occur in South Africa - 

Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), Natal fruit fly (C. rosa) and marula fruit fly (C. 

cosyra). Their pest status is exacerbated by the fact that they are international quarantine pests, 

restricting the free trade of export fruit. Chemical options for fruit fly control are limited to 

baits comprising an attractant and an insecticide, and the use of "attract and kill" technology 

(bait stations). The sterile insect technique is also used in certain areas against C. capitata. 

None of these strategies is regarded as a 'stand-alone' - all possible strategies should be 

incorporated in an integrated management approach also involving vineyard/orchard sanitation 

and host plant management. Success with fruit fly control in South Africa varies; poor control 

is mostly due to non-compliance with recommendations, especially sanitation and host plant 

management. Understanding fruit fly behaviour, and in particular their migration behaviour 

and easy adaptation to home garden environments, can play a major role in limiting infestation 

in commercial plantings. In this regard a trial was carried out to monitor the occurrence of C. 

capitata and C. rosa simultaneously in a block of commercial table grape vineyards and in 

nearby home gardens over two seasons, to identify the time and place during the season when 

fruit fly populations are most vulnerable to management interventions, and to identify periods 

in the season and target areas for optimal fruit fly control. 

Materials and Methods: A vineyard of five adjacent blocks of export table grape (±12 ha) with 

reportedly high populations of fruit flies were monitored from December 2006 to October 2008 

on a farm in the Worcester district of the Western Cape. Two home gardens in a residential 

area approximately 400 m from the vineyard site were simultaneously monitored. Five 

Chempac® traps baited with 3-component lure were placed in the table grape vineyard, and 

one each in suitable shade trees in the two home gardens, and serviced monthly. All male and 

female fruit flies were recorded. The vineyards were harvested from January to April. 

Results: In the vineyard blocks, very high fruit fly populations occurred from March to June, 

while fruit flies were absent or in very low numbers from July to February. In the residential 

gardens, moderate but fluctuating populations occurred throughout the year, including July to 

February when fruit flies were absent in the vineyards. 

Conclusions: The results highlight the role urban areas play in fruit fly infestation levels in 

commercial fruit. Adults leave commercial fruit plantings in early winter, seeking shelter, food 

and breeding sites in residential gardens with host plants year-round. They re-infest 

commercial vineyards and orchards in summer when ripe fruit is available and susceptible. The 

greatest control effort should therefore be made in all gardens from early winter to early 

summer to limit the size of populations that will later migrate to vineyards and orchards in 

summer. All possible strategies should be used: fruit fly bait, bait stations, host plant 

management, sanitation, and SIT where applicable. 

Keywords: Monitoring, migration, commercial fruit, home gardens, management strategy


THE POTENTIAL GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF BACTROCERA ZONATA 

(SAUNDERS) IN EUROPE AND THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN. 

Cobos-Suárez, José M. 1 ; Catalán-Ruescas, Diana 2 & Guitián-Castrillón, José M. 2* . 

1 Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino (MARM), Subdirección General de Sanidad de la 

Producción Primaria, C/ Alfonso XII 62; 28014 Madrid (Spain). Email: jcobossu@marm.es; 2 Tecnologías y 

Servicios Agrarios, S.A. (Tragsatec) C/ Hnos. García Noblejas 37c, 2 nd floor; 28037 Madrid (Spain). 

Background: Ten years ago, the peach fruit fly (PFF) Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) seemed to 

present a lesser risk for Europe than other fruit flies as its geographic distribution was restricted 

to tropical areas. However its rapid spread and establishment in Egypt has confirmed that the 

PFF should be treated as a priority, at least, by Mediterranean countries. In this article we have 

developed a predicted distribution of the PFF for Europe and the Mediterranean Basin using 

CLIMEX modelling package. 

Methods: Climate matching software CLIMEX was used to synthesize available information 

from diverse sources and assess the invasion potential of the PFF within Europe and the 

Mediterranean Basin. A Composite Match Index (CMI) was determined with the 'Match 

Climates' function in order to match: (a) the ranges in Egypt where the fly is introduced with 

its native range in India and Pakistan; (b) the ranges in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin 

with the current distribution of the PFF. The Ecoclimatic Index (EI) was estimated in order to 

have an overall measure of favourableness of each European location for permanent occupation 

by the PFF. 

Results: Broadly speaking, the climate of India is not similar to that of Egypt. On the other 

hand, the climate of Pakistan shows significant similarities with most of the Egyptian locations. 

The climatic similarity between Egyptian and the European locations is variable: Alexandria 

and El Tur, where the PFF is known to occur, are similar to several locations of Spain, Greece, 

Italy and Portugal but the climate of El Cairo is not comparable to any location in Europe. 

Regarding the EI, more than 40 locations within Europe have obtained an EI > 30, which 

means that their ecoclimatic conditions are very favourable for the pest establishment. In these 

places the PFF is predicted to have an economic impact. 

Conclusions: The locations within the areas of origin of the PFF are not climatically similar. 

This may lead to the contention that the Indian populations of the PFF have different climatic 

requirements to the populations found in Pakistan or those introduced in Egypt and the Near 

East. The climate model supports that Mediterranean and semi-arid climates are predicted to be 

suitable for the long-term survival of the PFF. Due to the predicted capacity of PFF to 

withstand drier climatic conditions than those traditionally associated to this fly, much of the 

Mediterranean Basin could be at risk of invasion. 

Keywords: Climate matching, Pest risk prediction, CLIMEX, invasion potential, climatic conditions. 

205


DETERMINATION OF THE MOMENT UNDER WHICH VERNA LEMON (CITRUS 

LEMON) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO CERATITIS CAPITATA IN THE SPANISH SOUTHEAST. 

Quinto, Vicente* 1 ; Fernández, Milagros 1 ; Arques, Eva 1 ; Lucas, Alfonso 2 & Lacasa, 

Alfredo 3 

1 Empresa de Transformación Agraria, S.A. (Tragsa) - Servicio de Sanidad Vegetal de la Consejería de Agricultura 

y Agua de la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia. C/ Mayor, s/n, 30150 La Alberca (Murcia), España. 

E-mail: vicente.quinto@hotmail.com; 2 Servicio de Sanidad Vegetal de la Consejería de Agricultura y Agua de la 

Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia. C/ Mayor, s/n, 30150 La Alberca (Murcia), España. 

3 Biotecnología y Protección de Cultivos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario. 

C/ Mayor, s/n, 30150 La Alberca (Murcia), España. 

Background: Until 2009, the lemon was not included in the list of quarantine host of Ceratitis 

capitata, although there was evidence of isolated incidents of infested fruits. Therefore special 

regulatory rules for international trade were not established. In 2006, at the end of the export 

campaign to US, fruits were found infested on arrival from a batch of “Verna” lemons from the 

Spanish mainland southeast. The singular climatic and agronomic conditions of the 2006 

campaign brought about harvesting of fruits damaged or senescent which were infested. In 

order to adjust the conditions of harvesting of fruits for export, it was needed to determine the 

susceptibility time frame and the conditions which allows the complete development of C. 

capitata. 

Methods: Over the last two campaigns Verna lemons have been regularly sampled from three 

orchards registered in the official record for the export of fruits to US. Additionally, C. capitata 

monitoring was established for the three orchards along the study period. Fruit sampling started 

at fruit colour change until early July.Commercial size fruits were taken each week during the 

first month and every 3 weeks since the fruits were completely yellow. For each orchards and 

group of 100 fruits it was determined: a) Natural infestation, keeping them in incubation for 90 

days at 25ºC, between 70 and 100% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 14:10 hours 

light:dark. b) Fruit susceptibility by artificial infestation (by exposing the collected fruits to a 

population of C. capitata, fruits were incubated under the same conditions). 

Results: Natural infestation in the orchard occurs at a time when the levels of capture of adults 

in the plots are highest. Shortly before detection of natural infestation, a small proportion of 

fruits were susceptible to artificial infestation. In controlled conditions C. capitata was able to 

infest and complete development in those yellow Verna lemons. 

Conclusions: The results show that natural infestation of Verna lemons depends on the 

characteristics of the fruits (colour and damage) and on the adult immigrants populations that 

arrive to the plots from other host plants. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, quarantine, susceptibility.


INDICATOR PARAMETERS OF SUSCEPTIBILITY OF VERNA LEMONS (CITRUS 

LEMON) TO CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

Quinto, Vicente* 1 ; Fernández, Milagros 1 ; Arques, Eva 1 ; Lucas, Alfonso 2 & Lacasa, 

Alfredo 3 

1 Empresa de Transformación Agraria, S.A. (Tragsa) - Servicio de Sanidad Vegetal de la Consejería de Agricultura 

y Agua de la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia. C/ Mayor, s/n, 30150 La Alberca (Murcia), España. 

E-mail: vicente.quinto@hotmail.com; 2 Servicio de Sanidad Vegetal de la Consejería de Agricultura y Agua de la 

Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia. C/ Mayor, s/n, 30150 La Alberca (Murcia), España. 

3 Biotecnología y Protección de Cultivos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario. 

C/ Mayor, s/n, 30150 La Alberca (Murcia), España. 

Background: Is abundant the bibliography which report contamination episodes by Ceratitis 

capitata of certain varieties of lemons when these are overripe. In the summer of 2006 adults 

of this species were found in an export batch of “Verna” lemon from Spanish southeast to US. 

Following this event were initiated studies to try to determine some characteristic of the fruit, 

to distinguish the susceptible fruits that can be infested of non-susceptible, in order to facilitate 

regulatory inspections in the marketing. 

Methods: Over the last two campaigns have been harvested “Verna” lemon fruits in orchards of 

the three most important production areas in the Region of Murcia, from the months of 

November to June-July. The samples were collected each week during the colour change and 

every 3 weeks later. Some of the fruits were used to determine the natural infestation and to 

evaluate the susceptibility from exposure to adult populations of Ceratitis capitata in artificial 

conditions. Another part was used to determine the following parameters: acidity of the juice, 

ºBrix, colour, peel thickness, equatorial diameter, hardness of the peel, chemical composition 

of the peel (albedo and flavedo), etc. The correlations between these parameters have been 

studied and the infestation in the different sampling dates. 

Results: Not has been found a representative parameter of the characteristics of the fruit that is 

associated with the susceptibility or resistance to infestation by Ceratitis. The parameter more 

indicative of the susceptibility is the ratio between the force required to break the peel and the 

distance at which rupture occurs. Also, the composition of the albedo would be indicative of 

the susceptibility or resistance, because the larvae did not complete their postembryonic 

development, when feed on albedo 

Conclusions: Any parameter representative of the fruit that is closely related to the 

susceptibility or resistance of fruit infestation by Ceratitis has been found. We need to study 

more thoroughly the ratio between the force required to break the peel and the distance at 

which rupture occurs, as well as the chemical composition of albedo. 

Keywords: fruit fly, export protocol, susceptibility. 

207


CONTRIBUTION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) 

RISK MODEL IN TERCEIRA ISLAND. 

Lopes, D.J.H. *1 ; Pimentel, R. 1 ; Macedo, N. 1 ; Zorman, M. 3 ; Ventura, L.B. 1; Dantas, 

Luis 2 ; Mexia, A.M.M. 4 ; & Mumford, John M. 5 

1 Universidade dos Açores, Centro de Biotecnologia dos Açores, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Secção de 

Protecção de Plantas, 9701-851 Terra chã. E-mail: dlopes@notes.angra.uac.pt; 2 Programa Madeira-Med, Estrada 

Eng. Abel Vieira, 262, 9135-260 Camacha, Madeira, Portugal. 3 Faculty of Agriculture, Vrbanska 30 , SI-2000 

Maribor, Slovenia. 4 Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Departamento de 

Protecção de Plantas e Fitoecologia, Tapada da Ajuda. 5 Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, 

Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Silwood Park, Ascot, United Kingdom. 

Background: The Medfly (Ceratitis capitata Wied.) (Díptera: Tephritidae) worldwide 

biological adaptability as well as the careless fruit transportation, sometimes infested with eggs 

or even larves, were two the most important factors which allowed the fast dispersion of this 

pest over many continental areas and islands. The behavioral study, as well as the fight and 

prevention studies about this insect has became very important, because there has been a bigger 

occurrence of this pest over several fruit cultures, carrying sometimes severe economic impacts 

to the fruit producers. In the Azores Islands, especially on Terceira Island the behavioral study 

of this insect has been done by Interfruta and Interfruta II Investigation Projects. Their studies 

have been covering the population dynamics, dispersion, fruit infestation and some control 

measures. This work will try to expand the horizons of these studies with the creation of a 

model about risk prediction of C. capitata for Terceira Island. 

Methods: For model development, traps capture records from some works done in Interfruta II 

project are going to be used to try to establish a reasonable multi-correlation ratio between 

these records and variables such as climatic, soil occupation and fruit availability. 

Keywords: Medfly, Risk model, Interfruta projects


THE BANANA FLY, BACTROCERA MUSAE (TRYON): IS IT A BANANA PEST? 

Mararuai, Amanda 1,2 & Clarke, Anthony R. 1,3* 

1Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Discipline of Biogeosciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, 

Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; 2 [PNG] National Agricultural Research Institute Dry Lowlands Program 

(NARI DLP), Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; 3 Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity 

(CRCNPB), Canberra, Australia; Email: a.clarke@qut.edu.au. 

Background: The Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) is a central plank of international phytosanitary 

regulations. A fundamental aspect of PRAs is knowing the risk posed by different pests. 

Unfortunately, for many crops susceptible to fruit flies, PRAs are often based on generic fruit 

fly host lists, in which fruit varietal differences, ripening stages and field usage of hosts is 

rarely, if ever, considered. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), a potential exporter of the commercial 

banana varieties Cavendish and Lady Finger, the endemic banana fly, Bactrocera musae 

(Tryon), is considered a major pest. As part of developing a PRA for PNG bananas, we studied 

the abundance, distribution, host use and pest status of B. musae. 

Methods: Distribution and abundance data for B. musae in PNG was generated through an 

intensive trapping program. Abundance data was correlated with rainfall, altitude and the 

importance of banana in the local cropping system. Host preference and larval performance of 

B. musae on the commercial varieties “Cavendish” and “Lady Finger” were examined in the 

laboratory. Field infestation of Cavendish in PNG was examined through a national fruit 

survey covering four agricultural production areas and bananas picked at the mature green 

stage of ripeness. 

Results: Banana fly was found to be common and widespread throughout PNG. Abundance 

was not significantly correlated with rainfall (R 2 = -0.02, p = 0.28) or altitude (R 2 = -0.01, p = 

0.35), but was weakly positively correlated with banana’s importance in the local cropping 

system (when presented as a percentage of local crop grown) (R 2 = 0.08, p = 0.02). Despite the 

fly’s high field abundance, Cavendish bananas picked from unmanaged plots around PNG 

were essentially unaffected by banana fly. From 111 samples, constituting 381kg of fruit and 

2,700 fingers, only 11 fingers were infested (0.41% infestation). Eighty-seven percent of flies 

reared (n = 245) came from only three fingers (0.1% of sample). Laboratory studies reflected 

field data, particularly for adult oviposition trials: while there was 20% adult emergence from 

Cavendish and Lady Finger fruit inoculated with B. musae eggs, very few flies laid eggs into 

fruit of either variety. 

Conclusions: Under laboratory conditions, the commercial banana varieties Cavendish and 

Lady Finger are infrequent hosts of B. musae. Cavendish is also a rare field host and we 

suspect the same is true for Lady Finger. In PNG, banana fly infests over-ripe bananas, as well 

as some sweet native varieties (authors’ unpublished data), but not the main commercial 

varieties when picked at the mature green stage. This project reinforces the importance of 

detailed host use studies for developing PRAs, rather than relying on generic literature records. 

Keywords: Pest risk analysis; agricultural production, abundance and distribution, host use. 

209


INSPECTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS BY DETECTOR DOGS. 

Merayo, Eduardo*; Rosillo, Mario & Gobet, Luis. 

Fundación Barrera Zoofitosanitaria Patagonica FunBaPa- Programa Incan Trehua. Email: 

emerayo@funbapa.org.ar 

Background: The Incan Trehua is a Program developed by FunBaPa, Iscamen and Senasa. This 

program is aimed at training dogs for the detection of animal and vegetable derived products. 

These banned substances should not enter to the protect product areas due to sanitary reasons. 

The Incan Trehua program means “protector dogs” in Mapuche language and it`s pioneering in 

Latin America. The aim of this program is to enhance the perfomance of the Quarantine 

Patagonian System. By use of the olfactory sense to detect loads with restrictic admissions 

products. Incan Trehua improves the effectivenness in the sanitary control stations and making 

the inspectors work easier. 

Methods: Beagle and Labrador retriever are the chosen dog breeds for this project. The training 

period last a mínimum of six weeks, during that it stimulates the Memory of Olfactory Fields 

of the dog. This is archieved trough sterilized lints impregnated in contact with differents fruits 

and vegetables products and associated to many acts that the dog does, what its called 

“Associative Kits” 

Results & Conclusions: The Incan Trehua program extends its services throughout the most 

importans land points of control, spread over the provinces of Buenos Aires, Neuquen, La 

Pampa, Rio Negro and Mendoza, the Neuquen International Airport and the Viedma National 

Airport, protecting the entry of banned fruit, vegetables and animal origin products to 

Patagonia. Throughout the six years the program has, we achieved and statistic of, in a hundred 

vehicles controled by dogs, they detect banned organic products in ten of them. This takes over 

the statistics of man detection and provide a more friendly and accepted way of search as well.


THE MEDFLY, CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN), AS VECTOR OF ERWINIA 

AMYLOVORA, THE CAUSAL AGENT OF FIRE BLIGHT IN ROSACEOUS PLANTS. 

Ordax, Mónica 1 ; Piquer-Salcedo, Jaime E. 1 ; Sabater-Muñoz, Beatriz 2* ; Biosca, E G. 3 ; 

López, María M. 1 & Marco-Noales, Ester 1 . 

1 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Ctra. de 

Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5; Moncada 46113- Valencia (Spain); 2 Unidad Asociada de Entomología IVIA– CIB 

CSIC, Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, IVIA. Email: sabater_bea@gva.es; 3 Dpto. Microbiología y 

Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia. 

Background: The bacterium Erwinia amylovora is the causal agent of fire blight in rosaceous 

plants, and is one of the most important pests on the EPPO A2 list, being under quarantine 

measures for plant movement. It has been widely accepted that fruits from fireblight affected 

countries present an insignificant risk of transmission in fire blight free countries, despite the 

recent description of the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) condition, a bacterial physiological 

state that is undetectable by cultural methods. Till this moment, only sap-sucking insects or 

pollinators had been implied in fire-blight transmission. The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis 

capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a devastating fruit pest worldwide. Besides the 

direct damage caused to fruit production and export, the medfly also poses a serious indirect 

threat to the plant health by acting as plant pathogen vector. This work describes the E. 

amylovora transmission ability of medfly and its implication on fruit trade. 

Methods: Five days old individuals of IVIA2002 strain were used to determine: i) its 

transmission ability and ii) the survival of E. amylovora. For the transmission ability, medflies 

were allowed to feed on contaminated mature apples for 48h and then other healthy apples or 

pear sprouts were challenged to detect transmission during 5-7days. For E. amylovora survival 

assays, medflies were put in contact with contaminated mature apples for 48h, and then tested 

for E. amylovora presence at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after removing apples. The detection of the 

plant pathogen was determined in bacterial CCT medium and by PCR, both from plant material 

and medflies. 

Results: The medfly was able to transmit E. amylovora to fruit peel or pulp after 5 days 

exposition at 10 6 -10 3 cfu, respectively. The medfly induced fireblight symptoms in pear sprouts 

after 5-7 days of transmission. We were able to isolate culturable E. amylovora cells from 

medfly after 7 or 14 days from exposition (10 3 -10 6 cfu/medfly). However, with longer 

bacterium-medfly contact periods, the bacterium adopted the VBNC state. Medfly extracts (21 

or 28 days old) containing these VBNC cells, induced fireblight symptoms in fruits and pear 

sprouts and tested positive by PCR.. 

Conclusions: This is the first time that the medfly is assessed as a vector of a plant pathogen 

such as E. amylovora. In this host the bacterium maintains its pathogenic potential during 

almost one month, being transmitted in high numbers to healthy plant material. 

Keywords: Medfly, Erwinia amylovora, fire blight, transmission, survival, plant pathogen vector. 

211


GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ANASTREPHA GRANDIS (MACQUART) IN THE 

STATE OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL. 

de Souza-Filho, Miguel F.* 1 ; Raga, Adalton 1 ; Montes, Sônia M. N. M. 2 ; Azevedo-Filho, 

Joaquim A. de 3 ; Garcia, Maria J. De M. 4 & Almeida, Aparecida M. de 4 . 

1 Instituto Biológico, Caixa Postal 70, CEP 13012-970, Campinas, São Paulo (Brazil). Email: 

miguelf@biologico.sp.gov.br. 2 APTA Regional - Pólo Alta Sorocabana, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil. 

3 APTA Regional - Pólo Leste Paulista, Monte Alegre do Sul, São Paulo, Brazil. 4 APTA Regional - Pólo Centro 

Oeste, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. 

Background: Anastrepha grandis is considered a fruit fly species of quarantine importance and 

it has been registered in the south, southeast and central of Brazil. In the State of São Paulo is 

concentrated the highest volume of cucurbitaceae trade for Brazilian market. The objective of 

the present study was to investigate the geographical distribution of A. grandis in the State of 

São Paulo. 

Methods: The occurrence of A. grandis was based on the literature, such as theses, articles and 

reports from the congress. Additional informations were based on field surveys conducted from 

2009 to 2010. In the both cases, we considered collections of A. grandis from fruit hosts and 

monitoring studies in many crops. 

Results: A. grandis is reported in 22 municipalities of northeast, central, southwest and east of 

the State of São Paulo. Eleven municipalities are located in the east region. 

Conclusions: No specimen of A. grandis was collected from northwest and extreme west 

regions of the State of São Paulo, which it was included the squash production areas for 

exportation. 

Keywords: South American Cucurbit Fruit Fly, occurrence, localities, quarantine pest, Cucurbitaceae


THE THREAT OF BACTROCERA INVADENS DREW TSURUTA & WHITE, TO SOUTH 

AFRICA: SURVEILLANCE, CONTINGENCY AND TRADE RESPONSE. 

Venter, Jan Hendrik* 1 ; Manrakhan, Aruna 2 ; Matebe, Yolanda 1 ; Brown, Leslie 3 & 

Stones, Wilna 4 

1 Department of Agriculture Forestery and Fisheries, (DAFF), Private Bag X14, Pretoria, South Africa, 0031, 

janhendrikv@daff.gov.za; 2 Citrus Research International (CRI), Nelspruit, South Africa; 3 DFPT Research, 

Stellenbosch, South Africa; 4 Subtropical Fruit Growers Association, Tzaneen, South Africa. 

Background: Exotic fruit flies remain a major concern to South African fruit producers aiming 

to reach the international market. Not only do exotic flies pose a risk to fruit production, but 

there is a real threat that export markets may be lost or at least that exports could be 

temporarily suspended should new species be introduced to the country. Bactrocera invadens, 

an invasive fruit fly of Asian origin, was first detected in Africa in 2003 in Kenya. Thereafter, 

the fly was reported in several other African countries including those in southern Africa such 

as Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia. B. invadens males are strongly attracted to methyl 

eugenol which can be used for monitoring of this fly. Since 2006, South Africa has been 

conducting a fruit fly surveillance programme through collaboration between the National 

Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), fruit industries and research organizations for early 

detection of exotic fruit flies including B. invadens. Contingency plans specific to B. invadens 

have also been put in place in South Africa and these include the setting up of a national 

steering committee on B. invadens and the drafting of an action plan specific to the Invader fly 

where response actions for initial incursions and longer term management strategies are 

described. Import conditions for fresh fruit have been revised, which has had an impact on 

trade of certain host commodities from countries where B. invadens is present. 

Methods: The surveillance network for detection of B. invadens currently consists of 616 

methyl eugenol baited traps and 136 BioLure 3 component baited traps. Traps are deployed in 

major towns, ports, airports, high risk border areas as well as in production areas. Traps are 

serviced at least once a month. The trapping information from the NPPO and fruit industries is 

then captured in a centralized database. 

Results & conclusions: To date, South Africa remains free from B. invadens. Should there be 

an incursion of B. invadens in South Africa, a stockpile of emergency materials for use 

according to the relevant action plan, will be available immediately for eradicating this pest. 

Keywords: Invader fruit fly, detection, action plan, trade implications 

213


PATAGONIAN QUARANTINE SYSTEM. 

Villalba, Daniel Nestor*; Justo, Adrian D. & Merayo, Eduardo M. 

Patagonian zoophytosanitary barrier foundation. Email: dvillalba@funbapa.org.ar 

Background: The Patagonian Protected Region, which is the southernmost area in South 

America, covers an area of 835.000 km2. Its natural boundaries are the Andean Range to the 

west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Colorado and Barrancas Rivers, along which the 

terrestrial control posts in every way-in to the protected area are settled, to the north. The 

Patagonian Quarantine System is conducted and administrated by the Patagonian 

Zoophytosanitary Barrier Foundation (FUNBAPA), a non governmental organization where 

institutions coming from both the public and private sectors, like SENASA, regional provinces 

administrations, and growers and breeders associations, take part. It is a joint organizational 

model of public and private sectors, non-profit and with an active participation of its 

components. The aim of the Patagonian Quarantine System is the supervision of the way-in 

and way-out of plant or animal originated products by the enforcement of federal sanitary 

regulations in order to avoid the introduction of pests and/or diseases that could affect the local 

production. Legislation applied through the Patagonian Quarantine System is federal and is 

originated both in the Ministry of agriculture, livestock and fisheries of the nation (MAGyP) 

and the Agroalimentary Quality and Health National Service (SENASA).- 

Methods: The Patagonian Quarantine System involves 34 terrestrial inspection posts 13 

airports, 1 railroad control post and all the seaports of the Patagonian coast. Terrestrial posts 

work all the year round, 24 hours a day, and in each post the number of inspectors is directly 

related to the number of vehicles that pass along. More than three hundred people among 

professionals, technicians and inspectors are involved, being trained and evaluated on an 

ongoing basis. Supervision and quality control is carried out by the own managers staff and the 

audits are carried out by SENASA. Inspection work is complemented by the FUNBAPA Incan 

Trehua Program which uses dogs specially trained for the detection of organic products. 

Besides, special equipment for the same purpose is used at airports so as to improve and 

facilitate inspection tasks. The financing of the Patagonian Quarantine System is given by the 

funds originating from the tariff control, inspection and disinsectation is levied in terrestrial 

barrier checkpoints, contributions from the Government and the provinces.


POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION OF CERATITIS ANONAE IN CHINA BASED ON 

PREDICTION OF ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELS. 

Zhang, Run-Jie* & Li, Bai-Ni 

State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol & Institute of Entomology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, 

P.R. China. E-mail: lsszrj@mail.sysu.edu.cn. 

Backgrounds: The Ceratitis anonae (Graham) is native to the Afrotropical region. It is a 

polyphagous species with wide host ranges including almond, annonaceous, avocado, cherry, 

coffee, guava, mango, strawberry, and so on. This insect pest is an important quarantine 

invasive pest for China and its larva are continually intercepted from fruits carried by incoming 

passengers at Guangdong ports. The potential geographic distribution of this species in China 

is of considerable concern in terms of biosecurity. 

Methods: In this study, three ecological modeling methods (ENFA: ecological niche factor 

analysis, Mahalanobis Typicality, and Maxent: maximum entropy niche-based modeling) were 

used to predict its potential distribution. Native range of C. anonae was derived from the Royal 

Museum for Central Africa and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Records of 

occurrence were obtained from the literature and electronic resources. In total, 144 unique 

records were obtained for C. anonae. 

Results: The results show that Maxent has the best prediction performance, followed by 

Mahalanobis Typicality, and ENFA. The difference of prediction capabilities between Maxent 

and Mahalanobis Typicality is not significant. Based on prediction outcome of Maxent, 

suitable areas of C. anonae in China are limited in Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, and a few 

areas of Yunnan. The probability of C. anonae permanently establishing in southern China 

exist indeed but small. Jackknife analysis indicates that six variables have notable influences 

on the distribution pattern of C. anonae, i.e. ground frost frequency, annual mean precipitation, 

precipitation of October, precipitation of April, annual minimum temperature, and vapor 

pressure. More researches on the influence of environmental variables on survival of C. anonae 

are needed to determine its suitable distribution area. 

Conclusions: The probability of C. anonae permanently establishing in southern China exist 

indeed but small. Six environmental variables have notable influences on the distribution 

prediction of C. anonae, and further researches about their influence on survival of C. anonae 

are needed. 

Keywords: Ceratitis anonae; ENFA; Mahalanobis Typicality; Maxent; potential distribution prediction 

215

Session 5 

SIT Principles & Application


OLIVE FLY: FROM SMALL SCALE PRODUCTION TO MASS-REARING. 

Ahmad, Sohel*, Wornoayporn, Viwat, Haq, Ihsan ul, Cáceres, Carlos & Jessup, Andrew 

J. 

Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories. A-2444, 

Seibersdorf, Austria. Email: S.Ahmad@iaea.org 

Background: The olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), is considered an ideal 

candidate for control by the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of an integrated pest 

management approach because it attacks only olives and does not disperse naturally great 

distances unlike other Bactrocera spp. One major constraint in the development of a successful 

and cost-effective SIT programme for olive fly is the large scale production of high quality 

mass-reared flies. The aim of this work was to develop cost-effective methods for massrearing. 

Methods: The following three basic parameters in mass-rearing were examined: Cage density 

of adult flies, size and design of the adult oviposition cage, and egg collection methods. 

Results: The results showed that an adult fly density of 4.1 cm 2 (internal surface area of cage) 

per fly in a medium-sized cage (0.036m 3 ) produced up to 11.5 eggs/female/day over the life of 

flies. Further research on other cage sizes ranging from 0.015 m 3 to 0.4 m 3 resulted in egg 

volumes from only 2.8 to 6.8 eggs/female/day. Our newly developed method of egg collection 

using a flat egging panel proved cost-effective, more efficient, and enabled us to elevate the 

colony size to a level that mass-production can be started. 

Conclusions: As a consequence of this work, we are now rearing the flies in large cages (0.4 

m 3 ) formerly used for mass rearing of Mediterranean fruit fly and we are now optimizing the 

density of olive fly in cages that are more acceptable for cost-effective mass rearing of this 

insect. 

Keywords: Olive fly, fly density, cage design, egg production 

219


STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE FOR CONTROLLING CUCURBITS FRUIT FLY, DACUS 

CILIATUS (LOEW) (DIPTERA:TEPHRITIDAE). 

Al-Taweel, Ayad A. 1* ; Al-Shammary, A.J. 1 & Ahmed, R.F. 2 

1 IPC Center, Ministry of Science & Technology, Baghdad, Iraq. 2 College of Agriculture, Baghdad University, 

Baghdad, Iraq. 

Background: The cucurbit fruit fly, Dacus ciliatus (Loew) is one of the most important fruit 

flies on cucurbits in Iraq. The Iraqi scientist thinking to apply sterile insect technique to control 

this pest instead of insecticide for environment concern, after they carried out several studies 

regarding its biology, ecology and behavior. 

Methods: Different doses of irradiation were tested on 4-5 days old pupa. Egg laid was 

measured for each dose, using also irradiated females as control. 

Results: The results of this study revealed that the dose of 0.75 kGy caused complete sterility to 

the females and the dose of 0.90 kGy caused complete sterility to the males when they 

irradiated as 4-5 days old pupa. The oviposition was recorded in the mating between 

unirradiated males x irradiated females (1); irradiated males x unirradiated females (2) and 

irradiated males x irradiated females (3) for the doses 0.15-60 kGy, while for the doses 0.75 & 

0.90 kGy no eggs laid were observed for the mating 1 & 3 only. Furthermore, the percentage of 

eggs hatch was zero for doses 0.75 & 0.90 kGy for the mating 1 & 3, while it was zero for 

mating 2 for the dose 0.90 kGy only. 

Conclusions: The results of this study also showed that doses of gamma rays have no effect on 

pupation percentage of the larvae produced from hatched eggs of irradiated males & females as 

pupa of five days with all doses & mated to opposite unirradiated sex or mated together. 

Finally the results of this study also showed that all doses have no effect on adult emergence 

percentage & sex ratio. 

Keywords: Dacus ciliatus , Gamma Rays, Fecundity, Cucurbits


IMPROVEMENT IN PRODUCTION AND QUALITY PARAMETERS AT NEW SIT AFRICA 

MEDFLY, CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN), REARING FACILITY. 

Arnolds, Luciano 1 ; Vermeulen, Nathan* 1 ; Johnson, Jerome 2 & Barnes, Brian 2 

1 SIT Africa (Pty) Ltd, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Email: luciano@sitafrica.co.za; 2 Technical Consultant for SIT 

Africa (Pty) Ltd, Stellenbosch, South Africa. 

Background: The South African Medfly SIT programme was initiated in 1999 when mass 

rearing of the tsl strain Vienna 7 was started in a small, renovated building in Stellenbosch. A 

number of strain changes have since taken place, and Vienna 8 has been used since 2003. In 

1999 the maximum production capacity was approximately 8 million sterile males per week. 

Production and quality was adversely affected by factors including equipment breakdown, 

inadequate environmental insulation, lack of space, and micro-organism growth in breeding 

rooms, all of which was compromised by a shortage of funding. The building was old and the 

general infrastructure was increasingly becoming degraded. In 2001 a new Chromodec® 

insulated-panel building was erected to house the adults and a quality control laboratory. 

Although this led to more stable production and quality, larval rearing and pupal handling in 

the old building, and ultimately sufficient production of high quality sterile males, remained at 

risk from the failing infrastructure. Roll-out of the SIT programme to new areas required an 

increase in production, which put further pressure on the facility. A new building to house the 

immature stage rearing and handling was essential. 

Development: In 2010, following a considerable injection of funding from government, a 480 

m 2 Chromodec® insulated-panel extension was added to the adult room for immature stage 

rearing. The capacity of this new facility is estimated to be at least 40 million sterile males per 

week, which will allow a far greater fruit production area to be included under the SIT blanket. 

Results: In the 6 months since the new building was commissioned, production has 

significantly stabilised, and key production and quality parameters have all increased, in some 

cases substantially, in comparison with the previous 12 month-period in the old building. 

Overall average increases in the filter, amp 1, amp 2 and release streams (in percentage points) 

were as follows: egg production, 40.9; efficacy, 25.7; egg hatch (48 h), 4.0; flight ability 

(colony females), 3.6; flight ability (colony males), 3.9. Pupal weight in the release stream 

increased by 2.5 percentage points, and flight ability of sterile males by 2.5. The long-term 

trends in all parameters from the new building show a narrower band of fluctuation than in the 

old building, and all daily and weekly figures are mostly on or above target. Currently, 11 

million sterile males are released weekly in three separate production areas, protecting a total 

area of nearly 24,000 ha of fruit. 

Conclusions: The above improvements in production and quality augur well for the planned 

expansion of Medfly SIT in the Western Cape and even further afield in the near future, and for 

the Medfly SIT programme in South Africa in general. 

Keywords: Medfly, mass-rearing, tsl, improved quality, SIT 

221


SUITABLE LARVAL DIETS FOR ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE). 

Braga Sobrinho, Raimundo 1* ; Guimarães, J.A 2 ; Araujo, Elton L. 3 & 4 Moreira, M.A.B 4 

1 Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical – Rua Dra. Sara Mesquita, 2270 - 60511-110 – Fortaleza Ceará Brasil. 

braga@cnpat.embrapa.br; 2 Embrapa Hortaliças – Parque Estação Biológica – PqEB – 70770-901 – Brasília DF, 

Brasil. 3 Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido, BR 110, Km 47- 59625-900 – Mossoró – RN, Brazil; 

4 Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros – Av. Beira Mar, 3250. 49025-040 – Aracaju SE 

Background: The genus Anastrepha (Diptera:Tephritidae) is the largest and most economically 

important genus of true fruit flies in the American tropics and subtropics. It is indigenous to the 

Americas, presently with no distribution outside the Western Hemisphere. Among other 

species, the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) is highly 

economic important in South America, especially in Brazil. Attempts to improve diet quality 

for mass rearing A. fraterculus have been ongoing for more than twenty years. The diets 

currently used throughout the world were based on combined ingredients taken in account their 

availability, physical properties and economics with little emphasis on nutrient value. A mass 

rearing system and Sterile Male Technique (SIT) for A. fraterculus are underway and will 

remain a challenge. A technique to mass rear A. fraterculus is the start point for the 

development of SIT. The objective of the present work was to identify appropriate ingredients 

for suitable larval and adult diets to be used as a platform to develop a protocol for mass 

rearing the South American fruit fly. 

Methods: A screening of eleven different larval diets (four replications) was performed in order 

to find suitable and economic diets for further comparison tests. The efficacy of the diets was 

determined by statistical analysis including egg hatching, pupal recovery, pupae weigh, adult 

emergence and adult flying ability. The general procedure for quality control tests were based 

on protocols specified in the International Fruit Fly Control Manual (FAO/IAEA/USDA, 

1998). 

Results: The final goal of a fruit fly mass rearing production system is a consistent result of 

healthy and competitive adults. This success is very dependable of high control quality of all 

laboratory procedures and specially a suitable and economic diet for larvae. From the results of 

these larval diets experiments, there is clear evidence that the source of protein is determinant 

for getting healthy and competitive adults. Showed by fly ability test. From six diets tested, 

three of them with 9.0, 10.0 and 13.0% of protein and 20.0% of cane bagasse as the bulk agent 

pesented the best results for egg hatching, pupal recovery, pupal weight, adult emergence and 

fly abilitiy when is compared with the other diets with less protein content. Since there were no 

statistical differences among these thee diets it is clear that is more economically feasible to 

recommend the diet with 9% of protein. 

Conclusions: It is clear that protein in diet larvae improves larval development, pupal recovery 

and adult fly ability. Larval diets with 9.0% of protein show to be adequate for a mass rearing 

program with focus on SIT. The bulk agent sugar cane bagasse improves larval feeding by 

facilitating the larvae movement though out the diet mass. 

Keywords: South American fruit fly, SIT, pupae, mating, fly ability


INFLUENCE OF PRERELEASE DIET TO BACTROCERA DORSALIS (HENDEL) AND 

BACTROCERA CORRECTA (BEZZI) STERILE MALES ON MATING PAIRS. 

Chinvinijkul, Suksom*; Pinkaew, Supaap & Orankanok, Watchreeporn 

Department of Agricultural Extension, 2143/1 Paholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Thailand. Email: 

chinvinijkuls@yahoo.com.au. 

Background: Released sterile males fed only water-agar are currently applied in fruit fly 

control project area in Thailand. In general, effectiveness of protein was shown to the sexual 

maturity in fruit fly males for the mating capability. We reported here on influence of 

prerelease diet of sterile males on mating pairs which indicate their successful of mating 

performance. 

Methods: Sexing separation of the 53th generations of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and the 

55th generations of Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) sterile mass reared males were conducted 

within 24 hours of eclosion. Five groups of neonate fruit flies were fed with water-agar only, 

sugar (S), sugar and protein hydrolysate ratio 3:1 w/w (SP = 3:1), sugar and protein 

hydrolysate ratio 2:1 w/w (SP = 2:1) and protein hydrosate (P) only for two days. Then each 

group were given a standard adult diet SP (3:1) and water throughout the experiment. During 

15 testing days of B. dorsalis, each 2+n day-old (n=1-15) of 50 sterile males fed with 

difference type of diet were mated with 50 virgin mass reared females, 12 day-old. With the 

same procedure during 18 testing days of B. correcta, each 2+n day-old (n=1-18) of 50 sterile 

males fed with difference type of diet were mated with 50 virgin mass reared females, 17 dayold. 

Results: From the 7th-15th testing days after prerelease diet feeding, young sterile B. dorsalis 

and B. correcta fed with S, SP = 3:1, SP = 2:1 and protein hydrolysate showed higher different 

mating percentage than those fed only water-agar significantly. Total testing period (15 days 

for B. dorsalis and 18 days for B. correcta) percentage of mating pairs of sterile male fed diet 

formula were highly significant difference than other fed with water-agar only. Young sterile 

male of B. dorsalis fed protein hydrolysate showed the highest percentage of mating pairs but 

not significantly difference to those fed S, SP = 3:1; and SP = 2:1. Bactrocera correcta fed 

with SP=3:1 achieved the highest percentage of mating pairs and significantly higher than 

sterile males fed with S and P only but not significantly difference to sterile males fed SP = 

2:1. 

Conclusions: Prerelease diet, sugar only, combination of sugar and protein hydrolysate 3:1, 2:1 

and portein hydrolysate only showed non significantly difference of mating pairs for sterile B. 

dorsalis males but B. correcta males fed with SP=3:1 and SP=2:1 showed mating percentage 

significantly superior than S and P feeding. Sterile males of B. dorsalis and B. correcta fed 

only water-agar as prerelease diet obtained very low mating success. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera correcta, young sterile, prerelease diet, mating pairs 

223


STARTER DIET AS INITIATING FEED FOR THE ANASTREPHA LUDENS LARVAE IN 

MASS REARING CONDITIONS IN MOSCAFRUT FACILITY. 

Domínguez, Julio; Hernández, M. Refugio; Solís E., Eduardo A. * ; Rovelo M., Rosa E. & 

Báez M., Raúl 

Planta Moscafrut, Camino a los Cacahoatales S/N. Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, México. C.P. 30860. 

Background: The nutritional conditions in insects have a significant role in the ability of males 

to attract females and result in mating. The relation between nutrition and male reproductive 

behavior is shown by production of signs for courtship and males may use nutrients to 

synthesize materials for production of pheromones or substances transferred during copulation 

such as sperm (Braga, R. 2006). There is a general agreement that protein-fed males are more 

likely to mate. Vienna-7 sterile Med fly males mate much more frequently in cages with 

protein than did the regular sugar fed colony. On the other hand wild males that emerged in the 

laboratory and were tested for mate in a field cage also succeeded significantly better than 

sugar fed males (Braga, R. 2006). For Moscafrut Facility is important to maintain the 

characteristics of the flies and improve them at the level with the wild ones, so trying the gelid 

food as starter diet for the mass rearing to rise Anastrepha ludens and A. obliqua is expected 

that it will give the necessary nutriments which the larvae requires, transferring to the final diet 

(the traditional diet in less proportion) to finish its maturity process; giving the desire mass 

rearing and quality parameters and in the other hand the high costs of the elaborating diet will 

be reduced (there is a high consume of imported ingredients for the traditional diet). 

Method: After seeding the egg in the jelly diet (Nutryfly®) the new larvae was transferred to 

the normal diet to finish its development, then it was separated from the diet, continuing with 

its recovery as pupae and adult. So the parameters that will be tested are: yield egg-larvae, 

number of larvae per tray and larvae weight. The values of established parameters are: Yield 

egg-larvae (Y.E-L): 75%; weight larvae: 26 mg; number larvae/tray: 20,900. 

Results: From the three egg densities (1.2 ml, 1.4 ml and 1.6 ml) the results were: 1.2 ml: 

73.36% Y.E-L, 25.78 mg and 19,273 larvae/tray; 1.4 ml: 66.88 Y.E-L, 25.14 mg and 20,504 

larvae/tray; 1.6 ml: 58.86% T.E-L, 24.39 mg and 20,578 larvae/tray. With the data obtained 

from the 1.2 ml was selected for a second phase to improve it, this because two of the three 

parameters were close to get, so in the second part the test was divided, a seeding was done in 

the morning (9:00 am) and the other in the afternoon (6:00 pm) considering the egg hatching; 

the results were: 1.2 ml in the morning: 69.47% T.E-L, 28.37 mg and 18,211 larvae/tray; 1.2 

ml in the afternoon: 75.59% T.E-L, 27.80 mg and 19,958 larvae/tray. 

Conclusions: according the results using a low density (1.2ml) it is possible to obtain the 

production and the quality parameters (even the yield is high and the longevity per cent); if the 

temperature for the egg hatching (increasing it) can be regulated is possible to improve the 

results in the starter feed; so it is useful to try 1.2 ml for the further tests between the gelid food 

as starting feed with the traditional feed and compare the results in a mass rearing system in A. 

ludens, also for A. obliqua. Finally other benefits come from this kind of feeding, like the 

residual reduction of the diet, the minimized import ingredients consumption, the space and the 

storage are optimized in the areas. 

Keywords: starter diet, yield egg-larvae, larvae weight and larvae per tray


EFFECT OF ANOXIA ON MASS REARED QUEENSLAND FRUIT FLY BACTROCERA 

TRYONI (FROGGATT) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Dominiak, Bernard C. 1 , Sundaralingam, S. 2 , Jiang, L. 2, , & Nicol. H. I. 3 

1 NSW Department of Industry and Investment, Locked Bag 21, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia. 

Email: bernie.dominiak@industry.nsw.gov.au; and The Department of Brain, Behaviour & Evolution, Macquarie 

University, NSW 2109, Australia; 2 Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Industry and 

Investment, PMB 8, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia; 3 Nicol Consulting, 95 Ophir Road, Orange, 

New South Wales, 2800, Australia 

Background: Area wide treatments using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) rely on irradiated 

or sterile fruit flies to produce no viable offspring in wild fly populations. Irradiation of 

oxygenated tissues is known to cause adverse effects on fruit fly and need to be minimised. A 

simplest method to decrease the level of oxygen in pupae is to seal pupae in plastic bags and 

allow the oxygen levels to decline to the low levels. However some species do not survive 

well in depleted oxygen for long periods. We report here on tests conducted on Bactrocera 

tryoni (Froggatt) Qfly to evaluate the adverse effects of different periods of anoxia. 

Methods: Four experiments were conducted using irradiated and non irradiated Qfly pupae at 

17°C, 21°C and 25°C. Anoxia for 56, 96, 168 and 192 hours were tested. At the end of each 

period of anoxia, the bags were opened and eclosion allowed to occur. After full eclosion, the 

percentage successful eclosion was assessed and analysed statistically. 

Results: In the first experiment using unirradiated pupae for up to 56 hours of anoxia, the 

highest average eclosion of 89.5% occurred at 21°C. In the second experiment using 

unirradiated pupae at up to 96 hours of anoxia, there was a decline from 89.4% eclosion at 0 

hours to 78.1% at 96 hours with again 21°C resulting in higher eclosion. There were small 

changes in the percentage of partially eclosed adults but larger increases in uneclosed pupae. In 

the third experiment, irradiated and unirradiated pupae were compared up to 192 hours of 

anoxia at only 17°C. The average eclosion declined by 14% to about 70%. Unirradiated pupae 

had 8% higher average eclosion compared with irradiated pupae. The fourth experiment used 

only irradiated pupae at 17°C. Full eclosion at 0 hours was 78.0% and declined to 64.6% at 192 

hours. 

Conclusions: Optimum eclosion appears to occur at 21°C. Ecolsion declined at approximately 

0.1% eclosion per hour of anoxia during the first 96 hours. There was a 12-14% decline in 

eclosion after 192 hours of anoxia. These results are at variance with many other species. Qfly 

are tolerant of long periods of anoxia and current practices will not disadvantage eclosion rates 

as long as temperatures are kept at optimal. 

225


CAN STERILE SPERM PRESENCE AND FRUIT DAMAGE BE USED AS INDICATORS OF 

EFFICACY OF MEDFLY SIT PROGRAMS? 

Juan-Blasco, María 1* ; Sabater-Muñoz, Beatriz 1 ; Martínez-Utrillas, Miguel Ángel 2 ; 

Martínez, Marta 2 ; Plá, Ignacio 2 ; Argilés, Rafael 2 ; Castañera, Pedro 1 ; Jacas, Josep A. 3 & 

Urbaneja, Alberto 1 . 

1 Unidad Asociada de Entomología UJI-IVIA-CIB CSIC. Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología; Instituto 

Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, IVIA; Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km 4.5; E-46113-Moncada (Spain). 

Email: juan_marbla@gva.es. 2 Departamento de Plagas. TRAGSA. Release Unit. Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km 

4.5; E-46113-Moncada (Spain). 3 Unidad Asociada de Entomología UJI-IVIA-CIB CSIC. Departament de 

Ciències Agràries i del Medi Natural; Universitat Jaume I, UJI; Campus del Riu Sec; E-12071-Castelló de la 

Plana (Spain). 

Background: A Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programme against the Mediterranean fruit fly, 

Ceratitis capitata, has the goal of decreasing the target population by area-wide release of large 

numbers of sterile males. These sterile males will mate with wild females, which will then 

produce unviable eggs and consequently a decrease of the wild population. Success of a SIT 

programme requires a continued evaluation of its efficacy which is currently evaluated by 

monitoring of both wild and sterile males by means of pheromone baited traps. In this work, 

the efficacy in suppression of 5 medfly male ratios (wild:sterile) were evaluated in a citrus field 

experiment. For this aim, the correlation between sterile males mate achievement, measured by 

molecular sperm identification in trapped wild females, and the production of viable progeny 

measured as pupae emerged from sentinel fruits, was obtained. 

Methods: The experiment was conducted in 17-y-old single mesh-caged clementine trees. In 

each cage (3 x 3 x 3 m) 50 wild males and 50 wild females with the corresponding sterile 

males (ratios of 1:0; 1:1; 1:5; 1:10 and 1:20 wild: sterile) were released. Ten susceptible fruits 

were hold on each tree to count after exposition the number of emerging medfly pupae per 

fruit. The presence of Vienna-8 sterile male sperm in the spermathecae of collected female was 

detected by specific PCR markers. 

Results: The number of medfly pupae emerged per fruit was significantly different between 

treatments. Treatments of 1:5 and higher ratios showed a number of pupae emerged 

significantly lower than treatments 1:1 and 1:0 where no sterile males were released. The 

percentage of population reduction was around 80% for the 1:5; 1:10 and 1:20 (wild: sterile) 

treatments when compared to trees with no sterile males releases. Accordingly, percentages 

females with presence of sterile sperm were detected in those treatments where sterile males 

were released. Among ratios tested, number of pupae emerged per fruit was related to 

percentage of sterile sperm detection. 

Conclusions: The 1:5, 1:10 and 1:20 (wild: sterile) C. capitata males ratios effectively reduced 

medfly populations and this was reflected in a reduction in fruit damage. The results of the 

experience showed a relation between fruit damage and sterile sperm molecular identification. 

Implications of these results for a SIT programme are discussed. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, sterile insect technique, (wild: sterile) male ratio, medfly infestation, mating 

success, PCR sperm detection.


ADVANCES IN THE MASS REARING OF ANASTREPHA SERPENTINA (WIEDEMANN) 

(DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN PERU. 

López, Karim*; Nolazco, Norma & García, Juliana 

Desarrollo de Métodos (DM) de la Unidad del Centro de Producción de Moscas de la Fruta (UCPMF), del 

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria (SENASA), Lima-Perú. Email: klopez@senasa.gob.pe. 

Background: Agricultural activity in the Peru has acquired great economic importance since it 

generates foreign exchange through export; this activity has been limited by the presence of 

fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha. In the Peru, one of the three species of major economic and 

quarantine importance is Anastrepha serpentina which causes strong damage to fruit species 

such as Lucuma obovata and Sapotaceae other, causing serious economic losses in the 

Peruvian farmers. Therefore, in the Laboratory of Methods Development SENASA is carry 

research related to colonization, mass rearing, sterilization behavior and fruit fly Anastrepha 

complex with the objective of implementing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to control this 

pest. Here is the advance in mass rearing A. serpentina achieved in Peru. 

Methods: The colony established and maintained in the laboratory was obtained from pupae 

recovered from infested fruits from the field (of two places: Cajamarca and Ayacucho). Having 

obtained the adult flies, the first problem was to obtain the eggs of A. serpentina form 

artificially. We tested different panels of oviposition (two colors mesh Bombay). Once 

approved this panel, were tested for hatching of eggs and artificial diet was developed to carry 

out the life cycle of flies in the laboratory. 

Results: It was possible to establish the environmental conditions for this species, temperatures 

and humidity of the environments used for each stage of A. serpentina ranged from 19-28º C 

and 60-85% relative humidity. From the 5th generation began to collect eggs in the oviposition 

panel: Bombay blue mesh recommended by other researchers and as the cages have been used, 

oviposition increased, reaching up to 1.5 ml collecting egg per day from 4 cages with an 

average of 32 000 adults in each cage, from infested fruits in the laboratory. The artificial diet 

tested was composed of: hydrolysate enzimatic protein, sugar, methylparaben, sodium 

benzoate, citric acid and “chala” (leaves and stems of corn dry and milled) as texturizing agent, 

we were able obtained pupae with a weight average of 15 mg and a 70% of emergency. 

Conclusions: It is possible the progressive adaptation of A. serpentina under laboratory 

conditions for subsequent mass rearing in our country. The selected artificial diet is still in 

testing because it requires fine-tune the quantities of inputs to use and conduct more tests with 

other types of inputs to achieve a greater recovery of larvae and adults. 

Keywords: Anastrepha serpentina, fruit fly, oviposition, Sterile Insect Technique 

227


PRE-RELEASE PROTEIN DIET, ALSO A KISS OF DEATH FOR ANASTREPHA LUDENS? 

Meza, J. Salvador 1,2* , Tejeda, Marco T. 1 , Díaz-Fleischer, Francisco 1 & Pérez-Staples, 

Diana 1 

1 INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Apartado Postal 250, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; Email: 

mezajs@hotmail.com; 2 National Campaign Fruit Flies. Programa Moscafrut. Acuerdo SAGARPA-IICA, México. 

Central Poniente No. 14 Col Centro CP 30700 Tapachula Chiapas México. 

Background: Protein supplements offered during the pre-release period have been shown to 

improve male mating competitiveness in Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera tryoni. However, 

protein during pre-release could be a “kiss of death” for flies if they are released into a stressful 

environment where they may starve if food is scarce. Here, we tested the sexual performance 

and longevity of sterile Anastrepha ludens (aka Mex fly) males and females fed sugar and 

protein (hydrolysed yeast) during different days during the six-day pre-release period and then 

starved until sexual maturity. 

Methods: Sterile males and females were offered protein and sugar for varying numbers of 

days during the pre-release period for A. ludens. Protein was offered at the beginning of 

emergence or before release in a total of 10 combinations. After 5 days, all flies where starved 

and offered water only until 10 days of age. Control flies were fed continuous protein and 

sugar or sugar only until 10 days of age. Daily survival was noted. The number of copulations 

of males and females from each treatment were recorded for flies that survived until 10 days of 

age. 

Results: Preliminary results suggest that flies fed on sugar and protein for 5 to 3 days and then 

offered water only did not survive to sexual maturity. However, males fed sugar and protein for 

only two days immediately after adult emergence or immediately before release did survive on 

water only and where more competitive sexually than males fed sugar only. Furthermore, 

females fed protein during two days did not mate. 

Conclusions: Providing protein supplements for a short period of time to females may not be 

enough for them to mature sexually, which could favor a unisexual release in this species. 

Protein supplements provided for only two days immediately after emergence or immediately 

before release may be enough to increase the sexual performance of sterile males without the 

detrimental effects on longevity. 

Keywords: Mexfly, protein diet, sexual competitiveness, longevity


EXPOSURE OF STERILE MALES TO GINGER ROOT OIL REDUCES MATING IN WILD 

CERATITIS CAPITATA FEMALES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Morelli, Renata 1 ; Paranhos, Beatriz J* 2 ; Coelho, Mello A 3 ; Castro, Rosimary 2 ; Garziera, 

Luiza 2 ; Lopes, Fabiana 2 & Bento, Jose Mauricio S 1 

1 University of São Paulo, ESALQ, Department of Entomology and Acarology, C.P. 9, 13418-900 Piracicaba-SP, 

Brazil. E-mail: jmsbento@esalq.usp.br; 2 Embrapa Semi Arid, Laboratory of Entomology, Petrolina-PE, Brazil; 

3 University of São Paulo, ESALQ, Department of Exact Sciences, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil. 

Background: Females of Ceratitis capitata are facultatively polyandrous, with remating more 

common in laboratory strains rather than wild ones. In the application of the Sterile Insect 

Technique (SIT) against this pest, large overflooding ratios of sterile: wild males can increase 

the remating frequency, because females that mate for the first time with a sterile male tend to 

remate more frequently. The exposure of sterile males to ginger root oil (GRO) is used in C. 

capitata SIT programmes to increase the sterile male’s mating success. Exposing males to an 

aromatherapy with GRO results in greater competitiveness of sterile males when competing for 

wild females, and this may also increase the remating frequency among wild females. 

Methods: This work examined, under greatly male biased sex ratios, whether sterile male 

exposure to GRO has an effect on the remating behavior of wild females. The frequency of 

wild females remating, number of matings per female, the refractory period between the first 

and second mating, and the duration of the first and second matings of wild females were 

determined under laboratory conditions for three mating scenarios that included wild males 

only or wild males competing with sterile males (either GRO-treated or non-treated). 

Results: Wild females first mated with sterile males exposed to GRO had their remating rate 

over six days and the mean number of matings per female reduced in comparison to those first 

mated with non-exposed sterile males, from 62.5% to 31.1% and from 3.1 to 1.6, respectively. 

Conclusion: The remating parameters of females mated with sterile GRO-exposed males 

resembled those of females mated with wild males. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, female receptivity, sterile insect technique, α-copaene 

229


EFFECT OF METHYL EUGENOL EXPOSITION TO YOUNG STERILE MALES OF 

BACTROCERA DORSALIS(HENDEL) AND BACTROCERA CORRECTA (BEZZI) ON 

MATING SUCCESS. 

Pinkaew, Supaap*; Chinvinijkul, Suksom & Orankanok, Watchreeporn 

1 Department of Agricultural Extension, 2143/1 Paholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Thailand. Email: 

pinkaew_mon555@yahoo.com 

Background: Area-wide integrated control of fruit flies are going on in Thailand while Areawide 

Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program against fruit flies are increasingly implemented 

worldwide. Achievement of SIT is to assess mating success of released sterile males. Influence 

of methyl eugenol, ME, was generally known as effective to the sexual maturity male fruit 

flies. We reported here on effect of methyl eugenol on young sterile males as a precise marker 

to assess mating performance. 

Methods: Premature mass reared sterile males of the 32nd and 34th generations of two species 

tephritid fruit fly, (Diptera: Tephritidae), Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Bactrocera 

correcta (Bezzi), respectively were fed only water-agar after eclosion. The first group of sterile 

males, 2, 3, 4 and 5 day-old, were exposed to 1 ml ME from 8.00-9.00 a.m. The second group 

of the same ages were not exposed to ME and provided with standard adult diet, sugar protein 

hydrolysate, SP 3:1, and water al libitum. During 15 testing days of 50 B. dorsalis sterile males 

without ME, 50 sterile males with ME, and 50 mature wild males (23 day-old) were introduced 

into field cage competing for 50 of mature wild females (21 day-old). Bactrocera correcta 

were conducted and observed similar as B. dorsalis. But the testing day for B. correcta took 18 

days; mature wild males were 34 day-old; mature wild females were 37 day-old. 

Results: Bactrocera dorsalis sterile males, 2 day-old, exposed to ME showed significantly 

higher percentage of mated pairs than ones achieved by non methyl-eugenol and set of 3+n, 

4+n and 5+n day-old males after exposed 2-15 days. Higher percentage of mated pairs were 

shown on the first day after exposed than the group without ME and reached no significantly 

different on the 5th-8th and 10th, 13th-15th day after treated. Enhanced mating performance of 

older fly B. dorsalis strongly presented for 15 days. Meanwhile sterile males exposed to ME at 

age 3, 4 and 5 days were started no significant different from the 3rd, 2nd and 2nd day after 

treated, respectively. For B. correcta, percentage of mated pairs of all young sterile males 

exposed to ME at age 2, 3, 4 and 5 day-old were significantly higher than the ones achieved by 

non ME and reached non significant to wild males from the 6th-14th day. Older B. correcta 

flies treated at age 3, 4, 5 day-old showed high peak of the relative sterile index, RSI, that was 

non significant with wild males from the first day after treated. The relative sterile index of 

sterile males treated at age 3 and 4 days was better than wild males from the 8th-13th day and 

the 6th-11th day after treated, respectively. 

Conclusions: Young sterile males of B. dorsalis and B. correcta of 2, 3, 4 and 5 day-old 

exposed to ME showed manifest mating competitiveness significantly higher than non ME 

exposed steril males. But they were competitively inferior to mature wild males. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, Bactrocera correcta, young sterile male, methyl eugenol expose, mating 

competitiveness


INFLUENCE OF GINGER ROOT OIL EXPOSURE AND POST-TENERAL NUTRITION ON 

LONGEVITY AND MORTALITY IN BAIT TREATMENTS OF STERILE MEDFLY. 

San Andrés, Victoria 1,2 , Pérez-Panadés, Jordi 3 ; Carbonell, Emilio 3 ; Castañera, Pedro 2 & 

Urbaneja, Alberto 1 * 


Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5; Moncada 46113- Valencia (Spain). Email: aurbaneja@ivia.es. 2 Centro de 

Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Departamento 

Biología de Plantas, Madrid, Spain. 3 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias - Biometría, Carretera 

Montcada-Nàquera Km 4.5, Moncada, Valencia 46113, Spain, 

Background:A key issue for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programmes against medfly, 

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is to release sterile males that are 

sufficiently competitive with males from the wild population. Post-teneral nutrition and ginger 

oil (GRO) exposure of sterile males prior to release have been shown to improve male 

competitiveness or performance. However, few studies are available on the effect of postteneral 

nutrition and ginger oil exposure on longevity and mortality in bait treatments by sterile 

male C. capitata. Our study was based on the hypothesis that the increase of sexual activity of 

males exposed to GRO may have an energetic cost that induces them to search for food 

resources, such as proteins included in bait treatments. 

Methods: Four treatments were compared: (1) protein-fed flies not exposed to GRO, (2) 

protein-fed flies exposed to GRO, (3) protein-deprived flies not exposed to GRO, and (4) 

protein-deprived flies exposed to GRO. Longevity and mortality in bait treatments of sterile 

medfly of the Vienna 8 strain for the corresponding treatments were obtained. 

Results: Sterile male longevity was increased by the addition of protein to the standard prerelease 

sugar diet, whereas exposure to GRO did not influence their longevity. Mortality in 

spinosad baits was influenced both by diet and GRO exposure. Sterile males on a proteindeprived 

diet suffered greater mortality than sterile males fed with both sugar and protein. 

When sterile males were fed on the protein-deprived diet, GRO exposure increased their 

mortality. However, no significant differences were found in adults on the sugar-protein diet, 

whether or not they had been exposed to GRO. 

Conclusions: These results show, for the first time, a negative effect of GRO exposure in terms 

of increasing mortaliy in proteinaceous bait treatments, a common practice in areas where SIT 

is implemented. Nevertheless, this effect could be reduced by the addition of protein to the 

standard pre-release diet. The implications of these results for SIT programmes against C. 

capitata are discussed. 

Keywords: Sterile Insect Technique, SIT, medfly, sugar, protein, proteinaceous bait, Diptera, Tephritidae 

231


PROTEIN RESOURCE ALTERNATIVES FOR MASS REARING OF CERATITIS CAPITATA 

WIEDEMANN (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Silva Neto, Alberto M. 1 ; Santos, Tatiana R. O. 1 ; Dias, Vanessa S. 1 ; Joachim-Bravo, Iara 

S. 1 ; Benevides, Leandro J. 2 ; Benevides, Clicia M. J. 2 ; Silva, Mariangela V. L. 2 ; Santos, 

Deise C. C. 3 ; Virginio, Jair F.* 3 ; Oliveira, G. B. 4 ; Walder, Julio M. M. 5 ; Paranhos, 

Beatriz A. J. 6 & Nascimento, Antônio S. 7 

1 Universidade Federal da Bahia, Dep. de Biologia Geral, Campus Ondina, Av. Adhemar de Barros, Salvador-BA, 

Brazil; E-mail: bio.alberto@gmail.com; 2 UNEB- Departamento de Ciências da Vida- Campus 1, Salvador-BA, 

Brazil; 3 Biofábrica Moscamed Brasil, Juazeiro-BA, Brazil; 4 UFRB – Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Feira de 

Santana-BA, Brazil; 5 Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura – CENA/USP, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil; 6 Embrapa 

Semiarido (CPATSA), Petrolina-PE, Brazil; 7 Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura Tropical (CPNMF), Cruz das 

Almas-BA, Brazil. 

Background: Ceratitis capitata is one of the most economic importance pest in fruit crops 

around the world and it’s control need to be a safety and environmental friendly technique, 

such as Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), that consists to mass rearing insects with high quality 

insect and low cost. Artificial diet is the major bottleneck in the Facility Moscamed Brazil 

(BMB), regarding the source protein (yeast hydrolysate) of the adult's diet, because it is 

expensive and has to be imported. 

Methods: Two commercial products, from national origin and low cost, were tested (yeast 

autolysed-AL and yeast extract-EL) as substitutes of imported protein. The biological 

parameters appraised were: fecundity, adults' longevity and eggs’ viability. 

Results: We founded that flies mass reared on the national protein sources were equivalent or 

superior to the flies on imported one, where females fed on EL protein in laboratory conditions 

presented higher fecundity and females fed on EL protein had higher longevity. 

Conclusions: Based in the obtained results the two commercial products demonstrated to be 

possible substitutes for imported protein (yeast hydrolysate) in C. capitata mass rearing, which 

can be easily found in the national market, and with low cost. 

Keywords: Mediterranean fruit fly, medfly, adult diet, facility, SIT.


IMPROVED AND DEVELOPED OF ALTERNATIVE LARVAL DIETS FOR MASS 

REARING FRUIT FLIES SPECIES OF THE GENUS ANASTREPHA. 

Hernández, Emilio* 1 ; Rivera, Pedro 1 ; Bravo, Bigail 1 ; Salvador, Miguel 2 & Chang, Chiou 

L. 3 

1 Desarrollo de Métodos, Programa Moscafrut-Moscamed SAGARPA-IICA. Calle Central Poniente No. 14, 

Centro. 30700 Tapachula Chiapas, México. E-mail: emilioho@prodigy.net.mx; 2 Centro de Biociencias, 

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Tapachula, Chiapas, México; 3 U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research 

Center, USDA-ARS, 64 Nowelo St., Hilo, HI 96720. 

Background: Mass rearing fruit flies for Sterile Insect Technique programs needs artificial 

diets to maintain and developed larvae of the target species. The feasibility of any diet depends 

on the cost of the raw materials, their accessibility and quality. The Moscafrut Facility at 

Metapa, Chiapas, México has a continuous project for test available and developed new 

ingredients with potential to use for mass-production Anastrepha ludens and A. obliqua, and to 

maintain colonies of A. serpentina and A. striata with the goal to increase quality and decrease 

the cost. 

Methods: The work consisted of six experiments. In the first was determined the efficacy of 

new diets, jellified diet using corn, rice and potato starch (Nutrifly ® ), jellified diet using no 

purified agar (Agarmex) and liquid diet. In the second experiment were evaluated no typical 

protein sources, Tempeh (flour of chick pea fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus), Mubarqui ® 

(flour of Amaranthus seeds), lyophilized of fruits of Sargentia greggi and yeast extract; 

compared with Torula yeast and hydrolyzed protein. In the third experiment was evaluated the 

agar-started diet. In the fourth experiment was evaluated the elimination of the Methyl Paraben 

(Nipagen). In the fifth experiment was evaluated the Torula yeast content. In the last 

experiment were evaluated new commercial available torula yeast marks. 

Results: At experimental conditions the Nutrifly ® , liquid and agar diets increased the larval 

weight maintained the at least 70% of neonate larval survival for A. ludens, A. obliqua and A. 

serpentina. The Tempeh permitted high larval transformation and pupal weight in A. obliqua. 

The use of agar-started diet permitted the established of an experimental colony of A. striata. 

The absence of Nipagen had not any effect of the production and quality parameters. A. ludens, 

A. obliqua and A. serpentina required diets with 9, 7 and 5% content, respectively. Diets 

prepared with Lake States ® , Nutribio ® or Lallemand ® yeast produced excellent results in 

experimental tests for A. ludens and A. obliqua. 

Conclusions: Jellified diet with starch and agar have high potential to use as started diet, which 

as liquid diet permit save space and production cost. Tempeh, Mubarqui ® , and lyophilized of 

fruits need to improve but today they could be used to substitute partially the torula yeast. 

Started diet permits high larval survival during the colonization and establishment of new 

colonies. Nipagen is not necessary for larval survival in the diet. Lake States ® , Nutribio ® 

(Biosaf) and Lallemand ® yeast permitted survival larvae. Protein sources as distiller´s dried 

grains and soluble (DDGS) should be tested. 

Keywords: Anastrepha, larval diets, protein sources, started diets, torula yeast 

233


EFFECT OF ENSILED RICE STRAW AND FRUIT FLY LEFTOVERS ON BEEF CATTLE 

PERFORMANCE. 

Orankanok, Somchai* 1 ; Thumdee, Patama 1 ; Katepongpun, Wichit 1 & Orankanok, 

Watchreeporn 2* 

1 

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rajamangala University of 

Technology Tawan-Ok (RMUTTO), Chonburi. 20110. Thailand. . Email: orankanoks@hotmail.com; 2 

Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives; 2143/1 Phahol Yotin Road, 

Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900. Thailand. 

Background: Fruit fly mass rearing need a large amount of larva diet which is wheat bran based 

diet. Spent larva diet or fruit fly leftovers (FFL) still contain nutritive value for livestock as 

shown by proximate analysis of 57.98 % moisture, 12.7 % crude protein, 1.86 % fat, 19.36 % 

fiber, 7.84 % ash, 0.05 % calcium and 0.2 % phosphorous. Application of fruit fly leftovers as 

livestock feed could save cost of environmental problem in term of disposing the used diet and 

save feed cost of livestock production. 

Methods: Change over design was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of 4 treatments. A; 

ensiled 95 kg. of 4 % urea-rice straw + 5 kg. of malasses (control). B; ensiled 60 kg. of 5 % 

urea-rice straw + 5 kg. of malasses + 35 kg. of FFL. C; ensiled 45 kg. of 5 % urea-rice straw + 

5 kg. of malasses + 50 kg. of FFL. D; ensiled 30 kg. of 5 % urea-rice straw + 5 kg. of malasses 

+ 65 kg. of FFL. 16 hybrid cattle were assigned as individual effect and 4 phases of feeding 

were assigned as row effect. Each phase of feeding was 4 weeks with 2 weeks of resting 

period. 

Results: Four treatments of cattle feed show gradually decreased from 8.5 (A; control), to 7 (B; 

35 % FFL), 6.5 (C; 50 % FFL), and 5.5 (D; 65% FFL) corresponding with increasing of strong 

smell of ammonia. The first 3 groups of ensiled feed were yellow-to-brown in color whereas 

feed D produced brown-to-dark brown color. Average daily gain (kg./day) of feed A, B, C and 

D were 0.790, 0.710, 0.840 and 0.620, respectively and found significant difference (p


PERFORMANCE OF GROWING SWINE FED BY DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH 

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FRUIT FLY MASS-REARING DIET LEFTOVERS. 

Orankanok, Somchai* 1 ; Watechakul, Narumon 1 ; Chinvinijkul, Suksom 2 & Orankanok, 

Watchreeporn 2 * 

1 Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rajamangala University of 

Technology Tawan-Ok (RMUTTO), Chonburi. 20110. Thailand. Email: orankanoks@hotmail.com; 2 Department 

of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, 2143/1 Phahol Yotin Road, Chatuchak, 

Bangkok, 10900, Thailand. Email: Watchreporn@yahoo.com 

Background: Larva diet, wheat bran based diet, in process of fruit fly mass rearing consist of 

wheat bran, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, sodium benzoate, methyl-p-hydroxybenzonate, 

acetic acid and water. Nutrients in the used larva diet or fruitfly leftovers(FFL) were shown by 

proximate analysis of 57.98 % moisture, 12.7 % crude protein, 1.86 % fat, 19.36 % fiber, 7.84 

% ash, 0.05 % calcium and 0.2 % phosphorous with amino acids frofile of 0.44 % alanine, 0.31 

% arginine, 0.13% cystine, 0.37 % glycine, 0.32 % histidine, 0.22 % isoleucine, 0.56 % 

leucine, 0.23 % lysine, 0.13 % methionine, 0.31% phenylalanine, 0.27 % threonine, 0.13 % 

tryptophan, 0.18 % tyrosine and 0.31 % valine. The mentioned nutrients are benefit to produce 

swine feed, especially feed for growing- finishing swines since major cost of production of this 

period is feed cost. 

Methods: Randomized complete block design was applied to evaluate experimental feed. Growing 

swines, 60 kg. of body weight, were divided in to 4 groups. Each group was composed of 8 swines. 

Treatments were grower diet varied by different levels of dried fruit fly leftovers as followed : 

treatment 1, grower diet with 20 % rice bran without FFL (control); treatment 2, 

grower diet with 7.5 % rice bran + 7.5 % FFl; treatment 3, grower diet with 0 % rice bran + % 15 

FFL; treatment 4, grower diet with 0 % rice bran + 20 % FFL. Each diet group was fortified by 3,200 

kg cal/kg ME, 18 % protein and other nutrient requirements followed by NRC(1998). All of swines 

were fed by full feeding until about 100 kg. of body weight. 

Results: Palatability of diets mixed with FFL were a bit better than control group resulting in higher 

feed intake and faster growth rate in term of average daily gain which were 0.872, 0.967, 0.970 and 

0.851 gram/day for control, 7.5 % FFl, 15 % FFL and 20 %FFL, respectively. Growth rate of 7.5 and 

15 % FFL were significantly higher than 20 % FFL (p


SEXUAL MATURATION IN A MUTANT STRAIN OF ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS 


Peralta, Patricia A.; Segura, Diego F.*; Milla, Fabián H. & Cladera, Jorge L. 

Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Genética "Ewald Favret" (IGEAF) De los 

Reseros y Repetto (1712) Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. pperalta@cnia.inta.gov.ar 

Background: Sexual maturation is a relatively long process in Anastrepha males. This leads to 

an increase in the costs to apply the sterile insect technique (SIT) because the flies must be kept 

in laboratory conditions for several days before released. Our objective was to study the 

duration of the sexual maturation process in a mutant strain in Anastrepha fraterculus and to 

study the heretability of this trait. 

Methods: To estimate sexual maturity we observed the sexual behavior of males at different 

ages, after offering them sexually mature virgin females. The percentage of males that mated at 

different ages was the variable under study. We analyzed two strains: an eye color mutant 

(#3210) and a wild-type strain as control (L-TUC). We found that males from strain #3210 had 

a significantly shorter pre-copulatory period than the males from the other strain. To study the 

heredability of this character in the mutant strain, we performed crosses between individuals 

from the #3210 strain and the males and females of wild-type stock. 

Results: We observed that the sons of #3210 males matured significantly faster than the 

descendants of wild-type males, irrespective of the origin of the mother. When the descendants 

of both sexes were analyzed at the 6 th and 13 th generation, we found that these results were 

repeated. 

Conclusions: These results encourage the use of this strain of A. fraterculus both as model to 

study the inheritance of genes associated to the sexual maturation, and also as a candidate 

strain for massive rearing and release with the framework of an SIT program against this fruit 

fly pest. 

Keywords: sexual maturation, Anastrepha fraterculus mutant, males pre-copulatory period.

Session 6 

Area-Wide & Action Programs


SIT PILOT PROJECT IN CROATIA; CONTROL OF MEDFLY BY SIT IN THE NERETVA 

VALLEY 

Bjelis, Mario¹; Marusic, Ivana¹ & Popovic, Luka² 

¹Croatian Center for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Zagreb; Zvonimirova 14 a, 21210 Solin, 

mario.bjelis@hcphs.hr; ² Croatian Center for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, SIT Emergency facility, Tisno 

bb, 20355 Opuzen. 

Background: The Neretva river valley is divided with a part in the Republic of Croatia and a 

part in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has been noted that highest damage caused by medfly – 

Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera, Tephritidae) is along the border area and can cause up to 

30% damage on mandarines. The Croatian Government strongly supports the project since the 

medfly became a serious pest in the valley. Interest from the Croatian Government to integrate 

the sterile insect technique (SIT) on an area-wide basis as an alternative for insecticide-based 

medfly control in consultation with the Joint FAO/IAEA Division determined that Neretva 

river valley could be a good location to apply this environmentally friendly pest control method 

as part of an integrated pest management system. The Neretva valley, is the largest citrus 

production area in Croatia. 

The Neretva river valley is a relatively isolated ecosystem (similar to that of the Hex River 

Valley in South Africa where IAEA had supported activities of medfly control by using of 

SIT). This provides a good probability of success for a future project since such relative 

isolation by mountains would limit the movement of wild medfly adults into the valley. A 

national project involving the Neretva Valley as a pilot project for southern Europe is feasible 

in view that it represents an ecosystem at the northern edge of medfly distribution. 

Methods: An pilot area of 650 ha of mandarine was selected as pilot area where sterile males 

are released since april 2010. The files were produced in BioFly Israel, and were shipped 

directly to Croatian airport Split, twice per week. A total of 70 shipments will be delivered to 

Croatia during 2010, as a part of FAO/IAEA RER 5014 TCP. 

Croatian government build an emergency facility with capacity of 20 mil flies/week in city of 

Opuzen in Neretva river valley. 

Results and Conclusions: The Neretva valley includes over 80% of the Croatian national citrus 

production, valued at USD 13 million of exported mandarine fruit per year, mostly to EU. The 

medfly control by integrating SIT technique would ecconomically benefit all local stakeholders 

including growers and the public at large in view more access to fresh fruits. This program will 

benefit from the support of the local authorities as well as of the growers and exporters. 

Keywords: Neretva river valley, SIT technique, pilot project 

239


THE CUBANS EXPERIENCES ON MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT FLY 

ANASTREPHA SPP (DIPTERA:TEPHRITIDAE) IN MANGO (MANGIFERA INDICA L) 

AND GUAVA (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA. L ) CULTURE. 

Borges, Mirtha*; Beltrán, Alina; Mulkay, Tania; Rodriguez, Jorge L.; Hernández, Doris 

& Paumier, Adrian . 

Dirección de Ciencia y Técnica, Grupo de Ecología y Manejo de Plagas, Instituto de Investigaciones en 

Fruticultura Tropical (IIFT), Miramar Playa, Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba; Email: mirthaborges@iift.cu. 

Background: Agricultural programs for sustained fruit tree production have increased during 

last years, contributing to availability of products for consumption and marketing. Tephritid 

fruit flies constitute one of the main pests of tropical and subtropical fruit trees. The presence 

of fruit fly species of Anastrepha genus in fruit tree culture has originated the application of 

quarantine regulations and restrictions of importing and exporting countries Of them, due to 

importance for Cuban fruitculture stand out seven, being of the greater impact: "Caribbean fruit 

fly", Anastrepha suspensa Loew, "West Indian fruit fly" Anastrepha obliqua Mcquart, in guava 

and mango indistinctly. 

Methods: Studies on mango and guava cultures were done with the following objectives: 

taxonomic identification, monitoring systems (traps, attractants and fruit sampling, occurrence 

of parasites), population behavior, and prospecting and control methods. Entomological 

inspections were done to detect the presence of fruit fly parasitoids in traps with attractants and 

collected fruits. The use of chemical, agrotechnical, cultural biological and postharvest control 

methods were tested in mango and guava cultures. 

Results: The obtained result was that Anastrepha obliqua and A. suspensa were the species of 

more frequency in the culture. It is proposed as result the of use Torula yeast as attractant 

alternative with varieties and contributions to monitoring and sampling system, alternative host 

plant ,population behavior ,biological control (prospection & application ) with the detection 

by first time in Cuba the larvae parasite Utetes anastrephae ( Hymenoptera: Braconidae ) and 

the application of the entomopathogenous nematodes Heterorabhditis indica on larvae and 

pupae of these species of fruit flies. The agrotechnical, cultural and chemical (insecticide- bait) 

methods showed good results. The effectivity of treatment postharvest with the use of hot 

water on the fruits of mango cv Super Haden, presented 4 for the egg stadium and zero for 

larvae, while with wax cover, a total of 48 and 53 alive larvae were obtained. In the 

combinations wax cover + hot water, the control of larvae was of 100%. This effectivity of 

control pre & postharvest are important and insert in the IPM Program. 

Conclusions: The use of alternative attractants, the knowledge of the behavior, hosts plants of 

Anastrepha spp, the agrotechnical, chemical cultural, biological control and postharvest assays 

offer promissory result in this work line of importance for the economic and quarantine point 

of view. These results constitute the principal basis of IPM on fruit flies of economic 

importance in Cuba conditions. 

Keywords: Anastrepha, monitoring, mango guava, pre and postharvest control


ADVANCES IN THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME AGAINST FRUIT FLIES IN MÉXICO. 

Gutiérrez-Ruelas, José M.*; Santiago-Martínez, Guillermo; Cárdenas-Lozano, Jesús & 

de los Santos, Martín. 

Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA). Dirección General de Sanidad 

Vegetal (DGSV). Av. Guillermo Pérez Valenzuela No. 127 Colonia del Carmen Coyoacán, C.P. 04100 México, 

D. F. Email: jruelas@senasica.gob.mx 

Background: In 1992 the Government of Mexico established the National Program against 

Fruit Flies (NPFF) in order to control populations of Anastrepha ludens, A. obliqua, A. striata 

and A. serpentina, and establish Free Areas of Fruit Flies (FA-FF) and Areas of Low 

Prevalence of Fruit Flies (ALP-FF), under an Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management (AW- 

IPM) approach, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and the Augmentative Biological 

Control (ABC). In this paper we report the most significant achievements in the period 2001 - 

2010. 

Methods: We established strategic alliances among the Federal Government, State 

Governments and fruit producers, to combine efforts and economic resources to implement the 

Strategic Plan for the control of the pest. We signed an Agreement Cooperation with the 

Interamerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), for the production of sterile flies 

A. ludens and A. obliqua, and the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. With the Institute 

of Ecology AC, and the International Atomic of Energy Agency (IAEA) were implemented 

specific projects to perform basic and applied research. Currently, the SIT is applied on 100 

000 ha of citrus, mango and guava, for which we operate five centres of Packaging and Release 

of sterile flies under the system of chilling adult and aerial releases. On a weekly basis, in this 

facilities are packed an average of 215 million of sterile pupa, using PARC boxes or towers 

type “Mexico” or “Worly”. After emergence, the adult flies are supplied with juvenile hormone 

through the food, in order to accelerate sexual maturity. 

Results. In 2009 we produce 9.500 million of A. ludens sterile, 2.300 million of A. obliqua 

sterile and 1,600 million of D. longicaudata. Until May 2010, 49.91% (978.093 km2) of the 

national territory has been recognized as free area of fruit flies (FAFF), and 10.7% (210.603 

Km2) as low prevalence areas of fruit flies (ALP-FF). From free areas, we have been exported 

160 000 tons of mango, 120 000 tons of orange, and 7.300 tons of peach, with a trade value of 

U.S. $ 190 million. In our area of Methods Development, we have more strains of parasitoids 

(e.g., Coptera haywardi and Doryctobracon crawfordi), which in short time could be scaled to 

mass production with the aim to strengthen the biological control of the pest. In our project of 

genetic sexing, we obtained a new strain of A. ludens which is differentiated by black pupae in 

females, which allows us the exclusive selection of males. This condition is a relevant attribute 

for the SIT, so we have started evaluating the quality of the strain, and scaling it for mass 

production. 

Conclusions. The economic evaluation of this Programme in six states of the Mexican 

Republic during the period of 1994-2008, demonstrates the benefits of the implemented 

actions, which reflects that investment has a positive cost-benefit ratio. 

Keywords: Area-Wide, IPM, SIT, Anastrepha spp. Pest Free Areas. 

241


SMALL ACREAGE AREA-WIDE CONTROL OF BACTROCERA DORSALIS HENDEL ON 

CITRUS. 

Huang, Yu-Bin 1,2* ; Kao, Ching-Hua 1 ; Chiang, Ming-Yao 1 & Cheng, Edward Y. 1 

1 Applied Zoology Division, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Wufeng, Taichung 41362, Taiwan, ROC, Email: 

ybhuang@tari.gov.tw; 2 Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40998 

Taiwan, ROC. 

Background: Citrus is a very important fruit crop in Taiwan with an acreage of more than 

32,000 ha. The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, OFF) is a constant problem on 

the crop, and since citrus is such an important export commodity, the OFF control program has 

been on the priority list ever since 1959. Following the success of area-wide control of OFF in 

sugar apple (in Taitung) and wax apple (in Juan-Nan), similar studies to control OFF damage 

on citrus were deemed appropriate. 

Methods: Da-Lin Township of Chia-Yi County was selected for this study, because citrus is the 

only fruit crop grown in this area. With the cooperation of area growers, an area-wide OFF 

control program was launched in 2005. It included a four step process: (1) Growers were 

organized into a cooperative control team. (2) OFF population densities were monitored, and 

appropriate geographic and agricultural data were collected. (3) Beginning two months prior to 

and lasting until the end of harvesting, methyl eugenol bait was used to attract and kill OFF. (4) 

Field sanitation. The control program was carried out in a 400 ha test area which included 120 

ha citrus orchards (60,000 trees) beginning in early June, 2005. No buffer zone was set as 

protect orchard and spatial warming. 

Results: The citrus production in Da-Lin was not subjected to bagging as was done in the wax 

apple and sugar apple studies. As such, the OFF damage rate was assessed directly. The OFF 

population was reduced to less than one fly per trap per day in comparison to historical data. 

By sampling the citrus fruits from three orchards, a fruit damage rate of 0.35% was observed. 

An additional benefit of this program was that no insecticides were needed. Reducing the OFF 

damage minimized not only the insecticide cost, but eliminated the insecticide residue problem 

as well. The quality of the citrus fruits was also improved. For each of the two consecutive 

years, eliminating the use of insecticide spray resulted in a cost saving estimated at 1.4 million 

NT dollars (US$ 44,343)/ year . 

Conclusions: Economic motivation and grower education are critical incentives in a successful 

area-wide control program. The success of such small acreage control programs can be used as 

a model for extention into other similar production areas in Taiwan in future studies. 

Keywords: Area-wide control, Bactrocera dorsalis, Citrus.


MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT) 

INFESTING GHERKINS USING AREA WIDE CONTROL. 

Hunasaghatta, Praveen M. 1 ; Muniyappa, Nandeesh 1 ; Chandra Mouli, Munikote R. 1* ; 

Gollahalli, Gundu R. V. 1 & Shanmugam, Vijaysegaran 2 

1 Global Green Company Limited, #14, 80 feet road, 4 th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore – 560 034, India. Email: 

chandramouli.m@globalgreencompany.com; 2 Entomologist Emeritus, Brisbane, Australia. 

Background: The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, is a serious pest of gherkin (Cucumis 

sativus), which is cultivated by small individual farmers but collectively on a large scale 

through contract farming in southern peninsular India for export to world markets. Intensive 

control measures undertaken by individual gherkin farmers were insufficient as fruit damage 

was above 4%, and highly unacceptable to the export market. An area wide management 

(AWM) program using a combination of male annihilation technique (MAT), protein bait 

application technique (BAT) and sugar baits was thus attempted for more effective 

management of the melon fly. We report here on the success of this area wide management 

program in suppressing melon fly populations, and reducing and maintaining melon fly 

damage on gherkin at levels acceptable for export markets. 

Methods: The area wide management (AWM) program was undertaken over an area of 

approximately three square km in Kashapura village of Gauribidanur taluk, Chickaballapura 

district, southern Karnataka, over the period April 2008 to March 2010. The AWM area 

comprised gherkin (10%), other crops (50%) and fallow area (40%) within a central zone 

surrounded by a 50m buffer zone. The control methods used were male annihilation technique 

(MAT), protein bait application technique (BAT), and sugar baits. Male annihilation was 

achieved through cue lure + chlorpyriphos blocks (Nomate life time* from Agri Land) placed 

at 50 m intervals within the central zone, and 25 m apart within the buffer zone. The cue lure 

blocks were replaced monthly. Protein bait (Prima protein bait from Malaysia) plus malathion 

spot sprays were applied at weekly intervals to the gherkin crop. In addition, a sugar (10 % 

jaggery) plus malathion solution was applied to the maize grown as a border crop surrounding 

gherkin. The same treatments were imposed in individual gherkin plots situated 3 km away 

from the AWM area. To evaluate the effectiveness of the AWM program, melon fly 

populations (number of fruit flies trapped per day - FTD) were monitored continuously using 

cue lure traps that were cleared weekly. Levels of fruit fly damage to gherkin fruits at harvest 

were assessed by dissection of fruits in the factory.. 

Results: Treatments with MAT, BAT and sugar bait sprays in the AWM area trapped 0.9 fruit 

flies per day during first week of January 2008 and this was reduced to zero during the last 

week of April 2010. In comparison, treatments with MAT, BAT and sugar bait sprays in the 

control area outside the AWM area still trapped 0.02 flies in the last week of April 2010. In 

harvested gherkin fruits, fruit fly infestation in the AWM area was reduced to 0.3 %, which is 

acceptable by the factory compared to an infestation level of 1.5% in the control area. 

Conclusions: Area wide management with treatments, MAT, BAT and sugar bait sprays were 

highly effective in reducing infestation by melon fly in gherkin to less than 0.3 per cent, and 

enabled the gherkin industry in southern India to meet with the stringent quality required by 

international export markets. 

Keywords: Bactrocera cucurbitae, MAT, BAT, Area wide management, FTD. 

ESTABLISHMENT OF A COLONY OF THE NEW WORLD SCREWWORM, 

COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX, FOR COMING AW-IPM PROJECTS IN 

243


MERCOSUL. 

Mastrangelo, Thiago* 1 ; Fernandes, Thiago 1 ; Azeredo-Espin, Ana M. L. 2 ; Malavasi, Aldo 3 

& Walder, Julio M.M. 1 

1 Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA/USP). Av. Centenário 303, 13400-970, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. 

Email: piaui@cena.usp.br; 2 Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG) (DGEB/IB), 

Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). P.O. Box 6010, 13083-875, Campinas, SP, Brazil; 3 Biofactory 

MOSCAMED Brazil (BMB). Distrito Industrial do São Francisco, 48900-000, Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil. 

Background: Since the 1950’s, the AW-IPM programs integrating the SIT against the New 

World Screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), have been 

successful. The NWS was eradicated from the USA, Central America to Panama, but in most 

tropical regions of Latin America (excluding Chile), the NWS is still a serious threat to 

livestock. There is a raising interest for its suppression in South America. Between January and 

May 2009, a pilot-project, supported by the BID and COMEXA, was performed at the Brazil- 

Uruguay border. As the results were positive, novel regional AW-IPM projects can be planned. 

To set a mass-rearing center based in South America is strategic when considering long-term 

programs. The CENA/USP has a pilot-facility, built by the Agriculture Ministry and supported 

by FAO/IAEA, which serves to give technical support to SIT projects adopted by the 

government. In partnership with the Biofactory MOSCAMED Brazil, a project to produce 

sterile NWS started on 2009. 

Methods: The project aims to maintain a colony of a regional NWS strain, to develop a massrearing 

system and a sterilization protocol by X rays, and to study the sterility induction in 

regional strains. So far, a colony has been successfully established. The parental generation 

came from UNICAMP pupae (originally from Goiás State, Central Brazil). The adults are kept 

in cages (90x145x75 cm) and fed on a diet (honey, spray dried blood and brewer’s yeast- 

Bionis ® ). The oviposition substrate is a mix of larval diet disposal and blood. The larvae grow 

in a medium made of spray dried blood, spray dried egg, milk, sodium citrate, citric acid, 

water, formalin and ground meat (7%: 2%: 1%: 0.1%: 0.1%: 100%: 0.1%: 70% (w/v)). On the 

5 th day, larvae pupate in vermiculite. The colony is maintained at controlled rooms (38±1ºC; 

60±10% RH). 

Results: The colony has been reared for 7 generations. Egg hatch has been of 70±10%. From 

G1 to G7, the total amount of pupae produced was about 8 L (~ 67,000 pupae). The mean adult 

emergence and sex ratio (♀/♂+♀) were 86.7±3% and 0.59±0.08 respectively. Currently, only 

1.5 L pupae/generation is produced (cost ~ US$ 35.00), what is enough to conduct the rearing 

and sterilization bioassays. Tests to eliminate the meat from the larval diet and to introduce 

local bulk agents (as sugarcane bagasse and coconut fiber) are underway and will decrease the 

rearing cost. 

Conclusion: This NWS colony will be soon transferred to the BMB to attend coming SIT 

projects in MERCOSUL. 

Keywords: SIT, Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax.


AREA-WIDE BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT) CONTROL IN SELECTED 

AREAS OF MAURITIUS. 

Sookar, Preeaduth* 1 ; Hendrichs, Jorge 2 ; Alleck, Malini 1 ; Buldawoo, Indrani 1 ; 

Khayrattee, Fazilla B. 1 ; Choolun, Tejanand 1 ; Permalloo, Shradhanand 1 & Rambhunjun, 

Mahen 1 

1 Entomology Division, Agricultural Services, Ministry of Agro Industry Food Production & Security, Reduit, 

Mauritius. Email: psookar@mail.gov.mu. 2 Insect Pest Control Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, PO Box 100, 

Wagramer Strasse 5, A-1400 Vienna, Austria 

Background: The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), is the most important insect 

pest of cucurbit crops in Mauritius (Mascarenes island in the Indian Ocean) causing heavy 

damage. To control this pest, planters have recourse to regular conventional insecticide cover 

sprays with all their disadvantages. Besides, this practice adds up to their cost of production. A 

project entitled Feasibility Study for the Suppression of the Melon Fly in Selected Areas of 

Mauritius – MAR 5/016 was launched in June 2007. The main objectives of the project are to 

produce quality cucurbits through effective environment-friendly suppression methods and to 

minimise the use of pesticides for melon fly management. 

Methods: An isolated area of 110 ha occupied by some 135 cucurbit growers was selected. The 

growers were sensitised on the project through meetings, pamphlets, stickers and video film. 

As an incentive to participate fully in the project, they were all given sprayers, fruit disposal 

cages, protein bait and MAT blocks. The growers were introduced to the techniques used in 

area-wide melon fly suppression. Gradually they started to adopt the recommended methods, 

which included targeted bait applications, male annihilation technique and sanitation. Fruit 

flies were monitored through dry traps baited with Cuelure and Malathion, wet traps baited 

with modified waste brewer’s yeast and fruit collection and incubation in the labioratory. 

Results: Cucurbit infestation which was above 30% before project implementation was reduced 

to 5% one year later. A decrease in the frequency of pesticide application was noted. 25% of 

the planters were treating their crops thrice a week before the project was started compared to 

5% one year after project implementation. An increase in cucurbit production was noted. 85% 

of planters claimed to have obtained an increase in both quality and quantity of cucurbits. The 

melon fly population was reduced by 50%. 

Conclusions: Cucurbit growers were able to produce quality cucurbits by adopting 

environment-friendly techniques of melon fly control. The cost of cucurbit production was 

reduced through a decrease in use of pesticides as well as application costs. The project has 

demonstrated the use of an integrated approach to reduce insecticide use, and to produce better 

quality fruits. 

Keywords: Melon fly, trapping, bait application, male annihilation technique 

245


NEW ACHEIVEMENT OF FRUIT FLY SUPPRESSION PROGRAM IN THAILAND: CASE 

STUDY IN SAMUT SAKORN PROVINCE. 

Telavanich, Thitipong *1 ; Amornsak, Weerawan 2 & Orankanok, Watchreeporn 3 

1 Thai Fruit and Vegetable Producer Association, 29/10 Soi Charoennakorn 12, Charoennakorn Road, Klongbonsri, 

Klongsan, Bangkok. 10600. Email: okra@qualitygreen.com; 2 Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, 

Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; 3 Department of Agriculture 

Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, 2143/1 Phahol Yotin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900. 

Thailand. 

Background: Fruit fly control has been focused for more than 20 years in Thailand using the 

Sterile Insect Technique-SIT, along with other safe methods. The successful technologies 

conducted in pilot areas have been conveyed and modified to be suitable in each other areas. 

Base on knowledge of area-wide fruit fly integrated control, Samut Sakorn province was 

proposed, which is traditional scatter fruit orchards over more than 100 km 2 . Various fruits 

grown in this province are major hosts of tephritid fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). Fruit 

production in this area is presented all year round causing of fruit fly outbreak and fruit damage 

which might be very high up to 100 percent if there is no any insecticide applied. Sprays and 

young fruit bagging are normally used but costly to control fruit fly infestation. Samut Sakorn 

Provincial Administration Organization has embarked and supported the growers for 

controlling Tephritid fruit fly by collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension, 

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. 

Methods: To decrease fruit fly population, the committee of Samut Sakorn Provincial 

Administration Organization suggested that various aspects, outbreak problems by growers, 

growers’s attitude on fruit fly control methods and etc., should be considered and then growers 

would be educated on cause of the outbreak, suitable and effective fruit fly control and growers 

participation. To increase empowerment of growers, at the beginning of activities, growers were 

participated activities together, taught to make traps using polyethelene terephthalate-PET with 

methyl eugenol as a fly attractant. Growers were motivated by given fertilizer, value 1,000 Baht/ 

2 litre of flies, as award if they could show captured fruit flies from their own handmade traps. 

Results: Growers in Samut Sakorn province were interested in all activities organized by the 

committee. They gained the knowledge, continue to cooperate and also help each other in 

controlling fruit flies. However, main achievements are the changed of growers’ attitude on 

mass trapping using methyl eugenol, decreasing of fruit fly population, lower fruit infestation 

and better visible quality. 

Conclusions: Campaign of area-wide fruit fly mass trapping could be simply implemented by 

growers and local government cooperation. Convincing the growers to use fruit fly traps and 

put more effort following neighbour success would be the way to stimulate them. Samut 

Sakorn Provincial Administration Organization has made a plan to establish fruit fly 

surveillance using trapping network and implementation of other appropriate environment 

friendly technologies. 

Keywords: fruit fly suppression, Samutsakorn province, mass trapping, area-wide, methyl eugenol.

Session 7 

Natural Enemies & Biocontrol


EVALUATION OF ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI TO OF CERATITIS CAPITATA. 

Ali, Ali*; Sermann, Helga & Büttner, Carmen 

Faculty for Agriculture and Horticulture. Department for Crop and Animal Sciences. Division Phytomedicine. 

Humboldt university zu Berlin. Germany. Email aligermany80@yahoo.de. 

Background: Laboratory experiments were carried out to measure the pathogenicity and to 

study the infection process of isolate 412 of Beauveria bassiana, and isolate V24 of 

Lecanicillium muscarium to old larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata 

(Diptera: Tephritidae) under the laboratory conditions after inoculation of the fungal 

suspension on the soil surface. 

Methods: To evaluate the potential of the fungi to old larvae, plastic doses (3.8 cm × 2.8 cm) 

were filled with dry soil and sprayed with 3 ml suspension (1 × 10 8 Spores/ml) on the soil 

surface using a small dash bottle. The density of spores valued (2.6 × 10 7 Spores/cm 2 ) on the 

soil. After soil application the old larvae were put on the treated soil. The plastic doses were 

then incubated at 25°C in the dark. Nine days after the treatment, the number of pupae, 

moulded and emerged flies were detected. Dead pupae were cut and the condition determined. 

The flies were transferred in cages and provided with tap water and a diet of yeast. 

Results: In these trials L. muscarium and B. bassiana were pathogenic to C. capitata after the 

contact of old larvae on the soil. Non dead or moulded Larvae were found in the varieties. All 

of the contaminated larvae could develop to pupae, but the death occurred by pupae stage. The 

mortality of pupae ranged between 51.6 % by L. muscarium and 46.7 % by B. bassiana in 

comparison to the control with 18.4 %. The development of infected flies inside the pupae was 

stopped 2 to 3 days after the pupation. Among of dead pupae 35 % by L. muscarium and 26.6 

% by B. bassiana were moulded. The fungal growth of L. muscarium and B. bassiana was 

clearly inside the pupae. In some cases the mycelium emerged from the pupae. This fact 

indicates that the spores were picked up from the soil and adhered on the body of larvae, but 

the infection process occurred 2 to 3 days after the pupation inside the pupae, where the body 

of fly was formed. 

Conclusions: The results showed that a soil application of L. muscarium and B. bassiana could 

reduce the emergency of fruit fly of C. capitata. About 48.3 % of pupae were emerged by L. 

muscarium and 53 % by B. bassiana, while 82 % of pupae were emerged in the control. The 

following experiments should be carried out to determine the effect on the eggs, pupae and the 

flies. 

Keywords: entomopathogenic fungi, Mediterranean fruit fly, mortality, Mouldiness 

249


EFFECT OF SOIL APPLICATION OF PAECILOMYCES LILACINUS (THOM) SAMSON IN 

CONTROLLING MELON FLY BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE COQ. 

Amala, U. 1* ; Jiji, T. 1 ; Naseema, T 1,2 ; Jacob, Arthur 1 & Sheela, M.S. 1 

1 Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695522, India. 

Email: amala_uday86@yahoo.in; 2 Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 

Thiruvananthapuram 695522, India. 

Background: Melon fly Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a serious pest of 

cucurbitaceous vegetables causing 30 to 100 per cent crop loss (Sookar et al., 2006). Annual 

loss in fruit and vegetable production equivalent to Rs. 26,902 million has been reported during 

the year 2000 in India (Stonehouse, 2001). Although management options like hydrolyzed 

protein spray, parapheromone trap (Zaman 1995; Stonehouse et al., 2005), field sanitation 

(Akhtaruzzaman et al., 2000), chemical spray (Waseem et al., 2009) have been adopted, it is 

ideal to develop an eco-friendly and user-friendly method for the management of fruit flies. 

Various Deuteromycetes fungi viz., Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, 

Paecilomyces fumosoroseus were known to cause epizootics in fruit flies (Dimbi et al., 2003; 

Yee and Lacey, 2005). Jiji et al., (2006) reported the pathogenicity of B.bassiana, P. lilacinus, 

Aspergillus candidus: Fries on melon fly. The study was undertaken to explore the efficacy of 

P. lilacinus in the management of melon fly. 

Methods: The bio-efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus P. lilacinus was tested on the 

pupae of melon flies under in vitro conditions. Glass troughs (30 cm diameter) were filled with 

soil to a depth of 4 cm. The soil was drenched with 30 ml of spore suspension at 1.3x10 7, 1.3 

x10 8 , 1.3x10 9 spores/ml. Soil drenched with sterile water served as control. Ten numbers of one 

day old pupae were introduced into the soils on the third, fifth and seventh day after treatment 

of the fungus. Observations on the number of infected pupae per trough were recorded on the 

tenth day. Based on in vitro studies, the fungus was tested under field conditions. Bran based 

formulation of the fungus was applied as soil drenching (1.3 x10 9 spores / ml) at fortnightly 

intervals during the fruiting period of bittergourd. Observations on the number of infected 

pupae / sq.m was recorded. 

Results: When the pupae was introduced on the third day after inoculation of the fungus 

significant mortality (92.45% at 1.3x10 9 followed by 72.28% at 1.3x10 8 ) was observed which 

was on par (69.84% at 1.3x10 7 spores/ml) with that on the tenth day after treatment. When 

pupae were introduced on the fifth day after inoculation of the soil with the fungus significant 

mortality of 69.84% at 1.3x10 7 , 74.92% at 1.3x10 8 and 92.45% at 1.3x10 9 was recorded on the 

tenth day. When pupae were introduced on the seventh day after inoculation of the fungus, 

mortality percentage of 32.30, 44.62 and 67.28 at 1.3x10 7 , 1.3x10 8 , 1.3x10 9 spores/ml, 

respectively was recorded on the tenth day. Under in vivo conditions the number of infected 

pupae varied from 2.30 to 3.99 per sq.m. 

Conclusions: Soil drenching with P. lilacinus is effective, eco-friendly and easily amenable 

method that fits well into the IPM schedule for the management of fruit flies. The same fungus 

was found pathogenic to B. dorsalis, the findings of which widens the scope of its practical 

utility. 

Keywords: Bactrocera cucurbitae, Paecilomyces lilacinus, melon fly, bittergourd, cucurbits


PERFORMANCE OF TWO INTRODUCED PARASITIODS AGAINST BACTROCERA 

INVADENS ON DIFFERENT HOST FRUITS AND TEMPERATURES. 

Appiah, Ernest F. 1, 2,* ; Mohammed, Samira A. 1 ; Ekesi, Sunday 1 & Afreh-Nuamah, 

Kwame 2 

1 ICIPE, Nairobi, Kenya. E-mail: fappiah@icipe.org; 2 Department of Crop Science, University of Ghana, Legon. 

Background: The horticulture industry across sub-Saharan Africa is plagued with fruit fly 

pests, and the situation has worsened in recent years with the arrival of the invasive Bactrocera 

invadens. The failure of native parasitoids to effectively control this alien species led to the 

introduction of two co-evolved parasitoids (the egg-prepupal parasitoid Fopius arisanus and 

larval-prepupal parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata) for evaluation against B. invadens. 

Laboratory tests showed that these parasitoids especially F. arisanus are promising candidates 

for management of B. invadens. However their performance on various host fruits and 

temperature remains to be elucidated. This information will help in guiding the releases of this 

parasitoid as part of IPM management strategy for B. invadens. 

Methods: Performance of the two parasitoids as measured by percent parasitism, total number 

of parasitoid progeny, sex ratio, and developmental time were assesses across four host fruits: 

mango, pawpaw and citrus. The suitable stage of B. invadens was exposed on the fruit peels 

placed on an oviposition unit to female wasps in no choice experiment. After 24 hours, the 

exposed hosts were incubated till parasitoid and fruit fly emergence. Total number of emerged 

parasitoids (male and female), their developmental time, and uneclosed puparia were recorded. 

Percent parasitism and sex ratio were computed for the two parasitoids on the four host fruits. 

The methodology was the same for the temperature experiments except that parasitized B. 

invadens eggs or larvae were incubated at varying temperatures. 

Results: Results showed that F. arisanus parasitizes eggs of B. invadens reared on mango, 

pawpaw and citrus resulting in a mean % parasitism of 63.8%, 62.4% and 24.0% respectively. 

The % parasitism for eggs reared on citrus was significantly lower compared to mango and 

pawpaw and this may have been due to the significantly low number of pupae recovered in 

citrus experiments. Parasitism rates of 34.9%, 25.4%, 23.2% and 18.4% for mango, pawpaw, 

guava and citrus were recorded with respect to D. longicaudata with the rate for mango being 

significantly higher than the other fruits. For temperature experiments, 35°C was found to be 

detrimental to the development of parasitized B. invadens eggs and larvae, as all eggs and 

larvae were unable to complete the full developmental cycle. Temperature of 25°C was the 

most favourable for the development and rearing of both F. arisanus and D. longicaudata. 

Conclusions: F. arisanus and D. longicaudata are effective biological control agents against B. 

invadens. With the exception of citrus which is not favourable for the development of B. 

invadens, the two parasitoids were effective against B. invadens eggs reared on mango and 

pawpaw fruits. The two parasitoids were relatively tolerant to temperature conditions that exist 

on the African continent. 

Keywords: Bactrocera invadens, Fopius arisanus, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, host fruits, temperature 

251


RADIATION DOSES TO SAFELY RELEASE THE PARASITOID DIACHASMIMORPHA 

LONGICAUDATA REARED ON ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS LARVAE. 

Bachmann, Guillermo; Carabajal Paladino, Leonela; Conte, Claudia; Devescovi, 

Francisco; Milla, Fabián H.; Cladera, Jorge L.; Segura, Diego F.* & Viscarret, Mariana 

M. 

Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), De los Reseros y Repetto s/n (1712), Buenos Aires, 

Argentina. Email: dsegura@cnia.inta.gov.ar. 

Background: Anastrepha fraterculus is a fruit fly of economic importance in Argentina and 

other countries in South America. Biological control programs based on the release of the 

braconid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata have been successful to control other flies of the 

genus Anastrepha. In order to release this parasitoid it is necessary to establish the radiation 

dose that, both, avoid fruit fly emergence from non parasitized pupae and, do not affect 

parasitoid performance. 

Methods: A. fraterculus larvae were irradiated with X-ray, at doses equivalent to: 60, 80 and 

100 Gy (6250.2, 8333.6 and 10417.0 roentgens, respectively). Immediately after irradiation, 

larvae were offered to D. longicaudata mated females. A control group of irradiated larvae 

were not exposed to parasitoids. Number of emerged parasitoids, flies and non emerged pupae 

were registered. Emerged flies (if any) were crossed with non-irradiated flies and egg 

production and egg hatch were registered. For those parasitoids that emerged from irradiated 

larvae fecundity was determined. Fecundity was assessed by offering host larvae every other 

day, during 2 weeks. 

Results: Larvae irradiated at 60 Gy showed high level of emergence and were as fertile as 

control (non-irradiated larvae). At 80 Gy, only 1.4% of the pupae emerged, males having a 

significantly reduction in fertility. No flies emerged from larvae irradiated at 100 Gy. 

Parasitism rate on larvae irradiated at 80 or 100 Gy did not differ from that found in control 

(non-irradiated) larvae, nor did their offspring’s sex ratio. F1 fertility was also not affected by 

the radiation dose. 

Conclusions: These results suggest that irradiation with X-rays at a dose equivalent to 100 Gy 

applied to third instar larvae of A. fraterculus can significantly reduce the risk of release of 

adult fruit flies on the field without affecting the development and subsequent performance of 

D. longicaudata. This dose could be reduced to 80 Gy, as emergence will also be close to zero 

and emerged flies will be to a large extent sterile. 

Keywords: Anastrepha fraterculus, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, Biological Control, X-ray


STUDY ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE PUPAL PARASITOID SPALANGIA CAMERONI 

(HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE) AS A POTENTIAL BIOLOGICAL CONTROL 

AGENT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY CERATITIS CAPITATA (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE). 

Beitia, Francisco 1* ; Pérez-Hinarejos, Marta 1 , Böckmann, Elias 2 ; Fischer, K 2 ; Alonso, 

Marina 3 ; Gayubo, Severiano F. 3 ; Asís, José D 3 . & Tormos, José 3 

1 Associated Unit of Entomology, Centre of Plant Protection and Biotechnology, Instituto Valenciano de 

Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada (Valencia) SPAIN. fbeitia@ivia.es 2 Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, 

Departement of Zoology, Greifswald, GERMANY. 3 University of Salamanca, Faculty of Biology, Salamanca, 

SPAIN 

Background: In spite of the lasting presence of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, 

in the Mediterranean area there were not references for native parasitoids of the pest in Spain. 

The pteromalid Spalangia cameroni, has recently been identified (in 2003) as a parasitoid of C. 

capitata in Spain. This insect is well known as a pupal parasitoid of flies belonging to different 

taxonomic families: Muscidae, Sarcophagidae and Tephritidae. But it was not known its 

parasitism on C. capitata until now. Due to the importance of the Medfly as a serious pest on 

citrus and fruit trees in the Community of Valencia (Spanish eastern coast), the parasitic 

activity of this parasitoid on C. capitata is being studied in laboratory conditions for the last 5 

years to assess its potential as a biological control agent of the Mediterranean fruit fly. 

Methods: In this work we present data about several parasitic features (fecundity, fertility, 

host-age and host number incidence, …) in the parasitism of Spalangia cameroni on pupae of 

Ceratitis capitata in controlled conditions (in the laboratory), as well as on the use of frozen 

pupae of the Medfly to be applied to the mass rearing of the parasitoid. 

Results: In general, results show a good activity of the parasitoid on C. capitata in the 

laboratory. Also, the use of frozen pupae reveals as a good method to facilitate the mass rearing 

of the parasitoid. 

Conclusions: We can conclude that this parasitoid could be an interesting candidate to be used 

in the biological control of the Medfly in Spain, but some work in field conditions must be 

done to assure its real effectiveness against the pest. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, Spalangia cameroni, parasitic activity, mass rearing. 

253


DIPLOID MALES IN DIACHASMIMORPHA LONGICAUDATA (ASHMEAD) 

(HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE). 

Carabajal Paladino, Leonela 1 ; Lanzavecchia, Silvia* 1 ; Bressa, María José 2 ; Papeschi, 

Alba G. 2 & Cladera, Jorge L. 1 

1 Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Genética “Ewald A. Favret” (IGEAF). De 

Los Reseros y Nicolás Repetto, Castelar, B1712WAA – Buenos Aires (Argentina). Email: 

lcarabajal@cnia.inta.gov.ar; 2 Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales 

(FCEN), Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (EGE). Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Autónoma 

de Buenos Aires, C1428EGA (Argentina). 

Background: Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is an endoparasitoid of last instar larva of 

tephritid fruit flies. It is widely used as biological control agent of these pests, and has been 

massively produced in several bio-factories. One of the facts that should be taken into account 

in order to optimize its production is the possibility of generating a bias on the sex ratio in 

favor of females, as they are the ones that will attack and cause the death of the host. In this 

direction, it is necessary to study the sex determination system in the species. Hymenopterans 

are characterized by being haplodiploid (females are diploid and come from fertilized eggs, and 

males are haploid and come from unfertilized eggs). Nevertheless, diploid males have been 

observed in more than 70 species. According to one of the hypotheses about sex determination 

in Hymenoptera, sex is determined by the status of the sex determination locus/loci. When 

heterozygous, the individual will develop as female, when hemizygous, as male, and when 

homozygous, as diploid male. Considering this, the production of diploid males should be 

induced by an increase in the level of endogamy. These males are considered as a genetic load 

for the population as they are usually infertile. They also cause enormous losses in massive 

production, as they come from fertilized eggs that could have become females. The ploidy 

level of an individual can be established by analyzing its chromosome number. According to 

previous cytogenetic studies performed on D. longicaudata, males have n= 20 chromosomes 

and females have 2n= 40 chromosomes. 

Methods: In order to determine whether diploid males are produced in D. longicaudata, 12 

crosses between virgin females and one of their haploid sons were performed. Their male 

descendants were studied by cytogenetics, and their ploidy level was recorded. Chromosome 

preparations were made by spreading of testis from prepupa, pupa and pre-emerged adults, 

dyed with DAPI and photographed. 

Results: 10 out of the 12 crosses produced male and female descendants, indicating that the 

female was fertilized. Per couple, between 3 and 21 individuals were karyotyped. A total of 

108 chromosome preparations were performed, and from them, 49 corresponded to haploid 

males, 6 to diploid males (2n= 40 chromosomes), 9 were recorded as haploid males but with 

not enough certainty, and other 9 were identified as diploid males in the same conditions. The 

rest of the individuals (35) didn’t show cells in metaphase stage, so it wasn’t possible to 

determine their ploidy level. 

Conclusions: These results constitute the first description of diploid males in D. longicaudata, 

and set a starting point to study the sex determination system in this species in order to 

optimize the rearing protocols applied up to now. 

Keywords: Biological control, sex determination, diploid male


INCREASE OF PARASITISM RATES OF DIACHASMIMORPHA LONGICAUDATA 

REARING ON X-IRRADIATED CERATITIS CAPITATA LARVAE. 

Conte, Claudia 1 ; Fernández Salinas, Maria L. 1 ; Lanzavecchia, Silvia B.* 1 ; Viscarret, 

Mariana M. 2 ; Segura, Diego F. 1 & Cladera, Jorge L. 1 

1 Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Genética “Ewald A. Favret”. De Los Reseros 

y N. Repetto s/n. Castelar. Buenos Aires. Argentina. Email: cconte@cnia.inta.gov.ar; 2 Instituto Nacional de 

Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola. De Los Reseros y N. Repetto 

s/n. Castelar. Buenos Aires. Argentina. 

Background: Control strategies including the sterile insect technique (SIT) and biological 

control using parasitoids are currently applied against Ceratitis capitata. In Argentina, the 

larval parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is currently being evaluated as candidate for 

biological control. Parasitism rate is one of the most important parameter to determine 

productivity and efficacy of parasitoids as biocontrol agents. The study of host-parasitoid 

interactions provides useful information to optimize the massive rearing of parasitoids. This 

interaction involves the immune response which is triggered after the female parasitoid 

oviposits on the host larvae. Previous studies have shown that the exposure to radiation 

suppresses host immune system responses in other insect species. Our objective was to study 

parasitism rates by D. longicaudata on irradiated larvae of C. capitata. 

Methods: Late second stage-early third stage of C. capitata larvae were treated with different 

X-ray doses (20, 40 and 80 Gy) prior to exposure to D. longicaudata females. Seven replicates 

were tested for each dose. Parasitized larvae were kept at controlled condition of humidity and 

temperature until emergence. Non-irradiated larvae were used as a control. Parasitism rates 

were calculated from the number of emerged parasitoids for each X-ray dose. The parasitism 

rate was corrected taking into account the number of non-emerged parasitoids. A one-way 

ANOVA was performed. When the test was significant, post-hoc pair-wise comparisons were 

performed using Tukey`s HSD (Honestly Significant Difference). 

Results: Parasitism rates of larvae exposed to 20 G and 40 Gy and non-irradiated larvae 

showed no significant differences. Larvae irradiated with 80 Gy showed the highest rate of 

parasitism which significantly differed from those obtained with non-irradiated larvae (p


INCIDENCE OF PARASITOIDS OF ANASTREPHA SPP., IN BACKYARD OCHARDS IN 

THE SOUTHEAST OF CAMPECHE, MEXICO. 

García Ramírez, María de Jesús 1*; Medina Hernández, Rosa E. 1 , Baeza Gómez, Jenny 

M. 1 ; López-Martínez, Victor 2 ; Vázquez López, Margarito 1 & Encalada Mena, Lisandro 

A. 1 

1 Escuela Superior de Ciencias Agropecuarias de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Campeche. Calle 53 s/n 

Col. Esfuerzo y Trabajo N.2. C.P. 24350. Escarcega Campeche, México. 2 Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. 

Universidad Autónoma de Morelos. mjgarcia.25@gmail.com. 

Background: The fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha spp. are the principal phytosanitary 

problem in fruit crops in tropical and subtropical areas in Latin America, this insects attack a 

wide range of exotic and native host plants for oviposition. The geographical position of the 

Mexican state of Campeche in the tropics, with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the 

Caribbean Sea, determine the conditions for the proliferation of many species of the genus 

Anastrepha spp. This aspect gives us the opportunity to study commercial and native host 

plants for fruit flies detection in backyard orchards. 

Methods: Fruit collections were made in backyard orchards located in the southeastern state of 

Campeche, Mexico (18 º 29 '251 " N and 90 º 55' 309 W, 42.6 meters above sea level, with 

warm sub-humid climate and summer rains). The collection period was from June 2008 to July 

2009. Fruits were collected from Pouteria sapota, Manguifera indica, Prunus domestica, 

Citrus paradisi, Citrus aurantum, Psidium guajava, Talisia olivaeformis and Zuelenia guidonia 

trees. The material collected was transported to the laboratory of the Escuela Superior de 

Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche. The fruits were dissected and 

inspected for fruit flies larva presence. Third instar larvae were located in plastic container (5 x 

5 cm) with a mesh cover for fruit flies and parasitoids emergence. 

Results: All species of commercial and native fruits sampled were attacked by Anastrepha fruit 

flies. The species reared were A. ludens, A. serpentina, A. obliqua, A striata and A fraterculus. 

The larval parasitoids Doryctobracton aerolatus, Aganaspis pelleranoi and Odontosema 

alvinerve were reared. 

Conclusions: In the Mexican backyard orchards in Campeche, A. fraterculus can complete its 

biological cycle in many commercial and native fruit hosts. The parasitoids Doryctobracton 

aerolatus, Aganaspis pelleranoi and Odontosema alvinerve were associated to A. fraterculus. 

Keywords: Anastrepha hosts, larval parasitoids


TOXICITY OF SPINOSAD ON SCAPTOTRIGONA MEXICANA, MELIPONID BEES 

(HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE). 

Gómez-Escobar, Enoc¹; Guzmán-Díaz, Miguel Á.²; Flores-Breceda, Salvador¹* & 

Montoya, Pablo J. 1 

1 Subdirección de Desarrollo de Métodos, Programa Moscafrut SAGARPA-IICA. Central Poniente 14, Col. 

Centro.Tapachula, Chiapas 30700. Email: ²El Colegio de la Frontera Sur. Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, 

CP 30700, Tapachula, Chiapas, México 

Background: Spinosad (GF-120; Dow AgroSciences,* NF Naturalyte 0.24 g ai/L) is used to 

control outbreaks of Ceratitis capitata in the border Mexico-Guatemala, as part of the Medfly 

program activities against this pest. Although this product is considered to be selective and 

harmless to European bees, little is known about the impact on populations of other associated 

insects in fruit orchards, such as meliponid bees Scaptotrigona mexicana (Hymenoptera: 

Apidae), a common pollinator agent in rambutan and mango orchards in Chiapas, Mexico. 

Methods: This work was carried out in the gardens of Moscafrut SAGARPA-IICA Program 

located in Metapa de Dominguez, Chiapas, Mexico. Meliponid bee hive was provided by the 

laboratory of apidology of El Colegio de la Frontera Sur. Bioassays were carried out using 

cylindrical acrylic cage 9 cm in diameter and 8 cm high. We evaluated treatments for fresh and 

48 h after application of spinosad, at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 80 ppm ai. The exposure of 

the product within each cage (20 mL) was carried out in a plastic slotted cylindrical piece of 

1.2 cm in diameter and 10 cm long. For each bioassay, ten repetitions of each concentration 

were performed, recording mortality at 24 and 48 h. 

Results: Mortality of adult meliponid exposed to spinosad residues in fresh showed no 

difference between the different concentrations and control. When the exposure time was 

increased up to 48 h no differences among treatments were obtained. Similarly, exposure of dry 

residues did not significantly affect the survival of insects. When the recommended dose to 

control fruit flies (80 ppm) was tested, mortality of meliponid bees exposed to either dry or 

fresh residues was not higher than in control. 

Conclusions: Survival of adult Scaptotrigona mexicana exposed to residues of spinosad, was 

not affected significantly when the product was applied according to manufacturer's 

recommendations. 

Keywords: Pollinators, stingless bees, Scaptotrigona, toxicity, Spinosad 

257


HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION OF FUNGAL INFECTION BETWEEN CERATITIS 

CAPITATA ADULTS UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS. 

Imoulan, Abdessamad * & El Meziane, Abdellatif. 

Laboratory of Biotechnology, Valorisation and Protection of Agro-Resources, Faculty of Sciences and 

Technology, Cadi-Ayyad University, B.P. 549, Marrakesh, Morocco. Email: imoulan@gmail.com 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is widely distributed 

around the World and is regarded as the most important pest of agricultural resources. Its 

management is still internationally based on treatments with broad-spectrum chemical 

insecticides. Even though the contact pesticides are commonly effective at higher doses, they 

cause environmental, ecological and human health problems. Therefore, alternatives strategies 

have to be developed urgently to control this devastating fruit pest. Biological control by using 

entomopathogens could represent a suitable alternative strategy to chemical control of fruit 

flies. Until now, no efficient method was used for the application of entomopathogenic fungi in 

the field. Dissemination of conidia from infected male or female to its uninfected opposite sex 

among medfly population could be a potential method. Our investigation aims (i) to evaluate 

the possibility of horizontal transmission between medfly adults, (ii) to examine whether the 

medfly male or female could be an efficient spreader of conidia and (iii) to determine how 

horizontal transmission was affected by the infected males/females ratios and the inoculation 

method. 

Methods: Fresh conidial suspensions of Moroccan Beauveria bassiana isolates were prepared 

and their germination percentages were estimated. Emerged medfly adults were inoculated 

with 2x10 6 conidia and then coupled with clean opposite sex. Infected male insects were mated 

with clean females at different ratio: (i) 5 males:5 females, (ii) 5 males with 10 females, (iii) 5 

males with 25 females and (iv) 5 males with 50 females. Medfly Infection (mycosis) and 

Mortality were evaluated using wet and dry conidia. 

Results: Horizontal transmission of Beauveria bassiana isolates, between different sexes of C. 

capitata, was evaluated in the laboratory. Uninfected males and females could became infected 

when mated with infected opposite sex. The infection percentage of uninfected males and 

females ranged from 55% to 76.67% and from 58.33 to 75.00%, respectively, whereas the 

average of survival time (AST) varied between 11.80 to 15.10 and 13.50 to 15.34 days, 

respectively. Although, the males or females transmitted equally the infection to their opposite 

sex during mating, the infection percentage of females was found closely correlated to the 

ratios of inoculated males to uninfected females. Furthermore, the horizontal transmission of 

conidia was significantly different between B. bassiana isolates. Nevertheless, the mycosis 

percentage increased when dry conidia was used (66.67-100%) compared to wet conidia 

(26.67-93.33%). Moreover, the ASTs were shorter with dry conidia (2.36-8.62 days) compared 

to wet conidia method (12.37-20.06 days). 

Conclusion: Horizontal transmission was proved among medfly adults at the laboratory and 

varied significantly in relation to the B. bassiana isolates. The infection percentage and AST of 

uninfected females were correlated positively to the ratios of infected males. This work 

revealed that horizontal transmission could be a useful method to management of C. capitata in 

field. 

Keywords: Beauveria bassiana, C. capitata, horizontal transmission, biological control, Argan forests.


CONSERVATION OF PREDACIOUS SPIDERS FOR CONTROLLING FRUIT FLIES IN 

MANGO ORCHARDS. 

Jumroenma, Kriengkrai; Vangsilabutr, Wipada; Sudhi-Aromna, Sarute; Srikachar, 

Sunyanee* & Plodkornburee, Wipada 

Entomology and Zoology Group, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Department of Agriculture, 

Bangkok, Thailand. Email: nutaa2000@yahoo.com 

Background: Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are the major pests of various fruits in Thailand. Two 

species of tephritid flies, the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis and the guava fruit fly, Bactrocera 

correcta have been found in mango orchards all year round. The dominant species is B. dorsalis. 

Female fruit flies cause damage by laying their eggs in ripe or nearly ripe fruit. The larval stage lasts 

about one week then leaves the fruit and drops into the ground to pupate in the soil. Many species of 

spider role as a predacious spider in mango orchards. 

Methods: To study on the outbreak and population density of fruit flies in mango orchard, steiner bait 

traps with methyl eugenol and insecticide were placed throughout the year in mango orchard areas in 

Chachoengsao province. The spiders were collected by beating the brunches of mango trees and by 

sweeping on the weedy areas at unsprayed and spayed orchards. The species and number of fruit flies 

and predacious spider were surveyed and collected. 

Results: the Oriental fruit fly, B. dorsalis and the guava fruit fly, B. correcta were the most important 

fruit flies pests in mango orcahrd. Bactrocera correcta was found at the average of 9.68 - 44.73 

flies/trap/day during March - May 2008, the seasonal harvesting period of mango in Thailand. Sixty 

six species of 50 genus and 17 families of spider fauna were found inhabiting in mango orchards. 

The lynx spider, Oxyopes lineatipes is the most important predacious spider in consuming fruit flies. 

The immature stage, adult females and males of the lynx spider consume fruit flies 7.78, 7.67 and 

6.53 flies/day, respectively. In the orchard, spiders stay on weed waiting for newly emerged fruit flies 

climbing up from the ground. In the unsprayed orchard, high density of spider was found on weed 

under the tree canopy as well as at the water ways' side areas, whereas many spiders were found on 

weed at water ways' side areas in the sprayed orchard. In order to conserve the predacious spiders in 

mango orchards, we concluded that weeds should be kept at certain spots as to provide a shelter for 

them. 

Conclusion: Bactrocera dorsalis is the dominant fruit fly species and the lynx spider, O. lineatipes is 

the important natural enemy in mango orchard. The immature stage, adult females and males could 

consume fruit flies 7.78, 7.67 and 6.53 flies/day. To conserve the predacious spider in mango 

orchards, weed should be maintained at certain spots as to provide a shelter for them. 

Keywords: conservation, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), mango 

259


ANALYSIS OF TWO LARVAL-PUPAL PARASITOIDS (HYMENOPTERA, 

BRACONIDAE) IN THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF CERATITIS CAPITATA 

(WIEDEMANN) IN SPANISH MEDITERRANEAN AREAS. 

Martins, David S. 1,2 ; Skouri, Wafa 1,3 ; Chermiti, Brahim 3 ; Aboussaid, Houda 1,4,5 ; El 

Messoussi, Said 4 ; Oufdou, Khalid 5 ; Carbonell, Emilio 6 , Sabater-Muñoz, Beatriz 1 & 

Beitia, Francisco 1* 


Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada (Valencia) SPAIN. fbeitia@ivia.es 2 Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, 

Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural, INCAPER, UFV/CNPq. Vitoria, ES, BRASIL. 3 Institut Supérieure 

Agronomique de Chott-Mériem, Université de Sousse. 4042 Chott-Mériem TUNISIA. 4 Laboratory of Molecular 

Modeling and Ecophysiology, Faculty of Sciences-Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, MOROCCO. 

5 Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Microorganisms, Faculty of Sciences-Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad 

University. 6 Biometry Unit, IVIA. 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), is 

considered a key pest in fresh fruit and citrus production in the Mediterranean Bassin. 

Nowadays, it is being studied the use of several ecological methods against this pest in some 

Mediterranean countries (Spain, Morocco and Tunisia), like the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), 

the classical biological control (CBC) and the search for native parasitoids. Two exotic larvalpupal 

parasitoids of fruit-flies have been imported by the IVIA to Spain: Diachasmimorpha 

tryoni and D. longicaudata. As it occurs in other countries, in Spain it is being studied the 

combined use of the SIT and overflooding releases of parasitoids to combat Medfly 

populations. To achieve this, only one parasitoid species is usually mass reared and released. 

Over the last two years we have been analyzing the competitiveness of D. longicaudata and D. 

tryoni in order to choose the species to be used together the SIT for the integrated control of the 

Medfly. 

Methods: Four factors have been studied in laboratory, greenhouse and field trials to select one 

species for mass-rearing. These factors are: i) Adult longevity at the four seasons in field; ii) 

Fecundity and fertility of females in the laboratory; iii) parasitism at variable host densities in 

laboratory; and iv) interspecific competition in laboratory and greenhouse. 

Results: When separately studied in the laboratory both species seems to have similar potential 

as parasitoids of the Medfly. But in the intraspecific competition assay D. longicaudata shows 

a significant more effectiveness than D. tryoni in offspring production (either in laboratory or 

in greenhouse experiments). This result could mean a competitive superiority of D. 

longicaudata. Field trials have showed an unexpected high longevity in both species but more 

important in D. longicaudata. The experimental releases were performed with a low number of 

females, but even in this conditions D. longicaudata performed better than D. tryoni, as only 

individuals of the previous species have been recovered. 

Conclusions: D. longicaudata seems to present a competitive superiority in medfly parasitism 

over D. tryoni in Mediterranean conditions. A joint view of all results leads us to select D. 

longicaudata for the application of CBC in the Comunidad Valenciana and open the possibility 

to use it in the other countries from the north of Africa. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, Biological control, parasitoid efectiveness.


INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF TUNISIAN STRAINS OF BACILLUS THURENGIENSIS 

AGAINST LARVAE AND ADULTS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY CERATITIS 

CAPITATA WIEDEMAN (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Mediouni-Ben Jemâa, Jouda 1 *; Messoudi, Soumaya 2 & Belhadj Omrane 2 

1 Laboratoire de Protection des Végétaux, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie, Rue Hedi 

Karray, 2092 Ariana, Tunis, Tunisia. Email: joudamediouni@lycos.com. 2 Laboratoire de Biochimie et de 

Technobiologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, 2092 EL Manar II, Tunisia. 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata is one of the key pests on citrus 

and several others fruit in Tunisia. Chemical control using a broad-spectrum of insecticides 

remains the most used tool for the management of this pest. However, problems related to the 

appearance of insect resistance, emergence of secondary pests, impact on non target organisms, 

environmental pollution and residues further restrict the use of such method. In the aim of 

searching effective and environment friendly alternatives, the bacterium Bacillus thuriengiensis 

has been successfully employed to control insect pests in the orders of Lepidoptera, 

coleopteran and diptera including C. capitata. 

Methods: The insecticidal activity of 8 Tunisian strains of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from 

various regions of Tunisia and selected among 120 strains was assessed against the third instar 

larvae and newly emerged adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly C. capitata. The strains isolates 

were tested for their activities by using respectively spore-crystal in suspension and 

lyophilized. Two methods were used. The first method consists in pulverizing the culture 

medium by 4 ml of the suspension spore-crystal. The second consists in the mixture of the 

larvae medium by the lyophilised suspension spore-crystal with increasing concentrations: 

0.032; 0.048 and 0.064 mg/g of culture medium. The death rate is noted every 24 h during 3 

days. 

Results: Results showed that the suspension spores-crystal of Bt18, Bt4 and Bt21 strains were 

very effective against larvae with respectively death rates of 85, 90 and 95%. The strains Bt13 

and Bt3 present a significant death rate with respectively 65 and 70%. Newly emerged adults 

were less sensitive to all tested strains compared to larvae. The highest toxicity was obtained 

with Bt21 with 55% of death. According to the second method, highest toxicities for larvae 

were also obtained for Bt18, Bt4 and Bt21 strains with respectively death rate of 80, 85 and 

90%. For new emerged adults, highest toxicity was observed with Bt4 with 45% death rate. 

Conclusions: Therefore, the use of B. thuriengiensis could be integrated with some of these 

existing methods in an IPM approach to control C. capitata. 

Keywords: Bacillus thuringiensis, biopesticide, Ceratitis capitata 

261


FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE AND PATCH TIME ALLOCATION OF THE FRUIT FLY 

PARASITOID FOPIUS ARISANUS (SONAN) ON BACTROCERA INVADENS DREW, 

TSURUTA & WHITE. 

Merkel, Katharina* 1,2 ; Ekesi, Sunday 1 & Hoffmeister, Thomas S. 2 

1 International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Plant Health Department, P.O. Box 30772-00100, 

Nairobi, Kenya. Email: kmerkel@icipe.org. 2 University of Bremen, Institute of Ecology, Population Ecology & 

Evolutionary Ecology, FB 2, Bremen, Germany. 

Background: To predict and understand the success or failure of a biocontrol agent it is 

necessary to study their behavior and mechanisms of decision making. In this study we 

investigated the functional response of the egg-prepupal parasitoid, Fopius arisanus, on 

Bactrocera invadens and the effect of host encounters on the patch residence time. Depending 

on the distribution of hosts in the field, successful host encounters can have either an 

incremental or decremental effect on patch residence time. Fopius arisanus is known to 

discriminate between suitable and unsuitable hosts. Hence, encounters with parasitized or 

unhealthy hosts should lead to a decrease in the patch residence time. 

Methods: Seven-day old, experienced females of F. arisanus were individually exposed to 

artificially infested mango domes (3, 6, 9, 18, 27, 54 or 81 eggs of B. invadens). The behavior 

of the parasitoids was recorded until the time the female left the mango dome using The 

Observer® 2.0 software. To estimate the parasitization rate, host eggs were dissected and the 

number of parasitized eggs recorded. Since the host density was gradually depleted over time 

the data were fitted to Royama’s equation. The effect of oviposition on the patch leaving 

tendency was tested using the Cox proportional hazards model. 

Results: The efficiency of F. arisanus increased from 5.5 to 14.9 parasitized hosts per hour at a 

host density of 3 and 81, respectively. The mean residence time increased from 1782s for the 

lowest to 7069s for the highest host density. Results also showed that oviposition events 

decreased the patch leaving tendency (exp(β) = 0.67, P < 0.0001) hence increased the 

responsiveness of the parasitoid towards the patch. According to Royama’s model the handling 

time was 198.8s while from our observations one oviposition took an average of 80.5s. 

Conclusions: Our results suggest that F. arisanus should be able to contribute to the 

management of B. invadens. The practical application of this finding with regard to field 

suppression of the pest will be presented. 

Keywords: Bactrocera invadens, Fopius arisanus, functional response, patch time allocation


EFFECT OF SOIL PHYSICAL FACTORS ON THE FATE AND VIRULENCE OF THE 

MITOSPORIC ASCOMYCETE METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE AGAINST PUPARIA OF 

CERATITIS CAPITATA. 

Quesada-Moraga, Enrique*; Torrent, J.; Barrón, V.; Santiago-Álvarez, Cándido & 

Garrido-Jurado, I. 

Agricultural Entomology Unit. Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, University of Cordoba. Campus 

de Rabanales C4, 2º planta 14071 Córdoba, Spain. Email: cr2qumoe@uco.es. 

Background: As an alternative to chemical control or as part of IPM programs, there is a 

resurgence of interest in the use of microbial insecticides for biological control of tephritid 

flies, particularly entomopathogenic fungi (EF). The strategic options in using 

entomopathogenic fungi in medfly control are aerial applications and autodissemination 

targeting adults and soil inoculation targeting pupariating larvae and puparia. With this aim, in 

a previous study, we have found Metarhizium anisopliae Sorok EAMa 01/58-Su isolate to be 

highly virulent against both C. capitata adults and puparia. However, factual information on 

the fate of the conidia after they reach the soil will provide a better understanding of the 

potential of this M. anisopliae strain for being applied as an effective biological insecticide 

against medfly puparia. In this work, we report on the effect of soil pH and texture on the fate 

in the soil and virulence of EAMa 01/58-Su strain against medfly puparia. 

Methods: Sixteen representative Mediterranean soils were used for the studies the effect of soil 

type on the adsorption of conidia on the soil. The time course evolution of the number of 

available conidia in each soil suspension was obtained either under standard saline conditions 

or flocculation conditions. Then, the movement of conidia in the soil was studied using soil 

columns with four soils representing sandy acid and alkaline and clay acid and alkaline 

conditions respectively. These four soils were also used for evaluating the physical conditions 

of the soil on the virulence of EAMa 01/58-Su strains against medfly puparia in transparent 

containers (8 by 8 by 5.5 cm), each holding 30 g of soil. 

Results: Our results indicate that increasing clay contents in the soil resulted in lower number 

of available conidia in the soil solution. Even if in the soil columns most of the conidia were 

retained in the first soil layer for all soils, this was particularly significant in the sandy ones. 

Interestingly, the soil salinity clearly influenced the adsorption on the conidia in the soil. 

Besides, virulence of this strain against medfly puparia in the soil was also depended on the 

type of soil. 

Conclusions: Our results show the potential of soil treatments with M. anisopliae EAMa 01/58- 

Su strain for the microbial control of medfly puparia even if the soil physical conditions have 

to be considered to decide on the number of application etc. This strain could be used therefore 

in a biocontrol strategy targeting both adults in aerial sprays and to the soil beneath the tree for 

controlling puparia, the soil-inhabiting stage. 

Keywords: Medfly, Metarhizium, Beauveria, soil application, geodesinfestation, puparia 

263


THE STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE AND PARASITOIDS (HYMENOPTERA: 

BRACONIDAE) FOR THE CONTROL OF THE QUEENSLAND FRUIT FLY, 

BACTROCERA TRYONI (FROGGATT) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). 

Reynolds, Olivia L. 1 *; Jessup, Andrew J. 2 ; & Gurr, Geoff M. 3 

1 EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Industry & Investment New South Wales, Private Bag 4008, 

Narellan NSW, Australia 2567, Email: olivia.reynolds@industry.nsw.gov.au; 2 Insect Pest Control Laboratory, 

Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 

Vienna, Austria; 3 EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, 

Australia 2800. 

Background: The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni is the most significant pest of edible 

fruit and fruiting vegetables in Australia. With a decreasing reliance on insecticides and an 

increase in organic produce, biologically safe options are the way forward. 

Methods: The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly option to control or 

suppress fruit fly populations or outbreaks and has been used in pest free areas (PFAs) and 

surrounding buffer zones to target outbreaks and suppress populations respectively. However, 

international studies have shown that the augmentive release of opiine braconids can suppress 

fruit fly populations to a greater extent than either technique alone. Parasitoids and sterile 

insects have the advantage to go into areas where other techniques cannot be applied. 

Results: This paper reports on the progress of SIT and parasitoids for the control of B. tryoni in 

PFAs and bordering zones. Methods for rearing and releasing sterile B. tryoni have been 

improved and include studies to improve the performance of the fly. Alternative release 

methods are also being developed and include chilled adult release. Two species of parasitoids, 

Diachasmimorpha kraussii and D. tryoni, not previously recorded in inland New South Wales 

have been identified, although in numbers insufficient to suppress B. tryoni populations to 

below economically acceptable thresholds. However, these results suggest that these two 

species are candidates for augmentative release in the region. Trials looking at the biology and 

ecology of these parasitoids in relation to their potential as biological control agents for B. 

tryoni are ongoing. 

Conclusions: Overall, results will be presented in relation to the potential for incorporation of 

the combined use of SIT and parasitoids into pest fruit fly management programs. 

Keywords: opiine, natural enemy, pest free area


SPECIES-SPECIFICITY OF A PCR-BASED ASSAY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF 

CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) PARASITOIDS. 

San Andrés, Victoria 1,2* ; Castañera, Pedro 1 & Sabater-Muñoz, Beatriz 2 . 

Unidad Asociada de Entomología IVIA-UJI-CIB CSIC. 1 Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) del Consejo 

Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Departamento Biología de Plantas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9; 28040- 

Madrid, Spain. Email: sanandres_vic@gva.es. 2 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Ctra. de 

Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5; Moncada 46113- Valencia (Spain). 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) is a key 

pest of citrus and many other fruits. Two exotic braconid medfly parasitoids, 

Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron) and D. longicaudata (Ashmead) were imported into 

Spain, and are being considered for its implementation jointly with the ongoing medfly sterile 

insect technique program in Valencia. Currently the identification of parasitoids and estimation 

of parasitism rates rely on tedious and time-consuming dissection and rearing methods. As a 

result, there has been increasing interest in the use of molecular methods to identify parasitoids 

and to assess parasitism rates. The present study describes species-specific PCR primers, based 

on the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 region sequence (ITS-1), for three species of 

medfly parasitoids and their use in a multiplex PCR assay. 

Methods: Complete ITS sequence has been obtained for several species of parasitoids by 

amplification with ITS universal primers. Species-specific primers for these species and for C. 

capitata were designed on ITS-1 to use in combination with a reverse universal primer. 

Multiplex PCR conditions have been set up with parasitoid DNA mixtures. Laboratory 

experiments have been set up to test the multiplex PCR protocol for each species individually 

and in competition. Parasitism rates were estimated by both molecular and rearing and 

dissection methods under the conditions tested. 

Results: The primers set developed amplify exclusively sized species-specific PCR products in 

a single reaction. Sensibility of D. tryoni and D. longicaudata primers have been established at 

1 ng of parasitoid DNA (mixed DNA samples). In laboratory experiments, D. tryoni and D. 

longicaudata DNA were detected in C. capitata pupae after 48h of parasitism. 

Conclusions: The multiplex system developed allows establishing the parasitoid species and 

the parasitism rate, in a feasible fast manner. 

Keywords: Medfly, parasitoids, ITS-1 

265


ASSESMENT OF THE POTENTIAL NON TARGET EFFECTS OF METARHIZIUM 

ANISOPLIAE (SOROKIN) ON THE BRACONID PARASITOIDS DIACHASMIMORPHA 

TRYONI (CAMERON) AND D. LONGICAUDATA (ASHMEAD). 

San Andrés, Victoria 1,2* ; Moya, Pilar 3 ; Ayala, Ildefonso 3 , Abad, María 3 ; Primo, Jaime 3 & 

Castañera, Pedro 2 

Unidad Asociada de Entomología IVIA–UJI-CIB CSIC 1, 2 . 1 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias 

(IVIA), Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5; Moncada 46113- Valencia, Spain. 2 Centro de Investigaciones 

Biológicas (CIB) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Departamento Biología de Plantas, 

Ramiro de Maeztu 9; 28040- Madrid, Spain. Email: sanandres_vic@gva.es; 3 Centro de Ecología Química 

Agrícola (CEQA), Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), Camino de Vera s/n. 46022. Valencia, Spain. 

Background: The demand of insecticide free fresh fruit is encouraging the use of ecologically 

friendly alternatives against the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata 

(Wiedemann), such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) and biological control programs. 

Consequently, two imported braconid species Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Cameron) and D. 

longicaudata (Ashmead) started to be released in Valencia in autumn 2008. In addition, the 

utilization of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin is 

being considered jointly with the ongoing SIT program to control medfly in the Comunidad 

Valenciana. Accordingly, the potential non-target effects of this pathogen on the released 

parasitoids need to be evaluated. 

Methods: Laboratory assays were performed to assess the pathogenicity of M. anisopliae to 

both parasitoids by exposing them to mycosed cadaver flies. The longevity of both exposed 

and non-exposed parasitoids was determined. Moreover, the effect of M. anisopliae on 

fecundity, sex ratio and emergence rate of parasitoids was calculated. Multiplex-PCR on the 

non-emerged pupae of C. capitata was used to assess the actual rate of parasitism. 

Results: The exposition of the two parasitoids to mycosed flies resulted in D. tryoni and D. 

longicaudata differential pathogenicity. For D. tryoni, the parasitism rate was not affected 

regardless of the amount of conidia received. For D. longicaudata, fecundity, and parasitism 

rates were affected when higher conidia contact occurred. In any case, the sex ratio of both 

parasitoids was affected by M. anisopliae exposure. 

Conclusions: This laboratory evaluation reveals that both parasitoid species are susceptible to 

M. anisopliae, though further field-cage and open field studies are required to confirm these 

results. 

Keywords: Medfly, parasitoids, entomopathogenic fungus, SIT


MEDFLY IMPACT IN SOUTHWESTERN MOROCCO AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL 

WITH HALOPHYTES SPECIES. 

Soummane, Hassna 1,3 ; Naamani, Khalid 1* ; Larhsini, Mustafa 1 ; El Hadrami, Ismaïl 1 ; 

Guerfali, Meriem M'saad 2 & Coll Toledano, Josep 3 . 

1 Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biotechnologies, 

Protection and Valorization of Vegetables Resources, PB: 2390. Marrakesh 40000 Morocco. E-mail: 

knaamani@yahoo.fr. 2 National Centre of Sciences and Nuclear Technologies (CNSTN), Technopole of Sidi 

Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia. 3 Dep. Química Biològica i Modelització Molecular, IQAC (Institut de Química 

Avançada de Catalunya), CSIC. Jordi Girona 18-26 08034 Barcelona. Spain. 

Background: The medfly attack reduces growth capacity of the crops and therefore lower 

commercial yield. This effect is most important when the attacked species is considered such 

as high importance economic species, such as Argan in southwestern Morocco. The Argan tree 

(Argania spinosa) is endemic to semi-desert Souss valley of southwestern Morocco. In this 

area, it plays major ecologic and socio-economic roles. The argan oil is considered as a highvalue 

product for that it’s crucial to women’s co-operatives in Southwest of Morocco. This 

economic contribution depends of argan tree productivity which faces to abiotic and biotic 

factors, especially the dipterans fly: Ceratits capitata. The argan tree is considered as the 

largest fruit fly host knows in the world. 

Methods: In order to control this insect we propose a biological one with three halophytes 

species belongings to two different families. The plant extracts were sequentially partitioned 

for subsequent bioassay. The active fractions were divided into subfractions using a silica gel 

column (reverse phase). Toxicity and effectiveness of the subfractions were reported as LC50 

and LC90, which represent the concentrations in µg/ml with 50% and 90% medly mortality in 

24h, respectively. Both larvae and adult medfly mortality were considered. 

Results: We noted that a great insecticidal activity for Tamaricacea species comparing with the 

studied Chenopodiacea species. The Tamarix species showed a strongest larvicidal activity 

against the second and third instar larvae of Ceratitis capitata, two times greater comparing 

with the other extracts. These same findings were also registred for the adulticidal activity of 

Tamarix species it was 21.3% greater comparing with the tested Chepodiacea species. 

Conclusion: These results suggest that tested Tamarix species may be considered as an 

interesting bioinsecticidal product. Application of these products could be very useful to reduce 

the larvae and adult of Ceratitis capitata. Future investigations should aim at testing these 

products against other fruit fly species and try to resolve the mode of action of these 

bioinsecticidal compounds. 

Keywords: biological control, halophytes, Ceratitis capitata, Argania spinosa 

267


LONGEVITY OF THREE SPECIES OF TEPHRITID (DIPTERA) FRUIT FLY 

PARASITOIDS (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE: OPIINAE) PRESENTED WITH TWO 

FRUIT-BASED DIETS. 

Stuhl, Charles 1,2 ; Cicero Jarado, Lizzette 3 ; Sivinski, John 2* ; Aluja, Martin 3 & Teal, 

Peter 2 

1 Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 2 USDA-ARS, Center for 

Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL. Email: John.Sivinski@ARS.USDA.GOV; 

3 Instituto de Ecologia, A.C., Apartado Postal 63, 91000 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. 

Background: Opiinae braconids are important natural enemies of Anastrepha spp. and massreared 

in several locations for area-wide control. Adult parasitic Hymenoptera often feed on 

floral and extrafloral nectars and honeydews, but an Old World opiine introduced to the 

Americas, Diachasmimorpha longicaudtata, survives on orange juice (Citrus aurantium) as it 

seeps from injured fruit. The New World species, Doryctobracon areolatus and Utetes 

anastrephae, are also prominent Anastrepha parasitoids. The orientation to and longevity upon 

diets based on two different fruits were compared and contrasted in all three parasitoids. 

Methods: Pulp and juice were provided from a domesticated Old World fruit (C. aurantium) 

that offered little opportunity for shared evolutionary histories, except perhaps with D. 

longicaudata. All three parasitoids were also provided with a less-domesticated New World 

fruit (guava, Psidium guajava) which shared an evolutionary history with D. areolatus and U. 

anastrephae. 

Results: Both sexes of D. longicaudata, from USA and Mexican-derived cultures died when 

provided P. guajava pulp or juice at a rate similar to a water-only control. In the USA, D. 

areolatus and U. anastrephae, presumably adapted to the nutrient/chemical constituents of P. 

guajava, also died at a rate similar to that of the water-control. Survival of all three species on 

C. aurantium pulp and juice was greater than on water and longevity often equaled that 

obtained on a honey+water solution provided as a positive control. The differences in survival 

on the two fruits suggested that P. guajava was either: 1) innutritious, 2) toxic or 3) 

unattractive. Fructose found in P. guajava sustained both male and female D. longicaudtata. 

Starved female D. longicaudata and D. areolatus could be found at P. guajava feedingstations, 

but when given a choice between fruit both sexes of all species were generally found 

at C. aurantium stations. Thus P. guajava contained nutrient sugar and could be located over a 

distance of at least 15 cm by females of two species. Longevity differences between insects fed 

on P. guajava and C. aurantium were most likely due to an undiscovered toxin. 

Conclusions: Given the differences in fruit-food quality, adult opiine food sources would not 

be obtainable at all oviposition sites and more additional foraging for food than previously 

postulated may be required. Volatiles present in C. aurantium, but not P. guajava, may be 

candidate attractants. 

Keywords: Diachasmimorpha, Doryctobracon, Utetes, Psidium, Citrus


DISPERSAL OF STERILE MALES OF ANASTREPHA LUDENS (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE) TREATED WITH BEAUVERIA BASSIANA. 

Toledo, Jorge 1, *; Novelo-Rincón, Luisa F. 1 ; Montoya, Pablo 2 ; Oropeza, Azucena 1 ; Flores- 

Breceda, Salvador 2 & Liedo, Pablo 1 

1 Departamento de Entomología Tropical. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) Apartado Postal 36. 

Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700 México; Email: jtoledo@ecosur.mx; 2 Subdirección de Desarrollo de Métodos. 

Programa Moscamed, SAGARPA. Central Poniente # 14. Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700 México. 

Background: Laboratory and field cage studies have shown that sterile males can be used for 

the horizontal transmission of entomopathogenic fungi, as an additional mortality factor for the 

control of fruit fly pests. Our goal in this study was to investigate the survival and dispersal of 

sterile Anastrepha ludens males treated with Beauveria bassiana conidia under natural field 

conditions. 

Methods: Two central point release-recapture experiments were carried out. In the first, marked 

sterile A. ludens adults treated with three different concentrations of dry B. bassiana conidia 

and untreated sterile flies were released in a central point in a mango orchard and subsequently 

recaptured in a trapping net around the release point using Multilure traps. In the second 

experiment, only one conidia concentration was used to treat sterile flies. Field survival and 

dispersal was estimated from the number of trapped flies. 

Results: In the first experiment, the recapture of males treated with low and intermediate 

concentrations was similar to the recapture of untreated males. The highest conidia 

concentration resulted in the lowest recapture. However, the dispersal pattern was similar for 

all treatments. In the second experiment, the recapture of sterile untreated males was 

significantly greater than the recapture of treated males. The longest distance displaced was 

203 and 218 m for treated and untreated males, respectively; but the difference were not 

significant. Dispersal pattern of both, treates and untreated males was to the south-southeast 

area. The survival to both, treated and untreated males was similar. Only in one, out of five 

replicates, the difference was significant. 

Conclusions: Horizontal transmition of entomopathogenic fungi by sterile males is feasible. 

Using low conidia concentrations, the field survival and dispersal of treated males was similar 

to that of untreated males. These and previous results on mating competitiveness suggest that 

the performance of conidia treated sterile males is not affected. This new approach could result 

in a more effective use of the Sterile Insect Technique for the control of fruit fly pests, over all 

when only males are reared in the genetic sexed strain. Methods need to be developed for 

conidia application just before release of sterile flies. 

Keywords: Beauveria bassiana, horizontal transmission, microbial control. 

269


GF-120 ® (SPINTOR-CEBO ® ), AN INTERESTING ALTERNATIVE IN SUSTAINABLE 

AGRICULTURE FOR THE CONTROL OF CERATITIS CAPITATA & BACTROCERA 

OLEAE. SIDE-EFFECTS ON BENEFICIALS. 

Viñuela, Elisa 1* & Torné, María 2 

1 Protección de Cultivos. E.T.S.I. Agrónomos. 28040-Madrid. (Spain). Email: elisa.vinuela@upm.es. 2 Dow 

Agrosciences Ibérica, Madrid (Spain). 

Background: Spinosad is a microbial pesticide isolated by fermentation from a soil 

actinomycete, with a new mode of action on the nervous system (prevention of closing of the 

nicotinic acetylcholine receptors), high efficacy against tephritid flies and good environmental 

performance, so it has been authorized in EU Organic Agriculture in 2008. Spintor-Cebo ® , 

incorporates the active ingredient in low concentration (0.024%) plus a bait (mixture of several 

components) and it has got definitive registration from the Spanish Ministry of Environment, 

Rural and Marine affaires since 2009, being currently used for the control of two economically 

important fruit flies, the Med fly in citrus orchards and the olive fruit fly. The insecticide is 

applied as ultra low volume bait spraying (water amount under 10 l/ha) to the top of the canopy 

of trees aiming at controlling adults, and the percentage of the treated surface in aerial 

applications varies from 25-40% depending on the crop, while in ground applications may 

cover among 5-10% of the vegetation 

Methods: Based on the available information in literature, a summary of its characteristics, 

performance on fruit flies as well as its side-effects on different developmental stages of the 

beneficial organisms compared with that of classical pesticides is presented here. Results are 

mainly based in its residual contact activity on laboratory, semi-field or field and on its 

persistence, but some information on its toxicity by other exposures routes is presented as well. 

Results: Spinosad is a bit more slow acting than former active ingredients used for the control 

of these two fruit flies (organophosphates and pyrethroids), but its efficacy after 72 h 

application is comparable and the pre-harvest intervals are very short: 1 day in citrus orchards 

and 7 days in olive groves, because it degrades quickly. The insecticide is compatible with 

many enemies, mainly predators belonging to different orders and families and pollinators 

(honeybee), and it possess a risk to many parasitoids, but age residues are usually not harmful 

because photolysis is the main way of degradation. 

Conclusions: Based on its good environmental performance and efficacy against tephritids, as 

well as its compatibility with non target arthropods and pollinators, it is a good candidate to be 

used in the control of Ceratitis capitata in citrus orchards and for the control of the Bactrocera 

oleae in olives, in substitution of conventional products especially in Organic Agriculture 

where only natural insecticides are permitted. 

Keywords: Medfly, olive fruit fly, spinosad bait, side-effects, parasitoids, predators

Session 8 

Chemical Ecology, Attractants & 

Other Control Methods


EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MASS TRAPPING TECHNIQUE IN COMBINATION WITH A 

NEW INSECTICIDE IN CERATITIS CAPITATA MANAGEMENT. 

Acín, Patricia* 1 ; Roura, Lídia 1 ; Escudero-Colomar, Adriana 2 ; Du Fretay, Gäel 3 & 

Palència, Jaume 1 . 

1 Sociedad Española de Desarrollos Químicos S.L., Marie Curie, 33; 08210 Barberà del Vallès; Barcelona 

(Spain). Email: pacin@sedq.es. 2 IRTA-Estació Experimental Agrícola Mas Badia, Girona (Spain). 3 ABER 

Consulting, Martillac (France). 

Background: Mass trapping has been widely used in many Mediterranean areas to control the 

Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) Ceratitis capitata giving satisfactory results when used in 

combination with the insecticide dichlorvos (DDVP). Due to the new directive 91/414/CEE the 

utilization of DDVP inside the traps has been banned except in exceptional authorizations. 

Therefore a new effective insecticide is needed in order to assure the success of mass trapping 

in this fly species. Here we report the efficacy of another insecticide, deltamethrin, in the 

Medfly mass trapping. 

Methods: Four trials have been performed in different fruit varieties and localities. The assays 

consisted in the deployment of a certain number of traps baited with a suitable attractant and 

the insecticide replacing the DDVP applied in the upper part of the trap. All traps were placed 

in external branches in the southern face of the trees following a homogeneous distribution in 

the correspondent test plot. Every week a fixed number of traps were checked where the total 

number of adults captured inside were evaluated differentiating between sexes in most cases. In 

addition, a fruit damage assessment was performed. 

Results: The trials carried out supposed both low and high Medfly population densities. In 

general, females were captured in a higher proportion than males (65-75%) except at the end of 

the assays where the percentage of males slightly increased. Furthermore, in those tests where 

the number of live flies captured in the traps was evaluated a very low proportion of them were 

observed (approximately 2%), showing this the effectiveness of the deltamethrin. The fruit 

damage rate in all experiences was rather acceptable, especially in those plots where a high 

number of traps were positioned. 

Conclusions: The efficacy of mass trapping using deltamethrin as a DDVP substitute has been 

proved in all tests executed. This system has a notable capability for capturing adults in both 

low and high Medfly populations emphasizing an appropriate female percentage caught in the 

traps, a general low number of live adults in the devices and a very satisfactory fruit damage 

percentage. Therefore this mass trapping system comprises a good alternative to the traditional 

DDVP use and thoroughly compatible with integrated pest management. 

Keywords: Medfly, mass trapping, DDVP, deltamethrin 

273


VOLATILE EMISSIONS OF CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN): INFLUENCE OF 

FLY SEX, AGE AND MATING STATUS. 

Alfaro Cañamás, Cristina*; Vacas, Sandra; Navarro-Llopis, Vicente; Primo, Jaime. 

Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola - Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo. Universidad Politécnica de 

Valencia. Camino de Vera s/n. 46022. Valencia. Spain. calfaro@ceqa.upv.es 

Background: The courtship behavior and pheromone communication between males and 

females Ceratitis capitata have been studied for many researches, however, the sex pheromone 

composition is still a controversial subject. The use of semiochemicals is being extended in the 

control of Mediterranean fruit fly, so the research of new products affecting the medfly 

behavior or the composition of the sex pheromone would be interesting to improve these 

control methods. 

Methods: The experimental design to study volatile compounds emitted by C.capitata 

consisted of three factors at two levels: sex (male or female), mating status (virgin or mated) 

and age (3 or 9 days old). Volatile was collected by solid phase microextraction and the 

compounds were isolated and identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass 

spectrometry. The data were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis in order to obtain 

clusters of compounds with a similar emission pattern. A 3-way ANOVA was applied in order 

to study in detail the emission pattern of these representative compounds according to sex, age 

and mating status. 

Results: Seventy compounds emitted by C. capitata were detected. All compounds were 

detected in males whereas only 37 were found in female volatile profile. The most abundant 

compounds detected in the male volatile profile were 2-hexenoic acid, geranyl acetate, ethyl 

(3E)-3-octenoate and (E,E)-α-farnesene. In female volatile profile, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 

trimethylamine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-hexenoic acid were the most abundant released 

compounds. 

Conclusions: The compounds were grouped in 16 clusters, determining the emission pattern for 

everyone. The knowledge of the emission pattern for each compound and which of them have 

similar profile would be interesting to design the biological assays and the combination of 

compounds to determine the effect on the Mediterranean fruit fly behavior. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, volatile profile, solid phase microextraction, pheromone.


FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE EFFICACY OF MASS-TRAPPING TO CONTROL 

THE MEDFLY CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

Alonso-Muñoz, Andrés & Garcia-Marí, Ferran 

Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camí de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, 

(Spain). Email: fgarciam@eaf.upv.es. 

Background: We analyzed the spatial distribution of adult Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: 

Tephritidae) captured in the traps, in Citrus orchards where mass trapping was applied to 

control the pest, to understand how the method works, to determine the factors which influence 

it and to suggest changes which could improve its efficacy. 

Methods: In Ibiza Island, from 2006 to 2008, we established a mass trapping system of control 

in 31 citrus orchards. The traps, of the tephri-trap type and baited with Tripack as attractant, 

were uniformly distributed at a density of 50 per hectare following the standard 

recommendations. In the orchards, all traps of the mass trapping system were sampled at 

intervals of 30 to 45 days, by counting all flies captured on each trap. In all, 110 samplings, 

with 102 traps observed per sampling on average, were carried out. 

Results: The establishment of the network of traps causes usually a barrier effect, with 

reduction in medfly captures in a gradual and rather constant rate from the periphery to the 

interior of the orchards. The amount of reduction observed is usually low, since the average 

captures were 3.5 flies per trap and day (ftd) on the external perimetral layer of traps and 2.3 

ftd on the second layer of traps, reaching 0.7 ftd on the sixth layer located 70 meters inside the 

orchard. The following factors were analyzed for the barrier effect on medfly populations: size 

and shape of the orchard, presence of mature fruits, species and/or variety of fruit, month of the 

year, time elapsed since the mass trapping was installed, and overall medfly abundance in the 

periphery. Size and shape of the orchard, and month of the year, showed significant influence: 

Larger plots and plots with minimum ratio perimeter/area showed higher capacity in reduction 

of captures, and the efficiency of the system of control increases in June and July. 

Conclusions: According to these results, the success of mass trapping can be measured by the 

capacity to get high levels of reduction between the external and the internal layer of traps in 

the plot. The mass trapping technique must be applied in large areas, of several tens of 

hectares, in surfaces with a compact shape in order to minimize the perimeter, and increasing 

the density of traps in the periphery of the protected area. The traps should be installed when 

fruit ripening approaches but not before, as no improvement was observed when the period of 

establishment of the mass trapping in the orchards increases. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, spatial distribution, mass-trapping, Citrus, traps 

275


DIFFERENCES IN LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN SUSCEPTIBILITY AMONG FIELD AND 

LABORATORY POPULATIONS OF CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

Arouri, Rabeh* 1 ; Perera, Nathalie 1 ; Beroiz, Beatriz 1 ; Hernández-Crespo, Pedro 1 ; Ortego, 

Félix 1 & Castañera, Pedro 1 

1 Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 

Departamento de Biología Medioambiental, Madrid, Spain. 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is one of 

the most economically important pests of citrus orchards in Spain. The intensity of insecticide 

treatments with malathion-lure against C. capitata has resulted in the development of resistant 

populations in some areas of Spain. The situation changed in 2009, since the decision of noninclusion 

of malathion in Annex 1 of the Directive 91/414/EEC has resulted in the withdrawal 

of authorisations for plant protection products containing this insecticide. Several insecticides 

are approved for Medfly control in citrus crops, but spinosad and lambda-cyhalothrin are the 

most widely applied alternatives. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the susceptibility to 

lambda-cyhalothrin of field and laboratory populations in order to determine the effectiveness 

of this insecticide for Medfly control. 

Methods: C. capitata infested fruits were collected in commercial fields from different 

geographical areas in Spain during 2009. The susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin (10% w/v, 

Karate Zeon, Syngenta Agro S.A., Madrid, Spain) of emerging adults from each field was 

determined by dose-response feeding bioassays and compared to the susceptibility of a 

malathion-resistant and a susceptible laboratory strain. In addition, the malathion-resistant 

strain is being maintained under lambda-cyhalothrin selection pressure in the laboratory in 

order to determine the potential for cross-resistance development. 

Results: Populations from Granada, Malaga, Valencia and Lerida showed a LC50 for lambdacyhalothrin 

of 144, 202, 134 and 287 ppm, respectively. The susceptibility of these populations 

is remarkably lower than that of a susceptible laboratory strain (LC50 = 18 ppm). In addition, 

laboratory selection with lambda-cyhalothrin initiated on a malathion-resistant laboratory strain 

has decreased its susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin from LC50= 98 ppm to LC50=759 ppm, 

whilst malathion susceptibility was maintained. Interestingly, the esterase inhibitor DEF 

partially suppressed the tolerance to lambda-cyhalotrin of the selected strain. 

Conclusions: The implications for Medfly control of the differences in susceptibility to 

lambda-cyhalothrin of field populations from different origins, when compared to laboratory 

strains, are discussed. Our results suggest that resistance to malathion may confer crossresistance 

to lambda-cyhalothrin. 

Keywords: Medfly, lambda-cyhalothrin, cross-resistance, malathion.


SPINOSAD EFFICACY IN LABORATORY AND FIELD CONDITIONS AGAINST THE 

MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY CERATITIS CAPITATA WIED. (DIPTERA: 

TEPHRITIDAE). 

Bachrouch, Olfa 1 ; Mediouni-Ben Jemâa, Jouda 2 ; Beitia, Francisco 3 & Chermiti, 

Brahim 4 . 

1 Unité de Recherche de Physico-Chimie Moléculaire. IPEST, BP51, 2070 La Marsa, Tunisia. 2 Laboratoire de 

Protection des Végétaux, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie, 2049 Ariana, Tunisia. 


Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada (Valencia) SPAIN. 4 Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott-Mériem, 

Sousse, Tunisia. 

Background: In Tunisia, the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata, is a serious pest causing 

quantitative and qualitative losses to several crops, mainly citrus. The chemical control using 

broad-spectrum insecticides, essentially organophosphates, plays a major role in controlling 

this pest. However, insect resistance was recorded and control failures have been reported in 

field situations last years. Among the more used insecticides, malathion �diethyl (dimethoxythiophosphorylthio) 

succinate� has been declared an ozone-depleting substance and therefore, 

is being phased out. This work aims to evaluate Spinosad efficacy as an alternative to 

conventional chemical control in Tunisia. 

Methods: The assessment of Spinosad efficacy (dose=10ml/hl) was based on determination of 

adult and larval mortalities in laboratory together with population reduction expressed by 

weekly male captures and fruit damage at harvest in the field. Non treated insects were used as 

control in the laboratory experiment whereas in field conditions trials, a control plot of 0.5 ha 

area was employed. 

Results: Laboratory experiment showed that C. capitata larvae were more tolerant than adults. 

At 72h after treatment, Spinosad achieved 22% of mortality of larvae against 3% for the 

control, whereas, it leds to 100% mortality for adults against 4% for the control. For the field 

trial, results indicated significant differences in male captures and fruit damage percentages 

between Spinosad and the control. Concerning adult males captures reductions of 55.15% were 

recorded. For fruit damage assessment at harvest, results showed significant differences 

between the treated and the control fields. The percentage of punctured fruit was 13.13% in 

Spinosad trial against 20.40% for the control. 

Conclusions: Spinosad reduced significantly the damage produced by medfly females, and can 

be an efficient alternative to chemical control in Tunisia. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, Spinosad, tolerance, fruit damage 

277


A COMPARISON OF SEVERAL TRAPS AND ATTRACTANTS AS A FIRST APPROACH 

TO THE USE OF MASS TRAPPING AGAINST THE OLIVE FRUIT FLY (DIPTERA, 

TEPHRITIDAE) IN THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY. 

Beitia, Francisco J. 1 ; Tortosa, A. 2 ; Carbonell, Emilio 3 & Ros, J. Pedro. 4 


Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Moncada (Valencia) SPAIN. Email: beitia_fra@gva.es. 2 Agricultural 

Experimental Station, IVIA, Carcaixent (Valencia) SPAIN. 3 Biometry Unit, IVIA, Moncada (Valencia) SPAIN. 

4 Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias. Laboratorio de Entomología Agroforestal. Departamento de 

Protección Vegetal. Carretera de La Coruña, Km 7,5. Madrid, SPAIN. 

Background: The Valencian Community (on the eastern coast of Spain) is the fourth Spanish 

region in olive production (for oil and olives). One of the main problems for this crop is the 

olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) and this pest has traditionally been combated in the 

region by the use of chemicals. Nowadays, it is been studied the technical and economical 

feasibility in using some ecological methods against the pest. One of these methods could be 

the mass trapping, so some trials have been started to know its effectiveness. 

Methods: The experiment was carried out in two olive plots located in Enguera (Valencia, 

Spain), an inner town about 70 km far from the Mediterranean coast. Two different olive 

varieties were in each plot: Arbequina and Villalonga. Five traps (glass MacPahil, Tephritrap, 

ecological Tephritrap, Easy trap and Olipe) and three attractants (Nulure+Borax, Tephri Lure 

and Ammonium Phosphate), with a total of 15 combinations (trap+attractant) were analyzed. 

Trials started on 5 th June and finished on 31 st December. Traps were installed on trees in both 

plots over an area of about 2.300 m 2 and every other tree. They were moved between trees 

through the experiment to allow all trap combinations were in all positions in the plot. Traps 

were moved, attractants renewed and insects inside traps counted every two weeks. 

Results: Data were similar in the two plots, so in the two olive varieties. The best trap and the 

best attractant in capturing olive flies were Tephritrap and Tephri Lure respectively. In 

addition, the best combination was Tephritrap + Tephri Lure. Ammonium Phosphate shows the 

worst result in capturing flies, and this compound with Easy Trap and Olipe were the worst 

combinations. In general, all combinations in both plots show two period of high fly captures: 

through the month of September and on mid October. In the other hand, captures of natural 

enemies in traps were also counted and specially for Chrysopa sp individuals, a very common 

and important natural enemy on olive groves. The best trap in capturing flies was also one of 

the traps with a low ratio nº of chrysopas/nº of flies (0’07 in both plots) and these data must be 

considered to determine the real effectiveness of the traps. 

Conclusions: Mass trapping could be an interesting method to be applied against the olive fruit 

fly in the Valencian Community but it must be analyzed not only the effectiveness of the trap 

but also its cost and its effect on natural enemies in order to select the best one. 

Keywords: Olive fruit fly, traps and attractants, mass trapping.


LABORATORY EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ATTRACT & KILL 

FORMULATIONS ON ANASTREPHA FRATERCULUS. 

Borges, Rafael 1 ; Botton, Marcos 2 ; Machota Jr., Ruben 2 ; Boff, Mari Ines Carissimi 3 ; 

Mafra-Neto, Agenor 4 

1 ISCA Tecnologias, BR 285, Km 461, Ijui, RS 98700 Brasil. Email: rafael@isca.com.br. 2 Empresa Brasileira de 

Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA-CNPUV). Bento-Gonçalves, RS (Brasil). 3 Universidade do Estado de Santa 

Catarina, Centro Agroveterinário, Lages, Brasil. 4 ISCA Technologies, Riverside California, US. 

Background: A new atract & kill (A&K) formulation was developed by ISCA Tecnologias to 

control fruit flies. In laboratory tests, we compared the efficacy of this new formulation with 

three commercial products used by fruit growers in southern Brazil. Mortality tests were 

performed with Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) and results showed that the 

effectiveness of Anarosa formulations was directly proportional to increasing dose of 

insecticide. Formulations containing organophosphates and cypermethrin produced similar 

mortality results. The Anarosa formulations, regardless of the insecticide dose, were more 

effective than GF 120 for A. fraterculus control. 

Methods: Experiments were conducted at the Entomology Laboratory of EMBRAPA Grapes & 

Wine, Bento Gon‡alves, RS (temperature 25øCñ2, relative humidity (RH%) 70ñ10, 

photoperiod 14 hours) with insects reared on a diet of wheat germ, brown sugar and soy extract 

(3:1:1). Mortality of adult 15-20 days of age A. fraterculus was evaluated. Each replicate 

consisted of a cage (300ml plastic cup without bottom, containing a circular floor paper, a 2 ml 

container for water and 0.8g of solid diet) with two pairs of adult insects. Treatments were 

applied to leaves of Vitis vinifera plants in a greenhouse setting. Using disposable syringes, a 

5ml drop (4 mm in diameter) was placed on the upper leaf surface. After a three hour drying 

period, the leaves were collected in the laboratory and cut into a circular shape (3cm diameter) 

containing a drop of the treatment which was then presented to the adult flies. Each treatment 

was replicated 13 times; each cage was a replicate. Measurements were taken every two hours 

for the first 24 hours, followed by intervals of four hours until the completion of assessments 

after 96 hours. 

Results: The most rapid mortality resulted from the Anarosa + 0.2% cypermethrin and Biofruit 

+ 0.15% malathion treatments, which caused 100% mortality after 36 and 32 hours 

respectively. Anarosa + 0.4% spinosad resulted in 100% mortality after 44 hours. The Anarosa 

+ 0.2% spinosad and molasses + 0.15% malathion treatments both resulted in 100% mortality 

after 48 hours. For the Anarosa treatments containing 0.1% and 0.05% spinosad, 100% 

mortality was reached after 52 and 60 hours for each treatment respectively. The GF 120 

treatment resulted in 96% mortality at the end of the tests, while the standard treatment, 

Anarosa without insecticide, resulted in 13% mortality at the end of the experiment. 

Conclusion: Anarosa treatments proved to be promising for controlling populations of 

Anastrepha fraterculus and the mortality effect of the formulations progressively increases with 

increasing insecticide concentration 

Keywords: Anarosa, Spinosad, Mortality, Anastrapha fraterculus 

279


PERSISTENCE OF ATTRACT & KILL FORMULATIONS OF ANASTREPHA 

FRATERCULUS: GREENHOUSE AND RAIN-FAST EXPERIMENTS. 

Borges, Rafael 1 ; Botton, Marcos 2 ; Machota Jr., Ruben 2 ; Boff, Mari Ines Carissimi 3 ; 

Bortoli, Ligia Caroline 4 ; Mafra-Neto, Agenor 5 . 

1 ISCA Tecnologias, BR-285, Km-461, Ijui, RS 98700 Brasil, rafael@isca.com.br. 2 Empresa Brasileira Pesquisa 

Agropecuária-CNPUV, RS-Brasil. 3 Universidade Estado Santa Catarina, Centro Agroveterinário SC-Brasil. 

4 Universidade Caxias Vinhedos, RS-Brasil; 5 ISCA Technologies, Riverside California, US. 

Background: Food attractants associated with pesticides have been used as a strategy for 

management of fruit flies in fruit growing areas of Southern Brazil. Commercial formulations 

require frequent applications due to environmental factors like sunlight and rain. Anarosa, 

developed by ISCA Technologies, was evaluated for persistence after exposure to solar 

radiation and rainfall in laboratory tests on mortality of adult Anatrepha fraterculus. 

Material and Methods: Experiments were conducted to evaluate the persistence of two attract 

and kill (A&K) formulations of Anarosa containing 0.1 or 0.2% Spinosad, compared to two 

standard treatments, GF 120 (0.02% Success® CB) and hydrolyzed protein (Biofruit®) + 

malathion on adult A. fraterculus. Experiments were conducted on Vitis vinifera in a 

greenhouse setting. Five plants were used per treatment. Treatments were applied as droplets 

(4mm diameter, 20 droplets) to upper leaves using disposable syringes (5ml). After 1, 7, 14, 

21, 28 and 35 days after application, leaves with treatments were collected for rain-fast testing. 

Each treatment was exposed to 20 and 50mm of artificial rain; then leaf samples were collected 

and presented to flies in the laboratory to measure mortality. Each treatment was composed of 

13 replicates consisting of a cage (300ml plastic cup without bottom, containing a circular floor 

paper, a 2ml container for water and 0.8g of solid diet) with two pairs of adult insects. For each 

evaluation, leaves with treatment droplets were cut in a circular shape (3cm diameter) and 

presented to the insects. Measurements were taken every two hours for the first 24 hours, 

followed by every four hours until the completion of assessments after 96 hours. 

Results: Samples exposed to 20 mm of simulated rainfall resulted in 75 and 83% mortality 

after 96 hours for Anarosa 0.1 and 0.2% Spinosad treatments, respectively whereas GF 120 + 

malathion and Biofruit + malathion each resulted in only 39 and 18% mortality after 96 hours. 

The control sample resulted in 4% mortality. Samples exposed to 50 mm of simulated rainfall 

resulted in 59 and 83% mortality for Anarosa 0.1 and 0.2% spinosad treatments, 9 and 4% for 

the GF 120 + malathion and Biofruit + malathion treatments and 4% for the control treatment. 

Samples exposed to solar radiation showed no significant differences in mortality after 1 to 21 

days with all resulting in 100% mortality. 

Conclusions: The persistence of both the Anarosa and GF 120 formulations was similar after 

exposure to solar radiation, however the Anarosa formulation proved highly persistent with 

respect to rain, maintaining efficiency after considerable rainfall volumes. 

Keywords: South American fruit fly, rain-fast, solar radiation, Anarosa, GF 120


FRUIT INFESTATION ON SOME CUCURBITS AS INFLUENCED BY PUPAL DENSITY OF 

MELON FLY, BACTOCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT) IN SOIL AND THEIR 

MANAGEMENT THROUGH SOIL TREATMENTS. 

Chatterjee, Hirak 1 & Laskar, Nripendra 2 

1 Department of Plant Protection, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan-731236, India.Email: 

hc65@rediffmail.com. 2 Department of Agricultural Entomology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, 

Coochbehar, Pundibari-736165, India. 

Background: Melon fly, Bactocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) is the most notorious pest of fruit 

vegetables causing considerable damage worldwide. This biotic pressure is increasing day by 

day due to intensive cultivation of HYVs under chemicalized agriculture, which leads to 

several environmental ill effects. Therefore, a sustainable management technology is a dire 

need of the hour. Here a novel eco-friendly approach has been made to combat this pest 

thorough estimation of pupal density in soil, its impact on percent fruit infestation and 

evaluation of some pesticide molecules including microbial. 

Methods: Four important cucurbitaceous vegetables in West Bengal, India viz. pumpkin, 

Cucurbita moschata L., bittergourd, Momordica charantia L., ridgegourd, Luffa acutangula 

Roxb. and cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. were selected and the fruits were observed for melon 

fly infestation at weekly interval. Subsequently from each field soil samples below 12 cm 

depth were collected for pupal count. For evaluation of residual toxicity of some chemicals, 

soil was collected from experimental plot and after oven drying the same was kept in a plastic 

container followed by insecticide application. The third instar maggots at ‘jumping stage’ were 

released in the test container after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of application of insecticides. The data 

thus obtained on various stages of development were subjected to statistical analysis by 

appropriate techniques. 

Results: Highly significant positive correlations were established between pupal density and 

fruit infestation with having correlation coefficient ‘r’ = 0.984, 0.987, 0.962 and 0.923 on 

pumpkin (Cucurbita moscheta L.), bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.), ridgegourd (Luffa 

acutangulata Roxb.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) respectively. Economic threshold 

level (ETL) worked out from the individual regression model showed 0.47, 0.24, 0.53 and 0.56 

adult male per trap per day for the respective cucurbit vegetables. Among the different 

chemicals significant differences in pupal mortality, pupal deformity and adult emergence were 

observed. Soil application of dichlorvos 76 EC emerged as most effective with highest mean 

pupal mortality (63.33%) and lowest mean adult emergence (10%) followed by carbofuran 3G 

( 58.33, 12.17%) and chlorpyriphos 20EC (56.25, 15.42%). But bleaching powder and 

formaldehyde (4%) proved to have insignificant effect on adult eclosion as 80.33 and 76.33% 

adult already eclosed from bleaching powder and formaldehyde treated soil respectively. 

Whereas maximum deformed pupae ( 28.75%) was recorded from the soil treated with the 

microbial biopesticide, Metarhizium anisopliae (1.15WP). 

Conclusions: The above findings established that the percent fruit infestation is highly 

influenced by its pupal density in field soil and their different developmental stages could be 

disrupted through soil application of chemicals. Also suggest that it could be an efficient tool 

for sustainable management of melon fruit fly before their emergence. 

Keywords:, Bactocera cucurbitae, fruit infestation, pupal density, mortality, deformity, eclosion, soil treatments 

281


OLIVE FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA OLEAE GMEL., MASS-TRAPPING WITH OLIPE 

TRAPS: EFFECT OF HOLE SIZE IN THE FLY AND NON-TARGET ARTHROPODS 

CAPTURES. 

Coelho, Valentim 1* ; Bento, Albino A. 1 ; Mexia, A. 2 ; Pereira, José A. 1 

1 CIMO/Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Sta Apolónia, Apt. 

11172, 5301-855 Bragança, Portugal; Email: jpereira@ipb.pt; 2 Instituto Superior de 

Agronomia, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal 

Background: The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a key-pest 

of olive tree in the Mediterranean region. In organic agriculture, the use of Olipe traps for olive 

fruit fly mass-trapping is currently used in different regions of the Iberian Peninsula. However, 

previous works have demonstrated that trap hole size influences the number of fly and nontarget 

arthropods captures, that could have a significant impact of beneficial arthropods 

communities. In this context, the present work aimed to study these aspects as well as the 

efficacy of the method in the control of the pest. 

Methods: The work was conducted in an organic olive grove located in Mirandela (Northeast 

of Portugal). The olive trees have medium size and belong to Cobrançosa variety. Four 

treatments (bottle hole sizes) were selected (4, 6, 8 and 10 mm), and each tested in one hectare 

orchard at basis of one trap per tree. In each treatment with a bi-weekly basis 15 traps were 

changed and the number of flies and no-target arthropods were counted. The attack of fruits 

was observed in 25 fruits per tree in a total of 20 trees. 

Results: In all treatments a total of 8922 individuals were counted and ants were the major 

group recovered. A marked effect was observed in the total number of non-target arthropods if 

ants are excluded. The use of these bottles was particularly harmful to the adults of the 

Chrysopidae family that represents between 3.7% and 17.6% of the total recovered (excluding 

ants). Concerning to B. oleae, a reduced number of adults were observed in all treatments. No 

differences were registered in the attacked fruits between bottle hole size. And, the fruit attack 

reaching 19% in the control plot (without traps) that was about the double of treated plots. 

Keywords: Olive fruit fly, Olipe traps, hole size, no target arthropods, organic agriculture


MEDFLY CONTROL IN MEDITERRANEAN AREAS OF SPAIN WITH M3 TRAPS. 

Coltell, Néstor * ; Espinosa, Eduardo & Sabater Alepuz, Juan B. 

BIAGRO SL. Poligono industrial del Mediterráneo. Jaime I, n8. 46560 Massalfasar, Valencia (Spain). Email: 

biagro@biagro.es. 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a keypest 

of fruit trees in the Mediterranean region. Lure and kill traps as M3 represent an efficient 

system to control fruit flies. Several trials are presented in this work to ascertain its efficiency 

under different mediterranean conditions and in different crops. 

Methods: The work was conducted in several citrus and stone fruits orchards Bétera, Vilavella, 

Sagunto, Pobla de Farnals, Alama de Murcia, Jumilla, Yecla and Lérida. Traps were hold in 

place at 360 traps per ha, at 45 days prior fruit harvest. Fruit damage was evaluated in all 

orchards. Control traps baited with food attractants were placed in the orchard perimeter and 

one in the center. 

Results: In all the assays a significant fruit damage reduction has been obtained when 

compared to control orchards subjected to chemical control. Its broad application for organic 

agriculture is discussed. 

Keywords: M3 traps, fruit damage, organic agriculture 

283


EFFECTIVE SAMPLING RANGE FOR PROTEIN-BASED LURES. 

Epsky, Nancy D.* 1 ; Kendra, Paul E. 1 ; Espinoza, Hernán R. 2 ; Midgarden, David 3 & 

Heath, Robert R. 1 

1 United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA, ARS), Subtropical Horticulture 

Research Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida, 33158, USA;. Email: nancy.epsky@ars.usda.gov; 

2 Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola (FHIA), La Lima, Cortés, Honduras; 3 United States Department 

of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - International Services (USDA, APHIS-IS), Sao 

Paulo, Brazil 

Background: Effective sampling range is defined as the maximum distance from which an 

insect can reach an attractive source in a given period of time. Information on sampling range 

is valuable for determining appropriate coverage of traps for use in population delimitation, 

mass trapping control strategies, or identification of foci of infestation for precision targeting of 

control measures. Despite extensive use of protein-based female-targeted attractants in current 

trapping programs for tropical tephritids, there is little documentation their effective sampling 

range. 

Methods: Studies were conducted in Florida and Honduras. A geostatistical analysis approach, 

using data from capture of wild flies in a specifically designed trapping grid, was compared 

with a standard release/recapture study approach that used laboratory-reared sterile and wild 

flies (Florida), and recently captured wild flies (Honduras) to determine effective sampling 

range. Field design consisted of 38 traps (over 0.5 ha) placed in a combination of standard and 

high density grids to facilitate geostatistical analysis, and tests were conducted in coffee, 

mango and orthanique with the three component lure (APT: ammonium acetate, putrescine, 

trimethylamine, Honduras) and guava with the two component lure (AP) and torula yeast/borax 

(TY, Florida). 

Results: Effective sampling range, as determined by geostatistical analysis for APT for C. 

capitata, was ~30 m for flies captured in coffee or mango and ~ 40 m for flies captured in 

orthanique. Similar results were obtained from the release/recapture study, and contour maps 

indicated that wind direction had a strong influence on sampling range, which was ~15 m 

greater upwind as compared to downwind from the release point. In release/recapture tests with 

mature wild A. suspensa, range of AP was determined to be 30 m. With sterile females, 

effective range of both AP and TYB was 20 m. Sterile immature A. suspensa females dispersed 

farther and were recovered in higher numbers than mature females, and recapture with AP was 

higher than recapture with TY. 

Conclusions: Geostatistical analysis of field-captured insects in appropriately designed 

trapping grids may provide a supplement or alternative to release/recapture studies to estimate 

sampling ranges for semiochemical-based trapping systems. Contour maps indicated that wind 

direction had a strong influence on the active space of attractants, as reflected by distribution of 

captured flies in release/recapture studies. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, Anastrepha suspensa, synthetic lures, torula yeast


FIELD ASSAYS OF NEW CONTROLLED-RELEASE PHEROMONE DISPENSERS FOR 

CONTROLLING BACTROCERA OLEAE (GMELIN). 

Gil-Ortiz, Ricardo*; Moya-Sanz, Pilar 1 ; Navarro-Fuertes, Ismael 1 ; Navarro-Llopis, 

Vicente 1 & Primo, Jaime 1 

1 Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola (CEQA), Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Camino de Vera s/n. 

Edificio 6C. 46022 – Valencia (Spain). Email: mmoyasa@ceqa.upv.es 

Background: The eco-trap systems for controlling the olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: 

Tephritidae), are used worldwide in integrated pest management programmes. The low 

biodegradability of most commercial pheromone dispensers requires finding other alternatives 

more ecological to the currently existing ones. We report here on several type of eco-friendly, 

hand-applied pheromone (1.7-dioxaspiro [5.5] undecane) dispensers tested in both laboratory 

and field. 

Methods: Clay materials and different additives, in changing proportions, were designed and 

evaluated in order to obtain that possessing the optimal pheromone emission. The effectiveness 

of the best formulations were evaluated in field and subjected in parallel to a procedure of 

accelerated aging in a temperature and wind speed controlled chamber. Residual pheromone 

remaining in the dispensers was periodically evaluated by gas-liquid chromatography. Release 

rates and half-life times were determined. 

Results: Two formulations (four types of dispensers) showed the best performances in the 

laboratory as compared with the commercial B. oleae Long Life Lure from Agrisense ® 

(Pontypridd, UK) so they were finally tested in the field. Design 1E Type showed the best 

behaviour in the field with an average controlled release of emission of 0.6 mg 

pheromone/dispenser.day, from day 21, which is slightly higher than that showed by the 

commercial one. In addition, it showed an initial loss of pheromone 10% lower than that 

showed by Long Life Lure. Maximum differences in emission rates of all dispensers ranged 

between 0.1-0.9 mg pheromone/day. The average of captures obtained in SEVEP ® traps (EPA, 

SP) were not statistically significant despite the differences in emission found among 

dispensers. The best half-life time obtained was higher than 4 months, which allows to 

dispenser to be placed in the field without replacement during an entire olive fly campaign in 

the Mediterranean area of Spain. 

Conclusions: The field emission tests of dispensers designed confirmed the good performance 

obtained in the laboratory. The mean of captures were as effective as the best dispenser on the 

market, which combined with their easy biodegradability make to be suitable for monitoring 

and controlling B. oleae, especially in "Lure and kill" programs. 

Keywords: Olive fly, dispenser, pheromone, monitoring, control. 

285


STRUCTURAL ABNORMALITIES IN THE EGGS OF FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA TAU 

(WALKER) AFTER FEEDING ON PHLOROGLUCINOL. 

Gupta, Divender* & Sunandita 

Department of Entomology and Apiculture. Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni 

(Solan)-HP-173 230 India. 

Background: Fruit fly, Bactrocera tau is a major pest of tomato and cucurbit vegetables and 

loads of insecticides are used to prevent the damage by this fly but in the process the fruit gets 

poisoned making the consumption unsafe. Phloroglucinol (1,3,5 trihydroxy benzene) has been 

reported as an egg shell peroxidase inhibitor and here in the present study we report the effect 

of this novel chemical on the eggs of B. tau when fed on artificial diet containing this chemical, 

under laboratory conditions. 

Methods: In the first set of experiment, five pairs of freshly emerged adults of B. tau were 

given a diet containing glucose, protein hydrolysate and water (4:1:5) provided with different 

concentrations of phloroglucinol (1,5 and 10mM (milli Molar) in first subset, and 25, 50 and 

100 mM in second subset). These fruit flies were provided with a host (cucumber) for egg 

laying from 9 th day onwards. In the second set of experiment, 8 day old flies were provided 

with phloroglucinol containing diet and the host was provide for egg laying as in the first set. 

Observations on egg laying and the structure of eggs were taken. 

Results: In Set-1, where the adults were fed continuously on phloroglucinol containing diet, 

normal egg laying was recorded at 1, 5 and 10mM phloroglucinol concentrations. Egg count 

was slightly less (158.0eggs/female) at 25mM concentration in comparison to 187.0 

eggs/female in control. However at 50 and 100mM concentrations of phloroglucinol the egg 

laying reduced drastically to 26.2 and 12.0 eggs/female, respectively. Further, the eggs laid 

were fragile, very thin or with ruptured chorion at 50mM, whereas at 100mM in addition some 

chorionless eggs or vitelline membrane bound oocytes (VMOs) were also laid. In Set-II where 

the diet containing phloroglucinol was provided after 8 days of emergence, a similar trend was 

recorded. 

Conclusions: Phloroglucinol has a marked effect on egg development of B. tau particularly on 

egg chorion as it acted by inhibiting egg shell peroxidase when fed at 50 and 100mM 

concentrations. It resulted in eggs with thin chorion, ruptured chorion and vitelline membrane 

bound oocytes (VMOs), which failed to hatch. The study suggests that it can be an effective 

ecofriendly tool in IPM of B. tau. 

Keywords: Fruit fly, Bactrocera tau, phloroglucinol


FRUIT FLIES SPECIES COMPOSITION AND SEASONALITY, AND RELATIVE 

EFFICIENY OF FOUR FEMALE ATTRACTANTS IN MANGO ORCHARDS IN BENIN. 

Hanna, Rachid 1* ; Gnanvossou, Desiré 1 ; Bokonon-Ganta, Aimé 1 & Ekesi, Sunday 2 

1 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 08 BP 0932 Tri Postal, Cotonou Benin. Email: 

r.hanna@cgiar.org; 2 International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya. 

Background: Trapping of tephritid fruit flies has received a great deal of attention for 

detection, monitoring and control purposes. Several commercially available female attractants 

have been developed and are widely used, but information on their usefulness in fruit fly 

monitoring under various environments in Africa is scarce. Here we report on species 

composition and seasonality of fruit flies caught in four commercial female attractants in 

mango orchards in Benin (West Africa). 

Methods: The experiments were conducted in eight mango orchards in 2007 and 2008 and 12 

orchards in 2009 – spread across four agroecologies in Benin. Orchards contained a range of 

mango cultivars representing what is grown in the targeted areas. Fruit fly trapping was carried 

out each year during the mango fruiting period – March through July. Four commercially 

available attractants were tested using Multilure traps. Three traps per attractant and per 

orchard were used. Torula yeast was used as the standard in all three years and was compared 

with Nulure in 2007, BioLure in 2008, and Mazoferm in 2009. Traps were serviced at weekly 

and biweekly intervals for liquid and dry attractants, respectively. 

Results: Overall, eleven fruit fly species belonging to three genera were found in traps, with 

Bactrocera invadens and Ceratitis cosyra being the most abundant. Species composition in 

traps mirrored those in infested mango fruits, with species relative abundance depending on 

agroecology. Bactrocera invadens was present in all study sites but its seasonality followed a 

pattern of dominance throughout the mango season in the south while being nearly absent in 

the drier agroecologies in northern Benin during the first half of the season, but its abundance 

increased steadily in central and northern Benin with the onset of rains and became the 

dominant species during the second half of the season. Ceratitis cosyra abundance followed 

patterns opposite to those of B. invadens. Torula yeast attracted considerably more fruit flies 

than BioLure (20% of Torula yeast) regardless of agroecology (P < 0.05), but attracted similar 

numbers of flies as Mazoferm, except in the Sudan Savanna where Torula yeast attracted more 

B. invadens (P = 0.008) and Ceratitis spp. (P = 0.048) than Mazoferm. Nulure was generally 

less attractive to all fruit flies than Torula yeast. 

Conclusions: The study revealed that Torula yeast and Mazoferm are equally attractive to the 

fruit fly species assemblage in mango orchards in Benin, followed by Nulure and BioLure. 

There were not any significant differences; however, in relative attractiveness of the four 

attractants to B. invadens and Ceratitis spp. Implications for fruit fly monitoring and 

suppression are discussed. 

Keywords: Multilure traps, protein bait, Torula yeast, Nulure, BioLure, Mazoferm. 

287


ORGANOPHOSPHATE RESISTANCE IN ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY MAY AFFECT THE 

ATTRACTING EFFICIENCY OF OP-BASED INTOXICANT LURE. 

Hsu, Ju-Chun 1* ; Hai-Tung Feng 2 

1 Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Email: juchun@ntu.edu.tw; 2 Taiwan 

Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Taiwan 

Background: The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)) is an economic pest of 

great significance in the Asia-Pacific region. The most common management tactic is the male 

annihilation technique (MAT), which consists of using highly attractive toxic lures. The 

toxicant used in these lures are most often organophosphate (OP) based insecticides. In recent 

years, fruit flies in Taiwan have been reported to have OP resistance in the field. Similar cases 

of resistance development and subsequent effectiveness reductions to OP based insecticides 

have been observed in a wide range of alternate fly species in different localities. However, at 

this time, there have been no evaluations concerning the control efficiency of OP-based 

intoxicant lures when resistance is exhibited in the field. 

Methods: The attracting efficiency of naled with methyl eugenol (ME) to two different levels 

of OP-resistant and one susceptible male oriental fruit fly lines were evaluated under 

greenhouse conditions in Taiwan. Two concentrations of naled (5 and 2.5%) with 90% of ME 

were used to evaluate the attraction efficiency within the traps, or cages, after 1 h, 24 and 48 h 

post-treatment. Flies from each of the 3 lines were placed inside a perforated plastic fruit fly 

trap, and then the traps were suspended by means of a wire attached to the roof of a organdy 1 

m 3 cage. 

Results: The attracting efficiency of B. dorsalis males in the three lines were higher for the 5% 

naled treatments. Of the three lines, attraction was highest in the higher OP-resistant line, 

followed by the lower OP-resistant line, and the least efficiency was exhibited in the 

susceptible line at different posttreatments times. 

Conclusion: In our study, OP-resistant lines affected the attracting efficiency of OP-based 

intoxicant lures. When applying MAT to oriental fruit fly control, the intoxicant resistance 

needs to be considered. 

Keywords: Bactrocera dorsalis, MAT, naled, methyl eugenol.


IMPROVED FRUIT FLY LURES AND FORMULATIONS FOR DETECTION, 

DELIMITATION AND CONTROL. 

Jang, Eric * 1 ; Vargas, Roger, 1 ; Ramsey, Amanda 2 , Khriman, Ashot 3 , & Siderhurst, 

Matthew 4 . 

1 USDA-ARS, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, POB 4459, Hilo, HI 96720 USA Emmail: 

eric.jang@ars.usda.gov 2 Scentry Biologicals, 610 Central Avenue, Billings, MT 59102, USA 3 USDA-ARS, 

Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Bldg 007, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA, 4 

Eastern Mennonite University, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA, 22802, USA 

Background: Exotic fruit fly detection, delimitation and control using semiochemicals-based 

attractants form the foundation of area-wide pest management programs worldwide. 

Increasingly, countries require detection arrays as a basis for certification of fly-free areas, low 

prevalence areas and for development of systems approaches which all facilitate international 

trade. Improved attractants and formulations for key fruit fly pests such as Ceratitis sp., 

Anastrepha sp., as well as methyl eugenol and cue-lure responding Bactrocera are needed to 

improve detection, reduce costs and facilitate auditing of regulatory areas of concern. We 

report here on recent developments to improve lures and formulations for use in fruit fly 

programs. 

Methods: New (improved) attractants have been developed for Ceratitis (ceralure B1), methyl 

eugenol-responding Bactrocera (Iodo-eugenol) and cue-lure responding Bactrocera (melolure 

and cuc-lure). Attractants were identified, formulated and tested in the field against 

representative species and in some cases multiple species in conjunction with collaborators. 

Data were collected in a variety of bioassay arenas including flight tunnels, field cages and in 

open field tests lasting up to 10 weeks or more. Additionally, several new and/or improved 

formulations of existing attractant lures have been developed that reduce handling of liquid 

lures on cotton wicks and include toxicants in the formulations. 

Results: Many of the new attractants were shown to me more attractive than their predecessors 

based on molecule to molecule comparisons (ceralure B1 or melolure), or showed increased 

attractancy and female bias relative to proteinaceous baits (cuc-lure). These new attractants 

have also been tested in newer formulations such as solid matrix composites that allow the lure 

to volatilize at a more constant rate than the cotton wicks. Of the various toxicants tested, 

incorporation of naled or DDVP into the solid matrix as been effective, while reduced-risk 

insecticides such as spinosad or rynoxypur have has success with metyl eugenol containing 

formulations but less so with cue-lure formulations under field conditions. 

Conclusions: New and improved lures and formulations of fruit fly attractants have improved 

usability and detection capabilities for several tephritid species. These formulations should be 

considered by action agencies and regulatory bodies for inclusion into standardized detection 

grids or for control technologies such as mass-trapping, male annilhilation and bait sprays. 

Keywords: Tephritidae, Bactocera, Ceratitis, trapping, detection, control. 

289


IMPACT OF THE PROJECT ON INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT FLIES IN 

INDIA (IMFFI) IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CULTIVATION IN SOUTHERN 

KERALA. 

Jiji, T. 1 , Verghese, Abraham 3 ; Suja, G. 3 , Naseema, A 4 ; Nisha, V.G; 5 Sarika, Mohan 6 & 

Mumford, John M. * 

1 Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvanathapuram 695522, Kerala, 

India. 2 Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, India. 3 Regional Agricultural Research Station, 

Kayamkulam, India. 4, 5. College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, India. 6 Imperial College 

London, UK. 

Background: Oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and melon fly B. cucurbitae Coq. 

are serious pests of mango and cucurbits, respectively. B. dorsalis is a direct pest on mango. In 

India, the loss in fruit yield ranges from 1 to 31% (Verghese et al., 2002). In vegetables the 

extent of crop loss due to B.cucurbitae varies between 30 to100 % (Sookar et al., 2006). The 

adult female lays eggs in maturing fruits and vegetables. The maggot develops in the fruit, 

causing drop and rotting. ICAR–UKDFID project on integrated management of fruit flies in 

India (IMFFI),which was in operation during 2002-2005 came out with packages for fruit fly 

management in India both for B. dorsalis and B. cucurbitae. The objective of the present 

study was to assess the impact of the research results of IMFFI in reducing the crop loss due to 

fruit fly attack in mango and cucurbìtaceous vegetables in southern Kerala [south India]. The 

study also assessed the feedback of farmers on the effectiveness of this technology and the 

scope of its commercial adoption. 

Methods: Trials in three southern districts of Kerala were carried out in farmers’ fields, 

maintaining demonstration plots, during April-June, 2009 to evaluate the efficacy of integrated 

pest management involving MAT using methyl eugenol traps/cue lure traps and Bait 

application technique (BAT), using food baits for the management of fruit flies infesting 

mango and snake gourd. Field sanitation and biocontrol methods were also integrated. 

Adoption of the technology was also assessed, based on feed back. 

Results: There was significant reduction in the level of B. dorsalis infestation in farmers’ fields 

where IPM was followed. In mango, in the three districts of Thiruvananathapuram, Kollam and 

Alappuzha the control plots recorded an infestation level of 80.41, 80.89 and 83.38 % as 

against the treated plots with a pest incidence of 8.41, 7.6 and 8.24 %, respectively. In 

snakegourd in the three districts Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, the control plots 

recorded an infestation level of 73.74, 73.16 and 74% as against the treated plots with a pest 

incidence of 7.4, 7.77 and 4.99%, respectively. The results are in conformity with the finding 

of the ICAR-UK DFID project on fruit flies. Beauveria bassiana owing to high infectivity and 

easiness of application gave encouraging results for the management of fruit flies.. 

Conclusions: The application of biocontrol agent can effectively be incorporated as a 

component of integrated fruit fly management programme in mango and vegetable crops. The 

feedback was encouraging, which authenticates the findings of the IMFFI Project 

Keywords: IPM, IMFFI, B. dorsalis , B. cucurbitae, snake gourd.


SIDE EFFECTS OF SELECTED PESTICIDES COMMONLY USED IN CITRUS ORCHARDS 

ON STERILE MEDFLY MALES. 

Juan-Blasco, María 1* ; Planes, Laura 1 ; Argilés, Rafael 2 ; Jacas, Josep A. 3 ; Sabater-Muñoz, 

Beatriz 1 & Urbaneja, Alberto 1 . 

1 Unidad Asociada de Entomología UJI-IVIA-CIB CSIC. Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología; Instituto 

Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, IVIA; Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km 4.5; E-46113-Moncada (Spain). 

Email: juan_marbla@gva.es. 2 Departamento de Plagas. TRAGSA. Release Unit. Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km 

4.5; E-46113-Moncada (Spain). 3 Unidad Asociada de Entomología UJI-IVIA-CIB CSIC. Departament de 

Ciències Agràries i del Medi Natural; Universitat Jaume I, UJI; Campus del Riu Sec; E-12071-Castelló de la 

Plana (Spain). 

Background: The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), can be considered a biological control 

method, as it is based on rearing, sterilizing and releasing large numbers of males to mate with 

wild females, who will then produce unviable eggs. Hence, sterile medfly males can be 

considered as beneficial organisms within an integrated pest management program. Sterile 

males released may directly be exposed to pesticides used against other citrus pests in the 

target area. Therefore, the side-effects of these pesticides should be assessed on these males. 

Methods: Laboratory trials were conducted to find out side-effects of the pesticides abamectin, 

chlorpyrifos, etofenprox, etoxazole, narrow-range mineral oil, spinosad, pymetrozine and 

pyriproxyfen on Vienna-8 tsl sterile C. capitata males. Three-day-old sterile males were 

exposed to fresh, 7, 14 and 21-day-old residues of the selected pesticides. Mortality of sterile 

males was observed daily during 6 days after pesticide application. When differences against 

the control were found, the resulting corrected mortalities (Abbott) were interpreted according 

to IOBC standards. 

Results: All pesticides resulted harmless to Vienna-8 tsl sterile males except for chlorpyrifos 

and spinosad. Both pesticides resulted moderate harmful according to the IOBC categories for 

the fresh residue and decreased to slightly harmful until residue of 14-d-old. At 21-d-old 

residue, chlorpyrifos resulted harmless whereas spinosad continued as slightly harmful. 

Conclusions: Our results provide useful information to implement an SIT program within an 

citrus area where an IPM program is being conducted. Sub-lethal effects of pesticides on sterile 

Vienna-8 strain of C. capitata males mating behavior should also be considered for a complete 

analysis of their impact. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, sterile insect technique, insecticide toxicity. 

291


FIELD EVALUATION OF GF-120 TO CONTROL CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) 

IN IRAQ. 

Khlawi, Samira & Mohammed Ali, Hussain 

Ministry of Science & Technology, Directorate of Agricultural Research, P.O.Box 765 Baghdad, Iraq. E-mail : 

halrubeai@yahoo.com. 

Background : The medfly, Ceratites capitata has been recorded for the first time infested 

orchard citrus fruits in late 2006, and since then spread to all areas of orange grooves and 

become one of the major pest in Iraq. This because of citrus fruit importation from neighboring 

countries known to have this pest for decades and for inefficient national quarantine system. 

The crises depicted the urgent need for the implementation of national control campaign, 

taking in mind using effective alternatives to harsh insecticides with low environmental risk. 

GF-120 consist of spinosad as an active ingredient, derived from bacteria, and mixed with 

attractant and feeding stimulant agents, proven to be effective in controlling many pest species 

including medfly with a low mammalian and wildlife toxicity. 

Materials & Methods : The efficacy of GF-120 ( Spintor Fly 0.24 g/l, Dow AgroSciences) was 

evaluated against C. capitata in citrus orchards of Iraq. Trials were carried out in mandarin 

oranges orchard at Baghdad in the year of 2007, and in naval, mandarin and sour orange 

orchard at Wasset province ( 50 km east of Baghdad) in the year of 2008. For all treatments 

FG-120 was applied as spot treatment in a concentration of 300ml/5 L water. Treatment of 

2007, the solution was applied two times with 10 days interval using 15 L handbach spryer. 

Twenty five trees (replicates) were treated each time, in addition to 10 trees for the control. 

Differences between treatments were determined by checking, at 10 days after treatment and at 

harvest time, 100 fruits randomly picked. Treatment of 2008 was applied at three times: before 

adult emergence, after adult emergence and after 10 days of the 2 nd treatment. The experiments 

were designed to have four groups of trees, each with 25 trees and the control. The 1 st group 

treated 3 times, the 2 nd treated twice, the 3 rd group treated once and the control group. At the 

end of the season, percentages of infested fruits were determined by checking of 100 fruits for 

each group. 

Results: The result of the experiments carried out in 2007 on orange mandarin indicated lower 

percentage of damaged fruits (5-8%) in treatment with GF-120 compared with untreated check 

(21-36%).In the trial of 2008, on mixed oranges treatment resulted statistically different 

between treatment timing and number. Percentage of infestation achieved were 3,5,10% for 3,2 

and one time treatments ,respectively. All treatments result showed significant difference 

compared to the untreated check (89%). 

Conclusion: Results achieved in all trails showed that spot foliar surface treatment with GF- 

120 is a promising product to control the medfly, C. capitata with low impact on the 

environment.


POPULATION MONITORING OF CERATITIS CAPITATA (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN 

S. MIGUEL ISLAND IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. 

Medeiros, Aida 1 ; Tavares, Laura 1 & Oliveira, Luísa 2 

1 Direcção Serviços de Agricultura e Pecuária – Direcção Regional Desenvolvimento Agrário – Quinta de S. 

Gonçalo, 9500-343 Ponta Delgada, Açores, Aida.MC.Medeiros@azores.gov.pt; 2 Departamento de Biologia, CBA, 

CIRN, Universidade dos Açores, Rua da Mãe de Deus, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Açores. 

Background: To develop a control program against the Mediterranean fruit fly, or medfly, 

Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is essential to know the population size and presence around 

the year to establish the programs. Population monitoring is a key point in control programs. 

The extent of lures and traps available in the market pushed us to establish a pilot program to 

select the best trap and lure for the San Miguel Island. 

Methods: Monitoring was conducted through 2005-2009 in three fruit orchards in the central 

part of São Miguel Island, Azores. One orchard was a monoculture orchard and the other two 

were mixed-fruit orchards. Monitoring used “Easy-trap”, with two different attractants: the 

male specific pheromone trimedlure and a food-based attractant – “Ferag” lure (ammonium 

acetate + diaminoalcane + trimethylamine). Two traps, one with each attractant, were placed in 

each orchard. Traps were suspended in the tree canopy. 

Results & Conclusions: In the two mixed-fruit orchard adults were captured year-round with a 

break during March-May. In the monoculture orchard, however, captures were limited to July- 

December. Significant differences were observed between the two types of attractants and 

among the years, independently of the location of the orchard. The mean number of adults per 

day captured in the pheromone trap was significantly higher than traps baited with Ferag lure. 

However, using both attractants increases the potential of controlling the fly infestations by 

better predicting the presence and the numbers of the flies. 

Keywords: Med Fly, monitoring, attractants 

293


ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUITFLY, CERATITIS 

CAPITATA IN THE ORCHARDS OF CENTRAL IRAQ. 

Mohammed Z. Khalaf ;Adnan H. Salman ;Ali K. Shbar and Farqad A. Sadq 

Integrated Pest Control Research center, Ministry of Science & Technology. Baghdad, IRAQ Email: 

mzkhalaf2007@yahoo.com 

Background: In the recent years, The Mediterranean Fruitfly Ceratitis capitata is distributed in 

the orchards of central Iraq, and caused highly economic losses. 

Methods: The study was conducted in orchards in central Iraq during 2009 and make field 

survey of the insect in four types of orchards (citrus, Apricot, Figs & Citrus, a mixture of fruit 

trees), and used for this purpose Tefri traps supplied with Q-lure and DDVP. 

Results: The results of the study for the presence of the insect throughout the year ,and reached 

its highest numerical density of the insect in citrus orchards during the month of October and 

November were ( 295 – 870 ) insect per trap per 2 week and the least numerical density during 

the months of January and February .While the numerical density of the insect in the orchards 

of Apricot ,Figs & Citrus ,a mixture of fruit trees were 9 ,166 , 207 Insect per trap per 2 week 

each respectively, during the months of October and November. 

Conclusions: The C. capitata caused highly economic losses in citrus orchards reached 60% of 

the mandarin fruits .Currently in Iraq to fight no control method to reduce the economic losses 

caused by this pest except the use of pesticides GF-120. 

Keywords: Fruitfly , Survey , Iraq


ELECTROANTENNOGRAPHY FOR EVALUATION OF FOOD-BASED ATTRACTANTS 

FOR PEST TEPHRITIDAE. 

Kendra, Paul E.; Montgomery, Wayne S.; Epsky, Nancy D. & Heath, Robert R.* 

United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Subtropical Horticulture Research 

Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, Florida, 33158, USA. Email: paul.kendra@ars.usda.gov 

Background: Anastrepha fruit flies are serious economic pests of fruit crops throughout the 

American tropics and subtropics. Current trapping systems utilize synthetic lures that emit 

ammonia and other attractant chemicals that function as protein feeding cues. However, fly 

captures are variable with synthetic lures, and this variability does not appear to be correlated 

solely with ammonia release rate. The need for improved attractants prompted research using 

electroantennography (EAG), a technique that measures response of antennal olfactory 

receptors to volatile chemical stimuli. 

Methods: All EAG analyses were conducted with a Syntech system (Hilversum, The 

Netherlands) using laboratory-reared adults (of known age and physiological state) of the 

Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew). Antennae were presented with quantified 

chemical samples in saturated vapor form, and EAG responses were recorded and normalized 

relative to a standard reference chemical (20 µl 2-butanone). 

Results: To date, our group has quantified antennal response of male and female A. suspensa to 

ammonia, carbon dioxide, ammonium bicarbonate, 2-butanone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 

putrescine, cadaverine, and homologous terminal diamines. Analysis of the amplitude of EAG 

response has provided information on appropriate doses and combinations of chemicals needed 

to elicit optimal antennal response. Comparative EAG has identified several factors that 

contribute to the variability in fly response to known food-based attractants, including sex, age, 

nutritional requirements, and reproductive status. In addition, EAG has provided insight into 

the antennal chemoreceptors involved in detection of semiochemicals, and has identified 

potential new fruit fly attractants. 

Conclusions: Quantitative electroantennography is a valuable tool for evaluation of peripheral 

olfactory response of tephritid flies to potential attractants. Information obtained from EAG 

analysis will be used to determine relationships between antennal sensitivity to food-based 

attractants and efficacy of those compounds when deployed in traps for capture of pest species. 

Keywords: Anastrepha suspensa, electroantennography, olfaction, synthetic lures, food-based attractants 

295


DEVELOPMENT OF SPLAT MAT CONTROLLED RELEASE SEMIOCHEMICAL BAIT 

FORMULATIONS FOR LONG LASTING FRUIT FLY MANAGEMENT 

Mafra-Neto, Agenor* 1 ; Gomez, Luis E. 2 ; Vargas, Roger 3 ; Stoltman, Lyndsie 1 ; Zeni, 

Diego 1 , Borges, Rafael 1 

1 ISCA Technologies, 1230 Spring St., Riverside California 92507, US. Email: president@iscatech.com; 2 Dow 

AgroSciences LLC Indianapolis, Indiana US. 3 USDA, ARS, Hilo, Hawaii US. 

Background: The insecticide landscape is changing rapidly in orchard crop production in the 

US and abroad. This is particularly true for nursery, greenhouse, fruit, olive and nut production 

where conventional insecticide products that form the foundation of current management 

programs are being lost. Small growers in particular, suffer with this increasing lack of 

available control tools and from pressure of suburban neighbors to reduce use of conventional 

insecticides. Current Male Annihilation Techniques (MAT) combine male-specific attractants 

with insecticide in traps and devices that, while effective, require routine service that is costly 

and labor intensive. ISCA Technologies’ Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application 

Technology (SPLAT) was initially developed for the mechanical deployment of small doses of 

Lepidopteran pheromones for long lasting mating disruption. Here we report further 

development of this biologically inert matrix to create Tephritid management formulations that 

are hand or mechanically applied, rain-fast, and provide long-term controlled release of a 

variety of semiochemicals and pesticides at biologically relevant levels. 

Methods: SPLAT was formulated with spinosad, malathion, naled and other insecticides along 

with attractants such as methyl eugenol, trimedlure, cue-lure, raspberry ketones, and other 

parapheromones, attractants and feeding stimulants to achieve specific killing action against a 

variety of Tephritidae, in both laboratory and field trials. Studies have been conducted to 

determine the longevity and mortality of SPLAT formulations for fruit flies resulting from 

variable point source densities, sizes and concentrations of active ingredients. Methods of 

SPLAT application ranged from hand-held caulking tubes and electric grease guns to 

mechanical and aerial applications. 

Results: Field trials conducted in Hawaii showed that SPLAT could be combined with naled 

and spinosad, resulting in significantly higher mortality of B. dorsalis males with greater 

longevity than other baits and thickener formulations. Field trials in tropical urban areas 

indicate that a single application of SPLAT combined with methyl eugenol and Spinosad 

effectively controls B. carambolae for months. Studies with A. ludens, C. capitata and A. 

fraterculus have shown that SPLAT combined with spinosad, feeding stimulants and 

attractants resulted in up to 99% mortality within hours. Laboratory data also show that SPLAT 

is amenable to the inclusion of a wide range of active ingredients, including volatile alcohols, 

acetates and aldehydes which can increase attraction for some fruit fly species. SPLAT matrix 

provided protection of active ingredients tested and increased longevity, a particularly 

important issue for areas with high temperatures and rainfall. 

Conclusions: Due to its amorphous and flowable quality, SPLAT MAT provides a mechanized 

attract and kill formulation for long-term farm-wide as well as area-wide management and 

control of populations of a variety of Tephritid fruit fly species. The size and density of point 

sources can be tailored to treat any sized field or pest density. 

Keywords: SPLAT, Spinosad, Attract-and-kill, Attractant, Mortality


MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY, CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) MASS- 

TRAPPING ON CLEMENTINE GROVES IN SPAIN: OPTIMIZING TRAP DENSITY. 

Martínez-Ferrer, María Teresa*; Campos, José Miguel & Fibla, José M. 

IRTA Amposta. Carretera de Balada, Km 1. E- 43870-Amposta (Tarragona), Spain. Email: 

teresa.martinez@irta.es. 

Background: In citrus, C. capitata mainly causes damage to early ripening varieties, such as 

Clementine (Citrus reticulata Blanco). Up to 8 sprays can be performed in a grove to control 

Medfly in a season. The mass trapping strategy attempts to provide a successful pest control. 

The system is based on placing a high amount of traps with an attractant and a toxicant, aiming 

to capture as large as possible number of adults in the field. In Spain, more than 30,000 ha of 

citrus groves protected against Medfly by mass trapping showed good efficacy using a density 

of 50 traps per ha during 3 months before harvesting. Our aim is to study the efficacy of this 

method specifically on the most abundant Clementine variety and optimize the trap density 

required to successfully control this pest. 

Methods: Six commercial groves of Clemenules (Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Clemenules) 

citrus variety of approximately 3 ha in size were divided each one into three plots and each plot 

was assigned a different trap density: 25 (D25), 50 (D50) and 75 (D75) traps per ha. 

Probodelt ® (Maxitrap ® model) traps with the attractant Ferag CC D TM ® (SEDQ), comprising 

three membrane dispensers of Trimethylamine, Ammonium acetate and Diaminoalkane, were 

placed in position. DDVP was used as toxicant. Colour rind index, internal maturity of fruits, 

adults captured in traps, and fruit damage were assessed. 

Results: Fruits from all groves and years were ready to harvest at the end of October, according 

to commercial quality parameters required for trade export. The higher the trap density, the 

lower the number of adult captures per trap and day with, on average, 1.21 ± 0.13, 0.27 ± 0.02 

and 0.23 ± 0.02 for D25, D50 and D75, respectively. However, the number of adults captured 

per ha was similar for D50 and D75 trap densities, while both were significantly lower than 

D25. The average number of adults captured was 270.2 ± 69.9, 123.3 ± 28.7, and 152.3 ± 53.7 

for D25, D50 and D75, respectively. For all the years and plots, the maximum percentage of 

fruits attacked was 1.5%. The number of attacked fruits was similar between plots. Damaged 

fruits on the perimeter rows were significantly higher than inside the plots. 

Conclusions: Mass trapping is a valid stand-alone control method against C. capitata in 

varieties of Clementine that start maturing by October, and a 25 traps per ha density is 

sufficient to ensure successful control of this pest. Therefore, our findings imply that a mass 

trapping control program, using 25 traps per ha, can be implemented providing protection 

against med fly over 50% of production in our citrus producing area. 

Keywords: mass trapping, trap density, fruit fly, citrus. 

297


FRUIT FLY MANAGEMENT IN OLIVES WITH A NOVEL INNOVATIVE BIOLOGICAL 

SYSTEM (GF-120 ® ). 

Mavrotas, Costas* 1 ; Paroonagian, Doris 2 ; Gomez, Luis E. 2 ; Torné, Maria 3 . Tescari, 

Enzo 4 , Lysandrou, Michael 1 

1 Dow AgroSciences, Thorikon – Lavrion, 19500, Attika, Greece, cmavrotas@dow.com; 2 Dow AgroSciences LLC, 

Indianapolis, IN, USA., 3 Dow AgroSciences, Madrid, Spain, Dow AgroSciences, Bologna, Italy. 

Background: The olive fruit fly Bactrocera (=Dacus) oleae, is the most destructive pest of 

olives. Crop losses, quantitative and qualitative, due to this pest can reach up to 100% for table 

cultivars and 80% of oil value if no control measures are taken. In the last forty years a variety 

of methods have been used to control this pest and protect against significant economic yield 

losses. Current control methods include full cover, protein-based bait sprays and SIT. Bait 

applications have proven to be much safer to the crop and environment than the full cover 

sprays. GF-120 ® (SPINTOR ® CEBO, SUCCESS ® , SPINTOR ® FLY) is a concentrated premixed 

fruit fly bait containing a reduced risk toxicant to both mammals and non-target insects. 

Attractants in GF-120 have been optimized to control a plethora of the most damaging and 

invasive fruit fly species. GF-120 ® attracts and controls male and female tephritid fruit flies. It 

contains an optimized blend of feeding attractants and a green chemistry insecticide, spinosad; 

which is derived from a naturally occurring soil bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. 

Methods: Field and laboratory studies have been conducted in olives, throughout the main olive 

producing countries aiming to evaluate the efficacy against olive fruit fly and the medfly, 

selectivity, attractiveness, residuality, potential risk of resistance and impact on non-target 

organisms of GF-120 ® . 

Results: GF-120 ® applied at the rate of 1.0 -.1.6 L pr/ha as a true bait showed that it is very 

effective against olive fruit fly and the medfly compared to the traditional control programs 

consisting of tank mixes of organophosphate or pyrethroid with hydrolyzed protein. Optimized 

bait application technology targets achieving large droplet size (4-6 mm) which results in 

improved attractiveness and residuality. The potential risk of resistance development was 

evaluated in six consecutive generations and proved that it is very low. GF-120 ® impact on 

non-target organisms (NTOs) has been evaluated in a number of studies confirming greater 

levels of selectivity compared to traditional fruit fly control solutions (organophosphate or 

pyrethroid with hydrolyzed protein). GF-120 ® is approved for use in organic farming and has 

an excellent environmental profile and has been demonstrated under laboratory, and field 

conditions to be an ideal product for use in IPM programs and sterile insect technique (SIT) 

control strategies. 

Conclusions : Years of extensive research trials and commercial use across the globe have 

proven that GF-120 ® applied either by ground or by air at 1.0-1.6 lt pr/ha targeting true bait 

applications provides the most effective, safe and organic solution for the olive industry. 

Keywords: Spinosad, GF-120 ® , Bactrocera oleae, Olive fruit fly, insecticidal baits.


COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF THE EFFECTIVENESS AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE 

TRAP "SENTRAP"AND TWO HOME-MADE PROTOTYPES TO "MULTULURE" 

(CONVENTIONAL TRAP) IN MALE ANIHILATION TECHNIQUE. 

Mbaye, Ndiaye 1 & Souleymane, Lessueur 2 

1 National Plant Protection Service ; Km 15, Route de Rufisque. Box: 20054 Thiaroye, Dakar. Republic of 

SENEGAL. Email : E-mail : mbaye1314@hotmail.fr; 2 SENCHIM section recherches et développement Dakar 

Bacground: If pests could be attracted to few points where they would be either in contact with 

or consume the toxin then many of the objections that confront broadcasted pesticides could be 

overcome. Studies have shown that peak population of Bactrocera invadens, the most 

destructive invading fruit fly species, occurs during the wettest periods with an abundance of 

food. So, such situation limits the use of killer-blocks in open air in Male Annihilation 

technique (MAT). This study aims to compare the effectiveness and attractiveness of these 

different local trapping devices to the conventional "Multilure" (Better World Manufacturing, 

Inc.., Miami, FL) regarding partly the limited financial resources of producers. 

Methods: The study was conducted in a 10-years-old mango orchard of fifty six (56) ha of the 

late season variety "Kent"in Senegal. It was set in 3 randomized blocs and treatment repeated 4 

times with 50m between traps. Killer-blocks (5 x 5 x 1,25 cm) of Triplex are soaked in 

Mal'atrap (75% methyl eugenol and 25% malathion). Flies were collected separately every 10 

days. The experiment lasted from July 15 to October 15, 2008. Data variability on individuals 

were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, means separation between treatments performed by 

the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) test at 5%.The dependence with variables 

such as time and catch was done using the test of Pearson correlation. 

Results: Average catches of "Multilure" to those of 1.5-liter, "Sentrap" and 5-liters showed a 

significant difference (F = 5.472, df 3, α = 0.003). However, Results from the Tukey HSD test 

indicated that only 5-liters trap was statistically comparable to "Multilure". The study of the 

relationship between catch at different times and type of trap showed strong relationships. 

Sentrap, and "Multilure" exhibited a very significant dependency relationships to the variables 

time and catch (P=-0.969** and P=-0.903**; α < 0.01); the common feature between these two 

traps is their yellow basal color. 

Conclusions: In case of absence of conventional traps, the plastic bottle of 5 liters could, 

therefore, be used as an alternative and its basal part painted in yellow should increase its 

efficiency. Due to simple design and less time needed for servicing "Sentrap", increasing its 

volume and openings and fixing firmly the upper part with a lid screw might improve its 

efficiency. 

Keywords: Traps, catches, Bactrocera 

299


PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF AN INTEGRATION PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OF 

FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) ATTACKING MANGOES IN CENTRAL 

TANZANIA. 

Mwatawala, Maulid Walad 1* ; Maerere, Amon Petro 1 ; De Meyer, Marc 2 & Rwegasira, 

Gration 1 

1 Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Department of Crop Science and Production, Box 3005, Chuo Kikuu, 

Morogoro, Tanzania. mwatawala@yahoo.com. 2 Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Entomology section, 

Tervuren, Belgium. 

Background: There is no proper management program for fruit flies attacking mangoes, despite 

heavy losses they inflict on the crop, especially after the introduction of Bactrocera invadens. 

There is a need for testing a number of management programs on their efficacies in reducing 

losses due to fruit flies. 

Methods: Trials were conducted in eight selected orchards located in the mango growing areas 

of Morogoro Region, Central Tanzania. The treatments included (i) orchard sanitation (ii) 

orchard sanitation, spray of dimethoate 480EC and early harvesting (iii) orchard sanitation, 

spray of GF 120 containing 0.02% spinosad, male annihilation using methyl eugenol and early 

harvesting (iv) spray of a locally formulated bait (containing molasses, browsers’ waste and 

crude extracts of Derris elliptica as a toxicant) and early harvesting. Each treatment was 

applied in an individual orchard and replicate twice. Additionally, two orchards of unimproved 

mango varieties and not subjected to any fruit flies management method were included in the 

study. Populations of fruit flies in each orchard were monitored using torula yeast placed in 

McPhail traps. The replication of traps within each site were sub-sampled to construct point 

wise biased and accelerated bootstrap confidence intervals that were used to compare 

treatments. Further, fruits were sampled at ripening and individually placed in containers to 

determine incidences and infestation rates of emerged fruit fly species. Analysis of Variance 

(ANOVA) was used to compare infestation rates while chi-square was used to compare 

incidences of fruit flies. Log-linear regression models were used to correlate population of 

fruit flies, season and weather parameters recorded at each orchard. 

Results: Different management programs have shown differences in their efficacies in reducing 

losses due to fruit flies. 

Conclusion: Losses due to fruit flies can be reduced using ecologically based management 

programs. However, further refinement of some programs is still needed. 

Keywords: IPM, fruit flies, mangoes, Tanzania


ADRESS® COUPLED WITH SIT: AN INTEGRATED STRATEGY TO CONTROL 

MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY. 

Navarro-Llopis, Vicente*; Sanchis, Juan; Vacas, Sandra, Alfaro Cañamás, Cristina; 

Primo, Jaime. 

Centro de Ecología Química Agrícola-Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo, Universidad Politécnica de 

Valencia, Edificio 6C, Camino de Vera s/n 46022, Valencia, Spain. Email: vinallo@ceqa.upv.es 

Background: Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been implemented over Wide Areas all around 

the world. SIT best results were obtained when Ceratitis capitata population was low or very 

low and this is key point to ensure success of this technique. For this purpose combination of 

SIT with natural enemies, insecticide sprays or lure and kill technique has been studied in last 

decades. In this way, we propose to combine chemosterilization technique using Adress® 

devices with SIT as both affect medfly population reducing fertility. In this case, 

chemosterilization affects directly wild population and does not kill sterile released individuals 

and this can suppose a great advantage. Results of combination of both techniques over a wide 

area compared with only SIT treated area are showed. 

Methods: During 2008 and 2009, the efficacy of the combination of two fruit fly control 

techniques, SIT and Adress®, was tested in three crops: citrus, stone fruit and persimmon. 

2000 sterile males were released per ha and week in the whole trial area (50.000 ha, SIT area). 

Twenty four Adress® devices per ha were hung in 3600 ha (SIT+Adress® area) inside of the 

whole trial area,. Ten SIT+Adress® plots per each crop and 10 SIT plots per each crop were 

assessed throughout the trial period. In order to evaluate the efficacy, the male and female 

population was monitored from August 2008 to November 2009 and injured and the viability 

of the egg-laying was assessed. 

Results: Results showed an important reduction in the C. capitata population in plots treated 

with both techniques versus plots treated only with SIT. A reduction in the percentage of 

injured fruit in SIT+Adress® plots was observed and the viability of the egg-laying was also 

minor. 

Conclusions: Results show the compatibility of these techniques and provide the possibility of 

use Adress® coupled SIT to reduce C. capitata population in locations with high fruit fly 

population. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, chemosterilization, Adress, SIT, sterile 

301


OLFACTORY RESPONSES OF MALE MEDFLIES TO PLANT MATERIAL CONTAINING 

THE PARAPHEROMONE Α-COPAENE. 

Niogret, Jerome; Epsky, Nancy D.*; Montgomery, Wayne S.; Kendra, Paul E. & Heath, 

Robert R. 

United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Subtropical Horticulture Research 

Station, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158-1857 USA. Email: Jerome.niogret@ars.usda.gov 

Background: The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: 

Tephritidae) is a highly invasive species that is considered the most adaptable and polyphagous 

species of tephritid fruit fly due to its global distribution and its broad range of host plants, 

primarily tropical and subtropical fruits and vegetables. Ceratitis capitata is presently ranked 

first among economically important fruit fly pests, due to both damage to crops and costs of 

eradication. Trimedlure is a synthetic chemical that is highly attractive to male medflies and is 

the standard male-targeted lure used for this species. Medfly response to trimedlure is similar 

to response to the sesquiterpene α-copaene, a widely-distributed plant compound, and males 

respond to both host and non-host sources that contain α-copaene. Although α-copaene is 

reported to be 2 to 5 times more attractive than trimedlure, difficulties in obtaining synthetic αcopaene 

in sufficient quantities for large-scale trap deployment have prevented its use as a lure. 

As part of a study on sesquiterpene content of tree cambial tissue, we found that cambial 

(cambium+bark layers) tissue from avocado, Persea americana, contained α-copaene, and that 

levels were highly variable among different genotypes. Therefore, studies were initiated to 

determine if these sources of α-copaene were biologically active for male medflies. For 

comparative purposes, results were compared with responses to cambial tissue from Litchi 

chinensis and Ficus benjamina, two substrates known to elicit behavioral responses in male 

medflies. 

Methods: Behavioral bioassays and electroantennography (EAG) were used to evaluate 

responses of sterile male medflies; and GC-MS analysis was used to quantify the amounts of 

13 sesquiterpenes, including α-copaene, common in cambial tissue from four avocado 

genotypes, from Litchi and from Ficus. 

Results: Litchi elicited the highest response and Ficus the lowest response, with cambial tissue 

from the avocado genotypes eliciting intermediate responses that varied significantly among 

the four types in both the bioassays and EAG experiments. These responses, however, were not 

correlated with the amount of α-copaene, but were correlated with few other components like 

a-humulene, which triggered strong antennal responses in EAG. 

Discussion: Additional sesquiterpenes may be responsible for the high responses observed with 

the low α-copaene substrates. Identification of these chemicals may provide a new 

understanding of the biological basis for the response of male medflies to these wood sources, 

which could lead to development of new tools for improved detection and control. 

Attractiveness of α-humulene still has to be tested in bioassays but, this compound triggered a 

strong antennal response of the male medflies. Although not necessarily attractive, this 

compound may play a synergetic role to α-copaene for C. capitata attraction. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, bioassays, Electroantennography, olfaction, cambial


USING GIS TECHNOLOGY IN CONJUNCTION WITH FRUIT FLY TRAPPING SURVEY 

IN THAILAND. 

Noikeaing, Sirilux *1 , Piyarath, Sudsa-nguan 1 ; Sittipitak, Wanlapa 1 & Orankanok, 

Watchreeporn 2 

1 Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives; 2143/1 Phahol Yotin Road, 

Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand; Email: siriluxr@gmail.com 

Background: Geographic Information System, GIS, has been used to support area-wide fruit 

fly control base on the Sterile Insect Technique, SIT, and related environment-friendly 

technology in Thailand for 10 years. As a tool, GIS has been used to define project areas, core 

area and buffer zone, mark trapping site for monitoring fruit fly population dynamic. 

Differrence distance of trapping site were discussed in vision of GIS tehnician and operation 

cost. 

Methods: Two tephritid species (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera 

dorsalis (Hendel) and the guava fruity fly Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) have been considered to 

be the key insect pests which covered over 160 km 2 of two areas in Phichit province, one area 

in Ratchaburi province and one area in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Steiner traps with 

methyl eugenol as fruit fly attractant were design as 1 trap per 1, 2, 4, 8 and 10 square 

kilometers. Traps located were marked by GIS program therefore relalted distance of radius 

were 1, 1.414, 2, 2.83 and 3.16 km, respectively. Trapping network weekly deployment 

frequency was conducted 52 weeks continueously. Fruit fly population idex was showed in 

term of fly/trap/day, FTD. 

Results: In four study areas, GIS program genarated 158 trap points from trap density in one 

square kilometers, 80 trap points from trap density in two square kilometers, 36 trap points 

from trap density in four square kilometers, 18 trap points from trap density in eight square 

kilometers and 15 trap points from trap density in 10 square kilometers. The result showed that 

the trap points from trap density in one square kilometers and two square kilometers covered a 

whole project area but the others did not cover a whole project area. Ranking FTD in seven 

was classed using ISPM standard in the first three classes and the others classes were classified 

by the calculation of total data and the expert. 

Conclusions: Area-wide Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programs in a cost-trapping can be a 

trapping radius of approximately 1.414 kilometers and/or the trap density in two square 

kilometers. 

Keywords: GIS, SIT, fruit fly control, trapping survey, Thailand. 

303


EFFECT OF TRAP DENSITY ON NUMBER OF CAPTURED FRUIT FLIES. 

Orankanok, Somchai* 1 ; Amornsak, Weerawan 2 & Orankanok, Watchreeporn 3 

1 Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rajamangala University of 

Technology Tawan-Ok (RMUTTO), Chonburi. 20110. Thailand. . Email: orankanoks@hotmail.com; 2 Department 

of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, 

Thailand; 3 Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, 2143/1 Phahol Yotin 

Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand 

Background: Fruit fly control has been listed in International Standard of Phytosanitary 

Measure, ISPM. Surveillance process, data interpretation and assessment are major important 

systems required in order to thoroughly understand nature of pests and use information as a 

tool for making decision in conducting activities. Currently, fruit fly control program in 

Thailand needs much more attention in various aspects than traditional control-based 

knowledge. Fruit fly investigation is mainly to reduce expense of trap surveillance latest 

technologies, sterile insect technique, biological control, bait application technique and male 

annihilation. 

Methods: The modified steiner traps using methyl eugenol as an attractant were placed as following: 

a trap/km 2 , a trap/2 km 2 , a trap/4 km 2 , a trap/8 km 2 and a trap/10 km 2 , in four fruit orchard areas, Pak- 

Tau district in Ratchaburi province, Pohpratunchang district in Pichit province, Saklek district in 

Pichit province and Pranburi district in Prachuabkirikhan province. The total area was 160 km 2 with 

307 traps. Fruit flies were continuously trapped for each seven days/week of 52 weeks. Collected 

trap data were 31,928. The index to indicate fruit fly population is number of fruit fly/trap/day. 

Results: The interaction of the treatments based on fruit fly number and trap density in each area 

depended on geographical location and fruit fly species. Distribution of B. dorsalis at Pranburi 

district in Prachuabkirikhan province was shown higher than other areas significantly (p


EFFICACY OF KAOLIN AND COPPER TO CONTROL BACTROCERA OLEAE (ROSSI) 

AND SIDE EFFECTS ON NON-TARGET ARTHROPODS. 

Pascual, Susana 1* ; Cobo, Ana 1 ; Marcotegui, Aránzazu 1 ; Sánchez-Ramos, Ismael 1 ; Seris, 

Elena 1 ; Cobos, Guillermo 1 ; Bengochea, Paloma 2 ; González-Núñez, Manuel 1 

1 Departamento de Protección Vegetal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria 

(INIA). Carretera de A Coruña km 7,5 28040 Madrid, Spain. Email mgnunez@inia.es. 2 Departamento de 

Producción Vegetal: Botánica y Protección Vegetal. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos 

(ETSIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. 

Background: Olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is the key pest of the olive crop, demanding 

annual treatments. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly control methods is 

of growing interest. Results of the evaluation in field assays about the efficacy of preventive 

application of kaolin and copper to control B. oleae are hereby reported, as well as the side 

effects of both treatments on non-target arthropods, paying special attention to natural enemies. 

Methods: The field trial was conducted in 2008 in an olive grove at Villarejo de Salvanés, 

Madrid, using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Treatments consisted 

of three applications of kaolin (Surround � WP), copper (Bordeaux mixture, Cuprocal � WP) 

and dimethoate bait sprays (Danadim Progres � plus protein hydrolisate, Life � ) as a positive 

control. B. oleae damage was assessed by the number of olive fruits attacked and the 

developmental stages found. Arthropod fauna of olive tree canopies was sampled by a beating 

method throughout the growing season. The effect of treatments on abundance and biodiversity 

(number of species and Shannon index) of non-target arthropods was evaluated. Data were 

analyzed by means of ANOVA and PRC curves were built to estimate the effect of treatments 

on natural enemies. 

Results: Population levels of B. oleae were very high and none of the treatments significantly 

reduced the percentage of olives attacked. However, a significantly lower number of olive 

fruits with advanced developmental stages (L3 or pupae) was registered in kaolin treated olive 

trees at harvest time (20% compared to 64% in the control), what resulted in an important 

reduction of the damage. No significant changes in abundance and number of species of 

arthropods were detected. However, the Shannon diversity index was reduced in dimethoate 

bait plots on the two last sampling dates. PRC analysis showed no significant effect of the three 

treatments on the natural enemies’ community as a whole but a reduction of some specific taxa 

was revealed. Thus, Phylodromidae, Encyrtidae and Coniopterygidae were negatively affected 

by the three treatments; kaolin and dimethoate reduced the numbers of the spiders Tmarus spp 

and Gibbaranea spp while the populations of the coccinellid beetle Scymnus mediterraneus 

were reduced by Kaolin. 

Conclusions: Kaolin seems to be able to reduce the damage of B. oleae. However, copper did 

not control the fly. We detected some slight deleterious effects on non-target arthropods, 

especially in the case of dimethoate. Longer term trials are needed to better characterize both 

the efficacy and the side effects of the tested products. 

Keywords: Olive fruit fly, kaolin, copper, dimethoate, side-effects 

305


EVALUATION OF MASS TRAPPING EQUIPMENT AGAINST CERATITIS SPP. ON THE 

ISLAND OF LA REUNION. 

Peñarrubia-María, Esther *1 ; Quilici, Serge 2 ; Schmitt, Chloé 2 ; Vilajeliu, Marià 1 ; Batllori, 

Lluís 3 ; Avilla, Jesús 4 & Escudero-Colomar, Lucía Adriana 1 

1 Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) - Estació Experimental Agrícola Mas Badia. Canet de 

la Tallada, 17134 La Tallada d’Empordà, Girona, Spain. esther.penarrubia@irta.cat. 2 Centre de Coopération 

Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) Réunion, UMR PVBMT, Saint- 

Pierre, France. 3 Servei de Sanitat Vegetal. DAR. Castelló d’Empúries, Girona, Spain. 4 University of Lleida - 

Centre UdL – IRTA, Lleida, Spain. 

Background: Based on several field trials of equipment used for mass trapping of Ceratitis 

capitata conducted in Girona (Spain), similar studies were performed in the island of La 

Réunion, where two main Ceratitis spp. (C. rosa and C. capitata) coexist. The aim of the study 

was to evaluate in the field the effectiveness of trapping equipment for Ceratitis spp. through 

comparative studies of trap types, attractants and insecticides. 

Methods: All trials were conducted in commercial Citrus orchards and the experimental design 

used randomized blocks with 4 replicates with a monitoring period lasting from 55 to 60 days. 

Traps were hung at a height of 1.5 m on Citrus trees. Two rotations per week were made in 

order to diminish the possible effect of trap location, giving a total of 5 complete rotations. In 

trials on traps and attractants, the number of males and females were recorded while, in trials 

on insecticides, alive and dead individuals were taken into account. Data were pooled for each 

rotation cycle, transformed (arcsine of the square root of the percentages of captures) and 

analyzed through one-way ANOVA (Enterprise Guide, SAS). 

Results: Over all the trials, C. rosa was the most abundant Ceratitis species captured. 

Maxitrap® and Tephri-trap traps caught similar numbers of C. rosa throughout the trial period 

whereas Easy-trap® captured significantly fewer adults. Similar results were obtained for C. 

capitata. In the trial on attractants, significantly higher captures of C. rosa were found with 

BioLure Med Fly® (3 dispensers) over the study period, followed by Biolure Unipack® and 

FERAG® CC D TM. Owing to the lower adults of C. capitata recorded (195) no differences 

were found between the attractants tested. In the insecticide test, there were no significant 

differences in the numbers of dead C. rosa with DDVP and Deltamethrin, which were higher 

than with Alpha-cipermetrine. A significantly lower number of alive adult C. rosa was 

observed with DDVP, followed by Deltamethrin. Although captures of C. capitata were lower, 

similar numbers of dead flies were observed for all treatments. 

Conclusions: The most effective equipment for the capture of C. rosa, the species caught in 

higher percentages in all trials, were Maxitrap and Tephri-trap devices, the attractant BioLure 

Med Fly and the insecticide Deltamethrin, that could constitute a suitable substitute for DDVP, 

recently banned in the EU. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, Ceratitis rosa, mass trapping equipment


BAIT STATION VERSUS CHEMICAL CONTROL IN ARGENTINA, PERIOD 2007-2008. 

Putruele, Graciela 1 & Segade, Gonzalo 2 

1 Centro Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología 

Agropecuaria (INTA)-CC 77 (1708) Provincia Buenos Aires. 2 Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Pedro- 

Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-CC 43 (2930) Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA. 

Background: In this work, we report the results of comparative field studies on chemical 

control, deployment strategy and efficacy of the bait station methods in the control of the 

medfly. 

Methods: The tests were conducted from November 2007 to June 2008 in San Pedro 

(Argentina) with the objective of adding new tools in the integrated pest management (IPM) of 

fruit flies. San Pedro is in the North - East of Buenos Aires Province at 33º 39' latitude South 

and 59º 41' longitude West at 26.99 m over sea level. Test 1: It was conducted in an orchard of 

20 years old (sweet orange var. Valencia late) with density 625 plants/plot (4x4 m). Test 2: In a 

6 ha ten-year-old organic orchard (sweet orange var. Washington Navel), with trees spaced 

(3x4 m) separately (density 825 plants/plot). On both of them, the following four treatments 

were tested (each in a one ha plot within the orchard): a) Mass trapping: One BBS (Gum stick 

(classic) 9% AA, 5% TMA, 1% Spinosad, supplied by R. Heath, USDA/ARS, Miami, FL)) 

placed in every second tree; b) Bait stations: 100 BBS distributed in four rows (25 per row) of 

the one ha plot; c) Ground bait sprays (chemical control locally in use) using Spinosad 

formulated bait (Flipper) containing 0.02% Spinosad; and d) Untreated control (no control). 

Medfly population densities in each plot were assessed every week by placing five Multilure 

baited trap (Better World) with three components food-based synthetic lure containing 

Ammonium Acetate, Putrescine and Trimethylamine (BioLure, Suterra LLC) and water plus 

Triton added to the base in order to retain attracted flies. The traps were sampled after 24 h and 

the number of flies captured was determined. The fruit was sampled once a week in all 

treatments in order to assess its infestation levels. One hundred fruits were sampled in each 

treatment and were dissected. The larvae found were put in Petri dish until adult emergence. 

The fruit infestation levels in each treatment are given. 

Results: In both tests the Mass Trapping Treatment (a) showed similar control and protection to 

the Ground Bait Treatment (Spinosad) (c) in fruit infestation levels and cached adults in 

Multilure traps. The Bait Station Treatment showed a good control in Test 1 (very closed to 

Ground Bait and Mass Trapping results) but in Test 2 its performance appeared to be not as 

good probably due to the exceptionally high populations of Medfly. Nevertheless, even under 

these unfavorable conditions the Bait Stations Treatment provided a remarkable control when 

compared with the untreated control. 

Conclusions: We consider that the three treatments protected the orange orchards during the 

entire time of fruit susceptibility. The Mass Trapping and Bait Station methods provide a 

useful medfly management tool which can be combined with other IPM methods used in the 

area. These procedures have the advantage of being environmentally friendly, not polluting the 

atmosphere and preserving the beneficial entomofauna. This technology is very important in 

integrated or organic fruit production, and for several markets in which the control of 

insecticide residue is important. 

Keywords: Medfly, bait station, alternative control, mass trapping, Fruit Fly SIT. 

307


ENRICHED GINGER OIL, A POWERFUL SEXUAL ATTRACTANT FOR TRAPPING THE 

MALES OF SOME CERATITIS SPP. 

Quilici, Serge* 1 ; Schmitt, Chloé 1 ; Trelluyer, Mickael 1 ; Franck, Antoine 1 ; Deguine, Jean-Philippe 1 & 

Peñarrubia-María, Esther 2 

1 CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), 

Département des Systèmes Biologiques, Saint-Pierre (La Réunion), France. E-mail: serge.quilici@cirad.fr 2 

Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) - Estació Experimental Agrícola Mas Badia. Canet de 

la Tallada, 17134 La Tallada d’Empordà, Girona, Spain. 

Background: Since the 60’s, trimedlure has been the main para-pheromone used to attract the 

males of a series of Ceratitis spp. for monitoring or detection purposes. In recent years, within 

a FAO-IAEA coordinated programme, in the framework of SIT (Sterile Insect Technique) 

programmes, the strong attractiveness of Ginger Root Oil (GRO) for the males of some 

Ceratitis spp. has been confirmed. Based on these results, it appeared useful to compare the 

attractiveness of a recently available commercial dispenser of Enriched Ginger Oil (Insect 

Science SA) with that of a standard trimedlure dispenser, in field trapping experiments. More 

recently, field-cage tests were carried out to determine the factors (age, food status, mating…) 

influencing the male response in both species. 

Method: Four field experiments were conducted in 2009-2010 on different crops. The first one 

was carried out in a Citrus orchard situated in Bassin Martin, in the south of the island, at an 

altitude of 290 m. The second trial was carried out in another Citrus orchard, in Petite Ile in the 

south (alt.: 300m) and the third one in Etang-Salé, in the south-west, in a chilli plot (alt.: 10m). 

Finally a fourth trial, set up in Piton Armand on the East in a Chinese guava plot (alt.: 450m), 

is still in progress. For each trial, two types of attractants were compared in Tephri-traps 

(Sorygar, Spain): Enriched Ginger Oil (EGO) (“Pherolure”, Insect Science SA, Tzaneen, South 

Africa) and trimedlure (Agrisense BCS Ltd, Pontypridd, UK). The attractant dispensers were 

placed in a small plastic basket at the top of the trap, while a strip of DDVP was placed at the 

bottom of the Tephri-trap to kill the adult flies. From four to six replicates were carried out 

depending on the trial. Traps were monitored weekly for recording the number of caught 

males, then rotated. For each species, results were analysed with a GLM (Poisson family, logit 

link) on the number of flies caught per trap, using the soft ware R.2.8.1. 

Result: In trials 1, 2 and 4, the populations of C. capitata were lower than those of C. rosa, 

while in trial 3, in the dry south-west of the island, the medfly dominated. In all trials (except 

trial 4, still in progress), for both species, EGO attracted highly significantly more males than 

did trimedlure (glm, 1 d.f., p


DESIGNING CONTROLLED RELEASE DEVICES: FORMULATING FRUIT FLY 

ATTRACTANTS AND COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE INSECTICIDES. 

Ramsey, Amanda* 1 & Jang, Eric 2 

1 Scentry Biologicals, Inc. 610 Central Avenue, Billings, MT, USA; Email: aramsey@scentry.com; 2 USDA-ARS, 

Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, POB 4459, Hilo, HI 96720 USA 

Background: The development of controlled release devices (CRDs) can be summarized as 

being dictated by the following factors: (1) the chemistry of the semiochemical (2) the targeted 

level of attractancy (3) economics. The design of the CRD will account for the volatility and 

solubility of the attractant, for example equal quantities of methyl eugenol and cue lure will not 

have the same longevity. To obtain equal longevities, formulations for methyl eugenol have a 

higher loading, and a different ratio of vinyl polymer to compensate for the increased volatility 

of the molecule. Furthermore, formulations for cue lure are developed to not last beyond the 

required field-life, thus preventing residual attractant from remaining within the CRD. In 

summary, semiochemicals are formulated to achieve optimal release from polymer-based 

CRDs. A general practice of monitoring fruit flies in the United States, specifically regions 

such as California and Florida, entails absorbing an attractant and an insecticide onto a cotton 

wick and positioning the combination into a Jackson Trap with a sticky bottom. The 

preparation of the cotton wick is laborious and the users are exposed to liquid insecticides such 

as Naled (Dimethyl 1,2-dibromo-2,2-dichloroethyl phosphate) and DDVP (Dimethyl 2,2dichlorovinyl 

phosphate). Combining the attractant and the insecticide within a polymeric CRD 

would minimize exposure to insecticides and eliminate the added task of baiting wicks. 

Methods: A study was conducted on native populations of Bactrocera dorsalis, Oriental Fruit 

Fly, on the Big Island of Hawai’i. The 8-week trial compared baited wicks and the Scentry 

Methyl Eugenol Cone combined with the following commercially available insecticides: 

Naled, DDVP, Spinosad, and Rynaxypyr. The lures and wicks were baited with 6 ml of 

attractant and 5% of the insecticide. 

Results: The DuPont Rynaxypyr formulation demonstrated strong competitive insecticide 

activity to the organophosphate formulations at a smaller percentage or loading of insecticide 

per device. 

Conclusion: Every one of the all-in-one products present in the study were competitive to the 

loaded wicks, offering field technicians a viable alternative to the old method of baiting cotton 

wicks. 

Keywords: Bactrocera, Methyl Eugenol, Cue Lure, Rynaxypyr. 

309


COMPARISON OF EFFICACY OF BACTROGEL AND SUCCESS APPAT FOR THE 

CONTROL OF CUCURBIT FRUIT FLY, DACUS DEMMEREZI, IN MADAGASCAR. 

Raoelijaona, Jeannette C. Y. 1 ; Raoelijaona, Adrien R. 1 ; Raharimalala, Soanjanahary 1 ; 

Ratovonomenjanahary, Zelin T. 2 ; Rasamizafy, Lerry A. 2 & Andrianarimanana, Aina G. 3. 

1 Ministère de l’Agriculture, Direction de la Protection des Végétaux, Division Entomologie, Antananarivo, 

Madagascar. Email: raoelijaonaj@yahoo.fr; 2 Université d’Antananarivo, Faculté des Sciences, Département 

Entomologie, Antananarivo,Madagascar; 3 Groupe Agriculture Chimie Madagascar (ACM), Antananarivo, 

Madagascar. 

Background: Cucurbit production is one of producer’s income sources. Unfortunately, this 

culture either cultivated or wild is submitted to Dacus demmerezi, the cucurbits fruit flies 

attacks. The harvest lost could be assessing at 85%. In order to implement a survey strategy 

against this pest the team thinks that it is judicious to find an effective product which would be 

advised to the producers 

Methods: All experiences have been lead on the ACM Society parcel. Maize has been growth 

at the four parcels corner and Mac Phail trap with cue lure has been placed in the center. Every 

fifteen days, captured flies in the trap has been counted and maize has received application 

with either Bactrogel or Success Appat 

Results: The graph of fruit flies population evaluation has shown that Dacus has a good 

response as well to Bactrogel as to success appat but there is little bit difference on capture. 

Conclusion: We conclude that Success Appat is more effective than Bactrogel 

Keywords: Success Appat, Dacus, Bactrogel


MASS TRAPPING OF CERATITIS CAPITATA AND NON-TARGET CONTROL FLIES. 

Reuveny, Haim 

Integrated Pest Management Center (IPMC), Northern R&D. Israel 

Background: Control of fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), in Israeli apple 

orchards is based on airborne, wide-area, ULV spraying with malathion mixed with protein 

hydrolysate (PH). In IPM orchards, where use of malathion and other organophosphates is not 

advisable, attractant-formulation devices are used, without pesticides (Cera Trap, Olipe) or 

with a selective pesticide (spinosad) (Biofeed, Frutect06). This study examined attraction of 

flies, including C. capitata (male and female) and non-target control flies to such devices and 

systems. 

Methods: The first trial, in four commercial apple orchards (each about 2 ha) in northern Israel, 

used four different attractant devices to control C. capitata: 1) Cera Trap at 100/ha; 2) Olipe, 

100/ha; 3) Biofeed, 150/ha; 4) Frutect06, 150/ha. The first two are non-toxic devices based on 

attractant formulations of PH and Torula yeast, respectively. Attraction to the last two is based 

on an odorous mixture of pesticide (PH and spinosad), in combination with color and form (a 

square yellow board with a red circle). Six such devices were placed randomly in each 

treatment orchard after some modifications to facilitate fly trapping: 1) The Cera Trap and 

Olipe bottle were cut off below the fly entry hole. To avoid drowning the flies the piece of net 

and the DDVP plug (the lethal component) where placed above the attractant formulation; 2) 

The Biofeed and Frutect06 were covered with transparent covers and sprayed with insect glue. 

The devices were checked every week from July through December. The second trial involved 

airborne wide area control in citrus orchards; the same attractant formulations were tested, all 

of them poured from bottles. The trial was arranged in five random blocks with 25 m between 

devices. The devices were checked weekly from January through April. To prevent possible 

influence of location of fly trapping (i.e., fly hot spot) the device was moved to the adjacent 

location within the same block after being checked. 

Results: Significantly more trapping of C. capitata in apple orchards (Jul.-Dec.) were found 

with Olipe (average of 25.7 per device) and Cera Trap (23.0) than with Frutect06 (5.5) and 

Biofeed (0.4); the male:female ratios were 1:4, 1:2, 1:1.7, and 1:1, respectively. All devices 

also trapped non-target flies (NTF) at average rates of 290.3, 310.0, 56.2 and 51.2 per device, 

respectively. The trapping ratios of C. capitata:NTF were: 1:11.3, 1:13.5, 1:10.2, 1:128.0, 

respectively. In citrus (Jan.-Apr.) C. capitata trappings averaged 1.4, 12.4, 2.8 and 9.4 per 

device in Olipe, Cera Trap, Frutct06 and Biofeed, respectively, with male:female trapping 

ratios of 1:6, 1:2.3, 1.1.8, 1:1.6, respectively. The average rates of NTF trapping were 488.8, 

898.0, 621.8 and 168.8 per device, respectively, and the C. capitata:NTF trapping ratios were: 

1:349.1, 1:72.4, 1:222.1, and 1:17.9, respectively. 

Conclusions: The results clearly show the problem presented by the higher rate of NTF 

trapping, with regard to an IPM strategy for controlling C. capitata if attractant devices using 

selective products are to be considered. The high rate of NTF and low rate of C. capitata 

trapping must be addressed in development of specific attractant formulations. 

Keywords: Mass trapping, Ceratitis capitata, Non-target flies. 

311


TRANSGENIC ORANGE FRUIT WITH REDUCED LIMONENE CONTENT IN THE PEEL 

IS LESS ATTRACTANT TO CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN). 

Rodríguez, Ana* 1 ; San Andrés, Victoria 1,2 ; Cervera, Magdalena 1 ; Shimada, Takehiko 3 ; 

Rodrigo, M.Jesús 4 ; Zacarías, Lorenzo 4 ; Castañera, Pedro 2 & Peña, Leandro 1 

1 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología. Ctra. de 

Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5; Moncada 46113- Valencia (Spain); Email: arodrig@ivia.es; 2 Unidad asociada UJI- 

CIB. Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Departamento Biología de Plantas, Madrid, Spain. 

3 National Institute of Fruit Tree Science (NIFTS), Tsukuba, Japan; 4 Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de 

Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain. 

Background: Ceratitis capitata (medfly) males form loose aggregations termed leks, 

performing sexual signaling by emitting a sexual pheromone. Receptive females visit leks and 

choose their mates on the basis of their physical characteristics and their courtship 

performance. The secondary compounds produced by plants, many of them are volatiles, have 

signaling functions. In Citrus, the peel is embedded of thousands of oil glands that contain 

terpene volatile compounds, being limonene the most abundant one (up to 97% in orange 

fruits). The high amount of limonene that accumulates in orange oil glands suggests an 

important biological role for this terpene compound in fruit odour interactions with the biotic 

environment. However, some studies have suggested mating advantages when adult males 

were exposed to different volatiles derived from orange fruits. 

Methods: Transgenic plants expressing the complete cDNA of a citrus limonene synthase gene 

(CiTMTSE1) in antisense orientation (AS) were used in this study. Pure synthetic terpene 

compounds were used in laboratory experiments. Neonate larvae and 5 day-old laboratory 

mass-reared flies were used in laboratory, greenhouse and wind tunnel bioassays. 

Results: Transgenic plants had a decrease of two orders in magnitude of limonene 

accumulation in fruit peel. Consequently, the accumulation of other monoterpenes and 

sesquiterpenes decreased while that of monoterpene alcohols increased. Wind tunnel bioassays 

with medfly males exposed to pure compounds revealed a clear attraction to linalool and 

limonene volatiles. In no-choice experiments, AS and control fruits were damaged at 

comparable levels by medfly females. Nevertheless, wind tunnel bioassays with AS and control 

fruits showed that males were not only not repelled but significantly more attracted to control 

fruits (more than ten times; 32% vs. 2%), indicating that limonene (and likely other terpene) 

emission were actually insect- attractants to the fruit. 

Conclusions: These results provide a much more comprehensive view of the role of terpene 

volatiles as attractors of medfly in Citrus fruits. 

Keywords: Limonene, volatiles, antisense downregulation, Ceratitis capitata behaviour


TRANSPARENT VERSUS YELLOW COLOR IN TRAPS AGAINST BACTROCERA OLEAE 

(ROSSI). 

Ros, J. Pedro* & Seris, Elena. 

Instituto Nacional Investigaciones Agrarias. Ctera Coruña Km.7 28040 Madrid. (Spain). Email: ros@inia.es 

Background : Currently, yellow is the most frequent color in traps against Tephritidae family. 

The first Macphail traps that began it way made with transparent glasses, today, because the 

manufacturing, transport and prices, have derived into plastics and yellow color as the 

reference. The fundament of Easy trap ® (Sorygar,Co) (as the main different with Mcphail) is to 

have two opposite “Ventury” holes that makes the vacuum inside the trap when the air is 

coming in, forcing out the smell of the bait when the air is coming out. Easy trap has a high 

efficiency degree when capturing fruit flies. It is working with solid bait (Biolure ® Suterra,Co) 

as well as liquid baits (Hydrolysate protein) but even though to be airtight the farmers don’t 

close it well and the liquid spill. A new version “Easy Blister Trap ® ” still keeping the Easy trap 

concept (ventury holes) but it is a completely transparent and completely sealed without any 

manual interaction. We have carried out an experiment to determine the variability of both 

traps capturing Bactrocera oleae and studying if it have differences on the attracted 

parasitoids and predators. 

Methods: A ecological olive farm of 4 ha. sited in Villarejo (Madrid Province) was chosen to 

hung the traps, Easy (yellow) and Easy Blister Trap (Transparent) both baited with Tephri 

Lure ® 12% from 10 June to 12 November of 2009 (165 days). The statistical design was 4 

replicates of both traps on alternate olives and consecutive rows separated each other (12x24 

m). The check was made each 15 days, counting males and females as well as other insects. A 

statistical analysis of variance was carried out with the data. 

Results: No significant differences (α = 0.05 ) between the captures of both traps (males and 

females) although in all checks the transparent trap capture more flies tan the yellow one. 

Regarding numbers of non-target arthropods captured, the percentages of natural enemies were 

6,1% for Easy trap and 5,6 for Easy Blister Trap but no statistical significant differences were 

observed between these numbers, either in the case of predators or parasitoids. 

Coclusions: According with the results; neither Bactrocera oleae, nor predators, nor parasitoids 

change their behavior when trap color is changed from yellow to transparent. This experiment 

is giving some evidences that the most important factors for trap designing is the kind of 

attractant and the way the trap spread it in the air and not the color of the trap 

Keywords: Bactrocera oleae, easy trap, easy blister trap, natural enemies 

313


AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE VERSUS HYDROLYSATE PROTEIN: WHICH ONE TO BE 

USED IN MASS TRAPPING AGAINST THE OLIVE FLY BACTROCERA OLEAE, (ROSSI). 

Ruiz, J. Manuel¹*; Ruiz, Joaquín²; Alonso, Esther³ & Ros, J. Pedro 4 

1 Laboratorio de Producción y Sanidad Vegetal. GEOLIT. Parque Científico y Tecnológico. C/ Sierra Morena, 

Manzana 12 b. 23620 Mengíbar, Jaén. España. Email: manuel.ruiz.torres.ext@juntadeandalucia.es; ²Delg. Prov. 

Agric. Almería. Dept. Sanidad Vegetal C/Hermanos Machado 4 pl.4ª 04004 Almería .España. ³A.T.R.I.A. Unión 

de Cooperativas de Madrid (UCAM). C/ Jordan 8 28010 Madrid, España. 4 Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones 

Agrarias. Laboratorio de Entomología Agroforestal. Departamento de Protección Vegetal. Carretera de La 

Coruña, Km 7,5. 28040 Madrid. España. 

Background: Mass trapping is one of the methods to control olive fly when insecticide is 

forbidden, case of organic grows. Olipe trap baited with Ammonium Phosphate is a wellknown 

trap extensively used in many countries. Many years ago we have demonstrate that 

hydrolysate protein is a better attractant than Ammonium Phosphate against olive fly (IAEA 

programmes). This method arise a high cost of money and hand work if we not guarantee the 

maximum of captures that makes a free damage harvest. The authors are working several years 

with a new protein hydrolysate (Tephri Lure ® , Sorygar,Co) needing to check that there are no 

errors. In this poster we present the results of four simultaneous trials carried out in four 

separated sites with very different climates. 

Methods: The experiment was carried out in four localities of Spain: Jaén (the greatest area of 

olive culture), Almería, near the Mediterranean sea, and Madrid (2), middle of Spain with 

continental climate. We have used two kind of traps: Olipe (water mineral bottle) with 4 holes 

(1,5 cm ǿ) and Easy Blister trap a new version of “Easy Trap ® ” Sorygar,Co) that keeping the 

Easy trap concept (ventury holes) but it is a completely transparent and completely sealed 

without any manual interaction. Each trap was baited with Ammonium Phosphate 4% and 

Tephri Lure 12% (from origin with borax and glycol). The traps were hung on the interior of 

the olive tree. Four replicates were placed randomly in a square surface of sixteen olive trees. 

(12X12m.). The check of traps was monthly, males and females were counted just like the 

different arthropods. The statistical analysis of variance was made with the change of variable 

x’=(x+1) 1/2 

Results: In all localities were the experiment was carried out the hydrolysate protein has 

captured much more flies independent of the type of trap. Easy Blister Trap was better than 

Olipe Trap when both trap are baiting with Ammonium Phosphate, but they are not significant 

differences when they are baiting with hydrolisate protein. (F=11,3; p


EFFECT OF SUBLETHAL CONCENTRATIONS OF NEEM EXTRACTS ON THE 

REPRODUCTION AND LONGEVITY OF THE MEDFLY, CERATITIS CAPITATA 


Silva, Márcio Alves 1 ; Bezerra, Gerane C. Dias 1 ; Mastrangelo, Thiago* 2 & Vendramim, 

José Djair 1 

1 Department of Entomology and Acarology, University of São Paulo (USP). Av. Pádua Dias 11, 13418-900, 

Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Email: marcio@esalq.usp.br; 2 Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA/USP). 

Av. Centenário 303, 13400-970, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. 

Background: Fruit flies show high vitellogenesis at the adult stage, which represents a good 

moment to verify the physiological effects of neem extracts. The sublethal concentrations 

(LC15, LC30 and LC45) of aqueous extract from seed kernels of Azadirachta indica A. Juss for 

Ceratitis capitata (Wied.) adults were estimated applying bait (extract + honey) on ‘Cravo’ 

lemon seedlings. Subsequently, the effect of different extracts in these sublethal concentrations 

(39, 225 e 888 ppm, respectively) on the longevity, fecundity and the fertility on the 1 st , 4 th , 8 th 

and the 12 th days of oviposition was evaluated. 

Methods: As first step, using the aqueous extract from neem seed kernels, the LC15, LC30 and 

LC45 were estimated for adults exposed to a bait (a solution of 20 % honey + neem) in cages 

containing a citrus seedling. After that, those concentrations were used for a second bioassay. It 

was used plastic cages where it was fixed a cotton wick which was in contact with a plastic vial 

with 12.5 ml of the extracts (seed kernel aqueous extract, leaf extract in methanol and branch 

extract in dichloromethane). Water or 5 % acetone were used as controls. Two couples were 

released in each cage and an artificial diet (hydrolyzed yeast + sugar) was offered ad libitum. 

The sublethal concentrations were estimated by probit regression analyses using the SAS 9.1 

software. The experiment was completely randomized with four replicates per treatment and 

was conducted under environmental controlled conditions (25 ± 2ºC, 60 ± 10 % RH and 14 h 

photophase). 

Results: At these sublethal concentrations, the longevity of males and females and the preoviposition 

period were not significantly affected. The branches extract in dichloromethane at 

the highest concentration (888 ppm) affected significantly the fecundity and the fertility at the 

8 th day, reducing in almost 80 % the number of eggs laid and in 30 % the egg hatching. 

Conclusions: The estimated LC15, LC30 and LC45 were 38.68, 225.19 and 887.86 ppm for the 

aqueous extract of neem seed kernels in the bait. The branches extract in dichloromethane at 

the concentration of 888 ppm affected significantly the insect fecundity and fertility. 

Keywords: Medfly, Azadirachta indica, sublethal concentrations, reproduction. 

315


EFFECT OF SPINOSAD, KAOLIN AND PROTEIN BAIT SPRAY ON CERATITIS CAPITATA 

(DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) POPULATION IN CITRUS ORCHARDS. 

Smaili, Charif 1 ; Wadjinny, Jamila 2 & Bakri, Abdeljelil 3* 

1 INRA, Laboratory of Entomology, Kenitra, Morocco; Email: csmaili@yahoo.fr; 2 IRPV, ONSSA, Kenitra, 

Morocco; 3 Insecte Contrôle, Marrakech 40080, Morocco. 

Background: Phytosanitary practices based on the extensive use of insecticides in citrus groves 

to control the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) may cause the resurgence 

of resistant strains of this pest, the emergence of secondary pests by elimination of their natural 

enemies, and the growing public concerns over issues related to public health, environmental 

quality, and food safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an alternative and 

environment friendly method for C. capitata management. The purpose of this study was to 

demonstrate the efficiency of the treatment with the kaolin, spinosad and protein bait spray 

(BAT) and how these different treatments may be associated for a better control of C. capitata 

in several citrus varieties. 

Methods: Citrus plots of Clementine (Citrus reticulata, var. Cadoux), sweet orange (Citrus 

sinensis, var. Hamlin), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis, var. WashingtonNavel), and Clementine 

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata, var. Marisol) were treated with kaolin for 7 days at two doses. 

Results & Conclusions: The plots treated with the kaolin continuously for seven days showed a 

lower number of C. capitata captures and fruit infestation compared with those treated with 

BAT or spinosad. Kaolin used at a low dose (1.4%) showed a similar level of infestation as 

spinosad. However, at a high dose (3%), a small reduction in fruit infestation is obtained 

compared to spinosad. Addition of the hydrolyzed protein does not seem to enhance spinosad 

effectiveness. The feasibility of combining resistant citrus varieties with these alternative 

methods is discussed and would be considered in the development of an integrated pest 

management strategy against medfly in citrus groves. 

Keywords: Citrus, Ceratitis capitata, Kaolin, Spinosad, Pest management.


MONITORING RHAGOLETIS ALTERNATA FALLEN – A SERIOUS PEST OF ROSE HIPS. 

Uggla, Madeleine 

Balsgård-Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 

Fjälkestadsvägen 459, SE-Kristianstad, Sweden. E-mail: madeleine.uggla@ltj.slu.se 

Background: Due to their biochemical compounds the interest of growing rosehips, the fruits 

from different Rosa species (mainly section Caninae), has increased the last years. In orchards 

growing raw material to health promoting products there is a demand for organic production. 

Rhagoletis alternata is the most serious pest in wild-growing as well in cultivated rosehips. 

From a previous study, a high percentage of the wild-growing plants had infested fruits. Initial 

study of phenology of R. alternata has been performed. 

Methods: Rhagoletis alternata was studied during three seasons in an orchard in the south of 

Sweden. The plant material originated from a plant breeding program and included several 

Rosa species. Using three-dimensional unbaited yellow sticky traps (Rebell amarillo) adult 

flies were monitored from June to September. The weather data was collected and the degreedays 

have been calculated. 

Results: In 2007 more flies were captured on traps compared to the same period in 2008 and 

2009. In all three years the peak of fly capture occurred at the same time on calendar basis. 

Differences in captures between traps showed possible genetic variation in Rosa species in 

their chemical content. 

Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the Rebell amarillo was effective for capturing R. 

alternata flies. Further study will probably show interaction between the pest and different 

Rosa genotypes. 

Keywords: Rosehip fly, traps. 

317


USE OF FOLIAGE BAIT SPRAYS IN THE REDUCTION OF BACTROCERA INVADENS 

(DREW, TSURATA AND WHITE) DAMAGE ON SWEET ORANGE VARIETIES. 

Umeh,Vincent*; Olaniyi, Mercy & Thomas, John 

National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Citrus Research Program, P.M.B. 5432 Idi-Ishin, Jericho 

Reservation Area, Ibadan, Nigeria, E-mail vumeha@yahoo.com 

Background: Damages caused by fruit flies have been identified as major limiting factors to 

citrus production in Nigeria. Recently, a newly introduced species Bactrocera invadens caused 

economic yield losses in many producing areas. The majority of sweet orange producers in 

Nigeria are small-holders who do not often adopt standard citrus production practices, usually 

due to lack of the necessary funds. The present study therefore seeks to evaluate the application 

of locally-made protein bait sprays in different sweet orange varieties in the reduction of fruit 

fly damage. 

Methods: In 2006 and 2007, one, two and three spot applications of locally-made protein bait 

mixed with chlorpyrifos insecticide were made separately to the foliage of Agege, Valencia 

Late and Parson Brown sweet oranges arranged in randomized complete block and replicated 

thrice at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan. Sweet orange stands with no 

treatments were maintained as control. The candidate trees were picked at random. Efficacy of 

the bait sprays in reducing fruit attack was assessed by randomly sampling 10 ripe or ripening 

fruits per stand. Each spot spray covered 50cm x 50cm of the foliage. Sweet orange stands 

with no treatments were used as controls. Efficacy of the bait sprays in reducing fruit attack 

was assessed by close observation of fruit fly entry spots (with the aid of hand lens) in 10 ripe 

or ripening fruits randomly sampled per stand. The number of fruits that dropped underneath 

each candidate tree due to fruit fly damage was recorded. The fruits were picked and buried 

away from the site. Confirmation of fruit fly species causing sweet orange damage was 

achieved by rearing fruit flies in attacked fruits placed inside wooden cages till adult 

emergence. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) procedures and means of 

significant tests were separated using Student-Newman-Keuls test at P≤ 0.05. 

Results: The bait sprays significantly (P


IMPACT OF WEAVER ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) ON MANGO FRUIT 

FLY (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) DAMAGES IN BENIN IN 2008-2009. 

Vayssières, Jean-François* 1 ; Sinzogan, Antonio 1 ; Ouagoussounon, Issa 1 ; Adandonon, 

Appolinaire 1 & Van Mele, Paul 2 

1 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Centre International de Recherche (IITA-CIRAD), 08 BP 0932, 

Cotonou, Benin. Email: j.vayssieres@cgiar.org; 2 Africa Rice Center (ARC), Cotonou, Benin 

Background: In sub Saharan Africa the mango fruit industry is facing with the problem of fruit 

flies. Among the numerous species that attack the mango, a new invasive species, Bactrocera 

invadens, is causing especially extensive damage compared to the native fly species during the 

rainy season. It has a number of comparative advantages such as good flying skills and 

competitive demographic parameters which allow it to re-infest orchards relatively quickly. 

Making more efficient use of natural enemies can be of great benefit to the growers. As Asian 

growers are using Asian weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) since many centuries it made 

sense to test the ability of African weaver ant (Oecophylla longinoda) to be an effective 

biological control agent in Africa. We have studied the ant impact on early cultivar (cv) in 

2006-2007. It was interesting to do the same kind of experiment on season and late cv. 

Methods: In Benin, we tested the impact of weaver ants on both B. invadens and Ceratitis 

cosyra on 5 mango cv (Ifac 3, Améliorée du Cameroun, Kent, Smith and Brooks). The first 

three ones are season cv and the last two ones are late cv. We used three blocks in 2008 (Ifac 3, 

Kent, Smith) and three other blocks in 2009 (Améliorée, Smith and Brooks) with two 

treatments each (i) without ants = control, (ii) with ants. Each treatment was repeated 10 times. 

Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Student Newman Keuls test. Analysis 

was done using the SAS Statistical Program(SAS 2003). 

Results: Mean damage inflicted by fruit flies was significantly reduced by 58% in 2008 on Ifac 

3, Kent and Smith between mango trees with ants vs control trees. In 2009, mean damage 

inflicted by fruit flies was significantly reduced by 81% in other blocks of Améliorée du 

Cameroun, Smith and Brooks. The control mangoes cv Kent, Smith and Brooks had the highest 

infestation with B. invadens populations. It is normal because a consistent population increase 

of B. invadens in the early rainy season caused considerable damage to mid season (Kent) and 

late cultivars (Smith, Brooks). 

Conclusions: The use of Oecophylla colonies is well-suited for perennial cropping systems in 

sub Saharan Africa, because they are efficient, constantly available, widespread and selfregenerating. 

Practical information about the use of weaver ants in fruit fly control should be 

made available to all those involved in the mango fruit industry at every level. 

Keywords: conservation biological control, Mangifera indica, fruit flies, West Africa. 

319


THE STUDY ON THE APPLICATION METHODS OF PROTEIN BAIT TO ORENTIAL 

FRUIT FLY. 

Wang, Bo 1 & Chen, Jia-hua 2 

Beneficial Insects Institute, Fujian Agriculutre and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China. Email: 

chenjh34@yahoo.com.cn. 

Background: Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is a tephritid fruit fly that is a 

serious pest of a wide range of tropical fruits. Application protein bait was one important 

measure to prevention and control B. dorsalis (Hendel). Using trap bottle and spot spray were 

two important means of application protein bait. 

Methods: The effect some factors to attractant effectiveness were studied in this paper, i.e 

using methods, amount and cycle of protein bait,and comparing the application effect with 

different host orchards, different protein bait and different locations. 

Results: The effect of diluting two-fold was best regardless of means, and the number of 

attractant and deadth were 5.33 and 6.67 respectively. The optimal use amount of two methods 

were 15mL and 30mL, even though the attractant effectiveness increased with the increase of 

using amount. The life cycle of two means were the same as 5 days, and the the number of 

attractant and deadth were 12.33 and 13.33 on the first two days. The results of using trap 

bottle founded that the attractant effectiveness can be increased by raising pH value properly, 

and the best value of pH was 6.The attractant effectiveness in star fruit orchard was better than 

oranges and grapefruit orchards, and the atttractant number was 5.00. There was no significant 

difference between home-made protein bait and Prima, the attractant number were 7.33 and 

9.33 respectively, which significantly higher than GF-120. The attractant number of pake, 

orchard and campuses were 11.73, 7.00, and 5.33 respectively. The results of spot spray 

showed that the effect was best when adding 0.20% amount of malathion, and the adults 

number of deaths was 7.67. 

Conclusions: The methods have some benefits of guiding on field management. 

Keywords: protein bait; Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel); application method; trap bottle; spot spray

Workshop 

Longevity, Ageing & SIT


TRANSCRIPTIONAL CHANGES RELATED TO MATURATION AND MATING IN MALE 

AND FEMALE CERATITIS CAPITATA WIEDEMANN. 

Gomulski, Ludvik M. 1 ; Dimopoulos, George 2 ; Xi, Zhiyong 2 ; Gabrieli, Paolo 1 ; Scolari, 

Francesca 1 ; Siciliano, Paolo 1 ; Malacrida, Anna R 1* & Gasperi, Giuliano 1 

1 University of Pavia, Department of Animal Biology, Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Email: 

malacrid@unipv.it; 2 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA 

Background: The medfly, Ceratitis capitata, is a highly invasive agricultural pest that has become 

a model insect for the development of biological control strategies. These control strategies 

are reliant on knowledge of the behaviour, physiology and molecular genetics of medfly 

reproduction. The recent availability of expressed sequence tags derived from adult medfly 

heads and embryos has permitted the development of microarrays for high throughput gene 

expression profiling. The genes that show changes in expression as a result of maturation and 

mating could potentially be used as targets for the development of novel medfly control strategies. 

Methods: A high density oligonucleotide microarray was designed based on 11885 assembled 

expressed sequence tags from medfly cDNA libraries derived from 0 - 8 day old male and female 

heads and from 0 - 36 h embryos. Complementary RNA derived from virgin immature, 

mature and mated males and females of the ISPRA strain were labelled and hybridised to the 

microarrays using standard Agilent protocols. The microarray data were filtered, normalized 

and analysed using TIGR MIDAS, MeV and GEPAS software. Gene Ontology and GO Term 

Enrichment analysis analyses were performed using GO Slimmer and GOEAST, respectively. 

The microarray-derived gene expression results were confirmed by comparison with the expression 

patterns of 12 genes obtained using real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Three 

reference genes were used for relative quantification normalization. 

Results: A microarray based gene expression approach was used to compare the head transcriptomes 

of adult male and female medfly at differential physiological stages, sexually immature 

and mature virgin individuals and mated individuals. Particular attention was focused on the 

expression patterns of transcripts belonging to reproduction, behaviour, sensory perception of 

chemical stimulus, and immune system processes. Compared to the broad transcriptional 

changes during the maturation of the female, post-mating changes in females were modest, 

suggesting that in the medfly mating does not trigger extensive transcriptional changes in the 

head. Of particular interest is the apparent lack of mating-induced immune responses in the 

medfly female, compared to D. melanogaster, which may be the result of the different reproductive 

strategies of these species. 

Conclusions: Our study has revealed intriguing transcriptional changes during medfly maturation 

and mating. This study will encourage further investigations on numerous questions regarding 

the biology of this and related species. Apart from increasing our understanding of the 

molecular machinery behind these biological processes, the implicated genes may represent 

important targets that could be used to control populations of this pest species. 

Keywords: Ceratitis capitata, microarray, immune response, reproduction, gene expression 

323


GENOME-WIDE TRANSCRIPT PROFILES TO UNVEIL CERATITIS CAPITATA (WIE- 

DEMANN) CANDIDATE GENES INVOLVED IN AGEING. 

San Andrés, Victoria 1,2 ; Castañera, Pedro 2 & Sabater-Muñoz, Beatriz 1* 

Unidad Asociada de Entomología IVIA– CIB CSIC. 1 Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), 

Centro PVyB. Ctra. de Moncada a Náquera km. 4,5; Moncada 46113- Valencia (Spain). Email: 

sabater_bea@gva.es. 2 Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB) del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones 

Científicas (CSIC), Departamento Biología de Plantas, Madrid, Spain. 

Background: The success of a SIT program depends greatly upon releasing males at optimal 

sexual maturity and that they live long enough to successful mating with wild females. 

Consequently, information the knowledge of wild female reproductive status (mature or not) at 

the time of the sterile male release is a factor to be considered for the success of the SIT. 

Ageing is one of the most complex biological processes being determined by both, genetic and 

environmental factors. In C. capitata sex-specific life span patterns have been described as 

resulting from an underlying “constitutional” longevity minus the deleterious effects of 

reproductive biology, and sex-related behaviour. The role of genes in determining the rate of 

ageing and the primary mechanism underlying the ageing process are the subject of intense 

investigation. In recent years, sequencing analysis has become an important tool in molecular 

biology. 

Methods: In this work we present a genome-wide expression analysis based on Suppressive 

Substractive Hybridization technique (SSH) and Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) sequencing 

and macroarray expression analysis to identify signature genes related to the ageing-maturing 

process in C. capitata. Three differentiated reproductive (immature, mature and old adults) 

times have been used to perform SSH in circular scheme, both to females and males. After 

RNA extraction and SSH, all the substracted cDNA were cloned and single-pass sequenced. 

After comparisons to Genebank, consensus sequences were printed in a membrane and 

expression was measured by macroarray hybridization in each select time and compared in 

between by using GEPAS software. 

Results: We have sorted out 94 unigenes from 873 single-pass ESTs, of which 57% have 

homology with known genes. Ageing-maturing process in C. capitata presents a marked 

expression pattern accompanied by the increase of transcription level of genes involved in 

reproduction. In females, the maximum peak of expression (for vitellogenins and chorion 

proteins) is obtained at 5 days-old, whereas in males it is reached at the age of 15 days (for the 

male specific serum proteins). Other identified cDNAs with a differential expression pattern 

would be also candidates but deserves further studies, as they belong to the 43% unknown 

function class. 

Conclusions: These genes and the new candidates would allow proposing a transcriptional 

profiling protocol to determine the reproductive status and putative age of medflies in field. 

Keywords: Medfly, ageing, SSH, ESTs sequencing

AUTHOR INDEX

A 


Abad, María ..................................................... 107, 266 

Aboussaid, Houda .................................................... 260 

Abraham, Solana .................................................. 52, 86 

Acín, Patricia ........................................................... 273 

Adán, Angeles .......................................................... 143 

Adandonon, Appolinaire .................................. 110, 319 

Adnan H. Salman .................................................... 294 

Afreh-Nuamah, Kwame........................................... 251 

Ahmad, Sohel........................................................... 219 

Ahmed, R.F. ............................................................. 220 

Alburqueque, Mónica ....................................... 147, 154 

Alcaide, Juan ........................................................... 160 

Alemansoor, H. ........................................................ 153 

Alfaro Cañamás, Cristina ......................... 126, 274, 301 

Ali K. Shbar ............................................................. 294 

Ali, Ali...................................................................... 249 

Alleck, Malini .......................................................... 245 

Almeida, Aparecida M. de ................................ 170, 212 

Alonso, Esther.......................................................... 314 

Alonso, Marina ........................................................ 253 

Alonso-Muñoz, Andrés ............................................ 275 

Alphey, Luke ............................................................. 66 

Al-Shammary, A.J. .................................................. 220 

Altamirano, Leopoldo .............................................. 135 

Al-Taweel, Ayad A................................................... 220 

Aluja, Martin .............................................. 62, 114, 268 

Alvarado, Ricardo ..................................................... 99 

Amala, U. ................................................................. 250 

Amornsak, Weerawan ......................... 50, 165, 246, 304 

Andrianarimanana, Aina G, .................................... 310 

Ant, Thomas H. ......................................................... 66 

Appiah, Ernest F...................................................... 251 

Araujo, Elton L......................................... 166, 167, 222 

Argilés, Rafael .................................................. 226, 291 

Arief, M. Ardelia ..................................................... 172 

Arnolds, Luciano ..................................................... 221 

Arouri, Rabeh ................................................... 184, 276 

Arques, Eva ...................................................... 206, 207 

Arthofer, Wolfgang ............................................ 47, 164 

Artiaga, Trinidad....................................................... 84 

Asimakopoulou, Anastasia K................................... 183 

Asís, José D. ............................................................. 253 

Atiama, Toulassi ................................ 131, 148, 150, 151 

Augustinos, Antonios ........................................ 183, 197 

Avilla, Jesús ............................................................. 306 

Ayala, Ildefonso ................................................ 107, 266 

Azandémé, Ginette .................................................. 123 

Azeredo-Espin, Ana M. L. ....................................... 244 

Azevedo-Filho, Joaquim A. de .......................... 170, 212 

B 

Bachmann, Guillermo .................................86, 152, 252 

Bachrouch, Olfa ....................................................... 277 

Backeljau, Thierry .....................................................70 

Báez M., Raúl ........................................................... 224 

Baeza Gómez, Jenny M. ........................................... 256 

Bakri, Abdeljelil ............................................... 144, 316 

Balagawi, Solomon .....................................................55 

Balmès, Valérie ......................................................... 203 

Banos, C.................................................................... 111 

Bargues, Laura ......................................................... 160 

Barnes, Brian.................................................... 204, 221 

Barr, Norman ................................................... 187, 194 

Barrón, V. ................................................................. 263 

Bartolucci, Andrea .....................................................61 

Batllori, Lluís............................................................ 306 

Beitia, Francisco ................................ 253, 260, 277, 278 

Belhadj Omrane ....................................................... 261 

Beltrán, Alina ........................................................... 240 

Benavides, Pablo.........................................................53 

Benevides, Clicia M. J. ............................................. 232 

Benevides, Leandro J. .............................................. 232 

Bengochea, Paloma ................................................... 305 

Bento, Albino A. ............................................... 143, 282 

Bento, Jose Mauricio S ............................................. 229 

Beroiz, Beatriz .................................................. 185, 276 

Bertin, Sabrina ...........................................................65 

Bezerra, Gerane C. D. .............................................. 315 

Biosca, E G. .............................................................. 211 

Bjelis, Mario ............................................................. 239 

Böckmann, Elias ....................................................... 253 

Boff, Mari Ines Carissimi ................................. 279, 280 

Bokonon-Ganta, Aimé .............................................. 287 

Bonomi, Angelica...................................................... 196 

Borges, Carlos A. ........................................................97 

Borges, Mirtha ......................................................... 240 

Borges, Rafael.................................... 127, 279, 280, 296 

Bortoli, Ligia Caroline.............................................. 280 

Botta, Anna .............................................................. 124 

Botton, Marcos ................................................. 279, 280 

Bourtzis, Kostas ........................................................ 183 

Bouvet, Juan P.......................................................... 152 

Braga Sobrinho, Raimundo...................................... 222 

Bravo, Bigail ............................................................. 233 

Bravo, J. .....................................................................89 

Breman, Floris .......................................................... 177 

Bressa, María José.................................................... 254 

Brévault, Thierry...................................................... 131 

Brohmsubha, Suttipun ...............................................88 

Brown, Leslie ............................................................ 213 

Budia, Flor................................................................ 143 

Buldawoo, Indrani .................................................... 245 

327


Bull, Richard M ....................................................... 119 

Büttner, Carmen ...................................................... 249 

C 

Cáceres, Carlos ............................................. 81, 87, 219 

Caixeta, Claudini V. D. ..................................... 201, 202 

Callejas, Carmen ................................................72, 192 

Campos, José M. ............................................... 149, 160 

Campos, José Miguel ............................................... 297 

Campos, Mercedes ................................................... 143 

Canal, Nelson A. ...................................................... 178 

Cancino, Jorge ......................................................... 113 

Carabajal Paladino, Leonela ................ 48, 86, 252, 254 

Carbonell, Emilio ...................................... 231, 260, 278 

Cárdenas-Lozano, Jesús .......................................... 241 

Carey, James ............................................................ 125 

Carey, James R. ........................................ 135, 136, 137 

Casagrande, Enzo .................................................... 129 

Castañeda, Maria del R. .......................................... 178 

Castañera, Pedro 106, 107, 109, 184, 185, 226, 231, 265, 

266, 276, 312, 324 

Castro, Rosemary M. ..........................................90, 229 

Catalán-Ruescas, Diana ......................................77, 205 

Cervera, Amelia ................................................ 184, 185 

Cervera, Magdalena ................................................ 312 

Chandra Mouli, Munikote R. .................................. 243 

Chang, Chiou L. ....................................................... 233 

Chatterjee, Hirak ..................................................... 281 

Chen, Chia-Pang ...................................................... 121 

Chen, Chien-Chung ................................................. 121 

Chen, Jia-hua ........................................................... 320 

Chen, Yen-Hou .......................................................... 59 

Cheng, Edward Y..................................................... 242 

Chermiti, Brahim .............................................. 260, 277 

Chiang, Ming-Yao............................................. 101, 242 

Chinajariyawong, Anuchit ......................................... 56 

Chinvinijkul, Suksom ..........................88, 223, 230, 235 

Chiroleu, Frédéric.................................................... 131 

Choolun, Tejanand .................................................. 245 

Cicero Jarado, Lizzette ............................................ 268 

Cladera, Jorge L. ...... 48, 52, 86, 152, 236, 252, 254, 255 

Clarke, Anthony R. .......................... 55, 60, 91, 165, 209 

Cobo, Ana ................................................................ 305 

Cobos, Guillermo ..................................................... 305 

Cobos-Suárez, José M. ........................................77, 205 

Coelho, Mello A ....................................................... 229 

Coelho, Valentim ..................................................... 282 

Coltell, Néstor .......................................................... 283 

Conte, Claudia .................................................. 252, 255 

Costa, Karen .............................................................. 90 

Costa, Maria de Lourdes Z ........................................ 90 

Cotés, Belén.............................................................. 143 

Couso-Ferrer, Francisco ................................... 184, 185 

D 

Dabiré A Rémy ........................................................ 162 

Daneel, John-Henry ................................................. 128 

Dantas, Luis ............................................................. 208 

Davies, Andrew P. .................................................... 114 

de Alfonso, Ignacio................................................... 120 

De León-Crisóstomo, Ángel H. ........................... 85, 174 

de los Santos, Martín .......................................... 99, 241 

De Meyer, Marc .......... 42, 69, 70, 96, 155, 177, 194, 300 

De Siqueira Dutra, Vivian ......................................... 180 

de Souza-Filho, Miguel F. .......... 157, 158, 163, 170, 212 

De Villiers, Marelize .................................................. 76 

Deguine, Jean-Philippe . 49, 131, 148, 150, 151, 186, 308 

Delatte, Hélène ............................... 49, 70, 131, 150, 186 

Deus, Ezequiel G. .............................................. 168, 169 

Devescovi, Francisco ............................. 48, 86, 152, 252 

Diamantidis, Alexandros .................................. 136, 137 

Dias, Vanessa S. ....................................................... 232 

Díaz-Fleischer, Francisco ......................................... 228 

Dimopoulos, George................................................. 323 

Do Nascimento, Ruth R. .......................................... 173 

Domínguez, Julio .......................................... 84, 89, 224 

Dominiak, Bernard C. ............................................. 225 

Douraguia, Elisabeth ................................ 148, 150, 151 

Drew, Rai ................................................................... 56 

Drosopoulou, Eleni .................................................. 197 

Du Fretay, Gäel........................................................ 273 

Duyck, Pierre-François ............................................ 131 

E 

Egan, Mackenzie A. ................................................... 54 

Ekesi, Sunday......................... 42, 96, 112, 251, 262, 287 

El Messoussi, Said .................................................... 260 

El Meziane, Abdellatif ............................................. 258 

El-Heneidy, Ahmed H. ............................................. 115 

Encalada Mena, Lisandro A. ................................... 256 

Enkerlin, Walther ...................................................... 98 

Epsky, Nancy D......................................... 284, 295, 302 

Erbout, Nathalie ................................................. 69, 155 

Escudero-Colomar, Adriana ............................. 273, 306 

Espinosa, Eduardo ................................................... 283 

Espinoza, Hernán R. ................................................ 284 

F 

Falchetto, Marco ...................................................... 196 

Farfán, Fernando ....................................................... 53 

Farqad A. Sadq ........................................................ 294 

Farrar, Nasser.......................................................... 153 

Fay, Harry A. C. ...................................................... 122 

Feder, Jefferey. L ....................................................... 62


Fernandes, Thiago ................................................... 244 

Fernández Salinas, Maria L. ................................... 255 

Fernández, Milagros ......................................... 206, 207 

Fernández, Paz .......................................................... 72 

Fibla, José M............................................. 149, 160, 297 

Fischer, K ................................................................ 253 

Flores, S. .................................................................... 89 

Flores-Breceda, Salvador ................................. 257, 269 

Flores-García, Hector ................................................ 85 

Franck, Antoine ................................................ 131, 308 

François, Thomas .................................................... 151 

Frías, Daniel .............................................................. 61 

G 

Gabrieli, Paolo .................................................. 196, 323 

García Ramírez, María de Jesús ............................. 256 

García, Juliana ......................................... 147, 154, 227 

Garcia, Maria J. De M. ..................................... 170, 212 

Garcia-Marí, Ferran......................................... 160, 275 

García-Martínez, Víctor ............................. 85, 174, 188 

Garrido-Jurado, I. ................................................... 263 

Garziera, Luiza ................................................... 90, 229 

Gasperi, Giuliano................................... 65, 67, 196, 323 

Gava, Carlos .............................................................. 90 

Gayubo, Severiano F. .............................................. 253 

Geib, Scott ................................................................. 68 

Germain, Jean-François .......................................... 203 

Geurts, Katrien ........................................................ 155 

Gilchrist, Stuart ......................................................... 71 

Gilles, Benoît............................................................ 151 

Gil-Ortiz, Ricardo ................................................... 285 

Giraldo-Jaramillo, Marisol........................................ 53 

Girolami, Vincenzo .................................................. 195 

Gnanvossou, Desiré .......................................... 123, 287 

Gobet, Luis .............................................................. 210 

Godoy, Maria J. S. ................................................... 169 

Goergen, Georg ......................................................... 96 

Golestaneh, S.R........................................................ 153 

Gollahalli, Gundu R. V. ........................................... 243 

Gomes Silva, Janisete ................................................ 180 

Gomez, Luis E. ......................................... 127, 296, 298 

Gómez-Escobar, Enoc ............................................. 257 

Gomulski, Ludvik ....................................... 67, 196, 323 

Gonzales, Luis B. ....................................................... 75 

González, Manuel .................................................... 143 

Gonzalez, Ricardo ..................................................... 82 

González-Cabrera, Joel ........................................... 106 

González-Núñez, Manuel ......................................... 305 

Gourdon, Aude ........................................................ 203 

Griebeler, Eva M. .................................................... 187 

Griffin, Robert L. ...................................................... 75 

Guglielmino, Carmela R. ......................................... 196 

Guillén, Larissa ......................................................... 62 

Guimarães, J.A ........................................................ 222 

Guitián-Castrillón, José M. ................................ 77, 205 

Gupta, Divender ....................................................... 286 

Gurr, Geoff M. ................................................. 111, 264 

Gutierrez, J. Manuel ..................................................99 

Gutiérrez-Ruelas, José M. ........................................ 241 

Guzmán-Díaz, Miguel Á. .......................................... 257 

H 

Hai-Tung Feng ......................................................... 288 

Hamacek, Edward ......................................................55 

Hammouti, Nasera ................................................... 187 

Handler, Alfred M. ................................ 65, 67, 189, 191 

Hanna, Rachid ..................................... 96, 112, 123, 287 

Haq, Ihsan ul ...................................................... 87, 219 

Harris, A.R. .............................................................. 111 

Hattingh, Vaughan .....................................................76 

Heath, Robert R. ....................................... 284, 295, 302 

Hemdan, Heitham .................................................... 190 

Hendrichs, Jorge ................................... 83, 87, 144, 245 

Hennessey, Michael K. ...............................................75 

Hernán Camacho, V. ................................................ 156 

Hernández, Doris...................................................... 240 

Hernández, Emilio .............................................. 82, 233 

Hernández, M. Refugio ................................ 84, 89, 224 

Hernandez, Sofia ...................................................... 192 

Hernández-Crespo, Pedro ......................... 184, 185, 276 

Hernández-Ortiz, Vicente ..........................................61 

Ho, Kun-Yaw............................................................ 121 

Hoffmeister, Thomas S. ............................................ 262 

Hoskovec, Michal ..................................................... 173 

Hsu, Ju-Chun ................................................... 121, 288 

Huang, Yu-Bin ................................................. 101, 242 

Hunasaghatta, Praveen M. ....................................... 243 

Hurtrel, Béatrice ...................................................... 131 

I 

Ibañez-Palacios, Jorge ........................................ 85, 188 

Imoulan, Abdessamad .............................................. 258 

Ingram, Donald ........................................................ 135 

Islam, Amirul .............................................................91 

J 

Jacas, Josep A. .................................................. 226, 291 

Jackson, Kevin ...........................................................55 

Jacob, Arthur ........................................................... 250 

Jacquard, Cathy .................................. 49, 131, 150, 186 

Jamroenma, Kriengkai............................................. 171 

Jang, Eric ........................................ 41, 68, 95, 289, 309 

Jerez, Carlos ............................................................. 143 

Jessup, Andrew J. ..................... 60, 83, 91, 111, 219, 264 

329


Jiang, Joe-Air ........................................................... 121 

Jiang, L. ................................................................... 225 

Jiji, T. ................................................................ 250, 290 

Joachim-Bravo, Iara S. ............................................ 232 

Johnson, Jerome ...................................................... 221 

Jordaens, Kurt ......................................................... 177 

Juan-Blasco, María ........................................... 226, 291 

Jumroenma, Kriengkrai ............................................. 259 

Júnior, Cyro R. C..................................................... 173 

Justo, Adrian D. ....................................................... 214 

K 

Kahrarian, Morteza ................................................. 161 

Kakani, Evdoxia ...................................................... 197 

Kalinová, Blanka ..................................................... 173 

Kao, Ching-Hua ................................................ 101, 242 

Katepongpun, Wichit ............................................... 234 

Katsoyannos, Byron ................................................. 125 

Kendra, Paul E.......................................... 284, 295, 302 

Khamis, Fathiya ......................................................... 42 

Khayrattee, Fazilla B. .............................................. 245 

Khlawi, Samira ........................................................ 292 

Khriman, Ashot ....................................................... 289 

Kittelmann, Sebastian ................................................ 65 

Kotze, Charl ............................................................. 128 

Koukidou, Martha ..................................................... 66 

Kouloussis, Nikos ..................................................... 125 

Kriticos, Darren J ...................................................... 76 

L 

Lacasa, Alfredo ................................................. 206, 207 

Lanzavecchia, Silvia ................................................. 254 

Lanzavecchia, Silvia B. ............................................ 255 

Laskar, Nripendra ................................................... 281 

Layme, Javier M. ....................................................... 75 

Leal, Rubén ................................................................ 99 

Lens, Luc.............................................................69, 155 

Lereculeur, Anabel .................................................. 131 

Li, Bai-Ni.................................................................. 215 

Liedo, Pablo ................................. 83, 113, 135, 144, 269 

Liendo, M. Clara ........................................... 48, 86, 152 

Lin, Tzu-Shiang ....................................................... 121 

Lindhout, K. ............................................................. 111 

Liquido, Nicanor J. .................................................... 75 

Liu, Kevin J.............................................................. 121 

Liu, Lu-Yan ............................................................... 59 

Lomeli Flores, J. Refugio ........................................... 98 

Lopes de Castro, Jairo ............................................. 163 

Lopes, D.J.H............................................................. 208 

Lopes, Fabiana ......................................................... 229 

López, Karim ........................................................... 227 

López, María M. ...................................................... 211 

López-Martínez, Victor ........................................... 256 

Lu, Kuang-Hui ........................................................... 59 

Lucas, Alfonso .................................................. 206, 207 

Lysandrou, Michael .......................................... 127, 298 

M 

M’saad Guerfali, Meriem ........................................ 190 

Macedo, N. ............................................................... 208 

Machota Jr., Ruben .......................................... 279, 280 

Maerere, Amon Petro .............................................. 300 

Mafra-Neto, Agenor........................... 127, 279, 280, 296 

Malacrida, Anna ........................ 42, 65, 67, 96, 196, 323 

Malavasi, Aldo ......................................................... 244 

Mangan, Robert L. .................................................... 78 

Mankin, Richard W. .................................................. 54 

Manrakhan, Aruna ........................................... 128, 213 

Mararuai, Amanda .................................................. 209 

Marco-Noales, Ester ................................................ 211 

Marcotegui, Aránzazu ............................................. 305 

Marín, Cándido ....................................................... 124 

Martí, Salvador ........................................................ 129 

Martínez, Marta ...................................................... 226 

Martínez-Ferrer, María T. ....................... 149, 160, 297 

Martinez-Sañudo, Isabel .......................................... 195 

Martínez-Utrillas, Miguel Ángel .............................. 226 

Martins, David S. ..................................................... 260 

Marusic, Ivana ......................................................... 239 

Marzal, Carmen....................................................... 160 

Mastrangelo, Thiago ......................................... 244, 315 

Matallanas, Beatriz .................................................. 192 

Matebe, Yolanda ...................................................... 213 

Mathiopoulos, Kostas ....................................... 190, 197 

Matioli, André L. ..................................................... 170 

Mau, Ronald .............................................................. 95 

Mavragani-Tsipidou, Penelope ................................ 197 

Mavrotas, Costas ...................................... 127, 130, 298 

Mazih, Ahmed.......................................................... 187 

Mazzon, Luca........................................................... 195 

Mbaye, Ndiaye ......................................................... 299 

McInnis, Donald ........................................................ 90 

Meats, Alan ................................................................ 71 

Medeiros, Aida ......................................................... 293 

Medina Hernández, Rosa E. .................................... 256 

Medina, Pilar ........................................................... 143 

Mediouni-Ben Jemâa, Jouda ............................ 261, 277 

Mejia, Carlos Gonzalo ............................................... 53 

Merayo, Eduardo .............................................. 210, 214 

Merkel, Katharina ................................................... 262 

Messoudi, Soumaya ................................................. 261 

Mexia, A. ........................................................... 208, 282 

Meza, J. Salvador........................................ 85, 189, 228 

Midgarden, David .................................................... 284 

Milla, Fabián.............................................................. 86 

Milla, Fabián H. ................................... 48, 152, 236, 252


Mirak, Tohid N .......................................................... 47 

Mohamed, Samira A. ............................................... 112 

Mohammadi, M. ...................................................... 153 

Mohammed Ali, Hussain ......................................... 292 

Mohammed Z. Khalaf ............................................. 294 

Mohammed, Samira A............................................. 251 

Mongabure, Alejandro P. .......................................... 97 

Montes, Sônia M. N. M. ..................... 157, 158, 170, 212 

Montgomery, Wayne S. .................................... 295, 302 

Montoya, Diego .......................................................... 53 

Montoya, Pablo .................................... 82, 113, 257, 269 

Monzó, César ........................................................... 109 

Moraiti, Cleopatra A. .............................................. 159 

Morales-Valles, Pedro ............................................... 61 

Moreira, M.A.B ....................................................... 222 

Morelli, Renata ................................................... 90, 229 

Morgan, Sian A.......................................................... 66 

Moya, Pilar ....................................................... 107, 266 

Moya-Sanz, Pilar ..................................................... 285 

Mulkay, Tania ......................................................... 240 

Mumford, John M. ................................... 102, 208, 290 

Muniyappa, Nandeesh ............................................. 243 

Mwatawala, Maulid .................................... 42, 155, 300 

N 

Nascimento, Antônio S............................................. 232 

Naseema, A .............................................................. 290 

Naseema, T .............................................................. 250 

Navack, Kelly I. ....................................................... 166 

Navarro, Ismael ....................................................... 120 

Navarro-Campos, Cristina ...................................... 160 

Navarro-Fuertes, Ismael .......................................... 285 

Navarro-Llopis, Vicente .................... 126, 274, 285, 301 

Nave, Anabela .......................................................... 143 

Nicol. H. I. ................................................................ 225 

Nikpay, Amin........................................................... 161 

Niogret, Jerome ....................................................... 302 

Nirmala, Xavier ....................................................... 191 

Nisha, V.G ............................................................... 290 

Noikeaing, Sirilux .................................................... 303 

Nolazco, Norma ................................................ 179, 227 

Novelo-Rincón, Luisa F. .......................................... 269 

Nyamukondiwa, Casper ............................................ 51 

O 

Ochando, María Dolores .................................... 72, 192 

Ogaugwu, Christian E. ............................................ 193 

Olaniyi, Mercy ......................................................... 318 

Oliveira, G. B. .......................................................... 232 

Oliveira, Luísa ......................................................... 293 

Orankanok, Somchai ................................ 234, 235, 304 

Orankanok, Watchreeporn . 88, 223, 230, 234, 235, 246, 

303, 304 

Ordax, Mónica ......................................................... 211 

Oropeza, Azucena .............................................. 83, 269 

Orozco-Dávila, Dina ............................................. 84, 89 

Ortego, Félix .............................................. 184, 185, 276 

Ortiz-Urquiza, Almudena ........................................ 105 

Osorio, Armando ...................................................... 178 

Ouagoussounon, Issa ........................................ 110, 319 

Ouédraogo, S. Nafiba ............................................... 162 

Oufdou, Khalid ......................................................... 260 

P 

Palència, Jaume ........................................................ 273 

Papadopoulos, Nikos T. .............. 125, 136, 137, 159, 183 

Papanastasiou, Stella ................................................ 137 

Papeschi, Alba G. ..................................................... 254 

Paranhos, Beatriz J .....................................90, 229, 232 

Paranhos, Lucas G .....................................................90 

Paredes, Daniel ......................................................... 143 

Paroonagian, Doris ........................................... 127, 298 

Parreño, María A. ......................................................48 

Pascual, Felipe .......................................................... 143 

Pascual, Susana ................................................ 143, 305 

Paula, Laís Ívina Silva de ......................................... 163 

Paumier, Adrian ....................................................... 240 

Payet, Christine ..........................................................49 

Peña, Leandro .......................................................... 312 

Peñarrubia-María, Esther ................................ 306, 308 

Peralta, Patricia A. ............................................. 86, 236 

Pereira, André F. .............................................. 201, 202 

Pereira, José A. ................................................. 143, 282 

Pereira, Júlia D. B. ........................................... 168, 169 

Perera, Nathalie ................................................ 185, 276 

Pérez-Hinarejos, Marta ............................................ 253 

Pérez-Lachaud, Gabriela ......................................... 113 

Pérez-Panadés, Jordi ................................................ 231 

Pérez-Staples, Diana ................................................. 228 

Permalloo, Shradhanand .......................................... 245 

Pimentel, R. .............................................................. 208 

Pinkaew, Supaap .........................................88, 223, 230 

Piquer-Salcedo, Jaime E. .......................................... 211 

Piyarath, Sudsa-nguan ............................................. 303 

Plá, Ignacio ............................................................... 226 

Planes, Laura............................................................ 291 

Plodkornburee, Wipada ................................... 171, 259 

Popovic, Luka ........................................................... 239 

Porcel, Mario ............................................................ 143 

Pratt, C.F. ................................................................. 111 

Primo, Jaime ...................... 107, 126, 266, 274, 285, 301 

Pujade-Villar, Juli .................................................... 124 

Putruele, Graciela .................................................... 307 

331


Q 

Quesada-Moraga, Enrique ............................... 105, 263 

Quilici, Serge ..........49, 131, 148, 150, 151, 186, 306, 308 

Quintanilla, Luis ............................................... 147, 154 

Quinto, Vicente ................................................. 206, 207 

Quiroga, Diego ......................................................... 100 

R 

Rabelo, Lílian R. S. ........................................... 201, 202 

Raga, Adalton ............................ 157, 158, 163, 170, 212 

Raharimalala, Soanjanahary ................................... 310 

Raies, Aly ................................................................. 190 

Ramadan, Mohsen M. .............................................. 115 

Rambhunjun, Mahen ............................................... 245 

Ramírez, Wilda ........................................................ 100 

Ramsey, Amanda .............................................. 289, 309 

Raoelijaona, Adrien R. ............................................ 310 

Raoelijaona, Jeannette C. Y. .................................... 310 

Rasamizafy, Lerry A. ............................................... 310 

Rasgado, Milton ......................................................... 82 

Rasool, Bilal ........................................................47, 164 

Ratovonomenjanahary, Zelin T. .............................. 310 

Rattanapun, Wigunda.........................................50, 165 

Rei, Fernando .......................................................... 143 

Rendon, José Raúl ..................................................... 53 

Restrepo-Ortiz, Claudia X. ...................................... 124 

Reuveny, Haim......................................................... 311 

Reyes, Jesus.............................................................. 144 

Reynolds, Olivia L............................................. 111, 264 

Rial, Esteban J. .......................................................... 97 

Richards, Stephen ...................................................... 67 

Riegler, Markus ..................................................47, 164 

Rios, Anderli D. F. ............................................ 201, 202 

Rivera, Pedro ........................................................... 233 

Robinson, Alan....................................................87, 144 

Rodrigo, M.Jesús ..................................................... 312 

Rodríguez Leyva, Esteban ......................................... 98 

Rodríguez, Ana ........................................................ 312 

Rodriguez, Jorge L. ................................................. 240 

Romero, Moises.......................................................... 82 

Ronchi-Teles, Beatriz ................................................ 180 

Ros, J. Pedro ...................................... 143, 278, 313, 314 

Rosillo, Mario .......................................................... 210 

Rouland-Lefèvre Corinne ........................................ 162 

Roura, Lídia ............................................................. 273 

Rousse, Pascal .......................................................... 131 

Rovelo M., Rosa E. ................................................... 224 

Ruano, Francisca ..................................................... 143 

Ruiz, Cynthia ........................................................... 100 

Ruiz, J. Manuel ........................................................ 314 

Ruiz, Joaquín ........................................................... 314 

Ruiz, Lía................................................................... 113 

Ruíz, Manuel ............................................................ 143 

Ruiz-Arce, Raul ....................................................... 194 

Rull, Juan................................................................... 62 

Rwegasira, Gration .................................................. 300 

S 

Sabater Alepuz, Juan B. .......................................... 283 

Sabater-Muñoz, Beatriz ..... 109, 211, 226, 260, 265, 291, 

324 

Salcedo Baca, Diznarda ............................................. 98 

Salin, Daniel ............................................................. 203 

Salvador, Miguel ...................................................... 233 

San Andrés, Victoria ........... 107, 231, 265, 266, 312, 324 

Sánchez-Ramos, Ismael .................................... 143, 305 

Sanchis, Juan .................................................... 126, 301 

Santiago-Álvarez, Cándido ............................... 105, 263 

Santiago-Martínez, Guillermo ................................. 241 

Santos, Mirian S. ..................................................... 166 

Santos, Deise C. C. ................................................... 232 

Santos, Tatiana R. O. ............................................... 232 

Sarika, Mohan ......................................................... 290 

Savio, Claudia .......................................................... 195 

Scherer, Steven .......................................................... 67 

Schetelig, Marc F. ................................. 65, 67, 191, 193 

Schmitt, Chloé................................................... 306, 308 

Schuler, Hannes .................................................. 47, 164 

Schütze, Mark K. ................................................. 60, 91 

Scolari, Francesca ....................................... 65, 196, 323 

Segade, Gonzalo ....................................................... 307 

Segura, Diego F. ..................... 48, 86, 152, 236, 252, 255 

Segura, M. Dolores .................................................... 72 

Seitz, Alfred ............................................................. 187 

Selivon, Denise ........................................................... 61 

Sellini, Lotfi ............................................................. 190 

Seris, Elena ............................................... 143, 305, 313 

Sermann, Helga ....................................................... 249 

Setyawati, W. ........................................................... 172 

Shanmugam, Vijaysegaran ...................................... 243 

Sheela, M.S. ............................................................. 250 

Shimada, Takehiko .................................................. 312 

Siciliano, Paolo .................................................. 196, 323 

Siderhurst, Matthew ................................................ 289 

Silva Neto, Alberto M. ............................................. 232 

Silva, Janisete G. ............................................... 166, 167 

Silva, Márcio A. ....................................................... 315 

Silva, Mariangela V. L. ............................................ 232 

Silva, N. M. O. .......................................................... 167 

Silva, Ricardo A. ............................................... 168, 169 

Simiand, Christophe ................................. 131, 150, 186 

Sinzogan, Antonio ............................................. 110, 319 

Sittipitak, Wanlapa .................................................. 303 

Sivinski, John .................................................... 114, 268 

Skouri, Wafa ............................................................ 260 

Smaili, Charif........................................................... 316 

Solís E., Eduardo A. ................................................. 224


Sookar, Preeaduth ................................................... 245 

Souleymane, Lessueur ............................................. 299 

Srikachar, Sunyanee ......................................... 171, 259 

Stauffer, Christian .............................................. 47, 164 

Steck, Gary J. ........................................................... 180 

Stoltman, Lyndsie 1 ................................................... 296 

Stones, Wilna ........................................................... 213 

Stuhl, Charles .......................................................... 268 

Sudhi-Aromna, Sarute ............................................... 259 

Suja, G. .................................................................... 290 

Sunandita................................................................. 286 

Sundaralingam, S. ................................................... 225 

Susanto, A. ............................................................... 172 

Sutherland, Ian ........................................................ 204 

Sved, John.................................................................. 71 

Syamsudin, Tati Suryati .......................................... 172 

T 

Tadeo, Eduardo ......................................................... 62 

Tarshis Moreno, Aleena ............................................ 78 

Tavares, Laura ........................................................ 293 

Teal, Peter..................................................... 86, 87, 268 

Tejeda, Marco T. ..................................................... 228 

Telavanich, Thitipong .............................................. 246 

Terblanche, Jonh S. ................................................... 51 

Terrazas González, Gerardo H.................................. 98 

Tescari, Enzo ........................................................... 298 

Thaochan, Narit......................................................... 56 

Thomas, John .......................................................... 318 

Thumdee, Patama .................................................... 234 

Toledo, Jorge ...................................................... 83, 269 

Tormos, José ............................................................ 253 

Torné, Maria .................................................... 130, 298 

Torrent, J. ................................................................ 263 

Torres, Laura .......................................................... 143 

Tortosa, A. ............................................................... 278 

Trelluyer, Mickael ................................................... 308 

Tsai, Wei-Huang ........................................................ 59 

Tsoumani, Konstantina ........................................... 197 

U 

Uggla, Madeleine ..................................................... 317 

Umeh,Vincent .......................................................... 318 

Urbaneja, Alberto .............................. 109, 226, 231, 291 

Utgés, M. Eugenia ...................................................... 86 

V 

Vacas, Sandra ........................................... 126, 274, 301 

Van Mele, Paul ................................................. 110, 319 

Vangsilabutr, Wipada ................................................ 259 

Vaníčková, Lucie ...................................................... 173 

Vargas, Roger ...................................... 95, 127, 289, 296 

Vayssières, Jean-François ................... 96, 110, 162, 319 

Vázquez López, Margarito ....................................... 256 

Velapatiño, Jorge F. ...................................................75 

Veloso, Valquíria da R. S. ................................ 201, 202 

Vendramim, José D. ................................................. 315 

Venter, Jan Hendrik ................................................. 213 

Ventura, L.B. ............................................................ 208 

Vera, M. Teresa ....................................... 48, 52, 86, 152 

Verghese, Abraham .......................................... 102, 290 

Vermeulen, Nathan .................................................. 221 

Vidal-Quist, J. Cristian ............................................ 106 

Vilajeliu, Marià ........................................................ 306 

Villalba, Daniel Nestor ............................................. 214 

Villaseñor, Antonio ............................................... 82, 99 

Viñuela, Elisa............................................................ 143 

Virgilio, Massimiliano ............................. 42, 69, 70, 177 

Virginio, Jair F. ........................................................ 232 

Viscarret, Mariana M. ...................................... 252, 255 

W 

Wadjinny, Jamila ..................................................... 316 

Walder, Julio M. M. ........................................... 90, 232 

Walder, Julio M.M. .................................................. 244 

Wang, Bo .................................................................. 320 

Watechakul, Narumon ............................................. 235 

Wattier, Christopher ................................................ 131 

Willink, Eduardo ........................................................52 

Wimmer, Ernst A. .............................................. 65, 193 

Wong, Lyle .................................................................95 

Wornoayporn, Viwat .......................................... 91, 219 

X 

Xi, Zhiyong ............................................................... 323 

Y 

Yang, En-Cheng ....................................................... 121 

Yokoyama, Victoria Y. ............................................. 108 

Z 

Zacarías, Lorenzo ..................................................... 312 

Zavala, J. Luis ............................................................99 

Zeni, Diego................................................................ 296 

Zepeda-Cisneros, Cristina S. ............... 85, 174, 188, 189 

Zhang, Run-Jie ......................................................... 215 

Zorman, M. .............................................................. 208 

Zou, Sige ................................................................... 135 

333


Zucchi, Roberto A. ............................................ 168, 169

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