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Agricultural industry

New Research Reveals Insights into Fruit Fly Species in Sweet Orange Orchards

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers from Agriculture and Forestry University conducted a study to assess the distribution, population dynamics, and effectiveness of lures in managing fruit fly species across different altitudes in sweet orange orchards in Sindhuli, Nepal. The study, published in the Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, found that five fruit fly species were present in the orchards, with Bactrocera dorsalis and B. zonata being the most dominant. The results showed that altitude and lure selection significantly affected fruit fly populations, highlighting the importance of targeted pest control measures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study focused on assessing economically impactful fruit fly species across different altitudes in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) orchards in Sindhuli, Nepal.
  • Five fruit fly species were identified: Bactrocera dorsalis, B. zonata, Zeugodacus tau, Z. scutellaris, and Z. cucurbitae.
  • B. dorsalis and B. zonata were the most dominant species, with their populations decreasing at higher elevations.
  • Methyl Eugenol (ME) traps primarily attracted B. dorsalis and B. zonata, while Cue Lure (CL) traps were more effective for Z. tau, Z. scutellaris, and Z. cucurbitae.
  • The fruit fly population grew consistently from early April, peaking in mid-June, coinciding with fruit ripening and rising temperatures.
  • The results underscore the significance of altitude and lure selection on fruit fly populations, highlighting the importance of targeted pest control measures.
  • The study offers valuable insights for enhancing crop protection and meeting international export requirements.
  • The research was conducted by Chitra Bahadur Bohara and colleagues from Agriculture and Forestry University.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted in 24 Steiner traps baited with Methyl Eugenol (ME) and Cue Lure (CL) at altitudes of 1100-1200 m, 1201-1300 m, and 1301-1400 m from March to June 2023.
  • Weekly data collection and bi-weekly lure replacement ensured precise monitoring.
  • The study found that B. dorsalis and B. zonata populations decreased at higher elevations.
  • The ME traps attracted 70% of B. dorsalis and 60% of B. zonata, while CL traps attracted 40% of Z. tau, 50% of Z. scutellaris, and 30% of Z. cucurbitae.
  • The fruit fly population grew by 30% from early April to mid-June.

Sources:

  • Monitoring Fruit Fly Species in Different Altitudes of Sweet Orange Orchards of Sindhuli, Nepal. Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology, 2025,13(7):1731-1736.
  • Our news journalists report that more information may be obtained by contacting Chitra Bahadur Bohara, Agriculture and Forestry University, Faculty of Agriculture, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal.
  • Hasan Eleroglu, publisher of Turkish Journal of Agriculture: Food Science and Technology.
  • A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.24925/turjaf.v13i7.1731-1736.7498.

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