-We evaluated three packing systems (PARC boxes, "GT" screen towers and "MX" screen towers) for the emergence and sexual maturation of sterile fruit fl ies, at three adult fl y densities (1, 1.2 and 1.3 fl y/cm 2 ) and three food types. At the lowest density, results showed no signifi cant differences in the longevity and fl ight ability of adult Anastrepha ludens (Loew) and Anastrepha obliqua Macquart among the three packing systems. Higher densities resulted in a decrease in these parameters. In the evaluation of the three food types, no signifi cant differences were found either on longevity or fl ight ability of A. ludens. However, the greatest longevity for both sexes A. obliqua was obtained with commercial powdered Mb ® and the mix of sugar, protein and corn starch on paper (SPCP) food types. The highest value for fl ight ability in A. obliqua males was obtained with powdered Mb ® and SPCP food types, and for females with Mb ® powdered food. Our data indicated that GT and MX screen tower packing systems are an alternative to the PARC boxes, since they were suitable for adult fl y sexual maturation without any harm to their longevity or fl ight ability. The tested foods were equivalent in both fruit fl y species, with the exception of the agar type for A. obliqua, which yielded the lowest biological parameters evaluated. Our results contribute to the application of new methods for the packing and release of sterile fl ies in large-scale programs.
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