Effect of host fruit, temperature and Wolbachia infection on survival and development of Ceratitis capitata immature stages

Abstract

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), holds an impressive record of successful invasions promoted by the growth and development of international fruit trade. Hence, survival of immatures within infested fruit that are subjected to various conditions during transportation seems to be a crucial feature that promotes invasion success. Wolbachia pipientis is a common endosymbiont of insects and other arthropods generating several biological effects on its hosts. Existing information report the influence of Wolbachia on the fitness traits of insect host species, including the Mediterranean fruit fly. However, little is known regarding effects of Wolbachia infection on immature development in different host fruits and temperatures. This study was conducted to determine the development and survival of immature stages of four different Mediterranean fruit fly populations, either infected or uninfected with Wolbachia, in two hosts (apples, bitter oranges) under three constant temperatures (15, 25 and 30˚C), constant relative humidity (45-55 ± 5%), and a photoperiod of 14L:10D. Our findings demonstrate both differential response of two fruit fly lines to Wolbachia infection and differential effects of the two Wolbachia strains on the same Mediterranean fruit fly line. Larva-to-pupa and larva-to-adult survival followed similar patterns and varied a lot among the four medfly populations, the two host fruits and the different temperatures. Pupation rates and larval developmental time were higher for larvae implanted in apples compared to bitter oranges. The survival rates of wildish medflies were higher than those of the laboratory adapted ones, particularly in bitter oranges. The Wolbachia infected medflies, expressed lower survival rates and higher developmental times, especially the wCer4 infected line. High temperatures constrained immature development and were lethal for the Wolbachia infected wCer4 medfly line. Lower temperatures inferred longer developmental times to immature stages of all medfly populations tested, in both host fruits. Implications on the ecology and survival of the fly in nature are discussed.

Wolbachia pipientis Associated With Tephritid Fruit Fly Pests: From Basic Research to Applications

“…Adult flight ability and longevity under stress conditions also appear to be determined by the interaction of Wolbachia strain and medfly genotype (Kyritsis, 2016;Kyritsis et al, 2019). A more recent study (Dionysopoulou et al, 2020) demonstrated Wolbachia effects on medfly reared in natural host fruits and at different temperatures. Medlfies infected with wCer4 had low survival rates in both apples and bitter oranges, whereas those infected with wCer2 were less vulnerable in apples than in bitter oranges.…”

Effect of Different Host Fruits on Certain Biological Aspects of Immature Stages of Two Fruit Fly Species

“…Hemeida et al (2019) recorded mangoes were the most suitable host where pupation and adult emergence percentages were more than that of fig fruits for the peach fruit fly (PFF). Pupation rates and larval developmental time of Medfly were higher for larvae implanted in apples compared to bitter oranges (Dionysopoulou et al, 2020) Bactrocera zonata (Saunders)…”

Evidence that recent climatic changes have expanded the potential geographical range of the Mediterranean fruit fly

“…It has spread from its native origin in sub-Saharan Africa throughout much of the continent. Over time, it has colonised habitats far from its original range, including areas experiencing a temperate climate [8][9][10] . Ceratitis capitata is now established in North Africa, Europe, South and Central America, Australia, and Hawaii 11 .…”