Evaluation of Rearing Parameters of a Self-Limiting Strain of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a significant pest of stone and pome fruit that causes considerable economic losses worldwide. Current control is primarily based on insecticides, which are often mixed with protein baits. Oxitec has developed a self-limiting medfly strain (OX3864A) that demonstrates conditional female-specific mortality in the early life stages. Sustained release of OX3864A males offers medfly control, which should lead to substantial economic benefits in area-wide programmes. In the current study, the optimum quantities of mature and immature stages of the strain are assessed under semi-mass production. Moreover, the rearing and quality control limitations related to the production of this strain are provided. The data here demonstrate that the egg hatch rate can reach >85% under optimum rearing conditions. However, this depends on the number of pupae loaded in a cage and their ages. The suggested pupal density ranges between 14,000 and 18,000 pupae per cage to provide optimum egg production. In parallel, the embryo densities of 1.25–1.5 mL/kg larval Tet+ diet are recommended for strain propagation, while embryo densities of 1.25–2.0 mL/kg larval Tet− diet are suggested for male-only pupal production.

Effects of domestication on quality control parameters of the Queensland fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae)

“…Reflecting the results of the present study, Meats et al (2004) found that the egg load of an old Q-fly colony was higher than that of young colonies. Increase in egg production and reduced choosiness of oviposition site has been reported in laboratory-adapted colonies of C. capitata (Bravo & Zucoloto, 1998;Elaini et al, 2020;Joachim-Bravo et al, 2009;Vargas & Carey, 1989). Positive relationship between fecundity and domestication has also been reported in fruit flies including B. oleae (Rossi) (Ahmad et al, 2016) and A. ludens Loew (Cayol, 2000;Carey et al, 2005), as well as in insects from other taxa, including sweet potato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Shimoji & Miyatake, 2002).…”

“…Increase in egg production and reduced choosiness of oviposition site has been reported in laboratory‐adapted colonies of C . capitata (Bravo & Zucoloto, 1998; Elaini et al, 2020; Joachim‐Bravo et al, 2009; Vargas & Carey, 1989). Positive relationship between fecundity and domestication has also been reported in fruit flies including B .…”

Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Moroccan Citrus orchards: Chemical and Sustainable Control Methods and Priorities for Future Research

“…19 Sustained release of self-limiting medflies Improved sterile pests are another possible technique to moderate the expensive costs of SIT-like programs and increase efficiency. 34,66 The SIT is a mating-based method whereby released sterile males (sterilized via irradiation) compete with their wild competitors for successful mating with wild females inside orchards. 66 Compared to wild males, the exposure of males to irradiation causes a complete loss of competitive mating aptitude.…”

“…34,66 The SIT is a mating-based method whereby released sterile males (sterilized via irradiation) compete with their wild competitors for successful mating with wild females inside orchards. 66 Compared to wild males, the exposure of males to irradiation causes a complete loss of competitive mating aptitude. 67 In the field, treated insects (with irradiation) have reduced life cycles and are less competitive (mainly in mating).…”