Infestation rates of Mediterranean fruit fly [Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)] on common guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruits

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine infestation rates of medfly on common guava, Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), fruits in Hatay province of Türkiye. During the study, a different number of the common guava fruits were collected at University of Hatay Mustafa Kemal Research Center in Field 49. They were brought to the laboratory, placed in three plastic container, and each container put into three different mesh screen cages at room temperature. For each of the sampling year, the adults of medfly emerging from the infested fruits were counted in a three-mesh screen cages. Additionally, medfly infestation rates were evaluated as percentage by examining all fruits in plastic cups in each of the cages. As a result of four-year investigations, this pest was found on P. guajava fruits in all sampling years. Totals of 3240 medfly adults in 2016, 4161 medfly adults in 2017, 4621 medfly adults in 2019, and 2982 medfly adults in 2020 were counted in three mesh screen cages. In 2016, a total of 600 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 255 fruits (42.5%) were infested by medfly. In 2017, a total of 450 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 352 fruits (78.22%) were infested by medfly. In 2019, a total of 870 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 625 fruits (71.84%) were infested by medfly. In 2020, a total of 689 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 554 fruits (81.41%) were infested by medfly. The highest percentage infested rates was recorded as 81.41 in 2020, followed by 78.22 in 2017, 71.84 in 2019 and 42.5 in 2016.