Regional-Scale Spatio-Temporal Analysis ofAnastrepha ludens(Diptera: Tephritidae) Populations in the Citrus Region of Santa Engracia, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

Large citrus areas in Tamaulipas are affected by Anastrepha ludens (Loew) populations. Here we report the findings of a spatio-temporal analysis of A. ludens on an extended citrus area from 2008-2011 aimed at analyzing the probabilities of A. ludens infestation and developing an infestation risk classification for citrus production. A Geographic Information System combined with the indicator kriging geostatistics technique was used to assess A. ludens adult densities in the spring and fall. During the spring, our models predicted higher probabilities of infestation in the western region, close to the Sierra Madre Oriental, than in the east. Although a patchy distribution of probabilities was observed in the fall, there was a trend toward higher probabilities of infestation in the west than east. The final raster models summarized the probability maps using a three-tiered infestation risk classification (low-, medium-, and high risk). These models confirmed the greater infestation risk in the west in both seasons. These risk classification data support arguments for the use of the sterile insect technique and biological control in this extended citrus area and will have practical implications for the area-wide integrated pest management carried out by the National Program Against Fruit Flies in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Validation of a geographic weighted regression analysis as a tool for area-wide integrated pest management programs for Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Terceira Island, Azores

“…Also, while studying the spatio-temporal dispersion, but of the Anastrepha ludens over large flat topographic citrus areas, Vanoye-Eligio et al (2015) obtained with success the occurrence probability maps for this specie. Rhodes et al (2011) used IDW and OK produced maps with similar accuracy, indicating that "hot spots" could be modeled using either interpolation method.…”

Area-Wide Management of Fruit Fly Pests

“…Additionally, there was a reduction in the levels of fruit infestation compared to an area without application of control methods. Vanoye-Eligio et al (2015a, 2015b reported that populations in the region become detectable from October to April, with the highest population peaks in February and March. Such seasonal population peaks did not occur in areas under sterile fly release, which is an indication that the decrease was a result of the application of the sterile insect technique.…”

Biological control of Anastrepha Schiner (Dptera: Tephritidae) through augmentative releases of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata Ashmead (Hymenoptera; Braconidae) in fruit-producing marginal areas of Northern Nayarit, Mxico

“…The results differ because the A. ludens species was the most abundant species, while in the present study it was A. obliqua, whereas A. ludens was the one with the lowest populations; although, the present peaks are not coincident, the behaviors of insect in both studies are similar. Several authors agree that abiotic factors such as temperature, relative humidity and rainfall have an effect on the population fluctuation of fruit flies (Tucuch et al, 2008;Vanoye-Eligio et al, 2015), while other factors such as food availability and controllers are important for the presence or absence of the pest (Ovruski et al, 2003;Ledesma et al, 2013). When registering the months of May to August as the fruiting periods of guava, mango, Mexican plum and jobo, among other fruits in Nayarit as there is an increase in food availability, the populations of the insect pests increase and the probability of capture of the parasitoid decreases.…”