Incidence of frugivorous flies (Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae), fruit losses and the dispersal of flies through the transportation of fresh fruit

Frugivorous flies (Diptera: Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) cause significant losses in horticultural crops. These losses are associated with the fruit damaged by frugivorous fly infestation occurring during all steps of the production and commercial sale. Pest monitoring is the main tool used to identify and avoid future losses in horticultural crops. In this study we monitor the population of frugivorous flies in a fruit orchard and a food supply centre (FSC) to assess fruit losses and examine the dispersal of flies. Six Anastrepha species, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), five Neosilba species and Dasiops sp. were recovered from traps and fruit samples. The fruit losses were estimated for star fruit (26%), guava (17%), mango (4%), orange (1.9%), tangerine (0.9%) and apple (0.2%). The fruit collected at the FSC demonstrated that immature frugivorous flies can disperse for several kilometres through the transportation of fresh fruit. Due to the importance of frugivorous flies, this poses a threat to the production and commercial sale of fruit around the world. Our study presents information relevant to the pest management and risk mitigation for frugivorous flies.