Determination of Host Preferences of Medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in the Laboratory

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is the most important and destructive pest in the world. The aim of this study was to determine host preference and survival of Medfly in different fruit and vegetable cultivars in the laboratory. Medfly was recently established in Çanakkale province, even though it has been known in southern Turkey for many years. Medfly infested peaches were collected to establish a local laboratory population. Ten different hosts were tested in the controlled laboratory conditi ons. Some biological parameters were observed to find out the preferred and appropriate host for laboratory rearing. The tested fruit weight, the number of oviposition stings, pupal yield and the adult emergence were determined. The results showed that fruit weight and oviposition stings were not related with larval survival or pupa l yi el d of Medfly. Screening of the different host cultivars suggested that red sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. “Kapya”) is the most favorable host for Medfly rearing in the laboratory conditions. Therefore, ovipositional preference of Medfly and the success of larval development in different host varieties are crucial for Çanakkale since it is an important city for exporting fruit and vegetables.