Biology of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1990.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | ProQuest, Abstract Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | Laboratory experiments were designed to determine the time required for development by immature stages of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in citrus, mango, and peach. Studies were conducted to investigate A. ludens oviposition behavior; grapefruit and orange suitability for A. ludens development to adulthood; and peach susceptibility to infestation related to fruit ripeness. Longer developmental time was required by A. ludens immatures in citrus and mango than in peach. Hardness of fruit rind and texture of the fruit pulp affected the size of egg clutches deposited by A. ludens. Among citrus, grapefruit was the most suitable host for A. ludens. In a peach susceptibility study, ripe peaches were most susceptible to infestation by A. ludens, pulp compactness of young peach fruit prevented oviposition by females. The influence of fruit infested by A. ludens on larval parasitism and host habitat location by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was studied under laboratory conditions. Experiments on the selection of fruit size and color by D. longicaudata were conducted using artificial fruit. Parasitism levels by D. longicaudata were affected by fruit size, fruit volatiles, larval A. ludens feeding behavior, and the length of the parasitoid's ovipositor. Fruit color is apparently not very important in host habitat selection by D. longicaudata. The population phenology of adult and larval A. ludens and A. obliqua (Macquart) was monitored in Central Tamaulipas, Mexico. Population peaks of adults of both species occurred at the onset and the end of the host fruiting season. Anastrepha ludens infested grapefruit and yellow chapote, a wild host. Mango was the only cultivated host infested by A. obliqua. Four species of native parasitoids were reared from the fruit fly larvae. Only one species of parasitoid was detected attacking both fruit fly species. Parasitism was greater on larvae infesting wild fruit than on larvae infesting commercial fruit. The adult population phenology of the papaya fruit fly Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerstaecker (Diptera: Tephritidae) is also reported. The first northeastern Mexico record of Anastrepha montei Costa Lima was obtained during this field study. The occurrence of other tephritids is documented. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Entomology." |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 120 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |