Influence of different hosts on biological parameters of the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Tunisia

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), is one of major and destructive insect pests of fruit crops worldwide. The influence of seven species of fruit on the biological parameters of C. capitata was examined. The fruits tested were: Citrus sinensis (Thomson navel L.), Clementine (Citrus clementica L.), Mandarin (Citrus deliciosa or reticulate L.), Lemon (Citrus limon L.), Maltese (Oranger de Malte), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.), and Peach (Prunus persica L.). The highest number of eggs laid by the females was observed in Citrus aurantium (13.62±0.69) and the lowest in Citrus deliciosa (10.05±0.20). The longest egg incubation time was observed in Citrus limon (2.66±0.51) and the shortest was observed in Prunus persica (2±0.00). The shortest pupal development time (8.83 days) was observed in Prunus persica, whereas the longest (11.66days) was in Citrus limon. Adult emergence rates were generally high (>60%), except for Citrus sinensis. The highest sex ratio was observed in Citrus aurantium (0.579±0) and the lowest was observed in Citrus limon (0.271±0.01). Life expectancy at pupal eclosion was recorded at adult C. capitata. The lives of adult flies were shorter or longer according to the species. Males lived longer than female on all host plants. Results showed the most suitable host-fruit for C. capitata was peach; although Citrus aurantium were shown to be the preferred host for oviposition and seem to have an important role as alternative host between Mars and Mai, allowing the continuous development of C. capitata throughout the year. The importance of these results could be used to determine perfect times for management treatments.