Development and reproduction of the Mediterranean fruit fly in persimmon, apple, peach and grape

Abstract

The objective of this work was to describe the development and reproduction of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in fruit of 'Fuyu' persimmon, 'Gala' apple, 'Maciel' peach and 'Italy' grape. Evaluations were made for: egg duration and viability, duration of larval stage, pupa weight, pupal duration and viability, duration of egg-adult period, sex ratio, pre-oviposition and oviposition periods, daily and total fecundity, and longevity of males and females. The longer duration of the egg-adult period occurred in apple, due to the increase in larval stage, followed by grape, persimmon and peach. Larvae fed on peach had higher average pupal weight. The highest pupal viability was recorded in peach and was equivalent to that of grape and persimmon. The pre-oviposition period was higher for females from apple and grape. Females from peach had longer oviposition period, and higher daily average fecundity and total fertility. The longevity of adults was higher in insects reared on peach. Peach fruit are more suitable for the development of C. capitata, in comparison to persimmon, apple and grape.