Fruit Flies of Economic Importance in Turkey, With Special Reference to Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)

Özet

Three fruit fly species occur in Turkey that can be considered as important pests of agricultural crops; The Mediterranean fruit fly
(Medfly), Ceratitis capitata Wied., the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae Gmel. and the cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Diptera:
Tephritidae). Mediterranean fruit fly is by far the most important fruit fly species, due to its considerable number of hosts. Citrus species are of
main importance among the hosts because of the export limitations. Due to the mild winter and the widespread of host crops, population of the
pest is very high, having 4-8 generations throughout the year in Turkey. Yield losses can reach up to 80%, if proper control measurements are
not applied. The control of the pest is based mainly on insecticide treatments. The only application recommended is bait spraying. There is
very little mass trapping, but some growers do rely on monitoring traps. Olive fruit fly is the most significant olive fruit pest and found at
almost all olive growing areas. If it is not controlled, it causes a damage of 15-30%. The impact of the damage can vary considerably
depending on whether the fruit is for oil extraction or for table consumption. Mass trapping, bait and cover sprayings are the most preferred
control methods. Cherry fruit fly is the most economically important pest of sweet and sour cherry. The mid and late ripening cultivars are
highly affected. The control of the pest is based mainly on 1-2 insecticide treatments either by bait or cover spraying. Mass trapping with the
combination of chemical treatments also gives good results.