Peach Fruit Fly
Early warning against peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata
Order : Diptera
Family: Tephritidae
Common name: Peach fruit fly
Scientific name: Bactrocera zonata
Hosts: where it attacks many fruit species (more than 50 host plants), including guavas, mangoes, peach, apricots, figs and citrus.
Geography: originate in south and south East Asia It has spread to other parts of the world, in particular to several countries in the Near East and to Egypt. In recent years, it has become a widespread pest in Egypt, and in addition Lebanon, Syria and other Mediterranean countries. It is considered that B. zonata threatens countries in the Near East and North Africa, and to a lesser extent in Southern Europe.
Biology: Female laid average 200-300 eggs into ripe fruits. Larvae bore into the fruits and complete larval instars with in 9 to 10 days on basis of various host plant. Full grown larvae leave the rotted fruit and pupate in the soil, debris or sometimes in the fruit. Pupae last usually 10-12 days.
Damages: Fruit flies attack ripe fruits and inflict damage to the fruit either directly by larvae feeding on pulp or by causing blemished fruit, which reduced market value of the fruits. It is considered that B. zonata threatens countries in the Near East and North Africa, and to a lesser extent in Southern Europe.
