Misbah Batool1*, Tahseen Javaid1, Waseem Akram2, Ateeb ur Rehman2, Roshana Nawaz3 and Samia sarfraz4
1Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan; 2Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan; 3Department of Zoology, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Pakistan; 4Department of Horticulture, University of Northampton, United Kingdom
*Corresponding author: misbahofficialx@gmail.com
This study examined the morphological traits, seasonal infestation dynamics, and environmental influences of the two main mango pests in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata. 400 mango fruits were examined at two orchards between April and July 2024, and the species composition, infestation, and larval development were evaluated. Peak fruit maturity was accompanied by the highest infestation rates, which rose gradually from 5% in April to 65% in July. While morning and afternoon humidity showed high negative relationships (r = –0.873 to –0.839), temperature showed a strong and positive link with both larvae per fruit (r = 0.994) and infested fruits (r = 0.988), according to Pearson correlation analysis. Rainfall had a less pronounced adverse effect (r = -0.366 to -0.235). Infestation was highest in ripe and overripe fruits (14–16%, 5–15 larvae/fruit) and lowest in green fruits (4%, 1-3 larvae/fruit), according to laboratory rearing. Upon species identification, B. zonata outnumbered B. dorsalis (34.5%) by a margin of 64.5%. Clear species separation based on body size, wing venation, and abdomen patterning was validated by morphological examination. According to these results, temperature is the main factor for fruit fly accumulation, and the likelihood of infestation is further increased by fruit maturity. The study offers baseline information that is necessary for creating integrated pest management plans meant to lower yield losses in mango plantations caused by fruit flies.