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Diptera (Tephritidae) and their relation with a-biotic factors in Santa Elena Region, Ecuador

Abstract:

Field monitoring of Tephritidae populations is fundamental for a modern agricultural management of these insect pest species. Thus, it is necessary to collect data on environmental conditions and their fluctuations with the purpose of determining how they affect the distribution patterns of fruit flies in an important fruit production region like the Santa Elena peninsula. In this study the fruit fly populations were analyzed in relation to biotic and abiotic factors. To reach this objective, maps of land slope, floor texture and climatology were generated and overlapped with 694 georeferenced traps located in the four cardinal points of the Santa Elena region, in a study area of 3.466 ha. The results indicate that the minimum–maximum temperatures, relative humidity, and rainfall were the major climatic factors influencing fly populations dynamics. Soil texture did not have any influence on immature stages (larvae/pupae). Ceratitis capitata was common during the dry season and reached its peak at the end of it. It attacked both early and mid-season agricultural production in the study region. Anastrepha fraterculus, A. obliqua, A. serpentina, A. punensis, A. manihoti, A. chiclayae and A. pickeli, which were also collected, are native species widely distributed. Results highlight the importance of fruit fly management, which is the main limitation for the export of diverse fruits and vegetables produced in Ecuador.