Demographic and quality control parameters of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) maintained under artificial rearing

VERA, M. T.; ABRAHAM, S.; OVIEDO, A.; WILLINK, E

FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGIST

FLORIDA ENTOMOLOGICAL SOC

Año: 2007 p. 53 - 57

0015-4040

The integration of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in the management of the South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) is a promising alternative to chemically based control in those areas where it is sympatric with Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) or other tephritid species for which the SIT is being used. Implementation of the SIT requires the development of a cost effective mass-rearing protocol. In this work, we present demographic and quality control parameters for the A. fraterculus strain reared at the Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres, Tucumán, Argentina. Using the rearing cage as the reproduction unit, it was observed that fecundity is optimal during the first three weeks after the onset of oviposition. Fertility was constant during this period. During 2003 and 2004, some improvements were made to the existing rearing protocol, which resulted in increased larval viability, pupal weight, and adult emergence. Current weekly egg production is one million per week. These eggs are used to maintain the colony and to assess quality parameters. Finally, research needs leading to improved yields and fly quality are discussed.