Fruit Fly

Papaya

Name: Fruit Fly

Scientific Name: Bactrocera dorsalis

Crop: Papaya

Description:

  • Fruit fly infestations in papaya are prevalent during warm climates and the fruiting stage of papaya.

Damage Symptoms:

  • Female fruit flies oviposit into ripening papaya fruits, causing direct losses due to the larvae feeding inside the fruit, which damages its quality.
  • Fine pinprick-like injuries can be observed on the fruit surface where females lay their eggs.
  • Soft, water-soaked areas develop on the fruits, which later decay due to larval attack.
  • Infestations cause fruits to wither and rot, leading to low production and poor market quality.

Preventive Measures:

  • Infested fruits should be gathered and disposed of to help control pest numbers.
  • Install pheromone traps in the field.

Control Measures:

  • Apply Spinosad (0.5 ml/l) to kill adult fruit flies.