Role of Abiotic Factors on Seasonal Abundance and Infestation of Fruit Fly, Bactrocera Cucurbitae (COQ.) on Bitter Gourd

Abstract

Role of Abiotic Factors on Seasonal Abundance and Infestation of Fruit Fly, Bactrocera Cucurbitae (COQ.) on Bitter Gourd Throughout the year, there was an abundance of fruit flies in Cue-lure baited traps. Two peaks; in summer and kharif (Autumn) coincided with the 14 SW and 43 SW respectively. In kharif, maximum bitter gourd fruit damage (62.70%) occurred in the 45 SW. A second peak, with 49.70% fruit damage was observed during the 15 SW period. The temperature (maximum and minimum) showed a significant positive correlation with adult abundance, fruit damage and pupal population. The temperature recorded during the preceding first, second and third weeks had a slightly greater impact than the temperature of the current week in which the fruit fly abundance had been checked. Other abiotic factors had a non-significant effect on fruit fly adult activity, fruit damage and pupal population.