Mango Fruit Fly Population Dynamics and Management through Association with Abiotic Weather Variables

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), the national fruit of Pakistan, is a major tropical fruit crop with high economic and export significance. However, its productivity is severely constrained by fruit fly pests, particularly the Peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). A field study was conducted at the Mango Research Institute (MRI), Multan during April to July 2025 to investigate the population dynamics, diurnal activity, host range, and environmental correlates of B. zonata and associated fruit fly species in mango orchards. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with ten replications was employed using methyl eugenol traps, with captures recorded at two-hour intervals to assess peak activity periods. The results revealed that B. zonata infestation varied significantly across fruiting months, ranging from 6.77% in April to 61.68% in June, with peak maggot populations (82.49 per fruit) recorded in June. Two major fruit fly species emerged from infested mangoes: B. zonata (42.00 flies per fruit) and B. dorsalis (16.80 flies per fruit), while field trap populations indicated that B. dorsalis (2447.85 flies/trap) was more abundant than B. zonata (1141.54 flies/trap). Seasonal population fluctuations showed maxima in May–June and minima in winter months. Correlation analysis demonstrated that maximum temperature, sunshine hours, and relative humidity were positively associated with population buildup, whereas rainfall had a weak negative effect. Diurnal activity patterns indicated that B. zonata and B. dorsalis were most active during early morning (6–8 am). The study confirms that B. zonata is a highly destructive pest of mango in Pakistan, with population dynamics closely linked to climatic variables and host availability. These findings provide critical information for timely monitoring and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, including Male Annihilation Technique (MAT), Bait Application Technique (BAT), and eco-friendly control measures. Understanding the pest’s population patterns and environmental drivers is essential for reducing fruit loss, minimizing pesticide use, and ensuring sustainable mango production in the region.