Distribution and Abundance of Fruit Flies, Bactrocera spp. (Tephritidae: Diptera) in Meerut U.P.

Mango is an important fruit crop which is severely damaged by fruit flies. Most common species attacking fruits are Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, B. correcta Bezzi, B. diversa and B. zonata (Saunders). The population of Bactrocera spp. was increased gradually from 1^st week of March and reached to its maximum (253.57 flies/trap/week) in 35^th SW. Thereafter, the population of Bactrocera spp. showed declined trend with decreasing temperature. The lowest population (2.0 flies/trap/week) of Bactrocera spp. was recorded in severe cold months (December and January). The abiotic factors play an important role in population fluctuation and infestation. Maximum (0.5219) and minimum (0.8145) temperature showed positive correlation with Bactrocera spp. however RH showed non-significant correlation