Ecological studies on mango fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel

The influence of ecological factors, viz., biotic (host plant) and abiotic factors (weather parameters) on the abundance and population of fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis on mango were worked out. Peak indidence of fruit fly activity was observed during last week of May (6 to 9 infected fruits 20 fruits). However, a gradual increase was observed during first week of April (24 infested fruits/20 fruits) and declined during fourth week of June (5.5 infected fruits/20 fruits). Correlation studies between incidence and weather parameters showed significant positive relationship with maximum and minimum temperatures and negatively correlated with rainfall and relative humidity (morning and evening). Older mango trees (15 and above years old) were more susceptible to fruit fly damage than young trees.