Cherry tree fly: the relationship between insect numbers and damage rates

17 Sep 2024
478

Since their initial use in the human diet, numerous insect species have caused damage to cultivated fruit species. One of the most important pests of the cherry tree in Turkey and other producing countries is the cherry tree fly, identified in Latin as Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The larva of the pest feeds on the fleshy parts of the fruit, causing premature decay of the affected tissues. Due to the low quality of the harvested infested fruit, the market value is also reduced, resulting in considerable economic losses. Damage by the pest is frequently observed, especially in June, and during epidemic years the damage rate can reach 80%.

Various previous studies had focused on ascertaining the distribution of the pest and the extent of the damage. In a production context geared mainly towards exports, it is necessary to produce healthy fruit in order to limit losses as much as possible during the transport period.

Consequently, extensive use of pesticides is made to manage the pest, but this disrupts the natural balance between living organisms, increasing the likelihood of future infestations that are difficult to manage with currently available chemicals. It is essential to solve these problems in order to introduce products that are both environmentally and health-friendly.

Although numerous studies on the cherry tree fly have been conducted in various regions of Turkey, a specific study of this nature has not yet been conducted in the province of Erzincan. The aim of the survey conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture of Igdir University (Turkey) was to investigate the relationships between the presence of adult insects and the incidence of damage on the fruit, in order to facilitate effective management of this insect.

The objective of this investigation was therefore to assess the correlations between the adult population and the rate of damage due to the cherry fruit fly. The research was conducted in a total of 10 orchards, 5 of which were located in the central Erzincan district and 5 in the Üzümlü district between 2017 and 2018.

Adult and pre-adult stages of R. cerasi formed the main material used in this survey. Ammonia salts, stereomicroscope, lancet and other Rebell traps were also used. This study revealed that the population of R. cerasi fluctuates depending on the year and region, which was also the result of research conducted by several researchers.

The total number of adults counted in the installed traps showed some variability; up to 107 and 169 insects per trap were counted in two cherry orchards in the Erzincan area. The damage rate was generally higher in the Erzincan region, reaching up to 86% of the analysed samples in the most severe cases.

In the Üzümlü region, on the other hand, the rates were lower, with damage rates between 14% and 41%. The adult population and the damage rate of the cherry fly were correlated, as indicated by the results of the study. A linear relationship between the average damage rate and the total density of the adult population was observed in both years, with a moderate to medium positive correlation (r = 0.457-0.548).

Source: Adnan Canbay and İsmail Alaserhat "The Relationship between the Adult Population and Damage Rate of Cherry Fruit Fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Diptera: Tephritidae)," Entomological News 131(1), 20-29, (2 February 2024). https://doi.org/10.3157/021.131.0103
Image: BioLib

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The effects of promalin and mulching on sweet cherry tree formation

Nurseries

09 Dec 2024

The aim of the study conducted in the experimental area of the Faculty of Agriculture of Selçuk University (Turkey) was to evaluate the impact of different types of plastic mulch on soil temperature, both independently and in combination with promalin.

Sour cherry crisis: decline of growers in Michigan to only 253 by 2022

Production Press review

19 Jan 2024

According to the US Department of Agriculture, Michigan had 23,000 acres of sour cherries in 2022. The number of growers decreased from 540 in 2006 to 253 in 2022. The number of processors also decreased from 24 in 2011 to 14 in 2023.

In evidenza

The importance of endophytic bacteria in sweet cherry propagation and cryopreservation

Tech management

24 Apr 2025

A recent study explores how cryopreservation and in vitro culture affect the cherry tree microbiome. Endophytic bacteria can improve plant regeneration, unlocking new opportunities for clonal propagation and biodiversity conservation in horticulture.

Cherries 2025 in Uzbekistan: dollar prices stable, but retailers differences noted

Markets

24 Apr 2025

The first cherries of 2025 have arrived in Uzbek supermarkets with prices between 14,990 and 19,999 SOM. Comparison with previous years, local market trends, exchange rate, domestic production and insights on global export dynamics.

Tag Popolari