Abstract
Bactrocera dorsalis and B. correcta (Diptera: Tephritidae) are economically important pests of fruits and have caused serious damage to fruits for the last several years worldwide. In China, B. correcta is second economic pest of fruits after B. dorsalis. Considering the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, Information regarding host preference and fitness of both Bactrocera species are necessary for better management strategies. Therefore, the current study explains the response of both Bactrocera species on banana, guava, and mango fruits. The cultivar of banana, guava, and mango fruits used first time in this study. Therefore, the volatile/aromatic components of banana, guava, and mango fruits were determined using porapak Q via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results concluded that the number of male flies of both species on each types of fruits were lower in comparison to female flies. The number of flies and oviposition punctures by female B. dorsalis flies were maximum on mango fruits than those of guava and banana fruits. While in the case of B. correcta, the guava fruits were preferable for visits and oviposition punctures than those of other two fruits. Mango fruits were more favorable for the development and survival of both Bactrocera species than those of other two fruits. The GC/MS results indicated that butanoic acid-3-methylbutyl ester, α-caryophyllene, and 3-carene were the major volatile components of banana, guava, and mango fruits, respectively. Based on the results, mango and guava fruits were more suitable for both Bactrocera species. Future studies are needed to confirm the results of this laboratory study in the fruit orchards.