Seasonal Abundance of Melon Fruit Fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) in different Cucurbit Fields of Nagaland

Author: Huirem Diana Devi, Pankaj Neog, Arensungla Pongen, Martha Chakruno, K. Lalruatsangi and Rumki Heloise Sangma

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Abstract

One of the major insect pests of vegetables that affects both the amount and quality of fruit output is the melon fruit fly. Seasonal abundance of Melon fruit fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) was observed on Cucumber, Pumpkin and Ash gourd during the summer season of 2020 and 2021 in different isolated experimental fields of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland. Furthermore, investigation was done to find out the correlation between meteorological variables and fruit fly abundance. During the year 2020, the highest incidence of melon fruit fly was recorded on 31st May from all cucurbit fields with a mean population 2.30 numbers per trap from cucumber and pumpkin, while 2.65 numbers per trap from ash gourd. However, during the year 2021, the highest incidence was on 6th June in cucumber (1.85 numbers per trap), while in pumpkin and ash gourd on 30th May with a mean population of 2.15 and 2.50 numbers per trap, respectively. The correlation of melon fruit fly populations with abiotic factors was found to have non-significant in both the years. However, in the year 2021 their populations were found to have a positive significant correlation with morning relative humidity (r= 0.631). The lack of a substantial relationship between fruit fly population and the majority of abiotic parameters in the current study might be due to some other factors like availability of tender fruits with soft skin. In the present investigation during the last week of May upto middle of June, the population of fruit flies species was observed highest in different cucurbits and during that period maximum number of tender fruits with soft skin was available in the fields. Therefore, the population might be increasing with the increase of tender fruits in the field during that period.

Keywords

Seasonal abundance, Abiotic factors, Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Cucurbits

Conclusion

Z. cucurbitae had a high initial population that began on cucumber in the first week of May, moved on to pumpkin and ash gourd, and then gradually increased until it peaked in the last week of May on certain cucurbit agro-ecosystems. While rainfall had a negative impact on the population of melon fruit flies, morning relative humidity had a favourable impact. Therefore, it can be established that increased insect activity is caused by high relative humidity and the presence of more delicate fruits in the fields. Therefore, when the fruits are at their most sensitive, Z. cucurbitae can attack cucurbitaceous plants. Therefore, growers must maintain vigilance, and appropriate management plans for this fly species must be developed.

References

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How to cite this article

Huirem Diana Devi, Pankaj Neog, Arensungla Pongen, Martha Chakruno, K. Lalruatsangi and Rumki Heloise Sangma (2023). Seasonal Abundance of Melon Fruit Fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) in different Cucurbit Fields of Nagaland. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 406-411.