Oviposition behaviour and larval development of Anastrepha fraterculus from Argentina in citrus

Abstract

Citrus peel physicochemical attributes are considered the main components conferring partial oreven total resistance to fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation. Fruit fly females adapt their ovipositionalstrategies to overcome such resistance. Here, we explored the effects of citrus species (Rutaceae)on the ovipositional behaviour of the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus(Wiedemann), and on its immature development. Particularly, we investigated the effects of (1)citrus species on oviposition behaviour and immature development, (2) citrus species on ovipositionpreference and on the location of the eggs at different depth in the citrus peel, and (3) harvest seasonand post-harvest storage time on oviposition behaviour and immature development in lemon. Citrusspecies influenced ovipositional behaviour and affected survival of immature stages. Females laideggs in lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.], orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck], and grapefruit (Citrusparadisi Macfadyen). In orange and lemon, larvae were found dead close to the oviposition areas,suggesting chemically mediated resistance mechanisms. Under choice conditions, females preferredgrapefruit over lemon and bigger clutches were found in the layers where embryonic development isfavoured. Unsuitability of lemon as a medium to complete development was neither affected by harvestseason nor by storage time of the fruit after harvest. The physical and chemical characteristics ofthe peel were distinctive to each citrus species and may have affected the specific levels of resistance ofthese citrus species to infestation by A. fraterculus.