1 research outputs found
Characterization and Preferred Oviposition sites of Atherigona orientalis(Schiner) on Nigerian Pepper Fruits
The pepper fruitfly, Atherigona orientalis (Schin.) has been
considered and accepted as a potentially serious and important pest of
pepper fruits in Nigeria. Females of A. orientalis oviposited on fruits
of pepper (Capsicum species) both in the laboratory and in the
field. Oviposition commenced about 2 weeks after fruiting and increased
with rainfall. Six pepper cultivars were used for this study and parts
of pepper fruits utilized as oviposition sites were calyx, grooves,
blossom ends and receptacles in most of the cultivars. Records of the
number of eggs isolated from the aforementioned portions of the fruits
were made. Oviposition response of A. orientalis females was different
on the four parts of pepper fruits. Statistical analysis showed
significant differences on the number of eggs deposited on the calyx,
grooves, blossom ends and receptacle of the six pepper cultivars. On
sites that were preferred for oviposition, most of the eggs were
collected from the calyx (40-75%) followed by the grooves.
Significantly lower numbers were collected from the blossom ends or
receptacles depending on cultivars. @JASE