Effect of soil types and moisture contents on the pupation behavior and adult emergence of Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis is a major pest that poses a significant threat to various fruits and vegetables. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of soil type, depth, and moisture content on the emergence rate and survival of B. dorsalis. The results from the first trial indicated that the maximum number of pupae (47.32%) was recorded from loamy sand at a depth of 2 cm, while the minimum number of pupae (5.9%) was found at a depth of 5 cm. In sandy clay soil, the maximum number of pupae (46.66%) was recovered at a depth of 2 cm while the minimum (1.33%) was at a depth of 6 cm. In gravel, the maximum number of pupae (40.66%) was recovered at a depth of 2 cm and the minimum pupae (2.00%) were recovered at a depth of 6 cm. In the second experiment, the maximum adult emergence (88.8%) was observed in dry soil with a 0% moisture level, while the minimum (68.88%) was noted at 30% moisture level. The maximum life span (40 days) of the B. dorsalis was observed at 0% moisture level while minimum adult longevity (36.33 days) was noted at 30% moisture level. This study suggests that soil depth of at least 6 cm with moist conditions is effective for the management of B. dorsalis during pupal stage.