Susceptibility of highbush blueberry cultivars to larval infestation by Rhagoletis mendax (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Eighteen highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L., cultivars were evaluated for larval infestation by the blueberry maggot fly, Rhagoletis mendax Curran. Most cultivars were evaluated during 3 field seasons. Significantly fewer maggots were found in berries of early-ripening cultivars, 'Earliblue' and 'Bluetta', than in later maturing cultivars such as 'Bluehaven', 'Coville', 'Darrow', 'Elizabeth', and 'Lateblue'. The oviposition period of R, mendax is synchronized with the ripening dates of mid-season cultivars (late July to early August) in Rhode Island. This results in more oviposition and higher larval infestations in mid- and late-season susceptible cultivars. Among the mid- to late-season cultivars, 'Northland' and 'Herbert' berries had consistently fewer maggots than other cultivars. These cultivars, along with Bluetta and Earliblue appear to be good candidates for inclusion into integrated pest management programs.