Integrated Management of Fruit Flies – Case Studies from Tanzania

Abstract

The horticultural industry in Tanzania is constrained by many factors including insect pests, and particularly fruit flies. Fruit flies are polyphagous and attack a wide variety of fruit species. Almost all commercially grown fruits are prone to infestation by these pests. In Tanzania, both indigenous and exotic invasive fruit fly species have negatively impacted the production and trade of fruits and fruit-bearing vegetables. Research on fruit flies in Tanzania has increased in importance in recent decades. A major thrust came with the arrival of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, in 2003. Increased awareness of the heavy losses inflicted by B. dorsalis necessitated the development of management programmes for fruit flies. This chapter presents the various activities undertaken in Tanzania, including detection and monitoring surveys, establishment of spatial and temporal abundance and studies on the host range and developmental biology of fruit flies. Although limited to a few regions in Tanzania, the knowledge gained has contributed to the development of sound IPM programmes for fruit flies. Recommendations now include Area Wide Management programmes to extend research and implementation of IPM nationwide.