Integrated Management of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata) on Citrus in the Konispol, Albania

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) is the main pest of citrus fruits, which can also infect other economically priority fruit plant species in an integrated global environment. Numerous populations of this insect contribute to the spread of fungi and microbes that cause secondary damage, such as fruit rot. Infestation of citrus orchards can lead to significant annual losses in crop size and quality. As a quarantine pest with high reproductive potential and spreading ability, the Mediterranean fruit fly is difficult to control and poses a serious threat to Albanian citrus exports due to concerns about infection or insecticide residues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current state of integrated management of the Mediterranean fruit fly on citrus plants in the Konispol region, using innovative approaches. As part of this objective, the dynamics of the Mediterranean fruit fly population were studied using Trimedlure bait traps. The potential of organic integrated agricultural fruit production in the aspect of pest control was analysed. Integrated pest control programmes were described in detail, including a range of modern, safe population control methods and positioned as innovative, effective strategies for controlling the Mediterranean fruit fly. The study analysed the potential of modern tools and technologies for pest control. The areas of minimising the share of chemical protective equipment in the agricultural management system were outlined. As a result of the experiment, the effectiveness of the technique of mass trapping of pests was established. Comparative analysis of monitoring results at different farm plots was carried out. Based on the obtained data, the potential of management and technological measures to minimise the load on citrus plantations, combining the principles of environmental safety and economic feasibility, with the introduction of the latest systems for controlling and monitoring pest populations, was analysed.