Infestation and abundance of fruit flies of mango and orange from selected markets in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Mangoes and orange fruits need important consideration if fruit production is to be successful and sustainable. Insect pests and diseases threaten the profitability of mango and orange farming. In particular, fruit flies have become an increasingly prevalent insect in Nigeria, owing to the damage incidence and economic losses, especially to the mango and orange value chains. This study was conducted to determine the species composition, abundance and prevalence of fruit flies on mango and orange fruits from Akwa Ibom State. Two (2) varieties of mango fruits comprising German and cherries types were gotten from 2 markets (Etinan urban and Itam markets) while oranges were obtained from 3 markets (Akpan Andem, Itam and Mbiopkoro markets). Fruits were kept in the laboratory in cups and covered in such a way as to keep them away from any other pests and prevent emerging fruit flies from escaping. The samples were studied at ambient conditions and were incubated for up to 4 weeks until all the fruit flies emerged as adults. Three species of fruit fly were identified from the different types of mango namely: Drosophila melanogaster, Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera papayae. Mango fruits from Etinan urban had the highest abundance of fruit flies infestation than those from Itam market (81.7% and 18.3%) respectively. Among the fruit flies encountered during the study, Drosophilia melanogaster had the highest prevalence (95.4%) and the least was Bactrocera papayae (1.42%). Two species of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster and Bactrocera dorsalis) were identified on oranges. Drosophila melanogaster was higher in abundance (79.38%) than Bactrocera dorsalis (20.62%). Oranges from Mbiokporo were the most affected. Species diversity and evenness were slightly different amongst the 3 markets. The current study has shown Mango and orange fruit flies infestation to be a serious threat to fruit production in Akwa Ibom State. Since the population of these pests are detrimental to the economic values of mango and orange fruits, control measures should be put in place.