Identification of Fruit Fly Species (Diptera:Tephritidae) on Horticultural Plants in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract East Nusa Tenggara (ENT), an archipelagic region characterized by predominantly dry land, supports a wide range of horticultural crops, including mango, jackfruit, and watery rose apple, which are of significant economic value for local and regional markets. However, these crops face substantial threats from fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), which are designated as Quarantined Plant Pest Organisms (QPPO) due to their highly destructive nature. If unmanaged, fruit flies can lead to severe yield losses ranging from 30–75%, directly impacting crop quality and farmer livelihoods. This study aimed to identify and characterize the diversity of fruit fly species infesting mango, jackfruit, and watery rose apple plants in Kupang City, ENT. Through field trapping and morphological analysis, three primary species were identified: Bactrocera dorsalis , Bactrocera carambolae , and Bactrocera musae . Each species exhibited unique morphological features across the thorax, wing patterns, and abdomen, facilitating accurate identification. Infestation by these fruit fly species was marked by the appearance of black spots on the fruit skin, progressing to water-soaked, rotting areas that ultimately caused premature fruit drop. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the impact of fruit fly infestations and safeguard the productivity of key horticultural crops in East Nusa Tenggara.