Molecular Confirmation of Dacus ciliatus from Balochistan, Pakistan, Based on mt-COI Gene

The pumpkin fly, Dacus ciliatus, is a destructive pest of Cucurbitaceae crops, poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity worldwide. Despite its economic impact, limited molecular research has been conducted on this species, particularly in Pakistan. In this study, we conducted comprehensive investigations on the presence and identification of D. ciliatus in Quetta city of Balochistan, Pakistan, using morphological and molecular techniques. Pheromone traps installed in Zucchini and tomato fields yielded adult male fruit flies, predominantly identified as Zeugdacus cucurbitae and Bactrocera zonata. Additionally, morphological analysis of infested zucchini samples revealed the presence of D. ciliatus. Molecular confirmation through mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mt-COI) sequencing further verified these findings, indicating 100% match with D. ciliatus reported from Iraq and 99.8% similarity with an Indian specimen. This study is the first molecular confirmation of D. ciliatus in Pakistan, highlighting its potential implications for agricultural management strategies in the region.