Studies on Life History Parameters of Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus Cucurbitae (Coquillet) Reared on Fruit-Based Diets

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C. MUTHU LAKSHMI BAVITHRA*, G.S. PANDURANGA, A. RAJESH, P. KARTHIK REDDY
AND B. RAMANA MURTHY

ABSTRACT

Maggots of melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae were mass reared on seven semi-synthetic fruit based diets. Biological parameters of melon fruit fly were recorded and compared with control diet to develop an effective semi-synthetic fruit based diet for mass production of pupae in support of sterile insect technique. Seven semi- synthetic diets with different quantities of protein powder (7.5, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 g) and sucrose (7.0 and 10.0 g) were formulated. Among the seven diets evaluated, semi-synthetic fruit based diet-IV (SSFD-IV) composed of pumpkin fruit (1000 g), yeast extract (7.5 g), brewer’s yeast (7.5 g), Sucrose (7.0 g) and 2.0 ml of wheat germ oil was found as the most appropriate diet with significantly higher pupal recovery (77.8%), pupal weight (1.61 g), adult emergence (80.2%), active fliers (75.87%), sex ratio (1.23) fecundity (28.0 eggs/female) and fertility (71.81%). The diets, SSFD-III and SSFD-VII are the next best diets for mass rearing of melon fly.

KEYWORDS:

Biological parameters, Melon fruit fly, Pumpkin fruit, Semi-synthetic diet, Yeast extract

 

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