Augmentative Biological Control Using Parasitoids for Fruit Fly Management in Brazil.

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Agricultural Science
• Pest Management

Background:

• Classical biological control of fruit flies in Brazil has a limited history with only two documented introductions in 70 years.
• Native Brazilian fruit fly parasitoids are abundant but challenging for mass rearing.
• Exotic parasitoids offer potential due to specificity and ease of laboratory cultivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history and literature of fruit fly biological control in Brazil.
• To evaluate the potential of large-scale implementation of biological control tactics.
• To propose strategies for reducing insecticide use and preventing fruit fly spread.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical biological control attempts against fruit flies in Brazil.
• Analysis of parasitoid introductions, including Tetrastichus giffardianus and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata.
• Assessment of parasitoid specificity and laboratory rearing capabilities.

Main Results:

• Two classical biological control attempts against fruit flies in Brazil have been recorded: one in 1937 and another in 1994.
• Diachasmimorpha longicaudata was introduced in 1994 for controlling Anastrepha spp. and Ceratitis capitata due to its specificity and ease of rearing.
• Native parasitoids, while numerous, present challenges in mass-rearing for effective control.

Conclusions:

• Past biological control efforts in Brazil have been limited but offer valuable insights.
• Large-scale application of reviewed biological control tactics can establish a biological barrier against invasive fruit flies.
• Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce insecticide dependency and mitigate the risk of fruit fly outbreaks and spread.