Insights into pupal development of Bactrocera dorsalis: factors influencing eclosion

In the life cycle of the oriental fruit fly where larvae reside within fruits and adults exhibit high activity, the pupal stage occurs in the soil, closely tied to agricultural soil management. This study investigates the impact of four variables (body orientation, burial depth, soil particle size, and pH) on Bactrocera dorsalis' physiological preferences, eclosion rates, and pupal stage duration. Notably, body orientation, burial depth, soil texture (particle size), and pH affect eclosion rates. The fruit fly demonstrates a preference for a supine position during eclosion, with average eclosion rates of 97.33%, contrasting with decreases to 78.00% in a head-down position. Soil with mixed particle sizes is detrimental to pupal eclosion, reducing the eclosion rate to 56.67%. And at a pH of 9.98, eclosion rates decrease to 16.67%. These factors significantly influence eclosion rates However, these factors do not significantly alter the duration of the pupal stage, with mean changes not exceeding one day when experimental conditions are modified. These findings suggests that soil manipulations affecting these variables could reduce eclosion rates without compromising the uniformity of adult emergence. This study provides a foundation for environmentally friendly pest control practices and addresses gaps in the pupal stage research of the oriental fruit fly.