Current status and future prospects of ceratitis capitata wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) control in Morocco

Abstract

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the major fruit fly insect pest in Morocco. It causes significant annual loss in fruit production and quality. It also poses serious limitations to growers in terms of export into medfly-free areas like the USA, Russia, China and Japan. The objectives of this review are to present a synthesis of data related to medfly-control methods in Moroccan citrus orchards and highlight the key findings from previous studies, discuss current control methods and investigate the potential of innovative ongoing and environmentally-friendly approaches as possible new management tools. Medfly control in Morocco has been primarily based on organophosphate and pyrethroid sprays. Recently, the organic compound spinosad and mass-trapping have also become prominent tools for managing this pest. The use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) has been approved in many countries as an alternative to chemical treatments and a pilot project is currently being validated in Morocco. Provided successful outcomes for this project, SIT can potentially become the main control method against medfly in all citrus-growing areas in Morocco. These studies involved (i) The use of soil of Argania spinosa (Sapotaceae) that has been shown to contain pathogenic Beauveria bassiana and Bacillus thuringiensis isolates, (ii) The introduction of parasitoids like Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and (iii) The use of a self-limiting genetic approach that can effectively suppress insect pest populations for improved public health and agricultural returns. This review highlights the diverse current and prospective methods used to control the medfly population in Morocco. These include the development of new biopesticides, biological control and the use of a self-limiting genetic approach. A combination of all or several of these techniques as part of an integrated medfly-management approach would provide the most holistic and effective strategy.