Temporal Population Patterns of Oriental Fruit Flies and False Codling Moths within Small-holder Avocado Orchards in Southeastern Kenya and Northeastern Tanzania

Abstract

Temporal population changes of Oriental fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis) and false codling moths (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) were monitored for 2 years using their respective para-pheromone lures that were placed in small-scale avocado orchards at Taita Hills, southeastern Kenya, and Mount Kilimanjaro, northeastern Tanzania. The two avocado pest species were recorded throughout the year with the highest mean populations occurring in dry season (December–February). The seasonal populations differed significantly (P = .002 and P < .0001 for B. dorsalis at Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro, respectively) and (P = .01 and P < .0001 for T. leucotreta at Taita Hills and Mount Kilimanjaro, respectively). Correlation analysis of dry season datasets revealed that temperature strongly influenced seasonal abundance of B. dorsalis but not that of T. leucotreta. These findings can be utilized by government agencies and farmers to develop efficient control strategies that can contribute toward creating a zone of low pest prevalence.