A comprehensive review of melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract

The melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett is one the most devastating and polyphagous insect pests affecting cucurbitaceous vegetables and fruits across various regions worldwide. It primarily damages the economic part of the plant i.e., the fruits, causing direct damage to the produce resulting in huge losses to the farmers. Moreover, the presence of immature fruit fly stages in harvested produce often leads to regulations. Among the four life stages of the fruit fly, three are concealed in nature (eggs in the superficial skin of the fruit, larvae in the flesh, and pupae in the soil),making its management challenging. The only stage visible in the crop habitat and availablefor intervention is the adult stage. In this paper, we have discussed the basic aspects of the melon fruit fly viz. distribution, biology, molecular and morphological identification, quarantine restriction and odour-based management available in trend and future prospects.