Implementing local entomopathogenic nematodes to control Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the world’s most destructive fruit pests. Ceratitis capitata pupates in the soil, making it a target of many soilborne pathogens like entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). Entomopathogenic nematodes are highly lethal to many important pests, safe to non-target organisms and they might be good alternatives for control of C. capitata . In this study, the efficacy of four local EPN species; Steinernema affine Bovien, 1937, Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, 1955, Steinernema feltiae Filipjev, 1934 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, 1976 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) against the third instar larvae and pupae of C. capitata were evaluated. The study was conducted in 2019-2020 both in the laboratory (in plastic cups) and in a climate room (in wooden cages with plastic pots) at doses of 100 and 200 IJs/larva-pupa and 7,650 and 15,300 IJs/pot, respectively. Larvae of C. capitata were found more susceptible to EPNs than pupae in the study. Steinernema feltiae isolate 113 and H. bacteriophora isolate 12 showed the highest efficacy while S. affine isolate 47 showed the least efficacy against the pest larvae and pupae. Suppression of C. capitata population by EPNs indicates that these EPNs can be considered as a biological control agent potentially useful for the control of this pest. After further support by field studies, these two local EPN isolates could be used as promising eco-friendly biological agents against C. capitata.