Scientific Name: Bactrocera latifrons

Describer: Hendel

Common Name: Solanum fruit fly

Title: First detection of Bactrocera latifrons in Africa

Summary:

Significance: Bactrocera latifrons, an oriental fruit fly, was detected for the first time in Africa. The detection occurred in Tanzania, East Africa where two B. latifrons females were found in a bait trap that was hung in a citrus tree. Typically a pest of Solanaceous crops, the surveyors believe the detection was due to eggplant hosts growing nearby. This fruit fly is present in China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and has adventive populations in Hawaii.

Issues of Concern: Compared to B. invaden, B. latifrons seems to have a more restricted host range and it is unclear whether this species will spread as far or as quickly; however, pathways of introduction to NAPPO countries, where the fruit fly could survive, should be monitored carefully.

Hosts: Mainly Solanaceous crops such as pepper, eggplant, and tomato.

Detection Strategies: Latilure (alpha ionol) and cade oil were used in Jackson traps for survey of B. latifrons; however, latilure is not a strong attractant.

References:

Tephritid Workers Database. 13 October 2006. News. “Alert! New Invasive Bactrocera Species in Africa: Bactrocera latifrons.” http://www.tephritid.org/twd/srv/en/home

Tephritid Workers Database. 28 October 2006. News. Bactrocera latifrons detection guide. http://www.tephritid.org/twd/srv/en/home