Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (2001) 99, 253-261

Nikos T. Papadopoulos, Byron I. Katsoyannos, Nikos A. Kouloussis and Jorge Hendrichs (2001)
Effect of orange peel substances on mating competitiveness of male Ceratitis capitata
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 99 (2), 253-261
Abstract: The response of wild Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) males to orange peel chemicals and their effect in mating competitiveness of males exposed to these chemicals was studied in the laboratory (25±2 °C, 65±5%, r.h.). Males were attracted, landed, and arrested on ripe oranges that were superficially wounded in the flavedo region of the peel, and fed on the wounds. Exposure to wounded oranges conferred to males a mating advantage over unexposed males. In flies of 1 to 10 days of age, this advantage was independent of the age of the flies during exposure and lasted at least 10 days following exposure. Twenty-four hours of exposure ensured this effect. Exposure to intact oranges, or to wounded oranges covered with a wire-screen, which allowed olfactory response and landing on the screen but not direct contact with the fruit, did not confer any mating advantage. Apparently, males required direct contact with wounded oranges in order to increase their mating competitiveness. It is suggested that the acquisition of certain substances of the flavedo, most probably through their ingestion, is responsible for the observed phenomenon. Our findings are discussed in relation to the sexual behaviour of this fly. Implications of these findings for the enhancement of the mating competitiveness of released sterile males and of the effectiveness of the Sterile Insect Technique programs are discussed as well.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Nikos T. Papadopoulos, Nikos A. Kouloussis, Jorge Hendrichs, Byron I. Katsoyannos

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ceratitis capitata	Citrus (genus)