Prospection of potential bioagents against Bactrocera carambolae if it is detected in the São Francisco River Valley, Brazil

Abstract

The region of the São Francisco River Valley (VSF) in Brazil produces 90–95% of mangoes and grapes for export; therefore, they are subjected to international phytosanitary measures. Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock, 1994 (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a present quarantine pest in Brazil, restricted to the states of Amapá, Roraima, and Pará. Surveys were conducted to identify parasitoids to be used against B. carambolae, in the event of its future detection in the region. A total of 1,292.80 kg of 14 different types of fruits were collected, resulting in the recovery of 27,367 puparia. From these puparia, 18,433 fruit flies (Tephritidae) emerged: 15,679 adults of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) and 2,754 of Anastrepha spp. Additionally, 557 parasitoid specimens of seven species were recovered from Tephritidae family: Tetrastichus giffardianus Silvestri, 1915 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti, 1911) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Utetes anastrephae (Viereck, 1913) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Asobara anastrephae (Muesebeck, 1958) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Ganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes, 1924) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), and Spalangia simplex Perkins, 1910 (Hymenoptera: Spalangiidae). Besides the abovementioned species, Tropideucoila weldi Lima, 1940 (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) emerged from unidentified host family (Tephritidae or Lonchaeidae). The parasitoids A. anastrephae, G. pelleranoi, S. simplex, U. anastrephae, and T. weldi were recorded for the first time in the state of Pernambuco (PE, Brazil). The predominant species were D. areolatus (45.27%) and T. giffardianus (23.38%), and their potential use as bioagents to control B. carambolae, in case of detection in the VSF, were discussed.