Effect of fruit size on egg laying and damage type of Baluchistan melon fly [Myiopardalis pardalina (Bigot, 1891) (Diptera: Tephritidae)]

Baluchistan melon fly [Myiopardalis pardalina (Bigot, 1891) (Diptera: Tephritidae)] is the most important pest of the melons (Cucumis melo L.) (Cucurbitaceae). The melon fly caused damage during the larval period by feeding the fruit core-cavity. The fruit damaged by larvae becomes brown and the color occurring in melon changes the taste and aroma of fruit. The aim of this research is to indicate eggs laying into the different fruit size and to determine the relationship between the larval exit hole and the number of mature larva in fruit. For this purpose in Kazan (Ankara), between 2009 and 2010, both the fruits that were put into the cages in the field and collected from the field were cultivated in laboratory conditions. As a result of the study, the adults of Baluchistan melon fly did not lay eggs in 15 cm diameter of fruits. The total number of larva with the larval exit hole in the same fruit and the ratio of them to each other were examined for the first time. The ratios of larva and larval holes were found statistically different