Diversity, Abundance, and Population Dynamics of Tephritid Fruit Flies in Mango Orchards across Agro-Ecological Zones of the Gambia during the Cool-Dry Season
Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) constitute one of the most destructive pest groups affecting mango production in West Africa. Despite their economic importance, baseline ecological information on fruit fly diversity and seasonal population dynamics in The Gambia remains scarce. This study assessed fruit fly species diversity, abundance, temporal fluctuations, trap efficiency and sex ratio dynamics across three agro-ecological zones of The Gambia during the dry and relatively cool season (January-February 2025). Using Torula yeast-baited traps deployed over a 45-day period, fruit fly populations were monitored weekly in mango orchards located in the Sahelian, Sudan Guinea, and Sudan Sahelian zones. A total of four tephritid species were recorded, with Ceratitis cosyra emerging as the dominant species across all zones. Fruit fly abundance peaked during Week 3 before declining, indicating strong temporal structuring even during the dry season. Trap efficiency (flies per trap per day, FTD) varied across zones, with the highest mean value recorded in the Sahelian Zone, whiles trap catches were male-biased throughout the study period. Fruit incubation tests confirmed active infestation despite the dry season. The results provide critical baseline data for phytosanitary surveillance and support the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for sustainable fruit fly control in The Gambia.
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