Identification of Fruit Fly Species in and around Mango Orchards in Selected Villages of Bal’ad and Afgoye Districts, Somalia

This study aimed to screen and identify fruit fly species infesting mango orchards in selected villages of Bal’ad and Afgoye districts, Somalia. Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae and Lonchaeidae) are among the most destructive pests affecting fruit production globally, causing estimated annual losses of US$2 billion in Africa alone due to yield reduction and quarantine restrictions. Field studies were conducted from October 2023 to February 2024. Five types of traps (Bacterocera Block, Certitis Block, Last Call, Fruit Fly Mania, and Liquid Food Baits) were deployed across selected villages in both districts. Additionally, infested samples of fruits containing fruit flies were collected and reared under laboratory conditions at the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Somali National University, to identify emerging adult flies. Results revealed a high density and variation in fruit fly populations between the two study sites. A total of 99.83% of captured flies were successfully identified, while 0.17% remained unidentified. Bal’ad accounted for 82% of total captures, while Afgoye contributed 18%. Among the traps used, B. block was the most effective, capturing the highest mean number of fruit flies (1,854.0 A). The most dominant species identified were Bactrocera dorsalis, B. tryoni, B. zonata, Ceratitis rosa, and C. capitata, with B. dorsalis being the most prevalent (85.15%). Rearing studies also confirmed the dominance of B. dorsalis and a minor presence of C. rosa. The study highlights the urgent need to develop and implement improved diagnostic tools and integrated pest management strategies tailored to local conditions in order to manage these significant economic pests effectively.