Fighting the Mediterranean Fruit Fly on Pomegranates

The Mediterranean Fruit Fly and Pomegranates

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) is a destructive pest of fruit crops, particularly pomegranates. Although its impact in France remains moderate, this invasive species could cause significant economic losses if it spreads further. With integrated management and tailored solutions, it is possible to protect your orchards and, if necessary, effectively replace affected plants.

Identification and life cycle of the Mediterranean fruit fly

The Mediterranean fruit fly is a dipteran, measuring about 5 mm. Adults are distinguished by their wings spotted with dark bands, while the larvae cause damage by feeding on the fruit pulp.

Life cycle:

• Egg laying: Females lay their eggs under the skin of the fruit, preferring damaged areas.
• Hatching: Three days after laying, the larvae hatch and begin to feed.
• Larval development: The larvae dig internal galleries in the fruit, causing rot and deformation.
• Pupa and emergence: Once mature, the larvae fall to the ground, transform into pupae, and give birth to new adults.

Symptoms on pomegranates

• Oviposition holes: Small holes surrounded by discoloration on the skin of fruits.
• Internal rot: The larvae dig galleries, causing brown spots and rot.
• Premature fruit drop: Infested fruits drop before maturity, reducing yield.
• Degraded quality: Fruits become unfit for consumption due to internal damage and secondary fungal infections.

Prevention of Mediterranean fly infestations

Regular monitoring

Inspect your pomegranate trees frequently for signs of infestation. Pay particular attention to damaged or lesioned fruit.

Removal of infected fruit

Collect and destroy fallen or rotten fruit immediately to prevent larvae from completing their life cycle.

Host plant management

Remove wild fruit trees and other reservoir plants near plots to limit sources of contamination.

Biological control of the Mediterranean fruit fly

Mass trapping

• Decis® trap MED: A trap combining attractants and insecticide (authorized in organic farming) to capture adults.
• Ceratipack: Uses specific attractants and contact insecticides to reduce fly populations.

Economic trapping

Use fewer traps per hectare to maintain efficiency while reducing costs.

Sexual and food attraction

Traps equipped with pheromones and food baits attract flies, reducing their ability to reproduce.

Fight in conventional agriculture

Pheromone traps

These traps allow the activity of adult flies to be monitored and treatments to be adjusted at the right time.

Localized treatments

• Nutrel: A food bait combined with an insecticide such as Engeo or Deltharin, applied in large droplets to limit the impact on the environment.

Winter tillage

Tilling soils exposes overwintering pupae to adverse conditions such as frost and moisture, reducing their survival.

Impact of the Mediterranean fly on pomegranates

• Reduced Yields: Infested fruit is unusable, reducing harvests.
• Economic losses: Damaged fruit is unmarketable, impacting profitability.
• Management costs: Biological control, traps, and chemical treatments increase operating costs.

Business Solutions: Replace Your Plants with Grenadiverse

When faced with losses caused by the Mediterranean fly, replacing affected plants can be essential. Grenadiverse, your specialist wholesale supplier, offers tailor-made solutions to revive your orchards.

Why choose Grenadiverse?

• Professional quality pomegranates: Robust plants adapted to your needs, from specialized nurseries.
• Competitive prices: Take advantage of producer prices and decreasing prices depending on the volume ordered.
• Fast and careful delivery: Delivery within 15 days directly to your plot.
• Personalized technical advice: Our experts support you to maximize your returns.
• Free quote within 48 hours: Receive a quick response tailored to your needs.

Plant your pomegranate plot now! With Grenadiverse, benefit from unbeatable value for your plants and dedicated support to help you make your project a success.

FAQs

• What are the main symptoms of Mediterranean fruit flies on pomegranates? Egg-laying holes, internal brown spots, fruit rot, and premature fruit drop.
• How can you prevent Mediterranean fly infestations? Monitor your crops, remove damaged fruit, and set biological traps.
• Are biological traps sufficient to control flies? Yes, in cases of low infestation. In cases of increased pressure, additional treatments are necessary.
• What chemical treatments are recommended to control this pest? Nutrel, combined with localized insecticides such as Engeo or Deltharin, is effective.
• Why replace plants affected by this pest? Weakened trees no longer produce efficiently. Replacing the plants helps restore yield.
• What advantages does Grenadiverse offer for plant sourcing? Quality plants, competitive pricing, fast delivery, and dedicated technical support.