Susceptibility of four mango varieties to the Africa Invader fly, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Ghana

Objective: The susceptibility of four economically important mango varieties (Kent, Keith, Palmer and Haden ) in Ghana to the attack by Bactrocera invadens was assessed through a series of laboratory-based choice and no-choice experiments, as well as some fruit quality parameters. The developmental periods of immature stages of flies in the varieties were also determined. Methodology and results : Susceptibility was determined by counting and comparing the number of puparia recovered from the different varieties after exposure to the flies in cages. Kent was found to be the most susceptible, followed by Palmer, Haden and Keith . Flies took significantly longer periods to complete development on the least susceptible variety ( Keith ) (25.53 ± 2.3 days), than on the most susceptible variety (Kent) (19 ± 2.3 days). Significant differences (P � 0.05) were also observed in the peel thickness, firmness, Percent Titratable Acidity (% T.A.) and Total Soluble Solids (TSS) of the four varieties. Conclusion and application: Keith was found to be the least susceptible variety to B. invadens followed by Haden , Palmer and Kent was the most susceptible variety. The differences observed in varietal susceptibility suggest that potentials exist for further genetic improvement to develop mango varieties that may be more tolerant to B. invadens , and could be incorporated into an integrated management strategy against the pest because of the added advantages of it being easy to use, economical and compatible with other methods of control.