Preferential response of melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) to major tomato hybrids

Abstract

The five major tomato hybrids were evaluated to check the preferential response of melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. All the five tomato hybrids were selected based on highest number of seedlings sold in a year by different nurseries in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts during 2019. The field studies indicated that Abhinav was the most susceptible hybrid for melon fly infestation followed by Saaho, US-448 and Alankar. Meghdoot was relatively resistant hybrid among five major hybrids. The correlation studies indicated that large pedicel diameter, high total soluble sugar (TSS) content and low phenol contents are the major factors responsible for highest fruit infestation by melon fruit fly on tomato.