Effects of fatty acids and vitamin E in larval diets on development and performance of Queensland fruit fly.

Tephritid fruit flies are commonly reared on artificial larval diets for laboratory studies and for sterile insect technique pest management programs. While significant effort has been invested in developing artificial larval diets, surprisingly little is known about the specific nutritional requirements of tephritid flies. Recently developed gel larval diets have provided new opportunities for nutritional studies in Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni ('Q-fly').

Comparison of Gel Larval Diet With Traditional Lucerne Chaff and Carrot Solid Diets for Rearing of Queensland Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Sterile insect technique (SIT) for Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt, Australia's most economically damaging fruit fly species, is currently undergoing a major renewal and expansion. SIT relies on efficient and economical mass-rearing procedures that produce high-quality flies. Two solid larval diets, carrot and lucerne chaff, have traditionally been used to rear Queensland fruit fly.

Canola Oil as an Economical Lipid Source in Gel Larval Diet for Queensland Fruit Fly.

A new sterile insect technique (SIT) program is currently being developed for management of the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the most costly challenge to Australian horticulture in the eastern states. SIT relies on cost-effective mass production of millions of high-quality flies. A recently developed gel larval diet has proven effective, enabling production of large numbers of high-quality flies, but includes some costly ingredients.

Effects of Wheat Germ Oil Concentration in Gel Larval Diets on Production and Quality of Queensland Fruit Fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Queensland fruit fly ('Q-fly'), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most destructive insect pest of horticultural crops in Australia. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has attracted significant interest for sustainable management of Q-fly through the mass rearing and release of sterile flies. Cost-effective diets are required to rear Q-flies for SIT.