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ARS Home » Plains Area » Kerrville, Texas » Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory » LAPRU » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #353645
Research Project: Cattle Fever Tick Control and Eradication

Location: Livestock Arthropod Pests Research

Title: The ventral receptacle compression technique as an adjunct to scoring mated status in fruit flies of economic importance

Author
item Thomas, Donald
item LEAL, SANDRA - ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE (APHIS)
item CONWAY, HUGH - ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE (APHIS)

Submitted to: Subtropical Agriculture and Environments
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/9/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The determination of mated status in wild female fruit fly detections provides information to program managers that is useful in two respects. Firstly, the mated (or unmated) status, is a factor in triggering quarantine restrictions at the detection location. Invasive female fruit flies that have mated status immediately trigger a quarantine, as they have likely mated with other wild flies in the area and may have already oviposited into host material, whereas two or more unmated females are required to trigger a quarantine. Secondly, the mated status of female flies can give an indication of the sterile male activity and coverage in the area. If a mature female has not mated then it could indicate a problem with sterile male compatibility, competitiveness, or an insufficient release level in the area.

Technical Abstract: The determination of mated status in wild female fruit fly detections provides information to program managers that is useful in two respects. Firstly, the mated (or unmated) status, is a factor in triggering quarantine restrictions at the detection location. Invasive female fruit flies that have mated status immediately trigger a quarantine, as they have likely mated with other wild flies in the area and may have already oviposited into host material, whereas two or more unmated females are required to trigger a quarantine. Secondly, the mated status of female flies can give an indication of the sterile male activity and coverage in the area. If a mature female has not mated then it could indicate a problem with sterile male compatibility, competitiveness, or an insufficient release level in the area.