Observations on the seasonal emergence of fruit flies on a Kenya Coffee estate and studies of the pest status of Ceratitis capitata wied in Coffee

Abstract

Studies of seasonal emergence of fruit flies breeding in coffee at the Coffee Research Station, Ruiru, showed that C. capitata breeds throughout the year without distinct generations. C. rosa and T. cofeae were far less abundant during a 2-year period and showed no clear seasonality. Attempts to induce stinkers in coffee liquor using C. capitata gave negative results. Neither the colour, quality, acidity, body, flavour, nor final classification of berries infested with larvae were affected. Tests to induce premature berry fall by C. capitata indicated that an average of 2.8 per cent of berries attacked by C. capitata Would fall prematurely compared with 0.26 per cent which fell prematurely due to natural causes.