Biological Control Strategies for Sustainable Management of Tephritid Fruit Flies: A Review

Abstract

Background: Tephritid fruit flies (Order Diptera: Family Tephritidae), commonly known as true fruit flies, are amongst the most destructive insect pests of agricultural and horticultural production. These pests cause significant economic losses through direct fruit damage and quarantine restrictions in tropical and subtropical regions and affect a wide variety of fruits and fleshy vegetables, leading to both quantitative and qualitative losses in yield. Traditional management practices which often rely heavily on chemical pesticides, have led to concerns regarding environmental contamination, insecticide resistance and non-target effects. The urgency for alternative strategies to develop more ecologically sound and sustainable strategies for managing tephritid fruit flies is thus essential. This review attempts to address a critical gap in Indian research by analysing success of biological control at the Global scale to provide a roadmap for localized biocontrol applications. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature survey was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, reviews, reports and experimental findings published between 2000–2024. Searches across major scientific databases with targeted keywords ensured a transparent, comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of biological control strategies for Tephritid management. Result: Our review highlights the diverse biological control methods researched and implemented against Tephritid fruit flies, highlighting the roles of parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens with remarkable specificity. Classical, augmentative and conservation biological control strategies are discussed against key pest genera like Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Rhagoletis. Braconid parasitoids such as Fopius arisanus and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata are widely used, while entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana), nematodes (Steinernema, Heterorhabditis) and bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis) show promise against multiple life stages. Predators including ants and spiders also contribute to suppression. In India, limited studies highlight fungal, nematode and bacterial applications, emphasizing the need for region-specific, integrated strategies. Conclusion: Biological control of Tephritid fruit flies offers an ecologically sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, enhancing food security while preserving biodiversity. By integrating parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens within IPM frameworks, region-specific strategies can ensure long-term suppression of pest populations, reduce environmental risks and promote resilient, climate-adaptive agricultural systems. Successful transition to ecological frameworks requires the integration of biological control into broader IPM strategies, supported by proactive policies and financial aids to encourage adoption by the farmers.