INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF THE PEACH FRUIT FLY (BACTROCERA ZONATA) ON MANGO TREES UNDER CONDITIONS OF ISMAILIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

The peach fruit fly (Bactrocera zonata Saunders) is one of the most economically damaging Tephritidae species infesting mango (Mangifera indica L.) and other fruit crops across subtropical and tropical regions, particularly in Egypt. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 25 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs under field conditions in Ismailia Governorate over two consecutive mango fruiting seasons (2021–2022). The tested IPM strategies encompassed complete cover sprays with synthetic insecticides, applications of bioinsecticides (e.g., Spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis, marine algae), particle film technologies based on inert minerals (kaolin, Aglev Si 300, diatomaceous earth), combinations of minerals with insecticides, partial bait sprays, and fruit bagging. Data were collected on the cumulative infestation of fruits and larval presence, with statistical comparisons across all programs. Results demonstrated that integrated programs combining mineral particles with either chemical or biological insecticides (programs 10–21) were the most effective, consistently achieving over 90% reduction in fruit and larval infestation. Programs using only bioinsecticides (programs 4-6) or mineral films (programs 7-9) also showed promising results, with efficacy ranging from 66 to 85%. Partial bait spray programs (22-24) and fruit bagging (Program 25) offered moderate control (55-83%) and serve as important control components of IPM. The findings support the incorporation of environmentally friendly approaches especially particle film technology and bioinsecticides into routine mango pest management. These alternatives not only reduce reliance on synthetic insecticides but also align with sustainable agriculture goals through IPM strategies at scale.