• Definition

  Ceratite is a polyphagous fruit fly, considered one of the most harmful insect pests in the world. It attacks more than 75 species of plants, in particular citrus fruits, stone rosaceae (peach, plum, cherry, etc.), the argan tree, and even wild plants such as the prickly pear, serving as a biological reservoir.

  Development Lifecycle

  1. 1. 1. Egg-laying : the female pierces the epicarp of the fruit with her ovipositor and inserts her eggs (1 mm long, white and arched), at a depth of 2 to 5 mm.

        2. Larvae : the eggs hatch in 2 to 4 days; The larvae feed on the pulp, causing the fruit to rot. They go through 3 larval stages.

        3. Fruit drop : the attacked fruit falls off, necroses and rots quickly.

        4. Pupation : the larvae leave the fruit to pupate in the soil, 1 to 5 cm deep.

        5. Adults : After 10 to 15 days, a new adult emerges.

        Number of generations : up to 6 generations/year under favourable conditions.

        In Morocco :

        • First attacks in May

        • Summer regression (excessive heat)

        • Massive recovery in September on the early varieties (clementines, navels)

  Symptoms

  • • Oviposition bites visible on the skin of the fruit.

    • Premature fruit drop.

    • Internal rot due to larval development.

    • Small holes or gums on the surface of the fruit.

    • Unmarketable fruit, loss of export quality.

  Contributing factors

  • • • Moderate temperatures between 20 and 30 °C.

      • Presence of natural reservoirs (fig trees, argan trees, etc.).

      • Absence of treatments or trapping.

      • Poor management of fruit that has fallen to the ground.

      • Crops with spread maturity, favouring continuous cycles.

Preventive control

• Mass trapping with food or sexual attractants (e.g., Trimedlure).
• Removal of fallen fruit to prevent larval cycles in the soil.
• Collection and destruction of infested fruit.
• Regular monitoring with pheromone traps.

Biological control

• Introduction of parasitoids (e.g., Diachasmimorpha longicaudata).
• Use of entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana).

Chemical control

• Targeted insecticide treatments (with caution to avoid residues).
• Soil treatment for pupae if there is a large infestation.

Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)

• Mass release of sterile males to limit reproduction (used in some national programs).

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