Identification and Infestation Levels of Fruit Flies (Bactrocera spp.) Using Petrogenol Traps in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Fields in Waiheru Village, Baguala District, Ambon City

Abstract

This study aimed to identify fruit fly species associated with tomato plants and to determine the infestation level of Bactrocera spp. in tomato crops cultivated in farmers’ fields in Waiheru Village, Baguala District, Ambon City. The study was conducted from August to October 2025 using an exploratory survey approach. Adult fruit flies were collected using five Petrogenol-baited traps positioned diagonally at five observation points within the tomato field, with each trap installed approximately 2 m above the ground between tomato rows. Captured fruit flies were identified based on morphological characteristics of the head, thorax, wings, and abdomen using Tephritidae identification keys with the aid of a hand lens or microscope. Fruit fly infestation was assessed on 20 tomato plants, with four plants selected at each trapping point, by recording symptoms of fruit fly attack on the fruits. Two fruit fly species were identified, namely Bactrocera carambolae and Bactrocera umbrosa, both belonging to the family Tephritidae and order Diptera. A total of 45 adult fruit flies were captured, consisting of 40 individuals of B. carambolae (88.89%) and 5 individuals of B. umbrosa (11.11%). The percentage of fruit infestation ranged from 2.86% to 6.43% and was classified as low. These results indicate that B. carambolae was the dominant species captured in the tomato field, while the overall fruit fly infestation level remained low. The findings provide baseline information for fruit fly monitoring and may support the development of integrated and environmentally sustainable management strategies in tomato cultivation.