Know-how

The Mediterranean fly (Ceratitis Capitata) is one of the most destructive pests of crops. The genre originated from the Sub-Saharan region and was later spread.
The spread is due to its strength in low temperatures and to its ability to affect a wide variety of definitive hosts.
Although it is considered one of the main enemies of citrus fruit, it also affects peaches, pears, pomegranates and apple-like fruit.
In the Mediterranean basin, the Mediterranean fly’s life cycle can be completed by 4-7 generations and can affect up to 100% of stone fruit.
The biology of the insect is inextricably linked with temperature.
When temperatures are not favorable for breeding the insect over-winters in the soil like a poupae. In Crete due to the temperatures the insect over-winters as a thriving insect would.
At 32°C the insect’s biological cycle lasts for 15 days
At 12°C the insect’s biological cycle may last for 100 days.
Below 9°C the insect’s biological cycle comes to an end.
Only one generation of the insect appears in the winter, while during the summer period more generations appear.
In Greece large population outbreaks occur in August, in September and in October.
In Southern Greece they occur from April to late December.
Attacks occur when populations are sexually active (4 days after hatching). The fruit preferred are those that their bark has begun to change color. The female can blow approximately 10 to 20 eggs in each hole. During its biological cycle it can blow up to 400 eggs.
The implementation of the Med fly trap must be done before the color of the fruit changes, the time of suspension depends on the area where the crop is located.
Please contact us for any further information and clarifications.