Introduction and distribution of the American eastern cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cingulata) in the Rhine Valley, Germany.

Abstract

In 1983 the American Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly, Rhagoletis cingulata, was found in Switzerland. This was the first report outside the western hemisphere. In Germany, the first specimens were discovered near Freiburg/Br. in 1993 and a single female was found near Kaub in the middle Rhine valley in July 1999. Since 2001 R. cingulata occurs in the Netherlands. In the cherry growing area of Rhineland-Palatinate a monitoring programme was started in 2002. The dispersal and seasonal abundance of R. cingulata was surveyed by using yellow traps (Rebell). The data obtained in three years reveal, that during this time the fly has spread throughout the northern parts of the cherry growing area (Rheinhessen) and to the south, too. The peak of flight activity of the introduced American Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly is about two weeks later than the peak of the European Cherry Fruit Fly, Rhagoletis cerasi. Data concerning the efficacy of different trap types are presented. Consequences are discussed.