Increased Population of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata

In recent years, surveys of Tephri traps with a tricomponent attractant Biolure have been conducted, and attractants have been replaced at sites along the Montenegrin coast and in certain locations in central Montenegro. The highest number of captured individuals was recorded at sites in Bar – Čeluga (1,857), Donji Štoj (1,456), Baošići (294), Kodre (286), and Đenovići (276). Therefore, the presence of individual trees of Japanese apple, fig, and other host plants near citrus plantations can contribute to maintaining and increasing the population of the Mediterranean fruit fly. Special attention should be given to regular orchard inspections, removal and destruction of infested and fallen fruits, maintaining orchard hygiene, and timely application of appropriate plant protection measures in accordance with the registered purpose of plant protection products. In citrus orchards, it is recommended to harvest fruits at the appropriate ripeness, while during the application of plant protection products, it is essential to follow the instructions for use, waiting periods, and the permitted number of treatments. Considering the monitoring results and the current availability of fruits of various host plants, the activity of the Mediterranean fruit fly is expected to continue, with the possibility of further population increase in the upcoming period.