Murat Helvaci

By Murat Helvacı

Diptera means two wings (Di: two, pteron: wing). They have complete metamorphosis and they are holometabolous insects which means there are 4 stages (egg, larvae, pupae and adult). The name of larval stage is “maggot”. Some of the dipteran insects cause damage in agricultural production. Some are harmful for humans. Dipteran insects have two wings. Hind wings are reduced and they are called “halteres”. Function of halteres is balancing when the insects fly. Except mosquitoes, dipteran insects have sponging-sucking mouthparts. Important examples for dipteran insects are Olive fruit fly and Medfly which cause damages in agricultural production. OFF is the most destructive pest in olive growing areas and Mediterranean fruit fly cause damages in fruit production.

Part of the book: The Wonders of Diptera

By Murat Helvacı

Several pests cause destructive damages in fruit production. All of the pests cause yield loss but some of these cause transmission of virus diseases. For example, Brown citrus aphid transmits Citrus Tristeza virus in citrus production. Historically, broad-spectrum pesticides were used to prevent the yield loss and transmission of bacteria and virus diseases in the world. These pesticides cause several problems including environmental, human health and also cause negative effects on soil health. At the same time, pesticides have other potential negative effects including food safety. For all these reasons, alternative management methods such as biological, biotechnical, sterile insect techniques are used in fruit growing all over the world.

Part of the book: Fruit Industry