Evaluation of Control Methods for Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thumb) Matsum & Nakai) in The Gambia

Commercial production of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai) is increasing in The Gambia, but tephritid fruit flies present a huge challenge to its production. To avoid severe losses, growers often resort indiscriminate use pesticides manage the pest. Field studies were conducted at two sites (Faraba and Site 3) West Coast Region Gambia evaluate environmentally friendly options (Success Appat (GF-120) Cocoa Butter Cream) for management on crop. Dimethoate insecticide, farmers’ preferred choice, was used as chemical check untreated control plots also maintained. field arranged Randomized Complete Block Design treatments replicated three times. results study showed that, even though species flies, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Dacus vertebratus Bezzi Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett collected both sites, only D. infested fruits. Both Success Cream reduced infestation and, generally, provided comparable protection (Dimethoate) fruits against therefore would be suitable replacements.