BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL OF THE CARIBBEAN FRUIT-FLY (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE)

Parasitic Hymenoptera were introduced into Florida in an attempt to bring the Caribbean fruit fly (caribfly) under biological control. A total of 15 species of parasites from 4 families were imported. Twelve species were released, 9 have been recovered in the field, and 5 are considered established. These coexist with both endemic fruit fly parasites and generalist species, which serendipitously attack caribfly. Inundative releases of the braconid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) to control caribfly are presently being tested by USDA/ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Division of Plant Industry. It is hypothesized that releases of parasites will augment numbers of natural enemies during periods when wasps are relatively uncommon due to difficulties in host finding. The lower numbers of flies that may result could be important in creating and maintaining fly-free zones. A renewed interest in the biological control of fruit flies promises future explorations for new natural enemies and novel means of employing them.