Different types of fruit flies are known to attack ripening mangos in almost all mango-producing areas. Yield losses of more than 50% have been reported. Ceratitis cosyra followed by C. rosa and C. capitata have been found to be the major pests of mango.
The females lay their eggs under the surface of the fruit skin. After hatching, the maggots penetrate the flesh and destroy the fruit from inside. The infested part becomes mushy and causes premature colouring of the already useless fruit. Fruits of some cultivars are more susceptible not resistant to attack than those of others. Successful control untreated subjects used for comparison with those given a particular treatment of fruit flies in mango orchards depends on a combination of:
eradication of non-economic host plants (such as neglected citrus, peach, guava)
regular orchard sanitation
determination of population density by using traps
regular poison-bait applications
Chemical control of adult fruit flies in orchards is based on a weekly bait foodstuff used for attracting pests, usually mixed with a poison spray: protein hydrozylate or molasses mixed with Malathion, Trichlorphon, Fenitrothion or Fenthion. The bait is applied in large drops at a rate of 200–1000 ml/tree, depending on tree size. It is not necessary to wet the whole tree; only part of the foliage needs to be covered.