Fruit skin color and texture

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 138 views

Introduction

Fruit flies, specifically BactoCera Dorsalis Hendel, are the primary pests that attack guava plants (Psidium Guajava Linn.), causing significant economic losses. The impact of fruit flies on guava production is substantial, and it is essential to develop effective control strategies to mitigate this issue. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of antixenosis and antibiotic strategies in controlling the attack of fruit flies in guava fruit with different diameters.

Research Methodology

The research was conducted at Tanjung Anom Medan, North Sumatra, using a Complete Randomized Design (RAL) with four treatments based on fruit diameter: D1 (2-4 cm), D2 (4-6 cm), D3 (6-8 cm), and D4 (8-10 cm). The observed parameters included:

Antixenosis

Fruit skin color and texture: The texture of the fruit skin had a significant effect on the attack of fruit flies, with rough-textured fruit more resistant.
Antibiosis: The concentration of sugar and water in the fruit also had a significant effect, where fruits with sugar and water concentrations were higher more attractive to fruit flies.

Antibiosis

Concentration of water, sugar, tannins, and pectin in fruit: The concentration of sugar and high water in the fruit is an attraction for fruit flies. This indicates that fruit flies are more interested in ripe and sweet fruits.
Number of eggs, larvae, and pupae: The highest number of eggs, larvae, and pupae found in fruit with D4 diameter (8-10 cm), while the lowest number in the fruit with a diameter of D1 (2-4 cm).

Deeper Analysis

Antixenosis

The texture of rough fruit skin: The texture of rough fruit skin can prevent fruit flies from laying eggs, so that it becomes an effective defense mechanism.
Fruit skin color: The color of the fruit skin may also play a role in attracting or repelling fruit flies.

Antibiosis

Concentration of sugar and water: The concentration of sugar and high water in the fruit is an attraction for fruit flies. This indicates that fruit flies are more interested in ripe and sweet fruits.
Fruit diameter: Fruit with a larger diameter tends to have more eggs, larvae, and pupae. This is probably caused by a wider fruit surface and a stronger attraction for fruit flies.

Practical Implications

This study provides important information for the development of fruit fly control strategies in guava plants. Antixenosis strategies can be applied by selecting guava varieties with rough skin texture and lower sugar and water content.

Further Development

Further research is needed to:

Develop guava varieties that are resistant to fruit flies: By combining antixenosis and antibiosis properties, it is possible to develop guava varieties that are more resistant to fruit flies.
Analyzing other factors that can affect fruit flies: Other factors such as environmental conditions and the existence of parasitoids may also play a role in the behavior of fruit flies.

Conclusion

By increasing knowledge about the behavior of fruit flies and the factors that influence their attacks, it is hoped that more effective control strategies can be developed to preserve guava plants and increase fruit productivity. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of antixenosis and antibiotic strategies in controlling the attack of fruit flies in guava fruit with different diameters.

Q: What is antixenosis?

A: Antixenosis is a defense mechanism that prevents pests, such as fruit flies, from laying eggs on a plant. In the context of this study, antixenosis refers to the texture of the fruit skin, which can prevent fruit flies from laying eggs.

Q: What is antibiosis?

A: Antibiosis is a defense mechanism that kills or inhibits the growth of pests, such as fruit flies. In the context of this study, antibiosis refers to the concentration of sugar and water in the fruit, which can attract or repel fruit flies.

Q: How does the texture of the fruit skin affect fruit flies?

A: The texture of the fruit skin can prevent fruit flies from laying eggs, making it an effective defense mechanism. Rough-textured fruit skin is more resistant to fruit fly attacks.

Q: How does the concentration of sugar and water in the fruit affect fruit flies?

A: The concentration of sugar and high water in the fruit is an attraction for fruit flies. This indicates that fruit flies are more interested in ripe and sweet fruits.

Q: What is the relationship between fruit diameter and fruit fly attacks?

A: Fruit with a larger diameter tends to have more eggs, larvae, and pupae. This is probably caused by a wider fruit surface and a stronger attraction for fruit flies.

Q: How can antixenosis strategies be applied in guava production?

A: Antixenosis strategies can be applied by selecting guava varieties with rough skin texture and lower sugar and water content.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study only investigated the effectiveness of antixenosis and antibiotic strategies in controlling the attack of fruit flies in guava fruit with different diameters. Further research is needed to develop guava varieties that are resistant to fruit flies and to analyze other factors that can affect fruit flies.

Q: What are the practical implications of this study?

A: This study provides important information for the development of fruit fly control strategies in guava plants. By increasing knowledge about the behavior of fruit flies and the factors that influence their attacks, it is hoped that more effective control strategies can be developed to preserve guava plants and increase fruit productivity.

Q: What are the future directions for research on antixenosis and antibiosis strategies in guava?

A: Further research is needed to develop guava varieties that are resistant to fruit flies by combining antixenosis and antibiosis properties. Additionally, analyzing other factors that can affect fruit flies, such as environmental conditions and the existence of parasitoids, may also provide valuable insights into the behavior of fruit flies.

Q: How can this study contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture practices?

A: This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of antixenosis and antibiotic strategies in controlling the attack of fruit flies in guava fruit with different diameters. By developing more effective control strategies, it is possible to reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.