Spatial regression analysis of Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Terceira Island,Azores |
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| Authors: | R Pimentel DJH Lopes AMM Mexia JD Mumford |
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| Institution: | 1. Departamento de Ciências Agrárias, Rua Capit?o Jo?o d’ávila, Azorean Biodiversity Group (GBA, CITA-A) and Platform for Enhancing Ecological Research &2. Sustainability (PEERS), Universidade dos A?ores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugalreinaldo.pimentel@uac.pt;4. Sustainability (PEERS), Universidade dos A?ores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal;5. Departamento de Protec??o de Plantas e Fitoecologia, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, Portugal;6. Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK |
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| Abstract: | The fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann is one of the most important threats to the trade of fresh fruits in the world due to its ability to survive in a wide range of hosts and climatic conditions. The main goal of this study is to evaluate if there is any significant relationship between the abundance of wild adults of C. capitata and the spatial characteristics of the location. The ordinary least squares estimation model calculated for each gender cannot provide a satisfactory general explanation for abundance of both genders of wild adults, yet it might generate some hypotheses about wild adult females of C. capitata fruit-seeking behaviour. Results from geographically weighted regression analysis can provide a satisfactory general explanation for abundance of both genders of wild adults. Both methods suggest that males are more dispersed than females, and because of that they might play an important role in scouting the surroundings for additional fruit hosts. The presence of some host-plants, even in places offering less protection (like pasture areas), provides an ecological corridor that supports the spread of wild adults of C. capitata. |
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| Keywords: | Ceratitis capitata medfly spatial regression |
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