A novel method for rearing the progeny of wild mediterranean fruit flies using artificial fruit

A technique for rearing the progeny of wildCeratitis capitata flies was developed. The method is based on wild captured flies which are allowed to oviposit in artificial fruit containing larval rearing medium. Flies develop in the fruit from eggs to last larval instar, then exit the fruit and pupate within vermiculite. This method was shown to be feasible and efficient, and to increase considerably the number of wild flies for testing purposes. Possible contribution to the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and potential applications of the method are discussed.