Species composition, biology, and phytosanitary status of Diptera damaging sweet cherry: overview and monitoring results in Central Southern Bulgaria

Abstract

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is one of the economically significant fruit crops in Bulgaria and Europe, subjected to notable phytosanitary pressure from fly species belonging to the families Tephritidae and Drosophilidae. This study provides both a literature-based overview and original field data on Diptera species affecting cherries, based on monitoring conducted in southern Bulgaria from April to June 2025. Monitoring methods included the use of yellow sticky traps and visual inspections of fruit. The results confirmed the presence of Rhagoletis cerasi, a univoltine species responsible for direct damage through oviposition in ripening fruits. Notably, no other species of Rhagoletis or Drosophila suzukii were detected, likely due to specific local climatic and phenological conditions. The study presents a binary morphological identification key and a diagnostic table of distinguishing traits for the practical identification of Diptera. The findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and early warning systems, particularly in shifting climatic conditions and evolving pest pressures. This underscores the growing need for targeted and sustainable plant protection measures.