ABSTRACT
The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, is considered a key pest of many fruits in Portugal, especially in citrus groves. An important element in the implementation of better control measures is the monitoring of Mediterranean fruit fly populations, and, for this reason, several studies have been made of trap models under Portuguese conditions. This chapter aims to develop a greater knowledge of the population dynamics of Mediterranean fruit fly in citrus groves. These studies basically concern the population evaluation and the subsequent damage intensity of the Mediterranean fruit fly, thus providing a concrete and objective decision tool for improving intervention opportunities. Observations were made weekly with replacement of the absorbent paper diffuser and protein hydrolyzate. The number of adult Mediterranean fruit flies captured and their sex was recorded, and the water was replaced.
