ABSTRACT
A genetic sexing strain (GSS) of Anastrepha fraterculus based on a pupal color dimorphism, named GSS-89, was imported from the insect pest control laboratory to Brazil in 2020. This work describes the adaptation of this strain in Brazil and its current production and quality control parameters. An initial colony was successfully established at the Center of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture of the University of Sao Paulo (CENA/USP) using a standard larval diet with carrageenan and corn flour. However, the number of recombinant flies increased rapidly in the first nine generations, and it was necessary to establish a filter rearing system (FRS) in 2021. After screening 200 single male lines, the families free of recombinants were used to start a new clean colony. Currently, the recombinant rates are below 0.05%. The clean GSS-89 colony has been maintained for 22 generations so far, with a total production of 17.3 million eggs and a mean egg hatch of 52.8%. Approximately 1.4 million pupae were produced, with a mean pupal weight of 12.2 mg. The emergence of adults from brown and black pupae was 82.4% and 73.9%, respectively. The mean flight ability was 94%, and the mean sex ratio was ca. 0.48. The implementation of an FRS has allowed a stable production of the GSS-89 over generations in Brazil.
