Host Plant Relationships of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) Species Detected on Centaurea (Asteraceae) Species in Türkiye

Abstract

In this study, the relationships between frui.t fly speci.es detected i.n Türkiye and hos.t Centaurea species in Türkiye were investigated. Fruit fly species belonging to the family Tephritidae are known to inhabit and feed on a wi.de var.i.ety of hos.t plant.s. Some fruit fly species are considered to be economi.cally i.mportant speci.es. In this context, fruit fly species were identified that could be used for biological control of Centaurea species, which are considered weeds from an agricultural point of view. In addition, fruit fly species that are harmful to Centaurea species grown for agricultural purposes and used in medical research have also been reported. Lists of all fruit flies and Centaurea species examined in the study are presented in tabular form in the text.