Effects of a neem compound on the fecundity and longevity of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera : Tephritidae)

A commercial formulation of neem was tested on adult Ceratitis capitata (Wi edemann) to determine its effects on fecundity and longevity. Four no-choic e tests were carried out in the laboratory at constant conditions of temper ature, humidity, and photoperiod. Different concentrations were tested mixi ng neem solutions with the adult's rearing diet The laboratory tests showed that neem significantly reduced fecundity by interfering with oogenesis, w hich resulted in a complete and irreversible sterility of females. A slight reduction of longevity was also observed. The number of eggs laid decrease d with increasing concentrations of azadirachtin in the diet. Preliminary h istological observations indicated that the oviposition decrease was the re sult of a block in ovarian activity. Additional tests confirmed that azadir achtin induced sterility in the females, even when the flies were exposed f or shorter periods (24 h).