Review of the pest status, economic impact and management of fruit-infesting flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Africa

Fruit flies are a major threat to the horticulture industry in Africa owing to their damage incidence and economic losses to fruit and vegetable crops, and their quarantine implications. Numerous studies with different research interests have been conducted on fruit flies throughout the African continent. Despite these studies, there is little knowledge among stakeholders about fruit fly pests in terms of the economically important species, their pest status,  economic impact and control strategies. These parameters are prerequisites in designing management tools for addressing the fruit fly problem in the continent. This paper reviews the status of the fruit fly menace in Africa by reporting some of the findings of previous researchers while laying emphasis on what needs to be done.   Key words: Tephritid fruit flies, pest status, economic losses, management, Africa.