Editorial photo #13874375 Human Interest
Bactrocera Dorsalis - Oriental Fruit Fly - World's Most Destructive Agricultural Pest
An Oriental fruit fly lays eggs by inserting its ovipositor into a mango in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on May 26, 2026. The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is a significant agricultural pest affecting over 400 species of fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, guavas, and citrus. The larvae feed on the fruit's flesh, causing internal rot and discoloration, which can lead to substantial yield losses and impact marketability. This pest poses challenges for the Indian horticultural trade due to potential phytosanitary trade barriers and export bans. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)