Effects of Carpomyia incompleta Infestation on the Chemical Characteristics of Ziziphus spina-christi L. Fruits

Abstract

The results of this study showed that natural infestation by the jujube fruit fly (Carpomyia incompleta) induces clear physiological and chemical changes in jujube fruits (Ziziphus spina-christi L.). Infestation led to a decrease in the relative content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, total protein, total soluble solids (TSS), and soluble carbohydrates compared to healthy fruits, indicating impaired photosynthesis and metabolism, and a decline in the fruit's nutritional value.

Conversely, infested fruits exhibited an increase in total phenolic content compared to healthy fruits at all study sites. This suggests that the infestation stimulated the plant's chemical defense mechanisms, as phenolic compounds are among the most important secondary metabolites that accumulate in response to the biotic stress caused by the insect larvae feeding within the fruit.

The results also showed variations across all studied chemical properties among the study sites, indicating that local environmental conditions, along with insect infestation, contribute to determining the physiological and chemical response of jujube fruit. These findings suggest that the jujube fruit fly not only affects crop quantity but also reduces fruit quality and nutritional value, underscoring the importance of implementing integrated pest management programs to minimize infestation and maintain the quality and productivity of jujube fruit.