DNA Barcoding and Morphometric of Fruit Fly Bactrocera dorsalis Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Citrus Crops at Dairi District, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to identify the species of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) present on citrus plantation in the Dairi district of North Sumatra. The identification is based on the mtCOI gene and includes an analysis of the fruit fly’s morphometric characteristics and the relationship between body length and other morphological features. The fruit flies were captured using Steiner traps as a sampling method. Identification by DNA barcoding approach was carried out by isolation, amplification, sequencing, and blasting steps. The Stereo Zeiss-Stemi 2000-C microscope was used to measure morphological parameters such as body length (Y), wing length (X₁), wing width (X₂), and tibia hind leg length (X₃). The fruit fly species was identified by the research findings as Bactrocera dorsalis complex. Its mtCOI DNA sequence measured 696-704 bp in length, with T(U), G, C, and A nucleotides present in concentrations of 29.42%, 18.42%, 16.78%, and 35.35%, respectively. The average lengths of the fruit fly’s body, wings, wing width, and tibia (n = 30) were 6.73, 5.28, 2.37, and 1.69 mm, in that order. The regression equation between the length of the body and other morphological traits (X₁-X₃) was Y= 0.37 X₁+ 0.96 X₂ + 2.48 (R=0.757). The contribution of wing length and wing width to body length was 57.40%.