Anastrepha grandis : Distribution, Host Plants, and Management—A Review

Anastrepha grandis (Macquart, 1846) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the primary pests of Cucurbitaceae in the Americas, causing direct damage to agricultural production and being of major quarantine importance. Despite its economic importance, no comprehensive review has yet consolidated information on its geographic distribution, host plants, and management strategies, which limits the identification of knowledge gaps and the development of integrated pest management. Although several studies have addressed the biology, behavior, and management of A. grandis , this information remains scattered and fragmented across the literature, indicating the need for a systematized and critical synthesis. The objective of this review was to synthesize the main scientific findings on A. grandis , with emphasis on its geographic distribution, host plant associations, and population management strategies. This integrative review, conducted using systematized criteria, compiles, organizes, and critically analyzes 53 studies published between 1988 and 2025, revealing a marked increase in scientific output from 2014 onward. The species exhibits a well‐established distribution in South America, with most records concentrated in Brazil, particularly in the Southeast and Central‐West regions. Sixteen host plant species have been reported in the literature, most of which belong to the family Cucurbitaceae. Reported management strategies mainly include the use of baited traps with attractants or other semiochemicals, the application of selective insecticides, quarantine treatments (gamma irradiation and cold treatment), and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist, especially regarding early detection during crop establishment, the delimitation of pest‐free areas, and the projection of potential range expansion under climate change scenarios. Overall, this review fills an important knowledge gap and provides a foundation for more effective and sustainable management strategies, while guiding future research aimed at mitigating the impacts of this pest species on regional and international agriculture.