First report of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa
In South Africa, a national exotic fruit fly surveillance project has been implemented since 2006. A network of fruit fly traps was deployed as an early warning system to detect exotic fruit flies. Methyl-eugenol traps were placed in fruit production areas and potential points of entry (e.g. along roads near border points, urban areas close to municipal garbage dumps, hotels, sports grounds). In May 2010, the presence of Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A1 List) was detected for the first time in South Africa in the province of Limpopo (north of the country, bordering Botswana and Zimbabwe where the pest is also reported to occur).
In 2010, from May to July the following captures were made:
- 2 specimens in the northern part of Limpopo province (close to Zimbabwe)
- 2 specimens trapped near the Groblersbrug border post, Limpopo province (close to the Botswana)
Eradication measures were taken and as no further specimens were caught in these two areas, eradication was considered successful.
However, B. invadens was caught again in 2011. From March to July 2011, the following captures were made:
- 3 specimens in the Tshipise area, Limpopo province (close to Zimbabwe)
- 2 specimens in the Weipe area, Limpopo province (close to Zimbabwe)
- 2 specimens in the Groblersbrug area, Limpopo province (close to Botswana)
Eradication measures have been taken, and include the application of weekly protein bait sprays and the deployment of male annihilation blocks, as well as restrictions on the movements of fruits from demarcated areas.
The pest status of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa is officially declared as: Transient – actionable, under eradication.
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports – South Africa.
- First detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa (2010-05-24)
- Second detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa (2010-09-14)
- Eradication of Bactrocera invadens in the Northern Limpopo areas in South Africa (2010-11-24)
- Eradication of Bactrocera invadens in the Groblersbrug border post of South Africa (2011-05-04)
- Third detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa (2011-06-28)
- Fourth detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa (2011-07-27)
- Fifth detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa (2011-08-08).