PRAs on Ceratitis capitata and C. rosa in Martinique
In the French Antilles, only one species of fruit fly is present Anastrapha obliqua (Diptera, Tephritidae - EPPO A1 quarantine pest), and causes minor problems. However, many other fruit fly species could be introduced via the intensive and diverse trade of fresh fruits and vegetables from other parts of the world. A network of traps has been set up in Martinique for 13 years. Various types of traps (for Anastrepha, Bactrocera and Ceratitis species) are installed near waste dumps, sea ports, airport and orchards. Traps are inspected every week, and catches are identified. For the moment, only A. obliqua has been found but an action plan is ready in case of other findings. In addition to these practical field activities, two Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs) have recently been conducted in Martinique for Ceratitis capitata (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) and Ceratitis rosa (EPPO A1 quarantine pest), following the EPPO PRA scheme. The conclusion was that C. capitata presented a high potential for introduction (large imports of host fruits, tourists introducing many host fruits and plants illegally) and a high potential for establishment (favourable climate, great diversity of host plants). Economic losses may be limited in commercial orchards, but costs of treatments are likely to be substantial, and the main risk is for the environment with the colonization of many host plants. For C. rosa, it is estimated that the risk of introduction is lower, as only imports of litchis and citrus fruits coming from South Africa by plane, or tourists carrying these fruits illegally, are likely to introduce the pest. However, the potential for establishment is similar to C. capitata. As a consequence of these PRAs, the fruit fly trapping network was intensified in Martinique.
Sources
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Landau, E.; Bertrand, P.; Davidas, M.A.; Guéret, C. (2002) Les mouches des fruits menacent-elles la Martinique;? Réseau de surveillance et analyses de risque phytosanitaire vis-à-vis de Ceratitis capitata et Ceratitis rosa.
Phytoma – La Défense des Végétaux, n° 551, 22-25.
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