Eradication of Ceratitis capitata in Chile
The EPPO Secretariat has been informed by IICA and the Plant Protection Service of Chile that Ceratitis capitata (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has successfully been eradicated from Chile. Previously, the Mediterranean fruit fly was limited to the region of Arica (North of Chile) and was absent from the rest of the country (see EPPO RS 512/17, 1991). An eradication campaign was set up and included inspections of the infested areas, release of sterile fruit flies and chemical treatments. The last larvae were observed in April 1995. The last adult fly was caught in May 1995. Although the number of degree days would have allowed the development of 2 generations, C. capitata has never been found again since that date. The official authorities consider that Chile is now free from C. capitata.
Sources
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IICA, Coronado (CR) and Plant Protection Service of Chile, 1996-02.
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