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First detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa

Publication Date
Mon, 24 May 2010, 00:00
Last Updated
May 23, 2010, 9:01 a.m.
Report Number
ZAF-05/2
Country
South Africa
Pest Id
Bactrocera invadens - (BCTRIN)
Report Status
Final
Hosts
Citrus spp are under immediate threat but other commodities that are exported and considered hosts of this pest and produced or present in this area in South Africa include man, guava, tomato, pepper (Capsicum spp) and several wild African fruits
Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )
  • Transient: actionable, under surveillance
Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)
  • Present: transient
Geographical Distribution
Two Bactrocera invadens specimens were detected in a Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly trap in the most northern part of the Limpopo province of South Africa adjacent to the Zimbabwe border. Delimitation is underway. The affected area has been pla
Summary

On 5 May 2010 two possible exotic fruit fly specimens were detected in a Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly trap in the most northern part of the Limpopo province adjacent to the Zimbabwe border. The fruit fly specimens were identified as Bactrocera invadens by the nominated local fruit fly expert and reported to Directorate Plant Health, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in accordance with the relevant legislation and national Action Plan. Subsequently this identification has been confirmed by an internationally recognised fruit fly taxonomist.

The NPPO of South Africa initiated a delimiting survey on 12 May 2010. A risk assessment was conducted and phytosanitary actions were implemented with immediate effect to prevent the movement of fruit from the area under delimitation.

Further delimitation towards the east, south and west of the point of detection is underway. Eradication will commence pending the final results of the delimiting survey Delimitation towards the north cannot extend further northwards due to the restriction of the national border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. Bilateral communications with the relevant NPPO in this regard are underway.

The South African national exotic fruit fly surveillance project started in 2006. A network of fruit fly traps was deployed as an early warning system to detect exotic fruit flies. Traps were placed in production areas, alongside road transects at ports of entry and in urban areas close to municipal garbage dumps, hotels, sports grounds and other strategic places countrywide. Since the establishment of Bactrocera invadens in northern Namibia and Mozambique as well as in the territories of several other African trading partners, surveillance has been intensified especially alongside the northern borders of South Africa. The fruit industry was recognised as a key role player to assist with the surveillance.

Subsequently Citrus Research International (CRI), Citrus Growers - Association (CGA), Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust (DFPT/ Hortgro), South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) and the Subtropical Growers Association became part of the official national exotic fruit fly detection survey.

Danger
Potential spread or establishment of Bactrocera invadens into other production areas where its presence may impede the export potential of the relevant host commodities affected
Report files
Website

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