Second detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa

Publication Date

Tue, 14 Sep 2010, 00:00

Last Updated

Sept. 13, 2010, 9:01 a.m.

Report Number

ZAF-06/2

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 eradication

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: transient

Geographical Distribution

Bactrocera invadens specimens were detected in Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly traps in the area of the Groblersbrug borderpost of South Africa adjacent to the Botswana border. Eradication is underway. The affected area has been placed under qua

Summary

On 21 May 2010 one possible exotic fruit fly specimen was detected in a Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly trap in the area of the Groblersbrug border post adjacent to the Botswana border. Subsequently, on 15 July 2010, one exotic fruit fly specimen was also detected in another Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly trap near Groblersbrug. 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 02 August 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 instated.

Eradication will commence in the current area and pending the final results of the delimiting survey Delimitation towards the west cannot extend further northwards due to the restriction of the national border between South Africa and Botswana. Bilateral communications with the NPPO of Botswana in this regard are underway.

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.

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