Third detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa

Publication Date

Tue, 28 Jun 2011, 00:00

Last Updated

June 28, 2011, 9:01 a.m.

Report Number

ZAF-09/2

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

Three Bactrocera invadens specimens were detected in Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly traps in the Tshipise area of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the closest international border being that with Zimbabwe. Delimitation was carried out and the affec

Summary

On 23 March 2011 one possible exotic fruit fly specimen was detected in a Methyl Eugenol baited trap in the Tshipise area of the Limpopo Province, the closest international border being that with Zimbabwe. The NPPO of South Africa initiated a delimiting survey on 30 March 2011 in accordance with the South African Bactrocera invadens Action Plan. Subsequently, two further specimens were detected on 26 May 2011 in 2 separate Methyl Eugenol baited traps in the Tshipise area, within 3 km from the first detection site.

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.

A risk assessment was conducted and phytosanitary actions were implemented on 7 June 2011 to prevent movement of fruit from the area under delimitation. Eradication was also initiated on 7 June 2011; it includes the application of weekly protein bait sprays and the deployment of male annihilation blocks in the quarantine area.

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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