Seventh detection of Bactrocera invadens in South Africa

Publication Date

Fri, 02 Dec 2011, 00:00

Last Updated

July 5, 2012, 9:01 a.m.

Report Number

ZAF-14/2

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Bactrocera invadens - (BCTRIN)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Tomato, pepper (Capsicum spp) and Cucurbit spp are under immediate potential production threat although not exported. Crops present in this area in South Africa include maize and cabbage. Several wild African fruits also occur in the area which may be hosts for this pest.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Transient: actionable, under eradication

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: transient

Geographical Distribution

Two Bactrocera invadens specimens were detected in two Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly traps in the Nwanedi area in the Limpopo province of South Africa, approximately 20 km from the Zimbabwe border post. Delimitation was carried out and the affected

Summary

On 22 June 2011, one exotic fruit fly specimen was detected in a Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly trap in the Nwanedi area in the Limpopo province, approximately 20 km from the Zimbabwe border. Subsequently, the NPPO of South Africa initiated a delimiting survey in accordance with the South African Bactrocera invadens Action Plan. On 29 September 2011, two specimens were collected in a separate Methyl Eugenol baited trap within 1km 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 was confirmed by an internationally recognised fruit fly taxonomist.

A risk assessment was conducted and phytosanitary actions were implemented to control the movement of fruit from the area under delimitation.

Eradication was initiated on 10 October 2011, which includes the application of weekly protein bait sprays and the deployment of male annihilation blocks in the quarantine area.

Danger

Potential spread to or establishment of Bactrocera invadens in other production areas where its presence may impede the export potential of the relevant host commodities affected as well as local trade.

Report files

En

Website