Notification on the detection of Bactrocera dorsalis (Oriental Fruit Fly) in Grabouw, in the Southern Part of the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Publication Date

Fri, 28 Jun 2019, 06:54

Last Updated

June 28, 2019, 6:54 a.m.

Report Number

ZAF-45/1

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Bactrocera dorsalis - (DACUDO)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Prunus spp., Pyrus and Malus spp. produced or present in this area in South Africa are affected.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Transient: actionable, under eradication

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: transient

Geographical Distribution

Three Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in three Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly traps in the Groenland area close to Grabouw of the Western Cape province.

Summary

Three Bactrocera dorsalis specimens were detected in the affected area between the first and the third week of April, 2019.

One male specimen of B. dorsalis was detected on the third of April 2019 in a home garden in Groenland near Grabouw in a Methyl Eugenol baited fruit fly trap. Two more specimens were detected in two different Methyl Eugenol-baited fruit fly traps in plum (Prunus spp.) orchards on the 10th and 15th of April 2019 in Groenland South near Grabouw. The plum orchards were not in production at the time of the detection. The identifications of all the specimens were confirmed by a recognized entomologist through molecular analysis.

All the affected areas were quarantined; delimiting surveys and phytosanitary actions to restrict and control the movement of host material were initiated with immediate effect after the first detection in accordance with the South African Bactrocera dorsalis Fruit Fly (SABiFF) Action Plan.

Phytosanitary actions were implemented to control the movement of fruit from the area under delimitation. Eradication will include the application of protein bait sprays, deployment of male annihilation (MAT) blocks and strict field sanitation within the quarantine area. Eradication actions will be deployed for a period of eight weeks. After implementation of eradication actions, a monitoring period of four weeks will be conducted. If there are no further detections during the monitoring period, the Grabouw (Groenland South) area can be declared as free from the presence of Bactrocera dorsalis. The status of the pest in this area is: Transient but under eradication to prevent establishment.

Danger

Potential spread or establishment of B. dorsalis into other production areas free from this pest where its presence may impede the export potential of the relevant host commodities affected.

Contact for info

Ms Muneiwa Ratshilingano Private bag x 14 Gezina 0031 South Africa [email protected]

Report files

Notification on the detection of Bactrocera dorsalis (Oriental Fruit Fly) in Grabouw, in the Southern Part of the Western Cape Province of South Africa report

Website

Issue keywords

Economic impact Eradication/Successful eradication Insects/Insecta/Arthropods Restrictions

Commodity keywords

Apples, pears and quinces, fresh Apricots, cherries, peaches incl. nectarines, plums and sloes, fresh