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

Publication Date

Mon, 09 Sep 2019, 12:10

Last Updated

Sept. 9, 2019, 12:10 p.m.

Report Number

ZAF-49/1

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Bactrocera dorsalis - (DACUDO)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Prunus spp., Pyrus and Malus spp. that are exported and considered hosts of this pest and produced or present in this area in South Africa are no longer under threat.

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Absent: pest eradicated

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Absent: pest eradicated

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 OFF 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 though 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 which included the application of protein bait sprays, deployment of male annihilation (MAT) blocks and strict field sanitation within the quarantine area, were initiated. After 8 weeks with MAT and baiting, a 4 week monitoring period followed, there were no further detections, therefore supporting declaration of the status of Grabouw area as free from the presence of Bactrocera dorsalis, as this pest has been successfully eradicated. Therefore, the status of the pest in point in this area is: Eradicated.

Danger

Any immediate or potential danger of Bactrocera dorsalis has been prevented by successful eradication where its presence may impede the export potential of the relevant host commodities affected.

Contact for info

Ms Muneiwa Ratshilingano Private bag x14 Gezina, 0031 South Africa [email protected]

Report files

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

Website

Issue keywords

Delimiting survey Economic impact Eradication/Successful eradication Insects/Insecta/Arthropods

Commodity keywords

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