Integrated strategies to combat fruit fly infestations in Brazil's São Francisco Valley

Fruit flies, particularly from the Ceratitis and Anastrepha genera, pose a significant threat to crops such as mangoes, grapes, guavas, and citrus in Brazil's São Francisco Valley, a key fruit-producing region. These pests lead to economic losses and create challenges for exports.

Local experts highlight the necessity of an integrated approach to managing fruit flies, combining cultural, biological, and chemical methods.

Cultural practices, such as removing infested fruits and maintaining orchard hygiene, disrupt the pest's life cycle. Biological control introduces natural enemies like parasitoids to target fruit flies, while chemical methods use pesticides sparingly to minimize environmental impact. Advanced techniques, such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), further reduce reproduction by releasing sterilized male flies, creating a comprehensive and sustainable approach to pest management.

Fruit fly infestations have severe economic and environmental impacts, potentially reducing production by up to 30%, increasing reliance on pesticides, and risking export rejections due to strict international standards.

source: abrafrutas.org

photo: wikipedia.org