Why fruit fly control is back in focus for Peru’s grape exporters

Peru’s table grape sector is reinforcing fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) control through more precise and integrated management, as the pest remains a risk for export quality and market access, according to PROVID.

The association notes that producers are increasingly relying on early monitoring to guide interventions. Protein-based attractants and pheromone traps are used to track population levels and calculate the MTD index (flies per trap per day), allowing growers to act before infestations reach damaging levels.

Once thresholds are exceeded, the focus shifts to selective “attract and kill” solutions, aimed at reducing populations without affecting beneficial insects or pollinators. These targeted applications are designed to interrupt the reproductive cycle of the fruit fly while limiting chemical use in the field.

The strategy is complemented by integrated pest management (IPM) practices, combining biological, chemical and behavioural controls. According to the report, this approach helps maintain fruit condition, reduce residue risks and comply with maximum residue limits required by export markets.

PROVID highlights that fruit fly control is closely linked to food safety and certification, with SENASA maintaining active surveillance through field inspections, trap networks and alerts to producers. This coordination is key to preventing shipment rejections and protecting Peru’s phytosanitary status.

The association stresses that continued investment in monitoring, technical training and selective control tools will remain critical as climate variability increases pest pressure across production zones.

source: provid.org.pe

photo: provid.org.pe