Oriental fruit fly identified in Greece

Greece has identified the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, a pest of high risk to the European Union. The finding was made in a trap in the Attica region and affects some 400 varieties of fruit and vegetables. This pest has already been detected in continents such as Asia, Africa, Oceania and America, and in Europe it appeared in Italy (2018), France (2019) and Belgium (2023). This is the first time that Greece is confronted with this pest.

 

Greek authorities are conducting additional inspections and have launched an awareness campaign. Spread is facilitated by the transport of infested fruits. It attacks varied crops such as citrus, peaches, pears, tomatoes and mangoes. Affected fruits show discoloration and rotting. B. dorsalis stops its development at temperatures below 13 °C. Detection in urban areas and logistics centers in Europe is of concern to authorities, who are taking measures to control its spread.