Farmers urged to move against fruit fly
BE CAREFUL the next time you bite into a juicy ripe mango.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has warned of an increase in the Oriental fruit fly (OFF), an invasive pest that has been spreading across the country’s provinces, destroying fruit.
It has been reported in several crops, with mango being the major natural host.
On Friday, the department issued a notice to commercial and wild fruit growers urging them to apply field or orchard sanitation to dropped fruit as an effective measure to reduce the pest population.
The sudden increase in the OFF was brought on possibly by the heavy rains (in most provinces) that washed off the bait spray, a toxin used to kill the fly.
Reggie Ngcobo, spokesperson for the department, said they have received complaints from some farmers.
“Growers must also monitor OFF populations using methyl eugenolbaited traps, as this will enable them to implement timely measures to control the pest.
“It is imperative for growers and all stakeholders involved to adhere to prescribed control measures as administered under the Agricultural Pests Act, which provides for measures to combat the introduction, spread and establishment of the pest in new areas,” he said.
Ngcobo said all stakeholders involved should apply for a removal permit from the DALRRD should they wish to move OFF host crops from infested areas to non-infested areas.
The Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape and the Free State were not infested.
“It is important to note that removal permits are only issued when the fruit fly management control measures are implemented and population levels have been reduced to an acceptable level.
“Such permits can be revoked if the OFF numbers in an area increase to unacceptable numbers,” said Ngcobo.
Rénald Radley, vice-chairman of the South African Mango Growers’ Association, said farmers were concerned by the OFF.
He said some growers had complained about the OFF on tropical fruit, but had taken measures before the department’s call.
“We don’t have a problem on my specific farm (Malelane, Mpumalanga), but I’ve heard that it has happened in some areas.
“As the association, we are monitoring the breakout closely and are on the lookout as we are about to enter the citrus season,” said Radley.
Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of South Africa, said the association was aware of the OFF outbreak, adding that this type of fruit fly has always found its way into the country.
According to Chadwick, the OFF was initially detected abroad, and was later discovered in the Zimbabwean border areas.
“OFF seems to be making its way back to our country, every now and then. Farmers are now well aware of these kinds of fruit flies,” he said.
“There are fruit fly treatments that growers usually use for Mediterranean and other types of fruit,” he added.