Establishing fruit fly-free areas in Southern Africa
The key objective of the project is to establish and develop a framework for maintenance of pest free areas (PFAs) and areas of low pest prevalence (ALPPs) for fruit flies in South Africa and Mozambique.
Check the Fruit Fly Free project webpage in ARC website to learn more.
A news item on two new apps for identifying fruit flies linked to the STDF project was added to the IAEA website. Click here to learn more.
Fruit fly pests* are one of the most destructive horticultural pests posing risks to most fresh fruit and fruit products. With increasing trade and the movement of people globally, these pests are easily transferred across borders. To prevent their spread to local crops and avoid health risks, importing countries require that all fruit products received are free of pests in compliance with regional and international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) regulations.
With the continuous expansion of the fresh fruit industry in Southern Africa, countries are recognizing the importance of complying with SPS regulations to participate fully in the global economy. STDF is working with stakeholders in Mozambique and South Africa to establish a framework for the development and maintenance of pest free areas (PFAs) and areas of low pest prevalence (ALPPs) in accordance with the relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) approved by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
The establishment of PFAs and ALPPs along with an effective fruit fly management system will help protect and promote the fruit industry resulting in increased access to markets in SADC and the EU, the creation of job opportunities and higher revenues for farmers and stakeholders in the private and public sectors.
Lessons learned, results achieved, and experiences gained from implementing this project will also have regional significance as a case study for neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Malawi and Swaziland, where the horticulture industry plays a significant role in the country's economies.
* This project is targeted at the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), Melon fly (Zeugodacus Cucurbitae).
Through this project STDF and its implementing partners will:
- Establish pest free areas in South Africa and Mozambique through surveying activities and trapping points to confirm their absence.
- Establish areas of low pest prevalence in South Africa and Mozambique by setting up trapping systems to determine the risk of infestation and develop a corrective action plan.
- Develop a data platform for the determination of fruit fly status in different regions in South Africa and Mozambique.
- Source science-based evidence on the prevalence of fruit flies.
- Develop a financial model for the maintenance of pest free areas and areas of low pest prevalence by conducting a detailed cost benefit study of each selected location and individual fruit fly species.
The following international standards have been referenced for this project:
More detail on the project can be found here
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