Aim awareness of fruit fly

Press, 13 February 1981, Page 16

Aim awareness of fruit fly

Extreme measures have been taken in California to control fruit fly, involving an army of workers stripping fruit from trees. : In New Zealand the Ministry of - Agriculture is mounting a public awareness campaign in the interests of trying to prevent the pest from becoming established here. There has already peen a brief reference to it in the general columns of “The Press.” A television programme, tape-slide .presentations, posters, leaflets and publicity stickers will all be used In the campaign, said the chief plant health adviser, advisory services division, Mr Jim Currie. "Fruit -fly maggots are regularly intercepted at ports of entry to New Zealand.” he said. “Climatic conditions are suitable for the Mediterranean fruit fly to establish throughout New Zealand and for the Oriental and Queensland fruit flies to establish in the warmer nonhem climates. “An infestation here would seriously restrict our SSOOM horticultural export target for the 1980 s. The larvae or maggots attack many types of fruit and vegetables — the Mediterranean fruit fly, for exampie.' is known itb have at least 200. different hosts. We would face very high costs from unmarketable produce and trade barriers to prevent its further spread if fruit fly became established here. “Eradication Is possible but costly. ■ •’ ; “The United States has Spent more than S2IM |ri eradication campaigns in Florida, Texas and California since 1929. Fruit fly related crop losses, control costs and loss of potential development are costing S3SM a year in Hawaii. "Given public support and awareness we can continue to keep the fruit fly out of New Zealand. The last known infestation here-was in the 19205; but maggots are frequently intercepted in fruit carried bv incoming passengers, who are too ofteri. un-

aware of the possible serious consequences. "Early reporting of maggots (not caterpillars) in fruit is the key to effective prevention. “As part of the campaign, a series of traps has been set up around all po.rts of entry to New Zealand, and these will be extended to cover major fruit producing areas,” Mr Currie said. "A television ’Farming Today’ feature is also planned. This will be film-: ed in February, and explain the biology of the fruit fly and give the reasons for our concern about possible infestations. “It will also include a simulated outbreak following introduction of the fruit fly by an incoming i passenger failing to realise I the significance of . con- i cealing fruit and then' tak? j ing it to a major fruit i| growing area. The consequences of the outbreak and the Ministry’s contin- i gency plans to deal with it will be portrayed. “An AgLink will be available from the beginning of February, and publicity stickers and posters wiE be available on request. “A tape-slide presentation is nearing completion, and will be made available to schools and industry, and used for staff training in the Ministry. “Ministry offices are being provided with mounted specimens of the main types of fruit fly, and. key personnel have participated .in a seminar with Dr Alan Batemen, an Australian who is a recognised world authority on control strategies.” ’ The campaign was not intended to be alarmist, Mr Currie said. “But It is necessary to drive home the need fcr constant vigilance in protecting New Zealand’s livelihood from primary production. Our trading status Is dependent on maintaining a relatively disease and pest-free status. We rely to some extent on early reporting of unusual insects or unhealthy plants by the public.”