Biological Control of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly

Abstract

THE Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) has, for many years, caused ravages among many kinds of edible fruits in the Hawaiian Islands. The introduction of several species of parasites from Africa and Australia has resulted in a very appreciable reduction in the abundance of the pest in question, but a sufficiently efficient degree of control, from the commercial point of view, has not so far been achieved. We learn from Science Service, Washington, D.C., that a scheme has been put in hand which involves further application of biological control methods. In order to carry out the project, the Hawaiian Planters' Association is sending two of its entomologists, along with others from the Department of Agriculture, to Africa with the object of searching for suitable parasites. Other entomologists are proceeding to Brazil with the same aim in view. The whole project is being administered by the U.S. Bureau of Entomology in conjunction with the leading local organisations concerned in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands are famous as being the territory where some of the most successful examples of the biological method of pest control have been achieved. The plan of campaign against the fruit fly is expected, if successful, to lead to great benefits to the small farmers of the territory by increasing the supply of fruits that grow so luxuriously in those islands.