Management of Fruit Flies in Mexico

Abstract

Fruit growing is of great socio-economic importance in Mexico and fruit flies pose a major threat to this industry. For pest management purposes, fruit flies are divided into two groups: exotic species and native species. For exotic species, a country-wide trapping network is operated for early detection. In the case of the exotic medfly, Ceratitis capitata, which is present in Central America, a programme based on use of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has prevented the northern spread of the pest and its establishment in Mexico. For native species, an area-wide integrated pest management (IPM) programme was implemented in 1992. Using SIT, augmentative biological control and other suppression methods, approximately half of the national territory is now recognized as either free of fruit flies or a low-prevalence area. An increase in fruit exports has been possible through the participation of grower organizations, risk analysis and government support.