2024-03-28 13:19:21
A threatening species for many fruit and vegetable crops
Insect native to Asia, Bactrocera dorsalis is today present in a large part of sub-Saharan Africa, on the Indian subcontinent as far as China, throughout southeast Asia as well as in several Pacific islands. The oriental fruit fly can feed on a very large number of fruits and vegetables: mangoes, citrus fruits, peaches, plums, apricots, grapes, avocados, tomatoes, etc. In total, more than 500 species of host plants are listed. The female lays her eggs under the skin of the fruit, the larvae which emerge then feed on the pulp, thus causing deterioration of the flesh of the fruit which can lead to its total destruction. The larvae then burrow into the soil under the plant to pupate from which adult flies hatch.
B. dorsalis is one of 20 quarantine pests classified as priority for the European Union. Despite the regulations already in place to prevent the entry of this species into Europe, several outbreaks of infestation have been declared in Italy. In France, B. dorsalis is the subject of a national emergency health intervention plan (PNISU), which involves the implementation of control measures in the event of an outbreak such as insecticide treatments, trapping of male individuals to limit their reproduction and restrictions on the movement of plant material.
To date, no outbreak of B. dorsalis has not been declared in mainland France. However, the number of flies caught by traps set up as part of official surveillance has increased in recent years. Captures often take place near ports, airports and wholesale fresh produce markets.
A high probability of entry into France of the oriental fruit fly
According to ANSES’s expertise, the most likely route of entry for the oriental fruit fly into mainland France is through the commercial importation of fruits and vegetables from infested countries. A classification of these fruits and vegetables was established according to their import volumes from infested countries, their capacity to carry fly larvae as well as data on interception of flies on fruits and vegetables at border control posts. French. Mangoes, passion fruit, avocados and guavas are high risk and have already been subject to interceptions.
The Agency also points out that the risk linked to fruit transported by passengers during travel, particularly by air, must not be neglected, especially since this merchandise is not packaged or controlled for export.
Strengthen control of imported fruits and vegetables to prevent entry
The Agency recommends strengthening inspections on the most risky goods, especially if they are not covered by mandatory controls under current regulations, such as passion fruit and avocados for example. The Agency also recalls the need to strictly respect the requirements laid down for fruits when they are imported from countries infested with B. dorsalissuch as mangoes, to secure the quality of the merchandise.
The Agency adds that it is important to make travelers aware of the risks generated by the movement of plants and plant products. It supports the strict ban on the importation by passengers of plants which might constitute a route of entry for harmful organisms such as B. dorsalis.
A moderate probability of lasting establishment in the low-altitude Mediterranean belt, including Corsica
The probability of establishing B. dorsalis in mainland France depends mainly on the richness of host plant species of B. dorsalis and particularly fruit production in departments located in the Mediterranean regions (PACA, Occitanie and Corsica) and in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. In terms of climate, the low-altitude Mediterranean belt, including Corsica, is the only area potentially favorable to the sustainable establishment of B. dorsalis In France.
« This species of fly is very polyphagous, meaning it can feed on a very wide variety of plants. In addition, climate modeling indicates potentially favorable conditions for its establishment in the low-altitude Mediterranean belt, which includes Corsica. There is no shortage of host plants in this area, even in winter with citrus fruits, which would allow the fly to feed all year round. » explains Christine Tayeh.
Thus, in order to increase the chances of detecting the entry of the fly and eradicating a possible outbreak in suitable areas, the Agency recommends strengthening surveillance, including trapping in crops next to control posts. border areas located in the Mediterranean area and the inclusion of plants that are not currently targeted by surveillance such as fig trees.
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