Eradication of Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Limpopo Province, South Africa

On 5 May 2010, Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White was detected in a methyl eugenol-baited surveillance trap in the northernmost part of the Limpopo Province in South Africa, an area adjacent to the Zimbabwe border. A delimiting survey was carried out to determine extent of spread in the area by trapping with both methyl eugenol and Biolure-3-component lures. A quarantine area of approximately 1100 km2 (surrounding the area of detection) was implemented to regulate movement of host fruits. Eradication of the pest was achieved in the quarantine area through male annihilation technique (MAT) using fibreboard blocks containing methyl eugenol and malathion in combination with protein bait sprays (application of GF-120 and LokLure mixed with malathion) and orchard sanitation. Eradication measures were carried out for a period of 12 weeks. Thereafter, MAT blocks were removed and trapping continued for a period of four weeks to confirm eradication. No B. invadens was caught in the area during the four weeks after control measures had stopped. No B. invadens was captured within a period of 12 weeks (approximately three generations) after the last fly find in the area. This constitutes the first successful eradication of B. invadens from an area of incursion.