France wants to strengthen surveillance to prevent the entry of the oriental fruit fly

Bactrocera dorsalis, the oriental fruit fly, is one of the most harmful pests for many sectors of fruit and vegetable production. The French Food Safety Agency (ANSES) considers that the probability of this pest becoming permanently established in mainland France is not negligible. To detect any outbreak of infestation as quickly as possible, ANSES recommends strengthening surveillance of imported goods and crops in the Mediterranean area near ports and airports, beyond what is provided for by current regulations. It is an insect native to Asia that today is present in much of sub-Saharan Africa, in the Indian subcontinent to China, throughout Southeast Asia and on several islands in the Pacific. The oriental fruit fly can feed on a large number of fruits and vegetables: mangoes, citrus fruits, peaches, plums, apricots, grapes, avocados, tomatoes, etc. In total, more than 500 host plant species are listed. The female lays her eggs under the skin of the fruit, the larvae that ...