The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) has officially reported the detection of the Bactrocera facialis fruit fly in Fiji, marking the first instance of this pest being found in the country. This species, which is native to Tonga, was discovered during routine surveillance on Nanuya Island in the Yasawa Group. Following initial findings, further trapping confirmed its presence on three nearby islands: Naukacuvu, Narara, and Vomo.
This particular fruit fly poses a significant threat to Fiji’s agriculture as it is known to infest a variety of important crops, including breadfruit, mango, avocado, guava, chili peppers, capsicum, and papaya. The BAF emphasizes that while Fiji is already home to various native fruit fly species that can similarly damage crops, the detection of Bactrocera facialis specifically highlights a new challenge for the island nation.
In response to this urgent situation, BAF has activated its Plant Pest Emergency Response Action plan. This includes intensive trapping and field inspections to accurately assess the spread of the pest. The deployment of additional pheromone traps is aimed at controlling the male population of the fruit fly. Furthermore, to prevent the further spread of this invasive species, restrictions on the movement of fruits between the Yasawa Islands and the mainland of Viti Levu have been put in place.
Farmers and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant, regularly inspecting their crops for signs of fruit fly activity and reporting any suspected damage or sightings. The public is reminded not to transport fruits from the affected islands to other regions of Fiji to help curb the spread of the pest. Suspected sightings can be reported through the BAF hotline or local offices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
This new discovery serves as a call for collective action among farmers, stakeholders, and the public, highlighting the ongoing efforts in Fiji to manage agricultural health effectively. The proactive measures undertaken by BAF and the involvement of the community reflect a commitment to safeguarding local crops and ensuring resilience against emerging agricultural threats. With continued vigilance and cooperation, Fiji has a hopeful chance to mitigate the impact of this invasive species and sustain its agricultural landscape.
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