Fruit exports threatened by flies
Mar 17 2009
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Fruit farmers in South Africa have been warned that a new strain of fruit fly is nearing the borders of the country.

The Bactocera Invaders are an Asian fruit fly from Sri Lanka and could destroy fruit as it made its way into the country. The Citrus Grower’s Association’s Justin Chadwick said the fruit fly was found in Mozambique and officials were monitoring the country’s borders to ensure it stayed out of South Africa.

“If they do establish themselves in South Africa, they will cause destruction in terms of damaging the fruit itself and also from the farmers point of view, they will have an impact on our ability to export to many markets,” he explained.

Adapted from Source: www.ewn.co.za, 11 March 2009.