Mediterranean Fly Brings Concerns to the Galapagos
Last week, the Agricultural Health Service (SESA) in Galapagos was under a botanical alert after a destructive Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) was detected on the Archipelago.
The report said medflies (Ceratitis capitataWiedemann), one of the most invasive insects, were found on San Cristobal and Santa Cruz islands. (Source AFP).
This week SESA and the Galapagos National Park have reported a considerable reduction of the medfly population in the islands due to the efforts in the control of this pest that took effect in May this year.
Sesa representatives have explained to the local press they have used two types of traps for this purpose and are having good results these past weeks. Organic pesticides have been used in farming areas as well.
The threat of the medfly is still present for the Galapagos authorities. The SESA and GNP will evaluate the population numbers of this insect in the next month. Other actions may take effect if the fly remains in the islands.
Authorities have increased the control of fresh products that come from Mainland and they have forbidden the transportation of fruit products outside the areas that are affected.
Source: Ecuador Inmediato, Aug 26, 2008