State Agricultural Workers Combat Fruit Fly Infestations in Los Angeles Basin
State agricultural workers in California are taking to the skies to release sterile Mediterranean fruit flies in an effort to eradicate the latest fruit fly infestations. These harmless flies are the next step in the battle against the Mediterranean (Medfly) fruit flies, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
By releasing these sterile flies, the wild ones will struggle to reproduce and eventually die out. This method has been used for the past 30 years to prevent infestations, but when new flies are discovered, like the recent case in Los Angeles, the releases become more intense. The releases began in mid-October and will continue until February 2024.
(Courtesy of the California Department of Food and Agriculture)
Quarantine Area and Queensland Fruit Flies
As a result of the recent fruit fly discovery in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, a 69 square-mile quarantine area has been declared. This area is bordered by Melrose Avenue, West Century Boulevard, Interstate 405, and Nevin Avenue.
In addition to the Mediterranean fruit flies, parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties have also been quarantined due to the presence of Queensland fruit flies, which are native to Australia. These flies were found in Thousand Oaks, located in Ventura County.
California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross stated, “This has been a record year for fruit fly detections.”
Residents within the quarantine area are advised to consume any fruit grown on their trees at home and not to share it outside the area. The California Department of Food and Agriculture recommends that any fruits and vegetables be consumed or processed on the property where they were picked. If not eaten, residents should double-bag the items in plastic bags and dispose of them in the garbage bin.
(Courtesy of the California Department of Food and Agriculture)
The Queensland quarantine area covers approximately 76 square miles and is bordered by Tierra Rejada Golf Club, Las Virgenes Reservoir, Wildwood Park, and Agoura Hills.
The Queensland fruit fly poses a significant threat to California’s agriculture and natural resources, targeting over 175 different fruits, vegetables, and plants. High-risk fruits include grapes, strawberries, figs, citrus varieties, avocados, apricots, peaches, cherries, nectarines, plums, pears, and apples. Tomatoes and sweet peppers are among the vegetables at risk.
The female fruit fly lays eggs inside the fruit or vegetables, which then hatch into maggots and tunnel through the fruit, rendering it inedible.
Los Angeles County typically detects two or three problematic fruit fly varieties each year, such as Mediterranean or Oriental fruit flies. These flies often arrive in the area through fruit brought in from other states, friends and family, or via sea ports and airports.
Bins of freshly picked pomelos and navel oranges at a home orchard near Porterville, Calif. (Courtesy of Pearson Ranch)
Millions of Fruit Flies Dropped to Eradicate Infestation
The California Department of Food and Agriculture plans to drop 250,000 sterile male fruit flies per square mile from aircraft in a 9-square-mile region near the Medfly infestation site every week. It may take six months or more to fully eliminate the current population.
These aerial drops do not pose any risk to humans, pets, or fruit in the area.
The food and agriculture department is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and agricultural commissioners in the affected counties to implement various treatments alongside the aerial drops. These treatments include manual inspections, removal of infested fruits and vegetables, and the use of natural, organic materials to reduce the population of live adult fruit flies.
Traps will also be set up to attract and eliminate the adult male fruit flies.
What is the disease from fruit flies?
Research shows that fruit flies can transfer germs from a dirty surface onto a clean one. Some of the bacteria they may carry include salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. These three germs each cause food poisoning. Is considered a major pest of fruits and vegetables, as they lay their eggs inside the fruit, which then hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit and cause damage. The quarantine measures and sterile fly releases are crucial in preventing the further spread of these harmful pests.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is working tirelessly to educate and inform residents within the quarantine area about the importance of following these guidelines. They have also set up trap sites to monitor the infestation and to determine the success of the sterile fly releases in reducing the population of fruit flies.
Efforts are also being made to control the fruit fly population in agricultural areas. Farmers are urged to apply approved pesticides and practice good sanitation measures to minimize the risk of Medfly infestations. Additionally, the department is conducting surveys to detect and control any new infestations, as early detection is key in preventing the spread of these pests.
(Courtesy of the California Department of Food and Agriculture)
The impact of fruit fly infestations in California goes beyond just the economic losses suffered by farmers. These pests can also disrupt international trade when infested produce is detected, leading to restrictions and export bans. It is therefore crucial to implement effective control and eradication measures to protect the agricultural industry and maintain the state’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality fruits and vegetables.
While the efforts to combat fruit fly infestations in the Los Angeles Basin may seem arduous, they are necessary to protect the state’s agricultural resources and prevent further damage. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, along with the support and cooperation of residents within the quarantine area, is determined to eradicate these pests and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and the health of agricultural communities.
Now loading...