Country: United States

Title: Bactrocera zonata (peach fruit fly), Quarantine Area in Fresno and Madera Counties, California

Contact:
Helene Wright, State Plant Health Director: 916-930-5500

Report:

Six adult male peach fruit flies, with confirmed identification, have been detected in Jackson traps baited with Methyl Eugenol in the Fresno area of Fresno County, California.  The first adult fly was detected on May 15th and six adults were detected by May 20th.  Based on these detections, APHIS has determined that quarantine is necessary to prevent the spread of peach fruit fly.
 
As a result of these detections, quarantine boundaries have been established to encompass approximately 106 square miles, which includes parts of Fresno and Madera Counties, California.  Hosts of the peach fruit fly that are produced in the quarantine area include: apples, apricots, cherries, figs, oranges, peaches, pomegranates, prunes and tangerines.  Post-harvest treatment options for host commodities are being investigated. 

Program officials are inspecting fruit sellers, growers, homeowners, mobile vendors, nurseries, organic growers, yard maintenance services, and one fruit packing house issuing compliance agreements to ensure that they are following the regulatory requirements to prevent the spread of peach fruit fly.

California Department of Food and Agriculture is currently treating a 25 mile square area surrounding the detections with a male annihilation treatment using Naled/Methyl Eugenol bait stations, which will be repeated at two week intervals for two life cycles after the last fly is captured.  In addition, a foliar treatment using protein bait spray (Spinosad) is being applied to all host trees within 200 meters of each detection. 

This action will be reflected in an Interim Rule that APHIS anticipates will soon be published in the Federal Register for public comment in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act.

Posted Date: June 2, 2006, 9 a.m.