Recipient Organization
USDA-ARS-SAA-Subtropical Horticulture Research Station
(N/A)
Miami,FL 33158
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The Mediterranean fruit fly is considered the most economically important pest of fruits and vegetables worldwide because of the large number of hosts and quarantine restrictions. This species, along with tephritids in the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera and Rhagoletis, pose a constant threat to US agriculture. Communications among scientists involved in this research is paramount to safeguarding US agriculture. It is anticipated that participants from North America, Central America and South America will be the primary attendees, but there will also be participation from scientists from Europe, Africa and other regions with tephritid fruit fly problems. Research areas to be discussed include biological control, sterile insect technique, attractant-based detection and control systems as part of overall pest management systems for pest fruit flies. This meeting will promote communication on biologically-based research enabling the mitigation of invasive exotic fruit flies
into the US. The Working Group of Fruit Flies of the Western Hemisphere was formed to facilitate exchange of scientific information. These include biological control, sterile insect technique, attractant-based detection and control systems as part of overall pest management systems for pest fruit flies. This group meets every two years and provides a unique opportunity for discussions of interdisciplinary research and program developments. It has grown from less than 50 participants to over 200 participants.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
We will hold the 5th Meeting of the Working Group of Fruit Flies of the Western Hemisphere. The Mediterranean fruit fly is considered the most economically important pest of fruits and vegetables worldwide because of the large number of hosts and quarantine restrictions. This species, along with tephritids in the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera and Rhagoletis, pose a constant threat to US agriculture. Many of these exotic fruit flies can only be studied with collaborating countries where these fruit flies currently exist. Communications among scientists involved in this research is paramount to safeguarding US agriculture. This group meets every 2 years and has grown from less than 50 participants for the 1st meeting to over 200 participants at the last meeting, which was held in Argentina in Nov. 2001. It is anticipated that participants from North America, Central America and South America will be the primary attendees, but there will also be participation from
scientists from Europe, Africa and other regions with tephritid fruit fly problems. The program consists of invited oral presentations and submitted poster presentations of research updates, and discussions of research needs and priorities. Research areas to be discussed include biological control, sterile insect technique, attractant-based detection and control systems as part of overall pest management systems for pest fruit flies. Participants from the US will include Federal and State action agencies, researchers from University, Government and Industry laboratories. This meeting will promote communication on biologically-based research enabling the mitigation of invasive exotic fruit flies into the US.
Project Methods
The Working Group of Fruit Flies of the Western Hemisphere was formed to facilitate exchange of scientific information. Fruit flies and particularly the Medfly is considered the most economically important pest worldwide. Scientists involved are in this meeting are focused on the development of biologically-based pest management strategies. These include biological control, sterile insect technique, attractant-based detection and control systems as part of overall pest management systems for pest fruit flies. This group meets every two years and provides a unique opportunity for discussions of interdisciplinary research and program developments. It has grown from less than 50 participants at the first meeting to over 200 participants at the last meeting in 2001.