Mango Fruit Fly Alert

Fruit fly trap — Dead fruit flies caught within an hour of installing the trap with lure.

Fruit flies — More fruit flies caught in the trap requiring more fruit fly traps per acre.

December Mangoes — Ripe mango from the garden is maggot free due to fruit fly preventive measures.

Heirloom peaches are maggot free due to fruit fly preventive measures.

Active fruit fly traps — In our first year of using the traps the fruit flies were attracted to the lure before installing the traps showed high pest burden. Additional monthly pesticide spraying was required to prevent fruit rot.

December harvest of figs apples and mangoes.

Mangoes are maturing in Lusaka, attracting an unusual number of fruit flies and causing concerns for potential infestation. The invasive oriental fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis) are particularly problematic. They appear on fallen fruits and in traps around the mango trees. Exotic mango breeds that ripen late in the season are most at risk due to previous infestations in the area. The reservoirs of the fruit fly larva include infected peaches, local mangoes, and guavas that matured earlier in the year.

Healthy mangoes on the trees are at risk of maggot infestation in the forthcoming weeks. The infested fruits, which may impact fruit ripening next year due to inadequate pest control. Other fruits such as apples, pomegranates, guavas, and late-season peaches are also susceptible. However, figs, grapes, and berries are less attractive to fruit flies.

Measures taken to control the fruit fly population this month

The older lure in less active fruit fly traps is being replaced. Since attraction power diminishes after two to three months of use.
The number of fruit fly traps in each area has been doubled. This approach may offer more alternatives to attract the fruit flies, effectively diverting them from the fruits.
Picking fallen fruits, including mangoes, and guavas from the ground and burying them in small holes (about 1 m deep).
Use monthly pesticide sprays, like pyrethroids or organothiophosphates, to manage high fruit fly populations, as indicated by overfull traps. Consult your Agro-dealer for organic alternatives where possible.
Bagging or netting fruits can protect them, though risks exist, such as mould and fungi development during rainy periods. This method is labour-intensive and costly. It may not completely prevent fruit flies, which can lead to maggot infestations.