Sterile insect technique (SIT) in the near east — a transboundary bridge for development and peace

• Published in: Crop protection 2000-09, Vol.19 (8), p.733-738
• Main Authors: Rossler, Y, Ravins, E, Gomes, P.J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceratitis capitata; Eradication; Near-east; Sterile-insect-technique
• ISSN: 0261-2194; 1873-6904
• DOI: 10.1016/S0261-2194(00)00097-1

Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), is a major pest of fruits and vegetables throughout the region, reduces yield of marketable fruit and limits exports. The Arava Medfly Eradication Project (AMEP) was initiated in 1997, and serves as a pilot effort to begin implementing the sterile insect technique in the Near East. It could become a model for future implementation of the proposed EASTMED project, a plan conceived and planned by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1994–1995 with input of regional experts. The target area lies in the Arava Valley between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. AMEP activities include host mapping, population monitoring and suppression followed by weekly releases of sterile flies. This project will lead to permanent establishment and maintenance of Medfly free areas. In addition, new technologies are being tested under local conditions. This includes use of tsl male-only strains of medflies, aerial releases with a chilled insect release machine, female attractants and new trap designs. At present, the project relies upon long-distance shipping of pupae from Madeira, Portugal and Guatemala rather than local sources. The medfly population on the Israeli side of the Arava valley, was monitored in 132 trimedlure loaded traps. It dropped by July 1999 to 0.04 flies per trap per day from the pre-eradication level of 0.71 flies per trap per day in July 1998. In June 1999, only 19% of the traps captured wild flies as compared to 40% of the traps in June 1997. As medfly does not respect international boundaries, transboundary co-operation is a key factor for successful implementation. Current project status and plans for future expansion within Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority will be presented.