Panama launches mass release of sterile flies to combat crop pests

Panama has initiated its first mass release of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata) in the Mameyes community of Potrerillos Arriba, Chiriquí province. The program aims to combat a pest that threatens national production of citrus, papaya, guava, and mango.

The biological control technique involves releasing sterilized males to mate with wild females, preventing offspring and progressively reducing the insect population. This initiative is intended to strengthen phytosanitary conditions, reduce pesticide use, and improve the competitiveness of the national fruit and vegetable sector.

Officials noted that the project could facilitate access to demanding international markets, such as the United States and Asia. The operation was supported by international cooperation, including technical assistance from Mexico’s Moscamed program and the involvement of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Regional Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). For this initial phase, insect pupae were imported from Guatemala.