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2 clusters · 4 sources · 2 days · First seen · Last updated

Fruit fly control programs in Argentine Patagonia

Overview

In the Argentine provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro, authorities have initiated a new season of sterile insect releases to defend regional fruit production against fruit fly infestations. Coordinated by the Fundación Barrera Zoofitosanitaria Patagónica (Funbapa), the program involves the weekly release of approximately 36 million sterile male flies, aiming for a seasonal total of nearly one billion insects.

This biological control method uses sterile males to mate with fertile females, preventing offspring and reducing reliance on chemical insecticides. The initiative is critical for maintaining the Patagonia region’s status as a fruit fly-free zone, a designation held since 2005 that is essential for exporting pears, apples, and cherries to markets including China and the United States. The operation utilizes pupae transported from Mendoza, which are distributed via ground vehicles and aircraft.

Entities

Roberto Linares · International Atomic Energy Agency · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Diego García Rambeaud · Senasa

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Panama launches mass release of sterile flies to combat crop pests

    Panama has begun a mass release of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies in Chiriquí to protect crops and boost agricultural exports through biological control.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Neuquén and Río Negro launch sterile insect program to protect fruit production

    Neuquén and Río Negro have begun releasing millions of sterile flies to prevent fruit fly infestations, protecting the region's vital pear, apple, and cherry exports to international markets.

Sources

fuego24.com · mejorinformado.com · panamaamerica.com.pa · prensa-latina.cu