# Fruit fly control programs in Argentine Patagonia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fruit-fly-control-programs-in-argentine-patagonia > Updated: 2026-10-16T20:56:53.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-launches-mass-release-of-sterile-flies-to-combat-crop-pests ### 2026-10-14: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neuqun-and-ro-negro-launch-sterile-insect-program-to-protect-fruit-production --- Cite as: Fruit fly control programs in Argentine Patagonia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fruit-fly-control-programs-in-argentine-patagonia