The control of T. leucotreta (FCM) on a commercial basis through the application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT).
The control of T. leucotreta (FCM) on a commercial basis through the application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT).
SIT is an integrated pest management system whereby masses of FCM are reared, sterilized and released in areas where FCM are a problem. Releases are done on a continuous basis from September to the end of June.
REDUCING FCM PEST PRESSURE IN YOUR PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT
SIT is an area-wide technique which requires releases on all cultivars that are a host to T. leucotreta. It is vital to cover all possible areas which may harbour FCM, so that an area of low-pest-prevalence may be attained below economic thresholds.
REDUCING FCM RELATED FRUIT DAMAGE
leucotreta is endemic to Africa, South of the Sahara, and obtained phytosanitary status in most of these countries. They can gain resistance to pesticides in a relatively short period of time, which can make it very difficult to control on a commercial scale.
Following the establishment of the insectarium in Citrusdal, commercial releases started in November 2007 over approximately 1 , 600 hectares. In subsequent seasons, the program has expanded to over 5 ,000 hectares in the Olifants River Valley.
The success of this area-wide pest integrated program has resulted in it also being introduced in other regions, such as the Sundays River Valley, Gamtoos River Valley (Eastern Cape), Hex River Valley (Western Cape), Breede River Valley (Western Cape) and the Orange River Valley (Northern Cape). Today over 18 , 000 hectares of orchards produce benefit from this program.