Oriental fruit fly

Fruit Fly Actions in California and Texas

Josh McGillPests, Regulation

Federal and state officials in July established an Oriental fruit fly (OFF) quarantine in California and removed two Mexican fruit fly (Mexfly) quarantine areas in Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) took the actions along with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), respectively. CALIFORNIA …

mexfly

Funding to Protect Texas Citrus

Josh McGillCitrus, Texas

A significant portion of the $3 million the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating to Texas for pest detection, surveillance, identification and threat mitigation is targeted to the state’s citrus industry. Among other citrus-related projects, the USDA is including money to aid Texas in the control of Asian citrus psyllids and the HLB disease they spread. “Texas has more …

fruit fly

Fruit Fly Pests of Florida Citrus

Ashley RobinsonPests

Exotic fruit flies are considered some of the most serious of the world’s agricultural pests due to their potential economic harm and threat to the food supply. They have a wide host range of fruit, vegetables and nuts. Most of Florida’s crops fall within the host range, including the fragile citrus industry. For this reason, it’s imperative to act quickly …

More Mexican Fruit Flies Found in Texas Citrus

Tacy CalliesPests

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) established a Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens or Mexfly) quarantine in a residential area in Zapata, Texas. APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement or entry into foreign trade of regulated articles from this area. APHIS confirmed one Mexfly larva from …