Mediterranean Fruit Fly – 1929

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Another serious pest of citrus is the Mediterranean fruit fly.  This insect lays eggs just under the outer layer of cells on the fruit.  This happens when the fruit is getting close maturity.  The eggs hatch and the larvae then burrow into the fruit where they grow and develop.  Depending on weather conditions, the larvae will mature, leave the fruit and enter the soil in six (6) to ten (10) days.  They pupate and in six (6) to thirteen (13) days the adult emerges and starts the process again!  The infected fruit is of no value.

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Med fly is found all over the world and is a serious problem.  It attacks over 200 different species of fruits and vegetables!  Outbreaks have occurred in California, Texas, Hawaii and Florida.  The first appearance of Med fly in Florida occurred in 1929 in the Orlando area.  The USDA immediately took action to destroy all infected trees and fruit.  The National Guard was actually called out to check vehicles at check pints to make sure infected fruit was not being taken out of Florida!  In 1930, after $7.5 million was spent to eradicate the Med fly, the state was declared free.  The fly returned in 1997 and 1998 (one outbreak was in Umatilla!).  Eradication was successful; baits with pesticides  and sterile male flies released brought the fly under control.

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For years the Florida Department of Agriculture has monitored the situation with Medfly traps all over the state.  This is a very effective way to detect the pest.  You can see these traps hanging in trees today as we are constantly looking for this pest!