Role of Phytosanitary Surveillance of Anastrepha spp. Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Context of the Citrus Industry of Cuba

Abstract

The phytosanitary surveillance plays an important role in the early detection to prevent the establishment of harmful pests of economic and quarantine importance. The presence of fruit flies belonging to the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera or Ceratitis (Diptera: Tephritidae) on the American continent constitute a potential risk of introduction, threatening the production of citrus and other hosts of countries in the region. In Cuba, the presence of some Anastrepha spp., as well as Bactrocera carambolae or Ceratitis capitata is not registered, thus surveillance for these quarantine pests and for other species of national interest continues. Results have been obtained from research on preferred host fruits located in the surroundings of citrus plots, revealing the presence and potential risk to citrus of A. suspensa, identified as of quarantine importance in countries such as the United States and others. During the period 2010-2012 three activities were conducted to characterize, diagnose and train staff to strengthen phytosanitary surveillance of Anastrepha fruit flies in citrus production areas in: Ceiba Citrus Enterprises (Artemisa), Victoria de Giron (Matanzas), Arimao (Cienfuegos) and Ciego de Avila citrus enterprises. To fulfill this objective, the composition of host fruit presence in production areas with respect to A. suspensa was evaluated. Host preferences of the main Anastrepha species detected and the effectiveness of traps and attractants were determined, and the monitoring system was relocated. The information obtained allowed designing the monitoring strategy in production areas. Training, one of the most important tools, was developed through seminars and workshops. These results provide inputs to the monitoring programs and the procedures that are essential in the development and implementation of measures for the phytosanitary surveillance and integrated management of fruit flies in Cuban citrus production.