SAG reinforces preventive surveillance of Drosophila Suzukii pest in the Coquimbo region

07/11/2016

Although, this insect is not present in Chile, if it is in Argentina, therefore the Agricultural and Livestock Service, is performing the installation of traps to prevent any indication of income. In this context, the entity made a special call to the regional population not to remove the traps installed, as they are vital to prevent the entry of the insect and activate control measures quickly.

In the presence of the plague Drosophila suzukii In Argentina, the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) of the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile is strengthening the pest detection systems from the Atacama Region to Aysén.

It is a fly of Asian origin, which has expanded worldwide, affecting mainly blueberry, blackberry, cherries and strawberry crops.

Given its seriousness and the fact that it is not found in Chile, and that the public and private sector wants to continue, the SAG is installing traps in houses and properties for the early detection of this pest and, thus, prevent its spread mainly in the agricultural sector of the Coquimbo Region. That is why, from the Service, they call on citizens not to remove the traps that are being installed.

In this regard, the Regional Director of SAG, Jorge Fernández, explained that "the plague Drosophila suzukii is a fly that affects fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, among others, since it deposits its eggs in them and rots them, strongly damaging the productivity of the crops. Fortunately, this plague is not found in Chile, however, as SAG we are constantly monitoring its possible appearance in order to generate early detection and prevent this plague from affecting regional agricultural productivity.".

"That is why we want to make a call to the citizens not to remove the traps that we are placing in strategic places of the cities and the rural sector, since they could do a great damage to our producers"Added the Regional Director of SAG.

It should be noted that the plague was found in Argentina, so the SAG has installed a total of 1.942 traps nationwide, of which 122 traps are located in the Coquimbo Region; 62 of them in the Province of Elqui, 50 in Limarí and 10 in the province of Choapa, with the objective of monitoring their potential appearance and generating an immediate plan of eradication in case their occurrence is registered.

Source: SimFruit