Title: | Biological Control of a Phytosanitary Pest (Thaumatotibia leucotreta): A Case Study |
Address: | "Citrus Research International, P.O. Box 5095, Walmer, Port Elizabeth 6065, South Africa. Centre for Biological Control, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Makhanda 6140, South Africa" |
Journal Title: | Int J Environ Res Public Health |
ISSN/ISBN: | 1660-4601 (Electronic) 1661-7827 (Print) 1660-4601 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "Thaumatotibia leucotreta, known as the false codling moth, is a pest of citrus and other crops in sub-Saharan Africa. As it is endemic to this region and as South Africa exports most of its citrus around the world, T. leucotreta has phytosanitary status for most markets. This means that there is zero tolerance for any infestation with live larvae in the market. Consequently, control measures prior to exporting must be exemplary. Certain markets require a standalone postharvest disinfestation treatment for T. leucotreta. However, the European Union accepts a systems approach, consisting of three measures and numerous components within these measures. Although effective preharvest control measures are important under all circumstances, they are most critical where a standalone postharvest disinfestation treatment is not applied, such as within a systems approach. Conventional wisdom may lead a belief that effective chemical control tools are imperative to achieve this end. However, we demonstrate that it is possible to effectively control T. leucotreta to a level acceptable for a phytosanitary market, using only biological control tools. This includes parasitoids, predators, microbial control, semiochemicals, and sterile insects. Simultaneously, on-farm and environmental safety is improved and compliance with the increasing stringency of chemical residue requirements imposed by markets is achieved" |
Keywords: | "Animals *Citrus Larva *Moths Pest Control, Biological South Africa chemical residues citrus false codling moth preharvest control systems approach;" |
Notes: | "MedlineMoore, Sean D eng Review Switzerland 2021/02/13 Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 29; 18(3):1198. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031198" |