Scientists of the Mango Research Station have warned that ready-to harvest crops in different parts of the state have been infested with fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis), adding the pest attack will bring down the yield significantly if proper measures are not taken.
MRS principal scientist B. Kanaka Mahalakshmi says fruit fly is one of the deadliest pests that causes extensive damage to crops. “A majority of mango-growers are suffering from lower yield due to fruit flies and the damage accounts for about 27% to 42 % of loss in the harvest. In Andhra Pradesh, the loss has been found to be up to 48% if proper measures are no taken. It also depends upon the variety of mango grown,” she told The Hindu.
The cultivators of Rasaalu, Panukulu and other early mango varieties are less affected by the pest. But the farmers who grow varieties such as Banginapalli and Totapuri may suffer losses as they harvest in April or May, she explains.
As the use of chemicals to control the fruit fly can be harmful to the consumer, the MRS has been promoting pheromone trap technique to check the infestation.