In Turkey's Muğla, efforts by the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality have targeted the Mediterranean fruit fly, a threat to the region's citrus exports. Utilizing biotechnological systems, the municipality has initiated trapping operations over 35,000 decares in the Köyceğiz district, home to a significant portion of citrus cultivation. This initiative is aimed at mitigating the financial burden of disinfection for local producers and enhancing the export potential of citrus fruits.
Local officials, including Zaferler Mukhtar Sedat Ayhan, have acknowledged the detrimental impact of the Mediterranean fruit fly on citrus exports, highlighting the necessity of a collective approach to address this challenge. The intervention has not only curbed the pest's population but also reduced the need for extensive pesticide use, contributing to the production of export-quality citrus fruits without residue concerns.
Agricultural Engineer Turgut Karagöz emphasized the extensive nature of the problem and the cost-effective solution provided by the trapping efforts. This method has significantly reduced the need for repetitive chemical treatments, offering a sustainable alternative to managing the pest threat in the region.
Source: raillynews.com