Against fruit fly: Experts call for using modern techniques

FAISALABAD: In a bid to counter the menace of fruit fly attacks, agricultural experts have recommended the use of advanced biotechnological techniques.

They forwarded these recommendations during a national conference titled ‘Sustainable Management & Control of Fruit Fly Infestation’ which was held at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad on Friday.

The experts said sterile insect technique, release of insects carrying a dominant lethal and sterile-male and others could prove helpful in overcoming the situation. The conference also recommended creating awareness about fruit fly at all levels using different media sources. They also suggested that by utilising the insect chemical ecology, we can combat the issue of fruit fly in a unique way.

The experts further said good agricultural practices, pruning of trees for light and aeration, collection and dumping of dropped/rottening fruit should be adopted and installed.

UAF Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the university would conduct a commissioned research on fruit fly to overcome the infestation. He added the government was taking measures in the national agricultural policy to address the issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2016.