Fruit Fly (Tephritidae) Management in the Neotropical Region: History, State of the Art, and Perspectives

Abstract

We first examine the most active countries in terms of research and highlight the critical role that international organizations have been playing in aiding fruit fly control/management efforts in the Neotropics. We then briefly review highlights on the history and current situation of fruit management in the Neotropical region moving from south to north, including the introduction of exotic species such as Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera carambolae. A special section of this chapter is dedicated to the seminal role played by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in helping countries in the Neotropics manage fruit flies. In doing so, we have touched upon the recent advances made in implementing area-wide management and establishing low-prevalence and pest-free areas (PFAs) using the sterile insect technique and biological control. We finish by briefly reviewing the advances in the implementation of environmentally friendly schemes such as the experimental application/testing of the incompatible insect technique (IIT), host marking pheromones (HMPs), mycoinsecticides/pathogens, magnetite nanoparticles, salicylic acid, chitosan coatings, breeding for fruit resistance to attacks by fruit flies, fruit bagging, and orchard design, touching upon the threat represented by global climate change, particularly mass deforestation, and global warming, as the range of certain pestiferous species such as Anastrepha ludens, Anastrepha grandis, and C. capitata could considerably expand.