Case 7 - Sindhuli, Nepal 2018

Citrus is an important fruit commodity in the midhill of Nepal. Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) holds first position in terms of area and production followed by Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) in Nepal (Amgai et al., 2016). Citrus fruits are generally consumed as fresh fruit as well and extraction of juice and further processing (Adhikari and Rayamajhi, 2012). Sindhuli and Ramechhap are the two major Sweet Orange growing districts in Nepal. The Sweet Orange Variety produced in Sindhuli is called JUNAR in Nepal. Thus, Sweet Orange cultivation in Sindhuli is for the income generation and for the name and fame of the district. 

Fruit fly is one of the most important pest in fruits and vegetables (Adhikari et al., 2016). Fruit damage rate due to the infestation of Chinese Citrus Fly (Bactrocera minax) has caused huge economic losses to the growers since 2014 (Adhikari and Joshi, 2018).

Area Wide Control Program (AWCP) was initiated to manage Chinese Citrus Fly (Bactrocera minax) in Sindhuli, Nepal. The objective of the program was to suppress the Chinese Citrus Fly populations and minimize the fruit damage rate due to the fruit flies. The programme was carried out in Golanjor Rural Municipality -4, Tinkanya covering 100 acres of Sweet orange orchards in April, 2018.

This program was organized by the joint efforts of Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Program Implementation Unit (Junar Super Zone, Sindhuli), Karma Chemical Company Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Beijing Ecoman Biotech Co.,Ltd., China and the Sweet orange growers of Tinkanya, Sindhuli, Nepal.

The initial report highlights the activities performed and planned as per the protocol of AWCP for CCF by Ecoman Biotech, China:

·      Interaction with Super Zone, Sindhuli on 20th April, 2018 (Baishak 07, 2075, as per Nepali calendar) at Khaniyakharka Sindhuli.

·      Examination of Pupae and setting up of the net to trap adults on 20th April, 2018 (Baishak 07, 2075, as per Nepali calendar) at Tinkanya, Sindhuli

·      Adult emergence inside the nets in different locations from 7th April, 2018 (Baishak 14, 2075, as per Nepali calendar )

·      Application of GREAT® Fruit Fly Bait (Protein Hydrolysate 25 % and 0.1 % Abamectin) by diluting 1 part GFFB in 2 parts water and spraying 50 ml solution in 0.5 to 1 sq.mt area in the underside of the leaves in the Sweet Orange tree. 7-8 spots per ropani per week. Total area covered: 100 acre = 800 ropanies.

The Nepal team  successfully completed the area wide application program using GREAT® Fruit Fly Bait . Their work  was published in the leading local newspaper - Nagarik. Many scientific publications regarding the fruit fly population dynamics in the Sweet Orange orchards in Sindhuli, Nepal & Area wide control program- planning, inplementation & results were published by the scientists closely involved in this project. Kindly visit our downloads section to view/download the publications.