case 10- Sikkim, India, 2023

For a long time, citrus fruit – Citrus reticulata (Mandarin) has been cultivated in Sikkim. Mandarin orange and sweet orange are the most important citrus fruits, mostly grown as a cash crop to provide employment, income, and a market for local farmers. Despite these advantages, citrus fruit is prone to severe damage by fruit flies, and loss of income to citrus growers. The importance of fruit flies as pests has been noticed since the commercialization of agriculture.

The Chinese citrus fly (CCF), Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most destructive insect pests of citrus in the Asian region from southwestern China to Nepal, India (Sikkim, West Bengal) and Bhutan. CCF, as an oligophagous pest, feeds exclusively in citrus fruits, and prefers tight to loose skin citrus fruits.

Ecoman, in collaboration with the local team in Sikkim, conducted an AWCP (Area Wide Control Program) initiative from May to July at the local citrus trial site to control Chinese Citrus Fly(Bactrocera minax).

1. Fruit fly monitoring

Using Ecoman Mimic Trap to monitor the fruit fly population in the trial site, as we can see from the picture above, several fruit flies got trapped.

2. Training sessions

The training includes: biological characteristics of the fruit fly, how to dilute the bait properly with water(the right ratio), when and where to spray, other precautions and instructions.

3. GFFB(Great Fruit Fly Bait) application

According the fruit fly population monitoring data, we have chosen the best time to do the spraying application(from May to July, total 10 rounds). Usually two months before harvesting should be the best time to control the fruit flies.

Spot spraying on the underside of the leaves and spraying 175 spots per hectare, make sure 50ml solution is sprayed on every spot. We have given techinical training sessions to the local spraying team on using the right methods to spray. The team can do the job well.

4. Efficacy evaluation

Control efficacy of using GFFB

The results were impressive, reducing the average fruit damage rate from 80% to 18%. This positive outcome has delighted growers and government officials, prompting the expansion of trials to other districts this year.
The success of these trials not only boosts orange production but also highlights the collaborative efforts between stakeholders for a sustainable future in citrus cultivation.