Thursday 11th April 2019 |
Text too small? |
Citrus imports from the US have been temporarily halted after fruit fly larvae were discovered in a consignment earlier this week.
The larvae of the spotted wing drosophila were found in a single orange during a routine inspection of a consignment on April 8.
“The fly is a serious pest that could harm a range of fruit crops," said Roger Smith, head of Biosecurity New Zealand.
Smith said the fly is not normally associated with citrus fruit and the ministry’s technical experts are assessing the find and any measures that might need to be taken.
“As a precautionary measure, we have put a temporary hold on citrus consignments from the US,” he said.
“We are working with authorities in the United States to identify the source of the contamination and possible treatment options for consignments on their way to New Zealand.”
Spotted wing drosophila are native to India, Korea, Japan and much of South-East Asia. They are also found across much of North America and Western Europe.
Biosecurity NZ says the flies are a particular risk as they can lay eggs in fresh fruit before it is even picked. They can damage berries, stonefruit and grapes.
“If they invaded New Zealand, all commercial and home growers would face increased pest control costs and lowered crop yields.”
(BusinessDesk)
No comments yet
Second St John withdrawal of labour takes effect tomorrow with further strikes likely
Sanford Appoints Independent Director
CRP ADVISES CLOSURE OF SHARE OFFER TO EXISTING INVESTOR
Devon Funds Morning Note - 14 August 2024
OCR 5.25% - Monetary restraint tempered as inflation converges on target
Consumers still need due diligence as new deposit takers emerge.
Woolworths strike: staff asked to dress up in Disney costumes for a week on their own dollar
Turners Invests in Quashed Online Insurance Platform
PGW Reports on Challenging Year
Arvida Announces Executive Team Changes