Bactrocera papayae (Diptera: Tephritidae) incursion - Cairns, Australia

Abstract

Bactrocera papayae belongs to the Oriental Fruit Fly complex and is a serious pest of most edible fruits, and many vegetables. It was introduced to Irian Jaya during the late 1980s, spread to Papua New Guinea in 1992 and Australian Territory in 1993, to islands in Torres Strait). An eradication program was undertaken. In late 1995, it was detected for the first time in mainland Australia, south-east of Cairns, North Queensland. This paper discusses action taken since the incursion of B. papayae, and future planned strategies.