The Department of Plant Protection at the College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, held a seminar entitled “Peach Fruit Fly and Other Fruit and Vegetable Flies: Problems and Proposed Solutions,” presented by Assistant Lecturer Dr. Karar Abdulzahra Mahdi.
The seminar addressed the seriousness of this pest, which is considered one of the most dangerous agricultural pests worldwide. It attacks more than fifty species of fruits and vegetables, causing significant economic losses that may reach up to 100% of the total yield. The lecturer pointed out that the peach fruit fly (Bactrocera zonata) and the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) are among the most widespread and destructive species in the region and in Iraq.
The researcher explained that the integrated pest management (IPM) of fruit flies relies on three main pillars: monitoring and surveillance using traps, the implementation of quarantine and regulatory measures, and the use of multiple control strategies including agricultural, physical, chemical, and biological methods, in addition to the sterile insect technique to limit their spread.
The seminar concluded by emphasizing the importance of coordination between academic and field efforts, along with the active participation of farmers in applying modern pest control methods. This cooperation is essential to reduce the spread of the pest, raise agricultural awareness, safeguard food security, and promote sustainable agricultural development in Iraq.
