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Mission:
CROP QUALITY AND FRUIT INSECTS RESEARCH UNIT (CQFIRU) develops new knowledge and improved technology for eliminating pests, particularly fruit flies. Within 80 miles of the KDLG-SARC, nine bridges link the U.S. and Mexico. Tons of agricultural products cross these bridges each day. Transportation of products into the U.S. will be facilitated by a new interstate highway (I-69) leading North. Research focuses on preventing the introduction and spread of exotic pests in imported commodities, facilitating international trade, and supplying safe, nutritious commodities to U.S. consumers. The CQFIRU has an international role in research on ways to eliminate pests from harvested produce, including management or elimination of pest populations in the field or from produce after harvest. Plant science research addresses internal and external factors affecting ripening, deterioration, and decay of harvested produce. Completion of a new 24,000 sq. ft. facility to house this Unit signals the importance of this research program.