Tuvalu is composed of nine groups of low islands (129 islets, 26 km²). Fruit fly traps were temporarily set up in 1993 and 1996 to survey fruit flies. Permanent trapping sites for quarantine surveillance were established in 1998. For additional information, please contact:
Mr. Uatea Vave Extension & Quarantine Officer, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Natural Resources Private Mail Bag, Funafuti, Tuvalu; Tel: (688) 20 825 / 20 186; Fax: 688 20 826; E-mail: vaveuatea@hotmail.com
FRUIT FLY SPECIES: One species is known: Bactrocera new species near passiflorae. It is closely related to B. passiflorae, but has a pale abdomen. Its host range and pest status have not been studied.
STATUS OF QUARANTINE SURVEILLANCE (as of October 2007): There are 23 trapping sites on 7 islands : Niulakita, Nukulaelae, Funafuti, Niutao, Vaitupu, Nanumea and Nanumanga. Each site has a cue lure and a methyl eugenol trap. An extensive host fruit survey was carried out in January 2004 covering the 7 islands stated above. This survey is the first fruit fly host survey carried out on Tuvalu. A total of 89 samples of various fruits which included papaya, tropical almonds, breadfruit, banana, plantain, pandanus fruit, noni (Morinda citrifolia) and coastal wild fruits were collected. There are plans to carry out regular surveys (at least 3 surveys a year). As part of the surveillance program a nation wide public awareness program is also carried out. There are fruit fly posters and quarantine bins at the airport. There is also a quarantine awareness program on the radio.
REFERENCES:
Panapa, S. 1996. [Emergency response plan for Tuvalu]. Draft. 7pp.
Tora Vueti, E., Allwood, A.J., Leweniqila, L., Ralulu, L., Balawakula, A., Malau, A., Sales, F., Peleti, K. 1997. Fruit fly fauna in Fiji, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna, Tokelau and Nauru. pp. 60-63 in: Allwood, A.J., and Drew, R.A.I. 1997. Management of fruit flies in the Pacific. ACIAR Proceedings No 76. 267pp.
Download Pest Advisory Leaflet on Fruit flies in Tuvalu in English or in French (951 Kb) Download Pest Advisory Leaflet on Fruit flies in Tuvalu in English or in French (951 Kb)
Page updated on: 17 October, 2007