Punjab Agriculture Department Urges Timely Disposal of Fallen Mangoes to Combat Fruit Fly Threat

Fruit Fly Control Crucial for Crop Quality and Exports

FAISALABAD – In a critical move to protect Pakistan’s mango crops and sustain its export potential, the Punjab Agriculture Department has issued a strong advisory to mango orchard owners in Faisalabad, urging the daily and proper disposal of fallen mangoes to curb the growing threat of fruit fly infestations.

According to a spokesperson from the Directorate of Agricultural Information, decaying and fallen mangoes act as breeding grounds for fruit fly larvae. If not immediately removed, these larvae develop into adult flies that infest healthy fruit, leading to widespread damage and substantial crop losses.

To combat the issue, the department has advised two main disposal techniques:

  • Burying spoiled fruit in deep pits located far from orchards.

  • Drying the fruit under direct sunlight on clean, cemented surfaces to eliminate eggs and larvae.

The department emphasized that orchard sanitation is a cornerstone of integrated pest management, especially as fruit fly infestations can result in 30% to 90% crop loss depending on severity.

Additionally, officials stressed the importance of regular monitoring of pheromone traps used to capture male fruit flies. These traps, combined with timely replacement of methyl eugenol capsules, help disrupt the breeding cycle and reduce the overall pest population.

The urgency of this advisory comes amid growing international scrutiny of Pakistan’s mango exports. Several countries, including Iran and EU member states, have raised concerns about non-compliance with phytosanitary standards, threatening import restrictions that could cost Pakistan’s mango industry billions in losses.

Read more: Over 60,000 Polio Vaccine Refusals Reported in Pakistan’s April Drive, Raising Alarm Among Health Authorities

Agricultural experts warn that addressing the fruit fly problem is not only crucial for local growers but also a matter of national economic significance. Proper orchard hygiene and pest control are essential to preserving crop quality and ensuring continued access to high-value export markets.

By following the department’s guidelines, mango growers can protect their yields, meet international standards, and help reinforce Pakistan’s standing as a leading mango exporter.

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.