Pest categorisation of Zaprionus indianus

Abstract

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the African fig fly for the territory of the EU. This species successfully colonised the Indian subcontinent more than four decades ago, and more recently South and North America. Within the EU, the pest occurs in Cyprus, Malta, Portugal (Madeira) and Spain (Canary Islands and Andalusia). Z. indianus is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/ 2072. The larvae of this fly feed on more than 80 plant species both cultivated and non-cultivated. Females produce around 60-70 eggs. Egg laying mostly occurs in decaying fruit or fruit with injuries or mechanical damage. However, Z. indianus can oviposit on undamaged healthy fruit such as figs, strawberries and guavas which provide a potential pathway for entry into the EU. Lower temperature thresholds are around 9-10°C. Optimum development occurs at 28°C. The number of generations per year varies from 12 to 16. Climatic conditions in many EU member states and host plant availability in those areas are conducive for establishment. The introduction of Z. indianus is expected to have an economic impact in the EU especially on fig and strawberry production. Damage caused by other fruit flies (Drosophilidae and Tephritidae) could be increased by mixed infestations. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and further spread. Z. indianus satisfies all of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

First record of Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in mainland France

“…Yet, the ability of Z. indianus to oviposit and generate offspring in healthy strawberry fruit was clearly facilitated by injuries caused by D. suzukii or by mechanical injuries (42). Although no specific report of damage by Z. indianus in the EU has been reported so far, considering the damage caused to figs in South America, Z. indianus establishment and spread was considered as a threat with possible large economic consequences in Europe (43). Consequently, in 2022, Z. indianus was considered by European Food Safety Authority as a potential Union quarantine pest (43).…”

“…Although no specific report of damage by Z. indianus in the EU has been reported so far, considering the damage caused to figs in South America, Z. indianus establishment and spread was considered as a threat with possible large economic consequences in Europe (43). Consequently, in 2022, Z. indianus was considered by European Food Safety Authority as a potential Union quarantine pest (43). Our results suggest that a particular attention should be paid also on Z. tuberculatus .…”

Geographical and sex‐specific effects of malathion insecticide selection in African fig fly Zaprionus indianus Gupta, 1970 (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

“…Since the invasion, the species has rapidly spread throughout the country (Commar et al., 2012; Rios et al., 2022) and has become a significant pest in fig crops, causing major economic impacts (Commar et al., 2012; Vieira et al., 2019; Vilela & Goñi, 2000). Other studies have shown that Z. indianus is detrimental to the cultivation of tomato, guava, mango, cherry, and blueberry (Bragard et al., 2022; Khaldi et al., 2021).…”

“…. Other studies have shown that Z. indianus is detrimental to the cultivation of tomato, guava, mango, cherry, and blueberry (Bragard et al, 2022;Khaldi et al, 2021).…”

Effects of co-occurrence and intra- and interspecific interactions between Drosophila suzukii and Zaprionus indianus

“…Indeed, females of Z . indianus produce around 70 eggs, can pause ovarian development during cold periods without loss of fertility [ 2 , 13 ], and complete 12 to 16 generations per year. Dissimilarly, Drosophila suzukii females are highly fertile and lay more than 200 eggs during their lifetime [ 14 ].…”