The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) has confirmed the first detection of the fruit fly Bactrocera facialis in the country.
Originally from Tonga, the pest was first spotted on Nanuya Island in the Yasawas and later found on Naukacuvu, Narara, and Vomo islands.
Acting CEO Surend Pratap warned the species poses a serious threat to crops such as breadfruit, mango, guava, papaya, avocado, chillies, capsicum, and kavika.
“The larvae feed inside the fruit, causing it to rot and drop early, making it inedible and unsellable,”he said.
Fruit flies lay eggs inside fruit, and the larvae feed from the inside, leading to decay. Signs include puncture marks on the skin, brown or water-soaked spots, discoloration, and premature fruit drop.
BAF and the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways have activated emergency measures, including trapping, bait sprays, and strict quarantine of fruits from affected islands to prevent spread.
The public is urged not to move fruits from these islands and to report any suspicious damage immediately to the BAF hotline on 5994 or the nearest BAF or Ministry office.
