The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute is currently conducting a surveillance exercise in Region Two, hoping to improve methods to combat the Carambola Fruit Fly (CFF).
The CFF, originally from tropical Asia, was introduced in South America in Suriname in the 70’s. Later, the pest spread to Guyana, French Guiana and the Brazilian state of Amapa. For years, fruit farmers in the Pomeroon and several villages on the Essequibo Coast have been affected by the Carambola Fruit Fly. The pest does not only destroy the carambola fruit but other crops such as cherry, guava and mangoes.
To control the CFF, NAREI has been implementing a control strategy used in countries affected by the pest. Plant Protection Officers and Extension Officers have been placing Jackson Traps in various communities to identify areas where the pest population exists. Once, the pest is found in a particular area, baits are set to combat the pests.
Source: dpi.gov.gy
