The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has invested R2 mln (€100,000) in research to protect the export fruit industry from pests. The financial support was given to citrus growers in the Western Cape using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for False Codling Moth (FCM). The SIT program is delivered by X Sterile Insect Technique, forming part of the RBX Group, and is a subsidiary of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa.
The Western Cape exports approximately 20 million 15-kg cartons of citrus per season, generating a substantial amount of revenue and supporting approximately 30,000 jobs in the province. The citrus industry as a whole sustains the livelihoods of 140,000 South Africans.
The SIT treatment program started in 2007 in Citrusdal, following research by the CGA's research subsidiary Citrus Research International, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Source: bizcommunity.com
