Bactrocera dorsalis Detected in Greece for the First Time

This dipteran, which infects about 400 types of fruits and vegetables, has already been detected in various regions, including Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the United States. In Europe, it was first detected in Italy (2018), then in France (2019), and more recently in Belgium (2023).

Greece has confirmed the first detection of the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) within its territory. Classified as one of the twenty priority pests posing the most serious economic, environmental, and social threats to EU countries, the fly was found in a trap on the periphery of Attica.

Greek authorities have initiated surveys near the detection point to assess the presence of B. dorsalis in the area. They are installing additional traps and promoting an outreach campaign aimed at professional operators and citizens. This insect is mainly dispersed through the transport of fruits, where it can be transported as an egg or larva within the fruit, and even as a pupa through the soil. Additionally, it can move 50 to 100 km naturally.

The oriental fruit fly attacks many crops, including citrus, peaches, plums, pears, apples, tomatoes, peppers, bananas, mangoes, and papayas. Symptoms of infestation are similar to those caused by the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, with infected fruits showing discoloration and, subsequently, rot or holes where the larvae emerge. Unlike C. capitata, B. dorsalis‘ life cycle slows down with low temperatures and ceases at less than 13°C.

Most B. dorsalis detections in Europe are isolated individuals in urban areas, linked to logistics centers. However, the findings of more than one fly in Var (France) and Campania (Italy) have led authorities to implement measures to contain its expansion. Carlos Maria Lozano of the Plant Health and Certification Center of Aragon, highlighted in AgroMurcia the threat posed by B. dorsalis to stone fruit trees in the Mediterranean basin, underlining its wide range of dissemination and ability to attack these crops.