Ability to Respond Total:23 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
Found in many tropical areas of the world including Hawaii. Larvae and eggs may be transported in infested fruit, pupae may be transported in infested soil. Adults may be transported more than a mile, though they are poor fliers.
5
Spread Amount
Very large host set, very broad range. This tropical fruit fly is able to tolerate cool temperatures. Considered the worst pest in the world. Has many fruit hosts. Thin-skinned, ripe, succulent fruits are preferred.
5
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Increased use of pesticides if this pest became established would have a detrimental affect on the environment. Decrease in food forage for wildlife. Possible threat to endangered species.
2
Agricultural
More than 260 hosts including, citrus, stone fruits, solanaceous crops, cotton, pears and apples.
5
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
Home gardens/orchards severely impacted.
2
Health
0
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
0
Agricultural
0
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
0
Health
0
Total
19
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Statewide trapping program has been successful at early detection. Can be detected through the use of pheromone baited traps. Timely detection is critical for control. Must occur on a very large scale.
5
Control
Adults lay eggs very quickly, able to withstand pesticide residues on the fruit, larvae and eggs are unaffected. Confirmed larval properties are treated. Sterile Insect Technique succesfully used for eradication. Very expensive. Response must be rapid.
3
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
A-rated pest from CDFA, strict laws regulate the movement of certain commodities into the US to prevent establishment of this pest.
5
Control
A-rated pest from CDFA, numerous local infestations over the years have been detected and eradicated in California.
5
Outreach
One of the most infamous pests worldwide, the medfly is no stranger to CA.
