August 19, 2026 | Taiwan News |
Taitung agricultural authorities are urging fruit growers to strengthen oriental fruit fly control after populations increased following hot and dry weather. Higher numbers have been detected in Taitung City, Beinan Township, and Taimali Township, raising concerns about damage to fruit crops.
Oriental fruit flies can locate host fruits efficiently and typically lay eggs as fruits approach maturity. Under Taitung’s current high temperatures, the pest can complete a generation in about 20–22 days, increasing the risk of rapid population growth and outbreaks.
Authorities recommend that farmers closely monitor orchards and regularly maintain traps. Field sanitation is also important, including removing fallen or infested fruit and pruning trees to improve ventilation and expose eggs and larvae to sunlight. Additional measures include bait traps, food-based control methods, fruit bagging before three-quarters maturity, and the appropriate use of approved pesticides while observing pre-harvest intervals.
Officials emphasized that effective management requires coordinated action among growers, particularly because abandoned orchards can become breeding sites. Strengthened monitoring, sanitation, trapping, and preventive measures are therefore recommended to limit pest populations and protect fruit production.
