Richard Lule, a mango farmer from Ngalonkalu in Zirobwe, is grappling with a serious challenge, fruit flies. As his mangoes near maturity, he fears that if he does not find a quick solution, he will suffer significant losses.
According to Robert Zizinga, a specialist in pesticides and the owner of several fruit nursery gardens, fruit flies are among the most destructive pests affecting mangoes.
“If not properly controlled, fruit flies can cause up to 100% loss of fruits,” Zizinga warns.
Fruit flies become a major threat when the mangoes are almost ripe. “The female fruit fly punctures the maturing fruit and lays her eggs inside. Although the fruit may look fine from the outside, it is already damaged inside,” he explains.
After hatching, the larvae feed on the fruit’s flesh, causing it to rot. Once mature, the maggots fall to the ground, where they continue their growth cycle, worsening the infestation.
To control this menace, Zizinga advises regular spraying with recommended pesticides, such as dimethoate.
“Timely application of pesticides is essential. Farmers should start spraying just before the fruits begin to mature and continue at recommended intervals,” he says.
Beyond spraying, farmers should also practice field sanitation. “Collect and properly dispose of all fallen fruits because they harbor larvae that can emerge as adult flies and reinfect the crop,” Zizinga recommends.
He also advises farmers to use bait traps and to prune mango trees regularly to make spraying easier and more effective.
With consistent spraying, good hygiene practices in the orchard, and regular monitoring, farmers like Lule can significantly reduce fruit fly damage and protect their harvests. “Early action is the best defense,” Zizinga emphasises.
