NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NSPM: 26  
 
 
 
 
Establishment of Pest Free Areas for Fruit Flies  (Tephritidae)  
2013  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(This standard is approved by (the NPPO and) the  Quarantine Committee of Nepal, chaired by the 
secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Development on 1st December 2013 and, is submitted by National 
Plant Quarantine Program to the National Notification Authority to be notified to the WTO member states)   
 Table of contents  
 
1. Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  0 
1.1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  0 
1.2 References  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .......  0 
1.3 Outline of requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  1 
2. Background  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  1 
3. Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 2 
3.1 General requir ements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  2 
3.1.1 Public awareness  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  3 
3.1.2 Documentation of information  ................................ ................................ ................................  3 
3.1.3  Record keeping  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  3 
3.1.4 Supervision activities  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
4 Specific require ments  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  4 
4.1 Determination of the FF -PFA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 4 
4.2 Establishment of the FF -PFA  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 4 
4.2.3 Inspection in field during active growing season  ................................ ................................ . 9 
4.2.4 Regulatory controls on the movement of host material or regulated ar ticles  ..................  9 
4.2.5 Other technical information  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 9 
4.2.6   Domestic declaration of pest freedom  ................................ ................................ ................  9 
4.3 Maintenance of the FF -PFA  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  10 
4.3.1 Surveillance for maintenance of the FF -PFA  ................................ ................................ ..... 11 
4.3.2 Movement Controls  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  11 
4.3.3 Verification of Fruit Fly pest free areas  ................................ ................................ ...............  11 
4.3.4 Planning for corrective action  ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
4.4 Suspension, reinstatement or loss of a FF -PFA status  ................................ ...........................  11 
4.4.1 Suspension and termination  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 11 
4.4.2 Reinstatement (recovery) of the pest free area status  ................................ .....................  12 
4.4.3 Loss of FF -PFA status  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  12 
Annex 1: Guidelines on corrective action plans  ................................ ................................ ..................  13  
1 
 Appendix 1: Fruit fly trapping  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  14 
Appendix 2: Guidelines for fruit sampling  ................................ ................................ .........................  19 
Appendix 3: Preparation and dispatch of fruit fly larvae for identification  ................................ .... 20 
 
  
 1. Introduction   
1.1 Scope  
This standard provides guidelines  for the e stablishment of pest free are as for fruit flies of 
economic important, and for the maintenance of their pest free status.  The target fruit fly pests 
for this standard include insects of the order Diptera, family Tephritidae . NSPM preparation 
based on guidelines and recommendations developed within the framework of the IPPC. This 
standard also adopted the principles, recommen dations and format of ISPM to achieve 
international harmonization of phytosanitary measures with the aim to facilitate trade.  
1.2 References  
IPPC. 1997. International Plant Protection Convention. Rome, IPPC, FAO.   
ISPM 4. 1995. Requirements for the estab lishment of pest free areas. Rome, IPPC, FAO. 
[published 1996]  
ISPM 5. Glossary of phytosanitary terms. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
ISPM 6. 1997. Guidelines for surveillance. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
ISPM 8. 1998. Determination of pest status in an area. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
ISPM 9. 1998. Guidelines for pest eradication programmes. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
ISPM 10. 1999.Requirements for the establishment of pest free places of production and pest 
free  production sites. Rome, IPPC, FAO.  
ISPM 17. 2002. Pest reporting. Rome, IPPC, FA O.  
RSPM. 2005.  Requirements for the establishment and maintenance of pest free areas for 
tephritid fruit flies, Rap publication 2005/26  
Operations Manual for Import and Export Certification, FAO/TCP/NEP/2903 -A Strengthening of 
Plant Quarantine Facilities  in Nepal, 2005)  
NSPM  14. Requirements for the establishment and maintenance of pest free areas for tephritid 
fruit flies, Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & 
Cooperation, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, N.H.IV, 
Faridabad -121001  
ISPM 26 , 2006.   Establishment of Pest Free Areas for Fruit Flies (Tephritidae) . . Rome, IPPC, 
FAO.  
R. Sapkota, K. C. Dahal and R. B. Thapa, 2010 -Damage assessment and management of 
cucurbit fruit flies in spring -summer squ ash 
Jaiswal, J. P., Gurung, T. B., GC., Y. D. and Pandey, R. R. (1997). Findings of melon fruit fly 
control survey and its integrated management, 1996/97. LARC Working Paper No. 
97/53. Kaski, Nepal: Lumle Agricultural  Research Centre ). 
Integrated managemen t of fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) on bitter gourd during the summer of 
1998/99. IAAS Research Reports (1995 -2000): 171 -175 (2000).  
  
1 
 National Standard on Internal Quarantine of Major Exportable and Consumable Commodities. 
BPRC Pvt. Ltd. 2011  
 Introduct ion and importance of Pest Free Area and requirements for declaration of free area, 
MTF/NEP/060/STF/STDF -170, Government of Nepal, MoAD/DoA, WTO and FAO, July, 2010).  
Plant Protection Act, 2007 and Rules, 20 10 
Definitions  
Pest Free Area  is defined in the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 5 
(Glossary of phytosanitary terms) (ISPM 5, 2010) as “ An area in which a specific pest does not 
occur as demonstrated by scientific evidence and in which, where appropriate, this con dition is 
being officially maintained” [FAO, 1995]  
 
1.3 Outline of requirements  
This standard provides procedures for establishment, maintenance, and verification of Pest 
Free Areas (PFA) for fruit flies. The standard outlines measures to reduce the risk of 
introduction and spread of the pest, criteria for monitoring fruit flies, regulatory controls 
(quarantine operations), and corrective action plans. The procedures necessary for suspension, 
termination, and reinstatement of the PFA are  also included . A bilateral work plan may be 
required to elaborate on the issues described in this s tandard . Corrective action planning is 
described in Annex 1.  
The general requirements to be considered in the establishment of a fruit fly pest free area (FF -
PFA) include: consideration of the need for a buffer zone; preparation of a public awareness 
programme; identification of resources; administrative elements of the system (development of 
documentation and review systems, record keeping and quality assurance programme) and 
supervision activities.   
The major elements of the FF -PFA are: establishment  of the FF -PFA; verification and 
declaration of the FF -PFA; and maintenance of the FF -PFA. These elements include the 
surveillance operational activities of trapping and fruit sampling, confirmatory identification of 
any fruit fly species detected. Gui danc e on trapping procedures, fruit sampling activities  and 
preparation  and d ispatch of fruit fly larvae for identification  is provided in Appendixes 1, 2 
and 3.  
2. Background    
The establishment and use of a PFA by an NPPO provides for the export of plants, plant 
products and other regulated articles from the country in which the area is situated (exporting 
country) to another country (importing country) without the need for application of additional 
phytosanitary measures when certain requirements are met. T hus, the pest free status of an 
area may be used as the basis for the phytosanitary certification of plants, plant products and 
other regulated articles with respect to the stated pest(s). It also provides, as an element in pest 
risk assessment, the confir mation on a scientific basis of the absence of a stated pest from an 
area. The PFA is then an element in the justification of phytosanitary measures taken by an 
importing country to protect an endangered area   
2 
 Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are economic ally important pests that often require the 
application of  phytosanitary measures for movement of host commodities in trade because they 
cause damage and restrict market access for fruits. The presence of species of the family 
Tephritidae not only has a n egative impact on economy of infested countries, but also has 
implication on the international trade due to the restrictions imposed by the importing countries 
on the export of fresh fruit. For these reasons, there is a need for Nepal’s NSPM that provides 
specific guidance for the establishment and maintenance of pest free areas for fruit flies. A 
detection of fruit fly within the PFA can result in the loss of lucrative export markets and the 
introduction of expensive control programs which affect the local  fruit and our communities.   
 
A fruit fly outbreak detected in a fruit fly -pest free area (FF -PFA) may pose a risk for those 
importing countries where the fruit fly species is considered a regulated pest. Phytosanitary 
actions for quarantine purposes are needed because movements of regulated articles from and 
through quarantine areas pose a risk of spreading the target fruit fly species. When a fruit fly 
outbreak is detected within an FF -PFA, a quarantine area should be established. The NPPO of 
the exporti ng country should determine the criteria for the declaration of an outbreak in 
accordance with this s tandard and other relevant ISPM s. The ISPM concerning fruit flies have 
facilitated the exporting and importing countries to find solution  for fresh fruit t rading.  ISPM 
4:1995 describes different types of pest free areas and provides general guidance on the 
establishment of pest free areas.  
 
The quarantine area and the related phytosanitary actions are necessary to maintain the status 
of the surrounding FF -PFA and to meet the requirements of the importing country. These 
phytosanitary measures may be subject to bilateral agreement. They may also be audited by 
the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of the importing country.  One of the functions 
of NPP O of Nepal is to carry out regular study, research and surveillance of regulated pests, 
and update information thereon and provide such information to the concerned bodies or 
importing countries (See  Plant  Protection Regulation, 20 10). It is also considered that exporting 
country should use standard traps, specific lures and harmonized trapping procedures and 
proper documentation of records to ensure the fruit fly free area status is maintained so as to 
comply with the requirements of importing cou ntry.  
The target pests for which this standard was developed include insects of the order Diptera, 
family Tephritidae, of the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Dacus, Rhagoletis and 
Toxotrypana.  
3. Requirements   
 
3.1 General requirements  
Fruit fly pest free areas may occur naturally or following the successful implementation of pest 
eradication programmes (ISPM No. 9: Pest Eradication programmes). According to ISPM No. 
10, a pest free area is managed as a whole, by the NPPO of the exportin g country. The decision 
to est ablish a FF -PFA is made by NPPO based  on technical and socio -economic feasibility. 
Technical factors to consider in determining the feasibility of establishing a FF -PFA in a country 
may include components such as: pest biology, size of the area, pest population levels, 
dispersed pathways, geo graphic isolation, climate, geography and availability and feasibility of 
methods for pest eradication. All the procedures used for establishment and maintenance of the 
FF-PFA should be documented, a udited and endorsed by the NPPO.  The NPPO of the 
exportin g country should, on request, make available to the NPPO of the importing country the 
rationale for establishment and maintenance of pest free areas.   
3 
 In areas where the fruit flies are capable of establishment and known to be absent, general 
surveillance i n accordance with section 3.1.2 of ISPM 8:1998 is normally sufficient for the 
purpose of delimiting and establishing a pest free area. If, however, the fruit flies are detected 
and can cause economic damage during a season (Article VII.3 of the IPPC), corr ective actions 
should be applied in order to allow the maintenance of a FF -PFA.  
 
3.1.1 Public awareness   
A public awareness programme is most important in areas where the risk of introduction is 
higher. An important factor in the establishment and mainten ance of FF -PFAs is the support and 
participation of the people living within the FF -PFA, individuals that may travel to or through the 
area, and other parties with interests in the area. The FF -PFA status can be maintained only if 
there is no introduction of target species through the movement of infested fruit. The public and 
stakeholders should be informed of the importance of establishing and maintaining th e pest free 
status of the area. This awareness may include information on exotic species of quarant ine 
concern.  Public awareness is conducted by different ways or sources including:  
- permanent or temporary checkpoints  in selected areas  
- posting signs at entry points and transit corridors  
- fruit fly host commodity disposal bins at the bord ers of FF -PFAs or buffer zones,  
- awareness brochures , leaflets, posters with information on the pest and the pest free 
area  
- Publications in medias (newspaper, TV, Radio)  
- Public information campaigns through extension officers  
- Educational programs at Universities and pu blic seminaries  
- systems to regulate fruit movement/ systems to allow certified fruit fly free fruit 
movement within the FF -PFA-internal  
- non-commercial hosts  
- security of the traps  
- penalties for non -compliance  
 
3.1.2 Documentation  of information  
The information on detailed occurrence and distribution of various fruit fly species in Nepal and 
their host range should be clearly documented based on the literature search and as verified by 
the specimens deposited with the national insect collection mainta ined by the Division of 
Entomology,  Nepal Agriculture Research Council  (NARC ), Natural History Museum of 
Tribhuvan University  or any other authenticated insect collection and pest records . All 
procedures used in the establishment and maintenance of a FF -PFA should be adequately 
documented. The procedures should be reviewed and updated regularly. Any corrective 
measures implemented to refine or re -establish a FF -PFA should also be documented. They 
should be reviewed and updated regularly, including correctiv e actions, if required (see also 
ISPM 4:1995).  
3.1.3 Record keeping  
The Plant Protection Directorate (NPPO) of Nepal  or other institute/organization authorized by 
NPPO should keep appropriate records derived from general surveillance and specific surveys. 
Information kept should be appropriate for the intended purpose, for example support of specific 
pest risk analyses,  establishment of pest free areas and preparation of pest lists. The pest 
records should be maintained as per the format given in Table 1, 2, 3 and 4.  
4 
 Records of all procedures (such as surveys, detections, occurrences or outbreaks and results of 
other ope rational procedures) undertaken in the establishment and maintenance of a FF -PFA 
should be retained for as long as possible. Such records should be made available to the NPPO 
of the importing country on request.  
3.1.4 Supervision activities  
Directorate of  Plant protection (PPD), established under Department of Agriculture/Ministry of 
Agriculture Development, being the National Plant Protection Organization has the overall 
responsibility for organizing survey and monitoring programmes for determination of p est free 
areas (PFAs) in association with the  NARC. The FF -PFA programme, including the surveillance 
procedures (both trapping and fruit sampling when used), regulatory control, and corrective 
actions should comply with the documented and approved procedur es.  
The effectiveness of the programme should be monitored by the NPPO and/or trading partner, 
as appropriate, using quality assurance procedures. The NPPO  of Nepal  should ensure that the 
overseas country requirements are met with by ensuring the day to d ay running of the regular 
fruit fly monitoring programme and also responsible for timely reporting the survey results and 
take immediate necessary action in the event of detection of any fruit flies. The PPD  of 
Department of Agriculture  in close  technical  collaboration of NARC  should operate permanent 
trapping grids in the designated PFAs. They should ensure proper inspection of traps is carried 
out at regular intervals as required, recharging/replacement of traps as considered necessary at 
specified inter vals, collection and forwarding of specimens to reference entomologist for 
identification, timely reporting of the activities and effective implementation of appropriate 
measures following the detection of fruit flies of concern.  
The NPPO should evaluate a nd audit the operation of the procedures for establishment and 
maintenance of the FF -PFA to ensure that effective management is maintained even where the 
responsibility to carry out specific activities has been delegated to outside the NPPO.  
 
4 Specific requirements  
4.1 Determination of the FF -PFA 
The following characteristics of a FF -PFA should be considered in the determination of a  
specific area:  
-    target fruit fly species and their distribution within the country;  
-    commercial and non -commercia l host species  
-    geographical area (detailed maps showing the boundaries, natural barriers, entry points and 
host locations in the area)  
-    any existing regulations which may affect fruit movement   
-    climatic data (rainfall, relative humidity and temperature)  
-    buffer zones (where necessary)  
Further guidance on establishing and describing a PFA is provided in ISPM 4  
4.2 Establishment  of the FF -PFA  
The establishment of the FF -PFA will be based on presence of target pests in the area, pest  
5 
 level, numbers and damage . Information required includes, but is not limited to, general 
surveillance and specific surveys (detection, delimiting, and monitoring). The NPPO is 
responsible for the surveys, inspections and other systems that verify pest  establishm ent and  
freedom. The survey data s hould  be submitted in details and should  follow the guidelines of 
good surveillance (See  introduction and importance of Pest Free Area and requirements for 
declaration of free area, MTF/NEP/060/STF/STDF -170, Government of Nepal, MoAD/DoA, 
WTO and FAO, July, 2010).  The data should include the qualification of the personnel involved, 
appropriate facilities, equipments and instruments, effective and scientifically -valid methodology, 
expertise in diagnostic and identification services as well as organizational systems of the 
services, etc . The NPPO of Nepal country should provide official survey data. However, t he 
following should be developed and implemented:  
 
-    surveillance activities for establishment of the FF -PFA  
-    delimitation of the FF -PFA  
-    phytosani tary measures related to movement of host material or regulated articles  
-    pest suppression and eradicatio n techniques as appropriate  
 
4.2.1 Buffer zone  
In areas where geographic isolation is not considered adequate to prevent reinfestation of a FF -
PFA or where there are no other means of preventing fruit fly movement to the FF -PFA, a buffer 
zone will need to be established. Some of the factors which should be considered in the 
establishment of a buffer zone include:  
 pest suppression techniques which may be used to reduce the fruit fly population 
including:   
 selective insecticide bait spraying, sterile insect techniques, male annihilation 
(destruction) technique, biological control, mechanical control;  
 the target fruit fly species and its biology, host  availability, cropping systems, 
natural vegetation including adjacent forest or natural ecosystems, climatic 
conditions;  
 the geographic features of the area under consideration; and  
 the proximity of large urban areas that may make the control of fruit fly  species of 
economic concern difficult and/or costly.  
4.2.2 Surveillance  activities prior to establishment  
A regular survey programme for fruit flies of economic concern should be established and 
implemented. Generally it is considered that trapping, usin g an established trapping network 
throughout the FF -PFA, is sufficient to determine fruit fly absence or presence in an area.  
For species that are non -responsive to specific pheromone lures, fruit sampling may be used 
during the establishment phase of a F F-PFA. However, non -pheromone lure based traps (i.e. 
food-based traps) are generally used for large scale monitoring of FF -PFAs where non -
pheromone lure responsive fruit flies are to be monitored.  
Surveillance should be undertaken for at least 12 months in  the FF -PFA, or a period agreed to  
6 
 by consultation with prospective trading partners, using specific trapping and fruit sampling 
procedures throughout the potential FF -PFA. Trapping and sampling procedures should be 
applied to both commercial and non -comme rcial host material. These procedures are used to 
demonstrate that the pest is not present in the potential FF -PFA. There should be no detections 
(adult or immature stages) of the target species during the survey period. Trapping and/or fruit 
sampling tech niques adopted should follow established protocols for the target species of 
concern.  Surveys should be conducted using the guidelines in Appendixes 1 and 2.  
 
4.2.2.1 Trapping procedures  
Pest detection is an important step in the pest prevention program. Accurate recognition of 
newly introduced, economically significant insects in the field enables the prompt 
implementation of steps to effectively and efficiently confine and eradicate new infestations to 
prevent establishment and subsequent spread of these  pests to agricultural.  
Effective insect pest management relies on the early detection of insect pests, hopefully before 
they become established and cause damage. Trapping helps indicate the best possible time to 
spray for maximum effectiveness. This secti on contains general information on trapping 
procedures. There are long -established trapping systems that have been used to survey fruit fly 
populations. Trapping conditions may vary depending on, for example, the target fruit fly and 
environmental conditio ns. Fruitﬂy monitoring by these traps is a cheap, simple and efficient  
method. More information is provided in Appendix 1 . When planning for trapping, the following 
should be considered.  
Trap types and lures  
The   various   trap/lure   have been developed    for   survey   and   monitoring   specific   fruit   
flies. The traps  used in Nepal  include : cuellure and Sex pheromones and aggregating 
pheromones  (brought together into a mass) .  Fly catches differ depending on the types of lure 
used. The type of trap chosen for a survey depends on the target fruit fly species and the nature 
of the attractant.  
 
Use of methyl -eugenol trap or cuel ure trap was found very effective in controlling frui t fly and 
farmers were very much impressed with this technology and were enthusiastic to use thi s 
technology (See Jaiswal, J. P., Gurung, T. B., GC., Y. D. and Pandey, R. R. (1997). Findings of 
melon fruit fly control survey and its integrated management, 1996/97. LARC Working Paper 
No. 97/53. Kaski, Nepal: Lumle Agricultural  Research Centre ).  
Fruit flies are among the major pests of curcurbitaceous vegetables and citrus fruits such as 
mandarin and lemon. The pest management programme which included the fa rmers 
awareness, male annihilation by using parapheromones (cue lure for Bactrocera cucurbitae and 
methyl eugenol for B. dorsalis) and field sanitation have received tremendous interest and 
support of th e farmers and will be continued (see  Pandey, R. R. G C., Y. D. and Vaidya, A. K. 
(1997). A Report on management of fruit fly survey of egg parasitoids of citrus green stink bug 
and monitoring of pests of rice and maize. LARC Working Paper No. 97/25. Kaski, Nepal: Lum le 
Agricultural Research Centre)  
The use o f pheromone trap and field sanitation were found to be very effective in suppressing 
fruit fly(Bactrocera cucurbitae)  incidence  (See also Integrated management of fruit fly 
(Bactrocera cucurbitae) on bitter gourd during the summer of 1998/99. IAAS Researc h Reports 
(1995 -2000): 171 -175 (2000).  
 
Trapping density    
7 
 Trap density (number of traps per unit area) is critical for fruit fly surveys. The densities need to 
be adjusted based on many factors including: trap efficiency, lure/attractant efficiency, and 
location regarding altitude, type and presence of host, climate, topography, programme phase 
and type of fruit fly species.  The density of trapping would be higher for those areas with high 
probability of introduction.   
 
Trap deployment (determination of t he specific location of the traps)  
In FF -PFA programmes an extensive trapping network should be deployed  (spread out)  over 
areas where host plants are found. The trapping network layout will depend on the 
characteristics of the area, host distribution and biology of the fruit fly of concern. One of the 
most important features of trap placement is selecting a proper trap location and trap site within 
the selected host tree. If low growing host plants (strawberries, cucurbits etc.) are to be 
monitored or the availability of suitable host trees is limited, traps should be placed as close as 
possible to the canopies of non -host shade trees or an artificial equivalent, 1 -2 metres above 
the ground. Traps should not be hung below the foliage canopy of host trees, a nd should be a 
minimum of 1 metre above the ground. If more than one type of trap is deployed at a trapping 
site (e.g. two different lure traps), the traps should be separated by a minimum of 3 metres and 
should not be deployed in the same host tree . 
Consideration should be given to commercial management practices in the area where host 
trees are selected. For example, the regular application of insecticides (and/or other chemicals) 
to selected host trees may have a false -negative effect on the trappin g programme.  
 
Trap servicing  
The frequency of trap servicing  (maintaining and refreshing the traps)  during the period o f  
trapping will be dependent on attractant persistency (i.e. longevity of the bait) , the retention 
system if it affects the quality of specimens , rate of catch , season of fly activity , placement  of 
traps ,   biology of the species  and environmental conditions.  
It is important that lure material does not contaminate the external surface of the trap, nearby 
soil or plant material. It is equa lly important to ensure that there is no cross -contamination 
between lure types, or between lures and other chemicals.  
Trap replacement  
Traps have a definite working life, and the replacement of traps should be undertaken 
periodically based on the expected  longevity of the trap in the particular environment. The 
condition of each trap should also be examined during trap servicing and inspection activities, 
and where applicable (e.g. signs of deterioration), traps should be replaced.  
 
Record keeping  
All trapping and servicing data should be recorded. Records should be kept up -to-date and be 
readily available . The results of weekly trapping would be recorded in the workbook, which  
contain worksheets (Table -1). At the end of each year, a consolidated report  should be  
forwarded detaili ng the survey, detection of out break of suspected fruit flies and the action  taken 
(Table 3). 
 
Trap inspection and monitoring  
Traps should be inspected at weekly intervals during late spring, summer, and early autumn and 
at fortnightly intervals during winter. The frequency of regular inspection during the period of 
trapping should depend on:  
 expected fruit fly activity (biology  of the species)   
8 
  response of the target fruit fly in relation to host status at different times of the year  
 relative number of target and non -target fruit flies expected to be caught in a trap  
 type of trap used  
 physical condition of the flies in the tra p (and whether they can be identified).   
 
In certain traps, specimens may degrade quickly making identification difficult or impossible 
unless the traps are checked frequently . 
 
Identification capability  
In the implementation of IPPC, the NPPO should have access to adequate infrastructure and 
trained personnel .  
4.2.2.2 Fruit  sampling procedures  
Each samples  that inspector or  plant protection officer submits for laboratory analysis is 
considered to be an official sample. Fruit sampling may be used as a  surveillance method in 
combination with trapping where trapping is less effective  (APPENDIX 2) . With fruit flies that are 
not responsive to traps, the following factors should be considered if fruit sampling is to be used 
as a surveillance method.  
 All samples should be representative of the lot.  
 Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that samples are not compromised 
during its handling, storage and transport to the laboratory.  
 If samples are improperly collected, mishandled, transported an d/or are not 
representative of the sampled lot, the laboratory results may be inaccurate and 
inconclusive.  
It should be noted that fruit sampling is particularly effective in small -scale delimiting surveys in 
an outbreak area. However, it is labor  intensive, time consuming and expensive due to the 
destruction of fruit.  Some of the larvae should also be collected and preserved as per Appendix -
3 and immediately be dispatched to the Reference Entomologist.  
Host preference  
Fruit sampling should take in to consideration the presence of hosts of the target species. 
Sample fruit should be targeted based on maturity and apparent signs of infestation in fruits and 
commercial practices (e.g. application of insecticides) in the area.  
 
Targeting high risk areas  
Fruit sampling should be targeted to areas likely to have presence of infested fruits such as 
urban areas, abandoned (go away from) orchards , rejected fruit at packing houses, fruit markets 
and sites with a high concentration of primary hosts  and entrance  points into the FF -PFA, where 
appropriate.  
 
Sample size and selection  
The inspector should obtain the correct sample number(s) from the appropriate sampling plan. 
All sample numbers have a unique identification name and code that identifies whether or not  
the sample is intended for monitoring, surveillance, compliance, or other inspection activities 
defined by the program.  The size of the sample is indicated in the specifications for each 
sampling plan and depends on the laboratory tests to be performed.  
Factors to be considered include:  
 the required level of confidence   
9 
  the sample size, the number and weight of fruits per sample should be planned based 
on the availability of primary  host material in the field.  
Procedures for holding fruit  
Fruit samples collected in the field should be brought to a facility for holding, fruit dissection, and 
pest recovery. Each sample must be labeled with the sample identification number, or any other 
information that will help to match the Sampling Report t o the proper sample. The marking must 
be legible and permanent. Do not use a felt pen on plastic sample containers because the ink 
might penetrate the container. Fruit should be transported and held in a secure manner to avoid 
mixing fruits from different samples.  
4.2.3 Inspection in field during active growing season  
If the importing country insists upon the inspection of the crop during pre -harvest time/ active 
growing period for the freedom of any specific pathogen, the same is also undertaken. The 
inspe ction is conducted at regular interval of 15 days to one month depending upon the crop/ 
commodity and pathogen (Operations Manual for Import and Export Certification, 
FAO/TCP/NEP/2903 -A Strengthening of Plant Quarantine Facilities in Nepal, 2005)  
 
4.2.4 Regulatory  controls on the movement of host material or regulated articles  
Regulatory movement controls for regulated articles are required  to prevent the entry of target 
pests into the FF -PFA. These controls will depend on the assessed risks (after ident ification of 
likely pathways and regulated articles) and may include:  
 
 listing of the target fruit fly species on a quarantine pest list  
 regulation of the pathways and articles that require control to maintain the FF -PFA  
 domestic restrictions to control t he movement of regulated articles into the FF -PFA  
 inspection of regulated articles and examination of relevant documentation and, where 
necessary, application of appropriate non -compliance actions (e.g. treatment, 
reshipment or destruction).  
4.2.5 Other technical information  
Additional information may be useful during the establishment phase of FF -PFAs. This may 
include:  
 Historical records of detection, population dynamics, and survey activities for the 
designated target pest(s) in the proposed PFA should be retained for at least 24 months.  
 Records of the commercial production of host crops in the area, and an estimate of  non-
commercial production, and the presence of wild host arterial (road) , should be retained.  
 If detections of fruit flies have occurred in the proposed PFA during the establishment 
phase, the phytosanitary measures taken (e.g., delimiting trapping, frui t sampling, pest 
eradication techniques) and the results of those measures should be documented.  
 An official list of the other target arthropod pest species that may be present in the 
proposed PFA should be established  
4.2.6   Domestic d eclaration of pest  freedom  
Nepal’s Plant Protection Act , 2007  chapter 5  (Provisions relating to control of pests)  deals with 
pest free area declaration. The NPPO verifies the fruit fly free status of the area (see  ISPM No. 
8: Determination of pest status in an area) by chec king the compliance with the procedures set 
up in accordance with this standard (surveillance and regulatory controls). The NPPO  should 
declare  the establis hment of the FF -PFA and notify  trading partners , as appropriate.   
10 
 4.3 Maintenance of the FF -PFA 
Following the establishment and declaration of a FF -PFA, this status should be maintained. The 
NPPO s hould continue to administer the following  management and operational asp ects 
associated with the FF -PFA 
 Surveillance activities  
 Regulatory controls/action s- listing of the pest on a quarantine pest list, specification of 
quarantine requirements for importation into the country or district, restriction of the 
movement of certain plants or plant products within areas of the country, establishment 
of buffer zo nes and record of enforcement actions taken against violations.  
 Movement Controls  
 Routine monitoring  
 Extension programs for training and educating producers to strengthen plant protection.  
 Checks to verify freedom  has been maintained  
 Follow -up inspection and verification of pest free area  
 Inspections of each consignment to be exported.  
 Inspection and monitoring from researchers, inspectors and authorized personnel and 
reporting  the results to the concerned agency  
 Requirement for researchers, extension workers or inspectors to immediately notify the 
national plant quarantine authority of any occurrence of the pest.  
 Monitoring survey  
 Documentation  and review  
The aforementioned data and information of periodic review should be kept on file and, upon 
reques t, should be made available for review by the contracting party.  If deemed necessary 
during the review process, the country may be requested to dispatch appropriate personnel for 
consultation.  After review and evaluation are concluded, inspector(s) should  be sent to the area 
in proper season to conduct on -site inspection for confirmation of pest free status.  The 
expenses for inspection of the pest free status by the inspector(s) should be borne by the 
country.   
NPPO undertakes pest risk analyses for the establishment of phytosanitary measures; manage 
pest surveillance; report to other countries on pest status; coordinate the control of pests; and 
establish and monitor pest free areas. So, the NPPO of Nepal should  have the following data 
and information.  
 Data and information for the establishment of PFA  
 Description of the pest free area: Administrative information should include, but not be 
limited to, geographical location, boundary and size of the area, river or creek 
connecting with the area, record of flooding and dust storm, ecological conditions, 
degree of isolation, and other information which can support its area freedom status.  
 Biology of the pest: information should include, but not be limited to, scientif ic name, 
taxonomy, biotype, criteria for diagnosis or identification, host range, life cycle, survival 
condition and potential, reproductive potential, means and distance of dispersal, sign or 
symptom of infestation or infection, damage potential and contr ol measures, etc.  
 Quarantine measures used to maintain status of the pest free area:  
 Detailed Technical results  of  survey and surveillance   
11 
 (See  introduction and importance of Pest Free Area and requirements for declaration of free 
area, MTF/NEP/060/STF/S TDF-170, Government of Nepal, MoAD/DoA, WTO and FAO, July, 
2010).  
4.3.1 Surveillance for maintenance of the FF -PFA 
After verifying and declaring the FF -PFA, the official surveillance programme should be 
continued at a level assessed to be required for maintenance of the FF -PFA, for as lo ng as the 
FF-PFA is operational (Table 2).  Regular  (for example monthly) technical reports of survey 
activities should be generated. This may be the same as for surveillance procedures during the 
establishment phase with  differences in density and trap locations dependent upon the 
assessed level of risk of introduction and establishment of the target fruit fly species. It is likely 
that there will be lower densities required in commercial production sites and higher densi ties at 
points of entry and urban areas.   
4.3.2 Movement Controls  
The movement controls activities described in section  4.2.4 are required to be applied on an 
ongoing basis to maintain fruit fly pest free area status.  
4.3.3 Verification of Fruit Fly pest free areas 
The NPPO should verify that the requirements to maintain the PFA continue to be met. In 
addition to the surveillance activities and movement controls detailed in this standard, routine  
inspection and fruit sampling in the PFA should be carried out. The absence of reports of target 
pests on commodities moved out of the PFA can contribute to verification that the PFA is being 
maintained.  
4.3.4 Planning for corrective action  
The NPPO should have a documented plan of corrective actions to be impleme nted if the  target 
pest is detected in the PFA. The corrective actions should be initiated within 48 hours of the 
identification of a target pest in the surveillance program or identification of an immature life 
stage in the fruit. Failure to implement cor rective actions should result in termination o f PFA 
status (see Annex 1).  This plan should include:  
 criteria for the declaration of an outbreak/incursion, and the determination of the 
outbreak area and suspension area/s within the FF -PFA;  
 criteria for reinstatement of a FF -PFA suspension area following an outbreak;  
 procedures for responding to post -harvest interceptions, including interceptions by 
trading partners in imported host material;  
 criteria for initiating further surveillance;  
 rapid identificat ion of target fruit fly species;  
 the rapid implementation of delimiting survey/s (trapping and fruit sampling);  
 eradication measures; and  
 notification of corrective actions to trading partners as appropriate.  
4.4 Suspension, reinstatement or loss of a FF -PFA status  
4.4.1 Suspension and termination  
The status of the FF -PFA will change when an outbreak of the target pest occurs or procedures 
are found to be faulty.  Confirmation of a reproducing population (e.g., fertilized female) of the  
12 
 target pest(s) in the PFA or detection of target pest(s) during inspection of host products (e.g., 
larvae or pupae) should result in immediate suspension of the PFA status.  
If the criteria for an outbreak are met, this should result in the implementation of the corrective 
action plan as specified in this standard and immediate notification  to importing country’s NPPO  
(see NSPM : Pest reporting).  The whole or part of the FF -PFA may be suspended or terminated  
or revoked . If control measures are not effective  and the pest becomes established within an 
area of the FF -PFA, the pest free status of the area, or of the infested area of the FF -PFA, 
should terminate. Failure to apply phytosanitary measures necessary to maintain the PFA may 
result in termination of th e PFA status. Trading partner  (importing countrys’ NPPO ) should be 
informed  or notified  of any change in FF -PFA status as soon as possible.  
4.4.2 Reinstatement  (recovery)  of the pest free area status  
The status of a fruit fly PFA should be suspended if there is an outbreak of the target pest or 
inadequate procedures to maintain the integrity of the PFA have been applied. This suspension 
would not be an automatic loss of PFA status, but only apply to th e time that corrective action 
has been initiated. If the control measures have shown results and the target pest is no longer 
found or the procedures in question have been corrected, the fruit fly PFA could be reinstated. 
Reinstatement of suspended areas c an take place  with the following conditions:  
 Following  an outbreak, reinstatement criteria agreed to between tra ding partners have 
been met  
 Following identification of non -compliance in implementing agreed procedures and 
appropriate corrective actions have  been implemented to address the non -compliance  
 The location details and emergency measures taken will be reported to the  NPPO  (Plant 
Protection Directorate  of Department of Agriculture ) for further communication to NPPO 
of importing country  
 Such  reinstatement of pest free status should be considered with the approval of NPPO 
of importing country  
4.4.3 Loss of FF -PFA status  
If the control measures are not effective and the pest becomes established in the whole area  
(the area recognized as pest fre e), the status of the fruit fly PFA will be lost or terminated.   In 
order to reinstate the fruit fly PFA, the procedures for the establishment and maintenance 
outlined in this standard should be followed.  In such cases, the trading partners will be 
immedia tely informed of the change in FF -PFA status as soon as possible .  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
13 
 Annex  1: Guidelines on corrective action plans  
The detection of a single fruit fly (adult or immature) of the target species in the FF -PFA, the 
NPPO will start with the enforcement and implementation of a corrective action plan. The 
objective of the corrective action plan is to ensure that eradication procedures are correctly 
applied to eradicate the fruit fly species and to enable reinstatement of pest status in the 
affected area into the FF -PFA. The NPPO will implement any corrective action if the target 
species and other invasive fruit flies are dete cted in the FF -PFA. The NPPO have the 
responsibility of coordinating any action to be taken.  
The corrective action plan should be prepared taking into account the biology of the target fruit 
fly species, the geography of the FF -PFA area, climatic conditio ns and host distribution within 
the area. The elements required for implementation of a corrective action plan include:  
 
 legal framework under which the corrective action plan can be applied  
 criteria for the declaration of an outbreak  
 time scales for th e initial response  
 technical criteria for delimiting trapping, fruit sampling, application of the eradication 
actions  and establishment of regulatory measures  
 availability of sufficient operational resources  
 identification capability  
 effective communi cation within the NPPO and with the NPPO(s) of the importing 
country(ies), including provision of contact details of all parties involved.  
 
Actions to apply the corrective action plan  
 
(1) Determination of the phytosanitary status of the detection (actionable or non -
actionable)  
(1.1)  If the detection is a transient non -actionable occurrence (ISPM 8:1998), no further 
action is required.   
(1.2)  If the detection of a target pest may be actionable, a delimiting survey, which 
includes additional traps, and usually fruit sampling as well as an increased trap 
inspection rate, should be implemented immediately after the detection to assess 
wheth er the detection represents an outbreak, which will determine necessary 
responsive actions. If a population is present, this action is also used to determine the 
size of the affected area.   
(2) Suspension of FF -PFA status  
If after  detection it is determi ned that an outbreak has occurred or any of the triggers 
specified in section 2.4.1 is reached, the FF -PFA status in the affected area should be 
suspended. The affected area may be limited to parts of the FF -PFA or may be the 
whole FF -PFA.  
(3) Implementat ion of control measures in the affected area  
As per ISPM 9:1998, specific corrective or eradication actions should be implemented 
immediately in the affected area(s) and adequately communicated to the community.  
Eradication actions may include:  
 selective insecticide -bait treatments  
 sterile fly release   
 total harvest of fruit in the trees  
 male annihilation technique   
 destruction of infested fruit  
 soil treatment (chemical or physical)  
 insecticide application.   
14 
  
(4) Criteria for reinstatement of a FF-PFA after an outbreak and actions to be taken  
The criteria for determining that eradication has been successful are specified in section 2.4.2 
and should be included in the corrective action plan for the target fruit fly. The time period will 
depend on the biology of the species and the prevailing env ironmental conditions. Once the 
criteria have been fulfilled the following actions should be taken:  
 notification of NPPOs of importing countries  
 reinstatement of normal surveillance levels  
 reinstatement of the FF -PFA 
(5) Notification of relevant agencie s 
Relevant NPPOs and other agencies should be kept informed of any change in FF -PFA status 
as appropriate, and IPPC pest reporting obligations observed ( NSPM : Pest Reporting ).  
 
 notification of NPPOs of importing countries  
 reinstatement of normal surveill ance levels  
 reinstatement of the FF -PFA 
 
 
Appendix  1: Fruit fly trapping  
This appendix provides detailed information for trapping procedures for fruit fly species 
(Tephritidae) of economic importance under different pest statuses. It describes the most widely 
used traps, including  materials such as trapping devices and attract ants, and trapping 
densities,  as well as procedures  including evaluation, data recording and analysis.  
 
1. Pest status and survey types   
Pest surveys are required to maintain claims of "pest -free" status of an area, to detect new 
populations of quarantine pests, and to delimit populations of quarantine pests. There are five 
pest statuses where surveys may be applied:  
A. Pest present withou t control. The pest is present but not subject to any control 
measures.  
B. Pest present under suppression. The pest is present and subject to control measures. 
Includes FF -ALPP.  
C. Pest present under eradication. The pest is present and subject to contro l measures. 
Includes FF -ALPP.  
D. Pest absent and FF -PFA being maintained. The pest is absent (e.g. eradicated, no 
pest records, no longer present) and measures to maintain pest absence are applied.  
E. Pest transient. Pest under surveillance and actionable, under eradication.   
 
The purpose of the survey should be clearly defined in the survey plan i.e., whether it is for the 
purpose of establishing boundaries of area (whole or part of a country) infe sted by or free from a 
pest and or/ for detecting the presence or absence of the pest in a given area or production 
sites and or/ verifying the characteristics of population of a pest to check pest freedom is 
maintained in given PFA.  
Specific surveys such as detection, delimiting or monitoring surveys organized by the Plant 
Protection Directorate (NPPO) of Nepal or any other institute or organization authorized by 
NPPO are official surveys. Therefore these should follow a plan which is approved by the Plant   
15 
 Protection Directorate (NPPO) of Nepal or any other institute or organization authorized by 
NPPO. The three objectives of trapping survey are:  
A. Detection survey:  To determine if species are present in an area.  
The purpose of detection survey is to detect the presence or absence of the pest in a given area 
or production sites. These are more frequently carried out to determine pest status in an area 
and they follow a definite survey plan, which is approved by the  Plant Protection Directorate 
(NPPO) of Nepal or any other institute or organization authorized by NPPO and are 
systematically organized . These surveys are carried out either seasonally or annually and or/ 
following the eradication measures applied to a pe st in a given area or production sites. These 
surveys are organized following a definite survey methodologies based on statistical sampling, 
which are determined after taking into account the biology of the pest and employing 
appropriate detection techniqu es such as field diagnostic kits, traps etc. The results of survey 
are documented and communicated.  
 
B. Delimiting survey : To determine the boundaries of an area considered to be infested or  
free from a pest.  
The purpose of delimiting survey is to establis h boundaries of area (whole or part of country) 
infested by or free from a pest. Such surveys are carried out initially based on the surveillance 
data and pest records maintained by the Plant Protection Directorate (NPPO) of Nepal or any 
other institute or  organization authorized by NPPO. Delimiting surveys are carried out in the 
event of reported incidence of a pest spreading into new area and or/to initiate the 
establishment of pest free areas.  
 
C. Monitoring survey : Ongoing survey to verify the characterist ics of a pest population 
including seasonal population fluctuation, relative abundance host sequence and others.  
 
The purpose of monitoring survey is to verify the characteristics of population of a pest to check 
pest freedom is maintained n a given PFA. Ongoing monitoring surveys are of paramount 
importance, if the pest free area is required to be established in a part of country. Monitoring 
surveys carried out also to verify the survey methodolgies and implementation of specific 
phytosanitary measures in  a given area . 
Delimiting and detection surveys are needed for a PFA in a country where pest is present (e.g. 
for FF trapping with specific density and servicing, fruit sampling). Also see introduction and 
importance of survey, surveillance and monitoring and its effect in trade and procedure of 
survey surveillance and its authentification and validation and data keeping  of introduction and 
importance of Pest Free Area and requirements for declaration of free area, 
MTF/NEP/060/STF/STDF -170, Government of Ne pal, MoAD/DoA, WTO and FAO, July, 2010.  
 
2. Trapping scenarios  
As the pest status may change over time, the type of survey needed may also change:   
 Pest present  
 Pest absent  
 
3. Trapping  materials   
The effective use of traps in undertaking fruit fly surveys  relies on the combined ability of the 
trap, attractant and killing agent to attract and capture target fruit fly species and then to kill and 
preserve them for effective identification, counting data collection and analysis. Trapping 
systems for fruit fly  surveys use the following materials:  
 a trapping device   
16 
  attractants (pheromones, parapheromones and food attractants)  
 killing agents in wet and dry traps (with physical or chemical action)  
 preservation agents (wet or dry).  
 
3.1 Attractants  
Attractant trap s are used to attract the insects through the use of insect lures. These traps will 
be positioned in the field at pre -determined sites after taking into account the insect habitat and 
crop canopy and density of trapping . Pheromone  traps used in fruit fly s urveys for attracting fruit 
flies. The inspector will visit the trapping  sites to collect the insect pests for identification and 
recording of trapping data.  
 
3.1.1 Male -specific attractants  
The most widely used attractants are pheromone or paraph eromones that are male specific  
(Para pheromone methyl eugenol)  for Bactrocera  spp and Dacus  spp (See ISPM 26)  
 
3.1.2 Female -biased attractants  
Female -specific pheromones/parapheromones are not usually commercially available.  
3.2 Killing and preserving agents  
Traps retain attracted fruit flies through the use of killing and preserving agents. In some dry 
traps, killing agents are a sticky material or a toxicant. Some organophosphates may act as a 
repellent at higher doses. The use of insecticides in traps is su bject to the registration and 
approval of the product in the respective national legislation. In other traps, liquid is the killing 
agent. When liquid protein attractants are used, mix borax 3% concentration to preserve the 
captured fruit flies. There are protein attractants that are formulated with borax, and thus no 
additional borax is required. When water is used in hot climates, 10% propylene glycol is added 
to prevent evaporation of the attractant and to preserve captured flies.   
 
3.3 Commonly used fr uit fly traps  
This section describes commonly used fruit fly traps. The list of traps is not comprehensive; 
other types of traps may achieve equivalent results and may be used for fruit fly trapping. Based 
on the killing agent, there are three types of tra ps commonly used:  
 
Dry traps . The fly is caught on a sticky material board or killed by a chemical agent.  
 
Wet traps.  The fly is captured and drowns in the attractant solution or in water with surfactant. 
One of the most widely used wet traps  is the McPhail trap.  
 
Mixtures for McPhail traps : 
Protein Lure:  
· 1.6 g ammonium carbonate  
· 40 g of borax powder  
· 2g sodium hydroxide  
· 12.5 ml protein hydrolysate (Flavex)  
· 2 litres of warm water  
Mix the protein hydrolysate with half the volume of wat er. Add the dry ingredients to the  
remaining water and stir until completely dissolved. Add to the protein hydrolysate mixture. This  
mixture (sufficient for 10traps) should be freshly made before out on a trap run. After the trap 
runany remaining mixture s hould be discarded.   
 
  
17 
 Dry or wet traps . These traps can be used either dry or wet. Some of the most widely used are  
Easy trap, Multilure trap and Tephri trap.  
 
4 Trapping procedures  
4.1 Spatial distribution of traps  
In suppression and eradication programmes, an extensive trapping network should be deployed 
over the entire area that is subject to sur veillance and control actions. Trapping networks are 
also placed as part of early detection programmes for target fruit fly species. In this case traps 
are placed in high -risk areas such as points of entry, fruit markets, urban areas garbage dumps, 
as appropriate.  
 
4.2 Trap deployment (placement)  
Trap deployment involves the actual placement of the traps in the field. One of the most 
important factors of trap deployment is selecting a proper trap site .  When possible, pheromone 
traps should be placed in mating areas. Traps should not be exposed to direct sunlight, strong 
winds or dust. It is of vital importance to have the trap entrance clear from twigs and leaves to 
allow proper air flow and an easy access for the fruit flie . 
 
4.3 Trap mapping  
A political map  of the country  or district  or VDC  is required showing the natural boundaries, 
high ways, roads, rivers and mountain areas with places for preparing the survey plan and 
organizing the survey on predetermined route. Field maps are required especially in the case of 
extensive cultivated area  such as an orchard/plantation to collect the sample from specified plot.  
Once traps are deployed at carefully selected sites at the correct density and distributed in an 
appropriate pattern, the location of the traps must be recorded.  A map or sketch of t he trap 
location and the area arou nd the traps should be prepared (See National Guidelines for 
Surveillance on CTV and CGD , National Plant Quarantine Programme, DoA/MoAD, 2012  and 
4.6 of section 4 of National Standard on Internal Quarantine Commodity: Lentil: National 
Standard on Internal Quarantine of Major Exportable and Consumable Commodities. BPRC Pvt. 
Ltd. 2011).  
 
4.4 Trap servicing and inspection  
Trap servicing includes rebati ng and maintaining the trap in a clean and appropriate operating 
condition. Traps should be in a condition to consistently kill and retain in good condition any 
target flies that have been captured.   
Inspection intervals (i.e. checking for fruit fly captu res) should be adjusted according to the 
prevailing environmental conditions, pest situations and biology of fruit flies, on a case -by-case 
basis. The interval can range from one day up to 30 days, e.g. seven days in areas where fruit 
fly populations are p resent and 14 days in fruit fly free areas.  Service interval should be 
adjusted according to the prevailing environmental conditions.  
 
4.5 Trapping records  
The following information should be included in order to keep proper trapping records as they 
provide confidence in the survey results: trap location, plant where the trap is placed, trap and 
attractant type, servicing and inspection dates, and target fruit fly capture.   
Up-to-date records should be maintained and made available to the NPPO of the exporting 
country and, where justified, also to the NPPO of the importing country. Records should be 
maintained as determined by the NPPO of the exporting country. Records should include date, 
name and signature of the person who carried out the task or pr epared the document.   
18 
  
4.6 Flies per trap per day  
Flies per trap per day (FTD) is a population index that indicates the average number of flies of 
the target species captured per trap per day during a specified period in which the trap was 
exposed in the fi eld.  The function of this population index is to have a comparative measure of 
the size of the adult pest population in a given space and time.  It is used as baseline 
information to compare the size of the population before, during and after the applicat ion of a 
fruit fly control programme. The FTD should be used in all reports of trapping. The formula is as 
follows:  
 
F  
FTD =  ______  
T × D  
Where , 
F = Total number of flies  
T= Number of serviced traps  
D= Average number of days traps were exposed in the field 
 
5. Trap densities  
The trap densities need to be adjusted based on many factors including type of survey, trap 
efficiency, location (type and presence of host, climate and topography), pest situation and lure 
type. In terms of type and presence of hosts, as well as the risk involved, the following types of 
location may be of concern:  
 production areas  
 marginal areas  
 urban areas  
 points of entry (and other high -risk areas such as fruit markets).  
Minimum trap density should be 4 traps per km2. (10 traps per mi2), checked for  target flies at 
least once a week for multivoltine and every 2 weeks for univoltine species.  
 
6. Supervision activities  
Supervision of trapping activities includes assessing the quality of the materials used and 
reviewing the effectiveness of the use of t hese materials and trapping procedures.   
The effectiveness of trapping should be officially reviewed periodically by individuals not directly 
involved in conducting trapping activities. The timing of review will vary by programme, but it is 
recommended to  occur at least twice a year in programmes that run for six months or longer. 
Aspects of a review include quality of trapping materials, record -keeping, layout of the trapping 
network, trap mapping, trap placement, trap condition, trap servicing, trap insp ection frequency 
and capability for fruit fly identification.  
 
The trap deployment should be evaluated to ensure that the prescribed types and densities of 
traps are in place.  
 
Trap placement should be evaluated for appropriate host selection, trap relocation schedule, 
height, light penetration, fruit fly access to trap, and proximity to other traps. Traps should be 
evaluated for their overall condition, correct attractant, appro priate trap servicing and inspection 
intervals, correct identifying markings (such as trap identification and date placed), evidence of 
contamination and proper warning labels. This is performed in the field at each site where a trap 
is placed.  
  
19 
  
 
Appendi x 2: Guidelines for fruit sampling  
Only trained inspectors should collect samples, otherwise be under the supervision of or be 
assisted by a trained inspector. Sampling should be carried out in such a way that the 
samples represent the lot. Each sample tha t an inspector submits for laboratory analysis is 
considered to be an official sample. All samples should be representative of the lot. 
Appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that samples are not compromised during its 
handling, storage and transpo rt to the laboratory. If samples are improperly collected, 
mishandled, transported and/or are not representative of the sampled lot, the laboratory 
results may be inaccurate and inconclusive.  
The inspector should obtain the correct sample number(s) from the appropriate sampling plan. 
All sample numbers have a unique identification name and code that identifies whether or not 
the sample is intended for monitoring, surveillance, compliance, or other inspection activities 
defined by the program.  The size of the sample is indicated in the specifications for each 
sampling plan and depends on the laboratory tests to be performed.  
The collected specimens should be immediately labeled giving a reference number; date of 
collection; location; host plant species/comm odity; pest species (common/scientific); 
Name/signature of collector. Where it is not possible to identify the pest in the field it should be 
clearly stated as “unidentified”.  The labeled specimens will be submitted to regional pest 
diagnostic laboratory along with specimen forwardal form pest identification to 
diagnostic/national referral laboratory along with specimen forwardal form for verifica tion of pest 
identification.  
The Plant Protection Directorate (NPPO) of Nepal should establish or designate a n ational 
referral laboratory for verification of pest diagnoses and have a control over regional pest 
diagnostic laboratories to improve their diagnostic capabilities. Specific guidelines may be 
developed for forwardal specimens for referral testing as well  as handling quarantine 
specimens.  
Information about fruit sampling is available in the following reference  
Enkerlin, W.R.,  Lopez, L.  &  Celedonio, H . 1996.  Increased accuracy in discrimination 
between captured wild unmarked and released dyed -marked adu lts in fruit fly 
(Diptera: Tephritidae) sterile release programs. Journal of Economic Entomology,  
89(4): 946 –949.  
Enkerlin W. & Reyes, J.  1984. Evaluacion de un sistema de muestreo de frutos para la 
deteccion de Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) . 11 Congreso  Nacional de Manejo 
Integrado de Plagas. Asociacion Guatemalteca de Manejo Integrado de Plagas 
(AGMIP). Ciudad Guatemala, Guatemala, Centro America.   
Programa Moscamed . 1990. Manual de Operaciones de Campo . Talleres Graficos de la Nacion.  
Gobierno de Mexic o. SAGAR//DGSV.  
Programa regional Moscamed . 2003. Manual del sistema de detección por muestreo de la 
mosca del mediterráneo . 26 pp.  
Shukla, R.P. & Prasad, U.G . 1985. Population fluctuations of the Oriental fruit fly, Dacus 
dorsalis (Hendel) in relation t o hosts and abiotic factors. Tropical Pest Management,  
31(4): 273 –275.  
Tan, K.H.  &  Serit, M.   1994.  Adult population dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis   (Diptera:  
Tephritidae) in relation to host phenology and weather in two villages of Penang 
Island, Malaysia. Environmental Entomology,  23(2): 267 –275.  
Wong, T.Y., Nishimoto, J.I. & Mochizuki, N.  1983. Infestation patterns of Mediterranean fruit fly  
20 
 and the Oriental  fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Kula area of Mavi, Hawaii.  
Environmental Entomology,  12(4): 1031 –1039. IV Chemical control.  
 
Appendix  3: Preparation and dispatch of fruit fly larvae for identification  
 
1. Larval Preparation : 
 
• Wash larvae thoroughly  in clean water  
• Kill larvae by immersion in hot water (just off the boil )  
• Allow the water to cool at room temperature  
• Transfer larvae to 30% ethanol for 30 min  
• Transfer larvae to 50% ethanol for 30 min  
• Preserve larvae in 70% ethanol in a specimen vial  
 
2. Infested fruit preparation  
 
• Leave larvae in the fruit  
• Place the fruit in 5 -6 sheets of news paper (to absorb any liquid  
• Place the package in a secure container (not a plastic bag but preferably a food 
container with a freezer block  
 
3. Larval dispatch  
 
• Place a small label containing the details of collection viz., location, trap number, date of 
collection, host species, name of the collector. The label should be written with lead  
pencil  
• Also affix the label on the external side of vial.  
• Place the specimen vials in a holder  
• Seal the package and affix the address of Reference Entomologist and dispatch  
with an instruction ‘Handle with care. Biological specimen. Rush for Delivery’.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
21 
 Table  1: Field Record sheet for Fruit flies  
 
Name of Fruit fly Monitoring Area  
 
 
 
 Week/Month:  
From:                               To:  
Trap No.  Location 
of trap  Date  
Insp.  Host Lure Type  No of  
flies/ 
trap Species  
identified  Date  
recharge  
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
 
  
22 
 Table 2: General Pest Record  
Reference Number   
Scientific name of pest  
 Common Name  
 Species Name:  
 Family  
 Order:   
 
 
Life stage of pest  [ ] Egg;    [ ] Larvae (maggot ) 
 ; [ ] Pupae;  [ ] Adult  
 
Scientific Name of host  
 Variety  
 
 Common Name:  
 
 Species Name  
 
 Family   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant parts affected:  [ ] Leaves;  [ ] Stem;  [ ] Roots;  [ ] 
Buds/Flowers;  [ ] Fruits;  
[ ] Seed ; and [ ] Whole   plant  
Stage of crop:  [ ] Seedling stage; [ ] Vegetative Growth stage;  
 
[ ] Flowering stage; and [ ] Fruiting stage  
Locality  
 Village  
 District  
  
Date of Collection   
 
Name of the Collector   
 
Date of Identification   
 
Name of the Identifier   
 
Date of Verification   
 
Name of the Verifier   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
23 
 Table 3 : Specimen Identification Report  
 
To 
………………………….  
…………………………  
………………………….  
(Name & Address of Field Inspector)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trap Location  Name of fruit fly species  
identified  No of flies  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
Signature & Date:  
 
Name of Reference Entomologist  
 
Address for Communication : 
Tel.: 
Fax: 
E-mail:  
 
 
 
  
24 
 Table 4 : Fruit fly Surveillance & Monitoring Report  
 
1. Area involved:  
2. Period of Reporting  
3. No of traps inspected:  
4. No of traps recorded with fruit flies:  
5. Details of fruit flies detected   
S.N. Location  Fruit fly species detected  No of flies  
detected  
 Life stage  
detected  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
6. Action taken on detection of fruit lies:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7. Signature & Date  
 
8. Name  
 
9. Designation of Officer