There are seven species. Established and maintained a fruit fly rearing laboratory and laboratories for holding fruit samples collected in the field and undertaking heat tolerance studies at Nu'u Crop Development Centre. Established 35 trap sites on the two islands in Samoa. Trap sites made up of one trap baited with methyl eugenol and one with Cue-lure. Used this data as the basis for negotiations on quarantine protocols for export of fruits and vegetables.
Fleshy vegetables are virtually free from fruit fly infestation.
Modified the initial fauna surveys into an early warning system as part of the Samoa's overall quarantine surveillance system. Trapping focussed on high-risk locations, such as tourist resorts, urban areas, educational institutions for overseas students, markets, farming areas, diplomatic missions and ports of entry. Established laboratory colonies of B. kirki , B. xanthodes and B. samoae reared on papaya-based diet and developed and adapted laboratory rearing techniques for three species of fruit flies, using various artificial diets and egging devices. Completed studies on the life cycles and rates of development of B. kirki , B. xanthodes and B. samoae in artificial diet and in fruits such as papaya. Conducted preliminary tests of protein bait spraying in papaya orchards.