Established and maintained, with MAFF, a fruit fly rearing laboratory and laboratories for holding fruit samples collected in the field and undertaking heat tolerance studies at Koronivia Research Station. Trap sites made up of one trap baited with methyl eugenol and one with Cue-lure. 58 of these sites also have medfly traps. Confirmed that B. obscura and B. kirki occur in Rotuma. 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 Fiji Islands' overall quarantine surveillance system. Trapping focused on high-risk locations, such as tourist resorts, urban areas, educational institutions for overseas students, markets, farming areas, diplomatic missions and ports of entry. Developed and adapted laboratory rearing techniques for three species of fruit flies, B. xanthodes , B. passiflorae and B. distincta , using various artificial diets and egging devices. Completed studies on the life cycles and rates of development in artificial diet and in fruits such as eggplant, papaya and breadfruit. Developed a package for field control of fruit flies, based on sound crop hygiene, bagging of fruits and protein bait sprays.