Advancements in Integrated Pest Management strategies for Bactrocera dorsalis in Asia: current status, insights, and future prospects

Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an infamous invasive pest species with a broad host range. The pest has spread to most territories worldwide in the last decades, posing an increasing threat to global fruit and vegetable production. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge, control methods and prospects of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies against B. dorsalis based on a survey on the pest status, damages and current practices conducted in the Asia region. The outcome of the survey pointed to B. dorsalis as a major concern as it causes heavy damage in most of the participating countries. Current IPM strategies involve multiple control tactics, but often with over reliance on chemical pesticides. Behaviour-based monitoring and control measures are commonly employed in this region because of ease-of-use and cost-effectiveness, which serve as the key component of the IPM strategies. The sterile insect technique application, though environmental-friendly, sustainable and compatible with IPM, is limited because of high operational cost, ineffective government policy and low social acceptance. Public knowledge and technology transfer, training and hands-on guidance, relevant stakeholder community participation, acceptance and cooperation, are the key levers for sustainable and successful IPM against B. dorsalis. More initiatives and research efforts for developing non-chemical control tactics and biopesticides will optimize the existing IPM strategies. Lastly, effective quarantine and phytosanitary measures towards better border biosecurity should be taken to intercept and curtail the risk of B. dorsalis expanding its current geographical boundary in the face of global climate change.