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Conclusions, recommendations and priorities of research defined during the 9th

Meeting of the Tephritid Workers of the Western Hemisphere (9TWWH)

Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 2016

Plenary Conference:

Emphasis was placed on the effects of climate change on the behavior of pests and the

importance of reproducing basic studies on the ecology and biology of populations, including

life cycles, population abundance, temporal and spatial distribution, sequences of hosts, and

the like (Martín Aluja).

Session 1: Area-wide integrated management and action programs

Moderators: Walther Enkerlin, Wilda Ramírez, Cynthia Ruiz, Pedro Rendón, Esteban Rial and Alejandro Mongabure.

Summary:

1. Public-Private management and key strategic alliances are essential for future

achievements (Wilda Ramírez).

2. Chilean-Argentinian and Chilean-Bolivian regional cooperation, which is key for

achieving goals and maintaining the status of the fruit fly free zone (Ricardo

Rodríguez).

3. The surveillance system for early detection and the timely and effective

implementation of an emergency action plan have been the foundations of the Chilean

fruit fly program (Ricardo Rodríguez).

4. Application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) only in urban areas with a preventive

approach to protect commercial production areas (Jorge Manrique).

5. The national fruit fly project was refocused from an eradication program to one having

more comprehensive objectives and including eradication for the recognition of free

areas, suppression in areas of low prevalence, and control for reducing damage levels

(Arturo Bello Rivera).

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6. Highlighted was the need to strengthen surveillance systems based on trapping for the

early detection of fruit flies and for preventing the introduction of species of

quarantine importance, such as the Medfly in the Dominican Republic, which has

caused export losses of millions of dollars within a short term (Francisco Martínez).

7. Control of fruit flies focused on the development of free areas and systems approach

instead of territorial-coverage programs which are technically and socially complex

and costly. The approach to specific zones with phytosanitary management allowed

Central American countries to export chili peppers and tomatoes worth million dollars

to the USA (Wilmar Méndez).

Debate:

1. Involvement of the private sector is considered essential (strategic alliances) (Jair

Fernandes Virginio).

2. Patagonia: effective public-private management model with a highly-involved fruit

industry (Ricardo Sánchez).

3. There exists a strong relationship with the private agribusiness sector in Chile (Ricardo

Rodríguez).

4. Significance of the quality of inputs (traps and attractants) in the effectiveness of

surveillance systems (Ricardo Rodríguez).

5. Cost-benefit analyses necessary for justifying the sustainability and expansion of large-

scale programs and for the involvement of the private sector (Diego Quiroga).

6. Appeal to a greater awareness on the risk for the region, and support for the

Bactrocera carambolae issue in Brazil (María Julia Godoy).

Session 2: Sterile Insect Technique, mass-rearing and quality control

Moderators: Carlos Cáceres, Dina Orozco, Andrea Bartolucci, and Natalia Lara. Conclusions and recommendations:

1. Research on symbionts has yielded further results on the interaction between larvae

and adults, and on diets used for mass-rearing of fruit flies. Broadening the knowledge

on such interactions is considered necessary in order to improve the quality and

efficiency of insects used in SIT.

2. The concepts of Mother Colony and colony management are an alternative to improve

the efficiency of the SIT, so research on this subject matter and its introduction in

mass-rearing plants shall be fostered.

3. Research on genetically modified organisms provides opportunities for improving the

SIT, so its open field assessment shall be taken into consideration.

4. The use of X rays for the irradiation of insects employed in the SIT is a feasible

alternative that could be taken into consideration. However, it is necessary to develop

reliable technology which allows operating equipment with the same level of reliability

as technology based on the use of radioactive material (Co-60).

5. The assessment of sterile insects at field is a condition to validate any innovation for

improving the efficiency of the SIT.

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Session 3: Phytosanitary measures and standards

Moderators: Jorge Toledo, Eduardo Willink, Celina Horak, María Julia Palacín, and María Elena Gatti.

Recommendations: 1. Standardizing wide-coverage phytosanitary treatments (not quite specific).

2. Changing the concept of phytosanitary treatments to phytosanitary systems,

including pre-harvest aspects.

3. Developing phytosanitary systems that are less aggressive to products, such as

systems approaches.

4. Enhancing and standardizing the development of phytosanitary treatments that

allow for fewer variations in methodology.

5. Promoting the development and acceptance of phytosanitary treatments with gamma rays and X rays.

Session 4: Biology, physiology, ecology, behavior and symbiotic interactions Moderators: Pablo Liedo, Solana Abraham, Juan Rull, Luis Quesada Allué, and Diego Segura.

Conclusions and recommendations: 1. Research on symbiotic micro-organisms has opened a window of opportunities that

must be seized and encouraged. The following points are proposed within this

section:

a. characterizing (genetically and phenotypically) the status of infestation by

the Wolbachia bacterium;

b. characterizing intestinal bacteria in larvae and adults, and determining

how they contribute to host reproductive success.

2. Research on the diversity of species and population dynamics is of interest and

relevance in a climate change scenario. Particularly, surveys are required on host

species, fruit flies, and parasitoids, which shall be sustained over time and shall have

an approach that integrates biotic and abiotic factors.

3. The knowledge regarding nutrition physiology is still a priority for creating more

efficient diets and for identifying the causes of downturn in mass production.

Emphasis should be placed on larval nutrition.

4. Interaction among species shall be approached from a multi-trophic view.

Unexplored areas, or even vacant areas, are the following:

a. effect of infestation on the physiology of the plant, particularly to the

induction or existence of direct or indirect defense compounds;

b. tests on oviposition behavior that take into account the preference and

performance among different host fruit species;

c. existence and balance between intraspecific and interspecific competition;

d. existence of gene flow among species considered to be sexually isolated;

e. immune system of Tephritidae.

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5. A reformulation of the reproduction success seen as the sterile male fulfilling

copulation has to be made. Particularly, emphasis is placed on the lack of studies on

mechanisms for regulating copulation and re-copulation, the differential use of

sperm, and the overview of protein profiles in accessory glands.

6. The development of predictors of physiological functionality could be improved by

the knowledge of genes and alleles associated with product quality characteristics in

mass-rearing.

7. Studies on life strategy, particularly focused on longevity and diapause, are necessary to understand the demography of both natural and mass-reared populations.

Session 5: Technological tools used as a support for decision-making regarding surveillance and control. Data management Moderators: Estuardo Lira and Esteban Garavelli.

Conclusions and recommendations: 1. The timely and precise availability of information is necessary for decision-making

regarding the surveillance and control of fruit flies. Geographical Information

Systems, Databases, and Communication Systems allow:

a. characterizing the status of pests, and the surveillance and control

systems;

b. sharing such information;

c. forecasting and modeling the behavior of pests in space and time.

2. Standardizing and integrating existing information systems is recommended at

regional level, as well as their use in modeling the distribution of fruit flies at

regional level in order to provide support for decision-making.

Session 6: Chemical control, bait stations, mass trapping, mechanical and cultural control Moderators: Pablo Montoya, Pedro Rendón, and Fernando Murúa.

Priority research areas: 1. Narrowing the issue of insecticide resistance.

2. Development of bait stations for Anastrepha.

3. Assessing bait stations density and its effect on the reduction in the percentage of

infested fruit.

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Session 7: Chemical ecology: attractants, surveillance systems and plant-insect interaction Moderators: Eric Jang, Todd Shelly, Teresa Vera, and Patricia Fernández.

Conclusions: 1. Chemoreception is central to tephritid fruit fly-plant interactions and their behavior.

2. Protein baits are still the only tool for detection of Anastrepha spp. and Bactrocera

not responding to Methyl Eugenol and Cuelure.

3. Significant information has been gathered on the influence of host plant kairomones

on A. fraterculus behavior (attraction, oviposition, copulation).

4. Exposure to volatiles enhances mating competitiveness in some A. fraterculus types.

5. Other volatile and non-volatile semiochemicals (pheromones, cuticular

hydrocarbons, etc.) may be important in understanding the various A. fraterculus

morphotypes.

6. Parasitoids are also thought to use plant kairomones for orientation.

7. More studies are needed to quantify trapping and population levels in the field, and

the basis of aromatherapy-facilitated behavior.

Recommendations:

1. Identifying specific volatiles from host fruit as potential attractants for use in

detection and trapping.

2. Developing standardized trapping systems for Anastrepha spp. by using protein

based baits for use in detection, control and eradication.

3. Improving the semiochemical "set of tools," especially for the identification of new

chemicals as well as their innovative uses for detection, control and eradication;

4. Increasing understanding of the basis of volatile exposure mediated behavior (all

Tephritidae).

5. Clarifying if A. fraterculus morphotypes respond differently to host kairomones and

developing protocols for their evaluation.

6. Considering chemotaxonomy to help differentiate cryptic species.

7. Supporting the need of Chemical Ecology oriented CRP to support the above-

mentioned research.

Session 8: Biological control Moderators: Pablo Montoya, Jorge Cancino, Sergio Ovruski, and Beatriz Paranhos.

Research areas to be continued or developed: 1. Promoting the use of Biological Control in Programs for Fruit Fly Control and

Eradication.

2. Augmentative Biological Control:

a) releases of (exotic/native) parasitoids in different ecological environments;

b) integration with the SIT;

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c) integration with entomopathogenic fungi;

d) effect of the release of multiple parasitoid species.

3. Neotropical parasitoids:

a) deepening the study of native parasitoid groups associated with

Anastrepha;

b) interaction between native and exotic species;

c) improving experimental- and mass-rearing methods.

4. Egg parasitoids:

a) deepening the study of the impact of the Fopius ceratitivorus species on

Medfly;

b) assessing the effect of Fopius arisanus on Medfly and Anastrepha;

c) looking for native (neotropical) parasitoids that tackle the Anastrepha egg

state.

5. Mass-rearing of parasitoids:

a) deepening quality control;

b) promoting assessment testing;

c) searching parasitoid lineages with Wolbachia.

Session 9: Taxonomy and systematics Moderators: Janisete Silva, Paula Gómez Cendra, and Vicente Hernández Ortiz.

Conclusions:

1. Progress has been made particularly regarding the taxonomical determination of

Anastrepha fraterculus. On the one hand, this issue was addressed from a genetic

perspective with studies on differentiation and diversity, by means of spatial analysis

and SSR markers as a tool for exploring the biology of the fraterculus complex in an

ecologically variable environment such as that of Brazil. Cytogenetics was used as

well, particularly the karyotype and the differences in sex chromosomes. Both can

be useful for determining morphotypes within the fraterculus complex, and

inferences may be made on their phylogenetic origins. Studies on the morphology of

third stage larvae are also useful in this regard. On the other hand, considerable

progress has been made by employing both traditional morphometry and

geomorphometry. The latter would allow facilitating studies and taxonomically

determining males, as only their wings would be used. However, employing only this

system is not enough for the time being. Morphometry allows appropriately

identifying eight morphotypes and estimating their evolutionary origin, which also

supports the idea that several different species should be identified within this

complex.

2. Phylogenetic studies and studies on genetic characterization and diversity were

presented for Anastrepha obliqua, Anastrepha zenildae, and Bactrocera carambolae

in Brazil. For that purpose, sequencing of regions of nuclear and mitochondrial

genes was employed. Such studies are essential for taxonomical determination and

awareness on the historical evolution of these species (their origin, dispersal, and

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potential future expansion). Particularly, it is highlighted that A. zenildae is more

associated with Peruvian and Mexican A. fraterculus morphotypes than with

Brazilian morphotypes. This also supports the idea that the fraterculus complex is

not monophyletic.

3. Contributions have been made to the basic knowledge of host use of Anastrepha

obliqua and A. rheediae in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, which are particularly

remarkable as little is known about the presence of fruit fly in that region.

Recommendations:

1. Encouraging basic studies on those fruit fly groups whose distribution ranges and

host use are still not fully known;

2. Maintaining and deepening ties among multidisciplinary teams of several countries,

which allow for an improvement of the studies regarding the groups with a wide

geographical distribution;

3. Keeping on facing problems associated with taxonomical determination from

different views, such as molecular, cytogenetic, morphometric and behavioral

studies. Particularly, taking into account the new contribution of geomorphometry

as a complement of traditional morphometry;

4. Discussing in depth the criteria regarding the separation between taxa, taking into

account that the consequences of taxonomical decisions may have significant effects

on the economies of countries as they can directly affect export possibilities and

quarantine performances.

Session 10: Genetics & biotechnology Moderators: Janisete Silva, Paula Gomez Cendra, Anna Malacrida, Silvia Lanzavecchia, and Jorge Cladera.

Conclusions:

1. A keynote oral presentation in this session consisted of a story of the Medfly

genome sequencing, assembly and curation, followed by an investigation on the

patterns of sperm use in twice-mated females. Scientists have developed assays

targeting mitochondrial DNA, and nuclear and ribosomal DNA regions in order to

identify species of the fraterculus group and Bactrocera, while others included multi-

locus assays to determine the geographical source of pest species such as A. ludens,

A. obliqua, and C. capitata; also new mitochondrial DNA markers to analyze the

genetic variability of Anastrepha fraterculus populations were presented.

2. Some posters were related to those of Session 9, Taxonomy and systematics. Studies

included genetic variability information relevant for the determination of cryptic

species. Cytogenetic characterization of two morphotypes of A. fraterculus, as well

as the sequencing of the whole mitochondrial genome of one of them, was also

presented. A first attempt to develop a genetic sexing system for the South

American fruit fly was reported. In the fruit fly parasitoid Diachasmimorpha

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longicaudata, a group of genes potentially involved in sex determination were

selected and evaluated by one group meanwhile another group studied the gene

expression and the proteomics of the interaction between this parasitoid and a fruit

fly host.

3. Overall, the presentations at the Genetics and biotechnology Session showed

valuable results in population genetics, cytogenetics and genomic studies of the

most damaging fruit fly pests in the American continent. This information is critical

to improving a number of phytosanitary measures as species identification, host

range determination and control methods, including the development and quality

control of the Sterile Insect Technique and of the parasitoids used as biological

control agents.

Recommendations:

1. Fundamental contribution for future advances are expected from the transfer of the

knowledge acquired and the techniques developed in the model species C. capitata

to less advanced research programs, especially those aiming at the control of

Anastrepha species in general and the members of the A. fraterculus cryptic species

complex in particular.

2. The molecular tools and the information on Medfly studies that have been

developed and acquired are immediately available to be transferred to Anastrepha

species. This will allow making comparative analyses, and will help implement

control programs.

3. It is necessary to conduct investigative assays that identify informative molecular

markers and examine collections using a multi-locus approach, especially in the case

of the A. fraterculus complex and of the species that are closely related with the

fraterculus group.

Session 11: Political and socio-economic analysis of action programs

Moderators: Wilda Ramírez, Walther Enkerlin, Lourdes Fonalleras, Ezequiel Ferro, and Ricardo Sánchez.

1. The continuous optimization of processes and technologies, financial sufficiency,

and strategic alliances were highlighted as key factors to achieve goals and to

support programs (Oscar Zelaya).

2. The IAEA/ARCAL Regional Fruit Fly Project for Latin America and the Caribbean

(RLA5070) was presented, and the goal of strengthening both surveillance systems

for fruit flies of quarantine importance and responsiveness in the event of pest

introduction was highlighted. Furthermore, the need was emphasized of developing

a regional trapping database, as well as the likelihood of updating the technology of

action programs by means of expert consultancies (Wilda Ramírez).

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A. Discussion Panel of Regional Plant Protection Organizations (RPPOs):

The characteristics of fruit flies as a high-mobility pest with a wide range of host plants

enhance their dispersal potential and allow for coverage of a wide range of habitats. Such

characteristics often enhance the dispersal and settlement of this pest in a large geographical

area which may cover an area made up of parts of several countries, and may also pose a risk

to one or several neighboring countries.

In such cases, the risk becomes a concern that extends beyond national frontiers and turns

into a regional concern.

How do you deal with a risk situation, either potential or real, that has regional

characteristics?: It is clear that the responsibility of NPPOs regarding the prevention of pest

dispersal, settlement and control in its territory is not limited or does not expire when the

situation extends beyond its border. However, a coordination mechanism that allows for the

regional implementation of actions and contributes to strengthening the measures that are

adopted at national level gains particular importance. Particularly for fruit flies, Regional Plant

Protection Organizations, RPPOs, play an important role in prevention, control and eradication

programs.

The power of the role of RPPOs in these programs is not always fully appreciated and

considered when it comes to developing and defining a regional strategy, whether when

designing a regional program or when coordinating actions or programs in one region at

national level.

Based on this situation, which would certainly differ in the various areas, RPPOs that are part

of this Panel discussed the following issues:

1. lessons learned regarding the application of a regional strategy for the prevention,

control and eradication of the fruit fly;

2. challenges posed by a regional strategy for the prevention, control and eradication of

fruit flies. Which contributions could RPPOs make to a successful regional strategy?;

3. challenges for NPPOs: what advantage does the inclusion of RPPOs in a regional

strategy provide to the actions of NPPOs?, what happens when RPPOs are included?,

what happens when they are not?.

The Discussion Panel was made up by Mrs. Alies Van Sauers Muller, on behalf of the Caribbean

Plant Health Directors Forum (CPHD); Mr. Kenneth Bloem, who conveyed the message of the

North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO); Mr. Camilo Beltrán, on behalf of the

Andean Community (CAN); Mr. Wilmar Méndez Mérida, who presented the view of the

International Regional Organization for Plant Protection and Animal Health (OIRSA); and Mr.

Marco Muñoz Fuenzalida, on behalf of the South Cone Plant Protection Committee (COSAVE).

The Panel was moderated by IICA’s International Expert in Agricultural Health and Food Safety,

Mrs. María de Lourdes Fonalleras.

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As a result of such exchange, the following may be noted as the main conclusions resulting

from the discussion of the Panel and the participants:

1. the role of RPPOs as a coordinating body has been recognized when outlining a

regional strategy for pest prevention and control;

2. the importance of the actions of RPPOs in coordinating the implementation of a

regional program intended for the prevention of entry and/or control of a pest, as well

as in following up the implementation in the various countries that are part of the

RPPO is highlighted;

3. the coordination that may be conducted by RPPOs is thought to be relevant for

meeting the goals of a regional pest control project;

4. emphasis is placed on the value that the work of RPPOs may have within the

framework of a regional pest control program or project, particularly concerning high-

mobility pests with a wide range of hosts, in issues such as technical process

standardization, follow-up of the implementation and goal achievement, provision of

technical expertise, provision of resources, information management, and others;

5. emphasis is also placed on the contribution that RPPOs may make in rule drafting and

implementation processes by supporting the implementation of standards in the

region, and by being the bridge for the development of international standards;

6. RPPOs may also make contributions in order to bridge the capability gap, by means of

horizontal cooperation and by sharing their experiences;

7. the importance of private sector involvement for the sustainability of programs is

noted;

8. in some cases, RPPO is referred to as a device for managing resources of regional pest

control programs;

9. emerging pests have an increasingly important relevance, and RPPOs are seen as a

source of support for countries when facing or handling such problems.

Vision of COSAVE:

1. Lessons learned regarding the application of a regional strategy for the prevention,

control and eradication of fruit fly:

In recent years, COSAVE as a RPPO has been actively involved in drafting and updating

international standards regarding fruit fly issues. Likewise, although not operating

continuously in recent years, COSAVE has a fruit fly taskforce in place, which deals with

several issues regarding such pests. However, during the last COSAVE Steering

Committee, the issue of fruit flies was prioritized, and as a response to this issue, the

participation of Plant Health Directors of the various countries in the 9th Meeting of the

Working Group on Fruit Flies of the Western Hemisphere was agreed.

2. Challenges posed by a regional strategy for the prevention, control and eradication of

fruit flies. Which contributions could RPPOs make to a successful regional strategy?:

As these pests know no barriers and their dissemination may extend beyond the limits

of a country, the success of the control is having a regional strategy with standardized

procedures and methods where the RPPO may play an active role as a coordinator and

administrator of such activities. Also, RPPOs may play an important role in supporting

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their member states in the recognition by other countries in the world of free or low-

prevalence areas within a given time. Besides, RPPOs may be a body in charge of

handling technical information for the region, and therefore, allow for the

development of phytosanitary alerts for the region and other parts of the world.

3. Challenges for NPPOs: what advantage does the inclusion of RPPOs in a regional

strategy provide to the actions of NPPOs?, what happens when RPPOs are included?,

what happens when they are not?:

The inclusion of RPPOs as a regional strategy allows the NPPO to account for the

financial resources to administrative authorities in order to address a regional plan for

a given pest. Likewise, not including RPPOs in a regional strategy means not having an

organization that may coordinate the various countries when conducting joint

activities for the prevention, control and eradication of a pest.

Vision of the Andean Community:

In the Andean Community, the need has been recognized since the 1970’s to have

adequate regulatory frameworks for the trade of agricultural products, which led to an

important legal acquis.

In the 1980’s, Ministers of Agriculture of member states recognized the importance of

having a regional program for the prevention, control and eradication of fruit flies in place.

However, such program was based on the fact that every country committed itself in a

particular way to providing human and financial resources. At that time, this aspect

hampered the leveled implementation of such program since countries have operational

capacities of different magnitude, where the regional approach blurs.

Challenges of a regional strategy – RPPO contributions:

1. promoting a collective political action in order to prioritize the importance of regional

management in the countries, paying particular attention to border areas;

2. leveling the implementation of SIT in countries where this has not been done;

3. strengthening phytosanitary surveillance by providing tools to ensure this can continue

over time;

4. promoting the exchange of information (surveillance results) as a means of

strengthening the processes of recognition of free areas vis-à-vis counterparties.

Building confidence in relation to NPPOs.

Benefits for the NPPO:

1. easy follow-up of the commitments made by counterparties;

2. support in coordination;

3. possibility of having a binding regulatory framework that substantiate the importance

of regional programs.

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B. Role of RPPOs in the Regional TC Project IAEA RLA5070 (ARCAL). Strengthening Fruit Fly

Surveillance and Control Measures Using the Sterile Insect Technique in an Area Wide

and Integrated Pest Management Approach for the Protection and Expansion of

Horticultural Production:

1. Although the authority of RPPOs is basically the same, the way in which they operate is

different. Some of them have only a regulatory and coordinating role, while others also

run animal and plant health quarantine programs at points of entry.

2. The need of articulating a regional coordination and action of the NPPOs was raised to

implement the activities of Project RLA5070. RPPOs could assume the role of

coordination and follow-up.

3. The point on the participation of RPPOs in Project RLA5070 was agreed to be included

in the agenda of the next Inter-American Coordinating Group in Plant Protection

(ICGPP) meeting. The role and functions of RPPOs should be defined in that meeting.

4. The possibility of developing a regulatory framework which ensures the participation

of NPPOs and implementation of their actions within the Regional Project RLA5070

was discussed.

5. The development of a database and a regional system of phytosanitary alert focused

on fruit flies of quarantine importance was discussed. Guidelines for handling the

information according to the obligations of IPPC member states, as well as the

database management (which might be hosted on IICA), were also discussed.

How could RPPOs contribute to the Regional Project RLA5070?:

Caribbean (Alies Muller):

There exists no RPPO as such. There exists a Fruit Fly Committee presided over by Alies

Muller within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

There is a System of Fruit Fly Information Management for the region. However, there

is no exchange of information among the countries.

North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) (Kenneth Bloem):

NAPPO does not take part in the implementation of action programs. Its role is mainly

that of drafting regional plant protection standards and alerting countries to the

introduction of pests of quarantine importance by means of a System of Plant

Protection Alert.

COSAVE (Ezequiel Ferro):

Its role is that of a bridge and regional coordination between NPPOs, mainly for the

drafting and implementation of regional and international plant protection standards.

Andean Community (Camilo Beltrán Montoya):

Its role is to facilitate communication regarding plant protection matters of relevance

for the region. Furthermore, it works closely with the Inter-American Coordinating

Group in Plant Protection (ICGPP).

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C. Intervention of the Producing and Exporting Sector:

Emphasis was placed on the benefits of the status of fruit fly free area that Patagonia

holds. Benefits are economic, as post-harvest treatments, which are costly and have

detrimental effects on fruit quality, have been eliminated. Also, the free zone status

allows for a greater diversification and opening of markets, including the most

profitable ones.

The representative of citrus fruit producers from the Argentine Northeast (NEA, for its

acronym in Spanish) showed the damage caused by fruit flies to the production of

oranges, mandarins and grapefruits, which is estimated to be a 20 % of production.

Producers also stated they were interested in applying an effective IPM for fruit flies

which includes the use of SIT.

In general, representatives of the producing and exporting sector expressed appreciation and

support for SENASA’s national fruit fly program.