[asa] New fruit fly threat in Southern California

I just read the following news item. Would you kindly get all the experts in evolutionary biology to solve this pending problem? However, they must solve the problem as evolutionary biologists not experimental biologists. Moorad

New fruit fly threat in Southern California

(AP) – 17 hours ago

LOS ANGELES — California agriculture officials say an infestation of the white striped fruit fly has been found in Los Angeles County, the first detection of the pest in the Western Hemisphere.

The fly is from tropical Southeast Asia and damages the fruit of many trees, especially guava and mango.

The state Department of Food and Agriculture said Friday that seven white striped fruit flies were found recently in traps in the La Verne area east of Los Angeles.

The state is beginning a mass trapping effort in a 15-square-mile area.

Traps placed in trees will contain an attractant to lure male flies and a small amount of pesticide to kill them. The strategy is intended to eliminate breeding.

Authorities will also treat the ground in the areas where the seven flies were found.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Received on Sat Aug 1 08:51:04 2009