Pests Imported to South Africa
Our global economy has opened trade between many diverse countries across continents. Unfortuntely, commodity exchanges have also resulted in pest imports too. Pests that have been imported to South Africa include the wheat curl mite, the fall army worm and the oriental fruit fly. These pests can have serious consequences for agriculture, the economy and biodiversity.
Examples of imported pests to South Africa
Studies have identified several prevalent intercepted pests like Callosobruchus species of beetle which attack legumes. Dysmicoccus brevipes known as the mealybug and Phyllosticta citricarpa commonly named citrus black spot.
Callosbruchus Species
Citrus Black Spot
Potential impact of imported pests to South Africa
The illegal importation of plant commodities can introduce pests that can have negative impacts on South Africa’s agriculture, economy and biodiversity. A pest without a natural predator to contain it’s spread, can quickly dessimate flora and fauna in a new territory.
High risk commodities:
Fresh fruits are the most common source of imported pests, followed by grains and vegetables.
Prevention and control
South Africa’s Plant Health (Phytosanitary) Policy aims to prevent the introduction of quarantine pests. The policy also aims to control and mitigate the spread of pests.
Possible pest threats
These pests are currently controlled, but could pose a threat in South Africa.
Wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella)
This is a tiny, white mite that can causes wheat yield losses but also transmits viruses such as the wheat streak mosaic virus whish is a destructive wheat disease. This mite has caused extensive damage in many parts of the world and could be introduced through maize, live plant and seed imports. Read more “Alien pest to wheat and maize could pose a threat to South Africa.”
Fall army worm
A migratory pest that can cause serious damage to maize crops. It has been detected in several provinces in South Africa.
Oriental fruit fly
A pest that has not yet established itself in certain parts of South Africa.
Related research
Research on imported pests in South Africa indicates that fresh fruits are the primary source of intercepted pests, with the most commonly identified pests including the Callosobruchus rhodesianus, Dysmicoccus brevipes, Callosobruchus maculates, and Phyllosticta citricarpa, highlighting the need for stricter border controls and phytosanitary policies to prevent the introduction of new invasive species that could harm South African agriculture and biodiversity.
