Citrus growers in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas are hoping for an improved fruit fly status for exports to the U.S., website Hoytamaulipas.net reported.

Mexican Citrus Council president Ausencio Mata Medina, told the website the industry was working with the Federal Government to tackle the problem with the aim of achieving fruit fly-free status.

"The status we have according to reports from these authorities is a low prevalence of this insect," he was quoted as saying.

This year the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA) launched a fruit fly extermination program that involved releasing 30 sterile insects into the region to inhibit reproduction.

Medina said was important the industry reached its goals so it could export its fruit without restrictions, the story reported.

He told the website there could be a 40% reduction in the orange crop in 2012 due to the effects of high temperatures this year, with forecast harvest volumes of 240,000 metric tons (MT).

Photo: En Linea Directa

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