Current Research

Following initial reports of the black fig fly in spring/summer 2021, a series of research and extension projects were developed to provide fig growers with improved tools for monitoring and management. Our lab is now leading these efforts as the work gets underway in summer 2022.

Pest Delineation, Monitoring and Management

Pest Delineation: BFF has been reported in many counties throughout southern California and the Central Coast regions. We plan to monitor fig orchards in these regions for BFF, as well as orchards in the primary fig productions areas within Madera, Merced and Fresno counties.

Traps/Lures: An effective monitoring system is needed for BFF. This year we'll be comparing the use of McPhail-type traps baited with either Torula yeast or a combination of ammonium sulfate and hexanol, which has been shown to be attractive to BFF. 

Chemical Controls: The efficacy of some chemical controls will be evaluated against adult BFF populations. This includes products that are allowed for use in certified organic production.

Potential Geographic Range of BFF

Little is known about the temperature thresholds and degree-day requirements for BFF. As such, we're conducting work to characterize these components of BFF developmental biology, and will then use that information to model the potential range expansion and phenology of BFF in California.

Extension and Outreach

In parallel with these research efforts, we plan to schedule a series of in-person and online meetings to share information on BFF biology, ecology, monitoring and management. Please check the "Upcoming Events" section for a dates/locations of these field days.