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Report on Fruit Fly Infestation in Horticultural Crops of Chinthamani Region, Karnataka Date of Visit: August 2024 Location: Chinthamani Region, Karnataka Crops Observed: Tomato, Cucumber, Pomegranate, Custard Apple Extent of Damage: 20% to 30% of crop wastage due to fruit fly infestation Introduction In August 2024, a visit was conducted to the Chinthamani region of Karnataka, an area well-known for its horticultural crops. The aim was to assess the health of key crops including tomato, cucumber, pomegranate, and custard apple. A significant challenge observed during the visit was the infestation of fruit flies, which caused considerable crop losses. Observations Crops Affected: The fruit fly infestation impacted several horticultural crops, including: Tomato, Cucumber, Guava, Mango & Custard And. Level of Damage: Approximately 20% to 30% of the crop yield was lost due to fruit fly infestations. The affected fruits were either deformed or rendered unsellable, leading to direct financial losses for farmers. Reasons for Infestation Spread: A major reason for the proliferation of fruit flies in the region was identified as poor post-harvest practices. Infected fruits were often discarded near the fields rather than being properly buried. This practice allowed fruit flies to breed and spread rapidly, further infecting healthy crops. Environmental Conditions: The region experienced moderate to high humidity, coupled with fluctuating temperatures, which created ideal breeding conditions for fruit flies. Impact on Farmers The 20% to 30% wastage heavily impacted farmers' revenues. Since horticulture is a primary source of income for many farmers in the Chinthamani region, the reduction in both quantity and quality of produce affected their market returns. Interventions and Recommendations To mitigate the spread of fruit flies: 1 Proper Disposal of Infected Fruits: Farmers should be encouraged to bury or properly dispose of infected fruits, as discarding them near the fields facilitates the spread of fruit flies. 2 Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Adoption of IPM strategies, including a combination of biological and chemical controls, should be prioritised. 3 Use of Traps and Baits: Pheromone-based traps could be deployed to help control fruit fly populations. 4 Regular Monitoring and Early Detection: Monitoring crops for early signs of infestation and taking timely action can help reduce losses. 5 Training and Farmer Awareness Programs: Training farmers in modern pest control techniques and encouraging good agricultural practices can play a crucial role in minimizing infestation risks. WayCool Foods is hand holding the farmers as part of the cluster development program to assist them. #farmers #regenerativeagricluture #economicloss #fruitflies #cdp #chintamani #karnataka Sendhil Kumar N .