Agadir Set to Welcome Global Experts on Fruit Fly Management
Morocco is gearing up to host one of the foremost global scientific events focused on fruit flies, which pose significant phytosanitary challenges to horticultural and fruit sectors. The 12th edition of the International Symposium on Fruit Flies of Economic Importance (12ISFFEI) will take place in Agadir from May 10 to May 15, 2026, at the Horticultural Complex in Agadir, part of the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute.
This international gathering will bring together researchers, plant protection experts, phytosanitary organizations, industrial stakeholders, and professionals from several countries to exchange insights on the latest scientific and technical advancements in managing fruit flies from the Tephritidae family. These insects represent a major economic threat to fruit and vegetable crops, particularly citrus fruits, berries, and certain strategic export crops crucial for Morocco.
According to the organizers, the symposium will cover a wide range of topics, from the biology, ecology, and behavior of these pests to large-scale integrated pest management approaches. The discussions will also delve into biotechnology, attractants, biological control methods, sterile insect techniques, phytosanitary quarantine issues, and the economic and regulatory challenges associated with control programs.
Morocco's Growing Role in Agricultural Research and Export
The selection of Morocco, specifically Agadir, underscores the Kingdom's increasing prominence in agronomic research, phytosanitary protection, and agricultural exports. The Souss-Massa region is indeed a strategic hub for Moroccan horticultural production, heavily involved in the monitoring and management of pests. The program will also include technical field visits, focusing on production and release systems for sterile males, citrus orchards, and packing stations catering to international markets. These visits will showcase Moroccan experiences in integrated pest management and phytosanitary management of export sectors.
Established in 1982 in Athens, this international symposium has become a leading platform for fruit fly specialists. The organizers emphasize that these gatherings have significantly contributed over the past decades to the development of environmentally friendly control methods and the improvement of sustainable management strategies for these pests globally.
As reported by agrimaroc.ma.
