In a statement, the ministry has advised that due to the Asian Fruit Fly's persistence in Limpopo region in South Africa, fruits and vegetables from the province would be prohibited in the country indefinitely. The evil fly is reported to be fond of citrus, mango, cashew, papaya, guava, green pepper, watermelons, squash, pumpkin, cucumber, butternuts, baby marrows, patty pans bananas, avocado and several wild host plants, including morula and wild monkey orange (mogororwana).
The government is, therefore, fighting tooth and nail to keep the fly outside the country. The Plant Protection Division, under the ministry, has subsequently requested clients to follow quarantine measures to avoid the seizure of their plants and fruits at borders. They have been advised to get a plant import permit issued by the division regardless of quantity of products. Phytosanitary certificates issued in South Africa should always accompany the permit, they advised. Also mandatory checks of passengers at airports and borders are said to be on going.
