SIT has been highly effective against the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), achieving eradication in parts of Argentina, California, and Mexico, and sustained suppression in Spain and South Africa, opening new export markets and reducing pesticide use. In the Western Hemisphere, SIT protects against Anastrepha species, excluding the Mexican fruit fly from key US regions and suppressing the Caribbean fruit fly in Florida, and also supporting eradication programs in Mexico. In the Asia-Pacific region, SIT has eradicated the melon fruit fly from Japanese islands and the Queensland fruit fly from Western Australia, with ongoing suppression efforts for other Bactrocera species in Southeast Asia and growing interest in its application against the olive fruit fly in the Mediterranean. The spread of Bactrocera species in Africa highlights the importance of SIT in combating new invasive populations. Overall, the implementation of SIT has demonstrated a significant positive impact on agricultural economies, reducing crop losses and minimising the environmental footprint of pest control. As a component of integrated pest management, SIT offers a sustainable approach to controlling these economically significant pests, minimising environmental impact and promoting trade.
