Current Projects

In 2006 and 2007  Bio-Fly and its partners implemented several projects for the suppression of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) using Sterile Insect Technique(SIT).  These projects are carried out in the northeastern region of the Sea of Galilee, in the Beit She'an valley, and in the western Negev.

In addition, Bio-Fly also supplies sterilized fly pupae for the Arava Medfly control Project (AMEP) in the Arava, a joint Israeli-Jordanian project begun in 1998.

SIT Northern Project

Location: Northeast of the Sea of Galilee, covering an area of 760 hectares.

Partners: Bio-Fly is a partner in the SIT Northern project with Northern R&D, The Institute for Biological Control, the Plant Protection and Inspection Services, the Agricultural Extension Service and the Citrus and Fruit Branches of the Plants Production and Marketing Board.

Crops: About 75% of the treated area is mango groves. In addition, the project includes citrus fruit, as well as small plots of grapes, apricots, pomegranates and guava.

Settlements included in the project: Ramot, Maale Gamla. 

Distribution method: Ground release from paper bags, twice a week, using an all terrain vehicle.

Growers and residents in the project: Involved in the project are dozens of growers from settlements in the region, as well as residents that are active in the tourism industry. The project's professional team initiates a variety of promotional activities, including meetings with growers, distribution of information brochures to growers and residents, as well as for tourists and hikers.

SIT Beit She'an Project

Location: Beit She'an valley, covering an area of 300 hectares.

Partners: Bio-Fly is a partner in the project with the Institute for Biological Control, the She'an Development Company, the Plant Protection and Inspection Services, the Agricultural Extension Service and the Citrus Branch of the Plants Production and Marketing Board.

Crops: Easy-Peelers, grapefruits and pomelos.

Settlements included in the project: Tirat Zvi, Sde Eliyahu.

Distribution method: Ground release from paper bags, twice a week, using an all terrain vehicle.

SIT Western Negev Project

Location: Western Negev, covering an area of 1,000 hectares.

Partners: Bio-Fly is a partner in the project with the Institute for Biological Control, the  Plant Protection and Inspection Services, Agricultural Co-operatives (Mehadrin, Maon Citrus and others), the Citrus Branch of the Plants Production and Marketing Board, and the Agricultural Extension Service.

Crops: Easy-Peelers, oranges and pomelos.

Settlements included in the project: Tze'elim, Gevulot. 

Distribution method: Ground release from paper bags, twice a week.

AMEP - Arava Medfly Eradication Project 

AMEP is part of the "Clean Arava" project aimed at preserving the Arava region free of the Medfly and other pests. This is a joint Israeli–Jordanian project that has been ongoing since the signing of the peace agreement with Jordan. The project is carried out in collaboration with Central Arava R&D, the Plant Protection and Inspection Services, and the Vegetable Branch of the Plants Production and Marketing Board.

Supply of sterile fly pupae

Until 2005, the project was supplied with pupae specially imported from Guatemala once a week. Since June 2005 Bio-Fly supplies the sterile pupae for AMEP.

The pupae are shipped from the Bio-Fly plant to the AMEP project's Emergence and Dispersal Center, where the sterile male flies emerge. The flies are dispersed by aircraft over an area of 4,000 hectares of agricultural fields and settlements on both sides of the border. Each week approximately 12 million flies are dispersed.

Project Achievements

Following the great success of AMEP in the control of the Medfly, Arava farmers have received export permits to the US, which in turn, has resulted in a dramatic growth in export volumes from 1998 to date.