ABSTRACT
The pest free area concept is a program that has been used for almost a decade to certify fruit for export to meet quarantine restrictions. Programs to date are primarily in areas subject to infestation by Anastrepha species. Occasionally, sterile fly releases or malathion bait sprays are used to prevent population increases to levels which would result in the loss of pest free certification status. To meet pest free area protocol requirements, the production area had to be a minimum of 120 hectares and located at least 4.8 kilometers from any residential areas having numerous Caribbean fruit fly preferred hosts. The pest free area concept to satisfy quarantine restrictions is gaining acceptance by affected industries and regulatory agencies in both producing and receiving states and countries. The development of new pest free areas may be complex and will certainly vary depending on the target pest and the host product.
