ABSTRACT
Action programs dealing with the area wide-integrated pest management concept that integrates the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) should have in mind the activities and steps needed to have a successful program. The methods of packing fruit flies imply the design of the packing center that will be used for the management of the flies. Nowadays, there are three options: fixed, mobile, and hybrid packing centers. Mobile and hybrid packing centers are used mainly for contingency or emergency plans when the release of sterile fruit flies is mandatory and there is no infrastructure available. A fixed packing center takes more time to build and start up than a mobile packing center. Both systems have or should have the same technical areas. Options for handling and feeding of sterile fruit flies are cardboard and plastic boxes, plastic buckets, paper bags, mesh cages, and towers. The type of diet for adults has a couple of variations: those that use only sugar and/or sugar plus protein. The release of sterile flies is carried out by ground or aerial means. Modalities in aerial release are as follows: endless worm or vibration band for dosing the flies when they leave the aircraft. The boxes that use conveyor belts also have a vibration system that allows the flies to leave the box without mechanical damage and allows a uniform dosage. Precision release is done with a satellite flagger such as AgNav or SatLoc where the area and bandwidth are defined and another through the Macx toolset consisting of a Macx web and the MacxNav flagger designed to release needs with traceability to integrated insect management.
