Current status of and future needs for fruit fly research in Tanzania.

The article focuses on current status and future needs for fruit fly research in Tanzania. A number of researchers with different interests have been working on fruit flies from the 19th century in Tanzania. Fruits are important as a source of nutrients in the diets of Tanzanians. Both tropical and temperate fruits are grown. The production of the latter occurs in the highlands areas of the country. There is great potential for export of fruits to international markets if export quality standards can be met. According to Food and Agricultural Organization, the quantity of exported fresh tropical fruits fell from 180 metric tons, valued at US$13,000 in 2000 to 10 metric tons valued at US$5,000 in 2002. Pests and disease largely threaten the export potential of fruits from Tanzania. Fruit flies have been listed among the most important pests of many fruits. The management of fruit fly pests has been a major problem throughout the world. Various methods for managing the flies have been reported by researchers. Currently there are no data on the extent of losses caused by fruit flies in various fruit growing areas in Tanzania. Research is needed to document the losses due to various fruit flies species in Tanzania under various ecological situations.