Context

Fruit and vegetable production is a cornerstone of the European agricultural sector, supporting food security, trade, and rural economies. However, the increasing global trade, climate change, and evolving agricultural practices have heightened the risk of biological invasions. Two highly invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera dorsalis (Bd) and Bactrocera zonata (Bz), pose a serious threat to European fruit and vegetable production. These species are capable of rapid population growth, high dispersal rates, and significant economic damage by infesting a wide range of host plants. 

Due to their destructive potential, both species have been classified as pests of priority concern for the EU. Their establishment in Europe could result in substantial losses for the agricultural sector, disrupt trade due to quarantine restrictions, and increase reliance on pesticides, with further impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. The challenge is to develop sustainable, effective, and rapid response strategies to prevent their establishment and mitigate potential outbreaks. Current pest management strategies rely heavily on chemical control measures, which pose risks to human health, biodiversity, and regulatory compliance within the EU’s Green Deal targets. The EU-funded REACT project addresses this challenge by developing advanced, sustainable, and economically viable strategies to prevent, identify, monitor, and control Bd and Bz. 

Objectives

REACT aims to develop long-term, environmentally sustainable strategies and innovative tools to protect fruit and vegetable production from Bactrocera dorsalis (Bd) and Bactrocera zonata (Bz). The project will strengthen Europe's capacity for early detection, rapid response, and sustainable pest control - minimising both environmental and economic risks.

Key objectives include:

1. Risk Assessment & Early Detection

Activities

To achieve its objectives, REACT will implement a series of interdisciplinary research and development activities. The project will begin with an in-depth assessment of invasion risks, identifying key drivers of Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata introductions, dispersal pathways, and suitable hotspots for establishment. By integrating ecological modeling and socio-economic analysis, REACT will determine the most vulnerable regions and assess the potential impact of invasions on European agriculture and trade.

A core component of the project is the development of innovative monitoring and interception tools. REACT will create a rapid, field-deployable, and cost-effective mobile system for early pest detection, enhancing the ability to respond swiftly to new incursions. This will be complemented by improved species-specific identification techniques to increase detection accuracy and efficiency. 

To support long-term pest management, REACT advances the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) by optimising key biological control methods. The project develops a bioinformatics pipeline for generating ‘neoclassical’ genetic sexing strains for more efficient mass rearing, and rethinks the release of sterile males. Additionally, genetic and metabolic markers are introduced to assess the quality of mass-reared flies, ensuring their competitiveness in the field. Improved diet formulations are tested to enhance fly fitness, longevity, and performance in sterile release programs.

To assess the feasibility of SIT-based eradication strategies, REACT conducts demonstration trials using Ceratitis capitata as a model species. Releases occur in areas with low pest prevalence, simulating real invasion scenarios. These trials provide critical data on the practical application of SIT under European conditions, assessing its effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact.

Beyond technical advances, REACT actively engages stakeholders, including farmers, policy makers, industry representatives, and researchers, to ensure that the project’s solutions are practical and widely applicable. The project organises consultations, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to align its results with regulatory frameworks and agricultural practices. A rapid intervention guide provides targeted recommendations for different invasion scenarios, helping policy makers and farmers to implement rapid and effective control measures.

The long-term impact of REACT will be establishing a sustainable, pesticide-free approach to invasive fruit fly management. The project aligns with the EU’s Green Deal objectives by reducing chemical reliance, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing agricultural resilience. Its findings will strengthen Europe’s ability to prevent, contain, and eradicate invasive species, ensuring stable fruit and vegetable production, trade security, and environmental sustainability under changing climatic and regulatory conditions.