XSIT makes use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) methodology to suppress FCM within agricultural areas focusing on citrus, table grapes and stone fruit production in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa. With South Africa being the worldโs second-largest citrus exporter and a zero-tolerance for phytosanitary pests in the global export market - XSIT ensures local producers can remain globally competitive by providing a platform to which an integrated pest management (IPM) programme can be overlaid. In principle, SIT is a tool which can be used in an IPM programme whereby masses of FCM are reared, sterilized, and released in areas where FCM is a problem. Our production facility is located in Citrusdal where millions of moths are reared for distribution across more than 18 000 hectares of fruit located in the Oliphants River Valley, Breeder River Valley, Hex River Valley, Gamtoos River Valley, Sundays River Valley, and Kakamas. XSIT is a highly effective organic and scientific approach to suppression of FCM, where data analysis and meticulous quality control form part of every step of the process to ensure sustained and consistent improvement of FCM suppression.
