New pest adds to growing strain on Cyprus farmers

After months of battling frost, drought and even damaging sea winds, farmers in Cyprus are now facing a new and unwelcome threat: an invasive insect attacking key crops across the island.

Authorities say a newly detected pest, *Dacus ciliatus*, commonly known as the Ethiopian fruit fly, was first identified in June 2024 and has already spread to all districts. The insect primarily targets cucurbit crops, including zucchini, cucumbers, watermelons and melons, staples for many local producers.

For growers already stretched by extreme weather, the arrival of the pest is another blow in what has been a difficult period for agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture has classified the insect as a quarantine pest under European Union rules, triggering a series of containment and eradication measures. Officials say inspections are ongoing nationwide as they work to map affected areas and assess whether the pest has spread beyond currently identified zones.

Complicating efforts is the presence of a common weed, known locally as wild cucumber, which acts as a host for the insect and may be aiding its rapid spread.

Authorities have not yet detailed the full economic impact, but the widespread presence of the pest raises concerns about crop losses and added pressure on farmers already dealing with rising costs and climate-related challenges.

Officials say monitoring and containment efforts will continue in the coming months as they try to limit further damage and protect unaffected areas.