Scientists Say Borax Can Thwart Medfly

A substance found in laundry detergents may be a safe alternative to the controversial pesticide malathion in the battle against the crop-destroying medfly, two scientists say. Herb Nigg and colleague Sam Simpson, who work at the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, recently received a U.S. patent for their idea. They say borax works by preventing female flies from laying eggs. Agriculture officials use malathion to kill the Mediterranean fruit fly. The insect, smaller than a household fly, targets 250 kinds of vegetables and fruits, especially citrus. State officials fear that if an infestation gained a foothold, it would threaten Florida’s $7-billion agriculture industry. Nigg and Simpson say a low concentration of borax--about 0.5% in water-based bait--stopped egg production in flies for up to seven days.