Monitoring Ceratitis capitata, one of the most damaging pests in citrus production, does not end in the field. While traps capture insects in orchards, it is in the laboratory where those captures are transformed into reliable data that support pest management decisions.

Within Project CERBERUS, a standardized methodology ensures that each sample is processed consistently, maintaining accuracy and traceability throughout the monitoring workflow.

Each sample arrives in a labelled container linked to a specific trap. The first step is to verify that this identification is correct. The sample is then carefully emptied onto a working surface, ensuring no insects remain inside the container.

If impurities are present, only Ceratitis capitata individuals are selected. The counting process is carried out manually using simple tools such as trays, counters and fine brushes. Each insect is counted individually, and the final number represents the pest pressure recorded for that trap.

In regions where the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is applied, an additional step is required. Using UV-A light, technicians distinguish sterile individuals from wild ones based on fluorescence. Only wild males are recorded, as they are responsible for reproduction and therefore for pest population dynamics.

Once the counting is completed, the data are uploaded into the CERBERUS platform, connecting laboratory analysis with field monitoring. This integration is part of the digital workflow described in the CERBERUS concept.

Through this process, each sample contributes to a continuous monitoring system that supports early pest detection and more precise crop protection strategies.