To limit the international spread of pests and diseases that harm plants –from fruits, vegetables, grains to trees– it is essential to know which plants a pest will use to reproduce. These plants are called hosts, as they host or harbour pests that are transported when the plants are moved and traded, with the risk of the pests spreading. Ten years ago the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) community agreed that a standard was needed on how to determine whether a specific fruit may host damaging fruit flies. Ten years of dialogue, drafts and consultations were needed before the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) on Determination of host status of fruit to fruit flies (Tephritidae) was adopted. More>>