California and the Medfly Infestation in the Early 1980s

An infestation of the Mediterranean fruitfly began to threaten California’s large agricultural industry in 1980. By that time, however, environmentalism had achieved a major foothold in the state’s urban areas. There was strong resistance to aerial spraying and the use of pesticide. The controversy limited the anti-Medfly efforts. Eventually, the infestation and the controversy over attempts to eradicate the Medfly in urban areas spilled over into state politics. Democratic Governor Jerry Brown was planning to run for the US Senate in 1982. Along with a deteriorating state budget, the Medfly controversy became a significant element in Brown’s campaign against Republican Pete Wilson. Wilson ultimately won the race. This news video on the Medfly was made in early January 1981. For more on the Medfly problem, see: