General News
12 April, 2024
Fighting fruit fly infestation
The Rainbow and District Landcare Group has announced an evening event aimed at helping to control and hopefully eradicate Rainbow’s burgeoning fruit fly population.
The Rainbow and District Landcare Group has announced an evening event aimed at helping to control and hopefully eradicate Rainbow’s burgeoning fruit fly population.
Queensland fruit fly (QFF) is a serious nationwide pest that infests many types of fruit and fruiting vegetables.
The number of residents affected by the pest has increased in the past two years due to favourable weather conditions and lack of vigilance.
Rainbow and District Landcare Group president Bruce Heinrich said the impact on homegrown backyard vegetables and fruit could not be understated.
“It is simply amazing how many crops the fruit fly can infest - from seasonal tomatoes to citrus, and even pomegranates - spoiling all the good work of local garden enthusiasts,” he said.
“So, we plan to hold a public meeting at The Mecca to talk about the problem and treatment options.”
The session, on Wednesday April 17 at 7.30pm, will feature a visit from ABC gardening talkback expert and horticulturist Rob Pelletier, from Heritage Fruit Trees.
Take-home information will be available, and the Landcare Group is arranging for a supper to enable people to have a chat afterwards.
“We will seek input from those attending about how our Landcare group can help the community tackle the growing problem,” Mr Heinrich said.
“One area where we think we can help is to work with the council and the community to reduce the threat from untended citrus and other fruit trees in the coming months.”
QFF is considered as “established” throughout Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) does not routinely gather data on detections, although it has been running a program regarding exotic fruit flies across the state, ensuring freedom from species including Mediterranean fruit fly.
Through this program AgVic said it was aware QFF is now present in Warracknabeal, Rainbow and St Arnaud, but is yet to receive any specific reports from Horsham or Edenhope.
AgVic statewide fruit fly coordinator Cathy Mansfield said there were a number of ways to protect homegrown produce from pests, but vigilance was always required.
“Fine insect netting is the most effective way of protecting crops, with regular checks essential to ensure the nets are tightly secured and haven’t been damaged by branches,” Ms Mansfield said.
“Queensland fruit fly can breed in many home garden crops that are present in mid-summer, with fruit becoming increasingly attractive as it ripens.”
Infected produce should be microwaved, frozen, or placed in sealed plastic bags in the sun for at least 14 days to kill any eggs and maggots before being thrown in the rubbish bin.
If you are interested in attending Rainbow's information evening, please contact secretary Bernard Young, at bernard.young54@gmail.com or on 0417 236 840.