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Biosecurity SA has produced a new information poster for commercial growers and the public on signs to look out for in detecting Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid disease (PSTVd). More information or view poster (
PDF 1.3 MB).
Sterile flies to 'wing it' in Salisbury fruit fly purge
Fruit fly outbreak declared in Adelaide's north-west - 23 February 2012
APVMA – suspension of use of dimethoate - 6 October 2011 (external site)
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If you need information translated, and you live in South Australia, please contact the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 and ask the interpreter to telephone Service SA on 13 23 24.
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The sterile insect technique
Integrated pest management in the form of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is used against outbreaks of fruit fly. The following questions and answers are designed to explain what the technique involves and how it will be used.
How does Plant Health Operations use integrated pest management?
In the event of a fruit fly outbreak in SA, Biosecurity SA will apply fruit fly bait to suitable foliage in the outbreak area for several weeks until no further 'wild' fruit flies are detected. Following the bait-spotting program, Biosecurity SA will release sterile fruit flies into the outbreak area for about 12 weeks.
What is SIT?
SIT involves the release of large numbers of sterilised insects into the environment to mate with 'wild' insects of the same species.
How does SIT work?
The sterile insects mate with 'wild' fruit flies and any eggs laid are infertile, eventually eradicating the fruit fly population.
How frequently will releases occur?
When fruit fly is detected in any one area, releases of sterile flies will be made twice a week for up to 12 weeks. Sterile insects have a short life span while fertile females may live for several months. That is why it is important to maintain high numbers of sterile flies in the outbreak area.
Has SIT been used in other countries?
Yes. It is currently being used against fruit flies in the USA, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Israel, Jordan and South Africa.
How many flies will be released?
Approximately 100 000 flies will be released per square kilometre twice a week during the release phase of an outbreak; this equates to 1 fly for every 10 square metres per week.
Can I tell the difference between the sterile fruit fly and a 'wild' fertile insect?
It is most unlikely that sterile fruit flies will be observed by members of the public. However, the sterile insects will be marked with a dye so that they can be separated by our Inspectors from any 'wild' individuals that might be caught in the surveillance traps. This dye is not easily seen with the naked eye but can be detected in the laboratory.
Will any PIRSA staff enter my premises?
PIRSA staff will still need to enter properties during an outbreak to undertake trap surveillance and technical checks for infested fruit.
Where can I find more information about the control and eradication of fruit fly?
- A poster on the Sterile fruit fly release program summarises the technique.
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecuritysa/planthealth/fruit_fly/control_measures
- Page Last Modified: November 8, 2011