Queensland fruit fly maggots found in home-grown quinces in Renmark South have caused a new Riverland fruit fly outbreak.
Residents are urged to search their address on the fruitfly outbreak map to understand the restrictions now in place within the 1.5 km red outbreak and 15 km yellow suspension areas.
Fruit fly officers in orange overalls from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will be visiting properties in the outbreak area to apply bait and check for signs of fruit fly in fruit.
PIRSA's Fruit Fly Response General Manager Nick Secomb said winter fruits are now a target for fruit fly and residents must protect their home-grown produce.
"Nobody wants to find maggots in their home-grown produce or to lose the freedom of growing fresh produce to fruit flies. We can stop this pest becoming established in South Australia if everyone plays a part," said Mr Secomb.
"Understand whether the fruit and vegetables in your backyard are a target for fruit fly – things like quince, apples, pears, oranges, lemons and avocados. There is a list of common fruits and vegetables that fruit fly like on the fruit fly website.
"Pick your fruit as soon as it's ripe, and discard fallen fruit and waste appropriately. Waste arrangements differ across the Riverland so check the fruit fly website or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 for advice specific to you.
"Most of the Riverland outbreaks have started in domestic gardens, usually in larger properties just out of town with a dozen trees or more. If you live in or own one of these properties, your yard will be highly appealing to fruit flies. Remove your fruit and prune your trees to protect your yard as well as the whole Riverland."
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee and local grower Jason Size said outbreaks have been tough on the Riverland and there is still a long road ahead, but fruit fly freedom is still possible if everyone does what they can to fight the pest.
"We are at a crucial time in the history of our Pest Free Area for everyone to take action to help control and eradicate this pest. Everyone needs to pitch in and support all our efforts. Don't rely on others to do it – we need help and support now from everyone in the community," said Mr Size.
"Good commercial growers generally know what to do on their properties to reduce fruit fly risk, and anyone with fruit trees around their home must act too.
"We all want a Riverland free of fruit fly so we can grow commercial and homegrown fruit without needing to use chemicals, knowing it’s free of maggots. I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for anyone with a fruit tree by their house to clear up and stop fruit fly breeding.
"If you’re a grower, call PIRSA’s industry hotline on 1800 255 556 for advice on fruit fly restrictions and requirements.”
Primary producers impacted by current fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the State Government’s free Family and Business (FaB) support program or call a Riverland FaB:
- Robyn Cain 0411 633 085
- John Chase 0419 848 672
- Brent Fletcher 0439 409 430
For the most up to date outbreak advice and other information visit www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.