BIOSECURITY
Early action the key to a positive fruit fly season Implementing Queensland fruit fly control strategies early will give growers the best chance at managing the pest during what is expected to be another challenging season, according to Fruit Fly Murray Valley (FFMV).
sides of the river – were at their
“Growers in our region have been
highest for that time of year since the
facing this issue for a number of years
outbreak started in 2011.”
now, and they know what needs to
Bureau of Meteorology modelling
high populations in the Qfly spring
you need and begin monitoring early.
is currently predicting a 50 per cent
peak, which generally occurs in the
chance of La Niña forming later in
“Be sure to check your traps are within
region in August and September each
2022 – approximately double the
their use-by date – otherwise they will
year,” she said.
need recharging or replacing – and are
“Flies captured during the spring peak
deployed properly. Also make sure
are mostly those that emerged as
your baits and pesticides are within
adults in late autumn and survived
their use-by date and are approved to
winter in warm refuges.
be used.
“The spring peak is very important as
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all
the region,” FFMV regional coordinator
it is the precursor to the rest of the
approach with Qfly control, so speak
Narelle Beattie said.
season.”
to an agronomist for specialist advice
“Weather conditions during an
Narelle said now was the time to focus
unusually prolonged autumn this
on area-wide management strategies
year favoured the expansion of Qfly
to hit fruit fly hard at the start of the
Information and resources to help
populations. Fruit fly numbers in our
season, reduce numbers and set the
growers control fruit fly is also
region – on the Victorian and NSW
region up for a positive year.
available at www.fruitflymv.com.au v
normal likelihood. “We have experienced back-to-back La Niña events in 2020-21 and 2021-22 and have seen the impact of the warm humid weather on the populations of Queensland fruit fly in
32 VINE MAGAZINE
Narelle said conditions forecast for the next three months were conducive
be done to manage fruit fly on their properties,” she said.
to another bad fruit fly season unless
“Control strategies need to be applied
early control actions are taken.
early and continuously after fruit set,
“Strong fruit fly populations heading
so it’s important to be organised. Have
into the colder months can lead to
a plan in place, purchase any supplies
and help designing a unique control plan for your property.”
