Monitoring key to prevent Qfly

Table grape and dried fruit growers in the Murray Valley region are urged to be proactive in their monitoring and management of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) this season.

The past three years of La Niña weather patterns have produced conditions highly favourable for Qfly.

Fruit Fly Murray Valley regional coordinator Narelle Beattie said monitoring for the presence or absence of Qfly was now an essential part of growers’ pest management programs.

"Everyone knows how to manage and prevent fruit fly infestations now, but growers are encouraged to be on the front foot with their monitoring," Narelle said.

"Be alert and take action in a timely manner to minimise any impact."

Australian Table Grape Association

CEO Jeff Scott said table grape growers had increased

Critical moment for future of Qfly management

Growers and industry are invited to have their say on a new position paper discussing the challenges the Murray Valley region faces in fruit fly management.

Over the past few months, the Fruit Fly Murray Valley Advisory Group, made up of industry and local government representatives, has been their understanding of fruit fly behaviour and strengthened their management practices as a result.

“However, in high pest and disease pressure years, as an industry, we cannot be complacent,” Jeff said.

“Vigilance is key – monitor regularly and maintain treatment programs to help prevent avoidable outbreaks.”

Dried Fruits Australia field officer Stephen Kelly also advised dried grape growers to continue their monitoring and control practices.

“Monitoring for fruit fly activity in vineyards and a baiting program that does not target fruit or foliage is recommended,” Stephen said.

“Dried vine fruit varieties are not favoured hosts of Queensland fruit fly. However, the female will sting and lay eggs in berries after veraison. The larvae rarely reach maturity but can damage the fruit.

“A baiting program is essential at this time of year to prevent incursions into your vineyard.”

Bait spraying is the most reliable and integrated pest management friendly way to reduce Qfly numbers in a vineyard. v

More information for growers on fruit fly control, including a table grapes bait spraying fact sheet, is available at www.fruitflymv.com.au/growers looking at the future of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) management.

The current state-wide funding to implement Qfly management initiatives will come to an end on 30 June 2025. Ongoing support is no longer guaranteed as the Victorian government considers the management of established pests such as Qfly to be primarily the responsibility of land managers.

The position of the advisory group remains that industry and growers are meeting their on-farm responsibilities for Qfly management and should not be responsible for funding work off-farm and paying for wider community initiatives.

The position paper – Sustainable fruit fly management in the Murray Valley beyond 2025 – is available to read at www.fruitflymv.com.au/beyond2025

Comments can be submitted to fruitflymv@mildura.vic.gov.au by 5pm, Friday 24 March 2023.