Goulburn Murray Valley regional fruit fly project co-ordinator Ross Abberfield said the effects of La Niña and ripe fruit going unpicked has caused “increased fruit fly pressure”.
“It is evident that Qfly (Queensland fruit fly) will cause havoc for not only Victorian growers but also growers in southern NSW and South Australia in the upcoming season,” Mr Abberfield said.
“We know we won’t see the full impact of increased Qfly activity until the next growing season, however the importance of prevention and control measures now is key to curbing the spread.”
The largest concern at the moment is fruit fly adversely impacting fruit exports out of Victoria and southern NSW.
Mr Abberfield said the current situation of increased fruit fly activity had been exacerbated by weather conditions that were optimal for fruit fly survival and spread, on top of serious problems in the harvest of commercial fruit due to travel restrictions for itinerant workers as a result of COVID-19.
“We are continuing to work with industry groups such as Cobram and District Fruit Growers Association and Fruit Growers Victoria to support growers during this period and ensure management and control strategies are bolstered where required,” he said.
Backyard fruit and vegie growers are being asked to monitor their plants for fruit fly and remove fruit quickly from the garden after it ripens so pupae have less of a chance to develop.
Winter will kill off a certain percentage of the population, but because the fly had such a fertile summer and autumn experts predict they will bounce back with a vengeance come spring.
