Vinehealth Australia advises that PIRSA declared a new Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) outbreak on 27 June 2022 at Renmark South due to the detection of fruit fly larvae in home-grown quinces. This takes the tally to 13 Qfly outbreaks in the Riverland.

Vinehealth Australia continues to support PIRSA in their efforts to manage the fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland and we thank PIRSA for the following article.

Are you growing quince, apples or pears? Make sure you check them for fruit fly. Queensland fruit fly maggots detected in home-grown quinces in Renmark South have caused a new outbreak to be declared.

Fruit fly are laying their eggs in winter fruits such as quinces, pears, mandarins and apples. Remaining vigilant during the colder months is important to keep fruit fly away.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) staff will visit properties in the affected area to apply organic bait and check fruit.

Follow PIRSA’s tips if you live in a red outbreak area:

  • Keep fruit on your property – do not share, sell or give it away.
  • Pick your ripe fruit and vegetables.
  • Collect fallen fruit. Don’t compost or bury. Seal fruit waste in a plastic bag and call the Fruit Fly Hotline for advice.
  • Check your fruit for blemishes and maggots.
  • Call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 if you suspect fruit fly and seal the fruit in a bag.

Commercial fruit movement restrictions are in place and all host material must be certified before leaving an outbreak area.

Growers can find information in the Industry support section of the PIRSA fruit fly website or call the Industry Hotline on 1800 255 556.

For more information, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au to check the map or residents can call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

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For PIRSA’s latest map of the Qfly outbreaks in the Riverland (as at 5 July 2022), click here.

For PIRSA’s interactive map of the Riverland Fruit Fly Outbreak Area, click here.