A SENIOR local citrus grower remains optimistic of eradicating fruit fly from the Riverland, despite a 13th concurrent outbreak being declared in the region.
PIRSA earlier this month declared a new outbreak of Queensland fruit fly at Renmark South, after maggots were found in home-grown quinces.
Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair Jason Size believed it was still possible to eradicate the pest from the region.
“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,” Mr Size said.
“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.
“We all want a Riverland free of fruit fly so we can grow commercial and home-grown 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.”
PIRSA fruit fly response general manager, Nick Secomb, urged property owners to minimise the risk of backyard outbreaks.
“Many of the Riverland outbreaks have started in domestic gardens, usually in larger properties just out of town with a dozen trees or more,” Mr Secomb said.
“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.”
Mr Secomb (pictured) said winter fruits had now become a target for the pest.
“Nobody wants to find maggots in their home-grown produce or to lose the freedom of growing fresh produce to fruit flies,” he said. “We can stop this pest becoming established in South Australia if everyone plays a part.
“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 its ripe, and discard fallen fruit and waste appropriately.”
Primary producers impacted by current fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the Family and Business (FaB) support program.
Further information regarding fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland is available by visiting the website.