By Tanya Steele
Surveillance traps have detected the Queensland fruit fly (QFF) in Kinglake, Gruyere, Wandin North and Yarra Glen since Tuesday 14 March.
This recent development is after the fruit fly was found in a trap in Silvan in the past week.
The Keep Yarra Valley fruit fly free (KYVFFF) group released the information on its Facebook page and QFF alerts are now active for those areas.
Regional fruit fly project coordinator at Agribusiness Yarra Valley, Bronwyn Koll, said that the change in weather does not mean people should relax their surveillance as every bit counts towards lowering numbers.
“We ask that everyone help by looking after their own patch, whether you are a backyard gardener or commercial user,” she said.
The KYVFFF urges people to check fruit for larvae or suspicious looking damage that could be fruit fly ‘stings’
People should also install traps if they haven’t already and update any expired lures.
Fruit fly bands can also be applied to trees and leafy areas in your garden and insect nets can be placed over any crops not yet harvested.
Fruit must be harvested promptly without letting it drop to the ground and damaged fruit must be boiled or frozen and placed in the bin after it has been treated.
A small percentage of adult flies can survive through winter, so continued surveillance and vigilance from the public can make a difference to the fruit fly population.
“The key best practice is to control and manage the population, the ability of the fruit fly to over winter is severely hampered by autumn control,” said Ms Knoll.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child has confirmed council is aware of the recent developments in the issue.
“Following February’s confirmed detection of Queensland Fruit Fly, Agribusiness Yarra Valley requested that we assess nearby fruit trees on public land, which may be susceptible to infestation and remove them if necessary,” he said.
“We have removed several trees on Council land, as we did in 2017-2020 to reduce the risk of fruit fly spreading.”
“Fruit trees on public land are beloved by the community but can pose a risk when fruit fly is detected and we work with landowners and Agribusiness Yarra Valley to help owners eradicate fruit flies when detected, but sometimes extra measures are necessary.”
Agribusiness Yarra Valley will be holding public information pop up sessions about QFF and how they are managed in Yarra Glen on:
Monday, 20 March from 10am-1pm at Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre
Monday 3 April from 10am-1pm at Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre
More information and tips on prevention and how to get rid of Queensland Fruit fly is available on the Agriculture Victoria website or the Keep the Yarra Valley Fruit Fly Free Facebook page.
