The Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) has been detected in apricots in a residential garden in Yarra Glen, with further suspected larvae sightings in Lilydale.
Other nearby areas such as Steels Creek and Dixons Creek may also be affected. The ‘Keep Yarra Valley Fruit Fly Free Facebook Page’ posted a notice announcing that the organisation does not yet have enough QFF traps being reported on to get a comprehensive picture of the situation.
The post stipulated that locals may see cream-white larvae about 5-8mm long crawling inside homegrown fruit.
If this larvae is seen, locals are urged to report larvae sightings and seek advice.
Those with fruit production at home are encouraged to use QFF traps to monitor fruit for QFF infestations.
Call in to your local nursery or buy online from qff trap suppliers.
Pick all fruit and process it to use the unaffected parts, and freeze or boil any suspicious infested fruit or scraps. Do not compost.
For the fruit yet to ripen: insect mesh over the fruit and the whole plant (allowing room for branch & air movement) may help prevent QFF infesting your crop – if it’s not already infested. It’s time to check and time to act.
For more info or free assistance visit: www.fruitflyfreeyv.com.au or email qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com
