Cadell falls victim to fruit fly

GROWERS in another area of the Riverland will feel the impacts of fruit fly after the region's latest outbreak of the pest. 

PIRSA today declared a new fruit fly outbreak in Cadell, following the detection of maggots in peaches grown on a commercial property. 

Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair Jason Size said grower participation in the self-baiting program was key to minimising the potential of further outbreaks. 

“Commercial growers in red outbreak areas are eligible for free fruit fly bait and lures that attract and kill fruit fly,” Mr Size said. 

"I strongly encourage Cadell growers to access these resources provided by PIRSA. Information about self-baiting can be found on the fruit fly website.

"There is lots of useful information for growers in red outbreak areas about the restrictions now in place and what you need to do.”

PIRSA general manager of the fruit fly response Nick Secomb said the maggots were discovered following a local's report. 

“Residents must keep home-grown fruit on their property and growers must ensure all host fruit is treated and certified before leaving the Cadell outbreak area,"

“We are now aware fruit fly is active in Cadell and it is vital everyone in that region does everything they can to remove opportunities for fruit fly to breed.

“Pick you ripe fruit now. Collect any fallen fruit, double bag it and call the fruit fly hotline to arrange collection. Check for signs of fruit fly by cutting your fruit open."

Local growers impacted by fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the Family and Business Support service by phone on 0411 633 085, 0419 848 672 or 0439 409 430, or by visiting the website (pir.sa.gov.au/fabs). 

Up to date outbreak advice and other fruit fly information can be found by visiting the website (https://www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au/).