Renmark’s new fruit fly hotspot

BACKYARD fruit trees continue to pose a high risk for the spread of fruit fly, with a new Riverland outbreak declared and two existing quarantine areas extended.

PIRSA today declared a new outbreak of fruit fly in Renmark, following the detection of maggots in home-grown apples.

Maggots found in home-grown apples and pears within the Loxton North B and Loxton North C outbreak areas have also extended those red outbreak and yellow suspension area boundaries.

Part of the Loxton township is now in a red outbreak area as a result.

Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair Jason Size said minimising the risks of fruit fly outbreaks was a community-wide responsibility.

“Commercial growers know what to do on their properties to reduce fruit fly risk, and anyone with fruit trees around their home must act too,” Mr Size said.

“We all want a Riverland free of fruit fly so we can grow commercial and homegrown 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 said fruit fly maggots would now be able to survive through the winter months and emerge in spring.

“Most 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.

“Last year PIRSA successfully eradicated three Riverland outbreaks, 12 Adelaide outbreaks and one in Port Augusta with the help of residents who followed the restrictions and gardening advice.

“We need everyone in the Riverland region to clean up their gardens now so we can have that success again.

“Prune your trees, pick your winter fruit as soon as it’s ripe and collect any rotten or fallen fruit off the ground – do not compost or bury it. Don’t move it off your property.”

Primary producers impacted by current fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the free Family and Business (FaB) support program by phone on 1800 931 314, or by visiting the website (pir.sa.gov.au/fabs).

A total of 12 fruit fly outbreaks are currently ongoing in the region.