Joint NSW Government and Industry Program to Tackle Fruit Fly

Growers in fruit fly outbreak areas in the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone, which covers the main horticultural production areas of Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera and Hillston, are being asked to support a joint NSW Government and industry program to tackle fruit fly.

Industry & Investment regulatory specialist based at Hay, Dean Whitehead, said Queensland fruit fly was one of the world's worst economic pests of horticultural industries.

“Demonstrating the citrus industry and NSW Government are successfully managing Queensland fruit fly will improve market access to some of our key trading partners including Japan,” he said.

“Through the program we are asking growers to apply a bait spray now with a second application in late May.

“Spraying in late autumn will stop Queensland fruit fly from over-wintering and appearing in spring.”

Mr Whitehead said growers and householders were also being asked to:

• remove all unwanted fruit;
• pick up and dispose of any fallen fruit;
• place the fruit in a plastic bag;
• leave it in the sun for a couple of days;
• then place the bag in a bin.

Riverina Citrus’ executive officer, Scot MacDonald said the Riverina was Australia’s largest citrus growing region and the community needed to work together to stop fruit fly outbreaks.

“I am urging growers and householders to take part in this program as it is a very good way to take a stand against this devastating pest,” he said.

Acknoweledgement

This information is coutesy of NSW Industry and Investment.