Melton and Moorabool gardeners are encouraged to protect their fruits and vegetables from the Queensland fruit fly [QFF] this summer.
The wet spring created the perfect breeding conditions for the pest, which is most active now through to May.
Agriculture Victoria statewide fruit fly co-ordinator Cathy Mansfield said QFF are attracted to ripening fruit and vegetables.
“Maintaining good biosecurity practices starts in your home garden – and it’s vital to limit fruit fly population growth and halt its spread to neighbours, nearby orchards or farms,” she said.
“The best way to protect your fruit and vegetables is to use insect-proof netting during the growing season.”
Continuously flowering vegetable and berry crops should be covered when developing fruit are very small.
If you are unable to net your trees, monitor for fruit fly and use other preventative methods such as baiting and insecticides, traps and remove any unwanted ripe or dropped fruit.
QFF attacks a wide range of fruit and vegetables including tomatoes, apricots, figs, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and berries.
If you do find active fruit fly, it’s important to let neighbouring properties know and encourage people to check their own produce for damage.
Ms Mansfield said people need to be aware of restrictions in terms of bringing fruit or vegetables into other states and regions.
“Leave your homegrown produce behind if you’re going away this summer to ensure you’re not accidentally bringing QFF into other regions,” she said.
“Some states have will not allow fruit or vegetables to be taken across state borders so check before you travel.”
Details: agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff
