Riverland fruit fly eradication will continue strongly in 2023 as the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) builds on progress so far to protect Riverland home-grown and commercially grown fruit.
The summer eradication plan is running from January to March 2023 and will continue to include a focus on the highest risk areas and the free grower self-baiting and lure program. Servicing residential traps and a refreshed approach to raising community awareness about preventing fruit fly in backyards are also important parts of the plan.
Preventative efforts by PIRSA and the whole community are having a real impact, placing the Riverland in a good position to combat any flies that emerge. The work being done around detection sites shows eradication activities are working – fewer outbreak triggers are being found in those locations.
Summer is still a critical time for fruit fly detections, with the risk traditionally peaking in April to May, when any larvae that has gone undetected will complete its lifecycle.
Commercial growers in fruit fly red outbreaks areas are strongly encouraged to access free bait and lures to help protect their crop in 2023; following feedback, changes have been made to the program making it easier for more commercial growers to participate.
The local community is reminded to stay vigilant and not let signs of fruit fly or infected fruit go unnoticed - pick ripe fruit promptly, collect fallen fruit from the ground, check for signs of fruit fly and call the Fruit Fly Hotline if you suspect anything. Don’t let fruit fly under the radar.
For more information:
Government of South Australia
GPO BOX 2343
Adelaide, South Australia
Fruit Fly Hotline: +61 1300 666 010
fruitfly.sa.gov.au