Through the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), sterile fruit flies are cultivated and mass-reared, then released in large quantities into Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) infested areas. The sterile flies mate with wild females, inhibiting the next generation of flies from being produced.
Recent research from large-scale aerial release trials in Cobram, Victoria, shows a successful suppression of Qfly numbers over three consecutive seasons. These trials were part of the SITplus fly production (FF17001) project.
As project data is being analyzed, the project's success is among the groundbreaking results achieved by the Hort Frontiers Fruit Fly Fund and its SITplus initiative. The aim is to control this expensive pest and protect Australian fruit crops.
Dr. Greg Chandler, Hort Innovation Head of Biosecurity R&D, stated that the research and development projects invested in by SITplus have developed one of the most advanced SIT programs globally, setting Australia up for effective Qfly suppression.
The facility at Port Augusta in South Australia, established in 2016, mass-rears sterile Qflies. The goal is to produce the highest possible number of fit-for-purpose, healthy Qfly in the most cost-effective way.
Since 2019, the factory has consistently produced up to 25 million sterile pupae weekly. These pupae are dispatched for experimental release efforts and to assess the efficacy of various equipment and techniques.
Source: apal.org.au