Act to avoid QFF

HOME gardeners are urged to act now to protect fruit and vegetables from Queensland fruit fly (QFF) this summer,and help safeguardVictoria’s valuable horticultural industry.

The wet spring created the perfect breeding conditions for the pest, which is most active now throughtoMay.

AgricultureVictoria Statewide Fruit Fly coordinator,Cathy Mansfield, said QFF areattracted to ripening fruit and vegetables.

“Maintaining good biosecurity practices starts in your home garden -and it’s vitalto limit fruitfly population growth and halt its spread to neighbours, nearbyorchards or farms, Ms Mansfield said.

“The best way to protect your fruit and vegetables is to use insect-proof netting duringthe growing season.”

Continuously flowering vegetable and berry crops shouldbe covered when developing fruit arevery small.

If you’reunable to net your trees, monitor for fruit fly and use other preventative methodssuchasbaiting, and insecticides, traps and remove any unwanted ripe or dropped fruit.

QFF attacks awide rangeoffruit andvegetables includingtomatoes, apricots, figs, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and berries.

Home gardeners can keep watch forfruitfly sting marks on developingfruit and vegetables-they’re only tiny and easily missed but affected produce can rotfromthe inside.

Fruit fly maggots are often found in the centre of produce, ranging in size from, 5-10mm long and creamy-white in colour

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.

“Leave your homegrown produce behind if you’re going awaythissummer to ensureyou’renot accidentallybringingQFF intoother regions,” Ms Mansfield said.

“Some states will not allow fruit or vegetables to be taken across state borders so check beforeyou travel.” For moreinformation, including lists of common host plants, how to control fruitfly in your gardenand netting tips, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff