Summary

The majority of the Goulburn Murray Valley’s (GMV’s) commercial horticulture is harvested over the coming months. These crops will be prone to attack by Queensland fruit fly (Qfly). During this period Qfly populations will move away from the protection of fruitful refuges in urban areas of the GMV, to the more attractive commercial orchards surrounding many of the regional towns. As harvest continues, Qfly populations will continue to move into outlying orchards, following a pathway of ripening fruit crops.

If you have fruit trees, remove the fruit and either use it or dispose of it, don’t leave it on the tree to rot. If you don’t want your fruit trees, remove them so they don’t become a breeding habitat for fruit flies. Removal of unmanaged fruit fly habitat plays an important role in reducing future fruit fly problems – especially in urban and peri-urban areas that are close to commercial orchards.

Trapping data reveals a slowing of Qfly population buildup between December 2025 and March 2026, this is due to hot dry weather conditions we experienced in the GMV. As the weather becomes more moderate and commercial crops ripen, fruit fly populations will increase.

Potential Fruit Fly Hot Spots

• Shepparton
• Kaarimba
• Numurkah
• Cobram
• Koonoomoo
• Katamatite
• Yarrawonga
• Strathmerton
• Avenel
• Nagambie

Weather Forecast

Weather forecasts for the GMV suggest that Qfly buildup will occur due to maximum and minimum temperatures remaining in Qfly’s comfort range. Maximum temperatures are likely to be from 26°C to 32°C and minimum temperatures mostly from 14°C to 20°C. A cold period, forecast from 13 to 15 March will result in a decrease in numbers of Qfly found in traps but that will be reversed when temperatures rise again after 16 March. These conditions are favourable to Qfly mating, laying eggs and damaging fruit. It is expected that increased Qfly pressure will occur during autumn 2026. The extent of this increase will be dependent upon prevailing weather conditions and the active fruit fly management measures undertaken by community, industry and government landowners.