Fruit Fly Trends

Qfly numbers trapped have been on a downward trend throughout January due to excessively hot and dry weather conditions. Historically, there is a general upward trend between late February to early May, resulting in higher Qfly populations than those seen at present.

Adult and immature Qfly surviving extreme heat conditions will welcome rainfall, lower temperatures and higher relative humidity. This cohort of Qfly will serve as the inoculum for the next wave of Qfly-based problems leading into autumn when much of the GMV’s domestic and commercial pome fruit ripens.

February Fruit Fly Hot Spots

• Shepparton
• Mooroopna
• Lemnos
• Congupna
• Merrigum
• Cobram
• Numurkah
• Koonoomoo

Weather Forecast

The long-range forecast for March to May shows:

• Rainfall is likely to be below average for much of the south.
• Daytime temperatures are very likely to be above average across Australia.
• Overnight temperatures are very likely to be above average across much of Australia.

Summary

Now is the time to be vigilant and reduce fruit fly populations in urban and peri-urban areas as we approach autumn. Monitor your fruit fly traps for activity and take steps to reduce the impact of fruit fly on your produce. Inspect your fruit and vegetables for sting marks and strip any fruit and vegetables from trees and plants that may be infested. Dispose of any infested fruit and vegetables by placing it in black garbage bags and leaving it exposed to the hot sun for 3-5 days (solarization). Protect your ripening fruit and vegetables by covering them with fruit fly netting. Ensure that you lift your netting and pick your produce during the hottest part of the day, when fruit flies are least active.

For further information about fruit fly baits and sprays, visit our website at www.fruitflycontrol.com.au

Remember, ‘It’s a Community Effort’ if you want the GMV to remain as the Nation’s Orchard.