In efforts to contain the spread of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), WA gardeners have been hit with stringent quarantine measures limiting the movement of fruit. Gardening writer and podcaster Deryn Thorpe says gardeners are determined to control the pests and seem to be complying with the demands of local biosecurity.
“We’ve had Mediterranean fruit fly in Perth since 1895 and it is established in all settled areas of the state,” says Deryn. “We’ve been successful in eradicating the Qfly on many occasions and home fruit and vegetable growers have mostly been willing to follow the strict quarantine measures which meant destroying emerging fruit.
“The latest eradication still leaves some quarantine measures in the near city areas of Como and South Perth until March to ensure that Qfly really is gone. Some 33 tonnes of fruit has been bagged and destroyed in and around Perth gardens.
“Med fly is so active throughout home garden areas around Perth and other regional centres that all fruits, including citrus, need to be netted or bagged to stop fruit fly stings and the loss of crops,” she explained.
In South Australia’s Riverland where incursions of Qfly have also been found, the pest is being combatted with the release of sterile male flies. The presence of sterile flies reduces breeding and has been shown to dramatically reduce pest numbers.
