Yarra Ranges Council are supporting Agribusiness Yarra Valley after further detections of the Queensland Fruit Fly in Wandin, Wandin North and Wandin East.
The warming Melbourne climate is worsening the risk to horticultural growers in regions like the Yarra Ranges as well as those who simply grow a bit of fruit and veg at home.
QFF is known to target the following crops:
Apple, apricot, avocado, banana, blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, cape gooseberry, capsicum, cherry, chilli, citrus, eggplant, feijoa, fig, grapefruit, grapes, guava, kiwi fruit, locquat, mandarin, medlar, monster, mulberry, nashi pear, nectarines, olives, peach, pear, persimmon, plum, quince, raspberry, strawberry and tomato.
Female flies lay their eggs in the fruit of plants. These eggs hatch, and larvae consume the fruit from within, causing the fruit to rot prematurely. A large infestation can decimate an entire crop, and the flies spread into surrounding gardens and farms.
In order to prevent further spread:
Protect your produce, install fruit fly raps in gardens and orchards, practice good garden hygiene and dispose of unwanted produce immediately.
If you think you have found QFF in your garden or produce, contact the Yarra Valley QFF Regional Coordinator, Bronwyn Koll on 0490 381 999 or email qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com.
For more information, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-communities/Help-keep-the-Yarra-Ranges-Fruit-Fly-Free fbclid=IwAR2oHPLUZDiMs7sEc07BC1PjRxxxvdoCEO7GUHaxshNxTqhtAgcsH4zQ5ig#section-1.
