A new Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared in New Residence after maggots were found in a home-grown pear.
The maggots were discovered by PIRSA field staff who were baiting and checking fruit in the area following a recent single fly detection.
Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) staff will be visiting all properties within the new 1.5 km red outbreak area to inspect yards, apply organic bait and provide residents with information about what they need to do.
PIRSA General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Nick Secomb said restrictions are now in place for growers and residents within the New Residence outbreak area.
"There are commercial properties and residents with fruit trees along the river in the New Residence outbreak area, and owners at these properties need to check their fruit trees now and do all they can to prevent further infestations," said Mr Secomb.
"Residents must keep home-grown fruit on their property and growers must ensure all host fruit is treated and certified before leaving the New Residence outbreak area.
"Search your address on the fruit fly interactive outbreak map to see how fruit and vegetable movement restrictions affect you, depending where you live, travel, work or go to school.
"I encourage people living and working in New Residence to attend the fruit fly community meetings being held across the Riverland to hear about the fruit fly response and to ask questions.
"This is a reminder to anyone growing autumn and winter fruits like pears, apples, oranges and other citrus, as well as late session stone fruits to pick ripe fruit and collect fallen fruit urgently."
Chair of the Riverland Fruit Fly Committee and local grower Jason Size said PIRSA's self-baiting program is now available to New Residence fruit growers.
"Commercial growers in the New Residence red outbreak area are now eligible for free fruit fly bait and lures that attract and kill fruit fly," said Mr Size.
"PIRSA’s self-baiting program is there to assist growers to bait their trees that are at risk from fruit fly and it will give the best chance of eradicating fruit fly from the Riverland. It’s great to see a recent uptake of citrus growers registering for the program. I strongly encourage other growers not yet involved to apply as soon as possible.
"If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, contact a Family and Business Support (FaBS) mentor. It is free informal, confidential and independent conversation with a local Riverland mentor – by phone, or in person."
Growers can learn more at Family and business mentors or call a Riverland FaB directly: Robyn Cain 0411 633 085; John Chase 0419 848 672; Brent Fletcher 0439 409 430.
For more information about the fruit fly community meetings, self-baiting or for the most up to date outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010.
