Multiple detections of the Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) have been reported in the Yarra Ranges this month, with the full extent not known.
QFF was detected in nectarines in a residential garden in Kilsyth. It was also detected in apricots in a residential garden in Yarra Glen, with further suspected larvae sightings in Lilydale.
Other nearby areas, such as Steels Creek and Dixons Creek, may also be affected.
The Keep Yarra Valley Fruit Fly Free Facebook page posted a notice announcing that the organisation does not yet have enough QFF traps being reported on to get a comprehensive picture of the situation.
The post stipulated that locals may see cream-white larvae about five to eight millimetres long crawling inside homegrown fruit.
If this larvae is seen, locals are urged to report sightings and seek advice.
Those with fruit production at home are encouraged to use QFF traps to monitor fruit for QFF infestations.
Call in to your local nursery or buy online from QFF trap suppliers.
Pick all ripe or ripening fruit and process it to use the unaffected parts, and freeze or boil any suspected infested fruit or scraps. Do not compost.
For the fruit yet to ripen, using insect mesh over the fruit and the whole plant (allowing room for branch and air movement) may help prevent QFF infesting your crop – if it’s not already infested. It’s time to check and time to act.
For more info or free assistance, visit: fruitflyfreeyv.com.au or email qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com
