Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program chair Tony Siciliano and acting regional coordinator Penny Aston.
The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program is reminding property owners, gardeners and orchardists of the need for continued action against fruit fly, despite the arrival of winter.
The cold weather makes it harder for fruit fly to survive, however the pest is able to survive the winter months by taking refuge in warm spots on the landscape in areas such as the foliage of evergreen trees and areas around houses and buildings.
The program’s acting regional coordinator Penny Aston said it is important anyone with a fruit tree or vegetable patch is fruit fly aware and takes action to stop the spread of the pest all year round.
“We know that the fruit flies that are able to survive winter by finding a warm environment will be the cause of a population influx in spring, so continued action through winter is essential,” she said.
“Poor management of fallen fruit in orchards and untendered fruit trees at the back of properties has contributed to population explosions in a number of areas this season.
“We are calling on operational and non-operational orchards in the region to increase their vigilance in how they manage fruit fly on their property.”
The monitoring area includes Berrigan Shire Council, which is a partner in the fruit fly program.
Support is available through the program to help gardeners, property owners and growers build their knowledge of the various fruit fly control methods.
Anyone looking for more information on how to protect against fruit fly can get in touch via email at g[email protected] or phone (03) 5871 9222.
For more information on fruit fly control, visit www.fruitflycontrol.com.au.