The latest fruit fly update from PIRSA has finally provided some relief.
No new Riverland outbreaks were declared from the 23rd of May to the 5th of June, however some zones have been extended.
While the pest does typically slow down over winter, PIRSA’s Incident Controller of the Fruit Fly Emergency Response, Rob Baker said fruit fly eradication tactics will continue through winter to target over wintering flies.
Mr Baker added further “Over the past 40 weeks, PIRSA has released 20 million sterile fruit flies per week over outbreak areas. We have stopped releasing sterile fruit flies as the temperature has dropped and we will recommence this in late winter or early spring doubling output to 40 million sterile fruit flies, thanks to the expansion of the Port Augusta Sterile Insect Technology facility currently underway.”
Further information can be found via fruitfly.sa.gov.au or the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
