Current trends in Queensland Fruit Fly populations and February 2020 outlook

Key points:
-Trapping data indicates the usual spring peak in Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) numbers occurred in the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV).

-Currently 88 per cent of the region’s QFF population is located in urban sites.

-Weather conditions are currently suitable for fruit fly to mate and lay eggs although hot, dry weather in some areas, will reduce the numbers of fruit available for QFF to sting. The heat will kill eggs and larvae in fruit that is exposed to the sun.

-If you have fruit in your orchard or garden that is not wanted – for example fruit fallen on the ground, unharvested fruit still in the tree or fruit you never pick and eat, pick up and destroy this fruit. If fruit will ripen off-tree it should be picked and allowed to ripen, alternatively if you can harvest fruit early or cook fruit green, you should do so.

Please see attached report for further information.