March 2026
Message from the manager
Welcome to the latest edition of the Prevent Fruit Fly newsletter.
The National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) enters 2026 with new leadership and a focus on future planning. Following the retirement of long-standing Manager Stuart Burgess, I’d like to introduce myself, Steve Quarrell, as the new Manager of the NFFC.
NFFC news
Economic impact of fruit flies on Australian horticulture
An economic analysis led by the Centre of International Economics (CIE) is underway to quantify the current and future impacts of fruit flies on Australian horticulture. Supported by the NFFC, the project will inform the development of a new 10‑year NFFS and guide future investment in fruit fly management, biosecurity and market access.
NFFC’s first meeting of 2026 sets the year ahead
The NFFC held its first meeting of 2026 in March, with key publications and engagement opportunities to be released in the coming weeks.
Who's who in fruit fly
Tim Grieger
With decades of leadership across local government, industry organisations and commercial fruit production, Tim Grieger brings a strong practical and governance perspective to the NFFC. In this profile, Tim shares his experience supporting industry‑led biosecurity action and his long‑standing commitment to protecting pest free areas critical to Australia’s horticulture sector.
In science
- A study investigating enhanced fruit fly management by modifying protein bait station density and effect other protein sources have on fruit fly response to protein baits. Read more.
- A streamlined approach for the rapid melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) diagnostics that does not require DNA extraction. Read more.
- A review of biological control strategies for sustainable management of Tephritid Fruit Flies. Read more.
- A chromosome-scale genome assembly of the striped fruit fly Zeugodacus scutellatus (Diptera: Tephritidae). Read more.
- Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the olive fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae). Read more.
Do you have a journal article on fruit fly related research? We’d love to hear from you!
Share your article with us at fruitfly@phau.com.au and we’ll help promote it within the fruit fly community. We’re always interested in showcasing the latest research on fruit flies from Australia and around the world, covering a diverse range of topics.
Fruit Fly ID
Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens)
The Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens) is an agricultural pest that primarily infests citrus and other fruit crops, causing significant economic losses. Native to Mexico and Central America, A. ludens can be found can also be found in southern regions of the United States. The fly is currently not found in Australia.
Learn more about fruit fly species on the Fruit Fly ID Australia website.
