EDITION 2 | March 2024
Message from the Manager
Welcome to our March edition!
Working around fruit fly affected produce means vigilance on the fruit fly front is ever present, whether it be baiting, trapping, scouting, fruit or tree removal, or preparing for spring when the first flush of flies hit.
Our focus this year is on preventing the spread of fruit fly, implementing national systems that support market access, and facilitating a cooperative and committed national approach to fruit fly management.
NFFC meeting #34 communique
The meeting #34 of the National Fruit Fly Council was held virtually on Wednesday 13 December 2023.
Plans for the new year were discussed and included the establishment of a Biennial Fruit Fly Research Forum scheduled for July 2024, facilitation of a Fruit Fly Research Network, and a series of ‘Think Tank’ webinars.
Cancelled – NFFC 2024 Think Tank Series webinar #1
Due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cancel our first 2024 Think Tank webinar on 'Protecting Australia from exotic fruit flies' scheduled for Thursday 28 March. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to reschedule the webinar in future. If you have already registered for the webinar, no action is required.
ATGA releases resources on managing Queensland fruit fly
The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) recently released a number of resources on managing Queensland fruit fly, including a video series 'Bait Like a Boss'.
NFFC Executive Committee in Canberra
The NFFC's Executive Committee,
(L-R) Steve Burdette, Rosa Crnov, Susie Collins, Penny Measham (invited guest), Chris O'Connor, Stuart Burgess and John Webster met in Canberra on Wednesday 13 March 2024 to discuss pressing fruit fly issues.
APVMA releases chlorpyrifos proposed regulatory decision
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has released its proposed regulatory decision on the reconsideration of chlorpyrifos, an insecticide used for the control of pests in various agricultural, horticultural, commercial, and veterinary situations. Public consultation on the proposed decision closed on Monday, 11 March 2024.
Fruit fly network
Profile: John Webster, Independent Chair of the NFFC
In February 2023, the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) welcomed John Webster as the new Independent Chairperson. As a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John brings a wealth of experience, coupled with several Chair and member tenures in industry RD&E groups.
We recently spoke to John to learn more about him and the important role he plays in the fruit fly space.
In science
A fast and reliable larval sampling method for improving the monitoring of fruit flies in soft and stone fruits
Ghais Zriki, Rémy Belois, Christine Fournier, Léa Tergoat-Bertrand, Pierre-Yves Poupart, Amélie Bardel, Benjamin Gard, and Nicolas O Rode
Review of surveillance systems for tephritid fruit fly threats in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States
John M Kean, Nicholas C Manoukis, and Bernie C Dominiak
Fruit flies: challenges and opportunities to stem the tide of global invasions
Nikos T. Papadopoulos, Marc De Meyer, John S. Terblanche, and Darren J. Kriticos
Do you have a journal article on fruit fly related research available to share? If so, then please let us know via fruitfly@phau.com.au so we can promote your article. We are keen to share with the fruit fly community the latest fruit fly research from not only Australia but from across the globe and covering a range of diverse research topics associated with fruit flies.
In the media
SA fruit fly outbreak worries growers as restrictions imposed
A Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been declared at Salisbury North in Adelaide, prompting fruit movement restrictions.
Kiwifruit Vine Health fruit fly update
The 2023/24 high-risk season (1 September 2023 - 30 April 2024) continues, with no interceptions of fruit flies or larvae during the latest reporting period (January 2024).
Western Australia all clear of Queensland fruit fly
Western Australia has been declared free of Qfly after a successful eradication campaign in Bayswater and surrounding areas. Movement controls that were in place have now been lifted.
PIRSA's fruit fly outbreak map
Do you live in a Controlled Movement Zone? In the red zone, if it's home grown, keep it home. In the yellow zone, you can move your home-grown restricted fruit and vegetables into the red zone, but not the green. Check the fruit fly outbreak map.
Fruit fly response boosted
Riverland growers dealing with fruit fly outbreaks would be familiar with Con Poulos, Incident Controller for the Fruit Fly Response Program with PIRSA.
Fruit Fly ID
Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Melon Fly)
Melon fly is a serious exotic pest with a wide distribution across Asia, Africa and Oceania. Major commercial host crops include: watermelon, rockmelon, cucumber, pumpkin, bitter melon, bean and tomato. It is similar in appearance to Zeugodacus choristus which is present in eastern Queensland and Papua New Guinea.
