More than 2.5 million sterile fruit flies have been released in Riverland as the region battles five Queensland fruit fly outbreaks that could cost local farmers and communities millions of dollars.
Important points:
- According to Primary Industries SA, 3.5 million sterile fruit flies are released every week
- The local MP says it could cost communities millions of dollars in damage
- There are currently five active Queensland fruit fly outbreaks in the Riverland
Chaffey member Tim Whetstone has urged the fruit tree owners in the backyard to graze their fruit trees in order to do their part in helping the region’s 1.3 billion horticultural industry be free of fruit flies.
“I think it’s a little question in a very big picture,” Whetstone said.
“Over 33 tons of fruit were collected. We would imagine that significantly more fruit would have to be collected if people were to strip their trees.”
Sterile fruit fly technology is the first genetically engineered method of pest control for insects. (
ABC News: Kelly Hughes
)
He said the full economic impact of the outbreaks was not yet in sight, but it cost growers over $ 4 per case to treat their fruit.
“I estimate it could be $ 20 million and up to $ 30 million coming from the local economy.
“This is important and so we need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to eradicate this pest.”
Confidence in sterile fruit flies
The release of sterile fruit flies is part of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia’s (PIRSA) fruit fly eradication efforts to end the wild fly life cycle.
Nick Secomb, Plant Health Manager at PIRSA, said sterile fruit fly technology is a very effective tool.
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone, which releases sterile fruit flies. ((
ABC News: Kelly Hughes
)
The technology is the first genetically determined method for pest control of insects.
The technique involves breeding and sterilizing male fruit flies using X-rays before releasing them into an area with a wild population.
Once released in an infested area, the sterile male flies will mate with wild female fruit flies, which will eventually outnumber and become extinct.
“We make about 3.5 million flies a week. We have a six-week program in mind now, and then we review it and see if we need to do more,” said Secomb.
Status of the fruit fly free
South Australia remains the only mainland Australian state classified as fruit fly free. The Riverland has a special pest-free status in this zone.
There are currently five active eruption zones in Riverland, the last last week in Berri and Pike River.
The Riverland’s fruit fly-free status is at risk due to five outbreaks in the area. (
ABC Open: Sonya Gee
)
Mr Whetstone said he still hopes to maintain that position and believes the release of these sterile fruit flies will alleviate the threat.
“The riverside is besieged by fruity flies and the eradication program is vital.”
