Keep the Yarra Valley fruit fly free over this spring period!
As many come to the region from interstate, visitors are being asked to help keep the Queensland fruit fly away.
Northern Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are all areas in which the fruit fly is prevalent.
So visitors from these areas who enjoy fruit are reminded not to bring any to the Yarra Valley.
Fruit damaged with fruit fly can be hard to identify.
But Queensland fruit fly regional co-ordinator, Bronwyn Koll, said action could be taken.
“If you suspect you have fruit fly-infested fruit, seal it in a double bag and treat it using the freezer, microwave or sun for an extended time, and place it in the normal household rubbish bin. Do not compost infested fruit,” she said.
Ms Koll said it was important for people to maintain their backyard while they were away, too.
“Please invite a neighbour or a friend to harvest your ripening fruit in your home garden while you’re away on holiday,” she said.
“Removing all ripening fruit reduces the risk of fruit fly establishing in the Yarra Valley.”
The Queensland fruit fly is a devastating horticultural pest.
Presently, the Yarra Valley does not have fruit fly.
But fruit fly populations can increase very quickly, with the damage extending into neighbouring properties, or even across the region.
The Yarra Valley is a valuable fruit fly-free horticultural production area and is home to great edible gardens – both worth protecting!
For more information, visit www.fruitflyfreeyv.com.au or www.agriculture.vic.gov.au and search Queensland fruit fly.
Everyone can help to keep the Yarra Valley fruit fly-free.
