The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is reminding residents in Perth’s western suburbs to remove in-season fruit from their trees as part of a campaign to eradicate Queensland fruit fly (Qfly).
Technical Area Specialist at the Department, Darryl Hardie said fruits such as mulberries, lemons, cumquats and loquats were now in season, and posed a risk for the breeding and spread of Qfly.
“If you live in the Quarantine Area imposed by the Department do not take Qfly host fruit out of the Quarantine Area or dispose of it unless the fruit has been cooked, frozen for 24 hours, or solarised (by placing in a black plastic bag in the sun for a minimum of seven days),” Dr Hardie said.
“Pick all ripe or ripening host fruit from your trees and plants, and pick up all fallen host fruit every three days — and remove all host fruit from any material going to green waste or verge collection.”
He said Qfly was a damaging pest which, if it became established in Western Australia, would damage the State’s horticultural industries and growers’ businesses.
“The Department’s spring baiting program is under way, which involves regular property visits for inspection and baiting,” Dr Hardie said.
“We are making good progress and Qfly numbers are minimal, though we still need help from local residents.”
