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Riverland records two more fruit fly outbreaks in Berri and Pike River following finds in backyard fruit and commercial consignment

Fruit fly outbreaks have been declared in Berri and Pike River, as the horticulture industry grapples with an increasing number of discoveries of the pest.

The genius of the fruit fly

Two more fruit fly outbreaks have been declared in the Riverland, as the horticulture industry grapples with the growing number of infestations across the state.

Primary Industries and Regions SA yesterday declared the two new outbreaks in Berri and Pike River.

In Berri, maggots were found in backyard fruit, and larvae were also found in a commercial consignment and traced back to Pike River.

All Riverland “outbreak” and “suspension” areas – where restrictions are placed on fruit movement – will now be in place until November.

There are now 10 outbreak zones in Adelaide and five in the Riverland.

Citrus SA chairman Mark Doecke said the outbreaks meant growers faced extra costs to treat their fruit before sending it to market.

He said the treatments allowed supply contracts to continue, but more outbreaks could eventually threaten some export arrangements.

PIRSA biosecurity officers Joshua Dowsett and Saurin Barot are among those who have been doorknocking residents in Prospect and Stepney to help strip trees of fruit. Picture: Keryn Stevens
PIRSA biosecurity officers Joshua Dowsett and Saurin Barot are among those who have been doorknocking residents in Prospect and Stepney to help strip trees of fruit. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Mr Doecke said he was happy with the Government’s response to the state’s series of fruit fly outbreaks.

“They’re spending mega dollars – they’re serious about getting rid of it,” he said.

“There’s a lot of people here doing a lot of work.”

Industry leaders have speculated that the larger than usual number of outbreaks has been partly caused by a milder summer, which has provided better breeding conditions for fruit fly, along with bigger backyard crops.

More than 460 biosecurity staff are responding to fruit fly outbreaks across South Australia.

Primary Industries and Regions Biosecurity SA executive director Nathan Rhodes said immediate eradication work was happening in Berri and Pike River, including organic baiting and fruit checking.

“More than 61,000kg of fruit has been collected across the Renmark West, Monash and Cooltong outbreak areas since commencement of fruit fly response efforts in the Riverland, mostly from backyard fruit trees,” he said.

PIRSA is reminding Riverland residents to check their homegrown fruit and keep backyard trees tidy.

Visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au for more information.

michelle.etheridge@news.com.au

Citrus SA chairman Mark Doecke says growers now face extra treatment costs as a result of the Riverland’s fruit fly outbreaks.
Citrus SA chairman Mark Doecke says growers now face extra treatment costs as a result of the Riverland’s fruit fly outbreaks.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/riverland-records-two-more-fruit-fly-outbreaks-in-berri-and-pike-river-following-finds-in-backyard-fruit-and-commercial-consignment/news-story/f31d6f7036e0a916091b41433d9195b9