The Department of Agriculture and Food is reminding commercial and backyard fruit and vegetable growers to report any unusual pests in their crops after Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) were recently found in the Perth area.
The department conducts an ongoing early warning surveillance and eradication program for Qfly to ensure the pest does not establish in Western Australia and impact on markets.
Three flies have been found in department-monitored traps this season in Fremantle, Thornlie and Como.
Department senior research officer Rob Emery said the summer months were when Qfly was most likely to be detected.
“In particular, backyard growers of passionfruit, chilli, capsicum, avocado and tomatoes are asked to report any signs of maggots in fruit or unusual flies to the department,” Mr Emery said.
“Qfly is occasionally spread by maggots contained within fruit bought in from other states, which is why it is important for the community to report anything suspicious.
“South Australia is currently managing a Qfly outbreak and WA does not want to find itself in the same position.
“Qfly is considered one of the most serious pests of fruit and vegetables, and if it was to establish in Western Australia, could impact on markets and cause production losses.”
Qfly is different to Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly). Qfly is larger and has different colouration and markings.
Qfly have a reddish-brown thorax with two yellow shoulder patches. The abdomen is dark brown and the wings are clear, unlike Medfly which have brown bands on their wings.
Members of the public and growers who detect anything usual should contact the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881.
Further information on Qfly and medfly is available from the department website.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson/Katrina Bowers, media liaison, +61 (0)8 9368 3937