With Queensland fruit fly already on the move in warmer growing areas, AgNova Technologies is reminding growers about its innovative Fruition Traps which were successfully launched last year.
The traps are the cornerstone of an integrated management approach to Queensland fruit fly (QFF), targeting mature egg laying females which cause all the damage in ripening fruit and vegetable crops.
Andrew Glover, business manager with AgNova Technologies, said Fruition Traps are the only ones on the market that attract and trap these mature egg laying females when they are placed in host plants with ripening fruit.
“Our collaborative research with Professor Dick Drew and his team at Griffith University found that while QFF populations are 50:50 male and female, 20 per cent of the females entering an orchard are mature flies seeking fruit in which to lay up to 1000 eggs each,” he said.
“It’s these mature females that sting and damage crops, unless growers take preventative steps by utilising Fruition Traps.
“Meanwhile, it is necessary to reduce the immature females and males entering orchards with protein bait spraying.”
Control the immature fly population
Mr Glover said these recommendations were based on the results of Prof Drew’s research over recent years which showed that protein bait spray spraying controlled more flies than protein traps.
“This research found that weekly spraying of Natflav protein bait in gelatinised water with a registered insecticide is the most effective way to control the immature fly population,” he said.
“Some growers may choose to use male traps or lures, but these will only give an indication of QFF in the district without controlling the mature egg laying females.
“Prof Drew’s trials found that the Fruition system, consisting of the trap and protein bait, reduces QFF damage to fruit.”
Queensland fruit fly are not just a damaging pest for fruit and vegetable crops but also cause issues for growers exporting fruit and vegetables.
Prof Drew said managing the pest required an understanding of QFF population dynamics, their biology and feeding habits, as well as the role of different baits, traps and sprays on the market.
“Our work shows that growers can follow the integrated approach offered by the Fruition system with confidence because years of research has shown these traps are the only ones that lure and trap mature egg laying females when placed in host plants with ripening fruit,” he said.
Contact Andrew Glover, AgNova Technologies
P 03 9899 8100 M 0405 964 623
www.agnova.com.au
See this article in Tree Fruit Sept 2017
