So to make sure the correct details are out there we decided to re-run the important parts.
The Rotary Club of Benalla is reminding local gardeners that it is time to help prevent the spread of Queensland Fruit Fly.
Club member Bruce Walker said now that it was late spring there were a number of important tasks home gardeners should be undertaking to manage the invasive pest.
“You should have your fruit fly traps set up anywhere on your property that you have host plants, such as in fruit trees,” Mr Walker said.
“Trapping is undertaken as part of your overall management plan as it will initially alert you to the presence of fruit fly.”
Benalla Business Network awarded $20k
Your trap should be placed in an open shade area about halfway between the trunk and the outer edge of the foliage, about 1.6m above the ground.
Once you have set the traps they need to be monitored on a weekly basis.
“Pick and dispose of any excess ripe citrus, especially grapefruit, tangelos, mandarins and late season oranges,” Mr Walker said.
“Early ripening fruit, such as loquats are also a high-risk fruit at this time of year.”
Aldi Benalla switches to solar
At this time of year many gardeners will have tomatoes, capsicums and eggplants, planted or ready to go in.
“A forward plan on how to protect them, so you can get a fruit fly-free crop is a necessity,” Mr Walker said.
“Remember, QFF are only about 7 mm long, so they can get through very small gaps or holes in nets.
“Every female is capable of laying up to 200 eggs. Little critters which cause a lot of damage.”
St Joey’s carnival keeps kids active
The Rotary Club of Benalla has exclusion netting available for sale and it is also able to provide advice on the correct installation of nets.
If you are not intending to manage fruit fly in your garden, then the best option is to remove any fruiting plants and trees that may be hosts for fruit fly.
If you need help to remove unwanted fruit trees Mr Walker said you could contact the Rotary Club of Benalla.
“We may be able to provide help with the removal, but this would be assessed on a case by case basis,” he said
● You can contact the Rotary Club via its Facebook page or by emailing benallasecretary@live.com.au
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
14°C