QUEENSLAND Fruit Fly (QFF) and the threat the pest poses to commercial growers, home gardeners and the greater Goulburn Murray Valley region was a focal point at the No Flies On Us Expo in Mooroopna last week.
Day two of the week long expo drew a large crowd with the event successful in increasing community knowledge and awareness of the devastating effects of fruit fly.
There was information and advice aplenty on the best way to manage and control QFF, with the expo’s program featuring a community information session, trap making workshops with local primary school students and a grower information forum.
Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly coordinator, Ross Abberfield said the event brought together a range of specialists and provided an opportunity for the community to tap into the knowledge and expertise of leading specialists in the field.
“We have hit the road to visit six different towns across the region, highlighting the community effort required to protect against fruit fly,” Mr Abberfield said.
“It is great to be able to bring together a range of service clubs, schools and industry groups and work together to spread the word on fruit fly control and management.
“Our horticulture industry is vital to our local economy and not only generates much needed jobs for rural and regional Victoria but also supports many businesses across the region.
“By working with the community to ensure fruit trees and host plants in the home garden and orchard are monitored and protected against fruit fly, we are allowing our horticultural industry to continue to grow and flourish,” Mr Abberfield said.
For more information on the expo and QFF management and control, visit
www.gmv-qldfruitfly.com.au
