News

Check out the Splatagator! Field day for growers

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 07:35:00

The ‘Splatagator’ is a new technique designed to combat fruit fly and is being demonstrated to growers at six repeated bait-spraying field days, which will be held from May 1 to 3.

The events are hosted by the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area and the Australian Table Grape Association and will bring together growers from all horticultural industries providing practical demonstrations of field techniques to manage Queensland Fruit Fly at a commercial level.

Local growers will demonstrate their bait-spray rigs that they have designed and use on a weekly basis to protect their crops; Organic Crop Protectants (OCP) will demonstrate new bait application technology (SPLAT & the Splatagator); and there will be information on the costs of different chemicals and how and when to monitor.
The same field day will be offered at six different locations at different times, to increase the opportunity for local growers to attend. “We are bringing the field-day to the growers being hosted by six local industry leaders who have been tackling Queensland Fruit Fly head-on”. Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area Regional Coordinator Deidre Jaensch said.
“The field days are free to attend and are open to all growers, so these events are a great way for growers learn from each other what works and what doesn’t when it comes for fruit fly management.”
To ensure growers get the most from the field days, demonstrations and discussions will be held at different points, or stations, around the site.
Topics of discussion will include:
• Bait spray rigs in action – growers will be able to share their experience with bait spraying and techniques used; advantages and disadvantages of each rig; and other management methods used.
• The SPLAT and Splatagator organic crop protectants – there will be discussion around set-up costs and suitability considerations.
• Chemical comparisons – discussions will focus on mixing bait and chemicals with gum; and chemical cost comparisons.
• Monitoring and monitoring traps for the future – there will be the chance to discuss the placement of traps; when and how monitoring should be undertaken.
The timing of the field days is also important, with the early May dates coming at the end of the season for table grapes and stone fruit, and at the start of the seasonal preparations for citrus.
“We know the last emergence of Queensland Fruit Fly from the soil happens in the first week of May, which means the flies are hungry and looking for food to survive the upcoming winter, so it’s a good time to bait spray across our region,” Ms Jaensch said.
The latest data on fruit fly numbers in the region shows a promising decline, but experts say now is not the time to be complacent.
“The combination of the hot and dry weather experienced during the summer of 2018-2019, control programs and community-based fruit fly management strategies have reduced the number of fruit fly surviving into autumn 2019, but the question is, will this decline continue?” Consultant Andrew Jessup reported in the April 2019 outlook for Queensland Fruit Fly in the Greater Sunraysia PFA.
His report goes on to note that the answer is not clear cut: “If there is good management and there are no new infestations from March and into April, then there will be reduced fruit fly numbers that survive winter. If Autumn had brought new infestations into the orchards or vineyards, then these flies will carry the population into the next season.”
The full outlook is available on the Greater Sunraysia PFA website.
To confirm your attendance at a local field day, phone 03 5022 0327 or register online at www.pestfreearea.com.au
Field Day locations
Woorinen
Wednesday May 1, 2019 – lunch provided at 12noon and field day starts at 12:30pm to 2.30pm
Woorinen Football Netball Club, McCalman Street, Woorinen 
Tooleybuc
Wednesday May 1, 2019 from 4pm to 6pm with tea at 6pm
Leon Caccavello property - Cnr Wood Street and Yanga Way, Tooleybuc
Euston
Thursday May 2, 2019 – breakfast provided at 7:30am and field day starts 8am to 10am
Joe and Mick Garreffa property - 156 Taylors Road, Euston
Cardross
Thursday May 2, 2019 from 4pm to 6pm with tea at 6pm
SuniTafe Farm - 161 Dairtnunk Avenue, Cardross
Yelta
Friday May 3, 2019 - breakfast provided at 7:30am and field day starts 8:00am to 10am
John Argiro property – Cnr Calder Hwy and Paschendale Avenue, 683 Calder Hwy, Yelta
Colignan
Friday May 3, 2019 - lunch provided at 12:30pm and field day starts at from 1:00pm -3pm
Ken and Rob Mansell property - 3749 Kulkyne Way, Colignan

Pictured: The "Splatagator" technique