News

Swan Hill resident winning fruit fly fight

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 14:32:00

When Allan Bryce moved into his new home in Swan Hill about a year ago, he discovered that it also came with a lot of Queensland fruit fly.

As a “big-city boy”, Mr Bryce didn’t know the first thing about fruit trees, let alone how to manage a fruit fly infestation.

But with support and guidance from Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (GSPFA) field officer Tricia Witney, he has managed to keep fruit fly out of his garden.

Mr Bryce said the secret to his success was the protective netting covering his peach, plum, apple, mandarin and lemon trees.

“I didn’t have a clue about managing fruit fly, but Tricia gave me some very helpful information that we followed to the letter – and I’ve given it 100 per cent,” Mr Bryce said.

“It was very important to me that it succeeded because I made a statement that I would either have fruit that’s free of fruit fly or I would remove the trees – if the fruit was infected again, there wouldn’t be a next year.”

After pruning the tress down to a manageable level – just under two metres – Mr Bryce purchased some insect nets and waited until after fruit set to put them on, securing them at the base of the tree with tape.

Mr Bryce’s efforts have certainly paid off for his family and friends, who have been enjoying the fruit fly-free produce.

“I love being able to say that I grew them myself – it gives me a real sense of pride and satisfaction,” he said.

“It’s a total novelty for me because I’ve only ever lived in big cities and doing something like this is a first. It’s a totally different style of life, and it’s keeping me going.”

GSPFA field officers can provide advice on managing fruit trees to protect them from fruit fly. For information and assistance, contact GSPFA on 03 5022 0327 or at info@greatersunraysiapfa.com.au.

Local residents can also speak to a field officer at the Swan Hill Community Tree on Friday 14 February from 9am to 3.30pm.

Pictured: Allan Bryce