Workshops to manage Queensland fruit fly in blueberries
28 Jun 2016
North Coast blueberry producers can get the latest information on managing Queensland fruit fly (QFF) at workshops co-hosted by Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and North Coast Local Land Services to be held on 13 July in Woolgoolga and 14 July in Coffs Harbour.
DPI Blueberries Development Officer, Phillip Wilk said the workshops are an opportunity for growers to discuss alternative fruit fly management techniques ahead of the current review of the chemical Dimethoate.
Many other soft fruit industries have relied on baiting and trapping to successfully control QFF.
The Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association, DPI and North Coast Local Land Services would like to move towards a more integrated pest management control for QFF in the blueberry industry.
Workshop discussions will include:
- Fruit fly regulations and requirements relevant to the blueberry industry by Phillip Wilk, DPI Blueberries Development Officer
- Integrated pest management fruit fly control methods by Dan Papacek, Entomologist from Bugs for Bugs
- Area wide management of Queensland fruit fly by Dr Olivia Reynolds, DPI Senior Research Scientist
The workshops will outline how growers may use area wide management of the pests by grouping together trapping and baiting systems for QFF control on adjoining farms. The workshop will also involve a local farm visit to identify where trapping would be strategically placed for maximum control of QFF.
Workshop dates and venues:
- 13 July Woolgoolga Bowling Club, 18 Boundary Street from 12.00 Noon to 4.00 pm
- 14 July Oz Group Co-operative, Englands Road, Coffs Harbour from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.
You do not need to be an Oz Group or Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association member to attend these workshops; all blueberry growers are strongly encouraged to attend.
Please RSVP by 11 July to Phillip Wilk on 0411 139 567 or to Julie Dart on (02) 6659 9406.
Media contact: Anne Brook (02) 6763 1163 or 0477 358 305
