MALLEE home gardeners have discovered their tomatoes and other fruiting vegetables infested with Queensland fruit fly.
As the weather warmed, and fruit fly populations became active and rapidly increased, the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (GSPFA) expected more reports of the pest wreaking havoc in backyards across the region.
But there are many vegies and herbs that won’t attract fruit fly, making it easier for gardeners to enjoy fresh seasonal produce.
“As the beautiful spring weather draws people back into their gardens, it’s a great time to start planning what vegies you want to plant this year and preparing your garden beds,” GSPFA regional co-ordinator Narelle Beattie said.
“Whether you have a big patch of land, planter boxes or a few pots, there’s plenty of things you can plant that don’t host fruit fly.
“Some great options include roots and bulbs like carrots and potatoes; leafy greens like broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and Asian vegetables; herbs and spices; and produce with tough skin like pumpkin, watermelon and corn.”
Ms Beattie said people who still wanted to plant fruiting vegetables prone to fruit fly, such as tomatoes, capsicums, chillies and eggplants, could protect them using insect nets.
“Covering your fruit with fine mesh netting, available from agriculture supply or hardware stores, is the most effective way to stop Qfly from getting to your fruit,” she said.
“Just make sure you don’t put the netting on too early to give beneficial insects like bees an opportunity to pollinate your garden.”
The GSPFA has created a video to help people plan their vegie gardens, now available as part of a suite of videos designed to help home gardeners manage fruit fly.
To view the video, visit pestfreearea.com.au
