A NEW Renmark South fruit fly outbreak was declared by PIRSA last Wednesday, after a backyard quince tree had maggots.
The home-grown infected quinces have caused restrictions, with 1.5 kilometre red outbreak area now in place and 15km yellow suspension areas.
Fruit fly officers in orange overalls from PIRSA will be visiting properties in the outbreak area to apply bait and check for signs of fruit fly in fruit.
PIRSA's Fruit Fly response general manager Nick Secomb said winter fruits were now a target for fruit fly and residents must protect their home-grown produce.
"Nobody wants to find maggots in their home-grown produce or to lose the freedom of growing fresh produce to fruit flies. We can stop this pest becoming established in South Australia if everyone plays a part," Mr Secomb said.
"Understand whether the fruit and vegetables in your backyard are a target for fruit fly - things like quince, apples, pears, oranges, lemons and avocados. There is a list of common fruits and vegetables that fruit fly like on the fruit fly website.
RELATED READING
Mr Secomb advised residents to pick fruit as soon as it's ripe, and discard fallen fruit and waste appropriately.
Waste arrangements differ across the Riverland so residents are encouraged to check the fruit fly website or call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
According to PIRSA, many of the Riverland outbreaks began in domestic gardens, usually in larger properties just out of town with a dozen trees or more.
If you live in or own one of these properties, Mr Secomb said the backyard will be highly appealing to fruit flies.
"Remove your fruit and prune your trees to protect your yard as well as the whole Riverland."
Riverland Fruit Fly Committee chair and local grower Jason Size said outbreaks have been tough on the Riverland and there was still a long road ahead, but fruit fly freedom is still possible if everyone does what they can to fight the pest.
"We are at a crucial time in the history of our Pest Free Area for everyone to take action to help control and eradicate this pest. Everyone needs to pitch in and support all our efforts. Don't rely on others to do it - we need help and support now from everyone in the community," Mr Size said.
"Good commercial growers generally know what to do on their properties to reduce fruit fly risk, and anyone with fruit trees around their home must act too.
"We all want a Riverland free of fruit fly so we can grow commercial and homegrown fruit without needing to use chemicals, knowing it's free of maggots."
Primary producers impacted by current fruit fly outbreaks are encouraged to contact the State Government's free Family and Business support program.
Sign up here to Good Fruit and Vegetables weekly newsletter for all the latest horticulture news each Thursday...