This is the first time Queensland fruit flies (Qfly) sourced only from the new National Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) Facility in Port Augusta have been used SIT to assist with incursion eradication.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, watched the flies descend from the Adelaide sky.
“Australia is at the cutting edge, using new technology to manage farm pests. We have developed the unique SITplus program based on SIT programs that have been effective in California and Guatemala,” Mr Littleproud said.
“SIT introduces large numbers of sterilised fruit flies in key areas to stop wild flies breeding.
“Our SITplus program includes work to develop the most attractive fruit fly for native flies.
“These sterile fruit flies, 50 per cent male and 50 per cent female, have been raised to be more attractive to the wild population, showing that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
“These flies are the best ‘singers’, have great endurance, fitness, agility and looks that are irresistible to wild flies looking to breed.
“Among the other SITplus developments is a gel diet to help raise more sterile flies more consistently, work to build up male-only offspring and piloting the National Sterile Insect Facility in Port Augusta, which will produce up to 50 million sterile male Qfly each week when fully operational.
“This full-scale launch follows a successful trial of an aerial release of sterile flies in March. There will be continued releases and further development of the technology.
“SIT is a game changer for Australian horticulture, enabling farmers to reduce their pesticide use, expand their production of high quality crops that are free of Qfly and capitalise on our trade wins.
John Lloyd, chief executive of the grower-owned research and development corporation that initiated the SITPlus initiative, Hort Innovation, said it was a momentous day.
“We have had some of Australia’s leading Queensland fruit fly specialists working on the development of the sterile Qfly and preparations for releases for the past four years,” he said.
“The fruit and vegetable industries have also played a key part in making today happen, with this initiative being backed by citrus, cherries, apple and pear, summerfruit, table grapes, strawberries, and vegetable levies from the start.
“Late last year we saw the creation of the nation’s state-of-the-art production facility, and now to be releasing the first ‘super’ flies from the factory today to respond to an incursion for the first time is a big achievement.”
For more information
Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd
Level 8, 1 Chifley Square NSW 2000 Australia
T: 61 2 8295 2300
F: 61 2 8295 2399