February newsletter
Updated info on fruit fly outbreak and suspension area rules around movement of produce
There have been some changes about what fruit can be moved where in the Riverland due to the fruit fly outbreaks in the region.
Find out if you live, work or go to school in a red (outbreak area), yellow (suspension area) or green area by looking at the maps:
Fruit fly like a range of different fruits and vegetables. Check which ones are affected:
There are three colour-coded areas. These rules only apply to the fruit and vegetables that fruit fly like.
Red areas
· Red areas are outbreak areas.
· The fruit and veg that fruit fly like can't move from your property.
· Keep fruit in the fridge rather than in a fruit bowl.
· Fruit waste needs to be put in your green bin – not composted. If you do not have a green bin service, seal in an airtight plastic bag and contact the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 to arrange collection.
Yellow areas
· Yellow areas are suspension areas.
· You can move fruit and veg that fruit fly like within the yellow area.
· You can’t take this type of fruit and veg into the green area.
· If you take this type of fruit and veg into a red area, you must not take it out again.
Green areas
· Green areas are not affected by fruit fly. No restrictions apply within this area.
You can Find out more about the rules for moving the fruit and vegetables that fruit fly like.
Horticulture Industry continues push to eradicate fruit fly from State
Following a week of confusion over fruit bans, the horticulture Industry met with the State Government to develop the new system (see above).
Chair of the Horticulture Coalition of SA, Angelo Demasi said the industry is calling on everyone within the declared 1.5km outbreak areas to minimise movement of fruit, particularly over coming weeks when the pest is most active.
“There has been an increase in traffic to our regions with people not being able to travel overseas, and we also need to up the ante with ensuring that people do not bring fruit into our regions,” he said.
“Consumers can be confident when purchasing local grown fruit from stores that it is safe and fruit fly free. It is crucial however to ensure the message is clear that home grown fruit should only be consumed at home,” said Mr Demasi.
Labour shortage
There is a shortage of labour in the horticultural industry this year with reduced numbers of backpackers in the country. Growers should be talking to their contractors to indicate the number of people needed. Citrus SA had a big presence in Adelaide media (ABC radio, 5AA, Advertiser) late last month to encourage city dwellers to come to the regions. We have also encouraged Government to make entry into Australia as easy as possible for horticultural workers. We also suggested relaxing rules on interstate movement of labourers and between contractors so workers are able to be more mobile. The other suggestion is to form a travel bubble between New Zealand and Pacific islands to negate the need for 14 days quarantine in Australia. Our federal member Tony Pasin is aware of the potential problem and has been very receptive to the ideas put forward.
Expressions of interest – potential spray application day
Would you be interested in attending a spray application workshop next month? The day would include a short presentation from Don Thorpe from Horticultural Spraying Specialists, before participants head into the field to look at a range of spray units and their operation. The workshop would be held in Waikerie in mid-March. Please register your interest by emailing contact@citrussa.com.au
Citrus SA offers support to Citrus Australia
Citrus SA chair Mark Doecke has written to Citrus Australia CEO, Nathan Hancock, offering the services of Citrus SA to help advise on the key issues facing growers in our State. These include markets, fruit fly and seasonal workers.
“We have a good network in SA and are able to connect easily with our grower base and also our State Government especially on Fruit Fly and the policies and ideas of Government for securing labour, “ Mr Doecke said.
“Citrus Australia has previously raised concerns to working together but the below exert from the CAL Constitution doesn’t seem to stop a relationship with an Incorporated Citrus SA.”
20. Committees
(a) The Board may appoint committees, to advise it concerning various matters, comprising any Directors, officers, employees or Members of the Company, employees or officers of Members or other persons it thinks fit.
February production notes
It is important to assess the crop set and fruit size of each orchard, to determine what crop production strategies to apply. Some timely reminders include:
Pruning/Hedging/skirting
- Continue hand pruning and de-suckering of re growth
- Hedge where required to control tree height and maximize sunlight penetration
- Skirting for KCT markets
KCT monitoring: If your property is registered in the KCT program, registered crop monitor’s will begin assessing your orchards this month.
Foliar nutrient spray and Fertigation
- Potassium sprays to increase fruit size.
- Monitor each patch for crop load and size-adapt irrigation/fertigation strategy accordingly.
Pesticide sprays
- Critical timing for Brown Citrus rust mite, Citrus butterfly, Mealy bug, Red and Cottony cushion scale, FRW, Citrus Leaf miner and Two spotted Mite
Irrigation
- Increase irrigation and continue monitoring soil moisture probes
- Regular flushing and chlorination required
Weed Control
- Knockdown herbicides or residual herbicides as required
Fruit thinning
- Hand thinning to help improve size is recommended. Assess crop load prior to thinning
GA Sprays
- Important to apply GA to navels to improve the rind quality
Crop estimates
- Frame counts and fruit size measurements in conjunction with packer
Leaf samples
- Take leaf samples for nutrient analysis