AUSVEG Road Show offers fruit fly treatment alternatives

AUSVEG, the national peak industry body for Australia’s vegetable and potato growers, has announced that it is running an Education Road Show that will feature seminars on alternative fruit fly treatments.

Two traditionally used treatments for fruit fly are Dimethoate and Fenthin (D&F). These are currently under review by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and AUSVEG anticipates that the chemicals will be banned in Australia.

The seminars will cover alternative fruit fly treatments such as methyl bromide fumigation, cold disinfestation, baiting and trapping, irradiation and a systems approach.

“Leading scientists and industry specialists will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatments and growers will have an opportunity to speak directly with the presenters informally following the presentations,” said Hugh Gurney, AUSVEG Communications Officer.

AUSVEG will also present findings of recent market research on consumer attitudes towards the various D&F alternatives, allowing growers to make informed decisions about the alternatives.

The first leg of the Road Show visits Connolly, WA, on 10 April; Virginia, SA, on 11 April; and Mildura, Vic, on 12 April. The second leg commences in Darwin on 20 April, then continues through Queensland throughout April.

For further information, visit the AUSVEG website.