Sorry to read that they've found you David, but I'm glad the article helped with the mental shift. Last year I was totally devastated but this year I'm taking it in my stride. Good luck with bringing the infestation under control.
Yes, they can be a great way to limit the access the flies have to the fruit. I found it interesting that Eileen doesn't use netting but still manages to avoid big outbreaks.
Several years ago my plum was affected and ever since then I've netted is assiduously and managed to save all the fruit. But this year, after t February, I think I lost 2 out of every 3 tomatoes; then they made their way to my guavas and now I'm afraid they'll get into the citrus as well because I've seen one or two dropped fruits and they checked positively for maggots. And in pomegranates too!! In desperation I've bought a trap and a spray that is meant to be used on the tree trunks once you've seen signs of infestation, but I think it's too little too late.
I'll try Eileen's remedies throughout all the fruit trees in spring later this year and net early.
It is so dispiriting. If it's not rats and cockies, it becomes this pest that has me depressed at every sign. But the fruit is worth it so I try to stay positive...
I'm so sorry to read this. I struggled to stay positive in my first season of dealing with Queensland Fruit Fly. This season, my second of dealing with them hasn't affected me as much personally. That's despite far more fruit being affected. I think it's because I have anticipated it this time around. I'm now seeing them as just another one of a long list of things that want more than their fair share. As you say, rats and cockies, but also codling moth, silvereyes, possums, blackbirds, rabbits and hares, snails and slugs, cabbage whites, kangaroos and deer. The list goes on and on.
In time I think we will all learn how best to minimise the severity of QFF outbreaks. It's tempting to put it in the "too hard" basket, but you and I both love growing our own food too much to give up.
I'm concentrating on observing the little buggers at every opportunity and recording as much data as possible. Especially what varieties are infested and when. That way, each piece of infested fruit becomes a data point - a (very) small silver lining. That data will inform how and where I focus my efforts in the future. I'm not planning on waging all out war with QFF. But if I can apply specific, targeted approaches in a timely manner then I feel that fruit damage will be minimal in the future.
Hopefully Eileen's approach gives you some inspiration and optimism. I think netting crops such as tomatoes is a great idea.
Yikes! I will send some pictures of infected Feijoas. I suspect my problem is the result of Quince Moth stinging my fruit. But when I read of QFF at Mordialloc I became concerned. It’s not too far from me as the bug flies.
I planted a two year old Quince Smyrna close to the three Feijoa trees last winter. The potting mix may have been compromised. Or my diagnosis is incorrect.
Thanks for emailing through the images. As I’ve responded via email, Quince Moth (aka Codling Moth) don’t usually infest feijoas. Unfortunately you are now dealing with a QFF outbreak.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but hopefully Eileen’s journey will provide some optimism for living with this dreadful pest.
Yes, we need to stay positive. The initial discovery of QFF is always a shock. But it can be managed and there's so many great resources out there to help. Hopefully this article addresses the need for a shift in one's mental state to go with it.
I used the insect proof netting on the nectarines with success. But the netting tears easily and develops splits for no apparent reason, so traps seem to be the way to go.
Many sites say that you should solarise affected fruit and then send it to landfill, never compost! I like her sensible approach to kill the maggots and then compost it all.
Fruitfly doesn't seem to have appeared yet in the hills in the outer East Dandenongs, but no doubt it will, any minute.
Meanwhile, David with the dead tomato plants, a lot of mine have done that too - some never got anywhere; most got around to producing a few fruit (large varieties all mottled and strange) and since then all leaves have died, and I'm harvesting ripe 'cherries' off dead plants.
It's not fruit fly; I think it's something in the soil attacking the roots - possibly one of the 'water moulds' like Phytophthera.
Still wondering if this will be an on-going problem? - or only after every cold wet spring, which is most of them?
Can the fruitfly affect the the tomato plants as well i lost my 8 tomato plants. All started nice and greens but barely any flowers and then gradually turning brown and that it i pulledall out.
The fruit fly love the fruit on the tomato plant, but they wont infect/affect the plants themselves. As Rose has mentioned above, that's likely to be a different problem. I'd need more information and some images of the affected plants. Feel free to send me an email with images as per this post:
Thanks to Eileen for sharing her story. I love her attitude and values.
Last year I had Fruit fly in my apricots, tomatoes and walnuts, and thought I would have it forever, but this year I have been lucky and only had it in a few of the early tomatoes. I was careful last year to pick up all fruit from the ground, and put the fruit into plastic bags and left them in the sun for about 5 days to kill the maggots.
Despite the fact that my garden was largely free of fruit fly this year, unfortunately I lost most of my apricots and plums Rainbow lorikeets, and walnuts to the Sulpher Crested Cockatoos!
Fascinating story from Eileen. I had no idea that fruit fly treatments were gender specific. What a beaut person Eileen is, a warrior for the community!
What an inspiration this lady is. Very interesting.
Thanks so much Eileen
What an inspiring woman! Thanks for sharing
First year of fruit fly for us in Mordialloc. Thank you - this article has lifted my shoulders a little.
Sorry to read that they've found you David, but I'm glad the article helped with the mental shift. Last year I was totally devastated but this year I'm taking it in my stride. Good luck with bringing the infestation under control.
Duncan
In SEQ we use exclusion bags/ nets as well.
Yes, they can be a great way to limit the access the flies have to the fruit. I found it interesting that Eileen doesn't use netting but still manages to avoid big outbreaks.
Thanks for the tip.
Several years ago my plum was affected and ever since then I've netted is assiduously and managed to save all the fruit. But this year, after t February, I think I lost 2 out of every 3 tomatoes; then they made their way to my guavas and now I'm afraid they'll get into the citrus as well because I've seen one or two dropped fruits and they checked positively for maggots. And in pomegranates too!! In desperation I've bought a trap and a spray that is meant to be used on the tree trunks once you've seen signs of infestation, but I think it's too little too late.
I'll try Eileen's remedies throughout all the fruit trees in spring later this year and net early.
It is so dispiriting. If it's not rats and cockies, it becomes this pest that has me depressed at every sign. But the fruit is worth it so I try to stay positive...
Hi Maria,
I'm so sorry to read this. I struggled to stay positive in my first season of dealing with Queensland Fruit Fly. This season, my second of dealing with them hasn't affected me as much personally. That's despite far more fruit being affected. I think it's because I have anticipated it this time around. I'm now seeing them as just another one of a long list of things that want more than their fair share. As you say, rats and cockies, but also codling moth, silvereyes, possums, blackbirds, rabbits and hares, snails and slugs, cabbage whites, kangaroos and deer. The list goes on and on.
In time I think we will all learn how best to minimise the severity of QFF outbreaks. It's tempting to put it in the "too hard" basket, but you and I both love growing our own food too much to give up.
I'm concentrating on observing the little buggers at every opportunity and recording as much data as possible. Especially what varieties are infested and when. That way, each piece of infested fruit becomes a data point - a (very) small silver lining. That data will inform how and where I focus my efforts in the future. I'm not planning on waging all out war with QFF. But if I can apply specific, targeted approaches in a timely manner then I feel that fruit damage will be minimal in the future.
Hopefully Eileen's approach gives you some inspiration and optimism. I think netting crops such as tomatoes is a great idea.
Good luck and happy gardening
Duncan
Yikes! I will send some pictures of infected Feijoas. I suspect my problem is the result of Quince Moth stinging my fruit. But when I read of QFF at Mordialloc I became concerned. It’s not too far from me as the bug flies.
I planted a two year old Quince Smyrna close to the three Feijoa trees last winter. The potting mix may have been compromised. Or my diagnosis is incorrect.
😬
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for emailing through the images. As I’ve responded via email, Quince Moth (aka Codling Moth) don’t usually infest feijoas. Unfortunately you are now dealing with a QFF outbreak.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but hopefully Eileen’s journey will provide some optimism for living with this dreadful pest.
Good luck
Duncan
Good to read "I have bounced back from deep despair to a more optimistic view."
Optimism is the key!
Yes, we need to stay positive. The initial discovery of QFF is always a shock. But it can be managed and there's so many great resources out there to help. Hopefully this article addresses the need for a shift in one's mental state to go with it.
This is great information thanks! I’m all into home remedies. I’m wondering what the recipe is for male FF traps.
That's a pheromone bait that I'm not sure can be made yourself. There's a few commercial options available though.
I used the insect proof netting on the nectarines with success. But the netting tears easily and develops splits for no apparent reason, so traps seem to be the way to go.
Many sites say that you should solarise affected fruit and then send it to landfill, never compost! I like her sensible approach to kill the maggots and then compost it all.
Yes, some of the insect netting can be pretty useless, but there is some good quality insect netting out there.
Last year I froze my infected fruit and then put it in the compost. Sending it to landfill would be a huge waste.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Thanks Eileen, that was reassuring!
Fruitfly doesn't seem to have appeared yet in the hills in the outer East Dandenongs, but no doubt it will, any minute.
Meanwhile, David with the dead tomato plants, a lot of mine have done that too - some never got anywhere; most got around to producing a few fruit (large varieties all mottled and strange) and since then all leaves have died, and I'm harvesting ripe 'cherries' off dead plants.
It's not fruit fly; I think it's something in the soil attacking the roots - possibly one of the 'water moulds' like Phytophthera.
Still wondering if this will be an on-going problem? - or only after every cold wet spring, which is most of them?
Good luck everyone!
Hi Rose,
Thanks for jumping in an answering David's questions. I hope you avoid the dreaded QFF for as long as you can.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Can the fruitfly affect the the tomato plants as well i lost my 8 tomato plants. All started nice and greens but barely any flowers and then gradually turning brown and that it i pulledall out.
Hi David,
The fruit fly love the fruit on the tomato plant, but they wont infect/affect the plants themselves. As Rose has mentioned above, that's likely to be a different problem. I'd need more information and some images of the affected plants. Feel free to send me an email with images as per this post:
https://leafrootfruit.substack.com/p/garden-advice-growing-vegetables-ask-questions
Duncan
Thanks to Eileen for sharing her story. I love her attitude and values.
Last year I had Fruit fly in my apricots, tomatoes and walnuts, and thought I would have it forever, but this year I have been lucky and only had it in a few of the early tomatoes. I was careful last year to pick up all fruit from the ground, and put the fruit into plastic bags and left them in the sun for about 5 days to kill the maggots.
Despite the fact that my garden was largely free of fruit fly this year, unfortunately I lost most of my apricots and plums Rainbow lorikeets, and walnuts to the Sulpher Crested Cockatoos!
Hi Stephanie,
I'm glad your vigilance and good garden hygiene have prevented any further outbreaks of QFF. Sorry to hear about the damage form the parrots though.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Fascinating story from Eileen. I had no idea that fruit fly treatments were gender specific. What a beaut person Eileen is, a warrior for the community!
Eileen is a superstar, I love your description more though: "a warrior for the community"!