Research
movement across adjoining properties is likely . This is where area wide management has an advantage – all habitats being managed within an area . Knowing the drivers for fruit fly movement , the population dynamics on a local scale , and the appropriate management strategies to get the biggest bang for your buck will help inform this approach .
We need to know :
●● Where do flies come from in the spring ?
●●
How likely is it that I will be affected if my neighbour has flies ?
●●
When and where do I tackle them ?
The biophysical research component within the Adaptive Area Wide Management ( AAWM ) of Qfly project aims to address these questions and to investigate their importance for successful area wide management .
Katharina Merkel ( QUT ) and Florian Schwarzmueller ( CSIRO ) are looking at ecological parameters such as movement triggers , distances covered and overwintering strategies and their importance for QFly population dynamics .
Complex environments provide a management challenge because of the availability of different fruit at different times , and the number of ‘ hiding places ’ in the landscape .
Complex environments provide a management challenge because of the availability of different fruit at different times , and the number of ‘ hiding places ’ in the landscape .
Models are being developed which combine existing knowledge about Qfly and its life cycle , the parameters of fly-movement , and the spatial distribution of hosts in the landscape . Complex landscapes that contain different crops have always provided a challenge , but building an accurate and transferable model will ensure the model works in different regions and environments .
This way , we can decide the best management strategies to use in different areas . Knowing what triggers population growth after winter , and where flies come from in spring , will inform early intervention strategies . This can get your season off to the best start possible .
In areas such as Shepparton and Swan Hill , one of the objectives of Area Wide Management is to reduce Qfly populations so that the Sterile Insect Technique ( SIT ) can be used effectively .
Hygiene is a critical component of fruit fly management ; all fruit needs to be removed from trees . summerfruit . com . au December 2016 | Australian Stonefruit Grower 25