Shortcutting fruit fly control with dwarf trees

Jun 16, 2024

Fruit flies may be tiny but they leave behind a nasty sting. Photo: Agriculture Victoria Photo by Contributed

If you are planning to plant fruit trees this winter, consider dwarf trees as an easier option to protect against fruit fly.

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Statewide fruit fly coordinator Cathy Mansfield said dwarf varieties are easier to harvest, easier to cover with insect-proof netting and easier to monitor for pests.

“It’s particularly important to control fruit fly and other pests and diseases if you live near commercial production areas like the Yarra Valley, Goulburn Murray Valley or Sunraysia,” she said.

Think small when adding a fruit tree to your yard. Photo: Agriculture Victoria

“For home gardeners, covering fruit trees with netting is the best way to prevent fruit fly.

“Finding fruit fly on dwarf trees is made easier when you can access fruit below head height and identify the small pin-like mark that female Queensland fruit fly make as they lay eggs into the surface.”

Another advantage of dwarf varieties is that a ladder is not required for fruit picking, netting or pruning.

Dwarf trees provide other benefits for home gardeners such as greater coverage with insecticides and fungicides, and for renters, the ability to move to the next property when planted in a pot.

Standard varieties of fruit trees require careful pruning to manage vigour and direct energy to fruit.

Skilful pruning and thinning is required to ensure gardeners don’t end up with very tall trees and small fruit.

For information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au