The National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC) visited the Port Augusta sterile insect technique (SIT) facility to observe recent upgrades, including a doubling of SIT production capacity.

Sterile insect technique (SIT) involves releasing sterile insects to help control wild populations, specifically targeting Queensland fruit fly (Qfly)in the Riverland. Sterile flies are transported to outbreak areas and released to disrupt the breeding cycle, reducing wild populations without relying on insecticides traditionally used to manage this pest.

As a sustainable solution, SIT contributes to managing Qfly populations nationally. Sterile flies from the Port Augusta facility were released in Cadell, Holder, Kingston on Murray, Overland Corner, Qualco, Sunlands, Taylorville, and Waikerie until last week, as current conditions support fruit fly mating—refer to the fruit fly life cycle for more information.

Between August and November this year, SIT flies were released across Salisbury North. For the first six weeks, three million sterile fruit flies were released weekly, followed by approximately 600,000 releases per week for the remaining six weeks.

These efforts highlight the critical role of the Port Augusta SIT facility in sustainably managing Qfly populations, contributing to enhanced biosecurity and improved trade outcomes.