Mildura-based Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area's regional co-ordinator Narelle Beattie said the colder weather was already driving flies into hibernation and laying eggs in fruit across the region.
But she said hoping the season would be the saviour come spring could not happen without a concerted campaign by growers – and not just large-scale commercial producers.
Ms Beattie said it was equally vital for backyard growers to start planning to put out traps before late July – especially around avocado, citrus and native trees.
"The colder weather we are now experiencing has slowed the problem, but the key message now is for everyone to play their part before the spring," Ms Beattie said.
"If we get a cold winter, and some frosts, that will really set the fruit fly back, killing the flies that survive winter as an adult fly – but we need people to be bait spraying and setting traps.
"Even that single lemon tree in your backyard or beside the packing shed can be a risk.
"The warm, humid autumn made for ideal breeding conditions, leading to a bigger problem than we would normally expect, so population genetics alone rings the warning bell about how big a problem we could face a few months from now if everyone doesn't play their part."
Q-fly is rankled one of the biggest challenges for Australia's $13 billion horticulture industry, with infestations having a direct impact on bottom lines throughout Sunraysia and the problem is felt right through the production chain to both domestic and international markets.
Queensland fruit fly is now an established pest in Victoria and the growers are becoming aware of how to control it.
But back-to-back La Nina weather events have provided ideal breeding conditions for the fly.
Ms Beattie said a "concerning number" of flies were recorded during the autumn, found in wine and table grapes left on the vine after harvest; and the same applied to the fruit industry with some product left on trees providing the ideal staging platform for flies.
"Growers have fought battles on multiple fronts this year, from the ongoing and concerning lack of workers to harvest crops, inaccessible freight markets hampered by increased costs or availability – and soaring farm input costs.
"On some occasions, growers haven't harvested their whole crop and there's been some fruit that's remained on the vines or trees. Some of that fruit has Q-fly larvae.
"These colder months are an opportunity for us to get on top of fruit fly – the work we do now will be a springboard to set ourselves up for success in spring and summer.
"If you would like advice and information on how to manage your fruit trees, our local fruit fly community support officers are happy to talk to you or visit if you need it. "
Call the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area on 5022 0327 or email [email protected].
