Baiting using fruit fly attract and kill devices (AKDs)
Fruit fly behaviour and baiting
Fruit flies become active in late winter and early spring and baiting is a critical part of the eradication program.
Fruit fly not only lay eggs in a long list of fruit and fruiting vegetables, they also feed and rest on the leaves of other trees, including almonds.
Therefore, AKDs need to target these trees, whether they form part of an orchard, or are used as shelter belts and tree lines. This will give the best chance of eradicating fruit fly from the Riverland.
Male annihalation technique (MAT)
MAT devices target male Queensland fruit flies, which are attracted to the device and die as result of ingesting the toxicant. The devices are biodegradable and designed so as to protect the ingredients from rain and UV degradation.
Using MAT devices
PIRSA will supply MAT devices free of charge to commercial growers registered for the self-baiting program.
- MAT devices should be used at the rate of 10 to 20 devices per hectare.
- Each MAT device will have a unique QR code identifier so you can register its location online.
- MAT devices should not be located within 3 metres of a permanent PIRSA monitoring trap.
- It is recommended that fresh MAT devices are hung in trees in spring, summer and autumn.
- As MAT devices are biodegradable, they can be left in the field indefinitely (subject to the release of sterile fruit flies).
MAT device placement
The best place for MAT devices is in tree lines around crop edges to prevent fruit fly from moving in or out of the crop. Under cold conditions, flies are likely to be attracted to warm spots such the northern side of trees. However, if conditions are hot and dry then the flies are more likely to be found on the eastern or southern side of trees.
- MAT devices should be placed in the best possible cover available in the open shade of the tree, never in direct sunlight.
- Where fruiting trees are not available, use trees with suitable broad-leafed foliage.
- MAT devices should be hung at least 1.5 metres above the ground, within the canopy of the tree one-half to two-thirds of the distance from the trunk to the outer edge of the foliage.
- MAT devices must not be placed in dense foliage that may block device entrances, protrude into the device, or provide a resting place or situation that would prevent a fly from entering the device.
- If necessary, prune around the device.
AKD placement for fruit fly control should also be supplemented by good orchard management practices including prompt picking of ripe fruit, and removal and/or treatment of fallen and/or rotting fruit. This is essential to break the fruit fly life cycle.
Register device locations
- As a condition of receiving AKDs you must register the AKD location information online. This will allow PIRSA to see which areas have been covered and which areas need further baiting.
- View this page or take the guideline sheet ( ) with you when you hang AKDs on your property.
- Follow the link or scan the QR code to access the online form.
- Use the online form to scan the small QR code on each device to register the device’s location once you have placed it.
MAT device retrieval
It is vital to PIRSA's ongoing monitoring that you retrieve any MAT devices which are not biodegradable. This will stop any interference with the permanent fruit fly monitoring grid. If you receive biodegradable AKDs then these will not need to be retrieved.
More information
See MAT cups.
For market access enquiries:
- email MarketAccessRenmark.aaslocal@sa.gov.au
- call the industry hotline on 1800 255 556.