Discovery of fruit fly concerning

The discovery of another male Oriental fruit fly in Auckland will be a cause for concern among New Zealand growers, says Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

The fruit fly was detected in a suburban backyard in Birkdale, North Shore, during routine surveillance.

The Oriental fruit fly poses a significant risk to horticulture, with its larvae capable of feeding on more than 300 types of fruit and vegetables. Its preferred hosts include apples, guavas, mangoes, peaches, and pears.

“HortNZ understands growers will be concerned by this latest detection, especially following the earlier discovery in Papatoetoe,” says Kate Scott, chief executive of HortNZ.

“While the Oriental fruit fly does not pose a risk to human health, its establishment in New Zealand could have severe economic consequences for the horticulture industry. Home gardeners would also be affected.

“It is too soon to determine whether this case is linked to the previous detection, but we remain hopeful this is another isolated incident.

“We fully support the increased trapping, inspection efforts, and the legal restrictions on moving fruit and vegetables out of the affected area as part of Biosecurity New Zealand’s response.

“Protecting New Zealand’s horticulture sector from biosecurity threats like the fruit fly is critical to our economy and our reputation for producing high-quality fruit and vegetables.”