Hort Innovation has announced a new levy-funded project for the vegetable industry.

The use of natural enemies such as parasitoids against insect pests is regarded as a core component in sustainable pest control.

The new project will provide Australia’s horticulture industry with another method to use for fruit fly management.

Research will focus on optimising parasitism rates in culture, adult wasp fitness and longevity and ensuring good survival on delivery to release sites. Release trials are expected to be conducted during the 2020/2021 season.

The parasitoids for the management of fruit flies in Australia 
(MT19003) project is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetables Fund and will be delivered by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.