Creativity and community shine at Riverland Field Days

Riverland Field Days 2025 gave PIRSA’s Fruit Fly Response team the chance to showcase cutting-edge biosecurity measures and connect directly with the local community.

This year’s Riverland Field Days once again provided the Fruit Fly Response Program with a valuable opportunity to connect with the community and highlight the important work underway to help protect the region’s world-class produce.

Our Sterile insect technique (SIT) program was on display, providing visitors with an opportunity to see what Queensland fruit fly looks like, how sterilised flies disrupt wild breeding cycles, and how UV light can distinguish sterile from wild flies. A hands-on game of “guess the number of pupae” also showed just how small these insects are.

Visitors to the stand also received practical tips on garden hygiene and fruit fly prevention, learned how to spot early signs of fruit fly, and had their questions answered by biosecurity experts.

Another highlight was the Riverland primary school’s sticker competition, where the public cast their vote for their favourite shortlisted design. Congratulations to Kane from Monash Primary, and Grace and Kloe from Cobdogla Primary who have won a share in $400 prize money for their schools, thanks to Citrus SA and South Australian Avocado Growers Association.

Overall, the event was a great success, strengthening PIRSA's relationships within the Riverland community and reinforcing our commitment to supporting sustainable and productive agricultural practices across the state.