 Loads of people are discovering or rediscovering the joys of gardening and are heading in droves to garden centres across the state for plants, products and plenty of inspiration. Top of the purchase list for many gardeners are fruit trees which is wonderful as more and more people are looking to enjoy the delights of homegrown produce. However there is one serious pest out there with the potential to ruin your dream of being able to pick and eat fresh from the tree and that is fruit fly. Whether you have an existing fruit tree or planting a new one there are some very important messages all home gardeners need to know about fruit fly. Sam Luke from Valhanna Nurseries, South Australia's largest fruit tree producer is the ideal person to explain. Being fruit fly free is critical to South Australia's horticultural industries. That risk is $1.3 billion worth of fresh produce, hundreds of businesses and 37,000 jobs. Being fruit fly free reduces the cost of the grower of producing their fresh produce and it also helps us to get a premium price on the export market for the produce that we send overseas. To help us remember what to do the nursery industry have got together with Perza and they've created a label which you'll find on your fruit trees when you buy them from your local garden centre. Take your fruit as soon as it's ripe, collect the fruit off the ground and put it in a green bin and check your fruit for any blemishes and maggots. Garden centres will also have helpful information flyers to help you remember what to do to prevent fruit fly in your garden. It's really important to support our local South Australian growers. Buy our local fresh produce and learn how to prevent fruit fly in your backyard. For more information or if you have any questions about fruit fly call the fruit fly hotline on 1300 66010 or check out the comprehensive fruit fly website. Remember everyone including gardeners no matter what size your yard has a role in protecting South Australia from fruit fly. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello.