This project aims to develop an effective lure to attract female Queensland fruit flies (Qfly) to improve biosecurity. The lure would be used to monitor and control Qfly populations, reducing damage to commercial fruit crops. Researchers are testing blends of fruit volatiles and other chemicals to attract female flies. They are also using new techniques like brain imaging to understand how flies perceive odors and design better lures. Successfully creating an effective female lure would benefit fruit growers through lower production losses and pest management costs. It could also help control Qfly in integration with other techniques like sterile insect releases.

1. biosecurity built on science
New Lure & Kill Technologies
PBCRC3152
Paul Cunningham
Research Leader, AgriBio, DEDJTR, VIC.
Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre

2. biosecurity built on science
What is the problem?
“The gaping hole in the toolbox for future control of Queensland fruit fly, no matter
what form it takes, is the absence of an effective attract and kill lure for female flies.”
Andrew Finlay, Chairman, Summerfruit Australia

3. biosecurity built on science
What are we doing about it?
PBCRC 3066
HIA SF12013
PBCRC 63086 (PhD)
SI
Visual trap
Odour lure
Deterrents
New technologies
Female lure developed
Milestone R2.1.9
NEXT
PHASE
PBCRC 3152
To deliver a commercially viable device that traps
female Qfly in the field.
PRIMARY AIM OF PROJECT 3152

4. biosecurity built on science
What are we doing about it?
Step 1: Do fruit odours attract female flies?
• Blends containing fruit ripening
volatiles attract female Qfly
Proof of concept 
11V

5. biosecurity built on science
What are we doing about it?
Step 2. Designing a more complex lure
?
Aggregation volatiles
Microbial volatiles
Deterrents
aromatics
esters
LURE DEVELOPMENT FIELD TRIALS

6. biosecurity built on science
What are we doing about it?
Step 3. Transforming technologies for designing lures
Excitation patterns in the antennal
lobe provide information on how
odours are percieved
ethyl propionate z-3-hexenyl acetate
acetoin
Qfly brain
Reading the insect brain (antennal lobe imaging)

7. biosecurity built on science
How will this research be delivered?
• A field effective female lure
• Possibility for patenting
• New technologies in lure design

8. biosecurity built on science
Who will benefit from this research?
Commercial fruit growers / consultants
 Monitoring / surveillance
 Reducing Qfly damage
 Lowering within / between season populations
 Reducing urban Qfly populations
Sterile Insect Technique
 Assessment of success
 Lowering populations
Scientists
 Olfactory research
 Developing new technologies for pest management

9. biosecurity built on science
Benefit for our horticultural industries
• Reduction in production losses (improved control of Qfly)
• Improved profitability and market access for horticultural
industries

10. biosecurity built on science
Future
A field effective female lure is the starting point
… integration into Qfly control practices
… more powerful attractants
… better traps

11. biosecurity built on science
Thank you
Project Team
Jane Royer (QDAF)
Pawel Sadowski (QUT/CARF)
Mikael Carlsson (Stockholm University, AL imaging)
Tony Clarke (QUT)
Technical Assistance
Tommaso Villa
David Hodkinson
Brett Lewis
Lona van Delden
Summerfruit Australia
Andrew Finlay (Chairman)
Rowan Berecry
paul.cunningham@ecodev.vic.gov.auPBCRC is established and supported under
the Australian Government Cooperative
Research Centres Programme