Third-generation grower Anthony Caccetta grew up working on his father’s Karragullen orchard.
He now leases his own orchards, one in Karragullen and another in Roleystone.
Since federal regulations on use of the pesticide Fenthion changed last year, he is one of many growers surveyed by the Hills Orchard Improvement Group who have seen Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) populations explode.
HOIG spokesman Brett DelSimone said commercial crop studies had shown an influx of Medfly from external sources and alternative controls were not yet enough to control the outbreak.
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READ NOWMr Caccetta said fruit fly was worse in built-up Roleystone than in Karragullen.
‘I use the same practices, but in Roleystone all my pink lady apples were struck 87 days before harvest’