Watermelons win over Riverland grower as region battles fruit fly

A farmer in Riverland, South Australia, is expanding his watermelon plantings as produce prices remain stable and the crop's tough skin provides protection from pests.

Points Key:Riverland is in its third year of Fruit Fly Restrictions, with 20 outbreaksFruit fly can affect watermelons early in production, but their thick rind prevents them from becoming a hostMelons Australia says growing demand of exports will help the industry grow

The region entered its third year of fruit fly restrictions, with 20 outbreaks of Queensland fruit flies – two of which were announced this week.

As eradication efforts continue, Riverland winemakers have chosen between shelving or switching to white varietals this vintage, amid a surplus of 400 million li a lot of red wine in Australia.

Nathan Jericho is happy he added watermelons to his farm 10 years ago.

"We've grown pumpkins before and that's contributed to our diversity, but watermelons have probably become our main crop," he said.

"Having the three different crops [pumpkins, grapes, and watermelons] definitely help level your results. at the end of the year so as not to depend on a single culture."

Mr. Jericho says adding a conveyor belt has made harvesting watermelons more efficient. (Supplied: Nathan Jericho)

While other growers are planting vegetables, nuts and dried fruits to mitigate losses from fruit fly control measures, M Jericho says the watermelon's tough rind has proven to be a natural barrier against the pest. that other group members are increasingly interested in diversifying their offerings.

"I guess everyone is looking for something to help supplement their income in order to get through the tougher times,” he said.

Harvest time at Mr Jericho's watermelon field in Barmera in South Australia's Riverland. (Provided by Nathan Jericho)

Little things

Mr. Jericho started small with the big fruits, producing only 10 bins for his first...