Current as of 21/06/2023

In my career of over five decades I have conducted research into fruit flies within the insect family Tephritidae. This research has covered many aspects of taxonomy, ecology and pest management on the fauna from the Indian sub-continent, through S-E Asia and the South Pacific. In over 150 published papers, including several major monographs, I have identified the major fruit fly pest species across the entire region and developed important pest management strategies for fruit and vegetable growers, and more importantly, subsistence farmers throughout many developing countries. My recent contribution has been the develoment of a world first female fruit fly trap which is now providing high level pest management by trapping out the female fruit flies before they lay eggs in fruit. It has been exciting to see the Fruition fruit fly trap now being marketed by an Australian comany, AgNova, marketed to growers in eastern Australia and now in India and Taiwan. This has been a major research discovery that has now advanced into the marketplace globally. I also have conducted over fifty major international training courses for agriculture workers especially in developing countries, but also countries such as New Zealand. These courses have covered biosecurity, identification of pest species, ecology and pest management. I have had valuable experience in the transfer of research outcomes into industry solutions and product development, only made possible by my foundational pure research in relevant fields of endeavour.

Professor Drew has built an international reputation for his outstanding research over the last 30 years on the taxonomy, biology, ecology and control of fruit flies, major global pests of fruits and some vegetable crops.

His extensive work in Australia and the Asia/Pacific region has resulted in new, environmentally safe technologies that have successfully eradicated and/or controlled dangerous fruit flies accidentally introduced into Australia.

Drew's outstanding contribution to fruit fly research and training has already made a significant contribution to the production and export of horticultural commodities in Australia and in our immediate region.