Winning The Fight Against SWD

In recent weeks, monitoring traps have detected increasing activity of spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) flies at many Michigan blueberry and raspberry farms. This is partly because the populations are growing over time, and partly because many blueberry fields have completed harvest and management intensity has been relaxed. For fields that are still being harvested, it is imperative that growers remain vigilant and protect their fruit from this pest.

Two Michigan State University (MSU) researchers recently posted reports on the MSU Extension web site with tips for growers to follow. Rufus Isaacs, in the department of entomology at MSU, says the short-term emphasis needs to be on protecting fruit from first fly activity until they are harvested, and not trying to control every SWD until they stop flying. “While the desire to control SWD after harvest is understandable given the threat it poses, there are some potential issues inherent in postharvest spraying for SWD that should be considered.” Isaacs’ complete report is available by clicking here.

Meanwhile, Carlos Garcia-Salazar says growers can minimize fruit losses from SWD by separating infested from non-infested fruit loads. “Following simple fruit sampling methods can help minimize the amount of fruit diverted to juice and evaluate the effectiveness of pest control actions.” Garcia-Salazar offers several tips for sampling harvested berries. His complete report can be found by clicking here.