Cooperative Extension at Highmoor Farm

Spotted Wing Drosophila Alert: July 21, 2017

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David Handley, Vegetable and Small Fruit Specialist; James Dill, Pest Management Specialist; Frank Drummond, Professor of Insect Ecology/Entomology

There has been an increase in spotted wing drosophila activity at most trapping sites this week (see table below). Reports from throughout the northeast suggest a similar trend. This is significantly earlier activity than we have seen in recent years, and some of the trap counts are already well above what we consider potentially damaging to ripening berry crops, especially raspberries and blueberries.  Research suggests that when 6 to 10 flies are caught in a yeast-baited trap in a week, larvae will start appearing in the fruit.

We expect that spotted wing drosophila populations (SWD) will continue to build rapidly in the coming weeks as more eggs are laid in the fruit that is now ripening. Growers should set out traps, if you haven’t already. Start protective sprays on any berries that have begun to ripen when more than four spotted wing drosophila flies are caught in a trap, or any larvae are noticed in the fruit. Look for fruit flies hovering around fruit and symptoms of premature fruit decay. Remember, the flies favor shady, moist regions of the planting.

You can find directions for making a home-made SWD monitoring trap on our SWD blog. An effective commercial trap and bait is now available from Scentry.  The trap is reusable and the bait lasts 4-6weeks.  Cost for both is about $15 plus shipping, it is available from Great Lakes IPM Company .

Other IPM Web Pages

• Michigan State University
• Penn State University
• University of New Hampshire

David T. Handley
Vegetable and Small Fruit Specialist

Highmoor Farm, P.O. Box 179, 52 US Route 202, Monmouth, ME 04259, 207.933.2100

UMaine Extension Diagnostic Research Lab, Pest Management Unit, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473, 1.800.287.0279

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