Cooperative Extension at Highmoor Farm

Spotted Wing Drosophila Alert: September 11, 2017

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

Our trap captures for spotted wing drosophila did not change significantly in most locations last week, meaning that populations are generally well over the tolerance level to prevent infestation of any soft fruit remaining in the fields. (See table below.) Growers with any susceptible ripening fruit need to continue protecting their crop against larval infestation. Only regular, consistent spray coverage will prevent fruit infestation. At this time, we continue to recommend a minimum spray interval of 5 to 7 days.

We do not expect populations to start to decline until the flies are exposed to several hard frosts. There is a possibility that any tropical storm fronts moving into the region could actually cause a significant increase in drosophila numbers. Keep harvesting ripe fruit regularly and remove all rotten or cull fruit from the field.

For more information on identifying spotted wing drosophila and updates on populations around the state, visit our SWD blog.

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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