Cooperative Extension at Highmoor Farm

Spotted Wing Drosophila Alert and Berry Notes — September 15, 2023

David Handley, Vegetable and Small Fruit Specialist; James Dill, Pest Management Specialist, Phil Fanning, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Entomology, Christina Howard, Maine New Farmer Project Manager

Spotted wing drosophila trap counts in the past few weeks have been relatively low for this late in the season and that trend continued this week, with trap catches lower in most locations. Typically, we don’t see significant declines in spotted wing drosophila numbers until we have had a few hard frosts, but so far, populations have not risen at their typical rate nor reached levels of past seasons. However, numbers are still high enough to pose a significant threat to any ripe or ripening berries remaining in the field, so growers should maintain a regular, frequent spray interval to prevent larvae from infesting their fruit.

A 5-7 day spray schedule is recommended to minimize fruit infestation in fields.

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

Highmoor Farm 2023 Fall Open House October 5, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension at Highmoor Farm will be hosting its annual fall tour on Thursday, October 5 at 5:00 p.m. Join us to learn about this year’s research and to share your season’s highlights and challenges.  Trials on tour this year will include artichokes, blueberries, celery, celeriac, strawberries and more than 20 varieties of pumpkins. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend. Highmoor Farm is located at 52 US Route 202 in Monmouth, ME. If you have any questions or require any accommodation to attend, please contact us at 207.933.2100.

Other IPM Web Pages
Michigan State University Spotted Wing Drosophila
Penn State University Spotted Wing Drosophila Overview
University of New Hampshire SWD Weekly IPM Reports

David T. Handley
Vegetable and Small Fruit Specialist

Highmoor Farm
P.O. Box 179
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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