Cooperative Extension at Highmoor Farm

Spotted Wing Drosophila Alert and Berry Notes — September 29, 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 continue to rise in most locations this week, as we would expect at this time in the season, especially with the relatively mild weather we’ve had. These numbers are actually lower than we typically see late in the season, but they still pose a significant threat to the fall berry crop. Very mild weather is predicted for the near term, so it is very likely that populations will continue to rise as long as food is available. Keep up frequent harvests and keep the fields free from over ripe fruit as much as possible to reduce the buildup of drosophila populations.

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.

REMINDER: 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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