Invasive Pests for Fruit Growers: Jul 29, 2013

Spotted Wing Drosophila numbers continue to increase. Over 60% of trap locations across the state are now consistently catching SWD with the numbers in double or triple digits per trap in several locations. These traps are in unsprayed field borders or in other non crop locations, but this is a good indication of the background pressure outside the field. Frequent and thorough harvest (daily if possible), and not allowing fruit to fall to the ground( if possible) are still important principles. Transport harvested fruit as quickly as possible to refrigeration. Spray recommended materials (organic or conventional) on a tight schedule (5-7 days). See https://extension.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/spotted-wing-drosophila for monitoring, identification and management information.