Michigan State University researchers will release wasps at the edge of three tart cherry orchards in Leelanau County in a novel and ecologically sound effort to combat the devastating invasive pest called Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). First reported in Michigan in 2010, SWD has taken a serious toll on the Northern Michigan's tart cherry industry -- the No. 1 producer in the U.S. and valued at $375 million annually.
MSU Tree Fruit Entomologist Julianna Wilson is leading the research in cherries and will provide information and education about the wasp species known as Ganaspis brasiliensis and how it could naturally help combat SWD.
The release is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 2. at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center, 6686 S. Center Highway, Traverse City. The release of the wasps will happen later that day next to tart cherry orchards belonging to Kiessel Farms (Suttons Bay), Cherry Bay Orchards (Suttons Bay), and Garthe Farms (Northport).
The economic impact of SWD on Michigan's cherry industry is estimated to be tens of millions. The invasive pest also has broader impacts on Michigan fruit, including blueberries and strawberries among others. Future releases of the wasps led by Rufus Isaacs, are planned for blueberry farms later this summer.
The first releases are aimed at getting the wasps established to help Michigan fruit farmers reduce the need for spraying, but the effects will take some time to be evident. MSU Department of Entomology researchers, including Wilson and Isaacs, will track this over the coming years to determine how well these wasps withstand Michigan winters and their impact on SWD pest pressure in susceptible crops.
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables