Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a tiny fly that first appeared in Michigan in 2010, has become a significant challenge for the state's berry and cherry industries. Unlike other pests, SWD populations have overlapping generations that attack agricultural crops and wild plants throughout the year. The larvae can be present in harvested fruit, making it difficult for producers.
Researchers at Michigan State University, including Professor Rufus Isaacs from the Department of Entomology, have been working to identify effective management strategies for SWD. Isaacs was one of the first to discover the pest in the state and has been studying it for over a decade.
Dr. Isaacs’ research team has been testing registered pesticides and non-chemical controls such as pruning, mulching, and physical exclusion methods, where growers place netting around and on top of crops as they begin to ripen.
As a result of their research, online resources have been created to help growers identify SWD, determine pesticide timing, and implement other management strategies. Grower education programs through Michigan State University Extension have also been valuable in ensuring that growers have access to the latest research findings.
Michigan's fruit industry is critical to the state's economy, contributing nearly $132 million annually. The Michigan Blueberry Commission has supported the research on SWD, and the industry is adopting newer genetics and planting varieties that meet the demands of consumers. With continued research and education efforts, growers are hopeful that effective management strategies will be developed to control SWD and protect their crops.
MSU Extension page on Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/spotted_wing_drosophila/index
Photo Credit: pexels-Aiselin82
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Government & Policy